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Vol XXX No. 188

DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Naga lads invent automatic door handle sanitizer SUNDAY POST SUPPLEMENT

NEAN strike to affect COVID ﬁght

Staff Reporter/Correspondent

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, JUN 13 (NPN): Even as Nagaland continues to grapple with tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a double blow for the state government, when over 150 doctors and 700 nurses of the National Health Mission Employees Association, Nagaland (NEAN) employed by the Health &Family Welfare (H&FW) department, under the National Health Mission , will go on a state wide “cease work” from June 14 while the Nagaland Junior Doctors’ Association (NJDA) has issued a warning of “stern action” if the H&FW department went ahead with regularisation of 27 contingency post of Medical Officers (MO). The latest development comes close on the heels of two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed in the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench against the H&FW department over alleged corruption when it went on emergency purchase shopping mode of various medical items as preparedness to contain COVID-19 pandemic in the state. The cabinet decided

AYO dismayed at returnees ﬂouting rules DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) Saturday expressed dismay over “lack of discipline” among many returnees, who, it said, were “blatantly” flouting rules and regulations of quarantine facilities risking the lives of other returnees and frontline workers. In a press release, AYO president Kekhrie Pfukha and general secretary Visako Rino said that the organisation has taken note of immoral activities among some returnees in quarantine facilities. It also condemned the disrespectful gestures of some returnees shown towards frontline workers. In this regard, AYO has appealed to all returnees to strictly follow the rules and regulations and show restrain and appreciation. It also appealed to the state government to initiate strict punishment against irresponsible and indisciplined returnees flouting rules and regulations. AYO cautioned that in the event of such irresponsible behaviour of returnees leading to spread of disease in its jurisdiction, it would resort to taking its own course of action against such individuals.

to create new post of 53 specialist doctors, one post of director (Medical education and radiation safety) and five posts of district programme officers under the Health & Family Welfare department. The cabinet also approved regularisation of the services for a period of one year of 19 serving contract medical officers and regularisation of services of 27 medical officers. H&FW recruited 27 doctors “on contingency for a period of 1 year against the existing vacancy arising out of promotion, retirement, voluntary resignation, death etc” and for which deployment to various district hospitals has begun. H&FW also begun the process of collecting applications for posts of 36 doctors currently on study leave vacancy for a period of one year. The newly appointed doctors will serve till those currently on study leave returned . However, in case of service of temporary appointees being needed, extension may be granted with the approval of the government. M e a n w h i l e, H P C spokespersons, at the briefing on Saturday informed that

the Health department had already deputed 5 Medical Officers out of the 27 doctors that were recruited recently, to supplement the medical manpower at Dimapur. NEAN: National Health Mission Employee Association (NEAN) Saturday announced its decision to go for an indefinite cease work starting June 14, till its three-point demand was fulfilled. The demands include regularisation of NHM employees, pay parity with state health employees of the same rank and all basic employees benefit in line with state Health & family Welfare employees. In a memorandum addressed to the commissioner secretary H&FW, NEAN president, Dr. Shasinlo Magh, and general secretary Kewetso Kenye expressed disappointment with the cabinet decision to regularise 27 GDMOs, who were appointed on contractual basis on May 27, 2020 for a period of 12 months. NEAN said it had on many occasions appealed to the authority to address its grievances, but the government, instead of addressing the issue, had gone to the extent of “randomly ap-

pointing and regularising services” overruling all service rules and laid down rules for recruitment on the pretext of COVID-19 pandemic. Talking to Nagaland Post over phone, NEAN president Dr. Shasinlo Magh pointed out that while an NHM employees were working with meagre remuneration for over a decade and without regularisation of services; the salaries of new appointees was double with immediate regularisation of services besides various benefits. For instance, Dr. Magh pointed out that while a doctor under NHM was paid a fixed amount of Rs.45,000 monthly, the starting salary of a newly appointed doctor is Rs.72,000. He also said while a nurse under NHM was paid either Rs.15,000 or Rs.20,000 or Rs.25,000 depending on the qualification; a nurse under H&FW department is paid Rs.45,000 as starting salary. Dr. Magh further pointed out that an Auxiliary Nursing & Midwife nurse was paid anywhere between Rs.12,000 onwards till Rs.18,000 and ANM under H&FW department was paid Rs.35,000 as starting (Cont’d on p-8) salary.

NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (PTI): India’s COVID-19 death toll crossed the 9,000mark on Saturday with a record daily increase making it the world’s ninth worst hit nation in terms of fatalities. The tally of confirmed cases also saw the biggest

one-day jump of over 12,000 and reached 3.11 lakh, as per the latest numbers announced by states and union territories. In its morning update, the Union Health Ministry said the total number of cases across India has risen

to 3,08,993 with an increase of 11,458 new cases in 24 hours since Friday 8 AM, while 386 more fatalities were reported during this period to take the toll to 8,884. However, a PTI tally of figures announced by states and UTs showed the nationwide count of confirmed cases having risen to nearly 3.11 lakh, as of 9.30 PM and the death toll to 9,137. This showed an increase of 12,576 new cases and 394 more fatalities since Friday night. However, more than 1.6 lakh people have already recovered, leaving close to 1.5 lakh active cases in the country. According to global real-time COVID-19 data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, India’s count of recoveries is now the sixth largest in the world after the US, Brazil, Russia, Italy and Germany. However, India has also entered the top-ten in terms of the number of deaths.

INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

NPCC backs govt Nagaland COVID-19 tally now 163 decision to appt AND 76 RECOVERED CASES TOTAL 163 more doctors 87 ACTIVE NAGALAND COVID-19 STATUS AS ON JUNE 13, 2020

DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): PDA government got a shot in the arm after the rival party (Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee-NPPC) president K Therie came out in support of the government’s decision to create posts of doctors and nurses, even as the government faced stiff opposition from the National Health Mission Employee Association and Nagaland Junior Doctors’ Association. In a letter to the chief secretary, Therie while appreciating the government’s decision, opined that more doctors were needed in all outpost stations. Therie said India has few lakhs of foreign medical graduates who have been rejected by the Medical Council of India (MCI) screening exam. He said over 80% are rejected annually and such action of the MCI was “absurd”. He went on to point out that students, after registering with MCI, are permitted to study in medical colleges listed by MCI.

NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (PTI): Union Health Ministry has recommended use of anti-viral drug remdesivir under emergency use authorization, off-label application of immunomodulator tocilizumab and convalescent plasma therapy for treating COVID-19 patients in moderate stage of criticality. Backtracking from its earlier stance, the ministry in its revised ‘Clinical

Management Protocols for COVID-19’, released on Saturday, said anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) should be used in the early course of the disease to achieve any meaningful effect and should be avoided in severe cases. In the new set of protocols, the ministry has removed its earlier recommendation of using hydroxychloroquine in combination with azithromycin in

severe cases and requiring ICU management. Hydroxychloroquine has demonstrated in-vitro activity against SARSCoV2 and was shown to be clinically beneficial in several small single-centre studies though with significant limitations, it stated. “Nonetheless, several large observational studies with severe methodologic limitations have shown no effect on mortality or

AsympRecovtomatic ered cases

GUWAHATI, JUN 13 (IANS/AGENCIES): With a spike in coronavirus infections, the Assam government is considering to reimpose lockdown in its main city Guwahati, depending on the result of 50,000 COVID-19 sample tests to be conducted soon, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday. “If a sizable number of positive cases are found after 50,000 samples are tested in Guwahati, total lockdown will be reimposed in the commercial city. Besides the lockdown, some strictest measures will be taken to check the spread of coronavirus,” he told the media. “People of Guwahati should be prepared for another lockdown, which may be imposed

COVID HOSPITAL Dimapur DH

117

AR Hospital Dimapur

Kiphire DH

Kohima NHAK

Kohima Chedema

Longleng DH

Mokokchung IMDH

Mon DH

Peren CHC Jalukie

Phek DH

Tuensang DH

Wokha DH

Zunheboto DH

State Total

163

Critical Mild Moderate Severe ICU (without ICU (with ICU (OnOxygen) Oxygen) Ventilator) 0 0 0 0 0 0

* Recovery Rate: 46% B. DISTRIBUTION OF CASES BY DOMICILE DISTRICT Kohima

Dimapur

Mokokchung

Phek

Zunheboto

Tuensang

Mon

Wokha

Kiphire

Longleng

Peren

Others

Total

163

if a large number of people, say 500, test positive for COVID-19 after 50,000 tests,” Dr. Sarma said. “We don’t want to harm the economy but if the situation demands, we will not shy away from enforcing a lockdown,” he added. Assam had reported 3,718 positive cases till Saturday night, including 1,902 active cases. In all 1,805 patients have recovered from the dreaded virus while eight people have so far succumbed to the disease. Sarma said that the state has tested 2,01,503 samples so far in 11 laboratories whereas one more lab would be ready by Monday. By the end of this month three lakh sample would be tested, he added.

other clinically meaningful outcomes. “As such, the evidence base behind its use remains limited as with other drugs and should only be used after shared decision making with the patients while awaiting the results of ongoing studies,” the revised document stated. “As is the case with other anti-virals, this drug should be used as early in the disease course as possible to achieve any meaningful effects and should be avoided in patients with severe disease,” it read. An electrocardiogram (ECG) should ideally be done before prescribing the drug to measure QTc interval, to assess some of the electrical properties of the heart, and avoid hydroxychloroquine if QTc is greater than 500 ms, it said.

Symptomatic cases

Total Cases

DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): Number of COVID19 cases in Nagaland rose to 163 after 7 more returnees tested positive for the infection. With this the state’s active cases stood at 87 and 76 recovered as on June 13, 2020. In a tweet, Health minister S. Pangnyu Phom (Cont’d on p-8) said the seven new cases of

Govt allows conditional use of HCQ, Remdesivir

This is it!

K Y M C

nagalandpostofﬁcial

Covid death toll: India 9th worst-hit nation Assam mulls to reimpose lockdown in Guwahati

(Cont’d on p-8)

“If we are to jog with these masks, we’ll soon end up in COVID hospital with breathing problems”

Nepal passes bill to redraw political map

nagalandpostofﬁcial

COVID-19 positive were reported out of 216 samples tested. All the positive patients were shifted to the designated COVID hospitals for treatment. As per the severity of symptoms, all 87 active cases are asymptomatic. Results of 1329 awaited: Till date, a total of 5945 COVID-19 suspected samples were sent for testing out

of which 4616 samples were received and 1329 samples awaited, Health department bulletin stated. Further, out of 434 samples test by TrueNat machine, 385 were negative and 2 positive. The results of 47 were awaited. Meanwhile, 6774 persons were currently under facility quarantine and 1775 under home quarantine.

Petrol, diesel prices Sec 144 CrPC around hiked for 7th day Mon containment zone DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): State-owned oil marketing companies raised petrol price by 59 paise per litre and diesel by 58 paise on Saturday for the seventh day in a row. In seven hikes, petrol price has gone up by Rs 3.9 per litre and diesel by Rs 4 per litre. Petrol price in Delhi was hiked to Rs 75.16 per litre while diesel rates were increased to Rs 73.39 a litre, according to a price notification of OMCs. After today’s rate revision, petrol price in Dimapur increased to Rs.80.56 per litre while diesel price rose to Rs.71.75 per litre. Price of petrol and diesel in the state capital Kohima stood at Rs. 81.42 per litre and Rs.72.42 per litre respectively. Rates have been increased across the country and vary from state to state depending on the incidence of local sales tax or VAT.

938 arrive by historic spl train

DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): To take all required precautionary steps to mitigate the possible spread of COVID-19 virus, deputy commissioner (DC) Mon Thavaseelan K, has promulgated Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 prohibiting movement of public within 1km radius of the Containment Zone (Wangkhao Government College Campus and the adjoining ITI Campus) with immediate effect. In this regard, the DC cautioned that anyone found violating the order would be liable for punishment under Section 188 of the India Penal Code.

Dimapur BSL-2 lab work in ﬁnal stage

DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): The ongoing work of the Bio-Safety Lab level 2 (BSL-2) in Dimapur was in its final stage of completion. Informing this to media persons, HPC spokespersons-minister Neiba Kronu and adviser Mmhonlumo Kikon said the verification and registration process with ICMR will start and the lab would be functional soon. Further, in order to decongest the capacity at COVID-19 hospitals in Dimapur, 1 CCC at SIHFW, Chumukedimato would be made as COVID care centre, managed by CIHSR. Further, a 50 bedded COVID-19 Hospital has also been operationalised by the Assam Rifles at ARTC, Shokhuvi.

Naga cop dies in Delhi

Team Dimapur receiving the returnees on Saturday.

DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): A special train carrying 938 stranded people arrived Dimapur Saturday from Thiruvananthapuram. The train created a history in the country by covering the longest route-- 4322 kilometre, crossing Tamil Nadu, Telengana, Andhra Pradesh and other states before reaching Nagaland. Out of 938 passengers-- 108 were from Peren, Phek- 30, Kohima- 46, Wokha- 47, Zunheboto- 25, Longleng- 20, Mon- 385, Kiphire- 35, Mokokchung17, Tuensang- 42 and Dimapur- 183. They were received at Dimapur railway station by APC and in-charge of COVID-19 activities for Dimapur, Kikheto Sema, secretary Food & Civil Supplies Honje Konyak, DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi, Commissioner of Police Dimapur, Rothihu Tetso, CMO Dimapur Dr. Tiasunep and other officials. Besides Dimapur district, all returnees were transported by buses to their respective districts after undergoing screening at the station.

KOHIMA, JUN 13 (NPN): In a delayed report, a 31-year old constable from the 3rd NAP battalion posted in Delhi was found dead on June 11 at Khajuri Khas Delhi. According to police sources, the person identified as one Langkhang Khiam from Tuensang district reportedly went missing on June 9 evening from PTS Wazirabad Delhi, following which an FIR was lodged at Sonia Vihar police station on June 10. The body was found on June 11, sources said. After completing all formalities, a short send-off service was held outside the hospital and the body was sent by road in an ambulance to Nagaland on June 13, accompanied by a constable and NCO. (Correspondent) K Y M C

state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020

COVID-19: Preventive measures, meetings and trainings continue

DIMAPUR: With the arrival of new returnees to the state, the government and its various agencies have stepped up preventive measures for the safety of public. While COVID positive cases are on the rise, it is heartening that recovery is also taking place. Meanwhile, various district administrations are convening meetings for assessing the quarantine centres and ensuring that those in these centres are following the proper protocols. In the eventuality of community spread of COVID-19, the district officials are inducting volunteers and giving requisite trainings for the same. The State Tobacco Control Programme and its district cells are also conducting awareness on cessation of tobacco consumption as it is also one factor of spreading diseases through spitting. Faith based organisations have also been holding meetings with concerned authority in regard to opening of worship places, where some have decided to wait until further order is issued.

Kiphire District

Tuensang District Training-cum-briefing and induction of volunteers

Task Force for COVID-19 Shamator sub-division, organised training-cum-briefing and induction of COVID-19 volunteers who were to be engaged in any exigencies related to COVID-19 tasks at DB’s court Shamator on June 12. According to DIPR report, the objective was to acclimatise volunteers to the new environment and get them acquainted with all procedures while carrying out work. Briefing the volunteers, ADC, chairman, TFfC-19, Shamator, Lankonsen Tsanglao, spoke on importance of following all safety norms related to COVID-19, further maintaining that manpower was needed and urged people to come forward voluntarily to overcome this pandemic. Medical team further sensitised volunteers for frequent hand wash, social distancing and wearing of masks and also reminded that PPE was mainly for health care workers who monitored patients in close contact, that it may not be necessary for volunteers as it also requires complex steps to wear one. The team also directed volunteers to mobilize public to follow protocols given by authority and to stop social stigmatization against volunteers, healthcare workers and all others frontline workers, including the patients. Chairman 11 wards, Akumkhiung, also informed that quarantine centres in Shamator were exclusively run through community contribution, and therefore urged DC Kiphire Sarita Yadav chairing the DTF Kiphire meeting with faith everyone to lend helping hands in all forms. A total of 17 based organisations on June 12. (DIPR) volunteers attended the meeting. T. Takotoshi Jamir, BDO Shamator and DBs were also present in the meeting.

DC Kiphire convenes meeting

wokha District

Meeting held in Noklak regarding reopening of religious places

Noklak sub-divisional administration held a consultative meeting with the church leaders, namely Khiamniungan Baptist Churches Association staff, pastors and deacons of all the churches in an around Noklak Hq at DB court ADC office Noklak to discuss on the matter pertaining to re-opening of churches for worship services on June 12. According to DIPR report, the meeting decided that status quo will be maintained and that the church service will be kept in abeyance until such time when the individual churches were in a position to fulfil the criteria and conditions laid down by the government. The house identified the need for seminar/training with regard to preparation of disinfectants, from where to source, techniques of sensitization etc and therefore decided to approach the hospital Authority for assistance and guidance. During the meeting, Dr. Jongyah, MO PHC Thonoknyu gave a short speech on the impact of stigmatization and discrimination on the COVID19 patients and returnees. Stressing on the effect of the stigmatization and discrimination, he called upon all for raising awareness so as to reduce anxiety and stress that impairs immunity this worsening the psyche and well-being of the patients and people in quarantine.

F&CS Wokha provides ration for stranded migrants/labourers

Under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme (ANBY) free food grains were distributed to 323 households consisting of around 474 members at Tiyi hall, Wokha by the department of Food & Civil Supplies Wokha on June 13. According to DIPR report, ANBY is a part of the government of India initiative for economic measures for providing food grains free of cost to the stranded migrants and labourers who were not covered under National Food Security Act or State Public Distribution System (PDS). The free ration includes 5 kgs of rice per person per month and one kilogram of chana per person per month, and this scheme will last for a period of two months that is May and June 2020. The main objective of the scheme is to help or mitigate their plight during this precarious COVID-19 pandemic crisis and to ensure availability of food grains to the. Deputy commissioner, Wokha, Orenthung Lotha while handing over the free ration lauded the GoI initiative and coming up with such schemes to help the stranded citizens. He also asked the stranded citizens to inform authority in case of any difficulty and problem faced by them during such pandemic so that their problems can be addressed.

DC Kiphire Sarita Yadav convened a meeting with regard to opening places of worship for public which was attended by representatives from all the faith based organization on June 12. According to DIPR report, Medical department informed on categories of people who were vulnerable and susceptible to COVID-19 disease. DC SaritaYadav informed that an order was received from higher authority to sensitise faith based organisations. She said that under new SOPs wherein relaxation were given to open places of worship, only 30 percent attendees will be sanctioned maintaining social distancing of 6 feet at any point of time, and allotted time would be from 5 a.m to 5 p.m. She advised all to keep sanitisers/thermal scanner at the ingressions. USBLA secretary Dr. Apise stated that every civil society and religious bodies must adhere with the authorities and endeavor to make the district COVID free. All Baptist churches in town will remain closed till further order as apprised by the pastor. As per their representative, Catholic churches has expressed to remain closed till next order. The following were discussed by members: Only asymptomatic persons will be sanctioned to attend places of worship. The members additionally decided to preclude: physically contacting of statues; choir singing; physical contact/handshake; sprinkling of Holy water; Sharing Aoyimkum quarantine centre constructed by the Aoyimkum Village Council (AVC) of Prasad at village play ground was dedicated on June 13 by Aoyimkum pastor Rev. I Temsu The members additionally discussed on points to be followed: Aier. (AVC) Utilization of face Mask to be indispensable; Alcohol-predicated hand sanitisers to be arranged; Seating arrangements to be made in such way that adequate physical distance is maintained in; Respiratory etiquettes are to be followed and expectorating will not be sanctioned; Place of wor- Moilan Village Whabong Taro (MVWT) Bosti, Karbi Anglong, ship should be disinfected between programs as per protocol; Posters/ organized social work at the village vicinity on Saturday. The drive awareness materials to be exhibited prominently in local dialect. was actively participated by the village members. (NP)

dimapur District

kohima District

First Death Anniversary

Lt. SEMATO A. WOTSA (14.06.2019)

STCC and DTCC officials at Mon District Hospital during its activities conducted on tobacco cessation.

STCC activities across the districts

State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC) under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) continues to reinvent its activities across the districts amid the COVID-19 lockdown. A press release from STCC Nagaland district consultant, Linoka K. Awomi stated that, the following initiatives are being undertaken by the respective District Tobacco Control Cells (DTCC), while maintaining strict social distancing norms and guidelines. The department continues to prioritize the promotion of “tobacco free village” by identifying new villages, with the DTCC coordinating with village authorities to implement the norms and guidelines to achieve the status. Along with the local authorities and CSOs anti-tobacco enforcement drives are underway; penalizing the vendors and seizing the tobacco products. Talks, seminars and miking on the prohibition order on sale of tobacco products and spitting in public places are being conducted. Poster campaigns are being carried out at strategic places like district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, government offices, market streets and in quarantine facilities. Another crucial campaign is the broadcast of anti-tobacco message in All India Radio FM Tragopan. As part of tobacco cessation programme, focused group discussions are being carried out with current tobacco users to facilitate quitting of the use of tobacco products. On June 6, an MoU was signed between NTCP and CIHSR, Dimapur for setting up of centre of excellence for tobacco cessation. K Y M C

State report on COVID-19 lockdown

Joint secretary for Home department, Hiazu Meru issued the report on COVID-19 lockdown for Nagaland as on June 12 and stated that there was no violation of the lockdown nor incidents of law & order in the state. According to DIPR, the report on essential goods stated that shops for food grains and groceries and also milk shops remain opened in all the districts except Mokokchung. Medicine shops continue to remain open in all the districts while maintaining that there was no shortage of essential goods in the state. It also informed that the movement of essential service providers like electricity/telecom facilities/ medical facilities and personnel/ workers in manufacturing units and commercial vehicles for distribution of essential goods was not restricted. The movement of ecommerce agents was also allowed without any hindrance. In regard to the arrangements been made for providing food & shelter to effected migrant workers, it disclosed that the same arrangement is being continued and added that there is 1 (one) active relief camp and 1 (one) food.

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear. Loving Wife & Children. DP-2728

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

6th Nov 1969 – 8th June 2020 The family of Late Imsusangba Ao conveys our sincere gratitude to all the family, friends and well wishers who have given us support through your prayers and deeds and stood by us during this difficult time. We would like to thank: 1. Doctor and Nurses of Bethel Hospital Kohima 2. Lower PWD Panchayat and Youths 3. Kohima Longsa Senso Telongjem and Fellowship 4. Longsa Longti Mepur Welfare Society Kohima We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every one individually. It is our humble prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly. K-1080 – Loving wife, children and family members.

DP-2707

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Through this column, we the bereaved family of Late Mannyung Phom (Mother of B S. Nganlang MLA) express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the individual and organizations, churches who stood by us and shared our sorrow at the demise of our beloved mother who left for her heavenly abode on 24th May 2020. We once again express our sincere gratitude to all who supported physically, materially and in prayer during her prolonged illness and medication till her last breath at home in Dimapur on 24/5/20 and also her last journey from Dimapur to Yongnyah village dist Longleng. Though we cannot mention each and every individuals, organizations and churches. It is our prayer and hope that, Almighty God bless you all abundantly. Our special thanks to the under mentioned individuals and organisations; 1. The Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri. Neiphiu Rio, 2. The BJP Legislatures led by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Y. Patton , 16. 3. Shri. S. Pangnyu Phom Hon’ble Minister. 4. Shri. YM Yollow MLA. 17. 5. Shri. E.E. Pangteang MLA 6. Shri. Toyang MLA 18. 7. Shri. C L John MLA 8. Shri. Longri Niken Advisor, 19. 9. Shri. M. Shayung DC Longleng. 10. Phom Baptist Church Chumukedima, 20. 11. NCRC Phom Fellowship Dimapur, 21. 12. The Tsukaranka Society Wokha village. 13. The Phom Baptist Church & Phom Union 22. Kohima, 14. The Phom Baptist Church and Phom Union 23. Mokokchung 15. The Phom Baptist Church Changtongya DP-2738

The Changtongya Yimchen & Yimsen Village Council The Baptist Church, Village Council and Public of Tangha, The Baptist Church, Village Council and Public of Yongshei, Phom Baptist Christian Association Longleng. The Village Council Sovima, Dimapur. The Doctors & Nurses of BLK Hospital New Delhi. The Doctors & Nurses of Eden Hospital Dimapur T h e Vi l l a g e C o u n c i l , C h u r c h e s , Organizations and Public of Yongnyah,

Loving sons & daughters, in-laws, grandchildren and all family members. K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Is it safe for worshippers to attend church services if they reopen on June 14,2020? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

A B C

Apex bodies visit Felicitation programmes for HSLC/HSSLC students district jail Longleng

â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“ â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“ â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“ â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“ â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“ â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“ â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“â€“

Yes. No. Canâ€™t Say.

42% 50% 8%

Next poll

Q: A re o n l i n e c l a s s e s

having adverse affect on childrenâ€™s education? ď ą Yes. ď ą No. ď ą Canâ€™t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST June 14

(Temperature in ÂşC)

Max Min

Agartala Cloudy with a thunderstorm

32 26

Aizawl

A t-storm in the afternoon

Guwahati Cloudy with a thunderstorm Imphal

A thunderstorm in spots

28 21 32 25 30 22

Itanagar A couple of morning t-storms 29 23 Shillong Cloudy with a thundershower 24 18 Kohima

A shower and t-storm around

Dimapur A thunderstorm in spots Mkg

An afternoon thunderstorm

26 19 32 24 27 20

Tuensang A shower and t-storm around

21 16

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

27 21

Zunheboto Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

24 18

Wokha

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020

Members of Longleng apex bodies during their visit to District Jail Longleng on June 13. (NP)

DIMAPUR: With the construction of district jail Longleng which started since 2011 going at a â€œsnailâ€™s paceâ€?, the Phom Stud e ntsâ€™ C o nfe r e nc e (PSC) has called upon the concerned department and state government to expedite the work in a month of two without citing excuses. A press release from PSC media cell stated that, in the absence of a district jail at Longleng, the under trial prisoners and remand accused are all kept in

district jail Mokokchung, which is 74 kms away from Longleng HQ, where public transport vehicles takes four hours to reach the designated destination from Longleng. It also stated that, with the change in portfolio after every five years the promises made to complete the district jail by â€œevery concerned who holds the portfolio now also seems to be a farfetched dream.â€? PSC also pointed out that Longleng was the lone

district without a district jail in the entire state. In this regard, the apex civil societies namely Phom Peoplesâ€™ Council (PPC), Phomla Hoichem (PH) and Phom Laivangh Pangthai (PLP) under Longleng district visited the lone abandoned district jail to assess the progress of work on June 13. PSC has cautioned the concerned authorities that failing to comply with the demand of the apex bodies, the civil societies will take its own course of action.

DIMAPUR: Maintaining proper protocol of social distancing, the Tetso College Dimapur, Don Bosco Alumni Wokha and Zunheboto Range Students Union felicitated successful students of HSLC/HSSLC examinations. Tetso College Dimapur: Tetso College celebrated its first virtual HSSLC graduation ceremony on June 13. According to a press release, in the directorâ€™s address, Kvulo Lorin congratulated HSSLC class of 2020 for their success and highlighted on how the staff and students were able to respond to the change brought by the pandemic. Some of the salient developments included publications, collaborations and collaborative research, webinars with distinguished visitors, student activities. Encouraging the graduating students to remain positive in a time of pandemic, the director reminded that new opportunities would come knocking as they enter new chapters in their lives. Special guest and

commencement speaker, Chumben Ngullie, deputy commandant Central Industrial Security Force stressed on the future careers of students and asserted that their goals should be carried out with focus and discipline to achieve wholesome development. Presenting a brief history about his own aspirations, he stated that passion, commitment and hard work were key factors for anyone to be successful. He maintained that students must accept challenges with undaunted spirits and wished them a bright future. Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, valedictorian Iziedile Ngia thanked stakeholders involved in shaping their lives, especially teachers for encouraging them never to give up. Iziedile was optimistic that â€œthe graduating class will continue to believe in the virtue of unity because where there is unity, there is victoryâ€?. Meanwhile, in the closing remarks, Kahor Raleng, assistant dean, Tetso

College emphasised on the importance of implementing knowledge, skills, and values they had acquired and to practice them in life. She also advised them to equip themselves with new skills and knowledge to face challenges and excel in their career. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Mulatoli Awomi, assistant professor, Tetso College, invocation by Shasinle Lorin, special song by Mhashelenu Hibo, class 12, while a video capturing moments of the graduating class and their achievements was streamed. Around 70 students, staff, family and well wishers attended the ceremony of 50 HSSLC graduates from arts and commerce stream. DBA: Don Bosco Alumni (DBA), Wokha unit organised 4th meritorious award function on June 10 at DB youth centre maintaining social distancing. A press release from DBA Wokha stated that, the award sponsored by a l u m nu s Z a r e n t h u n g

Ezung, additional secretary of Horticulture was bagged by Mhankabemo Z. Ovung, NBSE 2020 HSLC, 7th rank and Vanthungo Jungio, highest mark score of the school in HSSLC 2020. The association also honoured cash award to Khephothung Jami, HSLC 17th rank. The programme was chaired by DB alumni vice president, Gex Wobenthung J. Patton. ZRSU: Zunheboto Range Studentsâ€™ Union (ZRSU) organised a felicitation programme in honour of Manakali A. Yeptho who secured 8th position in HSSLC (Arts) Exam, 2020 at All Sumi Studentsâ€™ Union (SKK) conference hall, Zunheboto. A press release from ZRSU president Nito V. Zhimomi stated that, vice president of Sumi Hoho Vihoshe Muru, graced the occasion as special guest. The HSSLC topper was awarded citation for academic excellence along with cash prize sponsored by advisor of School Education, K.T. Sukhalu.

NPGN/NNC (NA) clarifies Dimapur: Reacting to news report published on June 13 under the headline â€œNPGN/NNC (N/A) supportsâ€?, NPGN/NNC (N/A) kilo kilonser, Shikaho Ayemi has clarified that UT-1 falls under its jurisdiction and that Mughaka Yeptho claiming to be chairman of UT-1 is baseless. The kilo kilonser further clarified that there is no person by the name of Mughaka Yeptho in the organisation.

BAVU urges for lifting of border area sealing

DIMAPUR: In view of the sealing of Borlengri area without relaxation by the concerned authority, the Borlengri Area Villagerâ€™s Union (BAVU) has cautioned that in the eventually of any untoward incident the union will not be held responsible. A press release from BAVU chairman Nengchitmeren and secretary Mhao Odyuo stated that, repeated appeals made to the government authorities through DC Dimapur for relaxation has fallen on deaf ear. Borlengri Area Villag78 Battalion CRPF Zubza organised a massive tree plantation drive at New Secretariat Kohima, erâ€™s Union stated that due in collaboration with Forest department of Kohima to the sealing of the border area, residents consisting of division on June 12. (78Bn CRPF Zubza)

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUN 13 (NPN): Driver of a Manipur-bound truck who was found unconscious near Dairy Farm, Phesama here on June 13 passed away at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima. The driver reportedly suffered mild haemorrhage and showed signs of internal bleeding. Hospital sources told Nagaland Post that the patient, identified as one Durga (50) from Bokajan, Assam was bought in a critical condition. Sources said the driver died due to hypertension with Cerebrovascular accident. The body, accompanied by handyman, was sent home in an ambulance Saturday. Meanwhile, the COVID sample test report was still awaited till the time of filing this report.

AR nabs GPRN/ NSCN dy. Kilonser DIMAPUR: Troops of Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with Nagaland Police, apprehended one deputy kilonser of the GPRN/NSCN near Nui Colony, Burma Camp Dimapur June 12. In a press note, PIB (defence wing) stated that one S Vito Awomi, deputy kilonser and chairman of Arunachal affairs was arrested with one .32mm pistol (made in China), two mobile phones and other incriminating documents. The individual along with the seized items were handed over to East Police Station for further investigation. K Y M C

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colleges. Claiming this as â€œa sort of harassment and step motherly treatment meted out to the public and the student communityâ€?, the BAVU cautioned that public unrest was going on. BAVU therefore appealed to all the NGOs, tribal hohos and student bodies to voice out together on humanitarian ground to avoid unrest.

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his is an article from Miss Neha Ramachandran, grand daughter of Shri. N.R.C. Nair, Rtd Secretary, Nagaland Govt. Miss Neha Ramachandran is a Class IX Student and resident of Austin, Texas, USA. â€œGreeting from Austin, Texas, USA. This is about AUM Medtech disinfection unit. It is a joint venture by a medical professional Dr. Kumaresh Krishna Moorthy an Otolaryngologist (ENT) with more than 25 years of experiences, now a health care entrepreneur working with various start-ups and a technologist. As you are well aware currently we are facing a global pandemic with the Corono Virus. One of the product is the UVC bat which can kill organisms such as Corono Virus. Anthrax HINI Virus and many more. Imagine coming back from the hospital and falling ill soon after. What about returning from your relaxing cruise vacation and coming down with a virus? They can get sick from a â€œbugâ€? they picked up at the hospital. Travellers often come back from a trip just to fall ill. While it is a common occurrence to get sick from these scenarios, it wasnâ€™t till recently with the outbreak of COVID-19 that people are downright terrified. Sanitation is at the forefront of every individualâ€™s mind to keep themselves and their families safe. For the past 3 years, D r. K u m a r e s h Krishnamoorthy, an ENT surgeon and AUM Medtech Partner, was finalizing development of the global design and utility patent protracted AUM Bot and Box. The AUM UVC germicidal irradiation (UVCGI) devices destroy disease causing micro-organisms not only from surfaces but also from air in the indoor environment and from your regularly used objects like phones, keys etc.,. UVCGI devices have been available in other countries but were only available in India via importation, which was cost prohibitive. The AUM UVCGI has eliminated those barriers by making this certified and tested device affordable and available in India. The uses are endlesshospitals, gyms, hotels, offices, schools, trains, buses, allowing the potential to keep many of us from contracting new illnesses, including the novel coronavirus. Whatâ€™s more these devices are currently undergoing International certifications. Dr. Kumaresh has several innovative devices pending patents that can benefit healthcare facilities and other industries. We hope to see utilization of these devices to strengthen outcomes. As we work on saving our citizensâ€™ lives, countries such as the USA, UK and Singapore are doing the same by working on obtaining regulatory approval to import the AUM Bot. An affordable, effective solution is a win-win! As far as I know the problems, prevailing in North Eastern states of India are very different because of many reasons. Difficult terrain lack of communication and non-availability of modern medical facilities are the some of the main issue. I would therefore recommend the state Government in the North Eastern part of India to consider for use of the above mentioned products to prevent diseases and ensure better health conditions to its people. For further particulars please contact Shri. N.R.C. Mobile No- 9435701216, 8011867811 E mail ID- nrcnair251939@gmail.com (N.R.C. Nair) Dated: 28-05-2020 Continental Ayurveda Health Care, Khatkhati Gautam Bosti, Khatkhati

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Manipur bound truck driver dies at NHAK

thirteen villages, of which majority are Nagas were facing untold suffering as even the medical emergencies were not allowed to pass through. Borlengri Area Villagerâ€™s Union also pointed out that thousands of students had to go 20 kms to and from round through Dillia gate to get their mark sheets and admissions done in different schools and

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Protest against lynching in Guwahati

Police personnel baton charge on protestors during a protest over the murder of Rituparna Pegu on Friday evening in Guwahati, Saturday. (PTI) GUWAHATI, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): Not to be deterred by the pattering rain that greeted Guwahati residents in the early hours of the morning today, at least a hundred protesters – many of whom belonged to indigenous organizations – took to the streets of Noonmati to protest the killing of 26-year-old Rituparna Pegu, who was mercilessly murdered yesterday in the area, apparently after a petty argument over a chair, reports The Sentinel.

According to eyewitness accounts, the youth entered into a heated argument with 18-year-old Hussain Ali, who stabbed him in the back with a sharp object, following which Pegu collapsed by the roadside. Although Pegu was immediately rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The incident was captured in the CCTV of the shop in front of which the incident took place. This violent incident occurred in broad daylight, leaving

Guwahati residents in shock and bewildered. “Yesterday, an indigenous youth called Rituparna Pegu was killed by slitting his throat in this very spot. The Mishing community and others have come forth in protest for justice. We demand that there should a proper investigation, and the culprits should be sentenced to death by hanging”, said a protester. Many of the protesters could be seen getting enraged and shutters of

the shop where Pegu was murdered – Arman Furnishing – were kicked by the agitators. The police, trying to placate the agitators, said that they will try to ensure that justice is meted out. “We have arrested 5 including the owner of the shop. We have a lot of evidence; we even have CCTV footage, so we are carrying out the investigation”, said an official who was keeping the peace in the protest area. Meanwhile, demand has been raised for giving financial assistance to the deceased youth’s wife and infant child. “The protesters are demanding that the Government give compensation to the family of the deceased person; we have urged them to jot down their demands on paper so that we can take it to the concerned authorities”, added the official. It is pertinent to mention that Guwahati Police has arrested 5 persons Hussain Ali, Dulal Ali, Ibrahim Ali, Manuwara Khatun, and Arman Ali for the murder. A case vide Noonmati PS C/no. 294/20 u/s 147/148/149/302 IPC registered and an investigation is going on.

Gauhati HC dismisses PIL on Assam gas well tragedy

3 more COVID-19 cases in Mizoram; total count 107

been ordered by various agencies. “Considering various aspects of the case, this petition cannot be entertained in the present form. We have taken judicial notice of the fact, as noted above, that enquiries in the incident have already been ordered. The matter is still at inceptual stage. “In such circumstances, the petitioner would be at liberty to file a fresh petition, if genuine public cause demands, however, on the basis of relevant data and findings recorded by the enquiry agencies,” the court said. On June 10, Gohain filed the petition with 12 respondents, including Oil India Ltd (OIL), John Energy Pvt Ltd, and various agencies of the Centre and the state government. Petitioner’s advocate Santanu Borthakur had said the PIL seeks adequate compensation to all the affected parties, a proper inquiry into the incident and measures to protect and restore the rich biodiversity of the area. At present five inquiries are taking place to find out the facts -- a three-member probe by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, a one-member probe by

Aizawl, Jun 13 (PTI): Three more persons, including two women, tested positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram, taking the total tally in the state to 107, a Health Department official said on Saturday. All new patients had recently returned to the state from other parts of the country, he said. Of the 403 samples examined at Zoram Medical College (ZMC ), a dedicated facility from the treatment of COVID-19 patients, three persons were diagnosed with the disease late on Friday night, the official said. They are from Aizawl district and aged between 24 and 57 years, he said. “The three patients have been admitted to the ZMC,” the official said. Taking into account the fresh cases, the number of active coronavirus patients in the state rose to 106. Nine cases were found in Mamit, five in Champhai, four in Lawngtlai, three in Saitual, two each in Khawzawl and Siaha and one in Serchhip. Of the 11 districts in the state, no coronavirus case was found in Hnahthial district so far.

Guwahati, Jun 13 (PTI): The Gauhati High Court has dismissed a PIL against PSU major Oil India, a private firm, the Centre and the state over the Baghjan gas well blowout and successive fire in Assam’s Tinsukia district. Hearing arguments from both the petitioner and respondents, the bench comprising Chief Justice Ajai Lamba and Justice Soumitra Saikia on Friday disposed of the public interest litigation filed by environmentalistcum-entrepreneur Niranta Gohain. “In Paragraph 4 of the petition, it has been pleaded that the petitioner has no personal interest in the litigation. However, learned counsel for the petitioner states that the petitioner is an entrepreneur and has a lodge in the nearby area. “Lear ned counsel, however, has not been able to dispute that all such hotels, motels and lodges are not functional on account of spread of pandemic under the state issued regulations,” the order said. Stating that a prayer was made in the application to conduct an inquiry other than seeking compensation, the court said that a number of probes have already

Assam Chief Minister and an internal five-member inquiry by the OIL. Besides, two more crucial independent investigations of technical nature are being carried out by Directorate General Of Mines Safety (DGMS) and Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD). The chief minister also ordered the Additional Principal Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) to conduct a study on the effects of the explosion on the environment and ecology of the surrounding areas, including on flora and fauna in the adjacent DibruSaikhowa National Park. The well number 5 at Baghjan has been spewing gas uncontrollably for the last 18 days and it caught fire on Tuesday afternoon, killing two of OIL’s firefighters at the site. The blaze at the well is so massive that it can be seen from a distance of more than 30 km with thick black smoke going up several metres high, endangering the local biodiversities. Though there is no fire in the periphery of the well site at present, the company has declared an area up to 1.5 km of radius as “red zone” to avoid any untoward incident.

50,000 random tests in Guwahati: Sarma

GUWAHATI, JUN 13 (PTI): The Health department will conduct 50,000 random tests in Guwahati city following the recent spike in COVID-19 positive cases, Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday. He said the state gover nment may consider imposing a lockdown if a sizeable number of new cases are detected. Guwahati city considered the Gateway to the North East, has so far reported 176 positive cases and of these 25 persons are from the community with no travel history. “The situation in Guwahati is a matter of particular concern and we have been analysing the situation to find out a reason for cases from the community and ways to break the chain”, the minister said while addressing a press conference here. In the next 15-days, “we will conduct 50,000 tests to break the chain and if we find that there is a sizeable number of positive

Himanta Biswa Sarma

cases, then the government may take measures to impose certain restrictions”, he said. “We do not want to impose lockdown immediately based on 25 cases from the community but want to base our decision on a more scientific assessment”, he said. The economy is slowly limping back to normal and “we do not want to disturb it as far as possible but if the situation demands, we will have to take tough decisions”, the minister said. Social distancing and wearing of masks or face

covers will be strictly enforced while advancing the curfew to 7 pm from 9 pm may also be considered, he said. “The government is moving cautiously and will initially concentrate on testing and surveillance”, Sarma added. From June 16, people can also give their samples in 12 government hospitals and state dispensaries for testing, he said. After preliminar y analysis, it has been found that loading and unloading of trucks take three to four days and according to the directive of the Union Home ministry, the drivers are not tested as they are involved in the movement of essential commodities, he said. “We found that the persons testing positive are mostly employees of godowns, salesperson, or residents of areas where the vehicles are parked and those who come in contact with its drivers”, the minister added. Testing will be con-

ducted at godowns, petrol pumps, parking lots, dhabas and other public places while owners of these places will be asked to encourage their employees to give their samples for testing, he said. Similarly, in other towns like Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Sivasagar and Tezpur, testing of people from these public places and shops, in particular, will be encouraged. “So far we are doing good and we want to maintain it”, the minister added. Kamrup (Metro) district administration, under which the city falls, has declared 36 areas as containment zones following the recent spike in positive cases. Assam has so far reported a total of 3,718 cases, of which 2,123 are active cases, 1,584 people have been cured and discharged from different hospitals, three persons have migrated out of the state and eight persons have died of COVID-19.

36 new COVID-19 cases in Sikkim; total rises to 63 G angto k , J un 1 2 (PTI): Thirty-six more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Sikkim on Friday, taking the tally in the Himalayan state to 63, a top Health Department official said. Director General (DG)cum-Secretary, Health, Dr Pempa T Bhutia said the 36 reports came very late this evening from the virology lab at STNM hospital. Of the total 63 COVID19 cases, three have recovered, while 60 are active, Bhutia said. The contact-tracing of COVID-19 patients was underway, he said. The patients have been admitted to the isolation ward of STNM hospital for treatment, he added. Of the fresh patients, 12 had recently returned from Maharashtra and two from neighbouring West Bengal, and they were in various quarantine centres in East Sikkim district, Bhutia said. “Nine were in Bahai School quarantine facility in Ranipool area, three in Epica garden and two in PNG School,” he said.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020

Meghalaya Gov lauds NPP’s stand on attack of public servant and property Correspondent Shillong, Jun 13: Meghalaya Governor, Tathagata Roy on Saturday lauded the stand of the State government for terming people involved in assaulting an engineer and vandalising public property as “goondas”. “The warning by the Deputy Chief Minister is both topical and timely,” Roy tweeted, adding that "no NGO, however wellintentioned, can be allowed to usurp the functions of lawful authority like the police." "No such authority can outsource its functions to any NGO. No one but such authority can lay its hands on a citizen of India,” Roy added. On Friday, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong said individuals responsible for damage to public property will have to pay for damage caused by them. "These sort of people are trouble makers with nothing worthwhile to do. The government won't sit quiet in the interest of the State," Tynsong said while

Tathagata Roy (File)

reacting to the recent assault of an engineer and hurling of a petrol bomb on National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) office in Shillong and setting on fire a vehicle of the State's Social Welfare department. "People who indulge in acts of violence and arson are not part of any social organisations," the Deputy Chief Minister said even as he lauded the various NGOs in the state for working together with the State government in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. O n T h u r s d ay, t h e NHIDCL office in Shillong was attacked with a petrol bomb while a vehicle of a government official

was torched at Mawkyrwat, the district headquarters of South West Khasi Hills. However, no one was injured in these two separate incidents. The attack on the NHIDCL comes close on the heels after an NHIDCL engineer Sujit Kumar Singh and his driver who were assaulted by a group of about 10-12 unidentified persons at Nonglang village in South West Khasi Hills district on June 7. One Rutherford Lyngdoh, who is the General Secretar y of the Khasi Students' Union Mawkyrwat Circle, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the assault of the NHIDCL engineer and a man-hunt is on to nab the other co-accused.

Mnp CM cites indiscipline for rise in COVID cases Correspondent IMPHAL, Jun 13: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Saturday attributed lack of discipline among inmates and violation of safety guidelines as main reasons for the rise of COVID-19 cases in the state. Except a nurse from Churachandpur district, all the COVID-19 positive cases in the state were returnees. As per the latest official report, the total positive case in the state stood at 449 as of 6.30 pm on Saturday. Of this, 360 are active cases and 89 have recovered from the disease. Official sources said that of the 400 sample tested at VRDL of JNIMS on Saturday, , 23 tested positive, while out of 764 samples tested at VRDL at RIMS, another seven tested positive. Reiterating state government’s firm commitment to imprison mischievous inmates of quarantine centres, Singh informed eight inmates have already been jailed so far. The chief minister was talking to reporters during his visit to the new COVID Care Centre opened at UNACCO School, Meitram in Imphal West district on Saturday. The 100-bedded Covid care centre started function-

5 more recover from COVID-19 in Meghalaya S hillo ng, J un 1 3 (PTI): Five more COVID19 infected persons have recovered from the disease in Meghalaya in the last two days, taking the total number of recovered people in the state to 23, officials said on Saturday. Meghalaya reported its last COVID-19 patient on June 10 when a pregnant woman tested positive at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, they said. “Five persons have recovered in the past two days. Four of them were declared recovered yesterday and one was declared recovered today,” a senior Health department official told PTI. He said no fresh COVID-19 case has been detected in the state since June 10. Meghalaya has so far reported 44 COVID-19 cases of which 20 are still active, 23 have recovered and one has died.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh visits newly Covid care centre at Meitram in Imphal West district on Saturday. (NP) ing from Friday and till Saturday , 48 COVID-19 patients have been admitted. The chief minister said the intake capacity of the temporary Covid care centre will be increased to 300 beds if required. Necessary manpower has been deputed at the centre for proper care and treatment of patients. Besides, the state government has initiated necessary steps to open COVID care facility of 10 beds capacity in all the district hospitals. The move was related to the state government’s plan to ease problems faced by the state health department in shifting positive patients different districts

to Imphal for treatment at COVID care facilities at RIMS and JNIMS hospitals. The state government has decided no more new COVID-19 patients at the Covid care facility at RIMS hospital, Imphal as the hospital is to be opened for treatment of general masses. The COVID care facility at RIMS hospital will be shut once the COVID-19 patients currently treated in the facility are discharged and the hospital will once again function as a general hospital, he said. The chief minister expressed strong concern over the increase in COVID-19 positive cases and blamed rampant violation of Standard Operating Procedures

(SOPs) by the inmates was a factor, he asserted. However, the chief minister maintained that the recovery rate of patients was also increasing. He thanked MLAs, CSOS and student bodies actively involved in imparting awareness to inmates of quarantine centres in helping them understand the gravity of the situation and realize the importance of maintaining safety guidelines. Considering problems faced by the state in managing returnees at quarantine centres, the state government is considering slowing down operation of evacuation of state natives stranded outside the state, he asserted.

Centre asks 8 NE states to set up e-offices in a fixed time Agartala/Itanagar, Jun 13 (IANS): The central government has advised to all the eight northeastern states to set up e-office in a fixed time and all technical and financial support to achieve the e-office mission to be implemented right from civil secretariat to district level in all the states would be provided by the centre, officials said on Saturday. Information Technology Department officials in Agartala and Itanagar said that union DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) Minister Jitendra Singh while addressing a workshop through webinar (videoconferencing) on Friday said that the progress of e-office in 75 Central Ministries and Departments enabled the creation of a digital central secretariat which ensured that work from home was possible in the COVID-19 lockdown period. “The implementation

of e-office in state secretariats of northeastern states would result in creation of paperless state secretariats in a time bound manner where officers would be empowered with virtual private networks, digital signature certificates and promote less contact governance,” he said. Singh said that the eoffice project would fulfil the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and would ensure ease of administration, transparency and citizen-centric delivery mechanism. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances Secretary K.Shivaji while addressing the workshop said that the entire northeastern region has the natural advantage of information technology savvy youth power to implement the e-office in an effective manner. DoNER Ministry Sec-

retary Inder Jit Singh said that his ministry is the first in the government of India to implement 100 per cent e-office in processing of files. T h e wo r k s h o p o n e-office for northeastern states was attended by Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim and Meghalaya and the IT Ministers of Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. Chief Secretaries and senior officials of NE states have also attended the workshop. Ar unachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that by the year 2022, all offices of the state government including those in the districts would start functioning as e-offices. According to an official statement, welcoming the initiative of the DoNER Ministry to push e-office in the northeast, Khandu asserted that it is the only way out to curb corruption and red-tapism in governance.

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020

meets senior ministers to review Indian, Chinese armies ‘disengaging’: Naravane Modi India’s response to COVID-19 crisis

DEHRADUN, JUN 13 (PTI): The military talks between India and China over the eastern Ladakh row have been “very fruitful”, and both the armies are “disengaging” in a phased manner beginning from Galwan Valley, Army Chief Gen M M Naravane said on Saturday, in first official confirmation of mutual pulling back of troops from the region. The Chief of Army Staff also said “the entire situation” has been under control along India’s borders with China and exuded confidence that the ongoing dialogue will “settle” all the perceived differences over the de-facto Sino-India boundary. Gen Naravane was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the passing out parade of the Indian Military Academy. “Both sides are disengaging in a phased manner. We have started from the north, from the area of the Galwan river where a lot of disengagement has taken place. It has been a very fruitful dialogue that

Army Chief Gen MM Naravane puts a star on the uniform of an army officer during a passing out parade in Dehradun. (PTI)

we have had. As I said, it will go on and the situation will improve as we go on,” he said. The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in an over five-week standoff in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. A sizeable number of Chinese Army personnel even transgressed into the Indian side of the de-facto border in several areas including Pangong Tso. The Indian Army has been fiercely objecting to

the transgressions, and demanded their immediate withdrawal for restoration of peace and tranquillity in the area. Both sides held a series of talks in the last few days to resolve the row. “I would like to assure everyone that the entire situation along our borders with China is under control. We are having a series of talks which started with corps commander level talks which was followed up with meetings at the local level between commanders of equivalent ranks,” Nara-

vane said. “As a result a lot of disengagement has taken place and we are hopeful that through the continued dialogue that we are having, all perceived differences that we (India and China) have will be set to rest,” he said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reviewed India’s overall military preparedness in eastern Ladakh and several other sensitive areas along the Line of Actual Control in Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh. Following the standoff in eastern Ladakh, the two sides have deployed additional troops along the LAC, the de-facto SinoIndia border, in North Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh in the last few days, the sources said. After the standoff began in early last month, Indian military leadership decided that Indian troops will adopt a firm approach in dealing with the aggressive posturing by the Chinese troops in all disputed

areas of Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie. The trigger for the face-off was China’s stiff opposition to India laying a key road in the Finger area around the Pangong Tso Lake besides construction of another road connecting the Darbuk-Shayok-Daulat Beg Oldie road in Galwan Valley. The road in the Finger area in Pangong Tso is considered crucial for India to carry out patrol. India has already decided not to stall any border infrastructure projects in eastern Ladakh in view of Chinese protests. The situation in the area deteriorated 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. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long LAC. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet while India contests it.

NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with ministers and officials today to review the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government said in a statement. They discussed the situation in the states and Union Territories, including Delhi, where coronavirus cases have been rising. Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and the principal secretary to PM Modi, among others, attended the meeting. India has recorded the highest single-day jump of 11,458 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the total to 3,08,993, the latest data from the Health Ministry shows. India has the fourthhighest number of coronavirus cases among 10 nations worst-hit by coronavirus. A senior member of the government think-tank NITI Aayog gave a presentation on where the pandemic is likely heading in the medium term, the government said in the statement.

Narendra Modi

Vinod Paul, NITI Aayog member and convenor of the Empowered Group of Medical Emergency Management Plan, in his presentation said out of the total cases, two-thirds are in five states with an overwhelming proportion of cases in big cities. PM Modi took note of the recommendations of the empowered group on city- and district-wise requirements of hospital and isolation beds, and asked Health Ministry officials to make emergency plans in consultation with the states and Union Territories. He asked the Health

Ministry to ensure proper preparation as monsoon is approaching. The COVID-19 situation in Delhi was discussed and projections for two months were analysed. PM Modi suggested that Mr Shah and Harsh Vardhan should call an emergency meeting with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, senior bureaucrats and municipal corporation leaders to make a comprehensive plan to fight COVID-19 in the national capital, where cases have been rising. In Delhi, the situation is particularly dire with the Aam Aadmi Party government this week predicting the caseload will balloon 20-fold to more than half a million by the end of July, which the healthcare system appears woefully illprepared for. The Delhi government has said it will not extend the lockdown. The government is turning cricket stadiums into field hospitals and crematoriums are struggling to cope.

Govt burdening common man with India repatriates 227 stranded citizens from four countries high taxes on petrol, diesel: Cong

NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (PTI): The Congress on Saturday accused the BJP-led government of burdening the common man with high taxes on petrol and diesel and earning Rs 2.5 lakh crore since March 5. Congress leader Kapil Sibal said while international crude oil prices have fallen and are at the lowest level in 15 years, yet petrol and diesel prices are skyrocketing and common people continue to suffer under the Modi dispensation. He said instead of passing the benefit of lower crude prices to consumers, petrol and diesel prices were hiked for the seventh straight day on June 13. “The government has earned as much as Rs 44,000 crore in the last six days due to hike in petrol, diesel prices. Since March 5, the government has earned as much as Rs 2.5 lakh crore by way of increasing petrol, diesel prices. “If the government had even the slightest feelings for

Akali Dal asks Kejriwal to curtail publicity budget CHANDIGARH, JUN 13 (IANS): The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Saturday condemned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for failing both the living and the dead, and asked him to curtail his publicity budget and utilise the money for improving the infrastructure of the hospitals in the national capital. In a statement issued here, senior SAD leader and MP Balwinder Singh Bhundur asked Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to stop the politics of blame game and cheap publicity and admit that they were directly responsible for mishandling Covid-19 patients as well as dead bodies. “The AAP government should take immediate corrective steps to improve the health infrastructure,” Bhundur said. He said the Supreme Court had also pointed out that the situation in the national capital was ‘horrendous, horrific and pathetic’. “In such a scenario, Arvind Kejriwal should shun negative politics and effect a positive change within days or resign immediately,” Bhundur said in the statement. The SAD leader said that now it was clear that Kejriwal had misutilised public money during the time of pandemic and had spent hundreds of crores on self-publicity.

Kapil Sibal

the common man, instead of benefitting the companies and the government, the prime minister would have helped the common man with reduced fuel prices,” Sibal said at an online press conference. According to a report by Care Ratings, he said the hike effectively meant that the Central government is collecting around 270 per cent taxes on the base price of petrol and 256 per cent in case of diesel. The former union minister said petrol was selling

at Rs 71.41 in Delhi on May 1, 2014, when international crude oil prices were USD 106.85, while on June 12, 2020, the price of petrol was Rs 75.16 when the crude oil was at USD 38. He said central excise and VAT cumulatively account for 69 per cent of tax on fuel in India which is higher than anywhere else in the world. He said the tax of fuel in the US was 19 per cent, Japan 47 per cent, the UK 62 per cent, France 63 per cent and Germany 65 per cent.

HELSINKI/TEL AVIV, JUN 13 (PTI): As many as 227 Indian nationals stranded in Finland, Denmark, Estonia and Latvia have been flown back home under the third phase of the mega evacuation exercise Vande Bharat. National carrier Air India on Friday evening operated its first passenger flight ever from the Finnish capital city Helsinki, bringing back the Indian citizens stranded in the four European countries due to the international travel restrictions following the coronavirus outbreak. Air India’s Country Manager in Israel, Pankaj Tiwari, whose office coordinated the repatriation flight, told PTI that the AI 1184 flight landed in New Delhi on Saturday. “The repatriation provided immense relief to stranded Indians, especially those who had come to Finland as tourists, business travellers, senior citizens who had been visiting their children and students who finished their academic

Representational image

year,” India’s Ambassador to Finland Vani Rao told PTI. “Among them were a couple who came to Finland for their honeymoon and got stuck for three months. Several are returning to India for medical attention and family emergencies,” Rao added. While most of the stranded passengers were from Finland, 15 were from Estonia, some from Denmark and one from Latvia.

The Air India flight also brought to Finland 168 people, including 15 infants, who were stranded in India. The special flight was a massive effort and a challenging one because Air India does not have any operations in Finland and all the logistics and ground support had to be handled by the Finnish operators concerned and was managed remotely by the Air India office in Tel Aviv, Rao

said.

“This operation was very special as it was the first ever passenger flight from Finland to India by Air India. Another first was the scale at which thermal screening was carried out at the Helsinki airport -- in the last 15 years a thermal screening operation of so many passengers was not done in Helsinki on a single day,” she said. The Finnish government, especially the foreign

ministry, the border police and the airport management company, Finnavia, extended their cooperation and support to the inbound and outbound flights in coordination with the Indian embassy and the Air India office in Tel Aviv. The Indian community in Finland also came forward to volunteer in the efforts. “While the mission was extremely challenging and needed coordination on several fronts, the happiness of the stranded Indians and their relief at finally heading back home made it completely worthwhile. For the embassy and the Indian community, an Air India flight landing at Helsinki was a moment of pride and a very memorable one,” Rao said. Some Indians in Finland and Estonia who could not be accommodated on the flight, and are keen to go back to India, have been advised to take the Vande Bharat Flights from Frankfurt and Paris through direct booking.

Sharing newspaper PDFs on Mumbai: 99% ICU beds, 94% ventilators in use social media illegal: lawyers NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): Is your daily newspaper coming to you as a WhatsApp forward in one of your many groups? It’s time to stop downloading it because not only is it unethical, it’s also illegal, a Times of India report stated. Newspapers are the copyright owners of e-papers and all of its content, and any attempt to copy and circulate the e-papers on social media or apps is a violation of the Copyright Act, say lawyers. These copies are often in PDF format and are wrongly shown as an official offering from the newspaper. According to industry experts, these may contain fake news, may be doctored and give rise to a multitude of legal issues. Senior lawyer Chander Lall said this was a clear case of violation of Copyright Act. “In my opinion sending mass WhatsApp forwards, or uploading third party content on your website to get clicks is not personal or private use. The act gives the newspaper the exclusive right to reproduce and store the work and every other user who is downloading the newspaper or enabling it is in infringement of the law,” he said. The piracy of e-papers came in for criticism from the Indian Newspaper Society (INS), the apex body

for print publications, which raised concerns that this will hit subscription revenue besides exacerbating the problem of fake news. Several publishers have also criticised the practice. M V Shreyams Kumar, joint managing director Mathrubhumi, said downloading and distributing PDFs by a third party was a serious matter. “Content is created by organisations with a lot of investment in terms of manpower resource and technology. There is a lot of hard work put in especially during the pandemic. Instead people are able to access e-paper without subscribing to it. It raises the danger of fake news because we do not know how the content has been altered.” Shivendra Gupta, Business Standard VP, said, “This dissemination in the form of PDFs hurts the industry. Unfortunately, at present there is no technology to stop this. But there needs to be a social contract between the reader and publisher that people should pay

for the content that has been produced at great cost.” Senior Supreme Court lawyer Pavan Duggal said that there are several legal and policy issues involved. “If a digital edition is being circulated without the permission of the owner it is a violation of the Copyright act as well as the Information Technology act section 43 which clearly says that if any attempt is made to destroy, delete or alter any information residing in a computer resource, or diminish its value or utility, it is illegal. The person will be liable to pay damages by way of compensation to the person so affected. I can understand it is being done in public interest but the law does not grant exemption on that basis.” Recently, the Delhi high court has held in the case filed against messaging app Telegram by Jagran Prakashan that copying e-papers causes irreparable loss, and ordered that unauthorised dissemination be stopped.

MUMBAI, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Mumbai, the city worst-affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak, are operating at 99 per cent capacity and 94 per cent of ventilators in the city are currently in use, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Saturday. As of June 11, Mumbai had 1,181 beds in ICUs across the city. Of these, 1,167 have been occupied, leaving only 14 beds for new patients. 497 of the 530 ventilators - a machine that takes over the body’s breathing process when the lungs have failed - are in use, the BMC said, as are 3,986 (or 76 per cent) of the 5,260 available oxygen beds. Across the city there are a further 10,450 beds in Dedicated COVID Hospitals (DCH) and Dedicated COVID Health Centres (DCHC) to treat patients classified as either “moderately ill” or “severely ill”. Of these, 9,098 beds (or 87 per cent) are occupied. Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, has reported over 55,000 COVID-19 cases and 2,044 deaths so far; 1,366 fresh infections and 90 deaths were confirmed over a 24-hour period on Friday evening. On Tuesday the city crossed the 51,000-mark to surpass numbers reported by the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the COVID-19

down. It has allowed all government offices to function with 15 per cent employees, while private offices can work with 10 per cent of staff. Self-employed individuals, such as plumbers and electricians, have also been allowed to re-start work, providing they follow mandatory social distancing and safety norms. However, the state has yet to open religious places, shopping malls, hotels and pandemic originated in De- deaths), comes as the state restaurants, all of which cember last year. takes cautious steps towards have started functioning in As the number of cases easing the coronavirus lock- other parts of the country. continues to climb - the doubling rate in Mumbai is 25 days - officials have expressed concern over the strain on already stressed medical infrastructure. According to government officials, Mumbai hospitals have been instructed to adhere to admission and discharge guidelines and only admit severely symptomatic patients. However, BMC officials have said the number of available beds will increase. Ashwini Bhide, BMC Additional Municipal Commissioner, tweeted: “Medical infrastructure is also getting augmented. It has already (been) augmented in (the) last two months and further planning and implementation is also in progress”. The spike in cases, in Mumbai and Maharashtra (1.01 lakh cases, 3,717

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 188 Dimapur, SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020

Unprepared to be prepared

hat was stated by the attendees of the June 12 meeting held at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur only confirmed what was long presumed- that though the government of Nagaland had claimed it was prepared to face the onslaught of Coronavirus, it was a totally different picture on the ground. In other words, though the government –bureaucrats and politicians- claim they were prepared; yet when translated into reality, it couldn’t be further from the truth. A statement issued after a joint meeting of the Empowered Group Dimapur district COVID-19 and the civil societies of Dimapur on Thursday, revealed that around 70 quarantine facilities in and around Dimapur are being overwhelmed with around 3300 returnees who were still lodged at various quarantine centres awaiting confirmation of COVID-19 tests. This figure excludes returnees from ten other districts currently at the transit quarantine centre in Dimapur. As per normal ICMR guidelines, a person who does not show any symptoms during the mandatory 14-day quarantine period, is to be released for further home quarantine of another 14-day period. The joint meeting said that the team managing these quarantine facilities are also facing many untold problems because of harassment from many who were made to remain despite having overstayed the mandatory 14-day period without any symptoms. Even the procedures for release of returnees especially those tested positive had led to monumental blunders where positive COVID-19 patients were inadvertently despatched along with other uninfected returnees by bus to their respective districts. It may also be noted, that herding all returnees on the same bus does invite risk on those uninfected if there are anyone who may be COVID-19 positive. The same applies to accommodation where all are kept in shared dormitories. How is this to be addressed is important since a few thousand more are still on their way from other states including metro cities that have been designated as Red Zones. Dimapur is presently accommodating around 75% of returnees including those from Mon and Peren. The meeting deliberated on the issue of sending back returnees from Mon and Peren to their respective districts but owing to the lack of required facilities in those districts, the attendees felt it would not be humane. The meeting also disclosed that around 700 returnees staying at paid quarantines (hotels/lodges) have overstayed the 14-day mandatory quarantine period and were unwilling to pay for the extended days since they have not been released despite not showing any symptoms of COVID-19.These are a few instances that point to the ground reality of the state government’s claim of being prepared to contain COVID19 pandemic. Government functionaries involved with the responsibility of preparedness may have looked at the preparedness from the point of view of purchase of equipments, medicines and quarantine facilities and overlooked exigency plans on the need for more testing, more medical doctors and nurses and clear cut guidelines, streamlining manpower needed to manage the returnees and quarantine facilities. For too long have government decisions rested on the premise of bureaucratic thinking who understand too well how the system works. What the Dimapur CSOs have stated was the situation at the ground level which clearly point to a state of helplessness. Frequent changes of directives and ad-hocism at this stage is certainly undesirable.

DailyDevotion Getting There (3)

…come, follow Me. —Luke 18:22 Where our individual desire dies and sanctified surrender lives. One of the greatest hindrances in coming to Jesus is the excuse of our own individual temperament. We make our temperament and our natural desires barriers to coming to Jesus. Yet the first thing we realize when we do come to Jesus is that He pays no attention whatsoever to our natural desires. We have the idea that we can dedicate our gifts to God. However, you cannot dedicate what is not yours. There is actually only one thing you can dedicate to God, and that is your right to yourself (see Romans 12:1). If you will give God your right to yourself, He will make a holy experiment out of you— and His experiments always succeed. The one true mark of a saint of God is the inner creativity that flows from being totally surrendered to Jesus Christ. In the life of a saint there is this amazing Well, which is a continual Source of original life. The Spirit of God is a Well of water springing up perpetually fresh. A saint realizes that it is God who engineers his circumstances; consequently there are no complaints, only unrestrained surrender to Jesus. Never try to make your experience a principle for others, but allow God to be as creative and original with others as He is with you. If you abandon everything to Jesus, and come when He says, “Come,” then He will continue to say, “Come,” through you. You will go out into the world reproducing the echo of Christ’s “Come.” That is the result in every soul who has abandoned all and come to Jesus. Have I come to Him? Will I come now?

Quotes

We know what we are, but know not what we may be. ~ William Shakespeare

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020

Post-mortem

World Blood Donor’s Day We shall eat from our land T W orld Blood Donor Day is celebrated every year on June 14 to commemorate the birthday anniversary of Karl Landsteiner (a scientist who won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of the ABO blood group system). This day is also observe to express gratitude to all the donor who have donated not only once but many times to save life of others which is a Nobel thing a person can do for others. Many people feel the importance of blood donation when he himself or someone close to him required blood. Comparing Nagaland with other states we have less percentage of voluntary blood donation. Blood donation is definitely a noble act. Many clinics and hospitals constantly require blood for several purposes. This makes the idea of blood donation a noble gesture as it provides life-saving help for the patients. On an average, human body contains approximately 4 to 5 litres blood that can be donated after every third month for men and every 4 months for women. Blood cannot be manufactured so donation is the only way we can provide blood to those who need it. Our country needs blood every three seconds to save a life but only 37 percent of the country’s population is able to donate blood on voluntary basis. There are a number of reasons why donating blood is important. A single donation can save three lives. One blood donation provides different blood components that can help up to three different people. Someone may require urgent blood and by donating our blood we save someone. This is one of the biggest satisfaction one can experience and can also give us a purpose of life and the feeling that you made a difference to someone’s life. Donating blood refreshes our system, this is definitely a healthy process that defines that an individual is fine and fit. Our entire body is freshens up and many of our health issues come are often cured. Therefore, blood donation results in a healthier body that may also raises our life span. We should know that by donating our blood we save someone’s life and that might hap-

pen to us because we never know what our future is. Some of us donate blood because we were asked by an organization and some for family member or a friend that needs blood and others give it as a tag of charity and some other treat it as a religious duty. Irrespective of all the reason it is a noblest thing that a person can do for others for a fellow being. The year 2020 celebration is somewhat different from the other previous year due to Covid 19 pandemic. Every year the celebration is marked by organizing blood donation camp. Many of our people does not gave due importance on blood donation but later on release when the need for blood arises. To organize a donation camp we need to approach the authority of any given institution, organization, club, school and colleges and share the importance and requirement of blood in the blood bank and thereby giving counselling, motivation and encouragement because many people believe that blood donation is harmful for their body which is not true. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there is an acute shortage of blood in the blood banks so the VBDAK, in compliance with the SOPs of the lockdown measures restricting of mass gathering organized a “Step-In Blood Donation Drive” at the Blood Bank, NHAK starting from 18 May 2020. Besides regular donor some new person turned up for the voluntary donation for which the Voluntary Blood Donor Association Kohima would like to thank all of you for your understanding and nobel contribution that many patients who were waiting for blood transfusion for various sick aliments life were saved and in future too we all like you to be a part of us. The association would like to express our deep appreciation to Medical officer blood bank NHAK, Dr. Avila Sangtam and her team for their technical support and at times even donating blood when the blood bank run out of stock. Voluntary Blood Donor Association, Kohima

he dark earth (chernozem) of Ukraine is so fertile that it was dug up and sold, fetching nearly a billion dollar annually reports Peter Frankopan in his book, The Silk Roads: A New History of the World. Ukraine is the one of the top grains producing countries in the world. Its corn harvest exceeds domestic consumption. Tulips and the Netherlands make a ubiquitous pair. The varieties of tulips, the tourists attractions around tulips festivals, the industry of tulip growing and exports make inviting images of Netherlands. According to trade statistics, floriculture exports of the Dutch are valued close to $6.7 billion. And to know that tulips are not indigenous to the country. Tulips are originally from the Ottoman Empire (present day Turkey), and were imported to the Netherlands in the 17th century. Driving through the eastern states such as Pennsylvania in USA, one will usually meet horse-drawn buggies on the road. And if one pays attention to the person holding the reins, one would notice that the rider of the buggy is dressed in very plain clothes of almost single colour of darker hues, topped with a hat. These are the Amish, the descendants of European religious migrants, particularly the Mennonites of the Anabaptists group, who were most distinctly pacifists. As part of their religious commit-

ments, the Amish live selfsufficient from the produce of the land. For modern people, accustomed to the all amenities and comforts of modern life, the Amish way of life might sound challenging, but there is much to learn of self-sufficiency and community sustenance from their life of simplicity that revolves around the land and its stewardship with resourcefulness. The examples make a point: that land is valuable, that self-sufficiency is attainable. As Covid-19 rages on, ushering in a new era of life and work and production and consumption, Nagas are not sparred. The chaotic preparations and operations of migrant returnees, the struggles of stranded migrants in the cities and the shaken confidence in the globalized economy should make us rethink of our relationship with the land of our ancestors. Our ancestors survived with their knowledge based on the seasons, we can today supplement their ways of life with our ways that modern science and technology provide, such as preservation, varieties, and distribution etc. As indigenous people, Nagas have local resources that can be harnessed and organised to enhance our communities’ flourish and welfare. Every time I have been outside the country, I have not been short of the quintessential fare of Naga identity: bamboo shoots. I just needed to locate the

closest Asian store, and bamboo shoots from every country of Southeast Asia in an array of sorts: pickled, fermented, dried, fresh, canned invited my indulgence. Delighted I might be, but still the dried bamboo shoots and the distinct fermented ones from home could not be matched. Imagine my delight when I discovered axoni in a Japanese store! The joy was worth $3 for a small packet of the natto (Japanese fermented soybean). Sticky rice is another Naga defining fare. Also called as glutinous rice, it is a common rice in almost all Southeast and Northeast Asian countries, often consumed in a variety of desserts, most notably, mochi of Japan. Bamboo shoots, axoni, sticky rice are much loved food staples of the Naga Indigenous people, and found native to the land. We have the knowledge of growing, producing, preserving and consumption of these produce. We need to revitalize these knowledge and tradition of producing our native food. Covid-19 and its disruptions should make us reflect and rethink the social and economic conditions we have created or have not created. Naga communities need leadership that can provide the vision and guidance in organizing and networking to turn these native goods and traditions into sustainable livelihoods. Dr. Atola Longkumer, Bengaluru

CPO representation to Delimitation Commission of India

(From previous issue) The above table-II clearly shows that in some districts namely Wokha, Dimapur, Mon and Tuensang despite having low child birth rate recorded highest population growth rate whereas in the case of Phek district it has recorded the highest birth rate but lowest in the population growth rate which is a clear indication of irregularities and abnormalities. One cannot deny the fact that 2001 census is based on mere manipulations without proper physical enumerations and it is humanly impossible to claim such hatching growth and also embarrassing to record the same as proven facts in a national document such as National Census Population 2001. (VIII) The arguments presented were therefore not based on emotional reaction or political expediency but on the recorded empirical realities which deserves re-consideration by the commission. The facts of the matter is that 2001 Census Population is a distortion of the actual growth of population in the State of Nagaland and its ready acceptance without consideration for major revision would not only create unprecedented disparity to tribal repre-

sentation in the Assembly but invite a situation when the tribal would soon be submerged in the sea of illegal immigrants and non-locals, similar to that of Tripura State. (IX) Placed thus, (i) the Census 2001 being proved to be a conglomeration of unworkable data, in so far as the State of Nagaland is concerned, (ii) the Gauhati High Court in the interlocutory order “Staying” the Delimitation process (iii) the Union of India accepting the fallacies involved with their attempted Delimitation process on the basis of 2001 Census, (iv) the Presidential Ordinance being issued for Amendment of the Delimitation Act. And (v) finally the Presidential Notification Dated- 08.02.2008 deferring Delimitation in the State of Nagaland had thus taken care of the said burning issue in the year 2008. Things have remained calm thereafter in so far as readjustment of constituencies was concerned. Now, almost 12 years thereafter the State of Nagaland woke up to one of its most harsh moments in point of time, when it came to public knowledge that on the day of 28th February, 2020 a Presidential Notification has been notified, by which it

sought to rescind its earlier order of deferment of Delimitation in the State of Nagaland amongst other North-Eastern States. A very reading of the said 28.02.2020 Presidential Notification lays bare the fact that the same is arbitrary and purely mechanical as it does not seem to have been passed in a true appreciation of the existing ground realities as existing on this present date in the State of Nagaland. The Presidential Notification Dated- 28.02.2020 while rescinding its earlier order of deferment of Delimitation observes and state that the earlier existing Law and Order situation no longer persists and based on that reasoning, proceeded to withdraw the earlier order of deferment. It seems the Union of India has now become oblivious to the decade long struggle of the Naga Civil Societies to reveal and project the fallacies of the 2001 Census and about the unthinkable repercussions it would thus have if Delimitation would had been allowed to continue on the basis of the 2001 population data. The present political dispensation presently in power at the Union level have shown an attitude of indifference and is turn-

ing a blind eye to the very crucial fact, that the then existing quintessential lacunae i.e. the 2001 Census being the basis for the Delimitation exercise, as on date still remains as the indispensable protagonist of the Delimitation script that is again sought to be rolled out presently, with the coming of 28.02.2020 Notification. Thus, the said conditions and situations having still persisted till date, the 28.02.2020 Presidential Notification miserably fails to justify itself and thus does not have any legal legs to stand upon. Again, looking at it from a complete different perspective and adopting a holistic approach to the same, even if Delimitation process is to be undertaken, one would fail to perceive as to how the same is sought to be conducted on the basis of the archaic 2001 Census, in the light of the fact, that in view of the publication of the 2011 Census the 2001 Census has been rendered redundant. The decision to conduct the pending process of Delimitation of Assembly Constituencies in the present manner and mode is not only arbitrary and a hasty decision but it also stands contrary to the very idea behind conduct-

The Naga virus

nseen but existing and thriving is this Naga Virus. Our Virus is of less significance to the world but we think we can have an impact like the Corona. Poor and pathetic us. This virus is also called pride. Shakespeare had already written his classics when we did not even know how to write. The world already had aeroplanes when we first saw a car. The list goes on. Yet we are so proud and selfish that we cannot even welcome our stranded people with a pinch of salt. Our people have to leave home and venture out of the state because we do not have the facilities. Everyone knows this.

We do not have development as we should have. Everyone can see this. Our growth and progress have been stalled because of issues like corruption and Insurgency. Everyone understands this. Yet we are so proud to be where we stand. We complain a lot when we do not have proper electricity but don't pay bills. Our roads conditions need to improve but we make sure to get in the way of that improvement. Our governments fail to function properly but we fail to understand we played a part in placing them there. We can understand where this Naga Virus probably origi-

nated from. The government at the country capital always had a policy to brush aside any Naga headaches using money bait. This Money bait in turn spoilt the Nagas to the extent that we find it a burden to even work on our own resources. We just want to get what we need to feed our pride virus. If Corona Virus is a bullet then this Naga Pride virus is a nuclear bomb. So people you don't have to be told what to do. Everyone knows what must be done. We have to kill the pride virus with the vaccine we already have. The vaccine called Humble Christian Spirit. Ayeto Ayemi

ing Delimitation. We say so as the present attempt to conduct Delimitation having being proposed to be conducted not on the basis of the population figures obtained from the most recent Census(2011) but rather on the basis of stale figures of 2001 Census. The 28.02.2020 Notification is liable to be recalled as it is violative of the Constitutional provisions related to Equality before Law, the Right to Life and Freedom of Speech and Expression. The withdrawal of the deferment of Delimitation Notification is without any cogent and justifiable ground and is highly uncalled for. The said action of Union of India to bulldoze into the existing status-quo position without showing any sensitivity to the ground realities and the sociopolitical scenario of the state is utterly despicable and unfortunate. The same is a harsh and hasty decision and exhibits a state of disorientation and an unorganised state of affairs. The Union fails to adopt a pragmatic approach that on the basis of the 2002 Delimitation Act and the commission constituted under the said Act Delimitation in a state cannot be fairly undertaken as we stand in the year 2020. There seems

to be discord between the actions contemplated and the legal parameters set forth for executing the present activity. The attempt of the commission to fall back upon the 2001 Census to conduct Delimitation in the year 2020 that too when a new Census of 2011 exists speaks volume of the lack of clarity and disoriented approach of the Union towards the said Delimitation exercise. In the light of the above facts and developments we are constrained to state that the present state of affairs as displayed in the matter of Delimitation in the State of Nagaland is highly arbitrary and irrational. The same is not workable in any sense. The same can therefore be not allowed to continue and thus we express our ardent and staunch reservation to the same calling upon all the competent authorities to revisit the matter and thus take informed and conscious decision for the overall good of this Hill State of the North-East we know as NAGALAND. Kohima, the 12th of June, 2020 (Concluded) theja therieh, convenor, Committee on Delimitation, CPO and mikha kenye, president CPO

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Education gap between privileged and deprived

The lockdown for many students who come from deprived families have not been easy. Classes have now gone online and students need laptops or smartphones plus the internet including monthly recharge. A mother who was a daily wage earner asked me if I had a spare smartphone at home since she needed one for her kid. I handed one the next day and I couldn’t help but think of parents in Nagaland who were staring at disruptions in their children’s academic life without access to mobiles, internet and laptops. If the disruption carries on for longer, we’ll have to find smarter ways to enable remote learning and not just online learning. Aboli Kinimi, Kohima

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

ICMR expands COVID symptoms list

NIA takes woman LeT handler into custody includes loss of taste and smell, muscle pain, diarrhoea NEW DELHI, JUN 13

patients recently showed the presence of fever in 27%, cough (21%), sore throat (10%), breathlessness (8%), Weakness (7%), running nose (3%) and other symptoms 24%. The Ministry said current available evidence for COVID-19 suggests that the causative virus (SARSCoV-2) has a zoonotic source closely related to batorigin SARS-like coronavirus and the persons infected by the novel coronavirus are the main source of infection through close contact mainly respiratory droplets released when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets may land on surfaces, where the virus remains viable and infection occur if a person touches an infected surface and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. “The median incubation period is 5.1 days (range 2–14 days). As per the current evidence, the period of infectivity starts 2 days prior

to onset of symptoms and lasts up to 8 days,” protocols say adding that the role of asymptomatic people in transmitting the virus remains under probe. The Ministry also admits that while most patients with COVID-19 predominantly have a respiratory tract infection associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, some can progress to a Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), sepsis and septic shock, multi-organ failure, including acute kidney injury and cardiac injury. The government has defined a suspected case as a patient with acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease, e.g., cough, shortness of breath), and a history of travel to or residence in a location reporting community transmission of COVID-19 disease during the 14 days prior to symptom onset; or a patient with any acute respiratory

Cong will comfortably win RS polls, says Sachin Pilot

Two terrorists killed in Kashmir encounter

NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): The Congress was more than comfortable in terms of numbers to ensure the win of two of its nominees in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot said on Saturday. In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Mr. Pilot, who also heads the party in Rajasthan, said that the BJP may have approached independent MLAs but ruled out that “there was ever a crisis in the Congress camp”. “The fact is that the two candidates were chosen by Ms. Sonia Gandhi and as the Rajasthan Congress chief, it is my duty to get them elected, no matter what,” Mr. Pilot said. He said while the Congress needed only 101 votes to get two of its members elected, the party had 107 MLAs of its own. The 12 Independent MLAs, supporting the government, will only add to the ruling party’s strength. Last Wednesday, Mahesh Joshi, Chief Whip of the Congress in the Rajast-

Sachin Pilot (File)

han Assembly, went to the Anti-Corruption Bureau, alleging that their MLAs were being ‘lured with money to topple the government’. While the central leadership rushed Randeep Surjewala and All India Congress Committee Rajasthan in-charge Avinash Pande to Jaipur, the MLAs were moved to a resort outside to prevent “attempted poaching”. Hitting back, BJP state chief Satish Poonia dared the Congress to prove its charge and blamed the division between Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and the Deputy Chief Minister. Countering the BJP’s charge of internal divisions within the Congress in Rajasthan, Mr. Pilot said the BJP should first put its own house in order.

SRINAGAR, JUN 13 (IANS): Two terrorists were killed in an encounter that took place between terrorists and security forces at Zadoora Nipora area in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday morning, officials said. The encounter took place after police and army launched a joint operation in the area on the basis of a specific intelligence input. As the security forces zeroed in on the hideout, the hiding terrorists fired upon them which triggered the encounter. Security forces retaliated and eliminated both the terrorists. “Two unidentified terrorists killed. Search is going on. Further details shall follow,” police said in a brief statement. Security forces have stepped up anti-terror operations in Kashmir. At least 14 terrorists were killed in three encounters at Reban Pinjura and Sugoo villages of South Kashmir’s Shopian district in less than a week.

illness and having been in contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case in the last 14 days prior to symptom onset; or a patient with severe acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease, e.g., cough, shortness of breath and requiring hospitalisation). The government said on Friday that anti-viral drug Remdisivir (under trial in other countries) can be used in emergencies in patients with moderate disease (those on oxygen) but not in those with renal complication, pregnant and lactating women and children under 12. Convalescent plasma has been allowed in patients with moderate disease who are not improving (oxygen requirement is progressively increasing) despite use of steroids. Tocilizumab medicine can be considered in patients with moderate disease with progressively increasing oxygen requirements and in mechanically ventilated patients not improving despite use of steroids, the protocols say adding that those on Tocilizumab should be reviewed for secondary infections. This medicine should not be given to people with TB.

(IANS): To bust the ring of female spies, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken into 10-day custody a 22-yearold Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) handler, who was in touch with several handlers in Pakistan, including 26/11 Mumbai blast mastermind Hafiz Sayeed, according to sources, here on Friday. Taken into custody few weeks back, Tania Praveen was in touch with Pakistani handlers through several Pakistani SIM cards, sources said. She also distributed Indian SIMs and was handling communication through WhatsApp groups and Facebook. Highly radicalised Praveen was also been in touch with Sayeed, also the chief of banned terror outfit Jammat-ud-Dawah (JuD). Source claimed ISI was using her to honey trap officials and access sensitive information. A team of anti-terror probe agency will question her at the Kolkata office. The NIA took over the probe recently and is targeting the female spy ring in the country, working for the banned terror outfits of Pakistan.

Amit Shah to hold meeting with Delhi LG, CM on COVID-19 situation in capital NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold a meeting with Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others on Sunday to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the national capital. The meeting comes in the wake of rising coronavirus cases in Delhi. The tally has reached 36,000 and more than 1,200 people have died due to the virus in the national capital. “Home Minister, Shri @AmitShah and Health Minister, @drharshvardhan to hold meeting with @ LtGovDelhi, CM Delhi & members of SDMA to review situation in the capital regarding COVID-19 tomorrow, 14th June at 11 am. Director AIIMS and other senior officers would also be present,” Shah’s office tweeted. The number of coronavirus cases in Delhi is the third highest in the country after Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. There has been criticism from different quarters over the handling of COVID-19 cases in the capital with complaints of non-availability of beds in hospitals for patients and difficulty in getting the tests

Former TDP MLA Prabhakar, son arrested in transport scam

HYDERABAD, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): The Andhra Pradesh (AP) Police on Saturday arrested senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and former lawmaker JC Prabhakar Reddy and his son JC Asmith Reddy for alleged irregularities in their private transport business based on a complaint filed at Anantapur town-1 police station by the state road transport authority (RTA) officials earlier this week. The arrest of the father and son, who have been shifted to Anantapur to be produced before a court, comes a day after the AntiCorruption Bureau (ACB) authorities arrested former minister and TDP lawmaker Kinjarapu Atchen Naidu in connection with the 2016 multi-crore Employees State Insurance (ESI) scam, when N Chandrababu Naidu was the AP chief minister. Atchen Naidu was produced before a magistrate of the ACB special court in Vijayawada on early Saturday morning and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days. Prabhakar Reddy, who represented Tadipatri assembly constituency in Anantapur district till last year, is the younger brother of another

senior TDP leader and former member of parliament (MP), JC Diwakar Reddy. They are popularly known as “JC Brothers” and runs the lucrative transport business, called Diwakar Travels and JC Travels, across the country. Earlier on Tuesday, the RTA officials seized 154 buses, belonging to JC Travels, which were allegedly bought by the accused from the Hinduja Group-owned Ashok Leyland as scrap and operated as commercial bus service in Anantapur district. Prasada Rao, joint transport commissioner, RTA, AP, told media persons that these buses belong to the Bharat Stage (BS)-III category, whose nationwide sale was banned by the Supreme Court (SC) from April 1, 2017, and had been registered illegally in 2018 by forging documents. The accused registered 50 and 104 buses in the names of Jatadhara Industries and C Gopal Reddy, respectively, Rao said. The RTA officials have also unearthed that 33, 15, and 101 buses were registered in Karnataka, Telangana, and AP, respectively. “We’ve filed 27 FIRs

TDP leader and former MLA JC Prabhakar Reddy and his son JC Asmit Reddy being arrested in connection with the BS-III vehicles scam in Hyderabad, Saturday (PTI)

(first information reports) in Anantapur and three in Kurnool against the ‘JC Brothers’. We’ve also written to the Centre to blacklist these vehicles and give instructions to all the states to seize these buses wherever they’re being operated,” Rao said. So far, the RTA authorities have seized 62 vehicles belonging to JC Travels and another 39 are likely to be confiscated soon. The AP authorities have requested their counterparts in neighbouring Telangana to seize 12 vehicles belonging to JC Travels at the earliest.

Increase beds, ventilators for COVID-19 patients: HC to Centre, Delhi govt NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (PTI): Taking note of the “gravity” of the coronavirus situation in the national capital, the Delhi High Court has directed the AAP government and the Centre to increase the number of beds and ventilators for COVID19 patients. The direction was issued by a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan after the Delhi government informed it that till June 9 there were 9,179 beds for COVID-19 patients in the city and out of that 4,914 were occupied and remaining were available. The Delhi government told the bench that total 569 ventilators were available, out of which 315 were being utilised and remaining are available. “Considering the gravity of the situation, we hereby direct the respondents (Centre and Delhi government) to increase the number of the beds for COVID-19 patients and also try to increase the number of ventilators so that all COVID patients in need

Representational image

can get these facilities,” the bench said in its order which was passed on June 11 but made available on Saturday. The court also said it expects all hospitals in the national capital to correctly upload the availability of real-time bed capacity data so that public may know in advance where to go if they are suffering from COVID-19. The order came while disposing a joint plea moved by several lawyers, through advocate Mridul Chakravarty, seeking proper imple-

mentation of containment guidelines, especially in Defence Colony of South Delhi, and to ensure availability of adequate number of beds for COVID-19 patients in hospitals in Delhi. Till Friday, June 12, the number of COVID-19 cases stood at 36,824 in Delhi with 1,214 people succumbing to the disease. The plea by the lawyers was disposed of by the court after the Delhi government said that the affected areas in Defence Colony have

Amit Shah (File)

done in laboratories. The Supreme Court on Friday lashed out at the city government, terming as “horrific” the state of affairs in Delhi hospitals with bodies being stacked next to COVID-19 patients. After the SC’s observation, the Arvind Kejriwalled Delhi government said it accepts with utmost respect and sincerity the apex court’s remarks and pointed out that it was trying its best to set up better infrastructure and provide quality healthcare to all COVID-19 patients in the city. Baijal has also formed a six-member panel to formulate a COVID management plan and suggest ways to ramp up medical infrastructure in the capital. This comes close on the heels of Baijal’s recent assertions on hospital beds and testing, and overturning of two Delhi government

orders -- reserving hospital beds only for residents of Delhi and testing of only symptomatic patients. The members on Baijal’s advisory committee are DG ICMR Professor Balram Bhargava, AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria, National Disaster Management Authority members Krishna Vatsa, Kamal Kishore and others. India surpassed the three lakh-mark in coronavirus cases on Saturday with the worst daily spike of 11,458 infections, while the death toll too climbed to 8,884 with 386 new fatalities, the Union health ministry said. It has now become the fourth worst-hit nation by the pandemic with a case load of 3,08,993, according to coronavirus statistics website Worldometer. However, the health ministry has said that the doubling time of coronavirus cases has improved to 17.4 days from 15.4 days. And its data updated at 8 am on Saturday showed active cases at 1,45,779 and those who have recovered at 1,54,329; one patient has migrated. “Thus, around 49.9 per cent patients have recovered so far,” a ministry official said.

already been declared as containment zones. The Delhi government said they are strictly following all the guidelines and the directions issued by the Centre, which was represented by its standing counsel Anurag Ahluwalia, and other competent bodies. The Delhi government also told the court it was also strictly observing the directions issued by the lieutenant governor. Taking note of the submissions, the bench said it

saw no reason to declare the whole of Defence Colony as a containment zone. It noted that the Delhi government appeared to be taking steps to meet the difficulties of the public at large and that it was arranging beds from private hospitals in accordance with advice of experts. The bench asked the Delhi government to consider the suggestion of Chakravarty that ready to move in government flats be used to house and treat COVID-19 patients. The court said, “The world is presently going through COVID-19 pandemic affecting all sections of the society at large. In a matter like this, government should be given some degree of movement in joints. “There cannot be any hard and fast mathematical solution to such a problem. In a situation like this, experimental based solutions are to be tested.” The bench further said the Centre and Delhi government appear to be aware of the fact that there is need of more beds for COVID-19 patients and therefore, they

are issuing directions from time to time. “Both the central government as well as state government are issuing directions looking to the present needs of the society. “We expect from the respondents (Centre and Delhi government) that they shall scrupulously follow the guidance, directions and guidelines issued by the central government,” the bench said. It also directed concerned authorities to look into the recent suggestions given by the Delhi Medical Association on June 6 with regard to dealing with COVID-19 cases.

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NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): With COVID-19 cases crossing the 3 lakh mark on Monday, India expanded the list of symptoms which people should watch out for in order to report the infection. Based on evidence from other countries, the Ministry of Health today included muscle pain, mucous formation in throat, clogged nasal cavity, sore throat, diarrhoea and loss of taste and smell as new COVID symptoms apart from the previous three signs of fever, short breath and cough. The government’s clinical protocol on COVID19 released today says loss of smell (anosmia) or loss of taste (ageusia) preceding the onset of respiratory symptoms could be one of the signs of the disease. People over 60 and those with noncommunicable diseases---diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, chronic lung disease, cerebro-vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, immune-suppression and cancer---are among the high risk category, said the Ministry. Current disease data from the Ministry shows non-specific and varied symptoms in people. A study on 15,366 COVID

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business/state

RBI to review ownership, PSB loan disbursal picks up pace structure of private banks

MUMBAI, Jun 13 (Agencies): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday said it has constituted an internal working group to review the existing guidelines on ownership and corporate structure of private sector banks. The group will be headed by RBI executive director P.K. Mohanty. “Though the overarching principles that the ownership and control of private sector banks should be well diversified and that the major shareholders are ‘fit and proper’ have remained unchanged, the specific contours have evolved over the years with specific prescriptions being given as part of licensing guidelines issued at various points in the past. It is, therefore, felt necessary to comprehensively review the extant guidelines on ownership, governance and corporate structure in private sector banks, taking into account key developments which have a bearing on the issue,” RBI said. The group will examine the existing licensing

guidelines and regulations on ownership and control of private sector banks. It will also suggest appropriate norms, keeping in mind the issue of excessive concentration of ownership and control. Besides, it will examine and review the eligibility criteria for individuals or entities to apply for a banking licence, and review the promoter shareholding norms at the initial licensing stage. It will also study the current regulations on holding of financial subsidiaries through a non-operative financial holding company (NOFHC) and suggest steps to migrate all banks to a uniform regulation. The need to examine

the current guidelines on ownership comes after large shareholders of private sector banks sought RBI’s permission to raise their stakes beyond the permitted 15%. Top on the list were the Hindujas, promoters of IndusInd Bank, who wanted to increase their stakes in the bank. The Hindujas’ move followed the RBI’s decision to allow Uday Kotak to bring down his stake to 26% by August, and further reduce his stake over a period of time. Kotak had a prolonged disagreement with RBI over his personal holding in the private lender. He had even moved the Bombay high court in December 2018 against an RBI diktat on promoter holdings in banks. The bank licensing rules mandated that a private bank’s promoter will need to pare holding to 40% within three years, 20% in 10 years and to 15% in 15 years. The rules on promoter holding have changed over the years.

New Delhi, Jun 13 (IANS): Country’s largest banking institution State Bank of India leads the pack of public sector banks in disbursing emergency loans to the industry and help improve investment climate in the country amidst Covid-19 pandemic. The bank has cumulatively disbursed loans to the tune of Rs 8,300.98 crore to 76,947 corporate accounts across the country up to June 11. The loans have been disbursed under the Rs 3 lakh crore Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) announced by the government for meeting the liquidity needs of the MSME sector in the present crisis. The SBI’s loan disbursal accounts for over 55 per cent of Rs 14,690.84 crore

disbursed by 12 PSBs under the scheme up to June 9. The disbursals have picked up pace lately as the amount for MSMEs stood at Rs 599.12 crore just a day back on June 8. In a tweet, the office of finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “As of 11 June 2020, #PSBs have sanctioned loans worth Rs 29,490.81 crore under the 100 per cent Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme, out of which Rs 14,690.84 crore has already been disbursed.” As per the finance ministry data, loans have been disbursed to 3,75,087 accounts under ECLGS showing that a wide spectrum of industries are taking advantage of the scheme to meet their immediate liquidity needs.

NPCC backs govt decision ...

(From p-1) However, after completing FMG, they are rejected through MCI screening test thereby destroying the future of the children and traumatizing the parents mentally. To this, he said: “Nagaland government need not fall in the net and discriminate our children.” Therie said he recommends the government to take “unilateral decision to appoint and use the services” as it will belong to the state. No one will have the authority to question the government as this was done in the interest of the people, Therie stated.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020

India restricts imports of tyres to boost domestic cos

New Delhi, Jun 13 (IANS): The government has restricted imports of tyres used for cars, buses, lorries and motorcycles, including radial and tubeless, in a move aimed at curbing imports and boosting domestic companies. In all the categories, imports have been restricted and will need permission. So, even after paying the customs duty, imports are not freely allowed from other countries. The rules were notified by an amendment in the import policy of pneumatic tyres by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Union Commerce Min-

istry.

Any goods under the restricted category means an importer would require a licence or permission from the DGFT for imports. Given the procedures and permissions, these measures have the effect to dissuade imports. Before the new policy, imports of tyres were allowed without any restrictions. The government recently pitched for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ pitch and coined the ‘Go Vocal for Local’ slogan in a bid to make India self-sufficient in the post Covid phase. Indian tyre manufacturers have

been demanding restrictions on imports from China and other destinations. The restrictions are on imports of tyres used in station wagons, racing cars, scooters, multi-cellular polyurethane tubeless tyres, and bicycles. Imports of these tyres were worth $260.72 million in April-February 2019-20 as against $330.72 million in the same period in 2018-19. With demand slumping during the lockdown due to the Covid pandemic, domestic companies are seeking measures to boost manufacturing which will also enhance employment opportunities.

Global coffee stocks to reach 6-yr peak NEAN strike to affect COVID fight 6 test positive for COVID-19 in Mon

No. 4212 Yesterday’s solution No. 4211

No. 3237 Yesterday’s solution No. 3236

32. They were found negative in the test conducted in Dimapur. After completing 10-day institutional quarantine centre in Dimapur, they reached Mon on June 2, 2020 and were housed at an Institutional Quarantine Centre in Mon. In view of the detection COVID-19 cases, the entire Wangkhao Government College Campus and the adjoining Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Campus, where the quarantine centres are located, have been declared as a containment zone. COVID Care Centre has

been activated for the treatment of asymptotic positive patients. The deputy commissioner (DC) Mon, Thavaseelan K, has requested the citizens of Mon district not to panic. He assured that the district task force and the empowered group of Mon district were taking all possible measures to ensure containment of cases and speedy recovery of positive cases. Public have also been requested to continue maintaining social distancing, practice hand hygiene and wear masks at all times.

Power outage in parts of Kohima district

DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): State power department has informed that there would be a total shutdown of power supply to Kiruphema village, Peducha, Sechu Zubza, Lalmati and its surroundings areas starting June 15-18, 2020 from 9am to 4pm. In a press release, SDO transmission sub-division Kohima stated that proposed power shutdown was being necessitated for stringing work of 132 kV Dimapur-Imphal Transmission line by Powergrid to facilitate construction of four-lane between Dimapur and Kohima.

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Loan interest can’t be waived, SBI tells apex court New Delhi, Jun 13 (Agencies): Banks are of the view that interest on loans cannot be waived for the six months of the repayment moratorium allowed by the central bank, State Bank of India (SBI) told the Supreme Court on Friday. SBI’s statement came in an intervention application it filed on Friday in a plea seeking a waiver on interest charges during the course of the moratorium on loan repayments given by banks amid the nationwide lockdown. The apex court directed the Centre to file a detailed reply in three days and scheduled the case for hearing on 17 June. A bench comprising justices Ashok Bhushan, SK Kaul and MR Shah also took on record solicitor general Tushar Mehta’s submission that the government will hold a meeting with the finance ministry and RBI on the weekend to discuss this issue. “Our concern in these proceedings is only whether the interest that has been deferred for three months will be added to charges payable

later and whether there will be interest on the interest,” the judges said. “We are doing balancing. The only thing we are wanting is a wider measure.” “Whether the payment will impose interest on interest or not”, is the answer the court said it wants in the response to be filed in three days. RBI on 22 May extended the moratorium allowed on term loans till 31 August. In March, it allowed a three-month moratorium on payment of all term loans due between 1 March and 31 May. Gajendra Sharma, the petitioner seeking the waiver on interest, argued that without a waiver the interest would keep piling up during the moratorium, and this ultimately would have to be paid by the borrower.

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AYO dismayed at returnees flouting rules (From p-1) Further, emphasising the need to use social media responsibly especially among the Naga youth, AYO appealed to every social media user to desist from sharing fake news, communal agendas and to extend a collective healing hand to our people. Meanwhile, AYO has expressed “deep pain” that certain sections of the Naga society, instead of extending a concerted support to covid warriors, have resorted to “divisive tactics” by vilifying a specific tribe and a village for its stand that was “totally in line with government guidelines.” Stating that this issue has also “gained currency” with some tribal organisations, hoho etc, the AYO affirmed that it was strongly against any divisive element that could “derail our fight against this fresh pandemic.”

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No. 9593 Yesterday’s solution No. 9592

DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): Six Chennai returnees lodged at an institutional quarantine centre, Mon town have been tested positive for COVID-19. According to an official bulletin, initially seven samples tested positive in the TrueNat test. However, their samples were sent for RT-PCR test at ICMR (Dibrugarh) for confirmation on June 11, 2020. Six out of seven samples returned positive for COVID-19 on June 12, 2020. It stated that all the seven were men in the age group of 18-

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NJDA: Nagaland Junior Doctors’ Association (NJDA), which comprises of allopathic graduates and post graduates, has demanded immediate revocation of the cabinet decision to regularise the recently recruited 27 contingency MO posts. NJDA through its media cell questioned as to how the government bypassed all the health service rules and took such steps. NJDA asserted that government cannot just override the laid down service rules and guidelines overnight under the pretext of epidemic Act. Such undemocratic and unconstitutional step is nothing but a communist way of governing. The association said that government decision was a

gross violation of Article-16 that provides equal opportunity in matter of public employment. Further, the association also questioned P&AR department and demanded to know under which service rule could a Class-1 gazetted post advertised purely on contingency basis for 1 year and appointed for 6 months be converted into regular post even before the candidates gave the joining report. “Such flexibility and bending of rules doesn’t seems to exist anywhere in the world,” NJDA stated. NJDA said it would ensure that “meritocracy prevails irrespective of the situation with equal opportunity and privileges to all its members”. The association also cautioned that it would resort to stern action for delivery of justice.

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Su doku

(From p-1)

DP-2715

Crossword

It said the European Union is likely to import 2 million bags more in 2020-21, to 49.5 million bags, while it sees the United States increasing buying as well by 2 million bags, to 27 million bags. Besides, Brazil, Colombia, India, Central America and Mexico are expected to produce more, while Vietnam and Indonesia will have smaller crops. The USDA has also revised its numbers for the 2019-20 season, taking the coronavirus crisis into consideration. World exports were reduced by 3.4 million bags to 112 million bags. The US is seen cutting imports by 1.2 million bags to 25 million bags on lower consumption and stocks build-up. The European Union is seen reducing imports by 500,000 bags, to 47.5 million bags, for the same reason.

K-1085

New York, Jun 13 (Agencies): Global coffee stocks at the end of the 2020-21 (OctoberSeptember) season are expected to grow to near 42 million 60-kg bags, the highest in six years, as production grows more than consumption, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on Friday. In its semiannual report on coffee markets and trade, the USDA forecasts global coffee production will peak at a record of 176.1 million bags, up 9.1 million bags from 2019-20, mainly due to an all-time high output seen at 67.9 million bags in top exporter Brazil. The report sees exports growing, but at an insufficient pace to offset increasing offer in the market. The USDA said it has considered the impacts of the new coronavirus pandemic when projecting the numbers.

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020

Nepal passes bill to redraw political map Beijing confirms 6 new COVID cluster cases New map lays claim over Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura bordering India

neighbour from this issue,” said former prime minister and president of ruling NCP Pushpakamal Dahal. “I am confident that the long standing issue relating to land encroachment will be resolve once and for all through dialogue and diplomatic efforts,” he added. Expressing his party’s support to the bill, Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba said that Nepali people have stood united on the issue of nationality and territorial integrity. As per the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, the land east of Mahakali river belongs to Nepal, he added. The government had registered the bill in the Parliament on May 22 and Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs

Shivamaya Tumabahangphe presented it before the House on May 24. On June 9, the Parliament unanimously endorsed a proposal to consider the Constitution amendment bill to pave way for endorsing the new political map amid the border row with India. Now, the bill will be sent to the National Assembly where it will undergo a similar process. The ruling Nepal Communist Party commands two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. The NA will have to give lawmakers 72 hours to move amendments against the bill’s provisions, if any. After the National Assembly passes the bill, it will be submitted to the President for authentication, after which the bill will be

1 dead, 15 injured in Rawalpindi blast

Two ‘Indian spies’ arrested in Gilgit-Baltistan

Pakistani investigators examine at the site of Friday’s bomb explosion in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Saturday, June 13. (AP/PTI)

caused widespread damage at the scene, reports The Express Tribune. According to the police, the victim was a vender, who used to sell vegetables near the pole, where the blast occurred. The police has described the blast as terror related. A police spokesperson

Former Pak PM Gilani tests COVID-19 positive

Dozens of anti-government protesters detained in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Jun 13 (IANS): Police in Hong Kong detained dozens of anti-government protesters as hundreds defied a health ban against large gatherings across the city to mark the June 12 anniversary of the first major clashes that launched last years social unrest, it was reported on Saturday. Ignoring social-distancing rules imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrators hit the streets on Friday night despite police warning they risked arrest for unauthorised assembly and could face five years in jail, reports the South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper. The protesters sang the anthem of the protest movement, “Glory to Hong Kong”, and chanted slogans. As of Saturday morn-

Vientiane, Jun 13 (IANS): The Laos government announced that the country had overcome COVID-19, after discharging the last of its 19 hospitalized patients and not having registered any new cases in 59 days, local media reported Saturday. “Laos has won a major victory in the first campaign against this ruthless enemy,” Laotian Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith announced at a press conference on Friday, local website The Laotian Times reported. The isolated nation of Laos was one of the last countries to detect the first cases of COVID-19 within its borders, on March 24, when a 36-year-old tourist guide who had accompanied a group of Europeans with the coronavirus and a 28-year-old man who had attended a conference in Bangkok were diagnosed, reports Efe news. The delay occurred largely as a consequence of the lack of tests and, to date, 8,926 have been carried out in this country of just over 7 million inhabitants, where only 19 cases have been detected and no deaths have occurred, according to col-

ing, the police said that 43 people – 28 men and 15 women – had been arrested over offences such as wounding, taking part in an unauthorised assembly, misconduct in a public place and possession of offensive weapons. On June 12, 2019 trouble flared outside the Legislative Council after tens of thousands gathered

there to demand the withdrawal of an extradition bill that would have allowed fugitives to be sent to mainland China and other jurisdictions with which Hong Kong has no transfer arrangement. The clashes marked a turning point for the movement, and the unrest has not died down even after the withdrawal of the bill.

there. Showing fever symptoms on June 10, he went to Beijing Tiantan Hospital for treatment on Friday and was confirmed as a mild case of COVID-19. The fourth was a 27-year-old woman from Shandong province who ran her business in the Xinfadi wholesale market. She developed symptoms of fever and cough on June 9 and was diagnosed as being COVID-19 positive by Beijing Friendship Hospital on Friday. All the newly confirmed COVID-19 cases have been transferred to designated hospitals in the capital for treatment, according to Pang. Meanwhile, Beijing’s centers for disease control and prevention at both the municipal and district level have organized professionals to carry out investigations in wholesale markets of farm products and large supermarkets throughout the city.

Laos has not registered any new cases in 59 days.

lected data on the website of the National Committee for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19. The country imposed strict measures to contain the pandemic on May 30, which included the mandatory quarantine of all citizens except to buy essential goods or visit hospitals, the prohibition of travel to other provinces and the total closure of its borders, as well as establishments such as bars, restaurants or gyms. The measures were easedat the end of May, with

the opening of educational centres or the authorization of sporting events, although if spectators, and also that

of movie theatres, but the borders remain closed, except in special cases and with express authorization.

KITAMI UNION DIMAPUR (FELICITATION)

The Kitami Union Dimapur (KUD) expresses its profound appreciation and extends our heartiest congratulations to all the successful Students of recently declared HSLC/HSSLC and equivalent Examination 2020. The Union wishes all of its Students best of luck and for a bright future ahead. ISAK SWU JOHN SUMI PRESIDENT, KUD GEN. SECRETARY, KUD

OFFICE OF THE SOYIM STUDENTS’ UNION

PHISHUMI WELFARE SOCIETY

The Soyim Students’ Union expresses its profound appreciation and like to extend our heartiest congratulations to all the successful students who have cleared the recently declared HSLC and HSSLC Examination Result 2020. We sincerely congratulate the following students for their exemplary performances: 1. Ms. ALEMINLA LONGKUMER (HSLC TOP 15) St. Mary’s Hr. Sec. School. Dimapur, D/o T. Lipokmeren Jamir. 2. Ms. Alikala Jamir (HSSLC COMMERCE TOP 9) Holy Cross Hr. Sec. School. Dimapur, D/o Noklensusang Ao. The Union wishes them all the best in their future endeavours. Mr. Amongin Imsong Mr. Nungshipokba Jamir PRESIDENT, SSU GENERAL SECRETARY, SSU

The Phishumi Welfare Society Dimapur & Kohima heartily congratulate its esteemed members: 1. Dr. Hevito Shohe on his promotion to the rank of Joint Director, Department Veterinary & Animal Husbandry and 2. Er. A Muhgashe Assumi on promotion to MMSG III (Manager) State Bank of India. The welfare society also warmly congratulates all the students from Phishumi village who successfully passed HSLC & HSSLC Examination 2020, the welfare society wish them all the best in their future endeavors. TOIKHU ASSUMI Chairman DP-2741

Dimapur & Kohima

MOKOKCHUNG: NAGALAND FELICITATION

OFFICE OF THE

As of Saturday morning, the police said that 43 people – 28 men and 15 women – had been arrested.

first COVID-19 case was a 38-year-old local man, who purchased goods at Xinfadi wholesale market on May 30, June 5 and June 6. After showing symptoms of fever, headache and numbness on June 9, he went to a fever clinic in Shijingshan district for treatment two days later and was confirmed as a mild case of COVID-19. The second case was a 50-year-old male from the city of Baoding, Hebei province. He worked as a driver and a purchasing agent in the seafood market of Xinfadi where he also lived. After showing symptoms of fever and cough on June 6, he sought treatment in Beijing Tiantan Hospital on Friday and was confirmed as a severe case of COVID-19. The third case was a 35-year-old man, also from Baoding. He worked as a vendor in the seafood market of Xinfadi and also lived

Laos now declared COVID-19 free country

MKC-145

Rawapindi, Jun 13 (IANS): One person was killed and 15 others were injured when explosives attached to an electricity pole in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi city went off, police said. A big fire erupted after the powerful blast on Friday night in the city’s Saddar Bazaar which also

Islamabad, Jun 13 (PTI): Pakistan’s former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani tested positive for the coronavirus on Saturday, becoming the latest top political figure to contract COVID-19 that has claimed 2,551 lives and infected 132,405 people in the country. Gilani, 67, tested positive after attending a hearing of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a corruption case. On Thursday, Shehbaz Sharif, chief of the Opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), tested positive for the coronavirus after he appeared before the NAB in a money laundering case. Gilani’s son Kasim Gilani announced on Twitter that the former premier had tested positive for the coronavirus.

later said that the Counter Terror Department (CTD) and other law-enforcement agencies had collected evidence from the scene, adding that the preliminary investigation suggested that the explosives were planted on an electric pole. No group has claimed responsibility of the attack yet.

ISLAMABAD, JUN 13 (PTI): Pakistani security forces have arrested two “Indian spies” from an area along the Line of Control in Gilgit-Baltistan and the duo has been handed over to the police, a media report said on Saturday. According to the report in the Dawn newspaper, Indian currency notes, identity cards, and other documents were seized from the alleged spies. They were handed over to police on Friday and Gilgit senior superintendent of police (SSP) Raja Mirza Hassan produced the alleged spies before the media at a press conference, it said. Hassan said the two arrested persons belonged to Kashmir and had been forcibly sent to Pakistan for “spying”. They were arrested soon after they crossed the LoC in GilgitBaltistan. The detained “Indian spies” introduced themselves as Noor Mohammad Wani and Feroze Ahmed Lone, residents of Gurez’s Achora village in Bandipora district in Kashmir, the report said.

BEIJING, JUN 13 (IANS): Beijing confirmed six new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases after the Chinese capital recorded its first domestic infected earlier in the week in almost two months, authorities said on Saturday. Apart from the two confirmed cases who are both employees of the China Meat Food Research Center in Fengtai district and were reported earlier on Friday, another four cases were reported between 4 p.m. and midnight, Xinhua news agency reported. An epidemiological investigation showed that all of the four newly confirmed cases had been to the Xinfadi Wholesale Market of Farm Products in Fengtai District, said Pang Xinghuo, deputy director of the Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, at a press conference. The

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majority was required in the 275-member House of Representatives or the lower house to pass the bill. The endorsement of the lower house will now pave way for the government to expedite the process to replace the political map in Nepal’s national emblem. As soon as the Parliament meeting started Saturday afternoon, lawmakers from different political parties took part in deliberations on the bill. Most of the lawmakers were wearing face and followed COVID-19 guidelines. “This is a historic occasion, when the land we lost during the period of monarchy is being returned under the republican system. Nepal doesn’t want to allow enmity to emerge with our southern

Chinese police stand outside the entrance to a building holding a beef and lamb market in Beijing that was closed by authorities on June 12. (Photo/AP)

KOHIMA LONGSA SENSO TELONGJEM KOHIMA- 797001, NAGALAND

FELICITATION With immense pride and honour, we the Kohima Longsa Senso Telongjem extend our heartiest congratulations to our bonafide member, MR. TIYONGMEREN JAMIR, Additional Registrar of Co-operative Societies on being given the current charge as Head of Department. The union wishes God’s abundant blessing and guidance in his further endeavors. LIMAONEN President

IMLISUNEP PONGEN General Secretary

F E LI C I TAT I O N

Felicitation

Tu k u n a s a m i K u g h u ko U n i o n Dimapur District (TKUDD) with immense pride and honour would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Ms Tolimi P Jimo, daughter of Er Phutoshe Kapo and Mrs Ikali Jimo for securing top 18 position in the recently declared HSLC exam 2020. Tolimi P Jimo also want to pursue theology in the near future. The Union wishes her a bright future in the years to come. The Union also convey our heartiest congratulations to all the other successful students in the recently declared HSLC/HSSLC exam 2020. Khetoi Jimo Vipukha S Kappo President TKUDD General Secretary TKUDD

DP-2745

All 258 lawmakers who were present in the House voted in favour of the amendment bill. There was zero vote against it.

incorporated in the Constitution. The new map will be used in all official documents including the coat of arms once the President authenticates it. A Cabinet meeting held on May 18 had endorsed the new political map. The government on Wednesday formed a ninemember team of experts to collect historical facts and evidence related to the area. Diplomats and experts, however, questioned the government’s move, asking why the task force was formed when the map has already been released and approved by the Cabinet. The ties between India and Nepal came under strain after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a 80-km-long strategically crucial road connecting the Lipulekh pass with Dharchula in Uttarakhand on May 8. Nepal reacted sharply to the inauguration of the road claiming that it passed through Nepalese territory. India rejected the claim asserting that the road lies completely within its territory. Nepal last month released the revised political and administrative map of the country laying claim over the strategically key areas. India sternly asked Nepal not to resort to any “artificial enlargement” of territorial claims after Kathmandu released the new map.

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Kathmandu, Jun 13 (PTI): Nepal’s Parliament on Saturday unanimously voted to amend the Constitution to update the country’s new political map, laying claim over the strategically key areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura along the border with India, despite strong protests by New Delhi against any “artificial enlargement” of its territory. In a show of unprecedented national unity, Opposition parties including the Nepali Congress (NC), Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) voted in favour of the government bill to amend Schedule 3 of the Constitution to update the national emblem by incorporating the new controversial map. India last month reacted angrily to Nepal showing the three areas as Nepalese territory in the new map and cautioned the country that saying such “artificial enlargement” of territorial claims will not be acceptable to it. India has been maintaining that these three areas belong to it. All 258 lawmakers who were present in the House voted in favour of the amendment bill. There was zero vote against it. “The amendment proposal has been passed with more than two-thirds majority,” announced Speakar Agni Sapkota. A two-thirds

Infotainment

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020

‘Axone’ comes at right time: Director

Christopher Nolan movie ‘Tenet’ to open July 31 as industry seeks rebound says amidst ‘corona’ attacks on northeasterners

any people from the Northeast have faced racist slurs in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak and director Nicholas Kharkongor feels that his film “Axone” has released at the right time, because as it will help educate people about the lives of northeasterners. The film is about a group of friends, mostly from the Northeast, who get together to prepare a special dish called axone. While the movie captures the endeavours of cooking the dish in a typical South Delhi neighbourhood, it highlights the issue of racism in a humorous vein. Asked if it’s a good time to release the film when people from the Northeast are being called “corona”, Nicholas told IANS: “I think it is. With the corona thing going on, now is a great time to have a film like this. Hopefully to educate them more on the lives of the Northeast people.” In his film, which has many actors from the Northeast, a dish plays

the hero. Talking about how he decided to give such an important role to food, he shared: “When we (people of the Northeast) start cooking (in a big city), it happens to all of us. Some sort of incident plays out when we start cooking, so it wasn’t difficult to think of that as the starting point.” “The idea was to be able to tell the story of Northeast people’s experience of living in a big city. Whether it is fermented fish or soya beans, there is

something or the other we always get into trouble for, when we cook. So I thought that was a fun thing to do. Let me start from that and then build a story around that,” he added about the film that stars Sayani Gupta, Lin Laishram, Rohan Joshi, Lanuakum Ao, Tenzin Dalha, Asenla Jamir, Dolly Ahluwalia and Vinay Pathak. The director, who hails from Shillong, has addressed racism with a humorous vein in his film, and there’s a reason for that.

“People have done it in the past too. You make it light-hearted (for) the subjects that are dark. There’s a reason for that because you don’t want to deal every serious issue in a serious way. You can also deal a serious issue in a light-hearted way. That in its own way, can throw light on the subject and people can speak about it. With any social issue, the point is to be able to talk about it,” he said. “If you can achieve that through comedy then why not? Also, I chose

comedy because if I had made a very serious film. If it is a very dark film about somebody from the Northeast who goes through something terrible, it’s not going to get a huge audience. Then what’s the point?” One of his main objectives is to show this film to as many people as possible in the city. “That way they can see what it is like to live with a Northeasterner in a big city and hopefully to be able to reflect on their own behaviour in their interaction with Northeasterners,” said the filmmaker, who now stays in Mumbai. He has touched upon many incidents of racism faced by the people of the region in different parts of the country. “I was very affected by what happened to Nido Tania from Ar unachal Pradesh. One of the characters is drawn from what had happened to him,” said Nicholas about Nido who had died of lung and brain injuries from a racist attack inflicted upon him in Delhi in 2014. (IANS)

irector Christopher Nolan’s thriller “Tenet” will debut in cinemas on July 31, distributor Warner Bros. said on Friday, the first new blockbuster in months for movie theaters that need fresh films to lure audiences after pandemicrelated closures. Theaters are starting to reopen worldwide since going dark in mid-March to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Cinema operators hope “Tenet” and other blockbusters will help create a late-summer rebound. The “Tenet” release date announced Friday is two weeks later than the previously planned July 17 debut. But Warner Bros., a unit of AT&T Inc, confirmed that one of the year’s most highly anticipated movies will not face a longer delay as many in Hollywood feared. Warner Bros. postponed another summer release, “Wonder Woman 1984” to October from August. Walt Disney Co’s action epic “Mulan” is scheduled to reach theaters July 24. “Tenet” is a big bud-

get, science-fiction spy movie starring John David Washington and Robert Pattinson from the British director of hits like “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Inception.” Little has been revealed about the plot. “ We ’r e e s p e c i a l ly thrilled, in this complex and rapidly changing environment, to be bringing Christopher Nolan’s ‘Tenet,’ a global tentpole of jaw-dropping size, scope and scale, to theaters around the world on July 31,” Warner Bros. Picture Group Chairman Toby Emmerich said. “It’s been longer than any of us could’ve imag-

ined since we’ve seen a movie on the big screen,” Emmerich added. Studios need as many locations open as possible to make back their investments in big-budget movies. Theater attendance will be limited to enforce social-distancing requirements, and it is unclear how comfortable audiences will be to return to cinemas. Large theater operators including AMC Entertainment Holdings and Cineworld Group Plc have said they expect most of their locations worldwide to be open in July. (Reuters)

Taylor Swift says ‘racist’ ‘Films aiming to win Oscars will need to meet diversity criteria’ monuments make her sick T

inger Taylor Swift is “sick” of the monuments of “racist historical figures” in Tennessee. “As a Tennessean, it makes me sick that there are monuments standing in our state that celebrate racist historical figures who did evil things. Edward Carmack and Nathan Bedford Forrest were DESPICABLE figures in our state history and should be treated as such,” she tweeted, reports deadline. com. “Taking down statues isn’t going to fix centuries of systemic oppression, violence and hatred that black people have had to

endure but it might bring us one small step closer to making ALL Tennesseans and visitors to our state feel safe – not just the white ones,” she said, adding, “We need to retroactively change the status of people who perpetuated hideous patterns of racism from ‘heroes’ to ‘villains’. And villains don’t deserve statues.” Swift said she would ask the Capitol Commission and the Tennessee Historical Commission to “please consider the implications of how hurtful it would be to continue fighting for these monuments. When you fight to honour racists, you show

Metallica’s 2017 performance at Rock on the Range kicks off online series

etallica has kicked off a new online series called “Offstage With DWP” that features never-before-seen festival performances, interviews, exclusive acoustic performances and more, all from concert organizer Danny Wimmer Presents. The show launched on Friday (June 1 2 ) with Metall i c a ’s full-length headlining set from M a y 2017’s Rock On The R a n ge event in Columbus, Ohio. You can now watch the concert below. Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett told The Pulse Of Radio why the band enjoys festivals: “For us, you know, playing festivals is cool because you get to hang out and meet and hear other bands. For me, I don’t get the time to K Y M C

see many other bands, and so for me playing festivals is cool because I get to check out the bands just like anyone else.” According to a press release, future content from “Offstage With DWP” will include live footage from Foo Fighters’ headlining set at Sonic Temple 2019, i n t e r - views with Papa Roach, Shinedown And The Pretty Reckless, b r a n d new acoustic performances from Rise Against a n d Halestorm, plus more. Metallica was scheduled to headline five North American festivals produced by Danny Wimmer Presents this year, including Louder Than Life, Sonic Temple, Epicenter and Welcome To Rockville. Those events were all scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Blabbermouth)

black Tennesseans and all of their allies where you stand, and you continue this cycle of hurt. You can’t change history, but you can change this”. Several monuments have been vandalised in the past few weeks. Last month, she slammed President Donald Trump for tweeting that protesters in Minnesota should be shot. Trump’s message was in reaction to the protests that erupted across the US following the death of a 46year-old African-American man named George Floyd allegedly due to police brutality. (IANS)

he organization that hands out the Academy Awards said Friday it would form a group to develop diversity and inclusion guidelines that filmmakers will have to meet in order for their work to be eligible for Oscars. T h e A c a d e my o f Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which has been criticized for honoring few movies and creators of color, said the move and other steps represented a new phase of a 5-year effort to promote diversity. The group said in a statement it would work with the Producers Guild of America to convene

a task force of industry leaders to develop “representation and inclusion standards” for Oscars eligibility by July 31 that will “encourage equitable hiring practices on and off screen.” The rules will not apply to films vying for Oscars at the next ceremony in 2021. Criticism of the movie academy intensified in 2015 with the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite, a backlash against an all-white field of acting contenders. The academy responded in part by doubling the number of women and people color in its invita-

tion-only ranks. Still, by 2019 just 32% of its roughly 8,000 members were women, and 16% were people of color. New members will be announced next month.

Aaron Carter gets engaged to Melanie Martin after being reunited

inger Aaron Carter’s love story with Melanie Martin is approaching a happy ending. The two, who had recently reunited after a bitter split in late April, are officially engaged now. The former teen pop sensation made the announcement on Instagram on Friday by posting a photo of Martin flaunting her diamond ring, reports dailymail.co.uk. In the photo, Martin has her right hand and fingers pointed at the ring. “Love wins #iloveyou3000 #engaged #fiance #ourlovestory,” the 32year-old captioned the image.

Later, he took to Instagram Story and shared a video of the couple holding hands, while driving, with the focus on her ring. This comes just days after the couple revealed that Martin had suffered a miscarriage after they split up less than two months ago. “She suffered a miscarriage due to stress conditions,” Carter said earlier this week. “We’re going to give it come time, let her heal and then we’re going to try again. We both want that. I gotta take care of her.” (IANS)

Things are changing for actors from Northeast: Lin Laishram

in Laishram, who hails from Manipur, feels that things are changing “slowly but surely” for actors like her from the Northeast. The actress-model plays a pivotal role in the new film “Axone”, which released digitally on Friday. “I am playing my own ethnicity -- a person from the Northeast and there is no better feeling than that. I feel slowly but surely things are changing for actors from there, and more opportunities are coming along,” said Lin, who has been seen in films like “Rangoon” and “Mary Kom”. “There is a lot of talent in the Northeast not only in acting, but also sports and other activities but not all get a chance to show their skills. I am hoping a film like ‘Axone’ will allow filmmakers across India to see actors from the region differently, and offer them meatier and

meaningful roles,” she added. “Axone”, streaming on Netflix, is about a group of friends from the Northeast in the South Delhi locality of Humayunpur, who attempt to cook a special traditional dish for a special occasion. “The movie was refreshing to work in. I could relate to every aspect, be it the pork dish or the discrimination that people from the Northeast face. When storyline and scripts are as interesting as this, the movie becomes a treat to act in as well as watch, and this movie will really open doors for good actors from the Northeast to show their worth,” said Lin about the film, which also stars Northeast actors like Asenla Jamir and Lanuakum Ao, along with Sayani Gupta, Rohan Joshi, Vinay Pathak and Dolly Ahluwalia. (IANS)

“We know there is much more work to be done in order to ensure equitable opportunities across the board,” Academy Chief Executive Dawn Hudson said. “The need to address

this issue is urgent.” Hollywood has been reckoning with a lack of diversity and portrayal of racism on screen amid protests over the death of George Floyd. Earlier this week, streaming service HBO Max said it was temporarily pulling Oscarwinning film “Gone with the Wind.” Among other new measures, the film academy will guarantee 10 best picture contenders annually, rather than a fluctuating number up to 10, to give more films a shot at the industry’s most prestigious prize. (Reuters)

SALT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE, DIMAPUR ADMISSION NOTICE FOR CLASS 11 & B.A (I)

1. Offline Admission can be done on all working days during office hours (10:00 am to 2:00 p.m.) 2. Online Admission You can email (saltchristiancollege@gmail.com) or Whatsapp us (8787611621 / 8787683805) with details of the candidates. After which the office will contact you. Let us maintain social distancing norms during office hours. Principal DP-2740

Shri. Rongsentemjen Jamir, Chuchuyimlang

We thank God for his remarkable blessings on us and the opportunity to attain 100 years of age with good health. We jointly give thanks to our loving and gracious God. DC-517

Sons, daughters, grandchildren and relatives. K Y M C

Man Utd lose friendly to West Brom

L o n d o n, J u n 1 3 ( Ag e n c i e s ) : M a n chester United’s preparations for the Premier League restart have hit a snag after they were beaten 2-1 by Championship side West Brom in a friendly on Friday. The Red Devils lost the first of two matches against the Baggies at Old Trafford, before rallying to win the second contest 3-1. B o t h g a m e s we r e played behind-closed-doors at the famous venue as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team prepares to take on Tottenham away on June 19 in their first league match since the coronavirus hiatus. United put out two different teams across the two matches against West Brom, with Manchester Evening News reporting Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes played in midfield together during the opening defeat, with the Portuguese playmaker scoring and missing a penalty during the 90 minutes, The first United team also included Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Daniel James, Eric Bailly and Nemanja Matic. In the second tussle

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020

have to sacrifice a little bit of something - that’s part of being in a team, it’s not an individual sport. When you play with a certain midfield, whether it’s a midfield three, you adapt your game to complement each other.” “That’s what I had to do at United. I was in the team with lots of different midfielders, lots of combinations and, if a certain midfielder was playing, I would try to take up positions to allow him to benefit and he would do things to allow me to benefit.” “It’s all about being compatible and recognising the strengths of your fellow team-mates and how to get your best performance, but, ultimately, you might be sacrificing what you do best to allow someone else Manchester United’s Odion Ighalo in action during their friendly football match to excel, which helps the against West Brom. team win.” which resulted in a Red the second 90 minute, with fielder Darren Fletcher Norwich stun Devils victory, Andreas Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, feels the star duo will have Pereira scored a brace Fred and Scott McTominay to alter their individual Tottenham in friendly Har r y Kane was while Tahith Chong snared also featured. games slightly to help enthe third in a team that Pogba and Fernandes sure they thrive together in among four players who returned to the Tottenham featured the first choice will likely feature in their midfield. defence of Harry Maguire, first competitive match “Without doubt, of side for a friendly against Victor Lindelof, Aaron together when the Red course [Pogba and Fer- Norwich - but they lost 2-1 Wan Bissaka, Luke Shaw Devils aim to extend their nandes can play together]. to the Premier League’s and goalkeeper David De 11-match unbeaten run in Great players can come basement club. Kane was injured Gea. all competitions against together,” Fletcher told when the season was susOdion Ighalo spear- Spurs. MUTV’s Group Chat. headed the attack during Former United mid“Somebody might pended due to coronavirus

as well as Moussa Sissoko, Heung-Min Son and Steven Bergwijn - but they all played in the defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kane has been out since New Year’s Day and was sorely missed as Spurs’ form nosedived before the pandemic, dropping seven points below fourth-placed Chelsea and four behind Manchester United, who they face on June 19 on their Premier League return. In a game divided into four quarters of 30 minutes, Erik Lamela took the lead for Tottenham with a diving header, having been set up by Bergwijn. Kane also hit the crossbar early on and Serge Aurier also had a chance. Dele Alli - suspended for the United game due his coronavirus social media post - came on with several others at half-time but Norwich struck twice late on through Josip Drmic and Mario Vrancic to boost their momentum as they look to avoid relegation in the run-in. The Canaries are six points adrift of 17th-placed Watford and begin their quest for survival with a clash against fellow strugglers Southampton at Carrow Road next Friday.

PL return talks came too soon, says Moyes

David Moyes

L o n d o n, J u n 1 3 (Agencies): West Ham United manager David Moyes has said it was the wrong time to discuss resuming the Premier League season when the United Kingdom was still gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic. Professional soccer in England has been suspended since March due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, which has caused over 41,000 deaths in the UK. The government last month opened the door for elite sport to resume and the Premier League said it would restart its season on June 17. “At the start of all this I thought integrity was being used in the wrong way,” Moyes told the Times. “Some of the debate about coming back

to football when there were so many people dying in hospitals and care homes. I thought it was the wrong time to be discussing the integrity of some football games. We had to wait for the right time.” All 20 Premier League clubs on Thursday approved a range of matchday protocols for the season’s resumption but Moyes says there are lots of questions that still need to be answered. “Has the bus driver been tested? If we are flying, has everyone been tested, when and by who? I don’t think we’ll get all the answers but we have to get on with it,” he added. West Ham, 16th in the league, will resume their campaign against Wolverhampton Wanderers on June 20.

Hoping T20 WC, Asia Cup Pujara, Jadeja get NADA notice; BCCI cites ‘password glitch’ happen on time: Mahmudullah

Mahmudullah Riyad

Dhaka, Jun 13 (IANS): Bangladesh T20 skipper Mahmudullah Riyad remains hopeful that ‘prestigious tournaments’ like T20 World Cup and Asia Cup will go on as per schedule despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis that continues to create havoc around the world. The T20 World Cup is currently scheduled to be played in Australia later this year but the ICC in its board meeting on Wednesday decided to ‘wait and watch’ before deciding on the fate of the 2020 edition of the showpiece event.

“We are still unsure about the Asia Cup T20 and T20 World Cup because there are still a lot of things to be measured and a lot of decisions to be made regarding the tournaments,” Mahmudullah was quoted as saying by New Age on Friday. “We are still waiting for the green signal from ICC. But if you ask me, I am very much up for it and I think every cricketer wants to be part of such tournaments like Asia Cup and T20 World Cup. “I hope the tournaments would happen on

time. If not then we could still wait a bit longer. But we want to play in these tournaments as they are highly prestigious,” the 34year-old added. The fate of T20 World Cup has been under the scanner which has seen the ICC and CA work overtime to try and ensure that the tournament is held as per schedule - October 18 to November 15. “The situation surrounding the global pandemic is evolving rapidly and we want to give ourselves the best possible opportunity to make the right decision for the whole sport. The health and wellbeing of everyone involved is our priority and other considerations fall out from that,” Chief Executive Manu Sawhney was quoted as saying in the ICC release. “We will only get one chance to make this decision and it needs to be the right one and as such we will continue to consult with our members, broadcasters, partners, governments and players and to ensure that we make a well informed decision.”

New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI): Five centrally contracted Indian cricketers including Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul have been issued notices by National AntiDoping Agency (NADA) for failing to disclose their whereabouts as the BCCI cited “password glitch” as the reason for delay. The other players to have received the notice include women stars Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, who are among the five cricketers in the 110 strong National Registered Testing Pool (NRTP). Speaking to PTI, NADA DG Navin Agarwal confirmed that BCCI has sent an official explanation for their five NRTP players’’ failure to submit whereabouts. “There are two ways to fill up the whereabouts form in the ADAMS (Anti Doping Administration & Management Systems) software. Either athlete does it himself or association fills it up on his or her behalf,” Agarwal said. “ N ow a thl e te s in some discipline aren’t educated enough or do not have access to internet and

Cheteshwar Pujara

find themselves unable to handle the whereabouts clause of the ADAMS or upload the filled up form. “They use assistance of their concerned federations. So federations have accepted responsibility of uploading their whereabouts,” Agarwal said. He said cricketers too at times find it tough to complete the process on their own. “Similarly in cricket also, although these people are well qualified and they can do it, perhaps

they don’t have the time for whatever reasons, so the federation concerned, the BCCI has taken upon itself the responsibility of uploading their whereabouts.” So why didnt BCCI upload the three-month whereabouts this time? “Well they have given an explanation which appears to be reasonable but a decision will be taken. They have said that there has been a glitch with regards to password in ADAMS.

Thiem, Zverev join Djokovic in US Open doubts Belgrade, Jun 13 (Agencies): Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Grigor Dimitrov on Friday joined world number one Novak Djokovic in expressing their reluctance over playing at the US Open under current conditions while the coronavirus pandemic is still active. “All of these circumstances are pretty tough,” world number three Thiem told a press conference in Belgrade. “So I think some circumstances will have to change (for it to) make sense to go there,” the 26year-old Austrian said. Germany’s Zverev, the world number seven, echoed that view. “It’s great if we get the opportunity to play, but under these circumstances I don’t think a lot of players will feel comfortable in the environment there,” he said. “So that’s my opinion. But it’s not really up to us players in that way, in a way the US Open decides.” Like Djokovic recently, Zverev cited notably the K Y M C

Dominic Thiem

obligatory 14-day quarantine for players arriving in the US, housing in airport hotels near the tournament and not allowing them to be accompanied by more then one member of the team. Thiem stressed that a “Grand Slam can be pretty demanding physically and

Alexander Zverev

you’ll have to choose your coach or your physio”. But both Thiem and Bulgaria’s Dimitrov said they would wait until a decision on the US Open -- widely expected to be announced on Monday -- before taking a final position. “Well nobody knows,

maybe things improve, maybe not, so we’ll have to wait until the facts are out and then decide,” Thiem said when asked whether he will participate at the tournament. The US Open main draw is due to get underway in New York on August 31.

The three players arrived in Belgrade for a charity tournament hosted by Djokovic, which kicks off on Saturday. The Adria Tour will be held until July 5 in Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia. Djokovic, also the ATP players’ council president, suggested on Wednesday that his season might resume on clay ahead of the French Open rather than at the US Open as he repeated concerns about playing in North America. The Serbian, a threetime champion in New York, stressed that US Open organisers had to relax their “extreme conditions” or players would wait for the European tournaments. Last week world number two, and reigning US Open champion, Rafael Nadal expressed similar reservations. Women’s world number one Ashleigh Barty has also voiced caution about resuming tennis too soon, saying she needed more information before commit-

ting to the tournament. The tennis season has been on hold since midMarch because of the pandemic, with Roland Garros pushed back to SeptemberOctober and Wimbledon cancelled. Meanwhile, former US Open semi-finalist Richard Gasquet of France said Friday he was also struggling to see how this year’s tournament could be played. “I find it hard to see for the US Open, everything is unclear. Nobody knows, it’s difficult to imagine the US Open being held,” Gasquet told AFP ahead of the start of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown, taking place close to Nice. The ATP held a video conference with players on Wednesday to discuss tentative plans for the second half of a season that has been suspended until at least the end of July. “Nothing came out of it,” said Gasquet, who reached the last four at Flushing Meadows in 2013.

Ravindra Jadeja

Now they have said that issue has been resolved,” Agarwal added. NADA DG added that “BCCI’’s explanation will be discussed as to whether it will be counted as one of three filing failures or not. It will be decided on the explanation given and how they (BCCI) proceed from here.” While country has been under lockdown, the rule to submit three months of whereabouts is mandatory. Three such failures to

disclose leads to one Anti Doping Rule Violation (ADRV), which could lead up to two years of suspension upon hearing. While BCCI has “officially gagged” its employees from talking to the media, it couldn’t be ascertained that why as normal a glitch as a password error took days to resolve. A BCCI veteran, who has been privy to cricket operations, asked why the five cricketers were not told to upload the form themselves. “This was lockdown period where they are not living out of suitcases. Some of the names have also engaged in multiple instagram chats and podcasts which their agents are managing,” he said. “If cricket operations team were having a glitch in fixing password, well the five cricketers could have been asked to do so and they would have done it individually with some guidance. “Probably NADA would be lenient this time but if it becomes an official warning, then who’s responsible,” he added.

French plans low-key tennis return in July

Paris, Jun 13 (Agencies): The idea of a small tour in the south has been pushed for a while by former French professional Thierry Ascione and it will be “created and organised” by the French Tennis Federation (FFT) as the “Challenge Elite FFT”. It will be made up of three tournaments with events in Nice (July 6-11), Cannes (July 13-18), and Villeneuve-Loubet (July 20-25). The events will be open to 24 men and 12 women. Most of the places will be reserved for players whose rankings would, at the least, allow them to enter the qualifying rounds of Grand Slam events. The semi-finals and

final will be broadcast on the FFT’s web channel. The surface, hard or clay, “will be determined according to whether or not the American tour is organised,” said the FFT. World tennis governing bodies are due to announce soon whether or not the North American part of the season will be played. The US Open is still scheduled to run from August 24 to September 13 but several leading players have expressed reservations. The lower level professional events in the French CNGT circuit will also resume in July at about 30 clubs. The calendar “is currently being drawn up,” the FFT said. K Y M C

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Juve squeeze into Italian Cup final Messi fit and ready for Barca return

TURIN, Jun 13 (Agencies): Juventus reached the Italian Cup final on Friday after a goalless draw with 10-man AC Milan in the semi-final, second leg in Turin on the day football returned to Italy after three months away. Serie A champions Juve advanced on away goals to Wednesday’s final in Rome thanks to February’s 1-1 first-leg draw at the San Siro, despite an under-par display against a Milan side who played 74 minutes with a man less and which featured a missed Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. At the capital’s Stadio Olimpico, Maurizio Sarri’s side will face either Napoli or Inter Milan, the last side Juve faced before football entered into its coronavirus-enforced hiatus in March. Napoli take on Antonio Conte’s Inter at Naples’ Stadio San Paolo on Saturday with a 1-0 lead from the first leg, in another match set for an eery atmosphere without supporters. “It was odd and difficult at the start, playing in an empty stadium after 90 days away,” said Leonardo Bonucci to public broadcaster RAI 1. “We’ve shaken off a dark moment for the whole world. I hope being back will offer the fans at home

Players of Juventus and AC Milan fight for the ball during their Italian Cup semi-final match second leg in Turin.

a bit of hope and joy. We want to give them something more on Wednesday.” A feisty start belied the two teams’ long absence from the pitch, with Juve -- missing the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Gonzalo Higuain -- roaring out of the blocks and Milan putting in some questionable challenges to try to stop themselves from being overrun. Juve should have been ahead in with just 15 minutes on the clock when Andrea Conti clipped the

ball in the penalty area with his elbow and conceded a penalty after a VAR check. Ronaldo hit the woodwork with the resulting spot-kick, but while that should have been a reprieve for the away side, they found themselves a man down seconds later when Ante Rebic kicked Danilo in the head. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic out injured and Samu Castillejo suspended, Stefano Pioli’s side were missing some firepower going forward, but managed to create problems

for Juve despite spending most of the match on the back foot. Hakan Calhanoglu had Milan’s best chance two minutes after the restart, flashing a free header wide, while Simon Kjaer should have done better with another header 10 minutes from the end. However Juve also had their chances, with Milan stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma doing well to keep out Blaise Matuidi’s thumping close range effort on the half-hour mark, and two great efforts from Pau-

lo Dybala and Alex Sandro late in the second half. The match was played on the day Italy would have kicked off Euro 2020 in Rome had the tournament not been postponed for a year. More than 34,000 people on the peninsula have died because of the coronavirus with the vast majority in northern regions like Piedmont and Lombardy which host Juve and Milan. Both teams held a minute’s silence before kick-off for those who lost their lives to the virus before breaking out into applause for healthcare workers, three of whom were stood in the centre circle. Juventus players warmed up before the match in T-shirts with the message “No Racism”, while Milan wore tops on with “Black Lives Matter” written on them, in solidarity with global protests over the death of George Floyd. The few fans hanging around the Allianz Stadium told AFP that they were happy to see football come back as the country edges towards normality. However they were sad that matches had to take place without the passionate support that accompanies most matches in Italy.

M a d ri d, J un 1 3 (Agencies): Lionel Messi will know how to manage his own fitness through La Liga’s rapid end to the season but has no injury problems ahead of Barcelona’s return against Real Mallorca, says coach Quique Setien. Messi missed three sessions last week with some discomfort in his thigh but has been back in full training since Monday. “He is perfectly fine, he has trained with the rest of his teammates and he feels good. I don’t see any problem,” said Setien in a press conference on Friday. Barcelona resume away at Mallorca after the three-month suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic. La Liga restarted on Thursday and will finish on July 19, with each team playing their remaining 11 matches over just 39 days. An intense period of fixtures will stretch players like Messi, who will be crucial to Barca’s title bid. They sit two points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the table. Asked if Messi could play all 11 games, Setien said: “We will have to play it by ear, fortunately Messi and a lot of the players with experience know how to manage themselves. If any risk arises, he will be the first one to say that he needs a rest.”

Lionel Messi

Setien also said Luis Suarez is available after he recovered from a knee injury but believes he could need time to find full fitness. “He is likely to play but it may not be for the whole game,” said Setien. “It would be taking a risk that we are probably not going to take. He is in good condition and getting better every day but after five months it’s true that it will be good for him to play and he will need some games to be the best Luis

Suarez.” Defender Nelson Semedo is available despite breaking La Liga protocol and having to train alone on Thursday. Semedo had reportedly attended a gathering of more than 20 people earlier in the week. “Whether he plays or not will not be because of this careless or unfortunate thing he did,” said Setien. “He made a mistake and he’s apologised to everyone.” Samuel Umtiti is out with a calf injury.

Afridi tests positive for COVID-19 Getafe resume La Liga campaign with defeat

Shahid Afridi

K arac h i , J un 1 3 (PTI): Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Saturday said he has tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first high-profile cricketer to be infected with the deadly virus. “I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body had been aching badly. I’ve been tested and unfortunately I’m covid positive. Need prayers for a speedy recovery, InshaAllah,” Afridi announced on Twitter.

Afridi played for Pakistan between 1996 and 2018, featuring in 27 Tests (1716 runs and 48 wickets), 398 ODIs (8064 runs and 395 wickets) and 99 T20 Internationals (1416 runs and 98 wickets). He remains involved in the game and was last seen on the field in the Pakistan Super League in March. Afridi is also actively involved in his charity work as the head of a foundation named after him.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, he was seen outdoors on many occasions, mainly for his charity work. Wishes of a speedy recovery started pouring on social media soon after Afridi made the announcement. He might have retired from international cricket his popularity in the sub-continent has not dipped. Another former Pakistan international Taufeeq Umar, had also tested positive for coronavirus but he recovered earlier this month. At least two Pakistani first-class players have died from the infection with leg-spinner Riaz Sheikh passing away in Karachi earlier this month. Sheikh, a leg-spinner who took 116 wickets in 43 matches, died in his home. Another Pakistani first-class player, Zafar Sarfaraz, 50, died due to the virus in April.

M a d ri d, J un 1 3 (Agencies): Getafe’s Champions League qualifying hopes took a knock as they resumed their La Liga campaign after a threemonth hiatus with a 2-1 defeat behind closed doors at Granada on Friday. David Timor’s firsthalf opener was cancelled out in the second half by Djene’s own goal following a blunder by goalkeeper David Soria, whose hands were again shaky as Carlos Fernandez struck the winner with 11 minutes left. The result left Getafe in fifth place on 46 points from 28 games, level on points with fourth-placed Real Sociedad who play their game in hand at home to Osasuna on Sunday. Granada moved up a place to eighth on 41 points. After a lengthy suspension of the Spanish league due to the COVID19 crisis, the game got off to a slow start but Getafe went ahead in the 20th

Granada CF players celebrate after scoring a goal during the La Liga Santander match against Getafe CF at the Nuevo los Carmenes Stadium in Granada.

minute when Timor curled a fine shot under the bar from just outside the area. Granada hit back after 70 minutes when Djene chested the ball into his own net after Soria failed to handle a bouncing free kick from Fede Vico. The home side dou-

bled their tally nine minutes later as Fernandez fired home after his first attempt was parried back into his path by Soria.

man Levante in La Liga after the visitors levelled eight minutes into stoppage time with a VAR-awarded penalty on Friday. Gonzalo Melero conValencia denied by verted the last-gasp spot 10-man Levante kick to cancel out RodriValencia were held go’s late opener as Europeto a 1-1 home draw by 10- chasing Valencia stayed

seventh on 43 points from 28 games. The result left Levante in 12th with 34 points. The lack of recent play made for a slow start at Mestalla, but Valencia dominated and were left to rue missed opportunities at halftime. They had the clearest chance when Carlos Soler’s shot crashed onto the crossbar in the 29th minute, and came close again as Mouctar Diakhaby’s header hit the post on the stroke of halftime. T h e g a m e f i n a l ly sprung into life in the late stages. After Levante’s Roger Marti was sent off for a second yellow card in the 74th minute, Valencia went ahead one minute from time when Rodrigo fired home from inside the box. But Diakhaby brought down Ruben Vezo and what referee Javier Alberola Rojas thought was a free kick just outside the area, was turned into a penalty, which Melero coolly converted, by the VAR.

Djokovic defends packed stands at charity tour IPL in October looks difficult: Gavaskar Belgrade, Jun 13 (Agencies): There was no social distancing and few among the thousands of fans wore face masks — and Novak Djokovic approved. The fans filled the makeshift stands on Friday at Djokovic’s Belgrade tennis club on the banks of the Danube River for the opening day of his charity tennis tour organized by him and his family. Other top players in attendance included Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Grigor Dimitrov and Jelena Jankovic. The Serbian government recently lifted lockdown restrictions in the coronavirus pandemic, only recommending people stay 1 meter apart. On Wednesday, there was a 20,000-strong crowd for a soccer cup semifinal in Belgrade. At the tennis, Djokovic defended the freedoms of the crowd. “We have different circumstances and measures so it’s very difficult to think of international standards,” he said before the ceremonial opening of

Novak Djokovic

his Adria Tour. He said Serbia has “better numbers” compared to other countries regarding coronavirus in-

fections. Serbia has registered more than 12,000 COVID-19 cases and 252 deaths, although the numbers have been rising again

since the government lifted most of the lockdowns and restrictions last month. “You can also criticize us and say this is maybe

dangerous but it’s not up to me to make the calls about what is right or wrong for health,” Djokovic said. “We are doing what the Serbian government is telling us and hopefully we soon will get back on tour collectively.” “Of course, lives have been lost and that’s horrible to see, in the region and worldwide. But life goes on, and we as athletes are looking forward to competing.” But this week, the topranked Djokovic said he was thinking of skipping the U.S. Open — if it is played — because he described precautions put on players as “extreme” and not ”sustainable.” These included a 14day quarantine for foreign players; a limit of one person per competitor at matches; limited ability to move around New York; and mandatory lodging near the tournament site in Queens. Djokovic’s Adria Tour is scheduled to move on to neighboring Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI): Iconic Sunil Gavaskar feels realistic chances of conducting a shortened Indian Premier League this year in Sri Lanka from early September looks difficult as Australia might end up hosting the World T20 in October having successfully flattened the COVID-19 curve. The former India captain feels that once the Australian government formally announced that 25 per cent crowd can turn up for sporting events, a World T20 in October looks more imminent than IPL. “After the announcement by the Australian government, there seems to be a possibility of conducting a World T20 in October. May be the teams will have to reach three weeks earlier, have seven days of practice games and also 14-day quarantine,” Gavaskar told Aaj Tak. “If ICC believes that World T20 can happen, then having IPL looks difficult because it could only be held if World T20 is postponed but after the announcement (by Australia PM Scott Morrison), IPL in October looks

Sunil Gavaskar

difficult,” he said. However a curtailed IPL in September, may be in Sri Lanka or UAE, is a more practical solution, the legendary opener said. “September you can’t have IPL in India due to monsoon. But may be in Sri Lanka from early September with teams playing each other once instead of double header. May be you can think of that,” Gavaskar said. He believes that playing cricket in a post COVID19 world will be a different experience, especially if there aren’t any fans in the stadium. “Fans lift your game. The atmosphere is very different when they are present. Obviously players will lose out on that. Also they will be

wary of a team huddle, also may be a fist bump after a good shot,” he added. He is sympathetic towards all those new players who were gearing up to showcase their talent in IPL. “Dejection will be there. Youth are energetic lot and there is no outlet to spend that energy. How much exercise you do or spend time at the gymnasium, you want to play your sport - be it cricket, tennis or badminton,” he said. “The smell of sweat is different and how to deal with it (frustration), I don’t have any answers. May be think about your game, watch videos, correct mistakes,” said the man with 34 Test hundreds.

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