March 19, 2020

Nagaland Post This issue 12 + 4 = 16 Pages @ ` 5.00

www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 102

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 Pages 16 ` 5.00

COVID-19 toll surges to 3,237 in China

COVID-19: Anderson says he is ‘anxious’ about the virus’ impact on cricket

No MP-like situation in Rajasthan: Sachin Pilot on congress crisis

INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 13

SPORTS, PAGE 15

NATIONAL, PAGE 5

SC strips Mnp minister of his office BJP minister not allowed to enter State Assembly

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): In an extraordinary display of its constitutional powers, the Supreme Court on Wednesday stripped Manipur cabinet minister T. Shyamkumar, who is facing disqualification proceedings for defection, of his office and banned him from entering the Assembly with immediate effect.

“Given the extraordinary facts in the present case, we are constrained to use our powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.

Respondent No. 3 [Mr. Shyamkumar] is restrained from entering the Legislative Assembly till further orders of this Court. Needless to add, he will cease to be a Minister of the Cabinet immediately,” a bench led by Justice R. Nariman ordered. The court agreed to take up the case again on March 30.

The apex court took this decision after Speaker Y. Khemchand Singh, even after the one month’s period given by the apex court,

Police track down origin of fake news DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (NPN): Nagaland police have traced out originators of the fake news about Coronavirus cases being detected in the state.

In a press release, PRO Nagaland police, Manojkumar, said during the course of investigation it was found that many people had forwarded the said fake news without verifying its authenticity.

According to PRO, more than 30 people who forwarded the fake news were summoned to Cyber Crime Police Station and their statements recorded.

The fake news had originated through text message in Whatsapp by one Lumchano Kithan, presently residing at PWD Colony, Dimapur, PRO said, adding that she had composed the text message and sent it to her friends which went viral.

Further, police said that a minor person had created the video of Coronavirus case detection after coming across the said fake news on Whatsapp.

Po l i c e h ave n o t e d that many unscrupulous elements were posting/forwarding fake news creating panic among people.

Nagaland Police warned that spreading of fake news /rumours was a criminal offence.

This is it!

“Even TVs and newspapers are affected with Coronavirus. No politics, no sports, no festival” K Y M C

T. Shyamkumar

failed to decide on the disqualification petition pending against Shyamkumar.

Instead, the Speaker sought adjournment for eight weeks on the matter.

Justice Nariman observed that such delay, “exhorts us to take up the matter today itself and decide the matter ourselves”.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Speaker, appealed to the court that the matter may be deferred till March 28, which could give enough time for a judgment on the disqualification applications by the Speaker. “He also pointed out that, in point of fact, 28th March, 2020, has been notified for pronouncement of judgment by the Speaker,” the court observed. “We went out of our way to give the Speaker

a chance to perform his functions under the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution by stating that, given the fact that such a long period had already gone by without any decision, one month should suffice for the Speaker to decide the disqualification petitions before him.”

The court’s observation came in a case of disqualification of Forest and Environment minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar in Manipur.

Shyamkumar had won on a Congress ticket, but switched to the BJP-led government in the state. The Congress had won 28 seats in 2017 in Manipur Assembly election and BJP got 21.

Later, the BJP aligned with National People’s Party along with Shyamkumar, who went on to become a minister in the government.

The Congress filed a disqualification petition before the Speaker, but there was no action on it.

In the verdict on January 21, the top court held that the Speaker can’t sit on a disqualification petition indefinitely.

It emphasised that it is essential for the Speaker to decide on the matter within a reasonable time

period, and recommended the disqualification petitions should be decided within three months.

The court reckoned the Parliament may seriously consider amending the Constitution to substitute the Speakers of the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies as arbiter of disputes concerning disqualification which arise under the Tenth Schedule with a permanent Tribunal headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court, or some other outside independent mechanism “to ensure that such disputes are decided both swiftly and impartially”.

Article 142 says the Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it, and any decree so passed or orders so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India in such manner as may be prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament and, until provision in that behalf is so made, in such manner as the President may by order prescribe.

COVID-19 cases climb to 151 in India

Railway contractors call for cancellation of passenger trains passing through Dmu

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): Number of novel coronavirus (COVID19) cases in India rose to 151 on Wednesday after 14 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country.

The cases include 25 foreign nationals -- 17 from Italy, 3 from Philippines, one each belonging to Canada, UK, Indonesia and Singapore. The figure also includes three deaths reported from Delhi, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

“The total number of active COVID 2019 cases across India stands at 134 so far,” a health ministry official said, adding that 14 others have been cured/ discharged, while three have died. Over 5,700 people are under rigorous surveillance, the official said.

Meanwhile, the number of cases across the world reached 207,518, while it has been confirmed that at least 8,248 people have died.

According to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University, 82,104 people known to have contracted the virus have recovered.

DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (NPN): Following a report in Nagaland Post that train passengers were not being screened for coronavirus (COVID-19) at Dimapur station, Railway Contractors’ Union Nagaland has also taken note of this issue and urged the Union Railway ministry and state government to take serious steps and cancel all passenger trains coming into and passing through Dimapur railway station with immediate effect till the pandemic was controlled by health authorities.

In a press release issued by its president Niuto Awomi, the association feared that some passengers might have eluded the screening process and gained easy access into the State as there were many places like Rangapahar, Railway Bazar, Amar Flour Mill and Burma Camp where trains stopped before entering Dimapur railway station and people got down, adding there was no monitoring of passengers getting off the trains at these places.

According to the association, this gross overlook-

ing of monitoring process must be taken seriously by all concerned as maximum commuters reaching Dimapur were through trains, which included daily wage earners like vegetable vendors, menial labourers, etc.

This became all the more serious as there were no proper quarantine facilities, testing kits and other medical facilities available at the disposal of Nagaland at present, if there was a sudden spurt in COVID-19 cases due to negligence.

The association suggested that other alternative could be stopping all passenger trains and thoroughly screening all passengers before they reached Rangapahar and Amar Flour Mill areas, which could be a herculean task for the authorities concerned.

It also urged the railway authorities at and adjoining areas like Lumding and Bokajan to be extra vigilant about the pandemic and sensitise the passengers, while also maintaining proper hygiene of railway stations, especially waiting rooms, washrooms and canteens that were accessed daily by

hundreds of passengers.

Pointing out that most of the train coaches were very unhygienic, the association further appealed to the railway authorities to thoroughly sanitize them by using disinfectant cleaners at all railway stations, including Dimapur, at all times and not only when some of their high officials visited the railway stations.

The release stressed that a positive step on the part of authorities concerned could prevent the outbreak of such pandemics in Nagaland and beyond. It also urged all NGOs, political parties, associations, student, church bodies and right-thinking citizens to support its cause and ponder on the consequence of COVID-19 striking “our State and what positive steps we should take to avert such an occurrence”.

The association called upon the State transport department to come up with proper guidelines and ensure that all passenger buses and taxis were properly sanitized for the overall wellbeing of the commuters and general public.

NSF begins 2nd phase of agitation Cancel 994 appointments in police deptt: DNSU

NSF functionaries and student leaders during the protest. (NP)

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 18 (NPN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) began its second phase of agitation Wednesday by hoisting black flag and putting up banners and posters in areas under its jurisdiction to show its resentment against government’s failure to fulfil its four-point charter of demands.

Addressing a press conference, NSF president Ninoto Awomi said the second phase of agitation would be indefinite. He warned that if the government failed to respond positively, the fed-

eration would be compelled to adopt its third phase of mass democratic State-wide agitation, which would be more severe.

Awomi said the demands included issuing government notification scrapping all departmental examinations, banning direct recruitment to all group C posts and requisitioning through open recruitment

by Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB). He appealed to the government to convene a consultative meeting over NSSB and implement it at the earliest.

The NSF president said

the federation expected a positive response from chief minister Neiphiu Rio in the interest of student community and younger generation. He claimed that if NSSB was constituted as per the recommendations of the committee formed for the purpose, it would ensure equal job opportunities for all, adding NSF was working as a pressure group in this regard.

Meanwhile, NSF activists had put up posters and banners in various locations of the State Capital that read “Issue notification banning direct recruitment to all group C posts”, “Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) is an antidote to curb backdoor appointments”, “Save the future of younger generation by instituting NSSB immediately”, “Approve and implement Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB) policy forwarded to the government by the NSSB committee”.

DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (NPN): Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) while reiterating its February 13 statement, and also extending support to Naga Tribal Union Chümoukedima Town (NTUCT), demanded cancellation of appointments of 994 candidates in police department recruited without open recruitment, except the 206 posts advertised, and called for fresh recruitments.

In a release, DNSU also warned that it would leave no stone unturned if any government departments resorted to backdoor appointments and fill up vacancies without advertisements in public domain.

It also asserted of not reflecting upon and compromise with options and assertions made by the Home department unless all the vacancies were advertised.

Questioning why four-time chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who it termed

as seasoned, was silent on the rampant backdoor appointments, DNSU also wondered “why he was allowing this to continue and thereby tarnishing his ability as leader of the State.

Or was he so incompetent”, it asked.

DNSU also questioned why there had been no relevant explanation by the authority concerned to the questions raised by DNSU in its statement published on February 13 this year as it was a matter of State’s integrity. DNSU said that

though the DGP had on March 1 rejected the allegations pertaining to recruitment of police constables, the RTI reply had noted that 930 were appointed against 206 posts, which clearly indicated backdoor appointments.

SAG on COVID-19 reviews preparedness level DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (NPN): Special Action Group (SAG) on COVID19, which was constituted after a high level meeting convened by state chief minister on Monday, reviewed various activities in connection with the impending pandemic under the chairmanship of home commissioner, Abhijit Sinha, at his office chamber, on March 18, 2020.

Giving a brief detail of health and family welfare (H&FW) department’s activities and co-ordination with various line departments, the principal director H&FW, Dr. Vizolie Suokhrie, confirmed that training of the state police forces has been initiated and would be ready to start the screening process at the earliest.

According to an official bulletin, Dr. Suokhrie also confirmed that the department has procured more

Ventilators and Personal Protection Equipments including N-95 masks and scanners to meet the requirements of the State.

At the review meeting, the state home commissioner directed the responsible department to collect information like contact details, address and travel history of all passengers arriving at Dimapur airport in order to monitor them constantly.

He stated that altogether 11 road entry points into the State had been identified and the concerned deputy commissioners had been directed to start the screening process at the earliest.

Besides screening, he directed the forces to collect information details of all persons entering the State to enable the monitoring process. He confirmed that the Dimapur Task Force in coordination with the Railway Authorities have

made a single exit point and barricaded all other exit points at the Dimapur Railway Station to enable screening of all the arriving passengers.

He also directed all the DCs to send directives to all the village councils, ward authorities and Tribal Hohos to report entry of any person from outside since March 1, 2020. The home commissioner also disclosed that all 49 foreign tourists who had entered Nagaland were being monitored by the concerned authorities.

The rural livelihood mission under the department of rural development informed the SAG that awareness information in all local languages about Covid-19 would be disseminated by the mission in coordination with H&FW department to ensure reach to all rural and remote areas of the State.

Persons entering state since March 1 to report In the wake of the impending COVID-19 pandemic, the state government has directed all persons including students who have entered Nagaland since March 1 or would be entering into the State to contact Covid-19 helpline no: 7005435243, 9856071745, 7005539653 and Toll Free no: 1070 or email: nlssu. idsp@nic.in of the Health department for guidance and getting screened.

The civil societies, ward authorities of town and villages council have been requested to monitor and urge such persons to adhere to this advisory in their respective jurisdictions and to keep in touch with the district administration and Health department in this regard.

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NBA initiative on COVID-19 in Dmu

Church members disinfecting and cleaning the church.

DIMAPUR: Nukmen Baptist Arogo (NBA), Darogapathar, Dimapur launched an initiative to generate awareness about COVID19 and to prevent its spread on March 18.

A press release from NBA stated that, initiative was spearheaded by the social and environmental concern committee of the church, its members and fulltime workers. Pastor

be distributing children’s masks to the Sunday school children and that all worship centres and Sunday school would be provided with hand washing facilities and hand sanitizers.

Special demonstration for hand washing techniques will also be carried out for the benefit of the church members and other settlers of the village.

Further, posters and

placards with information on the disease will be displayed at vantage points in the village to generate awareness pertaining to the dreaded disease. Kilang further informed that the church would also work towards preventing spread of fake news and assist the government and other agencies in disseminating authentic information to the mass.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

PDTA & PDTTU appeal government NLA house DIMAPUR: Phek District Peren Discommittee meeting Timber Association (PDTA) trict PDTTU: Timber Trader Union

Dimapur: Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), who is also the chairman of the house committee has convened the meeting of the house committee on March 23, 10 a.m at committee room of the assembly secretariat.

All concerned committee members have been requested to attend the meeting.

has extended support to the appeal made by NTTU to chief minister of Nagaland in regard to timber trade. A press release from PDTA president Tsote and general secretary Tsonglemong Peri stated that, the PDTA requested consideration for a period of time in order to prevent pause on the trade for livelihood of the timber community. It also stated that time period was for the interest of all, to transact accordingly and desirably.

(PDTTU) in a press release by president Ichiau Kenn and secretary Johny Newme stated that, Peren is the most timber producing district in Nagaland and the government’s decision to ban all the raw material is uncalled for, since timber is the source of income for most of the families. PDTTU therefore urges the government to take proper consultation before any decision is made, since “the timber does not belong to the government”.

Kilang Longkumer maintained that members of the committee decided to kick-start the multi-faceted campaign, sanitising the church complex so as to dispel fear and focus on the Word of God. The initiative would be conducted every Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays when church conducts worship services.

Meanwhile, the committee stated that it would

news in Brief Home deptt informs: Home commissioner (HC), Abhijit Sinha has convened an emergency meeting in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, with the faith based organizations at his office chamber Nagaland Civil Secretariat Kohima on March 19, 10.30 a.m. All faith based organizations in Kohima town have been requested to attend the meeting positively.

DC Kohima bans weekly bazaars: Deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima Gregory Thejawelie in view of COVID-19 has banned all weekly bazaars and evening markets at various locations within Kohima district with immediate effect and will remain till further order.

DoSE informs: Principal director, director of School Education (DoSE), Shanavas C, notified that visiting hours with all officers and staff of the directorate for all visitors shall be from 11 a.m to 1 p.m every working day. If concerned officer was out on official work, the application/documents maybe handed over to the assistants.

ENSA meeting: Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA) has convened an executive meeting with its federating units’ executive members on March 21, 10:30 a.m, at Padhampukuri, block No. 3, House No. 1533. All unit presidents and secretaries have been requested to attend the meeting.

ASU defers verification drive: Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has informed to all the stakeholders that the proposed non-local verification drive, scheduled to begin from March 20 till April 25 has kept in abeyance until further notice, in view of the prevailing situation.

AG (A&E) informs: Office of the principal accountant general (A&E) has suspended entry of all visitors with immediate effect until further notice. Only authorized departmental nodal officers will be allowed entry on display of proper identity cards for the purpose of submission of documents/confirmation letters and collection of completed pension orders/confirmation letters. All treasury accounts will be henceforth received at the ground floor of the office premises and authorized officials will be allowed entry only after proper screening. In case any clarification is required in matters of payslips, pension, GPF and loan functions, then state government officers/pensioners are requested to write to the deputy accountant general (A&E) Uttam Chanda, IAAS at chanda.u@cag.gov. in or at agaenagaland@cag.gov.in .They may also call the officers concerned on the mobile numbers at: Joseph K.A, sr. accounts officer at 9436216580 (for pension matters); Ashim Kr. Dey, sr. accounts officer at 9436434188 (for loan matters); Arup Roy, sr. accounts officer at 9436601437 (for payslip matters); Akum Chuba, sr. accounts officer at 9436005112 (for GPF matters) and Shaji K, sr.accounts officer at 8848574307 (for payslip matters).

IRCSN new team: Managing committee members, Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland (IRCSN) held an emergency meeting on March 6 wherein, Dr. Neiphi Kire, (Retd) principal director Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland and member, state managing committee was selected as general secretary, IRCSN following the completion of tenure of Dr. Kepelhusie Terhüja as general secretary. All correspondence and emergencies are henceforth to be addressed to Dr. Neiphi Kire, general secretary, IRCSN at 9436000861.

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nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Can shutdown/ lockdown for coronavirus beyond April stop its spread?

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

A B C

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STI conducts surgery for cleft patients in Nagaland

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

50% 50% 0%

Next poll

Q: Will the Kamal Nath

govt survive the trust vote?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST March 19

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Very warm with hazy sunshine 35 17

Hazy sunshine

29 12

Guwahati Hazy sunshine

32 15

Hazy sunshine

29 8

Aizawl Imphal

Itanagar Some sun with a stray shower 27 16 Shillong

Mostly cloudy

22 9

Kohima

Mostly cloudy

24 10

Dimapur Mostly cloudy

31 15

Hazy sunshine

25 10

Mkg

Tuensang Cooler with hazy sun

16 6

Hazy sunshine

24 15

Zunheboto Mostly cloudy

22 8

Wokha

Surgeons from STI and Imphal at Oking Hospital and Research Clinic, Kohima.

DIMAPUR: Smile Train India (STI), the world’s largest cleft organization, supported a four-day cleft surger y programme at Nagaland, organized by Shija Hospitals and Research Center, Imphal in collaboration with Oking Hospital and Research Clinic, Kohima.

A press release from STI senior director, communications and business development, Anjali Katoch stated that, the programme was held to provide free treatment to children born with clefts from March 8 to 11. Twenty children across Nagaland received free surgery, be-

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State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

sides free treatment, free medicines and travelling allowance was provided to patients.

This marked the completion of the 40th phase of STI partner Shija Hospital’s Nagaland cleft outreach programme in collaboration with Oking Hospital and Research Clinic, Kohima, which was initiated in 2012 and has provided 445 free cleft surgeries in Nagaland through this collaboration.

Congratulating Shija Hospitals and Research Centre and Oking Hospital on successful completion of the 40th phase of the cleft surgery programme,

Ishani Biswas, programme manager, STI said, “The dedication of our partner surgeons and their team who travelled to support the children, is commendable” and “we look forward to continuing this journey with our partner hospital and achieving milestones by supporting more free cleft surgeries.”

Dr. Kh. Palin Singh, STI project director at Shija Hospitals said, “Cleft is treatable and awareness around the same is very important. Such mega camps help us reach maximum children and provide them required support timely.”

Poshan Pakhwada celebrated at Jalukie town

DIMAPUR: Poshan pakhwada, 2nd anniversary of national nutrition was celebrated at Government Middle School (GMS) sector ‘B’ Jalukie town on March 16 organised by department of Social Welfare Jalukie.

According to DIPR report, CDPO Jalukie Namhuheing said that poshan pakhwada was launched by department of Social Welfare to create momentum and sensitise masses towards the adoption of nutritional behaviour at community and schools level. He said that integrated child development services (ICDS) was a government programme which provides food, preschool education, primary health care, immunisation health check-ups, provides scholarships to handicapped, etc.

He encouraged students to take the right nutrition for good health and to acquire more knowledge in order to compete with others physically and mentally.

Meanwhile, poshan coordinator, Pauram Zeliang demonstrated hand washing to students while poshan pledge was administered by Keyisamzaile, AWW. Earlier, programme was chaired by Ilungba, AWW and vote of thanks was delivered by Igwetzeule, AWW.

Students of Fazl Ali College prepare hand sanitizer

Tiamongla, principal FAC handing over the lab prepared hand sanitizer to DC and SP, Mokokchung on March 18. (NP)

MOKOKCHUNG, MAR 18 (NPN): Department of Botany and Chemistry, Fazl Ali College (FAC) undertook the initiative of preparing hand sanitizers using specifications prescribed by WHO to ameliorate the scarcity and exorbitant market prices of the same on Wednesday.

This initiative is in view of the COVID-19 which has been spreading globally and as precautionary measure for safety of the public.

The product which

is prepared is five times The college has the cheaper than the com- capacity to produce 200 mercial variant and has liters of the hand sanitizers been packed in recycled per day. cosmetic dispensers collected from amongst college fraternity.

Collected items were sterilized by autoclaving and distributed to the district administration, religious places and hospitals.

The same will be distributed to banks, commercial vendors and traffic police personnel in the coming days.

(COVID-19) Practise Social Distancing…

Safety comes first!

Maintain at least 1 metre distance in hospitals, malls, market places, restaurants, public transport, etc.

Visiting crowded or public places

Work from home and avoid meetings, classes, tutorials, workshops, etc., as far as possible

Shaking hands and hugging as a matter of greeting Non-essential travel

Keep number of guests minimal if social events cannot be postponed

Together we can fight COVID-19!

For further information call

If you feel unwell (Cough, fever or difficulty in breathing), avoid exposure to others and immediately call the helpline numbers

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India’s 24x7 Control Room Number mohfw.gov.in K Y M C

Tourist trips

davp 17102/13/0025/1920

Non-essential social, commercial, religious, cultural, sporting events, etc.

1075 (Toll Free) | +91-11-2397 8046

@MoHFWIndia

Email to: ncov2019@gov.in , ncov2019@gmail.com @MoHFW_INDIA

mohfwindia K Y M C

northeast

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

3 Rajya Sabha candidates Kiren Rijiju slams ‘racial remarks’ Assam govt digging out old Allin Assam elected unopposed against NE as virus sweeps India cases against Akhil: KMSS Guwahati, Mar 18 (PTI): Peasants’ body Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) on Wednesday alleged that the state government was digging out old cases against Akhil Gogoi in a “vindictive manner” despite the special NIA court giving him bail.

Addressing a press conference here, KMSS president Bhasco De Saikia said Gogoi has again been arrested on Wednesday morning in a case registered at Sivasagar police station so that he is not released even after the bail order.

Gogoi was granted bail on Tuesday by the special NIA court after the investigating agency failed to file a charge sheet against him within the specified time of 90 days.

“We all thought that after the bail, he will be released. But Sarbananda Sonowal’s government is still filing cases after cases with a nasty conspiracy to not free him. Strangely, neither Gogoi nor his lawyers

Akhil Gogoi were informed about these cases earlier,” Saikia said.

After a local court in Sivasagar district took Gogoi’s statement through video conferencing inside the jail in Guwahati, the police took him to custody for four days, Saikia said.

The KMSS leader said cases were filed at various police stations, including Sivasagar, under different stringent sections.

Saikia claimed that the BJP government’s attitude is “totally vindictive” because they know if Gogoi is released, the movement against the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act will get a fresh lease

Cache of arms, recovered from Kokrajhar and Udalguri districts G U WA H AT I / U DA L GURI, MAR 18 (PTI): A huge cache of arms and ammunition including explosives, grenades and a rocket launcher were recovered by a joint team of police and army in two separate incidents in Kokrajhar and Udalguri districts of Assam on Tuesday, said top officials.

Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta on Tuesday evening said the joint operation was launched by police and army in Leopani Nala and Ultapani Nala in Kokrajhar district along the India-Bhutan border following a tip-off received from reliable sources. The arms and ammunition were hidden beneath the ground near a tree at Fire Line 07 in Ultapani Reserve Forest under Bishmuri Police Post, he said. The weapons recovered included two AK-56 rifles, a grenade launcher (M-79), a .22 rifle, a .22 pistol, two 7.65 mm pistols; a 9 mm pistol and 14 country made rifles and pistols, the DGP said. The joint operation team also recovered several magazines along with a satellite phone, 10 grenades, 6

COVID-19: Over 39,000 screened across Assam Guwahati, Mar 18 (PTI): Over 39,000 people have been screened across Assam as part of measures to prevent the outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus, the Health and Family Welfare Department said on Wednesday.

In its daily bulletin, the department said 11,975 passengers have been screened at six airports in the state till date. While 3,243 travellers were screened at three land ports -- Darranga (Baksa), Mankachar (South Salmara) and Sutarkandi (Karimganj), 24,029 persons have been screened so far at other places like rail stations and bus stands, it added.

“Total 634 travellers from COVID-19 affected countries have been identified and out of them, 152 passengers completed observation period of 28 days and remaining 482 are under home isolation,” the bulletin said. The government has tested 31 samples so far, out of which 25 came negative and results for six are awaited.

“The state has strengthened the surveillance and control measures against the disease. State control room nos 6913347770/1/2/3 and 104 (Sarathi) are functional.

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Chinese grenades, 2 country made grenades, 34 electric detonators among others.

The DGP said the joint team launched the operation at around 6.30 pm and the team was led by Mukut Rabha, Additional Superintendent of Police (HQ) Kokrajhar. Follow up action is being taken, he added.

In the second incident, large quantity of explosives including grenades, detonators, arms and ammunition were recovered by another joint police and army team during a search in Assam’s Udalguri district on early Tuesday morning, police officials said.

Based on specific input, police from Udalguri district and a team from army’s 14 Garhwal regiment launched the search operation at No.1 Badagaon under Udalguri Police Station.

They recovered an AK 56 rifle with magazine and 12 live rounds of ammunition, a rocket launcher with five live rockets, 40 pieces of 36-HE grenades and 111 detonators with wire. They were concealed under sand in the midst of banana trees inside a forest, the officials said.

of life.

“Akhil Gogoi is the first person to get bail in an NIA case within 90 days.

It proves that the case was false, crafted and vindictive,” he claimed.

In the midst of the intense anti-CAA movement, Gogoi was arrested on December 12 last year from Jorhat as a “preventive measure” in view of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state and his colleagues were taken into custody the next day.

Later, the Assam Police registered an FIR at Chandmari police station, which included charges under the stringent UA (P)A. The case was handed over to the NIA with the issuance of an order by the Union Home Ministry on December 14.

Along with Gogoi, three more KMSS leaders – Dhairjya Konwar, Bittu Sonowal and Manash Konwar -- were arrested by the NIA in the same case and are currently lodged in jail.

Guwahati, Mar 18 (PTI): Two nominees of the BJP and its ally BPF and an independent candidate, backed by the Congress and AIUDF, for the three Rajya Sabha seats in Assam were declared elected unopposed on Wednesday, officials said.

Sitting Bodo Peoples’ Front (BPF) MP Biswajit Daimary, BJP’s Bhubaneswar Kalita and CongressAIUDF supported independent candidate Ajit Bhuyan were elected to the upper house of Parliament on the last day of withdrawal of nomination papers on Wednesday, Returning Officer Amarendra Narayan Deka said.

Elections to the three seats were scheduled to be held on March 26 but with only three candidates in the fray, they were declared elected as their nomination papers were found valid, he said.

Daimar y was reelected with the support of BJP and its allies BPF and AGP along with Kalita who had vacated his seat

on joining the saffron party after quitting Congress.

Bhuyan, a senior journalist who has served as editor in both the print and electronic media, had filed nomination paper for the third seat as an independent candidate with the support of both Congress and AIUDF. He was at the forefront of the movement against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in Assam.

Besides Daimary, the two other Rajya Sabha seats from the state were held by Kalita and Sanjay Singh, who had represented the Congress but later resigned to join the BJP. Elections were necessitated as the three seats were falling vacant next month.

Assam Legislative Assembly has 126 seats comprising 60 of the BJP, 23 of the Congress, 14 each of the AGP and the AIUDF, 12 of the BPF and one independent while two are currently vacant due to deaths of the legislators.

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 *AGENCIES): Union Minister Kiren Rijiju hit out today at “incidents of racial remarks” against people from the North East due to “cultural ignorance, prejudice and lack of understanding”. Mr Rijiju, who is from Arunachal Pradesh, said the matter had been discussed the North East Division of the Home Ministry and states had been issued strict advisories to act against those making such remarks.

Indians from the North East have frequently been the subject of racist attacks by their compatriots over facial similarities to Chinese people. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the novel coronavirus, or COVD-19, pandemic, which has now killed over 7,500 people and infected nearly two lakh others, began in China’s Wuhan district.

“Some incidents of racial remarks against North East people have emerged in some parts of India in the wake of coronavirus due to

cultural ignorance, prejudice and lack of understanding. Matter discussed with NE Division, MHA. Strict advisory is being issued,” Kiren Rijiju tweeted this afternoon.

Nearly 150 people have tested positive for the virus in India and three COVID19-linked deaths have been reported; the most recent was that of a 68-year-old Mumbai man who died Tuesday. As per the Union Health Ministry, only one confirmed COVID-19 case has been reported from the North East, so far. That one case is from Arunachal Pradesh.

Nevertheless, northeastern states have moved decisively to control the entry of people from affected countries. Earlier this week Assam and Tripura moved to restrict and ban, respectively, the entry of foreigners. Assam has also restricted entry of Indians from coronavirus-affected states. Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur imposed a total ban on the entry of foreigners

last week. In Nagaland, authorities have made masks mandatory for everyone.

People have also been asked to carry sanitizers in public places.

Earlier today the government confirmed the first case of COVID-19 among India’s armed forces. A 34year-old soldier posted in Ladakh’s Leh tested positive after his father returned from Iran. His family and his garrison have been put under lockdown.

The government also confirmed that 276 Indians stranded abroad - including 255 in Iran and five in Italy - had also tested positive for the virus. In response to growing concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak in India reaching Stage 2 - which will see community transmission of the virus - the government has stepped up measures to contain the illness.

This includes closing down schools, cinemas, malls, gyms and major tourist sites, as well as urging people to stay at and work from home as far as possible.

M’laya Police to discourage visitors from tourism spots Correspondent Shillong, Mar 18: Visitors who reached various tourism destinations in Meghalaya were sent back on Wednesday as part of the preventive measures in place against COVID-19.

Tourist police officials have been posted at major tourist sites to ward of visitors, who have been coming into the state from different parts of the country and abroad.

The government has also issued an order shutting down all tourist spots in the state till March 31 next as a preventative measure against the spread of COVID-19, vide a notification issued by Governor Tathagata Roy on Tuesday night “There is a possibility that this may be extended up to April 15, 2020,” Director of Information and Public Relations, Batlang S. Sohilya said.

“Therefore, all tourists intending to visit Shillong and other places in Meghalaya are requested to reschedule their travel plans accordingly,” he said.

A tourist police official posted at Elephant falls, one of the tourist

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER KOHIMA : NAGALAND

PUBLIC NOTICE Dated Kohima, the th March 2020 NO.REV/TRANS-6/2019-//- Whereas the following persons have applied for transfer/bifurcation of Patta.

Sl. Name Patta No. Location No. 1. Impa Longkumer Lower to 9124 (P) Chandmari T.K. Society, Jotsoma 2. Neizakie Yhoshu to 3583 Phezhu Maziezokho Nisa 3. Krusa-ü Angami to 10340 (P) Jail Area Krusa-ü Lhousie 4. C. Kumzuk to 5259 Chiepfuchiepfe Neipelhi Kapfo 5. Kewekolo Khalo Old to 9760 (P) Dzüvürü, Minister Hill Dr. Diko Nusory 6. Khozo Angami Agri-Forest to 8165 Colony Itova H. Yeptho 7. Vizohol Angami to 1427 Porterlane Kevishel Viswentso 8. Pelezonuo to 8471 Dzüzie Duolhouvo-ü 9. Rev. Dr. A. Bendangyapang Longkumer 9645 (P) P.R. Hill to Alemwapang Ao 10. Zavishio Khieya With 5743 Supply Point Visizo Mero Public are hereby asked to file their claims/objection if any within 30 (thirty) days from the date of issue of this notice. Failing which no claim/ objection will be entertained after the expiry of stipulated time.

(GREGORY THEJAWELIE) NCS Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Nagaland DC-327

destinations, said that they ward-off more than 100 vehicles ferrying tourists on Wednesday.

“We politely told them (tourists) that all tourist spots have been shut down in view of the evolving situation of COVID-19,” the official said.

A tourist, who travelled all the way from Rajasthan with his family members, was annoyed that he couldn’t visit the Elephant falls but praised the Tourist police officials for strictly implementing the government order.

“Health is the utmost priority for anyone of us.

The State government is doing a good job by restricting people to gather in view of the contagious COVID-19 virus, which is fast spreading worldwide,” Rameshwar Singh said.

On Tuesday, the Meghalaya government has appealed to all domestic and foreign travellers visiting the state to mandatorily report to the office of the deputy commissioner through 108 toll free helpline.

“All such travellers are also advised to maintain social distancing and self quarantine at home for 14 days and call for 108 for any assistance from the health department and other state agencies,” Commissioner and Secretary for Health and Family Welfare, P Sampath Kumar said.

All educational institutions have already been closed in the state, even as the courts have been asked to take up only urgent cases for trial.

Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma also held a review meeting with Deputy Commissioners and Medical Officers of all the districts to take a stock of the preparedness of the districts in containing COVID-19.

Sangma conducted the meeting via video conferencing in presence of Health and Family Welfare Minister, Alexander LalooHek, Home Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui and Food & Civil Supplies Minister, James K Sangma.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister termed

AFFIDAVIT I, Nanda Santosh Mehetre, spouse of No. 14821768. A Hav/MT Mehetre Santosh Baban resident of VPO Kolgaon Teh- Shrigonda Dist.Ahmednagar Pin-413728 State- Maharashtra have changed my name from Nanda Bai to Nanda Santosh Mehetre vide Affidavit No. 1952242121268100163459 dated 02 Dec 2019 before Executive Magistrate Shriganda Ahmednagar (Maharashtra).

DP-2100 IN THE COURT OF MRS. KHESHELI CHISHI, DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE ZUNHEBOTO : NAGALAND No. JUD/SUCC-34/19-20/05

Dt. Zbto. the 2nd Mar. 2020

Notice Calling Objection for the issue of Succession Certificate.

Whereas application was received from Smti Vandana Devi, U/s 372 of Indian Succession Act, resident of Kanharia of Purnea District, State Bihar for Succession of A/c No - 30864344128 of Late Pramod Kumar.

Notice is hereby issued for filing objections to all who has interest in the said claim/s within thirty days from the date of publication to this notice.

(Mrs. Khesheli Chishi) District & Sessions Judge Zunheboto : Nagaland DP-2104

the situation in the world and other parts of the country is alarming.

“There is a need to be serious but without creating panic and discomfort to the people to protect and contain the situation,” Sangma told the government officials.

He also called upon the participation of the local headmen and the community and closely monitoring the situation in the State for the next fifteen days is very crucial.

The meeting discussed mandatory screening and monitoring of people who come from outside the country and other parts of the country, setting up of isolation wards, medical volunteers, stock of essential commodities, testing centres and the logistics and setting up of control rooms at the district and state level.

The Chief Minister also stressed on the need to disseminate awareness of hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and social distancing.

My dear Renchamo, Happy birthday to you!

May the good Lord bless you with good health and more happiness.

With love, Nzanti Dear Ngongo Wishing you a Blessed Happy Birthday Have a fun filled Birthday From, Aunty Kashiram Dear Blissly, May your special day be as beautiful as you are, filled with all the things you love most. We wish you the best day of your life. Happy birthday to our dearest Sister!

From, Afo, Ani & Nilo To our wonderful Mom, We are so lucky and blessed to have a mother like you. May our almighty God continue to bless you with many more birthday to come. Happy Birthday ! Wishing you a lots of love and happiness.

From, children, Grandchildren & In-laws AFFIDAVIT (Rectification of Initial in Names)

Regd. No. 1599/20 Dt. 18/3/2020 I, LUCY THOMAS PINTO, S/o,D/o,W/o. Shri/Late THOMAS PINTO, permanent resident of Convent of Jesus and Mary Waverley Mussoorie Dehradun and presently residing at St. Josephs College Ave Maria Hostel, Zhodi colony H/No. 158, PB No. 39 Kohima, Nagaland 797001 That my name is LUCY THOMAS PINTO however in some of the important documents my name has been inadvertently recorded as LUCY P, LUCY PINTO (in AADHAAR No. 5639 3225 9846), LUSY PINTO (in Electroll ID Card) and in Indian Pass Port No. H 8256272 recorded as LUCY THOMAS PINTO hence, the stated name represents the same person i.e. myself.

DEPONENT K-813

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE MOKOKCHUNG, NAGALAND NOTICE S/C No. 49/2020 Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Longkhum Phom has been applied by Smt. Helom Phom, R/o Yachem village, Longleng Nagaland, wife of Late Longkhum Phom for possession of.

Notice is hereby given that any person interested in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may, if she/he so desire to appear in the court on or before 28.03.2020.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 28.02.2020.

Sd/- Principal District & Sessions Judge Mokokchung, Nagaland MKC-109

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE MOKOKCHUNG, NAGALAND NOTICE S/C No. 81/2020 Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late L. Onen Lkr has been applied

by Smt. L. Watienla, sister of L. Onen Lkr R/O H.No W.03 Tuliyong Ward, Tuli Mkg Nagaland for possession of.

Notice is hereby given that any person interested in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may, if she/he so desire to appear in the court on or before 13.04.2020.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 13.03.2020.

Sd/- Principal District & Sessions Judge Mokokchung, Nagaland MKC-110

IN THE COURT OF DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE WOKHA : NAGALAND S/C No. 26/20

NOTICE

DC-330

NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefit of Late Mhabemo Patton has been applied by Shri/Smti. Nzano Murry W/o.

Lt. Mhabemo Patton, H/No…., Wokha, Nagaland for possession of; Notice is hereby given that any person having interested in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may, if she/he so desire appear in this court on or before 17/04/2020.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 17/03/2020.

Sd/- District & Sessions Judge, Wokha : Nagaland WC-110 K Y M C

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

No MP-like situation in Rajasthan: Sachin Pilot on congress crisis

JAIPUR, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): As the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh fights for survival, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot has said that political instability will not hit the Congress in his state.

Speaking to India Today TV about the political situation in Madhya Pradesh, Sachin Pilot said, “I think the Madhya Pradesh Government, as the Chief Minister has claimed, has the majority and the test of the majority is done only in the Assembly, which is the tradition,” he said.

“I am hopeful that the Governor, as well as the Speaker, will follow the rules and procedures that have been laid down,” Sachin Pilot added.

Sachin Pilot contended that the only barometer for the legitimacy of the government in Madhya Pradesh is a floor test. “ I don’t see how anything else except a test on the floor of the House is the determining factor. The chief minister has claimed many times that he has a major-

Sachin Pilot ity,” he said. As the matter continues to be heard in the Supreme Court, Pilot said the final outcome depends on the court’s ruling. “I don’t think we have much to worry about but the Supreme Court decision is pending. I hope that decision will go in the favour of the Congress government,” he said.

When asked whether there is a possibility of the BJP or any outside force trying to destabilize Rajasthan government, Sachin Pilot said, “I don’t think so.

I think the numbers are in the favour of the Congress government here in Rajasthan and I don’t see any such attempts being made

in Rajasthan,” he said.

In a massive setback for the Congress, its prominent youth leader Jyotiradtya Scindia quit the party and in a coordinated rebellion, last week 22 MLAs loyal to him resigned in Madhya Pradesh, pushing the 15month-old Kamal Nath government to the brink of collapse.

Scindia later joined the BJP citing that he was not given his due in the Congress. Many had speculated whether Sachin Pilot, another young leader in the party would also leave the party. Pilot has laid rest to the speculations for now.

Meanwhile, the Deputy CM also commented on the growing novel coronavirus threat, saying that the next two weeks will remain crucial.

“I think we are quite fortunate that things are under control in the country as I speak today but the next two weeks are crucial. Its important to make sure that the next two weeks, we are able to prevent the spread as much as possible and must break the cycle,” he said.

5 Modi hails those working to fight Delhi Court pulls COVID-19: 103 trains cancelled COVID-19, says teamwork important up Nirbhaya due to low occupancy

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed those involved in combating the coronavirus outbreak as he responded to several tweets on the fight against the deadly virus.

He also appreciated Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for setting an example by registering his sister’s details in the government portal for people coming from abroad.

“I hope others also emulate Naveen Babu. We all can do our bit in preventing the spread of COVID-19,” Modi said.

Responding to a tweet by a man whose daughter was rescued from COVID19-hit Italy, the prime minister said, “Will do everything possible to help our citizens.”

Such efforts are possible due to teamwork, he said, lauding all those working to make it possible.

To a doctor who posted a picture of himself with a message urging people to stay at home, Modi said, “Well said, Doctor! Also a shout-out to all those working to make our planet safer

‘Aim was to improve services’: Centre denies call surveillance NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): The government Wednesday denied asking for call details of citizens after excerpts of a letter by telecom operators to the Department of Telecom were reported today, raising concerns about state surveillance, NDTV report stated.

“There were complaints of call drops from various places, after which the government asked for call data records randomly and in bulk to investigate how many attempts it took to connect calls and the number of call drops,” official sources said.

“The government’s aim was to improve telecom services, not spy on citizens,” they asserted, pointing out that mobile operators were liable to pay fines for call drops. A group of telecom operators has written to

the government expressing concern over the Department of Telecom (DoT) asking for call data records of users. Call data records have “personal and sensitive information” and should not be shared, the Cellular Operators’ Association of India has written in its letter to DoT last month.

“DoT is clarifying its mandate under the Telegraph Act to collect such data and it is being done purely for network management purposes - to improve call quality and help resolve issues. We are awaiting final clearance from the DoT on its response,” the COAI told NDTV. The cellular operators had urged the government not to ask for call data records (CDRs) on an ad hoc basis and without specifying the purpose. NDTV has learnt that following

the letter, the Department of Telecom reached out to COAI and there may be discussions soon.

“CDRs sought for specific routes/areas may lead to allegations of surveillance, especially in the state like Delhi having numerous VVIP zones having offices and residences of Ministers, MPs, Judges etc,” said the letter by the COAI on February 12, addressed to Anshu Prakash, the Department of Telecom.

Pointing to the sensitive information in call records, the operator say in their letter that “utmost precaution is required to be exercised while providing as well as seeking such CDRs”.

The letter pointed at SOPs established by the telecom department. These included ascertaining the identity of the subscriber, examining the justification

Coronavirus: Army to screen its troops daily during morning parade

The Army Day parade at Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi on Jan 15, 2020. ( IANS File) NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (IANS): Amid coronavirus threat across the country, the Indian Army has decided to screen all its troops daily during morning parade and has cancelled all mass gatherings, the Army said on Wednesday.

“During morning PT/ parade/roll call all troops will be screened by medical officers. Those reporting with complaints or symptoms of cough, cold or fever will be reported to the nearest military hospital to prevent cross infection,” an advisory stated.

The advisory was issued as a large number of troops stay together in barracks and the risk of the outbreak hitting the 14 lakh Indian Army is high.

The force has cancelled all mass gatherings like festivals, welfare activities or vista to crowded places like movie halls and malls.

All military hospitals have been asked to establish isolation wards and exclusive out-patient departments (OPDs) for suspected coronavirus cases, the advisory said.

It further pointed that that any person with a history of contact with suspect COVID-19 cases or travel to those countries that are severely hit should be directed to report for screening and quarantine.

All medical units have been asked to ensure adequate availability of life saving equipment, masks and essential medical stores.

“Emergency procurement powers may be utilised for this,” the advisory states.

It further pointed that all medical units should have capability of collection and transportation of clinical samples for COVID-19 testing and confirmation.

The military hospitals, the advisory stated, should have synergy with civil medical authorities to ensure optimum medical preparedness and utilisation of their facilities for the hospital based management, investigation and critical care.

The Indian Army has been on the forefront in setting up quarantine bases in the country.

The force has set up quarantine bases for around 4,000 people. The Army was running facilities in Manesar and Jaisalmer with 300 and 1,000 capacity respectively.

As more people are being airlifted from coronavirus-hit countries, the new bases in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jhansi will have a capacity of 1,000 people.

The force is also setting up quarantine bases in West Bengal’s Binnaguri and Bihar’s Gaya with a capacity of 300 each.

carefully, detailing the purpose for seeking their call records and not using the data for any other purpose.

The operators said “despite such detailed and clear process”, various units of DoT were not adhering to the process and “continue to seek voluminous CDR details on regular basis in contravention to the above referred instructions”.

The DoT units “continue to seek one day CDR details from the licensee on monthly basis like Andhra Pradesh (1st and 5th day of the month), Delhi (18th Day), Haryana (21st Day), Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir (last day of the previous month), Kerala and Odisha (15th Day), Madhya Pradesh and Punjab (last day of previous month and first day of current month) etc,” the cellular operators said.

convicts’ lawyer

and South Eastern Railways cancelling nine trains from March 18 to April 1.

The railways even increased the prices of the platform tickets at over 300 stations from Rs 10 to Rs 50 to stop crowding at the railway stations.

He said the decision was taken in order to regulate unnecessary crowding at stations, as a temporary measure. He said the railway board has directed all DRMs to raise platform ticket prices to Rs 50 at important stations that deal with large passengers or visitors rush.

He pointed out that in March 2015, the railways had delegated power to Divisional Railway Managers (DRMS) to increase the rate of platform tickets beyond Rs 10 to regulate rush at platforms during specific requirements under intimation of its office.

With 25 new cases of coronavirus infections reported on Wednesday, the number of COVID-19 patients in India climbed to 151, up from 126 a day earlier, the Health Ministry said.

and healthier. No words will ever do justice to their exceptional efforts.”

The prime minister also urged researchers, innovators and tech-lovers to rise to the occasion and ideate for a better planet.

Responding to a Twitter user who said his firm is closed and was continuing to service clients remotely, Modi said, “That is the spirit! Precaution and productivity both are possible in these times. Best wishes to you and your team.”

Replying to a tweet praising his initiative of bringing SAARC countries together for combating COVID-19, he said working together can lead to good results, benefiting so many people.

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 7 elected to RS

High Court asks UP to respond to plea challenging new law against CAA protests

Narendra Modi

MUMBAI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): Seven candidates including Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar and Union minister of state for social justice Ramdas Athawale were on Wednesday elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha. The election for the seven seats from Maharashtra in which Assembly members were to cast their votes was to be held on March 26. NCP leader and former minister Fauziya Khan, Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, former Congress MP Rajiv Satav and BJP’s Udayanraje Bhosale and Bhagwat Karad were among those elected to the Upper House. The official announcement of the elections was made on Wednesday, the last day of the withdrawal of forms.

ALLAHABAD, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to file its response to a petition challenging the constitutional validity of the recently promulgated Uttar Pradesh Recovery of Damages to Public and Private Properties Act. A bench of Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Samit Gopal passed the order while hearing the petition filed by advocate Shashank Tripathi.

In the petition it is alleged that the ordinance is a “mischief ” played on the Constitution.

The court has sought the state government’s reply by March 25 and fixed March 27 as the next date

COVID-19 should be tackled like an epidemic problem: virologist NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): COVID-19 cases in India are on the rise and the way forward for the government is to gear up and face it, veteran virologist T Jacob John told News18. com. “The response to the coronavirus outbreak has to be seen as an epidemic since it is not merely a healthcare issue,” he said.

When asked if there could be an exponential rise in the cases, John emphasised they will rise and to deal with it, the government has to gear up. Widespread testing, more isolation facilities, training doctors, good epidemiological studies, developing and applying antibody testing to know the magnitude of spread and preparing communities -- these are some of the steps that should be adopted in the current scenario.

John is the former head of the Department of Clinical Virology at the Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore. He established India’s first diagnostic virology laboratory, according to the Indian National Science Academy website. In 1986, it was under his stewardship that samples of India’s first positive case of Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV) were tested and detected at CMC Vellore.

John said even though he is not a judge of the government’s response in tackling the COVID-19 outbreak, the role of the central government leadership seems fragmented even when states are taking autonomous initiatives.

“Healthcare is a state

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (IANS): The Indian Railways on Wednesday cancelled 18 more trains as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of coronavirus, taking the total number of trains cancelled to 103.

The 18 trains were cancelled by Northern Railways on Wednesday, a day after it cancelled five trains on Tuesday amid the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in India, which has affected 151 people across the country.

Norther n Railway spokesperson Deepak Kumar said, “Eighteen trains have been cancelled due to low occupancy and operational reasons.”

On Tuesday, several zonal railways cancelled 85 trains citing low occupancy amid the coronavirus outbreak in several states.

The Central Railway cancelled 23 trains, followed by South Central Railway cancelling 29 trains, Western Railways cancelling 10 trains, northern Railways five, North Western Railways four, East Coast Railways five

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): A Delhi court on Wednesday came down heavily on the lawyer representing the death-row convicts in Nirbhaya rape case, asking him why he always approaches court at the last hour, IANS report stated.

In another manoeuvre to delay the ensuing death sentence slated for Friday, the convicts, through their counsel AP Singh, once again knocked on the doors of the trial court seeking a stay on their hanging on the grounds that they still have pending legal remedies.

Additional Sessions Judge Dharmendra Rana, seeking a report from the Tihar Jail authorities and state government by 12am on Thursday, observed, “Why do you approach court at last hour?”

Public Prosecutor Irfan Ahmed opposed the application on the grounds of its maintainibilty.

“There is no legal remedy pending. There are just 36 hours left for their hanging.”

subject and epidemic management is a union subject.

This is not merely a healthcare problem it is an epidemic problem,” he said.

In order to contain the spread of the virus, the state governments across the country have adopted varied methods to including closure of schools, colleges, cinemas, malls and prohibited large gatherings.

Meanwhile, Kerala took a more aggressive approach to detect the virus by scanning major railway stations and bus terminals.

Upon asking, if there was a lag in response to the outbreak between the reporting of the first batch of cases and the late ones detected from March onward, John added that the response in Kerala was without any delay and we knew that the importation of cases had begun, strategy planning in central government should have begun. On the issue of India’s existing testing criterion which is only selecting those with travel history abroad, John said “In the absence of precedents and comparative data, those in leadership must use their knowledge and wisdom along with taking into consideration ground realities to take the call.” Currently, India is making it a priority to only test those who have a history of travel to high-risk countries and those who have come in direct contact with affected individuals.

This has meant that India has tested less than 10,000 people since January when the first batch of cases were reported from Kerala.

of hearing.

Directing the state government to file the reply in the matter, the court refused to stay the operation of the Act. The ordinance provides for the constitution of quasijudicial bodies to assess the damages to public and private properties caused during public protests and to recover the same from the protesters.

The Uttar Pradesh Recovery of Damages to Public and Private Proper-

ties Act was promulgated on March 15 after the high court came down on the state administration for putting up banners in public places displaying the names, photographs and addresses of persons accused of committing violence during antiCAA protests.

The Act will allow the state authorities to recover losses to public and private property caused during riots, demonstrations, political processions and illegal agitations.

Government of Nagaland Directorate of Health and Family Welfare (Nagaland State Drugs Control Administration) Nagaland, Kohima

No. DHFW-13/DC//26n-COV-19/2020-21/1095 -1102

ORDER

Dated 18-03-2020

In the exigency of the situation owing to COVID-19, sale of surgical mask in the pharmacy retail outlet is hereby fixed temporarily at the ceiling price of Rs. 30/-(Inclusive of GST and freight charges) per mask within the State of Nagaland but shall not include N95 and all other higher grade masks. Therefore, all pharmacy retail outlets within the State of Nagaland are directed to adhere strictly to this order and any licensee found selling above the ceiling rate shall be liable for cancellation of license without any further warning. Further, all pharmacies dealing with this items shall paste the rates of all surgical masks and higher grade mask in front of the pharmacy premises for public information. All hand sanitizers shall however be sold at MRP (Maximum Retail Price) and not otherwise.

This order is issued in the interest of the public health and safety after thorough market surveillance for availability, procurement price from the stake holders and in consultation with the Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association.

This Order shall come into effect immediately till further order.

(W.H Patton) Additional Drugs Controller Controlling and Licensing Authority Drugs Control Administration Directorate of Health and Family Welfare K-815

DC-328

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 102 Dimapur, THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

W

Delhi Acts East

hether it was a case of quid pro quo r or simply destiny, the nomination of retired Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi to the Rajya Sabha has sparked shock and outrage across legal and political circles. Following the nomination by the President Ram Nath Kovind, a notification to this effect was issued the Union home ministry on Monday.

Ranjan Gogoi retired as CJI on November 17,2019 and also after presiding over the constitutional bench that pronounced the final judgment on the Ayodhya dispute on November 9,2019. It may be added that the judgment was unparalleled in that an outgoing CJI had done what other before had not done. Getting a Rajya Sabha seat may not be a big deal for an eminent personality but when it comes to a judge and that too, no less than a retired Chief Justice of India, it is an issue of independence of the judiciary. There have been past instances where retired judges were appointed by the government of the day. It may be recalled that former CJI Justice Ranaganath Mishra, who retired from the position in 1992, became an MP in the upper house in 1998 on a Congress ticket but at a time when the Congress was not in power. Even then, of course, his choice was controversial and seen as payback for having covered up the political culpability of senior Congress leaders in the 1984 massacre of the Sikhs as head of the Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission. He was rewarded with chairmanship of the National Human Rights Commission.The fact that a government has nominated a former CJI to the upper house will raise questions about the constitutional separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary, especially since Gogoi headed benches in key cases that the same government which has nominated him had important political stakes in.

These included the Rafale matter, the dismissal of Central Bureau of Investigation director Alok Verma, the Ayodhya matter, and several other key cases. The criticisms levelled against Gogoi’s nomination came from a wide political spectrum and which are not unfounded. What lends credence to the criticism against the government was an appointment two months ago when the Rashtrapati Bhavan had nominated Gogoi’s elder brother– (Retd) Air Marshal Anjan Gogoi– as a full-time member of the North Eastern Council (NEC), the nodal agency for the economic and social development of the North Eastern states under the Development of North East Region (DoNER) Ministry.

Even that appointment was received with surprise and elicited mild criticism mainly becausethe person nominated should have had sufficient experience of involvement in policymaking around the socioeconomic conditions of the north east. Air Marshal (Retd) Anjan Gogoi had brief stints as an air force officer and by that, it did not provide him any experience with policy making around socio-economic conditions of the region. Ironically, the idea of giving post retirement jobs to top judges was strongly opposed by the late BJP leader Arun Jaitley, who denounced such appointments at a meeting of the BJP’s legal cell in 2012. “Pre-retirement judgements are influenced by a desire for a post-retirement job,” Jaitley had said. The irony of it all, is that Ranjan Gogoi had been very vocal about independence of the judiciary but appeared to have changed after becoming the Chief Justice of India. The change will crystallise after he takes oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

DailyDevotion Will I Bring Myself Up to This Level?

…perfecting holiness in the fear of God. —2 Corinthians 7:1 “Therefore, having these promises….” I claim God’s promises for my life and look to their fulfillment, and rightly so, but that shows only the human perspective on them. God’s perspective is that through His promises I will come to recognize His claim of ownership on me.

For example, do I realize that my “body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,” or am I condoning some habit in my body which clearly could not withstand the light of God on it? (1 Corinthians 6:19). God formed His Son in me through sanctification, setting me apart from sin and making me holy in His sight (see Galatians 4:19). But I must begin to transform my natural life into spiritual life by obedience to Him. God instructs us even in the smallest details of life. And when He brings you conviction of sin, do not “confer with flesh and blood,” but cleanse yourself from it at once (Galatians 1:16). Keep yourself cleansed in your daily walk. I must cleanse myself from all filthiness in my flesh and my spirit until both are in harmony with the nature of God. Is the mind of my spirit in perfect agreement with the life of the Son of God in me, or am I mentally rebellious and defiant?

Am I allowing the mind of Christ to be formed in me? (see Philippians 2:5). Christ never spoke of His right to Himself, but always maintained an inner vigilance to submit His spirit continually to His Father. I also have the responsibility to keep my spirit in agreement with His Spirit. And when I do, Jesus gradually lifts me up to the level where He lived— a level of perfect submission to His Father’s will— where I pay no attention to anything else. Am I perfecting this kind of holiness in the fear of God? Is God having His way with me, and are people beginning to see God in my life more and more? Be serious in your commitment to God and gladly leave everything else alone. Literally put God first in your life.

Quotes

In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity. ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

Post-mortem

The other side of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

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OVID-19 that was suspected to have o r ig ina te d fr o m China Wuhan had cost thousands of precious lives.

Thousands of people are getting affected every day and the death count continues. Although it is reported that in China, the epicenter of COVID-19, there is weakening sign of spreading, it is in all likelihood that COVID-19 will go on affecting millions of people around the world.

While sharing the pains and sorrows of those who have died, the bereaved and those affected by COVID19, there are lessons that we may consider as ‘beneficial’ in the long run.

Recently, the most powerful man on earth POTUS President Donald Trump came to India trumpeting about his country’s supremacy. He lectured us about the military might of US, the most powerful nuclear weapons, latest war technology and jet planes.

The Prime Minister of India listened with awe and admiration. PM Modi declared that India will be free from all threats once it acquired war equipments/ technologies from US. But today both the leaders are locked up behind doors by COVID-19. The world’s most sophisticated weapon

proved useless in the face of tiny virus. In similar vein, the Communist China has been proudly showcasing it large armed force and brandishing its weapons on many occasions as if nothing on earth could destroy them. But COVID19 taught them that they should be more mindful of virus rather than weapons. Great countries such as China, US, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Iran, etc. are mildly tamed by COVID-19.

These countries feel proud in this “visible world” and challenge each other. But they can’t behave in the same manner in the “invisible world” where there are billions of micro-organisms living in it. Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi and all other powerful people in the world have gone into hibernation threatened by tiny virus. Power, wealth and fame do not save people. It is time to leave behind pride and acknowledge the existence of each other.

The world’s atmosphere is in critical condition of survival due to smoke produce 24x7 by factories, vehicles and planes. Millions of people, seeing and unseeing species are dying every day due to smoke pollution. After few

days of COVID-19 that broke out in China Wuhan, a picture taken by NASA shows the return of pure quality of air above the sky of Wuhan. All over the world, COVID-19 will force to shut down factories; vehicles and planes will be restricted to move in large number. This will greatly help the earth to regain fresh air and improve her health. The restriction of many Luxury Cruise Ships to sail on the seas and shutting down of industries and factories will reduce effluent flowing to seas. This will once again give time to marine life to regenerate and flourish.

While human beings are continuously destroying the earth, COVID-19 became the protector of the earth.

COVID-19 is a reminder to us to realize that this earth does not solely belong to human beings. It equally belongs to all other seen and unseen species. Today we are destroying the earth by testing nuclear bombs, by intensive use of chemical in agriculture, non-stop activity of deforestation, and heavy industrialization.

We have been exploiting earth’s resources beyond measure because of engaging in ‘nothing for good’

researches such as weapons of mass destruction, going to Moon, or to Mars, or to explore the world universe.

If we are wise, we should have been taking care of the earth but unfortunately we are not. In the name of development and economic growth, we have destroyed habitats and killed millions of seeing and unseeing species creating huge imbalance in eco-system. When the balance of nature is disturbed, it strikes back causing natural calamities and epidemic. COVID-19 is a striking example of nature’s reaction to human oppressive activity.

In this modern world, people put their total trust on doctors, technology and medicine to save life that they refuse to acknowledge the power of God. Since no medicine is available for curing, once again COVID19 reminded us to seek God’s help and protection.

I am not saying that we should not go to doctors or take medicine when we get sick. No. It is just that we must not forget God in all circumstances especially when human power becomes impossible. So here COVID-19 is opening opportunity for us to acknowledge God, pray more and build up better relationship with God.

COVID-19 is providing time for family members from different places and professions to come and stay together (especially in developed countries).

We have been too busy with our work that we don’t have time to stay together with our loved and dear ones.

Only on death, we gather and shed tears together.

Remember, God has given us beautiful people to live happy life. Take this time to spend together in love and in prayers. Don’t wait to be quarantined in a lonely place to understand the importance of being together with family members.

We live as if we are not going to die. COVID-19 is a great lesson for all rich people in the world as it is a ‘sign of death’. World’s billionaires are losing their wealth by billions every day due to COVID-19. Once again COVID-19 reminds them of the meaninglessness of accumulating enormous wealth through corrupt means because everyone is going to die sooner or later.

No one can take anything to the grave. These people have not only destroyed human relationship but also that of nature as they compete with each other to be at the top list in Guinness Book.

If the top 20% world’s rich people repent, control their

ferocious economic activity, and share their wealth, the world would have been a much safer place to live than now.

Well, I am not saying that COVID-19 continue to flourish and spread to every nook and corner of the earth. No. I am just saying that COVID-19 should be considered as a ‘warning signboard’, or a ‘speed breaker’ for the whole world to pause for a while and understand that ‘we are going too fast’ and that ‘there is danger ahead.’

‘Speed’ and ‘consumerist culture’ are enemies of nature. As desired by COVID-19, let’s all remain indoors and re-examine our relationship with each other, with nature and with God. Only right relationship will bring healing and save us from destruction.

Human beings are created in the image of God to take care of the earth and all that is in it. If we disobey God’s commandment, then nature will react and strike back. If the world refuses to listen to COVID-19 and take action this time, another epidemic more dangerous than COVID-19 will surely strike back and put all of our lives at risk.

Repent or perish!!

Z. K. Pahrü Pou, Mission Colony, Pfutsero

Here’s why I support temporary Effectively utilizing ICT by teachers suspension of Sunday church services during closure of schools

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ecent decision of the state government to temporarily close all educational institutions to prevent and control the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a step in the right direction. Many countries have been forced to compulsory lockdown due to failure to take preventive measures early on. Should churches in Nagaland follow suit?

First, it is common knowledge that crowded places are hot spots for coronavirus to spread. Educational institutions, hospitals, public places, public transport, conferences, and market places, are some highrisk areas. Social distancing has become necessary to at least slow the spread, if not prevent infection. Reducing close physical interaction keep both you and other peoples safe. Center for Diseases Control recommends maintaining a distance of six feet from other peoples when possible.

Second, although younger peoples are less likely to develop severe complications, they are not immune to conoravirus.

They can get infected, and in turn pass on the virus to other peoples, acting as active carriers, even before symptoms develop.

Third, older peoples are hardest hit. No less vulnerable are young peoples

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with lung (respiratory ailments), heart problems, diabetes, and weak immune system. Many countries have banned visitors to old age homes. Nagas are, by nature, very sociable and hospitable, with big extended families. By not taking extra precaution, we put everyone at risk.

Fourth, nobody is immune; no location is beyond reach of this pandemic, in this age of globalization.

Just one infected person can pass the virus to the whole society, if we are careless. Besides, symptoms of coronavirus – runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough, difficulty breathing (in severe cases) are so common in our society that we may not mind it too seriously.

Fifth, churches in many countries have cancelled mass services and switched to online live streaming service, with preachers reaching out through camera and internet. Worth mentioning is the case of Patient 31 in South Korea whose active social life led to infection of peoples in the church group. Sixth, the effectiveness of social distancing is greatly minimized if mass gatherings in churches go on as usual.

Seventh, failure to take effective measures will lead to desperate situations where hospitals are flooded with patients, leading to shortage

of medical supplies, space, and healthcare personnel.

God forbid that our society should ever be put on compulsory curfew. Is there a solution? I believe our church councils and associations are discussing ways to find a workable solution. One suggestion from me is to suspend regular Sunday services, and instead encourage families to observe Sundays as day of prayer and fasting (up to noon) at home, during this period. Prayer points and guidelines can be shared through phones and social media. This is far from overreacting. Every family could do well to spend time together, and seek God together. I believe this is how we establish “family altar” while complying with social distancing as mandated by the government.

Social distancing is not all about protecting yourself, but also about not infecting another person. All of us have loved ones in the family who are vulnerable to this virus. They need our protection. Take charge. Be the pastor that your family needs, the missionary to your family. In hard times like this, we Christians do not panic like peoples who have no hope, but we turn to God who is in control. We also do our duty to protect our loved ones, and not infect our neighbor.

Jesse Shijoh

Be Aware, Don’t Panic

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(An E-Learning Introduction)

orona virus outbreak has affected every walk of life. As a precautionary measure, Government of Nagaland has declared closure of all educational institutions from 17th March to 12th April 2020. However, many teachers are concerned about the educational progress of their students. There is a need to ensure that the students don’t lose their valuable learning time.

Well, a teacher can very much assist a student in their learning curve by using the available information and communication tools. There are many teaching tools available on the Internet, some which are available for free but of limited nature and some which are paid but costly, not only financially but from the usage point of view too.

A great and a simple tool which will surely help a teacher in reaching out to the students during these times is the Google Classroom. A freely available

tool for teachers as well as students to continue teaching and learning virtually.

Google Classroom allows a teacher to create a virtual classroom for his students. It also helps both the students and teachers organize assignments, collaborate, and foster better communication. With Classroom, educators can create classes, distribute assignments, grade and send feedback, and see everything in one place.

Educators can track student’s progress to know where and when to give extra feedback.

A teacher can also create short videos of lessons and upload it to YouTube.

This YouTube video can be linked as part of the student’s coursework in the Google Classroom.

To start using these features, you can visit the link https://classroom. google.com/ and sign in with your google account.

Once logged in, a teacher will first need to create a class. For every class created

by a teacher, a code will be generated which needs to be shared with your students in order for them to join the class. Google Classroom can also be downloaded from Google Playstore.

Teaching and assessing online had never been easy for many teachers. But one factor that I believe will help in successful implementation is that almost every student has a smart phone. And using this smart phone, it will be easy for a teacher to connect with the students.

There are also many good tutorial videos available on YouTube for using the Google Classroom effectively. I recommend that concerned teachers and educators be encouraged and try utilising these tools to makeup the learning time of our students. Stop rumours, Share Ideas.

Daniel Meren, Jt. Director/ Scientist ‘D’ NIELIT Extension Centre Chuchuyimlang (Any queries can be sent to daniel@nielit.gov.in)

Reader’s Post

SSB: The much anticipated demand Sir,

Meanwhile, the State Government of Nagaland at par with its counterparts has been taking serious precautionary measures against the menace of Corona Virus (COVID-19), it is also expected that the government do not show a lackadaisical attitude on the demand for immediate setting up of SSB for the aspirants of Nagaland, which is much anticipated. The dilatory on the part of the government which it acts surreptitiously can no longer be eluded from the face of the aspirants which is even more conspicuous and lucid. Therefore, it’s a sincere plea that the government do not remain adamant to its witty and furtive attitude on the call for SSB, but should come to its logical sense with regard to the frustration of thousands aspirants in our state.

It is imperative that SSB be set up without further delay which would atleast give a chance for meritocracy and to a great extend purge the evil practises of nepotism and favouritism in our state. Just as much as we are scared of the Corona Virus, backdoor appointments are no less. SSB can be the remedy/cure for the latter.

M. Abenthung Humtsoe,Airfield Colony, Wokha

hrough your esteemed daily, may I have the privilege to jot down a few words in relation to the present situation the entire world is experiencing today with the spread of deadly coronavirus(COVID-19). I sincerely extend and appreciate the timely action taken by the Govt. of Nagaland under the dynamic leadership of Shri.

Neiphiu Rio, the Chief Minister of Nagaland to combat the spread of Coronavirus.

Along with the Govt. of Nagaland, many associate NGOs, educational institutions and general public are putting on best efforts and appropriate measures to create awareness to combat against the spread of COVID-19. With the official announcement by the Govt. of Nagaland on the closure of all educational institutions and an indefinite blanket ban on the entry of both domestic and foreign tourists into Nagaland is a laudable step.

General public of Nagaland, I believe are very much aware of such spread of deadly virus and preparing in every possible ways to protect and prevent it. However, there are Sir, Today’s Fear is more of signal that we must stay alert and cautious. Most issues the general public are facing like acquiring of medicinal masks, hand sanitizer from the market, which are either hardly available or being sold out at an exhorbitant people let fear stop them from taking the necessary steps to achieve their dreams. rate. Hence, I appeal and request the concerned authority in the interest of the public We can feel fear, but we can still move forward anway. We have to remember that to take note of this and see that such saftey requirements are reach out to the public as human, we’ve also evolved to the stage where almost all our fears are now self with ease and at nominal rate. As we all know that this coming 2 to 3 months are going created. We frighten ourselves by fantasizing negative outcomes to any activity to be very crucial and further need to be very cautious to protect ourselves against the we might pursue or experience. Luckly, because we are the ones who can stop the deadly virus and this is possible only if such safety requirements are easily available. I fear and bring ourselves into a state of clarity and peace by facing the actual facts, request the Govt. of Nagaland to put a strict vigilance on the circulation of fake news rather than giving into our imaginations. Think of your fear of a 2 year-old child and initiate strict actions on them and also come up with the effective and appropriate who doesn’t want to go to grocery shopping with you, you wouldn’t let a 2-year old strategies in preventing and protecting from the spread of COVID-19 and publish them mentality run your life. Because you must but groceries, you’ll just have to take the in the media, which would be encouraging for the public. There is a saying – Prevention 2-year old along with you. Fear is not different, in other words, acknowledge the is better than cure. Let us all not panic but to practice self care as situation demands. fear exist but don’t let it keep you from doing important task.

Tolika Achumy Prakash Chetri, Chümoukedima Town 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.

Why are we so fearful?

National

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

‘India will pay heavy price’: Rahul slams Centre on COVID-19

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the country will have to pay “a heavy price” for the government’s inability to act decisively on tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

“Quick aggressive action is the answer to tackling the #Coronavirus . India is going to pay an extremely heavy price for our governments inability to act decisively,” he said on Twitter.

Mr Gandhi has been critical of the Narendra Modi-led central government in tackling the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

He himself was screened for coronavirus infection at the Delhi airport on his return from Italy on February 29. The Congress leader who had travelled to the Italian city of Milan for two weeks had been offered courtesies due a Lok Sabha MP and a Z-Plus protectee

Rahul Gandhi (File)

on his return, but declined them and stood in line with other passengers for nearly half-an-hour, his party said.

Coronavirus has infected nearly 2 lakh people worldwide and over 150 in India, where three people have died.

The government has already taken measures including suspending most visas into the country. On Monday it expanded travel restrictions, banning passengers from countries of

the European Union and European Free Trade Association, Turkey and the United Kingdom - including its own citizens.

It has also closed down schools, cinemas, malls, gyms and major tourist sites including the Taj Mahal, while most major cities asked offices providing non-essential services to keep their staff at home in increased measures to curb the COVID-19 pandemic in India.

While the gover nment has maintained it is prepared to minimise the fallout, there have been concerns that the over-stretched health systems in India could struggle to handle a surge in case especially because of its low testing capacity.

Authorities said it was trying to ramp up testing facilities from 500 per day to 8,000 and framing protocols to rope in private players.

Covid-19: Entrepreneurs suggest lockdown of affected cities

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES: With increasing number of people getting infected by the novel coronavirus, a group of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting a lockdown starting as early as March 20 across the majorly impacted cities for two to three weeks.

In a presentation prepared by the venture capitalists and founders of 51 startups and businesses, including Abhiraj Singh Bhal, the co-founder of Urban Company, formerly Urban Clap, Kunal Shah (Founder, CRED) and Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal), said that countries which have acted “early and strongly” such as South Korea, Singapore and Japan have been able to somewhat control the spread compared to countries which acted late such as Iran, Italy, France and USA among others.

“Government should impose 2-3 week lockdown with section 144 across major impacted cities right

away, and be prepared for a second lockdown later,” said the presentation.

It noted that although the containment activities like travel restrictions should continue, “we might need a lot more, and sooner rather than later.”

The entrepreneurs suggested that the first lockdown should be implemented from March 20 to April 12, following which April 13-May 17 should be a precautionary phase with social distancing. They have suggested a second lockdown from May 18 to May 31 and said that starting June 1, the curbs can be lifted in a phased manner.

During the lockdown, the government should continuously advise people to quarantine themselves in home and carry out best personal hygiene practices.

They also urged the government to maintain supply chain of essential goods and services, including food, medicine, healthcare access, public transport, cash availability in ATMs.

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No document will be collected during NPR update: minister Nityanand NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): No document will be collected from anyone during the exercise to be carried out to update the National Population Register, Union minister Nityanand Rai said on Wednesday.

Rai also said in Rajya Sabha that till now, the central government has not taken any decision to prepare the National Register of Indian Citizens (NRIC) at the national level.

“No document is to be collected during the updation of NPR 2020,” Rai, the Union Minister of State for Home, said replying to a written question.

The NPR data will be collected along with the house-listing phase of the census to be conducted from April 1 to September 30.

Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh are some of the non-BJP ruled states which have ap-

Nityanand Rai (File)

prehensions about the NPR and are critical towards the exercise.

The objective of updating the NPR is to create a comprehensive identity database of every usual resident in the country. The database would contain demographic and biometric particulars.

The notification for the house-listing phase of census and NPR exercise came recently amid furore over the contentious Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

The data for NPR was last collected in 2010 along with the house-listing phase of Census 2011. Updation of this data was done in 2015 by conducting doorto-door surveys.

While updating the register in 2015, the government asked details like Aadhaar and mobile numbers.

This time, information related to driving licence and voter ID card may also be gathered, officials said, adding that PAN card details will not be collected as part of this exercise. Questions related to place of parents’ birth are voluntary to answer, the government had said.

For NPR, a usual resident is defined as a person who has resided in a local area for the past six months or more, or a person who intends to reside in that area for the next six months.

The law compulsorily seeks to register every citizen of India and issue a national identity card.

H1N1 killed 1,218, dengue 132 & malaria 50 in India in 2019 Ministers, MPs go through thermal scanning at Parl Till November in 2019, 132 dengue deaths and 1,36,422 cases were reported. Delhi witnessed 4,155 dengue cases but no death. In case of malaria, the number of fatalities has been on decline, and Delhi has reported zero deaths due to it since 2015.

Malaria claimed 384 lives in 2015 and 331 lives in 2016. In 2017, the number of deaths came down by half to 194 people. In 2018, 96 people died from malaria. Up to December 2019, 50 malaria deaths were reported across India, with only Chhattisgarh reporting deaths in double digits.

However, H1N1 (swine flu or seasonal influenza) has been killing over 1,000 people since the last three years. Even at a time when the focus is on Covid-19 epidemic, up to March 1, H1N1 has claimed 28 lives.

According to the Health Ministry data, there have been over 1,100 deaths due to swine flu in 2019 and 2018. “In 2017, 2,270 swine flu deaths were reported,” it said. The swine flu deaths in 2018 were 1,128, in 2019 it were 1,218.

In 2015 and 2016, 299 and 26 H1N1 deaths respectively were reported.

The number of swine flu cases

per year is also high. In 2015, 4,259 swine flu cases were reported and in 2016 it was 178. The number of cases came down to 15,266 in 2018 from 38,811 in 2017. However, India witnessed 28,798 swine flu cases in 2019.

Till March 1, there have been 1,469 swine flu cases in the country.

H1N1 is a seasonal infection that usually occurs every year with two peaks -- January to March, and July to September. Preventive measures, such as covering nose and mouth with a tissue/handkerchief while coughing or sneezing, and washing hands often with soap and water is advisable.

In the national capital, while zero H1N1 deaths were reported in 2020, the number of cases was 226 till February 23. In 2019, swine flu claimed 31 lives and number of cases was 3,627.

In 2018, two people died because of H1N1 in Delhi with total reported cases being 205. In 2017, 16 deaths and 2,835 cases were reported. In 2016, Delhi had seen seven swine flu deaths and 193 cases. In 2015, the number of 12 deaths was 12 and cases 4,307 cases.

Thermal screening of visitors being conducted in the wake of deadly coronavirus, at the entrance of Parliament House, in New Delhi.

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): Ministers as well as MPs have to go through thermal scanning before getting entry into Parliament premises on Wednesday for the first

time as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of novel coronavirus outbreak in the country.

The thermal screening began in Parliament as the government decided to

continue the House and complete the session till April 3 unlike various state assemblies which have adjourned their proceedings in the wake of the spread of the deadly disease which

‘Can’t claim VIP status, avoid COVID-19 Test’: Mamata slams teen coming. But I am not welcoming the disease, sorry.

You can’t suddenly come from abroad and go off to shopping malls without getting tested and then 500 people get affected...Just because someone from my family is influential so I don’t test... I don’t support this,” she raged.

The Bengal Home Secretary, with whom the teen’s mother had an extended meeting on Monday, stayed at home today as reports

emerged of the whole family being quarantined and tested. Their results are expected soon.

The student, studying at a prominent university in England, had no symptoms when he landed at the Kolkata airport early on Sunday and was not detected during screening. He drove back home with his driver. The household includes, besides his parents, two helps.

The same evening, the young man received a call

Coronavirus cure : Case file against Maha shop owner

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could not produce any medical proof to back his advertisement, the DCP said.

No arrest has been made yet as an investigation was in progress, he added. Action will be taken against anyone spreading misinformation about the coronavirus in print, tv or any other media, DCP Shinde warned.

go that day.

His mother, who accompanied him to the hospital, went to her office on the fifth floor of the state secretariat building - Mamata Banerjee sits on the 14th floor -- and attended many meetings including one on coronavirus.

It was only on Tuesday that the teen went to the Infectious Diseases Hospital, where one of his four swab samples was found positive.

New Commercial Building for Rent

DC-329

MUMBAI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): A case was registered on Wednesday against the owner of a furniture shop at Bhiwandi in Thane district for issuing a misleading advertisement which claimed that mattress sold at his shop cure the coronavirus.

The accused, whose name was not disclosed by the police, owns two furniture showrooms in Bhiwandi. On March 13, he allegedly published an advertisement in a Gujarati newspaper that the novel coronavirus can be cured or prevented by sleeping on a special kind of mattress which he sold.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajkumar Shinde said a First Information Report (FIR) was registered on a complaint by the medical officer of Kharbhav Primary Health Centre under IPC section 505(2) (statements conducing to public mischief) as well as The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

When the police questioned the shop owner, he

from friends in the UK who told him that three persons with whom he had attended a party in London had tested positive for the virus.

The next morning, the student went to the government-run MR Bangur hospital, where a doctor referred him to the Infectious Diseases Hospital, the nodal centre for COVID 19 in the city.

The ID hospital was informed that the teen was on his way but he did not

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state government, went to the secretariat - the same building where the Chief Minister also has her office -- and attended several meetings a day before the 18-year-old reported to hospital and tested positive.

The delay is even more inexplicable given his father is a doctor.

“You can’t claim VIP status and avoid COVID 19 tests,” a furious Mamata Banerjee said at an event.

“I welcome whoever is

K.U.C. KOHIMA KOREAN UNCLE'S CAFÉ

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KO L K ATA , M A R 1 8 (AGENCIES): The teen son of an IAS officer in Kolkata, who returned from the UK on Sunday, possibly came into contact with many before testing positive for coronavirus, becoming Bengal’s first case. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today lashed out at what she called “irresponsible behaviour” by those who “claim VIP status”.

The student’s mother, a senior bureaucrat in the

has claimed over 7,000 lives across the world.

The precautionar y measures began in Parliament on Monday with visitors going through the process before entering its premises after the COVID19 was declared pandemic by the World Health Organisation. Besides, small containers of hand sanitisers were also placed by the side of the security personnel, near the 12 entry gates.

The visitor passes were also banned on Monday.

Ever since the coronavirus outbreak was reported from China in December last year, the Indian government has been taking proactive measures to control the spread of the infection, and has issued advisories against gatherings of people in large numbers.

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NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (IANS): In 2019, H1N1 claimed 1,218, dengue 132 and malaria 50 lives in India, according to the Union Health Ministry data. “Since 2017, there has been a constant decrease in the number of deaths because of dengue. But 2017 saw an exceptionally high dengue death rate and cases compared with 2016,” said a Health Ministry official.

In 2015, 220 dengue deaths and 99,913 cases were reported. Delhi witnessed 60 dengue deaths that year, according to the data, accessed by IANS. In 2016, 245 dengue deaths were reported from across India, while the number of cases jumped to 1,29,166. Delhi saw 4,431 cases and 10 deaths.

The number of dengue deaths across the country was 325 and cases 1,88,401 in 2017. In case of Delhi, the deaths remained at 10, the number of cases more than doubled at 9,271.

There was a drastic reduction in dengue cases and deaths in 2018 both across the country as well as in Delhi.

The year saw 172 deaths and 1,01,192 cases across the country. Delhi reported four deaths and 7,136 cases.

KAKURO

No. 9527 Yesterday’s solution No. 9526

No. 4146 Yesterday’s solution No. 4145

No. 3172 Yesterday’s solution No. 3171

Across 3. Scandalise (5) 8. Of a town (5) 10. Aromatic herb (5) 11. Belonging to us (3) 12. Usual behaviour (5) 13. Greek letter (7) 15. Discourage (5) 18. Doze (3) 19. Colour (6) 21. Revokes (7) 22. Entrance (4) 23. Require (4) 24. Museum official (7) 26. Descend by rope (6) 29. Vigour (3) 31. Devil (5) 32. Represents in words (7) 34. Underground drain (5) 35. Pistachio, say (3) 36. Seraglio (5) 37. Tag (5) 38. Lariat (5) Down 1. Rugby forwards (5) 2. Seaman (7) 4. Scheme (4) 5. Tolerates (6) 6. Afterwards (5) 7. Flying toys (5) 9. Public transport (3) 12. Optimistic (7) 14. Circuit (3) 16. Big cat (5) 17. Prepared (5) 19. Meat axe (7) 20. Notions (5) 21. Perch (5) 23. In name only (7) 24. Picture house (6) 25. Gratuity (3) 27. Trite (5) 28. Artist’s stand (5) 30. Freshwater mammal (5) 32. Lairs (4) 33. Young fox (3)

URGENT SALE DATSUN GO T (2016) Colour Red, Rs. 2.25 (Nego) # 9366192327 DP-2111

CAR FOR SALE

Maruti Car E-II (2001) Price : 47,000 (Nego) Contact No : 6909373693

AT KOHIMA Size 70 × 60 (Approx.)

For details contact 8132050648

LAND FOR SALE At Naga United near Chathi river bridge Plot available as per your budget Rs. 195 per sq. ft.

No broker please Contact : 8575193378

LAND FOR SALE At Seithekema ‘A’

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

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Contact : 8787777148 7005227608

FOR SALE Land and building for sale in Kohima

Missing since 09 March 2020 from Zunheboto Nagaland Last seen: Atoizu area Zunheboto Suspected to be around Wokha District Missing person is mentally ill Contact: 8414980100/7005538456

LOST NOTICE I, Tsongthso Sangtam, am applying for a duplicate copy of Class 11 Registration Card as I have lost it.

Father's Name : Seochem Sangtam Mother's Name : Hojangla Sangtam Regd No : 1960831131 Year : 2019 College : Immanuel College Dimapur Nagaland Contact No : 8119893660 DP-2115

LOST NOTICE I, Mr. Lhoutsho Koza, S/o Mr. Savi Koza, am applying for originals of Class X Admit Card, Marksheet and Pass Certificate and Class XII Admit Card, Marksheet and Pass Certificate as I have lost it.

Name : Mr. Lhoutsho Koza F/Name : Mr. Savi Koza Class X Admit Card Roll No. : 0950302 Class X Marksheet Regd. No. : 912384 Class X Pass Certificate Regd. No. : 912570 Year : 2009 Class XII Admit Card Roll No. : 1117023 Class XII Marksheet Regd. No : 09160 Class XII Pass Certificate Regd. No. : 06086 Year : 2011 DP-2108

LAND FOR SALE 90x56 = Rs. 14,95,000/Contact : 8974848301

(4.5 km from Zion Hospital) Area : Any size plot available Price : Rs. 160 per sq. ft. * Plots with drainage & approach road

Name: Vika T Yeptho Age : 22

Near Four Lane Plot available as per budget Rs. 120 Per Sq. Ft. (Negotiable) Ph. No : 9856506606 8974571416 DP-1386

1. NEAR GREEN PARK (5th Mile) Area available as per budget 2. Near Land Resource Research Centre Price : Rs. 35/- per sq. ft.

PRICE NEGOTIABLE Contact No : 9862954673 9436865033 DP-1991

Location : Kushiabill, near Highway

MISSING

LAND FOR SALE LOCATION : Between Vidima and Razaphe AREA : Approx 14,000 sq. ft.

Price : 7 Lakhs Contact : KEVI'S REAL ESTATE 8974509536, 03862-240181(O)

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LAND FOR SALE

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5063 sq. ft.

15th IR Mahila Gate Opp. Rs. 11 Lakhs Contact : 7005072175

For water delivery at home in and around Kohima call 9612734047 9856974391

Loc: Upper Bayavu Hill Area: 2600 sq ft.

Prime location, main road attached, 2 storey with 9 rooms.

Price: 95 Lakhs (Negotiable) No brokers Contact: 8257095430, 8259821247 (WhatsApp)

LAND FOR URGENT SALE Foot Hill Road Touched, near Noune Resort at New Showuba Village.

Area available in any size upto 5 (five) Bighas.

Price : Rs. 165/- per sq. ft.

(Negotiable)

Genuine buyer may Contact : 6009013385/ 8974631406

At Padampukuri (near Aoyimti)

DP-1777(B)

and states can lift the quota in advance.

Paswan said the Centre has issued an advisory to state governments for taking necessary safety measures to manage crowd at ration shops in view of the COVID-19 outbreak.

At present, the government supplies 5 kilogram of subsidised foodgrains per month to each beneficiary under the PDS through 5,00,000 ration shops in the country. This costs the exchequer about Rs 1.4 lakh crore annually.

Foodgrains via ration shops are supplied at a highly subsidised rate of Rs 3/kg for rice, Rs 2/kg for wheat and Rs 1/kg for coarse grains under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

URGENT: LAND FOR SALE

10 Bighas of land available at Purana Bazaar, near Whitee Bible College, Doragajan, 5 minutes drive from Zion Hospital. Any size available @ Rs. 230/- per square feet (Negotiable).

No earth filling required.

Contact No. 8787632320 8974754265 DP-2110

LAND FOR SALE

1. At BSF Camp, Kohima.

Road attached @ Rs. 560/- per sq. ft.

2. Near Directorate of Yo u t h R e s o u r c e s , Kohima, Road attached @ Rs. 595/- per sq. ft.

Genuine buyers only.

Contact: 7085416488 LAND FOR SALE LOCATION : Chumoukedima 'A' Village, 5 minutes drive from New DC office Chumoukedima AREA : Approx 3600 sq. ft.- 5700 sq. ft.

Price : 6-10 Lakhs All sand gravel filled and JCB leveled -Approach road and drainage to all the plots Contact : KEVI'S REAL ESTATE 8974509536, 03862-240181(O)

DP-2116(A)

decision seeks to ensure that poor people have enough foodgrains in the event of possible restrictions that could lead to difficulty in getting the supplies.

The Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said lifting of more grains in one go will ease pressure on central storage as some quantity of wheat is kept in the open.

The government has surplus foodgrains of 435 lakh tonne as of now, of which 272.19 lakh tonne is rice and 162.79 lakh tonne is wheat, he said.

The PDS requirement for April is about 135 lakh tonne of rice and 74.2 lakh tonne of wheat, the minister said adding the government has enough supply to meet the demand

WATER DELIVERY

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NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (PTI): Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Wednesday said 75 crore beneficiaries under the public distribution system will be allowed to lift their quota of subsidised foodgrains for six months in one go, amid the coronavirus outbreak. Currently, beneficiaries are lifting grains in advance for maximum two months, while the Punjab government is already distributing six-month quota in one go, he said.

“We have enough foodgrains in our godowns. We have asked state governments and Union Territories to distribute six-month quota of grains to the poor in one go,” Paswan told PTI. Against the backdrop of rising coronavirus infections, the

MUMBAI, MAR 18 (PTI): Yes Bank on Wednesday said it has resumed operations, and all its banking services are available for its customers now.

“Our banking services are now operational. You can now experience the full suite of our services. Thank you for your patience and co-operation. #YESforYOU @RBI @FinMinIndia,” the lender tweeted.

The gover nment notified the Yes Bank reconstruction scheme last week.

“Indian markets ended at three year lows, with Nifty below the 8,500 mark, in tandem with Asian and European markets after global agencies warned of a global recession following the impact of Covid-19. At the same time, rising infections in India and associated disruption in businesses led to India’s GDP growth forecasts also being downgraded. This will also affect the government’s fiscal maths, which was already tight.

All sectoral indices closed with losses, with BSE telecom, finance, utilities, bankex, power, realty and auto tanking up to 9.48 per cent. The BSE midcap index fell 0.73 per cent, while the smallcap gauge crashed 6.09 per cent.

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Yes Bank resumes operations

entering a recession amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The agency had earlier projected a growth rate of 5.7 per cent during the 2020 calendar year. Asia-Pacific economic growth in 2020 will more than halve to less than 3 per cent as the “global economy enters a recession”, S&P said in a statement.

Banking and telecom stocks came under heavy selling pressure after the Supreme Court pulled up the telecom companies for doing self-assessment of the Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues fixed by the apex court in its verdict on October 24 last year.

The telecom companies have to clear all dues mentioned in the judgement, the court said.

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Su doku

PDS beneficiaries can lift 6-month quota of grains in one go, says Paswan amid COVID-19 concerns

been confirmed by this court, Justice Mishra said on Wednesday and asked “how can there be self assessment.

This cannot be allowed when the Supreme Court clearly spells out the dues.”

While hearing the Centre’s plea seeking a 20-year window for payment of dues by telecom firms, Justice Mishra said: “Where did the concept of self-assessment come in?

Who permitted self-assessment without permission of this court? This is sheer contempt of court.”

He did not mince any words against the media and said the newspapers are trying to influence courts.

The court said it will consider a government rescue plan for telecom companies in AGR case on

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DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (NPN): In view of the panic buying tendency due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Wokha District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WDCCI) has informed the public of Wokha district that there was enough stock of essential commodities including medicine and fuel in the market.

In a press release, WDCC&I general secretary S Aben Ngulie also clarified that commercial vehicles carrying commodities were flowing as usual.

WDCCI has warned all business establishments within Wokha not to sell goods above the market price. It cautioned that penalty would be imposed against the defaulters.

Further, WDCCI warned that any individuals found spreading rumours regarding shortage of stocks of any essential commodities on social media would be booked under relevant sections of the law.

5

MUMBAI, MAR 18 (PTI): The Sensex crashed below the 29,000-level while the Nifty dived almost 500 points on Wednesday as the coronavirus pandemic maintained its death grip on markets across the globe.

S&P lowering India’s growth forecast and the Supreme Court’s refusal to provide relief to telecom firms on the AGR issue further sapped risk appetite, traders said. After swinging over 2,488.72 points in a highly volatile session, the 30-share BSE Sensex closed 1,709.58 points or 5.59 per cent lower at 28,869.51.

The Sensex has closed below the 29,000-mark for the first time since January 2017. On similar lines, the broader NSE Nifty plummeted 498.25 points, or 5.56 per cent, to end at 8,468.80.

Barring ONGC and ITC, all Sensex constituents finished in the red.

IndusInd Bank was the top loser, diving 23.90 per cent, followed by PowerGrid (11.29 per cent), Kotak Bank (11.23 per cent), Bajaj Finance (11.11 per cent), HDFC Bank (9.92 per cent) and NTPC (8.08 per cent).

Earlier in the day, S&P Global Ratings lowered India’s economic growth forecast to 5.2 per cent for 2020, saying the global economy is

The apex court noted that the same government that had fought tooth and nail, and suggested penalty during arguments earlier was now wishing to do away with the interest. “If reassessment is permitted - it is fraud on this court,” Justice Arun Mishra said and added he cannot begin a thrid round of litigation and asked the Centre who has permitted “self assessment of dues”.

This was after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking its approval for a 20-year window for payment of around Rs 1.47 lakh crore AGR dues, as adverse functioning of the telecom firms could put a negative impact on the economy and consumers across the country.

The DoT demand has

Enough stock of essential commodities: WDCCI

Crossword

MUMBAI, MAR 18 (PTI): The Indian rupee pared initial gains to close 2 paise lower at 74.26 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday amid sustained foreign fund outflows and heavy selling in domestic equities.

Forex traders said the Indian rupee failed to find a foothold as there are still concerns over the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the global as well as domestic economy.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local currency opened at 73.98. During the day, it shuttled between a high of 73.92 and a low of 74.42 against the greenback.

The domestic unit finally finished at 74.26, down 2 paise over its previous close.

The rupee had settled at 74.24 against the greenback on Tuesday.

“Rupee fell against the US dollar amidst continued meltdown in the equity markets and sustained foreign fund outflows. Dollar showed some strength as investors pursued most liquid currency as concerns about economic shutdowns from the coronavirus continued to dent risk appetite,” said Gaurang Somaiyaa, Forex & Bullion Analyst, Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

Justice Mishra also said: “This is a question of apex court prestige ‘Do companies feel they are more powerful on earth?” he asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta representing the Department of Telecommunications.

The bench - comprising Mishra, Nazeer and Shah had upheld the DoT definition of AGR in the court ruling on October 24, 2019.

The top court observed that the DoT demand has been confirmed by this court, “how can there be self-assessment? This is impermissible”.

The court observed that some telecom players have suggested they need 8-10 months’ time to corroborate numbers of selfassessment, but “this cannot be allowed”. Instead, the top court insisted that dues have been finalised by the court.

On March 16, the Solicitor General appearing for the DoT had sought staggered payment over 20 years of AGR dues by telecom companies.

Centre cited adverse impact on the economy, telecom sector and banking sectors. The telecom companies total AGR dues are a staggering Rs 1.47 lakh crore.

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NEW DELHI, MARCH 18 (IANS): The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on Telcos, the government and even the media as it said no further objection to its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) order will be allowed against the payable dues which sums up to Rs 1.47 lakh crore.

“Won’t tolerate this.

Companies want to hoodwink us. If required we will summon the MDs of all the telcom companies and send them to jail from here only. These companies are the usurpers of public money and don’t even want to pay a fraction of revenue earned,” said Justice Arun Mishra.

“All the newspapers are trying to influence courts. All the companies are trying to influence us through the media,” said Justice Arun Mishra.

The court said: “Actions of telcom companies tantamount to seeking to bypass our judgement. All dues as per our judgement will have to be paid, including interest and penalty.”

In its order, the threejudge bench led by Justice Arun Mishra, and comprising Justices S. Abdul Nazeer and M.R. Shah held that no self-assessment can be done on AGR dues and no further objection on its verdict would be entertained.

Sensex tanks 1,709 pts to end below 29k, Nifty gives up 8,500-mark

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SC threatens to jail telco MDs

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

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business Rupee settles 2 paise lower at next hearing which will be 74.26 against USD after two weeks.

DP-2065

8

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

Close govt offices till March 31, officers body urges PM

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (IANS): The Confederation of Central Government Gazetted Officers Organisation on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shut government offices till March 31 as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of novel coronavirus (Covid19) in India.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Bhaskar Bhattacharya, Secretary General of the Organisation, said: “Centre and and the state governments have issued several advisories, initiated many preventive measures and imposed restrictions, closures invoking certain acts to contain the spread of Covid-19 in India.”

In his letter, he mentioned that as a guiding measure, the Department of Personnel and Training has also issued a detailed advisory for the Central government offices.

“In many Central government departments, administrations are definitely trying their best to extend all possible support

to the employees as per government guidelines, but several Central government offices across the country are still lagging in this regard. However, such efforts will only partially address the huge risk posing to the employees,” he said.

Bhattacharya said that being workers in public office, it is not possible for the Central government employees to maintain social distancing while in office.

“Most importantly, more than 98 per cent of the employees have to commute to office using public transport at a time when the government advisories are suggesting to avoid public transport as far as possible,” he said, adding that despite certain measures being taken in office, employees remain vulnerable to infection due to commuting in public transport to attend office and other unavoidable interactions in office. He also noted that the state government and the centre has asked for the closure of educational institutions, theatres, malls and several other places till

a certain period to minimize commuting in public transport and ensure social distancing.

“As we are probably entering into the most crucial phase when there is a chance of exponential increase of infected persons, it is requested to your good self to kindly consider the option of closing Central government offices (excluding those providing essential services and/or engaged in the country’s present fight against the disease outbreak by any means) across the country till March 31 or any other date, as deem fit,” Bhattacharya said.

“We believe that it will be an appropriate step in the greater public interest including ensuring safety and wellbeing of the central government employees,” he added.

On Wednesday, India reported 25 fresh cases of Covid-19 taking the total number of persons affected to 151. Three people have died -- one each in Maharashtra, Delhi and Karnataka due to Covid-19.

9

national/state Picture being presented of J&K quite different: NC NEW DELHI, NMAR 18 (PTI): National Conference MP Hasnain Masoodi on Wednesday said the picture that was being presented of Jammu and Kashmir was quite different from the ground reality and made a plea to the government that the situation in the union territory should be examined afresh.

“The picture that is being presented of this place (Jammu and Kashmir) is different from ground reality...I request that situation there should be examined afresh,” he said during a discussion on the budget for Jammu and Kashmir in Lok Sabha.

Stating that tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir was suffering the most due to the internet blockade, he said that there was no arrangement for rehabilitation.

“They (BJP) say that the employment of around 70 per cent of the people in Jammu and Kashmir was dependent on agriculture. What is the kind of treatment which is being given to agriculture,” the MP questioned. The handicraft industry, he said, was also affected. There should be dialogue with the stakeholders, he said.

Cong, BJP spar in SC over Madhya Pradesh NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): The BJP is destroying democracy by muzzle power, the Congress claimed in the Supreme Court today as the two heavyweights of Indian politics locked horns over the Madhya Pradesh government crisis. After a day of dramatic arguments and a verbal spat between senior advocates Dushyant Dave and Mukul Rohatgi, which prompted Justice DY Chandrachud, who is heading the two judgebench in this matter, to intervene and soothe Dave’s nerves, the hearing is set to continue on Thursday.

Appearing for the Congress, Dushyant Dave accused the BJP of abducting MLAs and hatching a “conspiracy” to destabilise the government. Seeking a deferment of the trust vote called by the BJP till completion of by-polls, Dave said “heavens are not going to fall if Congress is allowed to continue till bypolls” and “Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s government must not be saddled on the people”.

Dave also hit out at Governor Lalji Tandon for an “unconstitutional” floor test and “middle of

the night” messages, asking: “Is this a democracy?

Where MLAs are kidnapped?” Alleging constitutional impropriety by the Governor, Dave asked how the Governor had been so confident in his knowledge that the Kamal Nath government had lost its majority.

The BJP hit back by accusing the Congress of stalling a trust vote it could not hope to win and that the party “responsible for the mass murder of democracy” had “no legal right to remain in power”. Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the BJP, also insisted that the Congress was “desperate for power” and that the rebel MLAs had not been kidnapped and were “on their own”.

“These MLAs do not want to go to Bhopal. They have resigned. It is not a case of defection or merger,” he added. Dismissing the claims of abduction, Rohatgi told the court that the only question before it was whether the Governor’s mandate of a floor test had to be followed.

“Didn’t he (the Governor) have enough reasons to come to a prima facie conclusion? If that is

a reasonable view to take, that is the end of the matter. Nothing warrants this court to interdict the direction of a constitutional authority,” he said.

Meanwhile, amidst the back and forth between the Congress and the BJP, Maninder Singh, the senior advocate for the rebel MLAs also rubbished allegations of abduction and said all the lawmakers had resigned out of their own free will - a point made in videos released this morning after senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh tried to meet them but was stopped by police.

“Our resignation is only with the intent of strengthening democracy.

We resigned due to our ideologies. We say this government has lost people’s faith and must go for floor test,” Singh said, adding that the Speaker could not sit on the MLAs’ resignations “indefinitely”.

However, Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Madhya Pradesh Speaker NP Prajapati, claimed there was “jugaad (tricks)” going on and that there were suspicious similarities between the resignation letters.

“Of the 19 resignation letters, seven have been written by one person and signed by different MLAs. Two have written six each of the remaining. Letters are almost identical and have two lines,” he said, adding, “The object is that there should not be immediate by-poll (but) bring the strength of Assembly down so those who had minority now have majority”.

Justice DY Chandrachud, heading the twojudge bench hearing this matter, said the issue of resignations would be tested by the Speaker, who was “duty-bound to conduct an inquiry”.

“We are not going to come in the way of the legislature to decide who enjoys the trust. We do know that these 16 tilt the balance in one way or the other. Just assist us as to what should be the modality of this,” the court said in response to the arguments.

However, on the question of MLAs being held in captivity, he said: “We have to see”. “We aren’t saying they are held captive. Our concern is to allay the apprehension,” Justice Chandrachud added.

Hangman performs dummy hanging of 4 Nirbhaya convicts Distressed Indian students in the

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (PTI): Hangman Pawan Jallad on Wednesday conducted a dummy hanging of the four Nirbhaya case convicts as their execution in Tihar jail on Friday is all but certain after three postponements with the Delhi High Court rejecting yet another plea by of one of them.

Pawan reached the capital from Meerut on Tuesday and conducted the mock execution to test the Manila ropes, which will be used to hang the four convicts, jail officials said.

It will be for the first time in the history of Tihar Jail-– the largest prison complex in South Asia–that four convicts will be hanged at the same time for the same crime.

Pawan, who is a thirdgeneration hangman, had earlier said his grandfather had carried out the hanging of two men--Satwant Singh and Kehar Singh--in connection with the assassination of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi besides notorious criminals Ranga and Billa.

On March 5, a trial court issued fresh death warrants for March 20

at 5.30 am as the fresh date for the execution of Mukesh Singh (32), Pawan Gupta (25), Vinay Sharma (26) and Akshay Kumar Singh (31).

The death warrants have been deferred by a court thrice on the grounds that the convicts had not exhausted all their legal remedies and that the mercy petition of one or the other was before the President.

A 23-year-old physiotherapy intern, who came to be known as ‘Nirbhaya’ (fearless), was gang raped and savagely assaulted in a moving bus in south Delhi on December 16, 2012. She died in a Singapore hos-

DC Dimapur issues COVID-19 advisory DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (NPN): As precautionary steps to prevent and control the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state, the Dimapur district administration has issued a list of measures to be followed in the district with immediate effect.

In an advisory, the deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Anoop Khinchi advised the public to refrain from holding any social, cultural, sports, political, religious, academic and family functions/programmes that could see gathering of a large number people until further notice.

The advisory also stated that all official gatherings such as seminars, workshops, conference etc in district are to be deferred till April 12, 2020 with immediate effect.

Further, all persons including students studying outside, who have entered the state on or after March 1, 2020 from outside, have been advised to contact helpline numbers 7 005415243/9856071745/70055396 53 or send email to nlssu.idsp@nic. in of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Govt. of Nagaland for guidance and for getting themselves screened.

One could also contact the Dimapur district helpline numbers i) Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, DSO (M/No 9612288073) ii) Dr. Kainyu, Epidemiologist (M/No.9612484361) and iii) Dimapur District Control Room (M/No. 7630877991/7630877983).

pital after battling for life for a fortnight. Six people, including the four convicts and a juvenile, were named as accused.

Ram Singh, the sixth accused, allegedly committed suicide in the Tihar Jail days after the trial began in the case while the juvenile was released in 2015 after spending three years in a correctional home.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed Mukesh Kumar’s plea challenging a trial court order which rejected his claim he was not in the national capital when the offence was committed on December 16, 2012.

Justice Brijesh Sethi

said there were no grounds to interfere in the detailed and reasoned order of the trial court.

The high court further said there was nothing on record to suggest that the trial in the case stood vitiated due to concealment of any material evidence.

“There is, thus, no infirmity, illegality or irregularity in the order passed by the trial court,” it said and dismissed Mukesh’s plea.

Meanwhile, three of the four convicts sought a stay on their death penalty, saying the second mercy plea of two of them is still pending.

Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana

issued notices to the Tihar jail authorities and the police on the plea and said he will hear it tomorrow.

The judge then asked advocate A P Singh, appearing for the three convicts, as to why he was filing the application at the end of the working day when he knew there was only one day left for the hanging. The application was filed on behalf of Akshay, Vinay and Pawan.

To this, Singh said he was busy with work as numerous petitions filed by the convicts were pending in different courts.

The plea claimed the review mercy petitions filed

by Akshay and Pawan were pending before the President. The plea said the stay would apply to the fourth convict Mukesh also since they cannot be separately hanged.

It also said that the divorce petition filed by Akshay’s wife was pending before a local court in Bihar. The plea further said the applications would require time for consideration and hence the fresh execution date of March 20 was unsustainable and should be set aside.

Philippines seek help to return

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): Hundreds of distressed Indian students, stuck in the Philippines, are seeking help through video messages as they are unable to fly back home due to the travel restrictions imposed by India to contain the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus, according to friends and relatives of some of these students in the US. The Indian government on Tuesday banned the entry of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia to India with immediate effect amid stepped up efforts against the spread of COVID-19.

In a video message by one of these students Akhil Bala Nair, around 200 Indian students had booked their flight tickets for India in the next few days. But all of them have been cancelled due to the new policy.

Most of the students, she said, had booked their flights for March 17 and

rest were schedule to travel to India on March 19 and 20. But the flights were cancelled and scores of Indian students are now stuck at the airport in Manila, Nair said in the video message sent to Prem Bhandari, head of the Jaipur Foot USA. “It is need of the hour that the Indian government send a plane to bring these Indian students back home,” Mr Bhandari, who in the past has worked for the cause of the Indian diaspora, and who was approached by these students told news agency PTI. According to these students, some 100 of them have been at the airport since Tuesday. They all have confirmed tickets but the airport authorities are not allowing them to check in because of the new travel regulations.

While the airport authorities have asked them to go back to their respective place of residence, the students said they were unable to travel because of

Over 500 cases in S-E Asia, India in top 3: WHO Business worth Rs 5L cr affected NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (IANS): The total number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the Southeast Asian Region crossed the 500-mark on Wednesday and the disease there has claimed nine lives so far.

In a data shared by Southeast Asia region office of the WHO it showed that at least 575 cases have been confirmed so far. Eight of the 11 countries of the WHO Southeast Asia Region have confirmed cases of COVID-19 In the S-E Asia region, the WHO member country Thailand has at least 177 coronavirus confirmed cases and one death.

Indonesia confirmed most number of deaths from COVID-19 -- five. The country also confirmed at least 172 cases, the second

highest in the region.

Followed by India with 151 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 3 deaths so far.

Sri Lanka has at least 43 cases, no death has been reported from there as of now.

Maldives has 13 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection, while Bangladesh has 8.

Nepal and Bhutan have 1 case each, according to the WHO data. These two countries have not reported any death due to the COVID-19 infection as on Wednesday. The World Health Organisation directed the Southeast Asia region member countries to take aggressive actions to combat COVID-19. The world health body has observed that more clusters of virus transmission have

been confirmed. “This is an indication of an alert and effective surveillance, it also puts the spotlight on the need for more aggressive and whole of society efforts to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

“We clearly need to do more, and urgently,” said Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region.

The WHO observed as the number of confirmed cases increased, some of the countries were clearly heading towards community transmission of COVID19. Therefore Emergency mechanism would then need to be further scaled up. A network of health facilities and hospitals for triage and surge would need to be activated to avoid overcrowding.

Examinations to be postponed till Mar 31: Centre NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): The HRD ministry on Wednesday asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and all educational institutions in the country to postpone exams till March 31 in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

“While maintenance of academic calendar and exam schedule is important, equally important is safety and

security of students who are appearing in various examinations as also of their teachers and parents,” HRD secretary Amit Khare said in an official communication.

“All the ongoing examinations, including CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) board exams, be postponed till March 31 and rescheduled thereafter,” he added.

due to Coronavirus, says Centre

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): The Ministry of Tourism has informed a Parliamentary standing committee that novel coronavirus outbreak has affected business worth Rs 5 lakh crore in the tourism sector, sources said on Wednesday.

The meeting was held by the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture on the preparedness of COVID-19 and officials from the railways, tourism and aviation ministries gave presentations on the steps taken by them to deal with the issue.

The tourism ministry represented by the secretary, Director General Tourism and Additional Director General, gave a detailed presentation in which they said that as much as 70 per cent of the industry had been hit in this calendar year, when half of the summer is gone, a source privy to the meeting said. It was also pointed out in the presentation that 95 per cent of the small and medium scale industries were hit hard by coronavirus and that they had cash reserve for only 20-25 days, following which they will

shut down.

“This will lead to mass unemployment with 2.5 crore direct employees and 2 crore people indirectly losing jobs. If their families are taken into account, then up to 20 crore Indians will be impacted because of this job loss,” the officials said.

Several members of the panel suggested the formation of immediate plans for the tourism industry.

A leader of a prominent opposition party suggested that just like Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries via video conferencing, he should do the same with state chief ministers, especially on health and tourism.

Another member suggested that the government should cone out with a bailout package for the tourism sector. The tourism ministry is expected to be badly hit with severe restriction on the entry of foreign tourists from many countries.

The ministry has also shut down all its monuments and museums, which has also resulted in major loss in revenue.

the absence of local taxi or shared ride services.

The students said that they are running out of time as the Philippines government has given them 72 hours time to exit the country, which started from March 16, after which the country will go into lockdown.

“This means we would not be able to travel anywhere outside Philippines after March 20,” Ms Nair said in her message.

The students said that there are many of them who have applied for renewal of their visas and are unable to travel to India.

There are nearly 1,000 Indian students presently in Manila who are willing to travel back home, they said.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Manila, in a tweet, said that they, along with the Ministry of External Affairs, are trying to work out a solution.

“It is requested to all to kindly have patience,” the embassy said.

F&CS deptt informs NFSA beneficiaries DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (NPN): In view of the need to take urgent measures for preventing and controlling the spread of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the food and civil supplies (F&CS) department has informed the general public and NFSA beneficiaries availing foodgrains through the department’s fair price shops (FPSs) that Aadhaar enabled PDS transaction through electronic Point of Sale (ePoS) device would be authenticated by FPS dealer(s) on behalf of the NFSA beneficiaries with immediate effect in all the Department’s FPSs till April 30, 2020.

In a press release, F&CS director, Asangla Imti, also informed all NFSA beneficiaries (Ration Card Holder) that foodgrains would be issued after identifying the genuine beneficiaries (i.e. as being done earlier), while FPS Dealer(s) authenticate through the ePoS on behalf of the beneficiaries.

PVC sacks PSU president

DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (NPN): Pfütseromi Village Council (PVC) has unanimously resolved to remove Vibi Mero as president of Pfütseromi Students’ Union for disgracing the whole Pfutseromi Village.

In a press note, PVC chairman Menyelhi Mero stated that an emergency meeting was held on March 18 at the Village Community Hall, where the members present outrightly condemned the action of the Vibi against EAC Sakraba Abeinuo Jasmine, a reputed administrative officer under Pfutsero ADC on March 12.

While condemning Vibi’s deeds, PVC also pointed out that Vibi was not fit to hold such a post taking note of his actions against his superior. PVC further expressed regret for such untoward incident and prayed that Abeinuo recover from mental and physical health.

state

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

COVID-19 preparedness and trainings across the state

Demonstration on donning personal protection equipment at DC conference hall Wokha.

CMO, deputy CMO and participants at CMO office, Mokokchung.

DIMAPUR: Various meetings are being held in different districts in view of COVID-19, where important advisories for public have been issued and also trainings held to combat the possible spread of Coronavirus.

Wokha: Health and Family Welfare department Wokha conducted training on COVID-19 at DC conference hall on March 18.

A press release from CMO office stated that, Dr. C.W. Tungoe, CMO Wokha stated that training was specifically organised for medical officers, nurses, stakeholders and paramilitary officials to equip them on event of disease outbreak in the district and create awareness among the people. He further stated that the district administration along with medical staff is carrying out surveillance at entry points.Topics on infection, prevention, surveillance, clinical case management and demonstration on personal protection equipment were also conducted by Dr. N. Thungbemo Patton, DSO IDSP and Dr. Khesheli, epidemiologist, IDSP. Dr. Zuben Kikon, DCMO informed that thermal scanners and isolation wards for suspected cases were available in the district.

Wokha DC Orenthung Lotha urged the medical staff to be in their place of posting and informed the public not to panic.

He stated that markets in Bhandari, Sanis and Baghty were closed down as precautionary measures and that an awareness drive on COVID-19 would be conducted in different churches

vate have been directed to send the students home for the period the educational institutions would remain shut. Private tuitions are also banned in the district.

Further, all non-essential official gatherings such as seminars, workshops, conferences etc are to be deferred during this period.

However, ongoing board/ council/university examination will continue as per schedule. DC requested all citizens of Mon to refrain from spreading unverified rumours. Any person found creating/spreading such message and rumours in social media will be penalized as per relevant section of the law. In addition, the following advisory is issued in public interest: Public are advised to refrain from holding any social, cultural, sports, political, religious, academic and family functions/programmes which may involve gathering of a large number of people; Public are advised to avoid all forms of non-essential travel outside the state; All persons, including students studying outside Nagaland, who have entered the district on or after March 1 from outside are advised to immediately contact Dr. Kumkiuba at 9862078993.

DC also directed all traders/shopkeepers to refrain from hoarding of essential commodities and are further directed not to sell any item at a price higher than the maximum retail price (MRP). Those violating this directive will be dealt with according to relevant sections of Law. DC Kiphire: Deputy commissioner Kiphire

by administration, medical and paramilitary officials on March 22.

Mokokchung: COVID19 preparedness training for all SMOs, MOs, medical officers of private practitioners, DPM, BPM, DCM, CHOs, ASHA coordinators, GNMs, ANMs and health workers started batch wise from March 18 to 20 at the conference hall of CMO office, Mokokchung.

A press release from DPMU, NRHM Mokokchung stated that, speaker of the training were Dr Aonungdok MO , Dr Kilangwabang medicine specialist, Dr Tsipongchem pathologist, Dr Tiasunep DVBO and Dr Akumtemjen epidemiologist IDSP. Trainees were trained on clinical case management, infection prevention and control, laboratory surveillance, environmental cleaning and disinfection, risk assessment, community surveillance, information and management, non clinical interventions for COVID-19, SARI surveillance, travel restrictions, wash and bio medical waste management (BMWM), epidemiology etc.

Earlier, keynote address was delivered by Dr R Chubala Aier, CMO where she stressed on the need to have preparedness and response plan in the district.

Dr Kibangkumba DCMO also added that to create mass awareness special emphasis should be given through church platforms.

DC Kohima: Deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie has issued following advisories in the interest of the public health to prevent

and control the outbreak: Public are advised to maintain personal cleanliness and hygiene at home and in all public places; Public are advised to avoid mass gathering and functions and non-essential official gathering such as seminars, workshops, conference etc may be deferred; Public are to avoid panic buying of essential commodities as there is no shortage; For any assistance queries on COVID-19 to reach out to the Kohima District Helpline No. for assistance at 8837093602/7005464959; All persons including students studying outside Nagaland who have entered the state in view of the closer of schools and colleges to kindly contact the following Helpline No. 7005415243/9 856071745/7005939653 or send email to nissu.idsp@ nic.in of the Health and Family Welfare department, Nagaland.

DC Mon: Deputy commissioner, Mon Thavaseelan K informed that as precautionary measure to prevent and control the outbreak of COVID-19, the issue new/fresh Inner Line Permits for tourists (domestic/foreigners) and all other categories shall remain suspended with immediate effect until further orders.

The entry of any foreign or domestic tourist shall remain barred in Mon district from March 18 till further orders.

All educational institutions (elementary/secondary/ higher secondary/colleges) both government and private under Mon district are to remain closed from March 17 till April 12. All hostel both government and pri-

NSCN (I-M) to hold 41st R-Day with prayer

DIMAPUR: NSCN (I-M) through its MIP has informed that it will be observing the 41st Republic Day on March 21, 2020 with prayer followed by presidential speech.

However, upholding the solidarity with the worldwide alarm following

the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of Covid-19 as pandemic, MIP said there shall be no celebration as normally done every year. The programme will begin by hoisting of Naga national flag by Yaruiwo.

KSCAF brief members on projects under implementation

Sarita Yadav advised the public of Kiphire to follow certain precautionary steps to prevent and control the outbreak of Covid-19 with immediate effect: Public are advised to refrain from holding any social, cultural, sports, political, religious, academic and family gathering; All official gathering such as seminars, workshops, conference in Kiphire district are to be deferred until March 12; All the political parties and general public are to refrain from election canvassing in any form till further notice for the forthcoming by-election to 60 PungroKiphire assembly constituency; Public are requested to keep calm and refrain from believing or spreading false information spread through social media or other unofficial sources; Public are also requested to refrain from panic buying of commodities as there are enough stock of essential commodities available within the district; Shop and other business establishments are requested to refrain from hoarding and selling essentials commodities like masks, hand sanitizers, soaps etc or selling them at higher rate than the MRP; All citizens of Kiphire district are encouraged to reach out to the district helpline number: 9612921898/7005589941 for any information or clarification of doubts before believing or spreading any false or alarming information.

ZTC: Zunheboto Town Council (ZTC) administrator issued advisory in the interest of general

One gets 10 yrs jail term DIMAPUR: District and session judge, Phek Mezivolu T. Therieh holding the special court of NDPS on March 18 has sentenced one man to 10 years jail term for possession of contraband ganja. A press release from public prosecutor and pleader Phek, Samuel Ritse stated that, the accused has been convicted and sentenced to ten years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs. 1,00,000/-(one lakh rupees). The accused who was out on bail was immediately taken into custody and sent to jail for undergoing the jail sentence.

NSCN (R) Kohima town command clarifies Dr. N. Nicky Kire along with KSCAF members during the meeting.

DIMAPUR: Kohima Smart City Advisory Forum (KSCAF) comprising of government officials, elected representatives and presidents of APO, AYO, AWO, KVC, KVYO, AKMWP and KCCI held a meeting on March 18 at KSC office Kohima.

A press release from KSCDL Nagaland CEO Kovi Meyase stated that, meeting was attended by advisor of Municipal Affairs and Urban Development, Dr. N. Nicky Kire and Kesonyu Yhome, secretary Finance & chairman of Kohima Smart City SPV, who are both advisors to the forum.

Members were briefed about the latest progress on the projects under implementation and also the upcoming projects. Inputs and observations were given by the members on the importance of timely completion of the projects. On the Pan City projects like the urban mobility the members suggested that some out of the box ideas and designs can be explored for parking issues.

Also on the mobility aspect, concerns on traffic jams, and public transport were also raised. Suggestion were given for smaller buses or medium sized vehicles for public transportation.

On the issue of month-

ly SCAF meetings as recommended by the ministry, some members opined that though it will improve coordination and collaboration, it will also depend on the number of projects being implemented.

Considering the different priorities of the members, it was felt that regular quarterly meetings may suffice and any exigent meeting can be called as and when necessary. It was also informed by the KSCDL team that the office was in the process of designing a dashboard where SCAF members as well as public can check the status and progress of the projects.

DIMAPUR: Apropos news item “NSCN (K) cautions public of ‘anti-social elements”, published on March 12, 2020, NSCN (R) 2IC Kohima town command “maj” Avikho Angami, has clarified that he was not involved in any anti-social activities (extortion) in the name of NSCN (K). In a press release, “maj.” Avikho Angami said he was “totally disappointed” with the accusation as he and “NSCN (R) government” has been “insulted” through the media.

NSCN (R) 2IC Kohima town command has therefore asked the NSCN (K) not to level allegation “unnecessarily”, but to clarify when and where did he involve in such activity and how much amount extorted.

public under Zunheboto town: Cleanliness and hygiene are to be maintained in all public toilets and amenities; All restaurants/ hotels/eateries etc, are to maintain outmost cleanliness and hygiene; No wild and live animals are to be sold in the market; Fish, poultry and meat are to be sold only at the designated shops/locations duly authorized by ZTC; Random butchers and meat shops are hereby strictly prohibited; Rearing of pigs and poultry in close proximity to human in town areas are strictly discouraged; All the wards are to maintain proper sanitation within their respective jurisdiction. Random disposal of garbage in locations beside the designated garage disposal areas are hereby strictly prohibited, strict action will be initiated against the defaulters; For any service in regards to disposal of waste from the designated garbage disposal sides under Zunheboto town, public may kindly contact the helpline no.

8787599934/8014157331; Hoarding/selling of hand sanitizers and masks at exorbitant prices is strictly prohibited and is to be sold at the prescribed MRPs. Strict action and penalty will be initiated against the defaulters; avoid large public gatherings for the time being, keeping in mind the extremely contagious nature of the virus; For any queries in regard to Covid-19, public may contact helpline no.

9862689920/9366359987.

DC Jalukie: Deputy commissioner, Peren, Jalukie sub-divisional task force held an emergency meeting

on March 18 at ADC office chamber to chalk out the plan of action for Jalukie sub-division for sensitization and awareness to implement preventive measures on the outbreak of corona virus.

According to DIPR report, senior medical officer CHC Jalukie highlighted the importance of wearing masks and use of hand sanitizers and how to maintain distance from infected persons.

District surveillance officer also said that people coming from effected city or states need to be quarantined at home for 14 days. In case of any emergency purposes the district task force has set up an isolation ward at CHC Jalukie town since Jalukie is the main entry point for the district. ADC Jalukie, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang advised the concerned members to inform the symptoms of coronavirus to all the wards/colonies through announcement so as to maintain hygiene and to take necessary preventive measures. The house also agreed to pass information on the use of hand sanitizers in open market/bazaars to create more awareness and sensitization for general public and preparedness check of medical department.

SPO: Officials of Secheku Public Organization (SPO) held a meeting at its president’s residence Pfutsero on March 13. A press release from SPO president Vekhosa Rüho and general secretar y, Tho-O Shupao stated that, members expressed concern about public health pertaining to the severity and alarmingly spreading of Coronavirus. Meeting deliberated at the necessity of taking up precautious and preventive measures. It thereby resolved to restrict both foreign and domestic tourists from entering into Secheku area in a bid to contain spreading of COVID-19. The house also placed an appeal to every village under Secheku area to take up preventive measures at its own level.

NAYO : N o r t h e r n Angami Youth Organisation (NAYO) has appealed to the general public and concerned authorities to comply with the following directives and demands. A press release from NAYO president Roko Angami and

general secretary, Ruokuoneitso Kire has appealed in regard to COVID-19: To stockpile and provide basic preventive components to the public at the right prices; Set-up emergency screening system in all the state entry points; Prepare sufficient isolation beds and quarantine facility in every government district hospitals; Stringent precautionary discipline at public work places; Restrictions on incoming travellers and careful monitoring system at state entry points; To discourage social/cultural gathering, academic, seminar and sports activity.

CNSA: Central Nagaland Students’ Association (CNSA) has appreciated the state for taking up various steps such as closure of the educational institutions and mass gatherings. A press release from CNSA media cell stated that, passengers commuting from train and its inflow are more and as important as passengers commuting from airport. CNSA therefore appealed the state government to look into the matter at the earliest and also to ensure sufficient hand sanitizer and other essentials for all the government school and colleges for the safety of students as well as the public in general. CNSA also appealed the state government to cancel the trade license of all those medical agencies taking undue advantage at the present situation, like shortage of hand sanitizers, mask and selling it at higher rates.

DNSU: Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) has taken serious note on the excess price charged by shops selling hand sanitizers and especially face mask. A press release by DNSU media cell stated that, it would strictly monitor and stern action will be initiated against the defaulters if not sold according to government order and Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) prescribed rate.

DNSU also appealed the state government to provide free mask to the general public. Further, general public are asked to remain calm, precautious, spread awareness and report if any shops are found indulging in illegal hike of prices at 8974508102 /913862355335.

NSCN (I-M) organises awareness on COVID-19

DIMAPUR: Following the worldwide alarm after Covid-19 has been declared pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO), the health ministry of the government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) under the initiative of health kilonser, Dr. A. Yanthan organized awareness meeting at council headquar-

ters (CHQ), Hebron. A press release from NSCN (I-M) through its MIP stated that, Dr. A. Yanthan stressed that the most effective measure to prevent getting infected and to prevent spreading was social isolation, personal hygiene and awareness.

Dr. Yanthan also Dr. A. Yanthan at the awareness programme. dedicated the necessary strated the protocol. Strict on how to check new perequipments and demon- instruction has been given sons coming to Hebron.

Dist level social audit hearing in Tuensang, Zunheboto

Officials at the social audit hearing.

Participants at the programme with resource person.

DIMAPUR: District level social audit public hearing under MGNREGA was conducted at Tuensang and Zunheboto in their respective headquarters.

Tuensang: Society for training and research (STR) on r ural development, social audit unit (SAU), Nagaland Kohima conducted the programme at conference hall of DRDA, Tuensang on March 17, for Thonoknyu, Chessore and Noklak blocks.

A press release from ATR stated that, state resource person, Imlirenla Sanglier, pointed out that transparency and accountability were the main features under MGNREGA. She also emphasized on

He further challenged to set mindset by discharging duties in truest sense and that conducting social audit was not fault finding but to improve functioning and implementation system.

Resolution was also adopted for further course of action, while vote of thanks was proposed by chairman Tsalito Sangtam PD/DPC (MGNREGA).

Zunheboto: Social audit meeting was held under the chairmanship of Inavi Chishi, project director, DRDA, Zunheboto on the MGNREGA programme and the importance on the conduct of social audit to bring about transparency and accountability in the implementation of pro-

maintenance of three phases of photographs of all schemes/projects undertaken and that work code should be clearly shown in work order and sanction order issued by block office. During discussion hour, clarification on maintenance of seven register to be maintained

by VDB was made, where PD/DPC (MGNREGA), assured training on maintenance of seven register to be conducted shortly. SDO Civil Tuensang, Shelly Kaitry, who is also the observer from the district administration, lamented that most of VDBs were immune to money, rather than proper maintenance of records and documents.

gramme on March 13.

A press release from DRDA Zunheboto stated that, EAC Zunheboto N. Orenthung who was deputed as an observer reiterated VDBs to maintain proper record so that the development works under the central schemes would not be hampered. He also presented the social audit reports and accordingly resolutions were brought out for effective implementation of the programme.

I n t r o d u c t i o n wa s given by Imlirenla Sanglir, state resources person, SAU Nagaland and also briefly highlighted on the MGNREGA programme and the importance on the conduct of social audit.

Cricketers spread COVID-19 awareness

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS): The cricketing world has come to a standstill due to the coronavirus outbreak which means that the members of the Indian cricket team have got a break from their unrelenting schedule. The second and third match of the ODI series against South Africa were called off due to the outbreak of the viral pandemic and away from the cricket field, the players have been posting messages and updates on social media.

Captain Virat Kohli said, “Let’s stay strong and fight the #COVID19 outbreak by taking all precautionary measures. Stay safe, be vigilant and most importantly remember, prevention is better than cure. Please take care everyone.”

His limited overs deputy Rohit Sharma posted a video of himself in which he asked people to be “a little smart, a little proactive” and inform the nearest medical authorities as soon as they get any symptoms. He also lauded the efforts of medical professionals who have been in the frontline of the battle

Virat Kohli

against the virus.

Te s t v i c e - c a p t a i n Ajinkya Rahane has posted a series of tweets. He first said, “Sad to see everything coming to a standstill due to the #coronavirus. A big salute to the doctors, nurses & the police who are working round the clock to help people” He then posted a photo of him reading a book with the caption, “Stay positive and Read!” Rahane later posted a video of himself in which he asked people to stay safe in the wake of the pandemic outbreak.

Ace Test spinner Ravichandran Ashwin urged the people of Chennai to

understand the importance of social distancing. “Let me rephrase it, social distancing doesn’t seem to have caught the attention of the people in Chennai yet. The only reason could be their belief in the summer to curtail it or just faith that nothing will happen. #Coronaindia,” he tweeted.

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said, “Urging everyone to stay safe, follow the precautionary measures suggested by the health authorities and in this difficult moment let’s support each other. #coronavirus #COVID19” Wrist spinner Yuzven-

Yemhi Memorial College holds annual sports meet

Students of YMC during the annual sports meet.

DIMAPUR, MAR 18: Yemhi Memorial College (YMC) Dimapur held its 7th annual sorts week from March 12 to 13 under the theme “Success necessities Sacrifice”. The programme and sports was held at Dimapur State Sports Academy ground commenced by the

Principal Yemhi Memorial College Dr. Kaba Daniel.

The highlights of the events are football (boys), penalty shootout (girls), volleyball (both boys and girls), 100m race, 200m race, 400m race, relay race.

The students were divided into four different

houses; Warriors, Riders, Challengers, and Daredevils respectively. Students competed in different disciplines.

Riders emerged overall champion. Exhibition boys’ football match was played between Alumni Association, YMC and YMCSU students.

Inter dist volleyball tourney postponed

Correspondent

Kohima, March 18: In compliance to the state government’s decision as a precautionary step to prevent

and control the outbreak of Corona virus, the Nagaland Volleyball Association (NVA) secretary Yanbemo Humtsoe has informed that the 15th All Nagaland

ISL-winning coach Habas quarantined in Madrid

Antonio Habas

Kolkata, March 18 (IANS): ATK’s record two-time Indian Super League (ISL) title winning coach Antonio Habas is in the mandatory quarantine period in Madrid, the Spaniard said on Wednesday.

Spain, which had reported 309 coronavirusrelated deaths till Monday, saw the fatalities surge to 491 on Tuesday.

As a preventive measure, an official quarantine and lockdown of the entire country for a minimum of 15 days was announced by Spain’s president, Pedro Sanchez, on March 14.

“Madrid is blocked, the people have to be in their homes and only can go out for minimal services,” Habas told IANS from Madrid.

The 62-year old reached Madrid via Dubai after returning to Kolkata from Goa where he master-

11

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

minded a 3-1 victory over fellow finalists Chennaiyin FC last Saturday in a closed door final at the Jawaharlal Stadium in Fatorda.

“No problems there,” quipped Habas when asked if he travelled to his home hassle free.

“I’m in my house, the government thinks that in 15 days everything will be normal.

Habas said while has been asked to stay at home, he can go out for essential purposes.

“Yes, but you can go out to perform first needs like daily purchases, pharmacy, work and so on,” said Habas who is the only coach to win the ISL two times (2014, 2020).

The number of confirmed cases soared to 11,178, in Spain, which had like many fellow European nations, closed its borders and ordered a partial lockdown.

Inter District Volleyball Tournament for both men and women scheduled for March 30 to April 3 at Kohima have been postponed till further notification.

Halep donates equipment to help COVID-19 New Delhi, March 18 (IANS): Former Wimbledon champion Simona Halep has said she has decided to donate medical equipment in Romania as her native country deals with the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are so grateful for the bravery of our medical workers at these difficult times. I am committed to helping my country and have decided to donate medical equipment,” Halep said in a tweet. “This is the perfect opportunity to show that we know how to be supportive and responsible with our lives and those around us,” Halep told fans in a video message posted on her official Facebook page.

“While we are at home, doctors and medical personnel make huge efforts to treat and save each life by exposing themselves for the general good...”

“I decided to donate a sum of money for the purchase of the necessary equipment and materials in such situations, the amount that will be directed immediately to the medical authorities in Bucharest and Constanta,” she added.

“I encourage everyone who can to contribute to the joint efforts to combat this virus. In the meantime, let us all take care of ourselves, be responsible and stay positive!”

dra Chahal posted a photo on his Instagram stories in which he is having a night out with a few friends while chinaman Kuldeep Yadav posted a statement in which he said: “The world today is going through a global crisis and my thoughts go out to those suffering in these difficult times. In this tough moment we all must come together, be united and be there for each other.

A massive thank you to all the health professionals working tirelessly to make the planet a safer place.”

Opening batsman KL Rahul said: “In these testing times let’s stay strong and care for each other. Urging everyone to follow the instructions given by health experts and stay safe #coronavirus.”

His fellow opener Mayank Agarwal said: “Wash your hands. Avoid crowded places whenever possible.

Stay at home if you feel unwell. Don’t believe every WhatsApp forward. Check @WHO for updates. Don’t panic. Wash your hands.

(Did I already say that?)

Namaste.”

Matuidi diagnosed with coronavirus Rom e , M a rc h 1 8 (IANS): Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi has become the second player from the club to have been tested positive for novel coronavirus.

The Serie A club in a statement said that the France World Cup winner has been in voluntary isolation since March 11 and is “well and asymptomatic”.

Having joined the Bianconeri in the summer of 2017, Matuidi made 31 appearances this season, providing one goal and two assists.

Earlier, defender Daniele Rugani had tested positive for coronavirus. Spain’s club Valencia, on Tuesday, had revealed that 35 per cent of its players and staff have tested positive for coronavirus. Besides Juventus, players and staff from Sampdoria and Fiorentina of Serie A have also been diagnosed with the illness.

All domestic sporting activity in Italy has been suspended until at least April 3.

Sumi version of ‘Game of Life’ released

Footballers holding a copy each of ‘Game of Life’.

AKULUTO, MAR 18: In the opening ceremony of the 12thSümi Games and Sports Association held at Akuluto on 17th March 17, the Department of Youth Ministry of Western Sümi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (WSBAK) with the approval of Sümi Baptist Convention (SBC) and in partnership with Biblica International Bible Society launched a book titled “Aküxü ye Aghili Lakhitoike”, the Sumi version of “Game of Life” published

by Biblica.

This book is a part of upcoming project on Sümi Young Generation Bible by WSBAK Youth Ministry and focuses on the teaching of the Gospel of Luke relating the message with brief testimonies of five prominent and upcoming Sumi sports persons: Mughato Aye State football coach GoN, Governor’s gold medalist, Israel G. Xuivi – Taekwondo: Black Belt 4th degree, Founder of Naga Kiti – do,

‘Will play county cricket once COVID-19 is under control’ New Delhi, Mar 18 (PTI): Hanuma Vihari wanted to utilise the summer months playing county cricket in England but the COVID-19 pandemic has put paid to the India allrounder’s plans for the time being.

Slowly becoming a key member of the Indian Test side, the 26-year-old wants to hone his skills with a prominent county side but now the deal will be inked when the situation comes under control and travel bans are lifted globally.

“I was supposed to play four English county games this season. I would only be able to tell you the name when all the paperwork is complete. Right now, it’s on hold due to the unavoidable situation (COVID-19),” Vihari told PTI during an exclusive interaction.

The Andhra man is confident that he will be able to travel to the UK during the later part of the county season which is played from April to September.

“Hope once it’s under

Hanuma Vihari

control, I will be able to play those games. It will be a learning experience for me,” said the soft spoken Vihari.

The BCCI, in recent years, has allowed top cricketers who are not playing in the IPL to compete in county cricket during the summer months.

The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane are some of the prominent Test specialists who have plied their trade in division 1 and 2 of English county.

Vihari’s commitment to the game can be gauged from the fact that he played for his employers Nelson CC in the Tamil Nadu

ANKFA announces Kung Fu and Kickboxing c’ship DIMAPUR, MAR 18: The All Nagaland Kung Fu association officials took part in the 6th North East Kung Fu and Kick boxing championship held at Sivasagar, Assam from March 12 to 15. The team was led by Sifu. Xhenito Awomi (All India Great Grand Master), president ANKFA N. Mar Ao and general secretary ANKFA Yanger Sangtam.

A press release by President ANKFA N. Mar Ao and ANKFA general secretary Yanger Sangtam stated that ANKFA got the best discipline award.

ANKFA also informed aspiring participants that

it shall organise all India Kung Fu and Kick Boxing championship at Dimapur Nagaland during the end of July this year. In this regard, ANKFA has asked every unit/club of Kung Fu and kick boxing in all the districts of Nagaland to prepare to participate in this grand event positively.

N. Mar Ao President ANKFA has further requested member clubs of Kung Fu and Kickboxing officials to fully cooperate and prepare to participate in the stated event. For enquiry, one can contact president and general secretary, the release stated.

Ibrahimovic launches fundraiser to fight COVID-19

MILAN, MARCH 18 (IANS): Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a fundraiser to help fight coronavirus and urged fellow footballers to help fight the pandemic. Ibrahimovic is currently playing for AC Milan in Italy which is among the worst affected countries due to the viral outbreak.

In the post that he made on Instagram, the former Sweden captain said: “Italy has always given me so much and, in this dramatic moment, I want to give back even more to this country that I love. I decided, together with the people who are working with me, to create a fundraiser for Humanitas hospitals and to use my communication power to spread the message wider. It’s a serious issue and we need concrete help that’s not just about a video.”

“I count on the generosity of my colleagues, of all professional athletes and of those who want to make a small or large donation according to their possibilities, to kick this virus away”, Ibrahimovic said.

CA league on Tuesday. He scored 202 not out against Alwarpet CC in a drawn game.

“I work for Nelson and I am committed to play when I am available. It was good match practice. Now I am back in Hyderabad.

I will be taking a break for the time being,” he informed.

Talking about his 55 off 70 balls against New Zealand on a green top at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the gutsy right-hander was a touch disappointed.

“I wouldn’t call it my best innings. Yes, I was playing well but that innings didn’t get a victory for my team. It was good to score runs in tough conditions but you value it more when the team wins,” he said.

Vihari, who made his debut in England, has a decent Test record of 552 runs in nine games with an average of just under 37.

Incidentally, he has eight of his nine Tests abroad.

“I have the self belief and the team believes that I have the technique to get

success in overseas conditions,” he said.

So, what has been the key to his four half centuries and a century in countries like England, West Indies, New Zealand?

“Adaptability. I believe I have been able to adapt well in all conditions and I have confidence that I can perform any role that the team assigns me,” he said.

India will be playing nine Test matches (four away against Australia and five at home against England) between November 2020 and February 2021.

“I am sure that I will get a chance to play in home conditions as well.

My job is to work hard and be prepared for any situation,” he said.

With no cricketing activity right now due to COVID-19, Vihari, like all other sportspersons, is at home but will follow the routine given by Team India’s strength and conditioning coach Nick Webb.

“We all have individual training chart during off time. I will try and follow that,” he said.

The Indigenous Martial Arts, Khetoho Zhimomi – Kick Boxer: Black Belt 5th Dan, international bronze medalist, Joseph Sümi – State badminton player, Kivi Zhimomi – ISL and iLeague footballer .

The book aims to encourage and act as a medium to share the gospel among fans and sports persons and show how sports can also change one’s live.

The book was dedicated

by Mr. N. Suhuto Chishi, youth secretary, WSBAK.

Money over players safety for AEC: Saina

Saina Nehwal

Hyderabad, March 18 (IANS): Saina Nehwal has said that in the All England Championships money was placed above players’ safety by continuing the meet last week despite the coronavirus outbreak.

“Only thing I can think of is that rather than the players welfare n feelings, financial reasons were given more importance.

Otherwise there was no other reason for the #AllEnglandOpen2020 to go on last week,” Saina tweeted.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) put a halt to all their events on the day the event got over.

NBA star Kevin Durant tested positive for coronavirus

Kevin Durant

W a s h i n g ton , March 18 (IANS): NBA star Kevin Durant is among the four basketball players from Brooklyn Nets who have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Only one NET player has shown symptoms while the other three are asymptomatic. All four players are currently isolated and under the care of team physicians, according to a statement from the team, reports CNN. It is unclear whether Durant is showing symptoms for the novel coronavirus or no. The injured Durant, who is yet to play for the Nets since signing for the club last year, confirmed to The Athletic web-

site he has been diagnosed with coronavirus.

“Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We’re going to get through this,” Durant was quoted as saying.

Durant has been sidelined since June 10, 2019 after he tore his Achilles tendon during Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals. The identities of the other three players, however, have not been revealed.

“The organisation is currently notifying anyone who has had known contact with the players, including recent opponents, and is working closely with state and local health authorities on reporting,” the Nets said in a statement

available on their official Twitter handle.

“All players and members of the Nets travel party are being asked to remain isolated, closely monitor their health and maintain constant communication with team medical staff.

“The health of our players and staff is of the highest priority to the organisation and the team is doing everything within its power to ensure that those affected receive the best care possible,” the statement added. The news comes one week after the NBA announced it is suspending the season after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

12

interNational

Iran defends COVID-19 toll

TEHRAN, MAR 18 (AFP): Iran said its novel coronavirus death toll surpassed 1,000 on Wednesday as President Hassan Rouhani defended the response of his administration, which has yet to impose a lockdown.

The COVID-19 outbreak in sanctions-hit Iran is one of the deadliest outside China, where the disease originated.

Rouhani’s government says the virus has killed 1,135 people out of 17,361 cases of infections since it first emerged in the Islamic republic a month ago.

“Some ask why the government isn’t intervening, but I think we have intervened significantly,” the president said.

“Great things have been done (including) measures no other country has taken,” he said in televised remarks after a weekly meeting of his cabinet.

“We will get past these hard days,” added Rouhani, who was flanked by ministers wearing face masks.

The health ministry said 5,710 people have overcome the virus.

One person who recovered was a 103-year-old woman, state media reported, despite overwhelming evidence that the elderly are the most at risk.

The unnamed woman had been hospitalised in the central city of Semnan for about a week, IRNA news agency said.

But she was “discharged after making a complete recovery”, Semnan

People cross an empty bridge on the Tigris River in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday. (AP/PTI)

University of Medical Sciences head Navid Danayi was quoted as saying.

The report did not say how she was treated.

Iran is yet to impose any lockdowns but officials have repeatedly called on the public to stay home for the approaching Iranian New Year holidays.

Since it announced its first two deaths in the holy Shiite city of Qom on February 19, Iran has taken a series of steps to contain the virus.

It has closed schools and universities until early April and also four key Shiite pilgrimage sites, including the Fatima Masumeh shrine in Qom. Iran has also discouraged travel for the country’s New Year holidays starting this week, cancelled the main weekly Friday prayers and temporarily closed par-

liament.

Few officials have directly commented on why a lockdown has not been imposed.

But Tehran’s mayor has said the economy may not be able to handle the cost of doing so, especially while it is under crippling US sanctions.

“In a normal situation and a good economy, we could have imposed a lockdown,” Pirouz Hanachi was quoted as saying by Mehr News agency.

“But what comes next, like providing necessary goods or compensating for losses across Iran, is not possible, so a complete lockdown cannot be done,” he added.

The United States withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal and began reimposing punishing sanctions on Iran in 2018, block-

ing banking transactions and oil sales, among other sectors.

An Iranian health official said the outbreak could last longer than two more months if people keep travelling, especially during the holidays.

“Now everyone knows about this disease, and what is very strange is that some don’t take it seriously,” Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi said.

“If people help, we can control it, and if not, then expect it to last more than two months.” The deputy minister complained that in Tehran “bazaars are busy” and that people travel in their cars despite warnings not to do so.

“Just be patient for these two weeks so that, God willing, we can overcome this virus,” Raisi said.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

SL Prez calls on citizens to halt travel, gatherings

Israel condemns attack on Indian-origin Jew as ‘deplorable’ and ‘unacceptable’

Colombo, March 18 (IANS): Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has called on the citizens of the country to temporarily halt travel, public gatherings or celebrations as this would enable the government to completely control the spread of the COVID19 outbreak, the President’s office said in a statement on Wednesday.

With Sri Lanka recording 43 COVID-19 patients, Rajapaksa said a large number of Sri Lankans had returned to the country in recent days from virus-hit nations including Italy and authorities had identified all of them as well as their closest relatives and had asked them to be self quarantined in their own homes.

“We have deployed the police, the tri-forces, public health inspectors and local government officers for this purpose and I request that they be given the fullest cooperation,” the President was quoted by local media as saying on Wednesday.

He called on all Sri Lankans who had returned from overseas recently to act responsibly and explained that the government had declared a four-day public holiday to minimize the spread of the virus. “At this moment, we must minimise all possibilities of this virus from entering and spreading across the country”, Rajapaksa said.

Jerusalem, Mar 18 (PTI): Israel on Wednesday condemned as “deplorable” and “unacceptable” the brutal racist attack on an Indian-origin Jew by two persons who called the victim a “Chinese” and yelled ‘Corona!

Corona” in Tiberias city.

“The brutal attack on Am-Shalem Singson is deplorable and I condemn it in the strongest sense. This act of violence is totally unacceptable,” Deputy Director General at Israel’s Foreign Ministry Gilad Cohen tweeted. “ To o u r I n d i a n friends: This is not the Israeli way! I wish a speedy

Am-Shalem Singson

and full recovery,” Cohen said.

Am-Shalem Singson, 28, from the Bnei Menashe community, hailing from the north-eastern states of Manipur and Mizoram, was admitted to the Poriya hospital with severe chest injuries last week.

Singson told the police that he tried very hard to explain to the attackers that he was not Chinese and was not infected by the coronavirus, but it did not help. The incident happened on Saturday.

Singson is a resident of the Ma’alot area and immigrated to Israel from India with his family three

years ago.

There were no witnesses to the incident and the police search is primarily based on the security footage in the area.

“We were shocked to receive the report of the vicious and racist attack in Tiberias,” said Michael Freund, Chairman and Founder of Shavei Israel, the organisation that has been working on the immigration of Bnei Menashe to Israel.

“I demand that the Israeli police investigate the incident immediately and prosecute those who committed this heinous act,” Freund said.

2 Senators slam Google for mask ads China to expel US scribes from major media outlets S an F rancisc o, March 18 (IANS): Two Democratic senators have slammed Google for allowing face mask-selling ads on its platform, asking the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to pursue enforcement action against the tech giant.

According to a CNN report, Senators Mark Warner of Virginia and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said that despite Google’s ban on such ads, they easily spotted several such ads related to face masks.

“Our staff were consistently served dozens of ads for protective masks and hand sanitizer,” the senators told the FTC. “These ads, from a range of different advertisers, were served by Google on websites for outlets such as The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, CNBC, The Irish Times, and myriad local broadcasting affiliates”.

Google last week an-

nounced to crack down on advertising for face masks during the coronavirus epidemic.

The ban applies to all advertisers, including those who may have had long-running campaigns promoting “dust masks”.

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai said on Monday that the company has taken down thousands of videos related to dangerous or misleading coronavirus information using its Artificial Intelligence (AI)based technology.

In a blog post, Pichai said that since January, Google has blocked hundreds of thousands of ads attempting to capitalise on the coronavirus pandemic.

“Last week, we announced a temporary ban on all ads for medical masks and respirators,” he said. Google said the coronavirus tracking and screening website that US President Donald Trump announced the company is building with 1,700 engineers will be up “later this week”.

Covid-19 cases start rearing up across Africa, curbs imposed

COVID-19: Iran produces drug to heal lung lesion

C airo, M arch 1 8 (IANS): Egypt on Wednesday reported two more coronavirus deaths taking its toll to six, as virus cases began to be reported across Africa, which has so far been spared the brunt of the disease, reports said.

Egypt currently has 196 confirmed cases, the BBC reported. Tunisia, which has 24 cases and over 2,000 recent travellers in self-quarantine, has imposed a curfew 12 hours a day to try to curb the disease’s spread.

In South Africa, where there are 116 cases so far, over 1,700 people are confined in a cruise ship of Cape Town after six people with symptoms were taken ashore for testing.

Kenya confirmed three more cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to seven.

Health Minister Mutahi Kagwe said all the cases are people who arrived from outside.

Tanzania’s Zanzibar has confirmed its first case of coronavirus, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said.

Mutahi Kagwe

The East African country currently has reported three cases. Burkina Faso has announced its first death from Covid-19, with authorities identifying the deceased as a diabetic woman aged 62.

The West African nation has confirmed 26 cases.

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ghana has increased to seven, but authorities said that all were recovering.

Nigeria has placed a travel ban on people coming from 13 countries worst affected by coronavirus as five new cases were recorded in the continent’s most-populous nation.

Tehran, March 18 (IANS): Iranian researchers have developed a drug combination to heal the lesions in the lungs of COVID-19 patients, IRNA news agency quoted an Iranian health official as saying.

Mostafa Qanei, head of the scientific committee to combat COVID-19, said the “complex” is the combination of three medicines which could reduce the period of hospitalisation of the patients, Xinhua reported.

“We have diagnosed the lung lesion, and this complex aims to heal the lesion,” Qanei was quoted as saying.

He noted 40 per cent of the patients who received the medicine left the hospital four days earlier.

Iran’s Ministr y of Health and Medical Education on Tuesday announced that 16,169 people have been affected with the coronavirus, of whom 988 have died.

Beijing, March 18 (IANS): China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday announced the expulsion of American journalists working for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post as a measure taken by Beijing “in the spirit of reciprocity.”

“China demands that journalists of US citizenship working with the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post whose press credentials are due to expire before the end of 2020... and hand back their press cards within 10 calendar days,” the ministry said in a statement released on its website on Wednesday.

In addition, Beijing will not allow the affected journalists to continue practicing the profession in China, including in its Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, a measure which according to the country was

taken, “in response to the US slashing the staff size of Chinese media outlets in the US, which is expulsion in all but name.”

“In response to the US designation of five Chinese media agencies as ‘foreign missions,’ China demands, in the spirit of reciprocity, that the China-based branches of Voice of America, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and Time declare in written form information about their staff, finance, operation and real estate in China,” the statement added.

The ministry warned that, “in response to the discriminatory restrictions the US has imposed on Chinese journalists with regard to visa, administrative review and reporting, China will take reciprocal measures against American journalists.”

On March 2, Washington announced that statecontrolled Chinese media outlets such as Xinhua,

Covid-19: US-Canada border shut to non-essential traffic New York, March 18 (IANS): US and Canada will be closing their borders temporarily because of the coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday.

However, he said that trade will not be affected.

“We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic,” he said.

The 8,840-kilometre border is longest between two countries and not heavily protected or patrolled.

Earlier public media outlet, Canada Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), reported that according to its sources, the border would be closed to shoppers and tourists but allow commercial traffic to keep the supply chains intact.

Many people living in either country work on the other side of the border and for many Canadians, it is cheaper to shop on the American side for some items. “Nearly 200,000 people cross that border ev-

ery day and that border and that traffic that goes across that border is literally a lifeline for both the Canadians and the Americans on both sides of that border,” CBC quoted Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland as saying on Tuesday.

“Very urgently needed medical supplies and medicines go back and forth across that border. And essential workers go back and forth across that border every day,” she added.

Canada had earlier barred the entry of everyone but citizens, permanent residents and Americans to the country.

Canada has 598 cases of Covid-19, according to the Johns Hopkins University (JHU), which has been collecting data on the pandemic. With a population more than nine times the size of Canada, the US has 6,519 cases.

The US is also tightening controls at its southern border with Mexico, where only 93 cases have been reported according to JHU.

CGTN, China Daily and China Radio International could only employ a restricted number of Chinese nationals for these organisations on US territory, Efe news reported.

While all the media outlets named by the US are state-run, out of all the media organisations named by the Chinese authorities, only Voice of America is not a private entity.

The action by the US was in response to China’s decision to expel Beijingbased journalists from the WSJ. China at that time claimed that the expulsion was decided in response to a February 3 op-ed published by the outlet, titled “China Is the Real Sick Man of Asia.”

The MFA on Wednesday said that Washington’s measures were, “driven by a Cold War mentality and ideological bias.”

“It has therefore exposed the hypocrisy of the self-styled advocate of press

freedom,” the statement said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged China to reconsider its decision.

In a statement, the New York Times’ executive editor Dan Baquet said the move was “an action that is especially irresponsible at a time when the world needs the free and open flow of credible information about the coronavirus pandemic.”

The WSJ editor in chief Matt Murray said “trusted news reporting from and about China has never been more important.

We oppose government interference with a free press anywhere in the world.”

T h e Wa s h i n g t o n Post’s executive editor Marty Baron said: “We unequivocally condemn any action by China to expel US reporters. The Chinese government’s decision is particularly regrettable because it comes in the midst of an unprecedented global crisis, when clear and reli-

able information about the international response to COVID-19 is essential.

Severely limiting the flow of that information, which China now seeks to do, only aggravates the situation.”

The backdrop of this expulsion is the ongoing trade war between the two economies, technological tensions, the underlying struggle for hegemony and more recently, heaping of blame on each other over the origin of the current coronavirus pandemic.

Journalism in China is hampered due to restrictions, scrutiny and the pressure by the authorities on foreign reporters along with limitations and threats on Chinese employees working for foreign media.

As a rule, Beijing believes that any information that deflects from the “official truth” is an attempt to taint China’s reputation and “for its citizens “ censors most foreign media websites.

Saudi calls for ‘virtual’ G20 summit over coronavirus

Riyadh, Mar 18 (AFP): Saudi Arabia has called for a “virtual” summit of leaders from the Group of 20 major economies next week to address the coronavirus pandemic, a statement said on Wednesday.

“The Saudi G20 presidency is communicating with G20 countries to convene an extraordinary virtual G20 leaders’ summit next week to advance a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its human and economic implications,” the statement said.

“G20 Leaders will put forward a coordinated set of policies to protect people and safeguard the global economy.”

The announcement comes after G20 financial chiefs voiced “real concern” last month at a summit in Riyadh over the economic shock waves from the spread of the deadly virus.

Since then, global stock and oil markets have

slumped amid heightened concerns over the worsening outbreak.

Most market commentators agree that the viruswracked world economy will likely plunge into recession, which means a minimum of two successive quarters of economic contraction.

The United States and Britain are spearheading a multi-billion-dollar international fightback against economic havoc unleashed by the coronavirus, as the European Union shuts its borders to travellers from outside for 30 days.

T h e s u m m i t ’s a n nouncement by Saudi Arabia, the first Arab nation to hold the G20 presidency, comes amid some criticism that the G20 group was slow to address the pandemic.

“The G20 is missing in action today, unlike 2008,” Ian Bremmer, president and founder of the Eurasia Group, said on Twitter.

Another commentator

wrote on Twitter: “No one told the Saudis anything about managing a crisis.

They said ok to host a big event that would improve their image!”

Saudi Arabia itself is bracing for a coronavirusled economic slump after it shut down cinemas, malls and restaurants, suspended the year-round umrah pilgrimage and locked down eastern Qatif region -- home to around 500,000 people -- in a bid to contain the deadly virus.

The top crude exporter also faces plummeting oil prices, which slipped below USD 30 a barrel this week for the first time in four years, on the back of sagging demand and a price war with Russia.

The Saudi presidency is set to see it host world leaders for a summit in Riyadh from November 21 to 22. It will hold more than 100 events and conferences in the run-up to the summit, including ministerial meetings, organisers say.

COVID-19 toll surges to 3,237 in China BEIJING/ROME/BAGHDAD/PARIS, MAR 18 (IANS/AFP): The death toll due to the COVID-19 outbreak in China has increased to 3,237, authorities said on Wednesday, while the number of confirmed cases in the Asian country has risen to 80,894.

Chinese health authorities reported 11 deaths and 13 newly confirmed cases of novel coronavirus infection on the Chinese mainland on Tuesday, Xinhua reported.

All deaths were reported in Hubei Province, according to the National Health Commission.

Also on Tuesday, 21 newly suspected cases were reported. A total of 922 people were discharged from hospital after recovery, while the number of severe cases decreased by 208 to 2,622.

The overall confirmed cases on the mainland had reached 80,894 until midnight, including 8,056 patients who were still being treated, 69,601 patients who had been discharged after recovery, and 3,237 people who lost their lives.

The commission said that 119 people were still suspected of being infected with the virus.

The commission added that 9,222 close contacts were still under medical observation. On Tuesday, 1,014 people were discharged from

Medical workers attending to a COVID-19 patient.

medical observation.

Twelve imported cases were reported on the mainland Tuesday. Among them, five were reported in Guangdong Province, three in Beijing, three in Shanghai, and one in Sichuan Province.

Until midnight, 155 imported cases had been reported, said the commission.

As many as 167 confirmed cases including four deaths were reported in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), 13 confirmed cases in the Macao SAR, and 77 in Taiwan including one death. A total of 92 patients in Hong Kong, 10 in Macao and 22 in Taiwan were discharged from hospital after recovery

13

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

on Tuesday.

Italy reports 300 plus deaths for third day running: Italy, Europe’s worst coronavirus-hit country and the world’s second after China, on Tuesday reported a further 345 deaths in the past 24 hours.

This was the third day running that it reported over 300 deaths - after 368 on Sunday, and 349 on Monday. While the country’s toll has gone upto 2,503, a point of optimism was that the infection rate had slowed down, according to the BBC. The country now has 31,506 cases - with 2,060 people in intensive care, up from 27,980 earlier. However, this was the slowest rate

of increase since the country identified the presence of the virus last month.

COVID-19 cases rise to 154 in Iraq: Iraq has confirmed one more death from COVID-19 and 21 new cases, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 154.

The new cases included 17 in Baghdad, three in Karbala and one in Basra, Iraq’s Health Ministry said in a brief statement on Tuesday.

Of the 154 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus, 11 have died while 41 others have recovered, according to the statement.

To help Iraq cope with the coronavirus spread, a Chinese team of seven experts arrived in Baghdad on

March 7. They are working with Iraqi counterparts in the fight against the viral respiratory disease, which has largely been under control in China after a nationwide campaign since late January.

France reports 27 new coronavirus deaths: French health authorities have said that 27 more people had died from the coronavirus in the country, bringing the total death toll in France to 175 people.

There are now 7,730 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country, France’s top health official Jerome Salomon told reporters on Tuesday, a jump of over 1,000 on the day earlier.

His comments came as France entered the first day of a lockdown ordered by President Emmanuel Macron which orders people to stay at home and prohibits all non-essential movements.

Salamon said of those infected, 2,579 people were currently hospitalised including 699 in intensive care. Seven percent of those who have died are aged under 65.

“We are progressively moving to a general epidemic over the territory” of France, he said, urging people to “stay at home” and keep contacts to a minimum.

Turkey-backed rebels violate ceasefire in Syria’s Idlib

Russia and Turkey agreed on a ceasefire in the de-escalation zone in Syria’s Idlib (Photo- IANS).

Damascus, Mar 18 (IANS): The Turkey-backed rebel groups violated the cease-fire in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib, state news agency SANA reported.

The rebels on Tuesday shelled several military positions in the Kafr-Nubul and Hazarin areas in Idlib countryside, causing damage, Xinhua reported, citing SANA. The Syrian army responded to the attacks by firing at the rebels’ positions.

Meanwhile, SANA cited a report by Russia’s Defence Ministry as saying that the rebels in Idlib

have violated the cease-fire five times over the past 24 hours and 38 times since the cease-fire went into force on March 5.

Russia and Turkey agreed on a ceasefire in the de-escalation zone in Syria’s Idlib on March 5.

The agreement comes after several times of direct confrontation between Turkey and Syria in Idlib over the past two months when the Syrian forces have been campaigning against the Turkey-backed rebel groups in the province.

The Syrian army started the operation in Idlib after Turkey failed to live up

to pledges made during the Sochi agreement in 2018 between Russia and Turkey.

Under the previous deal, the rebels should have withdrawn from certain areas around the M5 and M4 highways in northern Syria.

Turkey was also supposed to disarm ultra-radical rebel groups in certain areas in Idlib, which did not happen.

The current ceasefire was seen as a chance to quell the recent confrontation in Idlib, mainly to allow humanitarian help for Syrian refugees who fleed their areas during the recent military showdown.

Coronavirus could kill 22 United States and China trade barbs over coronavirus lakh Americans, warns study L ondon, M ar 1 8 (IANS): In the absence of a vaccine and drastic measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, the disease may kill as many as 22 lakh people in the US and over 5 lakh in the UK, according to new projections

by London’’s Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team. The study predicted that in the absence of control measures, as much as 81 per cent of the population in the US and the UK may get infected during the course of the coronavirus epidemic.

“In total, in an unmitigated epidemic, we would p r e d i c t a p p r ox i m a t e ly 510,000 deaths in GB (Great Britain) and 2.2 million in the US, not accounting for the potential negative effects of health systems being overwhelmed on mortality,” said the study.

For the study, the researchers applied a previously published microsimulation model to two countries: the UK and the US. The results of the study

1 dead in St Patrick’s Day shooting in Texas CORPUS CHRISTI (US), MAR 18 (AP): One woman was killed and another injured in a shooting on St. Patrick’s Day at an Irish pub in southeast Texas, authorities said. The shooting happened Tuesday night at Molly’s Irish Sports Pub in Corpus Christi and a suspect is in custody, police spokesman Travis Pace said.

When officers arrived, they found one woman dead and another who had been shot in the torso, the Corpus Christi Caller Times reported. Police interviewed witnesses and identified a suspect, who was later arrested after a brief foot chase, Pace said.

The suspect’s name was not immediately released but Pace said that person will likely face charges of murder and aggravated assault. Pace said the investigation was ongoing but “it’s not a random act of violence.” Unlike a few other Texas cities, Corpus Christi had not shut down its bars or restaurants amid concerns of the coronavirus.

K Y M C

prompted both the US and the UK to ramp up efforts to suppress the epidemic.

In fact, the researchers concluded that a strategy of “suppression” would prove to be more effective than “mitigation” in reducing deaths and preventing healthcare systems being overwhelmed.

A strategy of “mitigation” focuses on slowing but not necessarily stopping epidemic spread -- reducing peak healthcare demand while protecting those most at risk of severe disease from infection.

The “suppression” strategy aims to reverse epidemic growth, reducing case numbers to low levels and maintaining that situation indefinitely, according to the study which modelled the impact of different nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on the number of deaths and the healthcare system. “We show that in the UK and US context, suppression will minimally require a combination of so-

cial distancing of the entire population, home isolation of cases and household quarantine of their family members,” the study authors wrote.

“This may need to be supplemented by school and university closures, though it should be recognised that such closures may have negative impacts on health systems due to increased absenteeism,” they added.

The researchers, however, noted that while the experience in China and now South Korea shows that suppression is possible in the short term, it remains to be seen whether it is possible long-term, and whether the social and economic costs of the interventions adopted thus far can be reduced.

“Our Re por t 9 on #COVID19 shouldn’’t be a surprise, but its not an easy read. This virus is just too severe. Flattening the curve not so different from containment,” one of the study authors, Steven Riley, said in a tweet on Tuesday.

Joe Biden sweeps latest set of 3 primaries New York, Mar 18 (IANS): Former Vice President Joe Biden is continuing his march towards the Democratic Party nomination to challenge President Donald Trump in November by sweeping the latest three primaries.

In the party elections to select the nominee that were held on Tuesday under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic in Florida, Illinois and Arizona he defeated Senator Bernie Sanders, the only serious rival left in the race. Biden, who had stumbled in the first three party elections, has staged a comeback winning 19 of the 27 held so far.

The primary was not held Ohio as scheduled on Tuesday because of the coronavirus pandemic.

When a judge refused Governor Mike DeWines request to postpone the election, he got the state Health Director to declare a “health emergency” to stop the polls.

So far, five states have

postponed the party elections and Democratic National Committee President Tom Perez has asked the 23 states that have yet to hold polls switch to postal ballots.

Sanders, who is a selfdescribed Democrat, is facing pressures to leave the race because he is now neither going to win the nomination nor the presidential election even if he were to be nominated, and continuing the battle would only weaken the party.

All other candidates except for Hindu American member of the House of Representatives Tulsi Gabbard, another leftist like Sanders, have dropped out of the race.

Most of them are backing Biden because they fear that if Sanders became the party nominee Trump would defeat him citing his ideology.

Sanders is persisting in the race to propagate his progressive agenda and challenge the party’s leadership.

Beijing, Mar 18 (AFP): US President Donald Trump doubled down Tuesday on calling the coronavirus spreading rapidly across the world the “Chinese Virus,” despite protests from Beijing. “It did come from China, so I think it’s very accurate,” Trump told a news conference, defending tweets in which he used the label for the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump indicated that another motive was payback for what he said was China’s disinformation campaign blaming the US military for the virus.

“China was putting out information which was false,” he said.

“I didn’t appreciate the fact that China was saying that our military gave it to them. Our military did not give it to anybody.”

The two countries have sparred over the origin of the virus for days, with a Chinese official promoting conspiracy theories claiming it was brought to China by the US army and Beijing accusing American officials of stigmatizing an entire nation.

Japanese anti-flu medicine effective in COVID-19: China Tokyo, Mar 18 (IANS): Medical experts in China have claimed that a new flu drug is ‘clearly effective’ in treating the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Favipiravir, the active ingredient in a Japanese anti-flu medicine called Avigan, was trialled on 340 patients with the disease in China, reported dailymail. co.uk Patients who took the flu drug recovered quicker and showed greater lung improvement compared with patients not given the drug.

The component is thought to block the virus from replicating in the body.

Doses will be investigated in more COVID-19 patients

by Hong Kong researchers, who claim they will give their pill ‘for free’ if studies show it is safe. However, contradictory clinical trials suggest Favipiravir will not be useful in patients who have more severe illness. As of yet, there isn’t a treatment for the coronavirus pandemic. Most people have mild symptoms and can recover at home within a week.

President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing with the coronavirus task force, at the White House, Tuesday. (AP/PTI)

In his original tweet on Monday, Trump described US airlines and other industries being “particularly affected by the Chinese Virus.”

Earlier Tuesday, he tweeted that some US states were “being hit hard by the Chinese Virus.”

Trump’s allies had previously referred to the pandemic as the “Chinese coronavirus”, but Beijing said Tuesday it was “strongly indignant” over the phrase, which it called “a kind of stigmatization”.

The United States should “immediately stop

its unjustified accusations against China,” foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters.

A commentary by the official Xinhua news agency said using “racist and xenophobic names to cast blame for the outbreak on other countries can only reveal politicians’ irresponsibility and incompetence which will intensify virus fears.”

The war of words reignited diplomatic tensions between the two countries, which have tussled over trade and other disputes since Trump took office.

Tr ump’s comments

4TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY

MRS. LT MHABENI N. SHITIRI 19.03.2020

Years have gone by, but the memories of your loving characters and prayers still afresh in our lives.

We deeply miss you in our hearts.

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Loving Husband, Daughter & Son

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born : 08.03.1974 – Died on :14.03.2020 We, the bereaved family of Lt. RUOKUOZOLIE SOLO would like to convey our sincere gratitude to every individual, organisations, churches, village communities, relatives, friends, neighbours and well wishers who stood by us through physically, spiritually at the sudden demise of our beloved on 14-03-2020.

We would like to convey our special thanks to: 1. Doctor Vilhounyü Linyü, Staff of GIVF Hospital Kohima 2. Christian Revival Church Kohima Village 3. Khedi Baptist Church Kohima Village 4. Themezie Baptist Church Fellowship 5. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kohima, Nagaland 6. Sepfüzou Colony Welfare Board 7. Sepfüzou Youth Organisation 8. Naomi Women Welfare Sepfüzou Colony 9. T. Khel Kohima Village Tsakou.

We deeply regret our inability to thank each of you individually it is our humble prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Your loving wife, children & family members.

K-818

were also criticized inside the United States, with warnings it could incite a backash against the AsianAmerican community.

“Our Asian-American communities -- people YOU serve -- are already suffering. They don’t need you fuelling more bigotry,” tweeted New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, whose state is one of the hardest-hit by the virus in the country.

The World Health Organization said more cases and deaths had been reported in the rest of the world than in China.

The new coronavirus was first detected late last year, with China’s own health officials initially saying its source was a live animal market in the central city of Wuhan, whose gov-

ernment had initially tried to cover up the outbreak.

But China has sought to distance itself from the virus, saying the origin is still unknown, while seeking global goodwill by offering aid to countries facing serious outbreaks.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in a phone call he initiated with top Chinese official Yang Jiechi, voiced anger that Beijing has used official channels “to shift blame for COVID-19 to the United States”, the State Department said.

Pompeo “stressed that this is not the time to spread disinformation and outlandish rumors, but rather a time for all nations to come together to fight this common threat”, the department added.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

"The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, Blessed be the Name of the Lord" Job 1:21

We , t h e b e r e a v e d family and relatives offer our most sincere gratitude to everyone who stood by us physically, materially, financially, morally & spiritually during the prolonged illness and demise of our beloved Lt. Nkhyingo Humtsoe (Old Tssori Village). It is our sincere prayer that our 19-06-1950 to 13-03-2020 Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving wife, children, grandchildren, in-laws & family members.

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1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY Of our beloved Late E. Wochothung Odyuo

(Died: 19-03-2019) It’s been a year since you left us for your heavenly abode, yet not a single day passes by without thinking of you. The pain of losing you is immeasurable and the emptiness you created cannot be filled but the sweet memories you left behind still remain afresh in our hearts and will remain forever.

The bond of love we shared and the fragrance of your presence is always felt in our midst with silent tears and prayers.

We still love you and miss you dearly.

Loving mom & family members.

WC-109 K Y M C

Infotainment

14

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

Ananya Pandey: COVID-19 effect: Justin Bieber, Hailey Priyanshu Painyuli to ‘Oprah would have never made it Janhvi Kapoor is my play Taapsee’s husband biggest competition Baldwin in Canada for self-isolation in ‘Rashmi Rocket’ in the UK’: Jameela Jamil explains

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day after Hollywo o d s t a r To m Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were released from a hospital in Australia, the actor shared "good news" and "bad news" from his house isolation.

Taking to Instagram on March 17, the 63-yearold wrote: "Hey folks.

Good News: One week after testing Positive, in self-isolation, the symptoms are much the same.

No fever, but the blahs.

Folding the laundry and doing the dishes leads to a nap on the couch."

H e t h e n j o k i n g ly added: "Bad news: My wife @ritawilson has won 6 straight hands of Gin Rummy and leads by 201 points."

In the post, the "Inferno" star also reacted to fans' debate over his vegemite consumption caused by his Sunday post.

"But I have learned not to spread my Vegemite so thick," he noted before taking a jab at the typewriter he brought along for the trip which was ironically labelled "corona."

He ended his post with positive message that read: "We are all in this together.

Flatten the curve. Hanx."

Hanks's update came just one day after his son Chet shared that Tom and Rita have left hospital to self-quarantine themselves in a rented house in Queensland.

(IANS)

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The married couple, according to PEOPLE, took a private jet on Monday, March 16 for the trip.

“They plan on socially distancing themselves,” a source close to the “Baby” singer said that their departure which was done on the same day Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the closing of Canadian borders to foreigners, restricting it

only to its citizens, permanent residents and US citizens.

On why the pair decided to isolate themselves in his native country?

The source said: “In Canada, their home is very secluded and they are able to be out in nature still...

They plan on staying in Canada until it’s safe for everyone to resume their regular lives.”

(IANS)

COVID-19: Diplo hurt as he distances himself from kids Britney Spears hits out

D

J Diplo is practicing social distancing from his children until he’s cleared of coronavirus.

Although Diplo, whose real name Wesley Pentz, hasn’t been diagnosed with COVID-19, the star told fans on Instagram he’s following the advice of health officials and distancing himself from his close family, including sons Lazer Lee Louis, five, and Lockett, born in 2010, who he shares with ex-Kathryn Lockhart, to minimise the risk of them contracting it, reports aceshowboz.com.

Alongside a video of the brothers behind a window as they held their hands up to their dad’s from

the other side of the glass, he wrote: “My (sons) are too young to understand the complexities of what’s

with their grandmother who is the most vulnerable. I have been in contact with hundreds of people in the past four weeks... And I’m staying away from the house until I am cleared of the virus,” Diplo began the lengthy caption.

The star went on to say that the separation: “Hurts because I miss them so much they are what makes me wake up every day and live and breath (sic), they are my ultimate joy, but this is my sacrifice to make sure everyone around me is safe.”

“I haven’t had this happening. But they aren’t much time home in years, anxious and nervous like the and I wanted to build Legos and watch movies with rest of us.”

“They live in a house them. But for now I’m just

going to stay by the window and listen to them play drums and sing for me,” he said.

Diplo urged his followers to “think about others in every decision you make in the coming weeks” as the coronavirus continues to spread, following US President Donald Trump’s declaration that the health crisis is a national emergency. “We already have enough news from Italy, Iran, Korea and China about the best ways to slow this… We need to be smart, going out and interacting with groups is cancelled, but kindess (sic) is not cancelled. Stay strong for the ones who can’t right now.”

(IANS)

at Instagram “bullies”

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ritney Spears has spoken out on she feels like she’s being “bullied” by people on Instagram in a new post.

Taking to the platform earlier today (March 18), the pop star uploaded a quote reading: “Nobody watches you harder than the people that can’t stand you.” the caption, Spears explained how reading a number of “mean comments” of late has “really hurt [her] feelings”, with some users of the site criticising her for frequently sharing the same images.

I’ve read a lot of things online of people criticising my posts, saying I post the

same 15 pictures with the same red background and wearing the same white bathing suit,” she wrote, adding that she gets “really excited” by sharing content with her 23.6 million followers.

Reading all of the mean comments really hurts my feelings, and I wanted to share because you really shouldn’t be saying all of these mean things to someone you don’t even know, this goes for bullying anyone really.” added: “Hard times like we are currently living through should really teach us to be nice to one another.”

(NME)

Tetseo Sisters perform at Shilpgram Mahotsav

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Tetseo Sisters performing at Shilpgram Mahotsav in Guwahati on March 14.

Amitabh Bachchan gets ‘Home Quarantined’ stamp on hand

s the cases of C OV I D - 1 9 o ut break keep growing in the country, Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan

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op singer Justin Bieber and wife Hailey Baldwin have chosen to practice social distancing miles away from Los Angeles.

After urging followers to exercise self-isolation to fight the global spread of coronavirus pandemic, Bieber and his wife are reported to have flown back to his native country Canada, reports aceshowbiz.com.

c t o r P r i ya n s h u Painyuli has joined Taapsee Pannu in her upcoming film “Rashmi Rocket”. He will be seen playing the role of the latter’s husband.

“In ‘Rashmi Rocket’, I will be playing the role of an army officer in the film.

It’s a matter of great pride for me. Since I come from a defence background, playing a man in uniform is both an honour and responsibility. It’s extremely exciting especially after my last film Upstarts, whose universe is so far removed from the world this film is set in,” he said.

Priyanshu shared that “the film will kickstart next month” and they “will shoot across Delhi, Kutch, Dehradun, and Mussoorie.

It’s a fictional film but it is inspired by real events”.

Directed by Akarsh Khurana, the film “Rashmi Rocket” is based on a runner from the Rann of Kutch who fights for her identity and becomes an athlete.

(IANS)

shared a photograph of his hand with a “Home Quarantined” stamp on it.

The actor tweeted the photograph on Tuesday

and captioned the image: “Stamping started on hands with voter ink, in Mumbai .. keep safe , be cautious , remain isolated if detected.”

Big B has been actively spreading awareness on social media to curb the spread of COVID-19. He recently announced that he would be cancelling the ritual of Sunday meeting with fans to keep everyone safe.

The iconic star had earlier also penned a poem and posted a video of his rendition of the same on Twitter.

(IANS)

he three-day cultural extravaganza organized

by North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) from March 13 to 15 at Guwahati saw many cultural performances, food stalls and music concerts for the first two days from all over the country with a focus on NE states.

The festival being held in Guwahati was however cut short on the 3rd day due to concerns for Covid-19 Pandemic. Day 2 saw presentations by troupes from Nagaland, Meghalaya, Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. The evening concerts featured Nagaland's Tetseo Sisters and Sikkimese band Sofiyum.

OFFICE OF THE

FAKIM VILLAGE COUNCIL

Block Khongsa, P.O. Pungro, Dist.: Kiphire - 798611, Nagaland.

FELICITATION

We, the Fakim Village Council on behalf of public in general with great joy and honour extends our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Tsuamki L. Yimchunger, S/o Mr. T. Lumthure for securing the post of Assistant Conservator of Forest ACF under Forest Department of Nagaland in the recently declared NPSC Combined Technical Services.

The Fakim Village Council is immensely proud of his achievement and further wishes him more success in all his future endeavours.

(R. PHENONGLAM) (F. HANRUTHONG) Head GB Chairman Fakim Village Fakim Village Council

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Tom Hanks has 'good news', 'bad news'

US) - Oprah would never have made it in the UK. ‘I couldn’t believe that I was seeing women in their 50s and 60s of different races on the biggest shows on US television. That was a big moment.’

Jameela claimed she knew she had to move over to the U.S because if she had stayed in the U.K. she would have been sent to the ‘glue factory’.

The television personality was born in Hampstead to a Muslim Indian father and a Muslim Pakistani mother.

Aged 23, Jameela began her career on T4, where she hosted a pop culture series from 2009 until 2012.

She then became the radio host of The Official Chart, and was co-host of The Official Chart Update alongside Scott Mills on

A

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ctress Ananya Pandey feels that star kids have an advantage as they have easier access to people from the industry, and that she considers “Dhadak” star Janhvi Kapoor her biggest competition.

Ta l k i n g a b o u t t h e debate around nepotism, Ananya said: “I still agree that we have an advantage and we get to meet people.

We have easier access to people from the industry as we have grown up around them. But now that I’ve got that chance, it’s unfair for me to waste it. I want to make my father proud.”

There are so many examples of such talented people who have not come from the film background like Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma and then there are actors like Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt who have come from film families and done so well. So, it all comes down to the audience,” added the daughter of Chunky Pandey. (IANS)

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ameela Jamil has said chat show host Oprah Winfrey, 66, would have ‘never made it’ in the U.K because of the lack of diversity in the entertainment industry.

The Good Place actress, 34, explained why she felt she had to move over the U.S to pursue her career in television, in an interview with Playboy Magazine.

Jameela said: ‘We’re still behind in giving women important jobs that lead to long standing, dignified careers, the rest of us either get pushed out or get pushed into being nothing more than s** objects, whether we want that or not.

I remember coming to America five years ago and seeing (black US broadcaster) Robin Roberts hosting Good Morning America and knowing that Oprah is a really big deal (in the

BBC Radio 1. Jameela was the first solo female presenter of the BBC Radio 1 chart show.

Following a breast cancer scare, Jamil left London and moved to Los Angeles, with no plans of acting, instead intending to work as a screenwriter.

Her agent told her Michael Schur, who co-created Parks and Recreation, was looking for a British actress for a new upcoming comedy series.

The show premiered in September 2016, with Jamil being a regular cast member of the NBC fantasy comedy series The Good Place, where she plays Tahani Al-Jamil, alongside Kristen Bell and Ted Danson.

Jamil’s character became known for her tendency to name drop.

Jameela’s outspoken inter view comes after she hit back at trolls who claimed she would be the ‘first actress to catch coronavirus’ because of her long history with ailments.

The Good Place star took to Twitter last week to share a slew of Tweets predicting she would be one of the first celebrities to say they have been struck down with COVID-19.

(DailyMail)

K Y M C

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

COVID-19 disrupts global sports itinerary

COURTESY: TIMES OF INDIA GRAPHIC

James Anderson

men’s players are all selfisolating.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said one contingency may be “playing no cricket at all” this season.

Anderson, England’s leading wicket-taker in Tests, last played in the second Test against South Africa in January before a rib injury ruled him out of the rest of the series.

He had been left out of the squad for England’s cancelled two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in the hope of being fully fit for the start of the summer.

“The season is unlikely to start,” Anderson

said, speaking to the BBC’s Tailenders podcast.

“It’s still a little bit hazy as to what’s going to happen.

“I feel a little bit anxious. Just the not knowing is giving me a bit of anxiety.

“Also trying to keep a young family healthy. I am trying to stay calm, follow the guidelines.

“My wife’s mum and dad live in Spain so they are in lockdown. They are in the age group where there are concerns. The anxiety is building up in our house because of not knowing what will happen in the next few months.”

Tendulkar asks citizens to act F1 moves summer break from August to March responsibly to keep COVID-19 at bay

Sachin Tendulkar

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS): Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday urged fellow countrymen to act responsibly and follow the guidelines issued by the health authorities in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

“As citizens, we have to act responsibly. We could follow simple steps to keep the coronavirus at bay. It is my request to everyone to follow basic guidelines to try our best to ensure we all stay safe,” Tendulkar

tweeted.

Earlier, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had also expressed concern over the coronavirus outbreak and called upon the countrymen to take all preventive steps.

In a video posted on his official social media handles, Rohit said that people need to be smart and proactive in their approach to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

“Last few weeks have been tough for all of us and the world has come to

a standstill, which is very sad to see. The only way we can come to normalcy is by coming together. And we can do this by being a little smart, a little proactive, knowing our surroundings and as and when we get any symptoms inform your nearest medical authorities,” said Rohit.

“Let’s stay strong and fight the COVID-19 outbreak by taking all precautionary measures. Stay safe, be vigilant, and most importantly remember, prevention is better than cure. Please take care everyone,” Kohli had tweeted last week.

Meanwhile, Suresh Raina war ned against spreading misinformation related to coronavirus and to follow health advisories.

“It’s very important that we understand the need of social isolation to break the chain, don’t spread information from unreliable sources, don’t ignore the health advisories & for sure follow the hygiene measures,” he had tweeted.

As of now, 147 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in India and three lives have been lost.

AFL to go ahead as planned despite pandemic

The traditional AFL season-opener between Richmond and Carlton at the MCG will go ahead on Thursday, but behind closed doors

MELBOURNE, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): The 2020 Australian Football League (AFL) season is to begin as planned despite the coronavirus outbreak, reports BCC sports.

Richmond play Carlton behind closed doors at Melbourne’s MCG on

discuss with the Chinese government and Chinese Football Association to postpone the new Club World Cup to “later in 2021, in 2022 or in 2023”, with an aim to minimise any negative impact.

2021 Club World Cup is a brand new tournament, which will be held every four years featuring 24 teams and replaces the seven-team annual event.

In the statement, Infantino also suggested to donate $10 million to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and discuss the possibility of establishing a Global Football Assistance Fund to “help members of the football community affected by this crisis”.

Over 7,000 people have lost their lives across the world due to the deadly disease.

Thursday.

The decision was taken following meetings with club chief executives, Australia’s chief medical officer and government representatives.

“We don’t know how many games we will get into this 153-game journey be-

fore we have to pause,” said AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan.

How coronavirus has impacted sporting events around the world Despite banning mass gatherings of 100 or more people, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison

said it was up to the AFL to decide if it proceeded with matches.

The AFL Players Association advised the AFL on Tuesday that its players wanted to start the season.

The commission has already reduced the 2020 season from 22 matches to 17 in a bid to provide more flexibility should games be halted.

“We embark on this journey with clear instruction from the government that all industry and all parts of society need to keep moving forward and we simply cannot stand still,” said McLachlan.

“We must go forward day by day listening to the advice and continue to make the best decisions for our industry while balancing well-being, welfare, leadership, and economic and social impacts.

“But what I do know today is I feel comfortable with the government and medical advice, and the support of our presidents, CEOs, players and coaches.”

AZERBAIJAN, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): Formula 1’s summer break has been moved forward from August as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, reports BBC sports .

The new season has been thrown into disarray by the virus and F1 is working on plans to run as long a season as possible once races can be held.

Following unanimous agreement, the ‘break’ will be held in March and April, with teams choosing a three-week period in that time to close.

It is normally held in August, when teams shut down for two weeks.

McLaren staff cleared on coronavirus The change, made to facilitate fitting in as many races as possible once the season star ts, was approved by governing body the FIA’s legislative body, the World Motor Sport Council, on Wednesday.

Further changes are expected in due course.

Teams and F1 bosses are working on plans for a reshaped calendar with a reduced number of races from the 22 originally scheduled in 2020.

The four opening races in Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam and China have

Lewis Hamilton is chasing a record equally seventh drivers championship’ this season.

all been postponed, and the three next events in the Netherlands, Spain and Monaco are expected to follow in the coming days.

Red Bull said in a statement that they were planning to shut down for three weeks from 27 March but “there may be some flexibility around those dates due to the ever-changing nature of the pandemic”.

The former champions said they “agreed with the measures being taken to reduce the risk of transmission and will support any further race postponements that are deemed necessary”.

They said they were “taking every possible pre-

OFFICE OF THE

DIMAPUR DISTRICT LOTHA GB UNION Dimapur : Nagaland

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Dimapur District Lotha GB Union conveys our profound gratitude to Dr. Roland Lotha, 1st class contractor and chairman RSON Heart for Poor People Trust (RHPPT) for donating Ambulance to the (DDLGBU) union.

The (DDLGBU) also give special thanks to Shri Rothihu Tetseo commissioner of police Dimapur for gracing the occasion as special guest and launching of Ambulance, Rev. John Ovung pastor Senjum LBC Dimapur for dedicating of Ambulance. Dimapur Lotha Hoho and LEED, DLSU, Sadar GB union, Senior Lotha leaders, well wishers and media for attending the Ambulance launching programme on date 16th March 2020.

Further it is for information to all general public be booked by contacting the following: Phone No : 1. 8415893610, 2. 9862973446, 3. 9856744680 K. Ntonsi Ngullie (Chairman DDLGBU)

KEPESIKESHÜ

Tsietei-u nu Corona virus kechü la Angamimia Catechistko zha 21st March, 2020 nhie kehou ketuo puotei chie keshü-u puotei-u kehewate. Süla hasie nu puotei-u se kepesi la shütuo.

T. Eward Convenor Contact: 9612757322 K-811

FELICITATION

The Phiro Village Students’ Union, Village Council, Eloe Hoho and Youth organization extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri. W.H. Patton son of Mrs & Mr. Lt. Woshani Patton on being promoted to the Post of Additional Drugs Controller, Controlling and Licensing Authority, Nagaland under the Department of Health & Family Welfare.

The community further wishes him good health and prays wisdom upon him in executing his future endeavors efficiently. God Bless!

(Noyingi Tungoe) (Zuchibeni) President, PVSU Gen. Secy., PVSU

CONGRATULATION

Congratulation to Mr. Ve n ü z o D a w h u o , w i t h immense pride Kezonumi Union of Kohima and Dimapur conveys heartiest congratulations on being crowned the champion at the 27th Nagaland Wrestling Championship, 2020.

The union wishes him all the best in all his future endeavors.

(KHUPO KEZO) (VETHIVO KEZO) President Gen. Secretary)

caution to mitigate the spread of the virus” and were “implementing special working methods, guided by the UK government and medical professionals”.

F1 bosses are currently working on a plan to start the season with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on 7 June but that is dependent on the development of the coronavirus out-

break and related global travel restrictions.

A number of races have been identified as the most likely to be left off a truncated scheduled, with Monaco, Brazil, Spain, China and Australia at the top of the list.

Teams are trying to secure the required unanimous agreement on a plan to delay until 2022 the introduction of major regulations changes which are scheduled for next season.

Nine of the 10 teams agreed to the proposal at a meeting on Tuesday, with only Ferrari asking for more time to consider it.

The idea behind the plan is to keep costs under control at a time when teams are facing reduced revenue as a result of the expected lower number of races.

A further meeting is scheduled for Thursday to discuss the matter again.

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Jo h ann e sbur g , March 18 (IANS): The South African cricket team, which returned home on Wednesday following their cancelled tour of India, has been asked to self-quarantine for the next 14 days in the wake of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

“We’ve recommended that all players self-isolate and social distance themselves for a minimum of 14 days because I think it’s proper guidance to protect people around them,” Spor t24 quoted CSA’s Chief Medical Officer Shuaib Manjra as saying.

“In that period, should any of them have any symptoms or any other factors of concern, we will ensure we investigate appropriately and manage it accordingly,” he added.

T h e P r o t e a s we r e scheduled to play three ODIs against India from March 12 to 18. However, after the first match got washed out in Dharamsala, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to call off the two remaining ODIs in the wake of the coronavirus which has infected over 140 people in the country till now and claimed three lives.

Gianni Infantino

L O N D O N, M A R 1 8 (AGENCIES): England bowler James Anderson says he is feeling “a bit anxious” because of the impact coronavirus could have on his professional and personal life, reports BBC sports .

A possible rescheduling of the cricket season will be discussed on Thursday.

The 2020 County Championship is due to begin on 12 April, while England are set to play West Indies in a three-Test series starting on 4 June.

“Cricket and sport is not the be all and end all but it is my livelihood, it’s all I know,” Anderson, 37, said.

“There’s a chance we might not even bowl a ball this summer.”

T h e E n g l a nd a n d Wales Cricket Board has said all options are being looked at, including postponements and playing games behind closed doors.

England’s tour of Sri Lanka was called off last week, while England and Nottinghamshire batsman Alex Hales and six Surrey

T. Yanbenthung Lotha (Secretary DDLGBU)

OFFICE OF THE

AO SENDEN

H.Q: MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND Ph: 0369-2228896/ e-mail: aosenden@gmail.com Date: 18-03-2020

PRESS RELEASE

The Ao Senden had convened a meeting between the collective leaders of the NSCN (IM) including Mr. Limachuba, Mr. Meyutsuba, CAO Ao Region, Convener Ao National Workers, NSCN (IM) Kilonsers from Ao Region and Ao Senden Presidential Council was held on the 10th March 2020 at the Ao Senden office. At the meeting, both the parties discussed in detail the ongoing political talks between the GoI and NSCN /GPRN. The Ao Senden, at the meeting, reiterated the stand made by the Aos under the Ao Senden wherein the Ao Senden on 22nd August 2015 had written a letter to the Ato Kilonser NSCN/GPRN to bring an Honourable and Acceptable Solution to all. Further, after thorough deliberation, the Ao Senden has asked for the Competency List made between the NSCN GPRN and GoI to be made public. The Ao Senden further appealed all Ao citizens to cooperate with the Ao Senden and to stand firm with the stand of the Aos. Sd/ Sd/ CHUBAWATI LONGCHAR IMTIPOKYIM President Secretary

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SA cricketers to undergo self quarantine

na, two major world cup events; Archery World Cup in Shanghai and the Boxing World Cup in Germany have been cancelled owing to COVID-19 pandemic. The ISSF Shooting World Cup in New Delhi, scheduled from March 1526 has been postponed to May and June.

Listed above are some global sporting events that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic:

Beijing, March 18 (IANS): FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said that the 2021 China FIFA Club World Cup should be moved to “later in 2021, in 2022 or in 2023” as Euro 2020 Championship and the Copa America have been postponed to June/ July, 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic.

“The June/July of 2021 in a slot currently reserved for the new FIFA Club World Cup,” Infantino said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that he has called for the council conference on Wednesday, which plans to accept the postponement requests from the European and South American tournaments and later discuss when to reschedule the 2021 Club World Cup. “The world is facing an unprecedented health challenge and clearly a global and collective response is needed. Cooperation, mutual respect and understanding must be the guiding principles for all decision makers to have in mind at this crucial moment in time,” Infantino said.

He said that FIFA will

COVID-19: Anderson says he is ‘anxious’ about the virus’ impact on cricket

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DIMAPUR, MAR18 (NPN): Sports fans worldwide are in for a massive disappointment as major tournaments lined-up for the year featuring some of the biggest stars and drawing global viewership have now been cancelled, suspended or moved to a different location.

In India, the bilateral cricket series featuring the

in-form proteas and beleaguered team India who suffered a 3-0 drubbing by the Kiwis in New Zealand, had to be called off following a directive by the Sports Ministry for sport events in the country to be held behind closed doors. BCCI’s million dollar baby, the IPL has also been postponed after the directive.

While uncer tainty looms over the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup in Chi-

FIFA chief proposes postponing 2021 Club WC

DP-2112

Staff Reporter

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sports

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MARCH 19,2020

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