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Vol XXX No. 189

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Bayern on course for Bundesliga title

sports, Page 12

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H&FW-NEAN deadlock: crisis deepens

Staff Reporter

Dimapur, Jun 14(NPN): With the National Health Mission Employees Association Nagaland (NEAN), comprising of around 150 doctors from various fields including over 700 nurses across the state on “indefinite cease work” that took effect from Sunday, several district hospitals and quarantine centres across the state manned by NHM employees have been affected. PD/DoHFW: According to sources, the department of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW) has reacted to the cease work with an order issued by the Principal Director Dr. Vizolie Z. Suokhrie and another letter by the Mission Director NHM Dr. Kevichusa Medikhru on Sunday. In the order, Principal Director DoHFW Sunday, citing the indefinite cease work called by the NHM employees which took effect from June 14, directed all Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) and Medical Superintendents (MS), to ensure that all NHM employees attend to their duties “during this unprecedented COVID19 crisis, failing which nec-

JD (U) opposes ‘clause 3’ of revised SOP for returnees DIMAPUR, JUN 14 (NPN): Janata Dal (United) Nagaland unit has taken serious note of the addendum dated June 7,2020 to the revised Standard Operating Procedure(SOP) issued on June 1,2020 for returnees to Nagaland vis-à-vis reality about the efficiency of the state government. JD(U) through its publicity wing, said it took exception to clause 3 of the addendum to the revised SOP which it said, was an exception only for Nagaland as compared with the world which only undermined the credibility of the medical fraternity. JD(U) said Clause 3 was like seizing power by the state politicians from the hands of medical specialists then handing it to the executive, who have not medical background nor knowledge to tackle any emergency. According to JD(U) Clause 3 was unexpected which even autocratic and dictatorial regimes would not even think of imposing. The hard earned medical degrees with the money spent by the state government on doctors was being thrown to the winds because of this Clause 3, it said.

essary disciplinary action will be initiated.” The order also stated that any employee under NHM- General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM) or Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM)- who fail to perform their duties from June 15, 2020 will be “forfeited from the queue system/batchwise appointment into the regular post.” The order directed respective district authority to submit by e-mail to the Principal Director DoHFW on June 15, by 1 p.m., the list of employees who fail to report for duties. NHM: Mission Director NHM Dr. Kevichusa Medikhru had invited NEAN president for a meeting on Sunday but said there was no response from the latter. I n t h e l e t t e r, D r. Medikhru reminded that the DoHFW was short of manpower to combat the current COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledged the services rendered by NHM employees, in the present and the past. He informed NEAN that DoH&FW was willing to give an impartial hearing to their demands and urged upon the employees to “come forward for open

discussion” to redress grievances. He said the decision to go for an indefinite cease work was made without giving the department any prior notice and therefore “regretful.” Dr. Medikhru conveyed to NEAN that steps have been initiated to address their demands for which an invitation for a meeting was extended. In the light of the above, he also drew attention of NEAN on the need to combat and contain COVID-19 pandemic where the number of positive cases in the state was increasing. In this regard, the mission director appealed NEAN to call off the cease work, in the interest of public service to achieve the target to mitigate the pandemic situation. Meanwhile, talking to Nagaland Post NEAN president Dr. Shasinlo Magh said its members could not attend the meeting in Kohima since most of them were in Dimapur. Further, he said nurses under NHM would not bow to pressure tactics. Dr. Magh also said the indefinite cease work was on, unless the Department responded with clear cut proposals to resolve their demands.

India to witness COVID-19 peak in mid-Nov

NEW DELHI, JUN 14 (AGENCIES): The peak stage of COVID-19 in India has been delayed by the eight-week lockdown and has strengthened public health measures, and it may now arrive around midNovember when a paucity of isolation and ICU beds and ventilators can arise, a study says. The study, conducted by researchers from an operations research group constituted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said the lockdown shifted the peak by an estimated 34 days to 76 days and helped bring down the number of infections by between 69% and 97%, allowing time to shore up resources and health infrastructure. Interactive map of confirmed coronavirus cases in India | State-wise tracker for coronavirus cases, deaths and testing rates In a scenario of intensified public health measures

with 60% effectiveness after the lockdown, the demand for treatment facilities can be met until the first week of November. Thereafter, isolation beds could be inadequate for 5.4 months, ICU beds for 4.6 months and ventilators for 3.9 months, projections by the researchers showed. However, this shortfall is estimated to be 83% less than what it could have been without the lockdown and public health measures. With sustained measures to increase the infrastructure and the varying pace of the epidemic in different regions, the impact of the unmet need can be reduced. If the coverage of healthcare measures can be increased to 80%, the epidemic can be mitigated. According to the model-based analysis for the pandemic in India, with the additional capacity built for testing, treating and isolating patients during the lockdown, the number

K Y M C

of cases at the peak could come down by 70% and the cumulative cases may drop by nearly 27%. As for mortality, approximately 60% deaths were prevented and one-third of this mortality prevention is attributed to the reduction in the unmet need for critical care as a result of the intervention, the analysis showed. The researchers said the management of the disease would involve a dynamic review of policies and significant strengthening of the healthcare system. “While lockdowns will delay the onset of peak and give the much- needed time for the health system to respond, strengthening the health system response in terms of testing, isolation of cases, treatment and contact-tracing, as is being done currently, will have to be the mainstay to reduce the impact of the pandemic in India until a vaccine becomes available,” it said.

doing so until their demands were met. This was stated in a release by district unit president Dr Medozhatuo Keretsü and general secretary Dr Katila Longchar Mokokchung: NHM employees under the aegis of NEAN also ceased work for an indefinite period in Mokokchung district. Healthcare workers assigned COVID-19 duties too stopped work. This was stated in a release by district unit of NEAN. Z u n h e b o t o : Wi t h NHM employees on strike in Zunheboto district, the chief medical officer, Dr. Khehokhu Chishi has written a letter to the principal director Health department informing that the overall district health management system was on the verge of collapse unless the issues were addressed promptly. The protest has created unprecedented crisis in addition to already existing manpower shortage. Dr. Chishi said that the NHM employees, at this juncture, were the backbone for facility quarantine duties,

international, Page 9

Nagaland COVID-19 tally now 168 Nagaland COVID-19 STATUS as ON June 14, 2020 COVID HOSPITAL

Total Cases

Dimapur DH

114

AR Hospital Dimapur

Active Cases RecovAsympered tomatic cases 39 75*

Sushant Singh Rajput

DIMAPUR, JUN 14 (NPN): Bollywood lost yet another actor as Sushant Singh Rajput committed suicide at his residence in Mumbai. According to ANI, Sushant committed suicide at his Bandra residence by hanging himself on Sunday, Addl Commissioner of Police Dr Manoj Sharma said. In 2018, Sushant handed a cheque of Rs.1.25 crore to chief minister Neiphiu Rio towards Nagaland CM relief fund for flood. In a tweet, Rio said he was shocked and saddened to hear about the untimely (Cont’d on p-8) demise of Sushant.

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

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

168

B. Distribution of Cases by domicile district Kohima

Dimapur

Mokokchung

Phek

Zunheboto

Tuensang

Mon

Wokha

Kiphire

Longleng

Peren

Others

Total

168

80 active & 88 recovered cases

DIMAPUR, JUN 14 (NPN): Nagaland on Sunday registered five fresh COVID-19 positive cases while 12 more recovered from the deadly virus. With this, the state’s active cases stood at 80 and 88 recovered, taking the total tally (Cont’d on p-8) to 168 cases.

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput dies

Symptomatic cases

Health minister S. Pangnyu Phom said that the 5 new cases of COVID-19 positive were reported out of 232 samples tested. Three cases were from Mon QC and two from Peren QC. All positive patients have been transferred to the respective COVID-19 hospitals. He also informed that the 12 persons who had tested negative in their second test were from Dimapur. They have been shifted to

the COVID-19 care centre for further observation and monitoring. Results of 1097 awaited: Out of 5945 COVID-19 suspected samples sent for testing till date, 4848 were received and the results of 1097 samples are awaited, principal secretary Abhijit Sinha informed on Sunday. A total of 6774 persons were currently under facility quarantine and 8212 out of home quarantine.

India’s COVID-19 tally crosses 3.2 lakh NEW DELHI, JUN 14 (AGENCIES): India witnessed its highest-ever spike of 11,929 new cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 3,20,922 on Sunday, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. According to Health Ministry’s update till Sunday morning, cured and discharged cases at present stand at 162378, which is 13030 more than the active cases in the country (149348). With 311 deaths reported in the last 24 hours from across the country, the coronavirus death toll has now reached 9,195. On the recovery front, the country is doing well as the number of cured has already surpassed the active number of cases. However, a PTI tally of figures announced by states and UTs showed the nationwide count of confirmed cases having risen to nearly 3.25 lakh, as of

9.30 PM and the death toll to 9545. This showed an increase of 14178 new cases and 408 more fatalities since Saturday night. Globally, total number of covid cases has surpassed 77.6 lakh while the death toll has crossed 4.29 lakh. India is the fourth worst-hit

country in terms of number of coronavirus cases, after the US, Brazil and Russia. China Sunday reported its highest daily total of new cases in two months. There were 57 confirmed cases in the 24 hours, the highest daily toll since mid-April and included 36 in Beijing.

Organizations oppose cab decision on appt of doctors Call for exempting ART Centre staff from COVID duty

NVCO calls for review of cabinet’s decision Blatant nepotism, says ACAUT

DIMAPUR, JUN 14 (NPN): Opposing the recent cabinet decision to regularise 27 contingency medical officers’ (MO) posts, Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (Cont’d on p-8) (NVCO) has called for its immediate review, besides appealing to aggrieved doctors, nurses and others to resume their duties as the public was left with no option but their service during the global pandemic. According to the organisation, the cabinet decision to regularise the 27 MO posts has demoralised National Health Mission Employee Association, Nagaland, Nagaland Junior Doctors’ Association and contract doctors of NHAK, Kohima in the midst of rendering their best effort as frontline workers to combat COVID-19 pandemic as the decision has as it amounted to discrimination, injustice, nepotism, illegality, backdoor appointment, “I wonder what we’ll do unconstitutional and against the if they impose no work government’s standing order, serno pay on you for cease vice rules and guidelines. work.” Stating that it fully understood

This is it!

NHM employees cease-work

Over one thousand National Health Mission (NHM) employees across the State began an indefinite cease work from Sunday under the aegis of NHM Employees’ Association, Nagaland (NEAN) demanding regularization of service and parity of pay with other health workers. The development comes even as the State is battling COVID-19 pandemic and could severely impact the government’s efforts in containing the spread of the virus. Dimapur: NEAN Dimapur unit has pledged its support to the ongoing ‘cease-work’ protest under the aegis of NEAN. In a statement, Dimapur unit president Dr. Sashi Jamir affirmed that the unit will continue to stand with the association till their demands were fulfilled. Kohima: Similarly, reiterating and reaffirming their full and unwavering support to the NEAN decision to go for an indefinite cease work, all NHM employees of Kohima district began an indefinite cease work and would continue

Re-openings on pause as US records surge in COVID cases

nagalandpostofficial

shortage of doctors and nurses in the State that had been adversely affecting delivery of healthcare services and remained silent on the recent appointment of 27 MOs as a contingency considering the dire needs and urgency, NVCO in a release however asserted that it could not compromise with the cabinet decision to regularise the contingency appointments. It questioned the government as to what was so special with the 27 contingency MO posts, whether they were specialists and more experienced than aggrieved doctors handling COVID-19 cases or not willing to work unless paid higher salary and what was the requirement to appoint and regularise two doctors of a single family among them. NVCO reminded the State government not to neglect more than thousands of employees, including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, technicians and others, who have been deeply hurt and were demoralised.

Terming the cabinet decision to regularise 19 serving contractual medical officers (MOs) and another 27 MOs appointed purely on contingency basis as “blatant nepotism”, ACAUT has announced its support to National Health Mission Employees Association, Nagaland (NEAN) and Nagaland Junior Doctors’ Association (NJDA) demanding their immediate revocation. ACAUT in a release also appealed to all right-thinking citizens to be on vigil and ready to support frontline health workers until the arbitrary order was revoked. Following a writ petition filed by it in 2017 challenging backdoor appointments and regularisations, ACAUT said a single-judge bench of Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench had on August 3, 2018, directed the State government not to appoint and regularise services of employees who had completed three years of continuous service on contract/ad-hoc basis. After this judgement, the government filed an appeal, which was rejected by the court and the earlier judgement was upheld. Therefore, the cabinet decision amounted to contempt of court, the release cautioned.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUN 14 (NPN): Network of Naga People Living with HIV/AIDS (NNP+) and NNagaDao have appealed to the health & family welfare (H&FW) department to exempt medical officers and nurse of ART Plus Centre, Dimapur from COVID-19 duty. Interacting with media persons here on Sunday afternoon, NNP+ president Lanu Aier said people living with HIV (PLHIV) acknowledged all medical officers, nurses and frontline workers for their tireless work in combating COVID-19 pandemic. They observed that the pandemic had impacted the entire health department as almost every staff was taking active part in trying to contain the spread of the virus. Aier, however, reminded that the PLHIV com-

munity was also in need of services and treatment from ART doctors as they could not go to other doctors in private hospitals to avail treatment, insisting that the health department should not neglect PLHIV, TB patients or drug users because of the pandemic. He regretted that as the two ART centre doctors at Dimapur were assigned COVID duty, there was no doctor now to treat PLHIV, due to which more than 1,000 patients had “miscase”. He demanded that the H&FW department should stop its step-motherly treatment. Aier regretted that the development had come despite NNP+ and Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) having had jointly written a letter to the department, requesting exemption of doctors and nurses of Dimapur ART Plus Centre

so that they could provide treatment and services to PLHIV needing medical attention. A RT Fo u n d a t i o n president Ketho Angami remarked that COVID was here to stay and therefore insisted that the department should focus on creating awareness on how to adapt and live along with the virus while treating COVID patients. Demanding that PLHIV, TB patients, drug users or other related sick patients should not be neglected due to the current crisis, he pointed out that TB was even more serious than COVID and that TB patients were vulnerable to COVID. Ketho claimed that in some districts the constituent unit people were volunteering to deliver medicines doorto-door and demanded that some doctors should be relieved to take care of such patients. (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C

state/northeast

Khashiho visits CHC Seyochung

Khashiho (Right) during the meeting held at Seyochung on June 12. (DIPR) DIMAPUR: Minister of Geology & Mining, Soil and Water Conservation and incharge of Kiphire district for COVID-19, Khashiho Sangtam visited Seyochung Community Health Centre (CHC), and held brief meeting with administration, health workers, GBs and civil organisations on June 12. According to DIPR report, Khashiho briefed on the SOPs taken by the government towards tackling the pandemic. He exhorted that community participation was of ut-

most importance rather than stigmatising which was detrimental. As per new SOP, the direction of the district administration should be stringently adhered to by respective villages. Later, the minister handed the automatic hands free sanitiser and Rs 20,000/- to CHC Seyochung for emergency use, Rs.10,000/- each for village guards and security personnel at Seyochung town. ADC Seyochung chaired the programme

and stressed to abstain from discrimination, refusal to let into their villages. Additionally, he informed the public to acknowledge valuable sacrifices being extended by frontline workers, and have cognizance that corona is prevalent and cooperation was the only means to combat it. To facilitate augmentation of quarantine, the minister also handed an amount of Rs. 30,000/towards quarantine centre management committee at Sitimi earlier, on Thursday.

State roundup on covid-19 lockdown DIMAPUR: Joint secretary, Hiazu Meru informed that no violation of the lockdown nor any law and order incident have been reported in the state as on June 14. According to DIPR report, on the availability of essential goods, the report stated that shops for food grains and groceries were open in all the districts other than Longleng and Mokokchung. Medical shops remain opened in all the districts except Longleng. The report also maintained that no shortage of food grains, medicines and other essentials have been reported in any part of the state. It added that no movement restriction was imposed for the distribution of essential commodities and on service providers. According to the report, suitable arrangements that have been made for providing food and shelter to migrant workers affected by the COVID-19 restrictions continue to function. In this regard, there is 1 (one) active relief/shelter camp and 1 (one) food camp.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020

‘World Blood Donors Day’ observed across Nagaland

DIMAPUR: World Blood Donors Day under the theme, “celebrating the gift of blood” was observed across Nagaland along with the rest of the world on June 14. IMDH Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, the day was observed at IDSP hall, IMDH Mokokchung on June 14. A press release from CMO office Mokokchung stated that, Molu (MVBDA) presented the significance of the day by sharing about the importance of blood donation and thanked the donors present in the programme for coming forward. Dr. Bendangmeren also shared about his life experience as a donor. Earlier, programme was chaired by Dr. Tsupongchem

Regular blood donors felicitated with certificate CRPF and medical personnel at the blood at the programme held on June 14. donation conducted on June 14 at Zubza. Sangtam, MO (Blood Bank), MS IMDH Mokokchung, anna provided all necessary where he gave a short report felicitating the regular blood assistance during the blood of the Blood Bank at IMDH. donors. donation. Speaking on the occasion, he 78 Bn CRPF, Zubza: A press release from 78 encouraged the participants 12 personnel and officers Bn CRPF Zubza stated that, to donate blood stating that, of 78 Bn CRPF donated the blood donation was con“Every time one donates, blood on the occasion where ducted to support and save blood regenerates”. GDMO Dr. Chesham Rafi- human lives especially durThe programme con- udding Shah and assistant ing this challenging COVIDcluded with Dr. Medem commandant Jayanth Pras- 19 pandemic.

University Grants Commission notifies on digital payment

DIMAPUR: University Grants Commission (UGC), ministry of Human Resource Development, secretary, prof. Rajnish Jain has informed in a notification that government of India was making efforts for promotion of digital payment and enabling convenient digital payment modes throughout the country. According to DIPR report, Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) was a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conceptualised system driven by

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) which offers integrated, accessible and interoperable recurring payment services to consumers. BBPS is the simplest method for all billers for enabling digital payment and would help to reduce cash handling charges and help with easy and timely reconciliation, leading to operational efficiencies. The order addressed to vice chancellors of all universities directed universities and its affiliated colleges/

QFC Ahthibung receives latest arrival at quarantine centre

DIMAPUR: Quarantine facility centre (QFC) Ahthibung has been receiving returnees and with the latest arrival of a husband

COVID-19 positive cases reach 458 in Manipur Correspondent IMPHAL, Jun 14: COVID-19 positive cases in Manipur increased to 458 as nine more tested positive for the virus during the last 24 hours, officials said on Sunday. An official source from the COVID-19 Common Control Room said that nine new cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours. Of the nine, four were confirmed at RIMS’s VRDL and five at JNIMS’s VRDL. With the nine new cases, the total number of positive cases has increased to 458. Of these, 367 are active cases. Meanwhile, a statement of the same control room cautioned the elderly especially those with preexisting health conditions stating that they are more vulnerable to the complication of COVID-19. Nearly 8.6 percent of the population of the state is above 60 years. They need special care and protection, it observed. The statement advised COVID-19 exposed or confirmed persons not to go near the elderly persons without a medical mask or serve them without sanitizing hands. The outreach team of the state health department has been visiting old age homes functioning in the state and creating awareness on the pandemic and protec K Y M C

and wife from Maharashtra on June 12, the tally is now 8 with 16 more expected to arrive on June 14. A press release from

QFC member secretary, Chungminthang Singson stated that, the husbandwife duo were each presented with welcome gift

northeast

IMPHAL, Jun 14: Three alleged drug peddlers including two women were arrested by a team of Narcotic Affairs of Border (NAB) of Manipur police along with 450 gm of Heroin (No.4). They were arrested on Saturday evening during an operation based on specific information, said NAB SP W Basu, at a press conference held in his office chamber on Sunday. He said the NAB team first arrested Chaili Newme (47) daughter of Samuite U Newme of Magulong vil-

lage of Tamenglong along with 35 caps (450 gm) of Heroin powder from Imphal’s Mantripukhri around 5.30 pm on Saturday. Fur ther operation based on her revelation led to the arrest of another woman, Felina Neinunnem (28) daughter of Demkhokai of Tuibong town of Churachandpur district who delivered the illegal drug to Chaili Newme. Felina was arrested along with Ngamkhomang Haokip (30) son of Janggin Haokip of S Muoldung village of Churachandpur district.

COVID-19 cases near 4000-mark in Assam Guwahati, Jun 14 (PTI): The novel coronavirus cases in Assam inched towards the 4,000 mark on Sunday with 43 more people testing positive for the infection, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Fourteen of the new cases were from Nagaon district, followed by 10 each in Golaghat and Kamrup, two each in Jorhat, Baksa and Chirang, and one each in Karbi Anglong, Dhemaji and Bongaigaon, Sarma tweeted. The new infections have taken the tally to 3,943, out of which 2,127 are active cases, Sarma added. Eight people have died from the pandemic in Assam so far, while 1,805 have recovered and three have migrated out of the state, the minister said. Assam has witnessed a spurt in COVID-19 cases after interstate movement was allowed. The state government has imposed a mandatory institutional quarantine policy for every, barring some exceptions.

of late Khudokching

A year has passed since you left us and not a single day has gone without thinking, missing and praying for you. Pray that you rest in peace with God.

Volunteers from Chakhesang Baptist Church, Minister Hill Kohima cooking for the returnees at the quarantine centres on June 13, at Kohima DTF kitchen, NBCC convention hall. (DIPR)

15th June, 2019

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The team recovered a sum of Rs 4,00,000 from the possession of Felina Neinunnem and one Bolero Jeep (MN-02C/0023). Both (Felina Neinunnem and Ngamkhomang Haokip) were arrested from another location at Mantripukhri where the first woman was arrested with the contraband drug, around 7.30 pm of the same day. As disclosed by Newme, the drug was delivered to her by Felina who came with Haokip in the Bolero vehicle, the SP said.

of Rev. LUHEZU YEPTHO (15.06.2017)

A great man of God, we value your wisdom, guidance, love and good principles left behind. Daddy, you are fondly missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day. Loved ones DP-2732

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF LATE VIZOPAL PAUL CHAYA

“If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:8

Man dies of electrocution in Assam

Hailakandi, Jun 14 (PTI): Electrocution claimed the life of a 55-year-old man in Hailakandi district of Assam on Sunday when he stepped upon a live wire, officials said. The man identified as Rofiqueuddin Mazarbhuiya died at Bhatirkupa Part II village after coming in contact with the snapped wire when he was going to a mosque, the officials said. District Disaster Management Authority Project Officer Rupjoy Maibangsa said that after receiving the information, he went to the spot along with police and APDCL (Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd) personnel. The body was sent for pot-mortem examination.

In fond memory, Your loving mother.

3rd DEATH ANNIVERSARY

3 drug peddlers held with Heroin in Mnp Correspondent

1st Death Anniversary

DP-2613

QFC Ahthibung management board on Sunday during a brief programme to receive returnees.

package, during a short briefing on Sunday, held at the centre’s premises, by the OC Ahthibung PS, Akum Nungsang. The briefing and presentation of gift packs was witnessed among others by SDO (Civil) Ahthibung, Rupfoukutuo Noudi, GBs and officials from Health and Police department. Each gift package contained daily essential items including pocket size Bible, pen and notepad. Welcome gift packages (50 packs) were donated by Tonga Hangsing, manager, QFCA and family and Chongpi Singson, A/T GHS Ahthibung and family.

institutes to encourage digital payment of recurring bill through BBPS in the institutions. For further clarification for this order one may contact Ankur Chugh, lead relationship manager, BBPS, NPCI email; ankur.chugh@npci.org. in at 919599903832, Punyabrata Ghatak, scientist F, MeitY, email; pghatak@ meity.gov.in at 911124364807, Ajay Chandrakar, scientist C, MeitiY, email; chandrakar.ajay@meity.gov.in at 918860173395.

DIED 15.06.2019 One year ago, on this day, we lost the most important person of our life; our father. It was on Father’s Day, we had to say our goodbyes. We will never know someone as wise, kind, honest and humble as you, Apu. It is said that prayer is the best weapon. We are praying for you. May you shine bright in heaven. In loving memory of a life so beautifully lived and a heart so deeply loved. – Loving wife and children K-1086

We, the bereaved family members of Lt. Hotopu. I. Zhimomi, Head GB, Ikishe Village would like to express our profound gratitude to all who stood by us throughout the prolonged illness and a sad demise of our beloved on 9th June 2020. Our heartfelt gratitude to the following groups/organisations/ association and individuals: 1. Ikishe Baptist Church 2. Residents of Ikishe Village 3. Ikishe Village Council 4. STH, Ikishe Unit 5. IVSU 6. Chekiye Baptist Church 7. Residents of Chekiye Village 8. GB’s of Chekiye 9. Doctors & Nurses of Dimapur Hospital 10. Doctors & Nurses of Olive Hospital, Dimapur 11. Konyak Community, Chekiye Village Block- 6 12. Phungcham Paorei, Varangarai Fellowship 13. Teachers & Staffs of Daeshin Academy, Diphupar- B 14. Teachers & Staffs of GPS, Ikishe Village 15. St. Joseph University, Ikishe Village 16. Mr. Luheto Awomi, GB, Ikishe Village 17. Dr. Kheshito Zhimmo, MS, Dimapur 18. Mr. Kazheto Kinimi, Advisor, Disaster Management, Govt of Nagaland 19. Mr. Kivigho Chishi, IGP, Nagaland 20. Mr. Israel. G. Xuivi, Dy. Commandant 21. Mr. Atomi Zhimomi, Ex- MLA 22. Mrs. Khezheli. K. Zhimomi & Family 23. Otova Swu & family, Chekiye Village 24. Atomi Swu & Family, Chekiye Village 25. Mr. Bokato Zhimomi, Asso. Pastor, Thahekhu Baptist Church 26. Mr. Hokiqhe, 4th Mile 27. Mr. Mughato Zhimomi & Family 28. Blood Donors Though we are unable to thanks each one of you individually, we sincerely pray that the Almighty pay back each one for your kind gestures. Loving Wife, Mom, Children & Relatives DP-2752 K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: A r e o n l i n e c l a s s e s having adverse affect on children’s education? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

A B C

State BJP holds virtual rally

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

Yes. No. Can’t Say

57% 29% 14%

Next poll

Q: Is i t u n p a t r i o t i c t o

question the government on the Indo-China border issue?  Yes.  No.  Can’t say.

WEATHER FORECAST june 15

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Cloudy with a thunderstorm

33 26

Cloudy, a t-storm with spots

30 21

Aizawl

Guwahati A stray afternoon t-storm Imphal

A morning t-storm in the area

Itanagar A morning thunderstorm

32 25 29 22 31 23

Shillong

A p.m. t-storm in spots

25 19

Kohima

Thunderstorms, heavy early

25 19

Dimapur A stray morning thunderstorm 32 24

A shower and t-storm around

Mkg

Tuensang Cloudy with thunderstorms Wokha

26 20 22 16

A morning t-storm in the area 26 22

Zunheboto A shower and t-storm around

23 17

Y. Patton, Temjen Imna Along and others at the virtual rally at Kohima on June 14. (NP)

Correspondent KO H I M A , J U N 1 4 (NPN): Nagaland state BJP on Sunday organized Nagaland virtual rally at its state BJP office, Kohima. Speaking on the occasion, deputy chief minister and BLP leader Y. Patton congratulated prime minister, central leadership and the BJP Karyakartas for the successful and meaningful completion of one year of the second term in office, asserting that one year of Namo-2 was historic and a year of achievements for the country. Patton highlighted the main issue and achievements under Narendra

Modi like the passing in legislation against the Triple Talaq, repealing Article 370 and 35A in J&K, facilitation for settlement of Babri-Masjid issue in Ayodhya, enacting the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, resolving the long pending issue for Sikh devotees by ensuring access to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib. He added that Modi government has taken a bold decision to appoint the chief of defence staff for the first time in the history of the country, settlement of 34,000 people belonging to Bru community in Tripura by signing the Bru- Reang Refugee agreement signing of Boro Agreement and

under Modi’s leadership the protracted Naga political negotiation has gained a new momentum. Further he said Modi government has announced providing housing for all under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and has also achieved a major landmark in helping more than 1 crore beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat Yojana. Asserting that the first year of NAMO-2 had been both momentous as well as of challenges, Patton said that even though the nation encountered COVID-19 pandemic the PM has received accolades from the world leaders and global

organizations for timely national lock down. For Nagaland state, Patton said BJP was a responsible coalition partner, having 12 BJP legislators in the house of 60 members assembly and for the last two years, PDA government under the chief minister Neiphiu Rio delivered good governance guided by the vision of the central government. While stating that BJP Nagaland state unit was doing its best in handling the COVID-19 situation and other welfare activities, Patton added that BJP legislators has been extending financial assistance to various sections of the needy people in all the districts and will continue its services and welfare activities for the people. He appealed all the BJP karyakartas to continue to give more efforts in fighting against this COVID-19 and also to strictly follow the government guidelines. Minister of state for DONER Dr. Jitendra Singh (independent charge) delivered key note address through video conferencing. State BJP president Temjen Imna Along proposed vote of thanks. BJP minister, advisors and party workers attended the virtual rally.

ATMA Wozhuro block conduct LUC supports stand of LH training and demonstration for delimitation process

ATMA officials with farmer-participants at the training conducted on June 9.

D I M A P U R : AT M A Wokha, Wozhuro Block conducted a training-cumdemonstration programme at Sankiton village on June 9, with resource person Nzanthung Ngullie, ATM on “Fall Army Worm”. A press release from ATMA Wokha stated that, Nzanthung spoke about the identification of the pests,

different life cycles, various control measures and management techniques. Another topic “Awareness on locust attack” was given by Benthunglo Murry, BTM, which was followed by demonstrations on “Application of neem oil” and “Nursery bed preparation on carrot” by Nzanthung Ngullie, ATM

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020

DIMAPUR: Asserting that the present ratio of legislative representation in the assembly was discriminatory considering the population ratio in Wokha district with other districts, the Lotha Union Chümoukedima (LUC) has urged that this should be redressed without any loopholes. A press release from LUC chairman L. T. Lotha and general secretary Longshithung Lotha stated that for equal representation in the assembly constituencies in the state, the delimitation which was announced in the state for 2021 be proceeded according to the notification without any impediment whatsoever.

This was deliberated at an executive meeting held on June 13, wherein the members unanimously resolved to support the stand of the Lotha Hoho for delimitation exercise in the state. LUC also affirmed full support in the implementation notified for delimitation 2021 without linking any issues to withhold the process. LUC further stated that the delimitation which was supposed to be processed earlier was held up resulting to denial of equal representation of the Lotha tribe in the state assembly according to the population ration compared to other assembly constituencies.

Zhavame village: ZSU assists in paddy transplantation in fields

ZSU executives along with VDB secretary and other volunteers during transplanting of paddy in terrace fields.

DIMAPUR: Zhavame Students’ Union (ZSU) extended voluntary services to those who had not completed transplanting of paddy sapling in the terrace fields on June 13 at Zhavame village. A press release stated that, a few senior students with executives of students’ union carried out the age old tradition

of helping those in need with their paddy fields. Around 34 volunteers assisted 15 families in their paddy fields. The team was led by VDB secretary and ex-president Tho-o Shupao along with other ex-presidents, students and youths. Zhavame village had earlier initiated loudspeaker Sunday service, Holy

Week service, distribution of vegetables and immediate relief to town dwellers during the lockdown. Zhavami village chairman lauded the union for the Samaritan work. President of Zhavame Union Kohima also appealed to the youngsters to broaden their outlook which would surely bring unity, development and prosperity.

GPRN/NSCN condolence

news in Brief

DIMAPUR: GPRN/NSCN has expressed grief at the untimely demise of late Veto Angami, under secretary S/o late Kiheshe Awomi, of Tokiye town, Zunheboto district, who passed away on June 12 at Olive Hospital, Dimapur. A condolence from GPRN/NSCN through its MIP stated that, late Veto Awomi was sincere, devoted and had served the nation with full enthusiasm since 2016. MIP stated that his contribution towards the Naga nation shall ever be cherished and remembered in the pages of the Naga history. GPRN/NSCN conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and pray Almighty God to grant the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

Principals of all GHSS directed: All principals of Govt. Higher Secondary Schools (GHSS) have been directed to take note of the following in regards to the conduct of class XI admissions. According to DIPR report, online mode of submission of application forms shall be encouraged as far as possible; In case of acceptance of forms through offline mode, the respective schools shall make submission of the forms along with all required documents (photograph, admit card & mark sheet) in the online admission portal before the prescribed last date of submission (June 22); Arrangements have been made with the common service centers (CSC) under the department of Information & Technology for facilitation of the online form submissions. Schools facing network/technical issues can make use of the services of the common service centers (CSC); It will be the responsibility of the respective school authorities to ensure that all the forms accepted by the schools through the offline mode are registered and submitted at the portal within the due date on June 22.

and Loreni Kithan, ATM, respectively. AT M A , Woz h u r o Block also conducted a “Field day on litchi” at Tzungza village on June 10. The training concluded with distribution of neem oil to the farmers. 4 ATMA functionaries and 30 farmers attended the training programme.

MCD to continue with closure of prayer houses Returnees from Thiruvananthapuram hailing from Peren district enjoying their lunch from the Railway station Dimapur, before boarding the buses for Peren district on June 13. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Muslim Council Dimapur (MCD) held a meeting with all the nine major jama masjids and few panjagana masjids at Hazi Park, Dimapur on June 14, in consultation with Kohima jama masjid. A press release from MCD working president, A. Rahman stated that, the meeting deliberated and decided to continue K Y M C

with the closure of all the masjids in Dimapur and Kohima till June 30. It was further decided that after this period, a meeting will be convened to discuss further measures depending on the condition of the pandemic. The meeting also advised all the masjid committees to disinfect their masjid premises and make necessary changes as per

the guidelines and to prepare for the reopening in the near future. The release stated that, although the government had made ways for reopening of prayer houses with certain riders, the MCD meeting decided to continue with the closure for the larger interest of the society and also to lend a helping hand SBI Bazar branch Dimapur chief manager handed over two thermometer non-contact to the government to fight infrared to District Child Protection Unit (DPCU) officer Dimapur on June 13. (DPCO the pandemic. Dimapur)

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MCD members and other committee members during the meeting held on June 14.

K Y M C

northeast

Assam gas well fire: Govt, OIL to compensate affected

TINSUKIA (ASSAM), JUN 14 (PTI): Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said people affected in Oil India’s Baghjan gas well tragedy will be “adequately” compensated. Pradhan reached Assam on Saturday to review the situation arising after a blowout and successive inferno that killed two persons. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who accompanied Pradhan to the disaster site and relief camps , said a model and a veterinary hospital, a higher secondary school and a skill development centre will be set up in Baghjan. “Today I announce that the Baghajan embankment will be constructed at a cost of Rs 27 crore,” he said. “We will compensate all the affected people. Tea gardens, betel nut trees, fishes, houses and any other properties that have been damaged will be compensated in consultation with the Assam government,” Pradhan told people living in a relief camp.

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan take stock of measures taken at Baghjan gas well site, Tinsukia, Sunday. (PTI) After visiting the well site, the Union minister said the Centre and the state government are trying for a permanent solution to the disaster so that it never recurs. “Oil India is an Assamese company. It has been working here for many decades. Both the Centre and the state have constituted high-level inquiry committees. We will punish the

6 CSOs derecognise Leishemba Sanajaoba as king of Manipur Correspondent IMPHAL, Jun 14: Six major civil society organisations in Manipur on Sunday announced that they have derecognised Leishemba Sanajaoba as the king of Manipur. The decision of the major CSOs came after the titular king of Manipur failed to declare his stand on mixing of the king’s institution and politics after he decided to contest the election to the Rajya Sabha seat from Manipur. The titular king is in the fray for the lone Rajya Sabha from Manipur scheduled to be held on June 19 . He filed the nomination paper as a BJP candidate against Congress candidate T Mangibabu. The election was originally scheduled for March 26 but was deferred owing to the public health emergency due to COVID19 and related advisories in the country. After the filing of his nomination paper, various CSOs, the pressure groups of the state have demanded the titular king Leishemba Sanajoaba to abdicate his throne before he becomes an MP of the Rajya Sabha. Few days ago, six major CSOs - All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO), International Peace and Social Upliftment (IFSA), United Peo-

ples’ Front (UPF), Heritage Council (HERICOUN), CCSK and LIPUL issued him a deadline to declare his stand on mixing of king’s institution and politics. He was urged to clarify his stand on whether to become an MP of Rajya Sabha or to remain as the king of Manipur on or before June 12. Following the failure of a positive response from the titular king, the six CSOs, in a joint statement on Sunday, announced that they have derecognized Leishemba Sanajaoba as the king of Manipur. The statement read, as Leishemba Sanajaoba has stood firm on his decision to contest the RS election sidelining pleas by the people and CSOs of the state, there is no need for recognizing him as the king of Manipur. Sanajaoba will no longer be the ritual head of the state and symbolic king of the erstwhile kingdom and people and CSOs will stay away from participating in all activities involving him, it added. After one member had been disqualified and seven others facing disqualification cases were barred from entering the Assembly premises by a recent order of the High Court of Manipur, only 52 members in the 60seat Manipur legislative Assembly will cast vote for the election of one MP for the Rajya Sabha from the state.

culprit for this disaster even if he is a powerful man,” Pradhan asserted. The company and the Tinsukia district administration have moved more than 7,000 people from nearby areas of the gas well site to 14 relief camps. Sonowal said all the affected people will be compensated after a thorough survey by the administration.

The chief minister announced that a concrete road between Baghjan and Tinsukia city will be constructed. A women self-help group of the area will be provided financial assistance. “The Maguri-Motapung wetland is Baghjan’s property. Oil India will clean the wetland,” he said. Sonowal said experts are trying their best to douse the blaze as soon as pos-

SHILLONG, JUN 14: The Meghalaya Government is in the process of working out modalities to resume border trade with neighbouring Bangladesh through its land customs stations, with the authorities having decided to resume the international trade in keeping with all safety norms. Over 100 Bangladeshbound trucks laden with lime stones and boulders are stuck as the trade between the two countries has remained suspended for three months in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trade between the two neighbours was suspended after India imposed the nationwide lockdown from March 25. On June 3, the Meghalaya government had issued an order permitting resumption of border trade with Bangladesh through land customs stations, subject to strict compliance of

the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) being issued by the State government. H o w e v e r, t r a d e through border haats (traditional markets), where people from both countries assemble, continues to remain prohibited. Meghalaya Exporters Chamber of Commerce (MECC), general secretary, Dolly Khonglah informed that the district administration of West Jaintia Hills had recently held consultation meeting with various members of different exporter and importer associations, truck owners and drivers associations on the resumption of border trade with Bangladesh through land customs station at Tamabil- Dawki. “They (district administration) have briefed us about the Standard Operating Procedures that need to be strictly followed by the exporters and drivers transporting the shipment to Bangladesh.

out facts -- a three-member probe by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, a one-member probe ordered by the chief minister and an internal five-member inquiry by OIL. Besides, two more crucial independent investigations of technical nature are being carried out by the 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 impact of the explosion on the environment and ecology of the surrounding areas, including on flora and fauna in the adjacent Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. Already two officials of OIL have been suspended for alleged negligence of duty at the gas well site, while a show-cause notice has been to John Energy Pvt Ltd, the outsourced private operator of the well. A case has also been registered against Oil India and John Energy over the incident.

Endangered Hog Badger spotted in Tripura for first time Agartala, Jun 14 (PTI): Three wild Hog Badgers, a rare and endangered wild animal, have been spotted for the first time in Tripura by Forest personnel, officials said on Sunday. The Hog Badgers were spotted on Saturday and rescued by the forest officials from Salema village in Tripuras North district, about 90 km from here, the officials said. The animals were treated and kept in Sipahijala sanctuary, about 20 km from here. “The animals looked stressed and are being treated to overcome any shock. After their full recovery, they might be released in the forest from where they were found,” said Chief Wildlife Warden DK Sharma. “The animal is classified as ‘endangered’ in IUCN list and was never before spotted in Tripura. They were recorded in Assam, few other states of NE India and parts of South East Asian countries like Thailand and Cambodia. They were for the first time found in Tripura”, Sharma

Night curfew extended in Meghalaya 28 people died of drugs Correspondent Shillong, Jun 14: Meghalaya continued to see a steady surge in recoveries of COVID-19 patients and decrease in the number of infected as on Sunday, even as night curfew has been further extended across the state from 9 pm to 5 am each day from June 15 to 22 next as preventive and mitigation measures to contain the pandemic. “Three more persons from South West Garo Hills have recovered after testing negative twice,” Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma tweeted, adding that the total number of recoveries in the state went up to 26 and that of active cases came down to 17 as of Sunday. Meghalaya has so far registered 44 COVID-19 positive cases, including one deceased, 17 active and 26 recoveries. On the other hand, the District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills, Matsiewdor War Nongbri has ordered opening of all identified shops operating from fixed

premises from 8 AM to 8 PM in Shillong Urban Agglomeration except for barber shops, beauty parlours, salons, cyber cafe, gaming parlours, jackpot parlours and lottery counters. “No loitering is allowed in the shopping mall/ complex and only customers shall enter to make purchase and exit immediately thereafter without fail and the incident commander, police, headman, owner of shopping mall or complex and respective shopkeepers will decide on the alternate opening of shops on rotation basis,” the order specified. In her order, Nongbri said 50 percent of private and public transport will operate as notified and inter-district movement of persons is permitted. However, Inter-State movement of persons will continue to be restricted. Private office establishments with 33 percent employee-strength have been allowed to open with permission after giving undertaking to the office of

the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District and mandatorily comply with the National Directives/ SOPs of Government of India for COVID-19 management. “MGNREGA works with strict implementation of social distancing and face mask are allowed while tea stalls only in rural area are allowed to open barring those along the National Highway but undertakings are to be submitted to the respective Civil Sub Divisional Officers of Sohra and Pynursla and Block Development Officers of East Khasi Hills District. Any tea stall found violating social distancing norms shall be closed,” the order said. Nongbri has requested the public to strictly maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet, not to overcrowd in one area or shop, not to spit in public places, mandatory wearing of masks, both by shopkeepers and customers, adding that non compliance would entail action of closure of the shops concerned.

M’laya CM mourns Sushant Singh’s death

Correspondent

Shillong, June 14: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Sunday took to Twitter to condole the demise of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Singh allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself at his Bandra (West) apart-

ment in Mumbai on Sunday, police said. “Sushant Singh was talented beyond words and made a name for himself in Bollywood through sheer hard work. Deeply saddened to hear of his untimely demise. My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans around the country mourning this loss,” Sangma tweeted.

M’laya works out modalities to resume India-B’desh trade

Correspondent

sible for rehabilitating the displaced people. Interacting with the two leaders, the locals submitted a memorandum with a host of demands for rehabilitation and compensation. After reaching Guwahati on Saturday night, Pradhan held a review meeting with Sonowal in presence of Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of State for Environment and Forest Naba Kumar Doley and BJP Lok Sabha Member Topon Kumar Gogoi. The well number 5 at Baghjan has been spewing gas uncontrollably for the last 19 days and it caught fire on Tuesday afternoon. The blaze at the well is so massive that it can be seen from a distance of more than 30 kms 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. At present, five inquiries are taking place to find

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020

They are now working out the modalities and once the district administration gives us the green signal, we will resume the border trade,” she said. Khonglah said that the exporters have agreed to depute only one driver per vehicle to enter Bangladesh on condition that the driver should not alight from his vehicle for the unloading of goods in the neighbouring country. “ D r i ve r s w i l l b e screened at the entry and exit points on the border and they will have to undergo testing once in every ten days as per Standard Operating Procedures and their movements are restricted to only between their places of stay and places of work and vice versa,” she informed. Welcoming the Meghalaya government’s decision to resume the border trade, Khonglah praised Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for his determination to bring back the State’s economy into form

following the COVID-19 lockdown. “We need to open up our trade activities so that the government can generate revenue in terms of foreign exchange and royalty and especially to sustain the livelihood of the people who are involved directly and indirectly with border trade,” she said. “I hope we can start our trade activities at the earliest before hunger, not the COVID-19 pandemic, kills us. Economy cannot remain shut like this for too long. We have to learn to live with it but we need to take utmost care to protect ourselves from being infected with the disease and duly follow the health guidelines,” the exporter underscored. India and Bangladesh have an annual trade of $10 billion, but out of this total, Meghalaya contributes only 0.7 per cent despite sharing a 443 km long border with Bangladesh.

Sepoy killed in Poonch sector, J&K

Lungambui Abonmei KOHIMA, JUN 14: Following an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army on the line of control (LoC) in Poonch Sector on June 13, sepoy Lungambui Abonmei was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries. A press release by PRO (Defence) stated that the Indian side responded strongly to the enemy fire. The press release further stated Sepoy Lungambui Abonmei was a brave, highly motivated and a sincere soldier, adding that the nation will always remain indebted to him for his supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty.

abuse in Mizoram this year Aizawl, Jun 14 (PTI): At least 28 people, including three females have died of drug abuse in Mizoram this year till June 10, according to the state Excise and Narcotics Department’s record. A total of 1,607 people, including 190 females have died due to substance abuse since 1984 when the first drug- related death due to heroin was reported in Mizoram, as per the record. The department’s record accessed by PTI said that 55 people, including 13 females died due to heroin and other drugs in 2019. In the department’s record, Spasmo-proxyvon or Parvon spas was the main killer drug claiming at least 1,161 lives over the past 36 years while heroin killed 206 people and the rest 240 died due to misuse of multiple drugs. H o w e v e r, h e r o i n has overtaken Spasmoproxyvon as the main killer drug since 2015. There was no report of death due to Spasmoproxyvon or Parvon spas from 2017, the record said. Mizoram is sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh, with which it shares about 722 km long international border.

Excise and Narcotics department assistant commissioner Peter Zohmingthanga told PTI that most of the drugs, especially heroin were smuggled from Myanmar. However, drug supply also comes from Assam, he said. The official said that the coronavirus induced lockdown has considerably reduced drug supply from outside the state. The Excise and Narcotics depar tment has launched massive raids against drugs and alcohol since March this year. At least 336 people were arrested in drugs and alcohol related cases between March 22 and May 31, according to Zohmingthanga. Majority of the offenders were released on bond to decongest jail due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus, he said. He said that different types of drugs and alcohols, including 385.8 grams of heroin, 1.9 kg of ganja (cannabis), 236 tablets of Alprazolam, 19 phials of cough syrup, 5827.8 litres of local made liquor (Rakzu), 447 pots used for brewing liquor, worth lakhs of rupees have been seized so far since the beginning of the lockdown.

told reporters. Hog Badgers (Arctonyx Collaris) are listed as ‘vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List of threatened species as the species is dwindling fast due to poaching. “We have never spotted this animal earlier in Tripura,” Sarma said. The three hog badger cubs were rescued from the house of one Vivek Debbarma in Salema village in Kamalpur sub-division, officials said. “The animals were first mistaken for pigs for their resemblance, but local residents soon called the Forest personnel. Since they dont come into contact with humans very often, the badgers make easy targets for poachers,” officials said. Hog badgers (Arctonyx collaris) are the largest living badgers in the world, and are named after their pig-like snouts, which are particularly useful for rooting around. Found in forested areas throughout Southeast Asia. Being omnivores, they eat anything from insects and tubers to earthworms and even the occasional small animals, officials said.

Himanta Biswa Sarma diagnosed with kidney stone

Himanta Biswa Sarma Guwahati, Jun 14 (PTI): Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said he has been diagnosed with a kidney stone. Sarma said the stone was detected during an ultrasonography conducted on him after he complained of extreme stomach pain. “After an episode of extreme pain in stomach, doctors in GMCH have detected a kidney stone measuring 3.76 mm through Ultra Sono Graphy in VUJ position. Taking saline and injections to overcome the pain. Will take rest for the day,” the minister tweeted. Sarma has been leading the state’s fight against the coronavirus, visiting quarantine centres, hospitals and even monitoring the admission of COVID19 patients to the medical establishments.

1 new COVID-19 case in Arunachal, total 88

Itanagar, Jun 13 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday reported a fresh case of COVI-19, taking the state tally to 88, officials said. Of the total 88 COVID-19 cases, 82 are active as six persons have been discharged after they recovered from the disease, a senior health official said. The new positive case was reported from Lower Dibang Valley district. The person is a returnee from Gujarat and is asymptomatic, the official said. The patient has been shifted to Covid care centre, State Surveillance Officer Dr L Jampa informed. Arunachal Pradesh on Friday reported the highest single-day spike with 20 positive cases reported from various districts. Among the positive case detected on Friday, 13 were reported from worst affected Changlang district, six from East Siang and one from Namsai. Among the active cases, 55 are from Changlang district, followed by 9 from East Siang district, three

from West Kameng, Lohit and Lower Diang Valley districts reported two cases each and one each from Tawang, Namsai, Upper Siang, Tirap, Longding and West Siang districts. Five active cases are from the capital complex -- comprising Itanagar and Naharlagun. The first case in Arunachal Pradesh was reported on April 2, after a 31-year-old man tested positive for the disease following his return from a religious congregation in Delhi. He was discharged from a hospital on April 16. After almost six weeks,

the state had registered its second case on May 24, after a student who had returned from Delhi tested positive for the disease. Meanwhile, East Siang district administration on Saturday carried out intensive contact tracing of total 66 contacts including 16 primary and 43 secondary, who came into contact with two frontline workers who have tested Covid-19 positive. A total of 48 close contacts of the two frontline workers were traced and put under home quarantine, East Siang deputy commissioner Dr Kinny Siang said.

To our dearest Daughter /Sister Ailen. “Wishing you a beautiful day with good health and happiness forever. Happy birthday!” With lots of Love Opa, Mummy , Sis Lilong, Bro Henthong and Loved one’s.

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020

COVID tests to be doubled in Delhi: Amit Shah says door-to-door survey in Delhi’s hotspots

Amit Shah with Harsh Vardhan holds a meeting to discuss the COVID-19 situation in Delhi, June 14. (PTI)

Mumbai braces for outbreak of monsoon-related diseases

and roughly 29 percent of the 8,498 deaths recorded have come from the city and its surrounding suburbs. Suresh Kakani, an additional commissioner at Mumbai’s civic authority, said it was asking clinics and dispensaries, some of which had shut during a two-month long nationwide lockdown, to re-open. Drains are being cleaned and stored water in houses were being inspected for larvae, Kakani said.

reviews COVID situation with Delhi mayors, commissioners of civic bodies

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday held a meeting with top functionaries of Delhi’s three municipal bodies along with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to take stock of the COVID-19 situation in the national capital. This was the second high-level meeting held during the day in the wake of rising cases of the novel coronavirus. The key objectives of the second meeting were to review the steps taken by the municipal bodies and how to check the further spread of the virus, a government official said. Apart from Shah, Baijal, Kejriwal and Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, mayors of Delhi’s North and East municipal corporations -- Avtar Singh and Anju Kamalkant respectively -- attended the meeting. A representative of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation was present. Commissioners of the three municipal corporations also attended the meeting.

Shah to discuss COVID-19 situation with all political parties of Delhi today

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called a meeting of all political parties of Delhi on Monday to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the national capital amid a recent spurt in coronavirus cases, an official said. BJP, Congress, AAP and BSP have been invited for the meeting. A home ministry official said Shah will discuss measures for management of COVID-19 with the political parties. To overcome the shortage of beds for coronavirus infected patients in Delhi, the Modi government has decided to immediately provide 500 railway coaches which will be equipped with all facilities, he said. Shah said a committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of V K Paul, a member of the NITI Aayog, to ensure the availability of 60 per cent beds by private hospitals at lower rates and fix the rate of coronavirus testing and treatment.

NEW DELHI, JUN 14 (AGENCIES): The Supreme Court on Sunday refused to stay the probe into a sedition case lodged against senior journalist Vinod Dua by Himachal Pradesh Police in Shimla. After a special hearing conducted via video-conferencing, a three-judge Bench headed by Justice UU Lalit asked Dua to join the probe and cooperate with the police in the process. Police can interrogate Dua at his residence in Delhi after giving him a 24-hour prior notice, the Bench said. It means Dua can’t be arrested till the next date of hearing. The Bench—which also included Justice MM Shantanagoudar and Justice Vineet Sharan—issued notices to the Himachal Pradesh Government and the Centre on Dua’s petition seeking quashing of the FIR. Asking the Himachal Pradesh Government to file a status report on probe, the top court posted the matter for further hearing on July 6. On behalf of Dua, senior advocate Vikas Singh sought protection from arrest for the

Vinod Dua

senior journalist in the sedition case. As Singh said police personnel came to Dua’s residence and asked him to report to a police station in Shimla, the Bench asked, “Who is the complainant?” “A BJP spokesperson in Himachal Pradesh,” said Singh and went on to add, “I have the transcript on record, what he (Dua) has said is not sedition. If my lords want, I can also play the video on screen.” Terming it a harassment of a journalist for speaking out against the government, Singh said, “If what my client has said is sedition, then only two channels will work in this country.” He said, “If this kind of content can

attract sedition, then half of the country will be committing sedition.” Singh urged the court to order stay on further proceedings on the FIR lodged against Dua. On behalf of the Centre and Himachal Pradesh Government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the complainant needed to be made a party to the case. He sought two weeks to respond to Dua’s petition. Dua moved the top court after being asked to join the investigation at Kumarsain Police Station in Shimla district. Earlier, the Delhi High Court had stayed summons issued to him in connection with an FIR against him for allegedly spreading fake news on communal violence in Delhi in February through his YouTube show. The Shimla FIR has been registered at the instance of Himachal Pradesh BJP leader Ajay Shyam who filed criminal complaint against Dua accusing him of instigating violence against the government by allegedly spreading fake news.

Cong questions PM’s silence on LAC face-off

NEW DELHI, JUN 14 (IANS): The Congress on Sunday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence over the border dispute with China, alleging the Chinese forcibly took over the land belonging to India. Indian Army Chief M.M. Naravane has said the entire situation along the borders with China is under control and that the process of disengagement has started. “The red-eyed Modi government has kept mysterious silence about China forcibly taking over Indian land. Now, will the PM tell

when and how to get rid of the enemy from Pangong lake posts?,” asked Congress national media incharge Randeep Surjewala in a tweet in Hindi. His remarks came a day after Gen. Naravane’s statement that “disengagement” of Chinese and Indian troops has begun in the Galwan area, and that both sides “are disengaging in a phased manner”. After reviewing the passing-out parade of 423 officers at Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, General Naravane said, “I would like to assure

everyone that the entire situation along our borders with China is under control. We’re having a series of talks which started with the Corps Commanderlevel meeting on June 6 and have been followed up with meetings at the local commanders-level.” “As a result, a lot of disengagement has taken place and we are hopeful that through the continued dialogue that we’re having, all perceived differences that we (India and China) have will be set to rest. Everything is under control,” he said.

FAITH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY CAMPUS: NEAR N.H. 29, JOTSOMA, KOHIMA

Accredited by ATA (Asia Theological Association), Recognised by H.Ed.,Govt of Nagaland Website: www.ftskma.com

Email: ftsadmissions2020@gmail.com

Admission started for the Academic year 2020-21 Courses offered M.Div. (Master of Divinity) Regular & Extension Courses

Duration Eligibility 2 Years B.Th 2½ Years Secular Graduate B.Th. (Bachelor of Theology) 3 Years Class 12 Passed 4 Years Class 10 passed Dip.Th (Diploma in Theology) 2 Years Class 10 Passed Certificate in Theology 1 Year Under matric  ONLINE ADMISSION from website www.ftskma.com  Admission can also be done from the Office from Monday to Saturday.  Online Education facility available: Online Education provided through online study materials, lecture videos, webinars, etc., and assignments, exams conducted online during the nation lockdown period. For detailed information contact:

Principal: 9436001730, Admission Secretary: 9774410732, Academic Dean : 9436067723

Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research Dimapur, Nagaland

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(In partnership with the NEC, Govt. of Nagaland, CMC Vellore and EHA Delhi)

Applications are invited for Nursing and Allied Health Sciences Courses at CIHSR I. Degree Courses a. Nursing Courses: 1. B.Sc. (Basic) Nursing Eligibility: 10+2 Science stream (PCB and English) 2. B.Sc. (Post Basic) Nursing Eligibility: GNM from an INC recognized institution b. Allied Health Sciences Courses: Eligibility: 10+2 Science stream (PCB and English) 1. B.SC. in Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT) 2. B.SC. in Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology (BAOTT) Eligibility: 10+2 Science stream (PCB/ PCM and English) 3. B.SC. in Health Information Management (BHIM) II. Diploma Courses a. Nursing Courses: 1. GNM - Eligibility: 10+2 Science or Arts streams b. Allied Health Sciences Courses: Eligibility: 10+2 Science stream (PCB & Eng) 1. Diploma in Radio Diagnosis Technology (DRT) Prospectus & Application form will be available from 16th June, 2020 onwards at the CIHSR Front Desk between 8 AM to 4PM Tel: 03862-242555 Or on our website www.cihsr.in

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MUMBAI, JUN 14 (AGENCIES): For doctors and healthcare workers in India’s financial capital Mumbai who are grappling with surging coronavirus infections, the onset of the annual monsoon poses a serious threat - a new wave of patients with vector-borne diseases. Already stretched by a shortage of medics and critical care beds, the situation in Mumbai might turn uglier, health experts warn, as cases of malaria, dengue, leptospirosis and encephalitis are expected to soar in coming months. “Mumbai will be dealing with a crisis in the monsoon,” said Kamakshi Bhate, professor emeritus of community medicine at the state-run King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Mumbai, noting there is typically a surge in hospital bed occupancy due to such diseases during India’s annual June-September monsoon season. Water-logged streets are a common sight every monsoon across India. But in Mumbai, its most populous city, monsoons can often bring life to a standstill with flooding and water-logging, and result in a surge of diseases. In a report, local NGO Praja Foundation said official data from only government-run hospitals showed Mumbai recorded about 32,000 malaria and dengue cases in 2018, but the NGO said its own household survey indicated more than 200,000 cases of just those two diseases in the city that year. This year the city’s hospitals are already overrun. Mumbai has been hit the hardest by COVID-19. About 25 percent of India’s 297,535 coronavirus cases

ery person will be done and its report will be submitted within a week. For proper monitoring, he said, the Aarogya Setu app will be downloaded in every person’s mobile phone. Wi t h t h e r a i lw ay coaches provided by the Centre, the number of beds will be increased by 8,000 beds. He said a committee has been formed to ensure reservation of 60 per cent beds for coronavirus patients in private hospitals at low rates and to fix rates of COVID-19 treatment and testing. The committee will submit its report by Monday. The home minister said in order to provide correct information and guidelines for coronavirus to small hospitals in Delhi, the central government has decided to constitute a committee in AIIMS with senior doctors for telephonic guidance so that the best systems can be communicated to the ground level. Its helpline number will be released on Monday. Shah said the central government will provide the Delhi government necessary resources like oxygen cylinders, ventilators, pulse oximeters and all other requirements. The home minister said India is fighting the

Apart from Shah, Baijal and Kejriwal, those who attended the meeting include Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, members of the State Disaster Management Authority and senior officers from the home and health ministries. After the Supreme Court obser vation, the Arvind Kejriwal 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.

SC refuses to stay probe into sedition case against journalist Vinod Dua

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“gravity” of the COVID-19 situation, the Delhi High Court has also directed the AAP government and the Centre to increase the number of beds and ventilators for the coronavirus patients. The COVID-19 tally has reached nearly 39,000 in Delhi and the virus has claimed more than 1,200 lives so far in the capital. “To prevent coronavirus infection in Delhi, testing will be doubled in the next two days and after six days the testing will be increased to three times. “Also, after a few days, the testing will be started at every polling station in the containment zones,” Shah said in a series of tweets in Hindi. According to the city government’s recent submission in the Delhi High Court, the combined daily testing capacity of 40 labs, 17 public and 23 private, is 8,600 per day. The number of containment zones in capital has increased from 122 on June 1 to 242. The home minister, who was directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to look into the Delhi COVID-19 situation, said in order to carry out the contact tracing well in Delhi’s containment zones, a comprehensive house-tohouse health survey of ev-

coronavirus strongly and the government is sad and sensitive to the suffering of the families who lost their dear ones due to the infection. The government has decided to release new guidelines for the last rites of those dying of coronavirus, which will reduce the waiting period, he said. Shah said the central government will also make available its five senior officers to the Delhi government to help fight the coronavirus vigorously. In this context, the government has decided to add the Scouts and Guides, NCC, NSS and other NGOs as volunteers in health services to fight the pandemic.

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NEW DELHI, JUN 14 (PTI): With COVID-19 cases increasing alarmingly, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday announced that its testing will be doubled in Delhi in the next two days and subsequently increased by three times. Announcing a slew of measures to check the spread of the coronavirus in the national capital after he held a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Shah said that COVID-19 tests will be started at every polling station in containment zones and a comprehensive houseto-house health survey will be conducted in the hotspots for contact tracing. In view of shortage of beds for coronavirus infected patients in Delhi, the Modi government has decided to immediately provide 500 railway coaches which will be equipped with all facilities, he said. Also, detailed guidelines will be issued for conducting the last rites of those who succumb to the deadly virus. Shah said a joint team of doctors of the union health ministry, Delhi government’s health department, AIIMS and the three Municipal Corporation of Delhi will visit all COVIDdesignated hospitals in the capital and prepare a report after inspecting the health systems and preparedness T h e d e ve l o p m e n t comes two days after the Supreme Court lashed out at the AAP government, describing as “horrific” the state of affairs in Delhi hospitals with bodies being stacked next to COVID-19 patients. It had also expressed concern over fewer tests being conducted in the national capital and had directed ramping up of testing. Taking note of the

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

India heads for severe recession

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 189 Dimapur, MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020

Reopening a Pandora’s box

fter the government of India on February 28,2020 cancelled its earlier notifications which deferred delimitation in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh due to security issues, the exercise could be carried out "now" as the previous circumstances ceased to exist. The Delimitation Commission was set up on July 12, 2002 after the 2001 census with Justice Kuldip Singh, a retired Judge of the Supreme Court as its Chairperson. The Commission completed the delimitation exercise and the Delimitation Order, 2008 but excluded four north eastern states-Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland. The assembly election in Karnataka, conducted in three phases in May 2008, was the first to use the new boundaries as drawn by the 2002 delimitation commission. Even though the boundaries of constituencies were altered in 2001 to equate population among the parliamentary and assembly seats; the number of Lok Sabha seats that each state has remained unaltered since 1971 census and may only be changed after 2026 as per the 84th amendment to the Indian constitution. Whatever be the fact about the delimitation of assembly constituencies-like the factors that have made it so compelling to implement the Delimitation Act of 2002-there is little doubt that it has generated not only controversy but a lot of heat that threatens to get hotter . Even as a decision has to be taken over whether or not to implement the delimitation in Nagaland, three different voices are being aired-one is to postpone it till Naga solution, expected “soon,” is achieved; the second is to implement it as scheduled and the third is to postpone after revision. This third factor has added another dimension to the delimitation process. Even the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party(NDPP) in power in the state, has made known that it disfavours the exercise at this juncture. One of the objections that also quite valid, is that the census of 2001 in the state contained major errors. In some places, the total number of voters outnumbered the population census. In some districts, though the birth rate was high, the population growth was recorded low. In contrast, in some districts that recorded low birth rate, the population growth was high. According to a recent statement by the Chakhesang Public Organisation(CPO), in the 2001 census, Phek district recorded the highest birth rate in the state but was shown as having the lowest population growth. These are some of the lacunae found in the 2001 census and therefore, there was opposition against using it as the basis for delimitation. When census was undertaken for the 2011 census, it revealed that the population growth in this decade 2011 was -0.58 percent while in previous decade 2001, it was 64.41 percent. As per the 2001 census, the population of Nagaland was 19,88,636 while in the census for 2011, the population was recorded as 19,80,602. The difference between the 2001 and 2011 census shows a decrease of 8034. Even as the matter is being debated to the extent that it can no longer be an exercise to deliminate but eliminate seats from existing districts in the case of Nagaland, it is an inescapable process and the President in the February 28,2020 notification had made that clear.

DailyDevotion Get Moving! (1)

Abide in Me… —John 15:4 In the matter of determination. The Spirit of Jesus is put into me by way of the atonement by the Cross of Christ. I then have to build my thinking patiently to bring it into perfect harmony with my Lord. God will not make me think like Jesus— I have to do it myself. I have to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). “Abide in Me”— in intellectual matters, in money matters, in every one of the matters that make human life what it is. Our lives are not made up of only one neatly confined area. Am I preventing God from doing things in my circumstances by saying that it will only serve to hinder my fellowship with Him? How irrelevant and disrespectful that is! It does not matter what my circumstances are. I can be as much assured of abiding in Jesus in any one of them as I am in any prayer meeting. It is unnecessary to change and arrange my circumstances myself. Our Lord’s inner abiding was pure and unblemished. He was at home with God wherever His body was. He never chose His own circumstances, but was meek, submitting to His Father’s plans and directions for Him. Just think of how amazingly relaxed our Lord’s life was! But we tend to keep God at a fever pitch in our lives. We have none of the serenity of the life which is “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Think of the things that take you out of the position of abiding in Christ. You say, “Yes, Lord, just a minute— I still have this to do. Yes, I will abide as soon as this is finished, or as soon as this week is over. It will be all right, Lord. I will abide then.” Get moving— begin to abide now. In the initial stages it will be a continual effort to abide, but as you continue, it will become so much a part of your life that you will abide in Him without any conscious effort. Make the determination to abide in Jesus wherever you are now or wherever you may be placed in the future.

Quotes

Formula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil. ~ J. Paul Getty

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020

eading for a serious situation Indian e c o n o my f a c e s contraction in the current and possibly the next financial year following almost a global pattern of pushing a large chunk to extreme poverty, $ 1.90 a day, in India as part of estimated 100 million global new poor by the World Bank. The two months of economic lockdown has caused immense losses. It is slipping into one of the worst recession. India has been relatively immune to global recessions. Even in the slowdowns of 1991, 1997 Asian Tigers crisis, or 2008 sub-prime, while the growth rate dropped, it never turned negative as now Moody’s or other agencies are projecting. Even the Fitch projection of 9.5 percent growth in 2021 has many riders. The economy is to contract for the next two years even after normalization of the functioning. The real GDP growth has declined from a high of 8.3 percent in 2016-17 to 4.2 percent in fiscal 2019. Moody’s downgrading India to the lowest investment grade of BAA3 projected it to contract by 4 percent in 2020-21 that is minus growth. On this

negative figure it projects an 8.7 percent rise in 2021 – that is less than normal growth. The Fitch sees 5 percent fall, presenting a grim picture. There are projections that it can be a Japanese type crash of 1990s. It took Japan ten years to emerge from market crash and credit crunch. In that case, Indian GDP may contract by 10 percent in 2020-21 and by 2.5 percent in 2021-22, according to Arthur D Little (ADL), international management consultancy. The ADL predicts 135 million job losses, 120 million people pushed into poverty and potential loss of $ 1 trillion. It will not be easy to have the $ 5 trillion economy, says though ADL praises prime minister Narendra Modi’s visionar y atmanirbhar Bharat campaign. There is little to cheer even in 2021 as the system virtually has ignored a large chunk of the poor people, who remains cut off from the path that country follows to progress. Inequality is rising fast. Indian Society of Labour and Economics (ISLE) in an online-survey in the last week of May found that the job

The threat of community transmission of Covid-19

hat is your general opinion on the existing relaxation of certain aspects of lockdown measures and institutions and of the recent Govt. order of opening up religious institutions with riders in our state? As for me, I am sceptical of it. Here are the two reasons as to why. Spread of Covid-19 from a known source and within a regulated environment: Nagaland was the last corona free State in India before the arrival of the returnees from other states. Amidst mass resentment against ‘that’ decisions, I for one fully supported that decision. However, we all anticipated our worst fear of corona reaching Nagaland becoming a reality but I believed it could be contained as it would be from within a regulated environment. As a matter of fact each and every Tom, Dick and Harry in Nagaland knew that it was bound to happen. The reality now is that the Govt. is struggling hard to properly process the returnees, test them and quarantine them due to the task being humungous in Nature. The abilities and resources of Govt. of Nagaland has been stretched to its limit even to contain the spread of Covid-19 from within the Govt. regulated environment. Sadly, there have been cases reported of the spread of Covid-19 from within it due to carelessness, poor planning and failure/laxity of Govt. operating procedures. Community transmission of Covid-19 in Nagaland: As we all know, Community Transmission of Covid-19 is the worst case scenario as seenworldwide in this pandemic which the people of Nagaland hasunknowingly dodged it so far. Based on my first hand on experience from Dimapur district in current the period of relaxed lockdown measures, the general mass of people doesn’t seems to understand the essence of the Notion of Social Distancing. Crowded streets with people and vehicles, crowded makeshift markets in every nook and corner, zero social distancing in most of the shops etc.. Had there been a single hidden carrier of Covid-19 among us, community Transmission would be of alarming success rate in Nagaland. People are complacent but the Govt. of Nagaland has now passed the order of opening up religious institutions. Any topic relating to one’s faith is a sensitive topic which is often argued without any reason or logic. However, In my opinion it is highly questionable for allowing opening up of religious institutions because it is one key factor which helps in Community Transmission of Covid-19. Where is the logic of ordering the opening up of institutions which were previously deemed/ identified as key factors in Community Transmission of Covid19 when the fight for it has just begun in Nagaland? Nagaland state is not 100 percent a Christians state, there exists diverse religious groups and diverse religious practices. Supporters of this Govt. Order please do remember that God helps only those who help themselves. On the event of Community Transmission of Covid-19 becoming a reality, is the Govt. of Nagaland prepared with adequate resources, enough manpower and technical medical expertise? We all know and can see how much our frontline workers has been sacrificing and suffering to their outmost limit. So, is it really a logical and practical decision to add more pressure to the enormous task already at hand? I humbly appeal to the GON to review its decision based on different angles of consequences in its practical applications. My sincere request to all who are reading this write up to kindly ponder, research and bring to light how Community Transmission of Covid-19 has wreaked havoc in different parts of the world and at the same time appreciate the efforts of our frontline workers. Chumben N Ngullie, Purana Bazar, Dimapur

losses and lower economic growth have given rise to severe inequality. The impact the survey predicts to last over one year and also saw “70 percent of respondents batting for greater devolution of power to the states”. T h e I S L E s u r ve y called for more cash transfers – implied that stress should be on cash economy, stronger public health system, universalize social security and build policies on the welfare and rights of migrants. It also discussed the need for supporting the issues faced by migrants. The economic emancipation is not possible Shivaji with the neglect of the labour. The well-being of the nation is dependent on the growth of the people who toil hard for the country. If the working class is not taken care of the country is likely to lose the most important lubricant in their capacity to purchase. The 80 crore people, identified by the government needing support during the Covid19 lockdown, have not been integrated with the market. This has resulted in their isolation and abject poverty. The denial has led

them to remain docile and without a whiff of sounding their basic needs. The silent march of over 4 crore hungry people across the country is a subject of introspection. The moot question is their tolerance and marching with dignity to home facing often hostile policemen, numerous deaths and shocking less than human treatment as trains, buses and modes of transportation were grinded to halt. It also speaks of the Indian character, that leaves it all to fate and despite the oddest situations does not spring into a post-George Floydtype protest Sarkar of the US. They does not evoke a response despite suffering humiliation or injustice. Is the silence a democratic tenet? If so the countrymen should feel happy that it has great strength for rebuilding itself despite neglect of the last seven decades across the political spectrum. The Communist Party of India general secretary D Raja like many other political parties sees it an opportunity to seize the moment for his party. Except for stray words nobody has tried to solve the problem of the marching

millions. Poverty is the worst from of violence, Mahatma Gandhi said. But an organized way to correct it remains unseen. Meanwhile, ten states have legislated laws that are harshest for the working class resorting even to 12–hour shifts and gives freedom to employers from adhering to wage rules. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien extols the MGNREGA for giving crash jobs to large number of poor. Unfortunately, no political party or NITI Ayog type organisations have come up with a solution to address the distress. The MGNREGA since 2005 has become a way to keep the abject poverty under cover without a bid to ameliorate the social and economic conditions. The neglect of poor is not the only problem. The economy started contracting in December 2019 itself. The government stopped releasing allocations and by January even restricted departmental spending. The RBI reported that the slowdown even before lockdown had hit the corporate sector as 2696 firms reported 54.3 percent fall

in net profit in September 2019 itself as demand weakened and nominal sales contracted”. A group of 505 companies in the ser vices sector had aggregate loss of Rs 53,167 crore; 1706 manufacturing units saw sales decline by 7.7 percent though profits rose by 17.4 percent. Amid such situations, it is least surprising that the country slips into a never before recession. The government is seized of the matter but it is in a financial crisis. It needs to do a lot but is hamstrung. The revival of the economy as a first step must start with decriminalization of the cash transaction. Cash wholesale and retail transactions can boost demand and speed up trade and manufacturing. Spanners of repeated increases of petrol prices are thawing movement, which is further being slowed down by high tolls/fastag. The roads are needed to be opened for free movement. It is catch 22 situation for the government. Pragmatic steps are needed to bolster the economy, pave a fast growth track and inclusive policies for the poor.

Post-mortem

NSCN (I-M) dubs NIA’s campaign ‘libellous’

ver since the IndoNaga Ceasefire was signed in 1997 to pave the way for political talks, much water has flown down the mighty Brahmaputra River. What have to be discussed have been discussed and only the issue of the Naga National Flag and Constitution remains for final touch. Naga flag and constitution symbolize the political identity of the Naga people. Thus, this issue carried high national sentiment. The world at large is also silently keeping track of the progress of the IndoNaga political talks. There is however, a certain agency (National Investigation Agency/NIA) under the garb of an investigation agency but performing the role of terror agency, recklessly trailing NSCN to stigmatize and label the organization as terrorist organization. NSCN, however, stands tall and unflappable keeping in view the fruition of the twenty three (23) years of Indo-Naga political talks that is moving towards logical conclusion. NSCN thus, have the temerity and dignity to set the record straight before the world domain. It is pertinent to point out that NIA came into existence more than ten (10) years after Indo-Naga political talks started in 1997. When Government of India (GoI) under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao approached NSCN we agreed to start political negotiation only after GoI recognized the Naga issue as political and stopped terming it as India’s “Internal Law and Order Issue”. Hence, the GoI declared that military solution is not possible as political problem calls for political solution. It was therefore, on account of the change in the policy of the GoI that NSCN agreed to sit across the negotiating table. Ceasefire was officially declared on August 1, 1997 and it was agreed that the political dialogue shall be at the highest level: Prime Minister Level, Without PreCondition and Outside India in a Third Country. Thanks to the GoI that the Indo-Naga political talks continues unhindered notwithstanding the change of political leadership. Important milestone was achieved with the signing of the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué of July 11, 2002 and the GoI officially recognized the “Unique history and situation of the Nagas”. This

official recognition of the unique history and situation of the Nagas was the first realistic step forward in the political negotiation. With the Indo-Naga political talks having gained momentum, the GoI renewed its official invitation to the NSCN leadership Chairman Isak Chishi Swu and the General Secretary and Naga Chief Negotiator Th. Muivah to come to New Delhi in December, 2002 through the Amsterdam Joint Communiqué and the subsequent MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING dated 18th November 2002, Milan Italy. The MoU was in addition to a conscious decision of the GoI to discontinue the ban on NSCN under the India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Significantly, the historic Framework Agreement (FA) had its origin in the year 2010 during the interlocutor ship of RS. Pandey when the GoI submitted its first comprehensive official response to the NSCN in New Delhi, wherein, it proposed that the political dialogue should move forward on the principle of “Shared Sovereignty”. The much hyped Framework Agreement of 3rd August, 2015 was signed at the official residence of India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi under the glare of the whole world as it was live telecast. All the important stakeholders of the two parties were present. Mention may be made of the then Indian Home Minister, Rajnath Singh, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval who were present when the FA was signed. It was a high profile political program not accorded to any organization in the history of India. The FA thus, reaffirmed that the Indo-Naga issue is political and upheld the recognized “Unique history and situation” of the Nagas. The FA also acknowledged the intricacies of the Indian political system and in consonance with contemporary realities both the parties acknowledged that violent confrontation must end to usher peace and progress in our land. Both the parties are cognizant of the universal principle that in democracy sovereignty lies with the people and lastly, an enduring inclusive peaceful co-existence of the two entities (nations) can be achieved only through shared

sovereign power as defined in the competencies. During the course of the negotiations NSCN have made its stand very loud and clear that an acceptable political solution can be arrived at only through respect for a people’s history and their national identity. The mutually agreed competencies and the recognition of the core issue of Naga National Flag and Constitution are based on the FA, therefore, it does not undermine the security or integrity of India. Thus, NSCN had made its stand clear that it is imperative that the principle of FA must be taken to its logical conclusion. GPRN strongly disapproves the NIA for its deliberate indulgence to go libelous against the very party engaged with the GoI negotiating for a peaceful political solution that is honorable and acceptable. Who give the sanction to NIA to put the tag ‘terrorist’ against NSCN? NIA came into being in 2008 following the terror attack in Mumbai. By then, the Indo-Naga political talk has taken deep root as the talk was carried in the spirit of mutual trust and respect. As agreed, NSCN is no longer a banned organization that NIA can dabble with. Legally and politically, NIA have no authority to label NSCN as terrorist organization. For its historical and political legitimacy the GoI boldly entered into political negotiations with NSCN. For the same reason NSCN was admitted into the fold of UNPO (Unrepresented Nations and People’s Or-

ganization). UNPO give no qualification to any organization to become its bona fide member if it uses terrorism as an instrument of policy. Besides being a member of UNPO, NSCN is also a signatory of the Geneva Call “Deed of Commitment” wherein NSCN gave the commitment to non-use of uncontrolled anti-personnel mines. It would be a breach of trust and commitment on the part of the GoI if it allows NIA to run amok to fool the world communities and undo the hard earned achievement of Indo-Naga political talks spanning over 23 years. Thus, it would be a matter of credibility and seriousness for GoI to rein on NIA to stop forthwith its slanderous campaign against NSCN. The NIA’s repeated slander against NSCN is not only nasty and disgusting but sending a confusing signal. NSCN puts on record that this misplace tag ‘terrorist’ against NSCN be clarified. NIA be reminded that when Government of India and NSCN signed ceasefire, there was also agreement on “Agreed Ground Rules” for the ceasefire. The principle understanding was that all present NIA cases are placed under the purview of Agreed Ground Rules which should be resolved within its mechanism which is officially set up headed by Special Secretary, Internal Security (MHA), GoI as the Chairman for Ceasefire Review Meeting and Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG). MIP, NSCN/GPRN

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Support one another

Despite the severe limitations, the government of the day has put all the available resources to contain and meet the challenges of covid-19 pandemic. Kudos to all the front line workers for their efforts and putting their life on the line for the well-being of fellow Nagas. It is a testing time for all. However, the prevailing fear psychosis and stigma associated with the covid-19 pandemic is equally dreadful. It should be contained with equal urgency as it is being dealt with the pandemic. Proactive sensitisation of the people through multimedia and community programs is necessary to overcome this challenge. Civil societies and social workers can play a big role in spreading the awareness. Discrimination and profiling of the patient and front line workers will only bring pain to the already distressed person and the family members. Lend a humane touch and support one another. Together, we can overcome. Temjen Imchen, Alichen, Mokokchung 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

NEW DELHI, JUN 14 (PTI): Amid a standoff with China on the Ladakh border, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that India will never compromise on its “national pride”, asserting that its security capability has risen and it is no longer a “weak” country. Speaking at a virtual ‘Jan Samvad’ rally for Jammu and Kashmir, Singh also assured the opposition that the central government will not keep Parliament or anyone in the dark about developments on the border and will share details at an appropriate time. “I want to assure that we will not compromise with national pride under any circumstance. India has become strong in its national

security. India is no longer a weak India. Our strength has risen. But this strength is not meant to frighten anyone. If we are increasing our strength we are doing so to secure our country,” Singh 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

Representational image

JAMMU, JUN 14 (PTI): An Army jawan was killed and two others were injured when Pakistani troops opened fire and shelled areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday. The jawan is the third Army personnel to die in Pakistani firing and shelling on forward posts and villages in the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri this month. “Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation on the LoC in Poonch sector on Saturday (night). Own troops responded strongly to the enemy fire and in the incident, Sepoy Lungambui Abonmei was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries,” a defence spokesman said. He said sepoy Abonmei was a brave, highly motivated and a sincere soldier. “The nation will always remain indebted to him for his supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty,” the

spokesman said. The officials said two more soldiers, Sepoy Lienkhothien Senghon and Sepoy Tangsoik Kwianiungar, were injured in the firing and subsequently airlifted to the army base hospital in Udhampur. The three soldiers were injured in Pakistani firing and shelling in ShahpurKerni sector during the overnight shelling, the officials said The mortal remains of the deceased soldier were handed over to his unit after postmortem at district hospital Poonch and is being dispatched to his home town in Assam for last rites, they said. They said the casualties suffered by the Pakistani Army in the retaliatory action were not known immediately. On June 4, havaldar P Mathiazhagan fell to the Pakistani firing in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district, while on June 10, Naik Gurcharan Singh lost his life in a similar incident in Rajouri sector.

Muslim body moves SC over Hindu org’s plea It said the petition of the Mahasangh proceeds on the basis that Section 4 of the Places of Worship Act prevents members of the Hindu community from reclaiming those places of worship which according to them were Hindu religious structures but were allegedly converted by Muslim invaders. It is apparent that the present petition seeks to indirectly target places of worship which are presently of Muslim character, the Jamiat’s petition said. It added that that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, was enacted to fulfil two purposes — first, it prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and in doing so, it speaks to the future by mandating that the character of a place of public worship shall not be altered. The Jamiat’s plea said that secondly, the law seeks to impose a positive obligation to maintain the religious character of every place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947 when India achieved independence from colonial rule. It said that these propositions have been recognised by the top court in its recent five-judge verdict in the Ayodhya dispute.

“Ultimately this Court concluded that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 impose a non-derogable obligation towards enforcing our commitment to secularism under the Indian Constitution. It was further observed that it was legislative instrument designed to protect the secular features of the Indian polity, which is one of the basic features of the Constitution,” the Muslim body said. It said the Places of Worship Act is intrinsically related to the obligations of a secular State and it reflects the commitment of India to the equality of all religions. The Muslim body said historical wrongs cannot be remedied by people taking the law in their own hands and in preserving the character of places of public worship, Parliament has mandated in no uncertain terms that history and its wrongs shall not be used as instruments to oppress the present and the future. “Lastly, as was pointed out during the hearing of the M. Siddiq case (Ayodhya dispute case) before this Court that there is a list of numerous mosques which is doing the rounds on social media, alleging that the said mosques were built al-

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NEW DELHI, JUN 14 (PTI): A Muslim body has moved the Supreme Court seeking to oppose a plea filed by a Hindu organisation challenging a provision of a 1991 law that provides for maintaining the “religious character” of holy structures as it existed on August 15, 1947, in a bid to open the litigation route to reclaim disputed religious sites other than the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. The petition filed by ‘Jamiat Ulema-I-Hind’, seeking impleadment in the plea filed by ‘Vishwa Bhadra Pujari Purohit Mahasangh’, has prayed that the court should not entertain the petition challenging the provision of the 1991 law. “At the outset this application is being filed to oppose the present Writ Petition, so that this Court is pleased to not issue notice in the present petition. It is submitted that even issuance of notice in the present matter will create fear in the minds of the Muslim Community with regard to their places of worship, especially in the aftermath of the Ayodhya Dispute and will destroy the secular fabric of the nation,” the Jamiat’s plea said.

legedly by destroying Hindu places of worship, needless to say that if the present petition is entertained, it will open floodgates of litigation against countless mosques in the country and the religious divide from which the country is recovering in the aftermath of the Ayodhya dispute will only be widened,” it said.

PITHORAGARH (U’KHAND), JUN 14 (PTI): Uttarakhand scholars on Sunday cited scriptures and books written before Independence that showed Kalapani as the source of Kali river, a key factor in Indian claim to areas that Nepal has now incorporated in its own map. The lower house of Nepalese parliament on Saturday approved the controversial map, triggering a strong protest from India. The new Nepal map lays claim over Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura which India maintains are on its side of the border. Kali is recognised as the border by both sides, but Nepal has contested that its source is the Kalapani area. Nepalese commentators have argued that the real source of Kali river – also called Mahakali – is the Kuti-Yangti rivulet which originates in Limpiyadhura, a claim that allows Nepal extra territory in the region. V D S Negi, a professor of history at the SS Jeena campus of the Kumaon University in Almora, cited Manas Khanda of the Skanda Purana, which has a reference to Kali river, known as Shyama in ancient times. “Shloka number 2 of chapter 117 of Manas Khanda of Skanda Purana clearly says that the origin of ‘Shyama’ or Kali river is from ‘Lipi Parvat’ or Lipulekh hill,“ Negi said. Manas Khanda of

A map showing Kalapani circled at the international border of India and Nepal.

Skanda Purana was compiled in the latter half of the 12th century, centuries before the treaty of Sagauli was signed,” he said, referring to the 1816 border agreement between Nepal and British India. British travellers to Tibet before India’s independence and Indian scholars writing on KailashMansarovar have also cited Kalapani the origin of river Kali, Negi said. He said Charles A Sheering, a British traveller and administrator who visited Tibet in 1905, also wrote in his book “Western Tibet and the British Borderland” that Kalapani is considered the original source of Kali river. Quoting the book, Negi said over half a dozen small springs combine to form the source of Kali. He also referred to Swami Pranavananda, an explorer-saint whose 1949 book on Kailash-Mansarovar described Kalapani as the traditional source of river Kali. According to the author, the source was

earlier known as Kalipani and later began to be called Kalapani by the locals. Ajay Rawat, former head of department of history at Kumaon University, said the tribals of Vyas valley have been trading with Tibet through Lipulekh pass since the 6th century. But there is no evidence to show the Nepalese doing trade through the pass, he argued. “The Kailash-Mansarovar yatra by Indian pilgrims has been going on through the same pass for centuries without any objection from the rulers of Nepal,” Rawat said. Rawat also cited an application moved by the landlords in Vyas valley, in the present Dharchula subdivision of Pithoragarh, in the court of the then commissioner of Kumaon soon after the Sagauli treaty was signed. The document said only two villages of Tinkar and Changru had gone to Nepal while six others remained with India after the treaty, according to Rawat.

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Rajnath Singh addresses the ‘Jammu and Kashmir JanSamvad’ virtual rally, at BJP HQ in New Delhi, June 14. (PTI)

the area. Both sides held a series of talks in the last few days to resolve the row. The senior BJP leader said China has expressed wish to resolve the dispute with India through talks, and the Indian government also has a similar view. “This is also our effort to defuse the tussle between India and China through military and diplomatic level talks,” he said, stating that the two countries are engaged in military level dialogue. Referring to the row, he noted that a dispute has arisen between India and China and some people have asking “what has been happening on India-China border, in Ladakh”. From time to time, people have been informed about the ongoing developments, he said, adding that his government appreciates the role of opposition in democracy and respects it. The Congress, especially Rahul Gandhi, has been raising questions about the border dispute and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be transparent about it. Gandhi had recently alleged that China has taken away India’s territory in Ladakh and questioned the prime minister’s silence on the issue, saying he has vanished. Singh asserted that India is secure in its defence and is augmenting its strength, and noted that Rafale fighter aircraft will arrive in July, boosting its air firepower.

Uttarakhand scholars refute Nepal’s claim on Kalapani

Soldier killed, 2 injured in Pakistani firing in Poonch

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020

lution in the last many years as valuations have been very depressed, sources said, adding the government stake in some PSBs has gone past 75 per cent due to successive capital infusions for meeting mandatory regulatory ratios. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only halted the process of recovery of PSBs but it is going to have an adverse impact on financial health of private sector banks too, they said. Hopeful about better financial health of the PSBs, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had not announced any capital infusion for them in Budget 2020-21 in February this year. The government, however, is following the process of consolidation of PSBs for the past few years. It started with the merger of State Bank of Saurashtra with its parent State Bank of India (SBI) in 2008. Subsequently, State Bank of Indore was merged with SBI in 2010. After an over six-year

hiatus, SBI again amalgamated its remaining five subsidiaries State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Hyderabad along with Bhar tiya Mahila Bank (BMB) effective April 2017. In the first three-way amalgamation, Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank were merged with Bank of Baroda from April 1, 2019 to create the third-largest lender of the country. A mega consolidation exercise took shape beginning April this year. As per the consolidation plan, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India were merged into Punjab National Bank; Syndicate Bank into Canara Bank; Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank into Union Bank of India; and Allahabad Bank into Indian Bank. Following the consolidation, there are now seven large public sector banks, and five smaller ones. There were as many as 27 PSBs in 2017.

NHM employees cease-work (From p-1) surveillance activities as well as reporting and documentations on COVID-19 related activities. He further said that the CMO office was not in a position to pool human resource from the blocks as most of the regular technical staffs, despite being aged with comorbidities and not well versed with the programme management particularly on COVID-19, were fully engaged in their respective health centres/blocks. Tuensang: In Tuensang district too, more than 200 NHM employees working under various

programmes of the Mission, including technical and non-technical employees, began an indefinite cease work on Sunday. Stating that all of the National Health Mission employees who ceased work were actively involved in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic in Tuensang district like screening at quarantine centres, sanitation and disinfection, sample collection and testing, data management and reporting, contact tracing, paper works, etc, 24x7 duty, the NEAN Tuensang unit in a release said they would stand in solidarity with NEAN till their demands

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

were met. According to the release, the National Health Mission employees were also overburdened with hospital duties, in addition to having to perform their routine jobs. Kiphire: According to a release issued by NEAN Kiphire unit president Dr Dheni and general secretary Jully S Sumi, the association held an emergency meeting during the day and agreed to abide by the association’s directive. All National Health Mission employees of the district decided to go an indefinite stir with immediate effect, the release added.

DIMAPUR, JUN 14 (NPN): Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Sharingain Longkumer, deputy chief minister Y. Patton and Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) have expressed pain over the demise of former MLA of 22- Arkakong constituency (1993-98), Er. Süwalemba. He was 77. Speaker: NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer said late Sualemba was a dynamic and dedicated man who worked sincerely for the welfare and upliftment of his constituency and the people of Nagaland. Longkumer said Sualemba demise has caused a great loss to the Nagas in general and the Ao community in particular and the void created by him would be difficult to fill. On behalf the members of the 13th NLA, Longkumer conveyed heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Sualemba and the bereaved family members. Longkumer prayed that Almighty God grant solace and comfort to the bereaved family at this house of grief and also for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

DY CM: Recollecting his association, deputy chief minister, Y. Patton said late Er. Sowalemba Longkumer as a man of word and integrity. His passing away at this juncture was a great loss for the Nagas, he said. On behalf of the state BJP legislators, Patton conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in eternal peace. Ex-PAN: Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland said the association was pained to have lost a very simple, humble and down to earth person like Er. Süwalemba. Ex-Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland president Joshua Sumi and vice president Medokul Sophie expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that departed soul rest in peace. Er. Süwalemba served as E.E (Roads & Bridges) before entering into active politics. He had ser ved as member of Indian Road Congress and also as joint secretary of Assam Board of Engineering Association, Ex-PAN stated.

Around 600 to ZPO-N backs delimitation exercise arrive from Delhi D I M A P U R , J U N 1 4 ate distribution of assembly DIMAPUR, UN 14 (NPN): A special train from Delhi with around 600 persons departed on June 14 and was expected to arrive on June 16 morning. Further, as per information from the control room of the empowered group Dimapur, a total of 63 stranded citizens arrived in Nagaland Sunday. It said 18 arrived from New Delhi, 5 from Dibrugarh and 6 from Delhi by train, 14 from Guwahati and 13 from Imphal by Air and 7 from Guwahati by private cars.

(NPN): Zeliang People’s Organisation Nagaland (ZPO-N) has come out in support of the proposed delimitation exercise in Nagaland. In a statement, ZPO-N media cell said the exercise was long overdue, to straighten the discrepancy of democratic representation. ZPO-N said that the delimitation commission was competent enough and well equipped to derive any referable information/ data, as the disproportion-

constituencies in the state was known to all. ZPO-N said the “misconception of the masses” that the delimitation process will be a roadblock to the long desired final solution of the Indo-Naga political issue, would come to rest as people would get to know the distinction between the two. The ZPO therefore was hopeful that the delimitation commission deliver justice to the citizens of Nagaland.

JD (U) opposes ‘clause 3’ of revised SOP... (From p-1) JD(U) wondered whether the state government, through Clause 3 has constituted its “super specialist team of outsiders, in the office of the chief secretary”, to advise him(CS) to release quarantined persons at the recommendation of the District Task Force? If not, then the team of doctors and nurses “should resign en masse” as they no longer matter anymore, said JD(U). JD (U) State unit also offered to shoulder financial responsibility of taking up the cause of the quarantined

people in the court of law, if they consented as the absurdity of clause 3 must be challenged either by the society or in the courtroom so that this does not set a precedence. The party demanded that justice must be delivered to the affected victims and they must be duly compensated for the mental, physical and material damage already caused and expected to cause as a result of the imposition of clause 3. JD (U) asked whether clause 3 was actually meant to fulfil the State government’s claim that Nagaland

had the strictest rules of lockdown in the country. Appreciating the wisdom and discerning action of civil society organisations (CSOs) of Dimapur, the party declared support to the resolutions adopted at the meeting between the Empowered Group for Dimapur District and CSOs of Dimapur held at Hotel Saramati here on June 12. The government of the day must understand that the power given by the people should be exercised for the convenience of the people and not for causing them hardship and miseries.

Car dealerships jobs at greater risk than ever: FADA New Delhi, Jun 14 (PTI): Automobile dealers’ body FADA fears that the coronavirus pandemic could result in job losses in dealerships which could be worse than what was experienced last year when over two lakh jobs were lost due to a prolonged slowdown in the automobile industry, according to a top federation official. The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), however, said a clear picture will emerge only after the end of this month when it will roll out a survey to understand how its dealer members are planning with regards to reduction of outlets and manpower.

When asked if there is a fear that there could be bigger job losses in dealerships due to the COVID-19 impact than 2019 when the automotive industry was hit by a prolonged slowdown, FADA President Ashish Harsharaj Kale told PTI, “Yes, if demand doesn’t pick up. Obviously.” Between May and July last year, the automobiles dealerships across the country shed around 2 lakh jobs to tide over the impact of an unprecedented sales slump. Kale, however, said, “To really understand the indication of what kind of job losses we are staring at (due to COVID-19), it will only be (possible) after this month. April and May

No. 9594 Yesterday’s solution No. 9593

No. 4213 Yesterday’s solution No. 4212

No. 3238 Yesterday’s solution No. 3237

Across 1. Insect (6) 7. Pachyderm (8) 8. Woman’s long dress (4) 10. Pointed beard (6) 11. In recent times (6) 14. Observe (3) 16. Evaluates (5) 17. Ribbon (4) 19. Defeated competitor (5) 21. Cant (5) 22. Precipitation (5) 23. Damp and chilly (4) 26. Male duck (5) 28. Border of cloth (3) 29. Final part (6) 30. Inn (6) 31. Norse god (4) 32. Uses up (8) 33. Takes unlawfully (6) Down 1. Shining (6) 2. Baby’s shoe (6) 3. Hereditary unit (4) 4. Clothing (7) 5. Military trainee (5) 6. Remains (5) 8. Pant (4) 9. Very small (3) 12. Pitch (3) 13. Gain knowledge (5) 15. Hang in the air (5) 18. Decorate (5) 19. Sheltered side (3) 20. Harden (3) 21. Liquidiser (7) 22. Snow runner (3) 23. Invent, contrive (6) 24. Prayer ending (4) 25. American state (6) 26. Actions (5) 27. Skilful (5) 28. Possessed (3) 30. Fling (4)

According to FADA, coronavirus pandemic could lead to job losses in car dealerships. have been completely under lockdown. You can’t really gauge what is the demand situation (now).” He further said a clear picture is expected to emerge only at the end of this month in terms of how the pandemic has affected the economy,

Call for exempting ART Centre staff... (From p-1) He alleged that HIV tests had drastically reduced in almost all districts, adding that there were reports of induction of police personnel in Opioid Substitution Therapy (OPT) during the lockdown. NNagaDao president Abou Mere informed newsmen that his organisation had also written a letter to the H&FW department requesting not to put ART centre doctors on COVID19 duty, though there was no response from the department. He appealed to the H&FW department not to deprive treatment to vulnerable section of people or abandon them, insisting that PLHIV, TB patients and drug users should be given equal attention like people suffering from other ailments. According to the information provided by the organisations, 29 new PLHIV registered for HIV care in May this year.

India Inc’s foreign borrowings plunge in April Mumbai, Jun 14 (PTI): Overseas borrowings by Indian companies fell 68.5 per cent to $996.04 million in April, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). India Inc had raised as much as $3.16 billion from overseas market in the corresponding month of the previous financial year. Whereas no fund was raised by way of rupeedenominated bonds (RDBs) or masala bonds in April 2020, the borrowing during the year-ago month included $304,462 through RDBs.

which market segment has been hit more -- urban or rural or a combination of both and whether it is the upper class or the middle class who have been hit harder. “We will get clarity only in June on what kind of demand situation is there

for different kinds of vehicle categories. Only towards the end of June we will be rolling out a new survey to understand what kind of changes dealers are working with regarding reduction of outlets and manpower reduction,” Kale said. He, however, asserted cutting jobs is the last option that automobile dealers resort to. “It is not easy for us to let go of our manpower as that is the most valuable resource. We train them and they gradually rise through in our organisations. That is the last call we take. Inventory would be the first call we take and other variables expenses, manpower would be the last,” Kale asserted.

India to witness COVID19 peak in mid-Nov

(From p-1) The overall economic health system cost of this pandemic is estimated to be 6.2% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The country saw a record spike of 11,929 cases pushing India’s COVID-19 caseload to 3,20,922 on Sunday while the death toll rose to 9,195 with an increase of 311 fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The ministry on June 9 said coronavirus related health infrastructure in the country has been strengthened with the availability of 958 dedicated COVID-

19 hospitals with 1,67,883 isolation beds, 21,614 ICU and 73,469 oxygen supported beds. Also, 2,313 dedicated COVID Health Centres with 1,33,037 isolation beds, 10,748 ICU beds and 46,635 oxygen supported beds have also been operationalised. Moreover, 7,525 COVID Care Centres with 7,10,642 beds are now available to combat COVID-19 in the country. The ventilators available for COVID beds are 21,494, the ministry had said, adding that order of 60,848 more ventilators has been placed.

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New Delhi, Jun 14 (PTI): Privatisation of any public sector bank (PSB) during the current fiscal is very unlikely due to their low valuations and mounting stressed assets amid the COVID-19 crisis, sources said. At present, four public sector banks are under the RBI’s Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework, which puts several restrictions on them, including on lending, management compensation and directors’ fees. So, it does not make any business sense to sell these lenders - Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), Central Bank of India, UCO Bank and United Bank of India - as there will not be any suitors for them from the private banking space, the sources said. The government will refrain from distress sale of its entities, especially if they are in strategic sectors, they added. Forget outright sale, hardly any public sector bank has gone for stake di-

Speaker, DY CM others condole

Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, JUNE 15, 2020

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Privatisation of PSBs unlikely this fiscal

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Sudden spike of COVID-19 Re-openings on pause as US cases in Beijing; 66 new cases records surge in COVID cases

With 20,74,082 cases and 1,15,402 deaths, the US continues with the world’s highest number of COVID-19 infections and fatalities.

Erika Shields (File)

chased by one of the policemen. The footage does not show the moment Brooks is shot, only an instant in which the young AfricanAmerican appears on the ground, but the GBI confirmed that the police officer “shot” him with a firearm and that the wounded man was “transferred to a local hospital, where he died after the operation”. Atlanta Mayor African-American Keisha Lance Bottoms announced at a press conference on Saturday afternoon that the city’s Chief of Police, Erika Shields, had resigned. The announcement came shortly after local activists demanded Shields’ resignation with dozens of people protesting in Atlanta. “To Mr. Brooks’ family, there are no words strong enough to express how sincerely I regret his loss,” said Bottoms. The Mayor also opined that what happened was “not a justified use of lethal

force” and called for “the immediate dismissal of the agent” who shot Brooks. Addressing the media on Saturday, Vic Reynolds, the Director of the GBI, said that the restaurant’s security cameras captured how Brooks, after fleeing from the agents, turned around and pointed the agent with the electric shock pistol. “At that time the Atlanta agent grabbed his gun, shot it, and hit Brooks in the parking lot, and he fell to the ground,” Reynolds explained. The GBI Director promised that his agency would publish the video from security cameras and that he would work to “enlarge” and improve the definition of his frames within his investigation, and asked the public “not to rush when it comes to conclusions “on what happened. Meanwhile, a group of protesters marched onto a highway in Atlanta late Saturday night over the deadly police shooting. According to local media outlets, the protesters held a line on the Interstate 85 and Interstate 75 connector, blocking multiple vehicles, including police cars. Brooks’ killing came after the May 25 death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American, in police custody in Minneapolis, which has triggered massive protests in home and abroad.

Desert locusts infest more regions in Iran Typhoon Nuri makes landfall in China

Sistan-Baluchestan, in the southeast, is the worst-hit province where the pest has been confronted on more than 170,640 hectares.

Tehran, Jun 14 (IANS): Desert locusts have infested the southern and eastern regions of Iran, a spokesman for the Agriculture Ministry’s Plant Protection Organization said. “Khorasan Razavi (in the east) has recently joined the provinces invaded by the pest, so the battle is currently taking place in eight Iranian provinces now,”

Mohammad Reza Mir was quoted as saying on Saturday by Eghtesadonline news website. “Sistan-Baluchestan, Hormozgan, Bushehr, Kerman, South Khorasan, Fars and Khuzestan provinces have already been infected,” Mir said, adding that desert locusts have been fought in the areas with over 378,494 hectares in the country so

far, reports Xinhua news agency. Sistan-Baluchestan, in the southeast, is the worsthit province where the pest has been confronted on more than 170,640 hectares, he noted. The official added that no damage has been caused to orchards and farms in the infested provinces so far. Plans are underway

US man beats COVID-19; gets $1.1mn hospital bill

Michael Flor is known as the longest-hospitalised Covid-19 patient. Source- Twitter.

S e at t l e , J UN 1 4 (AGENCIES): A 70-yearold Seattle man who nearly died of COVID-19 has been billed a heart-stopping $1.1 million for his hospital

Washington, Jun 14 (IANS): The US city of Atlanta’s Chief of Police has resigned after two white officers fatally a young African-American man at a parking lot. Rayshard Brooks, 27, died after being shot on Friday night in the parking lot of a Wendy’s fast food restaurant in Atlanta, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said in a statement on Saturday. The incident started to take shape at 10:33 p.m. when police rushed to the parking lot after receiving a “complaint that a man was asleep in a vehicle parked in front of the (food collection) window, causing other customers to have to drive around the car “to order food, the GBI said. The officers tested Brooks for blood alcohol and, after confirming that he was drunk, tried to stop him, but the young man “resisted and started a struggle” between the three. “The police officer pulled out an electric shock pistol, and witnesses say that, during the struggle, the man (Brooks) grabbed that electric pistol and took it,” he adds. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, The video, which the GBI is reviewing, shows the struggle between the agents and you can see how the man manages to get away from them and runs away,

expenses, the Seattle Times reported on Saturday, reports Tribune Web Desk. Michael Flor, known as the longest-hospitalised Covid-19 patient, has now

been dubbed as milliondollar baby. He was admitted on March 4, and stayed for 62 days. A night-shift nurse was sympathetic and held

a phone to his ear while his wife and children bid him goodbye. But Flor survived. His recovery prompted those around him to call him the miracle child. He was discharged on May 5—only to receive a 181-page bill totaling $1,122,501.04, he told the newspaper. That includes: $9,736 per day for the intensive care room, nearly $409,000 for its transformation into a sterile room for 42 days, $82,000 for the use of a ventilator for 29 days, and nearly $100,000 for two days when his prognosis was life-threatening. Flor is covered by Medicare, a government insurance program for the elderly, and should not have to take out his wallet, according to the Times. “It was a million bucks to save my life, and of course I’d say that’s money well-spent ... But I also know I might be the only one saying that,” the Times quoted him as saying.

to use drones to battle the pest in mountainous and inaccessible areas such as swamps, said Mir, adding that this year chemical pesticides will be used on nearly one million hectares. Mir noted that locust invasions will become more intense in Iran in late July. Last month, the Agriculture Ministry said that the army would help fight locust invasion in the south of the country. Gerold Bodeker, the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to Iran, said in April that it had boosted its emergency technical cooperation project to help Iran battle swarms of desert locusts. FAO would grant Iran with a total of $500,000 under an “urgent action for capacity building” to control the infestation, Bodeker said. On March 10, Iran announced that huge swarms of desert locusts arrived in the country’s southern region.

Nuri hit Hailing Island in Yangjiang city at around 8.50 a.m., becoming the first typhoon to make a landfall in China this year.

Beijing, Jun 14 (IANS): Typhoon Nuri made landfall in China’s Guangdong province on Sunday morning, the National Meteorological Centre (NMC) said. Nuri hit Hailing Island in Yangjiang city at around 8.50 a.m., becoming the first typhoon to make a landfall in China

this year, Xinhua news agency quoted the NMC as saying. The NMC has renewed the blue alert for typhoon and the yellow alert for rainstorms. It forecast strong wind in parts of the South China Sea and Guangdong and

rainstorms in Hainan and parts of Guangdong and Guangxi from Sunday to Monday. Meteorological authorities have advised ships to return to harbour and cautioned against floods and geological disasters in these regions.

FELICITATION We, the Kohima Longsa Mongka Kin Telongjem with immense pride and honour extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri. Tiyongmeren Jamir, Addl. Registrar of Co-operative Societies on being given the current charge as Head of Department. The Kohima Longsa Mongka Kin wishes him the best and prays for abundant blessing to the family and all his future endeavors. Sd/IMKONGMAYANG JAMIR Convenor

Sd/TEMJENTOSHI JAMIR Secretary

OFFICE OF THE

YEHEMI COMMUNITY DIMAPUR DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

FELICITATION The Yehemi Community Dimapur (YCD) is extending its heartiest congratulations to Er. HOTOVI AYEMI on being promoted/elevated to the post of Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department, Nagaland. The Yehemi Community is overjoyed at your exemplary achievement and we believe that the same will continue to inspire the young and old to aspire for greater heights. The Yehemi Community further wishes the best in all your future endeavors. (Er. Ahoto Aye) (V. Shikiho Ayemi) Chairman Secretary Yehemi Community Dimapur Yehemi Community Dimapur

FELICITATION

We the Konyak Students’ Union Dimapur (KSUD) Konyak Union Dimapur (KUD) Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong Dimapur (KNSKD) extends our hearty congratulations to all the Konyak Students of Dimapur of class 10 and 12 on successfully clearing their examination conducted by the NBSE board on February 2020.We also acknowledge our brothers and sisters who come up in the Top list and also who topped in various subjects. HSLC Topper 1. Mr. Ngamjong JN Yanlem, S/o T. Jeange Yanlem Top 8 Christina Memorial Hr. Sec School Aoyimti, Dimapur

95.33%

2. Ms. Henlen Konyak, D/o Auyong Annyuhu Top 15 94.17% St. Paul Hr. Sec School, Dimapur Subject Topper 1. Ms. Aying Mercy Walim, D/o Mr. Noklem Walim Mathematics 100% Lima Aier Hr. Sec School, Dimapur 2. Ms. Jeso Neangmai K Konyak, D/o Khangpe Social Science 100% New Horizon School, Dimapur HSSLC Subject Topper 1. Ms. PongyuhKonyak, D/o Y. Nyiemlem Sociology 99% St. Paul Hr. Sec School, Dimapur

We the Union take a pride on your success and also for uplifting the name of our Community. Further we wish you all the best for another mile on your journey. We would also like to acknowledge and encourage those who could not make it this time, not to judge your disability on failing your attempt. Remember the proverb “Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” We encourage not giving up and working harder on your next attempt. Sd/Sd/Sd/Jn. Wangwan Pj. Mosa Nm. Angep President (KSUD) President (KUD) President (KNSKD)

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Dhaka, Jun 14 (IANS): A Bangladesh government Minister died due to the novel coronavirus, as tests conducted after his death at a hospital in Dhaka revealed he was suffering from COVID-19, officials said on Sunday. Junior Minister for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah, died on Saturday night at the Combined Military Hospital, reports Efe news. “He was feeling chest pain and (had) breathing problems, doctors declared him dead once he reached the hospital. He died possibly on his way,” his colleague, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, revealed to Efe. “His sample was taken for coronavirus test after his death and today (Sunday) it came positive,” said Chowdhury, who is the state minister for shipping. This makes Abdullah, 75, the senior-most Bangladesh official to die from COVID-19.

is open and safe, but that simply is not what the data is telling us at this time,” Young said in a statement. Meanwhile, Jay Butler, who oversees COVID-19 response work at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned that the pandemic is different from other crisis because “it is a disaster that spreads”. “It’s not like there’s an entire continental seismic shift and everyone feels the shaking all at once,” Butler said. With 2,074,082 cases and 115,402 deaths, the US continues with the world’s highest number of COVID19 infections and fatalities, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

tients who are still being treated, with one in severe condition. Altogether, 78,369 people have been discharged after recovery and 4,634 people have died of the disease, the NHC said. Beijing has tightened COVID-19 control measures after the newly confirmed cases by local transmission. Given the new cases, the city has suspended a major wholesale food and vegetable market and strengthened control measures to resolutely contain the spread of the epidemic. With 46 people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in the last three days in Beijing after a period of lull, officials in the Chinese capital have initiated “wartime” measures, focusing on a wholesale food market where the new cluster of infections were reported from. The new cases at Xinfadi wholesale food market has raised concern among the people as it supplies 90 per cent of the capital’s vegetables and meat products catering to about 20 million people. Along with the Xinfadi market, six other markets were closed on Saturday. Officials in Beijing found the coronavir us strand on a chopping board of imported salmon at the Xinfadi market following which the fish stocks were removed from Chaoshifa market, Carrefour and Wumart stores in the city.

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B’desh Minister dies of coronavirus

if COVID-19 continues to spread at current levels. “Washingtonians have done the hard work to flatten the curve on COVID-19... But today’s report shows us there is still reason for strong concern in parts of our state.” In Oregon, Governor Kate Brown placed a sevenday hold on easing social restrictions as an increasing number of new COVID-19 cases emerged. In Baltimore, Maryland, Mayor Bernard Young also announced decisions to pause the phase two of planned reopening. “Let me be crystal clear with everyone: I, more than almost anyone, would love to see that Baltimore city

Beijing, Jun 14 (PTI): China has reported 66 new coronavirus cases, the largest since the disease was controlled in its first epicentre Wuhan in April, prompting the authorities to go into a “wartime” mode to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the capital Beijing which has seen a sudden spike in the number of infections, health officials said on Sunday. The officials of the China’s National Health Commission (NHC) said that 57 new confirmed COVID-19 infections, including 38 domestically transmitted, were reported on Saturday. Also on Saturday, nine new asymptomatic cases were reported, it said. Currently, 103 people with asymptomatic symptoms are kept under quarantine. Asymptomatic cases, also known as silent spreaders, pose a problem as the patients are tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. However, they pose a risk of spreading the disease to others. Of the domestically transmitted cases, 36 were reported in Beijing and two in Liaoning Province, the NHC said in its daily report. Beijing has reported 46 cases in the last few days, taking the officials by surprise. As of Saturday, the overall confirmed cases on the mainland had reached 83,132, including 129 pa-

US city’s police chief resigns after black man shot dead

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Washington, Jun 14 (IANS): As at least 19 US states have witnessed a surge in new COVID-19 cases, leading to a pause in the reopening of their economies. The Washington State Department of Health on Saturday released the latest situation report, which showed COVID-19 transmission continued to increase in eastern Washington by the end of May, with a possible uptick in western Washington as well, reports Xinhua news agency. Expressing concerns of a further spread of the virus, Washington Governor Jay Inslee said: “The report estimates cases and deaths will soon increase substantially

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020

Infotainment

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020

Bond’s ‘No Time To Die’ Actor Sushant Singh Rajput found dead in Mumbai toJames release earlier than expected

ollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found hanging at his Bandra apartment on Sunday, police said. He was 34. His last screen appearance was “Chhichhore”, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. “He has committed suicide at his residence in Bandra. He was found hanging today. We are investigating,” Manoj Sharma, additional commissioner of police, Western Region, told PTI. Sources from the Bandra Police said on the basis of primary information, a case of accidental death report will be registered. No suicide note was found from the spot, they said. Rajput’s former manager, 28-year-old Disha Salian, ended her life by jumping from a high rise building on June 9. Last week, the actor mourned Salian’s death and called it “devastating news”. “It’s such devastating news. My deepest condolences to Disha’s family and friends. May your soul rest in peace,” he had written on his Instagram stories. The last social media post shared by the actor, who hailed from Patna, was dedicated to his mother, who passed away in 2002

darnath” and “Sonchiriya” but his most prominent role came as cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s in the 2007 biopic, “MS Dhoni: The Untold Story”. In his last screen

PM Modi, VP, Bollywood mourn

Father’s condition deteriorates

when he was a teenager. An engineering dropout, Rajput was inclined towards dancing when he was a student at Delhi Technological University. He soon enrolled in choreographer Shiamak Davar’s dance classes and later joined acting guru Barry John’s classes. He also performed as a background dancer in the song “Dhoom again” with Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the

2006 film “Dhoom 2”. But it was the small screen that gave the “outsider” his breakout role as the coy and mild-mannered Manav in soap opera “Pavitra Rishta”, which ran from 2009-11, and was produced by Ekta Kapoor. Two years later, he made his foray into films with “Kai Po Che!” in 2013. He has starred in movies such as “Shuddh Desi Romance”, “Raabta”, “Ke-

Megadeth have recorded 18 songs for their new album, says Dave Mustaine

appearance, “Chhichhore”, Rajput played the role of a he release date of father who conveys the mesDaniel Craig’s upsage of hope and affirmation coming James Bond to his son after he attempts film “No Time To Die” has suicide. been brought forward five days. It will now release on November 20 later this year Prime Minister Narendra Modi and vice president Ven- instead of November 25. The change in release kaih Naidu mourned Rajput’s death, remembering him as a “bright young actor”. The news of actor Sushant Singh date was shared on the ofRajput’s suicide on Sunday left the Hindi film industry ficial “James Bond” Twitter in shock with Bollywood personalities Shah Rukh Khan, account. The move comes Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Amit Trivedi, actor-anchor after “King Kong vs. GodzKubbra Sait, Riteish Deshmukh, Richa Chadha, Ajay illa” was moved from NoDevgn, veteran actor Shabana Azmi, Karan Johar, fash- vember 20 to May 21, 2021, ion designer Manish Malhotra,Nawazuddin Siddiqui, reports people.com. “The return of old Shahid Kapoor, Shankar Mahadevan, Jacqueline Fernandez, veteran actor Anupam Kher, filmmaker Ashwiny friends in NO TIME TO Iyer Tiwari, actor Varun Dhawan and others mourning DIE. In cinemas 12th November UK, 20th November the loss of the talented artiste at the age of 34. US,” read the tweet. The 25th film of the franchise was initially set for After news of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput release in November 2019 committing suicide at his residence in Mumbai, the but the date was first pushed condition of his father who lives in Patna’s Rajiv Nagar to February 2020 and then colony has deteriorated. to April 2020, following the A huge crowd has gathered at his Patna residence. departure of the movie’s They said the condition of the actor’s father Krishna original director Danny Kumar Singh has deteriorated and he is not in a posi- Boyle. Boyle was replaced tion to speak. Lakshmi Devi, the caretaker of Sudhant by Fukunaga. Singh’s Patna residence, said the news of his death came Earlier this year, In through telephone. She said Sushant Singh’s elder sister March, it was announced who lives in Chandigarh is on the way to Patna. that the film’s release date Lakshmi Devi said that Sushant had called his was being postponed until father a few days ago and said that he will come to November due to the coroPatna and will take him for a walk on the hill some- navirus outbreak. where. “But he did not come, instead the news of his “No Time To Die” is death came,” she said. Craig’s fifth portrayal as (PTI/IANS) James Bond. He has essayed

egadeth have recorded 18 songs for their new album, says frontman Dave Mustaine. Mustaine was speaking to SiriusXM’s Jose Mangin as part of the ‘Metal Tour Of The Year’ series on the radio programme. Discussing the follow-up to 2016’s ‘Dystopia’ album, Mustaine said: “Dirk [Verbeuren, drums] and David Ellefson

[bass] both just finished their parts. And this was probably one of the strongest records we’ve ever had as far as duration. “The other records we’ve done have all done been different lengths, and our [record] contract that we have [to deliver] for one company, it’s eight songs, for another company, it’s 11 songs, so, realistically, all we need to do is do an 11-song album and we’re done, right? That’s not the way old Uncle Dave is, though.” Dissecting the process of creating the album, Mustaine continued: “So we got in the studio and we started working and it got to where we were writing all the original parts, and we had 15 of ’em. “And then we got to the end, and I said, ‘Shoot, we didn’t think about the cover songs, man.’ We had a couple of songs we wanted to do for this record. ‘Damn, we forgot. What are we gonna do? Do you wanna still talk about it?’ ‘Yeah, we wanna talk about it.’ “So we ended up doing 18 songs altogether, and then we had another song that we forgot was part of one of the other songs, so we had 19. [We] ditched one of the cover songs, so now we’ve got an 18-song album that we’re gonna be bringing.” This January, Megadeth played their first show with Mustaine since he completed his treatment for throat cancer, a diagnosis he was given in July 2019. (NME)

Alia Bhatt thanks Anushka for ‘inspiring’ her

ctress Alia Bhatt is quite impressed by Anushka Sharma’s sunkissed pictures. On Sunday, Alia took to Instagram and posted her sunkissed picture, thanking Anushka for inspiring her to hunt for sunlight spots at her house. “Happy sunlight sunday...p.s - thank you my dearest @anushkasharma for inspiring me to go on sunlight hunt in my house. May the light always be with you (and me),” Alia captioned the picture. Alia’s image has left fans in awe of her. A user commented: “You look so cute.” Another one wrote: “Beautiful.” On the work front, Alia will be seen sharing screen space with Ranbir Kapoor in Ayan Mukerji’s “Brahmastra”, which also features Amitabh Bachchan. She is also a part of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Gangubai Kathiawadi”. (IANS)

the role in “Casino Royale” (2006), “Quantum Of Solace” (2008), “Skyfall” (2012) and “Spectre” (2015). It is being widely speculated that Craig will make way for a female Bond, to be played

by Lashana Lynch, in the next film of the series. “No Time To Die” also stars Lea Seydoux, Rami Malek and Ana De Armas. (IANS)

Adele pays tribute to Grenfell fire victims

dele has paid tribute to the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in London, speaking on the third anniversary of the disaster which killed 72 people. Posting on Instagram today (June 14), the singer wrote: “Today, Sunday, is three years since #Grenfell. 72 lives will be forever in our hearts. “Join with me & @ grenfell_united to REMEMBER at 6pm on youtube.com/GrenfellUnited – to show that we’re still united for change & justice. Follow @grenfell_united for more info. #Grenfell #Demandchange.” The day after the Grenfell fire, Adele attended the scene to comfort victims and their families. In the following days, she also visited a local fire station for “tea and cuddles”, and treated children from Grenfell to a private screening of ‘Despicable Me 3’. At a performance later that month (June 29, 2017), the singer described meeting those affected as “one of the most intense experi-

ences of my life” and said that those affected were “not receiving the things we think they are”. She continued: “It’s a fucking mess. No information is getting through, people feel helpless. No one knows what they’re doing down there, it’s chaos.” Earlier this month (June 3), Adele spoke out about the death of George

Floyd, saying that racism is “alive and well everywhere”. Floyd, 46, died in Minneapolis last week (May 25) following an altercation with police officers. Floyd, who was African American, was killed when a white police officer appeared to kneel on his neck as he lay on the ground during an arrest. Officer Derek Chauvin has since

been sacked and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. “George Floyd’s murder has sent shockwaves around the world, there are countless others that haven’t,” the singer said. “Protests and marches are happening all over the globe simultaneously and only gaining momentum.” (NME)

Oscars pledge greater inclusivity at Actor Ranveer Singh wins Spike Lee apologises for defending Woody 2021 awards; to ‘level the playing field’ virtual love with shirtless pics Allen over sexual abuse allegations

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Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said in a statement: “While the Academy has made strides, we know there is much more work to be done in order to ensure equitable opportunities across the board.” She continued: “The need to address this issue is urgent. To that end, we will amend – and continue to examine – our rules and procedures to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated.” Next year’s Oscars will also feature 10 nominations for Best Picture, to “ensure that all voices are heard

and celebrated,” and creating a more diverse list of nominees. Other changes include quarterly viewing sessions being held by Academy members, to avoid a rush of films for ‘Oscars season’, and trying to include more, and more diverse, films than in the past. The statement read: “By making it possible for members to view films released year-round, the Academy will broaden each film’s exposure, level the playing field, and ensure all eligible films can be seen by voting members.” (NME)

ollywood actor Ranveer Singh sent his fans into tizzy by posting a bunch of shirtless pictures of himself on Instagram. The actor took to Instagram Stories to share the pictures, which seem to be from his post-workout photoshoot. He shared a collection of four photographs of close-up shots of the actor, flaunting his chiselled frame and perfect jawline. In some, his hair is over his face. The black-and-white pictures show Ranveer in a sober and intense avatar. Re c e n t ly, R a nve e r

shared that he was always glued to nineties television shows while growing up, which has shaped him completely and that he followed everything of the nineties era. “I am a nineties kid. Born in 1985, the nineties era is what defines me. Following everything from movies, music, pop culture, fashion, those are my formative years. Whatever you subscribe to, stays with you forever,” Ranveer said. The actor recalled the days he would sit in front of the TV, while other children played outside. (IANS)

the film community who denounced him in relation to the ongoing abuse allegations. “The actors have no idea of the facts and they latch on to some self-serving, public, safe position,” he told The Guardian. “Who

in the world is not against child molestation?” “That’s how actors and actresses are, and [denouncing me] became the fashionable thing to do,” he added, “like everybody suddenly eating kale.” (NME)

FELICITATION

The Middle PWD youth organization with immense pride would like to felicitate Er. Khriengunuo Theünuo daughter of Er Kezha Theünuo and Mrs Januo Theünuo for clearing the recently declared NPSE/ CISE exam for the post of Junior Engineer (First rank) under PHE Department. The youth organization would also like to congratulate and wish her well in her future endeavours. The youth organization would also like to congratulate all the successful HSLC, HSSLC MPWDYO members and wish them success. MPWDYO General Secretary MPWDYO President Vikethoto Tetso Neikerhelie Seletsu

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he Oscars has pledged to feature greater inclusivity in its future award ceremonies. Making a statement following a swathe of changes in the entertainment industry which have come alongside global protests for racial justice, the Academy Awards promised to “level the playing field”. Earlier this year, the 2020 Oscars nomination list was criticised for its lack of diversity, bringing back the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag from past years. Pledging a more inclusive list from 2021 onwards,

pike Lee has backtracked on comments he recently made defending Woody Allen over sexual abuse allegations. Speaking to New York radio station WOR 710 this week, Lee had discussed prominent allegations that Allen abused his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow. “I’d just like to say Woody Allen’s a great, great filmmaker,” Lee originally said on air. “And this cancel thing is not just Woody. “I think that, when you know, we look back on it, we’re gonna see that, I don’t know if just short of killing somebody, I don’t know you just erase somebody like they never existed. So, Woody’s a friend of mine, a fellow Knick fan, so I know he’s going through it right now.” Appearing to take back his comments in a new tweet posted last night (June 13), Lee clarified: “I Deeply Apologize. My Words Were WRONG. I Do Not And Will Not Tolerate Sexual Harassment, Assault Or Violence. Such Treatment Causes Real Damage That Can’t Be Minimized.” Allen recently criticised “self-serving” members of

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sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2020

La Liga: Barca hit 4 against Mallorca Javelin thrower Kang may get

Barcelona players celebrate after scoring a goal during their La Liga match against Real Mallorca.

The league leaders dominated for 15 minutes, before Takefusa Kubo produced a left foot shot that Marc-Andre ter Stegen needed to be at full stretch to keep out, and the Japanese winger later forced the Barca keeper into another good save with a powerful free kick, reports Xinhua news agency. Barca weren’t comfortable, but doubled their

lead in the 36th minute when Braithwaite scored his first goal for the club with a smart finish after a ball from the left was flicked on by Messi. Mallorca started the second half well, but ter Stegen produced another good save to deny Budimir, before Mallorca keeper Manolo Reina did well to save from Braithwaite and Araujo hit the post at

Decision to conduct T20 WC rests with CA, says Tendulkar

Hudson-Odoi rape allegations dropped

M a d r i d, J u n 1 4 (IANS): LaLiga leaders FC Barcelona returned to action after a three-month layoff due to the COVID19 pandemic with a comfortable 4-0 win away to Real Mallorca on Saturday night. Arturo Vidal, Martin Braithwaite, Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi scored the goals that extended Barca’s lead at the top of

New Delhi, Jun 14 (PTI): The legendary Sachin Tendulkar said on Saturday that the decision to conduct the T20 World Cup rests with Cricket Australia, who will have to take the difficult call of whether they can go ahead with the tournament as per schedule in October. The ICC is yet to take a call on whether they will go ahead with the scheduled tournament Down Under now that the curve has flattened in Australia and 25 percent crowd is set to be allowed to enter stadium. “If we speak about the T20 (World Cup), I feel it is the decision of the Australian Board whether they will be able to conduct the tournament,” Tendulkar told Aaj Tak channel. Financial aspect is something that needs to be considered with great seriousness, feels Tendulkar. “The financial side and other aspects will also come into effect. We will

the table to four points over Real Madrid, who entertain Eibar on Sunday. Barca coach Quique Setien produced two surprises in his starting 11 with Ronald Araujo starting in central defense and Vidal in midfield, and it worked perfectly as Vidal opened the scoring in the second minute with a powerful header from an Alba cross.

Sachin Tendulkar

have to see whether all these things combine together. This is a difficult decision but cricket is happening, it cannot be a bigger thing than it.” Tendulkar also welcomed the England vs West Indies Test series which

will be held in ‘bio-secure’ environment starting July. “I am very happy. England is playing their Test match against West Indies from July 8, so slowly the vehicle is coming on the track, which is a good thing.”

L o n d o n, J u n 1 4 (Agencies): Chelsea forward Callum HudsonOdoi said on Saturday police have confirmed they will take no further action over a rape allegation. The 19-year-old was arrested on May 17 following an argument with a woman, the Sun newspaper had reported. “I have stayed silent and assisted the police fully throughout their enquiries, as I knew the day would soon come when my name would be cleared,” Hudson-Odoi wrote on Twitter. “Following a full and thorough investigation, the police have now confirmed they will take no further action.” Metropolitan Police said in a statement, “A man arrested on Sunday, May 17 following an allegation of rape has been released with no further action.” Chelsea have made no comment on the incident.

the other end. Alba scored Barca’s third of the night in the 79th minute after beating the Mallorca offside trap to slide the ball past Reina at the keeper’s near post, and Messi finished the scoring after taking a pass from Luis Suarez, who returned to action after his knee operation in January. Earlier in the day, Wu Lei was on target as bottom side Espanyol won 2-0 at home to Alaves, who had to play for over 70 minutes with ten men after goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco was sent off for handling outside of his area. Substitute Roberto Jimenez produced a series of impressive saves, but could do nothing to stop Bernardo opening the scoring in first-half injurytime, and Wu’s calm finish at the start of the second half ensured three vital points for Espanyol. M a nu Tr i g u e r o ’s injury-time winner gave Villarreal a 1-0 win away to Celta Vigo, who remain deep in relegation trouble, while Enes Unal and Ruben Alcaraz gave Real Valladolid a vital three points away to Leganes, who netted a late consolation goal through Oscar Rodriguez’s penalty.

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Novak Djokovic

and the Adria Tour director, released a statement saying the event’s board had decided to scrap the Montenegro leg. Asked at a news conference after his defeat by Filip Krajinovic whether there was an alternative

host nation able to replace Montenegro in a fortnight, Djokovic said, “We are looking at several alternative options and locations which I don’t want to reveal at this point.” “We are running out of time so we will know

where we stand either tomorrow or the day after.” The second leg will be held in Croatia’s coastal resort of Zadar on June 20-21 and the final one in Bosnia’s Banja Luka on July 3-4. The tournament, or-

Davinder Singh Kang

New Delhi, Jun 14 (Agencies): Davinder Singh Kang could face a life ban or a suspension lasting eight years after the Indian javelin thrower failed a dope Test. A banned ‘specified substance’ dexamethasone – glucocorticoids was found in his urine sample, as per a report in the Times of India, and Kang has been served the AAF (adverse analytical finding) notice by the NADA (National AntiDoping Agency) regarding the same. This is the second strike for Kang, who has accepted optional provi-

sional suspension. He was let off for testing positive for Marijuana in March of 2018, and could now face a severe punishment, the call regarding which is expected to be taken by NADA’s disciplinary Panel. What could further land Kang in trouble is that he did not have a mandatory ‘Therapeutic Use Exemption’ (TUE), which is needed to justify the presence of dexamethasone. A dope control form is allotted to athletes and although Kang had described the medicines recommended to him, the fact that he did not attain the

TUE for it has put him in hot waters. He had left the NIS Patiala Camp a week ago after instructions from the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). Kang won the bronze medal at the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships with a throw of 83.29m, and at the World Championships in Athletics in August same year, the 31year-old became the first Indian to qualify for the final of the javelin throw event at the World Athletics Championships with a throw of 84.22m. It was the seventh best mark in the qualification round.

Solksjaer discusses Sanchez’s Man Utd future Lo n d o n, J u n 1 4 (Agencies): Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that there is a place in his squad for Alexis Sanchez but indicated the Chile star would only be considered a squad player at present. Alexis, 31, has failed to make an impact at Old Trafford since arriving in January 2018 as part of a swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan and was offloaded in the summer to Inter on loan. His time in Italy, however, has also proven to be difficult and was only a substitute as the Nerazzurri crashed out of the Coppa Italia on Saturday after a 1-1 draw with Napoli. Absorbing wages of £400,000 per week, the former Barcelona man is proving to be an expensive flop and Solskjaer has indicated that while he will be given his chance, his face simply may not fit. “Of course there’s a place for good players and good people in this environment,” Solskjaer said, ac-

Adria Tour: Djokovic beaten; Montenegro leg scrapped Belgrade, Jun 14 (Agencies): World number one Novak Djokovic lost one of his two opening singles matches on June 13 at the charity tournament he organised, and his day got worse when news broke that one of the event’s four legs has been scrapped due to coronavirus concerns. Shortly after beating fellow Serbian Viktor Troicki in his opening match, Djokovic said he was disappointed that the Adria Tour’s third leg in Montenegro, scheduled for June 27-28, had been called off. “I am so sad for the Montenegro leg,” he told the Balkan nation’s Sport Klub television in a courtside interview in front of a capacity 4,000 crowd. “We tried everything, but the borders are still not open and we don’t have time to organise it all.” With 12,251 confir med cases and 253 deaths related to COVID19, Serbia is among the countries whose residents are not allowed to travel to its southern neighbour Montenegro. Earlier, Djokovic’s younger brother Djordje

life ban for failed dope test

ganised by Djokovic while international tennis remains suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has drawn some household names and adopted a more streamlined format than the main tour events. Sets have been slashed to the best of seven games, with eight players competing in two pools on a round-robin basis. Having beaten Troicki in straight sets, Djokovic lost 4-2, 2-4, 1-4 to Krajinovic. Second seed and Austrian world number three Dominic Thiem beat Damir Dzumhur in minutes as the Bosnian retired in the opening set with a hamstring injury, but had to save a match point in his 1-4, 4-1, 4-3 win over Dusan Lajovic. Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov beat Lajovic in three sets but was stunned 4-1, 4-3 by home crowd favourite Nikola Milojevic — drafted in to replace Dzumhur. World number seven Alexander Zverev beat Krajinovic 0-4, 4-3, 4-3 and was playing Troicki in a late match starting after midnight local time.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Alexis Sanchez

cording to The Star. “Let’s see where we get to after the season, because we do feel this squad is exciting. We do feel we’re on the way to something. It’s up to all the players when they’re here to do well, because there’s always talk of people coming in and out, and it’s about gelling this group together.” “Sometimes when you decorate your living room it might be a nice chair

or nice sofa, but it maybe doesn’t go with the rest of it. For us to think about major honours, our focus is about finishing the league this season,” said Solskjaer. Meanwhile, the Norwegian has stated his belief that on-loan goalkeeper Dean Henderson can go on to become England No.1 – and take over from David de Gea as first choice at Old Trafford.

Italy to reopen stadiums partially in July

Pogba will stay, says Januzaj

Rome, Jun 14 (IANS): The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) hopes to reopen stadiums for at least a few fans during matches by next month. Italy’s football matches restarted earlier this week after a three-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Yesterday, we took the last step towards dispelling any doubts about the completion of the championships,” FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said in an interview with Radio Deejay on Saturday. “I’m happy but there is still one piece missing, which is the participation of the fans and I hope they can return very quickly. I hope it will be the beginning of July - the first week or mid-July at the latest,” “This will mean that our country has thrown off those final restrictions and that we’ve come out of this particularly dark moment for our country.” Football season in the country restarted on Friday with a Coppa Italia semifinal second leg between Juventus and AC Milan.

“Dean has made some great choices over the years and has developed fantastically,” he said. “We’re looking at that in terms of where he’s going to be next season, but as yet that has not been decided. Manchester United will return to action after the coronavirus break next Friday, when they travel to face Tottenham in an away Premier League fixture.

Paul Pogba

L o n d o n, J u n 1 4 (Agencies): Paul Pogba will stay at Manchester United beyond this season, according to his “close friend” and former teammate Adnan Januzaj. Pogba has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid or former side Juventus this summer, and admitted himself last year he was looking for a “new challenge” in his career. Januzaj struck up a close friendship with Pogba during their time in the United academy together and the Belgium international has claimed his close friend is set to stay at Old Trafford. “I think he will stay,” Januzaj told Het Nieuwsblad. “Paul and I are still close. We have known

each other since we were kids when we were in the United academy. Our families are also friends and we all keep in touch. That will never change.” Pogba’s contract at United is due to expire next year but the club has the option to trigger a one-year extension to his deal. The World Cup winner has made just eight appearances in all competitions during an injuryhit season, but is back to full fitness as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prepares his side for the Premier League’s return. United are due to face Tottenham away on June 19 when they will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run to 12 matches in all competitions. K Y M C

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Bayern on course for Bundesliga title Napoli in Coppa Italia final

Players of Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach fight for the ball during their Bundesliga match in Munich.

Munich, Jun 14 (Agencies): Bayer n Munich moved to within a win of the Bundesliga title as Leon Goretzka’s late strike earned a 2-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday. Goretzka converted Benjamin Pavard’s cross on 86 minutes to secure a 10th consecutive win for Hansi Flick’s side. An 11th away at Werder Bremen on Tuesday will confirm Bayern as champions for the eighth successive season.

Bayer n looked on course for a frustrating draw against a battling Monchengladbach, despite being gifted the opening goal on 26 minutes when goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s wayward pass was converted by 19-year-old Joshua Zirkzee. With strikers Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller suspended, the leaders returned the favour before half-time when Pavard turned the ball into his own net, and they looked

out of ideas as the clocked ticked down. B u t Pava r d m a d e amends for his own goal with a brilliant cross in the closing stages that Goretzka dispatched to restore Bayern’s seven-point lead at the summit with a victory that left them on the brink of glory, and Monchengladbach clinging onto fourth place. Mickael Cuisance lashed a volley wide as the hosts looked to assert themselves early on, but

Want to be part of both WC, IPL: Rohit

Rohit Sharma

Mumbai, Jun 14 (IANS): India white-ball vice-captain Rohit Sharma on Sunday said he would ‘preferably’ want to be part of both the T20 World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL) later this year. In an Instagram story chat session, Rohit seemed to be in the mood to answer a few questions. “Let’s have a chatty Sunday. Shoot me some

questions, I ’ll a nswer through the day.” Rohit said in his Instagram story post. The first question posed to him was ‘which one would be preferred, the T20 World Cup or the IPL’. “Preferably both,” Rohit answered. The T20 World Cup in Australia is slated to take place Down Under from October 18 to November 15. The ICC in its board meet-

ing on Wednesday decided to await and watch’ before deciding on the fate of the showpiece event. The BCCI is looking at a similar window for the 13th edition of the IPL which got postponed from March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Rohit also said the pink ball Test in Australia will be challenging when they travel Down Under for the much-anticipated BorderGavaskar series. The first Test will be played at Gabba followed by matches at Adelaide Oval, MCG and the SCG starting December 3, Cricket Australia (CA) had said recently. “Will be challenging for sure,” Rohit replied to a question on the pink ball Test in Australia. Rohit also said he loves watching Steve Smith and Jason Roy bat. Asked to describe wicket-keeperbatsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni in one word, Rohit said, “Legend”.

Gladbach were unfazed by the early setback as Jonas Hofmann looked to have slotted them into the lead. The winger latched onto a ball in behind the static Bayern defence and converted past Manuel Neuer, only for VAR to rule the goal out for a marginal offside on 16 minutes. Sommer was drawn into a brilliant save at pointblank range as Lucas Hernandez was denied from 12 yards on 23 minutes, but the Gladbach goalkeeper was soon the villain of the piece. The Switzerland international’s wayward pass gifted Bayern the opener as 19-year-old Zirkzee pounced on the loose ball to convert into the unguarded net. But Bayern’s lead was short-lived. Patrick Herrmann hurtled down the right flank and his teasing cross was turned into his own net by Pavard just 11 minutes after they had hit the front. Cuisance spurned a glorious chance to restore Bayern’s lead immediately when he headed wide from a corner on 39 minutes, but Gladbach ended the half

the stronger of the two sides, momentum which they carried into the second period. Herrmann stung Neuer’s palms within nine minutes of the restart and, with Bayern pedestrian in attack, Flick turned to substitutes Alphonso Davies and Kingsley Coman to inject some much-needed pace. The decision marked a swing in momentum in Bayern’s favour as they mounted sustained pressure on the visiting goal. Serge Gnabry drew a fingertip save from Sommer on 69 minutes, but as time ebbed away the hosts looked out of energy and ideas. But in typical championship form, Bayern saved their best until last as Goretzka’s dummy bewildered the Gladbach defence, allowing Pavard to run in behind, and his cross set up the unmarked German for the winner that brings the title within reach. Bayern can clinch the Bundesliga title away at Werder Bremen on Tuesday while Monchengladbach host Wolfsburg on Tuesday.

Two Norwich players test positive for COVID

Cavani, Silva to leave PSG this Summer

London, Jun 14 (IANS): The Premier League has confirmed two positive results in the latest round of tests for COVID-19 just days ahead of its scheduled restart. Norwich City have since said in a statement that one of the two cases is their own player who has since been placed in quarantine. “Norwich City can confirm that one of its players has returned a positive test result following the recent round of Covid-19 testing. In line with the Premier League’s protocols, the player will now self-isolate for a period of seven days before being tested again at a later date. The player must return a negative test result before being able to resume training,” Norwich said in their statement. “The club will not name the player in question and asks that his request for privacy and confidentiality are respected.”

Inter Milan’s Lukaku in action during their Coppa Italia match against Napoli.

NAPLES, Jun 14 (Agencies): Napoli reached the Coppa Italia final with a 1-1 draw at home to Inter Milan on Saturday as Dries Mertens cancelled out a Christian Eriksen goal scored direct from a corner to became the club’s all-time record scorer. The Belgian, in his seventh season at the club, took his tally to 122 in all competitions as he overtook Marek Hamsik, with Diego Maradona third on 115. Napoli went through 2-1 on aggregate thanks to their 1-0 win at San Siro four months ago and will meet Juventus in Rome in Wednesday’s final.

Edinson Cavani

Paris, Jun 14 (Agencies): Edinson Cavani and Thiago Silva will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, says the club’s sporting director Leonardo. Cavani, 33, and Silva, 35, are both out of contract in June but will remain with the club until the season is fully completed as PSG are

Napoli goalkeeper David Ospina, badly at fault for Eriksen’s goal, made up for his early mistake with several important saves in the semi-final, second leg. With no fans allowed, the shouting of Napoli’s Gennaro Gattuso and Inter’s Antonio Conte, two famously passionate coaches, echoed around the stadium for the entire match. Inter wiped out their first-leg deficit in unusual fashion as Eriksen’s inswinging corner slipped between Ospina and his near post. However, the Colombian quickly atoned for his misjudgement with a flying one-handed save to turn

Thiago Silva

in the Champions League quarter-finals. PSG were awarded the Ligue 1 title after the season was ended amid the coronavirus pandemic with 11 matches to play. “It was a really difficult decision to take. [Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani] are players who have had

a big impact on this club’s history,” Leandro told Le Journal du Dimanche. “You always wonder if you should carry on down the same path together or if it’s better to avoid a scenario where you’ve stayed for one year too many. It’s been such a wonderful journey, but we’re coming to the end.

away Lukaku’s header and turned Antonio Candreva’s drive over the bar. Ospina also set up the equaliser four minutes before halftime when his raking goal kick set Lorenzo Insigne free down the left and the diminutive winger slipped the ball to Mertens, who slotted it under Samir Handanovic. Napoli started the second half well but had to withstand some late pressure. Inter substitute Alexis Sanchez sent a shot flashing past the goal, then Ospina made an outstanding pointblank save to deny Eriksen and Victor Moses fired over from the rebound.

We had to make a logical decision, both in financial terms and also considering the next generation of players coming through.” “Maybe it’s the wrong decision, I don’t know. There’s never a perfect moment. The Champions League is still on the agenda and the plan is to remain in the competition with them until the end of August.” Cavani, the club’s alltime leading scorer with 200 goals who joined from Napoli in 2013, has been attracting interest from Atletico Madrid and David Beckham’s MLS franchise Inter Miami within the last six months. Atletico were unable to reach an agreement with PSG for Cavani in January, despite the Spanish club increasing their offer to £15m, with PSG valuing him at £25m. Inter Miami also held discussions over a proposed deal for the striker before their debut MLS season earlier this year.

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