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Vol XXX No. 213

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

China slams US for pulling out of WHO international, Page 9

COVID can be spread airborne: WHO

GENEVA/NEW DELHI, JUL 8 (AGENCEIS): The World Health Organization (WHO ) acknowledged “evidence emerging” of the airborne spread of the novel coronavirus, after a group of scientists urged the global body to update its guidance on how the respiratory disease passes between people. “We have been talking about the possibility of airborne transmission and aerosol transmission as one of the modes of transmission of COVID-19,” Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at the WHO, told a news briefing. The WHO had previously said the virus that causes the COVID-19 respiratory disease spreads primarily through small droplets expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person that quickly sink to the ground. But in an open letter to the Geneva-based agency, published on Monday in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal, 239 scientists in 32 countries outlined evidence that they say shows floating virus particles can infect people who breathe them in. Because those smaller

Restricted vehicular movement in Dmu DIMAPUR, JUL 8 (NPN): In view of the arrival of a special train from Bengaluru on July 9 morning, Dimapur police has ordered restriction of vehicular movement along designated routes. Commissioner of police (CP) R. Tetseo, in an order informed that vehicular movements will be restricted one hour prior to the arrival and two hours post arrival along these routes-- Dimapur Railway station to Agri Expo (via Traffic Control ZoneI-hotel Theja Fort {through under the fly over}- Burma Camp Jn.-Veterinary Jn.-Old Dhansiri bridge-Purana Bazaar Jn.-TK Service to Agri Expo. The restriction would be imposed depending on the arrival of the train.

DC warns vegetable wholesale traders

DIMAPUR, JUL 8 (NPN): Taking serious note of flouting all safety norms at Murgipatti vegetable wholesale market, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Anoop Khinchi has warned traders that he will be compelled to shut down the market if safety guidelines were not being followed by all. According to DIPR, the DC visited the vegetable/fruit market on July 8, to check whether safety guidelines were strictly being followed by all.

‘Airborne but in very limited environment’

exhaled particles can linger in the air, the scientists in the group had been urging WHO to update its guidance. “We wanted them to acknowledge the evidence,” said Jose Jimenez, a chemist at the University of Colorado who signed the paper. “This is definitely not an attack on the WHO. It’s a scientific debate, but we felt we needed to go public because they were refusing to hear the evidence after many conversations with them,” he said in a telephone interview. Speaking at Tuesday’s briefing in Geneva, Benedetta Allegranzi, the WHO’s technical lead for infection prevention and control, said there was evidence emerging of airborne transmission of the coronavirus, but that it was not definitive.

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Tsg fiasco: Pangnyu apologizes to ENPO DIMAPUR, JUL 8 (NPN): State Health minister S. Pangnyu Phom, on behalf of the state government and the Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department, tendered an apology for the May 26 Tuensang incident. In an apology letter addressed to the president of Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation, Pangnyu Phom said that as a member of the cabinet and as minister in charge of H&FW department, apologizes and expressed sincere regrets over the unfortunate incident relating to shifting of 168 returnees of Chennai from the quarantine centre at Kohima to Tuensang. He said the incident occurred due to communication gap and expressed regret that the people of Tuensang had to undergo a time of anxiety and understandable anger. Soon after the incident, Pangnyu said proper SOPs were put in place to overcome such gaps. Further, Pangnyu appealed to the people of Tuensang and Eastern Nagaland to condone the error in the spirit of forgive and forget and extend support as members of Team Nagaland to jointly fight the pandemic.

EPL: Arsenal draw 1-1 with Leicester sports, Page 12

JAC reacts to NIDA statement

DIMAPUR, JUL 8 (NPN): JAC–Covid 19 Peren district through its secretary Mathiuthai Gonmei, has taken strong exception to the statement of Nagaland In-service Doctors Association (NIDA) which defended two doctors responsible for release of returnees from Haryana who arrived from various quarantine centres at Dimapur. Gonmei in a release claimed that the Haryana returnees included boys who prevented their three COV1D-19 positive friends from being taken away from their facility quarantine (FQ) at new DC complex, Chumoukedima for not having been given test reports. He said they were sent to Peren on completion of 14 at FQ without any further retest despite positive contact history, adding they possibly were contaminated in spite of their negative results by having direct contact with the positive cases that night. JAC said that on June 23, the retur nees were released without their COVID-19 status being ascertained by the two doctors at around 10.20 p.m. at Jalukie town staging ground

and without the knowledge of DC Peren. The next day on June 24, JAC said at the request of deputy commissioner Peren, it had to pacify youths at the meeting over the release of the returnees, where the two doctors admitted their mistake and apologised. The two doctors had assured to do contact tracing but according to JAC they absconded and later they were subsequently transferred adding “as if rewarding them for their misdeed.” Later test result of the returnees confirmed that 47 out of the 96 returnees were COVID-19 positive but by then most were already in their villages and homes and thus, attempts by the district authorities to contain the virus was in vain. The committee claimed that some returnees travelled the whole night before reaching their destinations only late on June 24 at Jalukie town, Tening town, Beisumpikam, Mhaikam village etc. Further JAC claimed that owing to late travel, some returnees had to be dropped directly at their homes and thus, increasing spread of infection.

As a consequence, JAC said six localities including some villages were made containment zones and that possibly, more villages and localities could face the same fate if rapid contact tracing was done as demanded by several organisations. In view of the seriousness of the issue, JAC demanded to know from NIDA, the H&FW department and the state government, as to what SOP were frontline workers supposed to follow. It also asked whether SOP is meant for the safety of citizens or for convenience of frontline workers? JAC also said as part of the District Task Force it has been contributing to controlling and disciplining some of the unruly returnees. However, the June 23 incident was not the fault of the returnees but negligence of the two doctors, said JAC. JAC said it really appreciated the response of the health department, though late, in sending team from the directorate to assist the staff on the field and the dedication of medical staff of the district by working tirelessly, risking their own (Cont’d on p-8) lives.

Nagaland COVID tally now 657 AYO against extortion under its jurisdiction State govt urged to impose STATE COVID-19 STATUS 14-day lockdown in Kohima ReActive Total covcases Cases ered 64 158 222

District Dimapur Kiphire

Kohima

126

Longleng

Mokokchung

Mon

Peren

108

184

Phek

Tuensang

Wokha

Zunheboto

Total

353

304

657

DIMAPUR, JUL 8 (NPN): Nagaland on Wednesday registered 12 new COVID19 positives cases and one recovery from the virus, taking the state’s total tally to 657 cases-- 353 active and 304 recovered. According to state Health & Family Welfare department bulletin, the 12 fresh positive cases were reported from Dimapur- 9

cases and 1 each from Kohima, Mokokchung, Mon and Tuensang, while 1 recovered from Dimapur. All the positive cases were shifted for medical care to the designated COVID-19 Hospitals and COVID Care Centres. As per the severity of symptoms, 350 active cases were asymptomatic, 2 mild cases and 1 moderate case. Following the rise in COVID cases, principal secretary Home, Abhijit Sinha informed that the state government has activated active surveillance and contact tracing to prevent further spreading of the infection. Meanwhile, till July 8, a total of 14,213 samples were sent for testing through RT-PCR. Results of 13, 925 samples were received. Out of 14,213 samples, 9,384 samples were received at the BSL-3 lab (NHAK) and a total of 9,090 samples tested, out of which 464 samples were positive.

DIMAPUR, JUL 8 (NPN): Taking a strong note of the recent gunning down of an extortionist in a retaliatory action by Kohima Police Anti-Extortion Squad, the Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) declared that it was firmly opposed to any form of extortion within Angami jurisdiction by gun-toting individuals and warned that such activities would not be tolerated. But since the incident also led to the unfortunate death of the alleged extortionist, AYO president Kekhrie Pfukha and joint secretary Petevito Nakhro, in a release, appealed to the authorities concerned to ensure that a transparent process was put in place so that public faith on the police was strengthened. This would go a long way in preventing unnecessary loss of lives and allow smooth functioning of the anti-extortion squad, whose mandate was to ensure a safe and conducive environment for businesses

to flourish, it added. AYO asserted that rule of law should prevail at all cost within its jurisdiction, since it was the only thing that stood between anarchy and dictatorship. Mentioning that it was deeply troubled at some organisations, following the incident, had used the death of the alleged extortionist as an opportune moment to justify extortion from businesses citing the Naga cause and other numerous reasons, instead of condemning it, the organisation said that any attempt to justify extortion and illegal activities under the false garb of fighting for the Naga cause was shameful. “This push to extol extortionist is in bad taste and is dishonouring the Naga struggle for autonomy. It must be pointed out that many honourable men and women have laid down their lives for the Naga cause and had achieved martyrdom in the process. It would

be a great disservice and injustice to club our martyrs together with the men whose activities harm the very people they claim to be fighting for,” the release emphasised. AYO pointed out that Angami organisations had always stood for free trade and commerce within their jurisdiction without any discrimination, which had ensured various businesses to thrive. With unemployment rate rising to alarming levels in the society, the organisation said was imperative that a conducive environment was built for businesses to flourish. However, extortion had become the greatest impediment for educated unemployed Naga youth from venturing into business, trade, etc, which must be eradicated at the earliest. And by standing up against extortion, AYO said it was confident that it was speaking on behalf of a silent majority of Naga people.

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, JUL 8 (NPN): Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) has appealed to the State government to declare total lockdown within the Kohima municipality for at least 14 days as the COVID-19 infection was almost entering the community spread phase. AKMWP president Neibulie Kiewhuo and general secretary Thejao Sekhose said, as the guardian of Kohima Wards Panchayat, they were concerned about the dwellers of Kohima town. Having taken the trouble to safeguard the society for more than four months during the lockdown, AKMWP felt that another 14 days of more stringent lockdown for “our safety” would do more good than harm. Therefore, it urged the government to declare total lockdown in Kohima for 14 (Cont’d on p-8) days positively.

Old NCD team attracts flak from constituent units

NCD reacts to DATH, ENPUD statement ENPUD, 6 tribal units reaffirm stand ASTD action against T. Bangerloba Ao

DIMAPUR, JUL 8 (NPN): Citing the current situation vis-à-vis COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for delay in handing over charge (Cont’d on p-8) to new office-bearers, Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) denied allegation that the incumbent office-bearers were selfishly holding to their positions. Reacting to the allegation of Dimapur Apex Tribal Hoho (DATH) – comprising 14 tribal hohos of Dimapur – and Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD), the council clarified that the lockdown had prevented it from holding its annual general meeting (AGM) as per schedule. “The law and order In a release, NCD vicesituation is normal. Because president (council bench) whatever’s happening is Eliho Angami and gennormal for us.” eral secretary Thsapongkyu

This is it!

“...The possibility of airborne transmission in public settings - especially in very specific conditions, crowded, closed, poorly ventilated settings that have been described, cannot be ruled out,” she said. “However, the evidence needs to be gathered and interpreted, and we continue to support this.” Jimenez said historically, there has been a fierce opposition in the medical profession to the notion of aerosol transmission, and the bar for proof has been set very high. A key concern has been a fear of panic. “If people hear airborne, healthcare workers will refuse to go to the hospital,” he said. Or people will buy up all the highly protective N95 respirator masks, “and there will be none left for developing countries.”

In an exclusive interview with India Today, WHO chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan said that Covid is airborne but in a very limited environment. “When we speak, shout, sing or even breathe, there are a lot of droplets that come out of our mouth, and these droplets are of different sizes,” she said. The larger droplets fall on to the ground within 1-2 meters. This is why there is so much emphasis on maintaining a distance so that these droplets can be prevented from directly transmitting from one person to another, she said. “But there are also smaller droplets that are less than 5 microns in size. They are called aerosols and since they are small in size, they can stay a bit longer in the air as they take a little longer to settle on the ground. These droplets can be moved around by gusts of winds etc.” Therefore, these particles could be inhaled by others who are in the vicinity. This form of transmission can be called as airborne transmission, she stated.

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Sangtam explained that the council had called a consultative meeting with tribal presidents on March 10, 2020 at its conference hall and unanimously decided to complete all official formalities, including induction of new office-bearers for 20202024 on or before March 31. The AGM was scheduled for March 25, while the handing-over ceremony was scheduled for March 31. Even as circulars were also dispatched in this regard, the duo said the nationwide lockdown had started from March 24, for which even NCD office premises located at Church Road towards Murgipatti wholesale area, New Market and Hongkong Market were sealed, leading to postponement of the AGM by de(Cont’d on p-8) fault.

Easter n Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD at its consultative meeting held with six tribal unit presidents on July 8, unanimously decided to stand by its earlier opinion, that the installation of the new office bearers of Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) should strictly adhere to the provisions of the NCD constitution. ENPUD president M.C. Ongbou Chang and general secretary M. Jeange Yanlem said that the house also reiterated that the commission for installation of the NCD new team should be by way of nomination/ selection/election as enshrined in the NCD constitution (Article 8) and not otherwise. Further, it also opined that all the tribal union

presidents under NCD should be invited by concern nomination, selection, election commission of Naga Council Dimapur to seek opinion and consent before finalization for smooth coordination and conduct. Further, as per the July 1, 2020 resolution, ENPUD said it has fully entrusted the respective six tribal units to represent Eastern for any matters/ issues relating to the nomination/selection/election of the new NCD team. Meanwhile, the house clarified that in its July 8 statement, the last paragraph ‘ENPUD threatened that…’ was inadvertently inserted/replaced instead of its actual press statement/phrase ‘ENPUD further inform that…’

Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) has said it was constrained to reply to the letter from Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) dated July 3, 2020 wherein it (NCD) had “maliciously dictated” upon ASTD to “revoke/ withdraw” its letter dated July 1, 2020 served on T. Bangerloba Ao (incumbent president of NCD), for his non-cooperation with ASTD directive. ASTD through its president L. Wati Jamir and general secretary K. Mar Lemtur informed NCD that as T. Bangerloba Ao being a bona fide member of the Ao community in Dimapur, its action was well within the ambit of Ao social and customary parameters with regard to the activities of its individual member including all social obligations.

Speaking to media persons at his residence AKMWP president Neibulie Kiewhuo said that the appeal was necessitated following demands by several municipal wards after positive cases were detected from among the residents. According to Kiewhuo, out of 19 wards in Kohima, 16 wards felt the need to urge the government to impose a 14-day lockdown. Though Central government may issue guidelines and directives, he said it was the prerogative of the state government to impose or lift lockdown, considering the situation of the state. While stating that it was imperative to maintain confidentiality of any positive patient, he however, said it was also important let the concerned colony/ ward know of such cases so that they can take prevent measures.

Lotha bodies stand for delimitation

DIMAPUR, JUL 8 (NPN): Lotha Hoho, frontal organisations and all political parties Wokha district units-- irrespective of political affiliations, unanimously resolved to endorse the Centre’s notification for Delimitation 2020. This was decided during the consultative meeting held at Wokha on July 7, Lotha Hoho chairman Mhondamo Ovung and general secretary S. Abenthung Ngullie stated in a press note. The organizations also resolved to cooperate with the Delimitation Commission and support the implementation process. “Anyone acting in any way against this unanimous resolution of the Lotha tribe shall be dealt with sternly,” they said and directed all Lotha organisations/individuals to comply with this (Cont’d on p-8) resolution.

ASTD also reiterated the responsibilities were governed under Ao customary practises and usages and which can never be dictated or suppressed by any other outside force, society or group. ASTD said that under the Ao customary practices, it has exercised and executed its legitimate responsibility for those who do not comply with directives or who defy the order so issued by the existing apex body/union within that particular jurisdiction . ASTD said therefore, NCD has no locus standi in issuing its impugned July 3, 2020 letter directing ASTD to revoke or withdraw its letter. Further ASTD said it had initially informed T. Bangerloba Ao for a meeting

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state

RH team visits ongoing road widening at NH-61

A press release by RH general secretary, Sinhilo Thongseb stated that, the team visited the said road on July 7, wherein they urged the company to expedite the work within the given period of time from the department and also to maintain quality of work.

ZVC prohibits entry of work force without medical certificate

KOHIMA: Zadima Village Council (ZVC) has restricted any work force to enter into its village jurisdiction without producing medical fitness report and written assurance given by the concerned district authority guaranteeing the safety of the village people and take all responsibility in the event of any eventuality arising out of this very issue relating to COVID-19. In a press release chairman Zadima Village Council, Kesovilhou Chüpuo and Zadima VDB secretary Roko Angami stated that the workers should also preinform the village authority prior to their entry into the village, failing which the village authority will take its own drastic course of action. ZVC expressed shock at the lackadaisical action of the government by issuing Inner Line Permit (ILP) and movement permit to some workers from Techno Electric & Engineering Co. Ltd working at Zhadima village without strictly following 14 days institutional quarantine and 14 days home quarantine and other SOPs, whereby “trying to eye wash the public by their lacklustre protocols and action and permitting sonic workers to enter Nagaland from the red zones.” ZVC stated that the

400/220 Kv GIS substation by Techno Electric & Engineering Co. Ltd and 220/132 Kv substation operated by Kalpataru Power Transniissin Ltd & Shyam Power India Ltd are the two companies setting up huge power project under Zhadima village jurisdiction. While understanding the workload and time bound they had been shouldering, the ZVC stated that it was not a time to flunk all norms and protocols at this very crucial point of time. According to ZVC, the companies were trying to intrude into its village with the sole intention of bringing in its work force from the red zone areas wherein the social security and safety has been threatened. With the onset of this pandemic, ZVC said many “unsolicited outcomes and apprehensions have been witnessed and observed” which was totally uncalled for, however it said Zadima Village COVID Task Force had been working day and night to safeguard its village. While cautioning that if the lives of the village people are threatened, the ZVC stated that the government “should take all risks and responsibility” if the help of such workers are exigently required or follow all basic quarantine protocols and SOPs.

DoSE informs on broadcast of video/audio lessons

DIMAPUR: Principal director of School Education, Shanavas C has notified for the information of all concerned that the phase II broadcast of video and audio lessons for classes VIII to XII through Doordarshan, Kohima, All India Radio, Kohima, Youtube Channel (DoSE Nagaland) and Facebook (School Education, Nagaland) will be carried out from July 11 to 30, as per the schedule given in annexure I & II which is available in the Dept Facebook Page. According to DIPR report, all concerned have been requested to take note that the sign language interpretation has been incorporated in the current video broadcast for the benefit of children with disabilities. It was observed during the previous phases of the broadcast that enough efforts were not made by a section of the district/sub divisional educational authorities and school heads to ensure that the benefits of the programme reach all sections of students across the state. Therefore, heads of all government schools have been hereby directed to ensure that parents of all students studying in their school are sensitized about the various modes of broadcast made viz, Doordarshan, Youtube, Facebook and All India Radio so that they could access the broadcast as per their convenience. Further, heads of all goverment schools have been directed to effectively utilize all kinds of resources available at schools and ensure that the benefits of the broadcast reach all sections of the society. School heads should ensure that all teachers remain in their respective place of posting and their services are utilized to supplement the tele/radio online education programme. Data of students accessing the various modes of the broadcast should be maintained and furnished as and when asked for. K Y M C

DIMAPUR: Raising concern over the increasing rate of positive COVID-19 cases, the NDPP Peren region has urged upon the people not to panic but to continue following the strict protocols as laid down. While appealing for immediate intervention and necessary steps against the two erring doctors, the NDPP Peren region in a press release through its media cell also reminded JAC not to go beyond one’s own boundary but to continue the good work. NDPP Peren region also asked all the returnees to be more serious and understand the hardship faced by the frontline workers. It reminded them that safety of the community and individual needed to be ensured by being disciplined. Rather than “bombarding and lambasting” to eradicate and resolve the existing problems, the NDPP Peren region asked them to be more humble in their approach, “so that the good will services of the many won’t go in vain but

bear a prolific result.” Calling upon each and every citizen to be more cautious and to remain calm rather than instigating and propagating false views and ideas, the NDPP Peren region also pointed out for non-stigmatization as none was immune to the virus and no political parties have the calibre to save lives of the many. It also stated its stand against any unwanted activities that has been occurring and asked the people to forbear from any such activities violating the SOP, which will only jeopardize the good works. The party also reaffirmed its stand to continue working for the common cause of the people by ensuring the best to contain the spread of the virus, and seek cooperation from every sensible and responsible citizen. NDPP Peren region also lauded the government for posting more medical staff, providing medical kits and ambulances at this juncture to ease the existing problems.

NSCN (I-M) condemns June 20 incident DIMAPUR: NSCN (I-M) has condemned the June 20 incident where it said that “one kilonser of NNCNon Accordist (MK) was arrested Hozheto group of NNC along with his vehicle and handed over to unification group.” While stating that it was a matter of serious concern, NSCN (I-M) said the incident was highly condemnable and warned that “NSCN will not take it lying down”. However, in order to avoid further misunderstanding, NSCN (I-M) has asked the unification group to release the klilonser along with his vehicle without further delay. NSCN (I-M) said that the kilonser was arrested for supporting the Framework Agreement. “Given the importance of the historic Framework Agreement that incorporate the historical and political rights of the Naga people with sovereign right, it is critically important for the Nagas to support the Framework Agreement to form the basis for Naga political agreement,” it added.

DPRO Wokha receives PA equipments

Y. Patton handing over the PA equipments to DPRO office Wokha staff on July 8. (DIPR) DIMAPUR: Deputy chief minister and minister incharge of Home & R&B, Y. Patton handed over sound system/PA equipments including amplifier two numbers, horn and driver unit 4 numbers each, and microphone 2 numbers, which was received by the information assistant, DPRO office Wokha. According to DIPR report, Patton in his short interaction with the media people at his residence on July 8 at Wokha, said that since the last three months after the outbreak of the

COVID-19 pandemic crisis, he has been assisting people from his 37 Tiyi A/C consisting of around 21 villages. Around 530 households from his constituency residing at Wokha town benefitted the ration provided by the deputy CM on July 8. While so, he also appealed all section of the society to maintain social distancing and other guidelines in fighting against the pandemic. Earlier, Rev. Achumo Kithan offered dedicatory prayer.

Assam Rifles conduct civic action programme across Nagaland

IECYF against rampant disposal of garbage

Team members of Rengma Hoho with company engineers during the visit to NH-61 road widening. DIMAPUR: During its visit to ongoing 2-lane road widening of National Highway-61 under Rengma area, the Rengma Hoho (RH) team met the company engineers of TK Engineering Consortium Pvt. Ltd supervising the construction work.

NDPP Peren region urges citizens to follow protocols

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

The team also requested the company to fill up the potholes and maintain the road during the monsoon season for the safety of commuters. Rengma Hoho further assured full cooperation to the department and the company for the smooth completion of works.

The community hall meant for meetings, social gatherings Elderly couple availing free medical consultation and medicines constructed by Shamator Battalion. during the camp. DIMAPUR: Assam Rifles has been conducting various activities in Nagaland as part of its civic action programme for the welfare of public. Shamator Battalion: Shamator Battalion con-

structed a community hall and handed it over to the village functionaries of Chingnyu. According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), Chingnyu is a remote village in Mon district on Eastern most

NSCN (R) cautions members against ousted elements DIMAPUR: NSCN/GPRN (Reformation) has cautioned all its members to refrain from associating with “ousted elements” and if found so, shall be viewed as “intentional and wilful defilement”. A press release by NSCN (R) through its MIP stated that, the termination of former kilonser Khekato Kinny and few others, taken at the extraordinary emergency joint council meeting held on August 28, 2019 still “stands firm” and in no way “revoked.” In this regard, the NSCN (R) cautioned every single member “not to fall prey to some rhetoric display of deception and coercion that may possibly be attempted by some disgruntled and frustrated elements, in a move to make you fall short of grace.” It cautioned that defaulters would attract penalties and severe actions as per NSCN’s ahza. NSCN (R) also issued a directive to deputy kilonser Sukhato Kinny to immediately report in person to the vice-president’s office within 3 days time from the publication of this notification. It warned that failure to report within the stipulated time would invite stern action as per NSCN’s party discipline.

22 returnees reach Tening sub-division

DIMAPUR: Additional deputy commissioner (ADC), Rhosietho Nguori informed that 22 returnees had reached Tening sub-division due to COVID- 19 pandemic on July 7. According to DIPR report, the returnees included seven females and 15 males, 18 from Chennai, three from Delhi and one from Rajasthan.

fringes of the country bordering Myanmar with negligible infrastructure get-up. Mokokchung Battalion: Mokokchung Battalion organised a medical camp at Akuhaiqa village

on July 7. According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), the aim of the medical camp was to provide free medical consultation and treatment for minor ailments to the local residents devoid of requisite medical

news in Brief ZPOD emergency meeting: Zeliang People’s Organization Dimapur (ZPOD) has convened an emergency meeting on July 9, 9 a.m at Zeliang Welfare Building, Eros Lane Dimapur. All the office bearers, executive members, advisors, president and general secretary of Liangmai Council Dimapur, Zeme Council Dimapur, Zeliang Students’ Union Dimapur, Zeliang Woman Organization Dimapur, and senior members of ZPOD have been requested to attend the meeting positively. For further information, one may contact ZPOD president Heikim Meru at 9436013755 or general secretary Kedinlung Newmai at 7005668157. F&CS Kohima informs on food-grains: Food and Civil Supplies (F&CS) Kohima has informed all the FPS/village councils of Kohima Centre that the PHH and AAY food-grains will be released from July 13 onwards between 10:30 a.m to 4 p.m. The concerned FPS/village councils have been directed to collect their respective quota within the stipulated period: Kezocha Circle villages on July 13; Jakha Circle villages July 14; Kohima Sadar, Meriema, Tsiese Basa/Bawe, Thizama and Rusoma on July 15; Secu Circle villages July 16; Kohima Town FPS (Ward 1 to 7) on July 17; Kohima Town FPS (Ward 8 to 14 July 20 and Kohima Town FPS (Ward 15 to 19 on July 21. DC Longleng bans import of pigs: In view of the outbreak of African swine fever in the neighbouring states, the deputy commissioner Longleng has banned import of pigs to Longleng district from outside the state with immediate effect. Defaulters shall be liable for punishment under section 188 of the Indian Penal Court and also under relevant sections of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act 2009 ADC Longleng informs: Additional deputy commissioner & administrator, Longleng Town Council (LTC) has issued an order reiterating the prohibition of employment of manual scavengers for cleaning of severs and septic tanks with immediate effect as per the Prohibition of Employment of Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Rules 2013. Contractors are further directed to ensure strict compliance to the provisions and Rehabilitation of Employment of Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Rules 2013. Timely inspection shall be carried out in this regard and defaulters penalized as per relevant provisions of law the order stated. DC Zunheboto notifies: Deputy commissioner Zunheboto Peter Lichamo notified that in continuation with the previous orders, face masks are to be worn by everyone at all times, and crowding of people to be avoided while in public places. All shops and business establishments are to mandatorily provide hand sanitisers and washing facilities to all its customers/visitors in respect of which superintendent of Police Zunheboto, administrator ZTC and ZCCI have been directed to ensure strict implementation and take appropriate action upon the defaulters. UACC Kohima new office bearers: Upper Agri Colony Council (UACC) Kohima held a meeting on July 7 for appointment of the new office bearers. The house approved the new council members led by chairman Nilhukhoto Koutu, vice chairman Lanutemsu Walling, general secretary Yekiyi Kinimi along with two others.

facilities, especially the aged. Apart from providing medical, COVID-19 related assistance and awareness on monsoon related ailments and precautions were imparted.

DIMAPUR: Industrial Estate Colony Youth Forum (IECYF) has warned against rampant disposal of garbage under its jurisdiction. A press release from IECYF president Bendang Pongener stated that, the disposal of garbage was mainly at Tinali Junction, in front of Titrus building. IECYF has learned that many vehicles would come and dispose of garbage bags late at night in the said area. Industrial Estate Colony Youth Forum has therefore warned one and all that youth volunteers would keep watch round the clock. It further added that anyone caught in the action would be dealt with heavy fines and identity published in the daily print and electronic media.

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY Late V. Luheshe Achumi Date of Death 09/07/2019

Remembering you is easy We do it everyday But missing you is a headache That never goes away. Missing you always.

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Loving Wife, Children, Grand children & In-laws.

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

of Lt. Lhailam Lenthang It's been a year since you have gone, time ﬂies fast. But you left us beautiful memories which is keepsake from which we will never part. Your love is still our guide. Your are missed each and every day forever in our thougths. Born : 1929 – Died : 09-07-2019

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the bereaved family members extend our profound and heartfelt gratitude to all who stood by side through prayer, physically and financially at the demise of Late Litsathri Sangtam. We regret our inability to thank each and every individual for your 1964 - 07.06.2020 kindness and sympathy showered towards our family in the moment of despair. It is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you abundantly for your kind deeds. K-1200

Loving Family Members K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q. H a s t h e M o d i government done enough to discourage Chinese misadventure? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

A B C

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DTF for COVID-19 meeting held in Tuensang

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Yes. No. Can’t Say.

60% 20% 20%

Next poll

Q: Is Guwahati City fit

to be declared a Red Zone/Hot spot for COVID-19?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST July 9

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Mostly cloudy with at-storm

29 26

Mostly cloudy with at-storm

23 21

Aizawl

Guwahati Not as warm with showers Imphal

28 26

Mostly cloudy, showers around 25 23

Itanagar Not as warm with a t-storm

26 24

Shillong

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

21 20

Kohima

Rather cloudy with a t-storm

23 20

Dimapur Cooler an afternoon shower

28 24

Mkg

A thunderstorm in the area

24 21

Tuensang A shower and a t-storm around 18 17 Wokha

Cooler with morning showers 23 22

Zunheboto A couple of thundershowers

21 28

BSF staffers among four COVID-19 positive in Mizoram

Aizawl, Jul 8 (PTI): Four persons, including three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, have tested positive for novel coronavirus in Mizoram in the last 24 hours taking the state’s COVID-19 tally to 201, an official said. The three personnel belonged to BSF’s 60 battalion and were currently posted at Pukpui village in South Mizoram’s Lunglei district, the official said. He said that the three BSF personnel who have come recently from Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh are asymptomatic and have been placed under quarantine since they arrived in the state. A 24-year-old woman who recently returned to the state from Greece was also infected with coronavirus, the official said adding that she was lodged at a quarantine facility in Kolasib district.

Assam CM asks Fisheries Dept to create jobs Guwahati, Jul 8 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed the Fisheries Department to create employment opportunities under a central government scheme for youths returning to the state due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Sonowal said the department should make the best use of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana to create employment opportunities for the returnees. The chief minister, during a meeting with officials of the department on Tuesday, asked them to finalise a roadmap for implementation of the scheme that seeks to bring about a ‘blue revolution’ through sustainable development of the fisheries sector. Underlining the vast potential of the fisheries sector in Assam, Sonowal asked the officials to prepare district- level actions plans with a focus on modern methods of pisciculture. Advocating a professional approach towards fish farming in the state, the chief minister instructed the officials to set up ‘fish landing ports’ on the banks of Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. K Y M C

DC Tuensang, Kumar Ramnikant addressing the Tuensang District Task Force on July 8. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: The meeting of the Tuensang District Task Force (DTF) for COVID-19 was held on July 8 at deputy commissioner’s conference hall, chaired by deputy commissioner, Tuensang, Kumar Ramnikant. According to DIPR report, the DC briefed the house on the BSL-2 laboratory which is currently being set up at the COVID-19 Hospital, Tuensang. He appraised the house on the need to hasten the completion

of the BSL-2 laboratory. House deliberated on the issue of 1 (one) BSL-2 laboratory technician who was tested positive for COVID-19 on July 7. The technician is currently admitted to COVID Care Centre, Tuensang for isolation and all his contacts have been quarantined and further test are ongoing. The house discussed the fire at Loyem ground on July 6 which burned some traditional morungs used as kitchen to

prepare food for the quarantine centres. House agreed to reconstruction the morungs at the earliest. The house also agreed to strengthen awareness campaign on COVID-19 in the wards/colonies to spread safe practices such as wearing mask, washing hands, maintaining social distancing and also to spread awareness against discrimination/harassment of front line workers and returnees.

Task force for enforcement of safety protocols at Pfutsero DIMAPUR: Additional de puty commissioner Pfutsero, Phuleshe K. Yepthomi constituted a Task Force for enforcement of safety protocols including social distancing at Pfutsero town with immediate effect. According to DIPR report, the members of the Task Force are head DB, Mesetsonyi, ADC office Pfutsero, convenor DB, Lhikhrope, member representative of OC, PS, Pfutsero, member. The Task Force has been authorised to impose a fine amounting to Rs. 100 (one hundred) against any individual owners of shops and establishments frequented by public for violation of the following with immediate effect from the date of issue of this notice: Wearing of face cover/mask in all public places/ work places etc; Social distancing as per the guidelines of ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Spitting in public places; Provision of hand washing or hand sanitiser in all shops/commercial establishments etc. Further, the license of any shop which do not arrange facilities for provision of hand washing or hand sanitisers shall be suspended for a period of one month on repeated violation. Report on the enforcement is to be submitted to ADC Pfutsero daily by 4 p.m. All colony chairman and GBs have been directed to inform citizens within their respective jurisdiction to use face mask when in public places and maintain social distancing.

WJVC oppose shifting COVID-19 hospital from Jalukie town CHC DIMAPUR: Whole Jalukie Village Council (WJVC) said the designated COVID-19 hospital at community health centre (CHC), Jalukie town should not be shifted to any other place nor any of equipment relocated at any cost. A consultative meeting of the council held at the residence of Kumui Nring, chairman Jalukie Pumling Nko Jalukie Town, on Wednesday also declared full cooperation in the event of any necessity for setting up a new COVID-19 hospital in any part of the district. Further declaring that no organisation would be allowed to hold any activity that could threaten peaceful co-existence of the

State/NORTHEAST

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

people, the meeting said such acts would be strictly prohibited within Jalukie without prior permission and consent from the landowner concerned. Following reported unruly conduct by inmates at some quarantine centres, the meeting concluded that the inmates hailing from subscribed villages under Old Jalukie Village should be dealt strictly by respective village councils as per law of the land, with three years banishment of such inmates along with their family members in the event of any breach of standard operating procedure (SOP) of the government or absconding from the quarantine centres. The council comprising of 14 subordinate

councils also decided to extend and assist the State government from the sub-divisional level to the district level in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic to effectively manage it and shun misapprehension from any quarter. While deliberating on the proposed delimitation exercise, the meeting demanded that delimitation should not segregate land and its people in different constituencies, because this would undermine traditional practices and defeat the purpose of establishing satellite villages in Jalukie land and have a far-reaching effect for many generations. Thus, it reasoned that delimitation in the district should not

jeopardise the aspiration of people and existing geographical and political harmony of people and land. The meeting resolved to seek genuine rights through representation to the competent authority. Earlier, WJVC president Namgum Hingleu welcomed the participants of the meeting, which was followed by mass prayer led by Ireigwang Mpom, deacon of Baptist Church, Jalukie ‘B’. Prior to the deliberations, convener of Mlei Ngyi Festival 2020 presented his report, which was accepted anonymously. This was stated in a press release by WJVC president Namgum Hingleu and secretary Benjanmin.

NORTHEAST

DC Kohima issues order on containment zones

Deputy commissioner Kohima Gregory Thejawelie has informed that in view of the detection of a COVID19 positive person residing at Daklane Colony Kohima, municipal ward -7 and Kezieke Colony Kohima, municipal ward -3, the areas defined below are demarcated as Containment Zone in order to contain the spread of the disease/infection and for necessary contact tracing. According to DIPR report, all movement of person/vehicles within the defined Containment Zones/areas are strictly restricted/prohibited and under active surveillance. Demarcated area East: New Market Main Road, Below Pentecostal Church West: Footstep Near Sector-C GB’s Residence, Footstep near Community well, Footstep near UCRC Church South: Footstep Near Viswema Brothers Building North: Footstep, Near M. Electronics, New Market Road till Nullah near UCRC Church. East: Old Tata Parking till Footstep between KFC and Vonuo Tyre Workshop (Main NH) West: Footstep near Keziekie Naga Bazaar boundary till Nagaland Timber Agency (Saw Mill) South: Old Tata Parking Footstep Near Masjid till Naga Bazaar Road North: Footstep between KFC and Vonuo Tyre Workshop till Nagaland Timber Agency (Saw Mill).This is for information and strict compliance of all concerned.

AQC declared as Containment Zone

DC Mokokchung has declared Amukloshi quarantine centre (AQC), FazI Ali College campus, Chuchuyimpang as Containment Zone in view of one person having been confirmed COVID-19 positive, from among the returnees at Amukloshi quarantine centre. DC Mokokchung informed that this was in accordance to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland with immediate effect.

1 dead, 1 injured in landslide

The mangled car where the deceased was trapped during the unfortunate freak accident. (Social media)

DIMAPUR: In a freak accident, one person was killed and another injured on Wednesday wee hours

when the car they were travelling was swept below the road by landslide near Kilomi and Xuivi villages

under Satakha sub-division, Zunheboto district. The mangled remains of the Maruti Alto along with the deceased was retrieved with the help of a poclain machine, assisted by people from the nearby villages and police. The injured was rushed to a nearby Satakha Primary Health Centre (PHC) for emergency medical aid. According to initial police reports, the incident took place when the fatherson duo were returning from Dimapur, on the way back to their village. The driver managed to escape, however, the person seated in the front seat died due to injuries, police said. It may be mentioned that the recent incessant rains have damaged several roads and properties.

Govt nurses in Manipur threaten to cease work Correspondent IMPHAL, Jul 8: Nurses working in healthcare centres of Manipur government on Wednesday threatened to join the cease work strike launched by employees of the state government. “Nurses who are employees of the Manipur government will be compelled to resort to extreme forms of protest if the state government fails to address their demands,” The Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI), Manipur State branch threatened, in a statement. The trained nurses working under the state government were actively engaged in various Covid care centres and hospitals in the fight against the pandemic. However, they were still not getting their due DA and other entitled allowances as per the recommendation of 7th Pay Commission, even though nurses working under Mizoram government were getting Rs 6000 per month. Nurses working in centrally run RIMS hospital, Imphal were also

enjoying the same allowance apart from other allowances. However, nurses working under the Manipur government were getting only Rs 2000 a month as allowance. For long, The TNAI, Manipur state branch has been pursuing the state government to keep the pay and allowances of the nurses at par with their counterparts working in the Central government and other state governments. Being the association, a federation unit of the Manipur Government Services Federation (MGSF) had also highlighted the grievances of the nurses to the federation, it added. At a time the state government is battling the COVID-19 pandemic, employees of the state government under the aegis of MGSF have resorted to cease work commencing from Monday. The employees were demanding implementation of the pay structures recommended by the 7th Pay Commission which the state government had already agreed to adopt with

effect from April 2020. The strike threat from the nurses came amid surge in COVID-19 infections as the state government engaged in containment measures after local clustering of the cases occurred in one of the districts of the state (Jiribam). As per a source in the state health department, the COVID-19 infection tally in the state mounted to 1,435 with the detection of five more new cases in the last 24 hours (from July 7, 6: 30 pm to July 8, 6: 30 pm ). The five fresh cases from Senapati district were detected during test of 1,070 samples. The total number of samples tested since the outbreak of the pandemic in the state stands at 58,839. In the past 24 hours, 22 persons were discharged after recovering from the disease to take the tally of recovery to 793 and the active cases to 642 including the five fresh cases. The health authority put the recovery rate in the state at 55.26 percent.

Health minister, S. Pangnyu Phom held a review meeting with commissioner & secretary, principal director, addl. director and MD & dy. director of the Health & Family Welfare department on July 8 to take stock of the situation in Peren district and to work out an effective strategy to contain the spread of the pandemic to community level. (Twitter)

Assam reports 5 more COVID-19 fatalities; death toll 21 Guwahati, Jul 8 (PTI): Assam reported five more COVID-19 fatalities on Wednesday, taking the state’s death toll due to the disease to 21 while the total number of cases stood at 13,336, Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Four patients died at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and one succumbed to the infection at Tezpur Medical College and Hospital (TMCH), he said. All the four men who died at GMCH were aged above 60, with the oldest

being 75. They were on invasive ventilation and had severe pneumonia, urosepsis and septic shock, the minister said. “My heartfelt condolences to families and relatives of four more victims of #COVID19. These are trying times, and we all must adhere to guidelines being repeatedly given -- wearing mask, social distance and not going out unless very important,” Sarma tweeted. The patient who died at TMCH was a 30-yearold man from Majbat area in Udalguri district ad-

mitted to the hospital on July 7 with “features of septicaemia in shock with a history of herbal medication”, he said. “Condolences. So sad to see young lives being lost,” Sarma said in another tweet. With the fresh deaths, the number of people succumbing to the infection in the last 24 hours has risen to seven. Two patients, including a woman, died on Tuesday. The total number of cases has risen to 13,336 after 814 more people tested positive for the infection on

Tuesday night. A total of 588 of the 814 new cases are from Guwahati city, which is under lockdown since June 28. A total of 4,479 cases have been reported in Guwahati since June 24. The district administrations of Dhubri, Nagaon, Kokrajhar and Nalbari have restricted movement to and from Kamrup Metropolitan district, under which Guwahati falls, to prevent community transmission in other districts. Assam has tested 4,85,156 samples so far. K Y M C

northeast

Week-long ‘total lockdown’ in Jorhat city

G U WA H AT I , J U L 8 (PTI): The Jorhat district administration in Assam has decided to impose a week-long “total lockdown” across Jorhat city from July 9 to check the spread of coronavirus, Deputy Commissioner Roshni Aparanji Korati said on Wednesday. The DC has also issued a show-cause notice to the principal of Jorhat Medical College and Hospital for alleged negligence in allowing a surgeon to return from Guwahati to join duty before the result of his COVID-19 test is out, an official said. Issuing an order, Korati said that “total lockdown” will be clamped from Thursday in areas under the Jorhat Municipal Board till July 15 in order to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus. Movement of all vehicles, opening of government and private offices, markets, shopping complexes and shops dealing in non-essential activities will not be allowed during the period, she added. A total of 253 people have tested positive in Jorhat

The total lockdown has been imposed in areas under the Jorhat Municipal Board.

district so far and 71 of them are from Jorhat city alone. To halt the rapidly rising positive COVID-19 cases, a two-week lockdown from June 28 is underway in Kamrup Metropolitan district, which primarily comprises Guwahati city. Apart from Jorhat,

several other districts such as Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Dhubri, Nagaon, Kokrajhar and Nalbari have imposed restrictions on movement of people to-and-fro Kamrup Metropolitan after Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that community transmission is taking place

in Guwahati. Complete lockdown of varied duration has also been imposed in two other districts Dima Hasao and West Karbi Anglong - from Monday and Wednesday. Meanwhile, a surgeon from Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (JMCH) tested

Jetty built in Tripura to start Indo-Bangla waterway project

A temporary jetty was set up to handle traffic while work for the permanent work would continue alongside.

Agartala, Jul 8 (PTI): A jetty was constructed on the river Gomati in Tripura’s Sipahijala district to operationalise a part of the Indo-Bangla waterway project, officials said on Wednesday. The jetty would help connect Sonamura with Daudkandi in Bangladesh, a distance of only 80 kilometres. At present, ships and steamers ply from Haldia in West Bengal to Daudkandi, which is a longer route. “The floating jetty at Sonamura is capable of carrying 12 tonnes of goods. It is now ready for operation,” Sub- Divisional Magistrate of Sonamura, Subrata Majumder, told PTI.

The jetty, constructed by a Pune-based company, was included in the list of Indo-Bangladesh Protocol routes in an agreement signed between the two countries at Dhaka on May 20. The Public Works Department is now constructing the approach road, which would be completed by next month and after that, it would be inaugurated, Majumder said. The temporary jetty, which was completed in three weeks, could be a game-changer in the state’s communication system, officials said, adding that boats and barges capable of carrying 12 tonnes of goods would start moving

AR seize arms and ammunition in Manipur

Arms and ammunitions recovered by combined force of AR and Manipur police.

Correspondent IMPHAL, JUL 8: A combined force of Assam Rifles and Manipur government recovered a cache of arms and ammunitions during a joint operation at Langthabal area under Singjamei police station of Imphal West district, an official source said on Wednesday. The operation was launched Tuesday evening based on specific input regarding concealed weapons and ammunition, the

source said. The recovered items comprised two packages containing one country made AK Rifle, one point 32mm automatic pistol with magazine, one 9mm carbine with two magazines, one Chinese hand grenade, 20 live rounds of assorted ammunition and two hand held radio sets. The recovered arms, ammunition and war like stores were handed over to Singjamei police station for further investigations, the source added.

in this route. In a social media post, Tripura Chief Minister Bipab Kumar Deb said, We shall have a route from Varanasi to Sonamura opened for us. It is a historical milestone for us. This jetty has been completed within three weeks. There is no temporary jetty anywhere in India, which was completed in three weeks. “It has been done for the first time in Tripura, that too amid COVID-19 lockdown. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and MoS for Shipping Ministry for the initiative.” Deb said the new water route would facilitate export of pineapple, lemon, jack-

fruit, cashew nut, orange and bamboo products to other states and abroad, and transport goods from Bangladesh to India. The Gomati has sufficient water for movement of boats and barges since it is monsoon now, Deb said. Though full-fledged operation would require a permanent jetty, a temporary one was built to handle traffic and works for construction of a permanent jetty which could be completed in three years, the chief minister said. A technical committee of the Ministry of Shipping had visited Srimantapur area of Sepahijala district last year and surveyed three plots of land near Srimantapur Land Custom Station to build a boat jetty and a warehouse. A terminal building would also be set up for checking imported goods from Bangladesh, officials said. They said plans are afoot for dredging the riverbed of Gomati to make way for boats and barges from Sonamura till Ashuganj river port of Bangladesh during the winters. The Indo-Bangla waterway project will connect Gomati river with the Meghna river of Bangladesh to get access to Ashuganj port.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

Medical officer arrested for substandard masks

positive for coronavirus infection on Tuesday evening after returning from Guwahati a few days ago. A female junior doctor, who came in contact with the surgeon, also tested positive for the virus, creating panic in the hospital which is a COVID-19 centre. The JMCH authorities sealed the surgery and anaesthesia departments to stop further spread of the virus among the medical staff, an official told PTI. After knowing that the doctor did not quarantine himself after giving his swab on return from Guwahati and joined duty, the district administration issued a show-cause notice to the principal of the hospital, the official said. “As per protocol, after collection of sample the person should remain in quarantine till result comes, but in this case he was allowed to work putting other people in risk. This is serious negligence and therefore you are asked to give written explanation in this regard,” said the notice from the DC to the JMCH principal.

Imphal, Jul 8 (PTI): A senior medical officer has been arrested in Manipur for procuring substandard N95 masks for supply to a district hospital, police said on Wednesday. Dr M Dinesh Singh, posted at the Central Medical Store of the Directorate of Health Services, Manipur was arrested on Tuesday, a statement issued by the Vigilance and Anti- corruption wing of the state police said. During preliminary investigation, it has come to light that the accused, also the state nodal officer of the State Health Society of the National Health Mission, Manipur, had played a key role in the procurement of substandard medical protective gears including N95 masks for supply to Churachandpur district hospital, it said. The arrested person will be produced before the court of the Special Judge (PC Act), Imphal West, during the day, it added.

Fear of community spread of COVID-19 in Karbi Anglong

Capital Complex SP office in Arunachal sealed after constable tests COVID positive

Correspondent DIPHU JUL 8: West Karbi Anglong autonomous district is witnessing a sudden spike in COVID19 positive cases even as Kheroni locality is the hotbed of the pandemic. On July 5, three ASHA workers of Kheroni health centre positive, a few days later on July 8, two constables of Kheroni police station and one person who returned from Maharashtra have also tested positive. After five executive members of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council tested positive, three personal body guards of two executive members from Assam Police battalion, a driver and others closely associated staffs of few government officers have also tested positive. A sense of uneasiness is currently prevailing among para military force CRPF at Diphu town and Khatkati locality of Bokajan after three CRPF personals tested positive. Meanwhile, nominated Member of Autonomous Council Ajit Kumar Dey and another two persons of Diphu town have also tested positive. The sudden rise in the corona cases is clearly indicating that community spread has begun in both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong district.

Itanagar, Jul 8 (PTI): The office of the Superintendent of Police in Arunachal Pradesh’s Capital Complex region, where a week-long total lockdown is underway, has been sealed after a woman constable deployed there tested positive for COVID19, a top police officer said on Wednesday. Director General of Police (DGP), R P Upadhaya, said that the Capital Complex SP office was sealed on Tuesday evening and its 80 staff members will be tested for COVID-19 during the day. “The office will reopen only after proper disinfection of the building and campus,” he said. The northeastern state has recorded six fresh cases, taking its virus count to 276, State Surveillance Officer Dr L Jampa said. Five of the six fresh cases, including the woman constable, were reported from the Capital Complex region comprising Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli, Banderdewa and Doimukh areas while one new infection was detected in Namsai district, he said. Three new patients are returnees from other states while one was a health worker at state-

Manipur’s Jiribam gets rapid antigen testing facilities Correspondent IMPHAL, Jul 8: Rapid antigen testing facilities to detect COVID-19 infections will be set-up in all the districts of the state, said Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh while inaugurating the first facility in Jiribam district on Wednesday. The chief minister inaugurated the rapid antigen testing facility at Jiribam district headquarters through video conferencing. The first local clustering of COVID-19 cases in the state was recently reported in Jiribam.. Singh inaugurated the centre along with five water supply projects and an office building of state weight and measures department. Except the testing centre, other projects are located in Imphal. Talking to reporters at the inauguration of the projects at his secretariat, the chief minister said that the inauguration of the rapid antigen testing centre will help in early detection of the coronavirus infections in the district. He said that such testing facilities will also be made available to other

districts of the state as soon as possible. The state has received around 15,000 rapid testing kits from the Centre, he added. Responding to queries from reporters, Singh said that as of now, his government has not taken any decision to convert the Jiribam district hospital into Covid Care Centre. However, he added, there was a plan to open such a facility in the district so that the coronavirus infected patients can be treated at the district itself. With the opening of the centre, state health authority has started taking up steps for mass testing of people which was necessitated following the local clustering of the cases at Jiribam police station where over 50 personnel and VDF were infected by the pandemic. “We will now start testing symptomatic persons and people at containment zones of the district. We have got 300 rapid antigen testing kits,” Jiribam DC W Malemnganba said. On the COVID-19 situation in the state, the chief minister said that the recovery rate of COVID-19

Four more test positive for COVID; 2 recover in Meghalaya

patients is more than 53 percent and there was no casualty so far in the state. He then stressed on the need to take precautionary measures to fight the disease and urged people to abide by all protocols and SOPs issued by health authorities and government from time to time. Regarding projects inaugurated today, Singh informed that the govern-

DC-592

ment could complete various developmental projects in the state in the last around three years. Reminding of the sanctioning of Rs 3,000 crore by the New Development Bank for schemes to provide potable water to every household in the state, the chief minister said all necessary processes including tenders, issue of work order etc. have been completed.

Correspondent Shillong, Jul 8: Four more persons, , including three Border Security Force (BSF) troopers have tested positive for COVID-19, even as two others recovered, marginally scaling down active cases to 52 in Meghalaya on Wednesday. With the four new cases, Meghalaya has a total of 99 detected cases comprising 52 active, two deaths and 45 of them have recovered from the viral infection. The two patients who recovered are from South West Garo Hills district. Earlier, Health and Family Welfare Minister, Alexander Laloo Hek said that among the four who tested positive, one patient was referred to North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong from Tripura Medical College for further treatment of a different ailment. The patient from Tripura had arrived on Tuesday and is now admitted at the

isolation ward of NEIGRIHMS. Hek also informed that three more BSF troopers have tested positive for the viral infection, taking the total active cases in the paramilitary force to 26 in the State. Giving a break-up of COVID 19 cases in district wise, Hek said East Khasi Hills has recorded 34 cases, Ri Bhoi -14, West Garo Hills – 3 and one in East Jaintia Hills. Director Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War said all the 52 active cases in the state are ‘asymptomatic’ and are on the road to recovery. “Our job is to prevent the spread as much as possible and to prepare for clinical care in case we have to treat severe cases. We are concentrating more on signs and symptoms and we have full confidence on our health teams,” he told journalists. “The Community Health Centres and Primary Health Centres across the state are prepared to handle the eventuality of COVID-19 pandemic,” he asserted.

File photo of the capital complex.

run Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) in Naharlagun and one a businessman, Dr Jampa said. Meanwhile, 76 contacts of an eight-month-old baby, who died within hours of testing positive for COVID19 at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in

Meghalaya after being referred from TRIHMS, have been traced, he said. “The baby boy was diagnosed with disseminated tuberculosis with central nervous system (CNS) complications and was shifted from TRIHMS on July 5. Both his parents and another relative have tested negative for the infection at the NEIGRIHMS.

Dearest Senthan, Wishing you a very happy 7th Birthday. May God continue to bless you more. With lots of love, From Randan, Mom&Dad, and all your near and dear ones.” Olla Sekulu (Sakura), The 9th July a super woman was born. Shout out to the one and only who is Jolly, Fun loving, Weird, Exquisite, Terrific, Xenial, Amiable, and the list go on. Thank you for being a blessing to me. Happiest Birthday to you my dearest friend. God bless you big. From Kai. Dear Awang, A warm birthday greetings to you, i didn’t even need Facebook to remind me it was your birthday. Wishes for your good health and long life. May you have happiness and success in all your endeavours. From, Manshen K

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

Nationalism, citizenship, demonetisation dropped from CBSE

NEW DELHI/ KOLKATA, JUL 8 (PTI): The students appearing in the CBSE board exams next year will not be required to study about secularism, citizenship, nationalism, demonetisation and democratic rights as the chapters dealing with these subjects, along with several other chapters, have been dropped from the syllabus to reduce the course load for students amid the coronavirus crisis. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) notified the new syllabus for classes 9 to 12 for the 2020-21 academic session on Wednesday after rationalising up to 30 per cent of the curriculum. According to the updated curriculum, the chapters deleted from the Class 10 syllabus are those dealing with democracy and diver-

sity, gender, religion and caste, popular struggles and movement and challenges to democracy. For Class 11, the deleted portions include the chapters on federalism, citizenship, nationalism, secularism and growth of local governments in India. Similarly, Class 12 students will not be required to study the chapters on India’s relations with its neighbours -- Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ne-

pal, the changing nature of India’s economic development, social movements in India and demonetisation, among others. According to Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry officials, the syllabus has been rationalised to reduce the burden on students but the core concepts have been retained. “The loss of instructional time for a proportionate reduction in the

curriculum load for exams A nationwide lock- While the government has was assessed. Accordingly, down was announced on eased several restrictions, the course committee of the March 24, which came the schools and colleges board had initiated the work into effect the next day. continue to remain closed. on the reduced syllabus. Suggestions were invited Shocked at CBSE’s move to drop topics like from various stakeholders. citizenship, federalism in new syllabus: Mamata “Heads of schools and West Bengal Chief name of reducing CBSE teachers have been advised by the board to ensure that Minister Mamata Banerjee course during #COVIDthe topics that have been took umbrage on Wednes- Crisis. We strongly object reduced are explained to day over the CBSE’s deci- to this & appeal @HRDthe students to the extent sion to drop topics such as Ministry, GoI to ensure required. However, the re- “citizenship”, “federalism” these vital lessons aren’t duced syllabus will not be and “partition” in an effort curtailed at any cost,” Bapart of the topics for the to rationalise its curricu- nerjee said in a tweet. The Central Board internal assessment and the lum amid the COVID-19 of Secondary Education year-end board examina- crisis. She appealed to the (CBSE) has rationalised tion,” a senior CBSE official Human Resource Develop- the syllabus for Classes 9 said. U n i v e r s i t i e s a n d ment (HRD) Ministry not to 12 for the 2020-21 sesschools across the coun- to curtail important lessons sion by up to 30 per cent to make up for the academic try have been closed since at any cost. “Shocked to know loss caused due to COVIDMarch 16, when the Centre announced a nationwide that the Central Govt has 19. It notified the new classroom shutdown as one dropped topics like Citizenship, Federalism, Secusyllabus for these classes of the measures to contain larism & Partition in the on Wednesday. the COVID-19 outbreak.

5 7-day lockdown from July 9 in West Bengal KOLKATA, JUL 8 (AGENCIES): Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee played down the new lockdown that will come into force from 5 pm tomorrow across containment zones of the state, saying there is no need to make a mountain out of molehill. The lockdown will be in force for seven days and extended if necessary, she said. She also rejected the list of new containment zones for the South 24 Parganas district, because too many areas were included. “You can’t lock down a whole district,” she said after examining the list at a televised meeting with her officials and doctors from government hospitals. “Who has prepared this list? Has it been done on the basis of the voters list? You have included entire

civic wards. Very bad! Review it!” she said. The chief minister cleared the redrawn containment zone list for Kolkata, North 24 Parganas and Howrah districts and said there should be a focus on Siliguri in north Bengal as well as Malda, which have seen a sharp rise in coronavirus numbers. Since 1 July, there have been 5,278 new cases and 136 deaths in the state. Now, the lockdown will come into force from 5 pm Thursday in Kolkata, Howrah and North 24 Parganas but not in South 24 Parganas. “Please review the containment zone list for South 24 Parganas and put off the lockdown in that district by a day or two till the list is finalised,” Ms Banerjee said. The lockdown in the other districts can go ahead.

Enhancing global cooperation need of Inter-ministerial team to probe 3 Gandhi trusts; Cong hits back the hour to effectively tackle COVID: Prez

NEW DELHI, JUL 8 (PTI): Asserting that India was at the forefront of the ongoing international efforts to defeat the coronavirus, President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday said enhancing global cooperation to effectively tackle the pandemic was the need of the hour. At a ceremony during which Kovind accepted credentials from heads of mission from New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan, he said that India has deeprooted ties with all the three countries and was privileged to share with them a common outlook on key global issues. The president noted that enhancing global cooperation was the need of the hour to effectively tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Rashtrapati Bhavan statement. “In this context, he stated that India was in the forefront of ongoing international efforts to defeat the

J’khand CM Soren goes into home quarantine

Hemant Soren

RANCHI, JUL 8 (PTI): Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has quarantined himself at his Ranchi residence after a cabinet minister whom he had met recently tested positive for COVID-19, an official statement said on Wednesday. The chief minister had recently come in contact with Drinking and Sanitation Minister Mithilesh Thakur who has tested positive for COVID-19. Soren has also urged staff members of the Chief Minister’s Office to go into home quarantine, it said. Soren has wished a speedy recovery of Thakur and another Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA Mathura Mahato, who tested positive for the disease on Tuesday, the statement said. The chief minister’s samples are expected to be tested during the day, officials said. Both Thakur and Mahato have been admitted to the COVID-19 ward of the state-run Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here and their contacts are being traced, they said. Thakur is the first minister in Soren’s cabinet to have tested positive for COVID-19. Jharkhand has reported 3,018 COVID-19 cases till Tuesday night, of which, 892 are active and 22 patients have died.

Ram Nath Kovind accepts credentials from Philip Barton via video conferencing in New Delhi, July 8. (PTI)

pandemic,” it stated. Expressing happiness over the vibrant state of relations with the three countries, President Kovind emphasised that as a member of the UN Security Council for the term 2021-22, India looked forward to working with the international community to strengthen global peace and prosperity. “This was the second time that credentials presentation in Rashtrapati Bhavan happened through videoconference in the wake of

COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement said. The president had in May this year received the credentials from the envoys of seven countries through video-conference. David Pine, the High Commissioner of New Zealand, Sir Philip Barton, the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom, and Akhatov Dilshod Khamidovich, the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan presented their credentials to the president during Wednesday’s ceremony.

NEW DELHI, JUL 8 (PTI): The government on Wednesday set up an interministerial panel to probe alleged violations of laws relating to money laundering, income tax and foreign contributions by three trusts, including the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, linked to the Nehru-Gandhi family. The Congress termed the move a “blind witchhunt” and said it would not be intimidated while the ruling BJP said the decision is a “natural” outcome of information in the public domain. The three trusts to be investigated are the RGF, the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust and the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust. While the first two trusts are headed by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, it is not immediately known who chairs the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust. A Home Ministry spokesperson said a special director from the Enforcement Directorate will head the committee, which is also likely to com-

India-China armies to carry out verification of disengagement in LAC

NEW DELHI, JUL 8 (PTI): Indian and Chinese armies are expected to carry out a joint verification to assess the implementation of the disengagement process once the dismantling of temporary infrastructure and withdrawal of troops by China are completed in the friction points in eastern Ladakh, people familiar with the development said on Wednesday. They said the two militaries are set to hold extensive talks on finalising modalities for restoring normalcy and bringing back peace and tranquillity in the region after the verification of the disengagement exercise is completed. The mutual disengagement of troops from the standoff points has been undertaken as a measure to ease the situation in the region and the larger focus would be to ensure the total restoration of status quo ante in all areas of the region, they said. As per the mutual understanding, neither side will carry out any patrolling in the friction points till modalities for restoration of peace and tranquillity are thrashed out. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held “a frank and in-depth exchange of views” on Sunday to de-escalate tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Chinese military began pulling back of troops from a number of friction points from Monday morning. The Chinese military has already withdrawn troops from Galwan Valley and Hot Springs, while the pull back is likely to be over in Gogra on Thursday.

prise officials from the CBI, Income Tax department and Home Ministry. The decision to constitute the committee was taken about a fortnight after the BJP said the RGF had received funds from the Chinese Embassy. The allegation came amid the stand-off between the Indian Army and China’s PLA in Ladakh. “The MHA has set up an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate investigations into violation of various legal provisions of PMLA, Income Tax Act, FCRA etc., by the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust and Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust. Special Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) will head the committee,” the Home Ministry said. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act deals with cases related to money laundering and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) deals with acceptance and utilisa-

tion of foreign contributions. The home ministry has not yet disclosed the terms of reference of the committee. Reacting to the move, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said those who fight for the truth have no price and cannot be intimidated. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the party and its leadership will “not be intimidated by the cowardly acts and blind witch-hunt by a panicked Modi government”. His colleague Abhishek Manu Singhvi added that there is nothing to fear and every question will be answered. “The RGF has nothing to add or fear because you have all the ‘yantras and tantras’ and you can

ask every question at every inquiry. We are here as lawabiding persons to answer. But, you need to be exposed fully, in that you don’t ever ask these questions of many holy cows,” he said. Rejecting charges that the move was politically motivated, BJP general secretary P Muralidhar Rao said the Central government’s order of a probe into transactions of trusts linked to the Nehru-Gandhi family is a “natural” outcome of information brought out recently in the public domain. “These transactions are in public domain...our government is committed to transparency. It is natural to investigate these transactions after so much information was recently brought out in public domain,” he said, and advised the Congress party to cooperate with the investigation. Launching an attack against the Congress party over the RGF receiving funds from the Chinese Embassy a few years ago, Union Minister and BJP leader

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER WOKHA :: NAGALAND NOTICE

Military sources said Indian Army will continue to maintain its aggressive posturing along the Line of Actual Control till the Chinese side cuts down on its significant build up in its rear bases along the LAC, the de-facto border between India and China. Both sides have brought in thousands of additional troops and weaponry including tanks and artillery guns to their rear bases as part of a mega build up following the face-off that began on May 5. “There is a trust factor now. We will not lower our guard at all,” said a senior military official on the condition of anonymity. The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in the bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last eight weeks. The tension escalated manifold after the Galwan Valley clash. Both sides have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks in the last few weeks to ease tension in the region. However, there was no visible sign of any end to the standoff till Sunday evening. Sources said the breakthrough was achieved at the Doval-Wang meeting. On June 30, the Indian and Chinese armies held the third round of Lt Generallevel talks during which both

sides agreed on an “expeditious, phased and step wise” de-escalation as a “priority” to end the standoff. In the talks on June 22, the two sides arrived at a “mutual consensus” to “disengage” from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh. The first round of the Lt General talks was held on June 6 during which both sides finalised an agreement to disengage gradually from all the standoff points beginning with Galwan Valley. However, the situation deteriorated following the Galwan Valley clashes as the two sides significantly bolstered their deployments in most areas along the LAC. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a surprise visit to Ladakh during which he said the era of expansionism is over and that the history is proof that “expansionists” have either lost or perished, in comments which were seen as a clear message to China that India is not going to back off and would deal with the situation with a firm hand. Tensions had escalated in eastern Ladakh around two months back after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on May 5 and 6. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9.

Ravi Shankar Prasad had questioned whether it was a “bribe” for lobbying for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and China. Prasad took on the opposition party after BJP president J P Nadda last month raised the issue in a virtual rally for party workers in Madhya Pradesh. The RGF was set up in 1991 with the aim of realising “the vision of the former prime minister of a modern India, secular, and progressive; a country that enshrines the democratic principle of equality and blends progress with rich cultural traditions”. The foundation is chaired by Sonia Gandhi. The other trustees include former PM Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, P Chidambaram as well as former deputy chairman of the erstwhile Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former journalist Suman Dubey, former Rajya Sabha member Ashok Ganguly and industrialist Sanjiv Goenka.

Dated Wokha the 8th July 2020

NO.LR/GEN-1/2008-09/978-8 :: Whereas, the Divisional Forest Officer, Wokha, has brought to the notice of the undersigned that Shri Matthew Humtsoe, Shri. Wopen Tungoe and Shri. Elias Humtsoe of Serika Village has encroached upon Forest land at Yimparasa Government Purchased Land under Merapani Forest Range; Whereas, the land in question was purchased by the Government of Nagaland in 1972 and measures 850 acres as per sale deed and sketch map; Whereas, the encroachment area was measured to be 34.75 hectares in 2009 by the Working Plan Division under Forest Department; Whereas, despite repeated attempts to deter any encroachment on Yimparasa Govt Purchased Land by the Forest Officers and staff over the years with special reference to the destruction of betelnut and rubber plantations illegally planted on the same land in the year 2004 by Shri Matthew Humtsoe, it has been observed by the undersigned that Shri Matthew Humtsoe continues to repeatedly encroach knowingly and even tried to establish a Brick Kiln in 2018 along with jungle clearing and earth cutting, construction of resting sheds and workers houses, etc, which was halted by an order of the ADC Bhandari; Whereas, on perusal of relevant documents such as Sale Deed, Maps, Boundary Descriptions, etc of Yimparasa Government Purchased Land, it has been observed by the undersigned that the same land measuring 850 acres was outrightly purchased by the Forest Department in 1972. In addition, the ADC/1st Class Magistrate Bhandari had given a Judgement on 19th February, 2000, regarding this 850 acres of land at Yimparasa to be Forest Land as per the Survey Map and thereby “orders restriction and prohibits anyone from committing forest offence inside the Government Purchased Land such as clearing the forest, cultivation, erection of any sort of hutments and also any other illegal activities w.e.f. 21/02/2000”; Whereas, Public Notice was served by the Divisional Forest Officer Wokha vide Notification NO.WKA-GEN-ENCR/230/2017 dated 22nd of March, 2020, which was also published in the Nagaland Post on 24th May, 2020, warning against encroachment on Government Purchased lands at Yimparasa, Bhandari and Longayim, including citation of various Acts/Laws and the provisional penalties thereof; Whereas, in the instant case, the land is a Government Purchased Land and is thus a “Public Land” as per Section 2 of the Nagaland Eviction of Persons in Unauthorised Occupation of Public Land Act, 1971, and is in “Unauthorised Occupation” by the respomdent; Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred U/S 5 (Issue of Notice to show cause against Order of Eviction to unauthorized occupation from Public Land) of the Nagaland Eviction of Persons in Unauthorised Occupation of Public Land Act, 1971, this Notice is hereby served to Shri Matthew Humtsoe, Shri. Wopen Tungoe and Shri. Elias Humtsoe of Serika Village, to show cause on or before 31st July, 2020, as to why an Order U/S 6(i) (Order of eviction to persons in unauthorized occupation of Public Land) of the same Act should not be made against the persons mentioned. In the event of failure to respond to this notice or otherwise, the undersigned shall immediately initiate Section 6 and other relevant provisions of the Nagaland Eviction of Persons in Unauthorised Occupation of Public Land Act, 1971, as deemed fit. (ORENTHUNG LOTHA) Deputy Commissioner Wokha::Nagaland DC-591

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXx NO. 213 Dimapur, THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

Airborne transmission

dding more to the already critical situation which the world faces due to the COVID-19 pandemic; it is certainly bad news that another likely source of infection has now come up. As on July 8,2020, the total number of coronavirus cases in the entire world as officially recorded has jumped to 1,20,00,656. The US has the highest number with 30,98,959 and Brazil has the second highest figure that stands at 16,74,655. India has the third highest COVID-19 cases that stand at 7,53,354 after overtaking Russia (7,00,792 cases). Most worryingly is the fact that the virus continues to spread while the world is plunged into a deep health and economic crisis. The desperate search for a vaccine to stop the spread of the virus has led to a race among the world’s medical laboratories but it may not be available for another year or so. By that time, the spread would be near catastrophic. So far the virus is believed to be transmitted through three ways -large respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces. Scientists and doctors are still learning about COVID-19 and information regarding this new virus are being updated accordingly. Now comes another bombshell that there is a fourth element through which the dreaded virus could be transmitted. It has now been more or less established that coronavirus can be transmitted through the air. Hundreds of scientists say there is evidence that novel coronavirus in smaller particles in the air can infect people, the New York Times reported on July 4,2020. This issue was highlighted as far back as May 30,2020 by Dr. Kimberly A.Prather of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California(USA) in a publication. Dr.Kimberly wrote that a “large proportion of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appears to be occurring through airborne transmission of aerosols produced by asymptomatic individuals during breathing and speaking”. WHO, however continued to display the same attitude when it had refused to call COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019 when it rampaged across China. Had WHO acted, then COVID-19 would have been contained within China. Backing the latest finding, some 239 scientists in 32 countries on July 6,2020 have called upon the World Health Organisation(WHO) to revise the latter’s recommendations that the spread of the virus through air was not convincing. After insisting for months that the novel coronavirus is transmitted via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, WHO eventually admitted that the airborne spread of COVID-19 cannot be ruled out, especially in public settings. Benedetta Allegranzi, the WHO’s technical lead for infection prevention and control, said there was evidence emerging of airborne transmission of the coronavirus, but that it was not definitive. It may be noted that airborne diseases are spread by tiny pathogens - bacteria, fungi, viruses - in the air. They can spread when people with certain infections sneeze, cough, talk. If the claim of the 239 scientists is found to be true, then wearing a mask would become all the more necessary. It could also mean that the agencies might recommend N-95 masks, used in hospital settings, to prevent the transmission of the virus through aerosols and make it all the more crucial for people to avoid crowded market places or public gatherings.

DailyDevotion Will To Be Faithful

…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… —Joshua 24:15 A person’s will is embodied in the actions of the whole person. I cannot give up my will— I must exercise it, putting it into action. I must will to obey, and I must will to receive God’s Spirit. When God gives me a vision of truth, there is never a question of what He will do, but only of what I will do. The Lord has been placing in front of each of us some big proposals and plans. The best thing to do is to remember what you did before when you were touched by God. Recall the moment when you were saved, or first recognized Jesus, or realized some truth. It was easy then to yield your allegiance to God. Immediately recall those moments each time the Spirit of God brings some new proposal before you. “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve….” Your choice must be a deliberate determination— it is not something into which you will automatically drift. And everything else in your life will be held in temporary suspension until you make a decision. The proposal is between you and God— do not “confer with flesh and blood” about it (Galatians 1:16). With every new proposal, the people around us seem to become more and more isolated, and that is where the tension develops. God allows the opinion of His other saints to matter to you, and yet you become less and less certain that others really understand the step you are taking. You have no business trying to find out where God is leading— the only thing God will explain to you is Himself. Openly declare to Him, “I will be faithful.” But remember that as soon as you choose to be faithful to Jesus Christ, “You are witnesses against yourselves…” (Joshua 24:22). Don’t consult with other Christians, but simply and freely declare before Him, “I will serve You.” Will to be faithful— and give other people credit for being faithful too.

Quotes

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. ~ Lao Tzu

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

Welcoming home my grandchildren

andemics offer unusual challenge for humankind. They come unannounced and hit us hard when we are not, or least, prepared. By the time, a pandemic comes to a lull, it would leave behind a trail of inexpressible sufferings and chilling memories; many lives would be lost and the remaining would be left wondering how to pull up their lives together for a new start. From history, we learnt that the Spanish Flu of 1918 infected some 500 million people (a quarter of human population then) and took many lives, estimated to be anywhere between 17 - 50 million, or probably more. Today we are better equipped to combat any pandemic, including the present Covid-19. I am sure that we will overcome this pandemic in due time. However, my focus is not on the possible victory of humankind over this invisible virus. My concern is the human spirit. I narrate this in the context of my experience of waiting and welcoming my grandchildren home from outside our Nagaland state. When the Nagaland government took a bold decision to bring back the stranded Nagas from different parts of India and beyond even amidst huge financial and other logistic challenges, many went frenzy and some even got petrified as though the “final judgment” upon the Nagas have finally come instead of supporting the move of the government. However, I was happy that my grandchildren (5 and 3 years) and their mother (my daughter who is in her

advanced stage of pregnancy) were coming home. Out there, they may face difficulties and challenges of all sorts unknown to us but I was confident that our land would treat them well and give them the joy of being at home. I was all the more elated to note that our Nagaland Government is so sensible and kind as to allow children below 10 years and their parents and also pregnant women and their spouses to do home quarantine. From the day I was told that they booked their tickets, I started making preparation for their stay: I renovated the rooms, replaced the Indian style toilet with western style toilet, bought household needs, arranged groceries, etc. My wife and I started praying with so much expectation and delight. I knew it then, however, that we have to do the needful, to follow the protocols (SOP) issued by the government. And when we started to pursue the paper works, the real challenges and difficulties cropped up one after the other. To cut the long story short, literally someone has to run from one corridor to another corridor and then to another and back and forth for three days; so many frantic calls were made to get clarifications and directives. With some known people placed at strategic centers and offices to help and guide, even then it was one of the most harrowing experiences for us. Anyway, we got the paper works done eventually. Getting the permission for home quarantine scripted a new challenge for us though: Where to find

a driver who is required to do home quarantine for 28 days? Why can’t the government be considerate enough to arrange transportation for them with option of payment? The government is providing transportation for returnees even for those who are not having any special need? They took it for granted perhaps that whoever is having children or pregnant and coming home from outside Nagaland is in a position to make this arrangement. But for us with less resources, it was not easy to find a driver though after frenzied searching, we got one kind soul to drive home my grandchildren upon their arrival. From this, I realized that how difficult it is to avail the goodwill of the government; this special exemption meant for the neediest one – those who do not have cars or drivers – would become useless for the less fortunate people with no resources or connections. And this thought pains me to the core of my heart. When they finally reached Nagaland and with the permit being issued by the Deputy Commissioner Kohima to let them take the Covid-19 testing by TrueNat machine on arrival, I thought, I will soon see my long awaited grandchildren and daughter since I heard that it takes just about an hour to give results. I was wrong. I was wrong to think that the TrueNat machine will do wonders and help my loved ones to come home soon. The first day passed into second and then into third, but they could not make it home. Only on the fourth day, they could

make it home. What took them so long? While waiting for the test result, they could not even book a hotel room. We understand that hotels are reserved only for long term quarantine purpose. So they were sent to a quarantine facility instead. Initially I was thankful for this arrangement. However, without basic amenities to care for children and pregnant women, I became restless, waiting for the situation to change. I paid the price for hoping too much on home quarantine upon their arrival! There were more stories, unsurprisingly unpleasant ones. While some offered help beyond their call of duty, some on the line of duty seem to lack any compassion; they were rude (I am told) with no consideration even for small children (my grandchildren are 5 and 3 years) and pregnant women as though they were so some kind of convicts who were trying to escape. The joyful anticipation of coming home was met with the eyes of “Why did you come home?” They were made to feel so unwelcome. At a time such as this, the Government, including all those involved with this pandemic, can still commit to the humanitarian values and muster courage to protect and to care for the weak and the needy. We should take it as a matter of pride and privilege for helping people in special need and assistance, not treating them as a burden or inconvenience but an opportunity to show magnanimity. Indeed what we are facing is grave, but it is not a violent war. It’s a war that cannot be won by guns and

sticks or orders only but with wisdom, love and care coupled with strategic planning and coordination. It takes everyone, people and government collectively, to win this war. The war does not belong only to those at the frontlines. As a matter of fact, the public should be seen as frontline workers (with medical team as last line of defense) now that the local spreading has started. To win this war, the government must first win the support and goodwill of the people. Every other day, there are reports of one thing or the other going hay wire at the quarantine centers. I read in the papers earlier that due to the errors committed by some officials, positive cases were sent to their districts without due precaution. There was much hue and cry by the public. Yesterday, I was feeling sorry for those officials thinking that it could be a genuine mistake, or probably the result of stress and pressure. But today, I feel differently about the whole thing. If there is no proper guidelines or if attention cannot be given to care for the most urgent and needy case, like my little grandchildren and pregnant daughter, how can we expect them to take care of the common ones? Some say this pandemic is war or war-like and so we need extra-ordinary measures to combat this war. Freedom, rights and privileges may have to be partially suspended perhaps just like a wartime. However, even during war time, there are humanitarian values that need to be protected. In this regard, I would like to

make a special mention of the Covid-19 committee of our colony (with a grateful note). The committee heard our request for home quarantine and finding it to be a genuine one, they did everything within their capacity to make my loved ones come home. Such a spirit is needed even at the governmental level. I pray that we will not harden our hearts and become insensitive in the process of doing humanitarian works. I pray that the authority concerned will make special cases, like the case of my grandchildren, pregnant women or sickness and death, more accessible and amenable. I pray that those who are fighting their battles at various levels will find the human spirit in their respective battle fields. I pray that this experience will have transformative and healing effects on our society. But mostly and earnestly, I pray that our Naga people do not lose our humanity and our Christian values during this war-like situation. Having expressed my pressing concerns above, I am happy that my grandchildren are home finally. Thank God, their heartbreaking cries to go home and telling their helpless mother to call ‘daddy’ to come for them during their three nights at the institutional facility is over. What a joy it is to see smiles upon the faces of my loved ones though it is only from a distance. Welcome home my little grandchildren (not forgetting my loving daughter)! Rev. K. Luruo, Former State Chaplain, Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kohima

Prevention of cruelty & ethical treatment of animal Synopsis of Thanamir apple

onscience is the condition of the Mind that can makes one aware of his or her actions as morally right or wrong; the same mental condition makes one aware of his and her action as Humane or Inhumane. Humaneness [Gentleness] or Inhumanness [Cruelty] is a better measure for finding the quality of a Society than assessing the quality of the Society by its Food Habits. Cheese with cultured maggots of Fly, - a prized Italian food - does not make the Italians uncivilized; Bear Grills eating live Scorpions, Beetles, Insects, Worms, Snakes, meat of animal and Rat found dead in the jungle, do not make him more primitive than almost naked African Bushman of the Kalahari Desert eating food cooked. Some modern sophisticated women in the western world preserve the placenta of their child at birth and eat it for its highly nutritional values; but that does not make them criminal cannibals more than others. An Interviewing Member in the 1967 UPSC Board at Dholpur House, New Delhi told me: “You Nagas eat dog with its entrails and that is why your teeth are bad”. I replied: “Sir, we eat everything that is not poisonous”. Suddenly, the Board broke into a spontaneous loud laughter and the Interview ended there. I sought their permission to leave the room, but they asked me to stay and share with them the Tea that has just been served them. And so: “I got into the Indian Forest Service because the Naga eats Dog”! Food habit do not make a People civilized or uncivilized. The UN today encourages poor people of failed Agriculture areas of the African continent to eat high protein content insects to supplement their food. Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act 1960 does not differentiate Cow, Goat, Dog, Pig or even Chicken from the purview of the Act. Any Action on one kind of animal attracts the same treatment from the Act to others. A punishment for cruel Action

on One kind attracts the same punishment on others for the same Action. What is inhumane treatment to Goat is inhumane to Dog and attract the same Article of punishment. There is no ban on consumption of the meat of any animal in Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act 1960; and no ban on Transport, Sale or Use by the Owner or others if it is done as mentioned in relevant items of Chapter III of the Act. Most Angamis and Maos consider Dog meat a special Item but only some 2% to 3% can afford it once or twice in several months. As for the other Naga Tribes, the majority do not eat Dog meat regularly. Transportation, Trade, Slaughter, Sale and Consumption of Dog meat is not illegal or Ban-able. If Dog meat is Offensive to a small minority of the Citizens, then there can be a separate Slaughter house for Dog and separate for Goat and even separate Markets for the two - Dog Meat Market and Mutton Market: both of them are consumable protein. I am not a lawyer and I am not aware whether whole of Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act 1960 has come into force in Nagaland State or not. I am told Punjab and Andaman Nicobar Islands wholly have the Act come into force in the States. I joined PeTA just before my voluntary Retirement from Service in 2001, and am in it about more than two decades of membership. A little more than a decade of my joining the Organization, I got a message from PeTA requesting me to change my food habit to a Vegetarian. I wrote them: “I joined PeTA for prevention of Cruelty and for Ethical treatment of Animals; not for changing my food habit I acquired in the life of my community from childhood”. However, I still continue contribution of a widow’s mite annually to them, a very sensible national organization, and part of the International PeTA. What goes inside the mouth does not defile man but what comes outside does. In former days, Nagas kept

Dog mostly for Hunting. The Naga hunting dog was burly, with coarse grisly black hair, fearless of wild animals and deep jungle, - tireless in several days long hunting and highly prized, only man of means keep them, very, very unfortunately the Naga Hunting dog is extinct today. When a hunt is successful, the dog also gets its traditional share of the kill meat. The Naga reared Dog specifically for hunting; neither for its meat nor for house Guard. Initially it was only the Angamis and the Maos ate Dog and even today the overwhelming majority of the Naga do not eat dog; hardly perhaps about 2 % only eat dog meat regularly. Sometime ago rabid Dog Disease got transmitted to domesticated dogs in Kohima Village and the Village decided to shoot all stray dogs without Collar on them. The Youths of the Village took the responsibility of eliminating the stray dogs from the Street and they might have done some unintended mistake here or there but most Villagers care for their Village more than stray dog and nobody went to Court for their lost dogs. Today imported Pet Dogs are fast becoming a Status Symbol in the Nagaland. The Naga is ethical neither for their traditional customary treatment of their hunting dogs, nor are they inhumane for eating dog meat. A Person is neither sensibly conscientious for not eating dog meat nor others unconscionable for eating dog meat. Food habit and conscionable sensibilities or insensibilities of a people are two different Issues. In my view, the Government should deeply study the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act 1960 and provide all its requirements but stop short of what seems to be not clearly provided in the Act like Banning consumption of Dog meat and bona fide Rearing, Transportation; Humane Slaughter and Sale. Thepfulhouvi Solo (The Writer does not eat dog meat)

n the early 1970s the government of India set up the 11th Durga Army Company outpost at Penkim village. In the month of March 1975, the Village Guard (VG) of Thanamir Village was called for one day firing training. During those days T. Ningtsemong was serving as a Village Guard (V.G) of Thanamir Village in the rank of L/NK. On completion of training, the food was served by the Army. In that meantime he was asked to collect the ration from the store for his sepoys; he came across stored fruits in storeroom which was exotic to him. Upon inquiry, Quarter Master NK Bihari answered “It is an Apple” and offered one to him and three more for his children. The apple he ate had a single seed which he kept in his pocket hoping to cultivate the fruit in his garden. On completion of training and reaching home, he checked seeds from the three apples he have received earlier. Surprisingly one fruit bore two (2) seeds, and the other bore a single (1) seed, while the other one did not have even a single seed. In wanting to grow he sowed all the four (4) seeds in his backyard, unfortunately only three sprouted in his backyard. Later in the year 1977 he transplanted the saplings from mother bed to his garden. The fruit trees flowered for the first time in 1984 but failed to bear any fruits.

The following year i.e 1985 the trees bore first fruits. He witnessed the three surviving saplings varying in taste, shape and colour. On attaining maturity, its roots were spreaded little far from its parent plant and while weeding around the fruit trees some cuts were inflicted on roots with spade leaving a wound mark on the roots where it sprouted new shoots. On learning this factor of shoot propagation from root he learned the art of multiplying. People whom he distribute/gave saplings: (1) Lt. T. Yapmüle (2) Lt. H Sheyamki (3) P. Shihtopah (4) R. Royim (5) Lt. L. Sheyamki (6) Lt. Tükheki (7) Lt. Y Thsepongki (8) Lt. H Kithsumong (9) R. Yongpamong (10) S. Kithsumong (11) A. Tsangmüle (12) T. Somüle (13) N. Kithong (14) S. Yongthrünthong (15) Lt. Tsulumong (16) R. Thsantsuthong. (17) Lt. T Thüveki (Longkhimvong village) (18) Lt. Throngtsangki (Salomi village). Giving saplings to these people multiplied the apple at Thanamir. To this day only two (2) mother plants still stand, while the other could not survive. Limtsumong Y, Thanamir village, Letemong T Yimchunger, Thanamir village , N. Lemchimong Thanamir village. (Narrated by T. Ningtsemong and supportive narrator Foki W/o T. Ningtsemong.)

Reader’s Post

In this age of science and rationality Sir,

The contemptuous comments of certain Hema Choudhury on Naga food habit has roused dust in the recent days. There are people relishing on meat and broth of animals of their choice. No individual, and for that matter, no authority under heaven can prescribe which grass or leaves to eat, or which animal or insect to consume or not to. The said remarks were racist and purely a hate speech. For a few communalists and hard-core conservatives India continues to be stuck in superstitions and falsehood of pride in this age of science and rationality. My due respect to so many nice people of India. In all societies there exists sick minds and perverted character. Dr. K. Nishena Nekha, Padumpukhuri, Dimapur Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

Vikas Dubey’s aide killed, 6 arrested ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ being LUCKNOW/KANPUR, JUL 8 (PTI): Police shot dead an aide of gangster Vikas Dubey, arrested six other alleged accomplices and sent two of their own men behind bars in connection with the ambush which killed eight police personnel last week, officials said Wednesday. But the gangster appeared to have given police the slip in Haryana’s Faridabad, near Delhi. A team raided a house around midnight Tuesday in Faridabad’s Kheli Pul area, where the gangster had stayed for a while, Haryana police said. They arrested three people there after a brief exchange of fire. Also, CCTV footage showed a man who resembled the gangster at a Faridabad hotel. He did not check in when a staff member insisted on an identity card with a clear photograph. Apart from the Faridabad encounter, police engaged Dubey’s alleged accomplices in Uttar Pradesh’s Hamirpur, where an one man was killed, and in Kanpur, where three were arrested. An inspector and con-

Police personnel escort one of the accused, who had accompanied Vikas Dubey from Kanpur to Faridabad, to a court in Faridabad, Wednesday, July 8. (PTI)

stable were injured in the Hamirpur encounter. The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) also detained Dubey’s brotherin-law in Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol district on Wednesday. On Monday, the relative’s son was detained. Those ar rested on Wednesday included two suspended sub inspectors, Chaubeypur station officer Vinay Tiwari and Bikru beat in-charge K K Sharma. Both are accused of tipping off Vikas Dubey, which allowed the alleged gangster to set an ambush for a police

team which had gone to arrest him at his Bikru village near Kanpur. Since the ambush early Friday, three alleged accomplices of the gangster have been killed and 10 arrested, in addition to the two policemen. All 68 personnel at the Chaubeypur police station, where Tiwari was the station officer, were sent to the reserve police lines. Police sources said Amar Dubey, the man killed in Hamirpur’s Maudaha village, travelled with the gangster wherever he went, ensuring his security.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar said there was a reward of Rs 50,000 for his arrest. An unlicensed semi-automatic .32 bore pistol was seized. “Acting on a tip-off, a team of the STF and local police surrounded Amar. He was injured in the firing and he died during treatment at a hospital,” Hamirpur Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar said. In the encounter in Kanpur’s Chaubeypur area, under which Dubey’s Bikru village falls, Shyamji Bajpai,

also known as Shyamu, was shot in the leg, the ADG said. Sanjiv Dubey and Jahan Yadav were also arrested with him. Shyamu too carried a reward of Rs 50,000 for his arrest. In Faridabad, the local crime branch arrested three men – Ankur, his father Shravan and Kartikey alias Prabhat. The encounter in Hamirpur followed information extracted from one of them, according to police. Four weapons, including two 9 mm pistols belonging to police, and 44 live cartridges were seized in Faridabad, Kumar said. The Uttar Pradesh government has increased the reward on Vikas Dubey from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The FIR lodged by police after the Bikru ambush named 21 people and mentioned 50-60 others. “The STF is tracking all those named in the FIR and wherever we get information, we are taking the help of the local police,” STF Inspector General Amitabh Yash said. “We are also trying to trace the weapons taken away from the policemen,” he added. An AK-47 and an INSAS rifle, snatched during the ambush, are yet to be recovered.

speedily implemented: BJP

Says cong symbolises ‘irresponsible’ oppn NEW DELHI, JUL 8 (PTI): The Modi government is addressing various economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in a “360 degree” manner, the BJP asserted on Wednesday as it shared details about the implementation of various schemes as part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) programme. Party general secretary P Muralidhar Rao told reporters that within two months of the announcement of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ programme by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 12, the government has brought the idea of a self-reliant India to the ground by speedily implementing many of its measures. Rao also hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his frequent criticism of the government’s handling of the economy, saying instead of reading about the history of service by his own party, he keeps asking irresponsible questions.

P Muralidhar Rao

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading from the front in dealing with COVID-19 pandemic and the “China crisis”, the Congress has come to symbolise an “irresponsible opposition”, he alleged. The government has already executed all its schemes for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector with credit of over Rs 3 lakh crore guaranteed and Rs 1.10 lakh crore of it distributed by July 1, Rao said. The MSME sector is the most important aspect of the economy after agriculture, he said, adding that the government is working towards realising its objective of making India a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024-25. The crisis posed by COVID-19 is a reality that nobody is denying, Rao said and stated that the government has identi-

Locust: NGT junks plea to implement Centre’s plan SC notice on DMK leader plea on

Representational image

NEW DELHI, JUL 8 (PTI): The National Green Tribunal has junked a fresh plea seeking implementation of the Centre’s contingency plan to combat the looming locust attack saying there was nothing to show that inadequate steps have been taken by the concerned authorities. The green panel said the plea is the same as filed in June earlier and it has only added that representation of the applicant has been ignored. A bench headed by NGT Chairper-

son Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said that a contingency plan already exists. “It is in public domain that various steps have been taken. Some States have provided drones or helicopters and taken other steps. The applicant has not shown how these steps are inadequate. We find no reason to entertain the application without basis for intervention of this tribunal being shown,” the bench said. The NGT on June 1 had refused to entertain the plea filed by

NGO, Centre for Wildlife and Environmental Litigation Foundation and asked it to approach concerned authorities. The tribunal in its order had said that there was nothing to show that no action is being taken by the concerned authorities in the matter. According to the NGO , it filed representation but to no avail and filed a fresh application before the tribunal. The plea filed by the NGO, through advocate Gaurav Bansal, had said that despite having the contingency plan several states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are facing the locust swarm attack since February and the situation is getting worse in some of the areas. The plea had said: “The worst affected are the farmers of the said area, thus the applicant NGO seeks urgent intervention of

Maha CM orders action against vandalism at Ambedkar’s house

this tribunal and seeks direction to submit status report on the implementation of plan prepared by Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare, Union of India.” The contingency plan is a guidance document for Locust Field Offices, state governments and other stake holders during the attack, said the plea filed by ‘Centre For Wildlife And Environmental Litigation Foundation’. According to the plea, the plan covers assistance required from different stakeholders, their contribution and role, activities, type of strategy to be adopted, formation of teams, available resources, short falls and ways and means of obtaining additional resources, and the deployment as also the actions that need to be taken.

disqualification petition of 11 MLAs

NEW DELHI, JUL 8 (IANS): The Supreme Court Wednesday issued notice on a plea by DMK leader R. Sakkrapani seeking a direction to the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly to immediately decide on disqualification petition in connection with 11 MLAs, who had voted against Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami in 2017. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India S.A. Bobde, R. Subhash Reddy and A.S. Bopanna took up the matter through video conferencing. The bench refused to hear arguments on the matter and informed senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioner, that the matter will be taken up after 4 weeks. Sibal contended before the bench that Assembly’s term would expire in May

2021, and urged the court to give a short date. The bench replied May 2021 is far away. In February 2017, 11 AIADMK MLAs voted against the vote of confidence, which was moved by their own party. They belonged to the O. Paneerselvam faction of the party. As a result, disqualification petitions were moved before the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly under Para 2 of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. Later, the factions’ different camps -- O. Paneerselvam and E. Palaniswami -- merged. After this merger, the Speaker kept the disqualification applications pending. In February this year, a petition seeking direction

to the Speaker to act on the matter was filed in the top court. This petition was disposed of in February asking the Speaker to decide the disqualification petitions as per law. The petition filed by Sakkrapani argues that nothing has happened on the matter yet, despite the order from the apex court. The petitioner also cited the outer limit of three months for a decision to be taken in respect of disqualification petitions as per the verdict of the apex court. The petition states that the failure of the Speaker by not taking any action towards deciding the disqualification petition is against the spirit of the order of the top court.

fied challenges and begun addressing them in a 360 degree manner. To help farmers, 70.32 lakh Kisan credit cards have been sanctioned credit limit of Rs 62,870 crore out of Rs 2 lakh crore concessional credit under the ‘Atmanirbhar’ package, he said. This will benefit 2.5 crore farmers, including fishermen and dairy farmers, he said. Under Modi’s leadership, the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign is not only playing an important role in fighting the COVID19 crisis but is also becoming the identity of a “New India”, he said. Rao also noted that free ration scheme for over 80 crore poor people have been extended till November while over Rs 64.5 thousand crore has been distributed among nearly 40 crore people under various welfare measures. As many as 20 states have already come on board for ‘one nation one ration care scheme, which will ensure that beneficiaries can get their share of free grains in any part of the country, he said.

PM to interact with Varanasibased NGOs today NEW DELHI, JUL 8 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Thursday interact with representatives of Varanasi-based NGOs to discuss their efforts towards food distribution and other assistance rendered during the coronavirus-induced lockdown, the PMO has said. Modi represents Varanasi in Lok Sabha. During the nationwide lockdown, the residents of Varanasi and members of social organisations, through their own efforts as well as by providing assistance to the district administration, ensured that food was timely available for everyone in need, a PMO statement said. The prime minister will interact with representatives of such organisations on Thursday via video conference to discuss their experience and showcase their efforts. DP-2959

two cops also behind bars

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ADMISSION NOTICE Anandraj Ambedkar, grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar, appeals to activists outside Rajgruha to maintain peace, at Dadar in Mumbai, Wednesday. (PTI)

MUMBAI, JUL 8 (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said he has instructed police to take strict action against those involved in vandalism at Dr B R Ambedkar’s house ‘Rajgruh’ in Mumbai. Terming the incident as “shocking”, Thackeray said the government will not tolerate insult of Rajgruh, located in Dadar area here. “The premises is not just a sacred place for Ambedkarites, but the entire society. Ambedkar preserved

all his writings in this premises. This is like a pilgrimage centre for all Maharashtrians,” he said. “The government will not tolerate insult of Rajgruh, and I have asked the policeto ensure strict action against the culprits,” the chief minister said. Ambedkar lived in Rajgruh for nearly two decades. The house is located close to his memorial ‘Chaityabhoomi’. Two persons threw stones on glass windows, and damaged CCTV cameras and potted plants at the

house on Tuesday night, a police official said. CCTV footage from the erstwhile home of the Constitution architect shows a person smashing flower pots in the compound before fleeing, the official said. Matunga police have registered an FIR in the incident. Located at Hindu Colony in Dadar, the heritage bungalow houses the Ambedkar Museum where Babasaheb’s books, portrait, ashes, vessels and other artefacts are kept.

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business/state Gold jumps Rs 723 on global cues

Cabinet nod to extend PMGKAY till Nov

NEW DELHI, JUL 8 (PTI): The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to extend distribution of free foodgrains and pulses under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) to 81 crore PDS beneficiaries for five months till November. The scheme was initially rolled out for three months till June to ensure no poor goes hungry during the COVID-19 crisis. Under the scheme, five kg of wheat or rice and one kg of pulses per month are being provided free of cost. “The Prime Minister had announced that this scheme will be extended and the same has been approved by the Cabinet today,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said in a media briefing. The PMGKAY has been extended for another five months till November. About 203 lakh tonnes of foodgrains and 9.70 lakh tonne of chana will be given for free in the next five months, he said.

Prakash Javadekar during a press conference on cabinet decisions, during Unlock 2.0, in New Delhi, July 8. (PTI)

The distribution of free ration under the PMGKAY would cost Rs 1.49 lakh crore to the exchequer, he added. The estimated cost is for providing eight months of ration under the scheme. Stating that this is the most popular scheme, the minister said, “For the first time since (India’s) independence, free foodgrains are being distributed for eight months. No country has such a big scheme.” In a televised address to the nation on June 30, Prime

Minister Narendra Modi had announced extension of the free ration scheme PMGKAY till the end of November 2020 to ameliorate the hardship faced by the underprivileged or poor on account of economic disruption caused by the lockdown due to COVID-19. In a statement, the government said the extension of PMGKAY is in line with the commitments of the government not to allow anybody, especially any poor family, to suffer on account of non-availability of food

grains due to disruption during the next five months. Free distribution of chana will also ensure adequate availability of protein to all the above-mentioned individuals during these five months, it said. All expenses on the extended PMGKAY will be borne by the central government, it added. Free ration provided under the PMGKAY is in addition to the subsidised grains given through Public Distribution System (PDS) under the National Food Security Act. With regard to distribution of free ration to 8 crore migrant labourers, Javadekar said about 8 lakh tonne of foodgrains has been allocated for this purpose and migrants can avail their quota till August. About 5 kg foodgrains per beneficiary and 1 kg pulses per family is being distributed at free of cost to migrants who neither have centre or state ration cards under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat scheme.

NEW DELHI, JUL 8 (PTI): Gold in the national capital on Wednesday rallied Rs 723 to Rs 49,898 per 10 gram reflecting gains in the international prices of the precious metal and rupee depreciation, according to HDFC Securities. On Tuesday, gold had closed at Rs 49,175 per 10 gram. “Spot gold prices for 24 carat in Delhi rallied Rs 723 reflecting gains in international gold prices and rupee depreciation,” HDFC Securities Senior Analyst (Commodities) Tapan Patel said. The rupee depreciated 9 paise to settle at 75.02 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday. Silver, however, declined Rs 104 to Rs 50,416 per kg from Rs 50,520 per kg in the previous trade. In the international market, gold was trading with gains at USD 1,800 per ounce and silver at USD 18.36 per ounce. Gold prices witnessed buying over continuous rise in COVID-19 cases and attracted safehaven bets, he added.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

ASTD action against T. Bangerloba Ao (From p-1) on February 25, 2020 with the ASTD president and office bearers and representatives of six Ao Ranges but neither did he comply nor gave any reason. ASTD said it also informed T. Bangerloba Ao, that as per the resolution of the June 22, 2020 meeting of the ASTD executive and all Ao civil societies based at Dimapur, he was directed and requested, as a bona fide member representing

ASTD and in the capacity as president NCD, to settle the Naga Council issue within a stipulated time. However, ASTD said Bangerloba neither endeavoured nor tried to comply with the ASTD decisions. In consideration of “overrun of stipulated period” and “unconstitutional excessive” of the incumbent NCD tenure, ASTD said that after prolonged deliberations at the June 29, 2020 meeting, and considering the non-compliance of its direc-

tives and wishes , the house “unanimously resolved to issue non-cooperation with Shr. T. Bangerloba Ao” from ASTD without any specific time frame under ASTD jurisdiction. Further, ASTD said its letter dated July 1,2020 served on T. Bangerloba Ao was on his personal capacity and not as president of NCD and therefore, the letter served on him (Bangerloba) was absolute and stood on the basis of Ao traditional customary practices.

AYO denounces extortion under its jurisdiction (From p-1) The Angami youth body also expressed its pain at having seen attempts made by many tribal hohos in general, and a few in particular, to paint every issue with a tribal colour, be it the recent shooting in Kohima or the issue concerning BSL-3 Lab. In the midst of a deadly pestilence, AYO said it was unfortunate that such organisations claiming to represent their respective tribes could resort to divisive and destabilising tactics, asserting that it would never encourage its youth to be poisoned by divisive and tribalistic rhetoric. Even as such organisation tried to drive

a wedge in the Naga society, AYO said it was reassuring to find governor RN Ravi having taken note of the real issues affecting every Naga, especially the deteriorating law and order situation in the State. Mentioning that it was reflective of his genuine proactive involvement in the governance of the State, AYO also thanked the governor for his efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Asserting that it stood for law and order in the State, the organisation urged all sections of Naga society to stay away from “poisonous, divisive and tribalistic rhetoric” being pushed by some bodies.

Cabinet approves extension of PF contributions till Aug DC warns vegetable wholesale traders

KAKURO

No. 9618 Yesterday’s solution No. 9617

No. 4237

Yesterday’s solution No. 4236

No. 3261 Yesterday’s solution No. 3260

Across 1. Slice meat (5) 6. Large ray (5) 9. A native of Tehran, say (7) 10. Armistice (5) 11. Native American tent (5) 12. Utter in words (5) 13. Native, inhabitant (7) 15. Farm animal (3) 17. First man (4) 18. Hat (6) 19. Desert animal (5) 20. Earnest request (6) 22. Monstrous person (4) 24. Sheltered side (3) 25. One who shoes horses (7) 26. Death-dealing (5) 27. Light beer (5) 28. Grasslike plant (5) 29. Tutor (7) 30. Celestial body (5) 31. Pallid (5) Down 2. Frightened (6) 3. Casualty (6) 4. Before (3) 5. Edible bulb (5) 6. School bag (7) 7. Leg joint (4) 8. Minor earthquake (6) 12. Corruptible, mercenary (5) 13. Conspiracy (5) 14. Colour (5) 15. Dog breed (5) 16. Adam’s ale (5) 18. Wild (5) 19. Nightclub show (7) 21. Pleasure craft (6) 22. Commands (6) 23. Type of music (6) 25. Ludicrous situation (5) 26. Outdoor event (4) 28. Body of water (3)

(From p-1) JAC, however, demanded clarification from NIDA on what ground was it defending the two doctors? JAC however, appreciated the response of the H&FW department, though belatedly deploying a team from the Directorate to assist the medical staff at Peren. JAC acknowledged that the medical team and staff were working tirelessly and risking their lives for the safety of people in the district. JAC said as per newspaper reports, the district administration said everything under control and the medical department claimed it has enough staff and facilities. JAC then asked why was contact tracing and swab collections of primary and secondary contacts not started at Mhaikam, Beisumpuikam, Mpai or Kezanglo despite transmission of virus in these places since June 24,2020 morning? JAC requested NIDA, the H&FW department and state government to ascertain facts from the ground before “speaking out to the media” and to “stop cover-up exercises” for realistically containing the spread of the virus on war footing.

NCD reacts to DATH, ENPUD statement (From p-1) Due to the uncertainty over lockdown and the Central and State governments announcing extension of the lockdown up to June 30 and again till July 17, the NCD’s executive team approached the Dimapur district administration and sought permission to hold the AGM, which was denied by the former citing lockdown norms and standard operating procedure (SOP). Meanwhile, due to relaxation in lockdown norms, agriculture commissioner & secretary Y Kikheto Sema invited NCD for a meeting at Saramati Hotel on May 24 during which he appealed to the council to complete the New Cemetery within 15 days to take care of bodies, should there be any death caused by COVID-19. Accordingly, the council completed development work at New Cemetery within the stipulated time and it was inaugurated by agriculture minister G Kaito Aye, while it was dedicated by Rev M Lon-

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long Konyak from Konyak Baptist Church, Dimapur on July 1. Thereafter, an AGM was held on July 4 at the conference hall by taking all precautions like maintaining distance while sitting, wearing face masks and sanitisation. The meeting decided that induction of officebearers for 2020-2024 would done on the basis of NCD constitution and resolved to set up a commission by nominating office-bearers for next tenure by way of conventional decision approved by voice vote in the meeting. The House also resolved to a appoint five-

member Search/Selection Commission with senior councillors representing one member each from four zones and NCD president would be ex-officio. It also decided that the installation and taking over by the new team would be held on July 11at the conference hall. Asserting that it was established in 1949 with the vision to foster brotherhood among various Naga tribal bodies and non-Nagas settled in Dimapur district, NCD pointed out that it had its own established duties and responsibilities, and functioned with its own set of rules and regulations different from other bodies.

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lakh establishments will be benefitted,” the statement said. Javadekar said that the decision has been taken to facilitate more take-home salary for employees and give relief to employers in payment of PF dues. The government had imposed lockdown on March 25 to fight the deadly COVID19. The extension of the benefit will provide liquidity

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under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY)/ Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the light of COVID-19, a pandemic,” an official statement said “The approval is in addition to the existing scheme for the wage months of March to May, 2020 approved on April 15, 2020. The total estimated expenditure is Rs 4,860 crore. Over 72 lakh employees in 3.67

(From p-1) He reminded that vegetable wholesale market was temporary shifted to super market due to convenience of availability of space for trade and parking. However, since the traders expressed inconvenience due to want of shed and other logistics, it was again shifted to the original market at Murgipatti. Therefore, Khinchi directed the whole sellers to ensure that all labourers and customers wear masks covering the nose and mouth, maintain social distance and to practice hand hygiene. He also asked them to keep soap and water for washing hands. DC further directed them to setup more barricades to ensuring social distancing. He also advised the GB and DMC make daily announcements in the morning to remind traders at Murgipatti about the safety protocols. DC was accompanied by DPRO Dimapur, GB and DMC officials.

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Nirmala Sitharaman

relief to 3.67 lakh establishments. The statement said that the government will provide a budgetary support of Rs 4,800 crore for 202021 for this purpose. The beneficiaries entitled for 12 per cent employers’ contribution for the months of June to August, 2020 under Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) will be excluded to prevent overlapping benefit. D u e t o p r o l o n ge d lockdown, it was felt that businesses continue to face financial crisis as they get back to work. Therefore, the Finance Minister, as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, announced on May 13, 2020 that the EPF support for business and workers will be extended by another three months viz. for the wage months of June, July, and August, 2020, the statement said.

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bution was made into EPF accounts. For the wage months of June, July and August, 2020, the scheme will cover all the establishments having up to 100 employees and 90 per cent of such employees earning less than Rs 15,000 monthly wage. The benefit was provided earlier for salary months of March, April and May 2020. This support is extended by another three months to salary months of June, July and August 2020. “The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi today has given its approval for extending the contribution both 12 per cent employees’ share and 12 per cent employers’ share under Employees Provident Fund, totalling 24 per cent for another three months from June to August, 2020, as part of the package announced by the government

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NEW DELHI, JUL 8 (PTI): The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to extend the scheme for the payment of employers and employees’ PF contributions for three months until August. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the extension of the benefit in May this year under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “Cabinet has approved the extension of the scheme where the government pays contributions of employees and employers till August,” Union Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, the payment of 12 per cent of employer and 12 per cent employee contri-

China slams US for pulling out of WHO

Beijing, Jul 8 (PTI): C h i n a o n We d n e s d ay slammed the US decision to withdraw from the WHO as yet another example of Washington upholding “unilateralism” and defended the UN body for coordinating the global response to COVID-19, as it geared up for a visit by the health agency’s experts to probe the origin of the coronavirus. The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its decision to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization (WHO), breaking off ties with the global health body despite the raging coronavirus pandemic in the country. US President Donald Trump said he was halting funding to the organisation in mid-April and announced his intention to withdraw from the WHO in May after he said it “failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms.” Reacting to the move, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, “this is yet another example of US upholding unilateralism, withdrawing from treaties and group-

Zhao Lijian (File)

ings.” The US has accused the WHO of siding with China on the outbreak of the virus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, alleging the health body misled the world resulting in deaths of over half a million people globally, including over 130,000 in America alone. “The WHO is the world’s leading public authority on global public health security. It plays an essential coordinating role in the global response to COVID-19 as it enters a crucial stage. Supporting WHO means supporting international cooperation against the virus and it means more lives saved,” Zhao said. The US move will un-

dermine the international anti-epidemic efforts and has a serious negative impact on developing countries in urgent need of international support, he said. “We urge the US to fulfil its due obligations and international responsibilities. We call on the international community to consolidate consensus on multilateralism and step up support and inputs to the WHO to jointly safeguard the public health security,” he said. On the WHO team’s visit later this week to China to begin its probe into the origin of the COVID-19, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year, Zhao said the team should

China is ‘greatest threat’ to US, says FBI director Washington, Jul 8 (IANS): Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray has said that acts of espionage and theft by China’s government pose the “greatest long-term threat” to the future of the US. Speaking to the Hudson Institute in Washington, Wray described a multi-pronged disruption campaign. the BBC reported on Wednesday. He said China had begun targeting Chinese nationals living abroad, coercing their return, and was working to compromise US coronavirus research. “The stakes could not be higher,” Wray said, adding: “China is engaged in a whole-of-state effort to become the world’s only superpower by any means necessary,” he added. In a nearly hour-long speech on Tuesday, the FBI Director outlined a stark picture of Chinese interference, a far-reaching campaign of economic espionage, data and monetary theft and illegal political activities, using bribery and blackmail to influence US policy. “We’ve now reached

Christopher Wray (File)

a point where the FBI is now opening a new Chinarelated counterintelligence case every 10 hours,” Wray said. “Of the nearly 5,000 active counterintelligence cases currently underway across the country, almost half are related to China.” He said that Chinese President Xi Jinping had spearheaded a programme called “Fox Hunt”, geared at Chinese nationals living abroad seen as threats to the Chinese government. “We’re talking about political rivals, dissidents, and critics seeking to expose China’s extensive human rights violations,” he said. “The Chinese government wants to force them to return to China, and China’s tactics to accomplish that are shocking.”

He continued: “When it couldn’t locate one Fox Hunt target, the Chinese government sent an emissary to visit the target’s family here in the United States. The message they said to pass on? The target had two options: return to China promptly, or commit suicide.” This is not the first time FBI Director Christopher Wray categorised China as a “top intelligence threat” for the US, but on Tuesday he ramped up the criticism by focussing on Beijing’s “whole-of-state effort” to become the world’s only superpower. It clearly signals that Washington now sees Beijing not only as an aggressive adversary, but also an ambitious contender for global leadership. Since the Covid-19 outbreak in the US, the Donald Trump administration has unleashed anger over China from its initial response to coronavirus, economic espionage to Hong Kong’s new national security law. Wray’s remarks are among a series of hardhitting speeches by senior US officials on the topic.

also visit other countries to determine the zoonotic source of the virus. Ever since the US and several other countries questioned China’s handling of the virus and the alleged delay in informing the WHO and the rest of the world resulting in the massive spread of the virus, Beijing denied any such delay on its part. China also denied the US allegations that the virus has escaped from a virology lab in Wuhan. For its part, China sought to shift the blame, saying that the virus may have originated elsewhere and surfaced in Wuhan. Zhao, who in March tweeted saying that “it might be the US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan” during last year’s world military games, said in his Wednesday’s press meet that the origin tracing is a serious and complicated scientific matter that should be studied by scientists and medical professions. He quoted Michael J Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme as saying that the origin detection is a complicated

8 (IANS): The civil right groups leaders in the US were left disappointed after meeting Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and COO Sheryl Sandberg over their concerns related to the spread of hateful content on their platforms. Sandberg, Zuckerberg and other Facebook executives met online racial justice group Color of Change, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and others on Tuesday who started the #StopHateforProfit campaign in June that has seen over 400 advertisers leaving Facebook in recent days. Following the conversation, leaders from four of the organisations called the discussion an unequivocal disappointment. “Today we saw little and heard just about nothing,” Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said, adding that Facebook failed to apply “energy and urgency” to issues like hate and mis-

Mark Zuckerberg (File)

information. “Met with Mark Zuckerberg and @Facebook leadership today. It was a disappointment. They have had our demands for years and yet it is abundantly clear that they are not yet ready to address the vitriolic hate on their platform,” tweeted Rashad Robinson, President, ColorOfChange. According to media reports, Free Press co-CEO Jessica J. Gonzalez was “deeply disappointed” while NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson accused the social network of being “more interested in dialogue than action”.

process and “there might be multiple possibilities on the source and will keep an open attitude”. Zhao said China has agreed for the visit of the WHO team to “make scientific plans on tracing the origin.” “The experts will develop scope and terms of reference for this mission as past experience of the disease showed this is a complicated matter,” he said. “Going forward there may need to conduct similar missions to other countries and regions in the world,” he said. “The WHO has the basic consensus that origin tracing is a scientific matter that should be conducted by scientists all over the world through R&D. The WHO also believes that the process involves many countries and localities,” he said, adding that the WHO should conduct trips to other places as the need arises. Asked about the itinerary of the WHO team to Beijing and whether it would also visit Wuhan, which is currently experiencing heavy flooding, Zhao said the details would be released later.

Violence mars protests over renewed weekend lockdown in Belgrade

B e lg r a d e , J u l 8 (IANS): Scores of demonstrators were injured in a clash with police that broke out outside the National Assembly here over the decision to re-impose a weekend curfew because of a surge in COVID-19 cases in Serbia and across the western Balkans. The protests began peacefully on Tuesday evening, that included students and families. But soon after the renewed lockdown measures were announced, the demonstrators broke into the Assembly, prompting police to intervene, the BBC reported. Clashes erupted and police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters. Far-right nationalists have been blamed for stirring up the unrest and storming the Assembly building. Serbian media said they included an MP who has pushed anti-vaccine and anti-5G conspiracy theories. On Tuesday, Serbia saw its deadliest day so far in the pandemic. President Vucic announced in a televised address that there

Sebian police officers clash with protesters in front of the parliament building in Belgrade, Serbia, Wednesday. (AP/PTI)

had been 13 deaths and 120 people were on ventilators, with 4,000 people being treated in hospital. The situation was most alarming in Belgrade, he said, before imposing a ban on gatherings of more than five people from Wednesday, with a curfew in force from Friday until Monday morning. The protests against the re-imposed curfew began with a mixture of locals, including students and members of the “Don’t let Belgrade drown” citizen movement, which described the gathering as spontaneous. Many of

them observed social distancing although not everyone wore masks. Crowds could be heard chanting “Serbia has risen”. Some protesters expressed anger at the government’s rapid removal of restrictions to allow last month’s Parliamentary election to go ahead. Tens of thousands attended football matches and nightclubs reopened, signalling that normal life had resumed. The SNS gained the massive majority they wanted, but the COVID19 infection rate has been rising ever since.

US envoy issues rare public criticism of N Korean official

Seoul, Jul 8 (AP): The top US official on North Korea accused a senior North Korean nuclear negotiator on Wednesday of being “locked in an old way of thinking,” days after the negotiator said Pyongyang won’t resume talks with Washington because of its “hostile” policies. The comments by Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun were a rare case of a senior U.S. official directly criticising North Korea since the two countries launched now-stalled diplomacy on North Korea’s nuclear arsenal in 2018. The comments suggest that Washington may not be interested in resuming the diplomacy anytime soon. “I’ve seen some recent press reporting that the North Koreans are not prepared to meet with me on this visit,” Biegun told reporters after talks with South Korean officials. “We did not request a meeting with the North Koreans. This visit is to meet with our close friends and allies, the Republic of Korea, and we had an excellent discussion.” Biegun was likely referring to recent North Korean state media reports that cited Vice Foreign Minister Choe Sun Hui as saying

Indian expat Rights group leaders ‘disappointed’ Africa’s COVID-19 stuck at Frankfurt cases now above after meeting Facebook CEO airport for 3 days San Francisco, Jul a half-million Dubai, Jul 8 (IANS): An Abu Dhabi-based Indian woman, stranded at Frankfurt International Airport for close to four days, has appealed to authorities to let her back into the UAE. Priya Mehta, an advertising professional, travelled from San Francisco International Airport (US) to Frankfurt (Germany) to catch a connecting flight to Dubai on July 4. However, she was not allowed to board her flight from Frankfurt as she did not have the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) approvals. “I was led to believe by the airlines - Lufthansa and United Airlines - that I do not need the ICA approvals anymore, especially since I have a residence visa,” Priya told Khaleej Times over the phone from Frankfurt. She said she got the boarding passes for both destinations - Dubai and Frankfurt - from San Francisco.

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

Johannesburg, Jul 8 (AP): Africa now has more than a half-million confirmed coronavirus cases. The continent-wide total is now at least over 504,000 after South Africa recorded another day of more than 10,000 confirmed cases as a new global hot spot. The true number of cases among Africa’s 1.3 billion people is unknown as its 54 countries continue to face a serious shortage of testing materials for the virus. “A tremendous problem, a real crisis of access,” the World Health Organisation’s Africa chief, Matshidiso Moeti, said last week. So far most testing has been concentrated in capital cities, but infections in many cases have spread beyond them. Africa’s health systems are the most poorly funded and thinly staffed in the world, and already more than 2,000 health workers have been infected by the virus, according to the WHO.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, left, is greeted by his South Korean counterpart Lee Do-hoon during their meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul Wednesday. (AP/PTI)

Pyongyang won’t resume the diplomacy unless Washington discards what she described as “hostile” policies. Choe, who has been deeply involved in the nuclear talks, also slammed the US for its “shallow tactic” to use North Korea for domestic political gains. “I also want to be very clear on one point. I do not take my direction from (Choe), nor from Ambassador John Bolton,” Biegun said. A l ong with C ho e, Biegun was referring to President Donald Trump’s former national security

adviser, who in his recently released memoir accused him of pursuing an “unhealthy negotiation path” by demonstrating a willingness to negotiate a step-by-step deal advocated by North Korea. “Both are locked in an old way of thinking, focused on only the negatives and what is impossible, rather than thinking creatively about what is possible,” Biegun said in a written statement published later Wednesday. That comment wasn’t included in his earlier verbal remarks to reporters, which were almost identical

to the written statement. It wasn’t immediately clear why Biegun’s verbal remarks did not include that comment. South Korean media speculated that Biegun may have been trying not to provoke North Korea too much, though he could have simply accidentally missed those parts. In both his verbal and written remarks, Biegun, who has previously described Choe as his potential counterpart when talks resume, said the U.S. would be ready for talks with North Korea when his dialogue interlocutor is named, in

his apparent disapproval of Choe as his counterpart. “When Chairman Kim appoints a counterpart to me who is prepared and empowered to negotiate on these issues, they will find us ready at that very moment,” Biegun said, referring to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. North Korea’s state news agency on Wednesday didn’t issue any fresh statements on the United States. Earlier in the day, it reported that Kim had visited a mausoleum in Pyongyang to pay tribute to his late grandfather and state founder Kim Il Sung on the 26th anniversary of his death. Trump and Kim have met three times since 2018, but the nuclear negotiations have fallen apart since their second summit in February last year in Vietnam. Nor th Korea has repeatedly said in recent months that it would no longer give Trump the gift of high-profile meetings he could boast of as foreign policy achievements unless it gets something substantial in return. North Korea recently dialed up pressure on South Korea by cutting off virtually all cooperation and blowing up an inter-Korean liaison office in its territory last month.

Suicide attack, roadside bomb kill 6 police in Afghanistan Kabul, Jul 8 (AP): A suicide truck bomber targeted a police district headquarters in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province on Wednesday, killing three officers, a local official said. Three other police officers, including a district police chief, were killed in a roadside bombing in eastern Ghazni province. The Taliban claimed responsibility for both attacks. In the Kandahar attack, the suicide bomber struck in the district of Shah Wali Kot, according to Bahir Ahmadi, the provincial governor’s spokesman. The explosion also wounded 14 people, both policemen and civilians. Ahmadi said the guards at the district headquarters realized the truck was suspicious and opened fire before it could reach the building. But the shooting set off the explosives’ load, triggering a huge blast that caused the casualties and damaged several nearby buildings as well as the district headquarters, which also houses the office of

the police chief and the district administrative department. In the roadside bombing in Ghazni, Wahidullah Jamazada, the provincial governor’s spokesman, said Habibullah, the police chief of Dayak district, was killed along with his two bodyguards. Habibullah, who like many Afghans used only one name, was inspecting checkpoints early in the morning when the attack happened, Jamazada said. Separately, the Defense Ministry said Afghan soldiers repelled Taliban attacks on Tuesday on army checkpoints in the district of Khogyani in eastern Nangarhar province. The statement said at least 20 Taliban insurgents were killed, including their group leader. The Taliban did not claim responsibility for the Nangarhar attack or issue any statements about it. Both the Taliban and the Islamic State group are active in eastern Afghanistan, especially in Nangarhar. Afghanistan has seen a recent spike in violence,

with most attacks claimed by the local IS affiliate. The Taliban and the Afghan forces have been trading blame over the recent surge in attacks across

the country — even as peace efforts press on to try and bring about the start of a direct peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

OFFICE OF THE

SEYOCHUNG VILLAGE UNION KOHIMA KOHIMA : NAGALAND

FELICITATION

The Seyochung Village Union Kohima (SVUK) would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Mr. K. Chumseli Anar, son of Mr. L. Khaliba Anar of Seyochung Village on being appointed as Nagaland Chapter State Coordinator by the Indian Speaker’s Forum (ISF). The Union wishes and prays that our Almighty God bless and guide him in all his future endeavours. (K. TSIPICHUM) PRESIDENT, SVUK K-1202

OFFICE OF THE

AZÜPONGER TUSHEN SEMCHIR TELONGJEM DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

FELICITATION

The AZÜPONGER TUSHEN SEMCHIR DIMAPUR UNIT extends its heartiest CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs APOKLA LONGKUMER, Daughter of Mr. ALEMTEMJEN LONGKUMER & Lt. Mrs ACHILA JAMIR of UNGMA VILLAGE on her promotion to SDEO under EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. The AZÜPONGER TUSHIN SEMCHIR TELONGJEM takes immense pride on her achievement and wishes her all the very best in her duties and future endeavours. (WAPANG LKR) DP-3088 SECRETARY

Infotainment

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

No Time To Die won’t be changed, Will Smith experienced police racism Kanye West breaks ranks with Trump, vows to win presidential race W says Bond director Cary Fukunaga R

ary Joji Fukunaga won’t be making any late changes to ‘No Time To Die’. The 42-year-old director helmed the upcoming 007 blockbuster - which has had its release delayed until November due to the coronavirus pandemic - but admits that he had ‘’mentally finished the film’’ before its original April release and won’t be mak-

Cary Joji Fukunaga

ing any changes. Speaking to Empire magazine, he said: ‘’You could just fiddle and tweak and it doesn’t necessarily get better. ‘’For all intents and purposes, we had finished the film. I had mentally finished the film. Mentally and emotionally.’’ Fukunaga admits the situation with ‘No Time To Die’ - which is the 25th

Bond movie and Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as the iconic screen spy - being delayed reminded him of the ‘’trauma’’ he experienced when releasing his 2009 film ‘Sin Nombre’ in Mexican cinemas during the swine flu outbreak. He recalled: ‘’My first movie, ‘Sin Nombre’, came out during swine flu, and it came out in cinemas in Mexico right when the President of Mexico said, ‘Do not go to cinemas.’ ‘’So I had trauma from that experience, and as I was following the news of this, almost every day I was asking (the Bond producers), ‘What’s the plan, guys? Because this isn’t stopping.’ ‘’ Cary added: ‘’I don’t think anyone could have foreseen how the world came to a complete standstill, but I did think audiences would not be going to cinemas.’’ (Contactmusic)

il l Sm ith ha s b e e n r a c i a l ly abused by police ‘’on more than 10 occasions’’. The ‘Bad Boys’ actor admitted he got stopped ‘’frequently’’ by officers in Philadelphia, who used derogatory language towards him because of his skin colour. Speaking on podcast ‘On One With Angela Rye’, he said: ‘’I grew up in Philadelphia. I grew up under Mayor Rizzo. He went from the chief of police to becoming the mayor, and he had an iron hand. “ I ’ve b e e n c a l l e d n***** by the cops in Philly on more than 10 occasions. “I got stopped frequently. So I understand what it’s like to be in those circumstances with the police.” The 51-year-old star thinks the global Black Lives Matter protests are unprecedented and he’s pleased so many people have pledged their support

Will Smith

to ending racism. He said: ‘’We are in a circumstance that we’ve never been in before. ‘’The entire globe has stood up and said to the African American people, ‘We see you and we hear you. How can we help?’ We’ve never been there before.’’ While Will can understand the anger many people feel about racism, he warned about the dangers of being ‘’consumed’’ by rage. He said: ‘’Rage is justified under oppression. But it also can be really dangerous. ‘’You got to be careful not to be consumed by your own rage, and that’s something that I’ve worked really hard on.’’ (Contactmusic)

apper Kanye West signaled he no longer supports U.S. President Donald Trump and said he had entered the presidential race to win it, in an interview published on Wednesday. West, previously a vocal supporter of Trump, announced on Saturday that he would run for president in 2020. “I am taking the red hat off, with this interview,” West told Forbes, referring to Trump’s trademark red “Make America Great Again” baseball cap. “Like anything I’ve ever done in my life, I’m doing (this) to win,” he added. He told the magazine he will run under a new banner - the Birthday Party. West and his reality TV star wife Kim Kardashian West have visited Trump in the White House. West denied that his aim was to split the Black vote and hurt the chances

Pooja Bhatt reminds Kangana was launched by the Bhatts

ctress-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt has countered nepotism allegations aimed at the Bhatts, claiming that as a family of filmmakers they have always supported newcomers and outsiders. Pooja pointed out there was a time when the Bhatts were accused of “only working with newcomers and not chasing stars”. “Have been asked to comment on the hot topic Nepotism that people are raging about. As someone who hails from a ‘family’ that has launched more new talent-actors,musicians & technicians,than the entire film industry combined I can only laugh.Facts don’t find takers. Fiction does,” she started her series of tweets. “There was a time when the Bhatt’s were accused of having something against established actors & made to feel inferior for only working with/

Pooja Bhatt

launching newcomers & not chasing stars. And now the same people play the nepotism card? Google & tweet guys & won’t even say think & speak,” she added. Pooja also mentioned that they launched Kangana Ranaut with “Gangster”. “As for Kangana Ranaut -- She is a great talent, if not she wouldn’t have been launched by Vishesh films in “Gangster”. Yes Anurag Basu discovered

her, but Vishesh Films backed his vision & invested in the film. No small feat. Here’s wishing her the very best in all her endeavours,” she added. She also talked about her upcoming film “Sadak 2” with sister Alia Bhatt. The film is directed by their father, Mahesh Bhatt. “Even #Sadak2 gives birth to a brand new talent in the form of @Suniljeet72 A music teacher from Chandigarh who came to our office with no prior

Kangana Ranaut

appointment, a dream, a harmonium & a brilliant song called ‘Ishq kamaal’ that was absorbed into the film on first hearing by my father,” she added. Pooja concluded by saying that people should not try to humiliate them by using the term “nepotism”. “Toh yeh ‘Nepotism’ shabd se kissi aur Ko zalil karne ki koshish karo doston. (Then try to humiliate someone else with this word friends). The people

Kanye West

of Trump’s Democratic opponent, Joe Biden. It was “a form of racism and white supremacy” to suggest all Black people should support the Democrats, he said. The rapper told Forbes he had been ill with COVID-19 in February, and would be suspicious of any vaccines developed to prevent the infection. Repeating false theories that

link vaccines with child developmental disorders, he said: “So when they say the way we’re going to fix COVID is with a vaccine, I’m extremely cautious.” “That’s the mark of the beast. They want to put chips inside of us, they want to do all kinds of things, to make it where we can’t cross the gates of heaven,” he added. (Reuters)

NK Naga releases new Hindi music video

who have found their way into the movies through the springboard we provided over the decades know what we stand for. And if they have forgotten,It’s their tragedy. Not ours. Have a great day,” she concluded. “Sadak 2” is a follow-up of Mahesh Bhatt’s 1991 hit “Sadak” and is produced by his brother Mukesh Bhatt. The sequel reunites the original film’s lead pair of Sanjay Dutt and Pooja Bhatt, and also stars Alia Bhatt and Aditya Roy Kapur. “Sadak 2” marks Mahesh Bhatt’s return to filmmaking after 20 years. It is slated for an OTT premiere soon. Ever since Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide, soon after the film was confirmed for a digitaal release, social media has been aggressively trolling NK Naga (L) during the release of a music video “Tum Ho Mera Pyar”. (NP) “Sadak 2” and the Bhatts, gukavi Zhimo, who tistes and talents through of my dreams as well”, calling for a boycott of the goes by the stage TaFMA. Naga stated. film on grounds of neponame “NK Naga”, He further added that It may be noted that tism. (IANS) most well known for his Nagaland and Meghalaya NK Naga has also won Hindi songs, released an- were the only two states several National awards, other original Hindi song where music has good such as “National Patriotic under the title “Tum Ho scope. He urged the artistes Song Award” (NPSA) 2019 Mera Pyar” on July 7. in the state to push their for his song, titled, “Bapu” ‘Living In A Ghost Town’, The song was officially talents to the maximum and is also the first ever Naga Hindi singer to win Jagger revealed that the released by vice president level. The newly release the Bharat Vikas Parishad Stones had been “in the youth wing central NDPP, song talks about a boy who Talent Award 2019. His studio recording some new Vikato Aye. In his short speech falls in love at first sight. other song has also rematerial before the lockThe artiste wants his ceived national recognition down”, while Keith Rich- Aye congratulated NK ards explained that the song Naga for bringing laurel listeners to let lovers be under the title “How’s the was cut “for part of a new to the state by winning confident enough to stand Josh”. national awards and also for his/her love and also to He also disclosed to album”. spread love and bring back release a cover song on The track marked first the new song. Aye opined that the old memories. July 14, commemorating original effort from the rock “As the world is facing one month death annivericons since 2012’s ‘Doom music scope in the state and Gloom’ and ‘One More was blooming with the a pandemic lock down, I sary of late Sushant Singh Shot’, which featured on recognition of the state marked myself to entertain Rajput, from one of his hit their greatest hits collection government by giving more people through music and movie. (Staff Reporter) ‘GRRR!’. (NME) importance on many ar- so as to pursue the journey

The Rolling Stones to share unreleased track today

he Rolling Stones will share an unreleased track called ‘Criss Cross’ tomorrow (July 9). The legendary group released their first new song in eight years back in April with ‘Living In A Ghost Town’, which was recorded during the coronavirusenforced lockdown. Today (July 8), Mick Jagger and co posted a seven-second snippet of the video for their next offering, due to arrive tomorrow (July

9) at 2pm (BST). “Givin’ me a ‘CRISS CROSS’ mind…,” its caption reads. The title and lyrics suggest that ‘Criss Cross’ will be an outtake – aka ‘Criss Cross Man’ – from the Stones’ 1973 album ‘Goats Head Soup’. The accompanying official visuals were directed by Diana Kunst, who’s previously worked with the likes of Madonna, A$AP Rocky and Rosalía. Upon the release of

Jude Law to play Captain Ex-wife’s accounts of abuse were elaborate hoax: Johnny Depp tells UK court Hook in ‘Peter Pan’

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Jude Law

gest that the release is expected to be theatrical and not digital. Law was recently seen in “The New Pope” and “Rhythm Section”. He is also set to reprise his role of Dumbledore in the next installment of ”Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them”. (IANS)

Johnny Depp

Mr Hyde,” the email said, adding how friends and assistants had to deal with the actor after he passed out in his own vomit and soiled himself with no recollection later of his actions. “Friends keep smiling at your face and then rolling their eyes,” the email added, saying assistants had been forced to break down doors to rescue the actor asleep on a toilet. Depp characterised the allegations as a hoax.

“It appears to me that Miss Heard was building a dossier that appears to be an insurance policy for later,” he said of the email. Asked if the allegations were something she had plotted for three years, he said: “By the evidence that I have seen.” The first alleged incident of violence took place at Heard’s home in March 2013 when he had “fallen off the wagon” and started drinking again after months

of sobriety, and it was alleged he had struck her. Wass said Depp had become angry when Heard mocked one of his tattoos which he had changed from “Winona forever” - a reference to his former girlfriend Winona Ryder - to “Wino forever”. He had then slapped her three times because she had initially not reacted, Wass said. “That’s not the case, that’s untrue. It didn’t happen,” Depp said. “I don’t recall any argument about any of my tattoos.” Wass also said he had struck Heard, 34, when he tried to remove a painting from her bedroom given to her by her former partner Tasya Van Ree and tried to set it alight, one of 14 episodes of violence of which he is accused in the case. Text message exchanges between Depp and British actor Paul Bettany in which they described Heard as a witch were read

to the court, while Wass also asked if he had held Heard’s small Yorkshire Terrier Pistol out of a car window. “I can say it is a very enduring image but it’s an utter falsity,” he said, while agreeing that there was a running joke with Heard and her family about putting Pistol in the microwave

as he was “ludicrously tiny”. In evidence and in his witness statement to the court on Tuesday, Depp, 57, accused Heard, who is also attending the trial, of lying, saying she had attacked him, severing his finger off during one encounter. (Reuters)

OFFICE OF THE

GOVERNMENT SERVICE UNION, PHEKERKRIEMA FELICITATION

With immense pride and honour, we the Government Service Union, Phekerkriema extend our highest appreciation and congratulate our esteemed member Mr. VIRIELHOULIE MIARIO, S/O Mr. ZHA–O MIARIO on being promoted as Dy. SP/Asst. Comdt. at IGP (NT). May you continue to be an example of success and hard work to our community and may you continue to achieve greater heights and bring honour to our community. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors. Mr. Thepfüchülie Rossi Mr. Petesetuo Miario President, G.S.U, Phekerkriema Secy., G.S.U, Phekerkriema

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ctor Jude Law is in talks to play the classic villain Captain Hook in the upcoming live action film, “Peter Pan & Wendy”. “Pete’s Dragon” director David Lowery is on board to direct the project. Lowery co-wrote the script with Toby Halbrooks, reports variety.com. Disney’s 1953 animated classic is considered to be the most successful adaptation of the JM Barrie novel. It is about Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn’t age and the children whom he whisks away to the magical world of Neverland. If the deal is sealed, Law would follow in the footsteps of Dustin Hoffman, Jason Isaacs and Garrett Hedlund as actors who have played the iconic pirate antagonist in previous retellings of the story. Several sources sug-

ollywood star Johnny Depp told London’s High Court on Wednesday that allegations he had physically abused his ex-wife Amber Heard were a hoax built up over years during their relationship as an ‘insurance policy’. Giving evidence on the second day of his libel trial against Britain’s Sun newspaper, which described him as a “wife beater”, Depp was quizzed about an unsent email composed by Heard in June 2013, three years before she publicly accused him of abuse. In the email, read to the court by Sasha Wass, the Sun’s lawyer, Heard said Depp had hurt her physically and emotionally and that she did not know if she was dealing with him or “the monster” - his alter ego brought on by anger, jealousy and fuelled by alcohol and drugs. “It’s like Dr Jekyll and

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La Liga: Celta & Atletico settle for draw

Nothing separated Atletico Madrid and Celta. Angel Correa cross into an empty net in the opening minute but Celta’s Fran Beltran levelled early in the second half on the volley. Atleti are third in the standings on 63 points after 35 games and the draw edged them closer to securing a top-four finish as they moved nine above fifthplaced Villarreal, who are in action away to Getafe on Wednesday.

Celta meanwhile nudged a step closer towards guaranteeing survival in the top flight as they moved on to 36 points in 15th, seven above the relegation zone. “It was a very evenly matched game,” said goalscorer Morata. “This is a very difficult ground to go to, Celta play very good football and don’t deserve to be where

Olympia Lightning: Usain Bolt reveals name of baby girl

Pak to struggle due to saliva ban, says Junaid

VIGO (SPAIN), JUL 8 ( AGENCIES): Atletico Madrid dropped points for the third time since the season resumed after the coronavirus stoppage as they drew 1-1 away to struggling Celta Vigo in an uninspiring match in La Liga on Tuesday, reports Reuters . Striker Alvaro Morata got the visitors off to the perfect start by tapping an

Usian Bolt and his daughter Olympia Lightning. K ings t on, J ul 8 (IANS): Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt has shared an adorable first picture of his baby daughter, revealing her name - Olympia Lightning. “Girl Dad #OlympiaLightningBolt,” Bolt said in a tweet on Tuesday from his official handle with pictures of his daughter. “I want to wish my girlfriend Kasi Bennett a happy birthday. I get to spend ur special day with u. I want nothing but happiness for uand& will continue to doing my best keeping a smile on ur face. We have started a new chapter together with our daughter Olympia Lightning Bolt,” said Bolt while wishing his

partner on her birthday in another tweet. The 33-year-old has been dating Bennett, four years his junior, since 2014 but the pair only went public in 2016, according to a report in The Sun. In January, the Jamaican sprinter had confirmed his girlfriend was pregnant when he posted an Instagram photo of her in a red dress cradling her baby bump. Recently, former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone became a father for the fourth time at the age of 89. Ecclestone’s wife Fabiana Flosi, 44, gave birth to a baby boy and the couple named him Ace.

Karachi, Jul 8 (IANS): Left-arm pacer Junaid Khan feels Pakistan bowlers are likely to struggle more due to the saliva ban than their English counterparts when the two teams lock horns in a series involving three Tests and as many T20Is in August. Junaid, who isn’t part of the 29-member Pakistan squad, stated England bowlers’ reliance on reverse swing is less in comparison to the Pakistan pacers and that is why the visitors will struggle a bit more. “Both sides will have difficulty if there is no reverse swing on offer due to the saliva ban. However, our bowlers are likely to struggle more. (James) Anderson bowls well with the new ball and his reverse swing is not that good. Similarly, (Stuart) Broad and (Jofra) Archer’s reverse swing is not as effective as our bowlers,” Junaid was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan. “Even though Abbas bowls at 125 KPH, he has done well with reverse swing in Asia. Shaheen’s reverse swing may not be as good as Abbas, but it is still alright.

they are in the table. They have a great squad and will get back towards the top in the future.” Once Beltran had equalised, neither side showed enough ambition to go and find a winner and the final whistle signalled a 15th draw of the season for each side, a record only matched in La Liga this season by Real Valladolid. Atleti were without record signing Joao Felix through injury and in-form winger Yannick Carrasco due to illness while striker Diego Costa was suspended. Despite making the ideal start, Atletico appeared to lack hunger in attack and began to resemble the timid, conservative style they showed for much of the campaign before the coronavirus disruption. Their best moment in a flat second half came with a shot from outside the box from Thomas Lemar which was tipped away by Celta’s substitute goalkeeper Ivan Villar, who came on late in the game to replace the injured Ruben Blanco.t

Dier banned for 4 games for jumping into crowd in FA Cup London, Jul 8 (IANS): To t t e n h a m H o t s p u r midfielder Eric Dier on Wednesday was banned for four matches after he jumped into the stands and chased a supporter following the team’s defeat at the hands of Norwich in the FA Cup. Dier was also fined 40,000 pounds for the incident which took place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the enforced break put forward by the coronavirus pandemic on March 4. After Spurs’ defeat in penalties at the hands of Norwich, Dier jumped into the crowd and tried to confront the fan, who reportedly had said something to the Englishman’s brother present in the stand. “ T h e To t t e n h a m Hotspur player admitted that his actions at the conclusion of a fixture against Norwich City in The FA Cup on 4 March 2020 were improper but denied that they were also threatening,” FA said in a statement on their Twitter handle.

Mumbai, Jul 8 (IANS): Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday inaugurated the plasma therapy unit for treating COVID-19 patients at Seven Hills Hospital in Andheri. An initiative of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the plasma therapy unit opens a new front in the battle against the novel coronavirus. “We are facing an unprecedented challenge to our health in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising to the occasion, our doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, the police, municipal and government staff are working tirelessly to deliver effective healthcare to all those affected by the virus,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying in the statement. “Researchers around the globe are working to find an effective vaccine and treatment. In this, plasma therapy has emerged as an option to treat critically ill patients. I congratulate the BMC on starting this service that will save lives. “I appeal to people who have recovered com-

Welbeck’s acrobatics secured the three points for Watford.

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(10) quickly brought the scores level. It then took something special from Welbeck early in the second half to seal all three points for the hosts, who move 10 points ahead of Norwich and four clear of the relegation places. The defeat leaves Norwich’s top-flight status hanging by a thread. Daniel Farke’s side are 10 points adrift of safety with only 12 points left to play for. A loss against West Ham at Carrow Road at

the weekend would confirm their relegation to the Championship. Norwich looked to make an immediate impact as Buendia’s free-kick forced Ben Foster into an early save and it was not long before the visitors then scored their first Premier League goal since the restart. In the fourth minute, Onel Hernandez drove at the heart of the Watford defence before playing in Buendia, who cut inside

Don’t want year 2020 to finish without an IPL, says Ganguly New Delhi, Jul 8 (IANS): Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly has stated they would like to host the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year and their first priority is to host the tournament within the country itself. The cash-rich league was initially scheduled to be played from March 29 but due to coronavirus pandemic the tournament was postponed indefinitely by the BCCI. Ganguly once again reiterated the board’s desire to host the IPL this year to bring back some sort of normalcy in the wake of COVID-19 crisis. “We want to have it, as I said that cricket needs to be back,” Ganguly said on India Today’s show Inspiration. “For us it’s off-season at the moment which has actually helped. We finished out domestic season in March and then we had to cancel the IPL, which is the most important part of

our domestic season. “We want IPL to happen because life needs to be back to normal and cricket needs to be back to normal but we don’t have a decision from the ICC regarding the T20 World Cup,” he added. There have been reports of the IPL shifting out of India considering the virus threat that is raging on in the country presently. Ganguly, however, stated their first priority will be to host the tournament in India before looking out for venues on foreign shores. IANS had earlier reported that the situation with regards to the coronavirus pandemic might force the board to ultimately take the tournament to either UAE or Sri Lanka. “We keep hearing different things from the media but till actually its officially not told to the board members and the countries, you don’t know what is happening,” Ganguly said. “But we want to host

it, our first priority is India. Whatever time we get, even if we get 35-40 days we will host it. “Places like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai -- these are big teams in the IPL and at this stage I don’t think you can put your hand on heart and say that cricket will happen in these places. “We were keen to go to Ahmedabad to see the new stadium but I don’t know if we will be able to go there or not. It’s not easy at the moment to say that we are going to host it in India,” the former India captain said. The 48-year-old also raised his eyebrows over the prospect of hosting the tournament outside India and the financial and logistical implications that will tag along with it. “Will it be in India? If it’s not then we think of going out, but where? Because going out becomes very expensive for the board, the franchises because of the currency conversion rates,” he said.

Tendulkar inaugurates COVID-19 plasma therapy unit pletely from COVID-19 to come forward and donate their blood for plasma therapy and help to save lives of patients who are critically ill,” he added. The plasma therapy unit will offer convalescent plasma therapy to COVID19 patients using donated blood plasma from recovered patients. Plasma of a convalescent donor, who has recently recovered, contains high levels of antibodies against the pathogen that was the cause of the disease. When this convalescent plasma is transfused into another patient with the same disease, it provides the patient with an immediate immune response. Convalescent plasma therapy has been successfully used in the treatment of other viral diseases in the past such as SARS, MERS, and H1N1 (swine flu). Plasma therapy works by reducing the viral load significantly. Clinical trials in India have shown promising result, thus giving a new weapon to doctors against the novel coro-

EPL: Watford beat Norwich City 2-1

LO N D O N, J U L 8 (AGENCIES): Danny Welbeck’s stunning overhead kick sent Norwich a step closer to relegation from the Premier League as Watford boosted their own survival chances with a 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road, reports Sky Sports Norwich, who remain bottom of the table with only four games left to play, did take the lead in the fourth minute through Emiliano Buendia but Craig Dawson’s header

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

Adam Masina and curled the ball into the far corner. It was the perfect start for the Premier League’s bottom club, however, Farke’s side did not hold onto their lead for long Dawson headed home at the far post from an Etienne Capoue free-kick to level the game with less than 10 minutes played. Norwich looked to get on the front foot as the first half wore on but they nearly caught out when

Tim Krul had to keep out Welbeck’s glancing header at the near post. Watford went close to taking the lead again just before half-time, but this time Ismaila Sarr’s cross was headed just over the Norwich bar by Welbeck. After the break, the visitors enjoyed plenty of possession, but they could not make a similar breakthrough, although Dawson had to block Hernandez’s powerful effort before Foster had to stretch out his leg to deny Max Aarons his first goal of the season. However, the Canaries were eventually caught out by a quick break from the home side, and Sarr’s cross was deflected before the ball looped to Welbeck, who scored his first Premier League goal for the club with a spectacular overhead kick. The home side were nearly caught out in the final stages, but Adam Idah directed a flick from Josip Drmic just wide of Foster’s goal. Although Norwich tried to force their way back into the game and claim a point, Nigel Pearson’s side were able to hold out for their first win since their shock victory over Premier League champions Liverpool in February.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar addresses media personnel at Seven Hills Hospital, in Andheri, Mumbai, Wednesday. (PTI) navirus and new hope to COVID-19 patients. Over the last few months, a lot of research has been done to tackle this pandemic. From basic drugs to the latest antivirals, many treatment options are in place to treat COVID-19 patients.

The Seven Hills hospital in Mumbai has been at the forefront in treating COVID patients, and with able support from the government and the BMC, the hospital has delivered excellent medical service to these patients. To date, the hospi-

tal has treated over 6,000 patients successfully, who have been discharged and have gone home fully recovered. Now with the new plasma therapy unit, more critically ill patients can be treated with this new therapy.

Aussie snowboarding champion dies while spearfishing near Gold Coast Melbourne, July 8 (IANS): Two-time snowboarding world champion Alex Pulling of Australia on Wednesday passed away after he drowned near a Gold Coast beach, as per local media reports. He was 32. Pullin, who was the flag bearer for Australia at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, was found on the ocean floor by a snorkeller after he went spearfishing around the area. A Queensland Ambulance Service officer confirmed the news that they had recieved a call on Wednesday morning regarding a person being found at the bottom of the floor. “The QAS received

Alex Pulling a phone call to support the lifeguards down here, where they were attempting to retrieve and resuscitate a 32-year-old male, who was found on the bottom of the ocean,” Justin Payne was quoted as saying by ESPN. “The resuscitation attempt was for approximately 45

to 50 minutes, with CPR the entire time. Unfortunately, the patient (did not) survive.” Pullin won snowboard cross event at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships at La Molina and Stoneham respectively. Australia’s winter sports body offered their condolences at the untimely demise of their star skateboarder. “The Snow Australia community is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of triple Olympian, Alex Pullin, who today lost his life while spear fishing on the Gold Coast this morning,” their statement read as per ESPN.

Rohit doesn’t bludgeon the ball: Hazlewood New Delhi, Jul 8 (IANS): Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood believes star Indian opener Rohit Sharma has a phenomenal record when it comes to white-ball cricket and his batting style is filled with pure class and elegance. “He’s got many. I think it’s just with how the ease that he plays, specially anything back of a length, anything short, just puts it away with such ease. It’s just an area in which he gets better, I think,” Hazlewood said -- while speaking about Rohit’s greatest strength -- on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected show. “He never looks to bludgeon the ball,

just pure class and elegance. His records, especially in white-ball cricket, is phenomenal,” he added. When asked if a bowler gets annoyed by seeing a player bat with such ease, the right-arm Australian pacer said: “Yeah, absolutely. I mean the batters through our time, obviously are the frustrating ones to bowl to.” “Even when someone who came quicker like Mitchell Starc or Pat Cummins’ bowling to those guys, it doesn’t seem fast and that’s probably the one thing that sticks out when you are bowling to these types of players,” he added. K Y M C

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EPL: Arsenal draw 1-1 with Leicester

Jamie Vardy celebrates after equalising for Leicester at Arsenal. L O N D O N, J U L 7 ( AG E N C I E S ) : Ja m i e Vardy’s late goal helped Leicester to snatch a late 1-1 draw against 10-man Arsenal with VAR once again playing its part, reports Sky Sports . The battle for the European places was the main headline going into the game, but the sub-plot of the Golden Boot race reared its head when PierreEmerick Aubameyang (21) slotted home to take him one goal behind current leader Vardy. But Arsenal were dealt a blow in the 75th minute when Eddie Nketiah was sent off just minutes after coming on as a substitute for a crunching challenge on James Justin. There was a long VAR check and use of the pitchside monitor by referee Chris Kavanagh, who ultimately decided his initial yellow card should be upgraded to a red. VAR was involved in another big decision not long after when Vardy (84) equalised but another lengthy check deemed that Ayoze Perez - who was in

an offside position as the ball was played in - did not get a touch onto the cross before his team-mate tapped home. The goal re-established Vardy’s two-goal lead in the Golden Boot battle and more importantly, gave Leicester a four-point cushion over Manchester United in fifth but they have slipped down into fourth after Chelsea’s narrow 3-2 win against Crystal Palace earlier in the day. Arsenal remain in seventh with 50 points. Leicester began well in the pouring north London rain and went close twice in the opening 15 minutes. Vardy fired a volley goalwards after some poor control from David Luiz, but it went straight at Emiliano Martinez. Not long after, a short corner caught Arsenal out as Marc Albrighton’s cross found Kelechi Iheanacho at the top of the area, but Martinez stuck a foot out to see the low shot away. But it was Arsenal who took the lead in the 21st minute. A sensational diagonal pass from Dani

Ceballos picked out the run of Bukayo Saka on the right, with Caglar Soyuncu slipping on the wet surface as he tried to block the ball. This allowed Saka to drive down the wing - with Jonny Evans also slipping in the process - with his squared pass for Aubameyang emphatically slotted home by the Arsenal captain. Arsenal should have added a few more in the first half but were thwarted by the ever-reliable Kasper Schmeichel. On the halfhour mark, Alexandre Lacazette picked out the unmarked Saka on the right of the area, but the 18-yearold’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper’s feet. Not long after, Schmeichel made an incredible double save. Aubameyang and Saka linked up down the right before the latter chipped the ball into the area for Lacazette, but the Frenchman’s strike was pushed away by a stretching Schmeichel arm. Hector Bellerin then tried his luck from a tight angle, but the Leicester goalkeeper tipped the ball acrobatically over

the crossbar. Similarly to the first half, Leicester began the second period well too and tested Martinez in the 56th minute. Vardy drove down the right flank before squaring the ball for the waiting Iheanacho, who hit the cross with a first-time volley. However, the Arsenal goalkeeper made a good save low down. The game was fairly even until VAR intervened in the 73rd minute. Nketiah - who had come on as a substitute two minutes earlier - made a clumsy yet dangerous challenge on Justin, catching him on the knee, and received a yellow card. With multiple replays, VAR was unable to decide if the booking should be upgraded to a red and referee Kavanagh went over to the pitchside monitor. It took only a few seconds to make his decision and, in the 75th minute, Nketiah was sent off. VAR was not finished there. With a man advantage, Leicester scored nine minutes later as Demarai Gray’s curling cross was tapped home by Vardy - but there was a big question of offside. The decision rested on whether Perez had touched the ball with an outstretched foot, having been in an offside position when the ball was played. However, after another replay-filled check, the goal stood. It continued Vardy’s scoring steak against Arsenal - netting 10 goals in his last 10 Premier League games against the Gunners, including seven in his last six - but Mikel Arteta’s side do remain unbeaten in five games in all competitions as the race for European football continues.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020

Djokovic still undecided over US Open participation

Defending champs Juventus miss chance to stretch lead in Serie A

B elgrade , J ul 8 (IANS): World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has said that he is still not sure of participating in the US Open and that there is a “witchhunt” against him after the events of his ill-fated Adria Tour. Djokovic had recently tested negative in his second test for coronavirus after the first test returned positive. “I can only see criticism lately and much of it is malicious,” Djokovic told Wednesday’s issue of Serbian daily Sportski Zurnal. “It’s obviously more than just criticism, it’s like an agenda and a witchhunt are on. Someone has to take the fall, a big name,” he said. The Adria Tour was a series of tournaments across the Baltic countries that had eased socialdistancing norms. The matches featured packed stadia and little to no social-distancing rules were followed.

Rome, Jul 8 (IANS): Italian Serie A defending champions Juventus lost the chance to move 10 points clear at the top of the standings as they were defeated 2-4 by AC Milan in their latest encounter. On Tuesday evening, Juventus dominated the first half. However, both sides failed to score. Juventus opened the scoring in the 47th minute by French international Adrien Rabiot’s left-footed shot, which was his first Serie A goal. Six minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the advantage, reports Xinhua news agency. However, Milan turned the match around in the space of five minutes. Zlatan Ibrahimovic converted a penalty in the 62nd minute following Leonardo Bonucci’s handball. Then came quick-fire goals from Franck Kessie and substitute Rafael Leao. Milan scored their fourth in the 80th minute through Croatian international Ante Rebic. Juventus, however, re-

Ronaldo, right, controls the ball by AC Milan’s Giacomo Bonaventura and Franck Kessie at the San Siro stadium, in Milan, Italy, Tuesday. (PTI) main on track for a ninth straight title, sitting seven points clear of Lazio with seven matches remaining. E a r l i e r T u e s d a y, Lazio were beaten 1-2 at relegation-threatened Lecce. Lazio’s defender Patric was dismissed in injury time for biting Lecce’s Giulio Donati. Lazio’s strikers Felipe Caicedo put his team in the lead in the fifth minute, while Lecce equalised the game on the half-hour mark

with a header from Senegalese forward Khouma Babacar. Lecce was awarded a penalty for a controversial handball against Patric, but Mancosu’s shot went over the crossbar. Lecce center-back Fabio Lucioni headed in a corner to give the home team a shock lead in the 47th minute. The win helped Lecce end a six-match losing streak and climb out of the relegation zone.

NCOEs to be divided for seniors & juniors: Rijiju

New Delhi, Jul 8 (IANS): Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said that National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) will be divided into senior and junior facilities for each sport. Rijiju also said that there will be regional talent identification teams who will be further divided on the basis of each sport for scouting athletes for the proposed junior Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). “We will have a regional talent identification team. For example for South

India we will have a separate team. They will be responsible for identifying talent in that region,” said Rijiju in a webinar on “Role of Corporate India for Fit India” organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India. “There will also be separate teams for each sport. We will pick up those young talents and start the TOPS Junior. Right now we have only the senior TOPS scheme going on. Those who are picked up in this scheme have to worry about

nothing, the government takes care of everything for them. Besides that we give Rs 50,000 as pocket expenditure. So now we have decided to extend it to the juniors.” Rijiju said that there will be NCOEs dedicated to junior athletes. “We will then divide the National Centres of Excellence into seniors and juniors. So some of the NCOEs will be devoted to the juniors. This is how we are categorising our education plan.” The Sports Minister pointed out that the two

measures are being undertaken keeping in mind the vision of seeing India within the top 10 of the rankings at the 2028 Olympics. “If I say that India should be in the top 10 of the 2028 Olympics and then I don’t announce any measures to make that happen, there is no use of making any such announcements. That is the very fundamental reason for starting TOPS junior and then encouraging more of our young athletes and getting them into our centres,” he said.

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