March 30, 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 113

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

France beat Kazakh; Germany tops Group J sports, Page 8

At 68,020 India sees biggest oneday spike since Oct NEW DELHI, MAR 29 (PTI): India saw 68,020 new coronavirus cases in a span of 24 hours, the highest single-day rise so far this year, taking the country’s COVID-19 tally to above 1.20 crore, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

The ministry said that a total of 68,020 new cases were reported in a day, the highest recorded since October 11 last year, taking the country’s tally of cases to 1,20,39,644, while the death toll increased to 1,61,843 with 291 fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Registering a steady increase for the 19th day in a row, the active cases have increased to 5,21,808, which comprise 4.33 per cent of the total infections, while the recovery rate has further dropped to 94.32 per cent, the data stated.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,13,55,993.

Fuel prices likely to fall

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Container ship freed from Suez Canal

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international, Page 7

Animals likely source of COVID: WHO Excise deptt grappling with BEIJING, MAR 29 (AP): A joint WHO-China study on the origins of COVID-19 says that transmission of the virus from bats to humans through another animal is the most likely scenario and that a lab leak is “extremely unlikely,” according to a draft copy obtained by The Associated Press.

The findings offer little new insight into how the virus first emerged and leave many questions unanswered, though that was as expected. But the report does provide more detail on the reasoning behind the researchers’ conclusions.

The team proposed further research in every area except the lab leak hypothesis.

The report is being closely watched since discovering the origins of the virus could help scientists prevent future pandemics — but it’s also extremely sensitive since China bristles at any suggestion that it is to blame for the current one. Repeated delays in the report’s release have raised questions about whether the Chinese side was trying to

In this Feb. 9, 2021, file photo, Peter Ben Embarek holds a chart showing pathways of transmission of the virus. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

skew its conclusions.

“We’ve got real concerns about the methodology and the process that went into that report, including the fact that the government in Beijing apparently helped to write it,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a recent CNN interview.

China rejected that criticism Monday. “The U.S. has been speaking out on the report. By doing this, isn’t the U.S. trying to exert political pressure on the members of the WHO expert group?” asked Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian. The report is

based largely on a visit by a WHO team of international experts to Wuhan, the Chinese city where COVID-19 was first detected, from midJanuary to mid-February.

In the draft obtained by the AP, the researchers listed four scenarios in order of likelihood for the emergence of the coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. Topping the list was transmission from bats through another animal, which they said was likely to very likely. They evaluated direct spread from bats to humans as likely, and said that spread through “cold-chain” food products

Noksen A/C by-poll: PDA fields H Chuba Chang as consensus candidate

NEW DELHI, MAR 29 (IANS): The slide in global crude oil prices on Monday gave hope for a similar fall in domestic petroleum prices.

The fall in oil prices comes after a blockage at strategic Suez Canal spooked global Impex industry, while a massive wave of Covid-19 infections continued to impact large parts of Europe. At present, crude prices are reacting to the negative news flows.

The Brent crude futures (5th from L) H. Chuba Chang with PDA alliance members at the ticket distribution ceremony. (NP) slipped to $63 levels a barrel Staff Reporter Mentioning that Con- Chang after assessing all on Monday. Similarly, the gress would not be fielding aspects and appealed to all US crude traded lower.

D I M A P U R , M A R 2 9 any candidature to the by- members of PDA to cohe(NPN): NDPP’s H Chuba election as announced, Rio sively work for success of Chang will be the PDA’s said NDPP would request the candidate. consensus candidate for NPF to not field any canBJP Nagaland presithe upcoming by-election didate for the sake of Naga dent and PDA co-chairman D I M A P U R , M A R 2 9 to the 51 Noksen Assembly issue by working united for Temjen Imna Along con(NPN): Union Minister constituency (AC). its early solution. gratulated Chuba for having Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh The ticket was formally Referring to function- been selected as the PDA’s Sekhawat has approved Rs. handed over to H. Chuba at ing of the PDA govern- consensus candidate, clari465 crore as performance a felicitation-cum-ticket ment, Rio asserted that the fying that his was not sad, incentive to five north east ceremony held at NDPP alliance was functioning but happy. He hoped the states including Arunachal headquarters, Chümouke- smoothly and strongly till PDA candidate would win Pradesh, Manipur, Megha- dima here on Monday. now. comprehensively and replaya, Mizoram and Sikkim Speaking on the occa“Even in future, we resent his people and make besides Gujarat and Hi- sion, chief minister Neiphiu hope to work together for the the ruling alliance stronger. machal Pradesh.

Rio was optimistic that the betterment of the country,” He assured Chuba that BJP According to Jal Shakti former minister and civil he added. He also mourned workers in 51 Noksen AC ministry, these states quali- servant would win the 51 the demise of Chongshen had no other agenda, other fied for performance incen- Noksen AC by-poll by a Mongkosungkum Chang, than to ensure his victory. tive grant for 2020-21 under thumping majority. minister for environment, On his part, deputy Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) He acknowledged the forest & climate change, chief minister Yanthungo – Har Ghar Jal to provide five individuals had ap- justice & law.

Patton appealed to all BJP assured tap water supply to proached NDPP for the In his address, NDPP workers to work hand-inevery rural home by 2024. ticket and hoped that even president and PDA chair- hand and warned not to go For performance incentive though they did not receive man Chingwang Konyak against the decision taken grant, the criteria include the ticket, they would re- maintained that the ruling by the ruling coalition. physical and financial prog- main loyal to the party.

(Cont’d on p-5) party selected H. Chuba ress under JJM, functionality of piped water supply schemes and capacity to utilize the fund.

JJM: 5 NE states get incentive grant

was possible but not likely.

Bats are known to carry coronaviruses and, in fact, the closest relative of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been found in bats. However, the report says that “the evolutionary distance between these bat viruses and SARS-CoV-2 is estimated to be several decades, suggesting a missing link.”

It said highly similar viruses have been found in pangolins, which are another kind of mammal, but also noted that mink and cats are susceptible to the COVID-19 virus, suggesting they could be carriers, too.

The AP received the draft copy on Monday from a Geneva-based diplomat from a WHO-member country.

It wasn’t clear whether the report might still be changed prior to release, though the diplomat said it was the final version. A second diplomat confirmed getting the report too. Both refused to be identified because they were not authorized to release it ahead of publication.

(Cont’d on p-5)

3 new COVID-19 cases in Kohima DIMAPUR, MAR 29 (NPN): Three new COVID19 positive cases were reported in Kohima, taking the State’s total caseload to 12233. With this, the active cases also rose to eight.

As on March 29, a total of 11980 patients have recovered from the infection.

Further, the distribution across various categories include 4692 cases from the armed forces/police, 1874 returnees, 5091 traced contacts and 573 frontline workers. So far, the State has recorded 81 deaths out of which 10 were not COVID related.

shortage of workforce, funds

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 29 (NPN): Excise department, which is the fourth highest revenue-generating department in the state, is grappling with shortage of workforce and funds besides lack of inputs from intelligence.

This was disclosed to Nagaland Post, by additional commissioner of excise Kevisetuo Angami who said that the department, comprising of 325 excise personnel in the field were ill-equipped and with meagre resources.

Angami said currently, the total strength of excise personnel comprised of six superintendents of excise(SE), of which three posts were vacant in Mon, Tuensang and Mokokchung. He said proposals were sent to fill the vacant posts. In addition, he said there were four deputy inspectors, 26 inspectors, 28 assistant inspectors, 36 head constables . He said that out of 231 constables 16 constables would be retiring within March.

Angami said the department needed mobility, connectivity and secret fund for intelligence input which were vital for the smooth functioning of the department. He informed that the main source of detections took place at check gate points while the other was intelligence inputs.

He said that the duty of the excise department were mainly on preventive measures to curb possession, sale, consumption, manufacture and transportation of liquor besides smuggling of goods and other narcotic drugs.

Further, he pointed out that altogether there were seven check posts in the state—three in Dimapur,

Sl No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17

Year

Rs. in Lakhs

Sl No.

Year

Rs. in Lakhs

1987-88 1988-89 1989-90 1990-91 1991-92 1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05

584.37 550.90 110.09 82.32 101.15 100.36 98.35 109.39 157.00 199.00 210.70 189.63 170.65 176.33 197.94 200.60 204.72

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018 -19 2019 -20 2020 -21

195.65 213.00 280.00 333.08 311.75 299.23 255.51 400.00 451.16 408.52 416.92 461.09

two in Kohima, one each in Mokokchung and Kiphire.

He said that five outposts, two in Mon, one in Mokokchung and two in Phek, were headed by inspector excise.

On the allegation that the department personnel were collecting tax, he said if any of the personnel was involved, a complaint should be brought to the notice of the department with a concrete proof so that action would be taken.

On the difficulties faced by the department while enforcing NLTP Act, he sought active participation from all stakeholders including NGOs, police and administration. Angami said time has come for all responsible, especially the churches and civil society organisations to work together in implementing the Act. He however, lamented that despite liquor ban in the state, sale of spurious alcohol has only increased as the state was sandwiched between two states where liquor was not prohibited.

He said that the depart-

372.61 306.73 250.98 165.15

ment comprising of its three units—narcotics cell, mobile squad and district excise— have also been conducting several raids in suspected liquor outlets, restaurants, lounges, hotels etc.

As per the annual administrative report (20202021), the department during the financial year 202021 (April 2020 to December 2020) detected a total of 1187 cases wherein 1188 person were arrested; seven narcotics and other drug cases were registered and 1180 cases of liquor was registered.

Contraband wor th Rs. 431 lakh (street value) were seized that included Ganga 480 kg, brown sugar 3.510 kg, cough syrup-2159 bottles, other drugs 6125 capsules, 32,080 bottles of IMFL, 10,874 bottles of beer and 1795 litres of country-made liquor.

As per the report, revenue earning in the department since the introduction of Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989 has been reduced drastically (See table).

No food, shelter for Myanmar refugees: Mnp govt order GUWAHATI, MAR 29 (AGENCIES): Manipur government has issued an order barring local authorities and the civil society from offering food and shelter to refugees from Myanmar, NDTV reports.

According to the order, only medical attention can be provided in case of “grievous injuries” on “humanitarian consideration”.

The order has been issued to deputy commissioners of the Chandel, Tengnoupal, Kamjong, Ukhrul and Churachandpur districts to take appropriate actions regarding the “illegal entry of

Myanmarese nationals”.

Myanmar’s Ambassador to the United Nations has appealed to the Indian government and various state governments to provide shelter to refugees given the humanitarian crisis in his country, saying the two countries “have a long history, let’s never forget that”.

India has been expecting refugees from the neighbouring country after its military leaders opened fire on protesting civilians in nine regions of the country -- including the city of Yangoon -- on Friday. At least 90 people -- including several

children -- were killed.

According to the order issued the same day, the Manipur government said the district administrations or the civil society should not open camps to provide food and shelter to the refugees.

“People trying to enter/seek refuge should be politely turned away,” read the order.

“Aadhar enrolment should be stopped immediately and Aadhar enrolment kits to be kept in safe custody,” added the order in the backdrop of decades of tussle over illegal migration from Bangladesh. The

Biren Singh government’s order drew a lot of criticism on social media, with many claiming that the order is inhuman and goes against the country’s long cherished tradition of hospitality.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the generals ousted and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering mass protests demanding a return to democracy. Since February 1, more than 420 people have died in the country as the Junta struggled to control the protests, reported news agency AFP quoting a local monitoring group.

Holi celebrated amid Covid restrictions in Nagaland Weather: IMD issues orange alert for NE

This is it!

“At the rate we’re laying foundation stones, I won’t be surprised if stones become scarce.”

K Y M C

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 29 (NPN): Along with other parts of the country, Holi, the popular festival of colours, was celebrated across the State in a much more muted fashion, as large gatherings were not allowed.

In the Stat’s commercial hub, most of the shops owned by non-Nagas remained shut on the occasion, while many people were seen drenched totally in colours in many colonies.

Both young and old, men and women were seen

Revellers celebrate Holi in Dimapur on Monday. (NP)

smearing colours at each other with abir (colour powder), coloured water, pichkari (water guns), water balloons filled with coloured water, etc.

However, unlike in the

previous years, the usual public enthusiasm witnessed during Holi celebration was somewhat missing this year due to COVID-19 pandemic, for which there are restrictions on huge gatherings

too, a resident of West Yard colony said.

Symbolising the triumph of good over evil, the festival of Holi marks the end of winter season and arrival of spring.

NEW DELHI, MAR 29 (PTI): India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange colour alert for Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura for March 30-31 with a forecast of rains and thunderstorm over these North Eastern states.

It has also predicted an “intense wet spell” over northeast India until April 2.

Under the influence of strong lower-level southwesterly winds from the Bay of Bengal, fairly widespread to widespread rain with thunderstorm and lightning at isolated places are very

likely over northeast India during March 29-April 2 with maximum activity on March 30-31, the IMD said.

Isolated heavy rainfall on March 29 and April 1 and isolated heavy to very heavy rains on March 30 and 31 are very likely over south Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, the weather department said.

Isolated heavy rains are likely over Arunachal Pradesh on April 1.

“It may cause landslides and inundation of low-lying areas at some places in south Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram

during March 30–April 1,” the IMD said.

Due to this weather system, localised flooding of roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas and closure of underpasses mainly in urban areas is expected in south Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura from March 29 to April 1.

There could be an occasional reduction in visibility due to heavy rainfall, disruption of traffic due to waterlogging in roads leading to increased travel time, minor damage to kutcha roads and localised landslides, mudslides, the weatherman said.

K Y M C

2

state

NLTP Act only ‘partially successful’: NEAN

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 29 (NPN): North East Artist Network (NEAN) in collaboration with Naga Women Hoho Dimapur (NWHD) organised first NLTP day to commemorate 32nd Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act since its introduction in the state. The programme was observed on the theme, “understanding and empowering alcoholic community” here Monday, at Don Bosco IDL hall.

In his opening remark, NEAN chief functionary Toshiba Jamir said that ever since NLTP Act was introduced in the year 1989, its enforcement for the last 31 years had only been “partially successful.” He said that it was neither observed in Toto nor had been able to steam the flow of liquor in the state. In this regard, he shared that it had only given rise to increment of

Kevisetuo Angami (NP)

Imti Imsong (NP)

illicit liquor, brewed and bottled spuriously by bootleggers making a tidy profit by flooding the state and making it available in every nook and corner of the state.

He suggested for a review on whether the Act had been effective in controlling liquor related health issues and other social problems associated with alcoholism in the last three decades since it was enacted.

He further stated that the increasing number of alcohol victims in the state indicated low level of awareness and understanding of

NLTP Act. Comparing Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act 1995 and Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act 1989, Dimapur Bar Association (DBA) president, Imti Imsong said that Mizoram state was far better in implementing the act compared to Nagaland state.

He said that the reason was powerful churches and social organisation that took active part in helping the concerned department in controlling the flow of alcohol in the state. Speaking on raids conducted by various public organisa-

news in Brief ENWOD elects new office bearers: Eastern Nagaland women organisation Dimapur (ENWOD) elected new team of office bearers 2021-2023 headed by N. Langmei Phom as president, Hiyingla yimchunger as vice president Hongsang Sonla Chang as general secretary Khushen Khiamniungan as joint secretary Liyau Pangchei Konyak as treasurer, Athila Ponghok as action committee chairman along with six advisors.

Unclaimed dead body: Dimapur police recovered one unidentified male body of a non-Naga (around 50 years) wearing white and black patterned shirt and green long pant from a roadside in GS Road area on March 27. The cause of death was suspected to be of natural illness. Claimant/relatives/friends of the deceased have been requested to contact officer-in-charge East Police Station Dimapur.

ZSUK to hold candle light vigil on March 31: Zeliangrong Students’ Union Kohima (ZSUK) has informed that it would organise a candle light vigil on March 31, 6 p.m. at Old MLA Junction Kohima to honour the three persons who were killed on March 22. ZSUK has appealed to all the sections of the society including organisations and Churches to share solidarity with the Zeliangrong community and bereaved families. ZSUK president, Keyizu Hega has requested all to attend the vigil in a traditional touch.

UNPG/NNC-PB discharges one: United Naga People’s Government (UNPG)/Naga National Council (NNC)-(Parent Body) informed that Liangkebo Zeliang has been discharged from the “national service” on November 26, 2020. In a statement, Zuben Lotha, officer on special duty to government, UNPG/NNC-PB, stated that Liangkebo Zeliang was assigned in the central office since August 18, 2012 as joint secretary and served “government with dedication” till November 26 2020.

Kohima police informs: Kohima police has informed that a non-local male person who was under medical treatment at NHAK since March 26 passed away on March 28. According to PRO, the body was unclaimed and was kept at south police station morgue for identification. Name and physical description of the deceased was described as Lt. Pusal (around 49 years), dark complexion, and slim built. Person, relative or community member known to the deceased may contact south police station Kohima at 7005986019.

nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Should district administrations do more to monitor price of commodities?

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

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

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF

LT. MRS. TIAMONGLA Date : 30.03.2020

A beautiful soul who left a trail of beautiful memories quietly remembered everyday.....

No longer in our life to share, But in our hearts, you're always there.

Loving husband, daughter & family

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

DP-1677

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

97% 2% 1%

Next poll

Q: Will the Quad security-

US,India, Australia & Japan- discourage China?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST (Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hot; breezy in the afternoon

36 26

A t-storm around in the p.m

27 16

Guwahati Hazy, a t-storm; not as hot

31 17

Not as warm with a t-storm

26 15

Itanagar Not as warm with a t-storm

27 17

Aizawl Imphal Shillong

A morning thunderstorm

20 13

Kohima

Cooler with a t-storm or two

20 13

Dimapur

Not as warm with a t-storm

30 18

Mkg

Cloudy, a t-storm in the p.m

21 13

Tuensang An afternoon thunderstorm

15 10

Wokha

Cloudy, a storm; cooler

Zunheboto Cooler with a thunderstorm

K Y M C

23 16 18 11

DP-1542

march 30

tions, unions, associations and other fronts at shops and joints dealing in illegal businesses especially IMFL, Imsong said that NGOs acted like excise department in the state, which was not permitted by law.

Additional commissioner excise department, Kevisetuo Angami said that the department alone cannot implement the Act and urged all for active participation to fight against the menace. He assured that the department will extend support and contribute in every possible way they could in implementing towards the Act. Highlighting on the duties and functions of the department added that after the implementation of NLTP Act, the main function of excise department had shifted from revenue collection to enforcement of NLTP Act. He also said that the duty of the excise was to check the supply but could not stop the demand for

liquor and called for public participation in curbing the problem. District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) senior specialist Dr. C. Kezoin explained about alcoholism from medical point of view and shared that the use of alcohol was increased during the pandemic.

The senior specialist asserted that alcohol consumption was emerging as a major public health problem in India and urged various policy makers and society to educate about the consequences of chronic alcohol through sensitisation programs and health education campaigns. Short speeches were also delivered

by Christian forum reverend moses Murry, EAC Nukshi Matong and Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) member.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by NWHD president Sungsabeni Jamio and invocation prayer was proposed by DABA pastor Toshi.

Orgns condemn alleged rape of minor DIMAPUR: Various organisations have strongly condemned the alleged rape of a five-year-old girl by a 55 year-old Kikua Marian.

ENWO unit: Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) Dimapur unit has condemned the alleged rape and requested the authorities to bring swift justice for the victim and her family and award the perpetrator with befitting sentence. A condemnation note through its president, N. Langmei Phom stated that Nagaland as a Christian state should be exemplary among other states for showing love and respect for another human being. However, it stated that the present prevailing situation in the society had made people “wolf disguise in sheep clothing”. Stating that it was “one such incident which exemplifies oppression of an economically weaker section by someone in power without fear and remorse”, ENWO said that it was not the first of its kind for Eastern Nagaland family members. It stated that “many a times we have been abused sexually and mentally and discriminated because of our social and economic backwardness” ENWO said that due to poverty beyond survival in the remote Eastern Nagaland areas, poor parents sent their loved ones as young as 5-6 years to cities to work as

helper and study to become somewhat economically independent. However, it stated that “our desperate hope for a better and secure future has turned into horror and nightmare for most of these kids and parents”. Questioning the people as to how far do they continue to accept such horrific incidents as normal, ENWO unit stated that such unanswered questions were not just for the Eastern Nagaland family but for the entire Naga society and specifically for the concerned authorities failing to punish such perpetrators without delay. “Our Naga society’s concept of peaceful coexistence with forgiveness and compromise have instead made our society a paradise of wrong doings without remorse and have encouraged the scums of the society to become bolder in their actions,” it stated. Further, ENWO stated that it was high time to bring such perpetrators to justice without compromise and further delay and that such incident was not confined to Eastern Nagaland family alone but to all Naga society as they let such perpetrators roam

freely without justice.

T W U D : Te n y i m i Women Union Dimapur (TWUD) has strongly condemned the barbaric and inhuman act of the rape stating that as a civilised society, the heinous crime committed against their five year old daughter was nothing short of demonic. A condemnation note through its president Neivi Khusoh and general secretary Tenyele Rengma called upon the law enforcement agencies to award befitting punishment to the culprit and provide justice to the victim NGMA: Nagaland Garo Mother’s Association (NGMA) has expressed shock over the alleged rape stating that the culprit should be awarded severest punishment for committing such inhumane and evil act towards a minor. A condemnation through its general secretary, Holika D Sangma has appealed the law enforcing agencies to act swiftly in delivering justice to the innocent victim and her family. Further, NGMA being a mother organisation extended its sympathy towards the victim and her family.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021

CRIME BEAT

SF, police nab 3 with arms, ammo DIMAPUR: In a joint operation, security forces along with Dimapur police nabbed three persons on charges of possessing arms and ammunition at various places under Dimapur district.

According to PRO IGAR (N), based on specific input security forces along with police on March 28 apprehended one cadre of NSCN (KN) Police personnel along with Police personnel along with the apprehended individual. in general area Kuhoboto, the apprehended cadre.

Dimapur district.

PRO said that one point 22 mm pistol with magazine, eight rounds of point 22 mm pistol, 25 rounds of AK-47, five rounds of 9 mm, one grenade number 90 and other incriminating materials were recovered from the possession of the accused.

PRO informed that the apprehended individual along with recover- Apprehended individual along with arms and ammunition. ies was handed over to Diphupar police station, Dimapur for further invesDIMAPUR: Dimapur police has updated various crimes tigation.

On March 25, security that took place in the month of March. On March 24, forces in a joint operation Dimapur police arrested one Jonathan Zumvu (21) alias with police apprehended Ting Ting on criminal charges of cheating a shop owner one alleged overground in Purana Bazar area. The individual was also earlier arworker in general area Iron rested on similar charges. According to PRO, the modus Bridge Zutovi Junction, operandi adopted by the arrested individual was that on the pretext of buying items from targeted departmental Dimapur.

According to PRO store, the individual would produce his debit card at billing IGAR (N), one .32mm counter with selected merchandise already fetched from bore pistol, two magazines shelves of the store. During the billing process, he would of .32mm bore pistol and then ask for some cash from the cash counter for making 13 rounds of .32mm live other purchases from the nearby shop for which he would ammunition were recov- then inform the cashier to debit the total amount from his ATM/debit card. On receipt of cash from the cashier, the ered.

The apprehended in- individual would then flee. In this connection, a case was dividual along with re- registered with east police station, Dimapur. Meanwhile, covered items was handed two stolen scooty were recovered by Special team from over to Chümoukedima Diphupar PS and East PS in two separate cases on March police station for further 25. PRO informed that the two scooty were handed over to the rightful owners. Dimapur Police further arrested two investigation.

In another incident, individuals on the same day, Ravi Kumar (26) and Dilip one NSCN (I-M) cadre Chetri (35) on charges of illegal possession of IMFL. Alwas reportedly appre- together 110 bottles of IMFL were seized. In this regard, hended by security forces a case was registered with sub-urban PS and west PS. On and police in general area March 26, Dimapur police detained seven persons in west Mishikito, Dimapur on PS for not wearing masks in public area which was in violation of the COVID SoPs. PRO informed that similar March 28.

According to PRO, exercise would continue in the coming days for enforceone 9 mm pistol, 12 rounds ment of COVID safety protocols in public places. In this of 9 mm live ammunition regard, public have been requested to extend cooperation and three rounds of 12 for the safety of all concerned. bore ammunition were recovered from his posACKNOWLEDGEMENT session.

PRO said that the accused along with recovered items were handed over to east police station for further investigation.

Dimapur police update various crime reports

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

‘For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain’.

Philippians 1:21

We, the bereaved family of Late Banuo Kerhuo, would like to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to all our relatives, friends, neighbours, churches and well- wishers for the Love and Kindness extended to us in the course of our beloved Mother brief illness and sudden demise.

We would like to convey our special thanks to:1. Union Baptist Church, Kohima 2. UBC Youth, Kohima 3. Light House UBC, Kohima 4. Power Comm. Family, Kohima 5. Koinonia Baptist Church, Kohima 6. Rev. Zotuo Kiewhuo, Pastor, Koinonia Baptist Church 7. Calvary AG. Church, Chedema 8. Call of God Ministry, Kohima Born in 1936 – Died on 20.03.2021 9. Shri. Medo Yokha, Advisor, Technical Education and Elections, Govt. of Nagaland.

10. Rev. Vilanyü Üsou, Pastor, Nerhema Baptist Church 11. Mrs. Vevosalü Terhase, President, Kitsubozou Women Organisation, Kohima 12. Nerhema Krotho, Kohima 13. Nerhema Thenuko Kecha Krotho 14. Kenei Krotho, Kohima 15. K/S/ D. Block Zanuo Krotho 16. NDPP Kohima Region (P) 17. Women Organisation, NDPP, Kohima Region 18. Kitsubozou Women Organisation 19. Kitsubozou Sub-Centre staff, Kohima 20. ICU Doctors, nurses and staff NHAK 21. All Blood Donors 22. UBC Thenuko Krotho 23. Kitsubozou Sector-5 24. Lerie Women Society, Kohima We regret our inability to thank every individual personally, but we deeply acknowledge the love and concern bestowed upon us. It is our earnest prayer that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving children, grandchildren and in-laws K-670

Born : 22/08/1986 – Died : 22/03/2021 We, the bereaved family of Late Atoulie Martin Vizo, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals, churches, friends, blood donors and well wishers who stood by us physically, financially and spiritually at the sudden and untimely demise of our beloved son on 22nd March 2021. We also thank specially the doctors and nurses of KOHIMAS Hospital and Oking Hospital Kohima for their special care and services.

We deeply regret and apologize for our inability to mention each and everyone of you individually, but we pray that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Mum, Sisters and family members K-672

3RD DEATH ANNIVERSARY LT. CHOKRIVEYI VENYO

(30/03/2018)

Though death may have separated us here on earth, our bond is eternal.

Always Loved Never Forgotten Forever Missed K-674

– Loving wife, children and relatives K Y M C

3

Northeast/State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021

Cong lodges FIR against Sonowal, IAF deploys 2 copters to douse Mnp forest fire Assam Nadda, 8 Assam newspapers over BJP ad

IMPHAL, MAR 29 (IANS): The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday deployed two helicopters to douse the forest fire at Shirui peak in Ukhrul district of Manipur, officials said.

IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh said the two IAF Mi17V5 helicopters equipped with Bambi buckets sprayed huge quantities of water to douse the wildfire.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has sought help from the Central government as well as the locals in dousing the fire at Shirui peak in Ukhrul district.

Manipur Forest officials in Imphal said that the forest fire is still razing the newer areas of the hill top in northeast region of Manipur bordering Myanmar.

The official said that fire at the famed Shirui peak was noticed in the wee hours of Sunday and then the forest officials accompanied by district and disaster management personnel rushed to the area.

A senior forest official

Firefighters and volunteers containing the forest fire at Shirui peak, Manipur.

said that the sudden increase in incidents of forest fires has become a major cause of concern for the state’s forest department.

Manipur forest department statement also said that it has been observed by the department that forest fires are also caused by burning of debris in and around forests, campfires left unattended, discarded cigarette stubs and intentional acts of arson.

The statement added that these are punishable with imprisonment which may extend up to five years of jail with fine.

The setting of forest on fire is punishable under the Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 and relevant Sections of the IPC besides under the provisions of Indian Forest Act, 1927 and Manipur Forest Rules, 1971.

The forest department

often urged the people, including civil society and voluntary organisations and youths to render assistance for preventing forest fires in Manipur.

The ShiruiKashung Peak is 2,835 meter from sea level. Most of the major rivers originate from the crevices and slopes of this peak and is the home of the world-famous Shirui (Siroy) Lily (Lilium Mackliniae).

During May and June every

year, many scientists, environmentalists and tourists from different parts of the world visit the place to see the precious flower which blossoms at the hill-top.

Shirui peak fire is the third major forest fire in the three northeastern states - Nagaland, Ar unachal Pradesh and Manipur - in the past few months. In the mid last month Army troops successfully doused a major forest fire in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley district along the China border.

In January, the Army, Indian Air Force, National and State Disaster Response Force, local volunteers and administration jointly doused a major wildfire in the famous Dzukou Valley on Nagaland-Manipur borders after two weeks of battle.

The forest fire caused huge damage to the flora and fauna, forest and environment of the Dzukou Valley, which is one of the 10 most beautiful places in the mountainous northeast India.

Sarbananda Sonowal

J P Nadda

GUWAHATI, MAR 29 (PTI): The Congress has filed a police complaint against Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, BJP chief J P Nadda, state president Ranjeet Kumar Dass and eight leading newspapers for “camouflaging an advertisement as news” predicting the party’s victory in all the seats in Upper Assam that went to polls in the first phase on March 27.

The FIR was lodged with Dispur police station on Sunday night for allegedly violating the MCC, provisions of Section 126A of the Representation of

People Act, 1951 and the ECI’s directives issued on March 26, APCC Legal Department Chairman Niran Borah said.

“This is a blatant violation of MCC, Representation of People Act, 1951 and the ECI’s relevant instructions and media policies by BJP leaders and members, who after realising that their defeat is inevitable have resorted to desperate illegal and unconstitutional methods to influence the voters across the state,” he said. “In a pre-planned conspiracy to deceive voters in the second and third phases, CM, BJP national president, state

NIA arrest separatist leader; brought to Imphal Cong used minorities as commodity, Correspondent IMPHAL, MAR 29: Arrested self-styled external and defence minister Narengbam Samarjit of de-jure government of Manipur State Council was brought to Imphal on Monday.

Samarjit who was one of the two wanted persons in connection with declaration of Manipur’s independence from India and formation of Manipur government in exile in London was arrested by a team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) at New Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport

on March 25 last.

He along with proclaimed chief minister of the de-jure government Yambem Biren was taking provisional asylum in London (United Kingdom) since the declaration of Manipur from the Indian Union.

Samarjit was arrested by the NIA, the agency investigating a case against him lodged by Manipur police from the Indira Gandhi International Airport where he arrived from London for onward journey to Imphal on March 25.

Sources said that he

was brought to Imphal

by NIA team after taking transit remand at Patiala Court, Delhi on Tuesday afternoon.

As soon as he arrived at Imphal airport around 3pm, a police team hurriedly took him away, avoiding a crowd allegedly waiting for his arrival.

Among the crowd, some shouted “Long live Manipur”, “Victory to Samajit” while the police took him away.

Samarjit’s arrest came up two days after the NIA submitted a charge-sheet against him and four oth-

ers including the self-styled chief minister Yambem Biren and one of his (Samarjit’s) brothers.

The NIA was investigating the formation of the de-jure government exiled in the UK after declaring Manipur’s independence from India and collection of funds for its illegal activities.

In the charge-sheet submitted before a special NIA court in Imphal, Manipur, Samarjit and his four associates were charged under the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

exploited their sentiments: Jitendra

GUWAHATI, MAR 29 (PTI): Union minister Jitendra Singh on Monday accused the Congress of seeking votes through communal polarisation by instigating one religion against the other and inducing unwarranted fear in the minds of the minority community.

He said, it was only during the last seven years that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government had the conviction and sincerity to bring about some revolutionary reforms for the minorities, including the Triple Talaq law.

“Congress party had, since independence, used the minorities

as a commodity and exploited their sentiments for vote bank politics,” said Singh, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office.

He said the Congress-AIUDF (All India United Democratic Front) alliance in Assam has virtually outsourced its campaign to communal elements, and its leaders are using such tone and expression in electioneering which stands to induce poison in the society and rake up one religious community against the other.

Singh said a dangerous phenomenon is being witnessed in the Assam election and the BJP is determined to thwart this evil design.

chief and other members of the party have knowingly issued advertisements camouflaged as headlines on front pages of various newspapers claiming that the BJP will win all the constituencies of Upper Assam,” Borah said.

The advertisements have been presented in a manner to “prejudice the mind of the voters and this deliberate, malicious and malafide set of advertisements are in clear violation of Section 126A of the Representation of People Act, 1951, which is punishable by two years of imprisonment and fine”, he said.

Moreover, the ECI’s instructions, specific to Assam, had prohibited the dissemination of any form of prediction related to poll results between 7 am of March 27 till 7.30 pm of April 29, Borah said. The APCC further urged the police to take “prompt and necessary action” against those named in the complaint, including the newspapers.

Quake jolts Shillong, no damage reported

Shillong, March 29 (IANS): A moderate earthquake, measuring 3.2 on the Richter Scale, was recorded in the Meghalaya capital on Monday evening, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said. According to the Disaster Management officials in Shillong, no report of loss of life or damage to property has been received yet. The NCS data said that the tremor occurred at 6.52 p.m. on Monday evening and was at a depth of 10 km.

Northeastern states, especially Mizoram and Manipur, frequently witness mild to moderate earthquakes that force the public and private builders to construct quake preventive houses. Seismologists consider the mountainous northeastern region as the sixth most earthquake-prone belt in the world.

State

Completion of projects signifies unity: Dr. Nicky ASUD holds general conference

Dr. Nicky and others after unveiling the waiting shed at Kohima, Monday. (NP)

Correspondent KOHIMA, MAR 29 (NPN): Advisor urban development and municipal affairs, Dr. Nickiesalie Nicky Kire stated that completion of project showed that there was unity and cooperation

in the society.

Addressing the gathering at the culmination programme of Kohima 9th AC ward adoption at lower PWD Ward II on Monday, the advisor maintained that he saw unity in the colony and encouraged them to

remain united and become exemplary for the rest of the Nagas.

He said that however small the projects might seem, as long as it was used for the benefit of the people then the objective of the initiative has been achieved.

Dr. Kire thanked the colony youth who assisted the workers while blacktopping the road and said that such initiative made the society stronger and brought unity. He also lauded DPO LRD Kohima, Dr. Menuoseituo Tseikha, secretary ward adoption committee for taking up the projects with all sincerity.

Convener development committee LPWD in his project report said under ward adoption programme LPWD 2019-20, projects such as waiting shed near Lotha Baptist Church, toilet (initiated by DPO Kohima), youth recreation hall roofing with TT board, footstep, black topped from LBC to CHSS, road black topped from PWD junction to Midland, transformer 250 kilowatts, seven solar lights, three safety convex mirror reflection and replacement

and new electrical post were installed and completed.

Meanwhile, on human resource development, under the project, training on paper making, hospitality and management training by tourist department and vermi compost training by LRD was also completed.

Lauding the advisor for the initiative, he said construction of drainage of about 1000 meters and footstep of about 600 meters were pending and requested the advisor to consider the two remaining projects.

Kohima SDO (C) and convener ward adoption centre Daniel Angami, chairman LPWD Panchayat Hayio Ngullie, president Kohima municipal ward Panchayat and ward chairman PWD Panchayat Dozhohü Tunyi thanked the advisor for his concern for the colony.

Childline and DDLSA workshop Kohima bypass: Landowners stresses on safety of children to seek ‘legal recourse’ DIMAPUR: DDLSA and CHILDLINE Dimapur organised a workshop on “Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 & Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act” for GBs and council chairs (CCs) under GB Union Sadar Dimapur and Dimapur Urban Council Chair men Federation (DUCCF) on March 29 at DC’s conference hall Dimapur.

In a press release, CHILDLINE Nodal Dimapur, nodal coordinator Neiketulie Namdau stated that resource persons for the workshop were first class judicial magistrate Dimapur Boduve Peter Resu and centre coordinator CHILDLINE Dimapur Lozua Kape.

During the first session, Boduve Resu pre-

sented on the POCSO Act 2012 and various sections and provisions under the Act. He stressed on the responsibility of every concerned adult towards safety of children in the society and added that the role of GBs and council chairmen as leaders of the community played a crucial role in ensuring that the rights of children are safeguarded.

During the second session, Lozua Kape gave a presentation on the roles and functions of CHILDLINE 1098 and made references on some case studies on child abuse intervened by CHILDLINE Dimapur.

She further presented on the ward/colony level child protection committees and highlighted

on the roles, functions, responsibilities of the committee and objectives of the committees as well.

In her concluding remarks, collab director CHILDLINE Dimapur, K Ela stressed on the responsibility of every individual to be concerned and responsible citizens and to report every case on child abuse to the concerned authority.

She urged all to take the message from the workshop to everyone in their respective colonies and educate people at different level and that CHILDLINE looked forward to getting positive response and support from their respective colonies in its various initiatives for the protection of children in the days to come.

DIMAPUR: Kohima bypass two lane (green zone) road project landowners association, D Khel Kohima village, held an emergency meeting on March 23 at D Khel ground and deliberated on the silence of the district administration regarding land compensations and rehabilitations.

In a press release, information & media secretary Ruokuobeizo Kirekha and convenor Er. Keviletuo Yiese stated that the association had forwarded four petitions till date to the district administration in matters concerning land survey and proper compensations & rehabilitations in accordance with Right to Fair Compensation &Transparent Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013 (RFCTLARR Act 2013).

In this regard, the association stated that surveying

works had been done but while it remains yet to be finalised on the compensation and rehabilitations, the works of earth cutting were in full swing.

Considering the act as “totally arrogant and a suppressive move of the authority concerned,” it stated that the indifferent attitude and inaction to resolve the issues by district administration led to confusions and untold mental anxieties amongst bonafide landowners. After thorough discussion and consideration, the house unanimously resolved that it was left with no option but to seek “legal recourse.”

Meanwhile, it also cautioned affected landowners within the jurisdiction to keep vigil of any tactics implemented to sabotage its fight for fair and transparent compensations and rehabilitations.

Awardees along ASUD official and invitees posing at auditorium hall, Saku’s Mission College on Monday. (NP)

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, MAR 29 (NPN): Ao Students’ Union Dimapur (ASUD) held its 45th general conference and 14th annual excellence award at auditorium hall, Saku’s Missions College here, on Monday.

In her speech, guest speaker, EAC (P) Kathyinla Jamir emphasised on the importance of skill developmental programme such as IT, carpentry, electrician, plumbing etc., and stressed that it was not only government or white collared job that could feed a family.

In this regard, she added that one should not be only confined to secure governmental jobs.

She urged students to utilise social media platform to gain knowledge and that when they use social media the right way, one could gain more knowledge than what was being taught in their institution.

Speaking on the importance of one’s identity, Jamir urged all to

be deeply rooted to their culture and tradition.

She maintained that present generation lacked awareness of their own cultural ethnicity and claimed that they took pride in speaking and understanding other foreign languages rather than one’s own mother tongue.

She said that the cultural history of Nagas would be lost if the same trend continued.

Stating that many parents had cultivated the habit of conversing in “Nagamese” and “English” in their homes, she observed that one should not take pride in it.

Further, she urged parents to make it a habit of conversing in one’s own mother tongue to preserve our culture.

M e a n w h i l e, w e l come address was delivered by president ASUD, Moayanger while short speeches were delivered by treasurer, ASUD Menang Molier and general secretary, Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, P Sashi Longchar.

Longchar in his

speech maintained that studying in good institution or having the best tutors did not guarantee success in life without hard work and self determination.

E a r l i e r, t h e p r o gramme was chaired by Kipanawala Jamir, while invocation was offered by DABA pastor, Limaaküm Jamir. A special number was also presented by Imnanaro Jamir.

Eight students, Yangernaro Jamir, Imtijungla Pongen, Sungjemlila Longkumer, Taliwala Imchen, Temjenienla Imchen, Imlikokla Longkumer, Rachel Tzüdir and Sangerbenla Tzüdir received excellency award for securing top 20 position in the HSLC and HSSLC examination 2019 and 2020.

It may be mentioned that new team of office bearers for the term 2021 to 2022 was also elected with Temsukaba as president, Imnatemsu as vice president, Lanuwapang as general secretary and Aosanen as assistant general secretary.

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 113 Dimapur, TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021

Setting a political trend

S

ince 2014 the political landscape of India changed when BJP trounced the UPA in a historic landslide that was more than expected and which came after years of planning, strategising and hard work. Having won in 2014, the BJP has been changing the political narrative while the opposition failed to connect with the people across which was reflected when BJP came back with a bigger margin in 2019. Having stolen a march through the changed political narrative, the BJP has mastered the art while all other opposition parties fumble. As opposition parties try to meander their way for votes, they cannot help but try to do it the BJP way- appealing to the sentiments of the religious majority.

What has happened to elections in India is about appealing to the sentiments of the majority community. Thus mandir politics and offering pujas at mandirs is very much part of the electoral menu.

This has happened much before 2014 when during the 90s, there was a significant shift that was brought about due to the failings of the Congress. At times, the Congress practiced a form of pseudo-secularism, manipulating religion when it benefited the party and using religious minorities as a vote bank rather than treating them as genuine constituencies. This fitted very well with the game plan of the BJP in setting the stage for the rise of Hindu nationalism or the ideology of Hindutva. To be seen visiting mandirs has become part of the campaign menu which non-BJP political parties are trying to copy, even if unconvincingly. Visiting of mandirs needs scrutiny in the larger political context. It has two elements that are relevant in this regard. One is the constant effort to make religiosity a public issue and enforce the burden of a public display of religiosity on both the public and the political leader. Since the Ayodhya movement of the late 1980s, the public display of religious identity and religiosity has become central to the political sphere. The so-called secular parties like the Congress, Aam Admi Party (AAP) and even Trinamool Congress have made mandir visitations part of the campaign schedule. The secular credential of the Congress all but evaporated after 2014 when, the party’s heir apparent- Rahul Gandhi- tried to replicate the BJP with his mandir visiting spree, especially during elections. The objective was to publicise such visits for political mileage to woo the majority community. Once Rahul was asked if he was a Hindu. Had he replied that as a devout Hindu, he practised its syncretism and ideals of Gandhi, it would have made the difference. Instead, Rahul bragged about being a Shiv Bhakti.

By subscribing to the identitarian politics aimed at the majority community, Rahul only strengthened the political culture of majoritarianism. Even the AAP has taken to mandir visitations. Its leader Arvind Kejriwal visited temples to publicise his faith. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who used to pride herself of being secular, has visited as many as 19 temples during her recent electioneering. The current national narrative spawned by divisive politics is sharpening.

While opposition parties lose no opportunity to call BJP communal; yet scramble to be seen visiting religious places, it only relegates the so-called idea of India to the portals of history.

DailyDevotion Our Lord’s Surprise Visits You also be ready… —Luke 12:40 A Christian worker’s greatest need is a readiness to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn. This is not easy, no matter what our experience has been. This battle is not against sin, difficulties, or circumstances, but against being so absorbed in our service to Jesus Christ that we are not ready to face Jesus Himself at every turn. The greatest need is not facing our beliefs or doctrines, or even facing the question of whether or not we are of any use to Him, but the need is to face Him. Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical situations. The only way a servant can remain true to God is to be ready for the Lord’s surprise visits. This readiness will not be brought about by service, but through intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn. This sense of expectation will give our life the attitude of childlike wonder He wants it to have. If we are going to be ready for Jesus Christ, we have to stop being religious. In other words, we must stop using religion as if it were some kind of a lofty lifestyle— we must be spiritually real.

If you are avoiding the call of the religious thinking of today’s world, and instead are “looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2), setting your heart on what He wants, and thinking His thoughts, you will be considered impractical and a daydreamer. But when He suddenly appears in the work of the heat of the day, you will be the only one who is ready. You should trust no one, and even ignore the finest saint on earth if he blocks your sight of Jesus Christ.

Quotes

Where there is great love, there are always wishes. ~ Willa Cather

I

ndia is in the throes of a terrible viral epidemic.

Much worse than the Bird Flu, much worse than swine flu. It has 91% mortality and, while it is mainly dogs, it can spread to cats of all kinds as well and God knows which other animals.

The killer is the deadly Canine Parvo Virus (CPV).

Outbreaks have been reported from all over India.

Thousands of pups have died. My own People For Animals shelters have several thousand cases admitted.

Shelters from Mangalore to Siliguri have shut down and refused to admit normal accident cases as they are full of parvo afflicted, dying, animals. Each shelter is a war zone with makeshift drip stands, or volunteers patiently holding IV fluids while they go slowly into small dying bodies.

Government refuses to even acknowledge this viral epidemic. While they were quick to strangle and burn millions of birds during the Bird Flu epidemic, because they thought it would affect humans, they have completely ignored the Parvo Virus one – probably because they think it will not affect humans.

So, government refuses to give vaccines to poor people and to street animals, and government hospitals do not treat parvo cases because they say they do not have

the budget for drips and antibiotics. 80% of all Indian vets are employed by the government and they sit idly in government clinics which open at 10 am and close at 2 pm – while lakhs of animals fall dead, untreated. If you ask the same vets to go and strangle chickens they will happily do so.

There are two prominent strains of the canine parvovirus (CPV-2a and CPV-2b) from the genus family of Parvoviridae. It spreads through infected faeces, vomit, blood, touch, surfaces, clothing etc. Shelters, kennels, clinics, public parks are prime locations where the virus lurks. Its favourite victim is the young pup, but unvaccinated dogs in general are vulnerable.

Undetected or diagnosed at a later stage, it is almost always fatal within 48 - 72 hours.

There is a silent massacre going on, but government municipalities, health authorities, animal husbandry departments in every state refuse to respond with either short or long term measures.

In one district only – Uttar Dinajpur – one parvo vaccination camp was held after the government dispensary received 342 cases in a week with 100% mortality, as there were no drip stands or IV fluids available! Across the country veterinary government clinics are unable to

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021

Challenge before govt to deal with epidemic handle even this basic treatment, for lack of supplies, infrastructure, manpower and, sometimes, even basic facilities such as water supply and electricity.

Dissemination of mass public messages, to spread awareness about the disease, should have been undertaken. While we have any amount of information – and a lot of it is total rubbish – being spread about bird flu, the government is completely silent about this deadly virus – which may also prove to be zoonotic in time.

There is absolutely no Government Policy in any State for mandatory vaccination of all dogs for CPV. In contrast, there exists a mandate for vaccination of dogs against rabies under the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 promulgated under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Protocols under the ABC Program make it mandatory to vaccinate sterilized dogs against rabies before

releasing them. This is also the reason as to why the rabies vaccine for both human and animal consumption is subsidized by the government. The CPV vaccine is 14 times more costly than the anti rabies vaccine, but both the diseases are deadly.

Inspite of the epidemic that is raging throughout India, CPV is a disease that has been omitted from Government budgets entirely.

But it has lethal ramifications on wildlife conservation. The mass die-off of lions, at Serengeti National Park in Tanzania in 1994, was attributed to CPV and its equally potent cousin, the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). In 2018, Asiatic Lions at Gir National Park were afflicted by both CPV and CDV, leading to the loss of irreplaceable Protected Schedule I Animals, and shrinking their gene pool even more. Dwindling habitats and the blurring of boundaries, between urban areas and forest land, have brought wild animals in

increasing proximity to domesticated and free ranging dog populations.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority has asked for a sterilization program for dogs around tiger reserves. It states the creation of ‘immunization buffers’ in buffer zones of the reserve, and encompasses vaccination against canine distemper along with rabies.

Canine Parvo Virus is not included within its ambit.

But even their original demand has not been complied with. The vaccines are effective and immunoglobulin serum (given to CPV afflicted animals at the time of treatment) can help fight the virus. But vaccination interventions have their own set of challenges.

Maintenance of cold chain supply and storage, especially during transportation, is always inadequate.

The parvo virus mutates regularly, and vaccine makers often cheat in supplying old strains. So the vaccination is a mismatch between outbreak strain of CPV and the vaccine strain. Viral strains used in vaccines are not disclosed by manufacturers.

The relevance of a comprehensive vaccination policy must be based on adequately addressing these challenges.

Efforts to vaccinate street and community dogs in India are largely dependent upon the goodwill of volun-

teers feeding animals or on non-profit animal welfare organizations. Vaccination drives against CPV, funded by the Government (Veterinary Department/ Animal Husbandry Department/ Municipal Administration) would pave the way for ensuring a healthy dog population.

A compelling case may be derived from the One Health Approach – a policy that recognises the interconnectedness between public health, animal health, and ecosystem health of our shared environment.

The approach has been endorsed by the One Health Platform Initiative, represented by leading experts from Who Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (UNFAO), United States Centre For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and World Organization for Animal Welfare (OIE).

The time has come when the world is going to lurch from one viral epidemic to another. It is time for the government to plan sensibly on how it is going to deal with each virus. In the meantime, can we please have some state dealing with this one?

To join the animal welfare movement contact gandhim@ nic.in, www.peopleforanimalsindia.org

Post-mortem

No space for liberal education

R

esignation letters are supposed to be answers, but few resignations pose more questions than the answers that they were supposed to give. Pratap Bhanu Mehta’s (PBM) letter of resignation from Ashoka University or his earlier letters of resignation from the National Knowledge Commission and Nehru Memorial Museum and Library have raised more questions than answers. The fundamental questions about the idea of education and the functioning of educational institutions; what education may produce if it is not expected to inculcate critical thinking and reflection; why educational institutions must be accountable to the state and what does autonomy mean for a privately-funded university which stands on the idea of liberal education?

Mehta’s resignation is not about an individual and an institution coming to an agreement to terminate their mutual agreement but how and why a higher educational institution (even though it is private) could ask a teacher to resign only because s/he had a different and dissenting opinion, which became a political liability for his/her employer. It is not about Mehta’s writings alone — the people at the helm may have rejoiced when he compared the PM

T

to Charles De Gaulle — but it is about the inability of the system to reckon with dissent. It also speaks of how the Indian higher education system has evolved, especially in its attempt to get decolonised.

The privatisation of educational institutions — schools as well as higher educational institutions — promised a “liberal” space, but these institutions could never get out of the control of the state and the government of the day.

It sounds like a cliché that education is a liberating force, when it could not liberate even the institutions where liberal education is imparted. The Indian Higher Education System (HES) is the second-largest such system in the world. It is experiencing severe challenges related to autonomy and academic freedom.

Autonomy and academic freedom are prerequisites for the production and dissemination of knowledge to create a truly democratic and just society. But the system is also erected on the model of affiliating and examining university, set up during the colonial period when the Indian academic profession had to affirm loyalty — not creativity and research. Indian HES is still in search of its own objectives and models.

In recent years, some private enterprises — Nalanda, Azim

Premji, Shiv Nadar, and Ashoka — have promised to provide an alternative to shrinking spaces of dissent and discourse in public universities not only with regard to courses, curriculum, pedagogy, and cultural events but also in the realm of university administration and organisation. Although committed to the values of liberal art and science education, these universities are witnessing challenges and constraints of varied forms. The idea of liberal art and science education propounded

by John Henry Newman in The Idea of a University underlines the function of a university that promotes liberal education: “Here then is real teaching – it at least tends towards the cultivation of the intellect; it at least recognises that knowledge is something more than a sort of passive reception of scraps and details; it is a something and it does a something, which never will issue from the most strenuous efforts of a set of teachers, with no mutual sympathies and no intercommunion, of a set of examiners with no opinions which they dare profess, and with no common principles, who are teaching or questioning a set of youths who do not know them, and do not know each other, on a large number of subjects differ-

ent in kind, and connected by no wide philosophy”.

Drawing from Newman’s idea of liberal art and science education, universities in modern times have to profess universal knowledge. However, liberal arts and science education in the third world is often re-configured according to the socio-political, economic and cultural climate of the time. Any endeavour to transplant the concept of liberal education in India has to negotiate with varied challenges emanating from the values practised in the society.

Indian public universities have witnessed several shifts — from liberal democratic to ideological conformity, from academic and intellectual freedom to conservatism, from liberal knowledge to knowledge management, and from socially inclusive to financially progressive. In contrast, private universities in India are largely embedded in the political economy of the state. They claim relative autonomy yet cannot shrug off political patronage. The controversy around the “University of Eminence” status in 2018 by the MHRD to the yet-to-take-off Jio University speaks of the intimate relationship of state and private universities. A private university which thrives to promote the liberal idea of the university has to

adjust and administer in accord with the invisible structures of power and agency.

Universities like Ashoka University which advocate the idea of liberal art and science university with a vision of promoting critical thinking and a strong commitment to public service have to negotiate with the existing climate of Indian HES. There was a shift, not so long ago, from public universities to private universities when senior academics deserted public universities. The love lost for public education and educational institutions and the public culture that we have created needs, in Mehta’s own words, “a massive repudiation” or we may not be able to recover and reclaim our nation, freedom, truths, and religion. Mehta himself had forewarned that liberalism, which was an insurgent ideology once, will turn hegemonic if it runs too long and too well. The events leading to his resignation is an outcome of a deadly mix of liberalism and cultural nationalism.

Navneet Sharma and Prakrati Bhargava The writers are faculty, Department of Education, Central University of Himachal Pradesh.

(This article was first published in Indian Express on March 28, 2021.

Views are personal)

CAA doubts in Assam not really unfounded

he Citizenship (Amendment) Act brings nightmares to the Assamese people for fear of further arrival of Bengalispeaking people from Bangladesh. The immigrants may be legal but the dilution of the local culture and the threat to the political voice of the Assamese would be about the same, regardless of how good the newcomers may be.

Before offering the remedy, two points need to be made. One, the Assamese, whether adivasis or more especially the modernised Assamese, are dead scared of being outnumbered by the Bengali-speaking people, whether Hindu or Muslim.

Merely assuring people that protecting their culture is as much the Centre’s concern as securing the culture of the entire country, would not satisfy them.

Unless one has lived in or frequently travelled to Assam, it is difficult to appreciate what nightmares the Assamese have when they think of infiltration, whether legal or otherwise. They are a gentle people with a soft, peace-loving nature. They have their own festivals.

They were gifted by nature

with plenty of land and even more water and rivers. They do not have to work stupendously hard for survival. The climate is mostly warm and humid; it does not make itself congenial for hard work.

They are not competitive by nature and, understandably, shudder at the fear of this ethos being disturbed by the outsiders.Believe it or not, until two decades ago, it was popular impression that the Congress’ strategy for winning elections in Assam was “Ali, Coolie and Bengali”. Coolie implied the tea garden workers and their families. Ali and Bengali are self-explanatory; they are mostly people who had over the years immigrated to Assam. Even the tea garden workers were adivasis brought from Jharkhand and other neighbouring areas to plant and pluck the bushes.

To this day, it is difficult to find an original Assamese who is a plucker in a tea garden. In sum and substance, the Congress depended on the settlers from “outside” to win a majority vote.

In 1947, MA Jinnah nearly convinced the British rulers that Assam was a Muslim-majority province and, therefore, should go to

Pakistan. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in his book Eastern Pakistan, stated that the tribals were not only not Hindus but also unfit for civilised life. The generally vague conclusion of the sympathisers for Pakistan was that Eastern Bengal and Assam should be combined into one province. Similar was the case made under the first partition of Bengal

by Viceroy Lord Curzon in 1905. Fortunately, it was undone by 1911. Lord Pethic Lawrence, the Secretary of State for India in the Richard Clement Attlee Government of 1945-49, also swallowed this theory about an amalgamation of the two.

The deception was almost done when Gopinath Bordolai, an Assam Congress leader, rushed out to persuade those in the positions of power and influence that the Jinnah contention was untrue. As a result, Assam was saved for India except for Sylhet district, which had a Muslim majority. Any wonder then that the Assamese are afraid of allowing illegal migrants to settle down there? Incidentally, until 1874, Assam was a part of the Bengal Presidency. It was

then separated and placed under the rule of a Chief Commissioner. To make Assam a viable separate province, three Bengali-speaking districts of the Presidency, namely, Goalpara, Sylhet and Cachar, were merged into the new province. That is how Assam began to host Bengalis as well as Muslims.

The going of Sylhet to East Pakistan in 1947 relieved this pressure to an extent.

Assam, however, can ill afford to host more immigrants; the Assamese population is so small. The recent Citizenship (Amendment) Act is a major irritant for them, especially since what was discovered in 1979.

Some young men discovered in the electoral rolls of the Mangaldai Assembly constituency that many a voter was an obvious infiltrator. In order to spread the protest and try and stop such distortion of the electoral rolls of the State, the All Assam Students Union (AASU) was formed. Some members also went on to establish the Assam Ganatantra Parishad (AGP), a major political party. A few members took to terrorism under the name of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA).

The solution to a potentially very serious national problem would lie in making the Cachar region a separate Union Territory having no special political connection with Assam. Cachar has a population of nearly 40 lakh people, of whom a little over half are Hindu. Under two per cent are Christian and the rest are Muslims.

More or less, all speak and write Bengali. Its economy is viable, especially with the help of over 100 tea gardens which produce five crore kilograms, worth around Rs 800 crore, annually.

That would separate about 16 per cent of Assam’s total population and virtually all of them are Bengali, whether Muslim or Hindu, a great relief to the Assamese. This is a surefire way to bring happiness to the Assamese people after at least a century. In any case, the Cacharis would be pleased at being demiindependent, with Silchar becoming a mini rajdhani.

Prafull Goradia (The writer is a well-known columnist and an author. The views expressed are personal.)

Courtesy: The Pioneer

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Maintenance of SOP

The second wave of Coronavirus has already begun and with the public flouting all SOP rules; it wouldn’t be long before COVID cripples Nagaland again. Schools have already started welcoming their students into their premises and public transportations in Nagaland have also been allowed to carry passengers at its full capacity. Therefore, without forgetting the fact that the viral epidemic still exists, people should be extra cautious and follow strict SOP guidelines to safeguard themselves from this dreadful disease.

Bongmei, 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 TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021

national/state

5

Noksen A/C bypoll: PDA fields H Chuba Chang...

Animals likely source of COVID: WHO

Shah, Didi spar over women’s death

Amit Shah

Mamata Banerjee

NANDIGRAM/KOLKATA, MAR 29 (AGENCIES): War of words broke out between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the death of an 85-yearold woman, the mother of a BJP worker, following an alleged assault by Trinamool Congress (TMC) cadres.

The deceased Shova Majumdar passed away at

her residence at Nimta in North 24 Paraganas district late night on Sunday. The TMC, however, has denied the allegation.

Mamata Baner jee Monday hit back at Amit Shah and asked why was the home minister silent during the Hathras rape case in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh. Asserting that she does not support violence against women, Banerjee said, she is not aware of

the actual reason behind Majumdar’s death.

The saffron par ty claimed that the elderly woman who was allegedly beaten, at Nimta in North 24 Paraganas district in February, succumbed to her injuries sustained during the attack by TMC supporters.

His son was also beaten up on that day, the BJP said.

“I don’t know how the sister has died. We don’t support violence against women. We have never supported violence against my sisters and mothers. But the BJP is now politicising the issue. “Amit Shah is tweeting and saying, ‘Bengal Ka Kya Haal hain’. Why does was he mum when women were attacked and brutalised at Hathras in Uttar Pradesh?” Banerjee said while addressing a rally in

Nandigram.

Highlighting that law and order is now under ECI’s jurisdiction with the Model Code of Conduct in place, Banerjee said, “three TMC workers have been killed in the last few days”.

Condoling the woman’s death, the home minister said earlier in the day, the pain and anguish of Majumdar’s family will haunt TMC chief Mamata Banerjee for long.

“Anguished over the demise of Bengal’s daughter Shova Majumdar Ji, who was brutally beaten by TMC goons. The pain & wounds of her family will haunt Mamata didi for a long. Bengal will fight for a violence-free tomorrow, Bengal will fight for a safer state for our sisters & mothers,” Shah said in a tweet.

(From p-1) He declared that BJP would take strict action against party workers going against the decision, even to the extent of expelling them from the party. After receiving the ticket, Chuba acknowledged both NDPP and BJP for trusting him and assured to work to the best of his ability in accordance with the motto of NDPP, “Facta non Verba”.

The programme was chaired by NDPP secretary general and PDA member secretary Abu Metha, while invocation was offered by LBCC pastor Thungchio Ngullie. Oath taking was initiated by NDPP working president A Nyamnyei Konyak and vote of thanks was delivered by NDPP treasurer Dr John Murry.

(From p-1)

The WHO did not immediately respond to emails and phone calls seeking comment.

Peter Ben Embarek, the WHO expert who led the Wuhan mission, said Friday that the report had been finalized and was being fact-checked and translated.

“I expect that in the next few days, that whole process will be completed and we will be able to release it publicly,” he said.

The draft report is inconclusive on whether the outbreak started at a Wuhan seafood market that had one of the earliest clusters of cases in December 2019.

The discovery of other cases before the Huanan market outbreak suggests it may have started elsewhere.

But the report notes there could have been milder cases that went undetected and that could be a link between the market and earlier cases.

“No firm conclusion therefore about the role of the Huanan market in the origin of the outbreak, or how the infection was introduced into the market, can currently be drawn,” the report said.

The market was an early suspect because some stalls sold a range of animals — and some wondered if they had brought the new virus to Wuhan.

The report noted that a range of animal products — including everything from bamboo rats to deer, often frozen — were sold at the market, as were live crocodiles.

As the pandemic spread globally, China

found samples of the virus on the packaging of frozen food coming into the country and, in some cases, have tracked localised outbreaks to them.

The report said that the cold chain, as it is known, can be a driver of long-distance virus spread but was skeptical it could have triggered the outbreak. The report says the risk is lower than through human-to-human respiratory infection, and most experts agree.

“While there is some evidence for possible reintroduction of SARSCoV-2 through handling of imported contaminated frozen products in China since the initial pandemic wave, this would be extraordinary in 2019 where the virus was not widely circulating,” the study said.

No to CAA if DMK voted to power: Stalin Mehbooba Mufti denied passport Delhi sizzles at 40.1° Celsius

MK Stalin

“umbilical chord” with minorities and will always back them, Stalin added.

He also recalled that his party had opposed the bill in Parliament. The AIADMK supported the ruling BJP at the Centre on issues like abrogation of Article 370 and abolition of Triple Talaq, but was now “enacting a drama” as if it were a protector of the minorities, Stalin

said while lashing out at his party’s arch rival.

He also slammed Chief Minister K Palaniswami for not passing an assembly resolution against the three contentious central farm laws, facing stiff resistance from farmers agitating outside Delhi for about four months, pointing out that states like Punjab, West Bengal and Kerala had done so.

He promised to do the same in the state if his party won the April 6 polls and formed the government.

Various promises made in the DMK manifesto for the polls, including Rs 1,000 “rights assistance” to women family heads, cutting down petroleum prices would be implemented if it was voted to power, he said.

SRINAGAR, MAR 29 (PTI): The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, in which she had sought a direction to the passport authority for the issuance of the document to her.

Dismissing the petition, Justice Ali Mohammad Magray observed that Mehbooba’s application for a passport was rejected by the passport officer, Srinagar as the police verification report recommended against the issuance of the document to her.

“In such circumstances, I am of the considered view that no direction can be issued by this court for issuance of passport in favour of the petitioner. Even otherwise, the scope of this court in the matter of grant or otherwise of passport

in favour of an individual is very limited in as much as the court, in this behalf, can only direct the concerned authorities to expeditiously consider the case of an individual in the light of the mandate of the scheme of law governing the subject,” the judge said in his order.

The court observed that it did not find any reason to interfere with the course of action adopted by the respondents in the case and “as a sequel thereto, the petition of the petitioner is hereby dismissed, along with the connected CM(s). Interim directions(s), if any subsisting as on date, shall stand vacated”.

It, however, said the dismissal of the writ petition shall not come in the way of the petitioner for availing the remedy as may be available to her in accordance with the law.

NEW DELHI, MAR 29 (IANS): The national capital on Monday recorded a maximum temperature of 40.1 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature in March since 1945 when a high of 40.5 degrees Celsius was registered. Tuesday is likely to offer a respite.

The maximum temperature is eight degrees above the average for this time of the season, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said, noting that Delhi is

under a “severe heat wave”.

A heat wave is declared if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius or more for plains and it is a severe heat wave, if the departure from the average is more than 6.4 degrees Celsius. Safdarjung weather monitoring stations, which provides representative data for the city, recorded a maximum of 40.1 degrees Celsius. Palam station registered a maximum of 39.7 degrees Celsius.

INVITATION Tobu Area Union Dimapur Town extends Aoleang greetings to everyone. The Union profoundly appreciates PJ. K.S Anden IAS & his family for hosting Aoleang feast at his residence.

May this colourful Aoleang celebration bring countless blessings upon each & every family.

And the Union invites each and every member of Tobu Area Union Dimapur Town along with families to come for Aoleang feast at the residence of PJ. K.S Anden IAS on 1st April 2021 at 10 am, Chekiye Village, Block-4, Dimapur.

H.B Moba Moba A.S Konyak President Information Secy TAUD TAUD

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JOLARPET (TN), MAR 29 (PTI): DMK President M K Stalin on Monday promised that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act will not be allowed in Tamil Nadu if his party was voted to power in the April 6 Assembly elections and slammed the ruling AIADMK for ‘supporting’ the BJP in Parliament on the issue.

Had the AIADMK and lone PMK member in the Rajya Sabha voted against the bill, CAA would not have seen the light of day and the two parties should be blamed for the ‘plight’ of minorities all over the country, he said. Protests had broken out against the contentious Act earlier in various parts of the country, including in Shaheen Bagh in Delhi.

Addressing an election meeting here, Stalin charged the ruling AIADMK with “enacting a drama” on the matter ahead of the polls and recalled that his party had earlier staged protests against the CAA and also launched a massive signature campaign against it.

“I assure. We are going to come to power, there is no doubt about that. So after we come to power, we will not allow this CAA (to be implemented) in Tamil Nadu. This is an assurance given by Stalin,” he said.

The DMK shared an

national

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

EC to take call on Raja’s remarks C H E NNA I , M A R 2 9 (IANS): Despite an apology from DMK leader A Raja for his objectionable remark about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, state’s chief electoral officer Satyabrata Sahoo on Monday said that the matter has been referred to the Election Commission.

Sahoo said that the detailed report along with video footage of the controversial comments as well as action initiated by the local officials, has been sent to the Election Commission.

His comments came in response to the media queries on the ruling AIADMK seeking a ban on the DMK leader from campaigning in the Assembly polls.

No. 9876 Yesterday’s solution No. 9875

No. 4495 Yesterday’s solution No. 4494

No. 3519 Yesterday’s solution No. 3518

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emerged that he has some problem afflicting the gallbladder.

He has been on a blood thinner medication which has been stopped now due to this issue, said Malik.

Now, Pawar will be admitted to the hospital on Wednesday and an endoscopy will be conducted followed by a surgery, Malik added.

In the meanwhile all engagements of Pawar have been cancelled.

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joined the PDP after retiring from services, joined the JKPC at a function here.

The trio was welcomed into the JKPC by party chairman Lone and other senior leaders.

Bukhari said he was happy and given respect in the NC but “I could not get much done”. “Many people came to me asking me to float a new party, but my conscience did not allow me to float another party as it would have led to the further division of votes,” he said.

“I think I am the first one from south Kashmir to join the JKPC. I am proud to be a part of this new team,” he added. Bukhari described Lone as a very practical and sincere man.

Speaking to reporters, Lone said, “It is with great pleasure that we welcome the three senior leaders of Jammu and Kashmir into our party. We are very happy that they have joined us and our party will benefit immensely from their experience.”

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MUMBAI, MAR 29 (IANS): Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar is ill and will undergo a surgery later this week, a top party official said here on Monday.

According to National Spokesperson and Maharashtra Minority Affairs Minister Nawab Malik, Pawar, 80, complained of abdominal pains last night and was rushed to the Breach Candy Hospital for a checkup.

Upon diagnosis it has

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ing into this long-pending conflict.

CAKYO: Chakhro Angami Kuda Youth Organisation has condemned the brutal murder of three innocent villagers at Lamhainamdi, Peren district on March 22.

In a press note, CAKYO president Lhuziecha Kevichusa and asst. general secretary, Kezevi Natso said they were appalled by the inhuman treatment to fellow Naga bothers, adding that such action do not have a place in the Naga society.

It urged the law enforcing agencies to nab the perpetrators and deliver justice without delay. CAKYO further conveyed condolences to the bereaved family of the victims.

NGTC: Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC) has vehemently condemned the killing of innocent lives on March 22.

In a condemnation note, NGTC joint secretary Cliff Sangma appealed to all the right thinking citizens to condemn such barbaric act which had no place in Christian society.

It urged the law enforcement agencies to book the culprits at the earliest and award stringent punishment.

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

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lives of Zeliang community in the district. Asserting that it would not be intimidated by such acts of the perpetrators any further, PSU said that enough was enough and it would no longer stand watching and be butchered in “our own God given land”.

While acknowledging the messages of support from various organisations and conveying its gratefulness, PSU however requested every well-wisher to remain watchful and vigilant.

TUJ: Tenyimi Union Jalukie (TUJ) has strongly condemned incident stating that “Naga people are praying for a fast solution with the government of India but in our own Naga societies seeds of hatred and divisions is seen”. A condemnation note through its president, Suloni Semy stated that dispute and differences may be there but the problem cannot be solved by tarring the lives of innocent people.

It requested the competent authorities to book the perpetrator and give befitting penalties at the earliest.

Further, TUJ conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the souls to rest in peace.

Not having seen any concrete efforts from the state government and the administration, PSU wondered whether the government had any intention of look-

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taining status-quo.

CNTC also urged government to immediately set up a special investigation team/commission to settle the boundary between Peren and Dimapur districts at the earliest to avoid such incidents in the future.

LH: Lotha Hoho has condemned the killing of three persons stating that such act of violence was nothing but “a breach to the hard earned peaceful co-existence in the state that the tribes of Nagaland had been advocating all these years”. A condemnation note through its chairman Mhondamo Ovung and general secretary S Abenthung Ngullie stated that there was nothing in the society that could not be solved through dialogue. Lotha Hoho appealed the state government to expeditiously investigate into the crime and punish the perpetrators without fear or favour.

It also suggested the state government to come up with a mechanism or policy to put an end to occurrence of such incidence where land disputes were prone to occur especially in Dimapur area.

PSU: Peren Students’ Union (PSU) has termed that killing of three persons at Lamhainamdi in Peren district on March 22 as a dreadful incident that has left an indelible mark in the

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DIMAPUR: Various organisations have condemned the killings of three persons on March 22 along DimapurPeren border area by some assailants.

CN T C : C e n t r a l Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has expressed shock and condemned the killing of three persons and burning down of properties at Lamhainamdi by unidentified assailants on March 22. In a statement, CNTC asserted that such inhuman act had no place in a civilised society and that it deserved to be condemned by all right-thinking citizens.

Extending its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, CNTC prayed to the Almighty to comfort their families in this hour of grief and pain.

CNTC also appealed to all to restrain themselves from escalating the issue further and refrain from any form of violence and bloodshed as there was always a way of resolving any issue and differences in a peaceful manner.

It urged the state government to immediately act within a timeframe and initiate befitting action against the wrong doers as per the law of the land to de-escalate the situation and strictly implement its own order No.GAB-1/333/2014 (vol-1) that called for main-

Pawar to undergo surgery

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Organisations condemn March 22 killings

SRINAGAR, MAR 29 (PTI): The Sajad Loneled Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference received a shot in the arm as three former legislators from the NC and the PDP joined the party here on Monday.

Former minister Syed Basharat Bukhari, who recently left the National Conference; former MLA Peer Mansoor, who was associated with the Peoples Democratic Party since its formation; and former MLC Khurshid Aalam, who had

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PUBLIC NOTICE

We, the family members and relatives bring this notice to individual, societies or groups that we have tried our best to pay the debts of Mr. Chaang Sunny of Tuensang Town. But from this day the 29th March 2021 we will not be held responsible to pay his debts be it of the past or even in future. Since all those agreements and transactions has been done without the knowledge of family members and relatives.

Family members and relatives.

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NZAU STUDENTS’ UNION NAGALAND

CONDEMNATION The Nzau Students' Union, Nagaland vehemently condemns the barbaric and inhuman massacre of our three Zeliang brothers by some armed assailants on the 22nd March, 2021 at Lamhainamdi under Peren district. The killing of innocent lives by a group of fully armed men with sophisticated weapons is intolerable. Such heinous crime has no place in a civilised society. We call upon every right thinking citizens to come forward and condemn such brutalities in our society.

The Nzau Students' Union, Nagaland appeals the government and concerned law enforcing authorities to conduct investigation into the murder and book the culprits and award befitting punishment at the earliest and deliver justice to the victims.

We stand in total solidarity with the bereaved family and our community. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

Silubui Sanlak Namdau Gen. Secretary, NSU (N) President, NSU (N)

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A release issued by the office of the SP in Gadchiroli identified one of the slain naxals as Rushi Raoji alias Bhaskar Hichami(46) of North Gadchiroli division carrying a bounty of Rs 25 lakh on his head.

He had total of 155 offences registered against him, including 41 cases of murder,78 encounters with police and other offences, it said. On Saturday, the district police seized a rifle and three pressure cooker Police personnel show cartridges recovered from five Naxals in Khobra Mendha forest Monday. (PTI) bombs which Naxals were allegedly planning to use to The exchange of fire lasted hours in which five naxals ambush security forces, an for two to two-and-a-half were killed,” he said. official had said.

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Police suspect that at least 4 to 5 ultras were injured in the exchange of fire.

Gadchiroli SP Ankit Goyal told reporters that C-60 commandos had received the information that Naxals are gathering in a large number in Tipagarh forest area against the backdrop of ‘Naxal week’ being observed by them with the possibility of a planned ambush.

“Gadchiroli Police’sC60 commandos conducted the operation on Monday morning in Khobramenda forest area where they were attacked by 40 to 50 ultras.

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GADCHIROLI, MAR 29 (PTI): Five Naxals, including two women cadres, who all were carrying the collective reward of Rs 43 lakh on their heads, were killed on Monday morning in an operation conducted by C-60 commandos in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, a senior police officer said.

A cache of arms and ammunition, including an AK-47 rifle, a 12-bore rifle, a 303 rifle, an 8 mm rifle, and some electronic items, was recovered from the spot located in Khobramenda forest area.

3 former legislators from NC, PDP join Sajad Lone’s JKPC

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5 ultras killed in anti-Naxal operation in Maha

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021

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6

AFFIDAVIT

(CLARIFICATION OF NAME/SURNAME) Regd. No. 1288/2017 Date : 31/03/2017 I, C. BANNYAN.K resident of Forest Colony, Chi Village, Mon district, Nagaland solemnly declare hereby.

1. That, I am known and identically by variation of name/surname, whereupon in some of my documents my name has been spelled as C. BANNYAN.K, and the same is/was appearing on brevity as C. BANNYAN KONYAK, BANNYAN KONYAK, BANNYAN.K in relevant documents, which is also correct.

2. That, C. BANNYAN.K, C. BANNYAN KONYAK, BANNYAN KONYAK and BANNYAN.K all are the same person.

3. That, I affirm, I use my name/surname as C. BANNYAN.K and the same shall be constructed as my official name for all legal and future correspondence.

4. That, this affidavit is required for the clarification of my name/ surname.

VERIFICATION I take oath and solemnly declare/affirm that the particulars furnished above by me are correct and that I have not concealed or misrepresented any fact.

Deponent Solemnly sworn before me by the deponent on this the 31st day of March 2017.

K. TUNGOE, NOTARY PUBLIC DP-1679

BEFORE THE NOTARY PUBLIC, DIMAPUR, NAGALAND

AFFIDAVIT

Registration No. 521/2021 Date 29/03/2021 I, Shri S. HENUH KONYAK, (D.O.B. 20/09/1982), S/O SHONGPANG KONYAK, serving at 8th ASSAM RIFLES at MIZORAM, resident of NAGINIMORA TOWN, DISTRICT MON, NAGALAND, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows:1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India and resident of above state place.

2. That Master TENJONG H. KONYAK alias H. TENGJONG KONYAK and Miss ETHIEL H. KONYAK alias H. ETHIER KONYAK is my legal son and daughter.

3. That the correct name of my said son is TENJONG H. KONYAK but in my service record it was wrongly entered as H. TENGJONG KONYAK which needs to be corrected as TENJONG H. KONYAK, so also the correct name of my said daughter is ETHIEL H. KONYAK but in my service record it was wrongly entered as H. ETHIER KONYAK which needs to be corrected as ETHIEL H. KONYAK. 4. That TENJONG H. KONYAK and H. TENGJONG KONYAK refers to the name of my said son and of one and same person only.

5. That ETHIEL H. KONYAK and H. ETHIER KONYAK refers to the name of my said daughter and of one and same person only.

6. That Smt P. LONGJEE is my legal wife.

7. That the correct date of birth of my said wife is 13/01/1981 but in my service record her date of birth is wrongly entered as 18/05/1981 which needs to be corrected as 13/01/1981.

8. That henceforth my said son shall be known as TENJONG H. KONYAK and my said daughter shall be known as ETHIEL H. KONYAK and the correct date of birth of my said wife shall be 13/01/1981 for all purposes and intends.

9. That the statements made above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing is false.

DEPONENT Sworn before me on this 29th day of March/2021.

NOTARY PUBLIC DP-1681

Container ship freed from Suez Canal

In this photo released by Suez Canal Authority, the Ever Given, a Panama-flagged cargo ship is pulled by one of the Suez Canal tugboats, in the Suez Canal, Egypt, Monday. (AP/PTI)

Osama Rabae said earlier on Monday.

Dredgers and tug boats had been working around the clock to free the massive 400-metre-longvessel.

The blockage of the canal led to disrupted supply chains and sent ripples through global markets.

According to the canal authority, around 370 ships were waiting for passage on both sides of the canal, including 25 oil tankers.

Financial news wire Bloomberg reported there could even be 450 waiting ships.

The Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, provides the shortest shipping route between Asia and Europe.

The blockage was costing the canal operator $13 million to $14 million in losses per day, according to the head of SCA. Egyptian President

Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi had ordered preparations for the possibility of reducing the load of containers on the vessel to help free it.

At least 18,840 ships passed through the canal last year.

The Suez Canal provides one of Egypt’s main sources of income, alongside tourism and remittances from expatriates.

Revenue from the waterway reached $5.6 billion last year.

5 killed in United States helicopter crash

100-yr-old Hindu temple in Pakistan attacked by unidentified people

WASHINGTON, MAR 29 (IANS): A helicopter crash in the area of Knik Glacier in the United States (US) state of Alaska, has left five dead and one seriously injured, Alaska State Troopers said.

A team from Alaska Rescue Coordination Center was dispatched to the crash site late Saturday night, Xinhua news agency quoted the state troopers as saying on Sunday.

The rescue team found five people dead and one survivor at the crash scene.

“The survivor remains in serious but stable condition, and is receiving medical care at an Anchorage area hospital,” state troopers said on Sunday evening.

Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, a ski resort northwest of Alaska’s largest city Anchorage, said in a written statement Sunday evening that the helicopter carried two ski guides, three guests and a pilot.

The helicopter was chartered from Soloy Helicopters, a Wasilla-based charter company, the lodge said.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 29 (PTI): An over 100-year-old Hindu temple undergoing renovation in Pakistan’s garrison city of Rawalpindi has been attacked by a group of unidentified people, according to a complaint registered by the police.

The incident occurred at Purana Qila area of the city on Saturday when 10 to 15 people stormed the temple at about 7.30 pm and damaged the main door and another door at the upper storey as well as the staircase, according to a complaint made to police.

Dawn newspaper reported that the security officer of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Northern Zone, Syed Raza Abbas Zaidi, lodged an FIR at Banni police station of Rawalpindi, saying that the construction and renova-

celebrating your Birthday 8 Decades of memories (Struggles, Responsibilities, Happiness, Love, Wisdom, Laughter) 1Amazing Wife 8 Wonderful Children 23 Incredible Grandchildren 1Blessed Octogenarian

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(MARCH 30, 1940) Blessed are those who have a father and lucky are those who have one like you.

Dearest Dad, We are grateful to be able to grow with you, like the shade of a tree, you are our life’s Canopy.

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY DEAREST DAD Loving Wife , Children, Grandchildren, son in laws, Daughter in laws

OFFICE OF THE LONGDOH LIYONG KHUM (LLK) LONGKHIM, TUENSANG : 798616

FELICITATION

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We the Longdoh Liyong Khum (LLK) extend our heartfelt congratulations to Shri. Sashi Naga Sangtam for being elected to as President, Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and his entire colleagues. We have a highly confidence that under his commitment and dedicated leadership, our ENPO’s task and responsibility would take to a better height and brighter future.

We further extend our deepest compliments towards all his new team a sound health.

Tongpi Sangtam Imkong Sangtam Executive Chairman G. Secretary Lirise Village, LLK Chimonger Village, LLK

With immense pride and joy, the Shena (Old) Tughalomi Kughakulu (SOTK) extends our heartiest congratulations to Dr. Sheto Sumi, D/o S.K. Hekishe Achumi and Mrs. Hetoli Achumi for successfully completing her MBBS from North Bengal Medical College, Siliguri, Darjeeling.

SOTKK further wishes her the best and success in all her future endeavour.

Er. Ghoshito Achumi Chairman, SOTK

OFFICE OF THE

Shri. Shetovi Kits Secy., SOTK

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Sangstha, the female wing of Jamaat, and Islamic shadow organizations (including women and children), had entered Dhaka.

The leaders and workers of Jamaat-e-Islami who came from out of Dhaka were divided into three groups.

According to their plan, the first group including Shibir, student wing of Jamaat, would join different anti-Modi programmes, the intelligence report revealed.

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tion against the people who had caused damage to the temple and its sanctity.

Earlier, the encroachment mafia had occupied the surroundings of the temple over a long time by making shops and kiosks. The district administration assisted by the police recently removed all encroachments.

VIKAHO ZEHOL

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tion work on the temple had been going on for the last one month. He said there were some encroachments in front of the temple which were removed on March 24.

However, religious rites have not been started in the temple nor were there any idol or any other worship item. He sought legal ac-

80 YEARS

B’desh intel report warned of violence during Modi’s visit

DHAKA, MAR 29 (IANS): Two days prior to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dhaka last week, a report issued by the Bangladesh intelligence said that there were extensive preparations of bloodshed and massive attacks on police, media and government establishments.

The report said that the outlawed Jamaat-eIslami paid huge amounts of money to stage massive attacks so that the Sheikh Hasina-led government would be questioned over the law and order situation during the visit of Modi which took place from March 26-27.

It also recommended to conduct raids in all residential hotels owned by leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam.

“If necessary, some arrests have to be made.

Jamaat-owned real estate, hospitals, insurance, madrasas, commercial buildings should be searched. Asking to close all business establishments. Involve all those in charge of law and order in the formation in which the police are deployed during the two-day strike,” it said.

The report further said that the of Jamaat-e-Islam, the ISI paid militant organization, asked to move 60 per cent of their followers to the capital Dhaka in view of Modi’s visit. As a result, members of Islami Chhatri

Women walk past a Hindu temple, that was vandalized by a group of assailants, in Rawalpindi, March 29. (AP/PTI)

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CAIRO, MAR 29 (IANS): A massive container ship which had blocked the Suez Canal since March 23 has been freed and refloated, maritime service provider Inchcape Shipping said on Monday.

The Panama-flagged ship, Ever Given, had veered off its course in a single-lane stretch of the canal during a sandstorm.

“The MV Ever Given was successfully re-floated at 4.3 a.m.. She is being secured at the moment,” Inchcape Shipping tweeted. The high tide on Sunday night helped to free the ship, the service provider indicated.

The vital waterway is expected to be ready to resume traffic by 11 a.m. (local time), an Egyptian presidential advisor on the Suez Canal projects said on Monday, according to the Dubai-based television CNBC Arabia TV. So far, there has been no official confirmation from the state Suez Canal Authority (SCA).

Online footage showed the vessel repositioned.

Ten giant tug boats were engaged in “pulling manoeuvres” to refloat the vessel, (SCA) head

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021

A SPORTS ASSOCIATION AKULUTO VK AREA

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WORDS OF GRATITUDE The Sports Association Akuluto VK Area with pride and honor would like to express our special thanks and gratitude to those who supported us financially, materially and with prayers during the 13th Sumi Hoho Trophy organized by Sumi Games & Sports Association held from 17th March to 25th March 2021 at Aghunato Town.

The SAAVKA would like to put on record its appreciation and acknowledge for their immense support namely: 1. Shri Kazheto Kinimi, Honorable Advisor CAWD & NSDMA, Govt. of Nagaland.

2. Shri Imsen Perong Jamir, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Akuluto.

3. Shri Akihito Zhimo, President, SGSA. 4. Dr Sukhai Zhimo, MO PHC Akuluto.

5. Shri Zhukheto Kiho, PS to Honorable’ Advisor.

6. Shri Hokato Aye, PS to Honorable Advisor.

7. Shri Katoshe Kinimi, Akuluto.

8. Shri Tokaho Kinimi.

9. Miss Toliho Labo.

10. Shri Kitoka Assumi , Aghunato Town.

11. Smti Tovili Achumi, Aghunato Town.

12. Shri Kakugha.H.Achumi, Aghunato Town 13. Shri Inavi Yeptho (Retd SDO Electrical) Aghunato town.

14. ESSA, Aghunato.

15. SDO (Power), Akuluto.

Vikheho Achumi Inaka Nihoshe Assumi President, SAAVKA General Secretary, SAAVKA

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021

Nagaland cricket skipper to join France beat Kazakh; Germany tops Group J English club Morecambe CC 2022 QATAR FIFA World Cup qualifying

B E R L I N, M A R 2 9 (AGENCIES): Ousmane Dembele inspired France to a 2-0 victory over Kazakhstan on Sunday in their second match in World Cup qualifying Group D. Four days after being held 1-1 by Ukraine at the Stade de France, the world champions built their win in the first half with Sergiy Maliy’s own goal adding to Dembele’s opener before Kylian Mbappe missed a second-half penalty.

France moved top of the standings with four points, ahead of Bosnia, who they face away on Wednesday, Ukraine and Finland, who drew 1-1 on Sunday. Kazakhstan have zero points after playing their first game of the campaign.

Only captain Hugo Lloris and Antoine Griezmann remained from the team who started against Ukraine, with the Barcelona forward setting a new record of 45 consecutive starts for Les Bleus.

He beat the previous mark of Patrick Vieira, who started 44 games in a row between 1999 and 2002.

Les Bleus doubled the lead on the stroke of half-

France teammates celebrate Ousmane Dembele’s goal against Kazakhstan.

time when Maliy, who had just denied Martial, headed a cross into his own net.

Germany maintained their perfect start in 2022 World Cup qualifying after an early Serge Gnabry goal gave them a 1-0 win over Romania in Group J on Sunday although they missed a string of chances against the home side.

The result left the Germans top of the group on six points from two games ahead of Armenia on goal difference before their next match at home to North Macedonia on Wednesday.

Armenia, who beat

Iceland 2-0 earlier on Sunday courtesy of goals from Khoren Bayramyan and Tigran Barseghyan, are at home to Romania on Wednesday while Iceland visit Lichtenstein in the group’s other fixture.

Meanwhile, Sweden secured a routine 3-0 win against Kosovo in Pristina with goals from Ludwig Augustinsson, Alexander Isak and a penalty from Sebastian Larsson.

Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Poland also eased to a 3-0 victory over Andorra. taly’s Andrea Belotti

and Manuel Locatelli secured a 2-0 win over Bulgaria on Sunday to make it two wins from two in Group C at the start of their side’s 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Italy struggled to break down the hosts in the first half despite dominating possession but took the lead with a penalty won and converted by Belotti two minutes before the break.

There were few second-half chances but the visitors put the seal on a fifth successive win - without conceding in that run - eight minutes from time

thanks to Locatelli’s fine finish.

Spain striker Dani Olmo snatched a 2-1 win away to Georgia in their World Cup Qualifier on Sunday with a stoppagetime strike from outside the area to kick-start his side’s efforts to qualify for Qatar 2022 after a sluggish start.

Georgia thrilled the 15,000 fans in the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena when 20-year-old winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired them ahead two minutes before halftime after his side had coasted past a passive visiting defence.

Spain were on course for their first defeat in a World Cup Qualifier in 28 years until Ferran Torres levelled in the 56th, sliding in to send a Jordi Alba cross into the roof of the net after Alvaro Morata had failed to connect with the ball.

Meanwhile, Denmark turned on the style as they thrashed hapless Moldova 8-0 in their World Cup Qualifier on Sunday to top Group F, with Kasper Dolberg and Mikkel Damsgaard both scoring twice against the nation ranked 177th in the world.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 29 (NPN): Nagaland cricket team skipper Jonathan Rongsen is all set to join the an English club Morecambe Cricket Club (MCC), Lancashire (UK).

Speaking to Nagaland Post, Jonathan, who is currently in Delhi awaiting his visa clearance, said he will be playing for the club for one season. During his stay in the United Kingdom for about five months, Jonathan will also be coaching junior players.

The club also announced the “signing of a new professional Rongsen Jonathan for the 2021 sea-

Jonathan Rongsen

son... as a replacement for Mitchel Van Buuren.”

Besides being a Ranji player for the State, the Nagaland cricket captain was sold for a whopping amount of Rs. 6 lakh to

Bengaluru Blasters during the Karnataka Premier League (KPL) 2019 auctions. He was the third most expensive player during the auction and also the costliest Pool B player.

Jonathan, who hails from Akhoya village under Mokokchung district, also became the first Naga cricketer to score a century in first class cricket. He scored the century against Bihar in the 7th round of the Ranji Trophy in Patna in December 25, 2018.

According to ESPNcricinfo, in his first class cricket career, Jonathan had scored a total of 697 runs in 22 innings with a century and six half centuries.

Marcelo fined for Covid travel violation

Madrid, Mar 29 (IANS): Real Madrid defender Marcelo faces a fine for breaking the travel restrictions currently in place to halt the spread of Covid-19 after the Valencian regional government confirmed it had opened an investigation into him on Monday. The confirmation came shortly after the player posted a photo of himself and his family at the Malvarrosa beach in Valencia on social media, Xinhua news reported.

The current travel restrictions mean it is prohibited for a resident in Madrid to leave the Comunidad de Madrid. All entry in the Comunidad Valenciana from other parts of

Spain is also forbidden. For the Real Madrid player to take a family photo at a beach in Valencia, he must have done both. Sources in the Valencian government have described Marcelo’s behavior as “showing a lack of solidarity” and “anti-social”.

According to the current regulations, fines for breaking travel restrictions range from 60 to 600 euros. The defender and his family also face another fine for their behaviour, given that none of them are wearing facemasks in the photo, and failure to wear a facemask outdoors is penalized with a fine of 100 euros.

Medvedev reaches 3rd round of Miami Open Overseas athletes may take part in Oly test events

MIAMI, MAR 29 (IANS): Top seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia needed two tie-breaks over more than two-and-a-half hours to overcome an inspired Alexei Popyrin of Australia 7-6 (3), 6-7 (7), 6-4 in the t h i r d round of the Miami Open men’s singles. “ I t ’ s probably one of the sweetest victories in my career because I was cramping like hell in the third set,” Medvedev said, Xinhua news reports.

“At the same time, I should have won in two sets and we would not be talking about cramping. But anyway, we have the result on the board and I’m happy that I managed to go through all the difficulties of this definitely crazy match,” added Medvedev, who failed to convert

three match points in the second set after taking a 5-2 lead.

Elsewhere, John Isner of the United States defeated Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) while seventh seed Roberto Bautista of Spain came from behind against Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

In women’s singles, Ja p a n e s e s t a r

T O K YO, M A R 2 9 (AGENCIES): International athletes could be invited to participate in test events before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games this summer, organisers said on Monday.

The events will be a dress rehearsal in how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as organisers host an international sports event during a global pandemic.

“At the moment we are currently gauging how many athletes would like to participate in the test events... We will coordinate with the government once we can confirm those numbers,” senior Tokyo 2020 official Yasuo Mori told reporters.

Test events for five competitions, including

Naomi Osaka advanced to the fourth round for the first time in her career when qualifier Nina Stojanovic of Serbia withdrew with a right thigh injury.

In women’s doubles, Chinese players Zhang Shuai and Xu Yifan lost to Poland’s Iga Swiatek and US player Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the round of 16.

track and field and the marathon, could involve foreign athletes participating, the organisers said.

Asked what Tokyo 2020 would do with the test events if there were another wave of coronavirus infections, Games Delivery Officer Hidemasa Nakamura said they were “inextricably linked with

the domestic and local coronavirus situation.”

Tokyo 2020 is planning 18 test events before the Games begin on July 23. Test events for skateboarding and shooting were this month postponed from April until May because of the pandemic’s impact on scheduling.

The Olympic Torch

relay started last week, with bystanders asked to stay masked, stand apart and clap instead of cheer for torchbearers as organisers try to ease public safety concerns.

Tokyo 2020 organisers have banned international spectators from attending the Games. The decision appeared to be received positively by the Japanese public, with 85% in favour according to a poll by daily Asahi Shimbun published last week.

The same poll also suggested that people were still wary of holding the event this summer, with 36% preferring another postponement, 33% an outright cancellation, and 27% saying the Olympics should be held as planned.

Hamilton ready for epic F1 Federer is brand ambassador Kohli becomes 3rd captain to lead for Swiss tourism board India in 200 international matches title fight with Verstappen

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, winner, celebrates with Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of Netherlands on the podium after the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix, Sunday. (AP/PTI)

SAKHIR (BAHRAIN), MAR 29 (IANS): The Formula One season promises to be an exciting one after world champion Lewis Hamilton barely held off Max Verstappen on Sunday in Bahrain.

It will take some time to judge whether Verstappen’s Red Bull team are really capable of dethroning Hamilton’s Mercedes outfit after seven years at the top but they seem to have a car that can finally give Mercedes a real fight until the end.

“There is a long way to go, 22 (races) ... Holy crap! I will be grey by the end of this,” Hamilton said, DPA news reports. Verstappen meanwhile considered: “we’ll have 22 more opportunities to do better.

“We have to look at the positives, we are taking the fight to Mercedes and I think that’s great, it’s good to start the season this way,” the Dutchman added.

Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff said: “We have a real fight on our hands - and we’re all excited about the prospect of a really close battle for these championships.”

The next duel comes on April 18 at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, and Hamilton vowed he wants to prove again that he can also win races while not having the best car.

“We’ve got to do better, we’ve got to be smarter and how we navigate through our weekends with the fact that we don’t have the fastest car at the moment but that’s

all good for me, I don’t mind having to pull out extra in order to make the difference,” he said.

Red Bull had the faster car all weekend in Bahrain just as in pre-season training, but team tactics and the experience of the 36-year-old seven-time champion made the difference in the end.

British paper The Guardian said that “Hamilton delivered an emphatic and salutary reminder that if Max Verstappen is to wrest the title from the champion’s grasp he will be fought every inch of the way.”

The 23-year-old Dutchman actually managed to get past Hamilton in an exciting finale but exceeded track limits and had to hand the position back to the Briton who then held on to win.

PA S E L ( S W I T Z E R LAND), MAR 29 (IANS): Tennis great Roger Federer has become an official brand ambassador for Switzerland Tourism (ST), the country’s national tourism board.

“Roger Federer and Switzerland Tourism will together develop initiatives to promote Switzerland globally. The support is much needed at this time, emerging from the biggest tourism crisis since the Second World War,” said the board in a statement on Monday.

A series of visuals and short clips will showcase Roger Federer “being energised by Swiss nature”.

“Communication activities will begin throughout the month of April with a focus on European cities followed by the USA and Asia Pacific, specifically India. (Federer) will present

Roger Federer

his preferred places, Swiss highlights as well as hidden gems,” said ST. Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, was born in Basel, the thirdmost populous city in Switzerland, and lives in the northern municipality of Bottmingen.

“I have been all over the world. My favourite place has always remained Switzerland. It’s the country I miss the most, when I’m travelling,” said Federer.

NEW DELHI, MAR 29 (IANS): Virat Kohli has become the third captain to lead India in 200 international matches.

Kohli, who became India’s captain in all formats of the game in January 2017, led India for the 200th time on Sunday in the third ODI against England. He thus joins his predecessor MS Dhoni and Mohammad Azharuddin as the only players to have led India in 200 international matches.

While Azharuddin had led India in 221 matches, Dhoni led India in 332 matches. Dhoni retired from Test cricket in December 2014 after which Kohli became India’s captain in the longest format of the game.

Dhoni then resigned from limited overs captaincy in January 2017, thus handing over the reins to Kohli in all formats, before eventually from international cricket in August 2020.

Azhar uddin, meanwhile, had succeeded Krishnamachari Srikanth in 1989 u n t i l 1999.

India move to 7th on ICC WC Super League standings NEW DELHI, MAR 29 (IANS): India moved up to seventh position on the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League standings after their seven-run win over England in the third ODI. The victory helped India seal a 2-1 win over England in the series.

Despite the loss, Eng- team in the standings with played nine matches in land remain the top-ranked 40 points. England have the league out of which

they have won four and lost five. India, on the other hand, have played six matches, winning three and losing as many. While England are on 40 points, India are on 29.

The Super League started on July 30, 2020 with England’s threematch series against Ireland. It includes the 12 full members of the ICC along with the Netherlands,

who won the 2015-17 ICC World Cricket League Championship to qualify for the competition.

Teams that finish within the top eight will gain automatic qualification for the 2023 World Cup which is scheduled to be held in India. Since India are the hosts, they have already gained automatic qualification but are a part of the league anyhow.

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