Issuu

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 227

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

EPL: Aston Villa sink Arsenal 1-0

sports, Page 12

‘China cannot bully countries in the Himalayas’

nagalandpostofficial nagalandpostofficial

international, Page 9

More areas sealed amid spread of COVID-19

(L-R) Dimapur West Police Station barricaded and Seikhazou areas in Kohima sealed on Wednesday. (Yanger Aier/ NP)

Entire West PS personnel under COVID scanner Staff Reporter/Correspondent

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, JUL 22 (NPN): After breaching the 1000-mark on July 20, 2020, COVID-19 count in Nagaland continues to rise amidst heightened apprehensions among majority of citizens who are clamouring for a ‘total Lockdown’ in the hope that it will break the transmission chain. On Wednesday, 54 positive COVID-19 cases were confirmed of which 23 were from Dimapur, 19 from Kohima and the rest

India’s COVID19 tally climbs to 11,92,915

NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (PTI): India added 37,724 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday taking the country’s tally to 11,92,915, while recoveries surged to 7,53,049 with 28,472 people having recuperated in a day, the highest so far, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll due to the disease rose to 28,732 with 648 people succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. There are 4,11,133 active cases of coronavirus infection presently in the country, while 7,53,049 people having recovered so far. Thus 63.13 per cent people have recovered. The total number of confirmed cases includes foreigners. This is the seventh consecutive day that COVID-19 cases have increased by more than 30,000. According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 1,47,24,546 samples have been tested up to July 21 with 3,43,243 samples being tested on Tuesday, The Health Ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

This is it!

“We cannot rob because of lockdown. It has ensured people to remain at home.” K Y M C

from other districts. In Dimapur the news of four policemen under West P.S. being tested positive for COVID-19 through TrueNat machine was a big blow for the police, while the deaths of two persons hailing from Assam, in separate incidents in Dimapur only added to heighten apprehensions among public. To make matters worse, the BSL-2 lab at CISHR Dimapur has been rendered out of service due to exhaustion of consumables needed to run the machines. All samples including positive reports from TrueNat machines will now be sent to BSL-3 at NHAK, Kohima. 2 dead in Dimapur: The deaths of two persons from Assam-- one a 72-year

old man with a history of co-morbidity who died of cardio-respiratory failure at Nikos hospital on July 21 and a two-month pregnant married woman, who had reportedly died of health issue at a paid quarantine facility at MP Road on July 22, sent shock waves. Though both were tested positive for COVID-19 through TrueNat machines, confirmation through RTPCR at BSL-3 Kohima was awaited, officials said. West PS barricaded: However, for Dimapur police, the report of four policeman who were tested positive through TrueNat machine was a big blow. It was reported that the four, under West Police station Dimapur tested positive for

COVID on Wednesday. The samples were sent to BSL-3 lab in Kohima for RT-PCR confirmatory test, health officials said. Confirming this to Nagaland Post, Commissioner of Police R. Tetseo informed that the four have been sent to COVID-19 isolation ward. He also said all personnel under West PS, around 70 to 80 of them, will undergo testing for COVID-19. The entire West PS has been barricaded and no public will be entertained unless for emergency purposes till further order. Testeo also said with such a huge number under West PS currently suspended from active duties, it was a big blow against containment of COVID-19. He also

Nagaland COVID-19 tally 1084 COVID-19 STATUS AS ON july 22, 2020 District Dimapur

ACTIVE CASES Recov- Total ICU On Asympered Cases Mild Moderate tomatic Ventilator 267 1 1 1 163 432

Kiphire

Kohima

110

107

217 3

Longleng

Mokokchung

Mon

Peren

158

250

Phek

Tuensang

Wokha

Zunheboto

Total

594

486

1084

DIMAPUR, JUL 22 (NPN): Nagaland on Wednesday registered 54 fresh COVID19 cases from across the state, taking the state’s total cases to 1084-- 598 active and 486 recovered. According to health department’s bulletin, 23 positive cases were reported from Dimapur, Kohima-19, Zunheboto-7, Peren-1 and

2 each from Mokokchung and Mon. All the positive persons have been sent to the respective designated COVID-19 Hospitals and COVID-19 Care Centres. Further, active surveillance and contact tracing is in progress to prevent further spreading of the infection, principal secretary Home, Abhijit Sinha stated

in his daily briefing. As per the severity of symptoms, 594 cases were asymptomatic, 2 mild, 1 moderate and 1 admitted to ICU on ventilator. As per distribution of cases by domicile district, Dimapur reported the highest with 333 cases followed by Peren- 326, Kohima- 145, Mon- 124, Tuensang- 49, Phek- 18, Zunheboto- 14, Wokha- 11, Mokokchung9, Longleng- 5, Kiphire- 4 and others- 46. Till July 22, a total of 19,833 samples were sent for testing through RT-PCR and results of 18,749 samples received. Out of 18,749 samples, 11,793 samples were tested at the BSL-3 lab (NHAK) and out of which 654 samples tested positive. In addition, a total of 13,058 samples were sent for testing on TrueNat, out of which 12,334 tested negative and 413 positive, which have again been sent for confirmation by RT-PCR.

said if further tests confirm COVID-19, then even all their family members would have to also undergo the same test. If tests confirmed the initial reports, Testeo admitted that contact tracing would be another huge problem. Sealing, sanitization of court: After learning about policemen testing positive for COVID, the principal district & sessions judge (PD&SJ), Y. Longkumer had written to the chief medical officer Dimapur urging the latter for sanitizing and sealing of JMFC-II court room including testing of the staff. The PD&SJ said that two of the police personnel from the West P.S., who tested positive for Covid-19, were in the district court, particularly in the courtroom of JMFC-II, above DC’s chamber from July 13 to July 15 and on July 20. 2 Rly staff test positive: Two parcel section staff of Dimapur Railway station tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. Their report on TrueNat returned positive, officials said. Both the staff were taken to the COVID Care

police was supervising the case, adding that a look out notice has been issued against the main accused. PRO also said that one individual was arrested in connection with the extortion from LPG truck drivers on July 4 and have also established that three miscreants were involved in the assault and extortion case on July 9. The arrested accused has been identified as one Khusato Keyho (25) of Khutsa village, Phek district. Police said the accused has admitted to committing the crime and has named an accomplice in the commission of crime, adding that efforts were on to nab the absconding accused. Meanwhile, SSP Kohima, Kevithuto Sophie, has assured that all out effort would be made to take the investigation to a logical conclusion.

SSP Kohima also stated that reports of extortion and highway robbery was reported beginning from the last week of May, as the state government announced partial relaxation of lockdown. Based on various inputs, Kohima police started operations in the month of June and registered three criminal cases in North PS on June 3, June 16 and June 18, 2020. Based on the strength of the cases registered, Kohima police busted a criminal gang of highway robbers and arrested the five individuals identified as Viketouzo @ baby (37) of Zhadima village, P/A Lower PWD (arrested on June 12, 20); Renpemo Tsopoe (24) currently residing at Midland colony Kohima (arrested on June 17, 2020); Ase-o Kense (27) of Touphema village,

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUL 22 (NPN): In the wake of surge in COVID-19 cases being reported outside the quarantine centres in the state, particularly in Kohima and Dimapur and various civil societies calling for total lockdown to be imposed, the High Powered Committee (HPC) for COVID-19 on Wednesday has asked the District Task Forces (DTFs) of the two districts to convene emergency meetings and decide whether or not to impose total lockdown, after taking into consideration all relevant facts and as per the need of the district. Informing this to Nagaland Post, HPC spokesperson and minister Neiba Kronu said that the HPC, during its meeting held on Wednesday to review the COVID-19 situation in the state, directed the DTFs to decide on the matter. HPC also suggested DTFs to impose strict and additional lock down measures for a certain period as per the need of the district, in order to enhance active surveillance, more comprehensive

contact tracing, early detection of suspected cases and isolation measures so as to break the chain of transmission and prevent further spread. Kronu also clarified that the HPC has not recommended total lockdown in the state capital or across the state. The minister explained that as Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) session was scheduled from July 30, the State government offices had to function normally for preparing responses to questions that would be raised at the Assembly. He added that some government officials would also have to attend the session, and therefore complete lockdown would not be possible. Organisations like Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP), Kohima Village Council (KVC) have urged the state government for imposition of total lockdown in Kohima while Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) had appealed the state government for a state-wide lockdown till July 31. (Cont’d on p-8)

Info of employees sought at Manipur govt 82-year old COVID Raj Bhavan’s behest: Govt imposes 7-day positive patient in ICU DIMAPUR, JUL 22 (NPN): In view of the adverse public reaction, the State government has clarified that the move to ask all its employees to furnish information of their family members and relatives in Naga political organisations was done at the direction of governor RN Ravi. A DIPR statement read that Nagaland Governor’s office had on February 14 this year written to the chief secretary through its commissioner & secretary seeking a database of family members and relatives of State government employees in underground organisations. The letter required every government employee to make a self-declaration in a format that was enclosed, besides directing staff of the police department to be segregated and furnished separately. The letter further directed the home commissioner to keep hard copies of the declaration and send their soft copies to Raj Bhavan by April 2. Following receipt of a reminder letter from the Governor’s office on June 24 by the chief secretary on June 24, the government decided to issue the office memorandum to this effect on July 7 after the State cabinet deliberated on the matter during its meeting on July 3.

Kohima assault case: Police identify prime suspect DIMAPUR, JUL 22 (NPN): Kohima police Wednesday disclosed that in connection with the assault and extortion case in Kohima on July 9, 2020, the prime suspect has been identified as Kevidetuo Angami of Kohima village, who was allegedly a habitual offender with criminal record. It may be mentioned that All Kohima Indane Distributors’ Association (AKIDA) on Tuesday served a one-week deadline on the state government to take action against the miscreants who assaulted drivers of LPG vehicles on July 4 and July 9, 2020. According to Kohima police PRO, the person was evading arrest and all out efforts were on to nab the accused and identify the remaining accused. PRO said SDPO (N) Kohima

Centre at Circuit House, Dimapur and contact tracing activated. 1 positive case in Seikhazou colony, Kohima: A handyman, from Seikhazou Colony tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. Accordingly, the district task force sealed the locality and activated contact tracing during which it was found that eight other persons were living with infected person, all engaged in construction works. The samples of all eight were also collected and tested, but only one tested positive so far, officials said. Nikos Hospital sealed: In order to take effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the deputy commissioner & chairman DDMA Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi, has ordered the sealing of Nikos Hospital, Dimapur with immediate effect till further order. Seikhazou areas sealed: Following detection of a COVID-19 case at Seikhazou Colony in Kohima, deputy commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie has ordered sealing of areas under Seikhazou Colony.

Dimapur, Kohima DTFs to take call on lockdown

P/A Phezoucha colony, Kohima (arrested on June 16, 2020); Mongchao Khiam (29) of Nokhu village, Tuensang, P/A Thizama village, Kohima (arrested on June 16, 2020) and Khosato Keyho @ Kenny (25) of Khutsa village, Phek, P/A PWD (Lower) Colony, Kohima (arrested on July 4, 2020). Police said all the arrested persons were caught with extortion slips, weapons and ammo and other incriminating articles and materials. Police said it was highly suspected that the assault and extortion incident on July 4, 2020 and July 9, 2020 were carried out by fringes of the same criminal gang. SSP Kohima has sought the cooperation of the public in providing any information regarding the activities of such criminal gangs.

total lockdown

Correspondent

IMPHAL, Jul 22: The entire Manipur state would be under complete lockdown for a week starting from July 23, 2 pm, state chief minister N Biren Singh announced Wednesday after holding an emergency cabinet meeting. Total curfew would be in place in the whole of the state to enforce the lockdown, the chief minister who hinted of extending the complete lockdown for another one week, said. Addressing the media at the chief minister’s secretariat, Singh said that the state government was compelled to enforce the complete lockdown in view of the surging number of COVID-19 cases in the state. He appealed to the citizens abide by the lockdown guidelines strictly.

CADN demands recruitment through NPSC DIMAPUR, JUL 22 (NPN): Concerned AYUSH Doctors of Nagaland (CADN) has demanded that the 21 AYUSH posts that were recently created be recruited through NPSC. Supporting the recent statement of Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) that recruiting the post of Gazetted Class-1 officer was not under the purview of the department, the CADN expressed gratitude to NVCO for pointing out the “unfair distribution of marks” for the said post recruitment that gave no chance for the qualified junior doctors. In this regard, CADN has questioned the health department under what rule did the department relax the age to 45years? (Cont’d on p-8)

(See more on p-4)

DIMAPUR, JUL 22 (NPN): An 82year-old person, who tested positive for COVID-19 on July 18, was shifted to ICU of COVID-19 Hospital here on July 19 from the Eden Medical Centre. Sources said the patient has comorbid conditions with diabetes and has a past history of open heart surgery and pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient was treated at Shamrock Hospital on July 16 and at Nikos Hospital and Eden Medical Centre July 17. With a typical Covid lung picture with respiratory distress, sources said the person is on ventilator support. He is critical with unstable blood pressure and his other vitals are being maintained. Treatment protocol is being followed for him. The patient is being monitored by a medical team comprising of one doctor, two nurses and two attendants on eight-hourly rotation basis, said Dr Kasheto, medical superintendent of Dimapur COVID Hospital. He, sought prayer support from everyone for speedy recovery of the patient.

Govt issues road safety advisory DIMAPUR, JUL 22 (NPN): In view of frequent occurrence of landslide, depressions and rockfalls in vulnerable locations, the Government of Nagaland, Works and Housing Department, has requested the commuting public/vehicles to avoid night travels and avoid halting/parking on slide/sinking prone locations. In an advisory, commissioner and secretary (Work & Housing), Rovilatuo Mor, advised all responsible to ensure reliable mechanical condition of the vehicle before journey including proper lights, fog light etc. The gover nment has asked the public to adhere to traffic norms of one-way traffic on narrow stretches and give way to emergency vehicles viz Ambulance, Army, Security and essential services. Fur ther, it has been advised to avoid overloading vehicles considering the vulnerable road conditions

vehicular load capacity be restricted 3-axel 10 wheelers with load capacity of 24 tones till improvement of weather. The advisory stated that this was essential to avoid road blockages/avoidable accidents by overloaded mode of transports. Meanwhile, the state government stated that the unfinished road construction works due to the unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has rendered the road conditions additional risks of rockfalls, slides and unfavourable road surface conditions. Therefore, while the road authorities concerned would endeavour to attend to the dire necessities for ensuring undisrupted road communication, the commuting public/ vehicles have been requested to adhere to safety measures. The government has also provided contact numbers in case of any road emergencies. (See contact numbers on p-5) K Y M C

state

DIMAPUR: Naga People’s Front (NPF) Wednesday said it has taken “strong exception” to the recent decision of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker for refusing to entertain the issues raised by the NPF Legislature Wing during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting. NPF through its press bureau stated that the issues raised by the NPF Legislature were of the urgent matter and were of public importance. NPF said the Speaker was therefore expected to consider the subject matter and table in the forthcoming Assembly session rather than “outrightly rejecting it.” NPF said NPF Legislature raised the Naga political issue, COVID-19 and SARFAESI Act 2002 to be discussed in the floor of the house, but the Speaker

flatly refused the plea of the opposition party. NPF said that the Naga political issue, which required urgent attention as the Naga people were anxiously awaiting for an early honourable solution, needed to be discussed in the Assembly. Opposition party also stated that the current COVID-19 pandemic should also be discussed thoroughly as the public had every right to know how the government is handling. Further, it stated that SARFAESI Act needed to be thoroughly discussed in the floor of the house as keeping the SARFAESI Act in a limbo was adversely affecting the young entrepreneur who cannot avail loan from the banks because of the conflicting stand adopted by the present Government. Therefore, NPF said that the refusal on the part

RBCC seizes Vermicompost plant set up at GVBS Dhansiripar Police inform claimants of illegal liquor deceased

DIMAPUR: River Belt Colony Council (RBCC) conducted surprise checking within its jurisdiction and seized 17 bottles of assorted liquor from a paan shop on July 16. A press release by River Belt Colony, GB, Anthony Lotha and chairman, RBCC, T Mefu Imchen, stated that in this connection, five persons were apprehended, wherein, they were penalized as per colony council resolution, and further warned not to sell IMFL. The release stated that they would be served a seven days notice to leave the colony if found involved in the same business. RBCC further cautioned that if anyone was found indulging in illegal sale of liquor in the colony, the individual or group will be severely dealt as per law.

of the Speaker depicted the callous attitude of the PDA government towards the welfare of the public. NPF insisted that the issues raised by its LegislaStudents, staff along with ture Wing be considered for plant set up in GVBS. the thorough discussion in DIMAPUR: Gamadi Vidya the forth coming Assembly Bharati School (GVBS) session. Dhansiripar set up a vermiMeanwhile, the NPF compost plant in its school has expressed concern over campus with the help and the recent advertisement guidance of Indian Council in the medical department of Agriculture Research and asserted that any ap(ICAR) Medziphema on pointment should be done July 21. as per the laid down norms A press release by and conditions of the GovGVBS stated that, scientist ernment procedures so no of ICAR Medziphema Dr. deserving candidates were Roben Singh guided the studeprived. NPF said that dents and youth on how to the government should not prepare vermicompost. He discriminate any batch of also explained that the exthe trained medical staff and the department should not float any new rules regarding the recruitment policy just because of the present DIMAPUR: Four depart- the main speaker of the ments of Mount Mary Col- webinar was Dr. Imlisongla pandemic situation. lege (MMC), Chümouke- Longkumar, assistant prodima have conducted four fessor of Psychology, Nanational webinars during galand University. the period of June and The second webinar July. was on the topic, “Educafirst page of teachers diary A press release by tion in the 21st century” oris completed in all aspects; Department will introduce MMC Chümoukedima ganized by the department real time online tracking of stated that, the fourth and of Education on June 30, teaching-learning activities last webinar was organized where the main speakers being carried out in all govt. by the department of Bot- were Dr. Marmar Mukschools using mobile app for any on 14 on the topic, hopadhyay, director of teachers from the first week “Biodiversity and welfare Educational Technology of August 2020 and details of human being”. Speakers and Management Acadof which will be notified of the webinar were prof. emy, New Delhi and prof. in due course of time; All (Dr.) Amal Kumar Mondal (Dr.) Rakesh Rai, prof. and , prof and coordinator, Bot- HoD Education, Nagaland DEOs/Sr. SDEOs/SDEOs any, Vidyasagar University, University. shall assign specific schools West Bengal and prof. (Dr.) The department of to field officers attached Dhabe Arvind Shankar- English organized the third to their establishments for rao and HoD, Botany, Dr. webinar on July 3 on the regular online monitoring of B.A.M University, Aurang- topic, “Emily Bronte’s the teaching- learning activi- abad, Maharashtra. treatment of intense love in ties using mobile app either Earlier, on June 26 the Wuthering Heights”. Dr. from office or home; The de- department of Psychology Geeta Janet Dkhar assistails of field officers (name, conducted the first webinar tant professor of English, email id &whatsapp num- on the topic, “Coping stress Shillong College was the ber) and schools allotted during COVID-19,” where main speaker. to them shall be submitted in MS excel format to the undersigned through email ACKNOWLEDGEMENT to director.se.nagaland@ gmail.com on or before July 29 without fail.

MMC conducts national webinars

DoSE directives to govt schools ous week and distribute new notes, worksheets/ assignments etc along with feedbacks of the previous worksheets/assignments submitted; School heads shall ensure that limited numbers of worksheets/ assignments which shall be completed by students through self study alone are given to students; Teachers shall record details of notes, worksheets/assignments prepared, distributed and feedbacks given etc in the teachers’ diary and the same shall be checked and countersigned by the school heads (sample enclosed); Teachers shall write their name at the right hand side top corner of each page of the teachers’ diary and school heads shall append their signature at the space provided in each page along with seal. School heads shall ensure that the

GRATITUDE

K Y M C

thanked him and joint director of ICAR, Medziphema for the scheme plant of vermicomposting unit in GVBS campus to educate the students, teachers and guardians under the mission of self-reliant Nagaland. Pankaj Sinha, G Dicoy Rongmei, Nikavi Chishi and teaching staff were present.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Dearest to us on Earth, Dearest to heaven and much more Deeply loved, adored and cherished.

Lt. ZUBENI KIKON

Our profound gratitude to: 1. Wokha Town Baptist Church (WTBC) 2. Shri. A. Mhathung Yanthan & lady wife Advisor, Horticulture & Border Affairs. 3. Blue Hill Colony Council Wokha Town 4. Blue Hill Colony Youth, Wokha Town 5. Lakhuti Women's Cultural Club 6. Smti. Tosheli Zhimomi, Joint Director, Department of Social Welfare 7. All Nagaland Child Development Project Ofﬁcers Association (ANCDPOA) 8. Seitheki Basa Lotha Baptist Church 9. INT (Special Branch) staff, Dimapur 10. Lakhuti Ekhung, Dimapur 11. Lakhuti Eloe Ekhung Dimapur 12. Lakhuti Ekhung Wokha Town 13. Kikon Ekhung Wokha Town 14. Lakhuti Eloe Yanpoe yanpia eyi khumshum Wokha Town 15. P.W.D (R&B) Department, Wokha Town 16. Rev. Thungchamo Shitiri & family BORN : 24.12.1940 – DIED : 15.07.2020 17. Pastor K.L.O.K Dimapur 18. Dr. & Mrs. Zuben Kikon 19. Mr. & Mrs. C. Peter Yanthan (Addl. Director Agri) 20. Doctors & Nurses of NIKOS Hospital 21. Nepali Basti friends & well wishers 22. Lotha GB's Association Dimapur 23. Class of 1992 CDPO's Dept. of Social Welfare 24. Field Ofﬁcers, Field Functionaries & staff and friends Chessore Project.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

19th July 2020 We, the bereaved family of Late REPALIBA (Akhoya) would like to express our profound gratitude to each and everyone for your kind expression of sympathy and love shown at his sad demise. Your support and prayers at this difficult time was very much appreciated and of great comfort to all of the family. May our Almighty bless each one of you and your family. Loving Children, Grandchildren, Relatives & In-laws.

LYH appeals for better network service in Wokha BORN: 27/11/1976 – DIED: 11/07/2020 Through this esteemed newspaper, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the individuals, organisations and churches who helped us through prayer, ﬁnancially and materially during the prolonged illness and demise of our beloved Late Y Resangmew. We regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally. We place our humble prayer to our God to bless you all abundantly. Our special gratitude:1. Shri. Deventhong, Asst. Geologist 2. Yimchunger Baptist Borü Amükhongto 3. Yimchunger Baptist Church, Chumukedima 4. Youth Dept., Yimchunger Baptist Church, Chumukedima 5. Women Dept., Yimchunger Baptist Church, Chumukedima 6. Yimchunger Baptist Church, Dimapur 7. Naga United Village, Dimapur 8. Pungro Village Union, Dimapur 9. Pungro Village Union, Kohima 10. Pungro Sub-Division Government Teachers’ Association 11. Sumi Baptist Akhukhou, Longmatra Town 12. Sumi Women Society, Longmatra Town 13. Pungro Town Baptist Church 14. Yimchunger Baptist Church, Meluri Town 15. United Pentecostal Church, Pungro 16. Police Baptist Fellowship, Pungro 17. Police Station, Pungro 18. Phuvkiu Village Council 19. Jenty Village Baptist Borü 20. Vongti Baptist Church 21. Cedeyevong Baptist Fellowship 22. St. John Church New Vongti 23. Moya Baptist Church 24. VEC & GMS Staff, Pungro Village 25. Pungro Village Baptist Church 26. Women Dept., Pungro Village Baptist Church 27. Youth Dept., Pungro Village Baptist Church 28. Pungro Village Council 29. Pungro Village Students’ Union 30. Pungro Village Citizen Union 31. Pungro Village Guards 32. PVSU Golden Jubilee Planning Committee 33. WDF Committee, Pungro Village 34. Govt. Employee’s Union, Pungro Village

K-1269

DIMAPUR: Lotha Youth Hoho (LYH) Wokha has appealed to all network service providers of Wokha district to resolve the erratic network services within 7 (seven) days with effect and “after which the concerned telecom company will hold any untoward incident whatsoever at any cost if no positive intervention is initiated.” A press release by LYH media cell stated that, people are relying on mobile and internet facilities to work during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the erratic network services is putting lives to a standstill. LYH views this irresponsibility very seriously and reminded that paid services need equal reciprocity of value services. LYH also stated that concerned authorities have been given representation for improvement of network services but, things have deteriorated without any improvement. While acknowledging the tireless effort of service providers towards quality services to the consumers of the district, the LYH also pointed out that the entire district has been faced with unpredictable network and exhibition of poor workmanship for the past few months.

cellent step towards vermicomposting was to start with kitchen scrapes. He further explained that vermin compost was the end product of vermicomposting with earthworms to increase the speed of composting process and ensure higher quality compost. The secretary of JSSN

Loving family members, Relatives & Well Wishers

Loving Parents, Wife, Children and Family

DP-3284

10TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY Of our beloved Father Lt. Khriebu Mepfhu-o

23-07-2010 Apfuo, Ten years have passed and we still miss you a lot. We were left heavy hearted when you walked out of our lives. Thousand words will never bring you back and time has not healed everything. We always wish to see you and hear your voice again. However, we believe you’re safe in the arms of Jesus. And each day brings us closer to see you in heaven. But until then, we will relive the beautiful memories. Cause you were, are and will be worth every moment. Wife - Sarah, Daughters - Keneitshunuo & Nana.

K-1258

DIMAPUR: In consideration of the internet connectivity issues and the inability of primary section students, particularly from the remote areas to access the online education, principal director School Education Shanavas C has issued the following directives to head of institutions of all government schools functioning in the state of Nagaland for ensuring effective implementation of continuous learning at all levels of schooling. According to DIPR report, teachers shall develop notes & worksheets based on topics given in text books for classes pre-primary to IV; Teachers shall develop notes & assignments for topics covered through the tele/radio online education programme first and then for other topics for classes V to XII; School heads shall call parents of students class wise on different days/timings so as to follow social distancing in the beginning of the week and distribute the notes, worksheets/assignments etc; Parents shall be notified for submitting the completed worksheets/assignments on a specific day in the next week. Schools shall collect the completed worksheets/ assignments of the previ-

officials from ICAR Medziphema at the vermicompost

DIMAPUR: Dimapur Police has informed that one Joseph, aged 60 years, s/o Zacharia, permanent address Gumla district, Jharkhand and present address daily bazaar Medziphema had passed away on July 21 at Medziphema Hospital while undergoing medical treatment. According to Police/PRO the body has been kept at Dimapur Civil Hospital morgue. Claimant/relatives/ friends for the dead body have been asked to contact officer in-charge Medziphema Police Station at 7085055023.

DP-3283

NPF irked at rejection of proposals by BAC

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

REV KIQHEHO SWU (01/08/1953 – 05/07/2020) We, the family members of Late Rev. Kiqheho Swu would like to sincerely acknowledge each and every one of you, who stood by us during our time of grief and sadness. We are very grateful and thankful to all our relatives, friends, neighbors and well-wishers for your unconditional love and prayers. We also like to convey our special thanks to: 1. Rev Dr. Phughoto Aye, ES WSBAK 15. Thahekhu Sumi Baptist Church 2. Ordained Ministers, WSBAK 16. Thilixu Sumi Baptist Church 3. Dept of Children Education, WSBAK 17. Sumi Baptist Church, Purana Bazar B 4. Toluvi Ghami Baptist Akukuhou 18. Lazami Baptist Church 5. Toluvi Village Council 19. Luhezhe Baptist Church 6. GB, Toluvi Village 20. Sumi Baptist Church Diphupar 7. East Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church, 21. Nikiqhe Baptist Church Purana Bazar 22. Tohoi Baptist Church 8. Nihokhu Baptist Church 23. Wuhe Lagha, Tsaphimi 7. Kiyevi Baptist Church 24. Mutakito Sa, Toluvi 9. Tsaphimi Baptist Church 25. Missionary families, Toluvi 10. NCRC, Toluvi 26. Tsaphimi Fellowship Dimapur 11. Toluvi Youth Ministry 27. Manchester United Supporters Club 12. Toluvi Christian Education Nagaland 13. Toluvi Women Department 28. Nizams FC 14. Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church We are also very thankful to each and every individual for your immense love and support. Though we are unable to mention each individuals by name, may Our Living God bless you all abundantly. Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren & In-laws DP-3278 K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Is initial success of the Oxford COVID19 vaccine trial a breakthrough? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

A B C

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83% 0% 17%

Next poll

Q: Do all political parties

honestly want CBI, ED, NIA to be totally independent?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST July 23

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Couple of thunderstorm

32 25

Aizawl

Cloudy, a t-storm in spots

Guwahati Periods of rain and a t-storm Imphal

Cloudy with heavy showers

Itanagar Rain and a thunderstorm

26 20 32 25 27 22 27 23

Shillong

A strong morning thunderstorm 24 18

Kohima

A p.m. t-storm in spots

Dimapur An afternoon t-storm Mkg

A shower and t-storm around

Tuensang Cloudy a t-storm in spots Wokha

Workshop on job creation

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Yes. No. Can’t Say.

A thunderstorm or two

Zunheboto A shower and t-storm around

23 19 29 24 24 20 19 16 24 21 22 18

(Second from Right) CM Chang and (Third from Right) Imnatiba along with officials of the three departments.)

DIMAPUR: Departments of Industries & Commerce, Employment & Skill Development and Envt., Forests & Climate Change held a joint workshop on Wednesday at the conference hall of Forest department with a view to augment the manufacturing sector and job creation. A press release by Industries and Commerce department stated that, workshop was attended by minister of Envt., Forests & Climate Change, C.M. Chang and advisor of Industries & Commerce, Employment & Skill Development, Imnatiba. Exhorting the officials of the various departments, CM Chang said that each

department should find ways to expand and to generate employment in the districts. He said that government has taken a decision to ban export of raw materials with an aim that local entrepreneurship in furniture making is encouraged. He said that this sector would give a lot of employment in all districts while also increase the revenue net of the government. He expressed happiness that the workshop was arranged and said that allied departments should come together and hold hands to develop the state. Imnatiba mentioned that department of Industries & Commerce will soon develop manufactur-

ing clusters in the state involving more than 90 manufacturing units. He also said that the department will undertake skill development in 22 traits under carpentry so that local entrepreneurs can venture into manufacturing of furniture. Commissioner & secretary, Industries & Commerce K. Kevichusa, mentioned that wood based industry was a very important sector which can be developed in cluster programme. PCCF & HoFF Dharmendra Prakash mentioned that the forestry sector held the key to economic development of the state when it came to manufacturing. APCCF

Vedpal Singh mentioned that there was a need for transition of wood based industries from raw material export to manufactured goods export. He also gave a presentation on the legal issues that govern the forestry trade sector. Director Industries & Commerce, Hokishe spoke on the need to develop the manufacturing units in cluster approach. Director Employment & Skill Development, Chiten mentioned the potential of furniture manufacturing sector, wherein the department has introduced skill development courses in 4 ITIs and will be introducing the same in another upcoming 4. A presentation was given by Dr. Kenei Miachieo on “Making Nagaland a manufacturing hub of furniture”. Workshop was attended by high ranking officials of Industries and Commerce, Employment & Skill Development and Forests departments. It was agreed to constitute a high level-joint committee of Vedpal Singh, APCCF, Hokishe, director Industries & Commerce and Chiten Yaden, director, Employment & Skill Development to develop wood based industries in the manufacturing sector.

ZB(N) reacts to ZB (ANN) withdrawing MTLT urges for speedy mandate given to NSCN (I-M) construction of NH-2 DIMAPUR: Reacting to the decision of the Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland) to withdraw the Zeliangrong people’s mandate given to NSCN (I-M), Zeliangrong Baudi (Nagaland) has sought to clarify the statement and its position on the matter. ZB (N) through its media cell stated that it could not participate in the Dimki Session of ZB(AMN) through Vedio conference held on July 15, 2020 due to constrain of network problem on that day. However, ZB(N) said its decision on delimitation in Peren district Nagaland was conveyed to the Dimki session through phone call

to the leaders. No other issues pertaining to ZB(AMN) on the aspect of Zeliangrong was neither conveyed nor proposed or discussed through video or audio conference by ZB(N), it stated. Therefore, ZB(N) said that withdrawing the mandated support of Zeliangrong from NSCN(I-M) was “not the consensus decision of all the state units.” ZB(N) said it did not participate or convey any views or opinion on the matter to ZB(AMN)’s Dimki Session in any manner or form. It said that the matter of de-recognition of Zeliangrong by NSCN(I-M) and question of withdrawal

of support mandate to NSCN(I-M) must be kept in abeyance for further deliberations as the matter was “unrelated and not contextual at this present juncture.” ZB(N) has, therefore, stated that the issue be withdrawn for good at this crucial juncture so as to avoid further complicacy and discord among the Naga family. ZB(N) has also appealed to ZB(AMN) and all concerned to focus on finding a common and acceptable Naga political issues “by avoiding a flip-flop manner of doing things that may distort or delay the issue in hand to our disadvantage.”

D I M A P U R : D r aw i n g attention to the deplorable condition along the NH-2, Amguri to Mokokchung road which has been causing much hardship to the general public, the Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) expressed that concerned authorities should ensure good motorable roads. A press release by MTLT grievances cell convenor, Aolong Imchen and president Imkummeren Jamir stated that, this stretch of road was the lifeline for the whole Langpangkong range under Mokokchung district covering more than thirty villages, four townships, and was also the economic lifeline for Lon-

Transfer and posting of IAS/NCS/NSS officers DIMAPUR: The state government, on July 22, issued fresh notification, ordering transfer and posting of 41 1AS/NCS/NSS officers with immediate effect. Chubasangla Anar, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Land Revenue, New & Renewable Energy, and Food & Civil Supplies, is relieved of the charge of New and Renewable Energy. V Maria Yanthan, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Information & Public Relations and DUDA is relieved of the charge of the DUDA. She shall hold additional charge of New & Renewable Energy. Kesonyu Yhome, IAS, Secretary, Finance & Health & Family Welfare Department, is relieved of the charge of Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department. K S Anden Konyak, Secretary, DUDA and Director, DUDA, is relieved of the charge of Director, DUDA. Sotsula, NCS, Additional Secretary, Information & Public Relations, is transferred and posted as Director, DUDA. Kevekha Kevin Zehol, NCS, Secretary, NPSC, is transferred and posted as Addl Secretary, PHED. Polan John, NCS, Join Secretary, Rural Development is transferred and posted as Secretary. NPSC. Linda Solo, NCS, Jt. Secy., PHED, is transferred and posted as Jt. Secy., Environment, Forests and Climate Change. K Y M C

Hotolu Swu, NCS, Jt. Secy., Soil & Water Conservation is transferred and posted as Jt. Secy., Evaluation. Nokchasashi, NCS, ADC, Tseminyu, on promotion, is transferred and posted as Jt. Secy., School Education. Ajit Kumar Ranjan, IAS, ADC, Aboi, is transferred and posted as Jt. Secy., Home. Shashank Pratap Singh, 1AS, Jt. Secy., CMO is transferred and posted as ADC, Mokokchung. Rahul Mali, IAS, Jt. Secy., Tribal Affairs Department, is transferred and posted as ADC, Mon, with additional charge of ADC, Aboi. Selichum Thongtsar, NSS, Jt. Secy., Finance, is transferred and posted as Jt. Secy., Water Resources. Veswesayi Kezo, NSS, Deputy Secretary, Home, is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs Department. Kusa Fithu, NCS, ADC, Aghunato is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Cooperation. Pakon, NCS, SDO (C), Tizit, on promotion, is retained as ADC, Tizit. Manpai Phom, NCS, ADC, Mokokchung is transferred and posted as ADC, Tseminyu. Alongdhimen Jamir, NCS, SDO (C), Tuensang, on promotion is retained as ADC, Tuensang. D Robin, NCS, SDO (C), Longleng, on promotion, is retained as ADC, Longleng.

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

T Moa Lemtor, NCS, SDO (C), Pughoboto, on promotion is transferred and posted as ADC, Aghunato. Senu Rest, NSS, Under Secretary, P&AR, on promotion is transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary, Economic & Statistic Department. ThungchanbemoTungoe, NCS, SDO (C) Mokokchung, on promotion is transferred and posted as ADC, Pughoboto. Libanthung Patton, NSS, Under Secretary, Industries & Commerce is transferred and posted as Science & Technology Department. Rongsenmenla, NCS, Under Secretary, Municipal Affairs, shall hold additional charge of Under Secretary, Urban Development. Longasen Lotha, NCS, SDO (C), Kohima, is transferred and posted as SDO (C), Thonoknyu vice Phuniang relieved. MhomoTungoe, NCS, SDO(C), Zubza, is transferred and posted as Under Secretary, Social Welfare Department. Imokokla, NCS, Under Secretary, Labour& Employment is transferred and posted as Under Secretary, Tourism Department. T i a y a n g e r, N C S , SDO(C), Pughoboto, is transferred and posted as SDO(C), Zubza. Thejavizo Nakhro, NCS, EAC, Seithekiema, on promotion is retained as SDO (C), Seithekiema. Tokai V Sumi, NCS, EAC, Medziphema, on pro-

motion is retained as SDO (C), Medziphema. Trongdiba Tongpi T. Sangtam, NCS, EAC, Lotsu, on promotion is transferred and posted as SDO (C), Longleng. R Daniel Angami, NCS, EAC, Kohima, on promotion is retained as SDO(C), Kohima. Vikhoto Richa, NCS, SAC, VK on promotion is transferred and posted as Under Secretary, P&AR. Vigilance Branch. T Sulanthung, NCS, EAC, Champang, on promotion is transferred and posted as SDO (C) Sanis with additional charge of Lotsu. Moalila, NSS, Under Secretary, Environment, Forests and Climate Change is transferred and posted as Under Secretary, Vet & AH. Tsenthungo E Ngullie, NCS, EAC, Mon, is transferred and posted as EAC, Shamator. James Renbi Kikon, NCS, EAC, Zunheboto, is transferred and posted as SAC, VK. Chumbenthung Murry, NCS, EAC, Tuensang (designate), is retained as EAC, Kiphire. Tsidi, NCS, EAC, Longkhim (designate) is retained as EAC, Dimapur. Wanmei Phom, NCS, EAC, Shamator, is transferred and posted as EAC, Namsang. The officers have been directed to carry out the handing and taking over of charges on or before July 31.

gleng district. Claiming that since the two-lane road widening project started, the work has been carried out at a snail-paced manner rendering it totally unfit for travel during the monsoon season, the MTLT stated that villagers’ only option was to travel to Mokokchung town which was more worrying because of the deplorable road condition. Under such circumstances, the MTLT share its solidarity with the people of Langpangkong range and Longleng district and respect their resilience during such trying times. MTLT lauded the Langpangkong Tsukong Mungdang Road Coordination Committee (LTM RCC) for taking ownership of the highway and closely monitoring the progress of the development works. The MTLT also assured its assistance to Langpangkong Tsukong Mungdang (LTM) if situation so necessitates.

ATMA Niuland block organises demonstration programme

Resource person with farmers during the demonstration on line sowing methods at K. Hetoi village.

DIMAPUR: ATMA Niuland block conducted demonstration on “Line sowing methods in soybean” at K. Hetoi village on July 20 with BTM, (Niuland Block), ATMA Dimapur, Demalu Hasnusa as the resource person.

A press release by ATMA Niuland block stated that, he encouraged the farmers that sowing should be done in lines 45 cm-60 cm apart and plant to plant distance can be kept from 4 cm to 5 cm. The sowing depth of soyabean seed should

not be more than 3 cm-4 cm under ideal moisture conditions. Appropriate physical distancing was maintained and COVID-19 safety kits and information pamphlets about precautionary measures were distributed to the 12 farmers present.

DC Kma allows normal activities at Daklane

DIMAPUR: With the detection of COVID-19 positive person at Daklane Colony Kohima, Municipal Ward No. 7, the deputy commissioner had declared/ demarcated it as a containment zone on July 7, whereby various restrictions were imposed to contain the spread of disease/ infection and the zone/area was kept under strict and active Medical surveillance and movement within the zone was restricted/prohibited to the public. According to DIPR report, contact tracing of the COVID-19 positive person was carried out by the CMO co-ordination team led by district surveillance officer and epidemiologist Kohima and all the primary and secondary contacts were

identified and tested for COVID-19 and found to be COVID negative. In total 127 contacts were traced, out of which 5 were high risk contacts and 122 were low risk contacts. Therefore, as per the advisory/guidelines of the Medical department and since all contact tracing has been completed and tested, deputy commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie has notified that the containment zone is being lifted and declare that all normal activities at Daklane Colony Kohima, Municipal Ward No. 7 is allowed to resume henceforth, as per various SOPs of the government which is still enforced. Order shall come into force with immediate effect.

COVID-19 awareness campaign organised by Protect Dimapur started on July 16 and team members have since been visiting different areas of Dimapur to educate the public on safety measures against the pandemic. On July 22, the team was joined by many new organisations and volunteers during the campaign.

Peren DPDB meeting Dimapur: DC Peren, Sentiwapang Aier, has informed all the members that DPDB meeting will be held on July 23, 11a.m at DC’s conference hall, Peren under the chairmanship of advisor of Water Resources, Namri Nchang. All board members have been requested to attend the meeting.

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K Y M C

northeast

Assam flood situation deteriorates Over 26 lakh hit, 115 dead so far

A man walks on a temporary bamboo bridge to reach a ferryboat along the banks of swollen Brahmaputra river, in Guwahati, Wednesday, July 22, 2020. (PTI) Guwahati, Jul 22 (PTI) : The flood situation in Assam deteriorated on Wednesday with two more persons losing their lives, even as the number of people affected rose to over 26 lakh across 26 districts, an official bulletin said. According to the daily flood report of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), one person each died at Baghbor of Barpeta and Morigaon revenue circle in Morigaon district. With this, the total number of people losing their lives in this year’s flood and landslide has gone up to 115 across the state -- 89 were killed in flood-related incidents and 26 in landslides. The ASDMA said over 26.31 lakh persons are

hit by the floods in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Darrang, Baksa, Nalbari, Barpeta, Chirang, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Kamrup, Kamrup Metropolitan, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, West Karbi Anglong and Cachar districts. Goalpara is the worsthit district with over 4.68 lakh people suffering, followed by Barpeta (3.82 lakh people affected) and Morigaon (3.08 lakh people). The National Disaster Response Force, the State Disaster Response Force, district administrations and local people have rescued 452 persons since Tuesday by deploying 80 boats across the state.

Till Tuesday, more than 24.19 lakh persons were suffering due to the deluge across 24 districts. At present, 2,525 villages are under water and 1,15,515.25 hectares of crop areas have been damaged across Assam, the ASDMA said. It further said authorities are running 391 relief camps and distribution centres across 20 districts, where 45,281 people have taken shelter. A total of 3,383.81 quintals of rice, dal and salt, and 606.10 litres of mustard oil along with other relief materials such as tarpaulin, baby food, candle, matchbox, mosquito net, biscuit, soap, drinking water, cattle feed, mask and wheat bran have been distributed.

The Brahmaputra is flowing above the danger marks at Dibrugarh, Dhubri and Goalpara cities, besides at Nimatighat in Jorhat and Tezpur in Sonitpur districts. Its tributaries Dhansiri at Numaligarh in Golaghat, Jia Bharali at NT Road Crossing in Sonitpur, Kopili at Kampur and Dharamtul in Nagaon, Beki at Road Bridge in Barpeta, Kushiyara at Karimganj town and Sankosh at Golokoganj in Dhubri are also flowing above the danger levels. Embankments, roads, bridges, culverts and many other infrastructure have been damaged at various places in Lakhimpur, Chirang, Nagaon, Jorhat, Udalguri, Biswanath, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Morigaon, Karimganj, West Karbi Anglong and Dibrugarh districts. Massive erosion have been reported from different places of Biswanath, Majuli, Baksa, Udalguri and Kokrajhar districts, the ASDMA said. The bulletin said that a total of 131 camps out of 223 at Kaziranga National Park, 18 out of 40 camps at Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park and 24 out of 25 camps at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary have been affected by the deluge. The deluge has so far taken away the lives of 120 animals, while 147 others were rescued in Kaziranga National Park, the bulletin

said quoting the forest officer of the Eastern Assam Wildlife Division. The flood has also affected 23,89,401 domestic animals and poultry across the state, it added.

Centre announces Rs 346 Cr to tackle flood situation in Assam

The Centre will soon release Rs 346 crore as an initial amount for handling the flood situation in Assam, which has affected 56 lakh people in the northeastern state, an official statement said on Wednesday. Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat held a detailed discussion with Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal over the flood situation in the state through a videoconference, during which he conveyed the decision, it said. “The central government will release the first installment of Rs 346 crore soon under the Flood Management Programme,” a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said. For addressing the flood issue in the Lower Assam districts, the Centre will also take up the matter with the Bhutan government, it added. During monsoon, the release of excess water from the dams in Bhutan leads to flooding in the downstream areas in all the Lower Assam districts, especially Barpeta, Nalbari and Kokrajhar.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

COVID -19: 8 villages declared containment zones in Meghalaya; 25 new cases reported Correspondent SHILLONG, JUL 22: Twenty-five persons, mostly civilians, tested positive for COVID-19 in Meghalaya with active cases in the State mounting to 433, even as eight more recovered on Wednesday. The government has declared seven villages in West Jaintia Hills district and Block 2 of Lumpynngad area here in East Khasi Hills district as containment zones after health authorities detected positive COVID-19 cases. West Jaintia Hills District Magistrate, Garod L.S.N.Dykes has declared seven villages -- Amlarem, Krangpamtdong, Amsarim, Ladjaplem, Amshipai, Lai Lyngdoh and Amlatdoh -under Amlarem Civil Sub Division as containment zones from midnight of July 22 to 6.00 am of July 27 after three persons tested positive for COVID-19. “These seven villages have been declared as containment zones in order to detect the high risk contacts of the three persons so as to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the district,” Dykes said. Director Health Services (MI) Dr. Aman War

Diphu July 21: Several houses were damaged in a devastating fire in Santipatty slum area of Diphu around 4.44 pm on Wednesday . Sev-

during COVID-19 pandemic’

Correspondent

Correspondent IMPHAL, JUL 22: After reports of community transmission of COVID, Manipur’s thoubal district isolated from other parts of the state even as it is under complete lockdown. Apart from banning cross inter-district movement by detailing police at almost all the inter-district roads, locals of border districts also barred entry of residents of Thoubal district in their respective locality fearing the pandemic. They erected temporary barricades to close down the roads in their bid to avoid contacting the virus and even prevented residents of Thoubal from crossing the border on foot. Apart from the three valley districts, Thoubal also shares borders with hill districts like Chandel, Tengnoupal and Kamjong districts. The COVID-19 situation in Thoubal district was grim after local transmission occurred in the district. Another district that reported local is Jiribam. Official sources said that more than 40 locally transmitted cases were reported in Thoubal till

Temporary barricades at inter-district border in Thoubal district. Wednesday. Following evidence of locally transmitted cases, the state health authority swung into action to contain further spread of the disease. The authority has also taken up rapid antigen tests of people with history of contacts with the infected persons and so far 652 persons with no recent travel history identified during contact tracing were tested. Among them, 40 tested positive for COVID till 2 pm of today, the official said. It was after reports of local transmission that the state government ordered complete lockdown of the district, following which the district magistrate promulgated an indefinite curfew in the entire district on Tuesday. Meanwhile, two boys’ hostels of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal one of the two biggest hospitals in the state have been completely sealed after the mother of an inmate (medical student)

was found infected by the pandemic. The two hostels (no. 2 and 30 located inside the hospital campus have been shut since 9 pm on Tuesday by an order issued by the JNIMS administration. The order prohibited entry of outsiders and exit of inmates and other hostel staff in the two hostels until further notice. Reports said a final year MBBS student lodged at hostel no. 2 of the boys’ hostel was at his home in Thoubal district for three days (from July 12 to 14) before her mother tested positive for COVID-19. After returning to the hostel, he had visited his friends in the hostel no. 2 and 3 and shared a meal together at hostel no.3. Samples of all the 53 medical students of the two hostels were sent for testing for COVID-19 on Wednesday morning. On the other hand, four more persons from Thoubal

district with history of contact with positive persons were confirmed for the virus on Wednesday. They were among 45 new COVID19 infections reported in the state during the last 24 hours, COVID-19 Common Control Room informed in a statement on Wednesday. Including the 45 new cases, the COVID-19 infections tally of the state rose to 2060. Of them, 642 were active cases. The recovered cases reached 1418 with the discharge of 34 persons upon recovery on Wednesday. The recovery rate was 68.83 percent, the statement added. Of the 45 new positive cases detected in the last 24 hours, 40 were males and five females. Except the four from Thoubal district having contact history, all others were returnees from other states. Of the 813 samples, 409 were tested at JNIMS VRDL in which 21 of them were found to be infected by the virus.

Shillong, Jul 22: The traditional bonhomie between the border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh has been further strengthened with both the frontier forces working in tandem to keep the IndiaBangladesh border safe, especially during these times of global pandemic. “The Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), while guarding the international border are also setting an unprecedented example of friendship between them and acting as ambassadors of their respective countries. While on Western border, BSF faces an adversary in Pakistan army and Pakistan Rangers, on Eastern Border, BSF and BGB are proving to be strong allies in fighting smuggling and other trans-border crimes,” BSF Meghalaya Frontier Headquarters Spokesperson, U.K.Nayal said. “The trust, understanding and coordination between both the border guarding forces are unparalleled and touching new heights. In present scenario of COVID-19 and floods in the border areas, both the forces are tackling smuggling and other transborder crimes with excellent coordination and trust among them,” he said “There is a smooth exchange of information between the forces upon

3 foreign experts hurt in Assam blowout site mishap GUWAHATI, JULY 22 (IANS): An accident at the natural gas blowout site in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district on Wednesday injured three of the six foreign experts involved in the dousing of the well fire raging for around 43 days, officials said. According to officials of Oil India Limited (OIL), three experts of Singaporebased firm ALERT -- Anthony Steven Reynolds, Doug Dallas and Craig Neil Duncan -- suffered minor burn injuries while removing a spool from the well head. “The three injured experts were provided immediate medical treatment by doctors at the well site. Security personnel stand guard outside Astha Hospital Subsequently, they were tak- where the 3 foreign experts are admitted. (PTI)

en to the burn unit section of Astha Nursing Home at Dibrugarh. They have been released after dressing of the burn injuries. It is expected that operations would once again resume at Baghjan on Thursday,” the officials said. Natural gas and oil condensate started leaking from the state-owned OIL’s oil well at Baghjan in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district around 57 days ago and it later caught fire. Besides hostile weather, OIL has been facing numerous other problems to put out the fire and cap the gas leak at Baghjan, around 550 kms east of Assam’s main city of Guwahati. OIL officials said that despite partial withdrawal of agitation by

locals, youth organisations and others including a section of local people agitating for higher compensation even as state-owned OIL continues to lose production of oil and gas. So far, since May 27, over 15,590 MT of crude oil and around 34 million standard cubic metres per day of natural gas has been lost as a section of agitators continue with their protests in a few locations in Tinsukia district. Though a section of agitators called off the protests and road blockade last month, others continue to demand higher compensation for the affected people and hold OIL responsible for the mishap.

hospital,” War said, adding that contact tracing is on and we will see how many from the high risk are positive. Contact tracing will be massive since the patient has visited market places. Furthermore, he informed that of the 4 who tested positive in West Jaintia Hills, one is a returnee from Assam, while three are cases detected during random tests conducted at Amlarem market. Meanwhile, as per the latest update, East Khasi Hills District has over 366 active cases that include 269 BSF troopers, 14 armed forces and 83 others. In Ri Bhoi district where areas bordering Assam have been declared as ‘containment zones’, the number of people infected by COVID-19 is 42. There are 12 active cases in West Garo Hills, 5 in West Jaintia Hills, 2 in South Garo Hills, 2 in East Jaintia Hills, 1 in South West Garo Hills, 1 in East Garo Hills, and 1 in North Garo Hills. War said 29,742 swab samples have been sent for testing till Wednesday, out of which 28, 967 yielded negative while the test report of 260 are still awaited.

Fire incident in Diphu market

Correspondent

COVID community transmission on the rise in Manipur ‘BSF, BGB ties have improved Over 40 cases of local transmission in Thoubal district

said that health authorities would conduct random testing along vulnerable areas of the villages in East and West Jaintia Hills districts bordering Bangladesh. As on Wednesday evening, War said 25 fresh cases were reported which included19 in East Khasi Hills (2 Armed Forces, 6 BSF and 11 others), 4 in West Jaintia Hills, and 2 in East Jaintia Hills. “We also have 8 new recoveries that include 4 BSF, 2 Air Force and a civilian, taking the total recoveries to 78,” the medical official told reporters. Of the 11 civilians who tested positive in East Khasi Hills today, 4 are returnees from Assam and one from Arunachal Pradesh, one from West Bengal and one from Manipur. Three others are high risk contacts from the NEIGRIHMS, including two staff nurses and one diet helper. “In East Jaintia Hills, the two cases, including a Meghalaya police personnel and a shopkeeper were detected during a random testing conducted at Khliehriat market and all have been placed in corona care centre and some in Jowai MCH

eral LPG cylinders exploded in the blaze. There were no reports of casualty by any authority. According to some victims, household property worth lakhs were destroyed in the blaze.

It may be mentioned here that last week a similar fire broke out near the same locality which gutted several business establishments causing substantial financial loss.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE COMMANDANT 10TH NAP BN (INDIA RESERVE) ZHADIMA:: NAGALAND.

which prompt action is beth ing taken. Both the forces No.10BN(IR)RO-44 /2020-21/ Dated, Zhadima the July 2020 To are carrying out simultaneNo.101749 Recruit Constable KEDUOLHOULIE RIO ous coordinated patrols on S/o Zhangulie Rio sensitive patches to curb ‘A’/ Adm smuggling and create a 10th NAP Bn (IR) sense of security among Zhadima, Nagaland. the border population,” Sub : FINAL CALLING NOTICE Nayal said. No.101749 Recruit Constable Kedoulhoulie Rio, S/o Stating that both the Zhangulie, Village- Chiechama, PO/PS- Chiephobozou, Distforces are also prompt in Kohima is found absent from Government bonafide duty w.e.f responding to each other’s 25/05/20. Whereas, 3 (Three) Calling Notices has been issued call, the BSF Spokesperson to you vide order No.10BN(IR)RO-44 /2020-21/296 Dated, cited examples of how 29/07/20, No.10BN(IR)RO-44 /2020-21/382 Dated, 08/06/20 earlier this year, an IN- and No.10BN(IR)RO-44 /2020-21/480 Dated, 25/06/20 through SAS rifle and a magazine concerned P.S but you failed to report back for duty. Whereas it is notified that final opportunity is given to were snatched away by “Bangladesh miscreants” No.101749 Recruit Constable Kedoulhoulie Rio to report back after a surprise attack on to undersigned within 7 (seven) days from the date of publication BSF patrol of Border Out of this final calling notice, failing which disciplinary proceedings Post Rongtilla and in a shall be initiated against you exparte. Commandant very short span of time the NAP Bn (India Reserve) 10thNAGALAND GOVERNMENT OF arms and ammunition were DC-636 Zhadima, Nagaland recovered after the BSF OFFICE OF THE COMMANDANT approached the BGB. “In 10TH NAP BN (INDIA RESERVE) GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND another such instance, durZHADIMA:: NAGALAND. ing Amphan cyclone, a BSF speed boat with 6 troops on No.10BN(IR)RO-44 /2020-21/ Dated, Zhadima the th July 2020 board swept away towards To Dear, Aien No.101749 Recruit Constable KEDUOLHOULIE RIO Bangladesh into the strong happy! Today is the day you S/oBe Zhangulie :::Rio KOHIMA currents of the river Dova.NAGALAND into this world to be a ‘A’/brought Adm On the call of BSF, prompt were 10th NAP Bninspiration (IR) blessing and to the people action was taken by BGB NOTIFICATION Zhadima, Nagaland. around you! You are a beautiful and these troops were resDated. Kohima the 21st July 2020 : FINAL person. you beNOTICE given more cued and later returned Sub NO.COOP/MC–54/2018-19/2972 :May InCALLING continuation to implementation of the safely,” he said. No.101749 Recruit Constable Rio, ie, S/o birthdays toProject fulfill all of yourfor dreams. Integrated Cooperative Development (ICDP) 5Kedoulhoulie (five) Districts Zhangulie, VillageChiechama, PO/PSChiephobozou, DistPointing out that India Kiphire Happy Birthday Dear…!!! Kohima, Peren, Tuensang, & Longleng, it is hereby notified to all Chief Kohima is found absentrd from Government bonafide duty w.e.f and Bangladesh a implementation From your loving frnz Project Officers share that the of 3 year project will be executed Notices has been issued common history and a very 25/05/20. Whereas, 3 (Three) Calling ____________________ as per given time table:to you vide order No.10BN(IR)RO-44 /2020-21/296 Dated, strong relationship, which 29/07/20, No.10BN(IR)RO-44 /2020-21/382 Dated, 08/06/20 Start ofon issue Application Form = 1st Phom, August 2020. is 1. reflected theofborder Dearest Ajung and No.10BN(IR)RO-44 25/06/20 through 2. Last forces date for of Application Form = 15th/2020-21/480 SeptemberDated, 2020. guarding of issue both the concerned P.S but you failed to report for duty. Iam so to know that today is thglad back 3. Lasttoo, date Nayal of submission Form = that 30 final September 2020. country said, of Application Whereas it is your notified opportunity is the given to birthday. Wishing youstall best “BSF remains inofconstant 4. Inspection Societies and approval of DLCC to complete = 31 October No.101749 Recruitand Constable Kedoulhoulie Rio to bless report you back happiness in life. God touch2020. with BGB and they to undersigned within 7 (seven) days from the date of publication with health and long life.Happy share informationbyregardthis final calling notice,good failing which disciplinary proceedings 5. Verification H.O andofapproval of SLCC to complete = 20th November birthday to you. shall be initiated against you exparte. ing smuggling and other 2020. Commandant criminal activities with each Your friend Nzanti Sd/10th NAP Bn (India Reserve) other on a regular basis.

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES

(TIYONGMERENZhadima, JAMIR) Nagaland Addl. Registrar of Cooperative Societies (HOD) Nagaland, Kohima GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND DC-636

DC-635

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES NAGALAND ::: KOHIMA

NOTIFICATION

Dated. Kohima the 21st July 2020 NO.COOP/MC–54/2018-19/2972 : In continuation to implementation of the Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP) for 5 (five) Districts ie, Kohima, Peren, Tuensang, Kiphire & Longleng, it is hereby notified to all Chief Project Officers that the implementation of 3rd year project will be executed as per given time table:1. Start of issue of Application Form = 1st August 2020. 2. Last date for issue of Application Form = 15th September 2020. 3. Last date of submission of Application Form = 30th September 2020. 4. Inspection of Societies and approval of DLCC to complete = 31st October 2020. 5. Verification by H.O and approval of SLCC to complete = 20th November 2020. Sd/(TIYONGMEREN JAMIR) Addl. Registrar of Cooperative Societies (HOD) Nagaland, Kohima DC-635

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

ED raids Gehlot’s brother in fertiliser scam case Countrywide searches underway

NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (PTI): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the premises of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s brother on Wednesday as part of countrywide searches in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged fertiliser scam, officials said. ED sleuths were assisted by personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who were seen standing guard at the farmhouse and residence of the Gehlots’ in Mandore area of Jodhpur district. The searches come at a time when a political slugfest is currently on between CM Gehlot and his former deputy Sachin Pilot. Pilot, a former Union minister, was recently sacked as the deputy CM and PCC chief of the state. Officials said the raids are being carried out

Ashok Gehlot and Agrasain Gehlot (File)

against Ashok Gehlot’s elder brother Agrasain Gehlot, who is the promoter of a seeds and fertiliser company identified as Anupam Krishi. Responding to the raids, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told reporters in Jaipur, “Prime Minister Modi has created ‘raid raj’ in the country but we are not going to be scared.” When the Centre’s “gimmicks” failed to topple the Congress government in Rajasthan, ED raids

started at the premises of Gehlot’s elder brother, he said The agency, officials said, is searching at least six locations in the desert state including at the premises of a former Congress MP, who is alleged to have business ties with Agrasain Gehlot. They said the raids are being conducted by the central probe agency at 13 places in the country including Rajasthan, West Bengal (2), Gujarat (4) and Delhi (1).

The action came after the agency filed a criminal Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), ED equivalent of a police FIR, in a 2007-09 Customs department case of alleged irregularities in the supply of subsidised Muriate of Potash (MOP) to farmers and investigation in this case was finalised in 2013. The ED complaint under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has been filed after studying the FIR and chargesheet filed by the Customs and its specialised probe arm Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), they said. The raids are aimed to collect evidence in this scam case which is stated to be worth about Rs 60 crore, officials said. Officials of the agency are carrying out the searches under the provision of the PMLA. Sources alleged that Agrasain Gehlot and his company have been slapped with a Customs penalty of about Rs 7 crore

in this alleged fertiliser supply scam. The ED is also probing an alleged forex law violation case against a Jaipur-based businessman Ratan Kant Sharma, who is alleged to have had business ties with Ashok Gehlot’s son Vaibhav in the past. The Income Tax Department on July 13 had carried out multiple raids at over 40 premises of three Rajasthan-based business groups on tax evasion charges and officials had said it seized about Rs 12 crore cash and vital documents. The premises linked to two state Congress leaders and a business group stated to be close to the top party leadership of Rajasthan were searched. The Central Board of Direct Taxes had later said that “several incriminating evidences in the form of loose papers, diaries, digital data were found that indicate bullion trading in cash, investment of cash in properties among others.”

1st anniv of Chandrayaan-2 launch, Rajnath asks IAF to be all 8 payloads performing well: ISRO ready for any eventuality BENGALURU, JUL 22 (PTI): As India’s second lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 marked one year of completion of launch by GSLV MkIII M1 on Wednesday, Indian Space Research Organisation said all its eight payloads are performing well. The global mapping of the lunar surface and polar coverage are being carried out as per the mission plan, while public release of science data from Chandrayaan-2 for global use will begin in October, the space agency said. “Extensive data has been acquired from Chandrayaan-2 payloads and parameters are being derived for presence of water-ice in the polar regions, X-ray based and Infrared spectroscopic mineral information and mid and high latitude presence of Argon-40, a condensable gas on the Moon which gets released internally by radio-active decay of 40 K”, ISRO said.

The report on the major findings from Chandrayaan-2 science experiments was planned to be released at the Annual Lunar Planetary Science Conference in March 2020, but was however cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it said. Public release of science data from Chandrayaan-2 for global use will begin in October 2020, wherein details for accessing the data will be provided, it added. Chandrayaan-2, aimed

at landing a rover on unchartered Lunar South Pole, was launched on July 22, 2019 on board the country’s most powerful geosynchronous launch vehicle. The spacecraft was inserted into lunar orbit on August 20, 2019. The Chandrayaan-2 mission was India’s first attempt to land on the lunar surface. ISRO had planned the landing on the South Pole of the lunar surface. However, the lander Vikram hard-landed in September last year.

NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (AGENCIES): In a significant message to the Indian Air Force, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday alluded to the ongoing efforts for military de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and urged the IAF to be ready for any eventuality. Singh was addressing the Air Force Commanders’ Conference (AFCC) at the Air Headquarters here. In his address, Singh praised the rapid deployment of IAF assets at forward locations in response to the prevailing situation in eastern Ladakh, saying it had sent a strong message to the adversaries. On the IAF bolstering its operational capabilities over the past few months, Singh said the nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty stands firm on the faith its people have in the capability of its armed forces. Chief of the IAF, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, assured that the IAF was well prepared to counter

SC to hear plea of Rajasthan speaker against HC order today NEW DELHI/ JAIPUR, JUL 22 (PTI): The Supreme Court would on Thursday hear a plea of Rajasthan Assembly Speaker C P Joshi against the high court order restraining him till July 24 from conducting disqualification proceedings against 19 dissident Congress MLAs, including sacked deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot. As per the list of business uploaded on the Supreme Court website for July 23, a bench of Justices Arun Mishra, B R Gavai and Krishna Murari would hear the plea. Earlier, in the day Speaker C P Joshi moved the top court against the Rajasthan High Court order saying the “judiciary was never expected” to intervene in such matters resulting in “constitutional impasse”. Seeking an interim stay on the high court’s July 21 order, the plea has said that it was the duty of the top court to ensure that all

constitutional authorities Gehlot writes to PM over exercise their jurisdiction bid to ‘topple’ his govt within the boundaries and respect their “respective Rajasthan Chief Min‘lakshman rekha’ as envis- ister Ashok Gehlot has aged by the Constitution written a letter to Prime itself ”. Minister Narendra Modi, attempts to topple Pilot asks SC not to pass alleging his government and namany order on speaker’s plea ing Union minister GajenIn a dramatic turn of dra Singh Shekhawat. In the letter written events, rebel leader Sachin Pilot and his MLAs on Sunday, he accused ShekWednesday filed an appeal hawat, other BJP leaders and urged the Supreme and some “overambitious Court to hear them first leaders” of his own party before passing any order for being involved in the on Assembly Speaker’s alleged attempt to bring plea. Also Read - Fertil- down his Congress governiser Scam: Amid Rajasthan ment. “I am not aware to Crisis, ED Searches Ashok Gehlot’s Brother’s Jodhpur what extent this is in your knowledge or if you are Farm House The move from the being misled,” Gehlot said Pilot camp came soon af- in the letter released to ter Rajasthan Assembly the media on Wednesday. Speaker C P Joshi moved “History will not forgive the apex court against the those who participate in high court directive to defer this deed.” Gehlot is caught in a till July 24 the disqualification proceedings against 19 power tussle with Sachin dissident Congress MLAs, Pilot, now sacked from including sacked deputy his post as deputy chief chief minister Pilot. minister.

In case of any road emergencies, following persons can be contacted:Agencies

short-term as well as strategic threats. “(We are) evenly poised to counter any aggressive action by the adversary,” said the IAF chief. He emphasised the need to focus on the ability to handle situations at a short notice for ensuring a robust response. All commands were praised in ensuring deployment of force and the IAF chief termed it as “prompt and laudable”. During the three-day conference, commanders will review the current operational scenario and deployments before deliberating on building the IAF capabilities in the next decade to tackle all emerging threats, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence said. Meanwhile, Singh acknowledged the IAF’s role in adapting to changes in technology and adopting emerging capabilities in nano technology, artificial intelligence, and cyber and space domains. He assured the commanders that all requirements of the armed forces, whether financial or otherwise, would be fulfilled.

Name of roads Name of Person(s) 1.Dimapur-Kohima Mr. P. L. Rao (Patkai Bridge to Piphema) 2. Dimapur- Kohima Mr. M. V. Rao (Piphema to Jotsoma Bypass

Contact Number 7004896209 9440300413

9957093923, 9685388767 Mr. Arjun Bhalala Mr. S. 8141700033, 4.Pfutsero —Mick Kumar 7975169952 Mr. Srinivas Mr. Amarjyoti 9365975657, 7002869408, 5.Merangkong-Tarnlu to Mon Gogoi Mr. Gunajit Das Mr. 8011337816, 9957435771 Indrajit Dutta 6.Wokha - Merapani Mr. Umesh 8700103619 Name of roads Name of Person(s) Contact Number 1.Kohima/Dimapu•/Peren / Er. Neilabeizo Angami 9436010319 Wokha Districts (NHs) ROADS Er. Limatoshi 9856072009 NPWD(NH) 3. Phek Er. Nungsangtemjen 9612949279 4.Tuensang Er. Imkongakum 9436426605 5.Kiphire Er. Keneizezo 9436604253 6.Mon Er. Shakup Phom 9612302270 Name of roads Name of Person(s) Contact Number 1. Dimapur 2. Phek Er. Ahoto Zhimomi, S.E 9436264390 3. Peren 4. Kohima Er. M. Z. Akho, S.E 9436005884 NPWD 5. Wokha (R&B) 6. Mokokchung Er. Tarepyuba Ao, S.E 8732083467 ROADS 7. Mon Er. Vihoshe Sema, S.E 9436072766 8. Tuensang 9. Longleng Er. Khekato Assumi, S.E 7005622850 10. Kiphire 11. Noklak 12. Zunheboto Er. Hozheto Shikhu, S.E 9436016377 NHIDCL ROADS

3.Chakabama-Zunheboto

Mr. Devkinandan Sharma

Can’t final year exams be MCQ, SC notice to Prashant Bhushan China will face consequences assignment based? HC asks UGC on contemptuous tweets of misplaced aggression: Expert

NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (IANS): The Delhi High Court has asked the University Grants Commission (UGC) to clarify if the examinations for the final year students can be Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), presentation or assignment based instead of typical long format papers. A single judge bench of the high court presided by Justice Prathiba M Singh while listing the matter for further hearing on Friday post lunch asked the UGC to consider and state whether the options of MCQ, assignments, presentation etc are available to final year students. The court observed that unlike other universities across the globe, the Delhi University has not been helping its students. The court was hearing petitions challenging Delhi University’s decision to hold Open Book Examination (OBE) for final year undergraduate courses

which will be in long form exams. During the course of the hearing, the UGC appraised the court that guidelines do not permit internal assessment for evaluating final year students as it puts the credibility of the system at risk. “Graduating people on the basis of their past performance is not an option,” the counsel for the UGC said. The UGC said that if students take assignments home, the sanctity of exams would not be maintained as there would be a chance of cheating. To which the court responded, “At the end of the day, percentage of people who would cheat would be minimal. People, who would cheat, can do so even in hard exams. Three hours is not.. Open Book Exam (OBE) has so many problems.” L a s t we e k , D e l h i University agreed before a separate bench of the Delhi

High Court to conduct the final year examinations through the Online Open Book Examination (OBE) mode from August 10. The advancement of dates came after a division bench of the high court presided by Justices Hima Kohli and Subromonium Prasad asked the varsity to expedite the examination process. “Wrap it up fast, the more you delay the exams, the lesser career options would be there with the students,” the bench said. It has also asked the varsity to file an affidavit mentioning the detailed timeline for the declaration of results and conducting physical examination for those students who could not appear in open book examination. The court’s request and direction came after the varsity in an affidavit filed on Monday had submitted that the open book examinations will be conducted from August 17 to September 8. Initially, the varsity had announced that the online Open Book Examination (OBE) would commence from July 1, which was later postponed by the varsity to July 10. The university has now postponed the same till August 15 without giving a specific date when they would take place.

Prashant Bhushan (File)

NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (IANS): The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to advocate Prashant Bhushan over the alleged contemptuous remarks made on Twitter. The court also asked the Attorney General to assist it in the case. A Bench, comprising Justices Arun Mishra, B.R. Gavai and Krishna Murari, asked Bhushan and Twitter to file reply by August 5. “We are, prima facie, of the view that the aforesaid statements on Twitter have brought the administration of justice in disrepute and are capable of undermining the dignity and authority of the institution of the Supreme Court in general and the office of the Chief Justice of India in particular, in the eyes of public at large,” the court said. Senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, representing Twitter Inc, USA, contended that he would advise his client to delete the offensive tweets.

The Bench questioned Twitter why it couldn’t disable the tweets on its own even after a contempt case had been initiated. The counsel for Twitter said he understood it and would convey the court’s intent to his client. He also submitted before the Bench to direct it to disable tweets by Bhushan, and insisted that Twitter couldn’t delete tweets without the court direction. “We take suo motu cognizance of the aforesaid tweet also, apart from the tweet quoted above and suo motu register the proceedings. We issue notice to the Attorney General for India and to Prashant Bhushan also,” the court said referring to Bhushan’s two tweets. The Supreme Court initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against Bhushan for allegedly making derogatory comments against the top court on Twitter. The first tweet, posted on June 27, alleged the last four Chief Justices had played a role in the “destruction of democracy” during undeclared “emergency” for the last six years. The second tweet on June 29 allegedly said the present Chief Justice rode a stationary bike at Nagpur while keeping the apex court in lockdown and denying citizens their right to access to justice.

New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI): China will face the consequences of its misplaced aggression in eastern Ladakh and other parts of Asia because its misadventures may trigger nationalist counter-responses among neighbours who will simply not accept any attempted domination, a strategic affairs expert said Wednesday. Prof. C. Raja Mohan, who heads a prestigious institution in Singapore, also said China’s actions in eastern Ladakh have created conditions for a “fundamental reset” of New Delhi’s ties with Beijing as its “unacceptable assertion” of power and quest to grab more land undercut nearly three decades of efforts to build mutual trust. China has been equally belligerent in South China Sea and East China Sea much to the chagrin of countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia. Prof Mohan said China will face consequences for its misplaced aggression as Asian countries will produce counter-responses, including a push for rebalancing of power in the region. “We are beginning to see that the rest of the world will not simply accept the domination of one power,” he said.

“I think the important point here is that the Chinese might have fundamentally miscalculated the nature of nationalism in Asia. Most countries in Asia are nationalist, India is nationalist. There is a strong sense of nationalism all across South East Asia,” Prof Mohan told PTI in a telephonic interview from Singapore. “The very attempt at imposing one nation’s will is going to produce a backlash just as most Asian countries like China fought off colonial powers. So they are not going to simply accept the attempted domination by any new power in Asia,” he said. The noted Indian strategic affairs expert is currently serving as director of the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore. He said China has been pushing the countries closer to the US by its aggressive behaviour, adding there has been a resistance from the rest of the world to counter Beijing as the global community cannot simply accept the attempted domination of one power. “What China has done is to nudge most of the countries towards the US. The countries which were hesitant or reluctant to deal with the US. China is compelling many of its

neighbours to build stronger ties with the US including on defence and security cooperation,” he said. “So the effect of its action is counter-productive even from China’s own perspective purely looking at it as an analytical thing. So my sense is, even within China, I am sure there are people who see this as a miscalculation and that the consequences of needless assertion will cost China,” Prof Mohan observed. He said the primary consequence of China’s misadventure in eastern Ladakh including the Galwan Valley clashes was the impact on the three decades of normalisation of India-China relationship that began with the visit of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1988 and subsequent signing of a series of agreements. The relationship suffered a massive setback when 20 Indian army personnel were killed in Galwan Valley clashes on June 15. “But by unilaterally trying to change the border and adopting an aggressive posture on the Ladakh frontier and other places, China has dramatically undercut the developing trust in Beijing by the Indian people and this has created conditions for a fundamental reset of the relationship,” Prof Mohan said.

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXx NO. 227 Dimapur, THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

COVID catastrophe

ith COVID-19 cases rising alarmingly at the rate of around 40,000 cases per day, India is certainly not seeing better days and the bad news is that worse days are ahead. Despite the Modi government’s vain attempt to halt the spread of the rampaging virus through a belated Lockdown on March 24,2020, the figures keep increasing. When a nationwide lockdown was announced without any prior notice on March 24, there were 564 COVID-19 cases. Today, after 120 days of the lockdown, the tally has exploded to 11,82,915 COVID-19 cases. To make it clear, the spike in number of COVID-19 cases during the lockdown period has conclusively proved that the efforts are fruitless. As stated, when lockdown was announced on March 24, there were 564 COVID-19 cases, then by March 28 there were 1024 then by April end, the number rose to 33,000. At the end of May, the number ballooned to 1,82,143 and by June-end , it more than tripled to 5,66,840. In the current month and as on July 22, the figure of has almost doubled to 11,82,915 COVID-19 cases. Yet the government refuses to accept the reality, that its belatedly and hastily unplanned lockdown order has failed to contain the virus. Of course, the government continues to refer to high recovery and low mortality rates as placebo but these cannot deny the facts. The figures are facts that cannot be hidden behind denials. Worse, denials of facts that matter can only be deceit. To concerned immunologist, virologists and citizens, these detractions reveal a mid-course drift which seek to lay claims of achievements by cherry picking. Unfortunately, the media has utterly failed to act as watchdog. Perhaps kowtowing may be due to fear of reprisals through raids etc and which has also spread the virus of fear among sections. The power of fear is such that people’s minds have fallen prey to the illusion of truth. Today, no one remembers that when Modi announced lockdown on March 24, he claimed that India would defeat the virus in 21 days. Today the virus still shows no sign of facing imminent defeat. Perhaps, the pillars of democracy be it the friendly media, a parliament under lockdown and an absence of an opposition have been a huge bonus for the government which finds no reason to have to explain to the nation where things have gone wrong in the fight against coronavirus. According to virologists, epidemiologists and immunologists as well as scientists both within and outside India, community transmission has taken place since April which the government denies. As per the arithmetical calculations India is likely to see around 35 lakh COVID-19 cases by the end of September 2020 and expected to reach its peak by March 2021 to a crore or two. Another justification for the lockdown is that the idea was only to buy time so that hospitals are not overwhelmed with more patients than beds. Nevertheless, the mindless shifting the goalpost is not unusual. It brings to mind the other eternal mystery of the ‘real purpose’ of demonetisation. Unless the government accepts that lockdown has failed and community transmission is taking place, India will face a very grim situation. Unfortunately, the common people who are the sufferers have also failed to heed the warning calls of the troubles ahead.

DailyDevotion Sanctification (1)

This is the will of God, your sanctification… —1 Thessalonians 4:3 The Death Side. In sanctification God has to deal with us on the death side as well as on the life side. Sanctification requires our coming to the place of death, but many of us spend so much time there that we become morbid. There is always a tremendous battle before sanctification is realized— something within us pushing with resentment against the demands of Christ. When the Holy Spirit begins to show us what sanctification means, the struggle starts immediately. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate…his own life…he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). In the process of sanctification, the Spirit of God will strip me down until there is nothing left but myself, and that is the place of death. Am I willing to be myself and nothing more? Am I willing to have no friends, no father, no brother, and no self-interest— simply to be ready for death? That is the condition required for sanctification. No wonder Jesus said, “I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). This is where the battle comes, and where so many of us falter. We refuse to be identified with the death of Jesus Christ on this point. We say, “But this is so strict. Surely He does not require that of me.” Our Lord is strict, and He does require that of us. Am I willing to reduce myself down to simply “me”? Am I determined enough to strip myself of all that my friends think of me, and all that I think of myself? Am I willing and determined to hand over my simple naked self to God? Once I am, He will immediately sanctify me completely, and my life will be free from being determined and persistent toward anything except God (see 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). When I pray, “Lord, show me what sanctification means for me,” He will show me. It means being made one with Jesus. Sanctification is not something Jesus puts in me— it is Himself in me (see 1 Corinthians 1:30).

Quotes

If you think it’s hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball. ~ Jack Lemmon

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

ndia may be the only country in the world where the politicians keep returning to the past whenever faced with a crisis at home. When it comes to an India-China stand off the BJP’s propaganda machinery, backed especially by an obliging electronic media, moves to the top gear to take us back to 1962 and remind us of the military debacle suffered at the hands of China. This has been happening every year for the last three or four decades. This year, with the situation at LAC the worst since 1967, when during the first year of Indira Gandhi’s premiership, the Chinese were given a ‘bloody nose,’ the BJP has spared no effort to hark back to 1962 with the sole aim of diverting attention from the complex situation the country is facing in the Ladakh border that climaxed with the killing of 20 unarmed Indian soldiers, including a Colonel and three JCOs. Many nations across the world - Russia, USA, UK, France, Germany, Israel, Egypt, Iran, Japan, China to name only a few - have won and lost many wars and battles in their long history. But nowhere are the people reminded of their defeats even though victories are celebrated on a grand scale. Here in India, the BJP must each time remind us of India’s sole defeat after 1947 as it suits its political agenda of denigrating India’s first

Why 2020 is not 1962

and greatest Prime Minister whose matchless stature is something BJP can never come to terms with because of its RSS indoctrination. Let us go back to 1962 and see for the benefit of those who have been fed with a distorted version of history how India’s greatest democratic Prime Minister kept the nation informed of the border situation regularly and frequently. On Oct 22, the day after China launched a massive aggression in NEFA (northeastern frontier agency, now Arunachal Pradesh), Nehru broadcast to the nation: ‘I feel that I must speak to you about the grave situation which has arisen on our frontiers because of continuing and unabashed aggression by the Chinese forces....We explored avenues for an honourable settlement by peaceful methods.....but all our efforts have been in vain in so far our frontier is concerned, where a powerful and unscrupulous opponent, not caring for peace or peaceful methods, has continuously threatened us and even carried threats into action...’ After explaining the situation in both NEFA and Ladakh sectors, the Prime Minister firmly concluded: ‘ At the same time it is obvious that no country worth its grain, and certainly not India, can submit to bullying tactics and to forced being used to take its territory and to show

that it can be treated casually by any other country. It is impossible whatever the consequences might be. We have to face this difficult situation with courage and strength.... strength ultimately depends on the unity and effort in the country.’ Now compare the above with what Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke when the border incursions by China were reported. The Prime Minister could not muster up the courage to admit that the enemy had intruded. This is what he exactly said on June 19, three days after the Galwan valley clash: ‘ No intruder is present inside India’s borders nor is any post under anyone’s custody.’ This statement was far from truth, and was used by the Chinese media to justify its presence not only in Galwan but three other places where they had intruded - Pangong Tso, Hot Springs and Depsang. Subsequent clarification by the PMO served no purpose as the damage was already done. That is why former PM, Dr Manmohan Singh rightly warned: ‘A Prime Minister must be mindful of the implications of his words on a nation’s strategic interests, ‘adding that’ disinformation was no substitute for diplomacy or decisive leadership.’ Even this sage advice by his illustrious predecessor was not palatable to PM Modi who asked his party president to condemn the statement and question

NSCN (I-M) statement on gunning down of 6 soldiers

his record of dealing with the Chinese incursions from 2010 to 2013, in an attempt to divert attention from the present situation. In his monthly Mann ki Baat on June 28 and address to the troops in Nimu (Leh) on July 3, PM Modi again did not divulge details of the standoff and, for some strange reason, did not mention the name of China even once simply declaring at the top of his voice in Ladakh: ‘Era of Expansionism is over ‘ Is it diplomacy or timidity ? We are too near the event to pass a judgement and let that be debated by the media and military historians in times to come. In 1962 Jawaharlal Nehru not only spoke to the nation within a day of aggression, and, as seen above, condemned China in strongest possible terms. This gave India a position of advantage as we will see later. Nehru also called the Parliament to session where not only he kept the country informed through its representatives in both Houses,but also encouraged a free debate with many eminent members asking him uncomfortable questions which were answered without a trace of rancour or ill feeling. To a question by the Anglo Indian member, Frank Anthony, Nehru replied; ‘ Mr Anthony said that our nation must be brutalized, that Jawaharlal

On March 1, 1963 the Ministry of National Defence of government of China issued a statement that there troops had withdrawn along the entire India China border on China’s own initiative and the withdrawal had been completed by the end of Feburary 1963. The withdrawal was upto 20 kilometers beyond what the Chinese claimed as the line of actual control. The statement also added that the Chinese forces were now far behind their positions of September 8, 1962. Why did China withdraw unilaterally and suddenly? Historian M.Chalapathi writes in his biography of Nehru: “Among the various motives ascribed were the persuasion of the Soviet Union (now Russia and other republics), the surprising surge of unity among the Indian people, the spontaneous offers of sympathy from several countries, and the promise of the necessary aid from the United States and Britain and Australia and others.” Yes, 2020 is not 1962. It can never be. Because India in1962 had a Prime Minister whose moral, national and international stature was, and remains till now, beyond compare. Praveen Davar (The writer, an ex Army officer and former member National Commission for Minorities, is a political analyst)

Schools during coronavirus

h e C OV I D - 1 9 i s surely not the last epidemic that will n July 11, 2020 Tangkhul Union Dimapur governments of Assam, threaten school continuwhen the combined (TUD) members and other Nagaland and Manipur for ity, given research on how forces of the Assam relatives of the deceases having extended co-oper- climate change will affect Rifles (AR), Indian Army who went all the way to ation and understanding. infectious disease occurand Arunachal Pradesh Dibrugarh in Assam to We express our apprecia- rence. Schools must immestate police force merci- process the final formality tion and gratitude to the diately update their emerlessly gunned down six (6) to bring home the mortal administration of these gency preparedness plans by developing contingency young soldiers of Naga remains of the five out of three states. Army while they were the six Naga Army perNSCN appreciates plans that not only address sleeping in a hut at Nginu sonnel. the condolence message school-based prevention village in Longding district We are equally grateful delivered by the Working and safety measures for of Arunachal Pradesh, to the Wancho Nagas (Wan- Committee (WC) of Naga epidemics but also identify it shook the human con- cho Council), Arunachal National Political Groups ways to continue educating sciousness beyond mea- Naga Students’ Federation (NNPGs) on the death of and supporting students sure. On the other side, (ANSF), Longding district the six Naga Army person- and teachers if schools are the inhumane brutality of administration and Dibru- nel: “We may be divided closed. The pandemic that the Indian security forces garh Hospital authority that by nomenclatures, ideolo- the world faces today, and was laid bare before the extended help and coop- gies and political beliefs its associated social and world. Supporters of Naga eration in their respective but we are all Nagas by economic stressors can political movement raised capacities. blood, sharing same his- undermine children’s develbanners at the United NaNSCN is thankful to tory, political right and one opment and wellbeing. Coronavirus has igtions (UN) plaza in front of the Naga Students’ Federa- future. WC is deeply hurt the UN office in Geneva, tion (NSF), Dimapur Naga by the slaughter of six Naga nited a global response and realization that our present Switzerland. They targeted Students’ Union (DNSU) youth.” the Indian Army and RAW and others too for showWe acknowledge the way of life is incompatible (Research Analysis Wing) ing solidarity and love Tangkhul Naga profes- and does not function. It as sponsor of terrorism. to the Naga martyrs and sionals living in cities and has shattered the percepBack home in Na- having warmly received elsewhere who gathered do- tion of what is normal and galim, people of cross-sec- their mortal remains at nations within themselves deconstructed society as we tion deeply mourn the loss Dimapur, Nagaland while and distributed INR 50,000 know it. It has catalysed a of the six young soldiers passing by. (fifty thousand) each to new utopia that is whiskin the prime time of their NSCN is grateful to the six families of the de- ing over our fragile school service for the Naga na- the Naga Council Dimapur parted young Naga Army governance system across tion. Despite facing many (NCD) too for permitting personnel. Such a manner the world, country, and hurdles because of the the decent burial of two of patriotic contribution state. With schools shut 320 ongoing lockdown in the of the Naga martyrs at the is highly appreciated and million students affected by it and the government’s inbattle against Covid-19, Naga Council Cemetery valued. no stone was left unturned in Dimapur since their Short of mentioning stant control mechanism of by the Naga civil society mortal remains could not by names, there are many shifting to online teaching organizations (CSOs) to be taken to their respective agencies, friends and well- platform brought in some bring home the mortal villages. We are thankful wishers who also played a relief by keeping the balls remains to their respec- to the anonymous well- very effective and vital role rolling though it has created tive Naga villages spread wisher who fully borne the throughout. We thank them an intense digital divide across the Indian states of expenses of the graveyards and appreciate their human with embedded gender and class dividers. Pushing Arunachal Pradesh, Assam of the two martyrs. concern. and Manipur. However, We are also thankful to We cannot forget all the educators, students, the mortal remains of two the GoI’s Cease Fire Moni- those who came forward and families to make enorof the six Naga national toring Group (CFMG) and contributed financial- mous efforts to do the best workers whose villages are Chairman for giving clear- ly, shed tears and prayed, they can do to handle and situated beyond the Indian ance to facilitate smooth pouring in words of con- manage the hurdles due to border of Myanmar could transportation of the mar- dolences and showing the the pandemic. Closure of not be taken to their respec- tyrs’ bodies. This was done spirit of love and respect to schools has highlighted the dreadful reality in the lives tive homes due to various despite facing many diffi- the six Naga martyrs. reasons. culties and limitations. Ironically, it took five of students and particuNSCN expresses its We acknowledge the (5) days to bring home the larly with disadvantaged special gratitude to the role played by the United mortal remains because children. Issues of uneven Naga Hoho (NH) and Naga Council (UNC), Naga many unseen forces were internet and technology, Naga Mothers’ Associa- Women Union (NWU), All at work not to allow our limited access to mental tion (NMA) that tirelessly Naga Students’ Associa- martyred soldiers’ bodies to and physical health serexplored every means as tion, Manipur (ANSAM), reach their homes, but for vices, and food insecuthey displayed the fatherly Ta n g k h u l N a g a L o n g the thundering spirit of our rity highlighted the role of and motherly figure and (TNL) and Mao Council togetherness to bring home schools as a vital pillar in did whatever is possible for the trouble taken to ar- our heroes led by the Naga promoting community rewithin and beyond to bring range a grand reception and Hoho and Naga Mothers’ silience and reconstructing home the mortal remains a joint condolence service Association despite all the social, emotional, cultural, of the Naga martyrs from for the six Naga national odds against them, we ul- economic, and physical health. Leaving the school a very remote terrain under workers in Ukhrul on 17th timately succeeded. with no choice, if they don’t difficult circumstances. July, 2020. Kuknalim!! teach remotely some may We are indebted to the We thank the state MIP, NSCN/GPRN Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this

Nehru must be brutalized. I hope that our nation, much less my humble self , will never be brutalized because it is a strange idea that one can only be strong by being brutal.... there is a definite distinction being strong and being brutalized. ‘ On November 8 a resolution was passed by the Parliament on the proclamation of emergency resulting from the invasion by China and, on 14th November (by coincidence Nehru’s 73rd birthday), another resolution was passed in an unprecedented manner with all members standing in the Lok Sabha pledging themselves “ to drive out the aggressor from the sacred soil of India, however long and hard the struggle may be.” On 21st November the Chinese government issued a statement making a unilateral announcement of ceasefire from the midnight of 21/ 22 November and a withdrawal of their forces from December 1. The following day the government of Srilanka (then Ceylon) announced they had called a conference of six nonaligned countries in Colombo to resolve the differences between India and China. While informing the House of both these developments on January 23, 1963, Pt Nehru reiterated that “we shall never submit to coercion and military pressures, and yet we cannot rule out peaceful methods of approach.”

miss out on a major part of school time and learning. A sizeable group of already disadvantaged students will be left out and fall even farther behind. The legacy of collective and individual grief that COVID-19 will leave behind has serious implications for schools, communities, and the mental health and wellbeing of students, teachers, and families. To meet up this challenge schools need to be given resources to prioritize joined up educational responses that support young people to develop the emotional, social, and civic skills that will build resilience during and after the pandemic and transform anxiety into the agency –even in normal times. Skills are the building blocks for the engaged constructive citizenship vital to building sustainable and inclusive societies. Schools are themselves communities that can help young people play an active role in building kinder, more caring societies during and after the crisis. Understanding schools as communities prepare young people to live and participate in the local area and wider society. Schools need to navigate the short- and long-term consequences of the greatest crisis we have faced after the second world war. We don’t need another pandemic to prove that schools are much more than institutions reconfiguring learning opportunities as important as it

is. But the outbreak does illustrate educational systems’ ethical responsibility in providing more than just plain grades signifying curricular mastery. Schools not only communicate knowledge for students, but they play a vital role in promoting prepandemic community resilience, democratic solidarity, human development, social welfare, employment, and childcare. Pandemic resilient schools can help pandemic resilient society but only if they are well supported. If the schools are well-taken care of by the educational policies, they can fulfil complex roles. The pandemic has opened Pandora’s box and brought forward the urgency in revisiting the educational policies and strengthen its weak point closure of schools necessarily in the future. It should not mean the closure of learning but should be a well-defined support and approach system so that any unprecedented incident in the future should not take us by surprise and neither should it create a divide where the privileged make the most and those behinds left out. As everyone is equally important as the other. Lack of research and policies on guidance for planning educational continuity is disastrous, as education is itself a form of psychosocial support that promotes holistic wellbeing during the crisis. Bharat Prasad, Kohima

Reader’s Post Sir,

Loss of innocence

There’s no doubt children’s screen timing is increasing but what is more striking is the screen space they are sharing. Kids are becoming part of youtube channels and tik-tok videos (glad its banned). These videos are not just made out for fun but there is a quest of becoming viral, getting views and likes. Having kids in the videos increase their viewership domain. Everyone wants to be famous overnight and these online platforms are accessible. It’s good to explore the kid’s potential and interests, but don’t lure them into early name and fame, not at the cost of their innocence. Sama Nochet, Dimapur newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

Ghaziabad scribe succumbed to injury opposition parties target Yogi Adityanath over law & order

Vikram Joshi

complaint by Vikram Joshi’s brother Aniket, who alleged that the journalist was given a life threat by the accused men. Three suspects - Ravi, Shahnoor alias Chhotu and Akash - were named in the FIR, while some other unnamed people were also accused in the case. The district police have identified Shahnoor alias Chhotu as the man who had shot Joshi after the group waylaid him while he was returning home on Monday night. Senior Superintendent of Police Kalanidhi Naithani said nine assailants were nabbed on Tuesday

and Pratap Vihar police post incharge Raghvendra Singh was suspended with immediate effect for dereliction of duty as he did not pay heed to the harassment complaint lodged by Joshi. Joshi had filed a police complaint on July 16 that Ravi and his accomplices were harassing his niece, the SSP said. On the same day, Joshi had engaged in a scuffle with Ravi, Akash and Shahnoor after he raised objections to illegal betting done by them in Mata colony area, Naithani said. The accused are bookies and were operat-

Andhra CM Jagan expands cabinet; inducts two ministers AMARAVATI, JUL 22 (IANS): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, here on Wednesday, expanded his cabinet by inducting two Ministers. C. Srinivasa Venugopala Krishna and Seediri Appalaraju took oath at a ceremony in Raj Bhavan. Governor Biswabhushan Harichandan administered the oath at 1.29 p.m. The Chief Minister, a few of his cabinet colleagues, Speaker T. Seetharam and few top officials attended the ceremony. There were few invitees due to the Covid-19 protocol. Both belong to backward classes and are first-time MLAs. With this, the Chief Minister has filled up the two vacancies that arose with the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Pilli Subhas Chandra Bose and Mopidevi Venkataramana following their election to the Rajya Sabha, recently. Bose and Venkataramana, who were holding revenue and animal husbandry portfolios respectively, were members of the Legislative Council. Jagan nominated them to the Rajya Sabha after

Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy

the decision to abolish the Upper House of the state legislature. Krishna represents Ramachandrapuram seat in East Godavari district in the Assembly and belongs to the Setti Balija community. Bose also belongs to the same community. Krishna was earlier the Zilla Parishad chairman in the East Godavari district. He quit the Congress to join the YSRCP in 2013. He contested unsuccessfully from the Kakinada Urban seat in 2014. Last year, the YSRCP fielded him from Ramchandrapuram and he got elected to the Assembly. Appalaraju represents the Palasa seat of the Srikakulam district and belongs to fishermen’s commu-

nity like Venkataramana. Appalarju, a doctor by profession, entered politics in 2017 at the invitation of the YSRCP. The 40-yearold, a state ranker in Class X, did MD in general medicine from Andhra Medical College in 2007. It was the first ministry expansion after Jagan inducted 25 Ministers in June 2019. Five of them were made Deputy Chief Ministers. Roads and Buildings Minister Dharmana Krishnadas is likely to be elevated as the Deputy Chief Minister in place of Bose. The new portfolio of Krishnadas and the newly inducted Ministers are likely to be announced later in the day.

ing in the area due to which stakeholders used to come there, the SSP said. “Ravi had received injuries in the incident and from that day he was planning to take a revenge from Joshi,” he said. A CCTV footage of the attack on the journalist that has surfaced on social media purportedly shows Joshi’s two-wheeler swerving before falling down and him getting attacked by the armed group of men. His daughters ran away to some distance, while the men caught hold of Joshi and started thrashing him. Suddenly, one of them opened fire and Joshi fell on the ground. The accused fled the spot, while his elder daughter rushed back to him and sat next to him on the road looking for help, the purported footage showed. Shahnoon and Akash have been arrested while Ravi is still absconding, the police said. Besides them, the police have also arrested seven men identified as Mohit, Dalbir, Yogendra, Shaqir, two men who go by the same name of Abhishek, and another accused Akash (besides the one who was named in the FIR), the officials said. Uttar Pradesh Chief

Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a financial aid of Rs 10 lakh for Joshi’s family, a job for his wife and free education for his children, an official spokesperson said in Lucknow. Condemning the incident, Rahul Gandhi slammed the Adityanath government over the law and order in the state. “Journalist Vikram Joshi was killed for opposing the molestation of his niece. My condolences to the bereaved family. The promise was of giving ‘Ram Raj’, but gave ‘Gundaraj’,” he said in a tweet. Congress’ chief sopkesperson Randeep Surjewala also reacted to the killing of the journalist and said there was ‘’gunda raj’’ and ‘’jungle raj’’ in the state. “It is clear there is no law and order in Uttar Pradesh. Becoming a journalist in Uttar Pradesh has become a sin,” he said. The Samajwadi Party announced a financial help of Rs 2 lakh for Joshi’s family and demanded that the state government provide Rs 25 lakh to the next of kin and bear all education expense of his children. Mayawati and Delhi chief minister also condemned the shooting of a journalist.

China has 40,000 troops at LAC despite de-escalation promise NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (AGENCIES): It seems that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is not in a mood to de-escalate the situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) as it has continued deployment of around 40,000 troops in its front and depth areas for the Eastern Ladakh sector. The Chinese are also not honouring their commitment for disengagement at the friction points in Eastern Ladakh and not moving back as per the agreed terms during the multiple rounds of talks at the government and Army levels and intervention at the senior level like the one done by the National Security Advisor couple of weeks ago, the sources said. “The Chinese have not shown any signs of de-escalation as they continue to maintain their heavy troop deployment of almost 40,000 troops supported by heavy weaponry like air defence systems, armoured personnel carriers and long-range artillery in front and depth areas,” sources said. The disengagement process has also not made any progress since the last round of talks between the

NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (PTI): Forty-five of the 61 newly elected members of Rajya Sabha took oath on Wednesday, with Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu urging them to uphold rules and procedures when discharging their duties as lawmakers and not fall prey to disruptions. Among the 45 were arch-rivals Jyotiraditya Scindia and Digvijaya Singh, with the scion of the erstwhile Gwalior royal family taking oath first and the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister following him. Scindia, who is now with the BJP and took oath as a member from Madhya Pradesh, greeted his bete noire before taking oath. Scindia and Singh had differences that led to Scindia quitting the Congress. Scindia also greeted Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Ghulam Nabi Azad. The 45 members, including 34 first-timers, took oath in the Rajya Sabha chamber following physical-distancing norms. The Rajya Sabha Secretariat earlier said 36 first-timers took oath but later corrected it to 34. In total, 61 members have been elected to the upper house of which 43

that India might occupy strategic heights once they retreat to their permanent locations in their side of the border, the sources said. In the last meeting between Corps commander-level officers on July 14-15, it was agreed that both sides will now monitor further disengagement by troops and verify the development in the next few days. The NSA, during his interaction with the Chinese side, had made it clear that both sides will have to move back to their permanent locations for the matter to be sorted out completely and to the satisfaction of both sides.

procedures of this house,” said his plan to administer Naidu said. oath earlier had to be put on He said as lawmakers hold due to the coronavirusfor the nation, the MPs induced travel restrictions should ensure their conduct and a few newly elected in the house is in confor- members had expressed mity with the rules and concern over travelling long precedents. distance. “Time well-spent is a Referring to the conlife well-lived. While the certed efforts being made by house is in session, be in the the central and state governhouse and be with the peo- ments and other stakeholdple during the inter-session ers to contain the pandemic, period,” the chairman said. Naidu hoped normal life Naidu suggested the will resume soon. first-time members to enThe new members, hance their knowledge including three women, M Venkaiah Naidu conducts proceedings during the oathabout the history and con- took oath in Telugu, Bodo, taking ceremony of new members in New Delhi. (PTI) tribution of the house dur- Kannada, Manipuri, Maraare first-timers. Those who also first-time members of ing the last 68 years by thi, Oriya, Tamil, Bengali, could not take oath Wednes- the upper house who took reading standard books. He Hindi and English. day will do so during the oath. After the oath-taking monsoon session. ceremony, Naidu urged the ‘Embrace latest technology’: PM urges newly Twelve sitting Rajya MPs to not fall prey to the elected MPs to stay connected with people Sabha members who have temptation of disrupting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday been re-elected, includ- proceedings of the house for interacted with the newly elected Rajya Sabha MPS ing Sharad Pawar, Har- “short-term gains”. ivansh, Ramdas Athawale, The chairman sug- and urged them to stay connected with people. He Digvijay Singh, Bhubane- gested the members to ques- said these MPs are diverse and will certainly make swar Kalita, Prem Chand tion themselves at the end effective contributions to Parliamentary proceedings. Gupta and Biswajit Daim- of each session whether “Had an excellent interaction with the newly elected ary, also took oath.Former they acted to enhance the Rajya Sabha MPs. It was wonderful to hear their views Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker dignity of the institution and passion towards public service. This is a group of M Thambidurai, who has and whether their conduct MPs who are diverse and will certainly make effective contributions to Parliamentary proceedings,” he said. been a five-time member of was ethical. the lower house, is among “Answers to these sim- PM Modi urged the new MPs to embrace latest technolthe first-time Rajya Sabha ple questions would guide ogy and asked them stay connected with people of the members. Congress mem- you on the right path,” he country. “Urged MPs to keep themselves updated with ber K C Venugopal, elected said. “Ensuring rule of law latest policy issues. Also emphasised on being effective from Rajasthan, is also is the spirit of our law of on the floor of the House as well as in the field, among a first timer in the upper the land (Constitution). It people. Reiterated the need for constant people conhouse. shall begin with your com- nect and embracing latest technology as well as social Scindia and Kharge are pliance with the rules and media,” he added.

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the Centre and not the state government. “It is made clear that the secretarial assistance for the Commission shall be provided by the Central Government, from such services/Departments as may be directed by the Chairman of the Commission,”said the top court. The bench, however, declined to monitor the investigations into Dubey’s encounter. “Just because it has received so much publicity, we cannot begin monitoring criminal investigations,” said the Chief Justice. With the commission to begin functioning within a week, the court also

said: “Needless to mention that any party to the present petitions may apply to the Inquiry Commission for being heard. List the matter thereafter along with the Report of the Commission.”

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MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

K-1266

at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh and start functioning within a period of one week from today,” said the bench also comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian. The bench noted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) already constituted by the state government will be free to inquire into any of the related incidents which are the subject matters of this case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the UP Police, informed the top court that the state government proposes Justice Chauhan’s name to head the three-member inquiry commission into the encounter of Vikas Dubey and his associates. The other two members of the commission are former judge of Allahabad High Court Justice Shashi Kant Agarwal and former Director General of Police K.L. Gupta. The apex court noted that the secretarial assistance to the Justice Chauhan commission shall be provided by

two Corps Commanders held last week and ground positions have also not changed, the sources said. The Chinese are also showing reluctance in moving out of the Finger 5 area and retreat back to their permanent location in Sirijap as they want to create an observation post in the Finger area, sources said. Similarly, they have done a heavy amount of construction of structures in the Hot Springs and Gogra post areas, which are the two major friction points in the Eastern Ladakh sector. In the Hot Springs and Gogra area, the Chinese have been giving an excuse

45 newly elected Rajya Sabha members take oath

Dubey encounter: SC nod for 3-member probe panel NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (IANS): The Supreme Court on Wednesday approved the appointment of a three-member inquiry commission, headed by former apex court judge Justice B.S. Chauhan, to probe the encounter death of gangster Vikas Dubey, and asked it to submit its report to the court and the Uttar Pradesh government within two months. A bench headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde also told the Uttar Pradesh Police not to resort to further encounters to eliminate dreaded gangsters in the state, after Ghanshyam Upadhyay, who moved the apex court for an independent inquiry into the encounter, sought that UP government should not resort to encounter of other criminals in the state, who also have many cases like Dubey. “We direct that the notification constituting the Commission and incorporating the Terms of Reference as approved by us, shall be issued immediately. The Commission shall sit

The Chinese are also showing reluctance in moving out of the Finger 5 area (Representational)

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GHAZIABAD (UP)/ NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (PTI): Ghaziabad-based journalist Vikram Joshi, who was shot in the head by some assailants two days ago, succumbed to the injuries on Wednesday, his family said. Joshi, who had made a complaint with police alleging harassment of his niece on July 16, was attacked around 10.30 pm on Monday while he was returning home in Vijay Nagar area on a two wheeler along with his two daughters, according to officials. The scribe aged around 35 years worked with a local Hindi daily. Joshi was admitted to a private hospital where he died during treatment. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and mother. “Yes, he (Vikram Joshi) is no more. He passed away around 4 am,” a family member told PTI. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, BSP chief Mayawati and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were among leaders who condemned the attack on the journalist and questioned the law-and-order situation in UP. Police have registered an FIR on the basis of a

5th Floor, Pt. Deendayal Antodaya Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 Appointment of Director, National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJ&E), Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Government of India invites applications for the post of Director, National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai, an autonomous body under the administrative control of this Ministry. Post carries pay as per Level 13 of Pay Matrix with admissible allowances and is to be filled up on Deputation/Short Term Contract initially for a period of 2 years which may be extended on yearly basis, after review of the performance, up to 5 years. 2. Detailed advertisement, application format etc. are available on the website of the Department http://www.disabilityaffairs.gov.in and on the website of the Institute i.e. http://www.niepmd.tn.nic.in/. Navin Kumar Under Secretary (NIs) davp 38117/11/0010/2021

Pandemic to bite deeply, GDP to shrink by 6 pc in FY21

MUMBAI, JUL 22 (PTI): Citing the yet to be stabilised infection curve and the COVID-19 caseload in economically key states, Singaporean brokerage DBS on Wednesday forecast deeper distress for the country which will lead to a 6 per cent growth contraction in FY21. In its earlier forecast, the brokerage had penciled in a minus 4.8 per cent growth for the current fiscal. According to the report, just 7 per cent of the districts in economically key states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, accounting for 30.5 per cent of the national economic output, and in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh account for as much as 70 per cent of the caseload. This will prolong the recovery and the pandemic is set to take a deeper economic bite, it said. The virus infections

have crossed 1.15 million in the country while the death due to the same are close to 29,000 now, making the country the third worst affected by the pandemic after the US with close to 3.9 million infections and Brazil with nearly 2.2 million cases. “We temper growth forecasts to minus 6 per cent for FY21 due to the prolonged sub-normal reopening as the country is yet to stabilize the infection curve and the pandemic is going to take a deeper economic bite,” DBS economist Radhika Rao said in a note. The yet to be stabilised infection curve reflects a deeper double-digit contraction in Q1 of FY21 and a shallower pickup in Q2 and a return to growth in Q3, she added. “Our granular analysis shows that about 7 per cent of the districts account for 70 per cent of the total infec-

tion tally in economically key states like Maharashtra (14 per cent of national GDP), Tamil Nadu (8.5 per cent), Gujarat (8 per cent), and Karnataka and Andhra contributing significantly to the national economic output,” she said. On top of this, localised lockdowns continue even today with Bihar and cities like Pune and Bengaluru still in lockdowns till July-end. Domestic flights are also selectively restricted by some states and if more states go down this path, this may pose renewed supply chain disruptions as well as uncertainty for manufacturers, including automakers and electronics firms, warned the report. On recovery, Rao said much depends on the extent to which rural demand and farm output, which is forecast to be at 2 per cent in FY21, will act as counterbalancing buffer for a slump in non-farm output. She also expects another round of fiscal support package/stimulus in September/October, when the economy is fully opened. The depth and permanency of the growth shock will also dictate when an upturn in the growth cycle can take root, she added.

Work-from-home relaxation for IT firms now till Dec 31

NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (IANS): In a major relief for IT companies, BPOs and their employees, the Centre has extended the relaxations of norms for such companies to allow ‘work from home’ for their staff till December 31, 2020. The relaxations to the norms brought about for the convenience and safety of the IT sector employees amid the pandemic were due to end on July 31. “DoT has further extended the relaxations in

the Terms and Conditions for Other Service Providers (OSPs) upto 31st December 2020 to facilitate work from home in view of the ongoing concern due to #COVID19,” said a tweet by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The government had first relaxed the norms till April and later extended it till July 31. The industry has hailed the decision. Thanking Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and DoT Secretary Anshu

Crossword

Sudoku

KAKURO

Prakash, Nasscom President Debjani Ghosh tweeted that the move will ensure business continuity and employee safety along with increase of the industry’s talent pool in tier-II and tier-III cities. Wipro Chair man Rishad Premji tweeted: “Thank you to the government for their tremendous support on the new ways of working from day 1. This has helped tremendously in further elevating our standing and responsiveness globally.”

business/state

Relief for vodafone as top court orders centre to refund `833 crore

NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (AGENCIES): The Income Tax department has to refund taxes to the tune of 833 crore to Vodafone Idea, the Supreme Court maintained today in an order that brought relief to the cash-strapped telecom major which is already struggling to pay its AGR dues. Vodafone Idea has paid around Rs 7,854 crore of its AGR (adjusted gross revenue) dues, it still owes Rs 50,399 crore to the government. The tax department had argued that the refund be adjusted against the dues but the Supreme Court upheld the Bombay High Court order and dismissed the government’s appeal. The top court said the IT Department does not have power to withhold refund in anticipation of future demands On June 26, following an appeal by Vodafone Idea for a refund of more than

Rs 1,000 crore, the Bombay High Court had asked the Centre to return Rs 833 crores. The payment has to be made within two weeks, the court had said. A Division bench of Justices RD Dhanuka and Madhav Jamdar observed that tax authorities cannot adjust self-admitted refund amount against the tax dues “which are not even adjudicated upon by the respondents and may arise in future as contemplated/ visualized by the respondent.” Vodafone Idea, along with Bharti Airtel and Tata Telecom owe the governmnet around Rs 1.6 lakh crore in AGR. The telcos had initially asked for a 20-year window to clear the dues -- a time period that the government has also agreed to. But the top court has said during the lockdown period, the telecom firms are the only ones to make profit and need to pay their dues immediately.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

Sensex snaps 5-day winning run as bulls take a breather MUMBAI, JUL 22 (PTI): Market benchmarks snapped their five-session rising streak to close modestly lower on Wednesday as investors booked profits in IT, FMCG and finance counters amid weak global cues. After swinging 599 points in a volatile session, the 30-share BSE Sensex finished 58.81 points, or 0.16 per cent, lower at 37,871.52. Similarly, the NSE Nifty slipped 29.65 points, or 0.27 per cent, to close at 11,132.60. HUL was the top loser in the Sensex pack, shedding 3.06 per cent, a day after the FMCG major posted a 5.68 per cent rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,897 crore for the June quarter. The company also said it expects a couple of turbulent quarters going forward amid the COVID19 crisis. Tata Steel, Maruti, IndusInd Bank, Infosys, L&T, TCS and Asian Paints were the other laggards, dropping up to 2.51 per cent. On the other hand, Axis Bank, Titan, PowerGrid, NTPC, ITC and

Reliance Industries were among the gainers, spurting as much as 7.36 per cent. According to traders, besides stock-specific action, market succumbed to profit-booking at higher levels. Weak cues from global markets also kept investors cautious. Global equities faltered following a spike in US-China tensions after Washington abruptly asked Beijing to close the Chinese consulate in Houston. Bourses in Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo ended in the red, while Shanghai settled on a positive note. Stock exchanges Europe were trading with significant losses in early deals as investor focus shifted to mounting COVID-19 cases. “Indian indices exhibited volatility and closed in the negative, in sync with negative global cues. The spike in US-China tensions hit the global markets while a surge in virus infections globally also impacted sentiment. “Domestically, the private banking space gained on the back of earnings

Gold hits record high of Rs 50,920 Dimapur, Kohima DTFs to call on lockdown per 10 gm; silver also glitters (Fromtake p-1)

NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (PTI): Gold prices in the national capital hit a new record high rising Rs 430 to Rs 50,920 per 10 gram on Wednesday, reflecting gains in the international prices of the precious metal, according to HDFC Securities. In the previous trade, gold had closed at Rs 50,490 per 10 gram. Silver was also in huge demand as its prices zoomed Rs 2,550 to Rs 60,400 per kg, from Rs 57,850 per kg on Tuesday. “Spot gold prices for 24 karat in Delhi hit a new record high ral-

lying by Rs 430, reflecting gains in international prices,” HDFC Securities Senior Analyst (Commodities) Tapan Patel said. In the international market, gold was trading higher at USD 1,855 per ounce and silver at USD 21.80 per ounce. Gold witnessed sharp buying with spot international prices rallying above USD 1,850 per ounce on Wednesday, he added. “Surge in coronavirus cases in the US has boosted safe-haven demand for the precious metals,” Patel said.

No. 9632 Yesterday’s solution No. 9631

No. 4251 Yesterday’s solution No. 4250

No. 3275 Yesterday’s solution No. 3274

Across 3. Perfect (5) 8. Draconian (5) 10. All-night watch (5) 11. Gratuity (3) 12. Synthetic fibre (5) 13. Having restrictions (7) 15. Tree (5) 18. Agent (3) 19. Wish or long for (6) 21. Mosque tower (7) 22. Wet weather (4) 23. Require (4) 24. Turns up (7) 26. Detests (6) 29. Joke, informally (3) 31. Fact (5) 32. Spins (7) 34. Rapidity (5) 35. Summit (3) 36. Spicy Indian dish (5) 37. Belief (5) 38. Gaze fixedly (5) Down 1. Glossy fabric (5) 2. Headache tablet (7) 4. Deceased (4) 5. Shore bird (6) 6. School punishment (5) 7. Iraqi currency (5) 9. Raised edge (3) 12. Mends (7) 14. Number (3) 16. Plunges (5) 17. Prepared (5) 19. Minor deity (7) 20. Baker’s product (5) 21. Physical strength (5) 23. Nullifies (7) 24. Axilla (6) 25. Container for liquids (3) 27. Trite (5) 28. Expels (5) 30. Leprosy victim (5) 32. Bring up (4) 33. Unit of weight (3)

DTFs meeting today: Meanwhile, the DTFs of both Kohima and Dimapur are scheduled to hold meetings on July 23, to deliberate on various issues. DC Dimapur has convened a meeting of the District Task Force on July 23, 2020 at 2pm in the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner to discuss matter relating to COVID- 19 pandemic in Dimapur district. All DTF members have been informed to attend the meeting without fail. DTF proposes total lockdown in Kohima: Kohima District Task Force (DTF) on COVID-19 has decided to once again propose to the State government for a total lockdown within the Kohima municipality following detection of more coronavirus positive cases in various colonies in the last few days. DTF, which met at DC office Kohima Wednesday, also decided to ensure execution of contact tracing and containment plans effectively in containment zones. Chaired by DC and DTF chairman, Gregory Thejawelie, the meeting was attended by Kohima district legislators’ in-charge minister Tongpang Ozukum, adviser Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, MLA Khriehu Liezietsu, Kohima SSP, K Sophie, KMC administrator Kovi Meyase, CMO Kohima Dr.Vezokholu, DSO Kohima Dr Asenuo, Dr Visasieü from NHAK and other members. Deliberating on the appeal by Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) for total lockdown in KMC area, the participants were of the view that total lockdown was required at this juncture for early detection, preventing spreading of infection and for smooth functioning of medical and surveillance teams in containment zones.

numbers from Axis Bank. However, Auto, IT and PSU Banks led the losses. Volatility is expected to continue due to expiry day tomorrow,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services. BSE IT, auto, capital goods, teck, realty, industrials, oil and gas, FMCG and metal indices fell up to 1.41 per cent. Consumer durables, utilities, power, energy and bankex rose as much as 2.25 per cent. Broader BSE mid-cap index rose 0.19 per cent, while the small-cap gauge tumbled 0.23 per cent. Meanwhile, international oil benchmark Brent crude futures slipped 0.74 per cent to USD 43.99 per barrel. In the forex market, the rupee pared settled on a flat note at 74.75 against the US dollar. India added 37,724 fresh cases of COVID19 on Wednesday, taking the country’s tally to 11,92,915, while the death count neared the 29,000mark. Globally, coronavirus cases have crossed 1.5 crore, with more than 6.16 lakh fatalities.

CADN demands recruitment...

(From p-1) It also queried in what manner the department was going to hold the exam for the above said post? CADN further asked why the temporary appointment as advertised on July 16 was changed to engagement on July 17, 2020? CADN claimed that the present mark distribution was directly affecting the junior doctors and favouring the senior doctors as 90 marks out of 100 marks had been distributed in terms of University marks, experience marks and higher degree marks. It pointed out that university and experience marks alone carry 80 marks, adding that only 10 marks were given for the viva. Further, CADN pointed out that “this exam will not fulfil the man power requirement for Covid19 as the same NHM Doctors who are already working for Covid-19 will get the post for Covid-19”. According to CADN, mission director had purportedly stated that in order for increment of salary of the NHM doctors, no new recruitment would be done under NHM after the NHM doctors get recruited into the state service. After going through the marks distribution and the terms and condition of the exam, CADN has appealed to the government not to conduct the exam unless it was through NPSC.

AI slashes employee allowances up to 50% despite protests NEW DELHI, JUL 22 (IANS): National carrier Air India has gone in for a massive cut in employee allowances even as protests from all sections of the employees continue. As per an office order, this has been done as per the directions of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and following approval from the Board of Directors of Air lndia Ltd. The rationalisation of allowances will be effective from April 1, 2020 and shall remain in force till further review by the Air lndia Board. This is an across the board cut in allowances for all employees, rather than just the pilots and the other flying staff. The salary and allowances (such as lDA, HRA and other allowances linked to basic pay) will remain unchanged. The rate of allowances other than DPE allowances will stand reduced by 40 per cent of the approved allowances. These include flying allowance, executive flying allowance, special pay wide body allowance,

domestic layover allowance, quick return allowance, high altitude allowance, check allowance, instructor allowance, examiner allowance and additional landing allowance. Flying allowance to be paid on actual hours flown by an individual pilot in a month. However, as a special case, all pilots available for flying will be paid fixed 20 hours of flying allowance or actuals, whichever is higher in a month, during Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 of financial year 2020-21 on the revised flying allowance rate. Simulator training hours will be paid on the

revised rate of flying allowance. The overtime rate beyond 70 hours in a month shall be 125 per cent of the revised rate of flying allowance, while layover allowance at stations outside lndia will be payable as per the notified government rates. Other applicable conditions and penalties will remain the same as per the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s letter dated January 1, 2016. For general category officers, salary and allowances (i.e. basic, IDA and HRA linked to basic pay) will remain unchanged. However, the other allowances will be reduced by 50

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

Israelis protest against Netanyahu’s ‘China cannot bully countries in the Himalayas’ ‘seemingly anti-democratic measures’ China, behaves in the international system in ways that are appropriate and consistent with the international order,” he said. “We talked about how we’ve seen Hong Kong’s freedoms crushed. We’ve watched the CCP bully its neighbours, militarise features in the South China Sea, and instigate a deadly confrontation with India,” Pompeo said. The troops of India and China are locked in a standoff in several areas along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh since May 5. The situation deteriorated last month following the Galwan Valley clashes that left 20 Indian Army personnel dead. China recently staked claim over the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan at the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council and opposed funding to the project. China claims almost all of the South China Sea as its sovereign territory. China has been building military bases on artificial islands in the region also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. The discussions be-

Mike Pompeo (File)

tween Pompeo and Raab came hours after the UK suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong in response to a controversial security law imposed by China in the former British territory. He praised the UK for its recent decision on China in particular those related to Hong Kong and banning Huawei from the UK’s 5G networks. “I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the British government for its principled responses to these challenges. You made a sovereign decision to ban Huawei from future 5G networks. You’ve joined other free nations to condemn China’s broken promises on the Sino-British treaty,” he said. The US wants to see every nation who understands

Afghan teen, her brother fight Taliban

Kabul, Jul 22 (AP): An Afghan teenager and her younger brother are being hailed as heroes on social media after reportedly fighting off Taliban militants who killed their parents during a firefight last week in central Afghanistan. Following the attack and the social media attention the incident triggered, the children were being brought to the capital, Kabul, to meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, possibly later on Wednesday. The Associated Press could not confirm the reports and the children and the officials accompanying them on the trip to Kabul could not be immediately reached for comment. Arif Aber, spokesman for the governor of Ghor province where the incident took place, said 16-yearold Qamar Gul and her younger brother, 12-yearold Habibullah, are modern-day champions in the fight against the Taliban. According to reports, dozens of Taliban fighters stormed the village of Geriveh in the Taywara district where Gul and her brother were living with their parents. It wasn’t clear what the reason for the raid was; some reports said the Taliban came to extort “taxes” from the villagers. During the raid, three of the insurgents burst into

Left- Qamar Gul posing with an AK-47.

the family’s home, grabbed and pulled Gul’s parents outside. The Taliban “took both my father and mother out and shot them in front of my eyes,” Gul told reporters on Tuesday at the governor’s office in Feroz Koh, the provincial capital. The teen recounted how she and her brother, who had been asleep when the attack started, each grabbed a gun their father had kept in the house and started shooting. “I had no choice but to take my father’s gun and fire on them,” she said. “Two were killed and another of them was wounded.” She said she kept shooting until the other villagers came, at which point the Taliban fled. Why Gul’s parents were targeted remains unclear, said Aber, who described the children’s father as a government supporter who had in the past stood

up to Taliban tax collectors who plundered the villages. Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, denied the report. He said the Taliban last week attacked a checkpoint belonging to the pro-government militias in Taywara. Two of their fighters were wounded in the gunbattle with local forces, he said. No one was killed. Taywara is under government control but has not been immune to Taliban incursions in the past, Aber said. Fearing another attack that would go after the children, the authorities moved them to Feroz Koh. Meanwhile, a photograph of Gul holding an AK-47 — presumably her father’s — has gone viral, triggering a flurry of praise and admiration for the teenager. “Hats off to her courage,” said one post. T h e Ta l i b a n h ave stepped up attacks across Afghanistan despite signing a peace deal with the United States in February. That agreement was intended to pave the way for talks between the insurgents and the government in Kabul, leading to an end to decades of war. Those talks were supposed to begin this month, but the process has stalled over the implementation of a prisoner release detailed in the US-Taliban deal.

freedom and democracy and values that and knows that it is important to their own people, their own sovereign country to be successful, to understand this threat that the Chinese Communist Party is posing to them and to work both themselves and collectively to restore what is rightfully theirs, he said. Describing his meeting with Raab as productive, Pompeo said that they talked about the challenge presented by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the COVID-19 virus that originated from Wuhan, China. “On behalf of the American people, I want to extend my condolences to the British people for your losses from this preventable pandemic. The CCP’s exploitation of this disaster to further its own interests has been disgraceful. Rather than helping the world, General Secretary Xi (Jinping) has shown the world the party’s true face,” he said. Earlier on Tuesday, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper, during his interaction with London-based think-tank International Institute for Strategic Stud-

ies, described the Chinese military’s aggressive activities “destabilising” and said America was “very closely” monitoring the situation between India and China along the Line of Actual Control. Esper also highlighted the “increased” military cooperation with India and called it as “one of the most important defence relationships of the 21th century.” In his address, Esper said China has a catalogue of bad behaviour which accompanies a pattern of its brazen disregard for international commitments, from its failure to uphold its obligations under the World Trade Organization to regularly disrespecting the rights of other nations under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention. Esper called on China’s leaders to abide by the international laws and norms that China and the Chinese people have benefited greatly from over the years. “We are committed to a constructive and resultsoriented relationship with China and within our defence relationship to open lines of communication and risk reduction,” Esper said.

UK to open citizenship path to Hong Kongers

15 injured after shooting outside Chicago funeral home

London, Jul 22 (AP): Britain’s government announced Wednesday that it will open a new special pathway to obtaining British citizenship for eligible Hong Kongers from January 2021. In a statement, the Home Office said holders of the British National Overseas passport and their immediate family members can move to the UK to work and study. The change to immigration rules was introduced after China imposed a new, sweeping national security law on Hong Kong. Those eligible can access the British job market at any skill level and without a salary threshold, but will not have access to public funds. “The UK has a strong historic relationship with the people of Hong Kong and we are keeping our promise to them to uphold their freedoms,” Home Secretary Priti Patel said. Those who come to the UK through the new pathway will be able to apply to settle in Britain permanently once they have lived in the UK for five years. Then after a further 12 months, they can apply for British citizenship.

Chicago, Jul 22 (AP): Fifteen people were injured, one person was being questioned and multiple suspects were being sought after gunfire erupted outside a funeral home on Chicago’s South Side where at least one squad car was present, police said. First Deputy Superintendent Eric Carter said mourners outside a funeral home in the Gresham neighbourhood were fired upon Tuesday from a passing vehicle. Carter said several targets of the shooting returned fire. The vehicle later crashed and the occupants fled in several directions. Carter said all the victims were adults. A person of interest was being questioned Tuesday night but no arrests had been made, said police spokesman Hector Alfaro. The shooting comes as the Department of Homeland Security is planning to deploy dozens of federal agents to Chicago to deal with an uptick in violent crime in the city. Most victims were taken by the Chicago Fire Depar tment to nearby hospitals in serious condition, said spokesman Larry Langford. They include 10 women from the ages of 21 and 65, including one of whom was shot in the chest, police said. The 65-year-old was

China sending planes near island almost daily: Taiwan

A Taiwanese Air Force F-16 in foreground flies on the flank of a Chinese PLA Air Force H-6 bomber as it passes near Taiwan. (AP/PTI)

Taipei, Jul 22 (AP): China is sending military planes near Taiwan with increasing frequency in what appears to be a stepping up of its threat to use force to take control of the island, Taiwan’s foreign minister said Wednesday. Such flights are more frequent than reported in the media and have become “virtually a daily occurrence,” Joseph Wu told reporters.

Along with Chinese military exercises simulating an attack on Taiwan, the flights by China are causing major concern for Taiwan’s government, Wu said. “What it is doing now is unceasingly preparing to use force to resolve the Taiwan problem,” Wu said. China claims the selfruling island democracy as its own territory and threatens to use the People’s

Liberation Army to bring it under its control. The sides split in a civil war in 1949 when Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalists fled to the former Japanese colony as the Communist Party took control in mainland China. Beijing has cut ties with the island’s government since Taiwan elected independence-leaning President Tsai Ing-wen in 2016 and has sought to isolate it

diplomatically while raising the military threat. Despite that, Tsai was reelected this year by a wide margin. Wu said China appeared to have grown in confidence following its crackdown on opposition voices in the former British colony of Hong Kong, facilitated by the national legislature’s passage of a sweeping security law. “If international society does not give China a sufficiently clear signal, I believe China will take it that international society will not impede it in doing other things,” Wu said. “This is what we are extremely worried about.” Wu stressed the need for coordination with allies such as Japan and the U.S., neither of which has official diplomatic ties with Taiwan but which maintain close relations. U.S. law mandates that Washington ensure the island can maintain a credible defense and treat all threats against the island as matters of grave concern.

Israeli police scuffle with demonstrators during a protest against PM Benjamin Netanyahu. (AP/PTI)

Jerusalem, Jul 22 (AP): After a night of intense protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, dozens of Israeli demonstrators chained themselves together and briefly blocked the entrance to parliament on Wednesday morning. Police arrested four and broke up the gathering, which was called to protest an upcoming vote to grant the government sweeping authority to bypass parliament in enacting measures to combat the rapid spread of the coronavirus. But it came amid a fresh outpouring of discontent with Ne-

treated at the scene. Other victims include a man who was shot in the chest, arm and forearm, and two men, 32 and 22, who were shot in a hand, police said. Police said the shooting happened at or near the site of a funeral or post-funeral event for a man fatally shot last week in the Englewood neighbourhood. Ar nita Geder and Kenneth Hughes said they heard gunshots while in their home watching television, adding that they came outside to find bodies that were shot up and “laying everywhere.” “We thought it was a war out here,” Geder told the Chicago Sun-Times. “It’s ridiculous all the shooting that’s going on out here, it really has to stop.” Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Tuesday

IN THE COURT OF DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE ZUNHEBOTO : NAGALAND

No.JUD/SUCC-34/19-20/36

Dt. Zbto. the 21st July 2020

Notice Calling Objection for the Issue of Succession Certificate Whereas application has received from Smti Hushili, U/s 372 of Indian Succession Act, resident of Lita Old Village for Succession of SBI A/C No. - 30817924331, all the intestate properties, pension benefits & other allowances movable & inmovable properties of Late Akheto Assumi. Notice is hereby issued for filling objections to all who has interest in the said claim/s within thirty days from the date of publication to this notice.

DP-3276

tanyahu. Protests outside Netanyahu’s residence have become a weekly occurrence, with police increasingly taking harsher measures against demonstrators. Last month, they arrested a retired Israeli air force general, setting off an uproar. The protests have since drawn a younger crowd and have grown more defiant. In the past week, thousands of Israelis have participated in some of the largest demonstrations in nearly a decade against the long-time prime minister, as public discontent bubbled over. Netanyahu has come

Chicago police investigate the scene of a mass shooting in the Gresham neighborhood, of Chicago, Tuesday. (AP/PTI)

Sd/(Mrs. Khesheli Chishi) District & Sessions Judge Zunheboto : Nagaland

FELICITATION

night in a series of Twitter posts that “far too many people” have attended funerals and attempted to begin the process of healing entire communities following another “senseless tragedy.” She added that people with information should speak up, even if anonymously. “When a person picks up a gun, we suffer as a city. This cannot be who we are. Too many guns are on our streets and in the hands of people who should never possess them,” Lightfoot continued. “These individuals will be held accountable.” Carter said at least 60 shell casings were found at the scene of the shooting. It wasn’t immediately known if anyone other than

The ofﬁce of the Thilixu Village Students' Union with immense pride and joy, would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to the following individuals for their outstanding performance in the recently declared CBSE Examination result. 1. Ms. Olika H. Chophi, D/o Mr. Hekiye Chophi, for securing 97% and a subject school topper in Political Science (96 marks) in the AISSCE. 2. Mr. Phikuto J. Sumi, S/o Prof. John Sumi, for securing 96.8% and a subject school topper in History (97 marks); Painting (100 marks) in the AISSCE. 3. Amvi V. Swu, S/o Mr. Y. Vikheho Swu for securing 96.4% in the AISSCE. 4. Totoli K. Sumi, D/o Dr. Kheshika Yeptho for securing 92% in the AISSCE. The Union further wishes success and bright future to all the successful NBSE & CBSE students. Abetoli Kiba Ghunavi Aye President General Secy.

under growing criticism for holding office while on trial for corruption, pushing for seemingly anti-democratic measures under the guise of combating the virus and mismanaging the country’s deepening economic crisis. On Tuesday night, a large coalition of protest groups combined to march through the streets of Jerusalem from Netanyahu’s official residence to the Knesset, Israel’s parliament. They beat dr ums, banged on pots and blared on trumpets while calling for the prime minister’s resignation and holding banners reading, “the Israeli spring is here.” Towa r d t h e e n d , a young women climbed atop a mounted candelabra, the national symbol, and stripped off her shirt in protest. Police said they arrested 34 people who were involved in the disturbances, deploying a heavy hand in the arrests. The gathering also drew restaurant owners and celebrity chefs, frustrated by the government’s inconsistent reopening policies for businesses.

attendees of the funeral were victims, nor if anyone in the SUV had been wounded. The person being questioned was uninjured, according to authorities. Investigators haven’t determined how many people were involved in the shooting. A squad car was assigned to monitor the funeral as a precaution because of the sizable number of mourners attending, Carter said, adding that he was unaware of any warnings from community activists that trouble at the funeral was imminent. “The district commander took every precaution that he could,” Carter said. Lightfoot, after threatening to sue if President Donald Trump acted without her permission, also noted earlier Tuesday that the city would be working with federal agents to fight crime. Lightfoot has been sceptical of federal agents being sent to Chicago by Trump due to the controversy in Portland, Oregon, where the Trump administration sent federal officers after weeks of protests there over police brutality and racial injustice that followed the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DIMAPUR :: NAGALAND S/C. No. 264/20 NOTICE NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANTS(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925. Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Puisuiyibe Zeliang has been applied by Shri/Smti Haidoliang Ikie F/o Late Puisuiyibe Zeliang R/o H/No. 121, Nsetning Colony, Peren, Nagaland for possession of; 1. Pension Benefits 2. SBI A/c No. 30708379739 (Peren Branch) Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may if she/he so desire appear in this Court on or before the said day of 20/08/2020. Given under the hand and seal of the Court on this the 22/07/20. PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DP-3285 DIMAPUR : NAGALAND Regd. No. 440-2019

DP-3281

Washington, Jul 22 (PTI): Attacking China for its aggressive moves against its neighbours, including “instigating” a deadly confrontation with India in eastern Ladakh, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that Beijing cannot threaten countries and bully them in the Himalayas. Speaking at a news conference in London on Tuesday, Pompeo said China was one of the important parts of his discussions with his British counterpart Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. “You can’t go make claims for maritime regions that you have no lawful claim to. You can’t threaten countries and bully them in the Himalayas. You can’t engage in cover-ups and coopt international institutions like the World Health Organisation,” Pompeo said. Pompeo’s comment on Chinese bullying of its Himalayan neighbours came in response to a question if the US would like the UK to do more to confront China. “I don’t think about it that way; we don’t think about it that way. We think that the entire world needs to work together to ensure that every country, including

AFFIDAVIT

Dated 05/12/2019

I, Shri Regimental No. 140965 P. PHONGNYEI KONYAK, son of Shri. Phongying Konyak, aged about 34 years, presently residing at Seiruzha Colony, Ward No.- 08, Chumukedima Town, District-Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm on oath and declare as follows: 1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India belonging to Konyak Naga Tribe in the State of Nagaland. 2. That I am presently serving as Naik in 14th NAP (IR) Battalion, Hq-Okhezung, Kiphire. 3. That in my Appointment Order and GPF Statement, my name was entered and recorded as "P. PHONGNYEI KONYAK" which is my official and correct name whereas in all my other documents such as Aadhaar Card, Service ID Card, Service Sheet and PAN Card, Bank Passbook and Birth Certificate, my name was inadvertently entered as "P.PHONGNYEI", "PHONGNYEI KYK", "PHONGNYEI KONYAK", "P. PHONGNYEI K", "PHONGNYEI K" and "PHONGNYEI". 4. That hereinafter I shall be referred and known to all for all official purposes and correspondences as "P. PHONGNYEI KONYAK" and not as "P. PHONGNYEI", "PHONGNYEI KYK", "PHONGNYEI KONYAK", "P. PHONGNYEI K", "PHONGNYEI K" and "PHONGNYEI". 5. That this affidavit is made for the purpose of rectifying my name to "P. PHONGNYEI KONYAK" in the above mentioned documents and also to enable me to approach the appropriate authority/office to rectify/clarify of the same. 6. That the statements made from para 1 to 5 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing false has been stated in this affidavit. DEPONENT Solemnly sworn before me by the deponent on this the 5th day of December, 2019. NOTARY PUBLIC Advocate & Notary Public, Nagaland DP-3277

Infotainment

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, BTS lead Madonna refuses to pay Russian fine 2020 iHeart Radio Music Fest bill M C o l d p l a y, M i l e y Cyrus and BTS are billed to perform at iHeart Radio Music Festival 2020. The artists - which also include Khalid, Keith Urban, Migos, Thomas Rhett and Usher - will reportedly be filmed whilst adhering to the social-distancing rules amid the Covid-19 pandemic from stages in Los Angeles and Nashville. The sets will be broadcast and streamed on September 18 and 19, with highlights set to be shown on The CW network on September 27 and 28. It’s not clear how KPop superstars BTS will perform in the US, considering they are based out in South Korea. John Sykes, president of entertainment enterprises for iHeartMedia, told Variety: ‘’The ongoing pandemic has caused the narrative to change literally daily. So it’s challenging the entire radio and television community to reinvent how we connect artists with their audience.

Coldplay

‘’We figured out a strategy to put safety first and still deliver a live music experience. ‘’We’ll put a Zoom suite of fans in there so the artists can look out and see, but they won’t really be there. And we’ll have a production team outside the facility remotely in a parking lot and the artists will have the venue to themselves for an entire day. They’ll be

BTS

able to rehearse, plug in and play live, we’ll have video effects and sound.’’ Meanwhile, host Ryan Seacrest is set to interview the artists via cameras in different rooms and there is set to be some immersive experiences for fans. Sykes added: ‘’There will be fans who will be connected talking one-onone in the dressing room with artists.

Miley Cyrus

‘’We could never put a regular fan in an artist dressing room, but we can do it on a video screen. We have some virtual ideas too where fans will be able to perform with one of the artists onstage. So we’re using the challenges to reinvent and come up with creative things that have maybe never been done before.’’ (Contactmusic)

Dua Lipa teases collaboration track with J Balvin and Bad Bunny

Dua Lipa

J Balvin

Bad Bunny

Preity Zinta resumes shooting amid pandemic

we can make a difference. We can change this. We have the power. And we don’t have to do it with violence. We just have to do it with love.’’ Russian’s law covering the ‘’Purpose of Protecting Children from Information Advocating for a Denial of Traditional Family Values’’ criminalises public support for LGBT people. The 61-year-old singer - who has children Lourdes, 23, Rocco, 19, David and Mercy, both 14, and seven-year-old twins Estere and Stelle - previously insisted she doesn’t like to label her own sexuality. She said: ‘’No, I’ve just continued to feel the same way that I have always about my sexual identity and who I am sexually. ‘’I don’t like labels anyway so I don’t want to be put in a box or categorised or called something. ‘’But I’m thrilled that people feel the freedom that they now feel to say what they like, who they love, what they want to Madonna be.’’ (Contactmusic)

Hostages in Ukraine released after President promotes Joaquin Phoenix film

A Preity Zinta

ctress Preity Zinta has resumed shooting post Covid-19 lockdown. Preity shared a couple of boomerang videos on Instagram Stories to share the fact with fans. In the first video, the actress is seen getting her makeup done and in the second, her hair is being styled. “Back on a show -post Covid tests, masks and hand sanitizers,” she wrote in one video. However, Preity did not share what she was shooting for. R e c e n t l y, P r e i t y shared a picture along with her husband Gene Goodenough. In eh Instagram post, she is leaning on hubby’s shoulder. (IANS)

group of hostages in Ukraine have been released after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy agreed to promote the Joaquin Phoenix-narrated film Earthlings. Thirteen people had been kidnapped by Maksym Kryvosh, an animal rights activist who took over a bus in Ukraine armed with guns and a grenade. One of Kryvosh’s demands was that Zelenskiy would recommend the 2005 animal rights documentary, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix – which criticises the use of animals for clothing, food, entertainment, and as pets. The President complied by recording a sixsecond video message on his Facebook page, which was subsequently deleted. The hostages have been released un-harmed. Phoenix has always been vocal about his stance on environmental issues, having used his time when

Joaquin Phoenix

collecting the award for Best Actor at the 2020 Oscars to call for “the best of humanity”. The actor mentioned “an egocentric world view” and criticised the “plundering” of the Earth’s natural resources. He added: “We feel entitled to artificially inseminate a cow and when she gives birth we steal her baby even though her cries of anguish are unmistakable. “And then we take her milk which is intended for

a calf and we put it in our coffee and our cereal. We fear the idea of personal change because we think that we have to sacrifice something, to give something up.” Phoenix then stressed how he believes in the potential of human beings, saying: “I think that when we use love and compassion as our guiding principles, we can create, develop and implement systems of change that are beneficial to all sentient beings and to the environment.” (NME)

ua Lipa took to Twitter today (July 22) to tease the forthcoming release of a new collaborative track featuring J Balvin and Bad Bunny. The pop singer’s tweet revealed the name of the song to be ‘Un Dia (One

Day)’, set to drop on Friday (July 24) at 1am BST. A short clip of the song’s accompanying video credited 21-year-old Colombian Stillz as director and Neon16, the production house of Puerto Rican record producer and songwriter Tainy, as

John Kent releases gospel debut single ‘running back’

Mick Jagger gives fresh update Russell Crowe talks guilt over best actor win at the Oscars on new Rolling Stones material R

producers. The track will be Lipa’s first new material since the release of her second album, ‘Future Nostalgia’, in March, with Lipa releasing a video for the album track ‘Hallucinate’ earlier this month. Earlier this week the

singer came under fire after tweeting about the rights of indigenous Kosovar Albanians, sparking a heated debate online. Some challenged Lipa’s statement by linking it to a far-right ‘Greater Albania’ ideology or challenging the accuracy of her statement. Lipa has since clarified the intent of her controversial tweet with another post in which she said her statement “was never meant to incite any hate”. Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny has dropped two surprise albums this ye a r, b e g i n n i n g w i t h ‘YHLQMDLG’ in February, which came out only two days after the artist announced its upcoming release. Two months later, ‘Las Que No Iban a Salir’ followed unannounced, a ten-track album that featured collaborations with Nicky Jam, Don Omar, Zion & Lennox and more. (NME)

adonna has claimed she refused to pay a $1 million fine she was given over a gay rights speech she made in Russia. The ‘Ray of Light’ singer spoke out on stage in St. Petersburg in 2012 and alleged she was subsequently awarded a financial penalty, but ‘’never’’ handed over the money. Sharing a throwback clip to the speech, Madonna wrote on Instagram: ‘’I made this speech at a concert in St. Petersburg. 8 years ago. ‘’I was fined 1 million dollars by The government for supporting the Gay community. ‘’I never paid. (sic)’’ In the video, the 61year-old singer spoke out about how ‘’intolerant’’ people have become. She said: ‘’I feel it in the air. People are more and more afraid of people who are different. People are getting more and more intolerant. Madonna has been an LGBT ally since forever. ‘’At the same time,

ussell Crowe won best actor in 2001 at the Oscars for his role in “Gladiator,” but he doesn’t believe he earned it. On Australian show “Today,” Crowe, 56, revealed that he thought the film’s director, Ridley Scott, should have gotten most of the praise for the success of the movie. “[After starring in ‘Gladiator’], I got so many

John Kent

imapur based singer John Kent released his gospel debut single “Running Back” on YouTube on July 22 evening. The song was cowritten by John and his younger brother, Azeu. According to Kent, the song talks about a sinner’s lone journey to Christ and about hope for those who are losing track in their lives. With the imposition of COVID-19 lockdown, John decided to release his song online in YouTube with channel name “John Kent”. He doesn’t believe that one has to be young in order to make it. The song was recorded at Jam Studio 11, mixed and mastered by Temjen Jamir. One can listen to his song on his YouTube channel at https://youtu. be/b33Asc459O4. (Correspondent) K Y M C

ick Jagger has given an update on the progress of the next batch of Rolling Stones music, revealing in an interview that he’s been working on new material by the band during the coronavirus lockdown. The Stones’ last release, ‘Living in a Ghost Town’, arrived back in April as a standalone single. Speaking to the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show this morning (July 22) to mark

the release of ‘Scarlet’, the Stones’ previously unreleased collaboration with Jimmy Page, Jagger was asked about how the band’s next set of songs are progressing. “I don’t know… don’t hold you breath!” he joked. “We recorded a bunch of tracks at the same time we did ‘…Ghost Town’, so actually I’ve been finishing off the vocals and some other instruments on them, and doing some mixes. So I’m working on it.

pats on the back, and, you know, I got some big awards and all that, and obviously that sort of stepped me up to a different level for quite some time,” the actor said. Russell Crowe facing off against another man in a scene from the film ‘Gladiator’, 2000. The actor revealed that after he re-watched the movie at a live screening of “Gladiator” at the Colos-

seum in Rome recently, he felt guilty for his awards. “I watched that movie, and it is a director’s film. It was one of those moments of, ‘Why did I get all the attention, when the Academy Award belongs to Ridley Scott?’” he said. “Gladiator” also received Oscar wins for best picture, best sound, best visual effects and best costume design.

Russell Crowe won Best Actor in 2001 at the Oscars for his role in “Gladiator” Crowe’s recent comments about the film come a month after he revealed he almost turned down his award-winning role before he met Scott, 82. “The [initial] script they had was so bad,” he said on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” (FoxNews)

“We’ve got to get together and do a couple more sessions on them,” the frontman added. “But we’re not really gonna get together right now. But it sounds good, what we’ve already done — [it] sounds pretty good to me.” Back in May, the Stones announced the launch of ‘Extra Licks’ — a six-part weekly series of special online featurettes consisting of concert films from across their career. (NME) K Y M C

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

Zlatan scores twice in AC Milan’s win over Sassuolo

minute when Ibrahimovic sent his diving header into the net from Hakan Calhanoglu’s floated pass. The away side were forced to make another change when captain Alessio Romagnoli was injured and replaced by starlet Matteo Gabia. The home side got back on level terms in the 41st minute when Calhanoglu’s arm blocked a free kick in the box, with Francesco Caputo stepping up to convert the resultant penalty. The Rossoneri re-

End could’ve been better: Kumble on his stint as India head coach New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI): Former skipper Anil Kumble does not regret his time as head coach of the Indian cricket team but says the ending of his tenure could have been better. The 49-year-old stepped down after the Champions Trophy in 2017 following a rift with skipper Virat Kohli. “We did really well in that one year period. I was really happy that there were some contributions made and there are no regrets. I was happy moving on from there as well,” the former spinner told ex-Zimbabwean cricketer Pommie Mbangwa in an online session. “I know the end could have been better but then that’s fine. As a coach, you realise, when it’s time

to move on, it’s the coach who needs to move on. I was really happy I played a significant role in that one year,” he added. Kumble had a successful one-year stint as India coach with the team reaching the Champions Trophy final in 2017 and also becoming a dominant Test side, losing just one out of 17 Tests during his tenure. “I was very happy that I took up that role (India coach). It was great, the one year I spent with the Indian team was really fantastic,” said Kumble, who took 619 wickets in 132 Tests and 337 wickets in 271 ODIs for India. “Having been with great performers and again being a part of the Indian dressing room is a great feeling.”

Great to play IPL in UAE but lot of planning to be done: Williamson

Lo n d o n, J u l 2 2 (IANS): Club legend Kenny Dalglish will hand Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson with the Premier League trophy after the team’s final home game against Chelsea on Wednesday. Liverpool ended their drought this term as they won their maiden title since the inception of the Premier League in the 1992/93 season. Also, this is their first top-flight title in 30 years. The last time Liverpool won the top-tier title was in 1990, when Dalglish was their manager. Also, him handing over the trophy would be fitting in the sense that it was Dalglish who brought Henderson to Liverpool from Sunderland during his second stint as manager in 2011. “He’s (Dalglish) an iconic figure at this football club, a huge person who we all love,” Henderson told BBC Breakfast. Liverpool, however, won’t be able to celebrate with fans inside the stadium as matches are being held across Europe behind closed doors in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. “I know how difficult it must be as they’ve waited for so long for this club to win the league and it’s

England to put out ‘strongest attack’ for final West Indies Test, says Silverwood

59 NFL players test positive for COVID-19

stored their lead in firsthalf stoppage time as Calhanoglu atoned for his error by laying on another smart pass for Ibrahimovic to complete his brace. Sassuolo went down to 10 men shortly afterwards as Mehdi Bourabia was sent off for his second bookable offence. The victory temporarily lifts Milan up to fifth place with 59 points. In Tuesday’s other Serie A match, Atalanta beat Bologna 1-0 with Luis Muriel coming off the bench to score the winner.

Manchester, Jul 22 (IANS): England head coach Chris Silverwood has vowed to put out their best bowling attack for the third and final Test against West Indies beginning Friday at the Old Trafford. The series currently stands evenly poised after West Indies won the first Test in Southampton by four wickets and England won the second in Manchester by 113 runs. “We want to win this game and will put out our strongest attack,” Silverwood told reporters as per Daily Mail. “I’ll speak to (national selector) Ed Smith and Rooty (skipper Joe Root) and we will make a plan. It’s never easy, and you’re

Mount Maunganui (NZ), Jul 22 (PTI): New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Wednesday said he is excited about playing the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE but a lot of “planning and organising still needs to be done” amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic. The Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper spoke to the media on the sidelines of the national team’s training camp after the ICC postponed the T20 World Cup due to the pandemic. “Like I said, considering what it actually looks like where it is and all the details that come with it, to play in the Indian Premier League is always an amazing thing so, absolutely, it will be great to play in it and be a part of it,” Williamson said but also wanted to know more about security arrangements. “But there’s a lot of details to come through before any final decisions will be made. It will be nice to know more.” “By all accounts the IPL, they’re looking to host that tournament which is a fantastic tournament to be a part of and attracts such an incredible audience,” he added.

going to get pushback, but if you’re in a position where you can leave out world-class players, that’s good for English cricket,” he added. England have so far resisted the idea of playing veteran pacers Stuart Broad and James Anderson together. Also the return of Jofra Archer leaves the team management with a lot of options while deciding on the playing XI. “It’s not as clean cut as that,” Silverwood said regarding Anderson-Broad potential reunion for the final Test. “I think it was right to leave Jimmy out of the last Test. We have to try to look after him so when he does play, he can perform

for us. “We’ve been in touch with him (Archer) all the way through the Test. As we’ve said, we try to look after our players to the best of our ability. “Their well-being is our top priority so Jofra has been looked after and I think he’ll be glad to be back with us. He’s done his five days, his Covid tests are negative and he’ll integrate back into the squad,” the head coach added. England need to win the upcoming contest to win back the Wisden Trophy while even a draw for the visitors will help them retain the title as Jason Holder’s troops had earlier won the series in Caribbean Islands.

Ace shooter Sanjeev Rajput relieved after training outdoors New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI): Running out of ideas and patience after shooting in his basement, bedroom and hall, the seasoned Sanjeev Rajput is “relieved” to be finally training outdoors, albeit in an empty 50m range, in his quest for Olympic glory. Rajput was left to do simulation shooting for weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic led to a nationwide lockdown, including immediate suspension of all sporting activities, in March. His 50m rifle event doesn’t allow him the liberty to train indoors unlike the ones who

Sanjeev Rajput participate in the 10m competitions. “As you know it’s not possible in 50m, I am happy to be training at the Karni Singh Range as I missed out

Henderson to receive Premier League trophy from club legend Kenny Dalglish

Williamson said he foresees good viewership for the IPL when it happens as people are starved of live sports right now. “...there’s been a natural lack of content so there is a real drive to see that happen and see it happen safely, which is first and foremost. “It’s a shame to see the World Cup be postponed but I suppose it’s the nature of what we’re faced with in the current climate but exciting at the potential opportunity individually to see some cricket come on to the horizon,” he said. Williamson also welcomed the move to have an IPL at a safe place like the UAE as India’s case load is above 11 lakh. “...in terms of the Indian Premier League as an isolated event, they’re looking at the best options to host it in a safe place where people can be quarantined much like you’re seeing with other sports around the world. “Like I said, there’s a lot of planning still to be done to make sure that happens and we only know what we know and that’s no different from what you’re hearing,” Williamson added.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores twice as AC Milan beat Sassuolo 2-1. Rome, Jul 22 (IANS): AC Milan continued their unbeaten run in Serie A as Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s double helped them edge past Sassuolo 2-1 away from home. The Rossoneri entered Tuesday’s game on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run but were dealt a blow just 11 minutes into the game when Andrea Conti limped off, making way for Davide Calabria, reports Xinhua news agency. However, Milan broke the deadlock in the 19th

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on a lot of time due to the pandemic,” Rajput told PTI on Wednesday. “Only I am training in the 50m range at the moment,” the 39-year-old, who lives in nearby Faridabad, added. The foreign coach for rifle shooters, Oleg Mikhailov, has also been visiting the range since it was thrown open for training by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) about a fortnight back. The unprecedented global health crisis has affected almost every sphere of life and Rajput knows the importance of remaining

cautious under the circumstances, strictly following the SOPs drawn by the SAI. “There are hardly any people inside the range at this point in time and I carry my sanitisers and masks along with me whenever I am visiting the range. “I am sanitising myself frequently and the authorities are doing the same with the range. So, as such, I am not too worried about contracting the virus.” Rifle shooters Deepak Kumar and Divyansh Singh Panwar are practising in the 10m hall and Rajput said coach Oleg is shuttling

between the two ranges, religiously helping the Tokyo Olympics-bound shooters with his inputs. There are a couple of shooters in the shotgun and two more in pistol using the Karni Singh Range at the moment, according to Rajput. “Social distancing is strictly maintained and it is just like saying hi and hello whenever we happen to meet inside the range.” World Cup gold medallist Rajput secured his Tokyo quota in Rio de Janeiro last year when he gunned down a silver in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event.

Los Angeles, Jul 22 (IANS): The NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA) has said that 59 players tested positive for coronavirus as of July 22. As per a statement on NFL’s official website, the total number was updated via the union’s official website, which features a hub for the latest information on COVID-19 for all players. The change from 95 down to 59 was clarified in a tweet from the NFLPA in which it stated: “The previous number included all known positives across the league, including staff, and has now been updated to include only players.” The NFLPA’s website also has an update on the status of infectious disease emergency response (IDER) plans received from all 32 teams, it said on nfl.com. A quarter of those plans (eight) have been approved by the union and the remaining 24 submitted plans still under review. The NFLPA on Monday had released a statement on testing procedures: “Our union has been pushing for the strongest testing, tracing and treatment protocols to keep our players safe. The testing protocols we agreed to are one critical factor that will help us return to work safely and gives us the best chance to play and finish the season.” Recently, world No 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic returned to training after recovering from coronavirus.

Kenny Dalglish huge,” Henderson said. “Unfortunately they can’t gather outside the stadium for the health and safety of the country, and we need to protect the NHS staff who have been working tirelessly over the past few months.”

Klopp ready to soak in special moment

Premier League champions Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said lifting the trophy at Anfield will be the most special moment for his team. Liverpool will be given the trophy after Wednesday night’s game against Chelsea having won the title with a record seven games to spare, their first top-flight crown in 30 years. “I told the boys already that we have to prepare two things this week,” he told Sky Sports. “Prepare for

the game against Chelsea, which we will do in training, and we have to make sure that we really feel the right thing in the moment when it happens. “On Wednesday, we will cherish it. In this moment, we have to stop for a second, look at it, be really happy about it, enjoy it together with our fans all over the world, in heart and mind, and make it the most special moments of our life so far,” said Klopp. “Being here champion is the most special thing you can imagine. We all have to make it a special moment inside and keep it forever inside.” Klopp also hailed his players for winning the league in such grand manner. “It is so big and so incredible what the boys did, and how they did it, and for different reasons it was very challenging. We have to feel it in an appropriate way, and we will. “We are since five match days or so ago a champion, which is completely special. We’ve had guard of honours, all the things we’re not used to, then we win a game: great. We lose a game: not so great. I will never underestimate a defeat, but we cannot forget that we won the league in a pretty exceptional manner.”

Archer reveals facing racial abuse online during quarantine MANCHESTER, JUL 22 (IANS): England fastbowler Jofra Archer has revealed he was subjected to online racial abuse while he was under mandatory selfisolation for breaking the bio-secure bubble after the first Test against West Indies in Southampton. Archer was left out of the second Test in Manchester after it was revealed he had broken the bio-secure bubble protocol following the end of Southampton Test. He had gone under mandatory self-isolation for five days. “Over the last few days, I have unfollowed and muted a lot of social media profiles to get away from it. I won’t be going back on it. I find it unnecessary noise. Take two wickets and everyone is back on the bandwagon again. It’s a fickle, fickle world we live in,” Archer wrote in his column for the Daily Mail. “Some of the abuse I have taken over the past few days on Instagram has been racist and I have decided that enough is enough. “Since Wilfried Zaha, the Crystal Palace footballer, was abused by a 12-year-old online I drew a line and I will not allow anything to pass, so I have forwarded on my complaints to the ECB and that will go through the correct process,” he added. Following the second negative COVID-19 test, Archer was allowed to rejoin the squad for the final Test of the series, which remains poised at 1-1. Archer revealed speaking to

Jofra Archer all-rounder Ben Stokes, and how the latter helped him with dealing with outside noise. “I spoke briefly to the doctor about how I’m feeling and also to Ben Stokes on Monday night. Ben tried to advise me on how to deal with being in the spotlight of international sport,” Archer said. “He vowed to back me and support me. Now, I need to be 100 per cent mentally right so that I can throw myself into my cricket this week. “There is a series to win, and after the win in the second match it’s there for the taking. We have got amazing depth in the squad, especially now no one is injured, so many options and therefore to do justice to myself and the rest of my team-mates I have to be ready when called upon. “We have the firepower to win the match and achieve what we set out to,” he added. The third and final Test will begin on Friday at the Old Trafford.

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EPL: Aston Villa sink Arsenal 1-0

BIRMINGHAM, JUL 22 ( AGENCIES): Dean Smith urged Aston Villa to finish the job after they climbed out of the Premier League relegation zone as Trezeguet clinched a priceless 1-0 win against Arsenal on Tuesday. Smith’s side have their survival fate in their own hands after the Egypt winger’s first-half strike at Villa Park, reports NDTV Sports. Watford’s 4-0 thrashing against Manchester City earlier on Tuesday had opened the door for Villa to escape the bottom three. And Villa seized their chance with a first home Premier League win over Arsenal in 18 attempts dating back to 1998. Villa are now fourth bottom and have moved ahead of third-bottom Watford on goal difference, with Smith’s men on -26 compared to the Hornets’ -27. They head to West Ham for their final game of the season on Sunday, while Watford visit Arsenal and second-bottom Bournemouth, three points from safety, travel to Everton. There are a multitude of permutations that could decide relegation, but Villa will be safe if they can better Watford’s result on what is certain to be a dramatic

Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Pepe Reina, right, punches the ball clear of the goal during the match versus Arsenal at Villa Park on Tuesday. (PTI) finale. If Villa and Watford both win, goal difference or goals scored will decide who goes down. “It is a big boost, that’s for sure. We knew we had to get that win to catch Watford and now we have got the season in our own hands,” Smith said. “That’s all you can ask going into the last game. It was a great performance and an even better result against a good team who just beat two of the best teams in Europe. “We have taken the season to the last day. Wat-

ford can go and win at Arsenal so we have to make sure we win at West Ham.” Having secured an FA Cup final place by beating Manchester City on Saturday, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta made six changes and Arsenal looked a shadow of the team who impressed at Wembley. “Emotionally and physically it’s been a very demanding week but I saw a team who wanted to fight until the end,” Arteta insisted. Arsenal cannot finish higher than eighth and must win the FA Cup final

ISL’s induction into WLF testimony to Indian football’s rise: Nita Ambani M umbai , J ul 2 2 (IANS): Indian Super League (ISL) has received yet another global recognition with its induction into the prestigious World Leagues Forum (WLF). ISL becomes the first league from South Asia and seventh in Asia to join the association of professional football leagues which includes the likes of the Premier League, LaLiga and Bundesliga amongst others. Currently, WLF has members from five continents representing close to 1200 clubs worldwide and works closely with global body FIFA on the development of professional football, providing bespoke support for national football bodies to share best practices and improve standards and structures in professional football. Nita Ambani, Founder & Chairperson, Football

Nita Ambani Sports Development Limited (FSDL) said: “It is an honour for ISL to get a seat at the World Leagues Forum table. This recognition from WLF is testimony to Indian football’s rise on the global stage, and the role that ISL is playing in it. In 2014, when we launched ISL, we had a dream to revolutionize football in India. Every year since then, we have consistently raised the bar and given a worldclass platform to our young

footballing talent. We look forward to working with WLF to further accelerate the growth of this beautiful game across geographies.” Jerome Perlemuter, General Secretary, World Leagues Forum said: “It is a great pleasure and an honour to welcome the Indian Super League in the professional football family. The ISL has achieved a lot in the recent years and is now on a path to becoming a major league in its region. The World Leagues Forum and its member leagues look forward to sharing experiences with the ISL and contribute to its future development.” World Leagues Forum aims to foster cooperation between the leagues through knowledge sharing and exchange of proven methodologies with an emphasis on helping the emerging leagues in their development.

against Chelsea to qualify for next season’s Europa League. For all the positive signs since Arteta took charge in December, Arsenal will suffer their worst Premier League finish since 1995. “It tells you the gap doesn’t lie. We have to make that smaller and smaller,” Arteta said. “I know where we are in certain areas and where we need to improve. We will get that.” Arteta plea A plane trailing a banner reading “Back Arteta

European T10 team banned for corruption London, Jul 22 (IANS): A team has been banned from European T10 league amid concerns of corruption. The team, Limassol Gladiators, is pending an anti-corruption investigation, the report on espncricinfo.com said. Limassol Gladiators is one of the five teams in the European Cricket Series Cyprus. They have been suspended after their match against Amdocs on July 21. At least one major betting company is refusing to pay out on the match, which was streamed on various platforms around the world, the report said. The suspicions of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) were first raised by suspicious betting patterns ahead of the game. The report also said that ICC have confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that their anti-corruption unit is taking a close look at the match.

Kroenke Out” was flown over Villa Park during the match, but Arteta pleaded with Arsenal fans to trust he has the support of the US-based owner. “The Kroenkes and the board and the sporting director, I have their full backing. I have that 100 percent. The fans have to believe what I’m saying,” Arteta added. Arsenal’s long-standing weakness at set-pieces reared its head again as Villa snatched the lead in the 27th minute. Tyrone Mings glanced Conor Hourihane’s corner across the six-yard box and Trezeguet was left unmarked to blast a fierce strike past Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez. Trezeguet has been Villa’s savour as the stakes have got higher and his vital goal followed his brace in the victory against Crystal Palace nine days earlier. Jack Grealish, strongly linked with a close-season move, was captaining Villa in what could have been his last home game with the club he supported as a boy. Asked after the match about his future, Grealish said: “I’m not too sure at the moment. I have one aim and that’s to keep Villa in the Premier League. That’s all I’m thinking about.”

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020

Brazil’s Olympic athletes return to training Rio de Janeiro, Jul 22 (IANS): Brazil’s elite athletes have resumed normal training after more than four months of confinement because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Brazilian Olympic Committee (BOC) said its training centers across the country were reopened on Tuesday with strict sanitary protocols, reports Xinhua news agency. “It’s a good time for us to come back,” open water swimmer Ana Marcela Cunha said. “I’m looking forward to the Tokyo Olympics and have a feeling of starting over to fulfil a dream. Today’s first practise was a warm-up.” Brazilian athletes have been limited to home training regimes since midMarch, when facilities were closed and competitions suspended amid the escalating pandemic. Those to make immediate use of the decision included gymnasts, judokas, weightlifters and divers, among others. “We’re facing a very difficult time, but we’ll get through it,” said BOC sport manager Jorge Bichara. “We’re going to resume training. We are going to work very hard next year so that the athletes arrive in good condition at the Tokyo Olympics and can represent Brazil.”

SAI extends contracts of 32 foreign coaches

Kiren Rijiju New Delhi, Jul 22 (IANS): The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has extended the contract of 32 foreign coaches in 11 disciplines till September 30, 2021. The contracts of many coaches was slated to end in September this year. SAI said that the decision was taken to ensure that athletes bound for Tokyo Olympics, which has been postponed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic, can retain continuity in their training with the same coaches. Speaking about the decision, Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said, “The postponement of Tokyo Olympics by a year makes it imperative that the same coaches be retained so that athletes are not disadvantaged in any way.” “A new coach takes time to understand an athlete and the athlete needs time to understand the training process of a coach. We

don’t have that kind of time now.” Rijiju had earlier announced that coaches, both Indian and foreign, will be hired for at least four years or one Olympic cycle to ensure continuity in training. The four-year contract will be handed out with an eye on the 2024 and 2028 Olympics. The interim extension of one year till 2021 is an immediate step to ensure athletes have the same coaches till the Tokyo Olympics. The further extension of contract for four years will be decided on the basis of the performance of the coach and recommendation from the respective National Sports Federations. The contracts, though for four years, will be reviewed annually and extended on the basis of a coach’s overall performance, indicated by the performance of athletes in major international events.

Spanish forward Igor Angulo signs for FC Goa

New Delhi, Jul 22 (IANS): FC Goa has signed Spanish forward Igor Angulo. Hailing from the Basque region in Spain, the striker penned a oneyear contract with the Gaurs. The experienced striker has spent the past 4 seasons in Poland with Gornik Zabrze, where he has been amongst the top 2 goal-scorers in the Polish Ekstraklasa for three consecutive seasons, winning the Golden Boot in the 2018/19 season thanks to his 24 strikes. The Bilbao native has scored a total of 88 goals in 154 games during his time in Poland. He has also notched up a further 21 assists to take his total goal contributions’ tally up to 109 over the four years spent with the record 14time Polish Champions. The forward led the charge in Górnik Zabrze’s promotion to the Polish first division in his first season at the club and has since helped establish

Igor Angulo them as a regular in the Ekstraklasa. He has been their highest goal scorer in each of the seasons he has been there. Speaking after completing his move, Angulo stated, “I am excited at the prospect of playing for FC Goa and it is an adventure that I am keen to start at the

earliest. “What attracted me to the club was that I liked the way of playing, the philosophy. FC Goa is one club that is always on the attack and in doing so, are able to create a beautiful style of football. “Another big thing that stood out is I like the men-

tality of the club. It’s filled with winners, always fighting for the biggest honours. And that’s what I want to do when I come in.” FC Goa’s Director of Football, Ravi Puskur sounded pleased after the Angulo signing. Speaking on the same, he stated, “We’re excited to bring Igor on board to FC Goa. He’s a proven, serial goal-scorer with experience across multiple countries in Europe and we’re confident he will prove an ideal fit for our style of football. “Igor’s natural goal scoring ability was a clear standout when we first looked at him, but his leadership prowess and competitive nature with a strong desire to win is something we feel will add immense value to our dressing room. His time in Gornik has made him a legend and a household name in Polish football and we hope that he will have a similar impact for FC Goa and its fans.”

Footballers unite for afforestation drive in Manipur village Anirudh Thapa can play in Europe: Sereno

Several football stars converged to carry out an afforestation activity -- as they sunk their hands into the soil and planted different saplings. New Delhi, Jul 22 (IANS): A number of footballers assembled in a quiet, little village of Tentha situated around 50 kilometres south of Imphal earlier this week for a noble cause. Interestingly, all the athletes converged on this point to carry out an afforestation activity -- as they sunk their hands into the soil and planted different saplings. The likes of former

national team star Renedy Singh, current India players Udanta Singh, U-17 World Cup players like Suresh Wangjam, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Boris Thangjam, Jeakson Singh were present for the occasion. Among others present were Salam Ranjan Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Malemnganba Meetei, Pritam Ninthoujam, and a few more. Renedy, who has had an illustrious career with

over 70 international caps to his name, said he made the long trip all the way from Imphal because of an emotional connect to the place. The 41-year-old used to come to the village to participate in local tournaments. “The village is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from my house in Imphal. But when I heard that they were having a tree-planting activity here, there was no way I could stay away from

it,” Renedy told the-aiff. com. “The pitch is right around the corner from where we were planting, and it really brought back so many memories.” Udanta was quick to point out the positive aspects of the activity and urged the fans “to come forward and plant more trees”. “It was great that all came together for this cause. We must all take care of our Mother Earth, and planting more trees is one way that we can make it more environmentfriendly for us, and our future generations. I hope more people will come forward and sow the seeds of a better future for the next generations ï¿½ not just here in Imphal, but all over India,” Udanta opined. India’s U-17 World Cup quartet of Ninthoinganba, Suresh, Boris and Jeakson also planted their own saplings at the venue. Ninthoi has been carrying out the same afforestation activities in nearby hills as well as an activity that he finds to be therapeutic. “It’s very important that we spread the mes-

sage of planting more trees across the country. I have been doing the same on certain hills in the nearby areas as well. I must say that I personally find the activity very engaging. It really helps me clear my mind,” said Ninthoi. “It was really good to meet all of the seniors in Tentha and plant trees together. They had also played local tournaments here, it was good to exchange some old memories with people like Renedybhai and Ranjan-bhai,” he added. S u r e s h , w h o wa s Ninthoi’s teammate both in the India U-17 team, and at Indian Arrows in the I-League, said that the exercise helped him learn a lesson about the virtues of planting trees. “I have always heard people talk about the positives of planting more trees. But I had never really paid much heed to these things. But planting trees with all these guys today really gave me a new perspective on things. Of course, it’s good for the environment, and I think I’ll start planting more saplings from now on,” said Suresh.

Anirudh Thapa New Delhi, Jul 22 (IANS): 22-year-old Anirudh Thapa has already made himself indispensable to both his Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC and the Indian team. Thapa was part of the 2017/18 Chennaiyin side that went on to win the ISL title and Henrique Sereno, who played in the team as a defender, has said that Thapa has the ability to play in Europe. “We had so many

players. Even the players who didn’t play a lot like Keenan (Almeida), (Fulganco) Cardozo, they had amazing skills but they didn’t get many chances but they were good in the training,” Sereno said in a live Instagram chat with Chennaiyin fan group Super Machans. “That was the key to success. We had many good young players as well like Anirudh Thapa. He can play in Europe. He is a very good number 10 and

has very nice skills. We also had Jeje (Lalpekhlua) who is a great striker.” He however said that the best player he ever played with at Chennaiyin was Raphael Augusto. “Raphael Augusto for me was the best Chennaiyin player. He was very skilful. He could have played for any team in Europe but he chose to play in India. For me, he was the best I had played at Chennaiyin FC,” he said.

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