March 27, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 110

DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Covid-19 relief touches CL game linked to %FNPOFUJTBUJPO UP BòFDU 5IFTF XPVME BMMPX HSPXUI UP every weaker section: Shah COVID-19 cases in Italy

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EJTDSFUJPO BOE JNQSPWF UBLF UJNF UP SFBMJTF $FOUSBMJTFE 1VCMJD 4FDUPS "TTFU IJT ÜTDBM BDDPVOUBCJMJUZ %FNPOFUJTBUJPO NBZ BòFDU 3FIBCJMJUBUJPO "HFODZ OFFEFE UP MPPL Staff Reporters/Correspondent (SPXUI UP SFUVSO UP TVQQMJFT PG DFSUBJO BHSJDVMUVSBM BGUFS UIF MBSHFTU NPTU EJóDVMU DBTFT OPSNBM BT OFX DVSSFODZ QSPEVDUT MJLF TVHBS NJML BOE NBLF QPMJUJDBMMZ UPVHI EFDJTJPOT DIMAPUR/ MOKOKCDPNFT JO DJSDVMBUJPO QPUBUPFT BOE POJPOT UP SFEVDF EFCU HUNG, MAR 26 (NPN): (SPXUI SBUF PG JOEVTUSJBM &òPSUT UP DPMMFDU UBYFT PO "EESFTTJOH UIF 5XJO #BMBODF 4IFFU Amid apprehensions against the backdrop of the 21-day TFDUPS UP NPEFSBUF UP EJTDMPTFE BOE VOEJTDMPTFE QSPCMFN XJMM CF WJUBM nation-wide lockdown to UIJT ÜTDBM GSPN MBTU XFBMUI TIPVME OPU MFBE UP UBY 4VHHFTUT JODFOUJWJ[JOH TUBUFT GPS halt the spread of COVIDÜTDBM IBSBTTNFOU 19, citizens across Nagaland (L) Denizens of Dimapur throng a marketHPPE ÜTDBM QFSGPSNBODF place to buy essential items (R) Barricade erected to block entry into a colony, Thursday. %FNPOFUJTBUJPO TIPVME CF %FNPHSBQIJD EJWJEFE UP QFBL XJUIJO continue 6OJWFSTBM #BTJD *ODPNF to resort to panic buying. 4DIFNF JT BO BMUFSOBUJWF UP Panic buying was dentsGPMMPXFE VQ XJUI GBTU EFNBOE and those on official ItOFYU ÜWF ZFBST has also been learnt try points. Stranded truck screened were mostly resireported QMFUIPSB PG TUBUF TVCTJEJFT in various districts dutiesESJWFO SFNPOFUJTBUJPO UBY have been exempted that village authorities in drivers from Manipur and dents of Aokong Colony 'JTDBM BDUJWJTN FNCSBDFE CZ BEWBODFE such as Dimapur, Kohima fromSFGPSNT (45 MPXFSJOH UBY SBUFT the blockades. Since the some parts of the State had Assam were screened, but and adjoining areas.

GPS QPWFSUZ BMMFWJBUJPO FDPOPNJFT OPU SFMFWBOU GPS *OEJB and Mokokchung in various Dimapur district administra- sealed entry points for out- travellers trying to enter from “If the temperature is 4XBDII #IBSBU UP QSPNPUF B CSPBEFS GVOEBNFOUBM SJHIU UP QSJWBDZ GPS XPNFO degrees despite appeals from tion had set 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. siders. Many village and col- other States were denied en- more than 100ÂşC , they are 4FSWJDF TFDUPS FTUJNBUFE UP HSPX BU JO the authorities that sufficient as relaxation for purchasing ony authorities have come try.

However trucks carrying taken to the control room, (3"1)*$4 food stocks were available. essential commodities, some out with various measures to fruits and vegetables were CMO office and their numA notable feature in village authorities accord- implement the lockdown. A allowed only after proper bers are noted down,� the some colonies in Dimapur ingly relaxed the lockdown large number of people were checking and screening. doctor added. The doctor and Kohima was the impo- timing. seen at various ration shops A policeman at a check also informed that people on sition of barriers to prevent When contacted, some and vegetable to buy grocer- gate told this reporter that their way to Eden hospital vehicles and people from village authorities told Na- ies and other food items.

Nagaland ambulances trav- and Referral hospital for moving in or out especially galand Post that they had Screenings continue elling from other States dialysis, CT scan and other those not exempted from set up the barricades so as to at entry points: As states were allowed entry but other medical reasons were also the purview of the total lock- prevent unnecessary move- throughout the country ambulances were asked to screened for symptoms of down. On Thursday, many ments. They informed that adopt strict measures to go back. People who were Covid-19. On Thursday, a villages, wards and colonies volunteers will be on duty enforce the 21-day lock- roaming on roads as well as group of police personnel at in Dimapur barricaded at round the clock to ensure down on the second day, to vehicles not exempted from Dillai check gate and Bortheir main entry and exit that the lockdown was fully stem the spread of COVID- the curfew were ordered to lengri Bridge were screening points. While some opted to enforced. Residents were 19, Police in Dimapur, the return home. people. It was learnt that impose blockades only after 2 also advised to stay at home commercial and transit hub One PHC doctor, de- around 80 persons were p.m., others opted to enforce and cooperate with the local of Nagaland, undertook ployed at Dellai check gate, screened from 6 a.m. to 10.30 (More on p-8) it from dusk to dawn. Resi- authorities. screening at various en- said that 40% of the people a.m.

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Panic buying continues across Nagaland

Colonies, villages block entry; panic

buying continues

2192 persons under surveillance in Nagaland

`38L released under CMRF to combat COVID-19

8 PERSONS TEST NEGATIVE DIMAPUR, MAR 26 (NPN): Sharing daily updates on status of COVID19 in Nagaland as of March 26, 2020, the Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department Thursday stated that there were 2192 persons under surveillance in the state at present.

In a press release, H&FW principal director Dr. Vizolie Z Suokhrie informed that out of the 13 samples sent for testing, eight retuned negative.

Dr. Suokhrie results of five samples sent for testing on March 26, 2020 was awaited.

Meanwhile, the principal director stated that 5433 persons have been screened at the Airport and 19797 have persons screened at railway station and road.

He also informed that there were six foreigners in the state at present.

Meanwhile, number of coronavirus cases climbed to 694 in India on Thursday and the death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 16, according to the health ministry.

The total number of 694 cases included 47 foreign nationals, the ministry data said.

This is it!

“Hey, you can’t have a lockdown. I only went to get alcohol for sanitiser.�

K Y M C

Neiba Kronu, Pangnyu Phom, Menukhol John and Abhijit Sinha.

DIMAPUR, MAR 26 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio released an amount of Rs. 38 lakhs from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for exigency expenses to combat the coronavirus disease, a DIPR report stated.

O u t o f t h i s, a n amount of Rs.2 lakhs each was given to Naga Students Union, Bangalore, deputy resident commissioner (DRC) Nagaland House, Delhi Kolkata and Guwahati.

This was informed by government spokespersons and minister, Planning and Coordination, Neiba Kronu during a briefing on the preparedness of the

state government on coronavirus in Nagaland.

The meeting was also attended Health minister Pangnyu Phom, principal secretary H&FW Menukhol John and Home commissioner Abhijit Sinha.

He also informed that the government has identified COVID-19 hospitals in Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung and separate places for quarantine identified in Kohima and Dimapur.

Similar arrangements have also been made in all the other districts.

Kronu said strict vigil was being maintained by the district administration on the availability of essential commodities

and all the districts have reported that the situation was comfortable.

DCs of those districts bordering Assam have been further advised to remain in close contact with their counterparts so that any issue arising in the inter-state supply chain was addressed promptly.

Earlier, the chief minister held a review meeting with the District Task Force headed by the DCs and other senior officials of all districts through video conferencing to ascertain the updated status of the medical facilities in the districts, the status on availability of essential goods, commodities and also regarding the adherence to the prohibitory measures by the people.

Fervent appeal was made to the citizens to strictly abide by the containment measures and advisories issued by the government for enforcing

COVID-19 lockdown.

The government also appealed all maintain social distancing and to remain indoors and to come out only when absolutely unavoidable for the purpose of buying essential commodities.

This was the only effective way to contain the spread of this dreaded virus, the government stated.

Centre appraised of State’s preparedness: State health & family welfare minister Pangnyu Phom, along with other senior government officials, apprised Union health minister Dr Harshvardhan about the status and preparedness of Nagaland for battling novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic during a video conference of all State health ministers and other senior officials at NIC Secretariat on Thursday.

China’s local coronavirus cases die down INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

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NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (PTI): The government on Thursday announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore stimulus that included free foodgrain and cooking gas to poor for three months, and cash doles to 4PVSDF women and poor senior citizens as it looked to ease the economic impact of the nationwide lockdown.

While over 80 crore poor ration card holders will each get 5 kg of wheat

Medicine dealers, FPS owners appeal DIMAPUR, MAR 26 (NPN): Even as panic has gripped a large section of the society over COVID19, various trade bodies are trying to instil confidence in the public and seeking their cooperation. While All Nagaland Fair Price Shops’ Association (ANFPSA) has appealed to National Food Security Act (NFSA) beneficiaries to pay attention and strictly follow orders and guidelines issued by food & civil supplies department in procuring food grains through fair price shop, Nagaland Medicine Dealers’ Association (NMDA) has informed the public that all medicine shops would remain open as usual.

NMDA president A Ato Yepthomi has informed all association members that the administration had directed medical shops to remain opened as per regular timing in public interest.

(Cont’d on p-8)

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or rice and one kg of preferred pulses free of cost every month for the next three months, 20.4 crore women having Jan Dhan bank accounts would get one-time cash help of Rs 1,500 spread over three months.

Over 8.3 crore poor women, who were handed out free cooking gas connections since 2016, will get free LPG refills for the next

three months, while poor senior citizens, widows and disabled will get an exgratia cash of Rs 1,000.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said at a news conference here that the package is being announced within 36 hours of the 21-day nationwide lockdown announced by the Prime Minister. She hinted at more announcements if a need arises.

FCI alleges harassment; seeks public cooperation

DIMAPUR, MAR 26 (NPN): Food Corporation of India (FCI) divisional office Dimapur has alleged that FCI labourers and truck drivers have been subjected to harassment while responding to call of duty and sought cooperation from all sections of the society as FCI was discharging its duties with skeletal staff strength. In a press release, FCI Dimapur divisional manager Bankim Phonglo stated that despite FCI operation been exempted from the lockdown there have been some “unfortunate incidents� at various locations in Dimapur against the truck drivers and departmental labourers engaged in FCI operation to supply essential commodities (Rice) to various destinations in Nagaland and Manipur on march 25, 2020.

In this regard, FCI officials met and apprised the Dimapur district administration and police on March 26, 2020 about the challenges being faced in (Cont’d on p-8) performance of official duty.

Phonglo said FCI officials also requested the authority to exempt the plying of FCI trucks and movement of labourers beyond the stipulated restricted time (8am to 2pm) besides sensitise the police personnel and the local community.

FCI pointed out that its operation included loading and unloading of the foodgrains from railway rakes at FCI Depot and dispatch of food grains by road to FCI depots in Mon, Mokokchung, Tuensang and Kohima within Nagaland as well as to Manipur region so as to maintain sufficient food stock for PDS. Further, FCI said there was issue of food grains to state food and civil supply department in all the districts. As such, it said the movement of FCI & FCS trucks was indispensable for proper functioning of the Public Distribution System (PDS), which has become far more critical in the current situation due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Former minister Dr. TM Lotha passes away Pol parties urge govt step up measures DIMAPUR, MAR 26 (NPN): Former minister, Dr. T Myingthungo Lotha, passed away after a brief illness on March 25, at 11 p.m. at Dr. Motsuo Memorial Hospital, Wokha town.

He was 68. He is survived by his wife, six sons and one daughter.

According to family sources, his funeral service would be held at his private residence at Officer’s Colony, Wokha town on March 27, 2020 at 10am and would be laid to rest at his native village Longsa.

Dr. T Myingthungo Lotha, popularly known as Dr. TM Lotha, joined government service as an assistant surgeon in 1977. He later joined active politics and contested the 6th general election held in November 1987 as an NNDP candidate from 38th Wokha Assembly Constituency but lost. Later, he successfully contested the

Late Dr. T.M. Lotha

general elections of 1989, 2003 and 2013. Dr.Lotha held several portfolios including home, medical, housing, fire services, and treasuries & accounts, relief and rehabilitation.

Son of late Thungtsomo Ezung, Dr. Lotha was a founding member of Naga Hoho besides chairman of Political Affairs Committee (PAC) from 2008-12.

State chief minister Neiphiu Rio led other political leaders, parties and organsiations in condoling the

passing of Dr. TM Lotha.

In a condolence message, Rio said he was saddened to know about the demise of Dr.Lotha and said that in his death the state has lost a good leader. The chief minister recalled that Dr.Lotha served the people of Nagaland in various capacities as a student leader, medical doctor and later as a politician.

Further, Rio extended deepest condolences to bereaved family members.

NLA speaker: NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer expressed deep grief over the demise of Dr.TM Lotha and said his death has caused a great loss to the Nagas in general and the Lotha community in particular, adding that the void created by him would be difficult to fill.

In a condolence message, NLA speaker described late Dr.Lotha as a dynamic

and dedicated man, who worked sincerely for the welfare and uplift of his constituency and the people of Nagaland.

The speaker, on his behalf and on behalf of the Members of the 13th NLA, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Mrs. M. Mhalo Ezung, their children and the other family members.

Dy CM: State deputy chief minister, Y Patton, has expressed deep sadness over the sudden demise of former home minister and senior BJP leader Dr. T. M. Lotha.

In a condolence message, Patton described late Dr.Lotha as “a seasoned and refined politician as well as a dedicated public leader� who had spent his entire life in rendering public welfare services not only as a politician but also as a prominent physician.

Provide necessary medical supplies: NPF NPCC questions state govt’s strategy

DIMAPUR, MAR 26 (NPN): Asserting that “no soldier can face war without weapons and ammunitions�, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has urged the state government to make available all the necessary equipments in all the district headquarters and sub-divisions so none of the citizens including doctors and nurses were affected due to lack of all medical supplies and equipment.

NPF through its press bureau that the party concerned with the virus undertook an extensive survey in all the districts so that the state was not lagging behind any other states to handle the situation.

NPF said it noted with all seriousness the reply given by the chief secretary that state government was prepared for any eventuality. However, the party said it was not convinced as his reply on many of the questions raised by the NPF remained unanswered.

To substantiate further, the party said it had entrusted all its divisional presidents to find out the details of preparedness in each district headquarters and sub-divisional (Cont’d on p-7) headquarters.

(Cont’d on p-8)

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie wondered whether the State government was sincerely preparing to fight COVID-19 pandemic as it had not announced any financial package so far as merely issuing orders and lathi charges were not enough.

In a release, Therie pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced Rs 15,000-crore package to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, while Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced Rs 20,000-crore revival package, out of which Rs 500 crore would be provided to the State’s health department to fight back the pandemic. He said no such similar measures had been announced by Nagaland and reminded it that salaries of NHM doctors of the past four months were still pending.

There said he was not aware of the status of safety and protective equipment for doctors and healthcare workers, security forces, and personnel of other essential services. However, he expressed happiness that the state government was providing free testing, treatment, quarantine and other medical services pertaining to COVID-19.

(Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C

state

2

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

Day-Two of nation wide lockdown in Nagaland

(L-R) Police personnel checking commuters at Chümoukedima 2nd gate. Highway road blockade. P.R Hill junction in Kohima on Thursday. Police personnel screening people at Borlengri bridge.

COVID-19: Various agencies remind public to adhere to directives DIMAPUR: Various organisations and political parties have reminded public to stay at home and obey the directives given out by the government for safety against COVID-19.

Legislators in-charge meets KDTF: Minister of Housing, Tongpang Ozukum and advisor Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr.Neikiesalie Kire, the legislators in-charge of monitoring the Covid 19 situation in Kohima district held a brief review meeting with the Kohima Covid-19 district task force (DTF) on March 26 at DPDB conference hall Kohima. Chairman of the Kohima DTF and DC Kohima Gregory Thejawelie gave a detailed and updated report on the precautionary measures undertaken and the system set in place to tackle any outbreak. CMO Kohima who is also a member of DTF further briefed the house on the preparations and medical facilities that have been set up by the Medical department in case of any positive Covid-19 cases.

House also discussed the welfare of the daily wage earners who might find it virtually impossible to sustain themselves financially during the 21day lockdown.

Dr. Chumben Murry, MLA: Dr. Chumben Murry, MLA, I/c state NPF medical cell has urged upon the NPF central medical cell to sensitize all the citizens of the state in general to heed to directions given by the government and the laid down valuable precautionary dos and don’ts. In a press release, Dr. Chumben stated that, NPF party workers and the support system in particular are directed to exhibit exemplary obedience. The release also stated that Nagaland does not even have comparable facilities which calls for a conscious and informed will to fight for prevention of the pandemic coming to Nagaland. He urged upon all citizens to be well informed with correct information given out by the department of Health and Family Welfare and not become unduly panicked by social media posts. Stating that call for shutdown has become a dire need but shutdown alone cannot protect the public, Dr. Chumben cautioned that all elaborated safety precautions needed to be religiously followed.

FNBA: Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations (FNBA) has appealed to all executive secretaries of Naga Baptist Associations and all chaplains/pastors of Naga Christian Fellowships to come together in prayer on Sunday, March 29 at 12 noon for at least ten minutes in respective homes/places. A press release from FNBA general secretary, Rev. H. Gideon in the wake of COVID-19 has put out these prayer points: Pray for the healing of Covid19 affected land and people who are under medical treatment; Pray for the protection of our people, our family, our neighbour and ourselves; Pray for the complete removal of Covid19 from the face of the earth; Pray for divine favour and revelation to the researchers; Pray for doctors and nurses who are on duty for divine protection; Pray for Christian leaders, pastors, missionaries for divine guidance and strength.

ENPO expresses gratitude: Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has expressed gratitude towards the health workers, government functionaries, police personnel and village councils at the village levels for their valiant efforts in checking the spread of novel coronavirus in the state. A press release from ENPO president Kekongchim and general secretary, Manlang Phom stated that, it was the health workers, government functionaries, police personnel and village councils at the village levels who have been working overtime with admirable sacrifice and patience. ENPO also urged its K Y M C

6.50 lacs people of Eastern Nagaland to continue to fully co-operate to the measures for safety.

NPD Kohima: Superintendent of Post Offices, Nagaland Postal Division (NPD) in view of the prevailing situation of the COVID-19 outbreak, has informed the general public that the skeletal services will be provided at the post offices in Nagaland. This will include financial related transactions of post office saving bank and India post payments bank. In this regard, if any customer faces difficulty in availing the mentioned postal services, the following numbers may be contacted for assistance: Central control room NPD at 8415955048/9436434323/0370 2291346 and send in grievances at sponagaland@gmail.com.

N a ga l a n d N G O ' s Fo r u m (NNF) appeals: Nagaland NGO's Forum (NNF) with National NGO’s Federation and concerned citizens has appealed to the central and state governments for measures to combat the pandemic COVID-19. An appeal

by NNF president Dr. Hesheto Y. Chishi and general secretary, Chenithung Humtsoe asked the government to: Come up with necessary financial packages to meet the medical emergency and also ensure money into people’s account to meet their basic needs; To put in place strong public health measures now for massive free testing for the virus and provide free treatment to the affected and avoid the danger of the disease jumping back up once the lockdown and restrictions on mobility are lifted; Increase the facilities for treatment by considering requisition and nationalization of private health facilities in order to speed up delivery assistance; Ensure inclusive preventive measures and actions, as is evident that lack of testing, ventilators, etc hospitals will affect many people in the days to come; Engage companies, biomedical engineers, researchers to produce mechanical ventilators and testing kits, enhance the number of testing centres and its capacity to ensure they reach everyone and accommodate marginalised communities; Take urgent measures to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPEs) to the health, sanitation and other frontline personnel to protect them and help the system function; Open up public spaces - hotels, guest houses, hostels, school building and others and convert them to hospitals and makeshift quarantine centres whenever required; Engage local administration, NGOs, civil society and religious leaders help spread awareness among masses on hygiene, physical distancing and social solidarity, and responsible buying; NGOs and civil society engagement in relief distribution and essentials - quality masks, soaps, eatables, medicine etc. helping in the fair distribution of materials etc; District level quality quarantine facilities- isolation beds and quarantine beds with adequate medical treatment equipments should be focussed by state governments and making concerned deputy commissioner's responsible for district-level management; Ensure provision of basic amenities like water supply and hygiene kits, soaps, sanitisers, masks and other essential commodities to all vulnerable population groups, inmates in various homeless shelters/ beggars, night shelters/relief camps, and slum-dwelling population across state; Institute inclusive relief measures and livelihood support through relief and packages (food stocks etc), and social security measures (pensions), unemployment allowances, livelihood compensations till the pandemic passes for marginalised/ informal sector/ self-employed/ casual workers. Additionally, integrate the losses of informal/migrant sector workers as recognised and described

by the corresponding laws, into the state /national disaster response fund norms; Ensure that the designated public fair price/distribution shops are functioning with adequate stocks of provisions and distribute necessary food items to their cardholders in a safe manner until the uncertainty over Covid19 passes; Strengthen mohalla clinics, sub-centres, PHCs to reach out with correct information and awareness drive. Institute similar local community-based systems to support and complement regular public healthcare systems to prevent, test and treat the Covid-19 issues among marginalised communities; Put in place accessible and peoplefriendly complaints and grievance registration and redress mechanisms under the designated local authorities to provide and ensure justice along with humanitarian relief.

DVC issues directives: Darogapathar Village Council (DVC) with a view to contain and prevent the spreading of COVID-19 in Nagaland has issued directives in the interest and safety of all the village populace. A press release from DVC secretary, K. Ado Bizo informed all residents and business establishment of Darogapathar village about the following directives: All permanent/ temporary residents of the village are directed to stay home quarantined till further orders/notices are given by the state government and public information given by the Darogapathar Village Council; Visitors are strictly prohibited within the Darogapathar village jurisdiction and the roads leading to the village via Naharbari, Phaipijan, Thilixu and NH-29 shall be in total restriction for all visitors; Any new individual/person arriving to stay at the village jurisdiction is strictly prohibited till further orders and even any individual/person leaving the village or travelling to other places shall be prohibited to return to the village jurisdiction till further notice; All public of Darogapathar village is strictly directed not to loiter around the village but to confine themselves within their homes and compound; No private/ public transport shall be allowed to ply within the village jurisdiction; All residents residing in Darogapathar village are advised to procure their essential commodities within March 28, thereafter; The markets within the village jurisdiction shall remain closed till further orders; All the developmental works within the village jurisdictions is suspended till further orders by the village council; No organizations or individual shall be allowed to hold any functions or seminars or camps/group activities within the village jurisdiction without the consent to the village council; In case of any emergency arising thereof, the public are directed to inform the Darogapathar Village Council for approval and permission at 09383205771/09436016404 (village council), 07005129868 (president DYO), 09612900717 (president, BADV) and 07085065167 (police assistance centre, Darogapathar); For strict compliance and implementation of the above directives, the Darogapathar Village Youth Organization (DVYO) and Goanburas are requested to be vigilant. The directives shall remain in force within the Darogapathar village jurisdiction till further public information or announcement made by the council.

Violations to the above directives shall invite prosecutions as deemed fit by the council.

BVC: Botsa Village Council (BVC) held a meeting on March 25 along with EAC Botsa circle and MO of PHC Botsa, attended by various organisations of the village. A press release from BVC chairman Zhahelie Rio stated that, meeting resolved the following for strict compliance

during the lockdown period: Only three designated ration shops will be allowed to be opened within the village, namely one at Gracy Hotel area, one at central part of Botsa and one at Highway Inn Hotel area; Timing for opening and closing of the designated ration shops shall be as follows: Morning from 6 a.m to 9 a.m and evening from 4 p.m to 6 p.m; No outsiders shall be entertained by any resident of the village during the entire lockdown period; Residents of Botsa shall not venture out of their respective compounds, unless for exigent requirements.

JCF of DEEHA: Joint Council Forum (JCF) of Dubagaon, Ekaranipathar, Eralibill, K. Hollohon Colony and Aoyimti villages (DEEHA) resolved to impose some restrictions under its jurisdiction. A press release from JCF of DEEHA chairman V. Shekishe Achumi and secretary A. Polongnok Lkr stated that, following orders have been enforced throughout DEEHA jurisdiction till further notification: Public are hereby directed to stay at home and not move out except for purchase of essential commodities and medical exigencies; Only one person from a family will be permitted /allowed to go out for purchase of essential commodities and not more than three people in a group; All vehicular movement of non-essential nature is prohibited under DEEHA jurisdiction; Outsiders are not allowed to enter, unless special permission is availed from the concerned village council; Any students, workers, businessmen etc coming home from outside Dimapur are directed to remain in quarantine for 15 days; Prior information should be given to the office about their arrival; Public gathering is banned under DEEHA. Any person/group not adhering to the order shall be deemed to have committed an offence and will be dealt with stringent penalty.

Diphupar 'B' Village Council informs: Diphupar 'B' Village Council (DBVC), in an emergency meeting held on March 24, unanimously resolved that all ongoing construction works and other developmental activities in the locality are to be discontinued with immediate effect.

A press release by chairman stated that all human and vehicular movements in the village jurisdiction will be strictly regulated, and in case of

any person found leaving the village for purpose not justified, he/she will not be allowed to return to the village until further notice; No individual, groups or societies will be allowed to organise or hold meetings or gatherings within the village jurisdiction; Government officials on duty and emergency services will not fall under the purview of the restrictions; All residents are to comply to the council’s decision and restrain from stepping out without a valid reason.

KU applauds and appeals: Konyak Union (KU) has appreciated the tireless efforts rendered by district administration, law enforcing authority and doctors under the establishment of CMO. A press release from KU media cell has appealed the CMO and DHM for finding remedial measures on account of any eventualities. Union urged the concerned department in charge for setting up quarantine center at Mon, Naginimora, Tizit, Aboi, Wakching and Tobu and isolation ward in the outskirt of Mon town. Screening at entry point should be mandatory and 24x7. KU also appealed law enforcing authority to constantly regulate and monitor so as to restrict unaccounted entry and loitering around that defies KU’s order. In view of the geographical vulnerability of Mon district, the KU has appealed for additional fund to the chief minister on utmost priority. KU also appealed the churches under KBBB to uphold special prayer especially for those doctors, nurses and staffs, the district administration, the law enforcing authorities and all civil society leaders that are in the frontline of the battle.

Union also called upon well wishers and donors to come forward and be a part of the venture through contribution and donation. KU further cautioned that stern action would be initiated against non-compliance to its order.

ERVCU bans entry: Englan Range Village Council Union (ERVCU) has banned public entry within Englan range jurisdiction from March 27 till further notice. A press release from ERVCU chairman Yanpothung Shitiri and secretary, Robin Kithan stated that, in any kind of emergency entry one may further contact their respective village council for permission. It cautioned that any individual found violating will be strictly dealt

and booked under the law.

WRSU: Wozhuro Range Students Union (WRSU) has informed that the union has temporarily barred entry of visitors and peoples having a travel history from other part of the countries or within the country without proper authentic clearance record from any authority. However, WRSU said movements for basic essentials like groceries and medicines will be exempted. The union has also reiterated the ban on hunting and poaching by district administration and Wozhuro Range Public Organization (WRPO). It had also prohibited unnecessary movements and picnicking within its jurisdiction.

YNA clarifies: Young Namsang Association (YNA) has clarified to the appeal letter to principal director, Health & Family Welfare and CMO Longleng published in local dailies on March 24, for provision of trained medical personnel with equipments for thermal screening at Yonglok and Shetap border gates under Longleng district as deputed in other border gates of Nagaland. YNA president Dr. Phongshak Phom and joint secretary, Bausha (Paüwüng) has clarified that YNA failed to mention the sealing of the gates which was done on March 22. However, mention of the vehicular movements and business transaction implied the transaction of the essential commodities, stated YNA. YNA added that the release has led to unintended doubt on the efforts of GoN and the Longleng district administration. In this regard, the YNA tenders its apology for not mentioning the “sealed border gates”.

KYO: Khonoma Youth Organization (KYO) has informed the general public that entry to and exit from Khonoma will be restricted from March 26, and applies for everyone whether or not of Khonoma. A press release from KYO president Mhiesilhukho and general secretary, Mhiesisokho Chase stated that, for reasons like medical emergencies, funerals, state government officials and security personnel on duty will be exempted.

Measures are being initiated to home quarantine citizens arriving from outside Nagaland from their studies and other purposes. For any emergencies contact the volunteers at 936668995/8837056848.

Blyth’s Tragopan rescued and donated to TBC Kohima KOHIMA: With a view towards ensuring safety of highly endangered bird, Megoneisalie Nakhro of Jotsoma village, Kohima handed over a rescued female Blyth’s Tragopan to Tragopan Breeding Centre (TBC), Kohima.

A press release from T B C Ko h i m a s t a t e d that, Nakhro reportedly got hold of the Blyth’s Tragopan, which had entered inside the village area from nearby forest on March 24. She contacted the department of Environment, Forest a n d C l i m a t e C h a n ge on the same day and later handed it over to the department through t h e o f f i c e r i n - c h a r ge of Tragopan Breeding Centre, Kohima.

Meanwhile, the officer in-charge deputy ranger Medolezo Kire appreciated the good gesture of Megoneisalie Nakhro for not only donating the bird, but also taking right step to timely inform the

Megoneisalie Nakhro with deputy ranger, TBC Kohima Medolezo Kire while handing over the Blyth’s Tragopan.

concerned authority. This nor has great concern for and thereby set a good gesture shows that the do- wildlife and biodiversity example for others.

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nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Besides lockdown are medical equipments m o re i m p o r t a n t t o fight COVID 19?

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

A B C

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

89% 0% 11%

Next poll

adequate funds to states to combat coronavirus?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST March 27

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sun and unseasonably hot 38 20

Very warm with hazy sun

32 15

Guwahati Hazy sunshine and very warm 35 18

Hazy sunshine

32 12

Itanagar Hazy sunshine

31 18

Shillong

Hazy sunshine

24 12

Kohima

Partly sunny, a shower or two 25 13

Imphal

Dimapur Hazy sunshine

33 20

Hazy sunshine

25 14

Mkg

Tuensang An a.m. shower; hazy, cooler Wokha

Dimapur organizations contribute towards combating COVID-19

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Q: Is the Centre providing

Aizawl

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

Hazy sunshine and humid

Zunheboto Hazy sun

17 9 26 18 23 12

(4th from Right) Dr. Z. Kheshito Zhimo along with DABA officials and nurses on RCD handing over the hygiene aids to DPRO Dimapur RCD members, Niu Colony GB Hozka Sumi and others March 26. (NP) Lolano Patton on March 26. (DIPR) on Thursday at Niu Colony.

DIMAPUR: In view of the measures being undertaken by the state government and other agencies to combat the possible spread of COVID19 in the state, various civil bodies have also contributed towards the cause. Nagaland state has so far no confirmed COVID-19 patient and the state has been doing its best by taking all preventive measures for the safely of its citizens.

Tovihoto Ayemi: Advisor of Power, Tovihoto Ayemi along with Rotary Club Dimapur (RCD) also donated mask and soap to the residents of Chatteswary Colony. The Chatteswary Durgabari secretary Biplab Paul stated that the same were donated door to door in the colony. Chatteswary Durgabari thanked the advi-

Clarification from DPRO Kohima Dimapur: Apropos to the news item which appeared in Naga News under the news caption “Kohima DPDB recommends Kezo town for up-gradation to urban station” on March 16, the up-gradation of Kezo town under Kezocha Basa to the status of an urban station should be read as up-gradation of Kezo town under Kezocha EAC Circle to the status of Kezoma urban station and not as rendered. Error is regretted.

K Y M C

sor and RCD for their kind gesture.

DABA: Dimapur Ao Baptist Church (DABA), in its bid to help medical staff battling the pandemic COVID-19, donated Rs. One Lakh to District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) on March 26. DABA officials urged the medical team to utilize the money for medical requirements, food and other supplies for patients that were quarantined. Medical superintendent, DHD, Dr. Z Kheshito Zhimo, also stated that they had received 500 numbers of surgical mask and 600 numbers of soap from Dimapur Rotary Club. (Staff Reporter) RCD & MS Dimapur: Rotary Club Dimapur (RCD) and medical superintendent (MS) Dimapur in

recognition as well as for safety measure of the 4th Estate handed over hygiene aids like mask, washing soap, glove and sanitizer to Dimapur based media through the district public relations officer (DPRO) Dimapur. According to DIPR report, RCD and MS acknowledged the challenging tasks of the 4th Estate in the wake of COVID-19 crisis, who are working round the clock risking their own lives, in disseminating vital news and much needed information to the public at this juncture. DPRO Dimapur, Lolano Patton expressed gratitude to RCD and MS Dimapur for acknowledging the role of media in these trying times and for providing the basic hygiene

aids to DPRO Dimapur staff and Dimapur based reporters/correspondents.

She also reminded that central and state government has deemed media as part of the essential services that needed to function during the lock down.

Niu Colony: Rotary Club Dimapur (RCD) and members donated with 500 pieces of surgical mask and 800 pieces of anti-bacterial soap to residents of Niu Colony, Burma Camp ward22, Dimapur.

A press release from Niu Colony Council expressed gratitude to the RCD for helping the people to protect from the pandemic disease. Further, the GBs and students body, youth front with sports association are voluntarily engaged in

duty for the safety of general public within its jurisdiction at the rail track near New Field check gate Dimapur which is also one of the main entry/exit points between the two interstate.

Synergy Systems Dimapur: Synergy Systems, Dimapur on Thursday donated 45 pieces of raincoat to designated COVID-19 hospital (District Hospital Dimapur) as emergency protective gear till the delivery of the main PPEs by the state government. The items were handed over to Dr. Vininoli Hesso. The business community has appealed to all voluntarily donate whatever possible towards the fight against the dreaded coronavirus pandemic. They also urged all to stay safe and to stay

Kuda Village Council condemns Mar 16 murder

DIMAPUR: Kuda Village Council (KVC) has expressed shock and condemned the heinous murder of one Kevinguto Khate of Kuda Village (C-Khel), on March 16.

In a statement, KVC chairman Achubu Meruno urged the police and district administration authorities to leave no stone unturned in hunting down

the culprits/masterminds and to establish the motive of eliminating such a promising Naga youth, an apparent larger conspiracy, and also to bring the culprits to justice at the earliest possible.

KVC said late Kevinguto Khate (31 yrs), son of late Rokozhasie and Hokhuli Khate, was found murdered in his car on

March 16 evening, alongside the Kuda Road-Phaipijang Junction, adjacent to the 66 KV power Sub-Station at Kuda Village. Late Khate was an accomplished structural engineer with an M. Tech degree from MIT Manipal, serving as assistant professor at NIT Nagaland, Chümoukedima since 2013 till his death, KVC stated.

As the family suspected foul play, KVC said along with Kuda Youth Club leaders, they examined the CCTV footage at relevant locations. It claimed that the footage showed involvement four persons-- two ladies and two men, who had driven the victim’s car and parked at the abovementioned area (12.10 noon) with the body and escaped

The raincoats that were donated by Synergy Systems.

home, adding by doing so it will be a great contribution in fighting the dreaded virus from spreading.

DGU: Dimapur Gorkha Union, apex Gorkha body of Dimapur district,

in an autorickshaw.

Kuda Village Council said the Kuda village and the state has lost a talented citizen and an engineering technologist, whose death will be irreplaceable.

Kuda Village Council prayed to the Almighty God to grant comfort to the bereaved family and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

donated masks to the Dimapur administration through EAC. The union has called upon its units to contribute to the society and also adhere to the norms laid down by the administration.

DC Kohima informs Dimapur: DC Kohima Gregory Thejawelie has informed that in the interest of public service and safety, all private water tankers not possessing necessary permit issued by the Kohima Municipal Council are banned from plying with immediate effect. Drivers and handymen of the permitted private water tankers are instructed that no passengers will be allowed except for the driver and handyman; Vehicle should be properly sanitized; No other articles/materials should be carried except water; Driver and handyman should wear hand gloves, mask and use sanitizers at all times.

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northeast

4

Stripped of post by SC, Mnp MLA tenders resignation

Th Shyamkumar (NP)

Correspondent IMPHAL, Mar 26: Well ahead of pronouncement of final verdict of the Speaker on disqualification case pending against him, MLA Th Shyamkumar submitted his resignation paper from the membership of Manipur Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

Earlier, awaiting final verdict of the Speaker tribunal on the long pending disqualification cases against Shyamkumar, Supreme Court had already stripped him of his cabinet minister berth and banned him from entering the Assembly with immediate effect.

The interim order of the Supreme Court was passed on March 18 while fixing to take up the case again on March 30 in the

backdrop of Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly fixing the date for pronouncement of the final verdict of the long pending disqualification cases by March 28.

Shyamkumar has been facing a disqualification case under the anti-defection law after he extended support to the BJP-led coalition government even though he was elected on Congress ticket.

He defected to BJP in the run up to the formation of a new government in the state after the general elections to Manipur Assembly in the early part of 2017.

His defection came when no party secured magic number to form the next government. Even though Congress emerged as single largest party with 28 in the 60-seat state Assembly, BJP

having secured only 21 seats formed a coalition government with the supports of smaller parties with N Biren Singh as chief minister.

Shyamkumar was inducted as cabinet minister and allotted forest and environment, horticulture and soil conservation and MAHUD portfolios.

Congress MLAs had petitioned the Speaker for disqualification of the MLA under Anti-defection law since then. As the Speaker failed to take up the case for a long time, the two Congress MLAs knocked at the door of the Supreme Court. Earlier, the High Court of Manipur where the two MLAs fielded petitions refrained from passing an order citing that it was not in the jurisdiction of the court.

Ahead of pronouncement of the final judgment of the facing disqualification cases against him, Shyamkumar submitted his resignation paper to the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly today. “…………I am willing to resign from the Membership of 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly in respect of 7-Andro A/C with immediate effect,i, e today the 26th March 2020,” the MLA wrote the Speaker.

Construction in IIT-G despite lockdown Guwahati, Mar 26 (PTI): The IIT-Guwahati on Thursday was found to be carrying out full-fledged construction work on its campus defying the lockdown, prompting police to intervene and stop the activities, officials said.

The premier institute is constructing its faculty apartments for some time now and did not stop even after the lockdown began, sources said.

After some faculty members objected, the IITGuwahati administration said that it was on the campus and “everything was under control”, they said.

Getting to know about it, the Assam Police’s top rushed a team, comprising the officer-in-charge of North Guwahati police station and circle officer of North Guwahati, to the site. “We got information from concerned citizens that construction work was underway on the Indian Institute of Technology campus despite the lockdown. A team visited the site and found that some work was going on,” Additional Director General (Security) Harmeet Singh told PTI. The contractor and authorities concerned were counselled and the activities were stopped, he added.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

Quarantine breach a concern in Bokajan

Karbi Anglong police distributed food items including rice, dal and soaps to hundreds of daily wagers.

BOKAJAN, MARCH 26 ( AGENCIES): At a time when the entire world is battling a severe crisis in wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, violation of home quarantine guidelines seems to have become a major cause of concern for the residents of Bokajan town in the hill district of Karbi Anglong.

Baruah, a resident of Bokajan, is worried about his family and other residents as a migrant worker, who had recently returned from the South Indian state of Kerala is not following the home quarantine norms and is loitering around putting the life of other residents at risk of exposure to the deadly virus. Several such cases and complains of similar instances are causing fear and apprehension among residents in the industrial

town of Bokajan and its suburbs.

The Bokajan Health department estimates that around 540 people, who have returned to Bokajan in the past couple of days have been properly screened and stamped for compulsory 14 days home quarantine. The practice of affixing stamps on the palms of the returnees to identify them for home quarantine began a couple of days ago. However, over the weekend, hundreds of people including migrant labours have returned home from corona hotspots like Kerala, Maharastra and Delhi among others cities.

The administration and policing machinery have ensured proper compliance to the 21 days lock down but they are having a tough time getting returnees to follow the home quarantine rules

as many who have returned from COVID-19 hotspots are yet to report to the competent authorities.

The Bokajan Fire Service department is carrying out a sanitization drive across the town since Wednesday.

All establishments which have been exempted from lock down like police station, SDO office, banks and others would be sanitized in the first phase.

Meanwhile, the Karbi Anglong police have distributed food items including rice, dal and soaps among a hundred daily wagers and slum dwellers near Dillai police station displaying courtesy amid the nationwide lockdown. The one metre distance protocol was also maintained while disturbing the food items to create awareness of social distancing in this hour of crisis.

Adequate LPG stock in NE: IOC

GUWAHATI, MAR 26 ( AGENCIES): Indian Oil Corporation has assured northeastern states that they will not face any shortage of LPG cylinders during the nationwide lockdown and said the stocks were adequate, reports The Telegraph. G. Ramesh, chief general manager and state head of Indian Oil — AOD state office, said, “The demand for LPG cylinders across the Northeast has shot up owing to panic buying by customers in view of the lockdown. But we will request the public not to resort to panic buying of cylinders.”

He assured there was adequate availability of LPG cylinders in the market. “Domestic LPG, being covered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, will continue to be available in the market even if there is a complete lockdown.

All the 11 LPG bottling plants of IOC across the Northeast are currently operating at full capacity, following all safety protocols,” Ramesh said.

They will continue to do so ensuring continuous supply of domestic LPG cylinders,” Ramesh said.

He said there would be no restriction in the movement of trucks supplying LPG cylinders from the bottling plants to the distributors.

COVID-19: NE tea gardens face huge losses Five medical students among Guwahati/Agartala, March 26 (IANS): Over 850 big tea gardens and thousands of small gardens in the northeastern region of India specially in Assam are closed leading to huge economic loss and jeopardizing the livelihood of lakhs of workers.

Tea planters, however, promised to take care of the welfare of over seven lakh workers and employees.

The Tea Board, under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in an advisory said that the tea gardens and small growers who may face disruptions in activities and who could not pluck quality green leaf on time are advised to skip and discard those overgrown leaves and pluck and manufacture only the subsequent growth.

“These advisories have been issued in order to uphold the quality of Indian tea in the face of outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic,” the Tea Board said on Tuesday. North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) adviser

Bidyananda Barkakoty said that the tea estates in Assam have already shut down and they are in touch with the Assam government about the livelihood and welfare of the workers.

“The closure of the works in the tea gardens was decided after the Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (an umbrella body of tea producers associations), held a video conference meeting earlier this week,” Barkakoty told IANS. He said that the lockdown is inevitable as per the government’’s directives and to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

“The tea estate owners and management are trying their best to provide wages and rations to the workers.

We could make up our loss if we are alive. Job security of our workers and employees are also very supreme in this hour of crisis,” the NETA adviser said.

Tea garden owners, economists and others predict huge losses due to the

closure of the tea estates and related trades in the economically feeble northeastern region.

Plucking had just picked up in the gardens in Assam, which is the largest producer of tea in the world. According to the tea planters, leaves plucked during the initial flush are the youngest and the tender part of the tea plant. The first flush from March to April is the first plucking after the dormant winter months.

The Assam unit of the Indian Tea Association (ITA) has requested the Labour Commissioner to allow the industry to undertake spraying and irrigation operations as there may be huge and permanent damage to the tea plants if adequate protection (through spraying of pest repellents and pest killers) is not allowed.

“Considering the scanty rainfall in the current season, it is also required to continue irrigation in tea gardens as necessary,” the ITA said. Of the total domestic tea production

of 1,325.05 million kg last year, 720 million kg came from Assam, which on an average produces 52 per cent of India’’s total tea.

In 1990, Assam’’s tea production was only 388 million kgs which has grown to 692 million kgs in 2018 and 720 million kg last year (2019).

Assam has 765 big tea gardens and over 1.20 lakh small tea growers engaging around 6.77 lakh workers in this organised industry.

After Assam, Tripura is the second largest producer of tea in the northeastern region producing around 10 million kg of tea annually.

Tripura Tea Development Corporation (TTDC) Chairman Santosh Saha said that all the 54 big tea gardens and thousands of small tea gardens besides 22 processing factories are now closed to maintain social distancing in view of the outbreak of novel coronavirus.

“The state government has taken some steps to maintain the supply of ra-

tions, packed foods and providing financial aid to the poor people and daily wagers,” Saha told IANS fearing a huge economic loss due to the closure of the tea gardens in the northeastern region.

The TTDC chief said that after Assam, Tripura is the second largest tea producing state in the northeast, producing different quality of tea with an area of 6,885 hectares under tea cultivation.

About 20,000 people are directly employed in the 54 big gardens in Tripura, with another 15,000 people involved in 230 small gardens contributing immensely to the growth of the state’’s overall economy.

The TTDC Chairman said that Tripura has recently started selling tea through the 9.15 lakh fair price shops under the Public Distribution System. Tripura, an erstwhile princely state, started producing tea in 1916 at Hiracherra estate in Unakoti district in northern Tripura, adjoining Assam.

Police officer harassing civilian silchar medical college to during curfew suspended in Manipur deal with COVID- 19 cases Correspondent IMPHAL, Mar 26: Authority of Manipur police on Thursday suspended a police officer for allegedly assaulting a person who returned home after procuring essential goods from a government PDS agent during curfew hours.

In a video footage went viral on social media, the policeman was seen beating the man on a bicycle with bags of essential commodities with a cane in a deserted street at Yairipok in Imphal.

The man was rushed to a nearby healthcare centre with bruise marks on her body, reports said.

An order of the SP of Thoubal district issued later put the police officer (assistant sub-inspector) W Suresh Singh under suspension from his service for his grave misconduct.

Entire Manipur is under curfew after each magistrate of all the districts promulgated sub-section 2 of section 144 of CrPC to enforce the total lockdown declared by the state govern-

ment to combat outbreak of COVID-19 since March 24 morning, at 8 am.

Owing to the curfew and stringent enforcement of the same by the law enforcing agencies, not only the capital city but almost all towns across the state have been wearing a deserted look.

With the indefinite curfew in the state entering three days today, civil society organisations (CSOs) strongly resented alleged delay in addressing grievances facing by the common people, particularly daily wage earners.

Even though the state government declared supply of rice and other essential commodities during the lockdown, major portion of the state were yet to be reached out by the government arrangement except very few localities and villages, the CSOs alleged in press releases dispatched to the local media houses today.

Some of the CSOs alleged shops and businessmen were selling essential commodities at much higher

prices compared to government fixed rate, while others expressed concerned about non-availability of the essential commodities.

Meanwhile, Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has directed the state police department to clear all road blockages for smooth movement of essential items and easy flow of ambulances.

Owing to temporary blockades put up by locals in their respective localities to check entry of people from other localities, there are reports of hindrance to movement of ambulance and vehicles transporting essential commodities for supply to the people.

The MHRC directed Director General of Police (DGP) to instruct all district SPs to clear all road blockages immediately and asked the DGP to send action taken report within three days.

The direction of the MHRC arose following a complaint filed by convener of NGOs and HRDS Basantakumar Wareppa to the commission.

Silchar/Guwahati, Mar 26 (PTI): The Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Assam will deal only with coronavirus cases after transferring its patients to other hospitals, state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said.

During a visit to the SMC on Thursday, Sarma said its various departments such as dermatology, psychiatry, ENT and ophthalmology would be shifted to another facility in Silchar, the Satindra Mohan Dev Civil Hospital in Silchar.

“Private hospitals will be engaged for treatment of the SMCH’s general patients, while its final year MBBS students will be trained to deal with coronavirus related cases,” Sarma told reporters at Silchar,” he told reporters at Silchar.

Sarma said screening of 27 persons have so far been done at the SMCH and all were found negative.

The minister also held a meeting with its authorities, district officials and peoples representatives.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday visited Tezpur

Medical College and Hospital (TMCH) to review the preparedness of Sonitpur district administration in preventing the outbreak of novel coronavirus.

Sonowal directed the Sonitpur deputy commissioner to ensure supply of essential commodities so that people do not face difficulty during the lockdown period, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said.

He urged the District Chamber of Commerce to keep strict control over the prices of essential items and prevent price rise.

The Chief Minister also directed the Health Department officials to carry out regular awareness campaigns through public address system in the tea gardens of the district.

He also asked them to conduct health check-ups of tea garden youths coming from outside the state with the Mobile Medical Unit vehicles.

He further stressed the need to monitor the youths coming home from outside the state and making them aware of self-quarantine protocols.

190 quarantined in Manipur

Correspondent IMPHAL, Mar 26: As many as five post graduate (medical) students of JNIMS and mother of a student have been put at a government designated quarantine centre even as no fresh case or suspected COVID-19 case detected in Manipur.

The six have been shifted to government designated quarantine centre at Youth Centre, Khuman Lampak, an official source said on Thursday. They were among 190 individuals who have been quarantined at a government facility till date with no symptomatic persons detected so far, the source said. A highly reliable source said that the students were among the medical staffs of JNIMS who attended the infected patient who is currently treated at an isolated ward of the hospital.

The source added that none of the persons who travelled in the same flight

Assam MP appeals for action against ‘racial assaults’ Guwahati, Mar 25 (PTI): Newly-elected Rajya Sabha MP from Assam, Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, on Wednesday appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and all the chief ministers of the northeastern states to take prompt action to check “racial assaults’ faced by students from the region in metro cities.

Bhuyan, in a statement, said a large number of northeast students living in “Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai” and other cities have been forced to vacate their residential places amid the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide lockdown.

“The local administration of those cities are not coming to their rescue. It is a very painful and inhuman act at this critical phase when PM Modi is appealing to people to stay at home. I will appreciate if the Union home minister takes appropriate and prompt action...”, he said.

Bhuyan also urged the chief ministers of the northeastern states to take up the matter with the home ministry.

with the infected woman who subjected to COVID-19 test so far tested positive.

The source however refused to give the details and number of passengers so far tested for the virus but said that among them, the brother of the infected patient who joined her from Kolkata in the same flight was included.

As per the daily status update on COVID-19 of the state medical directorate from Thursday till today, samples of 37 persons inclufding four for the day (March 26) have been tested and results of all were negative. A total of 1,84,028 passengers who entered the state on various entry points have so far screened and among 486 passengers have been put on home surveillance. A total of 323 passengers have completed their observation periods. No further positive case in the state except the woman with the history of returning to Imphal from United Kingdom via Delhi, Kolkata and Agartala, the source said. A

hospital source also said that the health condition of the patient is improving with no complication on her health status. Meanwhile, state health and family welfare director Dr K Rajo today informed that all possible measures to prevent spread of the disease in the state have been taken up.

In a video footage released to the media today, the director said that after putting all members of the infected patient at a government designated quarantine centre, the locality (Thangmeiband of Imphal city) have been disinfected. “We are also taking up actions one by one and there is no shortage of manpower in the state health services authority,” he added.

There would no problem in treating infected patients in case more turned out positive with the disease, he said. Currently, RIMS has reserved eight ICU beds and seven in JNIMS for the treatment of infected patient if any, he added.

Meghalaya sets up shelter homes for stranded students

Correspondent

SHILLONG, MAR 26: The Meghalaya government has set up a shelter home for students hailing from other districts and states stranded in Shillong due to the 21-day nationwide lockdown on account of COVID-19. Shillong is considered as an educational hub for the entire North Eastern region.

“Any stranded students from outside Shillong, who requires assistance and has ran out of stocks can come and stay at the shelter home,” Principal Secretary Education, Donald Philips Wahlang said.

The two designated shelter homes are MBOSE Guest House and Education Guest House at Laitum-

khrah, Kennel Worth road.

Wahlang said stranded students must produce the the student’s identity card and also to register their names at MBOSE Guest House to avail the benefits of students shelter homes.

He said the precautionary measures are adopted by the State’s education department as many students from Meghalaya are stranded outside the state and need help.

“We are hopeful that other states will emulate the Meghalaya government’s initiative,” he said.

Meanwhile, the government has directed all schools availing Mid-dayMeal scheme to distribute foodgrains and release cooking cost to the students through their parents.

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

COVID-19: Sonia writes to PM supporting lockdown

by the Union Government to ensure the containment of the pandemic,” Gandhi said.

At this challenging and uncertain time, she said it was imperative for each one of us to rise above partisan interests and honour our duty towards our country and indeed, towards humanity.

“It is in the spirit of solidarity and cooperation therefore, that I would like to suggest some measures that I believe will help us address the massive health crisis we are about to face and ameliorate the immense economic and existential pain that vulnerable sections of our society will soon be subjected to,” the Congress chief said. She stressed on the need to arm doctors,

nurses and health workers with personal protection equipment, including N-95 masks and hazmat suits.

“Let us ensure the opening and scaling up of manufacture and supply of these items so that not a single health professional faces the predicament of contracting or passing on COVID-19 owing to unavailability of ‘Personal Protection Equipment’,” Gandhi said.

Announcing a special “Risk Allowance” for doctors, nurses and health workers for a period of six months retrospectively from March 1 was imperative, she added. The Congress chief also called upon the Centre to immediately commission and begin construction of temporary facilities with large numbers of ICUs and ventilators in areas where the outbreak is expected to be concentrated in the near future. She also said a dedicated portal for sharing all necessary information was a way forward.

Gandhi also sought a deferment of all loan recoveries up to six months, including for the loans given to farmers and the salaried class.

Rahul Gandhi hails Centre’s financial assistance to poor

NGO told to approach collectors on AIDS treatment

NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (PTI): Congress chief Sonia Gandhi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, supporting the lockdown announced in view of the coronavirus outbreak, while suggesting steps like protecting doctors and seeking deferment of loan recovery.

T h e c o r o n av i r u s (COVID-19) pandemic sweeping the world had caused serious public health concerns, anguish and apprehensions in India, she wrote in her letter to the prime minister. “It has imperiled lives and put at risk the lives and livelihoods of millions, particularly, the most vulnerable sections of our society.

The entire nation stands as one in solidarity in the fight to halt and defeat the Corona pandemic,” Gandhi added. She noted that the 21-day nationwide lockdown announced by the prime minister as a measure to fight the coronavirus was a welcome step.

“As President of the Indian National Congress, I would like to state that we will support and collaborate fully with every step taken

NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (IANS): After the Centre announced a financial assistance package of Rs 1,70,000 crores, the Congress on Thursday hailed the decision with former party president Rahul Gandhi terming it as the first step in the right direction.

“The Govt announcement today of a financial assistance package, is the first step in the right direction. India owes a debt to its farmers, daily wage earners, labourers, women & the elderly who are bearing the brunt of the ongoing lockdown,” wrote Rahul Gandhi in his tweet.

The Congress has been demanding an economic package in view of the coronavirus spread and the subsequent lockdown. On Thursday, party interim president Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the implementation of its proposed Nyay scheme and aid for the health workers. The Finance Minister announced

Sonia Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi an economic relief package of Rs 1.7 lakh crore for the poor and migrant workers under the Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Yojana. The package focuses on providing food and money to the poor to help them overcome the problems in the wake of the COVID-19 spread and the lockdown. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday also announced that doctors, paramedics, nurses, ‘Asha’ workers, cleaning workers involved in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and treating affected patients would be extended a medical insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh each.

MUMBAI, MAR 26 (PTI): The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed an NGO to file representation before the collectors of Sangli and Satara Maharashtra seeking arrangements to be made to provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs to HIV positive patients in these two districts.

The HC direction came after it was informed that HIV-infected persons from these two districts were unable to travel to Mumbai for treatment in view of the coronavirus- induced lockdown in the state.

The Sangli-based NGO, Veshya AIDS Muquabla Parishad, works for HIV positive persons.

A bench of Justice K K Tated was hearing an application filed by the NGO seeking providing antiretroviral treatment drugs to HIV positive persons in Sangli and Satara in view of inter-city travel restrictions imposed as part of the lockdown enforced to contain COVID-19 spread.

Odisha plans to set up country’s biggest Covid-19 hospitals

Representational image.

BHUBANESWAR, MAR 26 (IANS): Odisha government has planned to set up two of the largest Covid-19 hospitals which will have a combined capacity of 1,000 beds and will be functional within a fortnight.

Accordingly, the state gover nment on Thursday signed two tripartite agreements with SUM and KIMS Medical Colleges here to set up the 1,000bed state level hospitals in Bhubaneswar for treatment of Covid-19 patients, said a

statement.

The Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) and the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) will provide the CSR fundings for the project. Both the new facilities will be functional within a fortnight, the statement said.

The first MoU has been signed by Health Secretary Nikunja Bihari Dhal, MD of OMC Vyneel Krishna and KIIMS management to set up a 450-bed hospital.

The second MoU was signed by the Health Secretary, S.S. Panda of MCL and SUM management to set up a 500-bed hospital plus ICU facilities.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated the partners and thanked OMC and MCL for coming forward and working in synergy in the interest of the people of the state.

Patnaik has also directed to set up similar facilities for Covid-19 cases in other areas of the state.

national

Plea in SC seeks imposition of financial emergency NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (PTI): A petition was filed in the Supreme Court on Thursday seeking imposition of financial emergency in the country claiming that economic activities have “come to a standstill” due to the lockdown over coronavirus pandemic.

The plea has claimed that “divergence of steps” taken by different authorities to deal with situation arising out of Covid-19 have caused confusion and to safeguard rule of law, imposition of financial emergency under Article 360 of the Constitution is needed.

The petition, filed by Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced countrywide lockdown for 21 days during which several restrictions have been put in place.

“Divergence of steps taken by different authorities are causing confusion and lawlessness (which) in no way can be solution to a problem as grave as Covid19. Due to the lockdown, the economic activities have come to a standstill. Hence, it is most humbly submitted that financial emergency needs to be imposed in the country under Article 360 of the Constitution of India,” said the plea, filed through

advocate Virag Gupta. It has also sought a direction to the Centre to suspend collection of utility bills like that of electricity, water, gas, telephone, internet and EMI payments during the period of lockdown.

The plea also said that state police and concerned authorities should be directed to strictly comply with the directions of the union home ministry so that essential services are not disrupted.

It said that prevailing situation in the country due to Covid-19 might be the “biggest emergency” in independent India and it must be addressed as per constitutional provisions through unified command between the Centre and state governments.

“This will be required not only to defeat the war against coronavirus but also in recovery of the Indian economy after lockdown is over. Almost all the fundamental right to freedom of movement, most rights under Article 21 and various other fundamental rights have been practically suspended during this lockdown,” it said.

CASC has applied online to the apex court seeking urgent hearing of its plea through video conferencing.

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SC to take up urgent matters today through video conferencing

NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (PTI): The Supreme Court Thursday said that despite lockdown across the country due to the coronavirus pandemic, it would hear matters of extreme urgency through video conferencing on Skype, Facetime and Whatsapp applications.

Three benches of apex court comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Surya Kant, Justices L Nageswara Rao and Aniruddha Bose and Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta will take up matters for hearing on Friday through virtual means. A bench headed by Justice Chandrachud will take up matters at 11 am, while Justice Rao headed bench will take up matters at 1 pm and Justice Mishra led bench will take up matters for hearing at 3 pm.

A fresh circular, issued by apex court’s secretary general, said that for all matters involving extreme urgency the Advocate on Record (AOR) or Party-inperson is required to first file the petition or an application, preferably through the e-filing mode. Then, he has to file another application containing a synopsis of extreme urgency.

It said that to obviate the inconvenience that may

be faced due to unforeseen linkage issue of the ‘Vidyo’ video-conferencing app, as was stated in earlier circular, now the AORs or Parties-inperson are requested to mention their alternative Skype, Facetime or WhatsApp contact details, if any, along with other details in their mentioning application.

The circular further said: “Since the prevailing situation demands that persons be discouraged from undertaking any kind of journey/travel, the apex court registry is taking all steps necessary to conduct the hearings through remote video conferencing links, and hence AORs/Partiesin-persons are advised to refrain from exercising the option of participating in the hearing through video conferencing link facility available at the SC premises for the present, as that would entail unnecessary and avoidable travel through public spaces”.

On March 24, the top court had adjourned the hearing on matters listed for March 25 in the wake of a 21-day nationwide lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In a circular issued late Tuesday evening after Prime Minister Modi in his address

to the nation announced a complete lockdown of the country to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the apex court said these 15 matters will not be taken up and the hearing stands adjourned. The cause list had also warned the advocateson-record not to share video conferencing link with others as it will deactivate the original link shared with the advocate on his e-mail.

The top court on March 23 had held successful trial of its functioning through video conferencing and three matters were heard virtually in which judges sat in the courtroom while advocates argued from a different spot in the apex court.

In a circular issued the same day, the apex court resorted to almost a lockdownlike situation to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and suspended the entry of advocates and other staff into the high security zone on the basis of their proximity cards till further orders. The top court had earlier without specifying any date said that only one or two courts will sit to take up extremely urgent matters through video conferencing by an app, which will be installed in desktop, laptop or mobile phones.

17 states earmarking hospitals for treatment of COVID-19 patients NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (PTI): The Health Ministry on Thursday said that 17 states have started work on earmarking hospitals for dedicated treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Briefing the press on the coronavirus situation, Health Ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal said, “There is still no hard evidence to say there has been community transmission of coronavirus in India.” Agarwal said. He also denied that the virus spreads through mosquitoes. Assuring the general public, Agarwal said that India is geared for COVID-19 challenge.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that a discussion on travel restrictions has been conducted during a meeting of the Group of Ministers and it will be conveyed to the public soon.

Agarwal said if “we can maintain 100 per cent social distancing than it will be effective intervention in breaking chain of coronavirus transmission”. The number of coronavirus cases

No evidence of community transmission in India, says govt

The Health Ministry wal said. He also denied that if “we can maintain 100 per on Thursday said that 17 the virus spreads through cent social distancing than it states have started work mosquitoes. will be effective intervention on earmarking hospitals Assuring the general in breaking chain of coronafor dedicated treatment of public, Agarwal said that virus transmission”.

COVID-19 patients.

India is geared for COVIDThe number of coronaBriefing the press on 19 challenge. The Ministry virus cases climbed to 649 in the coronavirus situation, of External Affairs said India on Thursday and the Health Ministry joint sec- that a discussion on travel death toll due to COVID-19 retary Lav Agarwal said, restrictions has been con- rose to 13, with one death “There is still no hard evi- ducted during a meeting of reported each from Gujarat, dence to say there has been the Group of Ministers and Tamil Nadu and Madhya Lav Agarwal community transmission of it will be conveyed to the Pradesh, according to the climbed to 649 in India on coronavirus in India.” Agar- public soon. Agarwal said Health Ministry.

Thursday and the death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 13, with one death reported GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND each from Gujarat, Tamil HOME DEPARTMENT Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, NAGALAND STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY according to the Health Ministry.

NAGALAND: KOHIMA Prime Minister Nar- NO.NSDMA-ER-COVID19/301/2020 Dated Kohima the 25th March 2020 endra Modi announced a STATE LEVEL CONTROL ROOM DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN nationwide lockdown for 21 days from Tuesday midA State Level Control Room during COVID-19 Lockdown to address any grievances night, asserting in an emo- or undue problems faced by the providers of essential Goods/Services including intertional appeal “with folded State movement during the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) lockdown has been set up hands” that unless India’s at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), Kohima. The numbers of the State 130 crore people practised Level Control Room during COVID-19 Lockdown are - 0370-2291122/2291120 and social distancing, the coun- Toll Free No. 1070. try will lose the war against 2. Shri. Renchamo P. Kikon, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) the coronavirus outbreak Nagaland has been nominated as Nodal Officer and his contact is 9436009007. and slide back 21 years.

Over 1K Christian hospitals in India available for COVID-19 treatment New Delhi, Mar 26 (PTI): A day after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee offered its hospitals for the treatment of coronavirus patients, the Christian Coalition for Health on Thursday said its over 1,000 hospitals across the country with more than 60,000 beds can be availed for medical services pertaining to the pandemic.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the organisation offered all facilities in Christian hospitals across India for coronavirus treatment.

Fr Dr Mathew Abraham, C.Ss.R, President of the Christian Coalition for Health and Director General of the Catholic Health Association of India, expressed the solidarity of the coalition with the government as it faces the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his letter dated March 26, Abraham stated that the coalition will work in the best way possible for the health and wellbeing of the people of the nation to fight the pandemic.

The Christian Coalition for Health has over 1,000 hospitals with more than 60,000 inpatient beds across the country.

The letter, which was also signed by Dr. Priya John, General Secretary Christian Medical Association of India and Dr. Sunil Gokavi, Executive Director Emmanuel Hospital Association, informed the PM that preparations were already underway by the member hospitals to face the challenges posed by the contagious disease.

“Over the past weeks the member organisations have been holding coordinating meetings and webinars to help the hospitals for disaster preparedness for any eventuality of the spread of COVID-19 to the areas where the hospitals are situated,” the letter said.

“The hospitals are already working with local government healthcare officials in this effort against this pandemic. Member hospitals that are situated in remote areas are preparing handmade masks out of cloth and PPE made out of large plastic bags as protective gear for their healthcare workers,” it said.

COVID-19 has claimed 16 lives in India so far and the total number of positive cases has reached 694, the Union health ministry said on Thursday.

3. On any other issue/matter pertaining to the containment measures during the COVID19 lockdown period the State Level Control Room during COVID-19 Lockdown can be contacted.

4. On health related matters concerning COVID-19, the Control Room numbers of Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Nagaland may be contacted in the following numbers - +917099435243/9856071745/7005539653/ email nlssu.idsp@nic.in (ABHIJIT SINHA) IAS Home Commissioner Nagaland

DC-357

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND HOME DEPARTMENT NAGALAND STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY NAGALAND: KOHIMA NO.NSDMA-IEC-COVID19/298/2020

Dated Kohima, the 19th March 2020

ADVISORY FOR PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) In view of the need to take urgent measures for preventing and controlling the spread of Novel Corona (COVID-19) in the State, and as a matter of abundant caution, the following advisory is issued in public interest: 1. All the Faith Based Organizations are advised to refrain from holding any social and religious functions which may see the gathering of large number of people.

2. The Faith Based Organizations are requested to use their platforms to disseminate the following messages to their members/people in the mode and manner as found most suitable and effective by them: a) To practice social distancing which means maintaining a greater than usual physical distance from other people or of avoiding direct contact with people or objects in public places. A minimum of 1 (one) meter distance from other people may be maintained in religious centres/houses of worship, hospitals, malls, market places, restaurants, public transport, etc. b) Avoid all non-essential travels, going to crowded places, markets as far as possible c) Keep number of guest minimal if social events cannot be postponed d) Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, tables and handrails regularly with water and soap e) To avoid close contact with anyone suffering from cold, cough or flu like symptoms f) Refrain from shaking hands and hugging as a matter of greeting g) Create habits and reminders to avoid touching face and to cover mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing h) Wash hands frequently before interacting with any sick or old person or a person having chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity, cancer and other such ailments that suppress the immune system, and wherever possible provide a protected space for such persons in the homes i) Avoid spitting in open spaces/public places j) To use a face mask to cover one's nose and mouth for personal protection if caring for individuals who have symptoms, such as cough and fever. k) All persons, including students studying outside Nagaland, who have entered the State on or after 1st of March, 2020 from outside; to contact the helpline numbers, 7005415243/ 9856071745/ 7005539653 or send mail to nlssu.idsp@nic.in of the Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Nagaland for guidance and getting himself or herself screened. l) Avoid circulating unconfirmed messages/rumours in social media.

(ABHIJIT SINHA) IAS Principal Secretary to the Govt. of Nagaland DC-358

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 110 Dimapur, FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

Impact of lockdown

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n Tuesday, prime minister Narendra Modi, in a televised address, announced the 21-day lockdown all over India beginning March 25 which virtually brought all economic activities to a grinding halt. The government has barred people from leaving their homes for the entire period in the expectation that it will phase off the threat from going into Stage 3 or community spread. What is being seen, is that despite lockdown the confirmed cases of Coronavirus has not come down but continues to rise sharply. Though this may not be sufficient to suggest that the lockdown is a failure; yet it could only indicate that Stage 2 is being crossed into Stage 3.

Unless more people, especially in areas where positive Covid cases have been recorded, are made to undergo blood tests, the figure may not be reflective of the ground reality. The other concern is of lakhs of people across the nation, especially the poor daily wage earners who cannot return home due to suspensions of train and bus services throughout the country. These people are herded together in various place as they have nowhere to go and works against social distancing. This is the severe challenge before the government both in terms of transportation as well as screening. The stranded people also need proper places to stay including food. This is an issue which the government ought to consider. The government needs to act with comprehensive plan so that the lacunae of the logic behind lockdown is addressed to meet the objective.

Also the present ‘emergency-like situation’ arising out of the coronavirus scare in India is somehow turning out to be another TV op and photo op. Those at the forefront, barring medical fraternity such as volunteers or policemen need adequate orientation and proper protective gear. Coronavirus is not like fume nor liquid that raincoats or ordinary protective gear can be used. In order to provide full protection for medial and frontline staff, all of them need to be provided with hazmat suits. There are suspicions that Coronavirus has been under reported in China and worse, in North Korea. The virus broke out during September last year in China but was kept under lid. The World Health Organisation Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus the Ethiopian politician has been rightly blamed for his over eagerness to protect China from being targeted. He also refused to declare global pandemic and after a few months, when WHO finally declared it as pandemic, thousands have died in several countries since correct response was not taken. Many countries still have to undertake focussed screening and testing and that is why some countries like Bangladesh, Nepal(3) and Myanmar etc have been below four. The lockdown in India is not the ultimate response otherwise it will be like placing an entire state under curfew for days just to catch a crook. What is needed is proactive measures to identify and quarantine travellers besides those showing symptoms of the virus. A prolonged lockdown against coronavirus is going to have a huge negative impact on the economy as the GDP is likely to fall further to 3.2 percent from the 5 percent projected. Jobs are falling and lakhs are now without earning. This will worsen in the days to come and could even trigger backlash. In the ultimate analysis, it remains to be seen which of the two- coronavirus or the economy- will be destroyed.

DailyDevotion Spiritual Vision Through Personal Purity Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. —Matthew 5:8 Purity is not innocence— it is much more than that. Purity is the result of continued spiritual harmony with God. We have to grow in purity. Our life with God may be right and our inner purity unblemished, yet occasionally our outer life may become spotted and stained. God intentionally does not protect us from this possibility, because this is the way we recognize the necessity of maintaining our spiritual vision through personal purity. If the outer level of our spiritual life with God is impaired to the slightest degree, we must put everything else aside until we make it right. Remember that spiritual vision depends on our character— it is “the pure in heart” who “see God.” God makes us pure by an act of His sovereign grace, but we still have something that we must carefully watch. It is through our bodily life coming in contact with other people and other points of view that we tend to become tarnished. Not only must our “inner sanctuary” be kept right with God, but also the “outer courts” must be brought into perfect harmony with the purity God gives us through His grace. Our spiritual vision and understanding is immediately blurred when our “outer court” is stained. If we want to maintain personal intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ, it will mean refusing to do or even think certain things. And some things that are acceptable for others will become unacceptable for us.

A practical help in keeping your personal purity unblemished in your relations with other people is to begin to see them as God does. Say to yourself, “That man or that woman is perfect in Christ Jesus! That friend or that relative is perfect in Christ Jesus!”

Quotes

Energy and persistence conquer all things. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

Post-mortem

COVID-19 and mental health

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ife as we know it has come to a complete standstill. Ever since the World Health Organization (WHO) announced COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak as a pandemic, most of the countries have declared a complete lockdown and it has most certainly caused a lot of panic and anxiety among the citizens.

News about COVID-19 has dominated all the headlines and it has elevated the distress among the public. The effects of a pandemic like COVID-19 on the mental health of the people may be multi-fold and the psychological reactions to the current situation among the people might include fear, anxiety, stress, panic, depression, confusion, anger, frustration, helplessness, etc. Hence, it is important to understand at this time that taking care of one’s mental health is very crucial. Maintaining positive mental well-being is essential at this juncture to aid one to deal with the threat and uncertainty that this pandemic has created.

Following are some of the strategies that can be adopted to maintain a positive mental wellbeing during this pandemic: 1. Seek factual information Be wary of the information that is posted on social media and take it with a grain of salt. Not all information posted on social media is accurate.

If you want to stay informed read-only from official websites like that of WHO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India etc.

2. Limit exposure to News about COVID 19 Constantly monitoring news about COVID-19 can be distressing and can intensify your feeling of fear and anxiety. Be in control and set

T

boundaries to the amount of time you give to read or watch news about it. It is important to stay informed but it is also important to limit your intake of all the information that is bombarded at you.

3. Acknowledge your feelings It is normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed and anxious during this time. Don’t run away from these feelings, instead acknowledge and express them by writing in a journal or talking to a loved one about it.

It can be therapeutic for you.

4. Unplug from devices and disconnect from social media Try to set aside a time every day when you can unplug yourself from all the electronic devices around you and scrolling through news/articles on social media. You can use this time to engage in some form of physical exercise, meditation, spending quality time with family members, reaching out to a loved one, cleaning out your closet, playing an instrument, listening to music, reading a book, playing some board games, etc. Adopting these activities will help you unwind and relax.

5. Maintain a hopeful perspective Tell yourself that this period of isolation is temporary to slow the spread of the virus.

Remind yourself that medical and health experts all over the world are working tirelessly and as quickly as possible to contain the virus and developing vaccines to combat the virus. Remind yourself that the situation that we are in is temporary and that this too shall pass.

6. Maintain positive thinking Although the numbers of confirmed positive cases are

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n the present pandemic over novel coronavirus, the need and shortage of medical equipments have been highlighted by many news agencies. One such important equipment is the medical ventilators.

Ventilators help patients breathe when they can’t perform that function on their own. In extreme cases, a COVID-19 patient has breathing difficulties and ventilators are needed to breathe properly and save the patient.

Few days ago, the Governor of New York said that the state currently has 6000 medical ventilators but they need 30,000. It means New York currently has 1 ventilator for 1433 people.

But in Nagaland, we don’t know how many ventilators we have. According to reports on the news, Dimapur has 30 isolation beds for potential COVID-19 patients across three hospitals. Assuming all 30 beds has ventilators, it means our State has 1 ventilator for 10,666 people.

Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that all the 30 isolation beds prepared by the administration have ventilators.

According to another news, one single hospital in Italy had 800 beds with ventilators. But 1000 patients were admitted for COVID-19. But as per the news, Civil Hospital in Dimapur does not even have a single ICU facility. When the people thought that they would go to the expensive private hospitals in case of emergency, hospitals like Zion Hospital in Dimapur has notified that they are closing out patient department due to scare over COVID-19! Even our popular hospitals are helpless over COVID-19.

Another area of great disappointment and concern is the lack of testing facility for COVID-19 in the state! It is hoped that the policy makers will arrange testing facilities in the state at the earliest. Without a test, everything seems guess work and the public are in a never ending suspense.

It appears that if COVID-19 reach or spread in Nagaland, the casualty will be very high. Beside lack of medical facilities, one reason why COVID-19 will be dangerous in Nagaland is because of poverty.

Quarantine or self-isolation is almost impossible here because majority of us share 1-2 rooms and we have common kitchens and bathrooms. If one family member gets

COVID-19, almost all will get it too.

COVID-19 cases can be high in Nagaland also because most of us don’t think bad things will happen to us until it’s too late. We also have a culture of spitting left and right. This is also because we have less or no dustbins in our markets and towns, and no adequate toilets etc which are cleaned at regular intervals.

As such, the responsible officers need to fast track their preparedness. It is learned that 100 ventilators are on the way. But 100 ventilators for 12 districts appear to be very less for a pandemic.

Besides our medical preparedness, it will be helpful if the state administration study our wildlife food habits. As the joke goes, we eat anything that moves that is not poisonous. Snakes, porcupines, rats, dogs, deer etc are all sold and eaten albeit secretly.

Some of our wet markets are filled with many animals, insects and worms. What has happened in China can also happen in our state. Proper study, guidelines and enforcement is needed so that a new virus does not originate in Nagaland.

Also an overwhelming majority of the people do not read newspapers or watch the news. The level of ignorance and superstition, coupled with unhygienic behaviour is rampant. More than the virus, it is stupidity and ignorance that is likely to cause more damage. Inside the colonies, some people are roaming and visiting friends as usual.

As such, police or volunteer force within the localities to stop meaningless roaming by the people must be enforced.

Last but not the least, it is hoped that the local level leaders like traders, GBs, VDBs, NGOs and church leaders will be made active part and parcel of solving the crisis; they have high influence in changing the mindset and daily habits of the people.

Unfortunately, some leaders are seeing the lockdowns as something others are forcing them to follow against their will. What good are the big and good advisories from the top if the masses don’t know or follow them? A stubborn or ignorant person can spoil all the sacrifices of the community.

Since it is a question of life and death for most people, it is hoped that the state government will effectively enforce the orders it has issued.

Lelen Singsit, Dimapur

The unfulfilled dreams of medical patients in Nagaland

oday, the major concerns of men and women are good health and long life. We all try to maintain good health in the best possible manner. We wish to live a long life with our loved ones.

When overtaken by sickness, we spend all our financial resources to get back to normalcy. Good health and ill health are part of human existence. Most hospitals are filled with people suffering from different diseases and sicknesses.

Sickness is blind to religion, caste or tribe. It visits the rich and poor alike. Thanks to the Directorate of health and family welfare, Doctors and Nurses for rendering their timely service.

Awareness programme on different health issues have reached all nook and corner of Nagaland.

But well run and updated gadgets have not. We must improve upon what we have failing which we will continue to risk the life of people under our care. Most death occurs due to lack of proper facilities. This must not go on.

Look at the district hospitals in our State. Are we satisfied with the available facilities? Look at the community health centres in your respective area. Are you happy to be admitted there as patients?

Who is responsible for maintain-

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rising, it is also important to note that countries like China and South Korea have seen a decline in the positive cases being confirmed and they are thus flattening the curve. Be optimistic and try to focus on positive news. WHO recommends people to discover opportunities where they can magnify positive stories and images of people who have recovered from the virus and are doing well.

7. Adopt a healthy selfcare routine Be in control of your daily routine and develop a healthy habit. When faced with stressful situations, some people resort to eating excessive amounts of unhealthy food while others resort to substance use including smoking and drinking. Such responses are harmful to both the body and the mind. Hence, it is important that you eat healthy food (vegetables, fruits, etc), get adequate sleep and engage in activities that genuinely provide you pleasure and happiness. A healthy daily routine will have a positive impact on your emotions as well as your thoughts.

8. Educate young children and help them cope with the stress Share information with young children in a way that they can understand and answer their questions with patience. Be supportive and give them reassurance that they are safe at home. Be mindful of the fact that they may be scared and upset and thus provide them with adequate care, extra attention, and love. Be safe. Take care of your physical health and your mental health Dr. Temsusenla Jamir, Clinical Psychologist, NU

Observations on COVID-19

ing all Government hospitals and CHCs with necessary equipments and medical tools? Which department should be held responsible pertaining health issues? When will we have all necessary equipments for medical treatment in our own State? Shall we tell patients of every kind to bring their own medical kit for treatment? Shall we continue treating patients only with doses of tablets and medicines? Should we continue taking every serious patient to Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati and other far places for better treatment? In most caseswe take them only to bring back their dead bodies. When shall we stop referring patients outside our State for lack of facilities in our medical hospitals? Shall we continue writing sad history?

Faced by challenges on health issues like COVID-19, there are many guidelines and restrictions issued by the Directorate of health and family welfare as preventive measures and precautions against novel coronavirus. Apart from guidelines and awareness, we need basic facilities in all hospitals both far and near.We must not only focus on Kohima and Dimapur.

Nagaland extends beyond these two towns. The concerned department seems to be fully equipped to face

the challenge for all allegations against the department is well refuted. Yes, we do not deny the tireless efforts of the department.

In case of positive patient (God forbids), quarantine in some assigned hospitals should be made available. No one should be asked to go back home to quarantine themselves for lack of facilities especially in far flung areas? All the more, there are students/trainees in nursing (ANM and GNM) in some Government hospitals who are still on practical duty in their respective hospitals. Are they given appropriate facilities to protect themselves?

Shall they continue their practical (as students) at this juncture?

We have the best doctors and nurses in our State, but due to lack of facilities they may not be performing their duty to the best of their ability. With the outbreak of covid-19, the directorate of health and family welfare wants all doctors and nurses to be in their respective work place. This is the need of the hour. They must be in their assigned work place not only these days but as per their duty.

But if there are no proper facilities available in hospitals and CHCs, how will they treat their patients efficiently? Firstly, supply all necessary equipments, tools and facilities

to all Government hospitals and CHCs, and then the department can demand strict attendance of all concern people in their respective work place. We cannot demand work from any one without giving them necessary tools and kits. I hope this unfortunate situation of corona virus infection will open the eyes of the Nagas to see beyond the bare minimum necessities of medical tools, kits and equipments in our Government hospitals and community health centers. A roof, four walls and strong standing monolith of inauguration do not make a hospital.

Last December, I met a boy (a Sema boy from Dimapur) in NEIGRIMS who brought his mother, a cancer patient for treatment.

Doctors gave up hope on her. One known Naga doctor, with kind and gentle words encouraged the mother and son for proper restandcare respectively. The son came out and stood near the door with tears in his eyes. With a heavy heart, I went to comfort him. I can only do that much. This is one among the many sad stories of Nagas searching for reliable good hospital outside Nagaland to extend the life of their beloved ones even for few days. We are free to go anywhere for any treatment. But let our hospitals

also provide the best facilities for patients in Nagaland.

Life goes on in Nagaland like a dream. We only dream of living like other people. We dream that our State also develop and progress like other States. We dream of travelling on good roads. We dream of studying in good schools and colleges. We dream of good governance. We dream that every schemes and projects are well implemented in towns and villages. We dream of corruption free society.

We dream of having well-equipped medical hospitals. When will these dreams turn into realities? Which generation will see this new dawn in Nagaland?

I pray that the Directorate of health and family welfare under the capable guidance and aid from the Government of Nagaland ensure better health care in Nagaland even in the days to come. Kudos to all Doctors and Nurses who are giving their best service in spite of many hurdles and difficulties in their work places. Together, let us fight against sickness and disease in our land. For this we need good working hospitals and CHCs with all necessary kits and equipments.

God bless you all.

Rev. Fr. G. L. Khing, Kohima

An opportune time to ask the most important question

n life, there is a bigger question than just mere existence. We have not come into existence just to exist. There is more to it than just living. We need to have meaning in and for our existence. If we care only how to combat COVID-19 pandemic for fear of being engulfed and potentially shortening our existence, then we could allow a very opportune time to just pass by without optimizing it. Yes, pandemic occurs at times, and history reveals its brutality. But a time such as this should prompt us to ask and answer the big question of life!!

Death will certainly come upon all of us if Christ does not return in our time.

It is just a matter of now or later. And I do not think there is much significance in the sequence. So being able to prolong life is not the most important thing, nor the goal of life. We often pray for long life (I do too) but

seldom ask for meaning and purpose of life. So, while the whole world is gripped with fear and overwhelmed by uncertainties, a revisit to the basic of Christian faith may provide strength and hope in this trying time.

Human being is wired

by God to be relational. In its absence, meaning cannot exist. That is why religiosity or ritualism alone cannot bring about true fulfillment.

Relationship implies and requires a PERSON to relate to.

Christianity is not primarily a set of doctrines or creeds; it is a relationship with Jesus Christ. It centers in a person, and as Earle E. Cairns puts it, “the removal of Christ from Christianity would leave a lifeless, empty shell.”

Re l a t i o n s h i p g ive s meaning, affirms being loved and cared for, and sustains hope. It makes the affair personal. We value “personal” thing and put a high price on it. Job of the Old

Testament would not like to curse God despite the pain, or sever his relationship with God because it was a very personal thing. No relief in sight, yet he held his relationship with God steadfastly because that acquaintance discharged meaning and hope for Job. Countless of Jesus’ followers treasured the same down the centuries. So, to snub personal relationship with Jesus as worthless would be to betray scores and scores of faithful believers. But for the Bystanders, Christian faith becomes foolishness, stumbling block (1 Cor. 1:23) or too simple to be true, and thus many people are not bothered to try out.

Coronavirus pandemic loudly proclaims the helplessness of human beings.

Despite astronomical advancement in medical science and great leap in every aspect of human knowledge, the best of the world is wrestling for a solution day and night.

Meanwhile, the whole world is shaken and anxiously waiting for a breaking news! All these remind us so clearly again that man is incapable of managing his own affairs.

This frustrating inadequacy, however, should make us humble and turn to God’s sovereign providence.

For followers of Jesus Christ, it is our time to “be still” and exhibit our confidence in God. “What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with the Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms” - these words of Elisha A. Hoffman should be true for all of us! God is always on the throne and reigns supremely.

He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1), and we have the privilege to run to Him. Life will go on. After the tide of this pandemic subsides, the world will have something else to be con-

cerned again. We are not meant to navigate our way out for survival only, but God intended a much bigger purpose that stays even in darkest times. He wants us to experience the abundant life which is offered in His Son Jesus Christ (Jn. 10:10).

This pandemic is giving us a “thinking time” and my prayer is that we search and

find the true meaning of life.

A word to the searchers – PLEASE TRY JESUS! You will never regret. In fact, you will be anchored securely.

And a word to the complacent ones – go deeper for a richer fulfilling life!

V. Atsi Dolie, Executive Director, Angami Baptist Church, Kohima

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Need of the hour

Appreciating government taking active measures in controlling the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to save people’s lives, it is therefore requested to our state government to take into account of daily wage earners by providing nominal funds since their income has been locked down completely and their lives are fully dependent on a daily basis income. The need for churches and NGOs to show up their existence is the need of the hour.

Yimtiyongdang ICFAI University, Dimapur

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.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

Covid-19 relief touches every weaker section: Shah

NEW DELHI, MAR (IANS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah here on Thursday lauded the first Rs 170,000 crore Covid-19 relief package announced to protect the weaker sections of society, saying it reflected the Narendra Modi government’s sensitivity.

Shah’s remark came after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the relief package declaring the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana would benefit migrant workers and the rural poor and women.

“Today, the decisions taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for every section of the poor, farmers, labourers, elderly, women and Divyangs, affected by the coronavirus epidemic, reflected the sensitivity of the government. I thank the Prime Minister for this,” Shah said in a series of tweets.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the Rs 50 lakh health insurance to all the Covid-19 warriors.

Referring to the deci-

Amit Shah

sion to supply 5 kg wheat and 5 kg rice per person in addition to 1 kg pulse for the next three months to 80 crore poor under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana’, Shah said, “With this decision, no poor in the country will go without food.”

Shah said the Modi government had decided to deposit the first instalment of Rs 2,000 to farmers’ account in the first week of April to extend relief to poor farmers during the Covid-19 pandemic. “More than 8 crore farmers will be benefited by this,” he said.

Covid-19 has claimed

15 lives and infected over 600 people across the country. On the decision to pay Rs 500 to 20 crore women Jan Dhan account holders and free gas to 8.3 crore Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries for three months, Shah said the move displayed how the Modi government had taken the burden of feeding the poor.

He also praised the step to increase loan from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh to 63 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the National Livelihood Mission.

“The government has decided to give an additional Rs 1,000 to the elderly, widows and disabled. This money will go directly to their bank accounts through direct benefit transfer. It will benefit around 3 crore people,” he said.

The relief package was announced two days after the Prime Minister announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown till April 14 to break the spread chain of Covid-19 that has killed over 20,000 and infected 3.80 lakh across the globe.

national/state

7

Centre’s relief package inadequate: CPI(M)

AgustaWestland: Michel moves HC for interim bail citing COVID-19 risk in jail

NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (PTI): The CPI(M) said on Thursday the Rs 1.75-lakhcrore economic package announced by the Centre in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic was inadequate.

The comments come after the government unveiled the relief package involving free food grain and cooking gas to the poor for the next three months, one-time doles to women and poor senior citizens, higher wages to workers and measures to boost liquidity of employees, as it looked to contain the impact of unprecedented nationwide lockdown over the deadly COVID-19 “The Rs 1.75 lakh crore package announced today missed out on a crucial issue of the migrant workers returning to their own states,” CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said in a statement.

“We have airlifted Indians from many countries abroad, surely our own brethren should have been provided with food and shelter, to either stay where they are currently or to be transported to their home states,”

Yechury said. “This failure is defeating the purpose of this 21-day lockdown when big crowds are surging, threatening ‘community-spread’.

This should be remedied at once,” the Left leader said.

Yechury pointed out that while some proposals in the package, such as provision of doubling food grains, free gas cylinders for three months, a 1-kg of pulses per family, have some merit, but they were “thoroughly inadequate”.

“The key to resist COVID-19 is good nutrition. This does not serve the purpose,” he said. “The announcement to give Rs 1000 to aged widows and the disabled is too little,” Yechury said.

He underlined that what the health workers required immediately was protective gear, medicines and adequate testing facilitie, adding that there was no mention of this.” Yechury said while the government had announced that each farmer would be given Rs 2,000, it was the first instalment that is due to them under PM KISAN scheme announced just before the 2019 polls.

Former minister Dr. TM Lotha passes away

Drones used to enforce 21-day nation lockdown

Christian Michel James

and Aljo K Joseph.

It also referred to the Supreme Court’s March 16 order directing all the states and union territories (UTs) to constitute high-level committees to consider releasing on parole or interim bail prisoners and undertrials, for offences entailing up to 7-year jail term, to decongest jails in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.

The plea further cited the Prime Minister’s speech declaring a nation wide 21day lockdown on March 24 to avoid the spread of the virus.

It said Michel’s health condition needs to be monitored and treated and he requires home-like environment where the risk of contagion is less and social

distancing can be effectively practiced.

The regular bail plea of Michel, who was arrested in 2018 and is in judicial custody since January 5, 2019, is also pending before the high court where the CBI and the ED have contended that he should not be granted the relief as he has a nexus with influential people and can influence witnesses.

He has been denied bail in both the matters by the trial court. He has approached the high court against the lower court’s decision.

The special CBI court had denied him the relief, saying there was no sufficient ground to grant bail.

Michel, extradited from Dubai, was arrested by the ED on December 22, 2018.

On January 5 last year, he was sent to judicial custody in the ED case. He is also lodged in judicial custody in another case registered by the CBI in connection with the scam.

Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the cases filed by the ED and the CBI. The other two are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.

NSDMA to utilise drone

DIMAPUR, MAR 26 (NPN): In its effort to spread awareness on Covid-19 pandemic, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) under Home department and Nagaland Geographical Information System would be utilising drones to relay Dos and Don’ts.

In a press release, secretary home & NSDMA, Lhouchalie Viya, stated that this effort was a first of its kind in the State and the awareness messages would be carried out on March 26 evening in the following colonies in Kohima (Take off locations): Indoor stadium, Cathedral, Oking hospital, School Education Department, SCERT and Industries Office.

rest in eternal peace.

NH: Expressing deep pain and grief over the sudden demise of Dr.TM Lotha, the Naga Hoho (NH) said his passing away was a great loss for the Naga people. In a condolence message, Naga Hoho general secretary, K. Elu Ndang, said Dr.Lotha, who was a founding member of NH, was resolute and sincerely worked for bringing peace and Naga political settlement. During his life, NH said he served the Naga people in various capacities with utmost sincerity.

The Hoho conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members in this moment of grief and sorrow and prayed that God Almighty grant peace and comfort to his near and dear ones and also the departed soul rest in the “eternal home of our Heavenly Father.”

NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) president Chingwang Konyak has expressed shock at the sudden demise of former minister and veteran politician Dr. TM Lotha. In a condolence message, NDPP president Chingwang Konyak described Dr.Lotha as an affable person, soft-spoken, polished and thorough gentleman. Konyak said Dr.Lotha also possessed a very charming personality

and his leadership qualities showed in the bold, prompt and considered decisions he took all throughout his political career. “He dealt with amazing dexterity, the problems which arose in the many departments he looked after in his chequered political life,” NDPP president said.

In his demise, Konyak said the Naga people in general and the Lotha community in particular have lost a dynamic and prominent leader, adding that the void created by his death would be difficult to fill.

NDPP president, on behalf of party rank and file, conveyed heartfelt condolences bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty to grant them solace and comfort.

NPCC Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed shock at the demise of Dr. T. M. Lotha, who it said was a very energetic social and active political worker.

In a condolence message, NPCC president K Therie recalled that they have worked together on various occasions.

NPCC president also described Dr.Lotha as “fearless”, who stood for justice, equality and accepted systems. “He was also a man of his word in his lifetime of service to the people,”

Therie said. NPCC president said his passing away has caused an irreparable loss not only to the family members, but also to Nagaland which has lost a son who could give change.

“Our hearts are with the bereaved family during this most painful hour of parting,” he said and conveyed condolences to Mrs. Mhalo, the children and bereaved family members.

Ex-PAN: Ex-Parliamentarian’s Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) has expressed deep pain over the demise of former minister of Nagaland, Dr. T M Lotha and said his death was not only a loss to his family members and his constituency but also a loss to the Naga people.

In a condolence message, Ex-PAN president Joshua Sumi said Dr.Lotha served the people of Nagaland by serving as minister holding various portfolios.

Ex-PAN also described Dr. Lotha as a sincere, efficient, humble and realistic leader, who had served his entire life for the welfare of public. “He was a loving husband and father,” it added. The association prayed that the Almighty God give solace and comfort to the bereaved family members at this moment of grief and rest the departed soul in eternal peace.

Mamata Banerjee writes letter to 18 CMs; requests aid for stranded Bengal workers

SpiceJet’s special flight to take Iranreturned Indians

Friday prayers suspended across country amid lockdown

NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to 18 chief ministers on Thursday, seeking aid for workers from the state who are stranded in different regions of the country due to the lockdown over the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The letter comes amid reports that migrant workers across the country were trying to walk back home due to unemployment, lack of shelter and food.

According to Census 2011, there are around 5-lakh migrant workers from the state who are working in different parts of the country. “Bengal has many workers - semi skilled and unskilled, working in different parts of the country,” Banerjee said in the letter.

“Due to complete lockdown in the country for COVID19 pandemic, many Bengal workers could not travel back and are stuck at different places.”

The chief ministers of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, Odisha, Karnataka and Punjab were among those who received

Mamata Banerjee

the letter. “We have received information that many such workers who are ordinarily resident of Bengal are stuck in your state too,” Banerjee said. “We are getting SOS calls from them.”

They are generally in groups of 50-100 and can be easily identified by the local administration, the chief minister said.

“Since, it is not possible for us to reach any help to them, I take the opportunity to request you to kindly ask your administration to provide them with basic shelter, food and medical support during this period of crisis,” she said.

“We, in Bengal, are taking care of such stuck

people in our State,” Banerjee said in the letter.

She stated that the chief secretary would pass on the details of such people to the respective state chief secretaries to speed up this entire process of humanitarian support in this hour of crisis.

Earlier in the day, the Centre has announced a Rs 1.75-lakh-crore economic bailout to help the poor tide over the impact of the nationwide lockdown that is in place to contain the spread of the deadly COVID-19.

The benefits -- through cash and food -- were targeted at farmers, migrant workers, the poor, women and the disabled, among others.

NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (PTI): SpiceJet said on Thursday that it will conduct a special flight on Sunday to take 142 Iran-returned Indians from Delhi to Jodhpur so that they can be taken to a government quarantine facility there.

“The special flight will be operated as per Government of India’s request and the airline will deploy its Boeing 737 aircraft for the assignment,” the lowcost carrier said in its press release. The airline’s entire commercial passenger aircraft fleet of 82 Boeing 737, two Airbus A320 and 32 Bombardier Q-400s is currently grounded as the government has suspended domestic and international flight operations to curb the spread of coronavirus.

However, the airline’s five B737 freighter aircraft have been operating as usual as there is no ban on cargo flights. The aircraft, which will be used for Sunday’s special flight, will be thoroughly cleaned and fumigated upon its return to Delhi and the airline will follow all the protocols for its crew members, the release noted.

NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (IANS): All Muslim sects have suspended Friday prayers to abide by the government’s decision of complete lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, however the call for prayers will continue in the mosques.

Jamaat-e-Islami Sharia Council said in a statement that, “the Friday prayer (Juma namaz) should also be observed (only by Imam, Muezzin, Khadim, and administrators of the mosque).

The prayer and the Khutbah (speech) should be completed in the minimum possible period and the remaining public should do the Zohar prayer at home.”

The Shia sect has also suspended the Friday prayers across the country and asked the people to remain indoors according to the directive of the government.

Maulana Ashraf Imam of Mumbai, said, “We had suspended the Friday prayers and daily prayers in the mosques since last week and this will continue till the government desires as the primary object of every person should be to save lives and follow the

NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (PTI): Drones were deployed to war n people against breaching restrictions and more booked for the violations on the second day of the three-week coronavirus lockdown on Thursday, as central and state authorities ramped up measures to ensure there was no supply disruption of essential commodities.

The unprecedented national lockdown also had a tragic fallout when a 28year-old man allegedly killed his younger brother for stepping out of their home in Mumbai’s western suburb of Kandivali. Police said Rajesh Laxmi Thakur killed his younger brother Durgesh after the latter stepped out of the house despite repeated warnings about the lockdown on Wednesday night, an official from Samta Nagar police station said. The official said Rajesh has been arrested. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a fervent appeal to the countrymen on Tuesday night not to cross the ‘lakshman rekha’ of their homes in the next three weeks to make the lockdown a success in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.

Social distancing at shops

DIMAPUR, MAR 26 (NPN): The deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur has informed all the chairmen/GBs under Dimapur district that social distancing of minimum 1 metre was to be kept between customers at fair price shops, pharmacies, and all shop selling essential commodities as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19.

In a circular, DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi has appealed to all chairmen/GBs to ensure compliance in their respective jurisdiction.

In touch with families of those killed and injured in Kabul: MEA NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (PTI): The Indian Embassy in Kabul is in touch with family members of the victims of the dastardly terror attack at a gurudwara in the Afghan capital, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday.

Twenty-five people were killed after gunmen stormed the gurdwara in Kabul and opened fire at the people inside on Wednes-

government directive. We Representational image. are appealing to people to remain indoors from the mosque loudspeakers and social media.”

In Kashmir also, grand mufti Nasirul Islam said that he has appealed to people that Friday and daily prayers will be suspended and it’s allowed in Islam.

The mosques in the capital and elsewhere are only giving call for prayers and 3 to 5 persons offer prayers adhering to the social distancing norms, said a Muezzin.

day. One of the deceased was Tian Singh, a 71-year old Delhi resident.

The Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack which came weeks after a historic deal between the US and the Taliban to bring lasting peace to Afghanistan.

“Understandable grief and anger at the cowardly terrorist attack on Gurudwara in #Kabul.

K-458

(From p-1) The deputy chief minister also said that Dr.Lotha was down to earth and a tall public leader who was always easily accessible by the common people. As PAC chairman, Patton said Dr.Lotha had committed his full time and energy towards finding an early solution to the protracted “Indo-Naga” political issue by pushing forward some core issues as a facilitator. In his untimely demise, Patton said Lothas in particular and the Nagas in general have lost a great and visionary leader creating a huge void that would be difficult to fill.

Patton, who also the BJP Nagaland legislature party leader, on behalf of state BJP legislators and functionaries, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Mrs Dr. T. M. Lotha and family members during this time of deep sorrow and grief.

Advisor Pukhayi: Expressing shock over the sudden and untimely demise of Dr. TM Lotha, the advisor food & civil supplies, legal metrology & consumer protection, taxes, Pukhayi Sumi, described late leader as “simple and a seasoned Lotha politician” and recalled that they have been in politics for the last more than three decades.

In his death, Pukhayi said the Nagas have lost

a visionary Naga leader and the void created by his death would be difficult to fill. “His untimely demise is a personal loss to me,” Pukhayi said. The advisor conveyed heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty Lord to grant them strength at this hour of grief and also grant peace to the departed soul.

LOP: Leader of Opposition (LOP) and former chief minister TR Zeliang expressed deep pain and mourned the demise of Dr. T.M Lotha.

In a condolence, Zeliang said Dr.Lotha was one among the Naga leaders who seriously fought and did his best for early solution to Naga political problem.

“As elected Members, we shared various platforms together and I found him to be an asset in the struggle for Naga political identity,” LOP said. Zeliang also recalled that Dr.Lotha was one among the Naga leaders who was truthful to his word and said that his association with late leader during good and bad times was memorable and would be cherished forever.

The former chief minister prayed that the Almighty God grant peace and solace to the bereaved family members during this time of sorrow and departed soul

NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (PTI): Christian Michel James, an alleged middleman arrested in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam cases by the CBI and ED, moved the Delhi High Court on Thursday seeking interim bail citing risk of contracting coronavirus in the Tihar Jail.

Michel, 59, claimed that his health condition was critical and incompatible with the current prison status, especially to cope with the risk of contracting the COVID-19 infection which could have a lethal effect on him as he is already suffering from serious pathologies.

“The agedness and a pre-existing ill state of health will make the applicant’s (Michel) body more susceptible to the said infection than any other ordinary prisoner with a normal health condition,” the plea said.

“Further, the presence within prisons of subjects who are tested positive for Covid19 pose a threat to the applicant considering his existing health condition and age,” added the plea, filed through advocates Sriram Parakkat, Vishnu Shankar

business/state Rupee settles 78 paise higher at 75.16

Indian economy.

“Finance Minister indeed announced Rs 1,75,000 cr package for the poor and needy, however measures addressed to corporate or SMEs are still missing. Perhaps this will be followed by monetary stimulus by RBI along with forbearance on loan repayments.”

The Rs 1.70 lakh crore economic package involves free food grains and cooking gas to poor for the next three months, one-time doles to women and poor senior citizens, higher wages to workers and measures to boost liquidity of employees. The scheme will be implemented with immediate effect.

“This is a package for

Panic buying in Mokokchung Mokokchung, Mar 26 (NPN): Mokokchung town witnessed chaos and panic buying as people thronged grocery stores to buy essential items. The police had to intervene and make the people stand in queues to practise social distancing in front of the shops. There were also reports of mad rush at fuel stations as long queues of vehicles lined up for refuelling. The Mokokchung district administration had observed a total lockdown on Wednesday and all shops, including those selling essential commodities, were forced to shut down.

However on Thursday, some relaxations as shops selling essential commodities were allowed to open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., while business transaction hours of all banks were permitted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The administration however reiterated its appeal to the people to remain indoors, except for purchasing of essential commodities and medical exigencies. Vehicular movements for non-essential nature have been prohibited. (Correspondent) People stand in queue to buy essential items. (NP)

Crossword 5

Su doku

KAKURO

MUMBAI, MAR 26 (PTI): The Indian rupee surged by another 78 paise to 75.16 (provisional) against the US dollar on Thursday after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced various welfare measures to tide through the coronavirus crisis.

The government on Thursday unveiled a Rs 1.70 lakh crore economic package involving free foodgrain and cooking gas to poor for the next three months, higher wages to workers and measures to boost liquidity of employees as part of measures to ease the economic impact of lockdown. Forex traders welcomed the government initiatives and said the revival of the economy though welfare measures was very much needed as the slowdown in demand was further hit by COVID-19 pandemic.

The rupee, which opened on a positive note at 75.90, settled for the day with gains of 78 paise at 75.16 against the American currency. During the day, the domestic unit touched a high of 75.10 and a low of 75.94.

On Tuesday, rupee had gained 26 paise to settled at 75.94 against the US dollar. Forex market was closed on Wednesday on account of Gudi Padwa. “Rupee rallies, playing catch-up with Asian currencies, amid a stock rally after the US Senate passes virus rescue plan. India also announced Rs 1.7 trillion spending plan as part of measures to ease the economic impact of lockdown,” said VK Sharma, Head PCG & Capital Markets Strategy, HDFC securities.

Spot gold mkts remain shut due to lockdown: HDFC

NPCC questions state govt’s strategy

NEW DELHI, MAR 26 (PTI): Spot gold markets in the country remained shut on Thursday due to countrywide lockdown to prevent spread of COVID19, according to HDFC Securities.

The country is undergoing a 21-day lockdown announced on Tuesday to curb the spread of coronavirus.

In the international market, gold was trading lower at USD 1,605 per ounce and silver was quoting flat at USD 14.32 per ounce.

“Gold prices traded weak on Thursday with spot international gold prices traded near USD 1,605 paring previous gains,” it said.

No. 9535 Yesterday’s solution No. 9534

No. 4154 Yesterday’s solution No. 4153

No. 3180 Yesterday’s solution No. 3179

(From p-1) Citing the report it gathered from party sources, NPF said there was no proper COVID-19 testing centres in Tuensang, Noklak, Dimapur, Phek, Mon, Tseminyu, Peren, Wokha, Longleng and Mokokchung.

Regarding testing kits, thermal scanners, masks, gloves and hand sanitizers, the NPF said Tuensang had no testing kits with just one thermal scanner and demanded for 10 more scanners but there had been no response. There were also less masks, gloves and hand sanitizers in Tuensang, it added.

At Noklak, NPF said there was no testing kits and all the items were managed by the doctors.

In Dimapur, Phek, Tseminyu, Longleng and Peren, NPF said none was available. In Mon district, items were available only for hospital staff.

In Wokha, there was one Thermal scanner, but shortage of other items.

While report from Mokokchung said the items were not sufficient.

NSCN (R) condolence DIMAPUR: NSCN/GPRN (R) has expressed grief over the demise of late Hokishe Kiho who passed away on Thursday.

A condolence from NSCN (R) through its MIP stated that late Kiho, son of late Thazuhe Kiho and Nithali Chophi from Nitoyi village was an ardent social worker, who “contributed immensely for the society”. He was the founder/president of Western Sumi Students’ Union (WSSU), vicepresident of Sumi Students’ Union

(From p-1) He admitted that the government was conscious of the gravity and so had issued multiple directives to the public.

He said lockdown was also a tenet in the Bible for everyone to adhere to during crisis.

The NPCC president however said in case a pandemic broke out, India should not run short on manpower like Italy. He said it has been reported that many in Italy had died due to shortage of doctors and nurses.

In this regard, he said India has over a lakh foreign medical graduates who have not cleared Medical Council of India’s Foreign Medical Graduate Exam.

He suggested that these candidates may be called and their services utilised for the emergency in whatever way possible. He also reminded that there was still no testing laboratories in all districts and warned that no district was safe as the State was surrounded by national and international borders.

He said just stopping all arrivals via

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With regard to protection equipments supplied to doctors, nurses and those people working in the frontline, NPF said Tuensang reported 14 items and required more; Noklak, Phek, Wokha and Tseminyu nothing received, Dimapur none was available; Mon 19 items available and required more; Peren no proper equipment were supplied and Mokokchung not sufficient. Whether there were ICU facilities available in the district hospitals, NPF said Tuensang, Noklak, Dimapur, Phek, Mon, Tseminyu, Peren, Wokha, Longleng and Mokokchung reported no ICU facility.

Further, on whether 24/7 control rooms were set up in the district hospitals, Tuensang responded yes, Noklak yes, Dimapur Yes, Phek not available, Mon yes, Tseminyu not available, Peren not available, Wokha yes, Longleng not available and Mokokchung yes.

In the light of the above, the NPF has urged the state government to immediacy intervene and act.

(SKK), and founding member of Niuland Area Students Union (NASU), stated the MIP. Meanwhile, NSCN (R) stated that “the late leader leaves behind his legacy as a potential officer and a dynamic social activist for his progeny and friends to cherish on” and also stated that it had lost “a pioneer and a pathfinder”.

Further NSCN (R) prayed that the good Lord kindly rest his soul in eternal peace and provide solace to his family members and friends.

conventional routes was not the answer.

He also maintained that it was not a correct step to ban “our children” (students and employees) from coming home. Therie said all Nagas from the state returning home should be welcomed in whatever condition and the state government should also ensure that such individuals follow the prescribed norms, including self declaration and self isolation.

He said the pandemic should not be allowed to worsen due to shortage of funds and emphasised that this was a national emergency and it was everyone’s duty to come forward.

Helping others was also helping self in fighting back the pandemic, he said.

He demanded that budget estimate and sanction accorded for the purpose should be made known to clear doubts of the public. According to Therie, the government was a welfare government for the people, and the tax people pay everyday on every item, should now be used for their welfare.

`38 lakhs released under CMRF to combat COVID-19

(From p-1) During the interaction, Phom claimed that the State has been actively carrying out surveillance for contact tracing and imposition of strict home quarantine. Pointing out that there was no designated laboratory in Nagaland for COVID-19 testing, Phom urged Harshvardhan to support Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima (NHAK) laboratory at the earliest for testing.

He said consignments containing personnel protective equipments (PPEs), N-95 masks and other such equipments were stuck at various places in Delhi border, Haryana, Chennai and Maharashtra, and called for facilitating their movement immediately as there was acute shortage of these items in the State. This was stated in a DIPR release.

Medicine dealers, FPS owners appeal (From p-1) In a release, the NMDA president informed all medicine dealers as well as the general public that medical shops would have to remain open as long as possible. He also directed all association members to carry their identity cards while opening their shops and going back to their houses.

The association also requested the administration and police to co-operate with members of the medical fraternity without any harassment in public interest.

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even as it requested village/colony chairmen, gaon burahs (GBs), youth and student bodies in helping FPS to maintain utmost discipline in their areas for distribution of food grains to the beneficiaries.

The association felt that it was every single person’s responsibility to combat the mysterious COVID-19 by way of maintaining social distance as FPS issued food grains to 20-30 persons daily in line with the department directives by providing hand sanitizers, hand wash, etc.

Urging the beneficiaLOST NOTICE Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bike near Konyak Church New Building, Chumukedima Ward 9 on the midnight of 20/03/2020.

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ries to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the government while collecting food grains from FPS to contain spreading of the disease, ANFPSA also appealed to the district administrations, law enforcing agencies and security forces manning towns and colonies to cooperate with the persons on FPS duty and trucks transporting goods along with labour for loading and unloading in order to maintain conducive atmosphere and better service. This was stated in a press release.

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to 10 per cent.

The broader markets also gained momentum with the Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices rising 3 per cent each.

In an effort to cushion the economic blow of the 21-day lockdown in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Finance Minister Sitharaman announced a slew of measures worth Rs 1.70 lakh crore to help citizens survive the crisis.

Paras Bothra, President of Equity Research, Ashika Stock Broking, said, “Domestic markets zoomed for the second day on the trot driven by optimism on USD 2 trillion package to US economy and also in anticipation of an economic package for the

lockdown impacted segments,” said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, adding that the government is prioritising.

“Industry-specific measures are likely to be announced in the next package. This can go a long way in implementing the lockdown,” he said.

According to traders, volatility remained during the day as March derivatives contracts expired.

The Indian rupee appreciated 57 paise to 75.37 against the US dollar in intra-day trade.

In a positive news for India’s fiscal health, the crude oil prices continued to trade below USD 30 a barrel amid steep fall in demand due to COVID-19 led lockdowns in major parts of the world.

International oil benchmark, Brent crude futures fell 2.15 per cent to USD 26.80 per barrel.

Meanwhile, bourses in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul ended significantly lower. Benchmarks in Europe were also trading in the red.

The number of COVID-19 cases climbed to 649 in India and the death toll rose to 13, with one death reported each from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and

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MUMBAI, MAR 26 (PTI): Equity benchmarks surged for the third straight session on Thursday, logging their best three-day gains in years, after the government’s much awaited stimulus measures for coronavirus lockdown-hit segments lifted sentiments.

The BSE gauge Sensex surged 1,410.99 points or 4.94 per cent to settle at 29,946.77; while the NSE barometer Nifty shot up 323.60 points or 3.89 per cent to 8,641.45.

After the worst-ever crash on Monday, the Sensex has recovered by 3,965.53 points or 15.26 per cent over the last three sessions. Likewise, the NSE Nifty has regained 1,031.20 points or 13.55 per cent in three days.

On the Sensex chart, IndusInd Bank was the top gainer, rallying up to 46 per cent. Other winners were Bharti Airtel, L&T, Bajaj Finance, Kotak Mahindra, Bajaj Auto, HUL and HDFC -- rising up to 10 per cent.

On the other hand, Maruti Suzuki, Tech Mahindra, Sun Pharma and Reliance Industries closed with losses.

All sectoral indices ended with gains with BSE telecom, capital goods, bankex, finance, realty and FMCG indices surging up

Provide necessary medical supplies: NPF

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Market clocks best 3-day rally in yrs

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

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China’s local coronavirus cases die down

BEIJING/SHANGHAI, MAR 26 (AGENCIES): Mainland China reported no new locally transmitted cases of coronavirus for the sixth time in eight days as Hubei province, where the virus was first detected, opened its borders, but imported cases rose as Beijing ramped up controls to prevent a resurgence of infections.

A l l 6 7 n ew c a s e s reported by the end of Wednesday were imported, and all 47 reported the previous day were imported too, the National Health Commission said in a statement on Thursday.

The total number of cases now stands at 81,285.

The commission reported a total of 3,287 deaths at the end of Wednesday, up six from the previous day.

Hubei province, home to some 60 million people, reported no new cases on Wednesday and opened its borders. Public transport restarted and residents Xianning, a city in Hubei, strolled the streets wearing masks.

In Xianning, residents carried out their daily shopping errands at local fruit and vegetable shops, while hairdressers and bike repair shops were also open.

One group of women sat outside a shuttered shop, playing with a pair of 2 year old male twins who were wearing masks.

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international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

the country in February, allowing Beijing to push for restarting economic activity in the world’s second biggest economy.

In a briefing on Thursday, an official at China’s water resources ministry said that the country plans to invest in over 100 water treatment and delivery projects worth more than 1 trillion yuan ($140.97 billion) in the next three years to boost the economy and stabilise employment.

Shi Chunxian said every 100 billion yuan of investment in key water projects will boost GDP growth by 0.15 percentage points and create 490,000 jobs, citing a state think tank study.

In the latest sign of a return to normal life, Shanghai officials said on Thursday that the city’s cinemas would reopen on March 28.

WHO ‘very much’ sided with China on coronavirus: Trump

once the dust settles.

“I think there is certainly a lot of talk that it’s been very unfair. I think that a lot of people feel that it’s been very unfair,” Trump replied.

In a tweet Congressman Greg Steube alleged that the WHO has been a mouthpiece for China during the coronavirus pandemic. Both the WHO and China must face consequences once this pandemic is under control, he demanded.

Senator Josh Hawley echoed Steube’s view and demanded the same.

“There need to be consequences here. WHO has sided with China Communist Party against the world in this pandemic,” he said in another tweet.

WHO Director-General Ghebreyesus has faced criticism for praising China’s leadership for its “determination to end the new

coronavirus outbreak”.

He has also been accused of conspiring with Beijing in its “propaganda” to hush-up coronavirus cases.

Ghebreyesus had gone to China in January to meet President Xi Jinping, and a WHO team comprising of international health experts working in the country.

“Today I met with Xi Jinping, President of China, in Beijing to discuss next steps in battle against the new coronavirus outbreak. WHO appreciates the seriousness with which China is taking this outbreak & the transparency authorities have demonstrated,” he had said in a tweet after his meeting with Xi. “Just back from China where I held frank talks with President Xi Jinping, who has taken charge of a monumental national response to the coronavirus outbreak. Based on cooperation & solidarity, China has committed to protecting its citizens & all people globally from the outbreak,” he said in another tweet.

Globally, the death toll from the coronavirus has risen to 21,293 with more than 471,518 cases reported in over 170 countries and territories, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Pak seeks USD 3.7 bn loan as COVID-19 cases cross 1K India, US collaborating on combating COVID-19, says Ambassador Sandhu

WHO Europe sees ‘encouraging signs’ in COVID-19 spread

I S L A M A BA D / B E I JING/ MADRID, MAR 26 (PTI/AFP): Pakistan has sought USD 3.7 billion additional loan from three multilateral creditors to cope with the economic crisis being posed by the coronavirus outbreak, as the pandemic spread further in the country, infecting over 1,100 people and killing eight so far.

In addition to USD 1.4 billion loan from the IMF, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank will extend loans of USD 1 billion and USD 1.25 billion respectively to the country, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said at a news conference on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier announced a Rs 1.2 trillion economic relief package.

The number of coronavirus patients in Pakistan has reached to 1,102, according to the latest official data.

There were 417 patients in Sindh, 323 in Punjab, 131 in Balochistan, 121 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 84 in Gilgit-Baltistan

People wearing protective masks walk in a shopping district, following an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Beijing, China, March 25. (Reuters)

“The lifting of the lockdown is both good and bad,” said one of the women, who gave her name as Chen. “A lot of people can leave, but it also raises the risk. The situation in Hubei was so severe, and I’ve gotten used to staying at home for the last two months. It’s safer that way.”

The lockdown of Hubei’s capital Wuhan, where the virus first appeared late last year, will be lifted on April 8, a milestone in China’s war against the epidemic.

The fatality rate in Wuhan stood at about 5%, said Qiu Haibo, a medical expert on a panel led by

the central government, according to the official People’s Daily on Thursday. About 90% of all the imported cases are Chinese passport holders, Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui told a press conference on Thursday, adding that 40% of them are overseas Chinese students returning amid rising infections abroad.

“We understand some overseas students are eager to come home...But under the current circumstances, by staying put, they can avoid being cross-infected in the hurried journey home or getting stuck midjourney when the countries

Abdul Hafeez Shaikh

(GB), 25 in Islamabad and 1 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to the website of ministry of health services. So far eight people have died while 21 have recovered.

Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani said 12 more coronavirus cases were reported, taking the total provincial tally to 131.

KP health official reported 41 new cases as the provincial tally rose to 121.

Its worst hit area was Manga village of Mardan district where the virus spread when a man returned from Saudi Arabia after performing pilgrimage (Umra) and invited 2,000 villagers to celebrate it. Reportedly,

he hugged everyone. Later, he was tested positive and incidentally was the first to die in Pakistan due to the coronavirus.

Pakistan President Arif Alvi has urged religious scholars to stop all congregational prayers to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The move came following a ‘fatwa’ (edict) issued on Wednesday by the Grand Imam Shaikh of Jamia Al Azhar and the Supreme Council in Egypt, saying that head of the state is empowered to stop collective prayers in the current situation.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday paid a visit to an isolation centre in Islamabad, where he

they transit in tighten border controls,” Luo said.

Fearing a new wave of infections from imported cases, authorities have ramped up quarantine and screening measures in other major cities including Beijing, where any travellers arriving from overseas must submit to centralised quarantine. Of the new case reported on Wednesday, Shanghai reported the most with 18, followed by Inner Mongolia region at 12 and Guangdong province at 11.

The number of new daily cases in China remain down sharply from the height of the outbreak in

was briefed about the arrangements by the chairman of National Disaster Management Authority.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Inter national Airlines (PIA) announced that it will be operating exclusive premium flights for those passengers who need to return home immediately.

The flights will be operated only one way from Pakistan. The decision is effective from March 26 till April 2. Other domestic flight operations will remain suspended.

Pakistan has already suspended international flights this week. However, cargo flights are exempted from the flight suspension ban. Despite increase in the number of positive cases, Khan was still ambivalent on the issue of complete curfew like lockdown, which he said would hit hard the daily wagers and those living below the poverty line.

COVID-19 cases witnessed a sharp surge in Pakistan after hundreds pilgrims, who returned from Iran, one of the worstaffected countries, tested positive.

‘What is our sin’? ask Afghan gurdwara attack survivors KABUL, MAR 26 (PTI): “They killed everyone, no one is left alive,” Apar Singh succinctly sums up the horrific attack carried out by a lone terrorist, believed to belong to Pakistan-based Haqqani group, on a prominent Sikh gurdwara here that killed at least 25 worshippers.

The over two dozen worshippers were killed and eight others injured when a heavily armed suicide bomber stormed a prominent gurdwara on Wednesday in the heart of Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul, in one of the deadliest attacks on the minority Sikh community in the strife-torn country.

Some of the Afghan Sikhs, who lost their entire family members in the attack, are wondering what “sin” they have committed to deserve such a fate, TOLOnews reported.

Many of the injured from Thursday’s attack were rushed to nearby hospitals by security and by local authorities.

A number of families of the victims of the attack described the attack as a clear crime “against humanity,” the report said.

Recalling the brutality, one man, who lost seven members of his family in the attack, says a suicide bomber fired at a man, woman and a child and “showed no mercy to anyone.”

One of the men who lost his mother in the attack asked: “what was my mother’s sin and why are the country’s minorities being targeted like this?”.

“Come and slaughter us if we harmed any Muslim,” said one of the victim’s relatives.

“What is our sin? Come and tell us about our sins. If we have done anything to Muslims?” asked other relatives of the victims.

Harwinder Singh, who lost all seven members of his family, said the attackers killed all his family members in front of his eyes.

“They (attackers) killed my mother and my wife with my small child with bullets in front of my eyes,”Singh said.

“They killed everyone, no one is left alive,” said Apar Singh, another victim. A woman, who has been transferred to the hospital for treatment after she was wounded, said there was no news of her family members who had come for prayer.

“All of our youths were killed, what should we do with the children that are left from the attack?” asked a wounded person.

The brutal attack on the minority Sikh community has sparked anger among Afghan residents.

“The attack showed that they

(attackers) don’t have any mercy on anyone and they are not obeying any law nor any religion,” said Mohammad Mustafa, a resident of Kabul.

“They don’t care about Muslims nor Hindus, it means humanity does not have any meaning for them,” said Haroon Rasouly, another resident of Kabul. The attack has faced severe condemnation from both inside and outside the country.

The United Nations has condemned the terrorist attack on a Gurudwara in Kabul that killed at least 25 people, with the UN chief calling for the perpetrators of such crimes to be held accountable and the world body emphasising that there can be no justification for the killing of civilians at a religious house.

Prime Minister Modi said on Wednesday that he was “saddened” by the attack on the gurdwara when 150 worshippers were inside the building.

“I am saddened by today’s terror attack at Gurudwara in Kabul.

I express my condolences to the families of all the deceased,” he said in a tweet.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also condemned the attack that lasted for about six hours, terming it cowardly and reflective of a “diabolical mindset”.

Spain virus death toll tops 4,000

The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged to 4,089 after 655 people died within 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday.

It was a 19 per cent increase on figures released on Wednesday.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose to 56,188 in Spain, which has the world’s second highest death toll from the disease after Italy.

WASHINGTON, MAR 26 (PTI): India and the US are working together on combating the deadly coronavirus and collaboration is underway in the areas of diagnostics and therapeutics of the disease, which so far has taken the lives of more than 20,000 people globally, according to the Indian envoy here.

The deadly coronavirus that first emerged in China’s Wuhan city has drastically spread around the world, infecting 471,518 people and causing 21,293 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker.

“In the present context of COVID-19 pandemic, close collaboration in the areas of diagnostics and therapeutics of the disease is underway,” India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu told PTI. “India and the United States have had a longstanding productive partnership in the healthcare sector, especially between the research institutions

WASHINGTON, MAR 26 (PTI): US President Donald Trump has said the WHO has “very much sided” with China on the coronavirus crisis, asserting that many are unhappy with the “very unfair” praise by the global health agency on Beijing’s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

President Trump was responding to a question on allegations by Republican Senator Marco Rubio that the World Health Organization (WHO) showed “favouritism” to China where the disease originated.

Congressman Michael McCaul, ranking member on the House Foreign Relations Committee, has questioned the integrity of the WHO’s DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, saying “that there were several red flags in his past with respect to his relationship with China.”

“It (WHO) has been very very much sided with China. A lot of people are not happy about it,” Trump told reporters at a White House news conference on Wednesday.

Trump was asked if he agreed that the WHO showed favouritism and the US should re-explore its relationship with the Geneva-based UN health agency

and industries of both countries,” he said.

Under the existing bilateral collaboration in healthcare sector- the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease in the US shared the important reagents with the Translational Health Science Technology Institute in Gurgaon.

Such cooperation is expected to play a big role in developing new therapeutics and testing reagents for the COVID-19.

In addition, Indiabased vendors of American companies are in touch with the Indian Council of Medical Research to engage and enhance the capabilities for COVID-19 test in India.

“The US will work shoulder to shoulder with India to combat the COVID19 outbreak. Together, we can safeguard our citizens and people everywhere,” Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Alice G Wells, said in a tweet referring to the co-

WEDDING POSTPONEMENT

Dear Invitees/well wishers, With deep regret, we inform that our wedding ceremony scheduled on 2nd April 2020 has been postponed due to the present situation.

The Date will be informed later.

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Mr Kerihosa (Alo) Natso & Ms Sentinaro Aier and Families. +918794195023

OFFICE OF THE

Donald Trump

operation between the two countries.

The United States, she said, stands united with India and echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to keep up their fighting spirits.

Cooperation and collaboration in the sector of coronavirus was also discussed between the two countries when President Donald Trump met Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi last month.

Trump and Modi also hailed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that seeks to promote access to high quality, safe, effective, and affordable medications for US and Indian consumers.

In 2012, the Center for Disease Control collaborated with National Centre for Disease Control to establish Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Programme.

COPENHAGEN, MAR 26 (AFP): The World Health Organisation’s European office said Thursday it saw “encouraging signs” as Italy reported a lower rate of infections of the new coronavirus, cautioning it was too soon to say whether the worst had passed.

“While the situation remains very serious, we are starting to see some encouraging signs,” WHO regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, told a press conference.

“Italy, which has the highest number of cases in the region, has just seen a slightly lower rate of increase, though it is still too early to say that the pandemic is peaking in that country,” he added.

WHO Europe said that to date over 220,000 cases of COVID-19 had been reported on the continent, along with 11,987 deaths.

OFFICE OF THE NEIKESA PELI NO-13 D'KHEL, KOHIMA VILLAGE KOHIMA: NAGALAND POSTPONEMENT 25/03/2020

The Neikesa Peli No-13 of D’khel Kohima village deeply regret to inform our esteemed well wishers that the Neikesa Peli No-13 D’khel Raffle Draw scheduled to be drawn lot on the 28th of March 2020 has been postponed due to Nationwide Lockdown with social distancing and mass gathering strictly imposed. Therefore, it is the earnest appeal of Neikesa Peli No-13 of D’khel Kohima village to all our well wishers to bear with us in this period of Nationwide Lockdown and till the situation turns to normalcy.

The postponement date of Neikesa Peli No-13 D’khel Raffle Draw is rescheduled on the 2nd of May i.e. Saturday 2020, the time and venue shall remain the same.

“Maintain Social Distance and Stay Safe” President Neikesa Peli No-13, D’khel Kohima Village, # 8974209393 K-858

KASHIRAM VILLAGE COUNCIL

WEDDING POSTPONEMENT

INFORMATION

We, Mrs. I Tangla, W/o Lt. Temjenba Sangtam and Mrs./Mr. N Hotongse Sangtam, Along with families have decided to postpone the marriage of our children Miss Yangtsapila Sangtam and Mr. Khumtimong Sangtam due to the current situation (COVID 19).

The wedding which was to be held at Sangtam Baptist Church Purana Bazaar Dimapur on 7th of April 2020.

The date and venue will be informed as and when the situation will be declared normal. Inconvenience deeply regretted.

Dimapur - 797112, Nagaland

This is to inform all the residents of Kashiram Village, Dimapur: Nagaland, as well as the general public outside of Kashiram Village, that in lieu of the current prevailing situation i.e, COVID-19, it is advised, that all the public practice extreme caution and follow necessary steps as provided by the Govt. of India. Any residents/students who has reached Dimapur and is residing within the village jurisdiction must take necessary steps to get tested and stay quarantined within the timeframe allocated and avoid unnecessary contact outside. No individuals/persons or outsiders shall be allowed to loiter within the village jurisdiction except for Army/Security personnel and Medical staff/patients from Eden Hospital.

This Order shall come into immediate effect from the date of publication of this circular and shall remain effective until the prevailing situation is solved and the curfew is lifted by the Govt. of India.

Any individual found in violation of this circular shall be penalized/punished as per the law of Kashiram Village Council.

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CHAIRMAN Kashiram Village Council Dimapur: Nagaland

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Infotainment

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

Elton John to host all-star Kanye West feels he’s racially profiled for supporting Trump coronavirus relief concert

R E

lton John will host the iHeart Living Room Concert For America, a special allstar benefit concert to provide relief and support for Americans affected by the coronavirus crisis.

The hour-long programme will air this Sunday (March 29) on the FOX network and iHeartRadio stations across America. It will feature performances from the likes of Billie Eilish, Green Day‘s Billie Joe Armstrong, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys and more. All artists will broadcast from

their respective homes in an ongoing effort to encourage social distancing.

The slot for iHeart Living Room Concer t was originally reserved for the annual iHeart Music Awards, which was cancelled in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. iHeartRadio tweeted that the special event is a “tribute to the front line health professionals and local heroes who are helping to fight the spread of COVID-19”. Check out the full tweet below.

Over the course of

Farah Khan to celebs: stop posting workout videos, we have bigger concerns

F

ilmmaker Farah Khan has expressed her frustration with Bollywood celebrities uploading their workout videos as they stay at home amid the coronavirus pandemic.

With the entire country in a 21-day lockdown, several celebrities have shared their workout videos and pictures from their homes on social media, including Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Anil Kapoor, Rakul Preet Singh, Jacqueline Fernandes among others.

In a video released on Twitter, Farah said she is making the clip in the “interest of public health and

safety.”

“It’s my humble request from all the ‘celebrities’ and ‘stars’ that please stop making your workout videos and bombarding us with it. I can understand that you all are privileged and you don’t have any other worries in this global pandemic except for looking after your figures. But some of us, most of us have bigger concerns during this crisis,” Farah said.

The “Om Shanti Om” director said if celebrities don’t stop, she will unfollow them.

“So please have mercy on us and stop uploading your workout videos and if you can’t stop, then please don’t feel bad if I unfollow you. Stay safe,” she added.

The number of coronavirus cases climbed to 649 in India on Thursday and the death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 13, with one death reported each from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh.

(PTI)

iHeart Living Room Concert, viewers will be encouraged to donate to Feeding America and First Responders Children’s Foundation, which are charitable organisations helping victims and first responders during the pandemic.

The coronavirus outbreak has halted the entertainment industry on a global scale, with international artists being forced to cancel or postpone their tours. Production on many films and TV shows have also been suspended.

(NME)

apper Kanye West feels that he is racially profiled after showing his support towards US President Donald Trump.

In a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, the rapper talked about dealing with the public’s outrage that stemmed from his political views, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The rapper links the backlash to racial profiling as he said: “I’m a black guy with a red (MAGA) hat, can you imagine? ...It reminded me of how I felt as a black guy before I was famous, when I would walk in a restaurant and people would look at you like you were going to steal something. ‘This is your place, Ye, don’t talk about apparel. This is your place, Ye, you’re black, so you’re a Democrat.’”

“Classism, protection-

ism -- not just racism...

Classism is like living on a bookshelf. The more money you have, the higher you go.

And you get to the top and look over and what do you see? Fear,” he said.

Despite having publicly showing his support for Trump, West says he didn’t vote for Trump during the 2016 presidential election.

In fact, he didn’t vote at all. However, had he been a registered voter at the time, the “Black Skinhead” rapper says that he would cast his vote in favour of Trump. During the interview , West also talks about his mental breakdown. Comparing his struggles with mental health issues to the plight suffered by Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds’ Marvel superhero character, West said: “I’ve been through ‘Deadpool’. You know that movie?”

He also mentions the Japanese practice of Kintsugi, in which broken pottery is restored.

“I had an actual mental breakdown from attempting to put together all of the pieces,” he says of the dark period in his life.

(IANS)

Radio listening soars during coronavirus crisis

R

adio listening figures have experienced a boom as a direct result of coronavirus, new figures suggest.

Global, which owns Capital FM and LBC, has said online listening rose by 15 per cent in the last week, with many favouring the radio over streaming apps.

In contrast, data from US analytics companies suggests that use of streaming apps such as Spotify has dropped by about 8 per cent.

“These figures indicate that the public are turning to radio in times of crisis,” a Global spokeswoman told the BBC. The BBC has also said that streaming of its

Pawan Kalyan to donate 2 cr to govt relief fund amid COVID-19 an Railways is reportedly contemplating to convert its coaches and cabins in isolation wards in view of the growing number of COVID-19 patients.

On Wednesday, Bolly-

T

Pawan Kalyan and Ram Charan

elugu superstar Pawan Kalyan has announced that he will donate a sum of Rs 2 crores to the government’s relief fund as the nation battles the COVID-19 pandemic.

The actor took to Twitter to announce that he will be donating Rs 50 lakh each to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Chief Minister’s relief funds and Rs 1 crore to the Prime Minister’s relief fund.

In two separate tweets,

the actor shared: “I will be donating Rs.50 Lakhs each to both AP and Telangana CM relief funds to fight against Corona pandemic.”

“I will be donating Rs.1 crore to PM relief fund to support our Hon. PM Sri @narendramodi ji,in turbulent times like this. His exemplary and inspiring leadership would truly bring our country from this Corona pandemic.”

Meanwhile, the Indi-

radio stations has risen 18 per cent since last week.

As people across the UK begin working from home as a result of coronavirus, it has been suggested that they have listened to the radio for “companionship”, which has resulted in the boom.

US analytics provider Alpha Data said streams in the US has dropped some 7.6 per cent during the week of March 13 to March 19 when many Americans first self-quarantined and other non-essential outlets and businesses closed across the country.

A similar slump was also seen in album sales and digital song sales. Physical

album sales dropped by a staggering 27.6 per cent, digital album sales fell by 12.4 per cent, and digital song sales plummeted by 10.7 per cent. This comes as the UK became the latest country to announce strict coronavirus lockdown measures for the country.

In a TV address from inside 10 Downing Street, Johnson said UK citizens must stay at home except to shop for food and medicine, for only one form of exercise per day, and to travel to and from essential workplaces.

It followed Johnson’s call for pubs, restaurants and bars to close over the weekend.

(NME)

Acupuncture can be safe option to treat migraines

wood megastar Amitabh Bachchan shared on Twitcupuncture can reter an idea to use empty duce migraine headrail coaches as isolation aches, say researchwards, now that trains ers, adding that doctors are not running across the should provide information country. about acupuncture as an when discussing preInspired by Pawan Kalyan, Telugu star Ram option ventive treatment strategies Charan to donate 70lakh as COVID-19 aid with patients.

“Acupuncture can be Inspired by Pawan Kalyan, another Telugu superstar, Ram Charan, has decided to donate to the recommended as a progovernment’s relief fund to battle the COVID 19 phylactic treatment and clinicians should provide pandemic. He will be donating Rs 70 lakh.

On Thursday afternoon, Ram Charan announced patients with information on Instagram: “Inspired by Pawan Kalyan Garu’s about acupuncture as an tweet, I would like to contribute Rs 70 lakh towards option when discussing prothe centre and states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh phylactic treatment strategies,” said researchers from relief fund in this moment of crisis.

I would like to applaud the commendable efforts China. of our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji For people with freand Honourable Chief Ministers of our respective states quent migraines, prevenKCR Garu and Jagan Mohan Reddy Garu in curtailing tive treatments to reduce the vast effects of the pandemic COVID 19. headache frequency are As a responsible citizen, I encourage all to available, but not all pastrictly abide by their rules and recommendations. tients respond well to drug Jai Hind.” therapy and many prefer to On Thursday morning, Pawan Kalyan announced avoid it. that he would be donating Rs 50 lakh each to Andhra Evidence for the benPradesh and Telangana Chief Minister’s relief funds efit of acupuncture on miand Rs 1 crore to the Prime Minister’s relief fund. graine prevention has been Ram Charan followed his footsteps and an- mixed, according to the nounced to make his contribution as India faces a study. tough time battling the COVID 19 pandemic.

For the findings, pub(IANS) lished in the journal The

A

BMJ, researchers set out to compare the effectiveness of manual (real) acupuncture with sham (placebo) acupuncture or usual care.

Their findings are based on 147 patients (average age 37) with a history of migraine without aura who were recruited from seven hospitals in China from June 2016 to November 2018.

None of the patients had received acupuncture before, and all were instructed not to take any painkillers or start any other treatments during the trial.

After four weeks of baseline assessment, patients were randomly allocated to receive either 20 sessions of manual acupuncture at true acupuncture points, 20 sessions of non-penetrating sham acupuncture at non-acupuncture points, or usual care (including advice on lifestyle and self-management) over eight weeks.

(IANS)

Kylie Jenner donates $1mn in aid of Novel coronavirus may Jane Fonda to fight climate change virtually medics fighting COVID-19 pandemic not spread through tears A

C

K

ylie Jenner has donated $1 million to Los Angeles medical officials to bear the cost of essential COVID-19 protective gear for emergency staff.

There is an acute shortage of supplies and gear for healthcare professionals, which made Kylie extend the charity gesture, reports aceshowbiz.com.

Gynaecologist Dr Thais Aliabadi, who delivered Kylie’s two-year-old daughter Stormi, shared the news in an Instagram post, as she thanked the reality star and cosmetics entrepreneur for providing the financial resources needed to outfit medics with personal protective equipment as they continue to treat patients struggling with the highly-contagious COVID-19 virus.

“I am speechless, my eyes are filled with tears of joy and my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude,” Aliabadi wrote.

“I made a wish to the Universe to gather protective masks for our brave healthcare workers and today my dream came true. One of my patients, a beautiful Living Angel K Y M C

just donated $1,000,000 to help us buy hundreds of thousands of masks, face shields, and other protective gear which we will have delivered directly to our first responders, as too many masks at hospitals are disappearing before making their way onto the faces of our front line heroes.”

She added: “I have never felt more blessed to be a doctor, as helping

our brave ER (emergency room) and ICU (intensive care unit) workers feels just as gratifying as helping my own patients.”

“From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU @kyliejenner. You are my hero. This generous donation will help save many precious lives. Our world is a better place with you in it.

I love you so much. Thank you X a million....”

(IANS)

ontrar y to some reports, researchers now claim that new coronavirus doesnt spread via tears and it is unlikely that infected patients are shedding virus through eye fluid.

While researchers are certain that coronavirus spreads through mucus and droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing, it is unclear if the virus is spread through other bodily fluids, such as tears, said the study published in the journal Ophthalmology.

There is one important caveat, though.

None of the patients in the study had conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. However, health officials believe pink eye develops in just one per cent to three per cent of people with coronavirus.

Fo r t h e f i n d i n g s, researchers at National University Hospital in Singapore collected tear samples from 17 patients with COVID-19 from the time they showed symptoms until they recovered about 20 days later.

Neither viral culture nor reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detected the

virus in their tears throughout the two-week course of the disease, the researchers said.

The study researcher Ivan Seah also took samples from the back of the nose and throat during the same time period.

The findings showed that when a sick person coughs or talks, virus particles can spray from their mouth or nose into another person’s face.

You’re most likely to inhale these droplets through your mouth or nose, but they can also enter through your eyes, according to the research.

The study also revealed that you can also become infected by touching something that has the virus on it -- like a table or doorknob -- and then touching your eyes.

While the patients’ tears were clear of virus, their noses and throats were teeming with COVID19, the researchers said.

The authors wrote that the findings, coupled with the low incidence of pink eye among infected patients, suggest that the risk of virus transmission through tears is low.

(IANS)

ctress Jane Fonda will continue her fight against climate change through virtual Fire Drill Fridays.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and in effort to keep individuals safe during political rallies, Fonda has launched a partnership with Greenpeace to present virtual iterations of her Fire Drill Fridays -- the political events she has been participating in to campaign for the government to address climate change, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

“We may be staying home, and yes, we must stay home, but we will never stop speaking out about the climate crisis and demanding our leadership take action,” said Fonda, adding: “And while you are quarantined at home, we hope you will join us virtually because our movement is not slowing down. The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus in America has exposed the catastrophic weaknesses in our healthcare system and social safety net. Our government must support those suffering from the triple threat of COVID19, the climate crisis, and a looming recession by investing in an economy

beyond fossil fuels.”

The actress and longtime climate change activist will be “hosting monthly virtual rallies”.

“As well as additional programming throughout the month on Fridays to continue to keep the pressure on politicians to adopt a Green New Deal, end new fossil fuels, and enact a just transition to a renewable economy that protects workers and communities,”

a Greenpeace spokesperson said in a statement.

A youth-themed virtual rally will be held on April 3 during which Fonda will be joined by fellow activists and advocates for climate change.

“Whether you are new to this conversation or are already invested in combating this crisis -- we need you and we hope you will join us,” concluded Fonda.

(IANS) K Y M C

ICC opens fan archives of last 45 years

Fans in for a treat as ICC opens its archives of last 45 years.

D u ba i , M a rc h 2 6 (IANS): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has opened its comprehensive archive of match footage and programming to its broadcast partners, giving fans throughout the world the opportunity to relive some of the greatest cricketing moments of the last 45 years as they stay at home due to the COVID19 pandemic.

The move will enable fans around the world to watch memorable cricket matches, highlights and ICC films at a time live

sport programming stands disrupted due to the Corona Virus. ICC events dating back to 1975, including the men’s and women’s ICC Cricket World Cups and T20 World Cups, the Champions Trophy as well as the U19 World Cups have been made available.

Additionally fans can join in the fun via Watch Parties on the ICC Facebook page where some of the most iconic games in the history of the sport will be replayed in full. Match highlights and tournament recaps will also be deliv-

11

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

ered through ICC social channels and the ICC website and mobile app and fans can get involved and vote on the memories they want to see from the ICC archive.

ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said: “We are facing unprecedented times as a sports industry and the need to connect with our fan communities is perhaps greater than ever. With no live cricket to unite our fans around the world we thought the next best thing would be to release our archive to

broadcast partners so fans can enjoy some magnificent memories.

“We hope this move will help our broadcast partners replace cancelled sports fixtures with some highly engaging content and give cricket fans the opportunity to relive some of the great cricketing moments whilst we all stay at home.

“There will also be the opportunity for fans to get involved via the ICC social channels, with Facebook Watch Parties on the ICC Facebook page and votes for which matches from the last four decades they want to unlock from the ICC archive.”

The footage available to broadcasters will include memorable matches of the ICC men’s events including those between trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand, sub-continental adversaries India and Pakistan and featuring Ashes competitors Australia and England.

Selected matches of the 1975, 1979 and 1983 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup editions held in England, as well as most knockout matches of subsequent

editions will be among the inventory available for broadcasters to show in full or as highlights as they rework their programming in the coming weeks.

Fans will also be able to re-experience matches of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004 2006, 2009 and 2013, and five editions of the T20 World Cup from 2007 to 2014. Those looking for women’s matches, will get to watch the 2009 and 2013 editions, apart from matches of different T20 World Cups.

The official film, official highlights and behindthe-scenes programmes from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019, which ended in a dramatic victory for hosts England at Lord’s, will also be made available, providing fans with both match action as well as behind the scenes stories.

There will also be several other similar programmes from other ICC Events while the programmes on women’s cricket include features on the stars of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2018 and the stars of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017.

Was really itching to get back to playing cricket: Rohit sharma Mumbai, March 26 (IANS): Star Indian batsman Rohit Sharma is holed up in his apartment like everybody else due to the three-week lockdown that was declared in the country on Tuesday as it grapples with the coronavirus outbreak. Rohit said that he is making do with running up and down the stairs of his building to stay fit.

“Its very hard actually (to stay fit),” said Rohit in a live interaction on Instagram with former England captain Kevin Pietersen. “I live in a building which has about 54 floors and we had to stop all the indoor and outdoor activities.

So just been running up and down the stairs. Not 54 floors but about two or three floors up and down and doing some conditioning exercises here and there.”

Rohit had been recovering -- from a calf injury which he sustained during the fifth T20I between India and New Zealand -- at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru before it was shut down due to the

Rohit Sharma

spread of the pandemic.

He however said that he is completely fit now, although he is yet to do an official fitness test because the NCA is not working.

He said that he has been itching to play the game again after spending two months on the sidelines and was looking forward to the IPL. “Definitely miss playing the game. I was injured for two months so have been itching to play. When I got the news that everything was going to be postponed I was very sad. I was really looking forward to playing

in the IPL,” he said.

Rohit’s Mumbai Indians were scheduled to host Chennai Super Kings in the first match of the 2020 season of the IPL on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium but the start to the season has been deferred to April 15 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“Regardless of all that, the safety of the country and the whole world is important. And I can see that there is a lot of discipline in the country. In India I can see that people have been disciplined in the lockdown,” he said.

Tokyo qualifier: Turkish boxers COVID-19: Indian paddler Takeme COVID-19: Fate of Wimbledon in balance test positive; IOC draws flak stuck in Spain, says she is fine

Istanbul, March 26 (IANS): The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been labelled “irresponsible” after the Turkish Boxing Federation revealed two fighters and a coach who took part in a Tokyo 2020 qualifying event in London earlier this month had since tested positive for COVID-19.

Turkish Boxing Federation president Eyup Gozgec told BBC Sport that organisers failed to take the outbreak seriously enough and “didn’t care”.

He added: “I just want to know, when the whole world was on high alert, why they hosted this event?

“We didn’t see any hygienic standards there.

There were no preventative measures.”

The Boxing Road to Tokyo competition at the Copper Box was cancelled after three days because of the pandemic.

In a letter sent to the board members of the European Boxing Confederation (EUBC), and accessed by the BBC, Gozgec wrote: “Two of our athletes (and a coach) have tested posi-

tive for (Covid-19) after returning to Turkey from London. All of them are in treatment now and thankfully are in good condition.

“This is the disastrous result of the irresponsibility of the IOC Boxing Task Force.”

Gozgec added that he now plans to write to all European boxing associations asking if any of their teams at the event have since tested positive.

“The organisers were irresponsible, and I think they didn’t realise the severity of the issue so they just didn’t care,” he said.

“They just didn’t take this outbreak seriously and they didn’t care about it.

They did no tests for us.

They just told us to go.

They dropped us at the airport and that was it.”

He added: “They knew they were going to have to cancel -- why go with it? The health of our athletes and staff is our priority.”

Organisers said they had taken all precautions and that no teams had reported symptoms at the event.

DP-2195

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE The Wokha Town Longsa Ekhung is deeply pained and saddened by the sudden demise of Dr. T.M Lotha, former Home Minister of Nagaland, on the midnight of 25th March 2020.

In his death, the people of Longsa have lost an extraordinary leader, who had devoted his entire life and career in the service of his constituency, the Lotha Community and the people of Nagaland and beyond.

Late Dr T.M Lotha was loving husband, a caring father and a God fearing and humble person. Throughout his life, he championed for the rights and welfare of the poor and the needy. He was a true leader of his people who always articulated for the rights and welfare of his people with zeal and vigour.

With profound sadness, the Ekhung extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May our Almighty God grant you comfort and solace in this hour of grief and sorrow.

Rest in Peace!

Sd/- Wokha Town Longsa Ekhung WC-117 K Y M C

Kolkata, March 26 (IANS): Indian table tennis player Takeme Sarkar, who went to Spain to take part in the Spanish League, is stuck in Malaga due to the lockdown in India with no international flights coming to the country.

The Railways paddler, ranked 14th nationally by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), went to Spain to take part in the Spanish League which was supposed to start from February and continue till May. Takeme, who hails from Jalpaiguri, said she was booked for a March 24 flight back home but with India under 21-day lockdown, she had to change her plans.

“I am fine here. My club members are very supportive, they are providing food and everything. They

Takeme Sarkar

had booked my return tickets on 24th March but due to flights getting cancelled, I could not come back,” Takeme said in a statement.

“My parents have been very supportive, my coach has always given me suggestions for everything and is also guiding me,” she added.

The number of coronavirus deaths in Spain has surpassed China, where the

pandemic originated last December, to become the second worst-hit country in terms of fatalities after Italy.

According to update by the Washington-based John Hopkins University, Spain has recorded a total of 3,647 deaths, while the death toll in China stood at 3,291.

Italy tops the list of global deaths at 7,503.

A total of 49,515 confirmed cases means Spain has a nationwide fatality rate of around 7.2 per cent.

New cases rose by 20 per cent.

According to Fernando Simon, the head of the country’s emergency public health department, the fatality ratio has levelled out in recent days and figures seem to indicate that Spain is approaching a peak in coronavirus cases.

London, March 26 (IANS): Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the All England Club has said that they will decide whether to postpone or cancel this year’s Wimbledon Championships next week after an emergency meeting.

The club in a statement on Wednesday confirmed that “it is continuing a detailed evaluation of all scenarios for The Championships 2020, including postponement and cancellation, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak”.

An emergency meeting is scheduled for next week and “in preparation we are communicating closely with the LTA, and with the ATP, WTA, ITF and the other

Grand Slams. The build for The Championships is due to begin at the end of April”. The club also stated that they have a very short window available to stage the Championships “due to the nature of our surface suggests that postponement is not without significant risk and difficulty”.

Besides, playing behind closed doors has been formally ruled out.

This year’s Wimbledon competition is scheduled to be held between June 29July 12. The French Open has already decided to postpone this year’s competition from May to September in the wake of coronavirus which has claimed over 20,000 lives across the world so far.

Remembering the 10th Death Anniversary of Our Dad Mevün Tetso

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands.

For the righteous man is taken away for calamity; he enters into peace; the rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness” Isaiah 57:1-2 We , t h e f a m i l y m e m b e r s o f L t . Y. Chumbenthung Patton sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude to all those individuals, organisations, groups, unions, prayer warriors, churches, friends and well wishers who supported us physically, spiritually and financially during his prolonged illness and sudden demise on 22nd March 2020 at Apollo Hospital Guwahati.

We sincerely convey our special gratitude to :1. Yikrachio Y. Patton, Hon’ble Dy. Chief Minister of Nagaland.

2. C. Hachio Patton, Sr. P.S to Dy. Chief Minister.

3. Jackson Patton, Class-I Contractor.

4. M. Chandemo Patton, Legal Officer, Geology & Mining.

5. Hachibemo Patton, Press Associate to Dy. Chief Minister.

6. Albert Ezung, DMC Administrator.

7. Zubenthung Ngullie, SDO Civil (Sadar) Dimapur.

8. Rothihu Tetseo, IPS, Commissioner of Police.

9. Johnny M. Patton, NPS, Asst. Commissioner of Police.

10. Er. L. Rhonbemo Kikon, MTI under CP Dimapur.

11. R. Khondao Patton, O.C East Police Station.

12. James Ao, Asst. Commandant CRPF, Guwahati.

13. Sr. SP, Officers and all ranks of DEF, Kohima.

14. Kenilo Rengma, Additional SP (NPTO).

15. Joseph Patton, President Secretary to GPRN (IM).

16. Zhadima Village sympathizers.

17. 42nd Batch DEF, Kohima.

18. Paramedical Male Staff.

19. Sumi Friday Fellowship Group.

20. Union Christian Revival Church (Dairy Farm).

21. Rev. V Rhakho, Pastor, Mr Neiphizo, Associate Pastor, Police Union Baptist Church, Church Members, Youth and Women Department.

22. Lotha Union, New Reserve, Kohima.

23. New Colony Elders & Youths.

24. Dimapur Riphyim Union.

25. Kohima Riphyim Union.

26. Wokha Town Old Riphyim Union.

27. Old Riphyim Baptist Church.

28. Old Riphyim Village Council.

29. Doctors & Nurses of Referral Hospital, NEIGRIHMS Shillong & Apollo Hospital Guwahati.

Though, everyone of you had immensely extended your sympathetic support at our darkest time of grief and sorrow, we could not thank you all personally, but it is our humble prayer that may our Almighty God bless you abundantly DP-2193

Loving Wife, Children, Family Members and Relatives.

“Through thick and thin, through pain or joy, you were always with us, guiding and protecting with the love that God always provides.

Remembering you, dear Dad, in our memories with the assurance that God’s love will take us closer to you just as to Him above!”

With love, wife, children, in-laws and grandchildren.

DP-2194

FUNERAL SERVICE IN MEMORY OF LATE DR. T. M. LOTHA, EXMINISTER

Time Date Place

: : :

10:00 Am 27. 03. 2020 Officer’s Colony, Wokha Town (Private Residence)

WC-115

K Y M C

12

CL game linked to COVID-19 cases in Italy

Champions League match between Atlanta and Valencia in San Siro.

Ro m e , M a rc h 2 6 (IANS): Experts believe that the Champions League match between Atlanta and Valencia in San Siro as one of the reasons why Bergamo became the central spot of the coronavirus in Italy. The match was played two days before the first case of locally transmitted Covid-19 case in Italy.

Speaking during a live Facebook chat with the Foreign Press Association in Rome, Bergamo Mayor Giorgio Gori said: “We were mid-February so we didn’t have the circumstances of what was happening. If it’s true what they’re saying that the virus was already circu-

lating in Europe in January, then it’s very probable that 40,000 Bergamaschi in the stands of San Siro, all together, exchanged the virus between them.

“As is possible that so many Bergamaschi that night got together in houses, bars to watch the match and did the same. Unfortunately, we couldn’t have known. No one knew the virus was already here. It was inevitable.” The official attendance for the game was 45,792 as almost 2,500 fans of Valencia also travelled to the stadium for the game.

While Italy is one of the worst hit countries due to the coronavirus outbreak,

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi ordered a 21-day lockdown on Tuesday to fight the pandemic.

He said this is an essential step to fight coronavirus decisively. He added that saving lives is priority as of now. “With folded hands, I request you to stay put wherever you are,” said Prime Minister Modi. He added that he is mindful of the economic ramifications of it. However, this is a smaller concern. PM Modi warned, that if the citizens don’t follow a complete lockdown for the coming 21 days, the nation will go back 21 years and many families will be devastated.

sports TCS World 10K Bengaluru rescheduled

Bengaluru, March 26 (IANS): Procam International on Thursday announced the 13th edition of ‘World Athletics Gold Label Race, Tata Consultancy Services World 10K Bengaluru, which was scheduled to take place on May 17, will be rescheduled to a later date.

With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting millions of lives world over, and the rapidly changing scenario, it was imperative to take the action for the safety of all stakeholders’ world over. The event has also suspended registrations for all categories beginning Thursday.

Vivek Singh, Jt., Managing Director, Procam International, said, “The world as we know is going through a very difficult situation, that demands utmost care and attention from all of us. We know many of our runners are eagerly awaiting the 13th edition of the event and have spent time training for the same. But the circumstances arising due to the COVID-19 pandemic are such that we have had to take this difficult decision.”

He further said, “We are closely working in conjunction with the state, international and national athletic bodies to identify a suitable date for the event.

We will keep you abreast of developments.”

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

ICC qualifiers due before June 30 postponed Dubai, March 26 (IANS): The International Cricket Council on Thursday announced further action in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

After careful evaluation of the current situation and with the health and well-being of the global cricket family the priority, all ICC qualifying events due to take place before June 30 will be postponed subject to further review, it said in a release.

The decision has been taken in conjunction with Members and in line with the relevant government and public health authority advice.

The global health risks, closure of country borders and widespread travel restrictions, means the following ICC events will now be postponed: • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier A – Asia - Host Kuwait; 16 – 21 April • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub- Regional Qualifier– Africa – Host South Africa; 27 April – 3 May • ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 – Host Namibia; 20 – 27 April • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier A –

Europe - Host Spain; 16 - 22 May • ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 - Host PNG; 9-16 June • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier C – Europe - Host Belgium; 10 - 16 June • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B – Asia - Host Malaysia; 26 June – 2 July • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier B – Europe- Host Finland; 24 - 30 June All remaining Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 and Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 qualifying events for 2020 are listed below.

These events are being continually monitored with relevant stakeholders and Members.

• ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 – Host Scotland – 3-11 July 2020 • ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League B – Host Uganda – 3 -13 August 2020 • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Regional Fi-

nal - Americas – Host Canada; 18 – 24 August • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Challenge League A – Host Malaysia – 30 September – 10 October • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Regional Final – Europe – Host TBC - September TBC • ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 – Host Namibia – September TBC • ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 – Host UAE – December TBC • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Regional Final – Africa – Host and dates TBC • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Regional Final - EAP Host and dates TBC The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier which is scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka between July 3-19 is also being monitored and kept under review.

In addition, after careful evaluation the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan will not be commencing in April as originally planned.

ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “In light of the significant global

health concerns at the current time and the restrictions on movement imposed by governments across the world, the ICC has taken the decision to postpone all events up until the end of June subject to further review.

“Our commitment to the health and safety of players, officials, staff and fans is our priority when taking these decisions and we must act responsibly in the best interests of all involved and be guided by official advice.

We felt that now was the right time to take a prudent decision on these events before further planning is undertaken and to provide clarity to everyone involved.

“Work will continue on contingency plans and options for both men’s qualification pathways.

We will provide updates in due course on these plans and decisions on the staging of the remaining events this year.

I would like to thank all hosts and participating Members for their support and understanding in reaching this position and we are unified in our hopes and intention to get cricket back on as soon as is safe and practical to do so.”

hopeful Spanish GP postponed due to COVID-19 SL cricketers help country combat COVID-19 Buttler shortened IPL

Laryngoscopes which are one of the primary medical equipment used to treat coronavirus affected patients.

“This equipment which have been ordered from overseas will be handed over by the Sri Lanka cricketers as soon as the purchases arrive in Sri Lanka,” said SLC. Earlier, the board had

donated a sum of Rs 25 million to the government’s COVID-19 Fund to fully eliminate the pandemic from the country.

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa had expressed his gratitude on Twitter and said: “Thank you to Sri Lanka Cricket for the grant of 25 million lkr to assist the govt. in its battle against COVID-

19. The support flowing in from all ends has been overwhelming. We also thank all the individual players who have come forward in offering support.

Sri Lanka currently has over 100 coronavirus cases with no deaths.

In Pakistan, centrally-contracted players will be donating a collective amount of five million Pakistani rupee to the governments emergency fund in their fight against coronavirus.In addition to the cricketers’ contribution, Pakistan Cricket Board staff up to the rank of senior managers will donate one day’s salary, while the general managers and above will donate two days’ salary.

In a media release, PCB further said that as an institution, it will match the contribution of its staff to the government fund.

Close to 1,100 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported so far in Pakistan while eight lives have been lost.

Former Africa footballer Md Farah dies due to COVID-19

PV Sindhu donates Rs 10 lakh in fight against COVID-19

Former NZ pacer turns to crowdfunding to return home

The Sri Lankan team has donated Video Laryngoscopes which are one of the primary medical equipment used to treat coronavirus affected patients.

Colombo, March 26 (IANS): With the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic reaching threatening proportions in Sri Lanka, the national cricket team players have made contributions for the purchase of essential medical equipments.

According to Sri Lanka Cricket release, they have donated for Video

Mohamed Farah

London, March 26 (IANS): The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Somali Football Federation (SFF) have announced the passing away of Somali legend Abdulkadir Mohamed Farah after suffering from coronavirus.

Farah passed away at a Northwest London Hospital on Tuesday after testing positive to the deadly virus last week. He was 59.

Before his death, Farah was acting as an advisor to the Minister of Youth and Sport in Somalia.

Farah was born in the city of Beledweyne, about 342 kilometres north of the capital Mogadishu on Feb-

ruary 15, 1961. His football career dates back to 1976 when he first appeared in the national school’s football tournament. He got promoted to regional level representing his home Hiiraan region in the 1979 regional football tournament.

The regional tournament became a platform for him to showcase his talent and from there he was recruited by Batroolka Football Club where he had an illustrious playing career until late 1980s.

Farah becomes the first African football star to be lost to the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed over 20,000 lives across the world.

Hyderabad, March 26 (IANS): Ace Indian shuttler P.V. Sindhu on Thursday donated a sum of Rs 10 lakh to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Sindhu has donated Rs 5 lakh each to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Chief Minister Relief Funds in fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

“I hereby donate an amount of Rs 5,00,000/each (Rs five lakhs) towards the “Chief Ministers Relief Fund” for the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to fight against COVID-19,” she tweeted.

Earlier, South superstar Pawan Kalyan also donated a total sum of Rs 2 crore to combat the spread of coronavirus. Kalyan donated Rs 50 lakh each to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Chief Minister Relief Funds. He also donated Rs 1 crore to Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. Star wrestler Bajrang Punia, who works as an OSD in Railways, has already donated his six months’ salary to Haryana coronavirus relief fund.

Auckland, March 26 (IANS): Former New Zealand fast bowler Iain O’Brien is looking to get back to his family in the United Kingdom and for that, he has started a crowd funding project on Twitter.

O’Brien, who played 22 Tests, 10 ODIs and four T20Is for New Zealand, tweeted that he is ready to talk cricket over video call with anyone provided they are willing to spare some money that he can use to go back to the UK where he now lives with his wife and two children.

“Ok, so trying to raise some money to pay for this flight back to the UK. I have an idea. If anyone would love a 20 min Skype/vid call, one on one, talk about all things cricket, politics, sausages, mental health, Sachin, etc.

If you’d like that & can spare a couple of $£, DM me,” tweeted O’Brien.

O’Brien has been looking to find his way back to the UK ever since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic that has claimed

L o n d o n, M a rc h 26 (IANS): England and Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler hopes that players would be able to play at least a shortened version of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year. The IPL was supposed to start on March 29 but was postponed to April 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic. With India going into a three-week lockdown starting on March 5, there is now uncertainty if the organisers will be able to start the tournament after April 15.

“No news at the moment. We saw, initially, that it was going to be postponed. It’s very hard to see this changing in the immediate future, so I don’t see that as a possibility at the moment,” Buttler said in a Skysports podcast.

“Obviously, it’s such a massive tournament for world cricket, so hopefully some of it can go ahead -- perhaps a shortened tournament.”

Spanish GP becomes fifth MotoGP round postponed due to COVID-19.

Madrid, March 26 (IANS): The Spanish Moto GP has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It was supposed to be held on May 3. “The ongoing coronavirus outbreak has obliged the event to be rescheduled,” organisers announced on Thursday. “As the situation remains in a state of constant evolution, a new date for the Spanish GP cannot be confirmed until it becomes clearer when exactly it will be possible to hold the event,” a

statement added.

The season is now slated to open with the French Grand Prix at Le Mans’ Bugatti circuit on May 17. Races in Thailand, the United States and Argentina have also been postponed, as per a BBC report. The number of coronavirus deaths in Spain has surpassed China, where the pandemic originated last December, to become the second worst-hit country in terms of fatalities after Italy.

According to update by the

Washington-based John Hopkins University, Spain has recorded a total of 3,647 deaths, while the death toll in China stood at 3,291.

Italy tops the list of global deaths at 7,503.

According to Fernando Simon, the head of the country’s emergency public health department, the fatality ratio has levelled out in recent days and figures seem to indicate that Spain is approaching a peak in coronavirus cases.

Iain O’Brien

over 20,000 lives around the world thus far. Part of the global crisis caused by the viral spread is the myriad of restrictions imposed on travel in countries around the world.

“The big bit for me is my wife has a lung condition where if she gets any sort of chest infection it can take time off her life,” O’Brien was quoted as saying by the ‘stuff.co.nz’.

“This virus could kill her. With a couple of kids for her to deal with, and her mum is 80, there’s a fair bit on her plate at the moment.

I would be kind of keen to take some of that stress off her but I think I’m just adding to it at the moment,” he added.

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