March 23, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 106

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

17 jawans killed in encounter with Naxals in C’garh

Athletes observe ‘Janata curfew’

China reports 1st local COVID-19 case after 3 days

national, Page 7

sports, Page 12

international, Page 9

Nationwide lockdown after ‘Janata Curfew’ 91 COVID-19 AFFECTED DISTRICTS TO BE UNDER LOCKDOWN TILL MARCH 31 and basic services continue to operate.” Delhi Police Sunday imposed Section 144 CrPC from 9 p.m., Sunday to midnight March 31.

Maharashtra, the most affected state, also imposed Section 144 of CrPC in all urban areas. “Number of cases has increased considerably. I have no option left but to apply Sec. 144 in Maharashtra,” Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Rajpath wears a deserted look during ‘Janta Curfew’, in New Delhi on Sunday. (PTI)

Spl. Correspondent/Agencies

NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (NPN): ‘Janata Curfew’ on Sunday across India was peaceful and successful.

Millions of people stayed indoors to observe “Janta Curfew” to break the chain of transmission. People stood outside their homes or in their balconies at 5 p.m. to thank the health workers at the forefront of the fight against the virus.

Prime Minister Modi said on Sunday the 14-hour ‘’Janta Curfew’’ is the beginning of a long battle against

DC Dimapur warns

DIMAPUR, MAR 22 (NPN): DC Dimapur, Anoop Kinchi has warned shopkeepers against hiking prices and those hoarding of essential commodities under Dimapur. Kinchi said those indulging in such practices would face stern action as per Essential Commodities Act.

Info for citizens outside Nagaland

DIMAPUR, MAR 22 (NPN): Health & Family Welfare department principal director Dr. Vizolie Z. Suokhrie has asked those person from Nagaland who have been stranded enroute to Nagaland or decided to stay back in their respective place of work/institute/hostel etc. to share their particulars including contact numbers and complete address to the dedicated WhatsApp Number: 8731098642.

Coronavirus global death toll tops 13k

NEW YORK, MAR 22 (AGENCIES): The number of deaths caused by the coronavirus worldwide reached at least 13,049. According to tallies reported by governments, Italy has the highest number at 4,825, followed by China with 3,255, Iran with 1,556 and Spain with 1,326.

The number of global coronavirus cases surged past 300,000 on Sunday.

coronavirus outbreak and the countrymen have proved that together they can defeat any challenge.

As India reported a surge in Covid-19 cases with three more deaths on Sunday, taking the death toll to 7, the Centre and state governments decided to lock down 91 districts across the country affected by coronavirus, officials said on Sunday. Earlier, it was decided to lockdown 80 districts however 11 more districts were added. The number of COVID-19 cases rose to 380, officials said.

Sec. 144 CrPC in Delhi, Maha: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Sunday ordered complete lockdown in the national capital from 6 a.m. of March 23 till midnight of March 31, in the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic.

Talking to media persons along with Delhi’s Lt. Governor Anil Baijal, Kejriwal said: “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Delhi will be under lockdown from Mar 23, 6 a.m. until Mar 31. Certain exceptions have been made to ensure essential items are available for purchase

Thackeray said on Sunday.

“Maharashtra has entered into a very sensitive & important phase of Coronavirus pandemic. So I urge people to take all precautions in the fight against this virus,” Thackeray said.

Section 144 has already been imposed in several parts of India as a measure to contain COVID-19, which has killed over 13,000 people worldwide.

Trains, inter-state transport suspended Earlier Sunday, the Railways announced it was suspending all passenger services until March 31 and said only goods trains will run during the period. The suspension includes all suburban train services. Trains that commenced their journey prior to 4 am on March 22 will complete their journeys, it said, adding that passengers can claim a full refund for trains cancelled during this period till June 21.

The government also suspended all inter-state bus services across the country until March 31.

The extraordinary decisions were taken by the government a day after the Railways reported three incidents-- 12 positive cases and amid an exodus of people from urban areas to their home states, raising fears of the virus spreading to the countryside.

Domestic flights will continue from IGI: Minutes after chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that no domestic or international flight will operate from the Delhi airport from Monday till March 31, a senior official of aviation regulator DGCA clarified that domestic flights will be operating as usual at the airport.

CS spells measures to combat COVID-19 Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 22 (NPN): State chief secretary Temjen Toy said that the state government had raised the issue of urgent need of testing centre for coronavirus in the state during the videoconferencing with union cabinet secretary and all state chief secretaries.

Briefing media persons in his residence-cumoffice here Sunday, Toy said the union cabinet secretary assured him that blood samples from Nagaland would get priority for test on Coronavirus at three testing centres at Imphal, Dibrugarh and Guwahati since Nagaland does not have a testing laboratory.

Toy also clarified that the government was open to constructive criticism and appealed to the people to join the government in fighting the pandemic together by following the advisories responsibly. He also urged

students, who had arrived from other parts of the country, to restrict their movements, avoid socialising and adhere to all precautionary measures.

To queries on why not a single sample was sent for testing though there were some patients referred from private nursing homes for tests, Toy explained that there were certain protocols to be followed before sending the sample. However none of these patients met the national criteria for COVID-19 test till date, he said.

Sharing details of some of the steps taken by the State government, the chief secretary said the medical department had procured ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE) and N-95 masks and placed more orders. As coronavirus-affected people faced respiratory problems and required ventilators, he said procuring high-tech ventilators was reviewed and it was

decided to go for portable ventilators, which were expected to reach the State soon. He also informed that a designated location at Chedema would soon be named ‘Corona Hospital’.

He said the government was also in touch with private and army hospitals to use their services when the need arose.

The chief secretary said village guards would be used in areas along the State’s international border to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

Admitting that the measures were not foolproof, he claimed that the State government was working closely with village councils, VECs and SHGs to spread awareness about the pandemic in the villages and encouraging the villages to have their own quarantine to take care of the initial cases.

He said orders had been issued and security forces would be deployed at all locations, primarily

check gates, to ensure that the government orders were strictly being followed.

Toy said shortage of essential commodities was not expected now and since it was not known as to how long the lockdown would continue, he urged public to be prepared.

Meanwhile, Toy expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Kohima Science College and Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung for making hand sanitizers and distributing them free of cost. Home commissioner Abhijit Sinha and additional director general of police Renchamo Kikon also attended the press conference.

Temjen Toy said that the ‘janata curfew’ was very successful although it was self-imposed. He expressed his optimism that the fight against COVID-19 will be successful , if such discipline was maintained by the people.

Nagaland govt orders total lockdown; sealing of borders Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 22 (NPN): A day after the State government ordered closure of all market places located in crowded areas, Nagaland is now going into a virtual lockdown as chief secretary Temjen Toy in a fresh notification on Sunday ordered restrictions on movement of people, closure of shops and business establishments, most government offices and sealing of borders till further orders.

In the interest of public health and safety, and with a view to contain and prevent the spread of novel coronavirus, the government, in exercise of powers conferred under sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, restricted movement by public, except those coming out of their homes for procurement and distribution of essential commodities, availing essential services, medical facilities and other basic needs.

It also ordered closure of all shops, except pharmacies, petrol pumps and grocery shops selling food grains, food items, vegeta-

Enough stock in market: DCCI, MCCI

Temjen Toy with other officials addressing the media. (NP)

bles, daily use items, other essential commodities and media offices, till further orders. Further, all commercial passenger vehicles, both public and private, like buses, taxis, autos, two wheeler taxis, etc, have been asked not to ply till further orders, though vehicles carrying inter-State transit passengers would be allowed till the midnight of March 23.

The government also ordered sealing of all InterState entry points, except for movement of essential commodities, security forces, medical equipments and supplies, and goods vehicles transiting the State till further orders. However, the drivers and attendants of the vehicles transiting the State would be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocol, it added.

All government offices, both Central and State, except district administration, police, security forces, fire & emergency services, home department, medical, postal services, NIC, NSDMA, power, PHED, Food & Civil Supplies, Finance, Treasury and Accounts, banks/ATMs, AIR, Doordarshan, would also remain closed till further orders. However, AHoDs, HoDs of offices would form a core group of officers/staff to attend to urgent and essential matters. All other Government employees should be available on call, the order specified.

The gover nment warned that any person or group of persons acting in violation of this order would be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under Section 188 of IPC.

DHD needs ventilators Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 22 (NPN): Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) issued separate statements assuring citizens that there was sufficient stock of essential commodities to last (for over 3 months in Dimapur) and therefore urged public to not resort to panic buying and crowding the market and expose oneself and others.

While appreciating the proactive and speedy decision of the state government to safeguard its citizens from Covid-19 pandemic, DCCI president Akashe Zhimomi said it will strictly implement the directives and orders issued by the state government for closure of all shops dealing with non-essential items-- like shopping malls, cinema halls, marketing complexes etc.

DIMAPUR, MAR 22 (NPN): Of eight North Eastern States, barring Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the remaining four have blood testing centres for COVID19, a virus that has been declared pandemic by the World Health Organisation.

The four states that have testing centres: NEIGRIHMS (in Meghalaya); JN Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital and Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal (both in Manipur); Government Medical College, (Tripura); Gauhati Medical College, Regional Medical Research Centre, Dibrugarh, Silchar Medical College and Jorhat Medical College, Assam (all in Assam).

Though the state government has issued a series of advisories against Coronavirus, there is much left to be desired with regard to (Cont’d on p-8) the primary need of a testing

laboratory for COVID-19 including proper quarantine facilities. So far there is no information whether the government of Nagaland has made any demand for a testing laboratory which has become a dire need.

Of all other districts within Nagaland, Dimapur is considered most vulnerable as it is not only the main gateway and commercial hub but also a major transit point for thousands of people travelling either by air, rail or road etc. The District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) has only ten beds in the isolation ward that could be inadequate in case using it as a quarantine ward for people testing positive for COVID-19.

A team of medical doctors and staff led by Dr. Kevichusa Medikhru, NHM mission director held a meeting Sunday with doctors and DHD chief medical officer on strategies to combat Coronavirus in Dimapur district.

(Cont’d on p-8)

‘Janata Curfew’ successful in Nagaland; few churches hold services

This is it!

(L-R) A deserted look of the busy NL road in Dimapur, Old NLA hostel Jn. in Kohima & Kiphire during the ‘Janata Curfew’ and the gate of Mokokchung Town Baptist Church remains closed on Sunday. (NP)

Staff Reporter/Correspondents

“Why is the daily market closed and not ration shops? I don’t see it as combating coronavirus.”

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D I M A P U R / KO H I M A / MOKOKCHUNG, MAR 22 (NPN): The ‘Janata Curfew’ elicited near-total response in Nagaland when most stated indoord though a few churches continued to conduct Sunday worship with thin attendance.

People stayed indoors during the duration of the curfew between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In Dimapur, a good number of people attended church services while restaurants and pharmacies, remained closed and traffic was almost nil. Modi had on March 19 urged all citizens to voluntarily remain indoors on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. as part of a measure to prevent spread of COVID-19 from progressing to the potentially dangerous stage 3.

When contacted, several church leaders confirmed that the

morning devotional service went on as usual but with a moderate turnout. It was learnt that most churches followed precautionary measures like sanitizing the church before the morning service began, providing hand washing facilities, hand sanitizers and face masks to the congregation.

Most church leaders informed Nagaland Post that they had discouraged the elderly people, mostly those above 70 years,

and those who had recent travel history outside Nagaland and students who had come to the community recently after the outbreak of COVID-19 from attending the services, and instead advised them to stay at home and follow the precautionary measures.

Interestingly, despite pharmacies and health services being kept out of the purview of “janata curfew”, most pharmacies across Dimapur town chose to

down shutters.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s call to laud the hard works of medical professionals/ health workers, sanitation staff, airline crews, delivery persons and media personnel, many came out to their balconies/terraces/ windows and clapped hands, beating plates or ringing bells, while in some areas there were people who played gospel music.

In Kohima, citizens chose

to remain indoors throughout the day. Churches reported thin attendance, while some churches conducted the service before 7 a.m.

There were also some churches who chose to go digital by streaming live to their members. Citizens of Kohima also came together and clapped hands amid the “janta curfew” to honour those in the public services working silently to control the pandemic.

(Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C

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Plea for up-gradation of Kezo town to urban station

DC Kohima and vice chairman DPDB, Gregory Thejawelie along with officials at the meeting. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Monthly meeting of Kohima district planning and development board was held on March 16 at the DPDB conference hall, chaired by Gregory Thejawelie, DC Kohima and vice chairman, DPDB Kohima.

According to DIPR report, house deliberated on pressing matters related to the ongoing pandemic COVID-19 and the steps undertaken to prevent the spread of the virus in the

state capital.

EAC Kezocha presented an application requesting the up-gradation of Kezo town under Kezocha Basa to the status of an urban station. He also gave a brief presentation on the need for the up-gradation and provided with proper data and statistics which proved the eligibility of Kezo town to be considered for up-gradation.

Department of PHED gave a detailed powerpoint presentation of the various

PTMA condemns Mar 12 incident DIMAPUR: Pfutsero Town Mothers’ Association (PTMA) has vehemently condemned the March 12 incident where it alleged that one Vibi Mero, LDA, assaulted EAC Sakraba, Abeinuo Jasmine.

In a condemnation note, PTMA president, Zhonelii Tunyi and general secretary, Sarhu Letro said the association learnt that Mero was indulging in “deducting” certain amount from BLOs remuneration.

However, when the EAC intervened, PTMA said Vibi allegedly assaulted the officer.

PTMA described Abeinuo as a “dedicated and respectable lady officer” and expressed deep pain that she was threatened and assaulted by a male staff.

Further, PTMA has urged the concerned authority to award befitting punishment for the crime committed.

developmental projects undertaken by the department under Kohima district. Presentation was followed up by a healthy discussion on what more could be done and how different departments can contribute to help the PHED department in solving the problem of water scarcity, as well as the nuisance of pipelines which have become the main culprit responsible for clogged drains and also the DIMAPUR: National destruction of new metalled seminar to address issues on gender and their realroads. ization in real time and space was organised by English department of Fazl Ali College (FAC) on March 12 at the college conference hall.

A press release by the college stated that, keycomplained about us – that we are carrying note speaker, former head the virus because we look like Chinese,” of department (English) she said.

FAC, Dr. Watimongla The owner tried to reason with the Pongener, spoke on the police but they would not listen. “We told challenges that gender attithem we are from Nagaland in India,” she tudes pose in all societies. said. The police then allegedly summoned an ambulance, which ferried them to a She remarked, “Gender sports club that has been turned into quar- is everywhere whereas antine centre by the Ahmedabad Municipal equality is not”.

At the seminar, 25 Corporation. Their temperatures were papers were presented taken, which, according to her, turned out to be within the normal range. No blood from researchers around samples or swabs were taken for further the country. Some presented critiques of auxiltesting, she added.

As a video posted on social media iary powers, ethical equity, went viral, the victims got solidarity calls representation of women, issues of identity and tranfrom people belonging to the North East.

On Saturday evening, Ahmedabad scending stereotypes from police commissioner, accompanied by their readings of select senior officers, arrived at the hospital. The novels, some presenters Naga youths were finally let go at around from Nagaland focused midnight, she said. Ahmedabad police on Naga women in church commissioner Ashish Bhatia confirmed administration and tradithe incident, but played it down. “Nothing tional political institutions went wrong,” he said. “It was very simple, as well as impediments in they were not subjected to anything, only empowering women.

Papers were also prechecking and all was done.”

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020

RRC of YMC organises awareness programme

RRC members of YMC with resource person and nodal officer.

DIMAPUR: Red Ribbon Club (RRC) of Yemhi Memorial College (YMC) organised an awareness programme under the theme “be happy, be brave, be drug free” on March 16 at the college conference hall with B. Rai, assistant professor, department of English as the resource person.

A press release from RRC stated that, while delivering a message under the theme, the resource person laid emphasis on mental health, associating positive and negative aspects for contentment. She stressed on the value of relationships and encouraged the students to be grateful and thankful in

all the circumstances and to cultivate habits, as well as learning to be generous and quick to forgive.

On the concept of “brave”, B. Rai stressed on the importance of positively looking at oneself as victor, while dealing with fear and to have the knack of accepting and admitting mistakes.

Further, she added that the development of positive and negative aspects to negative situations for contentment leads to mental well being.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Hanluchi, BA 4th semester, invocation was pronounced by Toshika, president EU, welcome ad-

dress by Kinivi K Awomi and vote of thanks was delivered by Chimkiumong B, BA 4th semester. Drama on drug abuse and HIV was performed by Senchumlo Shitio and friends, and special number by Kavitoli Swu, BA 6th semester.

S Kossam Konyak, nodal officer, RRC distributed prizes to the winners of poetry and song writing competition. Orenvungo Bendang, BA 6th semester and T. Bechung Khamba, BA 2nd semester were first and second runners up of poetry competition, Chubasashi Aier, BA 4th semester was the winner of song writing competition.

National seminar on gender equality at FAC

Covid-19: Naga youths forced to spend 24 hrs in Gujarat quarantine AHMEDABAD, MAR 22 (AGENCIES): Cathy, from Nagaland has been living in Ahmedabad since 2017, working as an executive at a dental insurance company’s call centre, a scroll.in report stated.

March 20, she, along with eight of her colleagues, all from Nagaland, had to spend the night in a government quarantine facility meant for suspected patients of the coronavirus disease.

There were six women and three men in the group. None of them ticked any of the boxes that qualifies people to be treated as a suspect case. They had no physical symptoms of the disease, no foreign travel history, no apparent contact with any laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 patient.

The only reason for their plight seems to be their features, which ostensibly made someone complain to the Ahmedabad police that they could be infected by the novel coronavirus that has killed thousands worldwide. The virus is reported to have originated in China.

According to Cathy, it all began at around 7 pm on Friday when the police landed up in their office. “They told the owner of the company that some public had

Participants and presenters during the national seminar held at FAC Mokokchung.

sented on semiotic analysis and cultural grammar of gender relations and representations.

Renthungo Odyuo of B.A 6th semester read out a poem titled “How Long?” dedicated to all the ladies in the house.

The moderators of the three technical sessions were associate professor, FAC (Philosophy), Tiarenla, assistant pro-

fessor (Political Science) Zunheboto Government College, Lipokrenla and assistant professor (Philosophy) FAC, KevezaiTureng.

The rapporteurs were assistant professor (Philosophy), Dr. Bendanginla, assistant professor (Economics, Dr. L. Imlinichet Imchen and assistant professor (Functional English), Dr. ZiuziuIheilung.

The valedictory programme was chaired by assistant professor (Education), Dr. Temjennaro and the seminar was rounded off with participant’s feedback by research scholar (Political Science) N.U, Lumami, Moameren Pongen and vote of thanks by secretary, organising committee and assistant professor, (English), Bendangsenla.

New health subcentre inaugurated at Pellhang village DIMAPUR: Chief medical officer (CMO) Peren, Dr. Dennis Hangsing inaugurated a new health sub-centre at Pellhang village under Ahthibung block on March 20, wherein dedicatory prayer was led by Rev. Janglam Singson.

According to DIPR report, CMO Peren mentioned that the health centre at Pellhang village was the 18th subcentre under Peren district. In his short speech, he appealed to the village health authority and the community to take ownership of the new health sub-centre provided. He further urged them to extend full support to the nurse and staff and also avail the services offered by the Medical department.

The inaugural function was also attended by DTO cum DCMO, Dr. Supongmenla, DPM Peren, Elizabeth, ANM Pellhang S.C, Rongdiliu, GB & Village Council of Pellhang village and villagers.

Programme was chaired by VHC Pellhang chairman, Khupseh and vote of thanks was proposed by head GB Pellhang, Seikhohao.

Assam rifles conduct various activities across Nagaland DIMAPUR: Assam Rifles have been conducting various activities across the state for the benefit of the general public in different places.

Jalukie Battalion: Assam Rifles organised “education awareness drive” for students at St Xavier College, Jalukie on March 3. The lecture was aimed at promoting awareness about the importance of education and employment avenues in security forces. According to PRO, the lecture also emphasized on the roles educated youth can play towards shaping a bright future for Nagaland. 225 students from St Xavier Higher Secondary School attended the lecture. Meanwhile, the battalion conducted a tree plantation drive under the theme “nature and nurture” from March 1 to 3 at Huenambe village. The drive was conducted along the road connecting Huenambe and Dzulake village. 45 students, 25 residents along with troops participated in the drive. The youths and villagers were briefed about the importance of afforestation and merits of the same.

A total of 127 students and 114 villagers participated during the drive. Troops of Jalukie Battalion welcomed the three-day Mai Kangia festival by partaking in the celebrations along with the Heraka community at Tening on March 14.

Tuensang Battalion: Assam Rifles conducted an interaction with GBs/chairman and ex-servicemen in Tuensang March 3. The K Y M C

interaction was aimed at inquiring about the problems and grievances faced by them and to spread awareness about the ongoing online registration for army recruitment rally to be held in April. A free medical camp was also organised.

22 village functionaries, 60 ex-servicemen, 36 widows of ex-servicemen and 12 dependents from neighbouring villages of Tuensang town participated in the interaction. Tuensang Battalion organised “pray for peace” programme with religious teachers and church representatives at Wangti on February 29 with an aim to encourage peace and harmony in the region. In an informal interaction that followed, initiatives of Assam Rifles towards youth and women empowerment and various upcoming infrastructure development to be taken up under military civic action projects for the region was informed. 34 religious teachers and women representatives attended the programme.

On receiving an information regarding a fire incident at Chenloisho village on March 14, Tuensang Battalion activated a QRT comprising 22 personnel from Chenliosho COB and assisted in preventing the fire from spreading to the adjacent houses. Necessary first aid was also provided to Noklem Konyak whose house was razed.

Wokha Battalion: Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) con-

structed a footpath of 282 x 4 mtrs spread and handed it over to the residents of Longsa village, Wokha on March 3 in the presence of village council members, GBs and others. According to PRO, the beaten track was a major concern, especially during the onset of monsoon as residents fetch basic amenities besides being connected to the village cemetery. The initiative of the army and Assam Rifles was appreciated.

Meanwhile, the battalion also conducted cleanliness drive at Wokha football ground on March 4 under “swachh bharat abhiyan”.

The cleanliness drive was undertaken by the troops to propagate the message of keeping surroundings litter free for the purpose of keeping the town clean and to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wokha Battalion also conducted a medical camp at Pongitong, Wokha on March 14. A specially constituted medical team comprising two medical officers and five paramedical staff of the unit treated 123 patients. Free medicines were provided to the ailing. Meanwhile, an awareness lecture on COVID-19 was delivered laying emphasis on the necessary precautions to be taken to keep from contacting the virus. Battalion also conducted a medical camp at Mekukla village on March 13, wherein 104 patients were examined and treated.

Chieswema Battalion: Assam Rifles organised a

basic yoga session for students of various schools at Pfutsero ground on March 3. The yoga session was followed by a lecture which gave an insight on various lifestyle diseases, a need to practice healthy food habits and to include physical activities. Awareness on health education and precautions from common viral diseases was also imparted. 130 students participated in the event. Chieswema Battalion of Assam Rifles has been conducting pre-recruitment training camp for youth of Kohima and Phek districts since February 1. As part of the training capsule, candidates are being tested for physicals, theory classes and mock written exam. On March 13, test was conducted at IG Stadium, Kohima so as to make trainees accustomed about the actual recruitment procedures and tests. Chieswema Battalion also conducted a lecturecum-cleanliness drive at Zeizou village on March 11. Emphasis was laid on the ill-effects of alcohol and tobacco consumption. Postlecture troops and residents jointly participated in planting saplings and mass cleaning of selected places. 55 individuals to village functionaries and 36 students participated in the event.

Chieswema Battalion also conducted medical camp at Lekromi village, Phek, on March 20, to provide basic medicines and basic diagnosis to residents from all walks. A total of 357 patients attended the medical

camp. Medical officer also imparted awareness about various lifestyle diseases and precautions to be taken to prevent COVID-19.

Zunheboto Battalion: Zunheboto Battalion organised an “afforestation drive” as a part of clean and green Nagaland at Akuluto town, Zunheboto on March 5. According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), the event was conducted by troops of Assam Rifles and was witnessed by villagers of Akuluto town. The programme commenced with an informative lecture on clean and green Nagaland.

Zunheboto Battalion also conducted motivational lecture on “Join Indian Armed Forces” at Government Higher Secondary School Chare, Tuensang on March 4. Awareness amongst students about the eligibility criteria, various types of entry schemes, pay and emoluments, training and various career opportunities available in the Indian Armed Force were given. 60 students attended the lecture. Zunheboto Battalion conducted an interaction with GBs at Longkhim village, Tuensang on March 14. The interaction emphasised on the need for mutual cooperation between Assam Rifles and residents for peace and harmony in the region. Eight GBs participated in the interaction.

Zunheboto Battalion conducted an awareness lecture on “Drug Free Nagaland” at Chendang Saddle village, Tuensang district on March

11. Altogether, 26 residents to include village functionaries and pastor attended the lecture. Zunheboto Battalion further conducted registration-cum-screening test for candidates for Army recruitment rally 2020.117 candidates registered online and 57 candidates were screened for pre-recruitment training recruitment training at battalion headquarters.

Medziphema Battalion: Medziphema Battalion constructed a community hall for Nikhekhu village and handed over to the residents of Nikhekhu village on March 6. This goodwill project is an endeavour to upgrade the infrastructure for the locals. Medziphema Battalion also constructed a community hall for Nikhekhu village, and handed over to residents of Nikhekhu village on March 6.

Shamator Battalion: Shamator Battalion undertook distribution of solar lights at Yimchunguru village. Solar street lamps were installed at public places in the village. Locals and GBs of the Noklak and Shamator sub division appreciated the effort of Assam Rifles.

Solar street lamps were installed at public places in the Village.

Mokokchung Battalion: Mokokchung Battalion installed five solar street lights at Bhumnyu, Longleng on March 15. Mokokchung Battalion also flagged off a four-day cycle expedition on March 16 with an aim to spread the message of “Ek Bharat Shrestha

Bharat”. The cycle expedition also aims to spread awareness about wild life conservation, drug abuse and trafficking, HIV and AIDS, fit India movement, swachh bharat abhiyan and avoid single use plastics. The expedition team comprised of 20 cyclists including volunteers from Mokokchung and Zunheboto districts and will cover a distance of 215 Kms from Mokokchung to Kaziranga.

Tizit Battalion: Tizit Battalion conducted a veterinary camp on March 8-9 at Government Primary School, Namasa and Tizit, to provide medical assistance and treatment to livestock of the needy people residing in remote areas.

Counselling and measures for prevention of livestock diseases was disseminated to the locals. Awareness tips on care of their domestic animals, summer care and guidance on breeding of domestic animals to augment income was also imparted.

Mon Battalion: Mon Battalion conducted a veterinary camp on March 11 and March 12 at Tangnyu and Lungwa villages, Mon. The veterinary camp was executed by a team from 14 mobile veterinary hospital and medical staff, to provide basic medical treatment and medicines for livestock in far flung villages of Mon district. Veterinary medicines were distributed free of cost and awareness on hygiene and sanitation of livestock imparted to 280 owners.

Phek Battalion: Phek Battalion conducted a breast cancer screening camp at battalion headquarters on March 15. The screening camp was organised in coordination with Phek district Health department and Umang Foundation. Medical team from Umang Foundation also educated residents about necessary measures to be taken to reduce the risk of breast cancer. 43 women participated in the screening camp. In a similar programme, Phek Battalion conducted a pre-recruitment screening test at battalion headquarter on March 14, to select candidates who will be assisted with training for the army recruitment rally scheduled to be held from April 1 to 4.

Youths from Phek, Meluri, Pokhungri, Kiphre and Reguri villages attended the screening test wherein predocumentation and medical checkup was carried out to create awareness about the documents and medical standards. Battalion also conducted a free medical and check up camp at Losami, Phek on March 16, to provide free medical consultation and treatment to the local populace of Losami village, devoid of requisite medical facilities. Earlier, the medical team visited houses of elderly who were too weak to attend the medical camp. Basic knowledge on epidemic diseases including precautions was also imparted. 42 males, 32 females and 39 children benefitted from the camp.

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State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020

COVID-19: State responds to combat virus spread cipal director, Dr. Vizolie Suokhrie, reiterated that every individual entering the state should contact COVID-19 helpline no: 7005435243, 9856071745, 7005539653 and toll free no: 1070 or Email: nlssu. idsp@nic.in and mandatorily self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. He also informed that intensive care units (ICUs) and isolation wards have been set up in all the District Hospitals and all the medical surgeons (MSs) have been directed to prepare for expansion of isolation wards in their respective hospitals if and when required. Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) OSD, Jonny Rongmei, informed that awareness information and advisories on COVID19 have been prepared in various local languages to be dispatched to all the districts of the state. Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission would act as a network channel through the self help groups (SHGs) to disseminate the information to all the villages in the state.

SAG listed few other advisories and stringent measures to be adopted which the home commissioner would notify after the approval of higher authority.

DC Mon: Deputy commissioner Mon, Thavaseelan K informed that in view of the outbreak of COVID-19 and in order to prevent and contain its spread in the district, the entry of all visitors in the office of DC Mon except on urgent official works is restricted/barred till further orders. Citizens of Mon district are requested to celebrate Aoleang festival at their own homes and not through mass gathering. DC also issued some

precautionary measures required to be taken by all the employees and offices/ banks: Mandatory placing of hand sanitizers or provision for hand washing with soap & water at the entry of government building and ATMs; Discourage entry of visitors in the office complex as much as possible; Meeting as far as possible should be done through video conferencing, minimize or reschedule meetings involving large number of peoples unless necessary; Avoid non-essential official travel; Undertake essential correspondence on office email and work sending files and documents to other offices as much as practicable; Facilitate delivery and receipt of dak at the entry point itself of the office building as far possible; Ensure proper cleaning and frequent sanitization of work places as well as ATMs; Ensure regular supply of hand sanitizer, soap and running water in the wash room; All officials may be adviced to take care of their own health and look out for respiratory symptoms/fever and, if feeling unwell, should leave the work place immediately after informing their reporting officers. They should observe home-quarantine as per the guidelines issued by MoH&FW India at the following URL:mohfw. gov.in/DraftGuidlinesforhomeguarantine.pdf; The leave sanctioning authorities are advised to sanction leave whenever any request is made for self quarantine as a precautionary measure; Advise all employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant women and employees who have underlying medical conditions, to take extra precautions. The department may

take care not to expose such employees to any frontline work requiring direct contact with the public; All offices to stop the use of biometric devices.

Following guidelines are issued in the interest of the students: All schools to strictly follow the order issued by Home Department in regard to closure of schools; All schools are advised to keep their school office open so as to enable dissemination of necessary information to the students from time to time; All teachers of the schools (both government and private) should be in their respective places of work and shall be engaged in awareness activities on COVID-19 in their respective localities. Further the teachers hailing from other states are directed not to travel out of the district; While conducting the scheduled examination (CBSE/ ICSE), seating arrangement should be made arrangement should be made ensuring physical distance of one meter among students; During the closure of schools, usage of e-learning by students & teachers should be encouraged (using online apps/ tutorials, discussion/learning through effective use of social media like whatsapp, etc.); Teachers should make lesson plans and prepare strategies to manage their classes during this period so that they can efficiently manage their classes when the school re-open; Students are advised to keep up their reading habits and read their textbooks; Parents/guardians are advised to keep their ward(s) within the safe environment of their houses by avoiding large gathering and public places; Students should also be taught on proper personal hygiene

and social hygiene like hand washing etc. by parents/ guardians; All home tuitions stand suspended in the district till further orders.

Bhandari: Block task force Bhandari sub-division held a coordination meeting at the office of the additional deputy commissioner, Bhandari on March 20. Assessing on local preparedness, Dr. Riku Khutso, EAC, who chaired the meeting sought for a pro-active role from all departments and civil societies concerned to ensure prevention and controlling spread of COVID19, stating that Bhandari sub-division lies in a state border area having a major highway passing through it.

He also reiterated that public health and safety was the first and foremost concern when every community stands vulnerable to the global pandemic situation.

Appraising on basic preventive measures to be followed, Dr. Lawrence Lotha, MO I/C CHC, advised that in the absence of prescribed vaccine and medication as of today, prevention through personal and social cleanliness and hygiene, using mask, hand gloves, tissues, washing hands with soap, dettol or hand sanitizers will be helpful besides maintaining social distance for a time period. He also informed that once thermal screening facility was installed, screening will take place for travellers entering Bhandari from outside, with doctors and medical team’s supervision. He further informed that CHC Bhandari has converted a room within the hospital vicinity into an isolation ward for observation and has also designated another room under the 7th NAP Bhandari hospital in case the need arises.

ROB organises photo exhibition

DIMAPUR: Regional outreach bureau (ROB) under the ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Kohima organized a photo exhibition on Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat at Little Flower Higher Secondary School Kohima on March 13.

A press release from ROB stated that, while speaking as special guest, Vetanule Demo, officer on special duty and liaison officer, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (Nagaland chapter), OSD and liaison officer, Vetanule Demo along with department of Higher Edu- others during the photo exhibition. cation said, that the prime minister noted the idea of tative meeting held with a sustained and structured Nagaland state officials on nagalandpost.com Poll cultural connect between November 9 deliberated on Q . : Sh o u l d t h e To k yo citizens of different regions the proposed action plan Olympics be postponed of the country, so that a and finalisation for joint imtill 2021 in view of common spirit of under- plementation. Subsequently coronovirus? standing resonate through- a wide range of mutual out the country. engagements were organised 100% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In 2016 when EK by the department of Art 90% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Bharat Shreshth Bharat and Culture with exchange 80% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– was launched, Demo said of cultural troupes.

70% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– that the paired states entered Demo further said that 60% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 50% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– into a series of exchange Madhya Pradesh cultural 40% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– programmes to learn each troupes also participated at 30% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– other’s language, literature, Hornbill festival and Na20% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– cuisines, festivals, cultural galand cultural troupe par10% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– events, tourism and all other ticipated at Lokrang festival 0% desired activities. She in- held at Bhopal in 2018.

A B C formed that a joint consul- Department of Tourism,

A B C

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

67%

0% 33%

Next poll

Q: Will the preventive

measures undertaken by the Centre stop coronavirus?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

Nagaland also organized a cultural exchange and showcasing indigenous cuisines tour, while Nagaland team participated in a promotional event organised by India Tourism at Bhopal in 2018.

In connection with the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat mission, Nagaland state department of Industries and Commerce, organised exhibition of handloom and handicraft, while the department of Higher and Technical Education, organised teachers and students exchange programmes.

Demo also expressed hope that the photo exhibition will fulfill the objective of the mission towards creating a unified and harmonious India. Winners of the drawing competition under the theme “unity in diversity of India” were also facilitated on the occasion. The two-day photo exhibition is showcasing the cultural, traditions, arts, monuments and cuisines of Madhya Pradesh, which is the partner state of Nagaland in the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat mission.

District level public hearing under MGNREGA in Zunheboto

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Participants with DRDA officials and EAC Zunheboto.

Agartala A t-storm around in the a.m.

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An afternoon t-storm or two

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DIMAPUR: District level public hearing under MGNREGA was held at the DC conference hall, Zunheboto under the chairmanship of project director, DRDA, Zunheboto, Inavi Chishi on March 13.

A press release from DRDA Zunheboto stated that, public hearing was conducted for three blocks. In-

Imphal

A stray morning t-storm; hazy 27 11

Itanagar A t-storm around in the p.m.

26 16

Shillong

Rather cloudy with showers

17 8

Kohima

Some sun, a t-shower; cool

18 10

Dimapur An afternoon thunderstorm

26 15

Mkg

A p.m. t-storm in spots

Tuensang A stray afternoon shower

19 11 12 7

A thunderstorm in spots

20 15

Zunheboto A thunderstorm in spots

16 9

Wokha

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spective masjids. A press release from MCD working president, Ahidur Rahman stated that, this has been necessitated until such a time when the effect of the COVID-19 subsides. It however stated that, only the imam and masjid staff may be allowed to perform the mandatory namaz in the masjid.

ANTA Wokha: All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) Wokha in view of government order and as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of Coronavirus has informed that, Wokha taxi service will not be available from March 23 till further notice. A press release from ANTA Wokha president, Hayithung Odyuo stated that, the Association will not be held responsible if any members violate the orders. It also stated that, anybody with signs & symptoms of influenza, cough, fever or difficulty in breathing or with query may contact district COVID-19 helpline numbers at 7005638276/986 2258207/9436829001.

CGYD: Chümoukedima Gorkha Youth Dimapur (CGYD) members formulated its own hand sanitizer and distributed it among the senior Gorkha citizens of Chümoukedima town on March 21.

A press release by CGYD informed that three of its members, who are chemistry students, formulated the hand sanitizer in response to shortage of hand sanitizers in the market.

NCD general meeting postponed: Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has informed that the NCD councillors’ annual general meeting scheduled to be held on March 24 has been postponed till further notice.

NATIONALIST DEMOCRATIC PROGRESSIVE PARTY Facta non Verba

ADVISORY In view of the recent global pandemic COVID-19, the NDPP Central HQ is issuing this advisory to all Regions, Assembly Constituency units and party women and men.

1) In view of the Governments notification asking citizens to abstain from public gatherings, all Party meetings unless of utmost urgent matter may be avoided.

2) The Central HQ will continue operating with only the necessary office staff. However, all other members are requested to avoid visiting the office unless it is very necessary.

Members visiting the office are advised to wear masks and first wash their hands in the rest rooms before coming in contact with others. Hand sanitizers are to be used round the clock and members are advised to carry your own sanitizers.

3) All Region offices are advised to avoid mass gatherings and minimize people to people contact and maintain social distancing. Important matters can be relayed to the Central HQ and other members via E-mail, SMS, WhatsApp or telephonically.

4) All members may keep updating themselves on the government notifications along with the dos and don’ts that are being issued. As members of a political party, it is also our responsibility to spread awareness amongst the masses through social media and other electronic mediums, avoiding person to person contact as far as possible.

5) Members are advised to stay at home and refrain from venturing outside unless it is very necessary. The way to contain this pandemic is through self-isolation and social distancing. All members of the Party are advised to extend all possible cooperation to the various government and non-government agencies that are battling the pandemic on the front lines wherever necessary. Members are to keep in mind that the most crucial cooperation is to adhere to the official advisories.

7) The State Government is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to combat the pandemic and the need of the hour is for all sections to extend cooperation and support. Let us use this extraordinary situation to make efforts to unite our people under a common agenda of teamwork irrespective of any background. Every citizen is a Member or Team Nagaland.

March 23

Guwahati A morning t-storm in the area 28 16

in rooms, and in hearts, for God who sees in secret will reward abundantly.

CBCMHK also stated that pastors and church leaders have not closed the church door to members or anyone seeking God, as the church is not the building but its members who were the body of Christ. CBCMHK also hopes that every individual member gives proper attention to implicitly strengthen in personal relationship with God. HSS Dimapur: Hindu Sewa Samiti (HSS) Dimapur has also requested a ban of all public gatherings and functions as a precautionary measure and to cancel all the religious functions including aarati etc to avoid mass gathering. A press release from HSS Dimapur president, Gopal Sharma also advised that: All the temples & Hindu prayer centres are also requested to do the symbolic puja by the priests only; Allow the glimpses of the idols from outside the temple, one by one in the least possible time & do not allow two persons to gather at a time; Sanitizers & soap wash may be used wherever necessary. HSS requested all community members in particular to follow all the advisories of the central & state governments.

HSS along with Ganesh Sharma, supdt of DMC also visited the medical team set up at different places of Dimapur town, like Railway Station, Nagaland Gate, Khatkati Gate, Dilai Gate and Borlengri for testing Coronavirus.

MCD: Muslim Council Dimapur (MCD) held an emergency meeting on March 21 and has appealed all responsible leaders to stop mass based prayers and other activities in re-

6) As this pandemic is spreading all over the World, let us be responsible citizens and adhere to the guidelines that are being issued to contain this virus. Members are to ensure that false propaganda, unauthenticated information and fake news are not circulated in any manner. The situation needs every citizen to be alert and aware and not panic.

WEATHER FORECAST

Aizawl

It was decided that the Police department will strictly monitor movements of tourists and foreigners and to restrict their entry.

GBs, church and colony leaders were also given directive to create awareness and disseminate proper information in regard to taking safety measures against COVID-19. Shops and business establishments were notified to use mask and install hand sanitizers for customers and were also cautioned against selling preventive and protective materials such as hand sanitizers, masks and hand gloves at exorbitant price which may lead to attracting penalty.

Lotha Hoho Bhandari, Eloe Hoho Bhandari, line departments, SBI Bhandari and churches were asked to install hand washing facilities at different feasible locations for general safety. Medical, Police, Education and IPR departments and the frontal organizations including the students’ union, churches and the business community attended the meeting as block task force members.

CBCMHK: Chakhesang Baptist Minister’s Hill Church, Kohima (CBCMHK) has encouraged its members to take this opportunity to rekindle faith in the Lord, impart family values and important matters of hygiene. A press release from the CBCMHK pastoral staff, media and publicity committee informed that, as responsible parent or guardian, one must cater to the needs of the youngsters and more vulnerable children, by upholding or organising family altar to strengthen and sustain members of Christ’s body. Members were called upon to enter into the secret sphere of sacred worship at home,

troduction was given by Imlirenla Sanglir, state resource person, SAU Nagaland. She briefly highlighted on the MGNREGA programme and the importance on the conduct of social audit under the programme to bring about transparency and accountability in the implementation. EAC Zunheboto N. Orenthung who was

deputed as an observer reiterated on the VDBs to maintain proper records so that the developmental works under the central schemes would not be hampered.

Resource person presented the social audit reports and accordingly resolutions were brought out for effective implementation of the programme.

Let us also continue to seek God’s mercy, grace and protection and uphold in our prayers all the medical workers and others who are tirelessly working by putting themselves in danger.

Follow us on:

https://www.facebook.com/NDPPofficial https://twitter.com/ndppofficial https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9j1UTiMoE-S7xpbXU4c7ww

DC-349

DIMAPUR: As the nation and the world struggles to contain further spread of COVID-19, Nagaland government and its agencies are seen taking all preventive measures to keep the virus away from the state. In last few days, several directives, precautionary measures and information have been disseminated to create awareness so as to prevent possible outbreak.

Public transport, places to be disinfected: Deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi has directed the owners of all public and private carriers which includes buses, taxis, autorickshaw, two wheelers etc in the district to regularly disinfect and clean the seats, door handles, railings, surfaces etc. DC has further directed all municipal councils, town councils and urban stations to regularly clean and disinfect all public places.

Biometric exercise suspended: Deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi has directed all enrollment activity where biometric records of the fingers are being taken under Aadhaar Enrollment Agency to be temporarily suspended as precautionary measure in view of COVID19 outbreak.

SAG on COVID-19: A review meeting of the special action group (SAG) on COVID-19 was held under the chairmanship of home commissioner, Abhijit Sinha, at his office chambers on Saturday. According to an official bulletin, the meeting discussed various preparatory measures and steps taken by the state government to contain the spread of the virus.

The Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) prin-

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northeast

4

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020

Janata Curfew: complete shutdown in Northeast

NORTHEAST, MAR 22 (PTI): With the rest of the country, the whole of Northeast went into a virtual lockdown to observe ‘ Janata Curfew’ announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

People stayed indoors in Assam

The Assam Police thanked people for making the “Janata Curfew” a “huge success”, and urged them to remain indoors for a few hours more - till 8 AM on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to remain indoors during the ‘Janata Curfew’ between 7 AM and 9 PM on Sunday to check the spread of novel coronavirus.

“We request you to stay indoors till 8 am tomorrow.

Pls don’t move out, until extremely necessary. Let’s do this in the interest of public health & safety,” Assam Police said in its official twitter handle.

“We thank the people of Assam for making the #JantaCurfew a huge success, it’s but a start in our fight against #CoronaVirus,” it said.

Assam wore a deserted look on Sunday with markets shut and vehicles off the roads as people stayed indoors in response to Modi’s “Janata Curfew” call.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also thanked people and asked them not to come out of their homes to make the exercise a 100 per cent success.

“Glad to see peoples’ spontaneous support across Assam to the call of #JantaCurfew to prevent spread of #COVID19. Together let’s fight against this pandemic,” Sonowal said in a tweet.

In an earlier tweet, he

had said he will stay at home joining the “Janta Curfew”, and warned people that the coronavirus chain would not break even if a few ventures out.

The 14-hour voluntary curfew began at 7 AM, but most of the people did not come out since Saturday night.

The prime minister’s appeal of the voluntary self- quarantine exempted essential services, but several pharmacies too pulled down their shutters in the state.

In Guwahati, people stayed indoors and all markets and commercial establishments were shut.

The districts also witnessed a similar picture with empty national highways and closed markets as people largely remained inside their homes.

A few two-wheelers and private cars were seen on the roads in the morning, primarily out to collect essential items such as milk and bread.

The state breathed a sigh of relief with the second test of the sample of a four-and-a-half-year-old girl turning out to be negative, hours after she tested positive.

Over 1.72 lakh people were screened across Assam till March 21 in wake of the pandemic, the Health and Family Welfare Department said.

In its daily bulletin, the department said that 26,094 passengers were screened at the six airports in the state.

While 7,181 travellers were screened at the three land ports -- Darranga (Baksa), Mankachar (South Salmara) and Sutarkandi (Karimganj), 1,38,919 people were screened at other places such as rail stations

2nd test of Assam girl for COVID19 turns out negative: Himanta Guwahati, Mar 22 (PTI): The second test of a four-and-a-half-year-old girl in Assam, who had initially tested positive for coronavirus, has turned out to be negative, state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday.

“The 4-year-old child who was suspected of #covid19 and tested in Jorhat Medical College and RMRC, Dibrugarh has been found NEGATIVE. There is no Covid19 positive case in Assam so far,” Sarma tweeted, attaching a copy of the report.

Jorhat Deputy Commissioner Roshni Aparanji Korati had on Saturday night said that the results of the initial test done at the Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (JMCH) laboratory were positive.

“We have sent the sample to ICMR-RMRC laboratory at Lahowal

in Dibrugarh district for a re-check. The result is expected tomorrow afternoon,” she had said.

Korati had also informed that the girl’s family was from the Pulibor area in the district and they had recently travelled from Bihar in a train to Mariani in Jorhat.

“The girl, her sister and her mother came to Jorhat on March 19.

Health workers visited the family on March 20 and brought them to JMCH as the girl exhibited symptoms,” she had said.

Korati said the authority had started tracing all those who came in contact of the girl, whose family has no history of foreign travel.

“Everybody is being placed under home isolation, including the health workers visiting them. The family has been shifted to the JMCH isolation ward,” the DC had added.

Partial shutdown to continue in Mizoram

A city street wears a deserted look during ‘Janata curfew’ in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, in Guwahati, Sunday. (PTI) and bus stands.

Sec 144 CrPC enforced in Manipur

Roads and markets of Manipur wore a deserted look on Sunday as people chose to remain indoors during the ‘Janata Curfew’ following an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to check the spread of novel coronavirus.

Almost all streets of state capital Imphal and other districts were empty, with only a handful of vehicles plying.

Attendance at churches was low as a result of the “Janata Curfew”, a pastor said.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced Prohibitory Orders under Section 144 CrPc has been promulgated in all the districts of the state with immediate effect as a precautionary measure against COVID-19.

The order prohibits the gathering of four or more people.

Singh urged the cooperation of people to make

COVID-19: Mizoram to shutdown till March 29 Aizawl, Mar 22 (PTI): The Mizoram government on Saturday ordered a “partial lockdown” across all districts of the state till March 29 in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a notification.

The notification was issued following a decision of the state-level task force on mitigation of coronavirus and subsequent approval by the cabinet late in the evening, officials said.

As per the notification issued by the General Administration Department, restrictions will be in place in all districts from March 22 till March 29.

All stores, bar ring pharmacies and those selling essential commodities, will remain shut during the period, the notification said. All commercial and private vehicles, including two- wheeler taxis, will not be allowed to ply during the period, it said.

Tripura shuts border post with B’desh

Agartala, Mar 22 (IANS): With Indians staying abroad trying to enter the country through Bangladesh, the Tripura government was forced to shut the Agartala-Akhaura immigration checkpost on Sunday to prevent the Covid-19 spread.

Tripura Principal Secretary (Home) Barun Kumar Sahu said in a notification, under the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 closed the AgartalaAkhaura immigration post along Bangladesh on Sunday till March 31 to stop Indians entering from the neighbouring country.

Since March 18, the number of Indians entering Tripura from Bangladesh had increased manifold, he added.

“On an average 120 K Y M C

Indians are entering Tripura from Bangladesh a day.

But on March 20 and 21, 802 Indians entered the state from Bangladesh.

After coming to Tripura, the Indians are flying to others states through the Agartala airport,” he said.

Most Indians staying abroad were taking the Bangladesh route to return to the country. As Bangladesh is still allowing international flights, many Indians are landing in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka, and traveling by road to Tripura.

“This is negating the gains of cancellation of international flights by India. Many of these international flights are from Gulf countries, the high risk Covid-19 nations,”

he said.

The official said 1015 Indians, who entered Tripura from Bangladesh and had coronavirus symptoms, had been put into isolation. But the majority had left Tripura for different destinations in the country, he added.

The issue was discussed at the Saturday review meeting, chaired

by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb. He later told the media the state government urged the Centre to seal the India-Bangladesh border to prevent people from entering the country.

“I have asked the Chief Secretary to urgently take up with the Union Home Ministry to seal the Bangladesh borders,” the Chief Minister said.

the initiative successful.

The state government also suspended all interstate public transport from Monday till further notice, an official said.

However, vehicles carrying essential commodities will not be under the purview of the order.

Health officials deployed at entry points of the state will screen the drivers and handyman of the vehicles, the official said.

Total shutdown in Tripura

Streets of Agartala and other parts of Tripura wore a deserted look on Sunday as people largely remained indoors in response to the ‘janata curfew’ call given

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid a spurt in Covid-19 cases in the country.

Almost all shops, eateries and market places, barring pharmacies and those selling essential items, remained closed in the state, official sources said.

The usually busy Ka-

man chowmuhani (fourpoint crossing) and its adjacent areas in the city remained empty throughout the day, with just a handful of people seen travelling to work.

Only a few buses and autos were seen plying the streets since morning, the sources said.

Donning masks and gloves, policemen and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) personnel were patrolled various parts of the capital town, asking people to return to homes unless absolutely necessary.

The Northeast Frontier Railway has cancelled all mail and express trains to and from Tripura.

The state has not reported any Covid-19 case so far.

As a precautionary measure, the BJP government in the state has ordered the closure of a host of public places, including restaurants, bars, nightclubs, amusement parks, massage parlours, museums and zoos, till March 31.

Along with rest of the country, Mizoram on Sunday observed a 14- hour nationwide Janta Curfew, a call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid a spurt in COVID-19 cases in the country.

The Mizoram government also on Saturday night ordered a week-long partial lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Janata Curfew, which coincided with the partial lockdown on Sunday, was total as people across the state stayed indoors, police said. Only a few officials, policemen and media persons were on duty, they said.

All streets in the cities and towns across the state wore a deserted look as vehicle stayed off the road and churches suspended their Sunday services, a police officer said. All shops remained closed since 7 am.

Officials of local bodies across the state also asked people to support Janata Curfew by staying at home, the police officer said.

The partial lockdown was also imposed in the state from Sunday.

The state government on Saturday night advised people not to venture outside except those on medical duty, essential service, media and persons dealing in essential commodities.

All business shops, shopping malls and markets barring pharmacies and those selling essential commodities will remain closed, the government order said.

The government also sealed all international and interstate borders except for those transporting essential commodities.

All public transport and private vehicles, including two-wheelers, were told not to ply during the weeklong partial lockdown.

However, ambulance, fire and emergency services, vehicles used for law and order duty, medical duty, and vehicles for journalists were exempted from the ban.

The order said that the partial lockdown may be extended as per the necessity of the situation.

Meanwhile, GoAir has suspended its operation following the partial lockdown in the state till further notice.

Officials said that other airlines are yet to intimate about suspending flights.

In his address to the nation on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appealed to the people to observe a 14-hour Janata Curfew on Sunday between 7 am and 9 pm to fight the rapidly-spreading coronavirus.

Inner Line Permit suspended in Arunachal

Shops and eateries were closed, and vehicles remained off the roads as people in Arunachal Pradesh joined the nationwide ‘Janata Curfew’ in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

State capital Itanagar wore a deserted look as all the usually-busy arterial roads remained empty with people choosing to stay indoors. A few police and media vehicles were seen in the city, besides those of the essential services.

Markets and standalone stores in the city and the districts remained shut, barring a few pharmacies, in response to the 14-hour voluntary curfew that began at 7 am. The Capital Police, except those on essential du-

ties, have joined the curfew, superintendent of police Tumme Amo said.

The North East Frontier Railway has also cancelled the Naharlagun-Guwahati Donyi Polo Intercity Express for the day, officials said. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who extended support to the Janata Curfew initiative, has urged people to stay indoors and take precautions in the wake of the pandemic.

The state government has already shut down the weekly markets and cinema halls, besides suspending the issue of Inner Line Permits to people coming from other states and Protected Area Permits to foreign tourists.

Total shutdown in Sikkim

All major towns in Sikkim wore a deserted look on Sunday as people stayed indoors following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call of observing ‘Janata curfew’ in the wake of the deadly coronavirus.

Vehicles remained largely off the roads in Gangtok, Deorali, Tadong, Rangpo, Mangan, Namchi and Jorethang, except those on emergency services.

Shops and other business establishments, barring a few pharmacies and petrol pumps, too remained shut across the state as people joined the voluntary 14-hour curfew that began at 7 am.

Authorities in all the four districts have issued orders, directing the people to remain indoors on Sunday, except in case of emergency.

Chief Secretary S C Gupta directed the local authorities to take all measures for the enforcement of the ‘Janata Curfew’ in a bid to contain the pandemic.

Coronavirus: 50 pc staff of Don’t allow visitors to enter Arunachal Mizoram govt to attend office even if they have ILPs: Khandu to districts

Aizawl, Mar 22 (PTI): The Mizoram government has decided that 50 per cent of the total employees will attend office daily while others will work from home in view of the coronavirus outbreak, Chief Secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said on Sunday.

The Mizoram government had on Saturday ordered a “partial lockdown” across all districts of the state till March 29.

The state’s General Administration Department has issued a memorandum instructing all heads of departments and offices to ensure that only 50 per cent of Group B, C and D employees attend office every day.

Those employees whose presence is required by secretaries, heads of department and heads of assistance should attend office and the rest should work from home either through telephone, internet or elec-

tronic media, he said.

The chief secretary said all entry points along the inter-state border and international border were sealed except the one at Vairengte on the MizoramAssam border.

He said those who transport essential commodities and stranded residents of the state are allowed to enter through Vairengte.

Though the state government did not ban flight service, all incoming passengers from abroad were instructed to stay back at their respective places and not enter the state, he said.

After arriving at the Lengpui airport, he said, people of the state will have to go directly to their respective towns or villages and they cannot stay anywhere else.

Chuaungo said a 14day home quarantine is mandatory for any person who returned from outside the state.

M’laya restricts entry to state

Shops ordered to down their shutters in 3 Assam districts

Shillong, Mar 22 (PTI): The Meghalaya government has restricted entry of people from other states in view of the coronavirus threat. A senior home department official said that it is applicable to all people visiting Meghalaya from other states, and those travelling to other states via this northeastern state.

Those entering the state will be required to mandatorily register with the COVID-19 monitoring system apart from undergoing health screening, a notification issued in pursuance of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations 2020, said. The restricted movement will be allowed from 11 points across the state, six in the Garo Hills region and five in the Khasi Jaintia Hills region, the notification issued on Saturday night said.

Guwahati, Mar 22 (PTI): Three district administrations of Assam on Sunday ordered all business establishments, barring those involved in essential services, to down their shutters with immediate effect in wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Dibr ugarh District Magistrate Pallav Gopal Jha ordered an indefinite closure of all shops, barring pharmacies, grocery stores, petrol pumps and LPG outlets. Sonitpur District Magistrate Manvendra Pratap Singh ordered the closure of all markets till March 31. “Assembly of persons in all public places including shops, bus stations and market places have been prohibited,” he said.

Singh said people enter-

Itanagar, Mar 22 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh C h i e f M i n i s t e r Pe m a Khandu held a meeting on Saturday with all deputy commissioners, superintendents of police and district medical officers to chalk out strategies to prevent an outbreak of coronavirus in the state.

Khandu stressed on the need to be equipped with necessary items and equipment for the prevention of the spread of coronavirus.

He assured to meet the demand of the districts for the procurement of these items and also urged the deputy commissioners to involve self-help groups and institutes in preparing sanitisers and protective masks.

Khandu further urged all citizens to observe ‘Janata Curfew’ on Sunday to encourage social distancing.

The chief minister said that the isolation wards in

ing the district from outside Assam must mandatorily declare their travel history, after which they will be home quarantined.

Cachar Deputy Commissioner Barnali Sharma also ordered the closure of all shops, barring those selling essential commodities, till Tuesday. Sharma also ordered the closure of markets and shopping malls indefinitely. A total of 2.08 lakh people have been screened across Assam till Sunday, the Health and Family Welfare Department said in a bulletin.

It said that 29,782 people have been screened at six airports of the state. So far, samples of 57 people have been tested in Assam and none of them tested positive for coronavirus, it added.

the state are yet to be fully equipped with all facilities and assured to allocate funds immediately.

The chief minister also directed the concerned authority to monitor the travel history of government staffs on leave and make them follow the disinfection procedure as soon they enter the state.

To prevent any panic buying and hoarding of essential items, Khandu urged the district authorities to keep the public in confidence. He also the

requested food and civil supply department to ensure the availability of all essential items and to keep stock of these items that could last for several months.

Since Arunachal has not reported any case of COVID-19, the chief minister directed strict screening of all travellers entering the state and keep a record of their travel history.

He also directed that no tourists or visitors from outside the state be allowed even if they are in possession of Inner Line Permits.

Hey Reetu, Today is your special day, my dear! May your dreams that are yet to materialize start materializing from this remarkable day. Happy birthday to you.

From Gzoo, Di, Mishtu, Aashu and family Dear friend Atok..

It is a true blessing to have such a fun, smart and caring friend like you. We are so glad to have you. May God guide & bless you as you step another year.

Happy birthday!.

With love...GWB’s (KCK) Dear John, On this very special day may the good Lord continue to bless you and may this day brings all that your heart desires.

Happy birthday dear friend.

From 3 Rascals.

Happy Birth Day Dear Sezo Resuh, On this day, the 23rd March you have been born to this world and till date you have been keeping yourselves like a blooming rose even in the midst of thorns.

Your entry into our family has brought Love, Peace, Oneness that was deserved by one and all. May you continue to live like an inspiring father with humilty that would motivate our family and enlightened us in so many ways. “A very Happy Birth Day Dad Sezo.

Lots of Love from loving Wife, Children, Relatives & In-Laws K Y M C

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020

India joins hands to cheer Covid-19 warriors

People clap and clang utensils as a gesture to show gratitude to helpers and medical practitioners during Janta curfew. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (IANS): In a first of its kind, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Ministers, other politicians and common people across India came together to thank coronavirus warriors and other essential services providers to contain the epidemic’s spread.

The largest public ‘appreciation’ exercise in the country witnessed participation of the army, paramilitary forces, Bollywood personalities, television anchors and religious personage clapping and beating utensils at 5 p.m. on Sunday

as called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the countrymen on Thursday.

The Prime Minister had called upon the people to clap or beat utensils for 5 minutes to express their gratitude to the people providing essential services, including sanitation employees, medical professionals, delivery boys, railways, airports and other transportation department employees and many more, who were serving without caring for their own comfort and safety to contain the coronavirus spread.

The Prime Minister had also appealed people to enforce ‘janata curfew’

between 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday to break the chain of spread of infection that has claimed over 6 lives and infected over 340 in India.

It has killed 13,049 and infected over 3.7 lakh across the globe.

The coronavirus warriors, like health professionals and others, who are taking care of ailing people and performing their duties of sanitizing Metros, trains and other public facilities in the country’s fight against coronavirus.

P r e s i d e n t Kov i n d , First Lady Savita Kovind and Chief Ministers, like Yogi Aditya Nath (UP) and Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy (Andhra Pradesh), took part in the exercise.

Amitabh Bachchan as well as many other Bollywood personalities too participated in the ‘thanking’ exercise.

With the number of coronavirus rising, state governments are set to issue orders to allow only essential services in about 75 districts with confirmed Covid-19 cases. It was decided at a meeting Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba and P.K. Misra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, here on Sunday, with the Chief Secretaries of states.

Essential services to operate in 80 distts of 22 states, UTs NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (IANS): Delhi’s seven districts along with Srinagar and Jammu among the 80 districts across 22 states and Union Territories in India where only essential services will be allowed in the backdrop of spread of COVID-19 cases.

All state governments are set to issue orders allowing only essential services in these districts very soon.

Three districts in Andhra Pradesh; Chandigarh; Raipur in Chhattisgarh; seven in Delhi; six in Gujarat; five in Haryana; Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, Afive in Karnataka, 10 in Kerala, Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, 10 in Maharashtra, Khurda in Odisha, Mahe in Puducherry, three in Punjab, four in Rajasthan, three in Tamil Nadu, five in Telangana, six in Uttar Pradesh, Dehradun in Uttarakhand, and Kolkata and North 24 Parganas are under the restrictions.

A Srinagar, Jammu Ain Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir; and Kargil and Leh in Union Territory of Ladakh are among the list of UTs where the restriction will be imposed.

It was decided at a meeting here on Sunday morning with Chief Secretaries of all states by the Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba and the Principal

Secretary to the Prime Minister P.K. Misra.

Following detailed discussions, the Cabinet note said the state governments were advised to issue appropriate orders to allow only essential services to in the 75 districts which have reported confirmed cases or casualties relating to COVID 19.

“The state governments may expand the list depending on their assessment of the situation. It was noted that several state governments have already issued orders in this regard.”

The chief secretaries said that there is overwhelming and spontaneous response to the call for ‘Janata curfew’ given by the Prime Minister on Thursday.As many as 13,049 people have lost their lives across the globe and the deadly virus has affected 3.7 lakh people.

The number of coronavirus-affected people in India reached 324 on Sunday with reports of six deaths. In view of the need to contain the spread of COVID 19, it was agreed that there is an urgent need to extend the restrictions on the movement of non-essential passenger transport including inter-state transport buses till March 31, 2020, a Cabinet note said.

5

India to set up COVID-19 hospitals Jhajjar cancer institute 1st to be earmarked

NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (AGENCIES): The Centre on Sunday said it would set up dedicated COVID19 hospitals to manage patients as and when the situation arises.

The government took the lead in this direction by earmarking AIIMS New Delhi’s National Cancer Institute Jhajjar as an earmarked COVID hospital. It has 800 beds.

ICMR chief Balram Bhargava said all states have agreed to set up dedicated hospitals to ensure infection control and zero mixing up of COVID positive patients with the uninfected.

Bhargava also said the Indian cases are rising due to more and more Indian nationals being brought back from highly COVID affected nations.

“The only way to break the chain of viral transmission in India is isolate, isolate, isolate everyone returning from international travel,” Bhargava said clarifying the Indian decision against indiscriminate testing.

Bhargava said the country needs to isolate everyone returning from abroad — put them in government quarantine or home quarantine depending on the risk assessment.

“Even those in home

AIIMS New Delhi’s National Cancer Institute Jhajjar

isolation must stay in a separate room from their family, and maintain one metre distance,” Bhargava said.

ICMR also said the enhancement of lab testing capacity was meant to handle the loss of cases in the wake of more and more Indians being brought back from abroad.

So far 60 private labs have registered with the government for COVID testing. Three have been approved.

The government reiterated its morning decision to lockdown 75 districts with COVID cases and deaths and extend the list of needed.

“Essential services like grocery stores, pharmacy, fire, medical, milk and fruits

Goa extends ‘Janata Curfew’ by 3 more days AMU to file FIR for papers leak PANAJI, MAR 22 (IANS): The Goa government on Sunday extended the ‘Janata Curfew’ by three more days, state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed.

“It has been extended by three days by the Chief Minister. A decision to extend it further will be taken by the CM at the end of the three-day period,” Rane said here on Sunday.

Meanwhile, roads and public spaces in Goa wore a deserted look on Sunday, in view of the Janata Curfew announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The ‘Janata Curfew’ on request of PM Modi and the state government has been 100 per cent successful. We should not step out of our homes after 9 p.m. too. Everyone needs to co-operate to take on coronavirus. Please co-operate with the police. I thank all

Vishwajit Rane (File)

doctors and medical staff on behalf of the state government,” Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said in a video message.

Calling for Janata Curfew, Modi had said it was necessary to prevent spread of coronavirus.

At 5 p.m. people could be seen stepping in the open outside their homes or in balconies in residential colonies clapping and clanging

utensils, as requested by Modi in order to thank the medical fraternity for their efforts to rein in the viral pandemic.

“Everyone in the colony coming out at 5 p.m. today and clapping. I appreciate all the work they (medical fraternity) have done, not only in India, but all across Goa,” Rane said.

Goa’s beaches, markets and towns wore a deso-

late look. On Saturday, the Goa government imposed Section 144 of CrPC under which it mandated business establishments, including restaurants, to remain shut on Sunday.

Leader of ppposition Digambar Kamat said that preventive measures like the Janata Curfew should continue. “As it is now clear that social distancing is the only effective step in controlling the spread of coronavirus, the need to extend the Janata Curfew is the right step. I appeal to all to follow the government directives and remain safe at all times,” Kamat said.

He also urged the Chief Minister to take advice from experts and ensure that the supply of essential commodities for daily use continues, in view of the curfew being extended further.

Vigilante groups ostracise Air India crew NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (IANS): Air India on Sunday said that its crew who have been successfully evacuating stranded Indians in several coronavirus-hit countries are being ostracised by vigilante groups including their neighbours and Resident Welfare Associations (RWA).

In a statement, the national carrier appealed to law enforcement agencies that its crew members are treated with respect as every other citizen.

It said that the airline has taken every precaution to ensure the safety of its crew and protect their well being for each and every flight.

“However, it is alarming to note that in many localities, vigilante Resident Welfare Associations and

neighbours have started ostracising the crew, obstructing them from performing their duty or even calling in the police, simply because the crew travelled abroad in the course of their duty. These vigilantes have conveniently forgotten that many a spouse, parent, sibling, child and near and dear ones have been brought home safe and secure from affected countries thanks to the heroic efforts of these Air India crew,” the Air India statement said.

“We would like to appeal to all concerned, particularly the law enforcement agencies, to ensure that our crew are treated with the courtesy, respect and freedom that every citizen of this country deserves especially in light of the fact of their having under-

taken flight duties to affected countries to bring back Indian citizens.”

In January 2020, guidelines for crew members and operational staff were issued by Air India Medical wherein a detailed protocol to handle passengers and self-care was formulated. Air India has always ensured that sufficient hand sanitisers, gloves and masks for the crew as well as for passengers are made available on board, it said, adding that crew members who are landing in India from affected cities are sent on home quarantine and also to designated hospitals for check-up as part of the protocol.

Hazmat suits are also placed in the cockpit for use in aircraft by crew in the event of any suspect COVID-19 on board.

ALIGARH, MAR 22 (IANS): The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) officials were planning to lodge an FIR in the leakage of confidential documents related to the fleeing of three Kashmiri students from the isolation ward of varsity hospital and the notice served to a professor on charges of sexual harassment.

According to a press statement issued by the university, it has been brought to the notice of Vice Chancellor Professor Tariq Mansoor that certain confidential documents were being leaked.

These include documents which contain personal information of employees and students which is unethical. The university is considering lodging an FIR in this matter, so that the persons responsible can be identified.

Sources said that the VC had taken a serious note of the recent leak of these

documents in particular.

Meanwhile, three research scholars with a travel history to the UAE, who left the isolation facility at the AMU, have been traced by the police to their homes in Jammu and Kashmir. They are now quarantined in Baramulla district hospital in the valley, AMU spokesperson Shafey Kidwai said.

The research scholars claimed that they had informed their research supervisors before they left the campus.

Officials at the AMU health centre, where the three were housed, had initially claimed that the three students had fled.

The chief medical officer of AMU’s health centre, Shariq Aquil, said that the confusion arose because students had informed their research supervisors that they were leaving but not the health centre.

The students, who had arrived in Aligarh on March

Petrol bomb hurled at Jamia Millia Islamia protest site NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (PTI): An unidentified man allegedly opened fire and hurled a petrol bomb at the empty protest site outside the Jamia Millia Islamia on Sunday, according to officials and students of the university.

The spot was inspected by a team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and a case was registered at the Jamia Nagar police station, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) RP Meena said.

“A broken bottle, a lighter and an empty cartridge were found from a spot near the divider of Gate No. 6 of Jamia Millia Islamia,” he added.

Multiple teams were formed to trace the accused, the officer said.

The Jamia Coordination Committee (JCC), comprising current and former students of the university, had temporarily suspended its sit-in protest against the new citizenship law on Saturday in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement, the JCC said a miscreant opened fire and hurled a petrol bomb at the protest site at Jamia Square, Gate No. 7 of the university.

The statement added that CCTV footage showed the miscreant in A woman holds a placard during a sit-in protest against the get-up of a delivery CAA, NRC and NPR and in support of Janta curfew in the boy with a helmet and wake of deadly coronavirus, at Shaheen Bagh. (PTI)

three bags on his bike, due to which its number plate was not visible.

“Police have taken away the bullet, while pieces of a glass bottle are still there,” it said. According to a university official, the incident occurred around 9.30 am.

“The man came from the Okhla side, probably after committing a similar act at Shaheen Bagh.

He hurled a bottle at the tent near Gate No. 7,” he said.

The tent was empty since the students had suspended the protest.

As the tent did not catch fire, the man allegedly tried to set it ablaze using a lighter and fired a

few rounds, the university official said, adding, “We informed the police about the incident and handed over the CCTV footage to them.”

He said after the incident, the miscreant fled towards Julena.

A similar incident occurred a few metres away at the Shaheen Bagh protest site, where an unidentified person allegedly hurled a petrol bomb. No one sustained injuries in the incident.

Two unidentified persons had opened fire near one of the gates of the university last month. Before that, a minor had opened fire near the protest site, injuring one person.

9, had been in self-isolation for four days. He said said that after Vice Chancellor Tariq Mansoor’s notice that those with travel history to foreign countries should report to the health centre, all three of them had gone for a checkup and were sent back to the hostel since they did not have any symptoms.

On March 18, provost of the hostel, visited their rooms and asked them to get admitted to the health centre.

“We all got them admitted there, but instead of isolation wards, they were kept together in cubicles in one large room and not even given masks. One more person from Taiwan joined them and he was coughing and sneezing which is why they got scared and asked for separate isolation wards,” said another student.

The students left for home since they were not shifted to a separate ward.

and venerable stores would remain open,” Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said.

India is testing less number of people with per week average of 5000 as against US’ 26,000 and Italy’s 52,000.

ICMR said indiscriminate testing is not needed.

“We have advised home quarantine for international passengers who have returned and even they need to be tested only if they present symptoms,” Bhargava said.

India now has 341 cases and five deaths, one more death from Maharashtra today. The government said lockdown is the best solution to break the chain of virus transmission, which India is heading to.

Only essential staff to work in Govt depts New Delhi, Mar 22 (IANS): The government on Sunday issued fresh advisory asking all government departments to allow staff required to run essential services to a tend office between March 23-31 as part of exercise to contain the spread of Covid-19.

In a office memorandum, the Department of Personnel and Training has said that head of departments will be required to draw a roster of staff including officers, consultants, outsourced employees, who would render essential services within each department. On these will attend office during the period of lockdown, so that offices function with skeletal staff.

The said instructions are not applicable to people engaged in emergency services.

The Department of Financial Services and Department of Public Enterprises have also been asked to issue similar instructions so that offices of financial institutions including banks and public sector enterprises also function just with essential staff over the next week.

The advisory has further said that officials who are working from home should be available on telephone and other electronic means of communication at all times and be ready to attend office in case of exigencies at work. The rostering plan will also be followed by autonomous bodies and statutory bodies.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER MON : NAGALAND

NO.CMO-1/Gen/2020/1204

/ Dated Mon the 21st Mar'2020

ADVERTISEMENT

In pursuance to the Directorate of H&FW Letter No. DHFW-3/117/MA/MON/Vol-1/79-84/908 Dt. Kohima the 12th March 2020 application are hereby invited from bonafide citizens of Tangnyu Village Mon District for filling up the post of Medical Attendant at Tangnyu Primary Health Centre.

1. Application must be addressed to the Chief Medical Officer Mon with all relevant documents attached.

2. The application submitted to the office of the Chief Medical Officer Mon during office hours.

3. The last date for submission of application will be 13th April 2020 and the date of interview will be notified at a later date through phone calls and texts.

Dr. Kechongol Sophie Chief Medical Officer Mon : Nagaland DP-2173

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 106 Dimapur, MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020

C

Tackling viruses

oronavirus has exposed how unprepared India is to meet emergency situations. It requires money to fund modern laboratories but India is not fund-starved. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a ten million dollar fund for SARC to meet the challenge from the coronavirus. The government of India needs a long term plan to step up medial research and treatment centres. India has eight doctors per 10,000 people compared to 41 in Italy and 71 in Korea. It has one state-run hospital for more than 55,000 people. (Private hospitals are out of reach for most people). The country has a poor culture of testing, and most people with flu symptoms do not go to doctors and instead try home remedies or go to pharmacies. There's a scarcity of isolation beds, trained nursing staff and medics, and ventilators and intensive care beds. India's traditional neglect of public healthcare will begin to bite if the disease spreads to its teeming small towns and villages. The coronavirus pandemic is a lesson that the central and state governments ignore research into infectious diseases at their own peril. Avian flu, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), Ebola, Zika, Nipah, etc, are a clear example of the warning signals they have sent. Moreover, with bacterial infections becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, common infections can potentially become life-threatening in the future. States have been mishandling the healthcare by focussing mainly on populist schemes for electoral gains and making headlines.

Effective governance of pandemics involves preparedness, response and recovery and India has to gear up on these counts. There is need for a comprehensive policy for improvement of health care and research facilities across India and this requires doing away with powerful lobbies that have been having their way to the peril of the poor and needy people. Many states are getting little for improvement of health care facilities especially the small states in the north east. The arrival of coronavirus has exposed the pathetic condition of health care systems across most north eastern states.

In a post-Covid-19 world, there needs to be a coursecorrection. While it is virtually impossible to predict what the next pathogen threat will be, from where it will emerge and when it will strike, pandemic-focused research could give authorities a future head start in the battle against infectious diseases. The virus may be under reported because of under testing facilities. According to official sources, there is no confirmed case till March 21, 2020 when a total of 4644 were screened in the airport and 21,948 passengers travelling in trains or on roads. According to the source, screening points are at 14 entry points at rail and road. However, what is quite disappointing is that Nagaland has no viral testing laboratory. Ultimately, blood samples of those suspected to be infected from the virus have to be sent either to Guwahati or, Dibrugarh for tests. The state has set up District Task Force in all 11 districts and how prepared they are, remains to be seen.The Task Force is a temporary measure that is co-terminus with the exigency. Therefore, there may be a need to include the area of operations of the Task Force into the District Disaster Management Authority. Viral testing laboratories would be required in Dimapur, Kohima and in district having entry points.

DailyDevotion The Burning Heart

Did not our heart burn within us…? —Luke 24:32 We need to learn this secret of the burning heart.

Suddenly Jesus appears to us, fires are set ablaze, and we are given wonderful visions; but then we must learn to maintain the secret of the burning heart— a heart that can go through anything. It is the simple, dreary day, with its commonplace duties and people, that smothers the burning heart— unless we have learned the secret of abiding in Jesus.

Much of the distress we experience as Christians comes not as the result of sin, but because we are ignorant of the laws of our own nature. For instance, the only test we should use to determine whether or not to allow a particular emotion to run its course in our lives is to examine what the final outcome of that emotion will be. Think it through to its logical conclusion, and if the outcome is something that God would condemn, put a stop to it immediately.

But if it is an emotion that has been kindled by the Spirit of God and you don’t allow it to have its way in your life, it will cause a reaction on a lower level than God intended. That is the way unrealistic and overly emotional people are made. And the higher the emotion, the deeper the level of corruption, if it is not exercised on its intended level. If the Spirit of God has stirred you, make as many of your decisions as possible irrevocable, and let the consequences be what they will. We cannot stay forever on the “mount of transfiguration,” basking in the light of our mountaintop experience (see Mark 9:1-9). But we must obey the light we received there; we must put it into action. When God gives us a vision, we must transact business with Him at that point, no matter what the cost.

We cannot kindle when we will The fire which in the heart resides, The spirit bloweth and is still, In mystery our soul abides; But tasks in hours of insight willed Can be through hours of gloom fulfilled.

Quotes

I prefer peace. But if trouble must come, let it come in my time, so that my children can live in peace. ~ Thomas Paine

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020

Post-mortem

Speeches on Naga Republic Day

Gen. (Retd) Viyalie Metha, on 22nd March 1956. On this Kedahge, FGN day the Naga National flag was hoisted by ; My dear countrymen, (1) Thongti Chang, Chief Today the Naga Nation is of the Naga Home Guard by celebrating the 65th Republic reading the scripture, Psalm day as a nation whose God 33:12 – “Blessed is the nation is the Lord to whom we owe whose God is the Lord...” our nation’s survival amidst a (2) Khriesanisa Seyie-the whirlpool of political and social first Kedahge (President) read confusion as a result of India’s Romans 10:18 “....Their sound occupation of our country up has gone out into all the earth.., to this day. We are also indebted their words to the end of the to our leaders and predecessors world.” who had sacrificed their all for (3) Wheha Kent-Rengma, which we remain a Nation and the first Ato Kilonser read Mata people. thew 6:33” But seek ye first I take this opportunity the kingdom of God and His to remind our people for the righteousness...” future generations and the (4) Kruzhalie Peseyie, world and India in particular Angami Ahng read Romans to know that we declared our 8:33 “Who shall lay anything independence on 14th August to the charge of God’s elect? It 1947, one day before India got is God who justifieth.” her independence from the (5) A.Z. Phizo, President, British on 15th August 1947. NNC read Zechariah 4:6 “....

Our Naga National Voluntary Not by might, nor by power, Plebiscite of 1951 with the re- but by my spirit” saith the sult of 99.9 per cent not to join Lord of hosts. That was how the union of India followed by our National government was total non-participation in the founded and established on first Indian general election of a firm foundation mandated 1952 after her independence. by our people with their faith The newly independent India pledged to God our Lord. resorted to a policy of civil Hence, no more are we suppression against the Nagas islands as individuals, villages and by 1955 Nagaland was put or tribes. The establishment under aggressive Indian army of the Federal Government operation. of Nagaland by the National Under a harsh Indian mil- Council under the leadership itary operation in Nagaland, of A.Z. Phizo has knitted the Naga National Council led us as one nation under God

by A.Z. Phizo founded the Fed- who has guided us through eral Government of Nagaland tough and critical times and at Parashen in Rengma region continues to guide us on. We

are an independent nation built on Biblical Judeo-Christian principles coupled with our God given Naga traditions of Equality, Liberty and the right to protect our individual self, family, property and community. Our forebears with their God-given wisdom have given us the most essential component of a nation-that is our government. It has now fallen upon us to carry on the legacy of our nation conscientiously with faith in God and wisdom in these infernal and troublesome times.

Our founding fathers did not establish a government and frame a constitution with the intention of governing our people with tyranny but to give every individual Naga the opportunity to govern himself/herself in the best way a responsible citizen possibly can, for the greater good of the individual self, the society and the nation.

It is, therefore, the duty of the government to protect the life, liberty and property of the individual Naga, for him/her to live his/her God- given life to the fullest extent in freedom as a responsible citizen. We must, therefore, be very clear that our government cannot afford to be tyrannical and oppressive .Hence , our Yehzabo (constitution) must by any means, be taken seriously for a just government to exist, free from corruption and petty politics.

As we continue to traverse

through difficult times, it brings great joy and “a peace that passes all understanding” to remember God’s guiding hands in the establishment of our government legally and with the mandate of the Naga people. It must therefore, be noted that there is no such thing as “my truth” or “your truth”, there is only “The Truth” then there’s “my opinion” and “your opinion”. As such, no matter what your opinion or my opinion may be about the Federal Government of Nagaland, the truth is, we have a legally established Government mandated by our people, a Government that rests on the shoulder of God and the principle of life, liberty, equality and brotherhood. This is how and why we are a Republic. Let me conclude my speech with a word of caution: Government of India will always try to subvert the Naga National Council and the Federal Government of Nagaland by creating dissentions among the Nagas instead of solving the Indo-Naga problems by peaceful means of understanding between the two Nations, Nagaland and India.

India continues her occupation of our country by following a policy of divide, defeat and rule by political trickery and money power and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, AFSPA. Even so, the Naga Nation prevailed by God’s grace and we shall overcome. God bless Nagaland.

KUKNALIM.

Y. Wangtin Naga, president NSCN/ their exodus. Let us reconcile not only among us but also with our GPRN-Reformation Lord Almighty God. My dearest Naga men and It is visible that, NSCN women, most respected Naga (IM)-GoI talk delayed for more national workers, we are luckiest than twenty years without any to be the children of living God breakthrough. This delayed is who sustained us under His care World record breaking dialogue and protection since the time of but let us not blame either side.

British empire thus far, though To me, it is a serious issue to be suffered a lot in the hands of reasoned seriously. So also, the another successor empires of NNPGs/WC-GoI talk covered India and Myanmar. We must almost three years. However, thank our Lord Jesus for His numbers of talk we may arrange, un-failing guidance in the face of but it is for one. We must be multiple challenges and threats. inclusive and spread our arms to The Nagas are not inimical embrace one another in Christ. forces towards any nationality, We must not be religious Chrishowever, our neighbours India tians but faithful and spiritual and Myanmar branding the Christians to show to the world honest Nagas to be hostile and that, we are Christ followers. wild without studying the root Unless we reconcile with one cause of ‘why and how?’ These another in Christ nothing can two countries should re-call back and will achieve and our dream their difficulties and sufferings will only be a nightmare. The under the British imperialism NNPGs/WC-GoI talk is in a in the past and try to feel the positive direction and for which, pulse of the Nagas under their we must thank Hon’ble Prime imperialistic regime for more Minister Narendra Modi and than seventy years.

His Excellency Governor of Through this Republic Nagaland-cum-interlocutor R. Day message, I want to appeal N. Ravi for their positivity and the Nagas to reason together understanding of the Naga cause. instead of blaming one another The preamble signed between and provoking the situation and NNPGs-GoI on 17th Nov 2017 mostly came closer to our God. and status paper was distributed No force can defeat us, only to all leading Naga NGOs for our dis-unity has destroyed our serious study. The NNPG have everything. Therefore, we must committed for transparency after move forward for real and bibli- all we are for the Nagas and nothcal reconciliation by forgetting ing will be hide. Only our honesty past bitterness. Our sins have to our cause and transparency delayed our journey as Israelites in our approach will shape our exodus of forty days turned into future. We must not miss another forty years by their own sins. We golden opportunity. It will not provoked the same God once come back once it is missed.

KUKNALIM..! provoked by hostile Israelites in

Yilow Humtsoe, acting president of NNC Brig. (Retd) S. Singnya, kedahge sacred trust from God, our leaders in unity and trust. We have divided section of the Naga Political Group (Parent Body) FGN established our National institution ourselves into so many groups and is employing delay tactics and unbased on the modern principles and factions which is a great detriment necessarily trying to prolong the Dear Naga people I praise God for My beloved country men and wom- ideals of Democracy, Justice, Liberty to the Naga cause. political negotiations. the privilege to observe and celebrate en, and Fraternity and instituted the ReIn the midst of opposition and All sensible people know that It is a great honour and a public on the concept of the Federal distrust from others we must free too much procrastinating is harmthe 64th Anniversary of Naga National Republic Day of 22nd March 2020 at this privilege for me to address you on System of Governance. ourselves from our greatest enemy ful and detrimental for solving any this historic occasion of the 65th crucial stage of our political history.

The momentous Declaration from within, unite once again and human problem. It is also up to On this National Day I on behalf Republic Day of our Nation. I thank of Naga Independence on 14th with strength proceed forward. There the Government of India whether of Naga National Council bow my head our Almighty God for His continued August, 1947 and the irrevocable is a future ahead of us and that future to decide for a political settlement in prayer to God for our Naga Martyrs Guidance, Sustenance and Protec- pledge of the Plebiscite of 16th May, is waiting for those who are morally when the entire Naga population who laid down their lives for our Naga tion. I also express my gratitude and 1951 created the foundation and strong, determined and resolute to is desirous of an honourable and Sovereign Independent State. I also our indebtedness to the pioneers for also shaped the political course of make it their own. acceptable political solution and salute the martyrs for their deeds for laying a firm political foundation for our people. We chose to determine, The Nagas as a people have restore faith in the Indian system which we are able to stand up today forge and shape our own destiny with an ardent desire to live in peace and of Democracy as we are also aware Naga freedom.

The Naga National council stood with dignity and pride. dignity, integrity and freedom. harmony among ourselves and have that the more than Seven Decade old I pay my homage to the marfirmly on behalf of the Naga people As we commemorate the 65th always sought to live in peaceful co- conflict between the Nagas and India for the 1929 memorandum submitted tyrs who have made the supreme Republic Day, we celebrate the existence with our neighbours. The could have been resolved long ago to the British India and consequently sacrifice for the noble Cause and all exemplary lives and courage of our Federal Government of Nagaland had the Government of India been the 1935 Act of “Naga Hills Excluded the Naga patriots for their visions past leaders who have guided us with also prescribes to this desire of our sincere and serious in resolving it.

Area” passed by the House of Lords and sacrifices for the long cherished their vision. The Federal Govern- people and for a peaceful resolution I believe the time has also come for (Parliament) and this clearly stands dream. ment of Nagaland remains deeply of the Indo-Naga political issue, the Naga people to unite and rally On this day, on 22nd March, committed to what our leaders had the Federal Government is actively solidly behind the NNPGs and grab as Naga political right today. Also the declaration of Naga Independence Day 1956 Nagaland became a Republic enshrined for us as a nation. Our involved in political dialogue with the chance for the early solution of on 14th August 1947 was acknowledged when the Naga National Council history is our inheritance and to Government of India as an entity the negotiated political settlement by the United Nations and the plebiscite convened the First Tatar Hoho achieve our goal we must move for- of the NNPGs Working Commit- based on the mutually resolved is(referendum) of 16th May 1951 resulted Session bringing together the Free ward. The choice before us is to talk tee to find a political settlement sues and continue to democratically in 99.9% of Nagas in favour of sovereign Nagas represented by the Hongking about our past and reminisce with which is honourable and mutually pursue the unresolved issues when independent state of Nagaland. These Government and the erstwhile Naga regret and avoid following the path acceptable. The Working Com- the opportunity is present. Nagas are political rights will remain forever as Hills District represented by the charted for us or to place ourselves mittee of the NNPGs is the right a Nation of trustworthy and straight submitted and become an Act as declared Naga National Council which led within the historical framework of entity to represent our people and forward people and we expect India and acknowledged and as conducted and to the establishment of the Federal the past by placing ourselves in it can bestsafeguard the interest and to live up to her world image as the become absolute political right, nobody Government of Nagaland. With the and follow the path till our histori- rights of the Nagas. The Naga largest Democracy in the world.

National Mandate of 1951 entrusted cal rights are expressed in full. The people today need to ardently pray can deny or erase.

May God’s grace be upon us all And the Naga people will continue to them and acknowledging that the Federal Government of Nagaland to the Almighty to give wisdom and and His Wisdom continues to guide to fight democratically until we achieve Almighty God is the Supreme Sover- strongly feels that we must travel moral courage to the NNPGs leaders and His Will prevails as we continue our freedom of becoming a sovereign eign over this world and the authority back in time to the distant past to in the decision makings. The FGN our journey forward. God Bless My independent state of Nagaland as this is of the people on the territory is a reclaim our rights that was declared is pained to observe that a certain Nagaland. Kuknalim. already ingrained in our mind and blood.

Generation after generation has fought (From previous issue) Or could it be, India on you be ready to pay the masand future generation will continue to Kiumukam Yimchunger, president, NNC/ the pretext of curbing and sive price? fight as long as the earth exist. This is GDRN (N-A) Gen (Retd) Thinoselie M containing insurgency probHow much longer would the will of the living God for our Naga Keyho, president NNC All glory to God Almighty for the opportulem is preparing Nagaland as you allow yourselves to be people.

Then in 1997, India in her Army Base for to launch used as puppets in their game Therefore, let us the Naga people nity to address my fellow brothers and sisters on unite and stand together to achieve this Naga Republic Day, with but one purpose in her desperation entered into an Arms Conflict with her plan? If you do not wake up freedom without division and compro- mind: serving my country and my people. I pay another of those ceasefires neighbour China in times to now and start paving the way homage to the martyrs for the sacrifices made with a breakaway group from misation. come ?! We would not allow for Nation building; God may The Naga division and compro- in the course of our freedom struggle and also the Parent Body calling them- our Nagaland to be used as a require from you and your mization will prolong our destiny and wish to encourage the comrades to stand firm selves as the NSCN(IM) by Battle field!! progeny the blood price: would this will be foolishness on our part. for the inheritance right and diligently serve our coining lofty terminologies This is my message to you then be ready? Even if people to find freedom more freely.

The present and future generation will of “between two identities” I find it quite relevant to think that no (whatever that was supposed India: Desist forthwith from you do notcare about and condemn in totality and remember those the policy of “Divide and fear man, at least fear the Just responsible leaders for their deeds against subject would be more appropriate for Nagas to mean?). The so called Peace Rule”. Stop the unethical game God. Let the Biblical principle than to retrospect the past political journey and the Naga people.

Process had since been being of fighting one Naga group of “Woe unto them that call perceive at the prospect of unfolding future in Also those responsible leaders pursued for about 20 odd with another Naga group. Be evil good and good evil;”.... whether national workers or civil societ- times such as this. years with most laden feet informed for good that the (Isaiah 5:20a) guide as well Today, we speak as a people worthy of our ies who mislead the Naga people will be and in 2014 the fabled Frame final settlement can never be warn us all. answerable to the people and the cost of past and name because of the sacred pledge of Work Agreement was signed. reached until and unless Nagas those architects of our history.

They deserve not To the group of people the blood of the martyrs will be upon who are most restlessly and them. Therefore this political crisis in only our respect and honour but also deserve our But it had been made most are united!

The Naga Issue chal- relentlessly trying to reach a the Homeland should be taken seriously pledge to pass this legacy to the younger genera- amply clear that no headway with correct stand for freedom of all Na- tion to live out the true meaning of our creed. would be made even with this lenges Indian Leadership’s political settlement with the Along the way, we Naga people need to attempt; so now the latest edi- wisdom and statesmanship of Government of India; my gas inclusive of Naga people of Burma (Myanmar) side. We should never forget build an institution of peace through tolerance tion/version – the NNPGs are the highest order. The World profound word of caution, our down trodden people of Eastern and understanding. It is none but you and me brought into the fray to counter is watching you!

“Look before you leap”, I most Nagaland who stood and did their parts who alone can transform the jangling discords in the NSCN(IM).

On this auspicious Day, solemnly declare. for Naga freedom. Therefore let us think our land into a beautiful symphony of brotherWhat a sick mocker y I also appeal to my beloved In conclusion I would hood so that our sacrifices can be well defined. seriously for our people in that side as our of political manoeuvring is kinsmen in the Nagaland appeal to the youth and stuSacrifice as we know is not serving self but living God has a big plan and purpose this?

State Government set up and dent bodies to come forward for the Naga people as a whole. May the serving others. Therefore, we can always choose Most recently, the Govpurpose of our Lord Jesus Christ for the to lovingly confront any difficulties among ernment of India, in order her sympathisers. Are you not and safeguard our National Naga people prevail at this crucial stage brothers and resolve on the highest plane of to fool the World, gave out aware that Nagaland State interests. The time of physihad been created due to the cal warfare is past. The era of and give a heart of realisation to the Naga people’s interest.

Over the years of political negotiation statements that the insurgency sacrifices of the Naga Free- “Might is right” has also gone National political workers about the will between GOI and the WC, NNPGs- God has problem in the NE has come dom Fighters? Their blood, by. Now is the time for nonand purpose of our Living God. The NNC have been constantly been so faithful to Nagas. The problems that down drastically. Yes, it’s true their tears and their sweat had violent, non-cooperation and praying for the Naga people and nation once seemed too destined to deepen now bend for a sobering fact that all the bought this State. The Gov- peaceful milieu where we can for freedom and also for Naga national to our efforts and the whole political spectrum Nagaland fighting forces are ernment of India has stolen and must speak out our eternal unity to achieve our freedom of Sover- is heading sincerely towards that end. Hopefully, actively engaged in political the Naga Freedom Fighters’ rights. I therefore charge you talks with India at present. eignty, therefore let us join hands in these the solution will arrive at any given day. hard labour andarerearing to shoulder the responsibility But the good fortune does favour the preefforts for the best interest of the Naga Why then, does the Gov- the Naga people and keeping most squarely; because it is the pared mind. So let’s persist in asking God to give ernment of India still continue them in good humour by using most undeniable fact that the people as a whole.

The NNC is also praying to our us more love, more strength and more understand- to impose the demoniac Indian you as their (GOI’s) stepping FUTURE belongs to you. ing as we struggle to bring a development of the Armed Forces Special Power stones and as scape–goats.

Living God Nagas would be a Sovfor the protection of all the Naga highest importance to our land. If we do not, we Act (AFSPA) on “Indian Made Would you not realise that you ereign Nation most surely, people within the homeland and beyond may risk the real peril of being obstinate.

Nagaland State”? Why does arethe actual anti-Nationals, sooner than later. The stronMy fellow Nagas, it is this national feeland also for the protection of our land at India feel threatened about betrayers of National interests gest reason being that this this critical situation where the world is ing in us that has sustained us to love our land, threatened by the Coronavirus pandemic. safeguard our historical traditions and aspire for her Security and Integrity on and traitors? Don’t you know is the infallible will of God Let us Naga people continue to pray to common future. Hence, we should not tolerate account of Nagaland? We do that in the Indo-Naga Deal, Almighty.

May the ever victorious our living God for our protection and with undeserved poverty of our people but must not possess nuclear bombs, you are posing the greatest also for humanity at large, And also pray awake from slumber and move in tandem with missiles or any other WMDs. obstacle? You are responsible God of peace most abundantto find a solution that will contain and the rest of the world, transforming our land into What little we can boast off for this long delay in years, lybless you all. KUKNALIM. are a few miserable firearms untold human sufferings and Thank you. prevent the virus from spreading further. a place of peace and prosperity. of the AK-47 series. unwarranted deaths. Would (Concluded) May God bless and protect Nagaland.

Kuknalim

Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020

17 jawans killed in encounter with Naxals in C’garh

90 health counters at IGI; things now normal, says Puri

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel meets an injured jawan in hospital on Sunday. ferent teams of DRG and STF came under heavy fire but despite being trapped in an ambush the teams did not lose their composure and scatter in panic, which would have resulted in a much higher casualty figure.

“Our jawans gave a fitting response. The Naxals were not able to break and scatter our teams. Still we have 17 casualties and 15 jawans who are injured.”

The IG added that the encounter lasted for about three hours. “Yesterday night we were able to evacuate 15 injured and today we were able to recover the bodies of 17 jawans,” Sunderraj said. According to police’s estimate the ambush was laid by CPI (Maoist)’s battallion number 1, their most dreaded and battle ready force headed by the infamous Naxal leader Hidma.

Sources say that the Naxals are expected to have snatched 15 guns from the slain jawans - 12 AK

47 assault rifles, 1 Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL), 1 INSAS rifle and 1 Excalibur rifle. Saturday’s ambush in which the DRG lost 12 men is the worst this force of local fighters, including many surrendered Naxals, has ever suffered.

The remaining five jawans belonged to STF units.

Officials said a joint team of DRG, CoBRA and STF launched the operation from Chintagufa, Burkapal and Timeleada after specific input about Naxal presence in the forests near Elmagunda. The Naxals allegedly fired at the DRG when they were advancing through the Korajguda hills.

Senior police officials told News18 that the joint team of DRG and STF came under fire but repulsed the attack successfully. “But as they were returning to their camp at around 2:30 in the afternoon, they came under a heavy ambush,” said a source.

The source added that the teams were sent on a combing operation after intelligence was received about a major congregation of Naxals from nearby states like Telangana being in meeting with the top brass of CPI (Maoist). “Usually we know that there is some movement of Telangana leaders in this area. But this time, we had hard intelligence that was so good that we felt compelled to act on it,” the source added.

Prima facie it appears that naxals had been tipped off about the special forces coming in. Jawans entered the jungles of Kasalpad and were turning back after they didn’t spot any naxal movement. It was after they left the forest in this area and reached near Koraj Dongri that Naxals ambushed them. Surviving jawans have reportedly told their seniors that they came under fire when they tried to rescue their injured colleagues.

Officials believe some top Naxal leaders of Bastar have been hit in the operations. A CRPF contingent was sent for rescue and support once news of the encounter came in. “Arms and ammunitions of the security forces have been looted but Naxals too have taken the hit. At least four to five of their leaders were shot when the forces retaliated,” a local official said.

The Saturday’s encounter in Bastar is among the deadliest for the forces after the April 2017 Burkapal encounter in which 25 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

The area where the encounter happened is quite close to the encounter site of 2017.

Sources in the state police’s STF said they believe the latest attack was directly ordered by the new chief of CPI (Maoist) Basavaraju, which was perceptible by a marked increase in the firepower of the Naxals, which was a worrying development for the forces.

“The Naxals, we have observed over the past few encounters, have been firing on an average 2,500 rounds every encounter, which means they’ve been able to get their hands on new source of ammunition,” said a source. “Their UBGLs (Under Barrel Grenade Launchers) have a markedly improved accuracy. It seems they have been able to indigenously improve their existing weaponry.”

This is the first big Naxal encounter that Chhattisgarh has seen after the killing of BJP MLA Bheema Mandavi in 2019.

Full court meets in SC on Monday on suggestion to extend vacation NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (IANS): In the backdrop of the outbreak of coronavirus, the Supreme Court on Monday will hold a full court to consider further steps on the functioning of the court.

A full court involves all judges of the apex court meeting will be held at the Supreme Court at 12.30 p.m. on March 23 to discuss further steps to be taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus and to consider the suggestions of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Supreme Court Advocateon-Record Association (SCAORA) to declare vacation from two to four weeks.

Meanwhile, the apex court administration will also begin testing video conferencing, where lawyers can argue before a bench from a separate room.

On March 21, in the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak, the SCBA had urged the Chief Justice S.A. Bobde to consider declaring four weeks’ vacation beginning March 23.

In a statement SCBA Secretary Ashok Arora said the lawyers’ body request the Chief Justice to adjust the lost days in the upcoming summer vacation.

“The EC (Executive Committee) of the SCBA is elected to look after the welfare and well-being of the members of the SCBA and must take decisions

accordingly irrespective of the reservations that some members may have”, said the statement. Arora said, “The EC resolves to inform the court of its readiness to help the institution at any point of time”.

Similarly, to curtail the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, SCAORA also urged the Chief Justice to close the Supreme Court for a period of at least two weeks beginning from March 23. However, if this request is not accepted, then the SCAORA has proposed various measures to prevent overcrowding in the court complex.

“Filing of matters be completely stopped except urgent matters pertaining to death warrant, bail/ custody and habeas corpus petitions...In lieu of the loss of court hours, summer vacation may be curtailed in the month of May and if necessary the courts may function on Saturday accordingly”,

said Joseph Aristotle, Secretary SCAORA. On March 13, the Supreme Court in a notification said it will have limited functioning restricted to urgent matters.

“The competent authority has been pleased to direct that the functioning of the courts shall be restricted to urgent matters with such number of Benches as may be found appropriate”, said the notification issued by the apex court Secretary General Sanjeev S Kalgaonkar.

The apex court authorities took into account the office memorandum issued on march 5 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as advisory cautioning against mass gathering and also took cognizance of the World Health Organisation (WHO), which declared Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) as global pandemic and advised against mass congregation.

263 Indians evacuated from Italy sent to ITBP quarantine Delhi airport from Rome,” an Air India official said.

The Air India flight had taken off from the Delhi airport on Saturday.

“All the 263 people are being taken to our quarantine centre in Chhawla area of southwest Delhi after thermal screening and immigration at the tarmac,” an ITBP spokesperson said.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police quarantine already has 215 Indians housed since March 15 after they were similarly evacuated by a special Air India flight from Rome.

The facility has earlier hosted two such batches of Indians and foreigners who were brought back from Wuhan in China in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

INFORMATION

To minimize and contain community transmission of Covid19, Eden Medical Centre has decided to shut all OPDs’ (Out Patient Department) and all Elective Procedures / Surgeries until further notice. However, IPD and Emergency services will continue as usual. All patients with Flu like symptoms will be seen in our “FLU CORNER” located in front of the Reception.

Our Oncology (Cancer) OPD will also remain open as usual.

Medics screen evacuees airlifted from Rome, Italy on their arrival at IGI airport in New Delhi, Sunday. (PTI)

country on Sunday and sent to an ITBP quarantine facility, officials said.

“The special flight had 263 passengers. It landed at around 10 am at

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NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (PTI): A batch of 263 Indians evacuated from Italy in view of the COVID-19 outbreak there were brought back to the

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Hardeep Singh Puri

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N ew D elhi , M ar 22 (IANS): Union Civil Aviation Miniter Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said that there are 90 operational health counters at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here for secondary screening of incoming passengers.

In a tweet, the minister also said that it has been “difficult” two days but things are normal now.

“It has been a difficult two days, but with 90 health counters operational for secondary screening of incoming passengers at Delhi Airport, things are back to normal,” he said.

Passengers had to wait for hours on Saturday after the government decided to carry out mandatory thermal screening of passengers from the UK, the US and Australia at the Delhi airport.

In a letter, addressed to all officials concerned, Joint Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Alok Saxena, had said: “In view of local transmission of the disease, increase in number of cases and deaths being reported in Australia, the UK and USA, it has now been to expand the universal screening for all passengers coming from Australia, the United Kingdom and USA and risk profiling them for either quarantine or isolation based on risk assessment.”

Also, amid the growing number of positive coronavirus cases in the country, the government on Thursday announced that no international flight will be allowed to land in India starting Sunday, March 22 for one week.

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RAIPUR, MAR 22 (AGENCIES): A total of 17 security personnel of District Reserve Guards (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF) lost their lives in the encounter with Naxals in Sukma, Chhattisgarh Police said on Sunday.

“Total 17 security personnel (5 STF, 12 DRG) have lost their lives in an encounter in Sukma, yesterday. They were missing and security forces were trying to locate them after an encounter with Naxals,” said Chhattisgarh Police.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel visited Rama Krishna Hospital in Raipur to meet the security personnel who were injured in the encounter.

Earlier, the Chief Minister informed, “I have received information that several Naxals have been killed and many are injured in the encounter, while 17 jawans are missing: Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel on yesterday’s encounter between jawans and Naxals in Sukma.

IG Bastar P Sunderraj told reporters in Bastar that a joint team of STF, DRG and CRPF’s CoBRA team were ambushed by an estimated 250 strong Naxal force in Sukma’s Minpa area on Saturday afternoon.

“It was a joint operation of DRG, STF and CoBRA, in which more than 600 of our jawans were involved...It was a very tough encounter in which our estimate is around 250 Naxals were firing on our jawans from the other side.”

He added that 5 dif-

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ATF price cut by 12 pc freeze on petrol, diesel price continues

NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (PTI): Jet fuel prices were slashed by 12 per cent after oil firms reverted back to fortnightly revisions to pass on the benefit of falling crude oil prices, but rates of petrol and diesel remained unchanged for the seventh straight day to adjust the hike in excise duty.

State-owned oil firms cut aviation turbine fuel (ATF) price by Rs 6,687.75 per kilolitre (kl) or 11.76 per cent, to Rs 50,171.26 per kl - the lowest since September 2017, according to a price notification of oil marketing companies.

This is the third straight reduction in jet fuel rates since February, which make up for as much as 40 per cent of an airline’s running cost. In all, rates have fallen

by Rs 14,152.5 per kl or 22

per cent.

ATF prices, which already were lower than petrol and diesel, are now even lower than the rates of nonsubsidised kerosene which comes for Rs 58,818.07 per kl, according to price notification of oil firms.

Petrol price remained unchanged at Rs 69.59 a litre in Delhi and diesel at Rs 62.29 for the seventh day in a row, as oil firms adjusted the Rs 3 per litre hike in excise duty on the two fuels effected by the government on March 13.

The excise duty hike, which would give the government Rs 39,000 crore additional revenue, could have led to an increase in retail prices by Rs 3 per litre each, but the oil companies adjusted them against the fall in international crude

prices which halved to less than USD 30 per barrel.

ATF prices were deregulated in 2002, after which Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) revised rates on 1st and 16th of every month after accounting for changes in benchmark international prices and foreign exchange rates in the previous fortnight.

In November 2012, however, they decided to revise rates on 1st of every month.

But on Saturday, oil firms decided to revert to fortnightly revisions to pass on the benefit of falling international oil prices to the airlines.

Petrol and diesel prices, which are changed on a daily basis, however remained unchanged since March 16.

ATF price comes to Rs 50.17 per litre and is cheaper than present rate of petrol and diesel.

The reduction in jet fuel prices comes as a relief to airline industry which has seen widespread flight cancellations and travel bans in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020 business/STATE ‘Janata Curfew’ successful...

Enough stock in market: DCCI, MCCI

(From p-1) In Mokokchung too, the “janata curfew” was a success as streets remained largely empty with few pedestrians and vehicles on the road compared with other Sundays. Even Mokokchung Town Baptist Church remaining closed for the day for devotional service. However, the pastor delivered sermon that was streamed live on YouTube and other social networking sites, besides local cable TV. Later, chief secretary Temjen Toy acknowledged citizens of the State for responding positively to the call of the Prime Minister for “janata curfew”, adding that such discipline conduct of the people would help in battling the pandemic.

Similarly, other districts like Longleng, Kiphire, Wokha, Zunheboto etc. also observed the janata curfew.

DHD needs ventilators (From p-1) Dr. Kheshito Zhimomi, Medical Superintendent of DHD told Nagaland Post that the team was maintaining a 24-hour vigil to undertake screening of incoming travellers at various entry points in Dimapur.

Though several projects have been undertaken over the decades to improve bed and health care facilities, the DHD is without Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and ventilators.

It was informed that the state had ordered 100 ventilators which are yet to arrive. The MS also informed that the Referral hospital (CISHR) and Army hospitals at 5 Sector AR, Rangapahar and ARTC&S were ready to extend services and facilities in case of emergency. Dr. Kheshito also informed that blood samples for test on Coronavirus have to follow some protocols before sending them to either Guwahati Medical College, RMRC Dibrugarh or Imphal for testing and results would be available within 24 hours.

(From p-1) However, petrol pumps, medicine, groceries, vegetables and fruits, confectioneries and dine-in kitchens (strictly for take away only) have been exempted.

DCCI has directed all exempted category shops to keep hand sanitizers, water and soap in a prominent place for easy access of shopper, preferably in front of their shop. Shopkeepers have also been directed to wear masks at all times while dealing with the customers. It also warned the exempted category establishments of severe action if the directives were not followed.

Further, DCCI requested families shopping for essentials to limit to one person to main-

tain best social distancing in the market.

Extending all out support to the state government and the district administration, DCCI also appealed to the citizens not to fall into rumors and unverified information, but rely only on official statements.

MCCI: Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has also directed all traders under Mokokchung district to comply with the directives of the state government in respect of the COVID-19 pandemic countermeasures.

As directed by the government, MCCI said all shops and business establishments except pharmacies, fuel refill stations and grocery stores selling food grains, food items, vegetables,

bakeries and confectioneries, daily use items and other essential commodities were to remain closed with immediate effect until further notice.

Moreover, traders are directed to avoid travelling out of the state for the time being.

Traders are also advised to adopt hygienic practices while handling banknotes/cash as they are also suspected to be potential carriers of the virus.

MCCI said its members will be monitoring the market and any trader found engaging in unethical business practices, taking advantage of the situation, shall be dealt with befittingly. For queries or grievances, if any, public may contact MCCI-- 9436006062, 9436016099, 9436605461 or 9436006431.

WHO advises against lockdowns, says virus may resurge later N E W D E L H I / LO N D O N, MAR 22 (IANS): World Health Organization has advised against lockdowns to combat the covid19 pandemic arguing that the virus may resurge later if sufficient public health measures were not taken simultaneously.

Mike Ryan, the top emergency expert of WHO in an interview to BBC Sunday said that countries can’t merely lock down themselves to fight the coronavirus outbreak, adding that there need to be public health measures to avoid a resurgence of the deadly virus later on. “What we really need to focus on is finding those who are sick, those who have the

virus, and isolate them, find their contacts and isolate them,” Ryan said. The danger right now with the lockdowns ... if we don’t put in place the strong public health measures now, when those movement restrictions and lockdowns are lifted, the danger is the disease will jump back up.”

WHO has come under severe attack from several critics including Taiwan which has accused it of failing to alert the world about the contagious novel coronavirus. Taipei health officials had alerted the WHO and International Health Regulations on December 31 about the risk of human-to-human transmission of

the new virus, which originated in Wuhan city of China. Taiwan is excluded from the WHO because China claims it as part of its territory. The WHO did not warn other countries, officials in Taiwan have complained.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom’s praise for Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic was widely criticized in view of the grave allegations that the Xi Jinping government initially covered up the outbreak. He has also been censured for naming the virus which erupted in Wuhan, covid19, allegedly under the influence of Chinese President to deflect the blame for the cover-up.

FMCG makers reduce hand sanitizer prices as per govt directive COAI urges TRAI to consider online open discussion on ‘pressing’ floor price issue

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the policy of forbearance for voice services, which it said is the preferred telecom service of the subscribers at the bottom of the pyramid.

Jio had further said hike in floor price should be undertaken gradually and be fixed at Rs 15 per GB for now -- against the prevailing Rs 9 to 12 per GB -- and taken to Rs 20 per GB after six to nine months depending on the data consumption growth. The issue of floor price setting of tariffs assumes significance given that telecom companies are staring at massive Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) payouts to Government.

Telcos like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Tata Group are in a bind as their combined self-assessment of dues to the government are a whopping Rs 82,300 crore, short of what the telecom department calculated after the Supreme Court’s ruling on AGR. The apex court has lashed out at the telcos for trying to reopen the dues they owed to the government through the self-assessment exercise.

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

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given via suitable alternates like an online or electronic open house forum, in case TRAI wants. Floor price is a pressing need of the industry,” Mathews said.

Mathews, however pointed out that this was a call for TRAI to take after considering various factors like extent of online accessibility for stakeholders including the general public.

When contacted, TRAI Secretary SK Gupta said any suggestion of telecom service providers to do open house on electronic medium “needs to be analysed considering the provisions of transparency in TRAI Act.” In its comments to TRAI consultation paper on ‘’tariff issues of telecom services’’, the final responses for which closed recently, the troubled Vodafone Idea warned that the Indian telecom market may move towards a position of “virtual monopoly” if TRAI does not intervene in tariff fixation.

Meanwhile, Airtel cited “huge existential and financial crisis” to bat for fixation of floor price for two years.

Reliance Jio has termed the fixation of floor price for data services as “vital” for the health of telecom sector, and urged TRAI to continue

DP-2127

Su doku

No. 9531 Yesterday’s solution No. 9530

NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (PTI): As businesses turn to virtual alternates amid the coronavirus outbreak, COAI has suggested that telecom sector regulator TRAI could consider the suitability of holding its customary open house discussion online to resolve the “pressing” floor price issue.

Sources close to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), however, felt that such a solution may not be practical given that an issue as important as floor price of tariffs, needs to be widely-debated especially with consumer participation at an appropriate time, and not be turned into a hurried and limited exercise.

In any case, the comments and counter comments on the said consultation paper have closed only recently and TRAI will study the responses over the next few days, they said.

Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI) Director General, Rajan Mathews told PTI that since the responses have already come in, an open house through online mechanisms could be explored by TRAI. “The bulk of responses have already come in through written comments, and additional inputs, if any, can be

K-823

5

brand.

“Despite the adverse implications of this price reduction on the margins of sanitizers, we will continue to ramp-up the production in national interest,” he said.

While ITC, which is present in the segment through its brand Savlon, said it has “redoubled our efforts” to ensure enhanced supply of hygiene products

ml bottle) from Rs 75 to Rs 25 with immediate effect,” said GCPL CEO (India & SAARC) Sunil Kataria.

Besides, on-ground GCPL teams are working to replenish stocks across channels in the country.

The Godrej group firm is also running a multimedia and multi-channel campaign on raising hygiene awareness.

“If there is a directive from the government to make it free at any point in time, we will do so. Our aim is to make PureHands Hand Sanitizers available to as many people as possible,” said The Himalaya Drug Company CEO Philipe Haydon.

Dabur, which is a new entrant in the hand sanitizers segment, has also reduced the prices of hand sanitizers.

K-847

Crossword

in the prices of this product owing to the coronavirus outbreak.

“As a responsible company, in addition to our earlier announced price reduction, we will further reduce the prices of sanitizers and ensure we adhere to the new pricing as declared by the government,” said a HUL spokesperson.

HUL, sells hand sanitisers under Lifebouy

in the market to cater to the surge in demand.

“As per the government order, we have already started manufacturing Savlon sanitisers with the new reduced prices and are working overnight on rushing the new stocks to the market,” said an ITC spokesperson.

FMCG major RB India (erstwhile Reckitt Benckiser), which owns popular brand Dettol in the segment also said the company would “follow government guidelines on this.”

Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), which sells hand sanitizers under Protekt brand, has already reduced the price.

“In public interest and in line with government regulations, we have decided to reduce the price of our Godrej protekt sanitizer (50

K-596

NEW DELHI, MAR 22 (PTI): FMCG companies have reduced the prices of hand sanitizers following the government directive and have also increased their production to meet the sudden spike in demand amidst the COVID-19 scare.

Hand sanitizer manufacturers like RB, HUL, ITC, Godrej Consumer, Himalaya and Dabur said they are not contemplating about the price cap and stand with the nation in the midst of a severe health crisis.

The makers, are also ensuring that their range of hygiene products reach shops on time through their supply pipelines.

O n S a t u r d ay, t h e government capped the maximum retail price of hand sanitizer at Rs 100 per 200ml bottle till June 30 this year amid a sharp rise

Genuine buyer may Contact : 6009013385/ 8974631406

9

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020

Tear gas fired at Iran accuses US of spreading coronavirus China reports 1st local Hong Kong protesters COVID-19 case after 3 days

The country reported its first domestically transmitted COVID-19 case after a gap of three days.

Beijing, Mar 22 (PTI): China will redirect all arriving international flights from its capital Beijing to 12 other cities from Monday to control the surge of imported coronavirus cases as the country reported its first domestically transmitted COVID-19 case after a gap of three days, officials said on Sunday.

The country’s National Health Commission (NHC) said that 46 new confirmed cases were reported on the mainland on Saturday, including one domestic infection transmitted by imported cases in Guangzhou.

The NHC said Sunday six deaths were reported from China on Saturday, including five from Hubei

province, taking the country’s death toll to 3,261.

Coronavirus epicentre Wuhan, however, has not reported any new case for the fourth consecutive day, the health officials said.

The overall confirmed cases on the mainland reached 81,054 by the end of Saturday, including 3,261 people who died of the disease, 5,549 patients still being treated and 72,244 patients discharged after recovery. As the country saw a surge in imported infections with 45 new cases, China initiated stricter measures to prevent COVID-19 from resurfacing and creating a second wave of infections, the health officials said.

On Sunday, the govern-

ment announced that all international flights scheduled to arrive in its capital Beijing will be redirected to airports in 12 other Chinese cities from Monday. International passengers flying to Beijing will instead land in airports in 12 cities including Shanghai, Tianjin, Nanjing and Shenyang as their first points of entry, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) said in a statement.

Passengers will go through customs clearance and quarantine at these airports, and those having passed quarantine inspection can fly to Beijing in their original flights, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Beijing reported 13 new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) imported from other countries on Saturday, bringing the total number of imported cases in the capital to 97. For the Chinese mainland, the total number of imported cases has reached 314. The entry arrangements for the Beijing-bound international flights will be adjusted in a timely manner in accordance with the COVID-19 outbreak situation, the statement said.

Since June 2019, Hong Kong has been gripped by often-violent clashes between anti-government protesters and police.

HONGKong, Mar 22 (IANS): A demonstration by more than 100 people to mark eight months since the mob beatings in Hong Kongs Yuen Long area led to protesters blocking roads and starting a small fire, as police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, a media report said on Sunday. The rally on Saturday night centred on the events of last July 21, 2019 when a group of white-clad men wielding metal rods and wooden poles attacked protesters and commuters indiscriminately at the district’s MTR station and on a train, injuring 45, the South China Morning Post said in the report. As the demonstration gaind momentum, the participants started a fire and

blocked some roads in the Tai Ton district, prompting officers to rush to the area soon later at night to disperse the crowd.

Members of police’s Special Tactical Squad, known as Raptors, subdued at least two people. By January, a total of 37 people had been arrested for their alleged roles in the Yuen Long attack, seven of whom were charged with rioting. Police have said they were continuing to collect evidence.

By the early hours of Sunday, clashes were still ongoing between protesters and riot police in Yuen Long, with pepper spray deployed by officers to disperse crowds as angry crowds shouted at them.

New Delhi/Tehran, Mar 22 (IANS): The Supreme religious leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Sunday accused the US of spreading novel coronavirus, furthering the ongoing hostility between the two countries.

So far, over 1,500 people have died and around 21,000 infected in Iran by the deadly covid-19, which originated in Wuhan city of China. In the US, 348 people have been killed and over 26,000 tested positive for the virus.

On Sunday, Iran’s supreme religious leader, Ali Khamenei, tweeted, “The US government has declared a few times that they are ready to help Iran with medicines to fight the Corona outbreak.” “ T h a t ’s s t r a n ge,” Khamenei remarked sarcastically. “First, based on the words of your own officials, you face shortages in the US. So use what you have for your own patients.”

“Second, you’re accused of having created coronavirus. I don’t know how true it is. But when there’s such an allegation, can a wise man trust you?

You could be giving medicines that spread the virus or cause it to remain. Experience shows you can’t

Ali Khamenei (File)

be trusted and you do such things.”

On Tuesday US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had blamed China and the Iranian regime for the “Wuhan virus” and called Tehran an accomplice of Beijing. “Instead of focusing on the needs of the Iranian people and accepting genuine offers of support, senior Iranians lied about the Wuhan virus outbreak for weeks,” Pompeo had said.

Three days later, the Trump administration imposed new rounds of sanctions against Iran, amid growing calls for lifting economic pressure on the Islamic republic. The US, however, said humanitarian assistance to Iran was wide open and not sanc-

tioned.

“We are doing everything we can to facilitate the humanitarian assistance moving in and to make sure that the financial transactions connected to that can take place as well.

There is no sanction on medicines going to Iran, there is no sanctions on humanitarian assistance going into that country.

They’ve got a terrible problem there and we want that humanitarian, medical assistance to get to the people of Iran,” Pompeo on Friday said.

The Iranian government has imported over 170 million masks from abroad and sought $5 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund to fight the pandemic.

Australia announces 2nd stimulus package 340 people arrested in Sri Lanka for defying curfew Canberra, Mar 22 (IANS): Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday announced a second A$66 billion economic stimulus package and warned against all non-essential travel as the number of coronavirus cases in the country has reached 1,098.

Morrison unveiled the package, building on measures included in the A$17.6 billion package he announced on March 13, reports Xinhua news agency.

Under the second package small businesses will receive cash payments of up to A$100,000 in an attempt to save jobs.

Speaking at a press conference here, Morrison urged Australians to cancel all non-essential travel within the country in order to stop the spread.

He was joined by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg who said that the economic impact of the global pandemic in Australia would be “deeper, wider and longer” than previously thought.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia was 1,098 as of Sunday morning -- an increase of more than 200 from 874 the previous day.

The death toll currently stands at seven.

“We cannot prevent all the many hardships,

Morrison unveiled the package, building on measures included in the A$17.6 billion package he announced on March 13.

many sacrifices that we will face in the months ahead,” Morrison said about the economic package.

“And while these hardships and sacrifices may break our hearts on occasion, we must not let them break our spirit and we must not let them break our resolves as Australians.”

The national cabinet will meet on Sunday night to discuss how the government’s social distancing measures can be enforced.

The Premiers of New South Wales and Victoria, which together account for 63.6 per cent of Australia’s confirmed cases, will reportedly use the meeting to push for a blanket lockdown on non-essential activities, including businesses.

“People cannot be cavalier about these things

and must take them extremely seriously because lives and livelihoods are at stake,” Morrison said.

“The more social distancing we do, the less severe the economic impacts have to be and so that is why I appeal to Australians that you are and listed in our fight against the virus.

You have a role to play.

“All non-essential travel should be canceled.”

Only minutes after Morrison’s press conference concluded Steven Marshall, the Premier of South Australia (SA), announced that the state will effectively close its borders indefinitely from Tuesday, becoming the first state or territory to do so.

Anyone who enters SA from 4 p.m. on Tuesday will be subjected to a mandatory 14-day isolation period.

Colombo, Mar 22 (IANS): Some 340 people have been arrested in Sri Lanka for defying a curfew imposed by the government in an effort to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus in the island nation, police said on Sunday.

The arrests were made between 6 a.m. on March 20 and 9 a.m. on Sunday, reports the Daily Financial Times newspaper.

Among the arrested, some had engaged in sports in public playgrounds, kept their shops open, while others were found drunk on the streets, according to the Police Media Division.

Legal action will be taken against the violators, it added.

Meanwhile, curfew in Among the arrested, some had engaged in sports in public playgrounds, kept their the Colombo, Gampaha shops open, while others were found drunk on the streets.

and Puttalam districts has been extended till 6 a.m. on Tuesday and will be reimposed at 2 p.m. the same day.

The curfew was imposed on Friday until March 23 (Monday).

The announcement comes after the National Election Commission on Thursday postponed the country’s parliamentary polls which were scheduled to be held on April 25 until further notice.

Also on Thursday, the government declared a period of work from home for both public and private sectors starting from March 20 to 27.

As of Sunday, Sri Lanka has reported a total of 77 confirmed coronavirus cases with no fatalities.

FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“For if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”

Romans 14:8 We wish to sincerely acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us at the sudden demise of our beloved Mom Late Lideno Lotha, w/o Shri Nzio Lotha, Bhandari Town.

We offer word of gratitude to the many friends, neighbors and well-wishers who visited our home, attended the requiem mass and burial and who provided emotional and practical support for us at the difficult time. For those who travelled long distance, telephoned, sent floral tributes and message of Born on 13/09/1971– Returned to condolences, as well as those who made charitable donations, the creator on 18/03/2020 we are truly grateful.

Special thanks 1. Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima 2. Priests and Religious Sisters, Diocese of Kohima, 3. Rev. Fr. Mathew Rhanben, P.P & Catholic Community, Sacred Heart Church, Bhandari.

4. Shri. C.L John Konyak MLA & Family 5. Shri. K Lipanthung Lotha, Commissioner & Secretary, Govt. of Nagaland & Family 6. Shri Jacob Yanthan, Jt. Director, Agri. & Family 7. Smt. Thungchano Yanthan, Jt. Director, Art & Culture, Govt. of Nagaland & Family 8. Shri. Amos Ovung, Principal Mount Tyui College, Wokha 9. Catholic Association of Nagaland.

10. Nagaland Catholic Women Association.

11. Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement.

12. Catholic Communities from different Parishes and villages.

13. Baptist Ekhumkho, Bhandari Town 14. 7th NAP Battalion & Unit Baptist Church, Bhandari Town.

15. Tsumang Colony & Ezungpvü Okho Bhandari Town.

16. Well-wishers, Friends and relatives.

God Bless you all!

With prayers Loving Husband, Children & Relatives K-850 K Y M C

LT. MEDOLETUO MEZHÜ

BORN: 12.12.1954 – ENTERED GLORY: 23.03.2019

John 11:25 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live”.

The beautiful memories that you have left us is irreplaceable and will be cherished forever. It broke our hearts to lose you, our heart’s still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow.

We find strength in knowing that even though you are gone, we know that you are by our side to guide us through our lives.

You will always be with us in our heart everyday for the rest of our lives until our time is through.

Fondly remembered by Wife, children and grand children

K-828

K Y M C

Infotainment

10

Bon Jovi keyboardist tests +ve for COVID-19

have been quarantined for a week and will for another week. And when I feel better I’ll get tested again to make sure I’m free of this nasty virus. Please help out each other. This will be over soon... with the help of every American !!”

B r y a n i s a To n y Award-winning composer whose latest musical, “Diana”, about the late Diana,

Princess of Wales, was in previews before it was postponed, as were all Broadway due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The fatality rate of the new coronavirus is believed to about 1 percent. “It’s about ten times more lethal than the seasonal flu,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institutes Of Allergy And Infectious Disease, said in congressional testimony on March 11.

So far, COVID-19 has killed around 12,700 people worldwide and around 285 in the U.S. U.S. officials have repeatedly urged Americans to heed what federal, state and local officials are asking of them in order to curtail the spread and dampen the impact of the virus on the population.

California recently estimated that more than half of the state — 25.5 million people — will get the new coronavirus over the next eight weeks.

The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) put its worstcase scenario at 1.7 million COVID-19 deaths in America.

(Blabbermouth)

Dua Lipa will release new single ‘Break My Heart’ next week

Big B applauds citizens for following Janata Curfew

B

on Jovi keyboardist David Bryan says that he has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

David said he received his test results today.

According to Bryan, he has “been sick for a week” but says that he is “feeling better each day,” according a statement posted to

Instagram.

David, who didn’t say if he had any idea how he contracted the virus, says he has been quarantined for a week.

“I just got my results back today and tested positive for corona virus. I’ve been sick for a week and feeling better each day.

Please don’t be afraid!!! It’s the flu not the plague. I’ve

D

ua Lipa has confirmed that her next single from her new album ‘Future Nostalgia’ will be called ‘Break My Heart’.

The single, which arrives next Friday (March 27), follows ‘Don’t Start Now’ and ‘Physical’. Lipa’s second album ‘Future Nostalgia’ drops on April 3.

This comes after Lipa joined BROCKHAMPTON recently for a remix of their single ‘Sugar’. and shared an accompanying workout video for ‘Physical’.

Meanwhile, Lipa has implored fans to stay at home during the coronavirus outbreak by posting bullet points of her lyrics from ‘Don’t Start Now’.

The London-based artist took to Twitter to advise on how to social distance from people to avoid getting the virus.

She wrote the caption

“I don’t make the rules” in reference to her hit single ‘New Rules’ before adding: “Don’t show up. Don’t come out. Don’t start caring about me now. Walk away. You know how,” and, “Don’t start caring about me now.”

Like Lipa, many art-

ists are trying to cheer fans up during the crisis with some of the latest gestures coming from Florence Welch who posted a collective poem about life in quarantine and The Big Moon, who are offering fans online guitar lessons.

(NME)

B

ollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan is impressed by the enthusiasm with which all of India has been observing Janata Curfew on Sunday, and following due health guidelines in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

Taking to his Twitter, Big B hailed the spirit of Indian citizens.

He wrote: “One plea , one instruct, one invocation, one implore .. AND a nation is in discipline ! “ W E O B S E RV E A C O U N T RY S H U T DOWN ! what an exemplary example we have set for the entire World .. for the safety of each other ..

WE ARE ONE , WE ARE UNIQUE ..

WE ARE INDIA..

JAI HIND.” Not only this, Big B even shared a video to show the lanes are empty and no one is coming out of their homes.

Lizzo battles strep throat amid COVID-19 scare

S

inger Lizzo is battling strep throat amid the coronavirus pandemic, and has been wearing a face mask around her loved ones to avoid transmitting the illness.

In an Instagram post that she subsequently deleted, Lizzo wrote: “Got strep at the worst time ever.

It’s nobody’s business but I’d prefer y’all not criticize me for wearing a face mask and doing what I was supposed to do to protect the people in my home.

“Please check yourself before you become an internet bully because you’re bored. Get your facts straight. The world needs less trolls and more compassion,” the singer added, according to a femalefirst.co.uk report.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause sore throat and fever, and is transmitted by direct contact with the mucus or sores of someone who is suffering.

Meanwhile, Lizzo has been trying to lift spirits during the coronavirus pandemic by posting meditation videos on Instagram.

(IANS)

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020

Salman asks fans to take COVID-19 threat seriously, says lockdown is not public holiday

S

uperstar Salman Khan on Sunday appealed to his fans to take the risk of coronavirus seriously and follow the government’s call for observing social distancing.

In a video posted on Instagram, the 54-year-old actor started by lauding all those who are fighting the battle against COVID-19.

He urged people to follow the government advisories, saying people are mistaken if they think they cannot contract coronavirus.

“I want to appeal to everyone that the government is asking something, so please take it seriously and don’t spread rumours. It is a problem with everyone for a long time that they believe it will not happen to them.

Anyone can get infected with the coronavirus, be it in bus, train or in market place.

So why do you want to take that risk,” Salman said.

He asked people to not treat the lockdown as a public holiday and appealed to them to stay indoors.

“This is not a public holiday, it is a very serious matter. Stop doing all this and start wearing masks

to protect yourself. Wash your hands regularly, keep yourself clean and maintain a distance from others.

“What is the problem in doing all this. If it saves countless lives, including your own, then why are you not doing it. Please do this as it is a matter of life and death. This is my request to all of you,” the superstar said.

The country is observing a 14-hour Janata Curfew on Sunday, as appealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The PM made a fervent appeal to all Indians to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid getting infected by coronavirus and called for the curfew on March 22 from 7 am-9 pm, saying no citizen, barring those in es-

sential services, should get out of the house.

Celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar, Akshay Kumar, Ayushmann Khurrana, Hrithik Roshan among others had previously applauded PM’s statement on Janta Curfew.

M e a n w h i l e, A j a y Devgn also shared a video message where he asked people to defeat the “biggest villain” -- coronavirus.

“Every film has two kinds of characters — one hero and one villain.In real life also, you will find many such characters. Today, not just for India but for the whole world, the biggest villain is coronavirus. The biggest heroes are those battling this virus.

(PTI)

Deep Purple return with triumphant new single ‘Throw My Bones’

D

eep Purple have returned with a triumphant new single, ‘Throw My Bones’ – listen to it below.

The legendary rockers are due to release their 21st studio album, ‘Whoosh!’, on June 21, and they have now unveiled the video for its lead single.

In the video, a man donning an astronaut suit walks around observing everyday life. Disconnected from the world around him, he stands isolated in his suit as people pass him by while an organdriven riff dominates the backdrop.

Ian Gillan discussed the title of Deep Purple’s upcoming album: “‘Woosh!’ is an onomatopoeic word that, when viewed through one end of a radio-telescope, describes the transient nature of humanity on Earth; and, through the other end from a closer perspective, illustrates the career of

Deep Purple.”

Produced by Bob Ezrin, ‘Whoosh!’ is Deep Purple’s third time working with the iconic producer, who previously recorded 2013’s ‘Now What?!’ and 2017’s ‘Infinite’.

Meanwhile, a former accountant for Deep Purple was sentenced to six years and four months in prison last year for stealing £2.2million from the band.

Dipak Rao was sentenced on April 30 after

it was revealed that he transferred large sums of money from the accounts of Deep Purple Overseas Ltd and HEC Enterprises Ltd – both of which he was a director of – into his own, SurreyLive reports.

(NME)

Coming from my family is a Kanika Kapoor stayed in same Netflix sued by real-life subject double-edged sword: Patrick hotel as S African cricket team of legal drama ‘When They See Us’

A

ctor Patrick Schwarzenegger says his famous sur name is a “doubleedged sword” because his family members are “inspirational” and there’s always a lot of “pressure” on him because his father is Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“Coming from my family is a double-edged sword. It can be incredibly inspirational but it also puts on a lot of pressure.

At the beginning of my K Y M C

career, I was desperately trying to prove that I’m not just so-and-so’s kid and that I was making my own path,” Patrick told Britain’s Glamour magazine.

Patrick has learned to ignore the expectations and assumptions placed on him by other people because of his famous family name, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

“What I realised was those factors can’t be your ‘why’ for doing what you do. That’s not what should

be motivating you, because you could become the highest level of whatever it is you want to be, and guess what - those same people are always going to doubt how you got there. You have to have your own reasons to do what you do or you’ll be really unfulfilled,” he added.

He finds it frustrating that people assume he doesn’t have any work ethic because of his background.

“The first thing people say to me when we meet is, ‘You’re rich, your dad is wealth, you have no work ethic - you don’t have to work’. That’s hard to hear because it’s not true - I have to just live with that assumption. But I’ve always been a super motivated person.

I’ve always just wanted to do things on my own terms and known I was capable of that,” Patrick explained.

He credits his famous parents for making him “driven”.

“It probably comes from both my parents and my whole family being so driven. I am extremely fortunate to have my mom and dad as mentors, financially and for my education. I owe them a lot and I really recognise that privilege,” Patrick said.

(IANS)

B

ollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, who tested positive for coronavirus a few days ago, stayed in the same five-star hotel here as the South African cricket team, who were in India for the ODI series against Virat Kohli and Co. which later got postponed.

“There are reports that she dined in the hotel’s buffet and also attended several guests in the lobby,” an official was quoted as saying on Sunday.

“She was living there at a time when the South African team was staying in the hotel for the ODI match, which eventually was called off. There is information that Kanika was seen briefly attending a news channel’s annual conclave held at the hotel.

Therefore, it is important to scan the CCTV footage

and list those who came in contact with her.”

The Quinton de Kockled South African cricket team were slated to play three ODIs in India but the series had to be postponed amid the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

They came to Kolkata and travelled via Dubai to their respective destinations and have seen been on mandatory quarantine.

Kanika has been criticised a lot by netizens for her irresponsible behaviour for not self-quarantining herself upon her return from London and then attending several parties in Lucknow.

Her family members are now questioning the medical report which declared her as coronavirus positive.

(IANS)

N

etflix is being sued by one of the reallife subjects of their legal drama mini-series When They See Us. The four-part drama released last year is based on the real-life story of five African American teenagers who were falsely convicted in 1990 of raping a woman in New York City’s Central Park in 1989.

Now, as reported by Variety, Linda Farstein has filed a defamation lawsuit against Netflix and the show’s producer Ava Duvernay over the show’s depiction of her.

“Throughout the film series, Ms Fairstein is portrayed as making statements that she never said, taking actions that she did not

take — many of them racist and unethical, if not unlawful — in places that she never was on the days and times depicted,” the lawsuit states.

“On a number of occasions, Ms Fairstein is portrayed using inflammatory language, referring to young men of colour as ‘thugs’, ‘animals’ and ‘bastards’, that she never used.”

Farstein’s lawyer Andrew Miltenberg added in a statement that his client believes she was portrayed in a false way in almost every scene of the entire three episodes in which she appeared.

Miltenberg said: “Most glaringly, the film series falsely portrays Ms Fairstein as in charge of the investi-

gation and prosecution of the case against The Five, including the development of the prosecution’s theory of the case. In truth, and as detailed in the lawsuit, Ms Fairstein was responsible for neither aspect of the case.

“Ms Fairstein’s legal action is not intended to re-litigate the guilt or innocence of The Five in the attacks on Ms Meili or the other victims assaulted in Central Park that night.”

Netflix have responded to the claim in a statement, calling it “frivolous” and “without merit”, adding: “We intend to vigorously defend When They See Us and Ava DuVernay and Attica Locke, the incredible team behind the series.”

(NME) K Y M C

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020

Kanika stayed in same COVID-19 has not affected our Olympic preparation: Reid hotel as SA cricketers

Kanika Kapoor was living there at a time when the South African team was staying in the hotel for the ODI match.

Lucknow, March 22 (IANS): Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor, who tested positive for coronavirus a few days ago, stayed in the same five-star hotel here as the South African cricket team, who were in India for the ODI series against Virat Kohli and Co. which later got postponed.

“There are reports that she dined in the hotel’s buffet and also attended several guests in the lobby,” an official was quoted as saying on Sunday. “She was living there at a time when

the South African team was staying in the hotel for the ODI match, which eventually was called off. There is information that Kanika was seen briefly attending a news channel’s annual conclave held at the hotel.

Therefore, it is important to scan the CCTV footage and list those who came in contact with her.”

The Quinton de Kockled South African cricket team were slated to play three ODIs in India but the series had to be postponed amid the outbreak

of coronavirus pandemic.

They came to Kolkata and travelled via Dubai to their respective destinations and have seen been on mandatory quarantine.

Kanika has been criticised a lot by netizens for her irresponsible behaviour for not self-quarantining herself upon her return from London and then attending several parties in Lucknow. Her family members are now questioning the medical report which declared her as coronavirus positive.

New Delhi, Mar 22 (PTI): The Indian men’s hockey team chief coach Graham Reid believes eighttime champions India are better placed than their opponents when it comes to preparation for the Tokyo Olympics, as unlike other nations the deadly COVID19 hasn’t hampered their training program.

It is obviously disappointing that India won’t be able to travel to Germany and England for their FIH Pro League matches after the competition was put off till May due to the spread of the disease, but Reid tried to look at the positives in these trying times.

He lauded the steps taken by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Hockey India (HI) amid the ever-rising danger posed by the coronavirus outbreak.

“The authorities were quick to take action and isolate the SAI Centre. We are isolated but we can carry out our normal schedule.

Things are very smooth. We can’t control the virus but we can control our environment,” Reid told PTI in an interview from SAI South Centre in Bengaluru.

“Things are changing on a daily basis but one of the great thing is our ability to continue training which

Graham Reid with the Indian hockey team. other countries don’t have.

Australian players are based with their families and train in Perth. Argentines have a centralised program but I don’t think they are training at the moment where as, our entire group is together.

“We have 32 campers here and we can play competitive hockey against each other. We are playing internal games in international tempo. We are playing different styles of hockey everyday. One day, we are playing like Germany, the next day like Australia,” Reid added.

India were scheduled to travel to Germany for matches on April 25 and 26 before taking on Great Britain in London on May 2 and 3 but now the games have been cancelled after the International Hockey Federation (FIH) postponed the Pro League till May 17 because of the COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed over 10,000 lives worldwide.

“We are continuing what we can do best i.e play hockey in a closed and safe environment. We’re still waiting to hear from Hockey

India and the government on their recommendations in the wake of the serious crisis. Definitely, we will have reorganise our Olympic preparation schedule,” the 55-year-old Australian said.

Reid said postponement of the Tokyo Olympics because of the pandemic is a possibility, but hoped against it.

“I have no comment to make whether Olympics should be postponed or not, it is up to the IOC and Tokyo Games organisers. But Olympics is something spe-

cial, every athlete dreams to be a part of the event some day,” he said.

Things are gloomy everywhere in the wake of the pandemic but Reid and his boys have managed to keep their motivation level high and the coach believes India can finish on the podium in Tokyo, provided they play according to their capability.

“In these circumstances you have to maintain positive mental attitude. The boys gel in each other’s company and the Olympics is certainly enough motivation,” Reid said.

“We now have belief after playing 3 Pro League matches against top 3 teams in the world. Olympics is different but if we play our best, everything is possible.”

Reid has his wife by his side here but his two children -- a son and a daughter -- are away and just like any father he is little worried about them.

“My son is in Amsterdam but Amsterdam is reasonably under control. He is safe and sound. He loves sitting in his room so that’s not a problem for him. My daughter is in Perth and she is a physiotherapist so she can take care of herself. “But as a father, you will always be worried and caring for your kids,” he signed off.

Virat Kohli is the best batsman in the world: Chanderpaul Marouane Fellaini tests positive for coronavirus

Shivnarine Chanderpaul Mumbai, March 22 (IANS): Former West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has said India captain Virat Kohli is the best batsman in the world at the moment and also his favourite.

Fielding coach Sridhar shares fitness tips

R Sridhar Chennai, March 22 (IANS): With gyms closed and the Indian cricket team players cooped up inside their homes in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, fielding coach R Sridhar is giving his boys fitness tips from home.

In a video shared on Instagram by the Indian cricket team, the official handle, Sridhar is seen doing ab exercises. “Stay indoors and stay fit. Our fielding coach @coach_ rsridhar giving us major fitness goals from home,” the post said.

Chanderpaul was in India a few days back for the Road Safety World Series 2020, but it was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. “Obviously, it’s Virat Kohli. He has been working on all

the aspects of his game, and the results are showing. He is working hard on his fitness; he works on his skills. You see him putting in the hard work, and he is one of those guys who always wants to do well.

He’s proven it, day in and day out. You have to give credit to him for that. It’s not easy to stay at the top of your game for so long.

You got to put in your work, and the results are showing,” Chanderpaul told Sportstar.

O n We s t I n d i e s ’ chances in the T20 World Cup scheduled to be played in October-November in Australia, he said: “Well,

West Indies have always had players for the shorter format. Yet again, it all depends on how well you perform on that day because, in the T20 format, anybody could win on that day.

We always have a lot of match-winners, that’s the good thing about us.”

“With the power hitters, good bowlers they play a major part in the shorter format. So, we still have one of the best T20 squads around. But we still have to go out and play well to win matches.

Don’t take anyone lightly, play as hard as we can, and we will win,” Chanderpaul added.

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Marouane Fellaini

say Fellaini is in isolation at Jinan hospital, which specialises in infectious diseases.

The Belgium international moved to China in 2019 after 11 seasons in England with United and Everton.

Fellaini, who had recently returned to the country to resume training, is reportedly the only Chinese Super League player to have contracted the illness.

A statement from his club read: “The official test confirmed that the player Fellaini has tested positive for coronavirus during the quarantine observation period.

“During this period, the player’s body temperature has been normal and there are no other discomforts. He has received further observation and treatment at a designated medical institution.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Premier League could resume before virus restrictions are lifted – Southampton chief SOUTHAMPTON, MAR 22 ( AGENCIES): Southampton’s chief executive has suggested Premier League matches could be on television every day while people are still confined to their homes because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Martin Semmens says the return of the top flight - currently suspended until at least 30 April - would be “a sign that the country is coming back to normal” but it should not happen before it is safe.

“We have to do what is right and safe for the general public,” he told BBC Radio Solent.

“When everybody is safe and we’re not using up NHS and police resources, the government would like us to get back to playing because we are entertainment and a sign that the country is coming back to normal.

“If people are home for another month and Premier League football is on the TV every day that

Martin Semmens can only be a good thing.

Not because we are more essential than the NHS but because we can give people entertainment and show that we’re fighting back.”

Semmens said teams are hopeful of completing the league by the end of June but did not yet know when play would resume.

Some players will be out of contract on 30 June, but Semmens believes players could be convinced to stay for longer should play continue beyond that point “We hope to get the league done by the end of

June,” Semmens added.

“As soon as you go past that date, there are legal challenges.

“If we ended up playing until 15 July and you had to extend a player’s contract by two weeks, convincing a player to play two more weeks of football and get paid nicely to do it - I don’t believe that will be a substantial challenge.

“The challenge is making sure we don’t have a knock-on effect to other seasons and make football compromised for years to come.”

Mayank Agarwal shares fitness goals tips from home Bengaluru, March 22 (IANS): India Test opener Mayank Agarwal is making the most of his time at home with workout sessions as gyms remain closed in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Agarwal posted a series of pictures of him working out in the lawn and at home, doing strength training exercises.“#TeamIndia opener @mayankcricket giving us fitness goals from

MANCHESTER, MAR 22 ( AGENCIES): Former Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has confirmed that he has tested positive for coronavirus, reports BBC sports@.

In a post on Twitter, the 32-year-old, who is now at Chinese club Shandong Luneng said he hopes “to return to the game as soon as possible”.

Chinese media reports

Mayank Agarwal

home,” the BCCI said in a tweet with the photos.

India’s fielding coach R Sridhar was also seen giving his boys fitness tips from home. In a video shared on Instagram by the Indian cricket team’s official handle, Sridhar was seen doing ab exercises. India’s home series with South Africa was postponed even after the Proteas touching base in India and the first of the three ODIs being washed out in Dharamshala.

I. MANNGOI PHOM

Born: 1935 Died: 17-03-2020

“A great soul serves everyone all the time.

A great soul never dies.

It brings us together again and again.”

The family of Late I. Manngoi Phom wishes to acknowledge all those who have shared our grief following the wistful demise of our beloved father.

We are immensely thankful to all our friends, neighbours and well wishers who provided us with emotional and material support at this difficult time.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all who shared our woe through social media and have personally accompanied us, as well as those who travelled from far and near to pay him our last respect in Kohima and Kangching Village.

We are specially very grateful to Kohima Phom Baptist Church and Kangching Baptist Church for conducting the home going and homecoming services for our dearest father.

Words are not enough to thank each and every one of you personally, however it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

K-848

Loving Children and Family Members K Y M C

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Athletes observe ‘Janata curfew’

Indian men’s hockey team coach Sjoerd Marjine posted a video of all the players clapping at their training centre in Bengaluru.

New Delhi, Mar 22 (PTI): India’s sports fraternity joined the nation on Sunday to salute the essential services providers engaged in fight against COVID-19, by clapping for them or sharing messages and videos of gratitude on social media.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged the Indians to observe ‘Janta Curfew’ and express gratitude towards the health-care workers and other basic service providers, and his appeal received an over-

whelming response from the citizens on Sunday evening.

Indian men’s hockey team coach Sjoerd Marjine posted a video of all the players clapping at their training centre in Bengaluru. Wearing the team’s jersey, the players positioned themselves on different floors of the building and clapped in tandem.

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag took to twitter to share his gratitude.

“A big Salute to all the warriors who are working tirelessly .May this pass soon

and may there be peace, peace and peace. Om Shanti Shantih,” he tweeted.

Wrestling superstar Bajrang Punia also posted a video, showing a lot of people beating the plates, in solidarity with the medicos and all those who provide essential services.

“I thank all the healthcare workers and all the people in the frontline fighting COVID-19. You are the real heroes I salute you,” Bajrang tweeted.

Former India captain and coach Anil Kumble

took to twitter to express his gratitude.“Thank you to all the heroes who are helping us in fighting COVID19. Let us stay strong and continue our fight,” he tweeted.

The Olympic-bound athletes such as weightlifter Mira Bai Chanu and sprinter Hima Das also joined the people of the country in the appreciation act as they were also seen clapping from the SAI centre in Patiala.

Star woman wrestler Vinesh Phogat also posted a video of her mother beating a steel plate with a big spoon. In another tweet, she posted, “Salute to all those who are working tirelessly.

What a feeling to see India on a united front against this battle.!! “ Shooter Heena Sidhu also shared a video, shot from the balcony of her house, along with a tweet which read, “Here is the video from my balcony!

What atmosphere!!

“Thankyou everyone for fighting back and our heartfelt appreciation to all those who are fighting this disease by putting their lives on the line.”

Ashwin hails Janata Curfew, hopes it extends Chennai, March 22 (IANS): Ace Test spinner Ravichandran Ashwin hailed the success of the ‘Janata Curfew’ that is in effect throughout the country on Sunday in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Ashwin also said that people should practice “social media distancing” which he said will be a big contribution in containing harmony in society.

“Unbelievable start to the #JantaCurfew, pin drop silence as they used to say in school. Hope this is extended beyond this day and social distancing can be adhered to in the days to come. @narendramodi @AmitShah,” said Ashwin in his first tweet.

“People finding faults with actions of others or pointing out what’s wrong with our system, just take a break and look inwards while you strictly practice ‘social media distancing’.

That will be your biggest contribution towards the harmony of the society. Jai hind,” he said.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2020

P.K. Banerjee was the first icon of Indian Football: Venkatesh New Delhi, March 22 (IANS): Current Indian football team assistant coach and Indian Arrows head coach Shanmugam Venkatesh hailed the late P.K. Banerjee as the “first icon of Indian football.”

Former India captain and ex-head coach Banerjee, who has represented the country 36 times with 19 goals to his name, passed away in a private hospital in Kolkata at the age of 83 on March 20, 2020.

Venkatesh who had come through the National Team ranks when Banerjee was the AIFF Technical Director showered praises on Banerjee, stating that his achievements took him to a legendary status.

“He was a National icon much before India won the 1983 Prudential World Cup. He had that ability to make fans go crazy over him. His ability to motivate players was unparalleled,” Venkatesh, a former Indian National Team captain stated. “He is an absolute legend of the game. He was technically so gifted back in his playing days. But he was

also a very good motivator,” said Venkatesh. “He always had the right words for the players.” Banerjee’s fame as a great motivator, was not just restricted to those who played under his stewardship.

“My journey to the National Team set-up started under him. It’s unfortunate that I did not have the fortune of playing at a club where he was at the helm.

But the experience of having started under him made me confident,” Venkatesh reflected.

Banerjee was a part of the golden era in Indian football, where he was a crucial part of the 1962 National Team that clinched gold at the Jakarta Asian Games, with the forward netting a goal in the 2-1 victory over South Korea in the Final.

It is experiences like these that Banerjee later used in his career to help players of the future generation deal with the pressures of playing the Beautiful Game at the top level. “He has played so many matches at the top international levels, that he knew very well how to deal

with pressure situations,” said Venkatesh. “He had a gift of reading the pressure surrounding a game, and how a player is reacting to it. That made him really special.”

The 42-year-old further went on to share a moments from the past when he was in the India U21 team, and the then Technical Director, Banerjee, had predicted that the youth team of the day would soon go on to form the backbone of the senior national side.

“I can look back in retrospect and say that he was right about us. But back then, when we were still playing in the junior team, none of us obviously had any idea, and we were still trying to make it to the top. So it meant a lot, when he said that,” Venkatesh quipped.

“And sure enough, if you look at that team, and the players that we had -- the likes of Dipendu (Biswas), Renedy (Singh), Mahesh (Gawali), myself -- most of us went on to play in the senior team for quite a few years,” he added.

Neymar’s Barca return saga Gibbs would like Kohli as gym Callum Skinner: Athlete group calls for to be reignited this summer partner during quarantine Olympics and Paralympic postponement Pa r i s, M a rc h 2 2 (IANS): Ace Brazil footballer Neymar’s Barcelona return saga seems to be set for a second round this summer with reports in Spanish media stating that his camp has let the La Liga giant know that he is interested in the move.

Neymar had left Barcelona for Paris St Germain in 2017 for a world record fee of over 200 million euros after four seasons

with the Catalan giants where he won two La Liga titles and the Champions League and formed a lethal attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

His time at PGS has in contrast been filled with injuries and off-field controversies. Neymar had also started this season on the wrong foot with the Parisian fans after his desire to move back to Barcelona became public.

According to the Sport, Neymar is willing to squeeze the move out of PSG this summer and Barcelona has renewed interest because club captain Messi would like to play with the Brazilian again.

Neymar had scored in PSG’s Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund before football was suspended throughout the continent due the outbreak of coronavirus.

Former Real president dies of coronavirus Madrid, March 22 (IANS): Former Real Madrid president 76-year-old Lorenzo Sanz died on Saturday of coronavirus. His son, who plays for the Real Madrid basketball team, made the announcement on Twitter.

“My father has just passed away. He did not deserve this ending and in this way,” tweeted his son, Lorenzo Sanz junior.

“One of the best, bravest and hardest-working people I have ever seen. His family and Real Madrid

Lorenzo Sanz

were his passions.”

According to the Spanish media reports, Sanz had chosen to stay home with a mild fever so as to not contribute to the

already saturated health service in Spain. After eight days of fever, he was admitted to a hospital where tests confirmed that he had coronavirus.

Sanz was president of the Spanish giants between 1995 and 2000 in which time Real signed stars like Davor Suker, Pedrag Mijatovic, Roberto Carlos Clarence Seedorf, Steve McManaman and Nicolas Anelka, with the Frenchman being the most expensive player in the world at the time.

Virat Kohli training in a gym

New Delhi, March 22 (IANS): Former South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs said that he would like to have Indian captain Virat Kohli as his gym partner for quarantine.

With the coronavirus pandemic spreading around the world, cricket has come to a virtual standstill and the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday tweeted a graph-

ic named “who is your quarantine partner.” Gibbs responded to the tweet saying, “In quarantine , me and @imVkohli going toe to toe in the gym.”

A l t h o u g h Ko h l i ’s name was there, there was no option related to working out in the gym on the graphic. Kohli had famously called Gibbs his favourite cricketer during his days as an U19 cricketer.

LONDON, MAR 22 ( AGENCIES): An athleteled movement fronted by British Olympic champion Callum Skinner has called for this summer’s Olympics and Paralympics to be postponed, reports British Broadcasting Corporation sports.

Global Athlete say the Games should be put back “until the Covid-19 global pandemic is under control”.

The Olympics are scheduled to take place in Tokyo from 24 July to 9 August with the Paralympics due to be held from 25 August to 6 September.

“Public health must be a priority over sporting events,” read a statement.

“Sport has a duty of care to protect their athletes. By asking them to carry on as normal and continue to train for these Games, clearly puts their physical and mental health at risk.”

One of Global Athlete’s stated aims is to ‘address the balance of power between athletes and administrators’.

Callum Skinner

Britain’s Paralympic powerlifter Ali Jawad, who silver at the 2016 Rio Games, is also one of the main faces of Global Athlete, alongside Skinner, who won gold in the same year in the men’s cycling team sprint.

The statement which says they have consulted “hundreds of athletes” continued: “Athletes want to be part of a solution to ensure the Games are a success but under current global restrictions that are limiting public gatherings, as well as closing training facilities and borders, athletes do not have the ability to appropriately prepare for these games.”

On Saturday, United states of America Track

and Field, athletics’ US governing body, called for the Olympics in Tokyo to be delayed because of the ongoing coronavirus situation.

It follows a request from USA Swimming for it to be delayed by 12 months.

Meanwhile on Friday, four-time Olympic champion and British Broadcasting Corporation Sport pundit Michael Johnson expressed fears that athletes could “risk their lives” trying to train for the Games and asked for clarity on the International Olympic Committee’s decisionmaking process.

“The Inter national Olympic Committee should communicate the window for deciding on the ‘20 Olympics,” tweeted the former United states athlete. “Athletes must keep training but for many there’s nowhere to train.

“They may risk their lives and others trying to continue training. Answer isn’t just cancel ASAP. But communicate the process to the athletes.”

Milan’s Maldini, son test positive for COVID-19

Daniel Maldini and Paolo Maldini

Milan, March 22 (IANS): AC Milan and Italy legend Paolo Maldini and his son Daniel, who currently plays for the club, have both been tested positive for coronavirus, the Serie A club said in a statement.

“AC Milan confirms that Paolo Maldini, the club’s Technical Director, became aware of contact with a person who subsequently tested positive for coronavirus and began to display symptoms of the virus himself,” said Milan on Saturday.

“He was administered with a swab test yesterday,

the result of which was positive. His son Daniel, a forward in AC Milan’s youth team who had previously been training with the First Team, also tested positive.”

The club further said that both are well and have already completed two weeks at home without contact with others. They will remain in qurantine until “clinically recovered.” Earlier, it emerged that Juventus star Paulo Dybala has tested positive for the virus.

The pandemic has claimed nearly 4,900 lives thus far in Italy.

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