March 31, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXX No. 114

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Migrant workers hosed down with chlorine

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NATIONAL, PAGE 7

No plan to extend lockdown: Govt

NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (PTI): Centre on Monday said that there was no immediate plan to extend the 21-day lockdown amid fears that shutdown of businesses across the country to counter the spread of coronavirus may trigger severe economic and social distress.

The clarification by cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba came after hundreds of thousands of migrant labourers undertook long journeys from major urban centres on foot to their homes in the last five days, reflecting their struggle for survival due to job losses following the lockdown.

Centre has already directed states to make arrangements for shelter and food for the migrant workers.

In a tweet, the government’s Press Information Bureau said: “There are rumours & media reports, claiming that the Government will extend the #Lockdown21 when it expires. The Cabinet Secretary has denied these reports, and stated that they are baseless.�

Govt says, no community spread of COVID-19 in India, lockdown helped: India is still in the local transmission stage of the

DDVCCA reacts to F&CS deptt’s stand

DIMAPUR, MAR 30 (NPN): Expressing dissatisfaction with the Food & Civil Supplies (F&CS) department’s clarification on why priority household (PHH) agents were directed to deposit three-month advance money, the Dimapur District Village Council Chairman Association (DDVCCA) said that it was not convinced by the “excuse� that “enough quantity should be available�. DDVCCA president I Khekuto Wilson and secretary Vitho Zao termed as “most unexpected� the department’s statement that “lockdown imposed by the Centre has become a huge burden for a state like Nagaland which imported commodities from outside� as the department had been on that job since inception of statehood.

DDVCCA expressed surprise that beneficiaries were asked to deposit advance cost when Union Finance Minister had clearly declared that states could lift PDS grains for three months on credit. “We also fail to understand why F&CS has appointed stockist at district and state level..?� it questioned. DDVCCA said it would duly abide by the directive after receiving clarification on the issue since the department has evaded and not clarified.

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coronavirus pandemic, the government said today, responding to questions about a health ministry document that said the country was currently in “local transmission and limited community transmission phase.� “Nowhere are we calling it community transmission. We are still in the local transmission stage. If we use the word ‘community’ then there is speculation,�

said Luv Agarwal of the Indian Council of Medical Research. “Kindly allow us to use the word community but not in the context you have interpreted. Our country is in the local transmission stage,� the official stressed.

Sunday evening, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had released a document detailing SOPs for transporting a sus-

pected case of coronavirus or COVID-19. “This SOP is applicable to the current phase of COVID-19 pandemic in India (local transmission and limited community transmission),� the document said, the words in the bracket sending speculation soaring. Of the four stages, Stage 1 is when cases are imported from affected countries. Only those who travelled abroad test positive.

The government says India is still on Stage 2, when there is local transmission from infected persons. Stage 3 or community transmission is when a patient not exposed to any infected person or one who has not travelled to any of the affected countries tests positive.

The country has been on total lockdown since last Tuesday in an attempt to arrest the rapid spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, Union Home Ministry said the death toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 32 and the number of total positive cases to 1,263 as on Monday 9.30 p.m., up from 1,024 positive cases.

No COVID-19 cases in State so far: Govt All 22 samples test negative Correspondent

KO H I M A , M A R 3 0 (NPN): Even as the country has been witnessing rise in COVID-19 cases with 32 deaths on Monday, much to the relief of the citizens, there has been no COVID-19 positive case in Nagaland so far as all the 22 samples recently sent to various government assigned laboratories have tested negative.

Informing this during a briefing here at NSDMA State Level Control Centre, Kezieke, Monday, principal secretary and Home commissioner Abhijit Sinha said that results of all the 22 samples sent for testing for COVID-19 by Health & Family department had been received and all had tested negative.

Sinha also informed that altogether 4,096 individuals, including students, who had returned from outside the State since March 6 had self-reported to their respective district surveillance teams. Of these, he said 3,594 were presently under home quarantine and 502 had already completed their home quarantine period.

He also mentioned that 2,364 persons had selfregistered in the ncovid-19 Nagaland app with completed details. However, 1,099 of them had still not completed providing their full details. He urged those who had entered the State after March 6 to self-register in the app by providing full details.

Ea rlier, Na g ala nd Governor RN Ravi carried out a detailed review meeting to assess the evolving situation in the State in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic with director general of police (DGP), home

principal secretary, health & family welfare principal secretary and other senior State government officials.

Sinha said the governor provided some valuable suggestions on improving the preparedness level of the health department, keeping the morale of health workers high, looking after the welfare of citizens stranded outside the State, feeding of daily wage earners and many other important issues.

The principal secretary claimed that the State continued to have sufficient stocks of essential goods and commodities, even as he thanked each and everyone for their continued adherence to the measures imposed for enforcing lockdown besides urging everyone to stay at home except for buying food and other essential commodities. Maintaining social distancing was the need of the hour, he reiterated.

nagalandpostofďŹ cial nagalandpostofďŹ cial

Timings for shopping in Dmu changed DIMAPUR, MAR 30 (NPN): Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Anoop Kinchi, in partial modification of the March 24, 2020 order, with a view to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to have more effective monitoring system, has asked all retail shops selling essential commodities under Dimapur to keep their shops open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. only. The public has been informed to do their shopping during the specified timing.

However, pharmacies and medical stores will remain open from 9 a.m. till normal business hours.

In another order, DC in partial modification of the March 24 order has directed all wholesalers in Dimapur to open from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. only .

The DC further stated that the order will come into effect from April 1, 2020 and any person violating the order will be liable as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC.

ANTA serves 3-day ultimatum on govt DIMAPUR, MAR 30 (NPN): All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) has served a three-day ultimatum on the state government to look into the grievances of its drivers all over Nagaland, failing which all taxi drivers would initiate non-cooperation move throughout the State. In a press release, ANTA president Vibasetuo Solo warned that the taxi drivers, who were daily wagers, were being “forced to go hungry� with their families and were losing their hopes in the present government.

Stating that the drivers were losing both ways, ANTA said they were “dying of hunger at home with the lockdown and fear of dying outside of the Virus.�

Reminding that the taxis had been cooperative in following government order, association said it had stopped all its members from operation till the lockdown was lifted.

IAF ies medical supplies to Nagaland

Medical supplies transported by IAF and state ofďŹ cials with the IAF personnel, Monday. (DIPR/Ababe)

was airlifted from Delhi to meet the State health & family welfare department and National State Disaster Management Authority’s (NSDMA) requirements.

After offloading the consignment, the IAF aircraft flew to Imphal to deliver five tonnes of similar equipments for Manipur.

The airlift support operation was possible because of close coordination among the State govern-

ment, Dimapur-based IAF project office, IAF Eastern Air Command headquarters at Shillong, IAF headquarters at New Delhi, Union Ministry of Defence and deputy resident commissioner, Nagaland House at New Delhi. Following the delivery of the consignment, the State government extended its gratitude to IAF for carrying out the task as requested during the critical hour.

WSH demands complete lockdown in Dimapur

Dmu Police appeal citizens to restrict movements in town

DIMAPUR, MAR 30 (NPN): In order to ensure effectiveness of the lockdown, Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) has demanded that the state authorities “impose a total lockdown of Dimapur town immediately before the COVID-19 bomb explodes here and wipe out the Naga population.�

WSH through its media cell, has expressed shock at the spectacle of “mad rush and panic buying� in Dimapur on March 30 where thousands of people thronged market places and streets. The Hoho termed the scene as a “sign of stupidity and insanity� at a time when enough guidelines were issued after which public were supposed to be disciplined and act responsibly against spread of coronavirus.

WSH said the pres(Cont’d on p-8) ent policy of imposing

lockdown only for few hours in the early morning and afternoon hours “ has become completely meaningless and futile� since relaxed hours every day result in “mad rush of panic buying� by most people.

WSH said in view of the relaxation on a daily basis by the district administration, the lockdown has “completely lost its meaning.�

Rooting for complete lockdown, WSH said when entire nations and most advanced countries were brought down on their knees by “this dreaded pandemic�, Nagaland with its limited resources and manpower can only fight back when all are equally responsible individually by maintain social distancing and remaining indoors in their homes.

DIMAPUR, MAR 30 (NPN): Dimapur Police has once again appealed to the citizens of the district to restrain themselves from unnecessary movement in the market areas, unless it was for the purpose of buying of essential items only.

In a press note, Addl.

DCP Crime & PRO Dimapur police advised that during such unprecedented circumstances, public should instead cultivate new social habits such as reviewing the routine habit of daily shopping through maintenance of a basic and simple meal regime.

PRO reminded that the temporary restrictions currently imposed in Nagaland by the state government was for ensuring safety of every individual. It is also the bounden responsibility of all to extend cooperation in this critical time, PRO (Cont’d on p-8) stated.

While welcoming constructive criticism and also admitting certain shortcomings, PRO said the district force was currently performing its duty with all due diligence in the frontline of Dimapur Naga Stu- this pandemic outbreak. dents’ Union (DNSU) expressed its displeasure at the huge public gatherings LONGLENG, MAR 30: witnessed here on Monday Apropos news item “Lonfor buying essential com- gleng residents panic as modities without maintain- Jorhat put curbs� published ing social distancing as per on March 30, it is to clarify the directive of the State that there is sufficient stock government. of essential commodities In a release by its me- for public consumption in dia cell, the union said it was Longleng. Also there had utterly surprised to witness been no restriction imposed free flow of public without on movement of Longleng maintaining proper social bound trucks by Jorhatdistancing of one metre and based volunteers. There is questioned who was respon- also no shortage of water sible for it, the public or the as Longleng town has sufgovernment. ficient natural source and DNSU also asked not dependent on others principal secretary and including Jorhat. The erhome commissioner Ab- rors in the report was due to hijit Sinha whether he had miscommunication with the consulted the stakehold- concern district authorities ers or just issued order and the district task force for for relaxation during the COVID-19 is regretted.

(Correspondent, Longleng) (Cont’d on p-8)

Chaos, commotion as residents throng market in Dimapur

(L-R) Snarled-up trafďŹ c near Dhobinala Jn and a large number of people seen at Naga Bazaar, Old Market, Dimapur, Monday. (NP/DNSU)

Staff Reporter

K Y M C

INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

DIMAPUR, MAR 30 (NPN): Much to the relief of the State government, critical medical supplies related to COVID-19 finally arrived Dimapur airport from Delhi on Monday in an Indian Air Force (IAF) C130 J Super Hercules heavy-lift aircraft.

The 8-tonne consignment, which included ventilators, personal protective equipments, masks, (More on p-8) gloves, hand sanitisers, etc,

This is it!

“Here they are. We’ll tell them we’re not carrying cash due to coronavirus.�

Spanish coronavirus cases overtake China

DIMAPUR, MAR 30 (NPN): As the 21-day nationwide lockdown entered its fifth day, the town witnessed huge chaos and commotion on Monday with unusually high volume of traffic on the road and serpentine queues outside grocery stores as panicked

residents thronged market places to shore up stock of essential commodities at homes.

This followed after the Dimapur district administration had allowed shops selling essential commodities to remain open from 8 am to 2 pm to cater to the needs of the residents. However, even after the order and as-

surance from authorities that sufficient food stocks were available, residents rushed to markets to stock essential items, leading to long queues outside grocery stores and traffic jams on the roads, everyone breaching the code of social distancing.

Although the police had blocked the roads, jittery residents, crowded the streets

and prominent junctions like the Holy Cross junction, Dhobinala and New Market areas were packed with frenzied crowds.

Some of the stores were so crowded that entries had to be temporarily halted.

People gobbled down food in the stores itself without buying it, while some entered in heated exchange

outside over parking spots and shoving one another inside the stores for whatever they could get their hands on.

Many frustrated traffic and police personnel on duty were seen struggling to maintain traffic congestion and people on the road.

Meanwhile, when contacted over the commotion, deputy commissioner Dimapur Anoop Khinchi told Nagaland Post over telephone that due to rumours that went viral that the shops would remain open only for two hours, people started panicking and thronged the markets, leading to the chaos. He claimed that the situation was brought under control after two to three hours. Kinchi mentioned that the police, along with district administration officials, brought the situation under control.

DNSU concerned

Corrigendum

K Y M C

state

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

More directives, appeals for citizens with regard to COVID-19

MS of Wokha district Dr. Tumchobeni Kikon along with medical staff in her office chamber.

DIMAPUR: During day-five of nationwide lockdown, Nagaland government and other organisations continue to give directives and appeals to the citizens to stay at home and take preventive measures against possible infiltration of COVID-19.

Home Commr reiterates exemption list: In compliance with the Union Home Ministry order, to avoid any ambiguity at the ground level, state Home commissioner Abhijit Sinha has issued clarifications to all DCs to take note of the exemption list.

Transportation of all goods, without distinction of essential and non-essential, ‘pension’ includes pension and provident fund services provided

by Employees Provident Fund Organization, services of Indian Red Cross Society, groceries include hygiene products such as hand washes, soaps, disinfectants, body wash, shampoos, surface cleaners, detergents and tissue papers, toothpaste/ oral care, sanitary pads and diapers, battery cells, chargers etc.

Entire supply chain of milk collection and distribution, including its packaging material is allowed. Newspaper delivery supply chain under print media.

Use of SDRF for homeless people, including migrant labourers, stranded due to lockdown measures, and sheltered in the relief camps and other places for providing them food etc., for the containment of spread of Covid19 virus.

Additional measures to stop the movement of migrants and providing them with quarantine facilities, shelters, food etc., and ensuring payment of wages and non-eviction by their landlords.

Further, Sinha said

that the items/activities exempted from the purview of the lockdown includes-Agencies engaged in procurement of agriculture products including MSP operations, ‘mandis’ operated by the agriculture product market committee or as notified by the state government, shops of fertilizers, farming operations by farmers and farm workers in the field, custom hiring centers (CHC) related to farm machinery, manufacturing and packaging units of fertilizers, pesticides and seeds, intra and inter-state movement of harvesting and sowing related machines like combined harvester and other agriculture/horticulture implements.

All DCs have been asked to implement the above instructions in their respective districts.

DC Mokokchung issues order: Deputy commissioner (DC) Mokokchung has issued an order to be enforced in the district with immediate effect on March 30.

The order stated that all the employees, be it in the industry or in the shops and commercial establishments shall make payment of wages of their workers, at their work places, on the due date without any deduction, for the period their establishments are under closure during the lockdown.

Order further added that some organization/ NGOs have taken the task of humanitarian act of distributing food to the daily wage earners, migrant workers, people in distress etc and these organization/NGOs should carry out their activities in collaboration with the district administration so that proper food safety regulations and social distancing is maintained. Order also cautioned that any persons/group acting in

violation shall be deemed to have committed an offense punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

DC Kohima informs: DC Kohima Gregory Thejawelie has informed that the following undermentioned items/activities are also exempted from the purview of the lockdown measures to ensure and to encourage agricultural farming activities in the district: Agencies engaged in procurement of agriculture products, including MSP operations; “Mandis” operated by the agriculture product market committee or as notified by the state government; Shops of fertilizers; Farming operations by farmers and farm workers in the field; Custom hiring centre (CHC) related to farm machinery; Manufacturing and packaging units of fertilizers, pesticides and seeds; Intra and inter-state movement of harvesting and sowing related machines like combined harvester and other agriculture horticulture implements.

DC informed that the additional guideline above will come into force with immediate effect.

ADC Aboi informs on helpline contact numbers: ADC Aboi under Mon district has informed that a control room/helpdesk is hereby set up for Aboi sub-division.

The helpline contact number can be reached to access information with regard to issues listed here: Essentail commodities at 8974487678; Vehicles pass at 8730939105; Relief for stranded labourer/daily wage earners from other states and any medical/ quarantine centre information at 8119961352.

DC Zunheboto notifies on essential commodities: DC has passed the following order with

Staff of CHC Changtongya holding up a message to the general public. (DIPR)

immediate effect in Zunheboto district: For the general public not more than 25 kgs of rice (any brand) shall be sold per customer/family by the business establishment dealing with essential commodities; All shops/ groceries dealing with essential commodities in the district have been required to maintain a minimum buffer stock of 30 bags of rice, 10 bags of salt and 100 kgs of dal at their disposal.

This minimum buffer stock can only be used for the needy and only in any event of an emergency on the express sanction of the district administration.

In case of any violations found, that is, any cases of illegal hoarding, black marketing, unjustified escalation in the commodity prices and failure to maintain a minimum buffer stock of the items specified, necessary legal action shall be taken as per the penal provision of essential commodities act.

NPCC forms communication and coordination committee: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has informed that Capt Gk Zhimomi, general secretary of NPCC i/c of media has been designated as chairman communication and coordination.

The chairman has been assigned to: Coordinate with AICC, all 37 Pradesh Cong ress committees, all NPCC officials and members to organize help and relief for Nagaland’s stranded students, employees and citizens stationed elsewhere in the nation and abroad; Coordinate with DCCs and Frontals to organize help and relief for stranded tourists, students including foreign students and daily wage earners; Take up issues of racial discrimination against

Nagaland’s citizens on appropriate platforms; Coordinate with the rural districts particularly in matters of civil supplies and medical needs; Coordinate with administration in the state and districts.

CPO appeals villages: Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) has extended its support to all frontline workers, to doctors & nurses, administrators and security personnel and other agencies engaged in yeomen job working round the clock.

In a press release, CPO president Mikha Kenye and general secretary, Veduvo Rhakho has urged the government to provide every adequate measure and sufficient necessary required equipments to the frontline workers and person who are manning border check gates.

CPO appreciates the church bodies, other groups and individuals for helping the needy in cash and goods and also thanked the believers in Christ for their continuous prayer support.

CPO also acknowledged the legislators of Phek district for timely intervention in donating essential equipments to all its health centres of the constituencies. While cautioning the people not to panic, the CPO urged them to place trust and faith in God and to stay at home and be safe.

CPO further requested villages to be very cautious as they enforce resolutions and orders in order to avoid any counterproductive elements especially at the check gates.

They are to keep in close co-ordination with the concern govt authorities for travel passage in state and national high ways.

NSUD: Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD), the apex body of all Nagas in Delhi and

Water supply provided to residents of Pfutsero town

People queue up to collect water from the supply truck at Pfutsero town. (NP) Correspondent KO H I M A , M A R 3 0 (NPN): The administration of Pfutsero under additional deputy commissioner, the Kalos SociK Y M C

ety and colony volunteers supplied water to those families facing shortage of water due to ongoing nationwide lockdown at Pfutsero town under Phek district on Monday.

Kalos Society director Kupelhi Losou said that they will continue to make the water accessible to the denizens till the lockdown is over.

Meanwhile, Kalos

Society made a fervent appeal to the people to continue to pray, to help, to serve and be kind to one another at this time of emergency.

It also acknowledged

Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs minister Neiba Kronu for extending all the financial assistance towards the cause and welfare of the public.

NCR informed that its executives have been receiving many distressed calls on a daily basis from s t r a n d e d c o m mu n i t y members. A press release from NSUD executive council stated that, the stranded included sick people, hospital patient and emergency cases from across the country.

NSUD has been coordinating and assisting with the help of SPUNER Team Delhi Police and well-wishers taking high risk amidst the epidemic COVID-19. NSUD stated that one of its biggest challenge is the inability to maintain daily food and safety due to financial problems which are likely to continue.

NSUD stated that in order to prevent and take precautions it was in urgent requirement of physical, mental and financial assistance. Therefore while appreciating the individual who have been supporting the union through thick and thin, the NSUD would also welcome any individual who would extend support and assistance in any possible manner for community members in Delhi & NCR. For any assistance and support, contact the NSUD executive council or your financial contribution can be made through Paytm or Google pay@7838267717.

AKM urges citizens to cooperate: Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) has called upon all the citizens to cooperate with government directives as this exercise was not a rehearsal but indeed a reality. A press release from AKM president Nungdokyanger and general secretary, Nekmi Longkumer appealed to all concerned to be vigilant and act with caution and to join hands together to

overcome this situation.

AKM also informed students to be industrious in their studies and not to be swayed away by holiday mood even during such times.

AKM also affirmed to keep its door wide open to serve in any manner in cooperation with state government directive and order, while also urging all the officials, eespecially those in outpost to be at their designated posting place.

Wokha district receives PPEs: Wokha district medical team received PPEs from Health and Family Welfare department Nagaland as part of COVID-19 preparedness. The Wokha medical team led by MS, Dr. Tumchobeni Kikon and other doctors and staff are also taking all necessary precautions for combating the COVID-19.

CHC Changtongya: As a way of precaution for any eventuality, the senior medical officer and staff of CHC Changtongya have requested the general public to stay at home safe. According to DIPR report, the CHC also asked public to contact their official helpline in relation to COVID-19 at 9366441566/8974700446.

NDPP Zunheboto: NDPP Zunheboto in view of the prevailing situation is in constant contact and coordinating with the district administration and the various committees that have been formed. A press release from NDPP Zunheboto region president, Khehoshe H. Yeptho and general secretary, P. Hutovi Awomi stated that, the rank and file of the region/district shall volunteer and contribute within capacity any task that needed attention and assistance. It also launded the PDA government for the preparedness at hand

on the isolation wards and procurement of medicines and equipments. It also appreciated the PDA legislators for pooling their resources and taking care of their own constituencies in cash and kind.

NDPP Zunheboto also epressed gratitude to DC and his administrative colleagues, SP and his units, doctors, nurses and staffs under the CMO and HM District Hospital, Sumi Hoho, STH, ZCCI, ZTYO, Green Club, ZRSU and various other NGOs and departments involved.

DBSU urges Bengali community to stay at home: Dimapur Bengali Students’ Union has urged all the Bengali community residing under Dimapur jurisdiction to stay at home and maintain social distancing to prevent spreading of COVID-19 during 21 days lockdown enforced since March 24. A press release from DBSU president Raja Debnath and convener Kumar Das urged that unless it was very urgent and unavoidable, people should not venture out to risk one’s life.

All the members and office bearers have also been asked to take care of themselves as well as their community people and also encouraged the students to prepare for their upcoming exams and ensure to give their valuable times for education purpose.

Union also requested all the office bearers & members to check that supply chain of essential products should not be broken so that people can get the basic necessities with the help of the union.

Union also directed all the colony units & sub-units of DBSU under the Dimapur jurisdiction to stay safe at home and to ensure that none should suffer during the lockdown period. For any help from DBSU, one may contact at 9436626 311/8794403074/84160 97132.

Essential commodities trucks reaches Kiphire: Two trucks fully loaded with essential commodities reached Kiphire district on March 30. According to DIPR report, public were informed not to panic because essential commodities were available in the grocery shops.

Starting from March 30, shops and bazaars were opened for 4 (four) hours to the public since two hours were not sufficient.

As usual 10 kgs of food grains were allowed to be purchased per family.

Social distancing is being well maintained by the public during shopping time.

NSCN (I-M) condolence

DIMAPUR: NSCN (I-M) has expressed grief at the sudden demise of late ‘sergeant’ (posthumous) Joseph C Wangsa, son of S Chingyem Konyak, Naga army No. 45244/99 of security task force (STF) battalion, Naga army from Mon village under Konyak region on March 29.

A condolence by NSCN (I-M) through its MIP stated that late Joseph who enrolled in the Naga national service on the November 15, 2019 had served with unwavering national spirit until his demise for which his name shall be recorded in the pages of Naga history.

Further, GPRN stated that his sacrifices will be cherished by all and while conveying its condolences to family members, GPRN prayed that his soul rest in eternal peace.

In the midst of trying and difficult situation, scout master watering flower pot along the street at TCP Gate near 2nd World War Cemetery, Kohima on Monday. (NP) K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Should govt provide free meals to jobless people due to lockdown?

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

A B C

KSC joins hand to fight pandemic COVID-19

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

94% 6% 0%

Next poll

Q: Should Court issue suo

moto notice on govt over plight of migrant workers?  Yes.  No.  Can’t say.

WEATHER FORECAST March 31

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sun and summerlike

38 18

Aizawl

Very warm with hazy sunshine 33 12

Guwahati Very warm with hazy sunshine 36 16

Hazy sunshine

32 8

Itanagar Hazy sunshine

31 17

Shillong

Hazy sunshine

26 11

Kohima

Hazy sunshine

27 12

Dimapur

Very warm with hazy sun

34 16

Mkg

Hazy sunshine

28 12

Tuensang Cooler with hazy sunshine

19 8

Hazy sun and not as warm

27 17

Imphal

Wokha

Zunheboto Hazy sunshine

25 10

Dr. Neikiesalie Kire along with KSCDL, NHAK officials and others during handing over of ambulances in Kohima. (NP)

Correspondent KO H I M A , M A R 3 0 (NPN): Kohima Smart City (KSC) handed over two smart ambulances to the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) for use during possible COVID-19 outbreak at KMC office complex Kohima on Monday.

Advisor of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire handed over the ambulances to MD,

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State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

NHAK, Dr. Thorhusie Katiry in the presence of principal & secretary Health and Family Welfare I. Himato Zhimomi.

Nicky Kire in his short address said this was the right time for the high tech ambulance to carry around the patients should there be cases of the pandemic virus outbreak in the state.

He called it a blessing in disguise as the ambulance will be utilized fully in case of pandemic breakout.

M D N H A K D r.

Thorhusie Katiry said the high tech ambulance was the need of the hour and appreciated the Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL). Despite no positive COVID-19 cases in Nagaland, he said the hospital was working day and night to make the best preparation for possible virus outbreak, due to social and droplet infection. He added the ambulance will give confidence to the driver and also the patient.

CEO, KSCDL and Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) administrator Kovi Meyase said the KSCDL has commissioned the city’s new paramedic vehicles (smart ambulance) to be functional to the citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic spreading across the globe. He believed the hospital will make the best use of the ambulance towards the citizens during hour of need.

It may be mentioned that the KSCDL under

citizens’ health provision of smart city scheme have procured two smart ambulances for the city and is under the procedural formalities to make it operational. However in view of the urgency of preparedness and requisite facilities shortage faced by the state government to fight against Covid-19 pandemic, the ambulance will be utilized under the direction of the MD NHAK till such time situation normalises.

The ambulances will be GPS monitored by the KSCDL. The ambulances are equipped with oxygen cylinders, ventilator, ECG suction, food suction, monitor laryngoscope, 5 KVA online UPS, portable stretcher, surgical disposal, syringe pump, defibrillator and AC built in. The competent authority to which the ambulances were handed to shall take responsibility to keep the ambulance safe, sanitized, disinfected and in running condition while under its possession and shall return back to KSCDL in serviceable condition with all the features intact, once COVID-19 pandemic situation is brought under control.

DC Longleng informs against spread of rumours DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner Longleng, M. Shayung Phom has asked all the citizens of Longleng district to refrain from spreading any unsolicited rumours relating to COVID-19 in social media and other mass print media with immediate effect.

If anyone is found creating/spreading any fake news/message and

rumours in social media and other mass media, he/ she will be penalized as per the relevant sections of the law, DC stated.

For any inquires, citizens are asked to contact the helpline numbers on Coronavirus-- Longleng district Task Force on COVID-19 (8974132553 / 7005743163) and PS - 1 helpline no. 8731821129.

AKM condemns racial discrimination against NE people

DIMAPUR: Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM) has vehemently condemned the appalling discrimination and racism that people from North East India are being subjected to in different cities of the country.

A press release from AKM president Nungdokyanger Pongener and general secretary Nekmi Longkumer stated that, such racism reflects the general ignorance of the people in understanding that the NE region is an integral part of India.

AKM also stated that, people in different states of the North East region, were putting all-out effort to ensure that migrants from different states of India are safe, whereby the AKM has urged the people in the other cities of India to reciprocate and take care of the people from the North East region.

It also stated that number of health care givers from the region were serving in various hospitals in India trying to fight this dreadful pandemic and saving lives.

Therefore, AKM asserted that racism or discrimination against people from the North East region will not bring any healing or solution.

Leaders, concerned citizens & organisations contribute to public during lockdown

Hand sanitizers, disinfectants and 3 layers masks contributed by legislators handed over to health centre at Phek.

NBCD members receiving the preventive materials from RCD members on March 30.

The water tap installed by UCO Bank at Chümoukedima for people visiting the bank.

SSU Mokokchung along with the basic food items as part of their contribution.

DIMAPUR: Politicians, public and organisations alike have come out to contribute generously towards combating the possible outbreak of COVID-19 in the state since lockdown started.

Phek legislators’ distribute materials for COVID-19: Legislators of Phek district have contributed hand sanitizers, disinfectants, 3 layer masks to health centres of all the five constituencies. The items were received in presence of additional deputy commissioner Pfutsero, SMO Pfutsero, officials of Chakhesang Public Organization and other leaders.

Sumi Students Union (SSU) Mokokchung distributed basic food stuff to Sumi households of Mokokchung district, who are affected by the nationwide lockdown in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UCO Bank Chümoukedima branch: The UCO Bank Chümoukedima has made a contribution for welfare of public by installing water tap and soap dispenser. The facility is a requirement for people visiting the bank for necessary work. UCO Bank is also reaching out to public with such safety and hygienic initiative.

NBCD lauds RCD:

Nagaland Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs minister, Neiba Kronu informed that the equipments were distributed to the Phek HQ and all the sub-divisions on March 29 and 30.

Sangtamlaru Thsingmugang extends help to stranded passengers: Sangtamlaru Thsingmugang, a Sangtam women’s social organization, Dimapur took an initiative to distribute food and water to stranded passengers and destitute at flyover footpath and railway station of Dimapur on March 29.

A press release from Tetso

College Dimapur assistant professor of Political Science, professor Aniruddha Babar stated that, president of The Sangtamlaru Thsingmugang Athrongla Sangtam informed that this initiative was to extend helping hand to people who were suffering because of the lockdown.

She further added that the role of the organization has always been service oriented, as it believes in “service to mankind is worship to God”. She also said that the organisation will continue to serve whenever their service was needed.

SSU Mokokchung:

Rotar y Club Dimapur (RCD) donated 200 pieces of mask and 200 pieces of soap to Notun Bosti Council Dimapur (NBCD) on March 30 towards combating COVID-19. A press release from NBCD chairman E. Jon Ezung and secretary Kavito Ayemi lauded the RCD for the much need relief materials for welfare of the citizens of Notun Bosti.

DEF Kiphire provides essential food items: DEF Kiphire distributed essential food items to few families, mostly daily wage earners, differently abled and widows affected by COVID-19 lockdown in

the district on Monday.

CD & HSS helps downtrodden people: Chatteswary Durgabari (CD) in collaboration with Hindu Seva Samity (HSS) distributed rice and potatoes to downtrodden people on March 29. A press release from Chatteswary Durgabari secretary Biplab Paul stated that, total 225 families of different colonies, namely Xuvihe, Sematilla, Master, D Colony, Kerai, SP, Railway line area, Kevizau, Manipuri Bosti and Chatteswary availed the same. Gopal Sharma, president, Hindu Seva Samity contributed the necessities.

Churches, citizens donate cash towards COVID-19 exigencies

LBCA: Executive secretary, Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA), Vankhosung Rev. Nyanchumo Lotha handed over an amount of Rs. One Lakh to deputy commissioner, Wokha, Orenthung Lotha as a contribution towards fight against the spread of COVID-19 on March 30.

KTABA: Kiphire Town Ao Baptist Arogo (KTABA) donated cash to the district task force to fight against COVID-19 Pandemic.

Kohima citizens: Kohima citizens donated a total of Rs. 1,08,000 to the KMC COVID-19 Sanitation Fund on March 30.

MARCOFED Dimapur: As a way of helping towards mitigating the challenging situation, the employees of MARCOFED Dimapur has contributed an amount of Rs. 2 lakhs towards chief minister relief fund on March 30. A press release from manager director T. Vikuto Zhimo stated that, this donation has been made with the consent of the chairman of MARCOFED.

GMS Seithekema ‘C’ gets a makeover Assam Rifles assist in containing fire

The newly renovated school building of GMS Seithekema ‘C’.

DIMAPUR: GMS Seithekema ‘C’ has been given a thorough makeover where, classrooms have been whitewashed, repainted and kitchen and bathroom connecting drainage also K Y M C

built.

A press release from GMS head teacher, Alongba Toshi stated that, SMC chairman Monkha Rengma, head teacher Alongba Toshi, teaching staff and

concerned village authority built two classrooms. The school established in 1978 also required land filling.

The administration a n d v i l l a ge a u t h o r i t y shared their concerns as many students discontinued their education, resulting in more drop-outs due to economical factors. In this regard, dumper and JCB service for construction work was donated

by Seithekema ‘C’ village council chairman Bei-u Thepa, CGI sheets were provided by Seithekema ‘C’ village council, while rest of the materials and works were arranged and carried out by SMC, villagers and teachers. Meanwhile, the head teacher thanked the concerned groups for their services both physically and financially for the school’s welfare.

Assam Rifles personnel putting out the fire at Botsa.

DIMAPUR: Chieswema Battalion, on receiving information of a fire incident at Botsa on March 29, mobilised a quick reaction team comprising 18 personnel from Chiephobozou COB. According to PRO HQ

IGAR (N), the incident was assumed to have occurred as a result of a short circuit from a loose wire in an adjoining step down a transformer near EAC complex, Botsa.

Approximately 500 m

x 500 m stretch of forest cover was burnt but timely response from the troop averted any eventuality and the forest fire from spreading further. Locals of the village thanked the troop for their timely intervention.

K Y M C

northeast

4

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

Meghalaya seeks ventilators, Mnp to build COVID-19 quarantine centre PPEs, ambulance from Centre

the supply chain and distribution of essential commodities to public have been severely affected.

In order to streamline the supply chain and for an effective distribution of essential commodities to public, the state home department chalked out SoP, an official source said.

For effective implementation of the SoP, the state government has ordered all deputy commissioners (DCs) and sub-divisional officer (SDOs) to be stationed at their respective headquarters and not to leave their area of jurisdiction without prior approval from the state chief secretary.

The order stated that to ensure transportation and availability of essential goods it was imperative that

the district administration was fully functional at the field level to regulate, coordinate various activities.

As per the SoP, shops selling grocery items, vegetables, fish, eggs, meat, plant protection inputs will be opened on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week for public throughout the state.

All electricity recharge stations will be opened on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for public during the hours those shops were allowed to open.

Pharmacies and milk booths as well as door step delivery of essential commodities would be allowed to function all days.

Further, the SoP stated that all wholesale shops will be opened on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

H o w e v e r, f o r t h e wholesale market, Tuesday would be the day for Imphal West, Thoubal and Kakching districts while Thursday will be for Imphal east and Bishnupur district and Saturday will for other remaining districts.

The procedure further advised the public to procure the essential commodities only from their respective localities on the retail market days. Public vehicle movement (both two-wheelers and four-wheeler) is completely banned on the retail market days and social distancing must be strictly enforced by putting adequate marking by the shopkeepers and enforce it strictly.

Meghalaya government is examining the Supreme Court notice issued to various states to consider giving parole to those facing up to seven-year jail term in a bid to decongest prisons on

account of the COVID-19, a senior minister said on Monday.

“The prisons department in consultation with the Law department are examining the possibilities of releasing inmates on emergency parole,” deputy chief minister, Prestone Tynsong told reporters.

On March 23, a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Sharad A. Bobde ordered each State to consider releasing some prisoners on parole to reduce overcrowding in prisons.

The apex court also directed the states to constitute a high powered committee which will decide on the matter.

Informing that prisons department is already working on a mechanism on how to deal with the parole, Tynsong said, “We will be able to take a call on this matter in a day or two.”

Admitting about the congestion in the Shillong District Jail, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “We have to segregate between UTPs and convicts. Now the prisons department is working out in close coordination with the law department on how to go about it and ultimately action will be taken accordingly.”

Meghalaya has five district jails — in Shillong, Williamnagar, Jowai, Tura and Nongpoh. They can accommodate 595 male and 55 female inmates.

M’laya extends closure of edn institutions

Arunachal Pradesh prepared to deal with COVID-19: Health minister

Tripura shifts large market to cricket stadium

Correspondent

IMPHAL, MAR 30: Manipur government is set to construct a temporary quarantine centre within 1015 days to tackle spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

The 200-bedded temporary quarantine centre is to be constructed at Langthabal Phumlou Loukol in Imphal West district as part of state government’s emergency measures.

The centre is to be constructed in an around one hectare of land. Half of the land would be donated by an individual (the landowner) while another half would be bought from donor by the government as per the existing land price.

The state government is also considering setting up a government hospital on the land after the epidemic is contained.

Manipur government has been taking up a series of steps to combat possible outbreak of the deadly disease in the state, after a 23year-old local woman tested positive for COVID-19.

The new centre is to be set up in addition to the existing government designated quarantine centres being opened in different districts of the state.

State chief minister N Biren Singh along with top officials of the state government today inspected the site for temporary quarantine centre. During the inspection, Singh instructed the officials to complete

Manipur CM inspecting site where temporary quarantine facility id to be constructed within 10-15 days. (NP) construction of the centre within 10 to 15 days. He further instructed the Imphal West DC to begin survey of the land immediately.

The chief minister has expressed his desire to build a permanent hospital at the site by taking over more land.

He said that the proposed hospital will be reserved for utilising at time of emergency in the wake of natural disasters other than the notified disaster being facing by the world due to spread of COVID-19.

On the other hand, donations to the chief minister’s COVID-19 Relief Fund were coming from different sections of the society. Several individuals and organisations today contributed a sum of Rs

10,26,500 to the fund, a CMO release said.

The chief minister thanked all those individuals and organizations, who have generously donated to the relief fund till now. He also expressed hope that more organisations and people would come forward to extend help in fighting COVID-19.

Manipur government streamlines supply chain

Manipur government has chalked a standard operating procedure (SoP) to cope with severely hit supply chain and distribution of essential commodities to public owing to nationwide lockdown.

Due to total lockdown and curfew being in force in the whole of the state,

IIT-Guwahati working on developing COVID-19 drug

GUWAHATI, MAR 30 (PTI): The IIT-Guwahati on Monday said it is working on developing a drug for treatment of COVID19 patients and planning to set up a dedicated centre for research on the deadly virus.

The premier institute also said it has developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machine, which can analyse 1,000 samples in 12 hours, and two such units have already been supplied to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

“As there are no approved drugs presently available for the disease, the faculty members are in the process of developing small molecules inhibitors for the treatment of COVID-19 using modern biotechnological tools,” the IIT-Guwahati said in a statement.

The overall idea is to develop safe, efficacious and affordable drug for the treatment of COVID19 patients and other dreadful viral infections, it added.

Multiple efforts are being made for developing vaccine at the department of bio-science and bioengineering, while other

departments are involved in finding multiple routes to have a diagnostic and therapeutic approach for early detection of various viral infections, the statement said.

“The faculty members of bio-science and bioengineering and chemistry departments and Centre for Nanotechnology have also initiated research to combat COVID-19,” it added.

The institute is in the process of setting up an advanced research centre for COVID-19 analysis, which will help the northeast region to test for the novel coronavirus and detection of other such deadly virus.

“Our idea is to make this a state-of-the-art facility for the northeast region.

“This centre in future will help to develop highly competent manpower for diagnosis of different infectious diseases in the early stage of infection and their prevention too,” IIT-G Director T G Sitharam said.

He said it has provided two real-time PCR machines, which have been developed in-house and patented, to the GMCH

for the diagnosis of coronavirus.

“These machines will help in ramping up the testing process by analysing 1,000 samples if run for 12 hours continuously and 2,000 samples in 24 hours,” the statement said.

In addition, the departments of mechanical engineering and electronics and electrical engineering are making efforts to develop robot-based drug and food carrying unit to work in isolation wards, robotic screening units among others.

The institute is also working on to manufacture hospital beds, ventilators, medical waste disposal in the isolation wards and masks and hand sanitisers, the statement said.

“IIT-Guwahati has prepared hand sanitisers and is in the process of preparing at least 5,000 sanitiser bottles to provide them to the GMCH and the Assam government,” it said.

The department of design has also developed a prototype 3D printed full-face shield, including head gear, which can be scaled up immediately, an official said.

Correspondent SHILLONG, MAR 30: Meghalaya government Monday extended the closure of all educational institutions in the State till April 15.

Principal secretary for education department, Donald Philips Wahlang, said the closure was in order to comply with the central government’s lockdown to prevent the outbreak and spread of COVID-19.

“As a precautionary measure to safeguard the citizens of the State, the education departments further extends the closure of all educational institutions from April 1 to 15,” he said.

Wahlang said examinations too have been postponed until further notice.

All educational institutions closed and examinations have been postponed from March 16 in the State as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19 virus.

Conferences, workshops, meetings, seminars, trainings, major sporting events, which involve large gatherings either been postponed or cancelled.

“All non-essential travel outside and into the state are to be postponed or avoided,” he added.

ITANAGAR, MAR 30 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh is fully prepared to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, Health and Family Welfare Minister Alo Libang said on Monday.

Libang, who inspected a state-run hospital with a team of officials, told PTI that medical equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitisers, masks, gloves and infrared thermometers will be airlifted to various parts of the state.

He inspected the 500bed Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Science (TRIHMS), which has been designated as an exclusive facility to treat COVID-19 patients, along with Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar and other officials.

TRIHMS director Dr Moji Jini told Libang that 50 patients of the hospital are being shifted to the Ramakrishna Mission Hospital and two nearby hotels have been converted into isolation wards.

State epidemiologistcum-surveillance officer Dr L Jampa said that samples of 23 persons suspected to be infected with COVID19 have been sent for tests and 19 have returned negative while the remaining

Correspondent SHILLONG, MAR 30: Meghalaya government has urged the Centre to provide additional life-saving ventilators, personal protection equipment (PPE) and ambulances for various hospitals in the State.

State health and family welfare minister, Alexander Laloo Hek said that 9 out of 11 districts in Meghalaya did not have life-saving ventilators. In a letter to union health and family welfare minister, Hek urged the central government to procure an additional of 50 life-saving ventilators to be installed at various hospitals in the State, as the State was unable to source adequate ventilators at its level.

He said the State would be able to stock upto 70 ventilators only in the coming weeks. “The State is in dire need of ambulances for transportation of patients especially COVID-19 affected,” Hek added.

On the availability of PPE, Hek informed the Union Minister that the State has about 2500 PPEs in stock and an expected lot of 5000 would be required.

On an average, 25 bedded isolation ward filled with patients would require 75 PPEs on a day.

“We are trying to reach a capacity of over 100 beds for which we require around 65,000 PPEs for a period of three weeks use. In addition,

reports are awaited. The chief secretary said that 100 tonne of potatoes have been ordered so that there is no scarcity of the item during the lockdown.

Capital Complex Superintendent of Police Tumme Amo said that many people are coming out on the streets despite imposition of the lockdown and urged them not to do so.

“Policemen are risking their lives to ensure the safety of people. They should understand this and remain indoors instead of moving around in cars and on motorbikes,” he said.

Meanwhile, residents of remote Monigong and Pidi circles in Shi-Yomi district bordering China are facing scarcity of food items due to the lockdown, officials said.

People in the two circles have foodgrains that can last only a couple of days and air sorties have been requested, Assistant Sub-inspector of Food and Civil Supplies Department, Jawlai Singpho said.

He said foodgrains were delivered in one air sortie but subsequent sorties had to be halted due to inclement weather.

Air sorties will resume once the weather becomes

we may also require PPEs for ambulance drivers and ground level workers which would make it upto 75,000 PPEs,” Hek said.

Moreover, Hek said that the North Eastern states depends upon Maharastra, Gujarat, Delhi and other States for supply of PPEs since there are no factories producing PPEs. “There is a also a feedback that many states are informally issuing moratorium to the manufacturers to prioritise for their respective States,” Hek stated in the letter. Hek also informed that there is also acute shortage of N95 masks, the first protection drive for the frontline worker. “Sourcing and delivery has become a major point of concern. If such crucial materials availability can be centrally provided to the State it would go a long way in dealing with the pandemic,” he said.

Hek also urged the Centre to explore the possibilities of funding the Information and Broadcasting Wing of the State to build their capacity now so that the details reach the last mile.

M’laya examines SC notice on parole to prisoners

favourable, Singhpo said.

Around 7,000 people live in the two administrative circles. Assembly Speaker Pasang Dorjee Sona expressed deep concern over the shortage of foodgrains while taking stock of the situation in the district.

He is the MLA of Mechuka Assembly constituency in the district.

Sona said it has become difficult to contact officials concerned due to errant mobile and internet connectivity in the district.

The speaker had earlier directed the district administration to take all measures to stop the spread of novel coronavirus.

On the other hand, Lohit district administration distributed foodgrains to daily wage earners and migrant labourers hit by the lockdown.

Food packets containing 10 kg of rice, two kg of pulses, one litre of mustard oil and one kg of mineral salt were distributed to 131 families that are not covered under the National Food Security Act, Lohit district Deputy Commissioner Prince Dhawan said. The administration is identifying more such families and they would be provided relief, Dhawan added.

AGARTALA, MAR 30 (PTI): The Tripura government on Monday shifted a large market in Agartala to a cricket stadium to avoid mass gathering and ensure social distancing during the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, a police official said.

The Lake Chowmuhani market known for its high-quality vegetables, fish and meat were shifted to the adjacent Swami Vivekananda Stadium on the seventh day of the lockdown.

The decision was taken as people had been found jostling with each other in the markets, despite repeated appeals to them to maintain social distancing, West Tripura Additional SP Mihir Lal Das said. Only vegetables, fish and meat shops were allowed in the stadium and they were allotted spaces keeping a certain distance, an official said.

“We are also trying to shift other big markets in the city to larger places to maintain social distancing, as the markets are congested,” Das said. Police and Tripura State Rifles personnel were deployed at several markets and sometimes they had to use force to prevent crowding of buyers in front of shops.

Good samaritans come to the rescue of needy in Tripura AGARTALA, MAR 30 (IANS): While scientists, doctors, health workers, senior officials are busy fighting the novel COVID19, a small trader, a poverty stricken woman and two sisters in Tripura donned the hats of good samaritans to help those struggling to meet their basic needs amid the lockdown.

Sujit Deb, a poultry trader in northern Tripura, last week delivered food and other essential commodities to poor tea garden workers.

Another good samaritan, a 39-year-old woman from a poor family, was seen making face masks from her old clothes and distributing these items among the needy free of

cost.

Deb became the saviour for hundreds of tea garden labourers. He also distributed 5 kg rice, 500 gram dal (pulses) and soap each to 200 families, who used to survive from the wages they used to earn as workers in a tea estate in the Mayachari Gram Panchayat area in Dhalai district.

In the aftermath of the nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 54 tea estates along with thousands of small tea gardens in Tripura had shut down operations leaving over 25,000 to 30,000 labourers, who are daily wagers, at their wits’’ end.

The majority of these

thousands of labourers have got very little to eat in the past several days.

“Four days back I have given rice, dal and soap to 200 families. I am trying to provide similar such essentials to these families again and other households who are in distress after the closure of their tea gardens,” Deb told IANS. Deb alongwith his friends travelled around 8 km from his house at Mayachari village in twowheeler, carrying the relief material. “ I h ave s p e n t R s 45,000 in buying the items.

It was my hard-earned money,” the soft-spoken Deb said adding that he was incurring huge losses in his business ever since

the outbreak of COVID-19 in India.

“When the news spread about the dreaded disease, almost all the people stopped consuming chicken and poultry products for fear that it carries the virus. Then, we have this lockdown that has kept people indoors. Now people have gradually started eating chicken and other poultry products after the scientists and government officials clarified that the novel coronavirus cannot be spread from animals and birds to human beings,” Deb stated.

Mallika Shil started making face masks from her old clothing. Mallika, the youngest in her fivemember poor family at

Khowai in western Tripura, told IANS : “I am unable to provide food and essentials to the hapless poor people.

But I thought I must do something for the needy people. I had a very old stitching machine. Since Friday, I have started making face masks from my old clothing and distributing them free to the poor people.”

People from faraway places are coming to Mallika for the face masks.

After Sujit Deb and Mallika Shil, two sisters -- Moonmoon Deb and Jui Deb -- both government school teachers in Kamalpur in northern Tripura have become an example for others. Moonmoon and Jui donated Rs 5,000

each to the Tripura Chief Minister’’s relief fund early last week. Inspired by the two young teachers, many bank and government officials and traders of their Kamalpur sub-division too followed suit.

“My Facebook posts were shared by many and they also started contributing money to the CM’’s relief funds to meet the expenses to deal with the treatment and spread of nCoV,” Moonmoon told IANS over phone.

Many clubs, organisations, NGOs, government officials and traders in Tripura are now contributing money and essentials either to the CM’’s Relief Fund or directly to the poor people in need.

Dear Sanabo Achumi, May the Almighty from up above bless you with all the special gifts and blessings in life. Wishing you a great 5th Birthday and an amazing life ahead.

Prayers and love.

Mom, dad, bro, sis & baby Dear Mono (APO) May this year be kind to you, and may the next years be still. We wish you plenty of Joy and happiness for the years to come! Happy birthday bestie.

May God bless you!.

From, High school mates (Poalies Dear “LostNfoundFriend”, “A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip. Wishing a Very Happy Birthday to my favorite person, dearest friend and closest companion.”

From, that palm tree.

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

States seal borders to stop migrants

NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (PTI): Seeking to contain mass spread of the deadly coronavirus, several states on Monday effectively sealed their borders to stop movement of migrant workers rendered jobless due to a nationwide lockdown, but FMCG firms flagged nonavailability of trucks and labour as a major challenge in ensuring supply of essential goods.

The Supreme Court also observed that fear and panic becoming was becoming “a bigger problem than the coronavirus”, but stopped short of passing any order and sought a report from the government by Tuesday.

As the 21-day naionwide lockdown entered its sixth day, reports from various parts of the country showed curbs put in place to fight the COVID-19 crisis beginning to impact supplies of essential goods as available inventory dwindled and fresh stocks were hard to come by.

Amid rumours about a possible extension of the lockdown, the government had to debunk them, while the Army also stepped in to dismiss as fake news the social media posts about a possible declaration of emergency in April.

A day after the central government relaxed

Non-availability of labour hit supplies

Migrants walk to try and reach their native villages during a nationwide lockdown at on Ambala Yamuna Nagar Highway, Monday. (PTI)

Mayank Shah said, “The biggest challenge today is manpower... The new challenge facing the companies now is how to continue running their plants in absence of labour.”

Most of the labours in manufacturing plant are migrant workers. With they moving back to native places, there is going to be a huge challenge, he added.

Even many poor beneficiaries registered under the Public Distribution System (PDS), who are pinning their hopes on free and subsidised ration supplies for their survival during the COVID-19 lockdown, complained they are not wheat while flour mills are shut too.

In most parts of the country, local flour millers and chakki shops are not allowed to operate, while some are not willing to function due to fear of action by the police which is enforcing strictly the lockdown rules to stop the spread of the disease as the confirmed cases in the country has crossed the 1,000-mark.

In Punjab, the state government’s decision to allow industrial units to commence their operations did not find favour, particularly among MSME segment, as many establishments said it is not feasible in view of rising coronavirus cases.

5

Automakers asked to make ventilators: Health Ministry NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (PTI): The Centre has asked automobile manufacturers to use their facilities to make ventilators in order to increase the availability of such machines in view of rise in COVID-19 cases, officials said on Monday.

It also said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will start manufacturing 20,000 N-95 masks daily from next week. According to the health ministry, over 14,000 existing ventilators are earmarked for COVID-19 patients in various hospitals of the country, while there are 11.95 lakh N-95 masks in stock. An additional 5 lakh masks have been distributed in the past two days.

As many as 1.40 lakh masks were distributed on Monday, it said.

The ministry also said 3.34 lakh personal protection equipment (PPE) coveralls are available with hospitals in the country and another 3 lakh, which have been donated, will be received from abroad by April 4.

“Automobile manufacturers have been asked to manufacture ventilators and they are working towards this end,” the health ministry said in a tweet.

Besides, the ministry

(Representative Image)

has asked the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, to manufacture 30,000 ventilators in the next two months in collaboration with local manufacturers.

Among the private players, Agva Healthcare in Noida has been given an order to manufacture 10,000 ventilators within a month.

Their supplies are expected to commence in the second week of April, the ministry said.

In the meantime, orders have been placed with international companies such as Hamilton, Mindray and Draeger to supply ventilators, it said. The Ministry of External Affairs is also approaching suppliers in China for sourcing 10,000 ventilators from them, it said in a statement.

Ventilators are required

for COVID-19 patients, as they tend to develop acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS). Two domestic manufacturers are producing 50,000 N-95 masks per day. This is expected to go up to 1 lakh daily within the next week as they are ramping up their production capacities, the health ministry said.

The DRDO is collaborating with local manufacturers to produce around 20,000 such masks daily.

These is also expected to become available in a week’s time, it said in a statement.

The health ministry also said that 11 domestic producers of PPE coveralls have qualified so far and orders for 21 lakh coveralls have been placed. These are supplying 6,000-7,000 pieces per day and are expected to go up to 15,000 pieces daily by mid-April.

some lockdown conditions to allow transportation of all goods, irrespective of those being in essential or non-essential categories, the FMCG companies said availability of workers at factories and trucks for transportation remain key challenges to meet the demand for essential items.

The companies, however, said approvals for plant operations and transportation of goods have eased difficulties in movement of raw materials and finished products, assuring steady

supply of essential items.

Addressing local issues in many states that have hindered movement of goods would help in kick-starting the functioning of the supply chain, they said.

“But, the key issue that still remains is the availability of manpower and workers to run these operations.

With most workers either leaving for their home towns or staying at home during the lockdown, it would be a challenge to ensure smooth functioning,” Dabur India Executive Director (Opera-

tions) Shahrukh Khan told PTI. Sharing similar experience, an ITC spokesperson said, “While we have progressively obtained permissions in some states, availability of trucks continues to be the biggest challenge at the moment. Interstate and local truck movement has been severely impacted together with the challenge of shortage of manpower in factories.”

Expressing similar views, Parle Products Senior Senior Category Head

Youth came in contact with 100s before testing positive

Fire in Kolkata high-rise, no casualty

Rlys plans to set aside 20,000 coaches for COVID patients

PAT I A L A , M A R 3 0 (AGENCIES): The 21year-old youth from a village in Patiala — who tested positive for the COVID19 — had come in contact with hundreds of people before he was admitted to the isolation ward of Civil Hospital, Ambala, reports the Tribune.

The carrier of coronavirus, in fact, returned from Nepal to New Delhi in an Indigo flight; thereafter he took a Haryana Roadways bus from New Delhi and reached Ambala, on March 19. On his way to Ambala, he had a meal at a dhaba at Pipli bus stand. After reaching Ambala, he, along with his friend, went to his aunt’s place in Shahpur – a village on the Punjab and Haryana border. At his aunt’s place, he is said to have come in contact with his uncle, a cousin, and two kids. He

shared the room with his cousin during night. The village has already been sealed by the administration. The next day, on March 20, he went to his home in Ramnagar — a village in Ghanaur block of Patiala.

In a major lapse, the 21-year-old, was not put under home-quarantine by the administration. Reason: his name was not in the list of foreign returnees. He is said to have not used his passport as an identification proof for his journey to Nepal; consequently, he didn’t come under the scanner of the administration or health department. He had been living in his joint family — at his native village — since his return. Therefore, the immediate cause of concern for the health department is to identify the number of people who have already come into his contact.

Kolkata, Mar 30 (PTI): A fire that broke out at a multi-storeyed residential building in Bhowanipore area of South Kolkata on Monday was doused after around fourand-a-half hours, a Fire Brigade official said here.

No casualty was reported in the incident, he said.

The fire on the 16th floor of the building was noticed at around 10 am and it was extinguished at 2.30 pm, said Fire Brigade official At least 10 fire tenders were pressed into service to bring the blaze under control, the Fire Brigade official said adding that residents of the lower floors had been evacuated as a safety measure.

The cause of the fire or the extent of damage is yet to be ascertained.

NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (PTI): The Railway Board has told its zones that they might be required to convert up to 20,000 coaches into isolation wards as part of their preparedness to fight the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

In a letter to all the zonal general managers on Monday, the board said that initially 5,000 coaches will be converted.

It also said that the railways has held consultations with the Armed Forces Medical Services, medical departments of various zonal railways, and Ayushman Bharat before taking the decision. Five zonal railways have already prepared prototypes of coaches to be used as isolation facilities, it said. “...As part of COVID19 preparedness, it was advised in the video conference held on March 25 that a few rakes may be converted into

Worker prepares beds for an isolation ward of Railway Hospital in Chennai, Monday. (PTI)

quarantine/isolation coaches in consultation with the medical department, so as to augment the quarantine facilities being created. In this connection consultations were held with Armed Forces Medical Services, Medical Department of various zonal Railways, and Ayushman Bharat.

“IR (Indian Railways) maybe required to convert

up to 20,000 such coaches, with 5,000 coaches to be converted initially into quarantine/isolation coaches.

Only Non-AC ICF sleeper coaches are planned to be utilized after conversion into a quarantine/isolation coach,” the letter said.

The letter also detailed the specifications of such isolation wards.

It said that one Indian

Odisha Assembly passes Appropriation Bill amid COVID-19

Man suffers burns; docs say use sanitiser wisely

BHUBANESWAR, MAR 30 (PTI): Amid coronavirus scare, the Odisha Assembly on Monday unanimously passed the Appropriation Bill allowing the state government to spend Rs 1.55 lakh crore from its consolidated fund during the financial year 2020-21.

The House, which held a brief session at the convention centre in LokSevaBhawan instead of the Assembly building as Odisha’s third COVID-19 patient was found to have come in contact with seven VidhanSabha employees, was adjourned sine die following the passage of the Bill.

The Odisha Appropriation Bill, 2020 was introduced by Finance Minister NiranjanPujari while Leader of Opposition Pradipta Kumar Naik of the BJP and Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra supported it. The Bill was passed unanimously, said senior BJD lawmaker Amar Prasad Satpathy. Pujari had presented the annual budget in the Assembly on February 18.

However, due to novel coronavirus outbreak and subsequent adjournment of the Assembly from March 16 to March 29, discussion on Demands of Grants of all the departments could not be taken up, he said.

The Finance Minister sought support from all

To maintain social distancing, Odisha assembly session was at the state convention centre in Lok Seva Bhawan.

the members in fighting COVID-19. “We have so far been able to contain the spread of the disease by taking timely action,” Pujari said, adding the fight against the deadly virus continues and therefore, everyone should support the state government.

He said the new fiscal beginning from April will start with the fight against COVID-19 that has claimed many lives across the globe including in the US and Italy. “Apart from other developmental activities, the state government requires funds to tackle the COVID19,” Pujari said.

Journalists were not allowed inside the convention centre where the House assembled for an hour to pass the Appropriation Bill.

The convention centre was sanitised by the employees of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation before the sitting commenced.

Following a request by Speaker S N Patro, only 30 per cent of the 147 MLAs of the Assembly attended the session and members were allotted seats at two metre distance from each other as a social distancing measure.

All the MLAs were thermally screened before they entered the convention

centre. The speaker had suspended the Assembly proceedings till March 29 following the coronavirus outbreak.

On March 13, Patro had also announced that the budgetary demands for grants for 38 departments scheduled for discussion between March 16 and 27 were passed through guillotine before the Appropriation Bill.

Around 50 MLAs including Speaker S N Patro, who participated in the Monday session, were seen wearing masks and entered into the House after washing their hands.

Some of them were also seen wearing hand gloves while a few others themselves drove their cars to the LokSevaBhawan instead of being chauffeured to the venue, a legislator said.

This is for the first time in the last six decades that the House proceedings were held outside the Assembly building. The entire Assembly building has been sanitised and all the staff members have been home quarantined.

Outside the House, Leader of Opposition Pradipta Kumar Naik said the BJP supported the government in the Appropriation Bill as all should join their hands during times of crisis like the present situation.

He urged the state government to ensure that all persons suspected to be infected with novel coronavirus cases be examined and placed under isolation.

“I have urged the state government to make a provision of insurance for all the medical personnel engaged in the fight against the coronavirus,” Naik said.

Congress chief whip TaraprasadBahinipati said that people in villages are starving due to lack of work and urged the state government to provide foodgrains to everyone irrespective of whether they have ration cards.

NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (PTI): A Haryana man suffered 35 per cent burn injuries when he accidentally came in contact with fire in his kitchen while cleaning household items with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, doctors said.

The 44-year-old man from Rewari was brought to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital here on Sunday night after the incident.

“The man was at home and cleaning his household items like keys and mobile phone. He was in the kitchen area when at the same time his wife was cooking food. Suddenly, he spilled some sanitiser on his ‘kurta’. The fumes from the sanitiser reached the cooking gas source and before anybody could react his ‘kurta’ caught fire,” the hospital said in a statement.

Hand sanitiser is being used at regular intervals by people on recommendation of doctors to ward-off infection from coronavirus that has wreaked havoc globally.

The man was brought to the hospital with 35 per cent burn injuries. The patient suffered burn injuries on his face, neck, front of chest, abdomen and both hands, the doctors said. The man is being treated in the department of plastic and cosmetic surgery.

style toilet to be converted into a bathing room which can be done by placing wooden batten structure/ chequered sheet on the entire lavatory floor which also covers the squatting pan and does not create any level difference on the floor.

“The first cabin near the bathing room shall be provided with two hospital/ plastic curtains transversely in the aisle so that the entry and exit to the entire eight berth cabin can be screened off. This cabin will be used as a store/paramedics area.

“Two oxygen cylinders will also be provided by the medical department for which suitable clamping arrangement on the side berth side of this cabin may be provided. Both middle berths to be removed in each cabin and extra bottle holders shall be provided in each cabin for holding medical equipment, two for each berth,” it said.

It also said that extra three peg coat hooks, two per cabin, is to be provided, along with mosquito net on windows. Each cabin will be provided with three dustbins with foot operated lids of red, blue and yellow colour suitably lined with garbage bags.

“For insulation of the coaches, bamboo/khus mats may be affixed/pasted on roof and each side of coach above and below windows to shield effect of heat inside coach. All charging points for laptop and mobile to be functional.

It must be ensured that all amenity fittings are in place, upholstery is in good condition and broken panels etc. are replaced,” it said.

It also said that the Director General Railway Health Services will issue detailed standard operating procedure for operation and use of these quarantine/isolation coaches/trains.

HP scholarship scam: CBI files charge sheet against 12 NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (PTI): The CBI on Monday filed a charge sheet against 12 people in connection with a Rs 220crore scholarship scam in Himachal Pradesh, officials said.

In the charge sheet filed before special CBI court in Shimla, the agency has named five officials of K C Group of Institutions for irregularities in disbursal of pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minorities, the police said.

Six officials of the Directorate of Higher Education -- Arvind Rajta, Mala Mehta, Shriram Sharma, Surinder Mohan Kanwar, Ashok Kumar, Virender Kumar -- have been named as accused in the charge sheet.

The officials of K C Group include Saroj Sharma, B S Sandhu, Hitesh Gandhi, Prem Pal Gandhi, Kiran Choudhary -- along with Surinder Pal Singh, who was the head cashier at the Central Bank of India, Nawanshahr, Punjab.

The CBI had registered a case in May last year on the request of Himachal Pradesh government, agency spokesperson R K Gaur

said.

It had taken over the investigation of a case earlier registered by the police against unknown persons on allegations of misappropriation of funds in the disbursement of scholarships, the spokesperson added.

The case came to the CBI after an enquiry done by the state government on the complaints of students that they were not receiving scholarships which led to the unearthing of the scam The enquiry indicated alleged involvement and complicity of officials from the education department of Himachal Pradesh government, central government, bank officials and private institutions. The agency found that income and caste certificates were not verified.

“More than 80 per cent of the total money disbursed was allegedly granted through private institutions,” the CBI said.

After taking over investigations, the agency had conducted searches and arrested officials of education department of the state, office bearers of the institution and a bank official, he said.

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXx NO. 114 Dimapur, TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

A

Stats say it all

gainst the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic which has led to the government announcing the 21-day lockdown (which is like a government enforced bandh) across India; it has also exposed the state of health unpreparedness. As India prepares to stop the spread of COVID 19, the latest figure has shot up to 1071 confirmed cases and 29 deaths as on March 30,2020. The lockdown may have its objective but the most crucial lies in the health response. Nowhere is the state of unpreparedness in India more glaring than in the number of medical doctors, facilities and beds. India, with a population of 130 crore has only 0.8 doctor and 0.7 hospital bed per 1,000 persons. On the other hand, China with a population of 138 crore has 1.8 doctors and 4.34 beds per 1,000 persons. Italy, which has surpassed China in the number of deaths (11,591 as against China’s 3,304), has 4.1 doctors and 3.4 hospital beds per 1,000 persons. Italy, with a population of a little over six crore, has almost five times the number of doctors as that of India and also almost five times the number of beds. Spain, with a population of 4.6 crore has surpassed China in Coronavirus toll with 85,195 confirmed as positive and 7340 deaths. Spain has 4.07 doctors and 2.97 beds per 1000 people.

With such a meagre number of beds and severely acute shortage of doctors, India could face a health catastrophe if the coronavirus passes from the present Stage 2(direct contact transmission) to Stage 3( community transmission). Leaving aside life saving medicines which are disappearing due to panic buying and slowdown in manufacturing due to complete lockdown; there is also a crisis with regard to the much-needed ventilators. It has been estimated, that currently, India has a total of around 40,000 ventilators at both government and private health institutes and hospitals. According to assessment made by health institutes, India will require at least 40 lakh ventilators if the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread and passes on to Stage 3. India which now has around 0.7 bed per 1000 persons will require 2.7 beds per 1000 persons urgently in order to prepare the eventually of the virus infecting more people in the coming weeks.

The scenario may be understood in the context of the USA which today has 1,45,542 confirmed cases and 2616 deaths. In India hardly 30,000 people’s blood samples have been tested while in the USA nearly two lakh have had blood test done. Even with the best of facilities and with more doctors and beds, the health care system in the USA is almost at a bursting point.

Experts in the United States, where the ratio of ICU beds was reckoned to be more than six times higher, are warning that it will soon run out of ICU beds too.

Of concern in India is that the government, both past and present, have never really cared to improve the health care system. The government’s outlay on health amounts to little more than one percent of the country’s GDP—far below the global average. Instead of investing in the public healthcare system, the government consistently chose exorbitant public-private partnerships with private health providers. Again, the government is spending much needed fund to promote Ayurveda which, though globally acknowledged, is not on the same page as allopathy when it comes to combating virulent diseases. The fact is, the virus has overwhelmed some of the most developed health systems in the world. India has one of the worst ones.

DailyDevotion Holiness or Hardness Toward God?

He…wondered that there was no intercessor…

—Isaiah 59:16 The reason many of us stop praying and become hard toward God is that we only have an emotional interest in prayer. It sounds good to say that we pray, and we read books on prayer which tell us that prayer is beneficial— that our minds are quieted and our souls are uplifted when we pray. But Isaiah implied in this verse that God is amazed at such thoughts about prayer.

Worship and intercession must go together; one is impossible without the other. Intercession means raising ourselves up to the point of getting the mind of Christ regarding the person for whom we are praying (see Philippians 2:5). Instead of worshiping God, we recite speeches to God about how prayer is supposed to work.

Are we worshiping God or disputing Him when we say, “But God, I just don’t see how you are going to do this”?

This is a sure sign that we are not worshiping. When we lose sight of God, we become hard and dogmatic.

We throw our petitions at His throne and dictate to Him what we want Him to do. We don’t worship God, nor do we seek to conform our minds to the mind of Christ.

And if we are hard toward God, we will become hard toward other people.

Are we worshiping God in a way that will raise us up to where we can take hold of Him, having such intimate contact with Him that we know His mind about the ones for whom we pray? Are we living in a holy relationship with God, or have we become hard and dogmatic?

Do you find yourself thinking that there is no one interceding properly? Then be that person yourself. Be a person who worships God and lives in a holy relationship with Him. Get involved in the real work of intercession, remembering that it truly is work— work that demands all your energy, but work which has no hidden pitfalls. Preaching the gospel has its share of pitfalls, but intercessory prayer has none whatsoever.

Quotes

Those who know how to think need no teachers. ~ Mahatma Gandhi

W

e select one disease to be mortally afraid of – and ignore all the diseases that we should be scared of. One of these is bovine tuberculosis. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a disease of cattle that is a major public health threat. It is transmitted within herds by inhalation of infected aerosol droplets from infected cattle.

Despite the considerable economic costs, and zoonotic risk, India still does not have any accurate estimates. No surveillance, no checking systems and absolutely no national disease control programmes.

Not even the education of farmers. In fact, India has the poorest veterinary system in the world. It is one of the few countries left where the disease is considered endemic.

A metastudy, which included 44 different research articles, called Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis, done

by Srinivasan, Easterling, Rimal, Maggie, Niu, Conlan, Dudas, Kapur, published in June 2018, reveals that there are about 21.8 million infected cows and buffaloes in India, more than the total number of dairy cows in the USA. Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium bovis. While it mainly affects cattle, the bacteria affects a large number of species, and it has been estimated that M. bovis causes 10% or more of the total human TB cases in India and poses a significant threat to global health (Olea-Popelka et al., 2014). Bovine tuberculosis is strongly zoonotic (spreading from animals to humans) and causes tuberculosis in humans.

To remove tuberculosis from humans will require removing bTB from cattle simultaneously.

A government survey done in 2018 showed 2.690 million cases of tuberculosis, 199 people per lakh in India. Mortality is 32 people per lakh - a million times more than the “pandemic” corona virus. India has the highest number of sufferers in the world, with 2.8 million cases annually, more than a quarter of the tuberculosis patients all over the world. Much, much, worse is the fact that India has the largest burden of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis among all countries, with almost 150,000 cases every year.

Much of this is from drinking milk, eating milk products and eating beef.

The bacterium, Mycobacterium bovis, survives 1-8 weeks in cattle faeces, so anyone handling gobar is at risk.

Pasteurization kills the bacteria but is your milk pasteurized ? Forget the consumer, when the dairy owner is physically taking out the milk from the animal, he stands a strong risk of getting bTB . When we surveyed the Idgah slaughterhouse, which I shut down 30 years ago, most of the butchers had bTB, getting it from the infected meat.

It is as prevalent today among dairy workers and butchers. Their spit and perspiration on the meat, gives it to you.

Do you know where your milk came from? If you were to get bTB today would the government know where to trace the milk back to ? Are there any records of dairies kept by the local district Chief Veterinary Officer ? We are told that pasteurization kills the bTB bacteria. But most people in small towns (70% of India according to FAO/OIE/WHO, 1993) get their milk unpasteurized from the dairy next door – the man who keeps a few cows in a makeshift shed and allows them to roam around and eat garbage

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

You need to protect yourself the whole day so he doesn’t have to feed them. He has no licence, no parameters, no government controls.

The milk that is bought from him is simply boiled by you – killing no tuberculous bacteria. No mithai seller uses pasteurized milk (if he uses real milk at all).

He gets his milk from a small unregistered dairy.

Before pasteurization was made compulsory in western countries a century ago, M. bovis accounted for 25% of all TB cases in children (Roswurm & Ranney, 1973). But it is not compulsory in India.

So, how many lakh Indian children have it ? All studies say that the disease is going to increase in the coming years due to the growing intensification of dairy and cattle grown for export. For instance, cattle herds in Puri, Odisha have increased in bTB from 9.1% to 84.7% (Dhanda and Lall).

We have 300 million cows and buffaloes, the largest population of cattle in the world (Basic Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Statistics, Government of India, 2017). We have the largest beef export. Therefore, we have the potential to infect the whole world with bTB. The Metastudy looked at 1941 to 2016. Gaushalas, organized and unorganized dairies, semen stations and slaughterhouses. Indigenous, crossbred and exotic breeds. Crossbred cows had marginally the highest prevalence, and cows had marginally more than buffaloes.

Uttar Pradesh, Haryana,

Gujarat and Bihar have the highest number of diseased cattle. Maharashtra marginally less. But it exists all over India.

Animals are more likely to be infected by M. bovis when they are poorly nourished or under stress.

There is evidence that intensive dairy farms have a higher risk of infection.

The bacteria is spread by infectious animals - in their breath, milk, open lesions, saliva, urine or droppings.

In cattle, excretion of M. bovis begins around 87 days after infection occurs.

It spreads from cows to calves via the milk.

What are the symptoms in cattle ? In the early stages of TB, clinical signs are not visible. In the later stages, clinical signs may include: sluggishness, emaciation, lethargy, weakness, anorexia, low-grade fever, and pneumonia with a soft chronic, moist cough and a chest wheeze. The lymph nodes may be enlarged. If the animal is killed for its meat in an early stage of TB, the microscopic lesions will be missed – that is, if someone is looking. No slaughterhouses in India have even the most basic TB skin test.

Cattle need to be isolated and treated with a combination of antibiotics for 6-12 months. But who will do this ? In the unlikely event that the cattle are tested for bTB, which dairyman will spend money on their treatment.

It is too expensive and too long. He is more likely to keep taking the milk and then, as they grow sicker

and the milk dries up, he will sell them for meat.

The meat is sold with no warning to processors or consumers that it comes from TB infected cattle.

In India meat is sold from unregistered filthy shops. Here is a report from England : “Tens of thousands of diseased cattle, slaughtered after testing positive for bovine tuberculosis (bTB), are being sold for human consumption by Defra, the food and farming ministry,” reported The Sunday Times in 2013.Following an investigation, the paper says, it found that the meat is being sold to caterers and food processors by the government’s Food and Agriculture Department, despite being banned by most supermarkets and burger chains.

Tuberculosis is often fatal. It is a long-lasting disease that cripples through emaciation, coughing, abdominal infections, enlarged lymph nodes and general bad health. The name, Tuberculosis, comes from the nodules, called ‘tubercles’, which form in the lymph nodes of affected animals and people.

M. Bovis causes the same problems as M. Tuberculosis – except that it is even more resistant to drugs.

Not everyone exposed to the Mycobacterium bovis bacterium will develop symptoms. If symptoms of bovine TB occur, they can include: fever, night sweats, persistent cough, diarrhoea, weight loss and abdominal pain. According to WHO, about 143,000 people die of M. Bovis annually. Corona virus with 10,000 deaths has frightened us. This is so much bigger. The BCg vaccine, invented in the 1920s by Calmette and Guerin, had proved to be ineffective.

It reduces the severity of the disease but does not prevent infection. Cattle that are vaccinated with the BCG vaccine, which

contains a harmless strain of the bovine TB pathogen Mycobacterium bovis, make it impossible to distinguish, with the skin test, if the animal has TB or has simply been vaccinated.

The vaccine is banned in most countries.

This is what the study says : “bTB has a high and widespread prevalence in India as no national control strategies have been implemented in the country. These data suggest that India, as the world’s largest producer of milk accounting for 18.5% of the world’s total milk production and the world’s largest red meat exporter, has an urgent and as yet unmet need for control of bTB for both economic and public health reasons.”

The study recommends: a national surveillance programme using a single, well-standardized skin test performed by independent, well trained operators using approved protocols and well-standardized tuberculin antigen. (Even the diagnostic tests we have are rubbish.

Experts who have tested the quality, origin and source of tuberculin say they vary in performance, are often inaccurate and are not standardized at all (Bakker et al., 2005); a much better vaccine than the current Bcg. Is the government going to do this ? No. So human tuberculosis in India will not slow down, inspite of our signing the World Health Assembly protocol in May 2014 to end the global TB epidemic by 2035. Any attempt to eradicate the disease from humans without eradicating it from cattle is futile. You need to protect yourself.

Don’t drink milk or any dairy based product and don’t eat meat. To join the animal welfare movement contact gandhim@nic.in, www.peopleforanimalsindia.org

Post-mortem

Is God good? Reflection in lockdown

S

T

Every cloud has a silver lining

he COVID-19 pandemic is a world- closure and lockdown of several countries, God is everywhere and shattering event whose far-ranging pollution levels are dropping all over the God can hear us from consequences we can only begin world, and the environment is thriving. churches, homes and ofto imagine today, hence, I am certain 3. As humans everywhere are forced fices. Temporary cancellathat, there is no individual whose smart to self-isolate due to the pandemic, tion of worship services at phone is without the never-ending beeps lowering pollution levels have led to the churches forces the memof COVID-19 messages, videos, audios, unexpected prevailing of nature. bers to worship at home. It memes, etc. blinking on our screen which 4. Data from the European Space is a wonderful time to start we are glued to. Some Medias are impartAgency (ESA) has demonstrated a disfamily prayer fellowships ing precautionary measures and essential tinct drop in the air pollutant nitrogen and strengthen personal guides whilst several are a congestion of dioxide between the months of January relationship with God. unauthenticated information, which is and March.

• God is good. The misguiding and misinforming citizens.

5. In many European cities, followcancellation of worship My attempt and intent of this piece services at churches en- is not to disclaim and ignore the hercu- ing the reduction of water traffic from courages members to take lean negativity of the pandemic where boats and cruise ships, residents are responsibilities to shepherd thousands have lost their families and noticing that the usually murky waters their family in spiritual loved ones or to evoke fear, anger or are becoming crystal clear. Even more growth. They are less de- misconceptions of any kind, but I, as an incredibly, dolphins have begun to swim pendent on the structure environmental scientist (doing my job) in the canals, joined by schools of fish building known as the would like to drift you, my readers, to and even swans.

It is incredible to see how in such church building and pas- another scenario- how nature is reclaimtors to worship. It is an ing its spaces amidst the COVID-19 a short span of time, nature can adapt to the changing of human habits. These opportune time for pastors pandemic. improvements in nature, albeit due to huand church leaders to call Whilst the world is grappled with their members and guide the pandemic and its impact is utterly man restrictions, are inevitably something to take note of. If there is one thing this them in true worship. disheartening and sad and it seems clearly • God is good. There incorrect and foolhardy to conclude that pandemic has proven, it is human activity are thousands of good peo- pandemics have an optimistic impact, that is the foremost cause of pollution on ple in the world. Doctors there is another truth that is increasingly earth. Hopefully, this is something the world can remember once the pandemic and nurses who have lost taking hold and gaining momentum. their lives saving patients, 1. Imagery shared by NASA shows is over, and apply to the ways we think volunteers rendering their a steep decline in nitrogen dioxide levels about environmental policy moving forhelping hands, police and – which mainly stem from the burning of ward, so as to build ourselves a sustainarmy personals carrying fossil fuels for traffic and industry (and for able planet.

Alino Sumi, Senior Research Fellow out exceptional humanitar- this, you can visit the NASA website).

(SRF), Martin Luther Christian 2. As a result of pause of industrial ian works.

University, Shillong • God is good because work, reduced travel, increasing business God is providing us an excellent opportunity to introspect upon our lives and reflect our life styles in the light of the scripture.

It is great time for us to immerse in the word of God and listen to the will of God. • God is good. God will never abandon His Sir, children. Even though the The most important thing right now is not to give into panic. Hoarding and children are afflicted, faced panic buying will lead to price increases and make it difficult for the vulnerable with great trials and tribu- to access commodities they need. We are in this together. We need to think about lations, the God who raises each other.

Love the fact that people are panic buying an stocking up on food an bog roll the dead will deliver us. He is our Hope. (2 Corinth but then aren’t staying in the house. As much as possible, don’t- out of panic- spread the virus in your pursuit of a safe space, stay at home. People don’t realize as it is 1:9-10) the quicker we do things and stay inside quicker can get back to real life. Panic & Dr. Imna Imchen, disinformation spreads faster than any virus! We will overcome this challenge. Let Center for Christian us keep praying.

Discipleship and Manshen K Evangelism (CCDE) 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.

itting by the window, overlooking the empty streets, except for the few sparrows enjoying the shade under the bleeding mango tree cause by the dry, humid weather, I wonder if God is really good. As I reflect upon the grim realities that surround the world today, I began to understand that, the ways of God are higher than us; and His thoughts are higher than us. (Isaiah 55:9) I realized that I was selfish in my thoughts and so I put away my selfish thoughts away to understand if God is good. Upon reflection, I am convinced that God is good in the midst of uncertainties and hardship. Here are some of the reasons why.

• God is good. Imagine if Covid-19 had started in Myanmar, India or Bangladesh. The infection and death toll would have been unimaginable.

Who knows, it could have already killed lakhs of people. But God in all its wisdom and mercy gives us enough time to prepare.

Still, we are threadbare away from being in worst condition than the first world countries.

• God is good. Count r i e s l i k e C h i n a , U S, France, Italy, with their unprecedent technologies and economy are struggling to contain it but the price is ghastly. The only possible option to limit the spread of Covid-19 is through social distancing, sanitizing and selfisolation. Even that, we are finding it difficult to comply. Those people who comply will have a greater chance of survival.

• God is good. The carbon emission has been reduced drastically due to

the lockdown. Cancellation of trains, planes, jets, closing down of factories and industries, reduction in pollution through leisure tourism, littering streets have all contributed to the destruction of the world.

The lockdown is giving space for our environment to breath.

• God is good. Illegal drugs and alcohol have been a serious problem in our society. With the lockdown, many people who are addicted to illegal drugs and alcohol are forced to survive without it. Although it is painful for them, it is one of God’s way to rehabilitate them.

It is an opportune time for pastors, counsellors and field workers to call them and encourage them and support them in their struggles.

• God is good. All over the world, families can spend quality time with their loved ones. In this money driven world, many parents rely on schools and helpers to nurture their children while they toil away all their time and strength in search of wealth. The lockdown is a natural method to reconnect and revitalize family lives.

• God is good. Families with marital problems are forced to face the demon inside their home face on. There is no plausible excuse to avoid it. Many husbands and wives will be relieved of their sleepless nights and tears caused by extra-marital relationships.

It is a good time for every spouse to reflect upon their faithfulness, commitment and loyalty to each other.

• God is good. The world all over is coming to terms with the fact that

Reader’s Post Don’t give in to panic

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

Migrant workers hosed down with chlorine

officer, he said. but will create more probCongress general sec- lems for their health,” she retary Priyanka Gandhi tweeted in Hindi.

Vadra, Samajwadi Party Akhilesh Yadav said president Akhilesh Yadav the spraying of chemicals and Bahujan Samjaj Party on migrants to sanitise chief Mayawati lashed out them had raised questions. at the Yogi Adityanath govHe asked if the World ernment in Uttar Pradesh Health Organisation had over the treatment of mi- given any directions on grants, hit by the lockdown this. and now heading for their “What arrangements homes. were there for people to P r i ya n k a G a n d h i change out of wet clothes? asked the UP government What alternatives are being not to do something this provided for the food that gets wet due to the sprayA screen grab shows healthcare workers, in protective suits, spray a solution through hose “inhuman”.

“The labourers have ing?” Yadav tweeted. pipe on migrants before allowing them to enter the town of Bareilly, Monday. (PTI) already suffered a lot.

Mayawati called the BAREILLY/LUCKNOW, containing sodium hy- tion in the eyes.

Don’t make them bathe Bareilly incident “inhuman MAR 30 (PTI): A group of pochlorite. It is often used Chief Fire Officer C with chemicals like this. and brutal” and asked the migrants heading home af- to keep swimming pools M Sharma said spraying This will not protect them government to act. ter the lockdown over coro- sanitised. the group with sodium naviras was hosed down The incident, caught hypochlorite was necessary with a chlorine solution on video and shared on for “disinfecting”.

The Health Ministry on Monday termed the hosing in Bareilly, triggering criti- social media, took place at He said there is a burncism and then an admission Bareilly’s Satellite bus sta- ing sensation for “two or down of home-bound migrants with a chlorine solution from the local authorities tion on Sunday. three seconds” in the eyes in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district “overzealous action” that they went too far.

The clip showed sever- when it gets into them, “but by field staff out of fear or ignorance, and said they have been reprimanded by the district magistrate.

A state government of- al migrants squatting on the it doesn’t harm them”.

Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health Lav Agarficial, however, argued that ground as men in protective As a row erupted over wal, while responding to a question regarding the incident such spraying of people is suits hosed them down. the incident, District magispermitted internationally. Someone is heard telling trate Nitish Kumar blamed during a press conference, said the district magistrate conBut the authorities did not people to shut their eyes as it on “overzealous” civic cerned has already clarified that it was some overzealous follow the right procedure, the spraying begins. body personnel and said ac- employees who did something which was not required.

“He has reprimanded all those officials. It was an he said.

Several people in the tion is being taken against overzealous action by field officers either out of fear or A fire brigade official group, which included them. said the migrants were women and children, comThose affected were ignorance. There are no guidelines in terms of spraying sprayed with a solution plained of a burning sensa- seen by the chief medical disinfectants on people,” Agarwal said.

Staff reprimanded: Health Ministry

7 Army dismisses as fake social media messages NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (PTI): The Indian Army on Monday dismissed as “fake” certain messages circulating on social media about likely imposition of Emergency in the country next month to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

Army officials also said no effort is being initiated to rope in services of retired personnel, the National Cadet Corps and the volunteers enrolled under the National Service Scheme in the wake of the coronavirus crisis “Fake and malicious messages are circulating on social media about likely declaration of emergency in mid April and employment of #IndianArmy, #Veterans, NCC and NSS to assist the civil administration,” the Army’s Additional Director general of Public Information (ADGPI) tweeted.

“It is clarified that this is absolutely Fake,” the ADGPI said.

India was brought under a 21-day lockdown on midnight of last Tuesday with an aim to check the spread of the coronavirus infection.

Health Ministry issues advisory for aged people

NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (PTI): Stating that the course of COVID-19 tends to be more severe in the case of the elderly population, resulting in higher mortality, the Union Health Ministry has issued a health advisory, listing some “dos” and “don’ts” for reducing the transmission of the virus among the aged section.

The advisor y said globally, COVID-19 has impacted several lives and is steadily increasing its reach.

While the Indian government has taken stringent actions to contain the spread of COVID-19, including a nationwide lockdown, it is also critical for each one of us to follow the protocols and take necessary measures and precautions to break the chain of transmission of the disease, it added.

“Elderly people are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to their decreased immunity and body reserves, as well as multiple associated comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

“Also, course of disease tends to be more severe in case of elderlies, resulting in higher mortality,” the advisory stated.

The ministry advised the elderly people to wash their hands and face at regular intervals with soap, stay at home, avoid meeting visitors at home and if such a meeting is essential, maintain a distance of at least one metre.

It asked them to ensure proper nutrition through home-cooked, fresh, hot meals, hydrate frequently and take fresh juices to boost immunity.

The “dos” also include exercising, taking the daily prescribed medicines regularly, postponing elective surgeries (if any) like cataract surgery or total knee replacement and cleaning frequently-touched surfaces with a disinfectant.

“If you develop fever, cough and/or breathing difficulty, immediately contact nearest healthcare facility and follow the medical advice rendered,” the advisory said.

Nitish must quit, says Prashant COVID-19 outbreak: Localities sealed in south Delhi, Mumbai Kishor; draws flak from JD(U)

PATNA, MAR 30 (PTI): Poll strategist-turned- politician Prashant Kishor on Monday said Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his former mentor, should “quit” for his alleged failure to provide adequate assistance to migrants returning to the state from far-off places, amid the 21-day lockdown.

K i s h o r, w h o wa s expelled from the JD(U) headed by Kumar, two months ago, shared a disturbing video footage on his Twitter handle, where scores of people can be seen cooped up inside a structure, beating their fists against the gates and pleading that they be allowed to go home.

With the hashtag #NitishMustQuit, Kishor wrote in Hindi, “It is a terrifying

picture of government’s measures to save people from coronavirus infection.

Such are the arrangements in place by @NitishKumar to ensure social distancing for those who are reaching Bihar from various parts of the country after enduring untold hardships.”

Though the place where the video was shot was not mentioned in the tweet, it has been traced to Sareya in Guthani block of Siwan district where nearly 100 people had arrived on a bus the previous day.

“The video is misleading as no one is held up at the RBT Vidyalaya in Sareya anymore. All migrants were sent off to their respective places late Sunday night,” Block Development Officer Neeraj Kumar Dubey told PTI

Is COVID-19 less virulent in India? Too early to say NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (IANS): As SARS-CoV2, the new coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease, keeps wreaking havoc globally, a new study has come out with the finding that there may be a unique mutation in the Indian genome that needs to be studied further in detail to see if it can affect the coronavirus.

The New Delhi-based International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) has performed preliminary research on SARS-CoV2 genomes from different geographical origins -- India, Italy, the US, Nepal and Wuhan in China -- to identify the notable genomic features of coronavirus.

The analysis revealed that there is only a single host microRNA (miRNA) titled “hsa-miR-27b” that is uniquely targeting the India SARS-CoV2.

“Based on our analysis, we speculate an important regulatory role of ‘miR-27b’ in SARS-CoV2 infection.

The contradictory treatment outcomes may be due to the presence of the miR-27b target in the Indian genome

specifically,” said the research supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

According to Dr Dinesh Gupta, lead researcher of the study published in prepreint portal bioRxiv, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, the mutations they found are not country specific but genome specific.

“The country names in this case indicate where the genome sequences are submitted from. If the mutations are in the genes that code for proteins important for binding, entry and/or replication, they may affect the survival of the virus,”

Gupta told IANS. To gain further insights into host responses to viral infection, the research team predicted that antiviral hostmiRNAs may be controlling the viral pathogenesis.

“Our analysis reveals nine host miRNAs which can potentially target SARSCoV2 genes. Interestingly, the nine miRNAs do not have targets in SARS and MERS genomes. Also, ‘hsamiR-27b’ is the only unique miRNA which has a target gene in the Indian SARSCoV2 genome,” the authors wrote.

However, the research has so far been done in one genome sequence from India so it is too early to predict that novel coronavirus

is less virulent in the Indian context.

“The microRNAs are present in all human beings. hsa-miR-27b is one of the six antiviral microRNAs that can potentially bind to virus genes and affect its activity,” said Gupta.

“In our study, which is a purely computational one, we predicted that this microRNA binds to the SARS-Cov2 genome submitted from India. However, it is too early to comment on it because there is only one high coverage sequence from India, so far,” the researcher told IANS. The total number of coronavirus positive cases in India reached 1,071 on Monday, including foreign nationals, with 942 active cases, the Union Health Ministry said.

According to the researchers, the specific genetic and miRNA spectrum should be considered as the basis of the treatment management.

The team also observed that each genome has unique mutations -- except the genome from Nepal that shares 100 per cent similarity with the Wuhan genome.

were brought to LNJP Hospital on Sunday from Nizamuddin and 68 today, so a total of 153 are admitted in isolation wards and being tested for infection,” LNJP Medical Superintendent Dr J C Passey said.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern Range) Devesh Srivastava, however, said around 300-400 people had taken part in the congregation.

Another senior police official said, a notice has been served to the organisation for violating prohibitory orders and restrictions imposed owing to the lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Earlier this month, People who showed coronavirus symptoms being taken to various hospitals from Delhi Government had Nizamuddin area in New Delhi, Monday. (PTI) banned religious, social, cultural and political gatherings as well as protests Two colonies in Worli area in central Mumbai were sealed, disinfected and fumicomprising more than 50 people till March 31 in gated in the early hours of Monday in view of novel coronavirus outbreak, local MLA view of the coronavirus and Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray tweeted.

While some television channels reported that four COVID-19 cases were detected outbreak.

The entire area, which in the two localities, there was no confirmation from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corpoincludes residences and ration officials on this.

“Late last night 2 am onwards, Koliwada and Janta Colony have been sealed the headquarters of the Tabligh-e-Jamaat was cor- off further. Disinfection and fumigation is on along with contact tracing,” Thackeray tweeted. doned off.

Koliwada, home to a vast fishing community, and Janata Colony are congested The joint Delhi PoliceCRPF-medical team has localities in the metropolis.

Local residents said police were not allowing people to leave or enter the area. been checking people and The BMC also started a drive in the area as part of its drive to disinfect public shifting them to designated places. hospitals for quarantining, “In order to contain further spread of COVID-19, Worli Koliwada has been comthe officials said. The police have been using drones pletely sealed and lockdown for public movement, in coordination with Police Dept. for surveillance in order to Disinfection and fumigation process of the complete area has been initiated, as a precautionary measure,” tweeted G North ward of BMC. check any violations.

2 Worli localities sealed

Crime rate down by 50pc in Kolkata amid lockdown

KO L K ATA , M A R 3 0 (PTI): Criminal activities in the metropolis, including dacoity and eve-teasing, have almost halved over the past 10 days in comparison to the corresponding period in the first two months of the year, a senior police officer said.

Cases of snatching and pick-pocketing have also reduced in the city amid the nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the deadly COVID-19, he said. “If the number of criminal activities recorded between March 18 and 28 is compared with that of the corresponding period in January and February of this year, we can say for certain that the rate has fallen by 50 per cent,” Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Murli Dhar Sharma told PTI. “Mostly, what we have registered since March 18 are white-collar crimes,” he said.

According to the officer, the Kolkata Police has been busy dealing with matters related to the COVID-19 crisis, and keeping any eye on social media to prevent circulation of fake news.

Take steps to reduce jail population: HC

NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (PTI): A high powered committee, headed by a Delhi High Court judge, has directed authorities to take steps like releasing inmates on emergency parole for reducing over-crowding in jails to prevent the spread of coronavirus which has infected 1,071 people in India and claimed 29 lives.

The committee, constituted on the orders of the Supreme Court, deliberated on various means of achieving social distancing and resolved to quarantine fresh inmates who are foreign nationals, isolate those with flu or fever symptoms, conduct regular medical examination of the prisoners, release (those eligible) inmates on emergency parole and to grant special remission of sentence to those who have six months or less jail term left to serve.

The decision by the committee, headed by Delhi High Court judge Justice Hima Kohli, was taken in a meeting held via video conferencing with officials of DG Prisons, Delhi State Legal Services Authority and Home department of the Delhi government.

The meeting was held pursuant to the March 23 direction of the apex court to every state to set up a high powered committee to take measures to reduce population of inmates in the overcrowded jails in the country by determining category of prisoners to be released on parole and interim bail.

In the meeting held by the committee constituted by the Delhi government, it was resolved that the process of granting eight week parole to around 1,500 prisoners, under a newly incorporated provision in the prison rules, would be completed expeditiously.

It was also resolved to

relax category of under-trial prisoners (UTPs) who can be released on interim bail to further reduce the jail population, the minutes of the meeting said.

However, UTPs undergoing trial in drug cases where intermediary or large amount of banned substance was recovered, those facing trial for sexual assault of children, rape and acid attacks, foreign nationals, accused in corruption or money laundering cases and those under investigation in terror, anti-national or unlawful activities, would not be considered for any interim bail, the committee resolved.

K-458

Nitish Kumar and Prashant Kishor.

over phone.

He also said that migrants who hailed from “far-off districts such as Madhubani and Sitamarhi” were put up at a school building where the government had proposed to set up a camp for stranded people.

“They had an arduous journey from Delhi. Even after being served food and water they seemed desperate to rush to their homes and were ready to make a dash on foot.

“This could have led to more problems so a padlock was placed on the gates to prevent their exit till vehicles were arranged for ferrying them to their respective places,” the BDO stated.

The school building had enough space to ensure adequate physical distance, Dubey claimed.

“But, in sheer desperation, some of them seemed to have gathered cheek by jowl at the gates.

It was unfortunate. However, thankfully they are all now at their respective villages where panchayats are ensuring that they are placed under quarantine till the time a medical examination is conducted,” he added.

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI, MAR 30 (PTI): Police and paramilitary personnel cordoned off a major area in Nizamuddin West in south Delhi while over 200 people have been kept in isolation in hospitals after several people who took part in a religious congregation there earlier this month showed symptoms of coronavirus, officials said on Monday.

Over 2,000 delegates, including from Indonesia and Malaysia, attended the congregation of Tabligh-eJamaat, a Muslim religious organisation, from March 1-15, officials said. However, locals said that a large number of people continued to stay at the Jamaat’s ‘Markaj’ (Centre) even after this period.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ordered an FIR against the cleric who was leading the congregation, sources said.

Delhi Police, CRPF officials and medical teams went to the locality late on Sunday night after reports that a large number of people were showing symptoms of the disease, the officials said.

More than 200 people showing symptoms of COVID-19 were admitted to different hospitals by Delhi’s Health Department, police said.

“As many as 85 people

8

business/state Dimapur Dist admin stresses on social distancing banking, finance stocks lead fall DIMAPUR, MAR 30

Mkts extend losses amid Covid-19

MUMBAI, MAR 30 (PTI): The BSE Sensex crashed over 1,375 points on Monday, pressured by heavy selling in banking, finance and auto counters, as sentiment remained grim amid a steady rise in coronavirus cases.

The number of Covid19 cases in India shot past the 1,000-mark on Monday, with the death toll rising to 29. Investors dumped risky assets after multiple ratings agencies cut India’s growth outlook, traders said.

After plunging over 1,500 points during the day, the 30-share BSE barometer ended 1,375.27 points or 4.61 per cent lower at 28,440.32.

Similarly, the NSE Nifty fell 379.15 points, or 4.38 per cent, to close at 8,281.10.

Bajaj Finance was the top laggard in the Sensex pack, tanking nearly 12 per cent, followed by HDFC, Tata Steel, HDFC Bank, ICICI bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Maruti, which shed up to 10.92 per cent.

Only six Sensex constituents ended in the green, led by Tech Mahindra (4.94 per cent), Nestle (4.49 per cent), Axis Bank (2.50 per cent) and HUL (2.19 per

cent).

“Indian markets started the week on a negative note tracking volatile global cues in Asian markets as coronavirus-fuelled volatility gripped global equities and other financial markets, with oil prices seen plunging,” said Narendra Solanki, Head- Equity Research (Fundamental), Anand Rathi.

Fitch Solutions slashed its estimate for India’s GDP growth in the fiscal starting April 1 to 4.6 per cent due to weaker private consumption and contraction in investment amid the coronavirus outbreak, costing economies

around the globe.

India Ratings and Research too revised its FY21 GDP growth forecast down to 3.6 per cent from 5.5 per cent. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had on Friday said the world has entered a recession as bad or worse than in 2009.

“As expected, the markets have set aside the stimulus measures announced by the RBI and the government, and focused on the rising virus infections and its impact on the Indian economy.

“With a global recession already declared by the IMF, the recessionary

forces and the general uncertainty are forcing investors, especially the FIIs, to redeem their investments.

CPI for Industrial workers is due tomorrow, although it is unlikely to have an effect in the current market scenario,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

BSE realty, finance, bankex, auto and telecom indices tumbled up to 7.01 per cent, while healthcare and FMCG ended with gains.

Broader BSE midcap and smallcap indices fell up to 2.13 per cent.

Global equities notched up losses as investors assessed the economic damage from the virus pandemic.

Bourses in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul ended in the red. Benchmarks in Europe were also trading on a negative note.

International oil benchmark Brent crude fell 4.47 per cent to USD 26.70 per barrel in futures trade.

On the currency front, the rupee depreciated 65 paise to 75.54 against the US dollar in intra-day trade.

Deaths around the world linked to the Covid19 pandemic crossed 30,000 over the weekend.

(NPN): Dimapur district has informed all the organizations/NGOs undertaking humanitarian act to carry out the activities only through the collaboration of the district administration In a circular, DC Dimapur Anoop Khinchi said the government has noted that sometimes such humanitarian activities was undertaken without maintaining proper social distancing and other laid down protocols though various advisories issued in the interest of the public by the government.

Therefore, DC has directed all the organizations/ NGOs to collaborate with the district administration so that proper food safety regulations, precautions and social distancing were maintained and also to ensure that distribution of relief materials to the destitute across the entire town could be covered in a systematic way. All NGOs engaged in food distribution and other humanitarian activities have been requested to contact extra assistant commissioner (dev) mobile No.7005968695 and DC office Dimapur for necessary coordination and assignment of areas under the community kitchen initiative.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

WSH demands complete lockdown in Dimapur (From p-1) WSH also suggested that the district administration in collaboration with civil society groups and colony/village councils work out a system of allowing respective residents buy essential commodities within their own localities and villages from few identifies

shops within strict timing and routine and strict penalty on defaulters.

WSH also asked the district administration to enhance home delivery arrangements for people who do not want to venture out during “these perilous times.”

Further WSH has ex-

pressed appreciation of the stat government’s action in combating the coronavirus and urged it to “judiciously allot the emergency medical equipments for Dimapur”as is the main gateway of Nagaland and vulnerable and also to set up a laboratory testing facility without further delay.

ANTA serves 3-day ultimatum on govt (From p-1) Further, ANTA has warned that government’s failure to look into the genuine plight of its drivers would result in the association taking to the streets “come what

(From p-1)

may”. Stating that silence of the government has been “deafening” in these times of trouble and turmoil, the association has demanded that government act accordingly within three days “to avoid any untoward incidents”.

DNSU concerned

lockdown, thereby making it difficult even for government officials to implement the order as Dimapur was a big area with one of the highest population in Nagaland.

DNSU said due to initiatives of village/colony councils and youth organisations, volunteers were at the forefront at the initial stage of lockdown and strictly monitored public movement along with the administration, police and medical department, but pointed out that right after the government had barred organisations from implementing the lockdown, the outcome was evident on Monday.

While appreciating the declaration of the State government to make the entire COVID-19 testing and treatment free and the various initiatives undertaken, the union urged the government to have more practical remedies in dealing with this pandemic before it spread far and wide.

DNSU also requested the government to continue carrying out its measures against the pandemic in a more practical manner and convene another round of meeting with stakeholders for a better outcome.

It also appealed to Dimapur Municipal Council to sanitise market areas at least once a day, while requesting the general public to stay home and take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously.

Rupee settles 70 paise lower COVID-19: Tea industry seeks financial package from Centre at 75.59 against US dollar

MUMBAI, MAR 30 (PTI): The rupee settled 70 paise lower at 75.59 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday amid rise in coronavirus cases in the country and weak domestic equities.

Forex traders said heavy selling in domestic equities dragged the local unit amid mounting fears of a coronavirus-led economic slowdown.

Moreover, strengthening of the American currency in the international market also weighed on the domestic currency.

At the interbank for-

eign exchange market, the rupee opened at 75.17. During the day, it lost further ground and finally settled at 75.59, down 70 paise over its previous close.

The rupee had settled at 74.89 against the greenback on Friday. “On the domestic front, rupee has been under pressure on back of selling by FIIs in equity and debt segment.

“Market participants will be keeping an eye on employment numbers that will be released from the US and weaker-than-expected economic data could keep under dollar weighed

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

down,” Motilal Oswal Financial Services Forex & Bullion Analyst Gaurang Somaiyaa said.

The BSE Sensex ended 1,375.27 points or 4.61 per cent lower at 28,440.32.

Similarly, the NSE Nifty fell 379.15 points, or 4.38 per cent, to close at 8,281.10.

The number of COVID-19 cases climbed to 1,071 in India on Monday, while the death toll rose to 29, according to the Union Health Ministry.

The dollar was trading 0.59 per cent higher at 98.95 against other major currencies.

KO L K ATA , M A R 3 0 (PTI): The tea industry has sought a financial package from the Centre to tide over the coronavirus crisis as production in the gardens came to a halt in the wake of the ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown, an official said on Monday.

The Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA), the largest body of tea producers in the country, wrote a letter to the Union commerce ministry, seeking a relief package for the sector which is “passing through an acute financial crisis” in the last five years.

In view of the production loss during peak season

and disruption in value chain due to the lockdown, the sector is facing a severe cash flow problem, impeding its ability to cope with wage and other related obligations, CCPA chairman Vivek Goenka said in the

No. 9539 Yesterday’s solution No. 9538

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The CCPA sought the government’s intervention to support the wage payments through “direct transfer of Rs 1,000 per week into the workers’ accounts for three months”.

The financial requirement for tea workers of West Bengal and Assam will be around Rs 1,100 crore, the planters’ body said, adding that it sought “subsidisation of employers’ portion of PF contribution for three months, which will have a financial impact of Rs 145 crore”.

Te a B o a r d d e p u t y Chairman Arun Kumar Ray said, “We are fully aware of the problems of the indus-

try in this period of crisis.

Whatever representation is sent to us, we will forward them with the request for taking further action.

“We are not sure how long the lockdown will continue. Ultimately, all representations will have to go the finance ministry for its approval.”

The industry body also pleaded with the government for granting a moratorium for one year on all loan repayment along with interests to prevent the companies from defaults.

It also sought interest subvention at a rate of 3 per cent on all working capital and term loans.

Mother Dairy supplies 250 tonnes of fruits, vegetables in Delhi-NCR

KIMS inks MoU with Odisha govt to set up COVID-19 Hospital

letter on Sunday.

“We appeal for a financial package from the government to ride over the crisis and help secure employment of around 1.2 million workers engaged in this sector,” it said.

NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (PTI): Mother Dairy on Monday supplied around 250 tonnes of fruits and vegetables to its retail stores ‘Safal’ across Delhi-NCR to meet local demand, which has now stabilised with no panic-buying from customers.

Last week, Mother Dairy had doubled its supply of fruits and vegetables in the Delhi-NCR at over 300 tonnes per day, as customers began panic-buying of household essentials after announcement of the 21-day nationwide lockdown.

Mother Dairy, which is a major milk supplier in the national capital region with sales of over 30 lakh litres per day, has started home delivery for senior citizens in few localities of Delhi like Moti Bagh, Defence Colony and Greater Kailash, said Pradipta Sahoo, business head of Safal.

“We have supplied around 250 tonnes of fruits and vegetables today (Monday). The supply has come down from over 300 tonnes last week as panic-buying has stopped but still it is more than normal,” he told PTI. Moreover, the local vendors have also now got access to sell in colonies, Sahoo said.

The rates have also come down of all vegetables including potatoes, tomatoes and cauliflowers, he said.

Before the lockdown, Mother Dairy used to supply 160-180 tonnes of fruits and vegetables per day in Delhi-NCR. Sahoo said the Mother

Dairy could increase the capacity up to 400 tonnes per day.

“We are procuring 90 per cent of our supply from farmers. The remaining 10 per cent comes from local wholesale markets such as Azadpur,” he said.

Mother Dairy is sourcing fruits and vegetables from Delhi and neighbouring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.

It is procuring onion from Maharashtra and potatoes from Agra in Uttar Pradesh.

Mother Dair y has enough stock of apples which it has stored in cold chain facility, he noted.

The company has more than 300 Safal stores across the national capital region.

Sahoo said the company is enforcing safe distancing at its stores to check spread of coronavirus. It is also taking other precautionary measures in the entire supply chain.

DIMAPUR: Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) has signed a MoU with the Government of Odisha to set up a COVID-19 Special Hospital to combat the spread of novel coronavirus in the state. The MoU was signed by CEO KIMS, Dr. Bishnu Panigrahi on behalf of KIMS in the presence of founder KIIT & KISS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, pro-chancellor, KIIT deemed to be University, Dr. Subrat Acharya and other government officials.

This is one-of-its-kind initiative by the government and KIMS to ensure that the people of Odisha get stateof-the-art infrastructure and the services of best doctors to treat and tackle this pandemic.

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9

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

Boris Johnson hails society in Spanish coronavirus cases overtake China latest self-isolation video message in a radio interview that the stricter lockdown would exact an economic toll, but if Spain managed to prevent the closure of many companies, they could recover when normality returns.

China reports 4 deaths, 31 new cases: China has reported 31 new cases of coronavirus including 30 imported ones while the death toll reached 3,304 with four more fatalities, health officials said on Monday.

The country’s National Health Commission (NHC) in its daily report said 31 new confirmed COVID19 cases on the Chinese mainland were reported on Sunday, of which 30 were imported, taking their total number to 723.

A new domestic case was reported in Gansu province, it said. The four deaths were reported from the virus epicentre Hubei province, it said.

Peak US death rate likely in 2 weeks: Trump Healthcare workers wearing protective face masks push a patient in a wheelchair at the emergency unit at 12 de Octubre Hospital in Madrid, Spain March 30. (Reuters)

MADRID/ WASHINGTON /BEIJING, MAR 30 (AGENCIES): Spain overtook China’s total number of coronavirus cases on Monday but business leaders and regional authorities criticized the government’s decision to further restrict the movement of people and keep non-essential workers at home until mid-April.

An overnight death toll of 812 people brought total fatalities in Spain to 7,340, while the number of infections rose by 8% to 85,195 on Monday, against 81,470 in China, where the disease originated at the end of 2019.

H e a l t h e m e r ge n c y chief Fernando Simon, who has been holding daily briefings on the epidemic, has tested positive for the virus, his deputy said.

Maria Jose Sierra, who replaced Simon, said the

daily infection increase had slowed since the introduction of lockdown measures to 12% on average since March 25 from around 20% in the March 15-25 period.

As Spain awoke to its third week of a nationwide lockdown - the strictest yet flags flew at half-mast in the capital and the surrounding region, which has been the epicenter of the epidemic.

The government said it was imposing caps on funeral prices, following reports that undertakers were taking advantage of increased demand.

The first batch of medical supplies requested by Spain from NATO’s disaster coordination center arrived from the Czech Republic by plane on Sunday evening.

After the government announced on Saturday that all non-essential workers should stay home for two

weeks, Antonio Garamendi, president of Spain’s business association, said the lockdown could lead to a full-blown social crisis and criticized the delay in clarifying which sectors were “essential”. “If you stop the country, we’ll have a huge social problem within five months,” he said in a television interview.

The government gave businesses an extra 24 hours to wind down operations, with full closure of nonessential activity to start on Tuesday. “We have always maintained that the aim was to try to balance fighting against the virus’s propagation with upholding the basis of our economic system,” Transport Minister Jose Luis Abalos said on national television.

The European Central Bank’s Spanish vice-president, Luis de Guindos, said

North Korea says tested ‘super-large’ rocket launchers

This photo provided by the North Korean government shows military exercise at an undisclosed location in North Korea on Sunday. (PTI)

SEOUL, MAR 30 (AFP): Nuclear-armed North Korea successfully tested “super-large multiple rocket launchers”, state media said on Monday, but leader Kim Jong Un was not described as commanding the drill as analysts say Pyongyang seeks to normalise its launches.

With the world focused on the coronavirus pandemic and North Korea insisting it has not had a single COVID-19 case, the isolated state has carried out four such firings this month.

Unusually, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not say in its report that Kim had directed

Sunday’s test. The leader is almost always shown overseeing the North’s launches but on this occasion KCNA said it was led by ruling party vice chairman Ri Pyong Chol and conducted by the Academy of National Defence Science.

South Korea had said two projectiles -- presumed to be ballistic missiles -were fired on Sunday from the North Korean port city of Wonsan into the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea. Images carried by the North’s official Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed rockets blasting out of a launcher with six firing tubes,

striking what appeared to be an island target. Kim was not seen in the photos.

“By Kim’s absence, North Korea is trying to reduce the significance of the launch and stressing that the missile test is just a part of normal drills,” said Go Myong-hyun, an analyst at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

The last time Kim was not seen at such an event was when the North test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile in October, just days before officials from Pyongyang and Washington were due to meet in Stockholm to rekindle stalled diplomacy.

Some one lakh people in the US may die from the coronavirus pandemic and the peak death rate was likely to hit the country in two weeks, President Donald Trump has warned, citing his health experts as he extended the “social distancing” guidelines until April 30.

His statement came as the death toll in New York State, America’s epicentre of COVID-19, crossed the 1,000 mark, with Governor Andrew Cuomo warning that thousands of people may die before the crisis ends. The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the US stood at 143,025 and 2,509 people have died in the country, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

Assuring his countrymen that he expects the US to be on its way to recovery

by June 1, Trump told reporters at a televised White House news conference that he had to extend the social distancing measures till April 30, based on the ad-

Harry-Meghan must pay for security: Trump

Washington, Mar 30 (IANS): American President Donald Trump has said that the US would not foot the bill for the UK’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle’s security amid reports that the couple have moved to California from Canada, the media reported. “I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen and the United Kingdom.

It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada.

Now they have left Canada for the US however, the US will not pay for their security protection. They must pay,” the BBC quoted the President as saying in a tweet on Sunday. But in a statement released through a spokesperson, the couple set to formally step down as senior royals on March 31 and no longer carry out duties on behalf of the Queen, said: “The Duke and Duchess have no plans to ask the US government for security resources. Privately funded security arrangements have been made.”

According to a report published last week by London-based The Sun newspaper, the couple along with their son, Archie left the 10.7 million-pound mansion they were borrowing in Vancouver and took a flight out of the city shortly before Trump and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau closed the border between their countries.

Prince Charles recovers from COVID-19

LONDON, MAR 30 (PTI): Britain’s Prince Charles came out of self-isolation on Monday, seven days after it was confirmed that he had tested positive for coronavirus, a royal spokesperson said. The 71-year-old heir to the British throne had been self-isolating on the Queen’s Balmoral estate in Scotland after he had been tested by the National Health Service (NHS) in Aberdeenshire last week.

“Clarence House has confirmed today (Monday) that, having consulted with his doctor, The Prince of

Prince Charles

Wales is now out of selfisolation,” his spokesperson said. His Clarence House royal office said the prince was in “good health” and was following the government’s restrictions as he car-

ries on working from home.

His wife C a m il l a , Duchess of Cornwall, had tested negative for the deadly virus at the same time, but the 72-year-old had also been self-isolating separately in Balmoral. The royal couple were tested last Monday after they had flown out to Scotland in a jet and have remained there since then.

“It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks,” Clarence

House had said at the time.

Prince Charles, who made international headlines as he switched to the non-contact ‘namaste’ as a form of greeting just as the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic, spent seven days of quarantine at his Birkhall home on the royal Balmoral estate.

The Buckingham Palace previously said 93-yearold Queen Elizabeth II last saw her son on March 12, and was “in good health” as she remains in Windsor Castle with husband Prince Philip, 98.

vice from his two top public health advisors and members of the White House Task Force on Coronavirus: Dr Deborah Bix and Dr Anthony Fauci.

“I want the American people to know that your selfless inspiring and valiant efforts are saving countless lives. You are making a difference. The modeling estimates that the peak and death rate is likely to hit in two weeks,” Trump said during his second Rose Garden press conference on the coronavirus outbreak.

Trump predicted his decision would save hundreds of thousands of lives, in an apparent moving of the political goalposts to account for the fast worsening US pandemic.

“2.2 million people would have died if we didn’t do what we are doing,” the President said. “If we can hold that number down ... to 100,000, it’s a horrible number, maybe even less ... we all, all together have done a very good job,” Trump said.

LONDON, MAR 30 (PTI): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is self-isolating after testing positive for the coronavirus, took to social media once again to post a video message to update the public on his health, in which he also said that 20,000 former NHS staff have returned to help contain the deadly virus.

In a significant departure from the Conservative Party roots and former prime minister Margaret Thatcher’s infamous declaration that “there is no such thing as society” reflective of her strong non-interventionist approach, Johnson delivered a contradictory message as he exhorted the public to carry on following the strict social distancing norms to help collectively control the spread of the deadly virus.

“We are going to do it, we are going to do it together. One thing I think the coronavirus crisis has already proved is that there really is such a thing as society,” he said in a video posted on Twitter on Sunday evening.

“Thanks to ever yone who has been staying at home. By delaying the spread of the disease we can reduce the pressure on our NHS, and that’s how we hope to save many thousands of lives,” he said.

Looking ill but dressed in a suit and ties, Johnson tried to project his usual optimistic message as he carries on leading the country’s response to the pandemic via video conferencing and

Boris Johnson

phone calls.

He thanked the nearly 20,000 retired doctors and nurses who have returned to the National Health Service (NHS) to help with the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Johnson applauded the British public for obeying the restrictions set out by the government to slow the spread of the virus and help reduce the pressure on the health service, adding that train use was down 95 per cent and bus use down 75 per cent.

His message came as the UK’s coronavirus death toll continues to mount, with a further 209 deaths in a day to hit a total of 1,228.

The country remains under semi-lockdown with a central message to “stay at home”, except for key workers who do need to get to work at hospitals, shops and pharmacies – where they must follow the minimum two-metre social distancing norm.

Dr Jenny Harries, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, has said that the strict social distancing rules in place at pres-

ent would have to remain for between two and three months.

She war ned that it would be a further three months before all the present restrictions were lifted, and even then there were likely to be “bumps” as new clusters of cases were identified.

“We must not suddenly revert to our normal way of living. That would be quite dangerous. If we stop them [the restrictions] all of our efforts will have been wasted and we could see a second peak,” she said.

“So over time, probably the next six months, we will see where we are going.

We need to keep that lid on and then gradually we will be able to hopefully adjust some of the social distance measures and gradually get us all back to normal,” she said.

Meanwhile, the UK government has said that it is ramping up testing of NHS frontline workers. Some experts believe that the UK is beginning to show some early signs of slowdown in some indicators for the coronavirus outbreak.

“If we look at the number of new hospital admissions per day for instance, that does appear to be slowing down a little bit now.

It’s not yet plateaued, so the numbers can be increasing each day, but the rate of increase has slowed,” said Prof Neil Ferguson, from Imperial College London and one of the government’s key advisers on the pandemic.

Taliban attacks kill 11 troops, police KABUL, MAR 30 (AP): Taliban attacks in Afghanistan’s north and south have killed at least 11 Afghan soldiers and policemen, the country’s Defense Ministry and a provincial official said on Monday.

The violence comes even as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last week announced his 21-member team to negotiate peace with the Taliban, only to have his political opponent, Abdullah Abdullah, reject it as not inclusive enough.

The Taliban have not claimed responsibility for the latest attacks.

According to the Defence Ministry, the insurgents targeted a military checkpoint in a multi-pronged attack in the district of Argandab in southern Zabul province on Sunday night, killing at least six troops. In northern Baghlan province, at least five members of the security forces were killed and six others were wounded when their checkpoint came under a Taliban attack on the outskirts of the provincial capital, Pulikhomri, said Mabobullah Ghafari, a provincial council member.

That attack also took place on Sunday.

On Monday, a sticky bomb attached to vehicle detonated in the capital of Kabul, wounding at least four people, said Firdaus Faramraz, spokesman for the Kabul police chief.

Afghanistan’s political

A damaged vehicle is removed from the site of a bomb explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday. (PTI)

turmoil and the rivalry between Ghani and Andullah have impeded each step toward talks with the Taliban - negotiations that were supposed to come next under a peace deal that Washington signed with the insurgents last month.

The deal calls for the eventual withdrawal of all 13,000 US soldiers from Afghanistan in exchange for guarantees from the Taliban that they would fight other militant groups, including the Islamic State group.

The deal has been touted as Afghanistan’s best chance yet of ending its relentless wars. But Ghani and Abdullah, who also declared himself president in a paral-

WEDDING POSTPONEMENT

We regret to inform you that the wedding of our children Chanbeni with Yanbemo that was scheduled to take place on 3rd of April 2020 at Wokha Town Baptist Church has been postponed due to the present crisis. New update will be shared as soon as possible.

DP-2210

Mrs. Loseno Ovung (W/o Lt. Dr. Yinga Ovung) & Mr. & Mrs. Ntsemo Humtsoe

WEDDING POSTPONEMENT

Dear Invitees/ Well Wishers, We regret to inform you that our wedding ceremony scheduled on 8th April 2020 has been postponed due to the present situation.

The new date will be intimated later.

DP-2209

Mr. Chinato Kossi & Ms Champouthailu Kamsuam & Family

lel inauguration ceremony earlier this month, have been locked in a power struggle that has prompted Washington to say it would cut USD 1 billion in assistance to Afghanistan if the two couldn’t “get their act together”.

The Taliban are to send 10 representatives to the US-led coalition base in Bagram, north of Kabul, to oversee the release of their prisoners.

That release is also part of the deal signed with the US that calls for the release of 5,000 Taliban and 1,000

government personnel and Afghan troops held captive by the Taliban.

Jawed Faisal, spokesman for the Afghan National Security Adviser’s office said Monday that Afghan officials and the Taliban agreed during a video conference that the Taliban should send their technical team to Kabul for face-to-face discussions on the release of Taliban prisoner. The International Committee of the Red Cross would provide assistance in this matter, Faisal added.

OFFICE OF THE

KHATE CLAN, KHONOMA VILLAGE, NAGALAND CONDEMNATION OF ER. KEVINGUTO KHATE KILLING We, the Khate Clan is extremely saddened by the murder of our brother Er. Kevinguto Khate, Assistant Professor, NIT, Nagaland son of Late Rokozhasie Khate on 16.03.2020 in broad daylight.

Words fail us to fully express our anger and sorrow at this moment, as one of our precious brother is savagely snatched away from us. We condemn such cruelty and barbaric act with the highest degree to those who nibbed our brother from the bud.

The Khate Clan appreciates the Law Enforcing Agencies for the swift action in arresting three persons so far. We further urge them to apprehend all the remaining accomplices and masterminds still at large and bring out the intent and motive behind the heinous crime committed to our brother. This unpardonable act deserves the severest punishment under relevant sections of the law. We appeal that appropriate and immediate justice be delivered, so that no such acts ever befall again on innocent citizens in future.

DP-2211

Dr Kobu Khate President, Khate Clan

Infotainment

10

Country music icon Joe Diffie dies of coronavirus T

Backstreet Boys treat fans amidst self-isolation

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rammy-winning country music legend Joe Diffie has died from complications related to the coronavirus.

He was 61.

The news of his demise was shared by his spokesperson on Sunday afternoon, reports variety. com.

“Grammy-winning country music legend Joe Diffie passed away today, Sunday, March 29, from complications of coronavirus (COVID-19),” the statement read, adding: “His family respects their

privacy at this time.”

On Friday, Diffie became the first country star to go public with a coronavirus diagnosis. “I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment. My family and I are asking for privacy at this time. We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic,” read a statement attributed to him.

Diffie, a member of the Grand Ole Opry for 25 years, is a household

name to any country fan who came of age listening to the format in the 1990s. Some of his hits include “Home”, “If the devil danced”, “Third rock from the sun”, “Pickup man” and “Bigger than the Beatles”.

After the news of his death, fans began posting a song that went to No. 3 in 1993, but became his most revived song upon his passing -- “Prop me up beside the jukebox (If I die)”.

He won a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration when he and others joined Marty Stuart for the song “Same old train”.

Diffie’s final release with Sony Nashville, “A Night to Remember”, was in 2001. He recorded a subsequent album for Broken Bow (2004’s “Tough as Nails”) and another for the roots label Rounder (2010’s “Homecoming: The Bluegrass Album”).

(IANS)

he popular band Backstreet Boys performed their big hit “I want it that way” from their living rooms amidst coronavirus self-isolation.

They were recently forced to cancel their upcoming tour for their 10th studio album DNA, but managed to reunite virtually on Sunday night as part of iHeartRadio’s Living Room Concert for America, reports metro.co.uk.

Each performing on their separate screens, the five band members -- AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, and Brian Littrell -- gave a live rendition of their 1999 smash hit song, along with some funky dance moves.

They also got a little help from their children.

“The show starts now!

We’re performing a classic on the @iHeartRadio Living Room Concert For America to raise money for @FeedingAmerica and @1strcf,” read a tweet posted by their official handle before their concert.

(IANS)

Tom Watson announced as new chair of UK Music

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ormer Labour Party deputy leader and shadow culture secretary Tom Watson has been appointed as the new chair of UK Music.

Watson, who stood down as MP for West Bromwich at the 2019 General Election, takes over from Andy Heath as the chair of the umbrella trade body and lobbying group.

In a statement, Watson said his top priority was to secure the future of the music industry during the coronavirus crisis, at a time when many independent artists, labels and venues have expressed serious concerns over their future.

“UK Music speaks with a powerful voice for the whole of the UK commercial music sector. And at the heart of the sector are the songwriters and musicians, many thousands of whom

stand ready to serve in the national effort against the coronavirus,” said Watson.

“In ordinary times, the UK’s commercial music sector contributes £5.2 billion to the UK economy and supports 190,000 jobs. The cancellation of live music events has devastated the sector. Thousands of jobs are now in peril and threaten the long-term bottom line of the UK economy. “Our urgent task is to work with

our colleagues and partners in Government to support the national effort to defeat coronavirus, whilst protecting the jewel in the crown of British culture – commercial music.”

He added: “When we’re through this crisis, UK Music has an important part to play in Britain’s developing new role in the world. We believe we can be the Prime Minister’s calling card to every country on the

planet.

“There will be much to say about this in the months ahead but first, let’s deal with this crisis. I will be seeking urgent talks with ministers and officials to ensure that we support the music-makers of Britain and the industry that always sustains us through the good times and the bad.”

Watson will also oversee the search for a new CEO, with Tom Kiehl currently acting in an interim role following the departure of Michael Dugher earlier this year.

Speaking of Watson’s appointment, Andy Heath said: “I’m delighted Tom Watson is the new chair of UK Music. I’m sure he will continue to be a fantastic advocate for the music industry and fight for its future at what is an immensely difficult time.

(NME)

Rita Wilson celebrates being a COVID-19 survivor

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ita Wilson, actress and wife of Hollywood star Tom Hanks, is celebrating being a “COVID-19 survivor”.

Now that the actress and her husband are back in their home here after being self-quarantined in Australia while battling the coronavirus, Wilson is taking time to reflect on her luck.

She took to Instagram on Sunday to share that she is “celebrating the beauty of this life, the blessings God has given, and my continued good health, even now as a COVID-19 survivor”, reports etonline.com.

According to Wilson, March 29 is a special date that “represents a time of great happiness”.

“I was on Broadway starring with Larry David in his play Fish In The Dark before finding out I had been diagnosed with breast cancer,” Wilson captioned a slideshow of three photos.

The first image shows her and David standing side by side and smiling.

“March 29 also marks five years of being cancer free after having had a bi-

Kim Kardashian contemplates going blonde post quarantine

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eality TV star Kim Kardashian is contemplating to dye her hair blonde after she’s finished social distancing at home in the wake of the escalating coronavirus pandemic.

Kim shared a throwback Instagram post in which she noted how her hair has had time to heal while staying at home, reports dailymail.co.uk.

Her hair in the photograph seemed more of a silver shade than the traditional blonde, but it put her in the mood for a lighter hairstyle.

In the image, she is seen leaning against a wall e with a faraway look in her eyes. She teams a tiedup brown crop top with a fur coat.

(IANS)

COVID-19: Taylor Swift donates $3000 to support fans

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aylor Swift left a fan surprised after sending her a $3,000 (£2,423) donation.

L a s t we e k , H o l ly Turner, a New York-based photographer, turned to Tumblr to ask for financial support during the coronavirus crisis.

Swift, who is thought to have donated $3,000

each to three other fans, is one of among a handful celebs – including Ariana Grande, Lil Nas X, and Megan Thee Stallion – giving money to those struggling financially due to the global outbreak.

Turner shared a screenshot of the donation on Twitter, with a note from Swift that read: “Holly,

you’ve always been there for me. I want to be there for you right now. I hope this helps. Love, Taylor.”

Turner explained: “i made a post on tumblr about how i was scared i wouldn’t be able to stay living in NYC because of what corona has done to the music industry. @taylorswift13 literally single-

handedly saved my ability to stay here. i cannot even believe my eyes right now.”

Turner wasn’t the only one. Swift also reached out to a fan named Bernie with a donation of the same amount. Swift sent a Twitter message which reads: “I saw your post and would love to gift you

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

$3,000 to help with the stress of what’s going on right now. Can you please send the email address for your PayPal account?”

Bernie reposted a screenshot of Swift’s heartfelt gesture with the caption: “The one where your favorite person on earth casually calls you Bernie.”

lateral mastectomy. I am so thankful for my health, for the doctors, nurses, friends and family who got me through that time. You, online friends, also need to be thanked because your prayers and optimism were felt deeply. And, so thankful for the blessings God has bestowed on me, then and now,” she continued.

The post also included a photograph of her sitting next to her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which she was presented on March 29, one year ago. “I was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a street, that as a child, I’d walk on and read

all the names of the stars I admired… Never believing one day my name would be on one of those stars,” she said. “And one year ago today, I released my fourth album, Halfway to Home,” the caption continued, with the third picture in the post showing the cover of her album.

“Every day I get to make music is a gift. So much has happened musically in that one year.

So much goodness. All of this would not be possible without good health. Please take a moment today to acknowledge the amazing creation your bodies are and to thank it for doing so

much,” she added.

She concluded: “So, today, March 29, I am celebrating the beauty of this life, the blessings God has given , and my continued good health, even now as a COVID 19 survivor. Please take a moment today to acknowledge the amazing creation your bodies are and to thank it for doing so much.”

On Friday, two weeks after the Hollywood couple revealed their coronavirus diagnosis, Hanks and Wilson were all smiles as they were photographed driving in LA and returning home after a long stay in quarantine in a house in Australia. On March 11, Hanks announced on Instagram that he and Wilson were diagnosed with the flu-like virus while he was working on his latest movie in Australia. He was the first celebrity to confirm he tested positive. The two continued to share health updates with their fans, and left the hospital on March 16, five days after announcing their diagnosis.

(IANS)

From sofas and kitchens, music stars hold coronavirus concert fundraiser

Elton John illie Eilish sang on her sofa, Elton John played a keyboard belonging to his children, and the Backstreet Boys sang in harmony from five locations as dozens of musicians put on a fundraiser for the warriors against a coronavirus.

Those who performed from their homes for the “IHeart Living Room Concert for America” also included Mariah Carey, Camila Cabello, Alicia Keys, Shawn Mendes and Sam Smith.

The one-hour show, broadcast on Fox television without commercials, was the biggest joint effort in the pandemic to lift spirits, raise money for those in the frontlines, and remind Americans to wash their hands and keep their distance. “There’s doctors, nurses and scientists on the

B

frontlines. They’re living proof that most superheroes don’t wear capes,” said John, who hosted the show from his kitchen.

“We hope this bit of entertainment can feed and fuel your souls.”

All the performances and appearances by celebrities ranging from comedian Ellen DeGeneres to R&B artist Lizzo and country singer Tim McGraw were filmed on phones, home cameras or online platforms.

The songs were interspersed with short personal stories from nurses, doctors, truckers, grocery staff, and other essential workers as millions of Americans entered a third week subjected to orders to stay home. Dr Elvis Francois, a surgeon from Rochester, Minnesota, stole hearts on social media with an

Billie Eilish emotional rendition of “Imagine” performed in medical scrubs.

“Did this doctor just out sing every artist that’s performed?” one viewer, Ender Wiggins, asked on Twitter. The concert, also broadcast on iHeart radio stations nationwide, urged listeners to donate to charities Feeding America, and First Responders Children’s Foundation.

The amount raised wa s n o t i m m e d i a t e ly known, but more than $1 million was donated in the first 10 minutes, courtesy of $500,000 from household goods giant Procter & Gamble and a matching sum from Fox Television.

“My heart goes out to people who have lost loved ones and also those who are losing their jobs,” said Lady Gaga, clad in pink sweatpants and a hoodie.

Britney reflects on 20 years since ‘Oops!... I did it again’

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inger Britney Spears took to social media to reflect on 20 years since the release of her iconic 2000 hit “Oops!... I did it again”.

Spears released the tune as the lead single from her second album of the same name, with the record peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and securing the singer a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, reports aceshowbiz.com.

The release was accompanied by a music video featuring the singer wearK Y M C

ing a red PVC catsuit and, alongside stills from the shoot, she wrote on Instagram: “Oops!... how did 20 years go by so fast?!??! I can’t believe it. I remember that red suit was so freaking hot... but the dance was fun and it made the shoot fly by !!!!!” “And now we’re sitting in quarantine wishing we were on Mars.. of course I am just kidding !!!!! But seriously you have all shown so much support for this song and I thank you for it... sending love to you all,” she finished, adding a bunch of red heart emojis.

(IANS)

DC-

K Y M C

Wimbledon to be cancelled, says tennis official

L O N D O N, M A R 3 0 (AGENCIES): Wimbledon organisers will announce the cancellation of the grasscourt Grand Slam this week due to the coronavirus pandemic, German Tennis Federation (DTB) vice-president Dirk Hordorff has told Sky Sports.

All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) officials earlier said the June

11

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

29-July 12 event would not be played behind closed doors and postponement was not without significant risk and difficulty.

“Wimbledon has stated that they will have a board meeting next Wednesday and will make the final decision there,” Hordorff told Sky Sports Germany.

“I am also involved

in the bodies of the ATP and WTA. The necessary decisions have already been made there and Wimbledon will decide to cancel next Wednesday. There is no doubt about it. This is necessary in the current situation.

“It is completely unrealistic to imagine that with the travel restrictions that we currently have an inter-

national tennis tournament where hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world would travel.

That is unthinkable.”

The AELTC did not respond to a request for comment.

The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics opened up a two-week window in the tennis calendar in July/August but it is less likely that it will be feasible for Wimbledon, which has only two covered courts and cannot be held past late summer.

French Open organisers stunned the tennis world by unilaterally postponing the claycourt Grand Slam at Roland Garros from May until late September because of the pandemic.

The French Tennis Federation (FFT) came under heavy fire from tennis players around the world at the lack of communication as the new dates clashed with several other events already featuring on the calendar.

The men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, which runs

Scrap EPL if not completed by June: Harry Kane

L O N D O N, M A R 3 0 (IANS): Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, England captain Harry Kane has said that the Premier League season should be scrapped if it cannot be completed by the end of June.

All elite football in England is suspended until at least April 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed over 33,000 lives till now across the world.

Harry Kane “I know the Premier “There needs to be he added.

League will do everything Speaking to Sky Sports it can to finish the season,” a point where enough is Kane was quoted as saying enough. Probably the limit pundit and former Spurs for me is the end of June,” player Jamie Redknapp on

by BBC Sport.

Instagram Live, the Tottenham striker said: “Playing into July or August and pushing next season back, I don’t see too much benefit in that.” “Obviously I don’t know too much about behind the scenes and financially.

“If the season is not completed by the end of June, we need to look at the options and just look forward to next season,” he added.

Most Premier League clubs have nine games remaining in the 2019-20 campaign with Liverpool sitting at the top of the table.

women’s tournaments, require their players to participate at the four Grand Slams, but the new French Open dates are yet to feature on the calendars of either association.

“The unilateral behaviour of the organizers has been criticized by everyone and I can simply predict that the French Open will not be relocated as it was intended,” Hordorff said.

He said either the FFT would go ahead with the new dates and feel the wrath of the entire tennis world or they have the option to start working with others to draw up a plan that makes sense for everyone.

“They will be deprived of the points and they will degenerate into a chaos event,” he said.

“Even those there have understood that and they are slowly crawling back.

Solidarity is the order of the day, it is a matter of being together and not going it alone, as the president of the French Tennis Association did.”

2019 was big year for Star Sports: survey MUMBAI, MAR 30 (IANS): Over the years, sport has provided a sense of belonging and connection to a wider world.

From the ancient Olympic Games in Greece to Super Bowl, sports has become part of human experience.

From millennials to older generation, every single person has a favorite sport and preferred team -- and missing even one single game or match is a crime.

This zeal with which viewers consume sports, makes it an entertainment force that has retained its draw, for the matter of fact grown over the years, even in India.

On sports being one of the most watched genre in the past year, Gautam Thakar, CEO, Star Sports shed light on the growth of sports consumption among television viewers. “2019 was a defining year for sports in India. The growth was driven by our consistent effort in customization, regionalization and innovation around some of our marquee properties in cricket, kabaddi and foot-

ball. In cricket, IPL 2019 was the biggest ever!”

India has a large group of population that consumes sports daily, irrespective of which sport.

Cricket trumps the rest, but football and kabaddi are not far behind. According to the recent BARC report on ‘What India Watched 2019’ – In India, live cricket pockets 58% of viewing minutes of sports broadcasts.

Viewers are glued to the screen not only for a T20 or One-day match -- surprisingly Test match also has a large viewership base. The report highlights the consumption of the

first-ever Pink Ball match in India -- Day 1 of the Test Match saw a staggering 43 Mn* viewers who clocked 2 billion viewing minutes -- this was the highest viewership for a first day of any Test match played over 2018-19 IPL 2019 on Star Sports was the biggest with 424 Mn* viewers watched IPL. According to the BARC ‘What India Watched 2019’ report -- this number is 51% of the total TV viewing population -which is huge! The report also suggested that an additional 9% watched the tournament in restaurants, pubs, and other locations.

ICC World Cup 2019 was yet another successful tournament for the broadcaster -- the report highlights 509 Mn* viewers (home and out of home) watched the tournament.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

TT world c’ships postponed again SEOUL, MAR 30 (IANS): The table tennis world team championships have been postponed again after ITTF, the sport’s governing body, suspended all planned international events until June 30 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The world team championships in Busan, South Korea, had already been delayed from May 22-29 to June 21-28, reports Xinhua news agency.

The ITTF met on the weekend to make the postponement decision and it will propose new dates this week. The ITTF said it was freezing rankings lists as of this month and would consider adjustments to qualify-

ing for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which have been postponed to next year. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Executive Committee had decided to suspend all planned ITTF events and activities involving international travel until June 30 as it discussed the effects of COVID-19 on the international table tennis event schedule on Sunday.

The IOC and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee had announced postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to no later than the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Born on: 03.12.1937 – Died on: 26.03.2020

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7 We, the family members of Late A. Tarepliba Ozukum (Molungyimsen) like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all those who stood by us in prayer and supported physically, morally and financially during the illness and demise of my beloved husband and our parent.

It is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

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From loving family members.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

LATE DR. T.M. LOTHA September 1945 – 25th March 2020 The family of Late Dr. T. M. Lotha, wish to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who showed us sympathy and kindness on our recent sad bereavement.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to all our extended families, relations, the many friends, neighbours and well wishers who visited us and who provided emotional and practical support for us at this difficult time.

To those who helped in any way, your kind gestures made our loss more bearable. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this press acknowledgement as a token of our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation. May our Living God bless each one of you abundantly.

WC-119

K Y M C

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren, Family Members and Relatives.

DP-2208

K Y M C

12

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2020

FC Barcelona seeks to cut Tokyo 2020 rescheduled for Jul 23-Aug 8, 2021 players’ salaries by 70%: Report

TOKYO, MAR 30 (AP/ AGENCIES): The Tokyo Olympics will open next year in the same time slot scheduled for this year’s games.

Tokyo organizers said Monday the opening ceremony will take place on July 23, 2021 — almost exactly one year after the games were due to start this year.

Last week, the IOC and Japanese organizers postponed the Olympics until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

This year’s games were scheduled to open on July 24 and close on Aug. 9. But the near exact one-year delay will see the rescheduled closing ceremony on Aug. 8.

There had been talk of switching the Olympics to spring, a move that would coincide with the blooming of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms. But it would also clash with European soccer and North American sports leagues.

After holding out for weeks, local organizers and the IOC last week postponed the Tokyo Games under pressure

Mary Kom releases 1 crore from MPLADS Fund

Mary Kom

NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (IANS): Ace boxer and Rajya Sabha MP Mary Kom on Monday made contributions towards fight against coronavirus pandemic. The 37-year-old said she has given her consent for release of Rs one crore from her MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) Fund towards the relief efforts amid the coronavirus pandemic. Taking to Twitter, Mary Kom also announced that she was donating her one-month salary to Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. She posted the pictures of both the letters and said: “Lets #StayHome #StayHomeStaySafe #IndiaFightsCorona.”

Earlier in the month, the ace Indian boxer had found herself in a controversy after she broke the 14-day quarantine protocol which has been put in place by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the governments across the world.

from athletes, national Olympic bodies and sports federations. It’s the first postponement in Olympic history, though there were several cancellations during wartime.

Both Tokyo organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori and CEO Toshiro Muto have said the cost of rescheduling will be “massive” — local reports estimate billions of dollars — with most of the expenses borne by Japanese taxpayers.

Muto promised transparency in calculating the costs, and testing times deciding how they are di-

vided up.

“Since it (the Olympics) were scheduled for this summer, all the venues had given up hosting any other events during this time, so how do we approach that?” Muto asked.

“In addition, there will need to be guarantees when we book the new dates, and there is a possibility this will incur rent payments. So there will be costs incurred and we will need to consider them one by one. I think that will be the tougher process.”

Katsuhiro Miyamoto, an emeritus professor of

sports economics at Kansai University, puts the costs as high as $4 billion.

That would cover the price of maintaining stadiums, refitting them, paying rentals, penalties and other expenses.

Japan is officially spending $12.6 billion to organize the Olympics.

However, an audit bureau of the Japanese government says the costs are twice that much. All of the spending is public money except $5.6 billion from a privately funded operating budget.

The Switzerlandbased International Olympic Committee is contributing $1.3 billion, according to organizing committee

documents. The IOC’s contribution goes into the operating budget.

Bach has repeatedly called the Tokyo Olympics the best prepared in history. However, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso also termed them “cursed.”

Aso competed in shooting in the 1976 Olympics, and was born in 1940.

The Olympics planned for 1940 in Tokyo were canceled because of World War II. The r un-up to the Olympics also saw IOC member Tsunekazu Takeda, who also headed the Japanese Olympic Committee, forced to resign last year amid a bribery scandal.

Decision on Olympics tickets still under discussion

A top official from the Tokyo Olympics organising committee on Monday said that a decision on the status of tickets purchased for the 2020 Games was still being considered, and acknowledged that the additional costs to delay the Games remained unclear.

The official had earlier said tickets purchased for the 2020 Games would be useable in principle at the rescheduled event. The International Olympics Committee last week postponed the Games which were scheduled to begin in July, because of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier on Monday, the head of the organising committee said a decision on new dates come as early as this week.

File Photo of FC Barcelona team squad

M A D R I D, M A R 3 0 (IANS): Spanish La Liga club FC Barcelona wants the players to cut their salaries by 70 per cent until June 30 as a way of saving around 106 million euros (117 million dollars) due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Spanish Marca sport newspaper, the club will lose at least 100 million euros (110.7 million dollars). The amount is about 10 per cent of the club’s budget for the 2019/20 season. The club’s board of directors is currently working to invoke the

ERTE, or temporary employment measures, which will suspend the players’ labor contracts, reports Xinhua news agency.

The system will be in place in the coming days and will help the club compensate any financial losses.

Barcelona had decided to join hands with the Catalonia government in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak and will provide masks so that people can wear them and stay safe from the deadly virus. The masks are set to be supplied to nursing homes so

that doctors and nurses can make use of them to treat the patients.

In a statement issued by the club, it said: “The club has put itself at the service of the health authorities to help to fulfill and enforce all its instructions, recommendations and orders to combat contagion of the virus and alleviate its effects as much as possible.”

Earlier, Barcelona became the first Spanish football club to officially announce a pay cut for players and club staff as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.

Mourinho to take Spurs training via We will win fight against COVID-19, says Kipchoge video amid coronavirus lockdown

BENGALURU, MAR 30 (AGENCIES): Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff will put players through their paces from home starting Monday as the club holds live video training sessions amid the coronavirus pandemic.

S o c c e r Fo o t b a l l - Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg - RB Leipzig v Tottenham Hotspur - Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany - March 10, 2020 Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs Spurs’ players are in self-isolation with Britain in lockdown and the Premier League suspended until at least April 30.

The players so far have been working through their own individual training programmes designed by the coaching and sports science teams, and England midfielder Harry Winks said they were still adjusting to the new routine.

“It’s a bit strange for all of us, but I’ve got my head around it,” Winks

Jose Mourinho

told the club’s website.

“We’ve all been given a schedule, but it’s flexible, we can do it in our own time.

So, for instance, I might have a lie in one day, but then I’ll work later. The important thing is to get it done.”

On Sunday, the club said it gave Steven Bergwijn and Son Heung-min permission to return to their home countries.

Son flew to South Ko-

rea for personal reasons, while Bergwijn returned to the Netherlands ahead of the birth of his child.

Tottenham said both forwards will continue their individual rehabilitation and training programmes during their time away.

Bergwijn is recovering from an ankle injury picked up against Burnley earlier this month, while Son sustained a broken arm last month.

N A I RO B I , M A R 3 0 (AGENCIES): Eliud Kipchoge, the world’s greatest marathon man, reckoned his first reaction was shock when he heard at home in Kenya that the 2020 Olympic Games had been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.

That shock soon gave way to disappointment — but then defiance.

“We will win this fight against the COVID-19,” the barrier-breaking Kenyan, who’s widely considered the world’s finest runner, said in an interview with Reuters.

And the man who last year became the first to run a marathon in under two hours confirmed he can see himself refreshed and ready to defend his marathon title in a rearranged Tokyo Olympics next year.

Fo r t h e m o m e n t , though, the 35-year-old insists his only concern is to care for his family at their home in Eldoret.

“I am totally concentrating on my safety, I am totally concentrating on the safety of the whole family,” he said. “The virus has really hit us in a hard way.

That’s why you need to focus.”

Kipchoge explained he

Eliud Kipchoge

had been relaxing at home when he heard of the Tokyo postponement.

“I was a little shocked and I had to go back, just to think more. I think and then I said, ‘it’s not a bad idea to actually postpone’.

“You know the Olympic Games is whereby everybody wants to participate ... it’s in the dreams of every sportsman in this world..”

Kipchoge thinks a delayed Olympics could actually benefit his title defence.

“It’s a great time for us to go back, train again and we will come back with a lot

of energy,” he said.

The pandemic has led to the postponement or cancellation of sporting events around the world, including the London Marathon, which next month was scheduled to be Kipchoge’s first outing since October’s landmark one hour, 59 minutes, 40 seconds run in Vienna.

Even though the run in Austria did not count as a world record because of the special conditions, the feat captured the world’s imagination and brought Kipchoge a whole new level

of fame.

London had promised the mouth-watering prospect of a head-to-head with Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele, the only other sub-2.02 marathoner, but Kipchoge said he was yet to think too far ahead about competing in the rescheduled race on Oct. 4.

Kenya has confirmed 42 coronavirus cases, including one fatality, with the country having imposed restrictive measures to arrest the spread of the disease. It even affects their brilliant runners.

So Kipchoge misses the camaraderie of running with his team mates, hanging out with them afterwards and telling stories. “It’s hard to run alone.

When you have people around, the pace is okay, you just talk when you are running. You enjoy the run,” said Kipchoge, who hopes to resume serious training by May. Asked whether the Olympics could be his last race, Kipchoge said it was too early to say. “I am seeing myself still running again in 2021,” he said. “Let the year ahead (come) first, we will make a big decision after the year ended.”

Belarus Premier League goes Bhaichung offers own building in If Dhoni plays, he should on amid coronavirus pandemic Sikkim to help migrant workers for India, says Irfan Pathan

Belarus Premier League match in progress. (File)

MINSK (BELARUS), MAR 30 (IANS): The coronavirus pandemic has forced football to come to a halt virtually across the world, also sport for that matter, but not in Belarus.

According to a BBC report, the Belarusian Premier League is attracting attention from foreign fans as one of the few places

around the world -- and the only place in Europe -where football is still being played.

“It so happened that this derby was practically the only official football match on earth,” read Dinamo’s match report after their 3-2 defeat as per BBC Sport.

There were six top-

flight matches in the eastern European country on Saturday, including the derby between FC Minsk and Dinamo Minsk watched by a capacity 3,000 crowd here.

Belarus Football Federation spokesman Aleksandr Aleinik said precautions were being taken to allow games to go ahead.

“We’ve taken all the measures recommended by the Sports Ministry. All those who are in contact with fans are supplied with gloves,” he added.

The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has suggested citizens to drink vodka to combat the disease and is not worried.

The country, which has a population of around 9.5m, has seen less than 100 cases and no deaths from coronavirus.

Most of Europe is under lockdown and are shutting borders with the deadly virus bringing them to their knees with each passing day.

KO L K ATA , M A R 3 0 (IANS): Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia on Monday offered his building in Lumsey,Tadong, Sikkim to the migrant workers in the state at a time they are struggling to reach their homes amid the 21-day nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“There are a lot of migrant workers who are stuck in Sikkim also. Sikkim does not have any cases of coronavirus as of now. So I decided to offer my building which is still unfinished to them,” Bhutia told IANS from Siliguri in West Bengal where he has been stuck since the first day of the 21day lockdown.

“I was returning from Kolkata and due to this lockdown now I am here. So I am coordinating everything from here. The building can accommodate upto 100 people. It has five floors. Already 10 workers are staying there. We are providing them food. We have asked the local government to support us,” Bhutia said. The iconic former striker said he and

his team at United Sikkim FC (USFC) is also working on helping migrant workers in Bengal get ration.

“We are in talks with local authorities. Let’s see what can be done for them here in Bengal also. I feel strongly for the migrant workers who hope to reach their homes,” added the 43year old.

The West Bengal government has come up with a series of measures to prevent movement of migrant labourers, directing district administrations to arrange for temporary shelters and provisions of food, and all employers to pay full wages on the due day to the workforce irrespective of whether their establishments are under closure during the lockdown period.

The Centre on Sunday directed the states to strictly follow the nationwide lockdown norms and stop the movement of people across the cities, advising them to arrange shelter, food and other facilities for migrant labourers at their workplace.

Irfan Pathan and M.S. Dhoni

NEW DELHI, MAR 30 (IANS): Former India skipper M.S. Dhonis future has been the topic of discussion after the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak. While some pundits believe it is the end of the road as far as Dhonis India dreams are concerned, former allrounder Irfan Pathan begs to differ. “He obviously needs to play. If he does, he should for India. He is the most amazing cricketer we have. He has been fantastic

for the country. He has given so much to the world of cricket. But if he is just drafted in, will it be fair for those who have been playing regularly is an important question. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant have been playing consistently for a year. So, this question needs to be answered by the board,”?Pathan told New Indian Express.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a 21-day lockdown in the country to deal with the coronavirus

pandemic. This has put the fate of the Indian Premier League also hanging in the balance. “With folded hands, I request you to stay put wherever you are,” said Prime Minister Modi. He added that he is mindful of the economic ramifications of it. However, this is a smaller concern.

PM Modi warned, that if the citizens don’t follow a complete lockdown for the coming 21 days, the nation will go back 21 years and many families will be devastated.

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