June 7, 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 181

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

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Challenges in stopping the deadly virus are double than at all rural districts which have around 70% of the state’s population. Despite cases showing decline in the lockdown, there are concerns that most are not getting tested.

Recently, Mokokchung saw a record triple digit spike in new Covid cases on June 5 when a total of 164 were tested positive for Covid as against daily single digit figure. This was due to a strategy applied by the District Task Force under DC Mokokchung. The DC reportedly issued orders to residents in all wards not to move out and during which ‘active case finding’ was carried out and revealing the highest ever one day spike of new cases.

Even in Kohima also, random testing in some colonies recorded high number of confirmed Covid positive cases. Many doctors in Dimapur also share the view that the number of daily new Covid cases unofficially could be more than double the official figure.

Random testing across colonies if done, could present a totally different picture and also help in timely and proper treatment and

prevent further spread of the virus.

Officials also admit that it was possible that many family members are infected with Covid but not testing after exhibiting symptoms of Covid. These infected choose to self treat at home quarantine.

Much has been reported about the huge expenditure made by the state government on preparation to face the pandemic. However, increasing number of beds or facilities without adequate medical teams cannot ensure saving previous lives .

A majority of Covid patients are either from low income groups or daily wage earners. In government hospitals all patients are provided free diagnosis, treatment and food.

However, in private hospitals patients have to bear expenditure for x-ray, CT scan, laboratory charges, medicines and care at Covid ICUs or Covid wards.

In this regard, the state government could seriously ponder over extending the same facilities to those admitted to private hospitals under any scheme so as to many more lives.

State logs 77 fresh cases, 4 Covid deaths

Fuel prices hiked

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): Spike in Covid-19 cases in Nagaland in the current second wave of the pandemic has also resulted in more deaths than during the first wave last year.

Another cause of concern is that with all focus being on Covid-19, majority of laboratories in hospitals have, under the circumstances, given miss on crucial tests for histology, haematology and biochemistry.

Most patients with terminal cancer or other serious diseases are left with little attention. Some suffer complications during treatment after they get infected with Covid-19.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), the vir us that causing havoc across India in the second wave, is named as the Delta variant of B.1.617.2. This variant is a strain which is more transmissible and also makes it the most dangerous variant yet.

B.1.617.2 has already spread to more than 60 countries, including the

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): Nagaland on Sunday recorded 77 fresh Covid positive cases and four deaths, the lowest single-day Covid case count in 30 days.

Of the fresh cases, 20 were reported from Kohima, Dimapur and Zunheboto-17 each, Mokokchung-10, seven in Phek, two each in Peren and Tuensang and one each in Wokha and Mon, taking the total caseload to 22,773.

Further, three more patients succumbed to the infection in Dimapur and one in Zunheboto, taking the total death count to 426 out of which 14 were nonCovid deaths but with Covid positivity.

PTI: India reported 1,14,460 new Covid infec-

U.S., and undoubtedly contributed to the massive wave of cases that has inundated India in recent months.

Nagaland experienced more deaths this time, mostly among the young between the ages of 30 to 45 with majority being in double digits on a single day. Most tragically, in some cases, children lost both parents or either of the parents. In some cases two or more in a family have died of Covid or comorbidities.

The ‘Delta variant’ invades faster and more deadlier. Unless timely and preventive treatment is given, the virus causes fatalities on those with comorbidities such as -diabetes, heart problem, high BP, kidney ailment, lung problems etc.

However, there is fear that the situation could be uncontrollable, if the virus makes it presence in rural areas where health infrastructure is in a woeful state.

Much of the health preparedness has been concentrated mostly in premier urban towns of Dimapur, Kohima and to some extent Mokokchung, where number of beds for Covid

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON June 6, 2021 District

Asymptomatic

Mild

Dimapur 2057 139 8 Kiphire 34 Kohima 1467 14 Longleng 11 13 Mokokchung 371 5 Mon 67 2 Peren 17 1 Phek 69 0 Tuensang 183 11 Wokha 53 2 Zunheboto 72 9 Total 4401 204

ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic Severe Moderate ICU On On (without Oxy- Oxy- ventilagen gen tor) 42 15 15 4 0 0 1 7 0 2 1 0 6 5 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 1 3 0 0 4 1 0 3 0 0 73 30 16

tions, the lowest in 60 days, while the daily positivity rate further dropped to 5.62%, according to Union Health Ministry on Sunday.

With the fresh cases, the total tally of coronavirus

ICU (On ventilator 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8

RecovDeath ered

8775 87 5310 79 379 794 554 216 425 85 270 16974

285 4 67 0 21 5 0 11 4 3 12 412

Non Covid Deaths Miwith gratCovid 19 ed Positivity 10 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 14

Total Cases

478 11823 1 137 98 6965 10 118 28 815 15 888 2 574 0 303 2 628 4 153 3 369 641 22773

cases in the country climbed to 2,88,09,339. The death toll climbed to 3,46,759 with 2,677 daily deaths, the lowest in 42 days, while the active cases dropped below 15 lakh.

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): After a day’s hiatus, the state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) Sunday increased the prices of petrol and diesel by 21 paise per litre and 20 paise a litre respectively. The increase on Sunday is the 20th increase in prices since May 4.

After the rate revision, petrol price in Dimapur rose to Rs.93.51 per litre while diesel climbed to Rs.87.77 a litre. In Kohima, price of petrol increased to Rs. 94.45 per litre and diesel price surged to Rs.88.53 per litre.

A litre of petrol and diesel in Tuensang was the highest in the state at Rs. 96.63 and Rs. 90.53 respectively followed

by Kiphire-- petrol at Rs. 96.54 a litre and diesel at Rs. 90.49 per litre.

The second wave of the pandemic has caused more infections and deaths not only because the Delta variant is deadlier but because of Community Transmission (CT). Though CT took place as early as May last year, the earlier virus is believed to have been milder.

CT is the third stage of a pandemic where the infected person did not catch the virus from some known source diagnosed with Covid-19 but got the virus in a certain area that he/she lives. Also the person was not infected due to travelling to some other location or from a different country.

Experts across the world believe that India has entered the community transmission stage. However, India continues to deny the virus is spread through CT. Inspite of adding the highest number of cases in the world every day, India continues to label itself as a country with no community transmission (CT), opting instead for the lower, less serious classification called ‘cluster of cases’, according to the latest weekly report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on May 11.

‘Myanmar willing to work with ASEAN countries’ international, Page 7

Myanmar junta forces clash with villagers in delta region, 20 dead KOLKATA, JUN 6 (IANS): Villa ger s in M ya nm a r fought security forces with catapults and crossbows in the Ayeyarwady river delta region, with local media reporting that 20 lives were lost in the violence.

State television claimed three “terrorists” had been killed and two arrested at the village of Hlayswe, where the security forces were trying to nab a wanted man on Saturday. Junta spokespersons refused to take calls from media which was trying to get their version on the violence that occurred at Kyonpyaw township.

A n g r y c r owd s s e t ablaze ASEAN flags in Mandalay after a meeting between junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and envoys from the bloc on Friday.

Clashes broke out before dawn on Saturday at Hlayswe, some 150 km northwest of the main city of Yangon, when soldiers said they had come to search for weapons, local media outlets and residents said.

“The people in the village only have crossbows and there are a lot of casual-

Protesters burn the flag of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Mandalay. (Reuters)

ties on the people’s side,” a resident said on the condition of anonymity.

Khit Thit Media and the Delta News Agency said 20 civilians had been killed and more wounded.

They said villagers had tried to fight back with catapults after soldiers assaulted residents in what they said was a search for arms.

MRTV state television said security forces had come under attack with compressed air guns and darts. After the shootout, the bodies of three attackers had been found, it said.

If confirmed, the toll

given by the local media would be the highest in one day in nearly two months.

Some 845 people had previously been killed by the army and police since the February 1 coup, according to an activist group. The junta challenges that figure as exaggerated.

It was some of the worst violence since the coup in the Ayeyarwady region, an important rice growing area that has large populations of both the Bamar majority ethnic group, from which much of the army is drawn, and the Karen minority.

(More on p-7)

‘Starvation war’ will destroy Nagaland if people’s plight not addressed, warns NPF DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): Expressing deep concern over the health and economic welfare of the people, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Sunday demanded that the PDA government immediately address the plight of the people, failing which it cautioned that the “starvation war would destroy the whole state.”

NPF through its press bureau asserted that the continuous lockdown has severely affected the weaker sections of the society in terms of their two square meals a day. In this regard, the opposition party asked what programmes and ini-

tiatives had the state government taken so far in addressing those issues.

NPF stated that the prices of essential commodities were skyrocketing, but the government authority so far had remained silent to meet the basic rights of the people.

Further, the opposition NPF said the party was “equally concerned” over the daily rise of COVID-19 positive cases, which it said was now slowly spreading towards the rural areas. It, therefore, demanded that the government seriously address the economic problem of the people.

Admitting that COVID-19 scare was currently one of the biggest threats to the entire world, the NPF, however, said that no government could let its people go hungry. It said the earning for many sections of the society had been by paralyzed for months due to lockdown.

The opposition NPF has also reminded the government to properly sensitize the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine besides make vaccine available to its people.

Meanwhile, the opposition NPF has reiterated the demand raised by its legis-

lature wing that the government set up an inquiry into the government’s financial management during the pandemic.

NPF reaffirmed its demand of publishing a detailed White Paper on all the funds received and expenditures incurred from 2020-21 to 2021-22 along with all relevant methodology of grants, processes of procurement, disbursement criteria.

The opposition party asserted that it was “high time” the PDA should spill the beans and genuinely work for the welfare of the people.

Childline Dimapur registers 175 child abuse, missing cases IMD predicts heavy rainfall in NE MoE releases of PGI for States Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): Altogether 175 cases were registered at Childline, Dimapur, from March 2020 till date, of which 72 were related to abuse and 24 were missing and other cases.

As per data, there were cases in which parents were found seeking help, emotional support and guidance and other interventions.

Childline sources informed Nagaland Post that with the help and support

This is it!

“All of them are not vegetable wholesalers.

Most are families buying to stock food.”

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of the police, District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Child Welfare Community (CWC) and community, the NGO had intervened and rescued around 175 children from difficult situations.

Childline Nagaland has been intervening for children (below 18 years) who need care and support and aims to protect their rights by responding to calls received on its toll-free phone number 1098, which is a national 24x7 phone outreach service for children in need.

Childline is currently operational in six districts of Dimapur, Kohima, Peren, Mokochung, Mon and Kiphire and focusing on vulnerable section of children, including their abuse, running away from home, missing children, domestic labour, children in need of shelter, emotional support and guidance, street children, child trafficking, victim of substances abuse by providing nutrition, counselling, shelter and restoration, etc.

Childline has come

across many such cases where it had to intervene as children staying with their extended families go missing as they run away due to unbearable abuse from their extended families. After complaints are registered, such children are rescued

by Childline in coordination with DCPU, CWC and police as per the directive of CWC, and FIRs lodged at police stations, while some cases are settled by CWC in its court.

(Cont’d on p-6)

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very rainfall in various parts of North East region till June 10.

IMD stated that isolated heavy rainfall was very likely over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura on June 6 and June 7, over Arunachal Pradesh on June 6 and June 8; over Assam and Meghalaya & Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim on June 8 and June 9.

Monsoon advanced into NE states: Southwest monsoon has further advanced into entire North Eastern states and most parts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim on June 6, 2021, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Sunday.

According to the IMD, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall activity was very likely over North Eastern states and adjoining East India during next fourfive days.

More antibodies produced after Covishield than Covaxin: study NEW DELHI, JUN 6 (AGENCIES): Both Covishield and Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin produce a “good immune response” but the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine shows “significantly higher” seropositivity rate and anti-spike antibody titre, a new study by Indian doctors has found.

Indian healthcare workers have shown high immune response to Covid after receiving the two mandated doses of both domestically manufactured vaccines-- Covishield and Covaxin.

A preprint of the first Indian study among doctors and nurses who received both shots shows that a higher proportion of those inoculated with Covishield produced antibodies compared to those who received Covaxin, even though both shots elicited a good immune response.

“Among 515 healthcare workers (305 male, 210 female), 95% showed seropositivity (higher antibodies) after two doses of both vaccines. Of the 425 Covishield and 90 Covaxin recipients,

98.1% and 80%, respectively, showed seropositivity. However, both seropositivity rate and average rise in anti-spike antibody was significantly higher in Covishield versus Covaxin recipients,” the study authors show.

The study highlights the significance of speedy vaccination to avert a potential third wave of the pandemic, signalling the urgency of expanding the coverage, which is running low due to stock shortages of Covaxin and Covishield.

While no difference was observed in relation to gender, body mass index, blood group and any comorbidities, people aged 60 years and above or those with type 2 diabetes had a significantly lower seropositivity rate, indicating a com-

paratively lower antibody response. The study also shows a good safety profile for both vaccines.

“Both the vaccine recipients had similar solicited mild to moderate adverse events and none had severe or unsolicited side-effects.

In conclusion, both vaccines elicited good immune response after two doses, although seropositivity rates and median anti-spike antibody titre was significantly higher in Covishield compared to Covaxin arm,” researcher AK Singh says.

Nagaland among 10 other states with improved PGI score Spl. Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JUN 6 (NPN): Ministry of Education (MoE) Sunday released the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2019-20 for States and Union Territories of India, in which Punjab, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Kerala occupy the highest grade (Grade A++) in 2019-20 in the field of school education.

Most of the States/UTs have improved their grade in PGI 2019-20 compared to the earlier years. Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Puducherry, Punjab and Tamil Nadu have improved overall PGI score by 10%, i.e., 100 or more points.

Nagaland (Grade IV) is among the ten states that have improved their PGI score by 5% to 10%.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Punjab have shown improvement by 10% (8

points) or more in the PGI domain—Access.

The Government has introduced the PGI with a set of 70 parameters to catalyse transformational change in the field of school education. The PGI for States and Union Territories was first published in 2019 with reference year 2017-18.

The PGI 2019-20 for States/UTs is the third publication in this series. The PGI exercise envisages that the index would propel States and UTs towards undertaking multi-pronged interventions that would bring about the much-desired optimal education outcomes. The PGI helps the States/UTs to pinpoint the gaps and accordingly prioritise areas for intervention to ensure that the school education system is robust at every level.

As many as thirteen States and UTs have shown improvement by 10% (15 points) or more in the PGI domain—Infrastr ucture and Facilities. Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Odisha have shown improvement by 20% or more. Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Odisha have shown more than 10% improvement in the PGI domain—Equity.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021

More reports on ‘World Environment Day’

DIMAPUR: World Environment Day was observed on June 5 across Nagaland with various activities along with the rest of the world.

DLSAs: District legal services authorities under the aegis of Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) commemorated WED by planting tree saplings.

A press release by DLSA informed that 80 saplings were planted at district court premises headed by retainer lawyer, panel lawyer, paralegal volunteer and front office assistant.

Wokha DLSA led by chairman WDLSA/district and sessions judge Wokha, Duvelu Vero, JMFC/secretary WDLSA, Khrievono Seletsu planted saplings at their homes and surroundings where panel lawyers and paralegal volunteers also participated.

M e a n w h i l e, P h e k DLSA also planted tree saplings at legal aid clinic Meluri, legal aid clinic, Chetheba and government primary school Chosaba, Phek.

BAP: Executives of Bayavü Area Panchayat

45 Assam Rifles carrying out plantation drive along with citizens.

Forest department and police personnel during plantation drive.

SEWA Nagaland conducting cleanliness drive in Kohima.

VVSU, Pungro sub-division during the plantation drive.

participated in a plantation drive in and around the colony with varieties of fruit saplings distributed by Bayavü youth organisation.

The plantation drive was led by colony Panchayat chairman, Khinyi Woch, Bayavü Youth Organisation president, Neiphrelie Metha and Bayavü sanitation committee, Merangnungba Aier.

BCTE: Bosco Colnagalandpost.com Poll lege of Teacher Education Q.: Is there vaccine shortage planted tree saplings in their in India as alleged by own places. BCTE printhe opposition? cipal, Fr. Dr. Sabu Joseph SDB expressed joy over the 100% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– response from students and 90% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– staff.

80% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SCC: IQAC in col70% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– laboration with NSS of Sao 60% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Chang College Tuensang 50% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– hosted a national webinar 40% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– with project scientist, wild30% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 20% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– life institute of India, Deh10% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– radun, Dr. Chongpi Tuboi 0% as resource person.

A B C A press release by SCC 91% A Yes. media cell informed that 4% Tuboi spoke on “ecosystem B No. restoration: why the need?”

5% C Can’t Say.

Next poll

Q: C a n

former US president Donald Trump again run for office in 2024?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST June 7

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Light fog

27 32

Aizawl

Cloudy

Guwahati Light fog

22 25 24 29

Imphal

Mostly cloudy

24 26

Itanagar

Mostly cloudy

24 30

Shillong

Cloudy

20 22

Kohima

Thunderstorm

21 24

Dimapur

Cloudy

27 33

Mkg

Cloudy

22 28

Tuensang Cloudy

19 22

Cloudy

23 28

Zunheboto Cloudy

19 24

Kohima forest division: Kohima forest division organised online competitions comprising of illustration (meme/poster/cartoon/signage) and oratorical (a short video) based on the topics “environmental conservation” and “innovative ideas for conservation in Nagaland” respectively.

Online essay and poster competition was also organised on the themes “innovation on restoration of ecosystems in Nagaland” and “environment conservation”. More than 400 participants participated in the competitions.

MSS: Mount Saramati School students participated in activities such as poster making, online speech on the theme “ecosystem restoration”, planting saplings and cleaning the environment.

V&T village: Vidima and Toshiho village under Dhansiripar and Kuhuboto blocks, Dimapur planted

trees and carried out cleanliness drives in their vicinities.

A press release from PHED Dimapur IEC consultant Vibou Seyie stated that the observation was carried out under the theme, “re-imagine recreate restore” with focus on ecosystem restoration at the local level which was carried by WATSAN at Vidima and the Swachhagrahi at Toshiho village, initiated by PHED (rural) division Dimapur.

YSU: Yimchunger Students Union observed WED by donating and planting tree saplings. The union encouraged and everyone to preserve biodiversity and to protect the environment.

Phipema village: Phipema village celebrated WED by planting tree saplings in and around NH-29.

VVSU: Vongva village students’ union, Pungro sub-division under Kiphire district organised a plantation drive to mark the day.

planted locally available saplings.

SBI GSP: SBI Gram Seva Programme implemented by ANMA integrated development association (AIDA), Dimapur initiated a tree plantation drive in the five adopted villages of Khriezephe, Diezephe, Tsithrongse, Bade and Urra.

AIDA team under SBI foundation collected 400 saplings from the department of forestry, sub office Dimapur.

The Gram Seva with the help of village council members, youth leaders and remedial students from the adopted villages carried out the plantation drive following all SOPs. SMHSS: Students of St. Mary’s higher secondary school Dimapur planted trees and made various drawings on the significance of the day in their respective homes guided by their family members.

TVSU: Thanamir Village Student Union in collaboration with Thanamir village council conducted a plantation drive after a short programme. TVSU president Limtsumong Y and general secretary Somule K informed that during the programme, NGO wildlife protection society of India, field researcher Ramya Nair while apprising the village on preserving and ecosystem highlighted on the importance of the day.

More than 250 saplings were planted along approach road and at union reserve forest which was reserved and protected for inhabitants destruction since 1973.

BMSCH: Bright Morning Star Children Home Kohima under the aegis of IDEAL (IW) charitable society organised a drawing competition at the Home.

By adhering COVID-

19 SOPs, 20 children joined the competition. Judges of the competition were Aleno, superintendent BMSCH and art & drama educator Cynthia Kolakhe.

UCTE: Unity College of Teacher Education Dimapur conducted a virtual programme where principal of the college, Devanand Sinha highlighted on the theme and requested students not to use plastic bags & plastic water bottles, to plant at least one sapling of tree and to motivate at least ten friends or relatives to do the same. Altogether, 14 students presented their papers on the ecosystem, threats to biodiversity, deforestation, impact of population and impact of pollution, etc.

ZVC: Zapami Village Council and village development board distributed persimmon saplings to the villagers of Zapami village under Phek district for plantation.

Naga Terriers: Naga Terriers under the aegis of HQ (IGAR) HQ 3 Corps undertook water conservation and plantation drive at Zakhama, Meluri, Mokokchung, Mon, Tuensang, Tizit and Rangapahar, Nagaland, on June 5. According to PRO HQ (IGAR) HQ 3 Corps, the troops from respective COB’s along with support of volunteers from villages, planted approx 10,500 saplings across Nagaland with a pledge to protect the environment. Commanding officer, Col. Neeraj Sood, Shaurya Chakra, exhorted all to protect Mother Nature and save the environment for present and future generations.

MHBHSS: Ministers’ Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School Kohima conducted various competitions for classes nursery to XII to mark the occasion.

H&FW to observe ‘World Food Safety Day’ One held with suspected heroin in Mon

DIMAPUR: The state department of health and family welfare (H&FW) through its food safety division would be observing the “World Food Safety Day,’ on June 7 under the theme, “safe food now for a healthy tomorrow”.

A press release through the department informed that this year’s theme aims to stress that production and consumption of safe food has immediate and long term benefits for people, the planet and economy.

While stating that food safety was a pertinent issue that had significant

impact on public health, the department informed that every year, 100 million cases of food borne diseases (FBD) were reported in India.

“These food-borne ailments not only pose a threat to the health of the public but also affect the socio-economic development of the country”, it stated.

The food safety division of the state implements the Food Safety and Standard Act 2006 through enforcement and analytical wing. The food safety division is headed by principal secretary (commissioner,

food safety) at government level, principal director (addl commissioner, food safety) at directorate level, director (health), addl director, state program officer, assistant commissioner (enforcement) and technical officer (analytical).

Implementation of enforcement activities is done at identified three zonal level for the state by designated officer assisted by food safety officers and analytical activities is executed at NABL accredited state public health laboratory (state food laboratory) headed by food analyst assisted by technical staff.

DIMAPUR: A team led u/s 22(c) NDPS Act. Fur- progress in connection

by UBSI Tohzom of Mon ther investigation is in with the case. police station apprehended one Nokgu alias Anok (44) on June 5, on charges of possessing 58 packets of CCCW: Chakhesang Colony Council, Walford suspected heroin, (locally called sunflower). have express our grief over the untimely demise According to the poof our General Secretary Mr Medovoyi Medeo lice PRO, the suspected on 3rd June 2021. heroin weighed around In a condolence note, the Council described 750 grams (approx), which him as a simple, humble and sincere young were packed in soap cases. promising leader who always rendered his The accused person selfless service for the well being of our colony was apprehended while and the community as a whole. he was proceeding towards Further, the Colony Council convey our Mon on the Longwa-Mon road, PRO informed. heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family In this connection, a members and pray that God grant peace and case was registered under The apprehended person along comfort as they mourn the loss of their loved Mon PS C/No 0039/21 with the suspected heroin.

CONDOLENCE

one.

DP-2677

DC-2680

DP-2680

Wokha

She stressed on working for restoration of ecosystem through various activities. Assistant professor, department of botany, Tongpangkokla delivered welcome address while department of political science, assistant professor Dr. Imnazenla Longkumer conducted proceedings of the programme.

AHSS: Students from classes I to XII of Agape Higher Secondary School Chümoukedima planted trees at their homes while school plantation was also conducted by the eco club teachers. Team Metamorphosis: Team Metamorphosis Wokha, planted ornamental trees at its eco-tourism park at Niroyo Road, Wokha. A press release by chief of Team Metamorphosis, M James Tungoe informed that the team addressed environmental issues such as deforestation by organising plantation drive at eco-tourism park.

LVSU: Leangkonger Village Students’ union led by its president Torepkiu organised plantation of saplings under the theme “for better tomorrow”.

According to DIPR, Y. Anner village council and students union also celebrated WED by planting trees by roadside and plantation near GMS compounds.

Meanwhile self employed women association (SEWA) Shamator observed the day at Shamator headquarters which led by SEWA Shamator mobiliser Tsurila.

JCC: Japfu Christian College (JCC) Kigwema, Kohima planted 50 more saplings of persimmon fruit trees. On the day, fruits borne from the trees were also distributed to all the residents.

CMHSS: Christina memorial higher secondary school conducted an online activity with the aim to educate each child on loving and preserving earth.

KSU: Konyak Students Union cleaned the monolith area below district hospital and planted saplings which were provided by forest department and waste truck was provided by administrator Mon town council.

Similar, a programme was also observed at Sheanghah Mokok village and Chi village under Mon district where plantation of saplings was carried out at respective village areas.

VSU: Viswema Students Union undertook an early morning social work around the Covid Care Centre at the John government higher secondary school Viswema, Kohima led by VSU president Metol Neikha. The members cleared the road and pathways, pruned growths of trees along the road and

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COVID hospital attacked in Manipur

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JUN 6: Angry over the death of a Covid patient allegedly due to medical negligence, family members of the deceased vandalised state-run Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal on Saturday night.

The family members also physically assaulted a doctor on duty at the ward where the woman patient died.

Police have arrested the husband of the deceased Okram Ajit Singh and his younger sister Okram Tanu Devi – following the vandalism and attack on doctor on duty.

The incident occurred around 9.30 pm on Saturday and the deceased woman was identified as Okram Gypsy Devi (33) of Singjamei Kshetri Leikai,

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northeast/State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021

Vandalism at JNIMS hospital after COVID-19 pateint die of health complications on Saturday night.

Imphal East district.

In a video footage available with this correspondent, the patient parties were seen ransacking the infrastructure of the Covid ward . A man was also seen physically assaulting a doctor in PPE in front of the inmates of the ward.

The family members alleged that the woman died due to negligence on the part of the doctors attending her.

The lifeless body of the woman is lying at JNIMS morgue as an unclaimed body, the reports said.

In another unrelated incident, members of a local level COVID-19 task force on Sunday performed the last rites of a woman who succumbed to corona virus complications after no one came out to perform the same.

Reports said that the woman who was in home

isolation after being diagnosed with COVID-19 died today morning at her home at Koirengei under state chief minister’s Heingang Assembly constituency in Imphal East district.

The body was cremated by members of the task force manning a community isolation centre opened at Liberal College, Luwangsangbam today morning.

Recently, an MLA in Thoubal district was in the news when he along with members of a local level COVID-19 task force performed the last rites of a deceased COVID-19 victim.

After performing the last rites, BJP MLA Th Radheshyam who was also state education minister had said that he and the members voluntarily performed the last rites as the aged old woman victim has none to do the same.

Heavy rains wreak havoc in Arunachal

AR issue statement on attack on its outpost KOHIMA, JUN 6: On the recent incident at the AR outpost, the Assam Rifles has clarified that based on specific intelligence, it launched an operations on the night of June 4 to nab secretary of KRA along with 3 to 4 cadres in Kangpokpi district, Manipur.

A press release by the PIB (Defense Wing) stated that security forces approached to make an inquiry when KRA cadres and their accomplices manhandled one of the Assam Rifles personnel and attempted to fire on the troops. Sensing the imminent danger and threat to life, Assam Rifles stated that the personnel reacted using minimum force.

The release further added that when the operation was in progress, a huge mob surrounded the Assam Rifles post and resorted to unprovoked violence and arson.

It added that the mob torched two Assam Rifles vehicles and caused damage to the Assam Rifles post at Gelnel Village and also disrupted the main road connectivity for more than 24 hours causing lot of inconvenience to local commuters.

AR maintained that the security forces exercised total restraint to control the unruly mob with special consideration towards safety of human life and collateral damage.

Indian Army has ordered an inquiry into the matter. Assam Rifles remains committed to maintaining peace and normalcy in the region, the release added.

ITANAGAR, JUN 6 (AGENCIES): Continuous heavy rain lashing the capital region of Arunachal Pradesh and many places of Itanagar witnessed blockages and landslides, reports Inside NE. The Itanagar district administration has asked the residents of vulnerable locations to move to relief camps or to other safer locations.

District administration has used the Arunodaya Government Higher Secondary School in Itanagar, Government Higher Secondary School in Model Village and the Nyokum hall in Banderdewa as relief camps.

Tem Kaya, DDMO (in-charge), has informed, “There was a massive landslide near the Ganga-Jollang road but it was cleared by deploying men and machineries.”

Requests have been made to the commuters taking the Jollang road and those near the culvert bridge near the Himalayan University in Pagatara to remain careful.

Kaya also informed that due to a landslide near Panchali in Itanagar, the residents staying nearby have been asked to shift to the relief camps or to safer locations.

A landslide occurred on the approach road leading to the DCH in Chimpu, but was immediately cleared by the UD department. The PWD highway department also

cleared block points caused due to landslides at three locations on the road leading to the cremation-cumburial ground in Chimpu. In Nirjuli, a landslide occurred in Rayo village, and the nearby residents were asked to shift to the relief camps or to safer locations.

The DDMO informed that in Lekhi, two kutcha huts were completely washed away by floodwater, one local house was completely damaged due to landslide, two kutcha houses and one SPT building were submerged in flood, and another kutcha house was damaged by floodwater.

Also, one SPT building, one local kutcha house and one residence in Lekhi Koto village were submerged in floodwater. Apart from these, three fish ponds were also damaged. The DDMO informed that five people were expected at the relief camp in Naharlagun on Saturday and all arrangements have been made by the district administration in this regard.

Meanwhile, ICR DC Talo Potom has requested the residents, especially those in vulnerable locations or landslide – and flood-prone areas, to shift to the relief camps or to safer locations. He informed that basic relief materials would be provided by the district administration at the relief camps.

IRB jawan NE COVID-19 UPDATE suspended for Arunachal logs 327 new Covid cases, 1 more death making video Itanagar, Jun 6 (PTI): Surveillance Officer (SSO) Altogether, 6,24,422 I T A NA G A R , J U N 6 (AGENCIES): Head constable of 4th IRBn Nani Talley has been suspended for making a video of YouTuber Paras Singh inside the District Jail, Jullang, Arunachal Pradesh, reports The Sentinel Assam.

Sources said that the video emerged online on Friday evening, which has gone viral, where Talley along with his other colleagues were seen questioning Paras over his YouTube content that landed him at the District Jail. The Arunachal Police taking cognizance of the incident immediately initiated disciplinary proceedings and suspended constable Talley.

The viral video has also drawn severe criticisms from various sections of society, prompting authorities to take immediate action. As per the order issued by 4th IRBn BHQ commandant Techi Henyir, Talley has been put under suspension with immediate effect. Talley will be entitled to draw subsistence allowances but has been directed to not leave the 4th IRBn headquarters, here without prior permission. Prior to this, the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh has extended the judicial custody of the YouTuber by another seven days.

At least 327 more people tested positive for COVID19 in Arunachal Pradesh, which pushed the tally to 29,113, while the toll rose to 123 with a fresh fatality, a senior health department official said on Sunday.

A 39-year-old man from Lohit district, who was suffering from COVID pneumonia and hypertension, died on his way to a hospital in Assam, State

Dr Lobsang Jampa said.

Accordingly, the number of active cases in the frontier state climbed to 3,753.

As many as 402 people recuperated from the disease on Saturday, taking the total number of recoveries to 25,237.

The recover y rate stands at 86.69 per cent and the positivity rate at 4.16 per cent, Jampa said.

samples have been tested for COVID-19 in the state so far, including 7,853 on Saturday, the SSO maintained.

Meanwhile the state government, in an order issued on Saturday, has extended total lockdown in Tawang and Upper Subansiri districts by seven more days, till June 12, amid the relentless surge in COVID-19 cases.

Mizoram reports 267 new COVID cases, 1 more death rest 265 were found to have locally contracted the infection, it said, adding that 94 patients have developed symptoms of COVID-19.

Mizoram now has 3,363 active COVID-19 cases, while 10,151 people have recovered from the infection.

The COVID-19 recovery rate now is 74.83 per cent and the death rate is 0.39 per cent.

The state has so far tested 4,09,868 samples for COVID-19.

A total of 3,23,535 people have been vaccinated in Mizoram so far, of which 2,72,320 have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine while 51,215 have received both doses of the vaccine.

Aizawl, Jun 6 (PTI): At least 267 people including 46 children have tested positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram on Sunday, pushing the tally to 13,567, an official statement said.

The COVID-19 death toll in the state rose to 53, as a 92-year-old man from Kolasib district succumbed to the infection at Zoram Medical College (ZMC) on Saturday night, the statement said.

Of the 267 fresh cases, 202 were reported from Aizawl district and the rest 65 from Kolasib, Champhai, Siaha, Lunglei, Lawngtlai, Saitual, Mamit and Serchhip districts, it said.

Two patients have travel history, while the

Sikkim reports 340 new Covid cases, 5 more fatalities Gangtok, Jun 6 (PTI): Sikkim’s COVID-19 caseload has mounted to 17,111 after reporting 340 new infections in the past 24 hours, a health department bulletin said on Sunday. The Himalayan state has reported five more coronavirus deaths, taking the toll to 273, it said. Sikkim at present has 4,306 active cases, 236 others have migrated out of the state, while 12,296 patients have recovered from the disease.

Of the new cases, East Sikkim registered 123 infections, followed by South Sikkim (117), West Sikkim (98), and North Sikkim (2). The state has tested 2,548 samples for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours to take the total number of tests done to 1,35,818.

No signs of miners trapped in Meghalaya coal mine Correspondent

Shillong, June 6 : It is exactly one week that five miners are trapped inside a flooded coal mine in Meghalaya, but the fate of these migrant miners still remains unknown, even as rescuers are continuing dewatering the 500-feet mine.

At least five migrant miners, including four from Assam and one from Tripura, have been trapped inside a 500-foot flooded coal mine since May 30. The miners got trapped inside as water gushed into the mine after a dynamite explosion.

“We are still in the process of pumping out the water from the main shaft of the 500-feet coal mine. It is not possible for rescuers to dive inside the mine, especially with high turbidity,”one of the rescue official said on condition of anonymity. “We are hopeful that we can drain out the water as much as we can so that divers can get inside the shaft,” he explained. Meghalaya police has arrested Shining Langstang, the current owner of the illegal coal mine at Umpleng area, a day after he surrendered before the police. Police had also

detained K. Chyrmang, the former owner of the mine.

But he tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in quarantine.

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Nizam Uddin, the manager of the illegal coal mine who has been absconded following the mining tragedy, remained untraced, even as the Meghalaya police have issued a lookout notice for him.

On the other hand, district officials said that the National and State Disaster Response Force confirmed that the level of the water inside the main shaft of the

coal pit has receded to about 10 feet from the level of the previous day. At present, four water pumps have been pressed into service to dewater, while two more water pumps have been installed and will be operated.

Further, the district administration is mobilizing more equipments like gen set, water pumps, pipes, cables to be put to use at the abandoned shaft suspected to be connected with main shaft as soon as confirmation from the technical persons from the office of the Director of Land Records is received.

State

Phom community members observe 69th Phom Day DIMAPUR: Amid the pandemic, Phom leaders gathered at the Phom day pledge declaration site in Longleng town on Sunday, to observe the 69th Phom Day with Phom People’s Council (PPC) president, M. Shami Angh as special guest, by maintaining all COVID-19 SOPs. According to DIPR report, the special guest said that Phom Day was celebrated because of their forefathers, who had made “a wise decision to stop headhunting and choose peace for growth and development”.

Thus, he said, through the peace the forefathers obtained for them, they could

Phom leaders at the pledge declaration site on Sunday.

live in peace and harmony today.

He maintained that in order to treasure this “Peace Day”, loving the neigh-

boring villages and caring for one another became a responsibility.

In order to bring change and progress on

Phom soil through peace, Shami Angh also called upon the young educated Phoms to come forward with dedication and love

in order to lead the Phom society.

The PPC president pointed out that in the past during the forefathers’ time, they considered human races as rival enemies, but today they were faced with serious challenge of pandemic where COVID19 had become a threat to the entire human races.

Therefore, the president appealed to all to save humanity by standing together with a responsibility by following all safety protocols.

He said that on the occasion, PPC saluted and stood together in prayer with all the health workers, frontline workers and

people who were tirelessly shouldering the responsibility in the state.

E a r l i e r, t h e p r o gramme was chaired by general secretary former executive secretary PBCA, Tenau Phom.

It may be mentioned that Phom Day was born on June 6, 1952 under the leadership of late Hamnyei, late Yongtau and Phom intellectual leaders from different villages.

On this day, they took a pledge to stop headhunting, killing and attacking rival villages.

This day marks the ending of head hunting era and the beginning of a new dawn in Phom land.

SSAALWC to partially allow resumption of 2-lane road works DIMAPUR: SARDP Sumi Area Affected Landowners Welfare Committee (SSAALWC) has decided to partially allow the two-lane construction work under Sumi jurisdiction.

I n a p r e s s r e l e a s e, SSAALWC convenor Ghuvishe V. Zhimomi and joint secretary Bosukha Chishi stated that after thorough deliberation, the committee adopted three-point resolution.

The committee resolved to partially allow resumption of two-lane road work with effect from June 7; resumption of road work would be allowed only to those uncut portion of land/spot left abandoned by Gayatri-Maytas con-

struction company and later compensated to beneficiaries/ landowners by NHIDCL during the year 2018-19.

It also resolved that the remaining areas of land/spot where Gayatri-Maytas had “horribly caused the enormous damages to standing properties during 2011-2013 and falls under SARDP-NE phase-2 property damages compensation will not be allowed to resume the work”.

It further stated that the total revocation of road work would be amicably settled, provided that the aggrieved/ SSAALWC receive written assurance from the competent authority(s) as per previous joint resolutions.

Organisations and political leaders convey condolences DIMAPUR: NDPP has expressed grief over the demise of secretary NDPP 36 Satakha assembly constituency, Kahoshe who passed away on June 4 at Zunheboto.

In a condolence note, its president Chingwang Konyak said that his demise was a huge loss for the people of Satakha and NDPP in particular.

Further, the rank and file of NDPP conveyed condolences to the family and prayed that the Almighty would grant them comfort and strength.

The party also expressed grief over the demise of treasurer, NDPP 21 Tuli A/C, W. Koratemjen Imsong who passed away at Mokokchung on June 4.

While maintaining K Y M C

that his demise was a huge loss for the people of Tuli and NDPP in particular, the ranks and file of NDPP conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God would grant them strength and comfort.

Thenucho: Former speaker of Nagaland legislative assembly, Thenucho Tunyi has expressed grief over the demise of Tohevi Awomi.

In a condolence note, Thenucho described late Tohevi as a brave and decisive man with unwavering consistency in his dealings and whose positive outlook towards life was displayed in his vibrant personality.

Addressing Tohevi as a dear friend with whom he had an association for over

three decades, Thenucho lamented that in his passing, “he had lost a dear friend and counselor”. He further conveyed his sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.

NTUCT: Naga Tribal Union Chümoukedima Town (NTUCT) has expressed grief over the sudden demise of its former vice president Akum Imchen who passed away on June 2 at Faith Hospital Dimapur.

In a condolence note, its vice president Lhousito Khro and general secretary Longshi Kikon said that late Akum contributed immensely in the capacity of various posts and rank during his service in the police department.

“He was someone who

worked selflessly for the welfare of the common people” and had “sincere concerns for the Naga society”, NTUCT said.

While maintaining that in his demise, they had lost a father figure and a God fearing man, NTUCT said that his good deeds had left a powerful legacy which would be cherished.

Further, the union conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty would grant them strength.

Ward-7 Union: The ward-7 union council Chumoukedima town while expressing grief over the demise of late Akum Imchen said that he was its first general secretary and was elected as the chairman

till date.

In a condolence note through its general secretary, the council described him as someone who worked selflessly for the welfare of the common people.

Further, the council conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God would grant them comfort.

KSH: Kohima Sumi Hoho has expressed sadness over the demise of Hesheto Kappo who was serving as chairman of Sumi Community PWD/ Chandmari/ Porterlane and an executive member of KSH. It described late Hesheto as an inspiring leader and an active social worker who served the soci-

ety and church in different capacities.

KSH conveyed heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.

NSCN (I-M): NSCN (I-M) has expressed grief over the demise of ‘lance corporal’ Isaac Saka from Yamolching village under Khurmi region, who enrolled in the Naga national service on January 26, 2016.

In a condolence note, NSCN (I-M) through its MIP said that Saka served the “Naga nation” with unwavering patriotism until his demise. It said that his name would be recorded in the pages of the Naga history for his selfless contributions to the “Naga national cause”.

MIP stated that the

‘adjutant general’, Naga Army bestowed upon him posthumously the rank of ‘corporal’ on June 5 in recognition of his service.

GPRN/NSCN: GPRN/NSCN has expressed sorrow over the demise of Khawoto P. Chishi, kilonser who passed away on June 5.

GPRN/NSCN through its MIP said that Khawoto was enrolled and joined the national service in 1990 and served the “nation” for the last 31 years with commitment and compassion in various capacities till his last.

It said that he was a humble man who reached out with encouragements and advices to his comrades and friends. GPRN/NSCN said that in his demise, the

“Naga nation” had lost one of the most dedicated and promising patriots whose service and dedication would be cherished in the pages of Naga history.

FGN: Federal government of Nagaland has expressed grief over the demise of ‘col’ Puchong, who passed away on June 3.

FGN through its ministry of rali wali affairs/ MIP said Puchong joined the “National service” on April 5, 1999. FGN said the group has lost one of the energetic and dedicated officers, adding that vacuum created by his demise would be hard to fill.

It said that his contribution towards the “Naga nation” would be recorded in the pages of Naga history.

K Y M C

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 181 Dimapur, MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021

Social media giants

F

ormer US president Donald Trump had his accounts on Facebook and Twitter banned on June 5,2021 for two years till 2023. Earlier on January 7,2021 Twitter, Facebook and Instagram temporarily suspended Donald Trump’s accounts on their platforms, accusing him of breaking their content regulations, after violence broke out at the US Capitol on the day. Even YouTube has also banned Trump but has yet to make specific charges. These social network giants together have users that equate to more than 50% of the world’s population. Trump was punished for purportedly “inciting” crowds of Republican right wing supporters to disrupt the validation of votes at the Capitol Hill. The storming of Capitol Hill resulted in five deaths and led to subsequent demands for putting Trump on trial for treason. A better explanation, as many (on Twitter) have said, is that these tech giants only acted once Trump was decisively, comprehensively a lame duck and on his way out of the White House. Otherwise, say many twitteraties, the action should have happened much earlier. These social network giants definitely have their political agenda on the table. Otherwise, these social media giants would have taken similar actions in India, where leaders and opinion-makers are constantly priming their followers for violence – or even for a society where violence is the rule against certain kinds of people. Twitter, in all its democratic freedom had suspended the accounts of noted advocate Sanjay Hegde numerous times for posting a revered 1936 photo of a lone dissenter in a German crowd refusing to give the Hitler salute; then for sharing a revolutionary Hindi poem. Such instances clearly prove that these social media giants have become a law unto themselves as they don’t believe they can be held accountable. It was only in December 2020, that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asked these giants as to how they collect, use, and present personal information, their advertising and user engagement practices, and how their practices affect children and teens. The government of India appears to have put these American social media giants or Frankensteinson notice by making it mandatory for them to adhere to the new IT rules but not banning them outright as made out to be by media. Neither the government, nor the rules have mentioned any ban. In fact, experts say the rules cannot lead to a ban. Non-compliance with the rules only means that social media intermediaries and internet firms won’t get safe harbour protections mentioned in Section 79 of India’s Information Technology (IT) Act. This is the part that protects The rules state that if an offensive post is found, the government can lawfully ask these companies to identify the first person who shared it in India. These tech giants have had all their time and privileges in making trillions of dollars in advertisement revenues.

They use popular platforms to advertise products but pay a pittance. Moreover, these giants pay nothing to countries where products are being advertised. They have always refused to pay tax where they operate.

Now the G7 nations have decided to impose 15% tax on these hi-tech giants. Twitter and Facebook aren’t overactive against anyone; rather they’ve long failed to act against fairly against those whose ideologies they don’t agree.

DailyDevotion “Work Out” What God “Works in” You …work out your own salvation…for it is God who works in you… —Philippians 2:12-13 Your will agrees with God, but in your flesh there is a nature that renders you powerless to do what you know you ought to do. When the Lord initially comes in contact with our conscience, the first thing our conscience does is awaken our will, and our will always agrees with God. Yet you say, “But I don’t know if my will is in agreement with God.” Look to Jesus and you will find that your will and your conscience are in agreement with Him every time. What causes you to say “I will not obey” is something less deep and penetrating than your will. It is perversity or stubbornness, and they are never in agreement with God. The most profound thing in a person is his will, not sin.

The will is the essential element in God’s creation of human beings— sin is a perverse nature which entered into people. In someone who has been born again, the source of the will is Almighty God. “…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” With focused attention and great care, you have to “work out” what God “works in” you— not work to accomplish or earn “your own salvation,” but work it out so you will exhibit the evidence of a life based with determined, unshakable faith on the complete and perfect redemption of the Lord. As you do this, you do not bring an opposing will up against God’s will— God’s will is your will. Your natural choices will be in accordance with God’s will, and living this life will be as natural as breathing. Stubbornness is an unintelligent barrier, refusing enlightenment and blocking its flow. The only thing to do with this barrier of stubbornness is to blow it up with “dynamite,” and the “dynamite” is obedience to the Holy Spirit.

Do I believe that Almighty God is the Source of my will? God not only expects me to do His will, but He is in me to do it.

Quotes

Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity, or registering wrongs. ~ Charlotte Bronte

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021

Lack of consumer poise, low growth may cause upheaval

C

onsumer confidence is at all time low, says RBI, amid slumping of Indian growth to minus 7.3 percent in 2020-21, highest jobless rate at 18 percent and impoverisation of 97 percent of the population.

The RBI at its monetary policy meet also lowered 2021-22 growth forecast by 1 percent to 9.5 percent from earlier assessments of 10.5 percent due to the covid19 virulent second phase. This one percent in real terms downsizes a number of activities.

The government’s budgetary projections are far off the mark and soberly being called conservative.

If CAG’s provisional deficit estimates are taken into account at Rs 18.21 lakh crore, the GDP projection may come to 9.3 percent.

The impact is reflected in high joblessness at 17.88 percent, according to CMIE on May 30. It has risen by three percent from 14.71 percent a fortnight earlier.

Urban labour force participation also came down to 35.69 percent from 37 percent and rural around 5 percent during the fortnight.

The lockdowns (LD)

causing closure of activities are being stated as prime reasons for the grim situation. The unemployment situation may remain high for about six months amid policy uncertainties and knee-jerk localized LDs and administrative highhandedness. Employment situation remains critical almost in all industries FMCG, automobile, informal sectors, hospitality and tourism.

In Noida, close to Delhi, eateries and restaurant have shut shops permanently as the owners have lost their reserves.

Thus the RBI outlook on consumer confidence is a mere indicator of the stark reality. In gross terms it means consumers do not have cash to buy products even if they are in dire need.

The indices touching record lows may indicate a graver situation. Both the Current Situation Index (CSI) and the Future Expectation Index fell to an all-time low of 48.5 and 96.4 in the latest RBI consumer survey. The figures a year ago were CSI 63.7 and FEI 97.9, when the lockdown was more severe. These are the lowest since 2012. The wariness is because of the

feeling of uncertainty about the future.

Whether this would mean grimmer future or not is not easy to say. The GDP had contracted 24.4 percent and 7.4 percent in the first and second quarters of 2020-21 and grew by 0.5 percent in the third quarter.

But the second wave of LD has hampered recovery. The eight core sector industries in April 2021 slumped to 126.7 (IIP), the lowest Shivaji since November 2020. It rose to 149.2 in March 2021 as activities started in construction (14.5 percent) and manufacturing (6.9 percent). Most others like labour-intensive activities like hotels, transport, entertainment and communication contracted.

The Nomura India Business Index fell to 60 on May 23 from 99.3 on February 21.

The RBI report notes that the values of other indices on non-essential items have worsened and are in the negative. In the prevailing situation RBI has drastically cut quarterly projections. Its revised projections are – 18.5 percent, 7.9 percent, 7.2 percent and 6.6 percent against those

expressed in RBI annual statement – 26.2 percent, 8.3 percent, 5.4 percent and 6.2 percent. This cuts growth to 9.5 percent. The situation remains fluid, the numbers have come down but the threat of disruption to normal work remains.

Another aspect has been the large unemployment of the tiny daily use goods market reeling under a cash crisis. A large population still is Sarkar getting food doles though all beneficiaries of last LD are not included. Large numbers of people lost jobs, including in the IT sector, in the first phase of LD, are still without jobs. Many revivals owing to dwindling of savings may not be easy though the government has announced special loan packages of Rs 15000 crore for MSMEs, it is not certain how many would be in a position to avail it.

Another critical aspect has been repeated displacement of labour. As uncertainties about covid19 may continue, the industry may continue to have labour shortage. It would affect production.

It is also linked to glob-

al situation. Trade minister Piyush Goyel has put a target of $ 400 billion export target this year against $ 290 billion last year. But India’s trade deficit touched an eight-month low in May at $ 6.3 billion because of fall in imports due to lack of domestic demand. The May exports remained at $ 32.2 billion but imports contracted to $ 38.5 billion. One reason for import slump is due to rising global prices. The WTO last month said that merchandise trade would continue to increase by 8 percent – considered a bit more optimistic. The world uncertainty may dent India’s trade.

In this situation the rising forex kitty to $ 590 billion may not be as rosy as it looks. The RBI does it by various gold and foreign currency management much to the chagrin of the US as it feels that dollar prices are suppressed. It also needs to be assessed against total external debt, and corporate external commercial borrowings (ECB) and repatriation costs.

The rising figures of FDI, not all, are suspect.

The IMF says it is being used for routing black mon-

ey. According to RBI, large percentage of the FDI $ 20110 million came from Mauritius and Singapore and a mere $ 3401 million from the US. It is to be noted that Singapore comprised a mere 0.42 percent of world economy and the US 24.42 percent. This is not considered a quality FDI but projects a larger than life picture through virtual inbreeding.

It calls for a proper scrutiny of large net-worth groups.

Globally, phantom FDI investments amount to an astonishing $15 trillion. India is also a part of it. Such siphoning and rerouting of investments affect the basic economic conditions and increases disparity. Whether this should be linked to increasing hunger and poverty in the country or not is a moot question. It is sometimes believed that 80 crore people are on food dole for this kind of inversion.

The lack of consumer confidence and purchasing power emanates from such operations. Ignoring it for long is never desirable. It is a bubble but if it busts there could be social trouble. Cosmetic promises and doles cannot contain it for long.

Post-mortem

The youth from West Bengal who unearthed the origin of SARS-Cov-2

H

e prefers to be called ‘The Seeker’. To protect his anonymity, he communicates through Twitter handle ‘@TheSeeker268’, with the logo of a little-known tribal art of Bankura or Birbhum but this West Bengal man, who is in his late 20s and probably from Kolkata, has been responsible for challenging the conventional theory that SARSCov-2 was a spillover from animals and to show how it was a lab leak from Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV).

A member of DRASTIC (Decentralised Radical Autonomous Search Team Investigating COVID-19, “The Seeker” is neither a scientist nor a scientific researcher but this former teacher of science is an avid internet data miner who managed to learn the weird but painstaking technique of searching the back alleys of the web, far beyond the well-lit places patrolled

by Google, and there, stumbled upon some obscure documents that perhaps could become the biggest revelations of the 21st century.

In a series of mails to IANS, ‘The Seeker’ explained what prompted him to look beyond the conventional Chinese “Animal-to-Human” theory that the world had started to believe.

It was in early 2020 when the “The Seeker” posted one paper on Canadian Yuri Deigin’s theory on Reddit, which promptly suspended his account permanently. This aroused his curiosity and led to delve deep into the investigation.

“It was a Medium post by the Canadian longevity entrepreneur Yuri Deigin that discussed RaTG13, a virus Shi Zhengli had revealed to the world in a February 3 paper in the journal Nature. In that paper, Shi presented the first extensive analysis of SARS-CoV-2, which had seemed to come from nowhere - the virus was unlike any that had been seen before, including the first SARS, which had killed 774 people from 2002 to 2004.

In her paper, however, Shi also introduced RaTG13, a virus that is similar in genetic makeup to SARS-CoV-2 but never mentioned where RaTG13 had come from.

“He (Deigin) wondered if SARSCoV-2 might have emerged through some genetic mixing and matching from a lab working with RaTG13 or related viruses. His post was cogent and comprehensive and I posted the theory on Reddit after which my account was permanently suspended.

This aroused my suspicion further,” ‘The Seeker’ wrote.

After a lot of trial and error, ‘The Seeker’ stumbled upon exactly what he was looking for: a master’s thesis written by a Chinese doctor.

The document contained an account of six cases of “severe pneumonia caused by unknown viruses” in workers who had been cleaning an abandoned copper mine in Yunnan, China, in 2012. The patients’ symptoms seemed eerily similar to those of Covid-19. Three of the patients, it said, died from the mys-

Food safety must be everyone’s business

O

ne of the basic foods for us is none other than food. Healthy food means a healthy mind and body. It is most important that we eat healthy food for our body. We must know that unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances causes more than 200 diseases. Global estimation signifies that the impact of unsafe food costs low- and middle-income economies around US$ 95 billion in lost yield each year and good hygiene practices in the food and agricultural sectors help to decrease the appearance and increase of food borne diseases.

Getting access to good food and good nutrition makes an individual healthy and unsafe food can cause diseases ranging from diarrhoea to cancers. Unsafe food creates a vicious cycle of disease and malnutrition, particularly affecting infants, young children, elderly and the sick. Food safety has a critical role in assuring that food stays safe at every stage of the food chain - from production to harvest, processing, storage, distribution, all the way to preparation and consumption.

World Food Safety Day (WFSD) on 7th June aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage food borne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) jointly facilitate the observance of WFSD, in collaboration with Member States and other relevant organizations. This international day is an opportunity to strengthen efforts to ensure that the food we eat is safe, mainstream food safety in the public agenda and reduce the burden of food borne diseases globally.

7th June is World Food Safety Day

cause damage to our health.

Apart from global initiatives there are initiatives being taken in India too on the occasion by government and other agencies. The Food and Agriculture Centre of Excellence at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) shall concentrate on poultry for this year’s WFSD. Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHD CCI), which is based in New Delhi, will host a 6-hour ‘virtual celebration’ of WFSD on 7 June with the theme safe food today for a healthy tomorrow Whenever we buy food products then we see a logo named FSSAI. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has been established under Food Safety and Standards , 2006 which consolidates various acts & orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various Ministries and Departments.

FSSAI has been created for laying down science based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.

There is no doubt that food safety must be everyone’s business. There are government departments which try to ensure that food that we get is safe. But we are more aware that adulteration has been everywhere. Unethical business practices or agricultural practices are enhancing unsafe food. All of us must ensure that food that we eat is safe from the field to our kitchen. The foods which are packed and served by others must be safe too. Vigilance of each and every citizen can only ensure safe food all the time.

Together we can make all food items safe and let us do it for our own interest.

Ranjan K Baruah (With direct inputs from UN/ FAO/WHO publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@ gmail.com)

tery illness.

“It was a 60-page master’s thesis in 2013 titled ‘The Analysis of 6 PaOn 3 August 2020, the tients with Severe Pneumonia Caused World Health Assembly passed

by Unknown Viruses’. In exhaustive a resolution WHA73.5 to recdetail, it described the conditions and ognize WFSD as an important step-by-step treatment of the minmilestone and a platform for ers. It named the suspected culprit: raising awareness at all levels ‘Caused by SARS-like (coronavirus) about the importance of food from the Chinese horseshoe bat or safety, and for promoting and other bats,” he wrote. facilitating actions to prevent “Finding it, at that moment, food borne diseases at lofelt big... like a homicide detective cal, national, regional and solving a cold case,” ‘The Seeker’, global levels; to strengthen who presently works with diverse global efforts for food safety elements like architecture, painting, to reduce the burden of food and filmmaking, wrote. borne disease. On 20 Decem‘The Seeker’ dropped the link, ber 2018 the United Nations without fanfare, on May 18, 2020, General Assembly adopted then followed up with a second resolution 73/250 proclaiming thesis from a PhD student at the a WFSD. As of 2019, every 7 Chinese CDC, confirming much of June is a time to celebrate the the information in the first. Four of myriad benefits of safe food. the miners had tested positive for anIt is important as it can make tibodies from a SARS-like infection. people aware of food safety And the WIV had been looped in to issues, demonstrating how to test samples from them all. prevent illness through food Shortly after ‘The Seeker’ posted safety, discussing collaborative the theses, China changed the access approaches to improved food controls on CNKI so no one could safety across sectors, promotdo such a search again. ing solutions and ways of being The Yunnan mine and its resimore food safe, etc. dent bats, ‘The Seeker’ knew, had FAO is a recognized leadbeen sampled by researchers at the er in the development of global Wuhan Institute of Virology. He’d food safety initiatives. The Food Safety and Quality Prouncovered a missing puzzle piece: gramme supports an integrated an association between the closest and multidisciplinary approach known relative of the coronavirus to food safety management and research conducted at the instiand holistic and feasible “food tute in Wuhan, China. chain” solutions to specific Though a majority of scientists food safety problems as laid out and experts agree that the coronaviin FAO’s Strategy for Improvrus emerged after jumping from a ing Food Safety Globally. wild animal to humans somewhere We must not forget that in or around Wuhan, where the first there is no food security withcases appeared in 2019 but an alternaout food safety and safe food is tive theory posits that the pandemic essential to human health and began after SARS-CoV-2 leaked from well-being. Investing in food a laboratory in Wuhan, potentially safety today will reap future the Wuhan Institute of Virology, rewards and food safety must which needs further investigation. be based on science. The way in Though there are lots of grey which food is produced, stored, areas regarding the origin of the handled and consumed affects virus but thanks to DRASTIC and the safety of our food. Food particularly ‘The Seeker’, from whom safety is a shared responsibility it is now known that the Wuhan Inbetween governments, producstitute of Virology had an extensive ers and consumers. Everybody collection of coronaviruses gathered has a role to play from farm over many years of foraging in the to table to ensure the food we bat caves, and that many of them -consume is safe and will not including the closest known relative to the pandemic virus, SARS-CoV-2 -- came from a mineshaft where three men died from a suspected SARS-like disease in 2012.

It is now known that the WIV was actively working with these viruses, using inadequate safety protocols, in ways that could have triggered the pandemic, and that the lab and Chinese authorities have gone to great lengths to conceal these Sir, activities.

The pandemic has affected all of us greatly. Yet, the existence of a lockdown doesn’t mean Asked whether he faced any that we bring all our daily activities to a halt. During this lockdown many have started gardening pressure after these things came and knitting. Some have started businesses from the comfort of their homes and those that were to light, ‘The Seeker’ only said: “I working prior to the lockdown continued working from home. Those hours that we spent on outdoor want you to focus on the facts, not activities are now available at a full stretch for all of us to make the best use of. Therefore I would me. It’s an article. Write about my like to urge all, especially the youths, not to get discouraged and rather work on developing and polishing skills because these skills might one day take you to places you’ve never been before. findings.”

Akum Ao, Nagarjan, Dimapur (IANS Special) 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.

Reader’s Post

Skill development during lockdown

If pizza can be delivered, why not ration: Kejriwal Centre prevented ‘big scam’ of AAP govt: BJP

BJP slams Delhi govt over language row at hospital

New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI): Slamming the Delhi government over a hospital circular that asked nursing staff not to speak in Malayalam at work, the BJP on Sunday said this was ironical that it requested Kerala for oxygen when in need it during the Covid crisis and has now attempted to snatch its peoples’ right to speak in their language with each other.

With the Delhi government-run G B Pant hospital now revoking the order and promising strict action in the matter after a row erupted over its earlier circular, BJP spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said the “withdrawal in a haste clearly indicates we have an anarchist state

New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi why the doorstep ration delivery scheme by his government was stalled by the Centre and appealed to him to allow its implementation in the national interest.

He said the scheme should be implemented across the country in view of Covid-19 otherwise ration shops will act as superspreaders.

“If pizza, burgers, smartphones and clothes can be delivered at home, then why can’t ration be delivered at their doorstep,” Kejriwal asked.

He alleged that the Centre was fighting with everyone, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Baner jee, Maharashtra, Delhi and Jharkhand governments, farmers and the people of Lakhsadweep.

“People are distressed that the Central government is fighting everyone. If we fight like this, how will we tackle Covid-19,” the chief minister said in an online briefing.

“The Delhi govern-

ment did not require the Centre’s approval for the implementation of the scheme, but it sought permission five times to avoid any dispute,” Kejriwal said.

The Delhi government on Saturday had claimed the doorstep delivery of ration scheme was rejected by the Lt governor saying the Centre’s approval was not sought and that a litigation was pending in the high court regarding it.

He said the scheme would have finished the powerful ration mafia in Delhi.

“If you stand with the ration mafia, who will stand with the poor people” the chief minister said, adding that the scheme was intended to benefit 72 lakh people in the national capital.

24.60 cr vaccine doses provided to states/UTs: Centre

Six years on, no clue about 17 ‘mentally unsound’ Indians languishing in Pak jails

New Delhi, Jun 6 (IANS): Amid reports of vaccine shortage in some states, the Centre on Sunday said that 24.60 crore Covid vaccine doses have been provided to states/UTs till date.

It said that it has so far provided, both through the free of cost category and through direct state procurement category, more than 24 crore vaccine doses (24,60,80,900) to states/ UTs, and of this, total consumption, including wastages, is 22,96,95,199 doses (as per data available at 8 a.m. on Sunday).

More than 1.63 crore vaccine doses (1,63,85,701) are still available with the states/UTs to be administered, it added.

Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI): Six years after Pakistan conveyed to India about 17 “mentally unsound” Indians languishing in jails in that country, efforts to confirm their identity have not yielded any result despite the Ministry of Home Affairs putting up their photos on its official website and seeking assistance from the general public as well as states and UTs. They have completed their sentences but due to non-confirmation of their nationality they could not be repatriated to India, an official said.

Among the 17 prisoners in Pakistan who are believed to be Indians, four are women and were named Gullu Jan, Ajmeera, Naqaya and Hasina by Pakistani

The BJP on Sunday claimed that the Centre has forestalled a “big scam” that the Delhi’s AAP government might have committed by “diverting” subsidised food grains, as it hit back at CM Kejriwal for targeting the central dispensation for stopping his scheme of doorstep delivery of ration.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said the Delhi government is free to run such a scheme by purchasing grains at a notified rate, but it has no right to tweak or stop a national programme of subsidised ration distribution under the Food Security Act to launch its own plan.

Speaking at a virtual press conference, Patra also claimed that there is zero Aadhaar card authentication in Delhi against the national average of 80% and that the Kejriwal government had also earlier stopped the operation of POS machines, which allow biometric verification. It means there is no way one can find out if the food grains are being delivered to the needy or diverted, he alleged.

authorities. The others are Sonu Singh, Surinder Mahto, Prahalad Singh, Silrof Salim, Birju, Raju, Bipla, Rupi Pal, Panwasi Lal, Raju Mahouli, Shyam Sunder, Ramesh and Raju Rai. The MHA has said anyone who can identify these 17 persons should give information to the Under Secretary (Foreigners) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, the home department of state governments or union territory (UT) administration concerned or respective Director General of Police or Inspector General of Police or Commissioner of Police.

“Photographs of 17 mentally unsound persons, believed to be Indian nationals, who are lodged in jails in Pakistan, are attached.

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national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021

government for whom the Constitution of India and its recognized language do not matter.”

He added, “It is an irony that when this government was in need of oxygen, the request was directed to Kerala and now comes their attempt to snatch their right to speak in Malayalam amongst each other.”

Globally, he said, the largest number of nurses come from Kerala, and they have served our country as frontline workers along with doctors and other paramedics. They suffered casualties along too, Vadakkan said, adding that he was surprised at the “deafening silence” from the Kerala government on the matter.

7 injured in explosion in J&K’s Tral town Srinagar, Jun 6 (IANS): Seven people were injured in an explosion in Tral town in J&K’s Pulwama district on Saturday, police said.

Police sources said an explosion, apparently a grenade blast, took place in the bus stand of Tral town in the afternoon. “Seven persons were injured in the explosion. They have been shifted to sub-district hospital in Tral where doctors referred one of the injured to Srinagar for specialised treatment.

“Doctors said all the injured had reported with splinter injuries,” a source said. Meanwhile, the bus stand area has been cordoned off to carry out searches.

These persons have not been able to disclose any other particulars about them including the names of their parents or relatives, address in India, etc. due to their mentally unsound condition,” the MHA notification said.

In 2015, Pakistan had conveyed to India about these 17 Indians lodged in their jails and said they have completed their jail terms in that country but they cannot be sent back home as they are unable to recall their whereabouts since they are “mentally unsound”.

As Pakistan failed to get details of their background, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad was then given special consular access to these prisoners hoping to make breakthroughs.

Punjab Police bust Covid-19 cyber scam, 3 held Chandigarh, Jun 6 (IANS): Punjab Police have busted an interstate highprofile gang of criminals in Mohali district indulging in Covid-19 cyber scams, a police official said.

All the three arrested accused have been found to be cheating patients by falsely promising them to deliver fake Remdesivir and other medicines, Superintendent of Police, Cyber Crime, Gurjot Kaler told IANS. They used to lure the victims by calling them on their WhatsApp numbers and then after getting advance payments in different bank accounts, they used to switch off their numbers, he said. Kaler said the entire cheated money of Rs 14 lakh was recovered from them.

Govt fighting for blue tick, be self-reliant for Covid vaccine: Rahul; BJP hits back New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday took a swipe at the Modi government, saying it is fighting for a blue tick while leaving people to become “aatmanirbhar” (self-reliant) to get Covid vaccines.

Hitting back at the Congress leader, the BJP said he should get out of social media and work on the ground. The party also asked him to speak to chief ministers of Congress-ruled states regarding alleged scams and irregularities in the Covid vaccination programme there.

Gandhi’s remarks came a day after outrage over the removal of ‘blue tick’ badge from the personal accounts of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and RSS top functionaries, including Mohan Bhagwat, by Twitter, only to restore it later.

“The Modi government is fighting for the blue tick. If you want a Covid vaccine, then be self-reliant,” he said in a sarcastic tweet in Hindi, using the hashtag “#Priorities”.

Taking a dig at Gandhi, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said doing

Rahul Gandhi

politics on Twitter is his (Gandhi’s) “most important subject” and “biggest platform”. Patra asserted that the Modi government has done an admirable job in spearheading such a big inoculation programme and providing free ration to the poor.

Meanwhile, the former Congress president also talked about stopping language discrimination after a Delhi government hospital asked its nurses not to converse in Malayalam. The hospital order has been revoked.

“Malayalam is as Indian as any other Indian language. Stop language discrimination,” Gandhi said in another tweet.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also shared the concern and posted the order

of the Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research warning the nursing personnel to use only Hindi and English for communication, else serious action will be taken.

“This order is a violation of the basic values of our country. It is racist, discriminatory and utterly wrong,” she said in a tweet in Malayalam, saying Malayali nurses are risking their lives in Covid times to save people.

“This order is also an insult. We owe them a debt of gratitude and respect.

It should be withdrawn as soon as possible and an apology should be published,” she demanded.

In another tweet, Priyanka alleged that the Modi government reduced oxygen beds by 36 per cent, ICU beds by 46 per cent, ventilator beds by 28 per cent between September 2020 and January 2021.

“Is the health of Indian citizens less important than the Central Vista project?” she asked, alleging that the government has declared the project as an essential service with people working day and night to complete it by 2023.

Heroin worth Rs. 78 cr seized from Ugandan, Zambian women in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD, JUN 6 (IANS): The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 12.95 kg heroin, valued at Rs 78 crore, from Ugandan and Zambian women peddlers at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here.

Sleuths of DRI seized the high value narcotics from the two passengers who landed from Doha separately on Saturday and Sunday.

They had concealed heroin in powder form in the inner compartment of specially designed suitcases.

Acting on a tip-off, DRI officials intercepted a woman from Uganda who

arrived from Zimbabwe via Doha on Saturday. They found about four kg of heroin concealed in the specially designed suitcase.

The DRI officials in the early hours of Sunday intercepted a Zambian woman, who arrived from Johannesburg via Doha.

They examined her baggage and found eight kg of the powder concealed in the suitcase.

Both women were booked under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and were being questioned about their network and other accused involved, an official said.

Parra was an asset of Pak-based terror groups: Police chargesheet

Maharashtra: Newborn with Covid-19 dies in Palghar

MUMBAI, JUN 6 (PTI): A girl detected with coronavirus infection some hours after birth in Palghar district in Maharashtra died on Sunday morning while undergoing treatment, health officials said. The child was born premature and underweight on May 30 in Saphale and was detected with COVID-19 while the mother, from Darsheth village here, had tested negative, they said.

“The infant was being treated at Jawhar government hospital and was then shifted to Nashik Civil Hospital where the child died at around 5am. She may be the youngest COVID-19 victim hailing from Mumbai Metropolitan Region,” an official said.

sconced in the safety of a recognised political party..., the accused systematically went about strengthening himself by craftily deepening his roots on two sides of the divide -- India and Pakistan” “...Parra had the permission of the Pakistani establishment to keep throw-

ing crumbs at India, allowing them petty tactical gains and systematically pushing the overall situation, slowly but surely, in favour of Pakistan in a strategic sense.

What played out over 13 years (2007-2020) was a saga of subterfuges, deceit and double meaning,” the chargesheet alleged.

OFFICE OF THE

DIMAPUR NOKPU SENSO TELONGJEM DIMAPUR - 797112 : NAGALAND

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Dimapur Nokpu Senso Telongjem would like to express profound gratitude and appreciation to Shri Temjen Imna Along Longkumer, Minister of Higher Education & Tribal Affairs to the Govt. of Nagaland, for his philanthropic initiative in providing rice bags to the needy families of Nokpu Senso, Dimapur during this pandemic. The Union acknowledges the noble gesture and hope that it will make a huge difference in our people's lives.

The Union further wishes our leader good health and success in all his endeavours.

L. Tinu Imchen President

Likok Longkumer Asst. General Secretary

FAITH THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE (Affiliated to Martin Luther Christian University) Govt. Recognised & Accredited by NATA, IATA & GATA Ura Village Colony, Dimapur, Nagaland Mobile No. : 7005091090 / 8837099195 / 9856319201

Course & Accreditation

Eligibility Duration 10+2 / Dip.Th 3 Years Residential & B.Th (MLCU/NATA & IATA) Correspondence Matriculate 4 Years B.Th Graduate 2 Years Residential & M.Div (MLCU/NATA & IATA) Correspondence Secular Graduate 3 Years M.Th (NATA & IATA) B.D/M.Div 2 Years Correspondence  REASONABLE FEES. NEW ACADEMIC SESSION WILL START SOON  Housewife / Government / Church / Private Employees can apply for Correspondence.

Excellent notes provided WANTED FULL/PART TIME LECTURERS : M.TH FROM ATA/SERAMPORE DP-2667

K-1015

Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra

rorists to further the agenda of Pakistan-based terror groups and also to ensure that his political adversaries are neutralised The 19-page chargesheet, with hundreds of pages of annexures, has given instances of his targeted attempts to eliminate political opponents and to help his party leaders by paying terror groups to swing the electoral battle in his party’s favour His lawyer has denied all these charges during various court proceedings related to his bail and custodial pleas, and claimed

that his client, who won the District Development Council elections last year, was being made a political scapegoat The chargesheet highlighted his links to Pakistantrained Abu Dujana and Abu Qassim, who were killed in separate encounters with security forces, and went on to allege that he used to meet them personally as well as through Over Ground Workers (OGWs) The chargesheet alleged that a forced marriage between a girl and dreaded Pakistani terrorist Abu Dujana had his “blessings”, the chargesheet claimed The police have tracked his journey from 2007 when he went to Pakistan and interviewed banned HizbulMujahideen’s chief Syed Salahuddin and broadcast it on his local media channel which was being operated from Pulwama, his home district, in South Kashmir Parra joined the PDP in 2013 and “once en-

DP-2679

Srinagar/New Delhi, Jun 6 (PTI): Senior PDP leader Waheed-urRehman Parra, a close aide of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, was an asset for Pakistan-based terror groups and his 13 years’ journey from 2007 as a journalist and politician was a “saga of subterfuge, deceit and double dealing”, alleges a police chargesheet against him Parra is alleged to have established a nexus with terrorists for seeking support from them for political gains and reciprocated it by providing a range of help and support which led to terror strikes With the help of five protected witnesses and technical intelligence, the Criminal Investigation Kashmir (CIK), a wing of the CID Department, submitted a chargesheet before an NIA Court recently alleging that Parra was hand-in-glove with ter-

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021

ex-bureaucrats write to PM, says Tikait leads sit-in at Hry PS for release of farmers Top‘disturbing devp’ in Lakshadweep

BKU spokesperson Rakesh Tikait and others stage a protest against Centre’s three farm reform laws, at Tohana. (PTI)

(From p-1) Regarding the fate of rescued children, Childline sources informed this reporter that placements differed from case to case. While some were placed in child care institutes (CCI), others were given to guardians and other family members. And after all the legal formalities were completed in coordination with the police and CWC, some children were restored back to their families and transferred to their respective districts and States, the sources added. Since inception, Childline has conducted several awareness programmes in colonies, wards and villages, schools, churches, etc, with the help of church leaders and community leaders. But, there has been a steady rise in the number of child abuse cases as well. In fact, many cases go unreported, the sources added.

It may be mentioned that despite increase in child labour cases in Nagaland, the State government was yet to ratify the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 1986 and in 2016.

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

K Y M C

Need to prioritise vax for pregnant women: Report NEW DELHI, JUN 6 (PTI): Amid rising deaths of pregnant women due to Covid-19, a report has made a strong case for their vaccination on a priority basis.

For Covid not to further aggravate the already heavy burden of maternal and under five mortality, there is a strong case for inclusion of pregnant women as a high priority group for vaccination, a report prepared by a group of doctors led by Yamini Sarwal of Delhi-based Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital said.

“We recommend including Covid-19 vaccination in the routine protocol for antenatal care in all countries, particularly India and Indonesia, in view of their high dual burden,” it said.

Currently, either pregnant women are not included for vaccination, or the policies are ambiguous with the decision being often left to the woman, the report said.

Evidence is emerging of the safety and efficacy of Covid vaccination, which along with benefits of passing on the protection to the newborn, call for including pregnant women in the high priority group for vaccination, it said.

the case against them, he added.

On Sunday, a group of women in Tikait’s presence also sang songs highlighting the plight of the farmers.

They took a dig at the Centre and Haryana government on the farmers’ issue, and slammed Deputy Chief Minister and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala for not standing with the farmers.

Tikait said their agitation against the farm laws would continue till the gov-

Narendra Modi

the letter reads, stating that these decisions have been taken without consulting the people of Lakshadweep.

“Each of these measures smacks not of development but of alien and arbitrary policy making, in violation of established practices that respect the environment and society of Lakshadweep. Taken together, the actions and far-reaching proposals of the Administrator, without due consultation with the islanders, constitute an onslaught on the very fabric of Lakshadweep society, economy and landscape as if

the islands were just a piece of real estate for tourists and tourism investors from the outside world”, the letter further states.

The 93 signatories have sought for the controversial decisions to be withdrawn and a “full-time, peoplesensitive, responsive Administrator be appointed, even as some of the draft orders are pending approval before Union Home Ministry.

These objections come days after several people, including those who belong to Lakshadweep took to social media with several online campaigns like #SaveLakshadweep. Elected representatives from Kerala - from the Congress as well as the Left - have been protesting the “unilateral” drafts of the administrator, after Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Faizal raised concerns.

Delegations of parliamentarians from both the parties have been denied permit to enter Lakshadweep.

‘Uncleji ... find another job’: TMC MP Mahua’s scathing attack on WB Gov NEW DELHI, JUN 6 (AGENCIES): TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Sunday took a series of jibes at West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar after the latter highlighted the “grim security situation” in the state.

The fiery TMC leader said the governor should take his “sorry self ” back to Delhi and “find another job”.

Moitra’s stinging response came after the governor took to Twitter to flag the “extremely alarming law and order scenario” in the state. In a series of tweets, governor Dhankhar said there was rampant post-poll retributive violence in West Bengal and lashed out at the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government for allegedly using police to target its political opponents.

Addressing Dhankhar as “uncleji”, Moitra said Bengal’s “grim situation”

wife and brother of his former aide-de-camp (ADC) Major Gorang Diksit.

Valikar is the brother-in-law of present ADC Janardan Rao, while Kishan Dhankar is another close relative of the Governor, Moitra alleged.

The TMC MP, when (L) Mahua Moitra and (R) Jagdeep Dhankhar will improve when he moves his “sorry self back to Delhi & find another job”.

Targeting other BJP leaders, Moitra said that the governor can consider becoming the advisor to Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on “how best to Thok Do opposition”. She further said he could also advise Union home minister Amit Shah on “how best to hide during a pandemic”.

Moitra also shared a list of names — OSD to

No. 9939 Yesterday’s solution No. 9938

No. 4559 Yesterday’s solution No. 4558

No. 3583 Yesterday’s solution No. 3582

Across 1. Secret hoard (5) 6. Sheriff ’s men (5) 9. Dictionary (7) 10. Stone worker (5) 11. Drink noisily (5) 12. Landing pier (5) 13. M o u n t e d b u l l fighter (7) 15. Cutting tool (3) 17. Religious image (4) 18. Schedule (6) 19. Abrupt (5) 20. Newspaper boss (6) 22. Number (4) 24. Transgression (3) 25. Temporal (7) 26. Broaden (5) 27. Surcoat (5) 28. Film (5) 29. Stroll (7) 30. Insurgent (5) 31. At no time (5) Down 2. Mournful, pitiable (6) 3. Catchword (6) 4. Farmyard bird (3) 5. Colliery worker (5) 6. Cost of sending mail (7) 7. Solely (4) 8. Diffuse (6) 12. Extra playing card (5) 13. Heaps (5) 14. Boy’s name (5) 15. Escargot (5) 16. Bet (5) 18. Pallid (5) 19. Of current affairs (7) 21. Water down (6) 22. Uproar (6) 23. Travelling case (6) 25. Paris river (5) 26. Sagacious (4) 28. Blokes (3)

governor Abbhudoy Singh Sekhawat, OSD-coordination Akhil Chowdhury, OSD-administration Ruchi Dubey, OSD-protocol Prasant Diksit, OSD-IT Koustav S Valikar and newly appointed OSD Kishan Dhankar.

The TMC MP said that Sekhawat is the son of Dhankhar’s brother-in-law, and Ruchi Dubey and Prasant Diksit are respectively

contacted, further said, “We all have the democratic right to ask him questions. He keeps asking questions to the state government. I would rather request him to look into the mirror. He has brought his entire village and entire clan to Raj Bhavan.”

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OFFICE OF THE

JAPUKONG YOUTH ORGANISATION HQ. LONGCHEM, DIST. MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND REGD. NO. HOME - SRC/7936/2019

In appreciation to the commitment and dedication of the front line workers within its jurisdiction, the Japukong Youth Organisation (J.Y.O) undertook a tour from 4th – 5th June 2021 and visited EAC HQ Longchem, Police outpost Saring, and also courteous visit to CHC, Mangkolemba and police check post Mangkolemba.

The JYO team while lauding the efforts of the frontline workers also distributed light refreshments at all the visited places. The team also had interaction with the doctor and staff, EAC and OC of Longchem and thank them for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people and assured all possible help from the organization when the need arises.

The JYO further acknowledges honourable minister Shri. Temjen Imna Along for providing medical supplies to all the villages, medical kits to all sub centres and P.H.C and also providing free ambulance service for Covid patients from the area.

The Organisation furthermore thanks to all the well wishers who have contributed for the success of this initiative.

Limayanger Imchen Imtiliba Imchen President, J.Y.O Gen. Secy. J.Y.O

DP-2678

Childline Dimapur registers 175 child...

which is spearheading the farmers’ agitation against the farm laws, said the issue of release of two farmers has not been resolved yet.

“There is a deadlock in talks between us and the police administration,” he had said.

Yadav said Babli had not lodged any complaint against Vikas and Ravi Azad who had been arrested by the police.

But the government was not ready to withdraw

Thiruvanant h ap u r a m , J UN 6 (AGENCIES): 93 retired top civil servants from across the country have signed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi against a series of controversial decisions by Lakshadweep’s administrator Praful Patel.

The letter from the Constitutional Conduct Group states that they are not affiliated to any political party but believe in neutrality and commitment to the Indian Constitution.

“We write to you today to register our deep concern over disturbing developments taking place in the pristine Union Territory (UT) of Lakshadweep in the name of ‘development’.”

Taking strong objections to a series of controversial drafts, the signatories have stated, “It is clear that each of these draft regulations is part of a larger agenda that is against the ethos and interests of the islands and islanders,”

DP-2644

abuses at them.

Babli later expressed regret for uttering “inappropriate” words against farmers.

Tikait, along with some other farmer leaders, had assembled at the grain market here on Saturday night and then marched towards the police station.

Talking to the media outside the Sadar police station on Saturday, Yogendra Yadav, senior leader of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha,

ernment repeals the farm laws and enacts a law on minimum support price (MSP).

The BKU leader reiterated that the government wants to shift the farmers’ agitation centre point from Delhi borders to Haryana’s Rohtak-Jind belt, a “ploy” which he said will not be allowed to succeed.

On June 1, Babli had faced a protest by a group of farmers who showed black flags to him and raised slogans. Babli had alleged that some of the protesters resorted to unruly behaviour and smashed the windscreen of his SUV. Farmers, however, accused Babli of publicly using abusive and threatening language.

Protesting farmers had on Wednesday said they would gherao all police stations across the state on June 7 if MLA Babli did not tender an apology by June 6.

Several farmer groups in the state have been opposing the public functions of the BJPJJP leaders.

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Tohana (Haryana), Jun 6 (PTI): A large number of farmers led by Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait continued their sit-in at Sadar police station in Fatehabad here on Sunday demanding the release of two farmers.

An FIR was registered after the farmers tried to gherao Jananayak Janata Party MLA Devendra Singh Babli’s residence here on Wednesday night.

Vikas and Ravi Azad were arrested by the police in connection with the incident.

Addressing a gathering outside the police station on Sunday, Tikait said the protesting farmers will not move from here till the time the fellow farmers are released.

“We are ready for court arrest. We have been telling the police to either arrest us also or release them,” the BKU leader said.

The protesting farmers had earlier also sought the registration of a case against Babli for allegedly hurling

K Y M C

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021

‘Myanmar willing to work with ASEAN countries’

Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing

Nay Pyi Taw, June 6 (IANS): Myanmar is willing to work together with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to safeguard the domestic stability of the country and implement the relevant consensus, State Administration Council (SAC) Chair Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said.

Min Aung Hlaing, who is also the Commander-inChief of Defence Services, made the remarks on here Saturday during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, Chen Hai, reports Xinhua news agency.

According to a statement issued by the Chinese embassy in Nay Pyi Taw, Min Aung Hlaing introduced the domestic situation in the country and said Myanmar is committed to promoting national stability, economic growth and improvement of people’s livelihoods, and safeguarding democracy and the rule of law.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues including China-Myanmar relations and the joint prevention and control of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Friday, Second

Minister of Brunei’s Foreign Affairs Erywan bin Pehin Yusof, whose country currently holds the rotating chair of the ASEAN, and the bloc’s Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi had arrived in Myanmar to hold talks with top officials about the current political situation in the country following the February 1 military coup.

The envoys met Min Aung Hlaing and they exchanged views on matters related to the outcomes of a recent ASEAN leaders’ meeting on Myanmar; implementations of ASEAN recommendations from the Preliminary Needs Assessment; ASEAN’s efforts on access to Covid-19 vaccines; and bilateral friendship between Myanmar and Brunei. The military leader also apprised ASEAN envoys of the progress of review on the 2020 general elections in Myanmar, situation of terrorist actions, matters related to re-holding elections when the country restores stability and future cooperation plans on humanitarian assistance.

UK urges the commitment to vaccinate the world by 2022

London, Jun 6 (AP): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use the Group of Seven wealthy democracies’ summit next week to urge world leaders to commit to vaccinating the global population by the end of 2022.

Johnson is expected to stress the importance of a global vaccination drive when he meets with fellow world leaders on Friday in Cornwall, on the coast of southwestern England, for the first face-to-face G-7 summit since the pandemic hit.

“The world is looking to us to rise to the greatest challenge of the postwar era: defeating COVID and leading a global recovery driven by our shared values,” he said in a statement Sunday.

“Vaccinating the world by the end of next year would be the single greatest feat in medical history.”

US President Joe Biden and leaders of Canada, France, Italy and Japan will arrive in Cornwall from Friday for three days of talks focusing on the global recovery from the pandemic.

Britain’s government pledged in February to give most of the country’s sur-

Boris Johnson

plus vaccine supply to COVAX, the United Nationsbacked programme aiming to supply poorer countries with jabs.

But the UK has not yet put a figure on how many doses it will donate. The country, with a population of about 70 million, has ordered some 400 million doses of vaccines. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said that the UK does not have any excess doses at the moment and that “we’re just getting them into arms as quickly as possible”.

The Sunday Times reported that Johnson is set to announce at the summit that the UK will pledge to donate over 2 billion pounds’ worth of jabs this year, with further donations in 2022.

The US has said it plans to share 80 million doses of its surplus vaccine globally by the end of June, most through COVAX.

Biden reinvigorates tariff war against India with retaliation to digital tax N EW YO R K , J U N 6 (IANS): The US tariff war against India has been reinvigorated by President Joe Biden threatening to increase import duties on a range of imports, from prawns and Basmati rice to furniture and jewellery, in retaliation against New Delhi imposing Digital Services Tax (DS) on tech giants.

The US Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced on June 2 the plan for the 25 per cent increase in the tariffs on 26 items from India, but said that the hikes will be on hold till December. India imposed a two per cent tax starting in April last year on earnings in the country by foreign

Joe Biden

technology and e-commerce companies like Amazon, Facebook and Google. It was opposed by the administration of former President Donald Trump, and Biden has picked up the baton.

The Trade Representative’s Office said: “India’s DST is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens

or restricts US commerce.”

The Office estimated the increased taxes on the selected imports from India will equal the taxes India assesses on the US companies under the DST. “Estimates indicate that the value of the DST payable by US-based company groups to India will be up to approximately $55 million per year. The level of trade covered by the action takes into five account estimates of the amount of tariffs to be collected on goods of India and the estimates of the amount of taxes assessed by India.”

The other items threatened with increased duties include bamboo, window

Covid mutates over 30 times in HIV+ woman with Covid

NEW DELHI, JUN 6 (AGENCIES): Researchers in South Africa have found potentially dangerous coronavirus mutations in a 36-year-old woman with advanced HIV. The woman carried the Covid-19 virus for 216 days and during this period, the virus gathered more than 30 mutations, India Today report stated.

The case report was published as a preprint in the medical journal medRxiv on Thursday (This paper is not peer-reviewed yet).

According to the report, the woman was diagnosed with HIV back in 2006 and her immune system has weakened consistently over time. After she contracted Covid-19 in September 2020, the virus accumulated 13 mutations to the spike protein and 19 other genetic shifts that could change the behaviour of the virus.

Some of these mutations have been seen in variants of concern, such as E484K mutation, which is part of the Alpha variant B.1.1.7 (first seen in the UK), and N510Y mutation, which is part of the Beta variant B.1.351, (first seen in South Africa).

According to the researchers, it was not clear if the woman passed on these mutations to others.

However, researchers said it’s probably not a coincidence that most of the new variants have emerged from areas like KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, where more than 1 in 4 adults is HIV positive.

Though there is little evidence to suggest that HIV-infected people are more prone to contracting Covid-19 and developing severe medical consequences, researchers say if more such

cases are found, patients with advanced HIV could “become a factory of variants for the whole world”.

Tulio de Oliveira, a geneticist at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban and the study’s author, told the LA Times that immunosuppressed patients could carry Covid-19 virus longer than others. In the case of the woman, de Oliveira said she displayed only mild symptoms of Covid-19 during her initial symptoms, even though she was still carrying the coronavirus.

The researcher further called for expanding testing and treatment for those with undetected HIV as it “would reduce mortality from HIV, reduce transmission of HIV, and also reduce the chance of generating new Covid variants that could cause other waves of infections.”

7

international

shutters, cigarette papers, pearl, copper foil and bedroom furniture. Inaugurating the new phase of trade wars, the Biden administration also threatened to increase tariffs on imports from five other countries -- the UK, Austria, Italy, Spain and Turkey over their DST. Explaining the reason for holding the increases in abeyance for the six countries, Tai said it was to help the international negotiations on taxation.

“The US remains committed to reaching a consensus on international tax issues through the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) and G20 processes.

Today’s actions provide time for those negotiations to continue to make progress while maintaining the option of imposing tariffs.”

In the first phase of the negotiations, the Finance Ministers of the G7, the major western industrial powers, meeting in London agreed on Saturday to a minimum 15 per cent corporate tax rate to prevent companies using legal loopholes to avoid paying taxes on incomes in countries where they operate.

The deal will next go to next month’s meeting in Italy of the G20 -- a group of 19 countries, industrialised and developing, and the European Union.

14 die as heavy rains lash Sri Lanka Colombo, Jun 6 (PTI): At least 14 people have died and over 240,000 affected in flash floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rains in Sri Lanka, officials said on Sunday.

Rains have been pounding several districts of the island nation since Thursday night, and many houses, paddy fields and roads have been inundated, blocking traffic.

The National Disaster Management Centre chief, Maj Gen Sudantha Ranasinghe, said 245,212 people belonging to 60,674 families in 10 districts have been affected due to adverse weather conditions.

“Over 3500 families are housed in relief camps,” he said, adding that 72 relief camps have been set up to accommodate over 15,000 people displaced from these families.

The deaths have been reported from Gampaha (2), Ratnapura (3), Colombo (1), Puttalam (1), Kalutara (1), Kegalle (5) and Galle (1), officials said. While 10 people died in floods, four lost their lives in mudslides, they said.

The torrential monsoon rains left several dis-

tricts under water, including Kalutara, Gampaha, Colombo, Ratnapura and Kegalle. More rains are expected in the coming days, the Meteorology Department said. The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings for six of the 25 administrative districts.

China authorises CoronaVac COVID vaccine for children above 3 years Beijing, Jun 6 (PTI): China has authorised the emergency use of CoronaVac, a COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Chinese firm Sinovac, for children aged between 3 and 17 years, Sinovac Chairman Yin Weidong said.

“But when the vaccine will be put into (emergency) use, and starting from what age in the group has yet to be decided,” he was quoted as saying by the state-run Global Times on Sunday.

Sinovac has finished the Phrase I and II clinical research stage, involving

several hundred volunteers in this age group, which has proved that the vaccine is as safe and efficient as it is for adults, Yin told China Central Television (CCTV) in an interview on Friday.

T h e Wo l d H e a l t h Organisation (WHO) has granted approval on June 1 to China’s second COVID-

19 vaccine, Sinovac, which was expected to strengthen China’s vaccine diplomacy.

Earlier, WHO granted a similar approval to China’s Sinopharm. Besides administering the vaccines at home, China has been donating and exporting the vaccines to number of countries as part of its vaccine diplomacy.

C h i n a ’s N a t i o n a l Health Commission said on Sunday that over 763 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered across China so far.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “For you are Dust, and to Dust you shall return” Genesis3:19

Through this message, we the family of Lt. Lanutula Aonok would like to thank each and every individual who has been there for us physically, emotionally, financially and through prayers in our hour of grief. Thank you all and it is our prayer that our Heavenly Father will bless each and every one of you.

19/07/1969

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born 18.09.1978 – Died : 12.05.2021 Through this column, we, the bereaved family members of Late AM Bahadur Chetri (Sanu) express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all individuals, friends, neighbours, Nepali Kashiram Village Council and Youth, Gorkha Samaj Dimapur, Sir Geoffrey Yaden, Staff of Nagaland Post, doctors and nurses of Prime Hospital, Dimapur.

We deeply regret our inability to thank each and everyone individually but we pray that Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving mother, wife, brothers, sister, children & relatives DP-2682

Sri Lankans wade through an inundated street following heavy rainfall at Malwana, on the outskirts of Colombo on June 5.

01/06/2021

It is just like a dream that you have left us. Our hearts mourn and weep in silence. No words are enough to describe how painful it is, yet we remember your good deeds which comfort our weary hearts. Your humble nature and your patience will always be remembered by us. We thank our almighty God for fulfilling His will through you. Thank you for being a part of our lives and we will always miss you. May your soul rest in peace.

From your loved ones DP-2676

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Malala faces Pak backlash for questioning need to marry ISLAMABAD, JUN 6 : Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai’s views on whether marriage is necessary for two people in a relationship has invited an avalanche of criticism in Pakistan, where she has long gained a reputation as controversy’s favourite child with her outspokenness, reports Times of India.

In an interview published in the British Vogue magazine, Malala responded to a question on the institution of marriage by wondering why a relationship could K Y M C

Malala Yousafzai

not be just a “partnership”.

“Thinking about relationships, you know, on social media, everyone’s sharing their relationship stories, and you get worried…if you

can trust someone or not, and how can you be sure,” she said.

“I still don’t understand why people have to get married. If you want to have a person in your life, why do you have to sign marriage papers; why can’t it just be a partnership?” she said.

The remarks immediately landed her in hot waters in Pakistan, with lawmakers, clerics, academicians as well a section of the citizenry accusing her of peddling a western narrative.

2nd July, 1932 – 31st May, 2021 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me Psalm 23 We, the family members of our dear parent LATE IMSÜKALA (KANGTSÜNG) would like to thank each and every individual who supported us spiritually, physically, mentally, and financially at the time of our bereavement.

May the Almighty God bestow His abundant blessings to you all.

With prayers, Loving children, grandchildren and relatives DP-2681

DC-479

K Y M C

8

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021

of match-practice may hurt even French Open: Federer pulls out over fitness ‘Lack world-class players like Virat, Rohit’ Maria, Coco move into pre-quarterfinals

No.17 seed Maria Sakkari of Greece secured a hard-fought victory over No.14 seed Elise Mertens of Belgium 7-5, 6-7(2), 6-2 in a nearly three-hour contest to reach the fourth round of the French Open for the first time in her career.

Maria will now take on last year’s finalist, American Sofia Kenin, in the pre-quarterfinals.

No.4 seed Sofia overcame first-set blues to beat compatriot and No.28 seed Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-1 6-4 for a berth in the fourth round for the third Roger Federer

Paris, Jun 6 (IANS): Roger Federer withdrew from French Open tennis ahead of his fourth-round match against Matteo Berrettini, the tournament announced on Sunday.

“After discussions with my team, I’ve decided I will need to pull out of Roland Garros today,” Federer wrote on Twitter.

“After two knee surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation, it’s important that I listen to my body and make sure I don’t push my-

self too quickly on my road to recovery. I am thrilled to have gotten three matches under my belt.

There is no greater feeling than being back on court.”

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam title winner, who will be 40 in two months’ time, battled over three and a half hours until 12:45 Sunday morning to reach the last 16 with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 win over 59th-ranked Dominik Koepfer.

Coco Gauff

the first set 1-6.

Gauff will next have to beat No. 25 seed OnsJabeur of Tunisia in the round of 16. Ons shook off a rough first set to eventually get past Magda Linette of Poland, 3-6, 6-0, 6-1.

Tamara Zidansek

Cirstea who showed signs of nerves at the start of the second set.

The 23-year-old Zidansek became more aggressive as Cirstea struggled to move freely because of an ankle issue and raced ahead 5-0 before closing out the victory in 86 minutes.

Zidansek will face 2019 runner-up Marketa Vondrousova or Spain’s Paula Badosa in the last eight.

Zidansek beats Cirstea to storm into quarter-finals

Tamara Zidansek became the first woman from Slovenia to reach the singles quarter-finals of a Grand Slam on Sunday with a 7-6(4) 6-1 victory over unseeded Romanian SoranaCirstea at the French Open.

World number 85 Zidansek had never been beyond the second round at a Grand Slam before this year’s tournament in Paris but it was 2009 Roland Garros quarter-finalist

Hamilton suggests boxing ring to settle Mercedes-Red Bull row

Baku, Jun 6 (IANS): Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton and his Red Bull rival Max Verstappen would like to see team bosses Toto Wolff and Christian Horner don boxing gloves to settle their differences.

Hamilton and Verstappen are engaged in a title tussle in Formula One but have so far maintained pleasantries off the track in front of the media.

The same cannot be said for Mercedes chief Wolff and Red Bull counterpart Horner, reports dpa news agency.

When Hor ner this week suggested his opposite number “keep (his) mouth shut” as the Silver Arrows struggled in practice at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Wolff fired back that the Red Bull boss was “a bit of a windbag who wants to be on camera”.

For Hamilton, who qualified in second, and Verstappen, in third, for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix scheduled later on Sunday, the row was the source of some amusement in Baku

Maria Sakkari

year running.

No.24 seed Coco Gauff of the US also made it to the pre-quarterfinals here for the first time after her compatriot, No.13 seed Jennifer Brady, retired due to a foot injury after losing

Bromell runs fastest 100 meters this year

M IRA M AR , J UN 6 (AGENCIES): American Trayvon Bromell underlined his credentials as the Tokyo Olympics 100 meters gold medal favorite on Saturday by running the fastest time this year of 9.77 seconds at the New Life Invitational in Miramar, Florida.

Bromell becomes the ninth man to dip under 9.80 seconds, slashing nearly one-10th of a second off his personal best of 9.84. Marvin Bracey of the United States was second in 9.85 followed by Chris Royster in 10.08. Reigning Olympic double sprint champion Elaine Thompson-Herah Lewis Hamilton won the 100m and 200m on Saturday.

I guess it’s just a natural events, clocking 10.87 and “We should get them thing and it’s good for 22.54 seconds, respectively. in a ring,” Hamilton of- people to read, right? A bit fered. of fire behind it.”

Verstappen added: Hamilton said: “Natu“Yeah, but I think the rally, they’re the two top weight division is a bit of leaders of the teams and TOKYO, JUN 6 (AGENa problem. In the height, they’ve both contributed CIES): Naomi Osaka on the reach...I mean I’m all hugely to the success of Saturday thanked her fans for a ring anyway, even in both teams. for their support after the Formula One -- instead of “(They are) great lead- four-time Grand Slam penalties.” ers and of course they’re champion earlier this week Pressed for further head-to-head because we withdrew from the French comment, Verstappen said: are head-to-head in this Open, citing mental health “It’s Formula One. There tight battle. We generally issues. The Japanese player are a lot of stakes involved just like to do our talking initially said she would not so everyone wants to win, on the track, so we’re just attend the tournament’s everyone is competitive. keeping our heads down.” mandatory post-match press

Mumbai, Jun 6 (PTI): Lack of match practice before the World Test Championship final is not a big worry for Virat Kohli but the legendary DilipVengsarkar believes that it “may hurt” the Indian captain.

Kohli-led India reached England on Thursday and headed into a three-day quarantine in Southampton, the venue for the eagerly-awaited match from June 18.

Their opponents New Zealand, on the other hand, are engaged in a two-Test series against England, the first of which would finish on Sunday.

Vengsarkar, a veteran of 116 Tests, said that Kohli and Rohit are in very good form, but lack of competitive time in the middle might affect their performance at least in the tour-opening WTC final.

“Well he (Kohli) has been around for a long time. He (Kohli) is one of the best batsmen in world cricket at the moment.

Players like Virat or Rohit Sharma, they are world class players, they take a lot of pride in their performance and pride in winning matches for India.

Dilip Vengsarkar

“It is a good thing and both are in very good form.

But having said that, I think lack of match practice may hurt them in the first Test match that is what I feel,” Vengsarkar, the former chairman of selectors, told PTI on Sunday when asked how important Kohli’s role is going to be in the clash.

Vengsarkar reckoned that New Zealand could have slight advantage given that they are already in the zone competitively.

“India is a better team and in great form. The advantage with New Zealand, it is a low profile team, the thing is that they are getting to play two Test matches before the Test match (World Test Championship final).

“So it is important... it is a slight advantage to New Zealand... because they have already played

two Test matches before they start (of the WTC final), they are acclimatised to the conditions,” reckoned Vengsarkar.

“What I feel is that India should have played games, you know matches, at least two-three games before the Test match (WTC), to get acclimatised to the conditions.”

The former captain feels that even the bowlers will should have got some practice before the game. ‘”It is advisable to play matches and spend time in the middle, both for batsmen as well as for bowlers. A match practice is ultimate, you may have net practice, you know a match stimulation, but playing a match in the middle and spending time in the middle always helps, when you play the big game,” said the former batsman, who has three centuries at Lord’s.

Kohli, during the predeparture press conference ahead of the WTC final and subsequent five-Test series against hosts England, had said that lack of practice wasn’t such an issue as almost all the players in the side have past experience of playing here.

Malone wins first US gymnastics title TEXAS, JUN 6 (AGENCIES): Reigning NCAA team and allaround champion Brody Malone won his maiden national gymnastics title at the U.S. Championships in Fort Worth, Texas on Saturday with a two-day total of 170.700.

The 21-year-old, making his first appearance at a senior-level national championships, overcame a fall on the parallel bars to beat 2017 U.S. champion Yul Moldauer (167.950) who was second, while Sam Mikulak (167.400) finished in third place.

“It started rough with parallel bars, but that was the kick I needed to get my mind back on track,” said Malone, who will now gear up for the U.S. Olympic Trials in St. Louis, Missouri this month.

with a score of 15.050 on the high bar - the best of the meet - and continued his superb performance to secure the title in style. “Brody, hands down, that kid’s the future,” veteran Mikulak, a six-times national champion, was quoted as saying by the Washington Post.

“I’m just this old guy trying to keep up with him now.

I’m just glad that there’s someone to fill my shoes when I’m gone and overstep me right now.”

Brandon Briones (167.150), Malone’s Stanford University team mate, was fourth ahead of Allan Bower (166.150).

Four-times Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles Brody Malone can win her seventh national title Malone responded to the early when the women’s action resumes setback on his first event of the day on Sunday.

Osaka thanks fans for ‘all the love’ after French Open withdrawal conferences, which she said put undue pressure on players.

The 23-year-old world No. 2 later announced she would not compete at all and revealed she had been suffering from bouts of depression for several years, leading to an outpouring of support. “Just want to thank you for all the love,”

Naomi Osaka

she wrote in an Instagram story. “Haven’t been on my phone much but I wanted to hop on here and tell you all that I really appreciate it,” she said.

The International Tennis Federation has promised a comprehensive review on how players and media interact during tournaments, saying it takes mental health

issues extremely seriously.

It is unclear whether Osaka will return to the game in time for Wimbledon, which begins later this month. Osaka is one of the best-known and most marketable players in the game, and in the past has used her position to call attention to issues of police violence and racial inequality.

Durant, Irving carry Nets in opener after Harden hurt Jamaica’s Fraser-Pryce becomes second-fastest woman of all time

NEW YORK, JUN 6 (AP): Kevin Durant knew something was wrong when the Brooklyn Nets were trying to run a play and James Harden wasn’t in the right spot.

Moments later, Harden wasn’t even in the game, forced to leave with a right hamstring injury less than a minute into the Eastern Conference semifinals.

“That was tough,” Nets coach Steve Nash said.

Durant and Kyrie Irving made sure it wasn’t a knockout blow.

Durant scored 29 points, Irving had 25 and the two superstars carried Brooklyn to a 115-107 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night in Game 1. Harden’s injury is the same one that forced him to miss two losses to the Bucks in May. But the Nets beat Milwaukee when it mattered most without him, getting 19 points from Joe Harris and 18 points and 14 rebounds from Blake Griffin.

And they got a solid defensive effort despite giving up plenty of size, limiting

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) drives to the basket between Brooklyn Nets’ Kyrie Irving (11) and Nicolas Claxton (33) during the NBA playoff series, June 5. (AP)

the Bucks to 13 points below their NBA-leading average.

Durant grabbed 10 rebounds and Irving had eight assists, throwing some spectacular passes as the Nets moved the ball around quickly and had the Bucks a step or more behind all night. Game 2 is Monday night.

Antetokounmpo had

34 points and 11 rebounds, but the Bucks were just 6 for 30 from 3-point range and lost for the first time in the playoffs after storming past Miami in a first-round sweep.

Brook Lopez scored 19 points for the Bucks and Jrue Holiday had 17 points and nine rebounds. Khris Middleton finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds

but was 6 for 23, missing all five 3-pointers.

A series that had talent all over the rosters started on a down note when Harden had to come out of the game after just 43 seconds, walking to the back after the Nets called timeout before they had even scored. He had appeared to grab at the back of his right leg after a drive toward the

basket on Brooklyn’s first possession before.

Harden predicted a day earlier this series would be a showdown. His show might already be over.

The Bucks led 3230 after one but the Nets sprinted past them with an 8-0 run for a 47-42 lead.

Another run of eight in a row pushed it to 59-48 on Irving’s layup with 3:22 left in the half, but Milwaukee closed well to get within 63-61 at the break.

The NBA’s two highest-scoring teams played at a dizzying pace, where look down after a basket and they might already be shooting at the other end by the time you looked up.

The pace favored the Nets, who pulled away for good in the third quarter.

Durant picked up his fourth foul with 1:36 left in the period, quickly waving his hands toward Nash that he didn’t want to come out of the game. Lopez made the two free throws to cut it to nine, but Durant then scored seven straight points, with his 3-pointer pushing it to 98-82 with 5.1 seconds remaining.

KIN G S TO N, J UN 6 (AGENCIES): Jamaica’s two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann FraserPr yce has become the second-fastest woman in history after running 10.63 seconds in Kingston.

The 34-year-old, who also won world gold at Doha 2019, streaked clear to win a national trials warm-up event in Kingston. Only American legend Florence Griffith-Joyner has run faster.

Griffith-Joyner scorched to a world record 10.49 seconds in 1988 before retiring less than a year later. Fraser-Pryce’s time eclipses the 10.72 seconds run by American Sha’Carri Richardson as the fastest time in the world this year.

It is an improvement of 0.07 seconds on her previous personal best of 10.70, set in 2012.

Fraser-Pr yce, who took more than a year out of the sport around the birth of her son in 2017, admitted she surprised herself with her time. “Honestly,

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

no, I wasn’t coming out here to run that fast,” she said. “Thank God that I finish healthy”. “There was no pressure - I just wanted to get one more race in before the national trials.”

The result will increase the anticipation for the event at the Olympics in Tokyo this summer. In addition to Fraser-Pryce and 21-year-

old newcomer Richardson, Rio 2016 champion Elaine Thompson-Herah and Britain’s world silver medallist Dina Asher-Smith have also put in impressive performances this season.

Fraser-Pryce will run at the Jamaican Championships later in June before setting her sights on the Tokyo 100m final on 31 July.

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