January 4, 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 28

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

ISL: ATKMB beat NE 2-0; return to top sports, Page 8

Follow us on @Nagaland_Post

nagalandpostofficial

Fire in Dzükou yet to be contained 4 IAF HELICOPTERS PRESSED INTO ACTION; over 300 people engaged in ‘Op Dzükou Valley’

(L) NDRF personnel and others at ground zero (R) IAF helicopter in Dimapur, refilling the Bambi bucket to douse the inferno. (SAYO/PRO)

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 3 (NPN): Despite relentless efforts by various agencies under the State and Central governments including Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) to contain the fire in Dzükou Valley that began on December 29, the fire is still raging and reportedly inching closer to the main valley.

According to SAYO vice president Khesie Sale, who had returned from the valley on Sunday evening on the basis of ground reports, although the fire was largely

NPF demands revocation of DAA DIMAPUR, JAN 3 (NPN): Naga People’s Front (NPF) has expressed shock and resentment over the decision to extend the ‘Disturbed Area Act’ to the whole of Nagaland for another six months.

NPF through its press bureau, urged the Centre to revoke the decision and exhibit its sincerity and expedite for a speedy conclusion to the vexed Naga political problem.

With the Centre firm on solving the Naga issue and the Nagas hopeful for positive result, NPF however said that declaring the entire State as disturb was totally uncalled for.

“During this crucial period of negotiation and talks to the vexed Naga political problem and when the Naga public seriously hoping for the final solution, the Central Government order has came as a shocked as to how much the Central government is keen and sincere in bringing the Naga issue to conclusion,” NPF said and added that the imposition of the Act only showed insincerity on the part of the Centre.

Meanwhile, NPF wished the people a prosperous New Year 2021 and hoped that a sense of love, care and prosperity prevail among the society and the people.

This is it!

“This new year with new virus, I’ve decided to stay safe. I don’t shake hands but only namaste.

K Y M C

contained in most parts, the area towards the Elephant gate was still burning.

He added if there was no sudden turn of events, the fire-line cutting made earlier by volunteers and government agencies may prevent the fire from entering the valley.

While acknowledging the air support from the India Air Force (IAF), Sale said there was a dire need for manpower in order to create more fire-line cuttings which was the most effective measure to combat the fire. He also said that some SAYO volunteers along with

members of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) would be camping at the valley to monitor the fire and also relay latest updates to the officials.

At least over 300 people were engaged in the massive operation to contain the inferno. Besides the NDRF team, fire fighters, police personnel and local volunteers and others on ground to contain the fire, four IAF helicopters have also been pressed into action with Bambi buckets to put out the massive forest fire in Dzükou valley, spread across from Nagaland to neighbouring

Manipur. IAF helicopters have been refilling the Bambi bucket from Raj Pukhuri pond in Purana Bazaar area, Dimapur. “Continuation of Operations Dzükou Valley.

IAF helicopters resumed Bambi Bucket operations today towards dousing the fire in Dzukou Valley near Kohima. Four Mi-17 helicopters have been deployed at Dimapur and Rangapahar for the task,” IAF tweeted on Sunday.

PRO (Defence) Kohima stated that the choppers, stationed at Dimapur and Rangapahar military station, will resume the operation on

China expands its military power

nagalandpostofficial

Monday. According to some estimates, an area measuring about 9 to 10 square km has been devastated by the fire so far and there are fears that, if the fire continue to burn at this rate, it may soon burn out the entire valley. As per reports, fire-fighters were able to partially control the forest fire. But, the wildfire on the southern side was yet to be brought under control, officials said.

Addressing media at Dzükou entry point, Viswema, here on Sunday, SAYO president Zakieleto Tsükrü, said there were a few suspects under their radar who were believed to have caused the fire.

He said on the day the fire broke out, a trekking group numbering around 21 youth were spotted in the valley after having trespassed from Manipur side along the Kezotsa forest, which is adjacent to Dzükou.

Tsükrü claimed that the group reportedly identified themselves as being from neighbouring village bordering Nagaland, though their villages could not be con(Cont’d on p-6) firmed.

international, Page 7

Police, farmers clash on Delhi-Jaipur highway NEW DELHI, JAN 3 (AGENCIES/PTI): A clash between protesting farmers camping on the Delhi-Jaipur highway near Bhudla-Sangwari village for the past three days and police was witnessed as Haryana Police on Sunday evening fired teargas canisters to thwart a march of a group of agitating farmers towards Delhi at Masani barrage in Rewari district.

The protesters were adamant on going ahead while the police had blocked the service lane.

Police said that the farmers first broke police barricades put up near Bhudla Sangwari village and then started moving towards Delhi in the evening.

The sudden clash resulted in the blockade at the highway.

Long queues of vehicles were witnessed, causing inconvenience to commuters who had to use alternative routes to reach their respective destinations.

Meanwhile, the protesting farmer unions have issued an “ultimatum” to the Centre ahead of the next round of talks warning that they will march into Delhi with a “tractor parade” on the Republic Day if their demands were not met. The

Farmers, Centre to resume talks today Threaten to hold ‘tractor parade’ on R-Day

Teargas shells fired by Haryana Police after farmers tried marching towards Delhi on Sunday. (PTI)

next round of talks between the government and the protesting farmer unions is scheduled to be held on January 4. The unions had announced that they would have to take firm steps if the meeting fails to resolve the deadlock.

Addressing a press conference, the union leaders said the time has come for “decisive” action as their demands for a repeal of the three agriculture laws and a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) have not yet been addressed by the government.

“The farmers’ movement delivered an ultimatum to the Union government and announced that farmers will march into Delhi on January 26,” Sankyukta

DNSU opposes move to shift NL Exp to Ledo Oxford’s, Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vax approved for restricted emergency use Threatens rail blockade if decision not withdrawn

DIMAPUR, JAN 3 (NPN): Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has threatened to block all trains passing through Dimapur railway station, if Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) doesn’t immediately rescind its decision to run Nagaland Express up to Ledo and terminate the train there, instead of Dimapur as was done until recently.

Taking note of the report published in the Nagaland Post, DNSU president Sedevilie Angami asserted that such “hasty decision” of NFR affecting passengers of Dimapur, especially the students, would not be accepted and warned that the union would be forced to block any train passing through Dimapur railway station. DNSU questioned

the logic of NFR’s decision of shift Nagaland Express up to Ledo, as the train would no longer terminate at Dimapur but at Ledo.

He said the “ignorant decision” of NFR to downgrade Dimapur station with other smaller stations in Assam was totally “unfair and discriminatory”, despite being aware of the fact that the station generates the second highest revenue in the Northeast after Guwahati,.

Asser ting that the rights of passengers of Dimapur cannot be deprived just to meet the needs of passengers in Ledo, Sedevilie termed the reasons cited

by NFR for extension of the train to Ledo as baseless.

Further, he said the train ser vice has been smoothly functioning for the past nine years and there has never been any question of lack of facilities for maintenance of coaches, proper water supply, AC coach, cleanliness, etc.

“If such had been the

case all these years, how was NFR functioning? And now this has been cited as an excuse instead of finding solution and providing better service,” he said .

Referring to the plea of NFR that decrease in the number of train passengers due to COVID-19, pandemic has led to the decision, DNSU pointed out that the numbers decreased on an average since there were SOPs for travellers. He stressed that NFR should not be expecting to generate revenue at such a period of time when the entire economy was hampered badly.

DNSU claimed that the NFR’s drastic decision has affected the students in particular and citizens of Nagaland in general, all of whom could not afford air service and have to depend on trains for transportation. The DNSU therefore, demanded revocation of the decision failing which it would be compelled to agitate.

New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI): India’s drugs regulator Sunday approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured

by Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use, paving the way for a massive inoculation drive. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) granted the approval on the basis of recommendations by a COVID-19 Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

“After adequate examination, CDSCO has decided to accept the recommendations of the Expert Committee and, accordingly, vaccines of M/s Serum and M/s Bharat Biotech are being approved for restricted use in emergency situations,” DCGI Dr V G Somani told the media here. This clears

the way for the roll out of at least two vaccines in India in the coming days.

“Serum and Bharat Biotech vaccines have to be administered in two doses.

All the three vaccines have to be stored at 2-8° C,” Somani said. The Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, has tied up with AstraZeneca to manufacture Covishield, while Covaxin has been indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the approval a “decisive turning point” in India’s fight against coronavirus.

“It would make every Indian proud that the two vaccines that have been given emergency use approval are made in India!

This shows the eagerness of our scientific community to

fulfil the dream of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat, at the root of which is care and compassion,” he said in a tweet.

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan termed it a “watershed moment in India’s battle against Covid-19”.

The World Health Organisation also welcomed the move, saying it will “help intensify and strengthen the fight against the pandemic in the region”. “The use of vaccines in prioritised populations, along with continued implementations of other public health measures and community participation will be important in reducing the impact of COVID-19,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region.

Further, Serum was granted permission to conduct Phase-2/3 clinical trials on 1,600 participants within the country, he said.

Organizations laud Niki’s group to join peace process Nagaland COVID tally 11930 DIMAPUR, JAN 3 (NPN): The PDA government, Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF) and Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) have welcomed the decision of the Niki-led NSCN (K) group to join the ongoing Naga peace process.

Appreciating the decision to join the peace process between Government of India (GoI) and Naga national political groups, the PDA said this spoke volumes of the commitment of Naga leaders towards bringing a final solution to the Naga issue and their desire that peace prevails amongst Nagas.

In a statement, PDA chairman and NDPP president Chingwang Konyak and PDA co-chairman and BJP State president Temjen Imna Along said the ruling coalition continues to encourage all stakeholders to come together for common cause and desire for peace,

development and unity.

They also appealed to the Centre and the negotiating parties to expedite the ongoing talks so that the much-anticipated final settlement of the Indo-Naga political issue is realised in an honourable and inclusive manner in 2021.

Greeting the people of Nagaland a happy and blessed New Year, PDA said though 2020 was a difficult and challenging one for the world, the support of the people helped the State government in handling the pandemic successfully.

Praying that 2021 will be a year of hope and joy, the ruling coalition reaffirmed its commitment towards serving the people of the State with dedication and steadfastness.

NGBF: In a separate statement, NGBF president Shalem Konyak and general secretary Shikuto Zalipu

appreciated both GoI under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NSCN under the leadership of its president Nikhui (Niki) Sumi and general secretary Starson Lamkang, for ceasing hostilities and entering into negotiations.

Congratulating Niki and Starson for having the wisdom to realise that there was a limit to what an armed conflict could achieve, the federation expressed its gratitude for the magnanimity showed by Modi and New Delhi in welcoming the Naga group to the negotiating table. NGBF hoped that the latest development in the “Indo-Naga story” would be a “giant step” forward towards resolving differences and coming to a lasting agreement between the Naga people and the people of India.

NSF: NSF president Ninoto Awomi and general

secretary Liremo R Kikon said they were thrilled at the news of NSCN/GPRN led

by Sumi formally joining the peace talks with GoI. The duo in a statement said the federation was convinced that this development was a right step towards bringing about a peaceful end to the protracted Indo-Naga peace process.

NSF also appealed to all parties to the negotiation to show sincerity in their approach and ensure that a solution that was inclusive, honourable and acceptable to the Nagas was brought about at the earliest.

It further reiterated its earlier appeal to the Naga people to be mindful of the deceptive approaches of “our adversaries”, love each other unconditionally, accept each others’ weaknesses and, together with Christ, strive towards “our ultimate goal”.

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON january 3, 2020

ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic AsympCritical-ICU District tomMod- Se- With- With On Mild atic erate vere out Oxy- VentiOxygen gen lator Dimapur 56 10 1 0 0 0 4 Kiphire 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kohima 60 1 1 0 0 0 0 Longleng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mokokchung 32 6 1 1 0 0 0 Mon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Peren 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 Phek 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tuensang 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wokha

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Zunheboto Total

0 153

0 17

0 3

0 1

0 0

0 0

0 4

Death MiRecovunder Total Death gratered InvestiCases ed gation 6208 39 3601 9 131 592 498 47 243

51 1 21 0 2 2 0 0 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

35

1

0

139 0 11542 79

0 0

72 0 30 9 6 9 0 0 0

6402 41 3713 18 179 603 502 47 244

2

39

3 142 131 11930

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

DIMAPUR, JAN 3 (NPN): Nagaland on Sunday recorded only one COVID-19 positive case from Dimapur, taking the tally to 11930.

With 11542 patients having recovered from the infection, the recovery rate as on January 3 stood at 96.74% while the State currently has 178 active COVID-19 cases.

PTI adds: India’s coronavirus cases mounted to 1,03,23,965 and the death toll climbed to 1,49,435 with the novel coronavirus claiming 217 lives in a span of 24 hours, Health ministry stated on Sunday. There are 2,47,220 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country, it said.

Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of around 40 protesting unions, said in a statement.

“They only have to issue in-principle statements that they will repeal the three laws, and promise a legal guarantee for MSP. But if this is not done by January 26, we will surely enter Delhi peacefully, with our tractors, trolleys and farm vehicles, for our own kisan parade,” farmer leader Darshan Pal Singh, Punjab president for the Kisan Krantikari Union, said.

Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar told PTI that farm unions are hopeful about the January 4 meeting, but cannot trust the government going by their experience.

Moving bus catches fire Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 3 (NPN): A bus heading to Mon from Dimapur caught fire at around 4.30 am Sunday during the journey.

Sources informed Nagaland Post that the engine of the moving bus caught fire at L/Sheanghah village, 10 km from Mon district headquarters.

According to sources, there were four passengers on the bus when the incident took place as some passengers had alighted at Tizit. Fortunately, there was no casualty or injury to any of the passengers.

However, the bus was completely damaged as fire completely burnt the luggage, mostly clothes.

NSCN (I-M) leadership’s New Year message

DIMAPUR, JAN 3 (NPN): W ith the dawn of New Year, the NSCN (I-M) collective leadership called upon the people to reflect on the past year and define “who we are for the Nagas.” In a New Year message, NSCN (I-M) yaruiwo Q. Tuccu said: “Let us not be afraid to start a new chapter and set a golden milestone to mark the beginning of our march towards Naga political solution.”

He called upon the people to honor the great leaders who have shown us the way forward and to honor the spirits of hundreds of thousands of Naga martyrs who have inspired to carry on the struggle. “Let us humbly acknowledge that our struggle is based on God given right and we must have the courage to run the course pleasing before His sight,” he added. He said that nothing will be more sensible for the Nagas than to “humble ourselves before God to let Him take the lead to take the Nagas to the path of reconciliation.”

(Cont’d on p-6) K Y M C

state

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

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

55% 35% 10%

Next poll

Q: Is the farmers’ issue

helping the opposition to come together ?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST january 4

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sun

28 14

Aizawl

Warm with plenty of sunshine 27 10

Guwahati Hazy sun Imphal

Plenty of sunshine

27 12 26 9

Itanagar Sunny and pleasant

25 13

Shillong

Hazy sun

21 8

Kohima

Sunny and pleasant

24 9

Dimapur Sunny and pleasant

27 12

Sunny and pleasant

25 10

Mkg

Tuensang Sunny and not as warm

DIMAPUR: Joining the rest of the country, a dry run for COVID-19 vaccination was carried out in District hospital Dimapur, CHC Medziphema and Urban PHC Duncan Bosti Dimapur on January 2.

According to DPRO, session sites were set up as per guidelines by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, consisting of 3 rooms

Hazy sun

23 12 23 8

RO Kohima informs landowners DIMAPUR: Revenue Officer (RO), Kohima, Keviletuo Nisa, has informed landowners that damaged compensation with regard to Kohima-Jessami 2-lane project will be paid in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima on January 6, 9 am.

According to DPRO Kohima, the concerned landowners have been requested to be present physically and to bring along with four recent passport size photos (not to scan) and Aadhaar card (Xerox)/I.D proof and bank pass book (front page Xerox).

It also informed that payment to any other representative other than the concerned person shall not be entertained.

2 Timothy 4:7

Late Zuboni Kikon 28/11/1983 – 29/12/2020

We, the bereaved family members of Late Zuboni Kikon, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to each and every individuals, churches, organizations, medical staff of Zion Hospital and well-wishers who stood by us through the difficult time of her brief illness and sudden demise. Your unreserved contribution physically, materially, financially and unconditional empathy through words of encouragement and prayers will continue to cherish in our hearts forever.

We deeply regret our inability to thank every individual personally but it is our earnest prayer that the Almighty God will bless you abundantly.

DP-04

Loving Family Members.

In memory of our beloved mother,

DIMAPUR: Tuensang District Planning and Development Board informed that the monthly meeting for month of January has been scheduled to be held on January 7 at 11 am, at deputy commissioner’s conference hall. All DPDB members have been requested to attend the meeting and to follow the COVID-19 SOP.

Kevilhou-ü Rio

RQ KHU ŽUVW GHDWK DQQLYHUVDU\ (1VW -DQXDU\

DIMAPUR: Assam Rifles Mokokchung battalion, under the aegis of HQ IGAR (N), organised two-week bamboo craft workshop for physically disabled from December 21 to 29 at Mokokchung.

According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), the workshop was organised with a vision of equipping additional skills to explore alternative sources of livelihood, enabling development of skills to create valuable products from bamboo which was easily avail- Bamboo craft workshop in progress. able in the region to use both for commercial and TH domestic purposes.

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY LT. LEGHIKHA SEMY

6

DEATH ANNIVERSARY

of Lt. Mhonchumi (Therali)

The pain of losing you is immeasurable but you will always be remembered in silent tears. We hope you are living well in the world of the creator. Rest peacefully in heaven.

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” From your loving: Parents and family members

1933 – 04.01.2020 It has been a year passed, since you left us for heavenly abode, on this day. We miss you deeply. Though you are no more with us, in our hearts and in spirit close. May your Soul be rest in peace till we meet again.

Loving children & relatives DP-02

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY of Late Viwoto Z. Awomi

Died on 02-01-2015

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY of our loving Father Lt. Vamvü-u Keditsu

“In God’s care you rest above, in our hearts you rest with love.”

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death, sadness, crying or pain because all the old ways are gone.”

– Revelation 21:4 Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Died on 3rd Jan 2020

2ND DEATH ANNIVERSARY LATE WABANGCHILA LONGCHAR (22/12/2018)

11.09.1980 – 03.01.2020 One year today marks the day you left us in our hearts we missed you dearly. We pray to God to grand peace to your noble soul.

Deeply remembered Loving Mom, Bro, Sister and relatives DP-5803

A Golden Heart stopped breathing, Hard working hands at rest It broke our hearts to see you go, But we know God only takes the best.

They say memories are Golden, Well maybe that is true But we never wanted memories, We only wanted you.

We thought of you today But there was nothing to see We thought of you yesterday And the day before that too For everyday, no matter where, In our hearts, you'll be there Today, tomorrow, our whole life ‘Cause we will never stop loving you.

Your life was full of love, You did your best for us, And we will always remember you.

We sat beside your bedside Our hearts were crushed and sore We did our duties till the end, Till we could do no more.

In tears we watched you sinking We watched you fade away And though our hearts were breaking We knew you could not stay.

Our lips could not speak How much we loved you Our hearts could not tell What to say But God only knows How much we loved you, For everyday, no matter where, In our hearts, you'll be there.

We will remember you, In our homes that is lonely Today.

- Always Loved and remembered, Parents, Siblings, Husband, In-laws and relatives.

8TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY

NPF minority wing get together

K Y M C

ducting proposed activity.

The dry run was supervised by officials from State and District level comprising of Mission Director NHM, deputy commissioner Dimapur, State Immunization officer, other administrative officers, CMO team and officials from medical and other departments.

Debriefing of the activity held was done in CMO

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

Tuensang DPDB meeting

DIMAPUR: Naga Peoples Front (NPF) minority wing organised a get togethercum-picnic at NPF division complex, Dimapur on December 27, initiated under the leadership of NPF minority wing central president, Bishnu Bhattarcharjee and minority wing Dimapur division president, Shahid Ahmed Barbhuyia.

A press release by NPF minority wing central vice president, Debendra Rana stated that, short speeches and greetings were delivered

by Dimapur division president, T. Lotha and presidents from women wing, youth wing, Dimapur II A/C president. Others who also spoke on the occasion were United Youth Association president and Gorkha Youth Club general secretary. Bishnu Bhattacharjee extended New Year greetings to well wishers and party workers.

Earlier, invocation was said

by NPF women wing central general secretary, Wangshikokla Jamir.

i.e. waiting, vaccination and observation rooms, with each vaccination team consisting of five members including vaccinator officer and vaccination officers for verification, mobilising for vaccination, for portal uploading and for observation.

During the dry run, 25 beneficiaries were selected in each session site for con-

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

20 8

Zunheboto Sunny and beautiful

Wokha

Dimapur office at district level headed by the Mission Director NHM. The objective of the dry run for COVID 19 vaccination was to assess operational feasibility in the use of CoWIN application in field environment and also for assessing the preparedness for vaccination drive as and when available.

It added that as and when vaccine was rolled out, first phase will cover health care workers, second phase will cover the frontline workers, while the third phase will cover several population above 50 years of age and DC Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan along with other administrative and medical persons with co- morbidities officials supervising the COVID-19 vaccine dry Run on January 2. (DPRO Dimapur) including children.

DP-5771

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

COVID-19 vaccine dry run in Dimapur AR organises bamboo craft workshop

K-2136

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Do people hope that t h e n e w ye a r 2 0 2 1 will bring peace and progress in Nagaland?

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

MKC-01

2

You had touched all of our lives immensely in your lifetime, and even after your death, you continue to live in our hearts though physically you 㼍㼞㼑㻌㼚㼛㻌㼙㼛㼞㼑㻚㻌㻸㼕㼒㼑㻌㼕㼟㻌䟻㼑㼑㼠㼕㼚㼓㻌㼍㼚㼐㻌㼛㼡㼞㻌 journey on this earth must go on but your absence is felt each day and we miss you greatly. Your memory is a treasure we will always hold dear.

“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

- John 11:25 Fondly remembered by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

DC-02

of

LT. JUNGSHINUNGSANG JAMIR

Died on 2nd January 2013 One day he was praying on his death bed. An Angel of the Lord came to him, and the Angel said, “your prayers are accepted and your sins are forgiven by the Almighty God” and he attained salvation on that day.

After few days later he passed away. We believe that he is in a better place.

We love you dad and miss you.

Loving, Sons, Daughters, Grand Children & Great Grand Children DP-5800 K Y M C

3

Northeast

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

Centre okays revised cost of Rs 6,700 CDS reviews preparedness in Arunachal crore for building power projects in NE

Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat during his visit to forward most air maintained post along Subansiri valley in Arunachal Pradesh, Sunday. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, JAN 3 (PTI): Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on Sunday took stock of India’s security preparedness in several forward bases near the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh on the second day of his visit to the frontier state amid the nearly eight-month-long SinoIndia standoff in eastern Ladakh.

Gen Rawat interacted with personnel of the Army

and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deployed in the forward most air maintained post along Subansiri valley.

“The CDS said that he was satisfied by the high morale and motivation of all ranks who will ensure certain victory if challenged or given the opportunity,” an Army official quoted Gen Rawat as saying.

“He complimented soldiers for adopting in-

novative measures for surveillance through locally developed technology and the defence preparedness to face any challenge,” he said.

Sources said Gen Rawat reviewed the overall preparedness of the armed forces in key forward bases and asked them to remain vigilant.

O n S a t u r d ay, t h e Chief of Defence Staff carried out an aerial recce of certain areas and visited

several air bases in forward areas.

His visit to assess the security scenario in the region came in the midst of the nearly eight-monthlong militar y standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in easter n Ladakh.

The Army and the Indian Air Force have been maintaining a high state of operational readiness along the nearly 3,500-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in view of the eastern Ladakh standoff.

Nearly 50,000 troops of the Indian Army are deployed in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded concrete outcome to resolve the face-off that began in early May. China has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials.

The eighth and last round of military talks had taken place on November 6 during which both sides broadly discussed disengagement of troops from specific friction points.

Gen Rawat arrived in Dinjan air force station in

Assam’s Chabua on Friday afternoon and travelled to Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday on a two-day visit.

His visit to Arunachal Pradesh coincided with his completion of one year as India’s first CDS, a post which was created to bring in convergence in functioning of the Army, the Navy and the Indian Air Force in dealing with national security challenges.

A key mandate of the CDS was also to facilitate restructuring of military commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through establishment of theatre commands.

In the last one year, Gen Rawat along with the top brass of the three services carried out ground work to establish an air defence command and a Peninsula command initially. The IAF will helm the air defence command and all-long range missiles as well as air defence assets will come under it.

The CDS has been part of the top military brass framing strategies to enhance India’s military prowess in view of the eastern Ladakh standoff.

KO H I M A , JAN 3 (AGENCIES): In a major step to boost the economic development of the northeastern region through the strengthening of ‘IntraState Transmission and Distribution systems, the Union Government has given its nod to the revised cost estimate of the region’s power development project, reports The Sentinel Assam.

The Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the ‘Revised Cost Estimate’ (RCE) of the ‘North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project’ (NERPSIP) at an estimated cost of Rs 6,700 crore.

The scheme is being implemented through Powergrid — a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Power — in association with the six beneficiary States of the region namely Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. The project is set to be commissioned by December 2021. After commissioning, the project will

Villagers thwart B’deshi criminals Amit Shah likely to visit from abducting Indian villager Kokrajhar on January 24

Assam’s COVID-19 toll climbs to 1,051

S hillong, Jan 3 : Tribal Khasi villagers on Saturday fought back to prevent another attempt

by Bangladeshi criminals to abduct an Indian villager from Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district to Bangladesh, officials said on Sunday.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has raised strong objections with its Bangladesh counterpart over such illegal activity.

The incident occurred on Saturday at Amjalong village bordering Bangladesh in West Jaintia Hills.

According to villagers, a Bangladeshi identified as Iqbal along with four of his accomplices intruded into India.

Iqbal , resident of Sylhet district, Bangladesh intruded into India to steal betel nuts from the orchard of a villager, Vijay Rongpih. However, Rongpih noticed the intruders and tried to drive them out.

“The Bangladeshi criminals resisted and a

G u wahati , Jan 3 (PTI): Assam reported two more deaths due to COVID-19, pushing the death toll to 1,051, while the coronavirus tally mounted to 2,16,289 with 38 fresh cases, the National Health Mission (NHM) said in a bulletin.

The overall positivity rate stood at 3.58 per cent against total testing of 60,38,661 samples so far, it said.

The state reported 80 single-day recoveries, taking the total count to 2,12,069, NHM said late on Saturday.

Assam now has 3,166 active cases and the patients are being treated at different hospitals and Covid Care Centres (CCCs) across the state, while some are in home isolation.

The bulletin said 1,347 more COVID-19 patients have died, but the state government’s Death Audit Board has not included them in the tally of fatalities caused by the virus, as they had other ailments, too.

Correspondent

skirmish broke out following which the Bangladeshis tried to drag Rongpih to the Bangladesh side, but he somehow managed to escape and raised an alarm,” the villagers said.

Recently, an Indian national from Garo Hills was abducted by Bangladeshis into their territory and his bullet ridden body was found the next morning.

BSF officials said the villagers at Amjalong exercised restraint and didn’t open fire on the Bangladeshi criminals. Villagers at the border areas usually have licensed firearms to protect their livestock and orchard from Bangladeshis.

The Amjalong area remains unfenced. Several areas in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills and East Khasi Hills remain unfenced because of opposition from NGOs. These NGOs want the fence to come up from zero line instead of 150 yards. Bangladesh opposes fencing on the zero line citing a defense protocol.

In fact most of the fences along India and Bangladesh are erected 150 yards away from the zero line under the bilateral defense protocol. Under the protocol, no defense establishment can come within 150 yards from the zero line. Bangladesh argues the fence is a defense infrastructure.

Due to the non existence of the fence in this area, BSF troops have remained vulnerable and they too have come under attack from Bangladeshi criminals. Recently a BSF troop was assaulted by a Bangladeshi national in the same area with a machete. “ We ( B S F ) h av e warned and advised BGB to educate their people living in border area to refrain from such activities but in spite of the best efforts of BSF and BGB, Bangladesh intruders keep on violating the sanctity of International boundary and become the target of local residents of India living in border area,” a BSF official said.

Guwahati, Jan 4 (agencies): Ahead of the Republic day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to visit Kokrajhar on January 24, reports The Sentinel Assam.

Shah will visit Kokrajhar in view of the completion of the year of signing and execution of the Bodoland Territorial Area (BTR) agreement, according to a media report this was informed by States Finance Minister and BJP mascot Himanta Biswa Sarma addressing the media after the conclusion of a forum where issues related to Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) were discussed between BJP and United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) members.

The historic peace agreement ‘the third Bodo Accord’ which designed to usher in peace in the Bodoland Territorial Areas District (BTAD) in Assam was signed by the Home Ministry, Assam government, and a range of Bodo stakeholders a day after the 71st Republic Day that is on January 27 ,2020.

This Accord, the third in 27 years, promises to bring in

Scooties handed to over 948 girl students

Assam’s Finance, Health, and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma handing over key of a scooty to a student.

SIVASAGAR, JAN 3 (AGENCIES): Assam’s Finance, Health, and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma distributed scooties to over 948 meritorious girl students who secured first division in higher secondary (HS) second-year examinations under the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) in 2020 at Sivasagar under Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award of Pragyan Bharati scheme, reports The Sentinel Assam.

Speaking at the dis-

tribution ceremony States Finance, Health and Education Minister Biswa Sarma said, “The year 2020 was very crucial for ever ybody as with the starting of the year we all had to face difficult times due to Covid 19 pandemic.

We had so many plans when we submitted the budget for Assam for the financial year 2020-21 and after the pandemic hit the state, I was kind of tensed whether I would be able to fulfill the promises or not.”

He further said that

this year we distribute over 22 000 scooties and urged the students to encourage each and every girl student to study hard, so that next year the government could provide scooties to minimum of 1 lakh students.

“Even if it will take over 5 years to reach the number of 1 lakh but the day we will distribute scooties to 1 lakh girl students , we would feel that we have successfully reached our goal”, the minister added.

Minister Sarma took to the micro-blogging

site Twitter and wrote,” Wheels of Empowerment.

Today, along with Min @ JogenMohan, MPs @KamakhyaTasa & @ToponKumarGogo1, and MLAs, distributed scooters to 948 meritorious girl students in Sivasagar. Congratulations to the recipients of Dr Banikanta Kakati Merit Award. Best wishes.”

Besides Himanta Biswa, Assam Minister Jogen Mohan, Lok Sabha MP Topon Kumar Gogoi, and Rajya Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, were also present at the event.

Earlier on Saturday in Mushalpur in Baksa district under the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Sarma distributed free scooties to 542 girl students. The flagship Pragyan Bharati scheme was launched on December 20 last year by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Notably, to provide scooties to 22245 girl students, the Assam government has spent around Rs. 144.30 crore, meanwhile, 211 girl students have chosen battery-driven scooties while 22034 students have opted for petrol-driven vehicles.

‘permanent peace’. BTAD currently spread over four districts- Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri.

Last year while signing the agreement , Home Minister Amit Shah said it would “end the 50-year-old Bodo crisis.” The senior central leader recently visited Assam and Manipur just before the New Year on December 26, 2020 where he laid many foundation stones for mega projects such as development of Batadrava Than, second medical college in Guwahati, nine new law colleges across the state etc.

He will also distribute a financial grant of Rs 2.5 lakh to 8,000 naamghars (Assamese prayer house) in the State under the Assam Darshan programme. During his visit to Manipur, he inaugurated seven development projects in Imphal.

Out of these projects, Rs 2,000 crore is for a multipurpose project in Thoubal, Rs 950 crore for IT SEZ, Rs 128 crore for an IIIT, for State Government Guest House Rs 237.49 and Rs 325 crore for the Churachandpur Medical College.

Retrenched school teacher found hanging in Tripura Agartala, Jan 3 (PTI): A retrenched school teacher was found hanging in his house in South Tripura district, police said on Sunday.

Uttam Tripura (32) was found hanging in his house at Kamalkantapara, a remote tribal hamlet in the district, about 85-km from here, the police said.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Belonia, Soumya Debbarma said a case of unnatural death was registered with Puratan Rajbari police station based on a complaint lodged by the wife of the deceased.

Shefali Tripura, the wife of the deceased, told reporters this morning that her husband was facing acute financial crisis since he lost his job and took loans from banks. Uttam Tripura was one of the 10,323 school teachers, who lost their jobs after the high court said their recruitment process was faulty. The Supreme Court also upheld the high court order. Different organisations of retrenched teachers have launched a mass sit-in demonstration at the paradise chowmuhani here demanding jobs, which entered the 27th day on Sunday.

The six beneficiary states are Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.

be owned and maintained by the respective Utilities of the beneficiary States.

Implementation of this scheme is going to create a reliable power grid and improve NER States’ connectivity for the upcoming load centres, and thus extend the benefits of the grid-connected power to all categories of consumers of beneficiaries in the region.

The scheme will also help to increase the per capita income power consumption of these States besides contributing to the total economic development of the region. The scheme will help to generate a lot of employment for skilled and unskilled manpower of the north-eastern region.

Already the implementing

agencies are actively hiring a considerable number of local manpower during their construction works.

After completion of the work, additional manpower would be required for the ation and maintenance of these newly created assets as per the standard norms.

The scheme was approved in December 2014 as a Central Sector Plan Scheme by the Ministry of Power. Funded with assistance from the World Bank and the Government of India (GoI) through the budget support of the Ministry on 50:50 basis (World Bank: Gol). However, the capacity-building component estimated to cost Rs 89 crore will be funded by the GoI.

Corona vax drills conducted across north-eastern States

AGARTALA/ IMPHAL/ SHILLONG (IANS): A drill for vaccination against Coronavirus was conducted on Saturday in all eight north-eastern States, as part of the nationwide drill across the country, said officials, reports The Sentinel Assam.

I n Tr i p u r a , N H M Director Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal said that the drill was carried out at the Indira Gandhi Memorial State Hospital in Agartala and two Primary Health Centres in West Tripura district.

In Manipur, NHM State nodal officer RK Rosie said that the drill went ahead without any problem at five locations each in Imphal West and Thoubal districts.

“Besides a medical college in Imphal, the drill was conducted in district and primary health centres and a private hospital,” said Rosie.

In Meghalaya, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner and Secretary Sampath Kumar said that the dry run was conducted in the districts of East Khasi Hills and West Garo Hills.

“The Central govern-

ment’s protocols were followed for this dry run,” he said. In Mizoram, 25 volunteers participated in the drill at two primary health centres at ITI Urban Public Health Centre in Aizawl East health district and Chawlhhmun PHC in Aizawl West health district.

All arrangements for the drill were made by the Mizoram Directorate of Health Services as per the guidelines of National Expert Group on Vaccination of COVID-19.

In Nagaland, the vaccination drill was held at the ‘School of Nursing’ in the Dimapur District Hospital.

Apart from staff of designated vaccination centres, a select group of Healthcare workers as test vaccine beneficiaries were involved in the dry run. Each centre will identify 25 beneficiaries for the drill.

According to Health officials, the drill would help ensure a hitch-free phase one of corona vaccination drive. Co-WIN app developed specially for the vaccination drive too was tested in the field.

Assam BJP Leader Dilip Saikia Adjudged ‘Best Active MP’ GUWAHATI, JAN 3 (AGENCIES): After an extensive survey conducted

by Fame India-Asia Post Best Parliament 2021, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national General Secretary and Member of Parliament (MP) from Mangaldoi constituency of Assam, Dilip Saikia has been named as the “Best Active MP” among selected 25 best MPs out of total 543 MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha in different categories, reports The Sentinel Assam.

Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju, Assam BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Assam parliamentary affairs minister Chandra Mohan Patowary and other party leaders have congratulated Dilip Saikia for his achievement.

Saikia was elected to the Parliament for the first in 2019.

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted,”I’m very happy and a proud moment for whole of Assam and North-East as young and dynamic MP from Assam and BJP National General Secretary Shri @DilipSaikia4Bjp Ji

Dilip Saikia

is adjudged as “Best Active MP” by Fame India magazine.”

S t a t e s F i n a n c e, Health, and Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to Twitter and wrote,” So proud that the ever agile and accessible MP, and National Gen Secretary of @BJP4India Sri @DilipSaikia4Bjp has been recognised for his work and nominated as among top 25 MPs in ‘Active’ category. A fine tribute to his sincerity and commitment.

Congratulations.”

Ranjeet Kumar Dass tweeted,”Heartiest congratulations to Hon’ble MP & National Gen. Sec.

of BJP, Shri. @DilipSaikia4Bjp Ji as he nominated in the top 25 MPs of the country in the category ‘Active’. We are proud of his sincerity and commitment to the service of the nation.May he prosper ahead in his career.”

Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary wrote in his Twitter, “Heartiest congratulations to Hon’ble MP and National General Secretary of @BJP4India, Shri @DilipSaikia4Bjp for being nominated in the top 25 MPs of the country in the category ‘ Active MP as per the survey conducted by Fame India-Asia Post.”

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 28 Dimapur, MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

A

Valley of fires

s the year 2020 was ending, the pristine, picturesque and famed valley of Dzükou (meaning “soulless and dull” in Viswema dialect of the Southern Angami area), was ravaged by ravaging forest fires. The valley has so far recorded at least six reported wildfires. The most recent occurred sometime on December 29,2020 and continued for around five days. The state governor R.N.Ravi also visited the site to assess the damage and also sought urgent help from the Centre. The wildfire has been contained largely due to the rapid response from the NDRF and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority(NSDMA) besides helicopters sent by the Indian Air Force(IAF) and logistical support of the army. The entire valley reportedly covering an area of about 27 sq. km and sits at an average elevation of about 2,452m above sea level. There, the rivers run clear and pure. The scene is not only idyllic but isolated and kept away from the world. The valley is also home to the finely plumaged Blyth’s Tragopan (Tragopan blythii) pheasant, designated as the state bird of Nagaland. However, the Blyth’s Tragopan is now greatly endangered in Nagaland due to hunting and snaring activities for its meat and feathers. There have been several wildfires that have devastated hundreds of acres of the valley and majestic mountains. A huge fire broke out here in January 2006 and raged for over week.

An estimated 70 sq. km of the Dzükou valley and adjacent Japfu hill ranges were devastated by the inferno. Another less destructive wildfire struck the valley in January 2010, destroying 15 sq. km of forest cover. In February 2012 a conflagration reduced hundreds of acres of the valley to ashes. Another wildfire occurred during mid-March 2015, engulfing hundreds of acres of forest. The valley was also engulfed by another wildfire from November 26,2018 and lasted for four days. At that time the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) volunteers did a good job in containing the dousing the ravaging fire. Using only daos and sack clothes, SAYO volunteers performed an incredible act of saving the pristine valley from being consumed. These wildfires have systematically destroyed rare and nearly extinct flora and fauna. Often all it takes is for somebody to carelessly toss an un-extinguished cigarette butt or a smouldering match into the vegetation.

Wildfires in the valley are normally started by people, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Several hundred acres of beautiful natural flora have been destroyed by wildfires. The problem is that wildfires destroy the existing diversity and patches of forest cover in the valley. Thriving on the burnt ground, the rapidly regenerating dwarf bamboo then assumes dominance, suppressing the growth of other competing species. Thus the fire-bamboo cycle is self-perpetuating. The pristine forest of the area is being destroyed by human-caused forest fires, which have resulted in rapid depletion of the rich flora. The survival of populations of several species in their natural habitats in unsure, while a few are already on the verge of extinction. It is incumbent upon the state government to order a thorough probe into the wildfire and identify the causes and those responsible. The state government along with nearby villages also need to come up with preventive measures so that such tragedies do not recur to preserve the valley for posterity.

DailyDevotion Clouds and Darkness

Clouds and darkness surround Him… —Psalm 97:2 A person who has not been born again by the Spirit of God will tell you that the teachings of Jesus are simple. But when he is baptized by the Holy Spirit, he finds that “clouds and darkness surround Him….” When we come into close contact with the teachings of Jesus Christ we have our first realization of this. The only possible way to have full understanding of the teachings of Jesus is through the light of the Spirit of God shining inside us. If we have never had the experience of taking our casual, religious shoes off our casual, religious feet— getting rid of all the excessive informality with which we approach God— it is questionable whether we have ever stood in His presence. The people who are flippant and disrespectful in their approach to God are those who have never been introduced to Jesus Christ. Only after the amazing delight and liberty of realizing what Jesus Christ does, comes the impenetrable “darkness” of realizing who He is.

Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Once, the Bible was just so many words to us — “clouds and darkness”— then, suddenly, the words become spirit and life because Jesus re-speaks them to us when our circumstances make the words new. That is the way God speaks to us; not by visions and dreams, but by words. When a man gets to God, it is by the most simple way— words.

Quotes

To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal. ~ A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

2021 budget must focus on jobs, softer laws, taxes T he bad year is gone.

The hope of a good 2021 has set in. The bell is tolling for a new India despite continuing its battle for coming out of the shadow of covid19.

The country is “reflating faster”, says RBI. The RBI says that the bounce back may be faster in Q4 (last quarter of 202021) as the country prepares to present the new central budget. The Credit Suisse adds to it saying the growth turn in Industrial policy can add 1.7 percent to GDP by 2027 or 0.3-0.5 percent a year. Nomura expects a gradual withdrawal of liquidity with higher policy rates.

The recent government measures and some other indicators suggest positive growth at a slower pace as the economy gradually unlocks. The RBI says business sentiments have moved to a recovery path though overall sentiments are yet to reach pre-pandemic levels as unprecedented lockdown brought activities to a standstill.

The covid19 hit major economies. The world growth came down to minus 4 percent, advanced economies to minus 6 percent and Chinese economy to about two percent, ac-

cording to IMF World Economic Outlook of October 2020. The IMF says that in 2021 all economies are supposed to do better around 4 percent or more but on a deflated growth in 2020.

IMF projects 10.3 percent contraction for India and RBI sees lower 7.5 percent contraction. Overall Indian economic growth, as per IMF, may be 8.8 percent in the next fiscal year. Since this would be on a low base effect of 2020-21(-23.9 percent) so actual growth in 2021-22 may be lower than the 2019-20 level.

India did not lag behind in announcing stimulus and lending guarantees and pro-poor measures, including free food grains and higher rural employment guarantees. The relief to the people, however, did not reflect the rise in demand, may be because of contraction of the cash available to the people. The prolonged lockdown and a protracted slowdown made businesses ill-equipped to deal with economic pain.

The increasing bad debt problem with the banks, NBFCs and the financial sector added to difficulties though public sector banks were merged to create larger entities to meet global giants.

India’s sequential or month-on-month recovery looks better, according to CMIE analyses of the Nomura India Business Resumption Index or Purchasing Manager’s Indices (PMI). The PMI suggest that economic activity has resumed to pre-pandemic levels. But the low base effect and low cash levels with the poor, who spend more and create the mass demand are unable yet to boost up the economic activities. Though many corporate have restored the salaries still many are unable to do or delaying payments. Apart many who lost jobs during Shivaji the pandemic have not yet got it back.

The recent labour codes have increased the working hours and is stated to have done away with many workplace safeguards.

The wage-led growth is perceived to being replaced by profits. In turn creates a smaller base. The new farm laws, though may open up markets for farmers, are likely to hit the rural inter-dependent social fibre and ultimately create much smaller base as many are feared to lose jobs or social support they have.

The society needs a larger base and the agriculture policy should not be dependent on the market controlled by companies.

The APMC mandis may go through a process of reform but a parallel “market” may not be to the interest of the country.

Added to this are possibilities of opening up the banking sector to the corporate, wiping out the difference between the lender and borrower – reminiscent of pre-1969 nationalisation of banks – situation may not be beneficial. More so as State Bank of India, Union Bank of India and Indian Sarkar O v e r s e a s Bank have challenged the bankruptcy resolution of one of the biggest companies and say that their stake is tentimes larger than what Vijay Mallya owed to them.

The policy makers need to go through the gamut before allowing such a move amid apprehensions that it would exacerbate the economic crisis.

India’s is a peculiar economy that is driven by the poor, who despite their low incomes are the largest purchasers and boost manufacturing, electricity, gas, mining and many other

consumer demands. That is the practical economy and this needs to guide the country’s decision making.

The present post-lockdown recovery is delicate. It requires participation of all and particularly the marginalized to decide on a course that would ensure sustained growth.

Dialogue to create a New India is essential for setting the contours. It needs not only a correction but also prevention from plunging into past mistakes.

The RBI latest bulletins state the economy is coming out of abyss and with care could improve in medium term and gradually average the last 30 years’ growth track of 6.5 to 7 percent. Credit Suisse supports it by saying that after a few years of downgrades of Indian economy, “we have reasons to upgrade”.

It also feels that corporate tax cut and new labour codes too should help.

The gradual larger GST collection is also an indicator that production activities are gaining momentum. The industry wants concessions on einvoicing and relaxations on many other issues to continue. The gover nment’s impatience to have larger accrual is natural

but the situation is fragile and helpful attitude to the industry and businesses would be beneficial for the country in the long run.

Many GST provisions are harsh and should be softened if the country wants to be atmanirbhar. China has taken such sustained steps for decades to help its entrepreneurship capture global markets. Indian systems on the contrary work on a ‘blow hot blow cold’ model and don’t trust the people.

The country can grow faster if the wealth of the people is not destroyed as some of the rules like junking of cars and pollution control methods, high penalties of Motor Vehicles Act type laws or new number plates have done. Such scrapping of goods neither help the economy nor boost sales. Many prefer not to purchase such products because they would have to lose for state laws.

India has to prepare for the real challenges beyond 2021-22. The new budget has to take care of the growth trajectory, soften many laws/taxes, create jobs and demand, and repose trust in the people.

Softer rules and involvement of people is needed for a better economy.

Post-mortem

Speech on 57th How biofuels can double farm incomes Naga Army Raising Day A

total of Rs 1 lakh crore 2013-14 to 1.89 billion litres in production capacity of 15 milworth of biofuel will be 2019. Offers of about 3.5 billion lion metric tonne per annum purchased every year by litres from both sugar/molasses (MMTPA), which is equivalent oil marketing firms in the future and grain-based distilleries are to 54 MMSCMD of gas by 2023, for blending. This money will expected this year. In addition has been planned. This initiative hief of Staff and all ranks by the Nagas. To protect ourselves be ploughed back to the rural to sugarcane, ethanol is also pro- offers a potential for investment duced from damaged food grains, of about Rs 1.75 lakh crore, and file of the Naga Army, in such circumstances the Naga economy India currently consumes B-heavy molasses and sugarcane generating about 75,000 direct my countrymen, ladies and National Council established the only one-third of the global averjuice. This translates into a sum employment opportunities. gentlemen, greetings to you on Naga Youth Movement which Many of the proposed plants behalf of the Federal Government became instrumental in setting up age consumption of energy. As we of nearly Rs 35,000 crore in the move towards more robust energy will use crop residue such as padpast six years — money that has of Nagaland, on this historic day, the Naga Safeguard to protect our consumption figures, the country dy straw and biomass as feedstock flown back to farmers through the 57th Raising Day of the Naga people from the Indian Army and faces the unique challenge of for production of CBG, especially sugar mills and distilleries as oil Army, the 3rd of January, 2021. to defend our right as a Nation. fusing together disparate needs: in Haryana, Punjab and Uttar marketing companies (OMCs) By the grace of God we are Hence, under such circumstances A ballooning appetite while provide off-take guarantee at Pradesh. The SATAT scheme Federal Government of Nagaland blessed to be celebrating the 57th cutting dependence on imports; fixed prices. This arrangement will not only stanch greenhouse Raising Day of the Naga Army. was established by the NNC under greening the grid while ensuring also improves the health of the gas emissions, but will reduce It was 57 years ago, on the 3rd the leadership of A.Z. Phizo on affordability; and replacing old payment cycle to farmers since burning of agricultural residue, of January 1964 that the Naga 22nd of March 1956.

With the establishment of the forms of energy production while OMCs settle their ethanol dues which results in significant air Army was established and has boosting employment, and the fought and protected our right as Federal Government of Nagaland, human and economic capital of to distilleries in 21 days instead pollution in cities like Delhi, a people and nation, sovereign the Safeguard was renamed as the the people. Then there’s the fact of the months that the farmers generate employment in rural and waste management sectors, and and free. Nagaland may be small Naga Home Guards. The Naga that the energy sector is closely had to wait for their payment boost income for farmers from from sugar mills.

Home Guards lived up to its name in terms of territory and populaintertwined with issues related their unutilised organic waste.

The recent decision to utilise tion but the God given vision and by bravely fighting and winning to climate change.

One of the byproducts of CBG surplus rice available with the indomitable spirit of our people as many battles against the invading Needless to say, a vigorous Food Corporation of India and plants is biomanure, which can Indian Army and also captured a nation, guided and protected by ideation needs to undergird such be used in farming. the grace of God, has brought us and seized enormous amounts of energy transitions. The question maize as an additional source of The components of a biofuel feedstock for ethanol production, thus far. Our Army has valiantly arms and ammunition. Besides is particularly cardinal for the supply chain create a circular starting this year, means farmfought the Army of one of the fighting the Indian Army, the Naga sector I am in charge of: Petrorural economy that results in ers will now have an alternative biggest and most populous nation Home Guards also went on several leum and natural gas. We import substantial environmental, sociomarket for their produce. foreign missions in 1962 and 1963 on earth, India. Despite the odds about 84% of our oil and 56% of With regards biodiesel, the economic and health benefits for for conventional military training we have survived. our gas for domestic use — and National Policy on Biofuels in communities. A total of Rs 1 lakh Today, I want to convey to and procurement of arms and this in itself tends to negate the crore worth of biofuel will be the Nagas in general and the became a professional force to be deliverables — delineated above 2018 targets 5% blending of purchased by OMCs every year in biodiesel in diesel by 2030.

The Naga Army in particular some sig- reckoned with. The Naga Home — that we aspire to achieve. policy encourages setting up of the near future for blending. This nificant historical background of Guards had, thus, come of age and In this context, biofuels have supply chain mechanisms for money will be ploughed back to how the Naga Army was raised. was rechristened as Naga Army on become a tool for achieving these biodiesel production from non- the rural economy, thus doubling Firstly, Nagaland consisted of 3rd of January 1964. delicate balance of outcomes. In edible oilseeds, used cooking oil farmers’ incomes. Keeping in To this day since its establishage old traditional village states the past few years, progress made mind international climate comand republics but had common ment, the Naga Army has dis- in the use of ethanol, compressed and short-gestation crops. These mitments and domestic requirecrops can be easily cultivated ties and a culture and were col- played professionalism as an army biogas and biodiesel — all differments, Prime Minister Narendra lectively called Nagas. However, and has been effective in protecting ent forms of biofuel — will have in various states on land that is Modi’s emphasis has been on barren or not fit for edible crops, a very negligible portion of Na- and defending our country. It had a direct positive impact on both energy availability, accessibility galand came to be superficially such great impact, that in such a farm incomes (and the prosper- thus boosting farm incomes. and affordability; efficiency in administered by the British during short period of a few months of ity of agricultural communities), Biodiesel procured by OMCs energy use; energy sustainability; colonial times. The British were its establishment a ceasefire was even as it cuts down our import for blending high speed diesel and energy security for mitigating has increased from 11.9 million only able to do so after a long brokered between the Federal dependence for energy. litres in 2015-16 to 105.5 million global uncertainties. The quest, Government of Nagaland and war of 47 years in which many Currently, the aim is to litres last year. therefore, has been to shift the battles were fought. The Nagas at the Government of India. India, achieve 10% ethanol blending in perception and the functioning The Sustainable Alternative thus, failed to defeat Nagaland this time fought as confederates petrol by 2022 and 20% blending Towards Affordable Transporta- of my ministry from one focused and finally made peace on our military. by 2030 — something that will In conclusion, I would like cut down carbon emissions in tion (SATAT) scheme launched on international trade to one that terms without having to sign any in October 2018 aims to establish strengthens the human develto thank all rank and file of the vehicles. written treaties. an ecosystem for production of opment indices of the poorest After the retreat of the Brit- Naga Army for their service and In 2019, in a first for the compressed biogas (CBG) from standing in the queue. ish from our country, Nagaland sacrifice, for God and our country. Republic Day parade, the Indian Dharmendra Pradhan, declared her independence on I would also like for all of us to Air Force flew aircraft in a Vic various waste biomass sources Cabinet Minister for petrothe 14th of August 1947, one remember those who have fallen in formation, with the lead plane in the country. Under SATAT, leum, natural gas and steel day ahead of India’s indepen- the line of duty and be ever grate- using a mix of traditional fuel 5000 CBG plants with a total ful to God for their lives and the dence granted by the British. In and biofuel, symbolising the govspite of the fact that Nagaland sacrifice they have made. Let us ernment’s determination to seek had declared her independence remember that our purpose as an alternative sources of fuel. The India insisted that the British Army is not just to kill the enemy primary raw material for ethanol administered areas of Nagaland but to also protect our values and production in India is sugarcane were part of India. Therefore, the interests as a nation. Apart from and its by-products, accounting plebiscite of 1951 was conducted the weapons of war that the sol- for more than 90% of fuel ethawith the result of 99.9% which diers carry, let our faith be unseen nol supplies under the ethanol clearly defined that the Nagas weapon and our discernment of blended petrol (EBP) programme would live as a nation, sovereign our national right be our bullet of the ministry. This programme Sir, As concerns relating to the new ‘more infectious’ Covid virus and free. India, however invaded and finally let professionalism injects liquidity into the stressed and decency as human beings be strain arises, people around the globe are plagued with yet another Nagaland by sending her army to sugar sector and provides an the Tuensang area in 1954, India our uniform. alternative revenue stream to turmoil. However, our Naga people acts like we have already won May we march into the future farmers. This programme also en- the unsaid war. In this state of uncertainty, instead of being extra started her invasion of our country and began to capture our leaders, with God as our Light in all our courages diversion of sugarcane cautious, we have been taking things too lightly. Tackling this new burn villages, rape our women and battles. for ethanol production, which wave of pandemic will be a hard task for the state government as Long live Naga Army. killed our men, even children were results in a decrease in the sugar well. Therefore, I usher all the good citizens to abide by the COVIDGod bless us all and God bless glut in the country.

19 safety rules not only for the sake of the government but for your not spared. All these happened without any provocation or evi- Nagaland.

Ethanol supplies have im- own benefits, for we are only as strong as we are united.

Kuknalim. dence of violence towards India Senti Ao, Dimapur proved from 380 million litres in 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.

GEN. (RETD.) VIYALIE METHA, KEDAHGE, FGN

C

Reader’s Post

COVID-19 Awareness

Congress and BJP spar over COVID vaccine

New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI): The BJP on Sunday hit out at the Congress after some of its leaders questioned the approval process for Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine, with party president J P Nadda alleging that whenever India achieves something commendable the opposition party comes up with “wild theories” to “ridicule” the accomplishments.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also took a swipe at the opposition leaders, saying they are on a quest for permanent political marginalisation.

His dig, however, drew a sharp retort from Congress leader Jairam Ramesh who compared him with Nazi propagandists.

Nadda accused the Congress and other opposition parties of trying to cause panic among people to further their “failed politics and nefarious agendas”.

“Congress and the Opposition is not proud of anything Indian. They should introspect about how their lies on the COVID-19 vaccine will be used by vested interest groups for their own agendas,” the BJP chief said

5

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

Hardeep Singh Puri

Jairam Ramesh

in a series of tweets.

Some Congress leaders, including Anand Sharma, Shashi Tharoor and Jairam Ramesh, on Sunday raised serious concerns over the grant of approval to Bharat Biotech’s COVID19 vaccine for restricted use, saying it is “premature” and can prove dangerous.

Nadda said, “Time and again we have seen whenever India achieves something commendable - that will further public good - the Congress comes up with wild theories to oppose and ridicule the accomplishments. The more they oppose, the more they are exposed. Latest example is the Covid vaccines.”

He said people have been rejecting such politics

and will keep doing so in the future.

“Congress and other Opposition leaders are trying to cause panic in the minds of the people. I urge them to do politics on other issues, they should avoid playing with people’s precious lives and hard-earned livelihoods,” Nadda said.

While the entire nation is happy about the development of vaccines, the opposition led by the Congress is filled with anger, ridicule and disdain, he alleged.

In a tweet, Puri said, “Our in-house cynics M/s Jairam, Tharoor & Akhilesh are behaving true to form.

They first questioned the valour of our soldiers & are now unhappy that the two vaccines to get DCGI nod

are made in India. Clearly, they are on a quest for permanent political marginalization.”

Jairam Ramesh retorted, “So says the in-house Goebbels-cum-Albert Speer.”

Both Goebbels and Speer were close allies of German dictator Hitler.

Tharoor, a Congress MP and former union minister, also countered Puri, saying he had never questioned the valour of our soldiers.

“I would be happy and proud if more Indian vaccines are approved — but only after a full 3-phase trial confirms they are safe & effective. Short-circuiting the process is unprecedented, inadvisable & risks lives.

“We are baffled to understand what scientific logic has motivated the SEC (subject expert committee) to approve this vaccine posthaste... in violation of the criteria in the draft regulatory guidelines for the development of Covid19 vaccines published by CDSCO on 21/9/20,” he tweeted, referring to Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin.

Ramesh had earlier said that Bharat Biotech is

a first-rate enterprise while adding that it is puzzling that internationally-accepted protocols relating to phase three trials are being modified for Covaxin.

He asked Health Minister Harsh Vardhan to clarify.

Echoing this, Tharoor said Covaxin has not yet had Phase three trials.

“Approval was premature and could be dangerous. @drharshvardhan should please clarify. Its use should be avoided till full trials are over. India can start with the AstraZeneca vaccine in the meantime,” he said.

India’s drugs regulator on Sunday approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country, paving the way for a massive inoculation drive. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) granted the approval on the basis of recommendations by a COVID-19 Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

Modi rated most popular leader in the world NEW DELHI, JAN 3 (AGENCIES): In yet another matter of pride for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been rated as the most popular head of state by an American research firm.

According to research firm, Morning Consult, over 75 per cent people approved Mr Modi, while 20 per cent disapproved, putting his net approval rating at 55 per cent. This is higher than any other world leader.

The survey was conducted by the American firm in 13 countries including the US, Japan and Brazil.

“Our PM has yet again emerged the most popular head of Government for his efficient handling of various issues and management of the COVID-19 crisis,” he said in a tweet.

Nadda asserted that the rating by Morning Consult was a testimony of the Prime Minister’s able leadership and hard work and is a thing of pride for all citizens of the country.

“Ever since the Modiled government came into power, people’s trust in the government and the faith

Narendra Modi that nation is progressing in the right direction has risen drastically,” he added.

In another post, Nadda hailed Modi as one of the most popular leaders across all regions in India and his acceptance across the globe.

“Hon PM @narendramodi ji’s popularity not only rises unabated across all demographic groups & geographic regions of the country and he also gets a thumbs up globally for his dedication to his country.

PM Modi ranks Number 1 among all global leaders in this challenging times,” the BJP president tweeted.

In April last year, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had shared findings of the same US research firm, according to

which Modi’s popularity was increasing at a rapid rate then. “@PMOIndia leads #IndiaFightsCorona from the front. Consistent high approval ratings for @ narendramodi. Nation has confidence in its leadership in an extraordinary situation due to a pandemic,” Sitharaman had tweeted on April 22 along with charts reflecting public opinion based approval ratings of world leaders.

Union home minister Amit Shah had also hailed the Prime Minister for the global praise he was receiving in the backdrop of the Covid-19 fight that Modi led in India.

“Truth is self evident!

Entire world is praising PM @narendramodi, the way he is handling COVID-19 global pandemic, taking care of Indians and helping the world community in such challenging times.

Every Indian is feeling safe and trusts his leadership,” Shah had tweeted on April 23, 2020.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister also a poem written by him, along with a video. The poem is titled “Abhi toh Suraj Uga Hai (The Sun has just Risen)”.

Bird flu alert in Rajasthan after TMC should reflect on its setback, BJP’s rise in Bengal, says Owaisi crow deaths in several districts have been mainly reported among crows, with most of them from the Kota and Jodhpur divisions.

“The virus is dangerous and necessary guidelines have been issued. All field officers and poultry farm owners have been asked to remain vigilant.

Effective monitoring is ensured at all sites, especially in wetlands, Sambhar Lake and Kaila Devi bird sanctuary,” Meena said, adding a control room has been set up at the state level.

He said the crow deaths were reported on December 25 from Jhalawar. Their samples were sent to the National Institute of HighSecurity Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal and the bird flu virus was de-

tected.

So far, the death of 100 crows has been reported from Jhalawar, 72 from Baran, 47 from Kota, 19 from Pali, seven from Jodhpur and seven from Jaipur.

Department Secretary Arushi Malik said the Centre’s guidelines are being followed and an alert has been sounded in all districts.

“The situation is not alarming, but we are vigilant, ensuring that this virus does not enter domestic animals. The guidelines are being followed and dead animals are buried as per instructions,” Additional Director Bhawani Rathore said.

Over 75 samples from various places have been sent for testing, he added.

Munawar Faruqui

he said his party was yet to decide if it would contest the elections on its own or forge an alliance with another outfit. The AIMIM chief, however, stressed that he has the support of ‘peerzada’ Siddiqui of Furfura Sharif -- a much- revered shrine in

Mahagathbandhan nine, while the NDA managed to bag six constituencies. “The TMC should introspect and find out what worked in BJP’s favour during Lok Sabha elections. The party should analyse why its members were leaving...”

KUC KOHIMA

TEACHES REQUIRED Vacancies Qualification IT M Tech / B Tech, MCA/ BCA Science M.Sc. in Physics/Chemistry with B Ed. Maths M.Com/ M.Sc/ in Mathematics with B Ed.

Kolkata, Jan 3 (PTI): AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday said TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, instead of point- N.B: The application with CV can be submitted through the email: stmarycathedralschoolkohima@gmail.com ing accusatory fingers at his The interview for the applied candidates will be held. outfit, should introspect and Free Accommodations. Salary with Performance allowance. ascertain how the BJP manContact Details: aged to clinch 18 Lok Sabha St. Mary's Cathedral Hr. Sec. School, Kohima - Nagaland. seats in the state.

Mobile : 9436606213 / 9366835065 DP-5780 Owaisi, who was here to hold a meeting with Muslim cleric Abbasuddin Sidiqqui, rejected TMC’s REQUIRES ONE MBBS DOCTOR claims that his party was a AT HOUSE OF HOPE “B-team of the BJP”, and PHC LONGPANG, TUENSANG would eat into anti- saffron camp votes. “We are a politiSALARY : 70000 PER MONTH cal party; we will establish FREE QUARTER AND 24x7 RUNNING our presence and fight the WATER & ELECTRICITY BACK UP elections (in West Bengal). “... Bharat ke siyasat ka SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION WITH cal BJP MLA Malini Laxman Singh Gaur, mai Laila hu, aur mere Ma- ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS TO jnu bahut hai, usse koi faraq ecsecs_93@rediffmail.com or call 8787642987 who had filed the complaint.

DP-5748 “A fellow Indian, a fellow comedian is in jail and got beaten up by a mob because of the words he uttered. Here he’s trying to logically, calmly present his case but our systems now just want to brutally silence every voice. “They don’t want to hear, they Intending candidates can obtain don’t want to even argue - they want to simforms from the office during office ply erase every shred of individual thought, hour (9:00 am to 12:00 pm). every iota of reason. And we the people of the greatest civilization of earth are ok with • Height 5.4 and above. it,” Grover wrote. Das took to Twitter and • Ed. Qualification: Cl-8 passed and above. wrote that it is futile to stop humour and to • 100% placement in Nagaland. try and “control” it. “You can’t stop jokes • Limited Seats. and laughter. Not because comedians are performing it, but because people need to Office Address : H.No 220, Near Army Gate, Nepali Kashiram, laugh. Harder you try, the more you’re goDimapur : Nagaland. ing to be laughed at, now, and by history.

Contact : 8794718628.

VACANCY

Varun, Vir Das support comedian held for remarks about Hindu deities

Korean Uncle's Café New menu: Tteokbokki Birthday and Family Party Rooms Available (Offering Birthday Souvenir to those who use the Rooms) Hanbok (Traditional Korean Dress) Experience TEL : 9862076876 DP-5213

ADMISSION OPEN SESSION 2021

Cutting & Tailoring • Fashion Designing • Advance Diploma Course

Duration

Time

Basic Cutting & Tailoring 3 months 1 hour daily Fashion Designing

6 months 2 hours daily

Advance Diploma

6 months 2 hours daily

M/S TAILORING CUM FASHION DESIGNING INSTITUTE

Opposite Hollotoli School, Naharbari, Dimapur 7005433826 / 8729922290 DP-03

SECURITY GUARD TRAINING

DP-5767

Mumbai, Jan 3 (PTI): Several comedians, including Varun Grover, Vir Das and Rohan Joshi, have criticised the arrest of stand-up comic Munawar Faruqui, a day after he was held for alleged indecent remarks made against Hindu deities and Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a show in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Faruqui, a comedian from Gujarat, was arrested along with four others on Saturday after the son of a BJP MLA complained against him. A local court later rejected their bail pleas and sent them in judicial custody.

Grover took to Instagram and alleged that Faruqui was “beaten up”.

The “Sacred Games” writer shared a video where the comedian is trying to reason with Eklavya Singh Gaur, son of lo-

Bengal’s Hooghly district.

Rubbishing the TMC’s claim that the AIMIM helped the BJP-led NDA win the Bihar assembly elections, he said his party had contested 20 seats in the neighbouring state, of which it won five and the

K-2124

Jaipur, Jan 3 (PTI): A bird flu alert has been sounded in Rajasthan after the presence of the dreaded virus was confirmed in dead crows in Jhalawar and more avian deaths were reported in other districts, including Jaipur, officials said.

The Animal Husbandry Department has set up a state-level control room and sent its teams to the districts for effective monitoring, they said.

On Sunday, seven crows were found dead at the iconic Jal Mahal here, taking the toll to 252 in the state.

The Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Kunji Lal Meena, told reporters on Sunday that the deaths due to bird flu

nehi parta (I am like Laila from the popular folklore who has many admirers, but that doesn’t matter),” Owaisi told reporters, hinting that many parties wish to benefit from his political endeavours. Later, while talking to a news channel,

Parts of UP witness rains; Banda coldest at 5.4 deg C GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL, KHELHOSHE POLYTECHNIC, ATOIZU, ZUNHEBOTO: NAGALAND

NO. KPA/Exam-2/2012-13/

Dated Atoizu, the 2nd Jan 2021

NOTIFICATION

DP-07

Lucknow, Jan 3 (PTI): Rain and thundershowers occurred at a few places in western Uttar Pradesh on Sunday while Banda was the coldest place in the state where the mercury dipped to 5.4 degrees Celsius.

Very light rains also occurred in parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, with the meteorological department predicting thunderstorm in some places of western UP on Monday. State capital Lucknow recorded a minimum temperature of 11.6 degrees Celsius, while Allahabad registered a low of 9.8 degrees Celsius and Muzaffarnagar 9.6 degrees Celsius.

Kanpur recorded 10.6 degrees Celsus, Varanasi 10.0 degrees Celsius, Gorakhpur 8.6 degrees Celsius. Orai and Shahjahanpur both recorded 7.1 degrees Celsius.

This is to inform all the students concerned of Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu (KPA) that sessional result (PA) for regular “Odd Semesters” shall be declared on 8th Jan 2021. Regular theory exams are scheduled from 15th Jan 2021 and practicals are scheduled from 12th to 14th Jan 2021. Dates for compartmental exam will be notify later through the website. Further filling up of examination forms for both regular and compartmental exams should be done through Institute website http://www.kpanagaland.org.in. Link of the main form for both regular and compartmental exams shall be available in the website with the payment of exam fee Rs 500/- per semester through the website with effect from 9th to 11th Jan 2021 for regular exam and 6th to 15th Jan 2021 for compartmental exam. Late submission of forms shall not be accepted. All exams will be in online mode. Details of exam routings will be notified in the Institute website. For any clarification or queries, students can contact 8974157860 or 8731820910.

S/d (Er. M. NAKRO) Principal Khelhoshe Polytechnic Atoizu Mob No. 8974468385 DC-01

6

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

Protesting farmers brave cold conditions Fire in Dzükou yet to be contained NEW DELHI, JAN 3 (PTI): Waterlogged tents, soaked firewood and blankets, and cold conditions -- farmers camping at Delhi borders in protest against new farm laws had a difficult morning on Sunday due to overnight rains.

The continuous downpour led to waterlogging at agitation venues and waterproof tents did not help much, according to protesters.

Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar, who is a member of the Sankyukt Kisan Morcha, said farmers have waterproof tents but they cannot protect them from biting cold and waterlogging.

“The situation is very bad at protest sites due to rain which has caused waterlogging. There is so much cold after the rains, but the government is not able to see our misery,” he said.

Gurwinder Singh, who is camping at the Singhu Border, said there is waterlogging at some places as civic facilities are not up to the mark but asserted that the weather will not dampen the spirit of farmers who have been protesting for over a month.

“Despite facing several problems, we will not move from here until our demands are met,” he said.

Farmers sit around a bonfire to keep themselves warm during their ongoing protest against the new farm laws at Ghazipur Border, in New Delhi. (PTI) According to a MeT Department official, heavy rainfall was reported in areas across Delhi and minimum temperatures have increased due to clouding and easterly winds.

“Safdarjung observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 9.9 degrees Celsius...with 25 mm rain.

Palam observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 11.4 degrees Celsius with 18 mm rain. Rain with hail storm is expected until January 6,” the official said.

Thousands of farm-

ers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, have been camping at three Delhi border points --- Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur -- for more than a month, demanding repeal of the three farm laws and a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and two other issues.

Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) leader Sukhdev Singh, whose outfit is leading the protest at Tikri border, said arrangements made by farmers to brave the cold weather are not helping much because of rains and

subsequent waterlogging.

Veerpal Singh, a protesting farmer, said their blankets, clothes and wood are soaked.

“Our clothes a re soaked due to waterlogging caused by rains. Besides, we are facing difficulties to cook food as rain water has also soaked firewood. We do have an LPG cylinder but not everyone here has it,” he said.

Dharmveer Yadav, who is camping at the Ghazipur border protest site, said farmers will not move an inch

from their agitation venues.

“We are ready to face any problem, be it heavy rain or storm, but we will not leave this place in any condition until our demands are met,” Yadav said.

Rainwater also entered camps at Burari ground and the protesters were seen draining the water out and rearranging their belongings to prevent from soaking in water.

Sukhwinder Singh, joint secretary of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Punjab, said, “This is the time when we sow wheat. We work in our fields during night and early hours in Punjab where the temperature is even below the mercury is here. This would not hamper the courage of farmer.”

Gurmel Singh from Patiala district of Punjab, said, “We have not been affected by the rains. We have covered our tractor trollies completely.”

Avatar Singh from Ambala district of Haryana said, “We had made our arrangements considering the possibility of rains. The grain is completely safe and under the tent. But the rains have only created mud due to which people are facing difficulty in walking. We are cleaning the area and trying to clear waterlogging.”

(From p-1)

Pointing out that the valley was out of bounds for both domestic and foreign tourists for most part of 2020 owing to COVID-19 pandemic, Tsükrü claimed no one from Nagaland side had visited the valley since then, except those trespassing from Manipur side.

He said though SAYO had sent volunteers to locate those trekkers, they could not be traced since they might have gone back from the route they entered through.

He recalled that gover nments of both Nagaland and Manipur had signed a memorandum at Nagaland chief minister’s office on November 26, 2018, which was still in effect and under which only two official routes – one each from Nagaland

and Manipur sides – are to be used while visiting the valley.

Acknowledging the efforts put in by the Manipur government to help douse the fire on Nagaland’s soil, Tsükrü said there was no communication at the youth level so far and that he was unaware if there had been any communication between the two State governments.

He feared that so far though the fire was only in Angami areas of the range, it could soon spread towards other parts, if it was not doused early.

He lauded the government agencies for going beyond their means to contain the fire and also taking initiatives with seriousness.

Tsükrü claimed that SAYO volunteers were camping in the valley ever since the fire broke out

to monitor the situation and also assist in various fire-fighting measures undertaken by different governmental agencies.

So far there has been no report of loss of any human or wild life because of the fire.

Welcoming help from any quarter to douse the fire, Southern Angami Youth Organization leaders also requested trekkers to avoid hiking to the valley until the fire was fully contained.

They explained that they were issuing the appeal to prevent loss of life or accidents since the fire fuelled by the wind is still raging furiously.

They assured that the valley would be reopened to general masses as and when it was possible and that till such time no individual or group should violate their directive.

NSCN (I-M) leadership’s New Year message (From p-1) For this, he said the people need God’s hands to make us understand that unity is the only way forward.

Tuccu, therefore, called upon all “to live up to our slogan-- Nagaland for Christ” and to remember that it was this slogan that has been the guiding light throughout the seven decades of struggle.

He said that it was is high time now that “we reconcile with our Almighty God and boldly go for Naga reconciliation”, which is more sagacious and appreciable to take forward for the final Naga solution.

Tuccu maintained that the collective leadership was of the conviction that “no solution will be honorable in the absence of God because we are His chosen people.”

Modi to inaugurate Kochi-M’luru 21 dead in roof collapse at Ghaziabad cremation ground natural gas pipeline on Tuesday

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

The pipeline will supply environment friendly and affordable fuel in the form of piped natural gas (PNG) to households and compressed natural gas (CNG) to the transportation sector.

It will also supply natural gas to commercial and industrial units across the districts along the pipeline, the statement said, adding that the consumption of cleaner fuel will help in improving air quality by curbing air pollution.

No. 9791 Yesterday’s solution No. 9790

No. 4410 Yesterday’s solution No. 4409

No. 3434 Yesterday’s solution No. 3433

Across 1. Cant (5) 6. Concerning (5) 9. Large ape (7) 10. Vital organ (5) 11. Indeed, really (5) 12. Heaps (5) 13. Relaxation time (7) 15. Month (3) 17. Finishes (4) 18. Ten years (6) 19. Light motorcycle (5) 20. Short fall of rain (6) 22. Destiny (4) 24. Male cat (3) 25. Road-surfacing material (7) 26. All-night watch (5) 27. Ancient artefact (5) 28. Party drink (5) 29. Tea urn (7) 30. Customary (5) 31. Sheds tears (5) Down 2. Number (6) 3. Exit (6) 4. Auction item (3) 5. A kind of fairy (5) 6. Changed (7) 7. Excludes (4) 8. Remove cargo from (6) 12. Previous (5) 13. Minimum (5) 14. Parlance (5) 15. A precocious girl (5) 16. Republic in SW Arabia (5) 18. Satan (5) 19. Health-check (7) 21. Hangs in the air (6) 22. Time to come (6) 23. Drinking vessel (6) 25. Buffalo (5) 26. Travel permit (4) 28. Dog’s foot (3)

MP Chief Minister expands cabinet; 2 Scindia loyalists return as ministers Bhopal, Jan 3 (PTI): The Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led Madhya Pradesh cabinet was expanded on Sunday with the induction of two loyalists of BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, whose exit from the Congress in March last year triggered the fall of the 15-month-old Kamal Nath-led dispensation in the state.

Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office to Tulsiram Silawat and Govind Rajput, who returned to the cabinet after a gap of more than two months.

With their induction, the current strength of the state cabinet went up to 31.

The number of members in the council of ministers in MP cannot exceed 35.

During their brief oath-taking ceremony held at the Raj Bhawan, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Protem Speaker Rameshwar Sharma and several ministers of the state cabinet were present.

A public relations officer of Raj Bhawan on Sunday said that the resignations of two other ministers, Imarti Devi and Girraj Dandotia, who lost the November 3 Assembly bypolls, have been accepted a few days back.

This is the third expansion of the state cabinet ever since Chouhan took over as the chief minister for the fourth term in March 2020 after the collapse of the Congress government.

Silawat and Rajput had been inducted into the cabinet in April last year

Govind Rajput and Tulsiram Silawat during its first expansion.

However, they had to step down in October as they were not members of the state legislature because the coronavirus pandemic delayed the bypolls.

There is a provision that a non-MLA, who got inducted in the cabinet, should get elected to the State Assembly within six months.

The second expansion of Chouhan’s cabinet took place on July 2 last year with the induction of 28 ministers, including a dozen loyalists of Jyotiraditya Scindia.

The first expansion was held on April 21 last year wherein five ministers, including Silawat and Rajput, were inducted.

Silawat and Rajput were among the Congress MLAs who had resigned and joined the BJP with Scindia in March last year.

In the Assembly bypolls held in November, the BJP had won 19 out of the 28 seats, while the opposition Congress had bagged nine.

Silawat and Rajput had won the bypoll from Sanver and Surkhi constituencies respectively.

LAND FOR SALE

DOMESTIC HELPER

Contact No : 8730048232 DP-5664

LAND FOR SALE

Salary Negotiable, fooding and lodging available.

Interested person can contact 8787446653

Contact : 8787763126 9077457157 DP-5635

In aid of garbage truck organized by Naga United Village Council, Dimapur draw date- December 31.

1st Prize - 1758 2nd Prize - 2005 3rd Prize -2853 Consolation prizes 0493 1473 2594 3301 3819

at Diphupar 'B'

at Naga United Village Bordering Aoyim Village, Dimapur Rs. 170 sq. ft.

Any size

REQUIRED

DP-5795

tion capacity of 12 million metric standard cubic metres per day and will carry natural gas from the liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification terminal in Kochi to Mangaluru, passing through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, the PMO noted.

The total cost of the project was about Rs 3,000 crore and its construction created over 12 lakh mandays of employment.

Response Force (NDRF) was also sent to the spot in Muradnagar’s Ukhlarsi village.

Apart from the 21 dead, 20 others are admitted at different hospitals, officials said Sunday evening.

They added that the number of the injured could be higher as some others were taken away from the site by their relatives.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives. He also announced Rs 2 lakh as financial relief for the families of each per- Rescue operation carried out by NDRF personnel after the complex roof of a son killed. crematorium collapsed due to heavy rain, at Muradnagar in Ghaziabad. (PTI)

RAFFLE DRAW

DP-06B

New Delhi, Jan 3 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Kochi-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline to the nation on Tuesday via video conferencing.

The event will mark an important milestone towards the creation of ‘one nation, one gas grid’, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement on Sunday.

The 450-km-long pipeline has been built by Gail (India) Ltd. It has transporta-

Ghaziabad (UP), Jan 3 (PTI): Twenty-one people were killed and at least 20 injured when the roof of a shelter at a cremation ground in Uttar Pradesh’s Muradnagar collapsed on Sunday, police said.

The roof collapsed when several people had taken shelter at the structure while it rained. Most of them were relatives of Jai Ram, who was being cremated at that time.

Rescue workers sifted through the rubble for hours to ensure that more victims were not trapped there.

A National Disaster

China expands its military power

Beijing, Jan 3 (PTI): China has revised its National Defence Law, expanding the power of its armed forces headed by President Xi Jinping to mobilise military and civilian resources to defend its national interests both at home and abroad.

The new law, effective from January 1, weakens the role of the State Council, China’s Cabinet headed

by Premier Li Keqiang, in formulating military policy, handing decision-making powers to the Central Military Commission (CMC), the overall high-command of the two million-strong People’s Liberation Army (PLA) headed by Xi, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Sunday.

Xi, 67, has emerged as the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) most powerful leader after its founder Mao Zedong, holding the posts of CPC General Secretary, head of the military besides the Presidency with prospects of a life-long tenure. He is the only civilian leader in the CMC, packed with high-ranking military officials.

The amendments for the National Defence Law (NDL) were passed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) on December 26 last year. The revised law came into force after the key conclave of the ruling CPC in November last year finalised plans to build a fully modern

7

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

Xi Jinping

military on par with the US by 2027.

By the year 2027, which marks the centennial of the founding of the PLA, China will build a fully modern military, a goal that is in alignment with the national strength and will fulfil the future national defence need, official media reports earlier said.

The revised law specifically stresses the need to build a nationwide coordination mechanism for the mobilisation of state-owned and private enterprises to take part in research into new defence technologies covering conventional weapons, as well as the non-traditional domains of cybersecurity, space and electromagnetics.

Military and political analysts said the new NDL aimed to strengthen the country’s military leader-

ship under Xi, providing it with the legal grounds to respond to the challenges of accelerating confrontations between China and the US. Deng Yuwen, a former deputy editor of the Communist Party publication Study Times, said the amendments aimed to legalise and formally apply the “special” nature of China’s political and defence system when dealing with situations that could harm the regime at home and abroad.

“China’s political nature is very different from many countries...it’s not surprising for Beijing to enhance the leadership of the CMC when the PLA is going out to defend China’s national interests across the world,” Deng told the Post.

Chen Daoyin, a former professor of Political Science and Law at the Shanghai University, said

the changes showed the regime had gained the confidence to legitimise its longstanding principle that “the party commands the gun” and stamp its “absolute leadership over-armed and reserved forces”.

“The move to include ‘development interests’ as a reason for armed mobilisation and war in the law would provide legal grounds for the country to launch a war in the legitimate name of defending national development interests,” Chen said. Zeng Zhiping, a military law expert at Soochow University said one of the big changes of the law was the downgrading of the State Council’s role in formulating the principles of China’s national defence, and the right to direct and administer the mobilisation of its armed forces.

“The CMC is now formally in charge of making national defence policy and principles, while the State Council becomes a mere implementing agency to provide support to the military,” Zeng, who is a retired PLA lieutenant colonel, said.

“It’s a big contrast when compared with developed countries like Israel, Germany and France, which prefer to put their armed forces under civilian leadership. Even in the US, the civilian-led defence ministry plays a more important role than their military top brass, the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” he said.

‘Be careful of trap’: Iran’s minister’s warning to Trump Dubai, Jan 3 (Reuters): Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif urged U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday not to be “trapped” by an alleged Israeli plan to provoke a war through attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq.

He issued the warning on the anniversary of the U.S. killing of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani by a drone strike in Iraq.

There was no immediate comment by Israel.

Washington blames Iran-backed militia for regular rocket attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq, including near the U.S. embassy. No known Iran-backed groups have claimed responsibility.

“New intelligence from Iraq indicate(s) that Israeli agent-provocateurs are plotting attacks against Americans - putting an outgoing Trump in a bind with a fake casus belli (act justifying war),” Zarif said in a tweet.

“Be careful of a trap, @ realDonaldTrump. Any fireworks will backfire badly,” Zarif wrote.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and the Israeli Foreign Ministry declined to comment on Zarif ’s remarks.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Zarif ’s message.

Esmail Ghaani, who succeeded Soleimani as head the elite Quds force, said on Friday Iran was still ready to respond.

Pence ‘welcomes’ senators’ bid to derail Joe Biden win

London, Jan 3 (Agencies): US Vice-President Mike Pence has welcomed an effort by a group of senators to refuse to certify Joe Biden’s presidential election win.

The 11 Republican senators and senators-elect, led

by Ted Cruz, want a 10-day delay to audit unsubstantiated allegations of election fraud.

The move is certain to fail as most senators are expected to endorse Mr Biden in the 6 January vote.

Mr Biden, a Democrat, is due to be inaugurated as president on 20 January.

President Donald Trump has refused to concede the 3 November election, repeatedly alleging fraud without providing any evidence.

Mr Pence has stopped short of echoing allegations of election fraud. But on Saturday, his chief of staff Marc Short said Mr Pence shared what he called “the concerns of millions of Americans about voter fraud and irregularities”.

Mr Pence “welcomes the efforts of members of the House and Senate to use the authority they have under the law to raise objections and bring forward evidence before the Congress and the American people”, Mr Short said.

As president of the Senate, Mr Pence will have the responsibility of oversee-

Pakistan threatens to jail 60 militants killed in Afghanistan dissidents ‘within 72 hours’

New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS): Pakistan’s iron fisted Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has declared he would summarily lock up “within 72 hours” anyone who used derogatory remarks against the state institutions. Addressing the media in Rawalpindi, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said that the use of indecent language against Armed Forces of Pakistan would not be tolerated and legal action would be taken against the violators. Analysts say that Sheikh Rashid and Prime Minister Imran Khan have emerged as Pakistan’s new icons eager to implement the military’s anti-people diktat.

The latest move by the ruling government is aimed at silencing its critics.

The Imran Khan-led government, described as a “fake regime” by the top leaders of the 11-party Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance, is in opposition’s line of fire and has been criticized heavily for the current political turmoil in the country. On January 1, as reported by Pakistan’s leading daily Dawn, PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had said after a meeting of the alliance leadership in

Representative Image

Raiwind that the opposition’s movement would no longer be directed only at the government but also “his backers”, clearly indicating that the upcoming long march to Islamabad “could also be to Rawalpindi”.

“PDM has come out stronger than before and is more determined than before to rid the nation of this illegitimate government,” said Rehman with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz and other leaders standing by his side.

In response to the highoctane “rebellion” that had spilled over in the streets, Khan, in his first interview of the year told Dunya TV

11 coal miners kidnapped, killed in Pak’s Balochistan

Islamabad, Jan 3 (IANS): Pakistan’s Balochistan province has been in the grip of terrorist attacks on security personnel and local residents, putting the authorities on high alert 24/7 and in a latest tragic incident, at least 11 coal miners were kidnapped and killed on Sunday by unidentified armed men.

As per details, the incident took place in Machh, an area under serious security threat in the recent past with targeted attacks on security convoys and checkposts.

Police authorities said that the attackers abducted the miners and took them to the nearby hills where they were fired at and seriously injured. Deputy Commissioner Bolan Murad Kasj said that the four injured people in the incident were being treated in the hospital.

K Y M C

The labourers were taken to Machh hospital, where at least 10 miners were in critical condition initially.

However, the death toll was reported to have reached 11. Soon after the incident, security forces, police, local administration and Frontier Corps (FC) cordoned off the area, while ambulances were dispatched from Quetta to retrieve the bodies.

The incident has spread fears among the miners of Machh, who are now fearful of being the next target of the terrorists.

Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal condemned the incident and sought a detailed inquiry report from the concerned authorities on priority. “All means to be exhausted for the arrest of the perpetrators. Those who targeted these innocent coal miners do not deserver any concession.

that people will pay no heed to the PDM call for ‘long march’ and rejected the opposition’s allegation of a ‘puppet’ premier.

“I can give in writing that Pakistani nation will not come out on the streets on the call of PDM. If I am a puppet and if the army has asked me to hold talks with the opposition then why I am not doing so,” the cricketer-turned politician told the news channel.

That the embattled Pakistani Prime Minister had to come out to defend himself yet again in a space of two weeks, telling the world that he is the boss, itself reveals that he stands on a knife-edge.

Kabul, Jan 3 (IANS): At least 60 militants have been killed and several others injured in clashes and airstrikes in Afghanistan’s restive Helmand province, the army said on Sunday.

On Saturday, Taliban shadow district chief of Helmand, Mullah Shafiullah alias Mawlawi Nazim, and his five associated were killed in airstrikes in surrounding areas of the province, Xinhua news agency quoted the Afghan Army’s Miwand 215 Corps as saying in a statement.

In addition, 54 Taliban militants had been killed and eight others wounded during separate airstrikes and clashes with the army in Sorgodar and Bushran, on outskirts of provincial capital Lashkar Gah, as well as Nawayi-Barakzai, Garmser and Nad Ali districts from early Friday to Saturday mor ning, the Defence Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

“Those among the killed militants were a Taliban divisional commander Abdul Salaam and three militants’ bomb experts,” the statement read.

Eight Taliban’s control and command centres,

weapons, vehicles and several rounds of guided rockets were destroyed during the airstrikes, according to the statement.

Helmand province,

Mike Pence

ing the session on 6 January and declaring Mr Biden the winner.

All 50 states have certified the election result, some after recounts and legal appeals.

So far, US courts have rejected 60 challenges to Mr Biden’s win. Mr Trump has notched up only one minor victory, concerning a small number of postal ballots in Pennsylvania, a state won

by Mr Biden.

In a statement, the 11 senators led by Texas Senator Ted Cruz said November’s election had “featured unprecedented allegations of voter fraud, violations and lax enforcement of election law, and other voting irregularities”.

An investigation by the federal Department of Justice (DOJ) found no

evidence to back any claims of fraud.

Citing a precedent from 1877 - when a bi-partisan committee was formed to investigate after both parties claimed victory in three states - they urged Congress to appoint a commission for an “emergency 10-day audit of election returns in the disputed states”.

“Once completed, individual states would evaluate the commission’s findings and could convene a special legislative session to certify a change in their vote, if needed,” they said.

However, they said their bid was unlikely to succeed. “We are not naïve.

We fully expect most, if not all, Democrats, and perhaps more than a few Republicans, to vote otherwise,” they said.

45 Years Wedding Anniversary

notorious for poppy growing, is a known Taliban stronghold.

The militant group is yet to make comments on the development.

HAPPY 25th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

04-01-1976 to 04-01-2021

Ikhuhe Aye & Tokheli Aye

Mrs. C.Atula. Lkr & Mr. Akum. Imsong DP-01

4th Jan 1996 – 4th Jan2021 With love, Son, Daughters & Relatives

Mom and Dad, the home you’ve made and your loving commitment to each other have blessed our family in more ways than we can count.” Thanks for being wonderful parents and for your lasting commitment to each other..

DP-05

With Loving Children, Daughter & Grand Children

NATIONALE INSTITUTE FOR CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION

GRATITUDE

The Naga United Village Council and the public would like to convey a heartfelt gratitude to the Govt. of Nagaland, Road & Bridges, the Executive Engineer (R &B) Dimapur and the contractor of RCC Girder bridge at Chathe River, 4th Mile which was inaugurated by our Hon'ble Shri Y. Patton, Dy. CM, on the 21st of December 2020. This has solved the misery of the untold people living beyond the bridge.

The timely completion the project is appreciated. Our dream has now become a reality. May our Almighty bless you richly.

Küthoku Shijo, Chairman, Naga United Village, Dimapur DP-06A

DECLARATION I, Shri. Chotsali Sangtam, adoptive father of Shri. Thsaroba Sangtam (Marthsing) of Singrep Village, Kiphire, Nagaland do hereby declare in sound mind and robust health that I disown my said adopted son namely Thsaroba Sangtam (Marthsing) on this day the 31st of December 2020 at Singrep village for want of his whereabouts’ for the last few years. That, we shall cease to live as an adopted father-son relation nor will he have any relationship with my relatives and family members as he is no longer under our control. Any individual person/s, group or societies dealing with him shall be doing so at your own risk. The adoptive father and family members shall not be held responsible or liable for any kind of act done by him.

(SHRI CHOTSALI SANGTAM) Adoptive Father DP-08

2020 IS FINALLY GONE ! ENOUGH OF HALTS IN JOURNEYS !

IN 2021, ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GO !!

GO GET YOUR DREAMS !!

WISHING EVERYONE IN NAGALAND A HEALTHY & BLESSED NEW YEAR !

ALL OUR CENTRES ARE OPEN (CLASSROOM PROGRAMS TO BEGIN SOON) ADMISSIONS BEGIN FOR 2021 TO ALL COURSES (10 am TO 4 pm) (ALL GOVT. SOP WILL BE FOLLOWED.)

15% FEE WAIVER ON ALL COURSES FOR NPSC & IAS NEW DELHI HEAD OFFICE: 1ST FLOOR, PARAM TOWER, 11/5B PUSA ROAD (OPP. METRO PILLAR 132) DIMAPUR : 1ST FLOOR, AIKO BUIDING, NAGARJAN POINT (8794721842) KOHIMA : 1ST FLOOR, WeWe COMPLEX, P.R. HILL (6009943721) 2ND FLOOR, OPPOSITE UT BUILDING/OPPOSITE K.A.K., RAZHOU POINT GUWAHATI: 1ST FLOOR, H.NO.3, UDAY PATH, ZOO ROAD (8486747717) DC-03 K Y M C

8

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021

ISL: ATKMB beat NE 2-0; return to top Garcia stops Campbell after

ATK Mohun Bagan players celebrate a goal against NorthEast United on Sunday. (ISL)

New Delhi/ Bambolim (Goa), Jan 3 ( Ag e n c i e s / IANS ) : ATK Mohun Bagan continued their fine run in the Indian Super League 2020-21 with a comfortable 2-0 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa on Sunday.

With this win, ATKMB reclaimed the top spot ahead of Mumbai City FC. In a match that often turned into a physical affair — six yellow cards were handed out — a sevenminute double early in the second half settled things in favour of the Kolkata outfit. Fijian striker Roy Krishna scored his first goal

from open play in nearly a month in the 51st minute.

Soon, in the 58th minute, an own-goal from Benjamin Lambot increased ATKMB’s lead.

It was ATKMB who started brighter, keeping the ball and looking the more threatening of the two teams. However, they struggled to convert the control they had over the match into chances with NEUFC offering dogged resistance. They had a freekick in a threatening position during the 18th minute when Krishna was fouled

by Dylan Fox just outside the penalty area. The resulting cross though was

headed over the bar by Carl McHugh.

Prabir Das was one of the bright sparks for ATKMB in a barren half, proving to be an important attacking outlet by playing high up the pitch. Just before the half-hour mark, Krishna spotted Prabir in a dangerous position and nearly found him only for NEUFC keeper Gurmeet Singh to make the save.

Then, just before the halfhour mark, Das headed wide from a cross by Subhasish Bose.

Both teams went in locked in a goalless stalemate at half-time but the script turned on its head

Tsiepama annual sports meet

United Friends Club and Astute Brothers with guest of honour Vilelheto Khro before the final match at Tsiepama village.

D i m a pu r , J a n 3 (NPN): Tsiepama Youth Organization (TYO) 23rd annual sports meet concluded on January 2 at Tsiepama local ground.

S i x c l u b s n a m e ly Dream Team, United Friends Club, Wolf FC, Astute Brothers, Unity Club and TYO model village took part in football and volleyball.

In football final, Astute Brothers beat United Friends Club to win the title. Keneisakho Mera struck the winning goal and was awarded the man of the match for the final

match.

In men’s volleyball final, United Friends Club ‘A’ emerged as the champions and Wolf Club ‘B’ as runners-up and in women’s volleyball final, Thenupfüko ‘A’ beat TYO model village.

The closing ceremony was graced by FWA Kuhuboto, Vilelheto Khro as guest of honour. In his speech, he reminded the sportsperson that games and sports were not only about talent but respecting each other.

He thanked the TYO for providing the oppor-

tunity for the youth to expose their talent and also extended gratitude towards the organising team for taking the courage to host the tournament and bringing the youth together after such a long break owing to the pandemic.

The closing ceremony progamme presided by TYO president, Neiketoulie Geisuo began with an invocation by TCRC secretary, Ropfüvisie Nakhro while vote of thanks was presented by president Dream team (organizing team), Neithovilie Chalieu.

post the restart. It was Krishna yet again, who broke the deadlock, heading in after Tiri flicked on a corner from Edu Garcia.

Just seven minutes later, ATKMB doubled their lead, this time off another corner. Lambot tried to deal with another Garcia delivery, only to inadvertently divert it into his own box.

The Highlanders were further pegged back by the goal and struggled to fashion clear-cut chances.

Their best attempt on goal came in the 71st minute when Federico Gallego grazed the crossbar with a freekick. That they only had a single shot on target throughout the match was testament to how comfortably ATKMB were able to see out the second half.

East Bengal record first ISL win

East Bengal finally recorded their first win in the Indian Super League (ISL) by beating Odisha FC 3-1 on Sunday at the GMC Stadium.

First-half goals from Anthony Pilkington and Jacques Maghoma put East Bengal ahead before substitute Bright Enobakhare scored late on his ISL debut. Diego Mauricio’s goal proved to be a consolation

AB de Villiers cried when he had to face Asif, claims Akhtar

New Delhi, Jan 3 (Agencies): AB de Villiers “literally started crying” when he had to face former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif, claimed his former teammate Shoaib Akhtar. Saying Asif is the smartest fast bowler he has seen, Akhtar added VVS Laxman had also expressed his inability to face Asif.

“Even bigger than Wasim Akram, the guy that I’ve seen bowling is Mohammad Asif. I have actually seen batsmen crying while facing Asif. Laxman once said ‘how will I face this guy’, AB de Villiers literally started crying during the Asian Test Championship.” Akhtar said while speaking on Sports Today.

One of the finest seamers of his time, Asif ’s career in competitive cricket came to an end after he was banned by the ICC for five years for indulging in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal in England. The 38-year-old Asif had formed a potent pairing with Akhtar during their time in top-flight cricket.

as Odisha saw their winless run continue.

Mauricio’s goal was the 100th goal of the ongoing season of the ISL. The opening goal arrived early in the 12th minute, through a set-piece.

Gaikwad took a throw-in and directed it to the far post. It bounced once and fell to Pilkington, who rose above Gaurav Bora, before burying his header into the net.

Chances also fell Odisha’s way but stunning back-to-back saves from goalkeeper Debjit Majumder helped East Bengal keep their lead intact during the first quarter. A lightning strike from Maghoma helped East Bengal double their advantage in the dying minutes of the first half.

Odisha began the second half strong, hoping to cut short their deficit. They came close to scoring but luck evaded them.

Enobakhare put the game to bed with his second attempt after being denied the first time by Arshdeep. Two minutes later, Odisha found the net, but in the end, it proved to be too little too late.

MONDAY’S MATCH Chennainyin FC Vs Hyderabad 7:30 pm

surviving knockdown in Dallas

London, Jan 3 (Agencies): Ryan Garcia overcame the most challenging moment of his young career to bounce back up from the canvas to defeat Britain’s Luke Campbell and send a strong message to the lightweight division at the beginning of an exciting year.

The 22-year-old, who is viewed as one of the future pay-per-view stars of the sport, took on the Olympic champion in a baptism of fire at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

The warning signs were there early for King Ryan, having been sent to the canvas with a crisp overhand left that sent shockwaves through the American audience in attendance. But the American-Mexican recovered from the early adversity to put the pressure on his experienced rival and made that aggression count as the rounds wore on.

Campbell, 33, was saved by the bell in the fifth having been rocked by a heavy left hook. With his back turned on his young opponent, the bell sounded to the relief of the visiting fighter.

Garcia had to wait just two more rounds to get his man, though, with a vicious left hook to the body down-

The hotshot was floored for the first time in his young career with a crisp left hand in second.

ing Campbell who was unable to beat the 10-second count. A jubilant Garcia let out a huge roar as the referee waved the contest off, before boxing superstar and close friend Canelo Alvarez entered the ring to congratulate the victor.

‘I definitely showed a lot of people who I really am,’ an ecstatic Garcia said in his post-fight interview.

‘I have never been dropped in my life. I think I got too excited in the moment. I felt like I could crack him, but he cracked me. I just had to get back up and show everybody what a warrior is really like.’

Garcia also thanked Canelo for his support in

emotional scenes in Dallas.

The popular fighter, who boasts 750,000 subscribers on YouTube, called out Gervonta Davies for a mega fight this year.

The bout was postponed in December because Campbell tested positive for Covid-19. It was moved to Texas because of coronavirus restrictions in Garcia’s home state.

Campbell had lost two previous title fights after winning a gold medal at his home Olympics in London in 2012. It was the fifth straight knockout for Garcia since what his camp considered a disappointing majority decision over Carlos Morales in 2018.

Real beat Celta to go top of La Liga Madrid, Jan 3 (AP): Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez set one another up for goals to help Real Madrid earn a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo on Saturday, as the defending champions edged one point above Atletico Madrid at the top of the Spanish league.

Second-place Atletico has played three fewer matches than Madrid and will have the chance to return to the top when it visits Alaves on Sunday.

Asensio crossed to the far post for Vazquez to head in Madrid’s opener in the sixth minute. Vazquez then set up his fellow forward for Asensio to double the lead in the 53rd.

“We played a complete match from start to finish,” Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said. “We controlled the game, were balanced in our transitions between attack and defense, and recovered the ball with our pressure.

“We are feeling good.

But there is still a long way to go in this league,” Zidane said about the title race as the league approaches its midway point. Celta had arrived at Madrid’s Alfredo Di Stefano stadium as one of the hottest teams in

Lucas Vazquez (right) nodded Real Madrid in front after just six minutes.

Spain. But Vazquez and Asensio punished Celta for its aggressive pressure which left too much space on the flanks.

It was the first loss in seven rounds for Celta since former player Eduardo Coudet took over as coach in November. Celta remained in eighth place.

Madrid was without central defender Sergio Ramos due an unspecified stomach ailment. But this was unlike other matches which Madrid has struggled to win in his absence.

Replacement Nacho Fer-

nandez stepped in and made two stops to snuff out Celta’s only shots on goal.

Vazquez’s goal came seconds after Nacho cleared a goal-bound shot that Iago Aspas had chipped over goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Celta lost top scorer Aspas to an apparent rightthigh problem. He walked off the field grimacing when substituted, seconds before Asensio scored Madrid’s second goal after a quick counterattack started

by Luka Modric’s interception of a pass by Jeison

Murillo.

Asensio’s goal was his first of the season. The 24year-old forward is slowly regaining his form since he returned in June after several months spent recovering from a ligament tear.

Nacho was also shielding Courtois’ net to block a stoppage-time effort by Miguel Baeza.

“Losing our top player made it tougher for us, but we stayed in the game and looked to score until the very end, so that is going to help going forward,” Coudet said.

Koinonia Baptist Church sports meet culminates YUC win CYAA football tourney

Finalists of Rev. Zotuo Football Trophy men’s fellowship and Koinonia Prayer Centre team along with referees and organising committee.

DI M A P U R , J AN 3 (NPN): Koinonia Baptist Church (KBC) sports meet 2020-21 came to an end on January 2, 2021 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

The event was held under the theme “Press towards the goal” Philipians 3:14.

The seven-day long sports meet witnessed various games and sports such as Rev. Zotuo Football Trophy, Medotseilieü Volley-

ball Trophy, Neibalie T20 Cricket Trophy, penalty shoot-out, indoor games, track & field events for juniors, etc.

A total of 11 teams, both men and women competed in various events at Tsiesema Playground, Koinonia Prayer Centre, T. M. Govt High School playground, Chiephobozou Indoor Stadium and Astro Turf playground, Indira Gandhi Stadium.

Kohima Town Club

Football referees conducted the coveted Rev. Zotuo Football Trophy and representatives of volleyball referees of Kohima district conducted the volleyball for men and women.

In Rev. Zotuo Football Trophy, Men’s Fellowship emerged as the champions and Koinonia Prayer Centre as runners-up. Youth Fellowship clinched the title in Medotseilieü Volleyball Trophy and Nagamese Fellowship finished

as runners-up. In Neibalie T20 cricket Trophy, Men’s Fellowship beat Jr. CYE to win the title. Jr. CYE emerged as champions in Women’s football and Koinonia Prayer Centre as runners-up. Jr. CYE also won the women penalty shoot-out title and Nagamese Fellowship as runners-up.

In Chess, Yavituo of Men’s Fellowship won the title followed by Dziesesatuo Suokhrie of Youth

Fellowship and Vizosül Sachü of Nagamese Fellowship in second and third positions.

Zayiehol Kin of Koinonia Prayer Centre beat Vilakielie Kiewhuo of Jr CYE in men’s badminton to win the title and in women’s single, Vizotuonuo of Jr CYE beat Vizophrenuo of Youth Fellowship to lift the title. In carom board, Visazo of Youth Fellowship emerged as the winner and Seyielhoulie of Youth Fellowship in second position.

Nagamese Fellowship bagged the most disciplined team, most supportive personnel was awarded to Diezelie of Koinonia Prayer Centre and overall champion award was bagged by Men’s Fellowship.

The closing function was graced by senior pastor, Rev Zotuo Kiewhuo who also pronounced the benediction after giving away winning prizes and trophies.

Winners with the officials after the final match.

DI M A P U R , J AN 3 (NPN): YUC football club beat Middle age 2-0 and emerged as the champion of the seventh edition Chimonger Yangdong Akhuru Amulong (CYAA) on Jan-

uary 2.

The tourney was organized in honour of first educationist late Horise at Chimonger playground.

Litokyü from Friends was named as the best

goal keeper, Chotsamong from Middle age received the highest goal scorer award and the best player of the tournament was awarded to Tsalichem of YUC club.

PYSO golden jubilee sports meet DIMAPUR, Jan 3 (NPN): The golden jubilee sports meet of Phekerkriezou Youth and Sports Organization (PYSO) was conducted from December 28 to 31, 2020 at Phekerkriema Ziezou under Kohima district. PS to chief minister and vice president Nagaland Wrestling Association, Neiketouzo Kenguruse and president Nagaland Football Coaches Association, Roko Angami graced the inaugural and the clos-

ing ceremonies respectively. With 95 points, Chazou Khel emerged as the champion.

In football (Men), Chazou Khel and Chakou Model emerged as champions and runners-up respectively.

In volleyball (Men), Chakou Model and Chazou Khel finished in first and positions respectively. Ziezou A defeated Chazou Khel in the women’s volleyball final.

Printed, Published and Edited by Geoffrey Yaden at G.M. Printers, Circular Rd. Dimapur-797112. Ph: Desk 248489, Fax: 225366, e-mail-npdesk@gmail.com. Adm.& Advertisement  :248267 Fax: 248500 e-mail-npostadvt@gmail.com Kohima: 2290567, R.N. 40978/90 RN/NE 707 K Y M C

K Y M C