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Vol XXX No. 149
DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00
COVID-19 survivors in China want to sue government international, Page 6
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Israel developing antibody against COVID-19
A magnified coronavirus germ displayed on a monitor during coronavirus patient sample detection test. (Representational Image)
JERUSALEM, MAY 5 (PTI): Israeli Defence Minister Naftali Bennett has said that scientists at the country’s main biological research institute have made a “significant breakthrough” in developing an antibody to the novel coronavirus, as the researchers wrapped up the development phase and moved to patent and mass produce the potential treatment. Bennett visited the labs of the Israel’s Institute for Biological Research (IIBR), supervised by the Prime Minister’s Office and mandated to develop a vaccine for coronavirus, in Ness Ziona on Monday and was shown the “antibody that attacks the virus in a monoclonal way and can neutralize it within the bodies of
NH urges rollback of COVID-19 cess D I M A P U R , M AY 5 (NPN): Reacting to the state government’s decision to impose COVID-19 cess on petrol and diesel, the Naga Hoho (NH) has expressed apprehension that the decision would largely impact the consumers of the state. NH through its communication cell acknowledged the government’s “sincere efforts” to contain the spread of the pandemic, but said that the government was expected to ease the suffering of the general public arising out of the sudden lockdown. NH said the government has acted in a manner that would make the lives more miserable due to the steep hike in the petroleum products. The hoho said that “thoughtless decision” to impose cess would encourage illegal activities such as hoarding of goods by unscrupulous business people, which would ultimately result in significant price rise. “In the name of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, the state government is better advised to desist from adopting such anti-people measures,” NH said and strongly urged the state government to rollback its decision.
This is it!
“Hey easy. We’ve been smelling only sanitisers and now we’re desperate for the real stuff.” K Y M C
those ill”, a statement from his office said. The statement said that the antibody’s development had been completed and that the institute was in the process of patenting the find “and in the next stage, researchers will approach international companies to produce the antibody on a commercial scale”. “I am proud of the institute staff for this terrific breakthrough,” Bennett said, adding that “their creativity and the Jewish mind brought about this amazing achievement”. In March, Israeli daily Ha’aretz, quoting medical sources, had reported that scientists at the institute had made a significant breakthrough in understanding the biological mechanism
and qualities of the virus, including better diagnostic capability, production of antibodies for those who already have the virus and development of a vaccine. It was not immediately clear if the breakthrough presented to Bennett was in addition to progress that was reported in late March, and no further details were provided. The statement also did not specify whether human trials were conducted. Apparently, the IIBR conducted some clinical trials, PTI has learnt. The researchers have identified the protein that is efficient in killing the virus in patient’s body, and the institute would be publishing a paper soon about the findings. The IIBR was established in 1952 as part of the Israel Defence Forces’ Science Corps, and later became a civilian organization. It is technically under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office, but is in close communication with the Defence Ministry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to have ordered the institute to devote resources to develop
a vaccine for COVID-19 on February 1. The Defence Ministry in March had denied any breakthrough simply stating that “if and when there will be something to report, it will be done in an orderly fashion”, the Defence Ministry told Ha’aretz at the time. “The biological institute is a world-renowned research and development agency, which relies on experienced researchers and scientists with great knowledge and quality infrastr uctures. There are now more than 50 experienced scientists working at the institute on researching and developing a medical remedy for the virus”, it had said. The normal process of development of such a vaccine requires a long process of pre-clinical trials on animals, followed by clinical trials. This period allows for a full characterization of side effects and a better understanding of how different populations are affected. Five shipments of virus samples arrived in Israel from Japan, Italy and other countries, news portal Ynet reported in February. They were brought by a specially secured Defence
CBI alerts states about fake test kits
A medic shows a sample for COVID-19 rapid tests at RGG General Hospital in Chennai April 18. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, MAY 5 (PTI): The Central Bureau of Investigation has alerted state police organisations of the country about fake COVID-19 testing kits circulating in the international market after an intimation from the Interpol in this regard, sources said. They said the Interpol has alerted its 194 member countries about these fake testing kits sneaking in the international market, they said. The CBI, which is the National Central Bureau for India tasked with coordination with the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), immediately swung into action and alerted all Interpol Liaison Officers (ILOs) to alert their respective police organisations about such unscrupulous supplies, they said. The ILOs are officers deputed in every
state police organisation for liaison with the CBI over matters related to the Interpol. “No Indian company or supplier is mentioned in the Interpol communication,” the sources said. They refused to give any further details as such information may alert the operatives who may be under the scanner of a police organisation in the country. India is heavily dependent on imported COVID-19 testing kits. The country has reported 46,433 COVID-19 cases so far with 1,568 persons succumbing to the disease which spreads through droplets expelled from the nose or mouth of an infected person when he coughs, sneezes, or speaks. People can catch COVID-19 if they breathe in these droplets, according to the World Health Organisation. The Interpol has noticed a large number of international crimes after the coronavirus pandemic gripped the globe, including online sale of fake medicines and medical supplies, ransomware operations targeting hospitals, financial frauds related to medical supplies, among others. The Lyon-based international police cooperation organisation has issued a number of global alerts about the modus operandi of criminals trying to mint quick money in the wake of COVID-19 global crisis.
Ministry courier to IIBR and had been frozen at -80 degrees Celsius. There has been intensive work, including by leading experts, to develop the vaccine since then. Experts believe that the length of time needed to develop a vaccine runs from a few months to a year and a half. Numerous research teams all over the world are participating in the race to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. Many of them at this point are focusing on the way the virus presents itself in animals, with the biggest hurdle being the way it morphs when it moves from animals to human beings. China released the genetic sequence of the virus on open scientific databases shortly after its outbreak in January so that research institutes and commercial companies could try to develop treatments and vaccines without requiring to obtain samples. Many private companies have also made claims of having successfully developed treatment against COVID-19, but there isn’t a proven track record on display yet.
64 AI flights to bring back 14k Indians national, Page 5
India registers biggest COVID-19 spike Positive cases inch towards 50k mark NEW DELHI, MAY 5 (PTI): A record number of new cases on Tuesday pushed the nationwide COVID-19 tally closer to the 50,000-mark and the death toll crossed 1,600 with over 200 more fatalities The total number of novel coronavirus cases increased to 46,711 after 3,875 fresh Covid-19 cases emerged in the last 24 hours, according to the latest data from the Ministry of health and Family Welfare. The death toll in the country also rose by 194 to 1,583 since yesterday, it said. As the country saw the highest single-day spike in the number of deaths in the last 24 hours, Health ministry joint secretary Lav Aggrawal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health said clarified: “We persuaded certain states as we were not receiving reports of cases/ deaths on time from them, after which the cases have been reported and we have seen spike in death cases today,” and urged officials for timely report of deaths
and cases in their states. Globally, the number of novel coronavirus cases has surpassed 3.6 million
Nagaland: Results of 13 samples awaited DIMAPUR, MAY 5 (NPN): Out of a total of 724 samples sent for testing from the State, results of 711 samples had been received and all tested negative, while results for the remaining 13 samples are awaited, principal secretary (home) Abhijit Sinha stated. Further, he informed that 1938 persons were screened on Tuesday, and 43 persons were under facility quarantine, he added.
Dedicated facilitation MSME minister assures complete cell for stranded locals support to SC/ST entrepreneurs DIMAPUR, MAY 5 (NPN): To allow movement of stranded locals who wish to return to their home districts or villages, the Dimapur district administration has opened a dedicated facilitation cell at the office of the deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur from May 5, 2020 onwards to issue travel permit and start receiving application of stranded local/indigenous people. In an order, deputy commission Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi, has assigned Tsidi as the nodal officer for the facilitation centre (mobile no.7085239106 or email dcdimapur@gmail.com). All executive magistrates have been asked to compile the list from the respective jurisdiction and submit to the facilitation centre. Stranded local/indigenous people wanting to travel in their own private vehicle would be allowed after the DC issues necessary permit specifying travel dates. The order stated that the movement regime was permitted for local/ indigenous people only and having permanent address in Nagaland. DC reminded that special care should be taken to ensure that social distancing and other protocols were maintained at all times.
DIMAPUR, MAY 5 (NPN): Union Minister for MSME and Road Transport and Highway, Nitin Gadkari has assured complete support to SC/ST entrepreneurs amidst COVID19 pandemic. On May 3, Gadkari addressed an exclusive online meeting organised by Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) on ‘Impact of COVID19 Pandemic on SC-ST MSMEs & Way Forward for Revival’. At the meeting, presided by founder-chairman of DICCI, Dr. Milind Kamble and moderated by DICCI national working president Ravi Kumar Narra, the minister assured to consider DICCI’s proposal of including services sector into the ambit of Special Capital Linked Credit Subsidy Scheme (SCLCSS), DICCI Northeast coordinator, K. Kathi Chishi stated. Gadkari also assured to consider the proposals for creating alternative different types of incentives that can be extended to SCST entrepreneurs. Projects - Bulk LPG transportation by Road and Mechanisation of Sewer Cleaning
Lockdown 3.0: Notifications, orders issued by state govt DIMAPUR, MAY 5 (NPN): State government has announced that free NST bus service would be provided for the transportation of locals/indigenous persons who were stranded in different parts of the state and wanting to return back to their home districts/villages during the period from May 7-9, 2020. In a letter to the deputy commissioners, the additional chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen urged the DCs to make necessary arrangements as instructed earlier to facilitate the movement of people to their respective destinations in consultation with their respective district NST officials. For people of Mon district travelling in NST buses, the additional chief secretary said the buses would take the NagalandAssam route escorted by police without any stop-
pages in Assam while private vehicles moving to Mon district would take the Kohima-Wokha-Mokokchung-Longleng route. Centre for stranded people: Dimapur district administration would open a dedicated facilitation centre at the directorate of food and civil supplies to help stranded people from other states to return back to their respective states with effect from May 6, 2020 starting 11am. DC Dimapur, Anopop Khinchi, has assigned three officers who could be contacted for necessary assistance: managing director NHHDL Zakabo V Rotokha (nodal officer) 7005525563; Er.Chirhotho Rasutho (8731894538) and Dr.Ithika C Swu (8974837078). In another order, DC stated a facilitation centre for inter district movement of stranded locals/indigenous people would be set
up at Badminton State Stadium from May 7-9, 2020. DC has detailed the following officers for the exercise: Wacy Kent, SDO (C) Niuland – 8794939010; Tokai, SDO (C) Medziphema 8837018182 and Tsidi, EAC, Dimapur - 7085239106. DC on permits for goods trucks: The deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur has notified that no seperate passes would be required for movement of goods trucks, whether loaded or empty. In an order, DC said the district administration would, therefore, not be issuing any separate movement pass for vehicles carrying essential commodities. Infor ming that all goods trucks were allowed to ply unhindered, the DC, however, said that present health protocol of medical screening of all the drivers and helpers would be mandatory.
infections while the death toll has shot past 250,000mark, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
On functioning of offices State government has notified that the civil secretarial and directorates in Kohima and Dimapur and all the government offices in the districts would function with attendance of officers of deputy secretary and above in the secretariat, and deputy director and above in the directorate and the head of office and immediate junior in the district offices being mandatory. With regard to other categories of officers and staff, a roster system would be worked out whereby 50% staff would attend office every alternate week. In this regard, all the AHoDs, HoDs and heads of offices have been directed to immediately work out the arrangements and ensure the functioning of their offices in line with the guidelines.
No vehicles will ply in Kohima sans permit Kohima police have notified that no vehicle including two wheelers would be allowed to ply without the requisite movement permit issued by the office of the deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima till the lockdown/restriction period i.e. May 17, 2020. In a press release, Kohima police PRO said that defaulting vehicles would be seized and booked as per relevant sections of law. Further, police have notified that loading/unloading of essential commodities, construction material or any goods within the municipal area of Kohima town would not be permitted from 7am to 2pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday till restriction/lock-down orders remain enforced. Local taxi with permit from DC Office would be allowed to ply with only two passengers. Kohima police have appealed to the citizens of Kohima to cooperate with police on duty and comply with the restriction order in the interest of public health safety.
Activities – has created 2,800+ SC/ ST entrepreneurs and the ministry was likely consider inclusion of these services into SCLCSS. For North East region, proposals have been invited by ministry for developing SC-ST entrepreneurship and assistance required, DICCI said. The minister also assure to consider relief initiatives for SC-ST MSMEs through NSSH like extending interest free working capital to increase liquidity, special interest rates for NSIC’s Raw Material Assistance Scheme, priority procurement of masks, sanitisers & gloves from SCST MSMEs through GeM portal to fulfil 4% procurement policy and special medical insurance scheme for employees of SC-ST MSMEs. During the meeting, DICCI also proposed special incentives for SC-ST entrepreneurs working in tribal areas and also decentralisation of industries and opening up of industrial clusters across the upcoming national highways and corridors, especially in tribal and backward areas including the aspirational districts.
ANPSA Dimapur unit for uniform academic session
DIMAPUR, MAY 5 (NPN): All Nagaland Private Schools’ Association (ANPSA) Dimapur unit has reiterated its demand for introduction of a uniform school academic session from April to March in the State with immediate effect. The association in a release issued through its president Dr Andrew Ahoto Sema said introduction of the new academic session would result in manifold benefits for schools, students, teachers and parents and guardians. The present lockdown might further continue, but if situation improved, schools could be allowed to reopen with or without restrictions. Hence, considering this extraordinary situation, ANPSA called for bringing about the much-needed transformation by immediately putting in place a uniform academic session from April to March for all schools in Nagaland from this year itself, which would be a great boon and benefit for school management, students, teachers and parents. A uniform academic session will also ensure smooth conduct of academic and cocurricular programmes of individual schools. Moreover, schools under different boards can effectively plan out inter-school activities when there is a common academic calendar (Full text on p-4) for all schools. K Y M C
state
Mokokchung legislators hold series of meetings
Visiting legislators and DC with the fogging machine. (NP)
Correspondent MOKOKCHUNG, MAY 5 (NPN): In a significant gesture of unity, all the eleven elected members from the Ao community (10 from Mokokchung and 1 from Dimapur) came together to extend support in the fight against COVID-19 at Mokokchung on Tuesday. The elected members Imkong L Imchen, Dr. Imtiwapang Aier and Amenba Yaden MLAs from the opposition NPF and minister Mestubo Jamir and advisor Dr. Longrineken from the ruling PDA government held a series of meetings with
various civil society organizations. In the first meeting that was held at Ao Senden office with representatives of Ao Senden, Watsu Mungdang and Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), all the members had a thorough deliberation besides expressing various challenges in the district with regard to the fight against the pandemic. The house after much discussion concluded that more efforts should be put on the border areas. The second meeting was held with the All Ward Union Mokokchung (AWUM) and Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT). At the meeting, the
Financial assistance and distribution continue DIMAPUR: During the extended lockdown period, distribution by various agencies and also financial assistance by prominent personality continue towards alleviating the plight of people in need. Baichung Bhutia extends financial assistance: Padma Shree, Arjuna award winner, Indian football legend and former captain of Indian football team, Baichung Bhutia contributed to Suruhuto Sub Division Task Force under Zunheboto district against COVID-19 pandemic. According to DIPR report, during the joint coordination meeting held to monitor progress in the district, Hotoshe Sema Awomi member of the task force extended gratitude on behalf of the citizens of Suruhuto area to Baichung Bhutia, for his financial contribution and solidarity to SSTF. He stated that it would definitely boost the morale of the team and people of the area. Baichung Bhutia in a short video message encouraged and congratulated the task force for the great initiatives under taken and encouraged them to continue working hard in supporting state government plans. Village councils of Longsa and Wokha: Village councils of Longsa and Wokha villages donated vegetables and fruits to the administration, medical and police personnel at Wokha town on May 5. A press release from CMO office Wokha stated that, DC, Orenthung Lotha expressed gratitude to the village councils and stated that through the continuous support of churches and various civil societies, the department was able to work efficiently. Council members of Longsa and Wokha villages also maintained that donation of vegetables and fruits were a way of showing their appreciation to the frontline workers for risking their lives to protect the public during the pandemic. Zunheboto: Satami Village Council (SVC) distributed a truck load of green vegetables to the needy at Zunheboto town on May 5. Kikheto Chishi: Kikheto Chishi, kilonser, caretaker CAO, UT disK Y M C
tributed first phase relief to UT staff in town areas. A total of 70 bags of rice were distributed. STMS: St. Thomas Mission Society (STMS) donated essential food commodities to God is Love Ministry, Dimapur to be distributed among the LGBTQ members. A press release from secretary, STMS stated that the ministry was able to provide food items to 25 families which included members from within and outside the fellowship who were financially unsound. Co-ordinators of the ministry Moa Sashi and Anna Neitsu thanked Rev. Fr. Dr. P.S Varghese, Rev. Fr. Gemcy Eappen for their concern as well as Rev. Fr. Thomas Ninan general coordinator of ESHA project for the continuous support he had rendered to them. YBC Noksen block: Yimrup Baptist Church (YBC) of Yimrup village under Noksen block Tuensang district provided three bags of fresh vegetables to the staff of District Hospital Tuensang on May 4. PVYO: Phek Village Youth Organization (PVYO) has handed over essential relief items to the differently abled persons in Phek village, under the initiative of PVYO president Thuputhiyi Venuh. The essential commodities were jointly donated by local businessmen and women of Phek village. TVC Noklak: Thang Village Council (Noklak village) distributed food items to the 1400 house holds of Noklak village on May 5. According to DIPR report, during the distribution on behalf of village the council chairman S. Panpan expressed gratitude to Dy. CM Y. Patton, minister Imna Along and advisor H. Haiying. Mokokchung Battalion: Mokokchung Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) distributed rations and masks to daily wage earners and underprivileged families on May 5. Zunheboto Battalion: Zunheboto Battalion of Assam Rifles provided essential items to 15 residents of Chendang Saddle village, Tuensang on May 4.
legislators expressed their gratitude to these two organizations for the yeoman job and philanthropist work offered during the 40 days lockdown. Legislators later held a meeting with the district administration and police at the DC’s chamber. The meeting reviewed the various points/ issues raised during the earlier meetings and shared various inputs. Legislators further assured all possible help in the fight against the pandemic. Meanwhile, advisor Dr. Longrineken handed over a fogging machine to the deputy commissioner for use at Mokokchung donated by the state BJP.
Organisations issue directives CVC directives for public under its jurisdiction: Chümoukedima Village Council (CVC) chairman Razouvotuo Chatsu and joint secretary, Sedevikho Tsükrü in the interest of public safety has issued the following directives for strict compliance under its jurisdiction: Any returnees from outside the state, who resides in Chümoukedima village jurisdiction are directed to report to designated government quarantine facilities, those persons under no circumstance shall be allowed to enter the village jurisdiction; Visitors/outsiders are totally banned from entering Chümoukedima village jurisdiction; Any individual wanting to enter the village must seek prior permission from the village council and may do so only during the permitted timing as per standing order during partial restriction from hours 8 a.m to 2 p.m, while total restriction shall be imposed at all other times thereafter; Chümoukedima Village Youth Society (CVYS) has been tasked to strictly monitor all entry and exit points; Public are advised to take the 7th Mile-Jalukie road for access to burial in Naga Cemetery; All meetings/functions/public gathering henceforth stands prohibited and movement for non-essentials at any places/shops/centre will not be permitted; Any person failing to comply with the above notification of the village will be severely dealt with as per the standing resolution of the village. SAYO informs on vehicular movement along NH 29: Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) in a press release on May 5 stated that for precautionary measures against COVID-19 and welfare of general public, it had earlier issued a notification on April 16 restricting vehicular movement along NH-29, carrying essential commodities for neighbouring state Manipur. However, with some relaxations on lockdown by the government of India, SAYO said it will follow the revised guideline and notification laid down by the government. Accordingly, vehicles carrying essential commodities can pass through Southern Angami jurisdiction as per government order.
Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
MCCI asks govt to repeal COVID-19 cess DIMAPUR: Mon Chamber of Commerce and Industr y (MCCI) has extended support to the representation submitted by Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CNCCI) and also requested government of Nagaland to rollback COVID-19 cess on diesel, petrol and motor spirit. A press release from MCCI president N. Ünok SN and general secretary and administration Kamnyi Konyak stated that, “the COVID-19 cess will compound the economic
COVID-19 cess, unless repealed immediately, is going to prove to be disastrous for Nagaland social and economic health.” While asserting that the business community of Mon district was trying its best to live up to its responsibilities and has been playing active role in all of the sub-division as core member of the District Task Force, the MCCI claimed that hike of fuel prices was nothing more than utter disregard to the plight of common Naga public by the government of Nagaland.
WCH appeals for return of stranded Nagas DIMAPUR: Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) has expressed deep concern over the fate of stranded Nagas in several parts of the country and various parts of Nagaland facing untold trauma and struggle to return home. In an appeal to the state chief minister, the WCH president Dietho Rhakho said there could be “apprehensions and fears in Nagaland that many of these stranded” from the red zones may infect green zone Nagaland. However, the WCH pointed out that it was a time to show compassion and mercy towards those stranded with no jobs, money or medical security. WCH asked the chief minister to step in and take immediate decision to bring
NSCN (I-M) condolence
DIMAPUR: NSCN/ G P R N h a s ex p r e s s e d grief at the demise of late Tokhushumo Kikon, 95 years, ‘leacy’ NSCN (I-M) from Voroku village under Lotha region on May 4. NSCN (I-M) in a condolence through its MIP stated that, late Kikon had joined the NNC led Naga national service in 1964 and served till the rank of ‘captain’. MIP stated that throughout his service to the Naga nation, he had proved himself as a man of strong conviction and Saidul Islam, a construction worker along with 12 of his friends from Kohima on remained steadfast to the May 5 started their journey on foot towards Dimapur in the hope of catching a bus leadership of NSCN (I-M) that leaves for Assam. Without umbrellas for shelter, they can only pray that the and the void created would rain would let up. (NP) be deeply felt and difficult to fill in. For his selfless contribution to the Naga national cause, the MIP stated that his name shall SDO (C) Mon notifies: Sub division officer (C) & administrator (IC) Mon Town be recorded in the pages of Council notified all concerned persons engaged in the profession of carpentry, elec- the Naga history. GPRN trician, masonry (mistri), mechanics and coolie within Mon town to get registered conveyed deep condolencwith the office of Mon Town Council latest by May 31. The required documents es to the bereaved family and charges for registration are: Documents Aadhar card/voter card/ ILP and 2 members and pray the Alrecent passports; Registration (one time) Rs 100/-; Annual fee Rs. 120/- (Rs 10×12 mighty God grant his soul Months); Identity card Rs 10/-. eternal peace and rest.
news in Brief
depression caused by the lockdown, inducing rapid inflation and higher cost of living making way for rise in the numbers of anti-social elements and a soaring crime rate, a real descend into chaos and the rise in the cost of essential commodities, which is already happening, will be the first revelation.” MCCI stated that the “government is only fretful about its revenue but we are the medium through which the state earns its revenue, we are the lifeblood of the state economy, the market keepers and we know the
back the stranded Nagas by any means necessary, as according to MHA notification, 85% of the train fare was borne by the central government and 15% by the respective state government. The hoho stated that necessary screening and quarantine measures could be taken care of with outmost precaution so that alarm bells did not ring in the state once the stranded persons reached. WCH stated that every district should allow its citizens entry because Dimapur district alone cannot accommodate such huge numbers for quarantine. WCH also conveyed respect to all the frontline workers and responsible persons and organizations working tirelessly to keep the virus at bay.
CELEBRATING 100th BIRTHDAY
Born on 5th May, 1920
MR. LEMTENSANG LEMTUR Mopungchuket Village
On this amazing milestone, you have done more in a lifetime than others can only dream of. Thanking God Almighty for the love and health that He has bestowed upon you, throughout the years. Wishing you a grand and glorious HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY and for years to come.
DP-2256
2
From your children, grandchildren, great-grand children and great-great grand children.
DC-400
K Y M C
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State
Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
COVID-19: Review of government guidelines and preventive measures
DIMAPUR: With the lockdown extended by another two weeks, the eleven district administrations have been reviewing the guidelines to be followed by the public. DTF meetings are also being conducted along with trainings for various frontline workers across the state. Special focus is also being given towards the food sector wherein, agriculture and other allied departments have been encouraged to produce more organically grown food grains in the state. Even though Nagaland is a green zone so far, the government continues to enforce preventive measures for safety of the citizens. Stranded people are also being facilitated to return to their respective districts with proper documents from concerned authorities.
Kohima District
DTF members along with minister Tongpang and Khriehu Leizietsu MLA in the meeting chaired by DC Kohima. (DIPR)
Kohima DTF discuses on revised guidelines: Keeping in line with the latest guidelines issued by the ministry and the state government on May 4, the Kohima District Task Force (DTF) on COVID-19 held its meeting at DC’s office chamber, Kohima on May 5, to discuss and to come up with revised guidelines as to how best it can be implemented in the district. According to DIPR report, minister of Housing and Mechanical, Tongpang Ozukum and Khriehu Leizietsu MLA also attended the meeting besides the other DTF members. Tongpang apprised the members on the cabinet meeting held on Monday and pointed out that the most important thing for the district to work out at present was to firstly regulate and facilitate the movement of stranded persons in distress to their respective districts as per the inter district movement guidelines. Secondly to ascertain the number of stranded persons coming from outside the state to the district for further follow up action base on the guidelines to be issued by the government, he said. Noting that the whole state of Nagaland falls under green zone as per the criteria laid down by the Ministry of H&FW GoI, Tongpang said people coming from other districts within Nagaland to Kohima should be allowed to enter their respective villages and towns and advised for 14 days home quarantine. Chairing the meeting, deputy commissioner, Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie highlighted the last meeting decisions and invited for constructive suggestions to
be incorporated in the revised guidelines. In regard to taxi permit to ply within the municipal areas of the district, the house decided to have a meeting with ANTA for further implementation of the movement with limited number of taxi at designated locations. The meeting also decided to continue with the window period of shops opening timing from 7 a.m to 2 p.m with an addition of one more day i.e Saturdays to be included in the window period of shop opening during the lockdown period. Members also deliberated on issues in regard to essential commodity trucks plying on National Highways, setting up of Peducha Check Gate, opening of petrol pumps, unauthorised vendors, function of lockdown measures in ward/ colony levels and other issues pertaining to the lockdown measures. Taking note of all the issues and suggestions shared by the members, the DTF decided to issue revised guidelines based on assessment of the actual ground position to be imposed for stricter measures as per requirement of the district. Special drive for COVID-19: Department of Horticulture held a special drive for COVID19 at the conference hall, directorate of Agriculture on May 5 under the vision “Grow more! Produce more! Earn more!”. According to DIPR report, commissioner & secretary, Horticulture, Anenla Sato in her briefing expressed that she strongly believe Horticulture department was one of the front line warrior in food sector and all agri allied departments have the same focus to serve the people for food security
Zunheboto District
Commissioner and secretary, Horticulture Anenla Sato Neatly prepared isolation ward in Suruhuto ZCCI member addressing the public in one of the traffic speaking at the special drive for COVID-19. (DIPR) sub-division. (NP) point at Zunheboto town.
and sufficiency. She remarked, “Covid-19 has brought some positive changes to the world”, turning the world for the “survival of the quickest” and with this awakening call people have realized to emphasize more on its own production and productive means. Sato, stressed on the importance of kitchen garden and mentioned that the main source of nutrition to improve immune system comes from fruits and vegetables. While stating that Nagaland is blessed with natural resources, fertile lands with abundant rain and favourable climate for any type of crop, she also directed the officers and field workers to provide concrete data collection and come up with the details of surplus and shortage of the crops to streamline and analyze it. She further advised the farmers including family members to follow the guidelines on COVID-19 issued by central as well as state government including the guidelines issued by the district administration. Technical inputs were highlighted by joint director Jerry Patton, deputy director Horti, Dr. Moa Walling, deputy director Horti, Mesetenuo. Facilitation cell opened at Kohima for stranded people: Deputy commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie has informed that the government will allow movements of local/ indigenous people who are stranded and in distress and who desires to return back to their home districts or villages. According to DIPR report, the following actions have been initiated to ensure seamless movement as per laid down standard protocols: A dedicated “Fa-
cilitation Cell” is opened in the local ground, Kohima from May 5 to receive application of stranded and in distress local/ indigenous people. The nodal officer for the facilitation cell is Samuel Thyug, sub-divisional officer (C) Chiephobozou (918974653353). Formats of the application can be collected from the facilitation cell. The application will be compiled thereafter for necessary directives and perusal; Tribal bodies, wards and village authority may compile the list from the respective jurisdiction and submit to the facilitation centre as per the format provided; Stranded and in distress local/ indigenous people wanting to travel in their own private vehicle to be allowed after the DC issues necessary permit specifying travel dates. Separate format off application is available in the facilitation cell; The movement regime is permitted for local/indigenous people for inter-district travel only and having permanent address in Nagaland; Free NST bus service will be provided for transportation. For people of Mon district, the buses will take Nagaland-Assam route with police escort without any stoppages in Assam, while the private vehicles moving to Mon district shall take the KohimaWokha-Mokokchung-Longleng route; Special care should be taken to ensure that social distancing and other protocols are to be maintained at all times, such as compulsory use of face mask and disinfecting/ sanitizing of buses; For any related queries, contact the Warroom, DC office Kohima at 0370-2290028.
Suruhoto sub-division Task Force: The administration, departments and members of civil society including churches of Suruhuto sub-division had joined hands to be in preparedness to combat the pandemic of Coronavirus with whatever resources were in hand. It indicated eager participation of the public in the effort of the government. In a positive and quick response when the nationwide lockdown was announced, Suruhuto sub-division Task Force was constituted on March 23 with Dr. Kuzonyi Wideo SDO (C) Suruhuto as chairman and medical officer, Suruhuto as secretary and representatives of civil organisations, churches and student bodies as members to assist the concerned authorities in the fight against COVID-19. The task force took early proactive measures to participate in the state government’s initiatives, giving corrective measures through positive deliberations, identifying the weak areas and improving upon them. Hotoshe Awomi, a member of the task force, informed that the task force which is under functional control of the administration has set up quarantine centres and isolation wards with all basic amenities including independent kitchen areas besides purchasing and stocking of rations for the centre and for needy families, using donated welfare funds from well wishers and prominent citizens. SSTF is also monitoring entry and exit points along with manning of COVID control room with helpline numbers for citizens, students seeking information and help and also ensuring adequate basic emergency COVID medical equipment in the PHC and
Mokokchung District MCCI informs traders: Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has informed business establishments and traders in Mokokchung to continue and cooperate with the authorities, follow all
nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Has the state govt followed its own austerity drives? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
A B C
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Yes. No. Can’t Say.
60% 40% 0%
Next poll
Q: Has the centre failed
to take care of migrant labourers? Yes. No. Can’t Say.
WEATHER FORECAST May 6
(Temperature in ºC)
Max Min
Agartala Variably cloudy, a t-storm
32 23
Variable clouds, a t-storm
26 18
Guwahati Variable clouds, a t-storm
32 22
Variable clouds, a t-storm
28 17
Itanagar Variable clouds, a t-storm
26 20
Shillong
Variable clouds, a t-storm
22 15
Kohima
Variably cloudy, a t-storm
22 15
Dimapur Variable clouds, a t-storm
30 21
Variable clouds, a t-storm
24 17
Tuensang Variable clouds, a t-storm
18 12
Variable clouds, a t-storm
24 18
Zunheboto Variable clouds, a t-storm
21 15
Aizawl Imphal
Mkg Wokha
protocols and directives from the competent authorities on COVID-19. A press release from MCCI president Tsukti Longkumer and general secretary Limalenden Longkumer reminded that any business establishment
or trader found indulging in unethical business practices shall invite stern action. Moreover, even though the government of Nagaland is levying COVID-19 cess on diesel and petrol, businesses and traders are informed
Tuensang DTF review meeting for COVID-19: Tuensang district Task Force for COVID-19 held a review meeting at DC’s conference hall on May 5, with deputy commissioner Tuensang, Kumar Ramnikant chairing the meeting. According to DIPR report, meeting reviewed on the ongoing preventive regulations and implementation from every stakeholder present at the meeting. Members also deliberated on the recent developments of exchanging the stranded people within inter district of Nagaland from May 7 to 9 applying proper preventive measures. Chief minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio will be visiting Tuensang District Hospital and will be having meeting with district officers and NGOs of the district. Movement of public in the town area will remain unchanged and will be allowed during day time and will restrict movement
from 5 p.m to 6 a.m as earlier. As per the state directives, travelers from within Nagaland will not be kept under institutional quarantine but if need be will act as per the individuals’ symptoms and health. District education office along with The Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS) will be coming up with a Facebook page where lectures and notes will be made available for all the students of each class. Frontline health workers training at Shamator: Training for frontline health workers ANM/ASHA/ AWW on COVID-19, contact tracing and surveillance was held in Shamator EBRC hall, with resources person Dr. Vikashe Swu, MO Shamator and T. Hantsula ASHA co-ordinator Shamator. According to DIPR report, ASHAs, ANMs and Anganwati workers from Shamator sub-division attended the training.
Phek District
AWWS under Phek Sadar sensitised on COVID-19: Office of the chief medical officer (CMO) Phek conducted a sensitisation programme for Anganwadi workers (AWW) under Phek Sadar on May 4 at CMO conference hall, Phek. A press release from CMO office stated that, AWWs were briefed on the origin and transmission of COVID-19, its preventive measures, importance of hand washing and social distancing, cough etiquettes etc. CMO, Dr. Vibeituonuo Mepfuo lauded the participants in supporting the department in all the health activities and requested for their active involvement in the fight against COVID-19. Dr. Lanuakum, surveillance officer for COVID-19 also informed them on their roles along with the surveillance team if any positive case arises in the district. They were also briefed on the precautions and safety measures to be taken during contact tracing and to go along with ASHAs during the house to house visit. It may be noted that the district has been sensitising frontline workers, NGOs, Church leaders etc. in combating COVID-19. Altogether 16 AWWs attended the training.
earlier COVID-19 was just something that existed in other parts of the world but in a short span of time it has reached India. He requested the public to be cautious and emphasised on the mandatory use of face masks, personal hygiene and social distancing as preventive measures. With the lack of any proper vaccine for COVID-19, he said that one has to be cautious. President ZCCI Kikheto Muru urged the shopkeepers to sale goods as per the MRPs and the wholesalers to follow the price fixation as issued. He cautioned that in case of price hike the union shall take stringent action against the defaulters as authorised. Calling on the local citizens, he reminded them of the directives and guidelines issued by the government and urged every citizen to be responsible at this juncture. He also requested the gathering to uphold the frontline workers in prayers as they have been and will be fighting against the pandemic risking their lives. Earlier, programme was chaired by Katovi Awomi, advocate advisor ZCCI. ZCCI distributed the washable masks at all public squares. Sensitisation on COVID-19 for DTF Zunheboto: Sensitisation training programme on COVID19 for District Task Force (DTF) was held at town hall, Zunheboto on May 5. According to DIPR report, deputy commissioner Zunheboto Peter Lichamo spoke on the occasion where various agendas were discussed, namely home quarantine and designated quarantine facility, catering protocol, containment zone and dead body management and social stigma. The training programme concluded with thorough discussion on mock drill.
Peren District
to keep the prices of goods and services within the preCOVID-19 cess rate in the larger interest of serving the people in view of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses and traders are not to hike prices of their
Tuensang District
sub-centres and various SOPs to handle contingency. He acknowledged Khehovi Yepthomi, advisor, Art & Culture and Tourism for taking the lead to support the task force by contributing material and financial assistance. On behalf of the task force, he also expressed appreciation to Akheto Jakhalu, Wing Commander for taking initiative to facilitate help from the likes of vice president of Shiv Naresh Pvt. Limited New Delhi, managing director of General Electric (Pune) and CEO Kass Trexim Pvt Ltd, New Delhi and many more. Financial contribution and solidarity shown to SSTF especially from those unknown to people of Suruhuto sub-division would definitely boost the morale of the team and the people of the area during this difficult time, SSTF stated. Dr Kuzonyi Wideo SDO (C) Suruhuto, said that the progressive mindset and support to administration by various CSOs, student bodies and intellectuals of Suruhuto sub-division can be an example to other rural areas which is operating with very limited resources, as collective efforts can make a huge difference and impact improving the overall preparedness in the entire Nagaland state. ZCCI conducts mass public mask awareness campaign: Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI) conducted a mass public mask awareness campaign at three public squares, namely last Traffic Point below SBI Bazar, 1st Traffic Point Project Colony and petrol pump South Point East Zunheboto on May 5. A press release from ZCCI media affairs Holoka T. Sumi stated that, Dr. Bohovi Chophi advisor ZCCI remarked that
goods and services arbitrarily. Grievances, if any, should be brought to the notice of MCCI and any business or trader hiking prices without the knowledge of MCCI shall be doing so at their own risk.
Mon District
DC Mon directives for shops: DC has informed that all stand alone shops and outlets in Mon district are permitted to open with 50% strength of workers with wearing of masks and social distancing being mandatory except for the following category of shops, like salons, dine-in restaurants and eateries, clothes and shoe shops, second hand shops. According to DIPR report, home deliveries from dine-in restaurants, food outlets and delivery of online orders of essential commodities shall be permitted. The shopkeepers are also directed to strictly adhere to the following conditions: Sale of tobacco and other tobacco products is strictly prohibited; Shopkeepers and assistance to wear masks/face covers and hand gloves; Make arrangements for keeping hand sanitizers or provide facilities for hand washing with soap and water for the public as well as for their own staff/workers; Regularly clean and disinfect the door handles, surface and other objects which are frequently touched by the customers; Not to sell essential commodities and goods to customers who are not wearing face mask or face covers and mandatorily make stand point markings outside their shops for the customers to maintain social distancing. Any shop violating the same will be penalised with immediate closure of that shop for that day. It is reiterated that shops shall remain open for five days in a week i-e Monday to Friday from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. However, banks, ATMs and pharmacies shall remain open on all days. This order applies to the whole of Mon district. Training for SDRF on COVID-19: Medical department Mon organised training for SDRF on COVID-19 and dead body management of COVID-19 positive patient on May 5. According to DIPR report, resource person was Dr. S. Ngampa Sangme MD PMR, medical officer District Hospital Mon. Training on containment plan for AWWS, ASHAs and village task force members was completed in all the blocks. Mock drill on COVID-19 has been completed in some blocks and some are still ongoing.
DC Peren Sentiwapang Aier addressing at the Peren DTF meeting. (DIPR)
DTF Peren meeting on COVID-19: Peren District Task Force meeting on COVID-19 chaired by deputy commissioner and chairman DTF Peren, Sentiwapang Aier was held at conference hall of DC’s office, Peren on May 5. According to DIPR report, the meeting deliberated on several issues pertaining to the guidelines of the state government and how to go about in the district and outside the district. DTF Peren have set up Sub-Committee headed by SDO (Civil HQ Peren) as convenor, AGM NST, SDPO Peren, Dr. Asang, Bus Union and Taxi Union Peren to deal with the stranded people from outside the district for those who wanted to come back to their respective villages within the stipulated time frame. DTF Peren has decided to construct temporary shed at Sainik School Punglwa Gate as facilitation centre and Lamhai Namtsi Gate will function till further order. Ongoing data collection and proper screening will be done at two entry points to the district. Ten volunteers each from all the villages, all primary schools teachers will be given training by Medical department block wise in due course of time. Consultative meeting with civil societies: DC Peren also held consultative meeting with various civil societies on May 5. The meeting was convened to seek the opinion of the civil societies or church organisations. DC Peren gave a brief overview of the district preparedness in regard to COVID-19 containment and also spoke on the arrangements which were to be made for those stranded students and workers outside the state of Nagaland. CMO Peren, Dr. Denis Hangsing highlighted about the arrangement of quarantine
centres under Peren district. Executive secretary ZBCC, Izieteilung urged the DTF Peren not to allow stranded citizens to enter their homes or villages directly after entering from other states. To ensure locally available vegetable products, Izieteilung also added organic vegetables of the district should be utilised instead of Dimapur based products. Chairman of the Village Council Chairman Union, Peren district assured to provide voluntary services from any source in times of emergency for the interest of all as and when needed. KIN president, L.L. Kuki requested the DTF members, civil societies for massive participation and to follow the guidelines of the government in the fight against the global pandemic. L.L. Kuki also appealed to the citizens of the district to cooperate with the district administration, Medical department and Police personnel. Training on COVID-19 contact tracing: As part of COVID-19 preparedness, Medical department, Peren district conducted training on COVID-19 contact tracing for Police and SDRF personnel at Customary Court, ADC office Jalukie on May 5. According to DIPR report, training was imparted on contact tracing and sample collection, rational use of PPEs under different situations, donning & doffing of PPEs, containment zone & dead body management and quarantine and isolation guarding tips and use of disinfectant. Later discussion hour was also held where doubts and queries were raised and clarified. Altogether 43 participants attended the training. Resource persons were DIO, Dr. Nukshisangla, MO CHC Jalukie, Dr. Albert, QAM, Dr. Neime Kuotsu, DF NHP, Amongla and DPO DAPCU, Vime.
4
OPINION/EDITORIAL
Nagaland Post VOL. XXX NO. 149 DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
I
No win situation
mposing a nationwide lockdown involving 1.3 billion people for 40 consecutive days is hard enough. Getting out of it could be harder still, unless the government is crystal clear and totally unambiguous about its basic intent. Opinions are largely divided between those who favour continuation and those who oppose it. One aspect that has to be acknowledged is that thanks to the lockdown, India has managed to dramatically slow the growth in infection levels, and also used this time to ramp up hospital facilities to take care of those infected. However, the lockdown has also come at great economic costs. The government is clearly intent on lifting the lockdown in a staggered manner by making more relaxations for services and small and medium enterprises. It is also likely that air and train services would be resumed after May 17. Those who favour lifting of the lockdown see it as an urgency in order to save the economy from plunging into a deep recession. Of course, there are many who feel that the lockdown should not be lifted till the government is certain that it has finally contained COVID-19. India has so far escaped the worse of the COVID-19 pandemic at about 49,000 confirmed cases and over 1583 deaths by May 5, 2020. Even as the country looks at easing lockdown restrictions in the coming weeks, it seems important the public health machinery braces for a potential second wave of infections. The lifting of the lockdown could lead people to resume work as usual and ignore physical distancing and go to crowded places. Those who are against lifting of the lockdown may have their valid arguments but it will be unwise to ignore the potential economic catastrophe. The health infrastructure is mainly concentrated in urban areas where the main focus for COVID-19 has been. Even in urban areas, there are not enough medical team or beds in case of outbreak. Those living in the rural areas also don’t have enough beds and also short of COVID medical teams and equipments such as ventilators etc. The economy has slid down from a projected growth of 7.5% down to 1.9% and expected to reach the nadir at 1.4%. In the extreme scenario of waiting for a vaccine, what happens if the government locks down the economy for 2020-21? The first month of this financial year, with little economic activity, the collapse of consumption, investment and exports, will lead to a severe contraction in production. When demand is as low as it is under a lockdown, the risk of demand-led inflation is zero. In a long lockdown, in the absence of production, tax collections will collapse. Wealth or inheritance taxes usually yield little revenue, even if there was time to collect them. The fiscal deficit would rise. Normally, government borrows private savings. Under a lockdown, as incomes fall, private savings will fall. Without goods and services being sufficiently produced and sold, goods and services tax (GST) revenues will plummet to the detriment of the Centre and the states. If India is not being able to find an easy exit strategy from the lockdown, the economy may have to operate at subsistence level for longer. The government will need to generously distribute food grains, and do direct cash transfers to the poor who have no savings to survive.
DailyDevotion
Post-mortem
ANPSA, Dimapur demands for uniform school academic session A
ll Nagaland Private Schools’ Association (ANPSA) Dimapur is constrained to issue this Press Release as there has been no action till now by the concerned authorities on the matter of a Uniform School Academic Session of April-March along with the rest of the country despite numerous appraisals and reminders from both ANPSA Central as well as District Units since 2015. We feel that a Uniform School Academic Session would result in manifold benefits for all the Schools including Students, Teachers and Parents/Guardians. We therefore reiterate our stand on this matter because of the following reasons. 1. As of now, under the present system followed under the NBSE, the school session is from January to December. Under this system, there are literally two separate examinations, one for Primary Classes to Classes-9 & 11 which is conducted in November till first week of December and another for Classes-10 & 12 which is held from February till March. This system leads to a lot of confusion and adds to the burden of the schools as well as the parents. 2. November, December and January are
Quotes
Each time you love, love as deeply as if it were forever. ~ Audre Lorde
mostly the festive months of the year in Nagaland along with marriages taking place almost everywhere which may lead to a lot of distractions for those students who appear for their final exams in Mid November till the first week of December. 3. T h o s e s c h o o l s which are Center Schools under the State lose about three weeks of Class Time while other schools continue their regular classes which leads to a great deal of discrepancies among the schools especially when it comes to completion of syllabus. 4. Students of classes-1 and above who have completed their exams by December contribute to lots of distractions during the Classes 10 & 12 Board exams taken in February or March and vice-versa. 5. In the wake of a Uniform Session, students, who are the main beneficiaries from our educational system, will surely enjoy the festive season especially the Christmas, as during that period they will have less stress about studies as the exams under April-March session are conducted only in the last part of February or beginning of March. 6. The workload of the management as well as the teachers will also be lightened as under a com-
mon academic session, there will be a common academic calendar for all the schools as the DoSE’s directives and plans can be easily adhered to by all schools alike especially while updating their UDISE data. 7. U n i f o r m A c a demic Session will mean common exam timings. If there is common exam timing for all, there is uniformity in academic process. Students of all schools and classes collectively get serious about their exams and there will be no undue distractions from students who do not have exams during the period. Moreover all the schools, irrespective of Boards, will be able to follow common academic calendar across the state in line with the rest of the country. 8. Parents, Guardians as well as teachers will be highly benefited as they will be able to enjoy the winter vacation without any stress since there will be only one final exam without creating any hassles for those parents who have more than one child studying across different classes or different boards. 9. It will also help those students seeking admissions outside our state and vice-versa as our state will be at par with the rest of
NSCN (I-M) congratulates UNPO
N
ational Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) congratulates Dr. Michael Van Walt Van Praag on being awarded Knighthood by the Dutch (Netherlands) Government in recognition of his lifelong dedication and commendable services in support of the unrepresented and oppressed nations and peoples around the world. Given his long period of attachment in the service of humanity particularly his tireless works to resolve diverse conflicts that exists around the world, he truly deserved this prestigious Royal Distinction of Commander in the Order of Orange-Nassau, one of the
Judgment and the Love of God
The time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God… —1 Peter 4:17 The Christian servant must never forget that salvation is God’s idea, not man’s; therefore, it has an unfathomable depth. Salvation is the great thought of God, not an experience. Experience is simply the door through which salvation comes into the conscious level of our life so that we are aware of what has taken place on a much deeper level. Never preach the experience— preach the great thought of God behind the experience. When we preach, we are not simply proclaiming how people can be saved from hell and be made moral and pure; we are conveying good news about God. In the teachings of Jesus Christ the element of judgment is always brought out— it is the sign of the love of God. Never sympathize with someone who finds it difficult to get to God; God is not to blame. It is not for us to figure out the reason for the difficulty, but only to present the truth of God so that the Spirit of God will reveal what is wrong. The greatest test of the quality of our preaching is whether or not it brings everyone to judgment. When the truth is preached, the Spirit of God brings each person face to face with God Himself. If Jesus ever commanded us to do something that He was unable to equip us to accomplish, He would be a liar. And if we make our own inability a stumbling block or an excuse not to be obedient, it means that we are telling God that there is something which He has not yet taken into account. Every element of our own self-reliance must be put to death by the power of God. The moment we recognize our complete weakness and our dependence upon Him will be the very moment that the Spirit of God will exhibit His power.
NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
N
highest civilian distinctions given by the Dutch Government. For the NSCN in particular and for the Nagas in general, Dr. Michael is a person of immense significance. It was he in the capacity of UNPO’s General Secretary, who found historical and political legitimacy in the Naga struggle and thereby, helped NSCN get a foothold in international arena by admitting NSCN as a bona fide member of UNPO (Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization) on 23 January, 1993. The rest is history. NSCN is also grateful to the Dutch Government for taking cognizance of
Dr. Michael’s contribution towards helping the unrepresented nations and oppressed peoples magnify their issues in the eyes of the world. This is reflective of the Dutch Government’s social and liberal tolerance. NSCN still remains indebted to the Dutch Government when the historic declaration was made by the Government of India in the city of Amsterdam on 11th July, 2002, during the meeting between Government of India’s representative and NSCN leaders giving recognition to the unique history and situation of the Nagas. MIP, NSCN/GPRN
The tiger in combats
India when it comes to conduct of examinations in one academic session. Also, it will facilitate those students intending to appear for competitive and entrance examinations which they have to appear right after their 10th or 12th Exams. It is the duty of the government to ensure all possible means for our students to fare well in these areas. 10. It will be ver y much advantageous for both parents as well as their children who are studying in different classes. (How can there be two academic calendars for two children under the same roof which is utterly inconvenient?) 11. If a uniform Academic Session of April to March is implemented, all the schools will get extra quality time of more than one month every year, as at present due to the internal examinations almost half of November, half of December and a major part of January remains unutilized for classes as they are mostly spent on exams and exam related activities and not much for serious and regular classes. 12. A Uniform Academic Session will ensure smooth conduct of academic and co-curricular programs of individual schools. Moreover, schools across different boards can effectively plan out inter-
T
school activities when there is a common academic calendar for all the schools. 13. Schools with hostels attached will also heave a sigh of relief as under the present system of January – December session, they need to cater to the requirements of regular new session students as well as those appearing for the Board Examinations. This means over burdening the resources at the disposal of the hostels as well as undue disturbances for those appearing for the Board Examinations. 14. Last but not the least, because of the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, schools across the state are facing loss of active working days. It is faced more by the schools under the State Board as they had already started their session from January itself, thereby they have already lost good number of working days till 4th May 2020 (excluding Sundays and 2nd Saturdays) and still counting, whereas the schools which follow the April-March session have not lost many working days as their session has just started from Mid-April. This shows how the schools under the State Board have been greatly disadvantaged during the lockdown period. To this effect some State Board schools have
even remarked that they would have benefitted if only they had followed the April-March session. We should always remember that the Education System is for the benefit of the student community and the offices and establishments should therefore work for their convenience. It is because of the schools alone that boards and the education de par tment flourish and not the other way around. The present lockdown may further continue but if situation improves, schools may be allowed to re-open with or without restrictions. Considering this extraordinary situation, authorities should bring about a much needed transformation by immediately putting in place a Uniform Academic Session of April to March for all schools in Nagaland from this year itself which will be a great boon and benefit for the School Management, Students, Parents and Teachers. We also request all like-minded citizens to support our initiative and voice out their concerns for the general good of the students who are the future leaders of our society. Dr. Andrew Ahoto Sema, President ANPSA Dimapur
Hydroponics
he COVID 19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown taught us a lesson- the need to have a kitchen garden and to keep some livestock and poultry birds at the backyard. Foresightedly Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru had then said-“ Everything else can wait but not agriculture”, we may shut down all other activities but not agricultural activities. Hydroponics is a method of growing vegetables, fruits, berries in a solution of water and nutrients without using soil. The concept is gaining ground because of its various advantages compared to growing in a soil like it grows faster and yields more by 20 percent or so. It is suitable for apartment dwellers and those who have less ground space as it can be set up in balconies, roof tops, terraces or any available space in the house. This is another form of pot and terrace gardening. Flowers, greens, shrubs of different species and varieties use to adorn every Naga house. Now, leaving aside hydroponics which is stillaway technology, we can convert some of the pots into vegetables and berries pots
which will not only be handy in the kitchen but is organic and stylish as well. Or else if one has a free terrace that has less chance of polluting and contaminating the next doors, one can keep some poultry birds. Than what about commercial livestock and poultry farming ? The COVID 19 lockdown came after Christmas and all other possible festivals and celebrations. By then, all backyard fattened kahori had been slaughtered and with no kuru around us, every colony were stealthily searching for any available fattener and found the last surviving one. The poor fellow was slaughtered but 2 kilos per household (though wanted 5 or 10 kilos) as the whole colony wanted at least a bite of it so 2 kilos to all. Hyperbolic it may sound but this is the stark reality we have to face in times of any unwarranted situations. The COVID 19 lockdown also taught us one more lesson- Social distancing or interpreted as to avoid staying in congested habitations, the way to be safe from any contagious and infectious diseases. Here people in the villages and
small towns were in more advantageous situation as there were less congestion and the population homogeneous. Sikkim with the least population density was untouched by the COVID 19 and for that matter almost all the hilly north eastern region was practically safe from the pandemic. It is time we also disperse ourselves to our God given vales and rolling hills not only to stay healthy and safe but also in search of food. Due to high initial capital investment, resource poor small and marginal farmers cannot venture into commercial agriculture, horticulture, fishery, animal husbandry farming. It is the resource rich capitalists who have land and resources to invest in such ventures and thereby not only become ourselves self reliant on food but also give sustainable livelihood opportunities to the marginal and educated youth. We hear of rich farmers from Punjab, Haryana, Kerala but never think of ourselves as one. Agribusiness is one enterprise that we can start and do headstrong as there is huge unfailing market. Dr. N. Mhonchan Shitiri
evertheless, the fact that 03 May of the Unit. 2020 will go down as a sad day in There have been numerous examples the history of India when the tragic where the Good Old Commanding Officer news of 04 personal of 21 Rashtriya Rifles has single-handedly by virtue of his steely (Guards) and a Sub Inspector of J&K Police nerves led his troops to victory under most was received. trying and seemingly impossible circumGod alone knows what would have stances. When one looks into the annals transpired at the scene of action, but this of the Indian Military History, list of these I am confident that the Raw courage and examples will go into volumes. Still, I can’t Valour of Col Ashutosh Sharma, SM the resist but put out names of people like Lt Commanding Officer of 21 RR and the Col Diwan Ranjit Rai, MVC CO 1 Sikh in men under his command would have been the spectacular defence of Srinagar, Lt Col at full display in all its splendor. Desmond hayed, MVC CO 3 Jat who led I had been reading views on several his troops in the famous battle of Dograi, social media platforms on the issue of why Lt Col Hanut Singh, MVC Commandant the CO got killed in action in an operation Poona Horse who led his Regiment to that could well have got conducted at a unsurmountable glory in the Battle of Junior leader level. Basantar in the Shakargarh Sector in 1971 Immediately my mind zoomed back Indo-Pak war. And even Commanding to the age-old adage that a leader leads by Officers like Col Ravindranath, Vrc CO 2 example and especially a leader who is lead- Rajputana Rifles, Col Lalit Rai, Vrc CO ing men under the duress of mortality, has 1/11 Gorkha Rifles, Col Khushal Thakur, to have that something extra in his persona. CO 18 Grenadiers (the list is endless) who Sir, The central government extended the lock down by another two weeks after John C Maxwell correctly said, “A leader led their outfits with unmatched elan to is one who knows the way, goes the way drive out the Pakistani intruders into our a comprehensive review, as the global is at a critical stage in its fight against Coronavirus. Experts have warned that the India’s healthcare system may not be able to and shows the way.” territory under the most challenging conWhen I got commissioned in the Great ditions on the icy unforgiving heights of cope with a massive outbreak if proper measures are not taken in a fast track. India has only 0.5 hospital beds per 1,000 people and one doctor for every 1457 people, Indian Army, I always got to hear that the general area Kargil. according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and Commanding Officer is an Institution, and The Indian Military History overflows the economic survey of India 2019-20. In spite of all the odds, healthcare workers, initially used to think what makes a man an with the brave deeds of this Institution police personal, law making bodies and many others are doing the round tirelessly institution. But in the course of my journey known as the Commanding Officer. in order to provide humanitarian aid, medical support and to keep us safe in this in the Army, I experienced not once but I don’t have an iota of doubt that Col hour of crises. However to our utter dismay, these frontline workers who are serving umpteen number of times that the saying is Ashutosh did what was precisely required true to its last word. Yes, the Commanding to be done by a CO, and his bravery and us by putting their lives at risk in the fight against the COVID-19 are bearing the brunt of discrimination and harassment on account of misinformation and illiterate officer is an Institution indeed. sacrifice beyond the call of duty are in about the outbreak. Most people are failing to understand that discriminating and Fear of death is a natural human inline with the age-old Glorious traditions harassing the frontline workers across the country are only weakening our fight stinct, but overcoming that fear in the face bonded with the Institution of a Com- against COVID-19, endangering our entire population. As the number of COVID-19 of odds is what makes a soldier, and a Unit manding Officer. cases keep rising, it is not only important for the government to take active meaknown for its tradition of bravery, courage, Salutes to Col Asutosh Sharma,SM, sures but the public too. People must support and respect the frontline workers by and sacrifice is a conglomeration of many such soldiers. And the man responsible for Maj Anuj Sood, Naik Rajesh Kumar, Lance strictly adhering to the guidelines issued by the health ministry and expert bodies, keeping that spark ever alive in the Unit is Naik Dinesh Singh all of 21 Rashtriya cross-check any information related to the COVID-19 on the social media before the Commanding Officer fondly called the Rifles and Sub Inspector Shakeel Qazi of sharing and most importantly create a sense of safety and security to all the front ‘Old Man or the Tiger.’ Its this man who is J&K Police for their Supreme Sacrifice. The line workers through our utmost cooperation. One must appreciate their sacrifices the ever-present example to the Officers and nation can never thank you all Bravehearts and understand that those frontline workers have a families too, worrying for their men of the Unit, be it on the playground, enough for what you did; it will always safety every moment. I salute, thank and appreciate to all the Frontline Workers arena of training or the battlefield. Its this remain indebted to you for eternity. Jai for your selfless sacrifices and services for our safety. May the good Lord continue to bless each one of you. man who is looked upon at all times by Hind ! Huka V Awomi, Satoi Town (Thsuruhu village) Lt Col (Retd) Suneet Newton each and every individual forming part 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.
Reader’s Post
Appreciate their sacrifices
national/state
64 AI flights to bring back 14k Indians
NEW DELHI, MAY 5 (IANS): India is set to embark on one of the largest rescue operations in the world, using naval and air platforms to bring back Indians stranded abroad, with Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday announcing Air India Group will operate 64 flights to 12 countries to bring back over 14,000 stranded people in 7 days from May 7. During the first week of the mammoth air rescue operation, as many as 14,800 Indian nationals will be brought back, while the total number of people to be repatriated back to India in the entire operations could be more than 190,000, he said. Addressing the media via video conferencing, the minister said that not only the role of the airline but that of airports and state governments is vital since these authorities have to manage the returning passengers. On their part, the state governments are required to provide quarantine zones for the returning Indians. Puri said that in the first week, flights will bring back Indians to 10 states and that services to more states could be started in the coming weeks, depending upon the speed at which facilities
are prepared to host these returnees. He further said that passengers would be required to pay a fixed amount for these flights, since the financial position of Air India is precarious and that the airline requires injection of Rs 500-Rs 600 crore per month for it to stay afloat. Besides, the minister said that participation of private airlines in the air rescue plans will be taken after the first week of operations. Puri added that he is aware of the financial constraints being faced by the industry. However, he did not disclose any timeline for the resumption of domestic operations, but said that these will be opened only after seeing the “behaviour of the virus” and the ground level preparations to handle any situation. Centre to SC: Indians stranded abroad will be
brought back May 7 onwards The Centre on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that May 7 onwards it will begin bringing back Indian citizens stranded due to the nationwide lockdown and travel restrictions in place in various countries. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed a bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan comprising Justice S.K. Kaul and B.R. Gavai that only May 7 onwards Indian citizens could be brought back in special flights, including those Indians stuck in Nepal. The bench was hearing a plea, through video-conferencing, seeking direction to the Centre to ensure safe movement for migrant workers, hailing from Nepal, and stranded in Uttarakhand. On April 30, the petitioner had informed the apex court that around 1,700 migrant workers from Nepal were
stranded at the India-Nepal border in Uttarakhand due to the nationwide lockdown. The petitioner urged the Centre to allow them to return to their country. The apex court noted that the government must know that workers are still stranded at few places, and the government must look into it. The petitioners said 1,000 Nepali workers had to go back. “A large number have been sent back... the remaining 214 have not been sent back”, the petitioner’s counsel submitted in the court. Mehta told the bench he has got instructions from the Ministry of External Affairs that all Indian citizens stranded abroad, including Nepal, would be brought back from May 7 onwards. The counsel, appearing for petitioner Ganga Giri Goswami, contended before the bench that around 1,000 Indian citizens are also stranded in Nepal in a precarious situation. The counsel insisted that the government has issued a notification on Monday that they will bring back Indians stranded abroad. Mehta replied that supply of essentials has been made for Indians stuck in Nepal and the authorities concerned are also in touch with the consulate in Nepal.
DC Kohima issues revised guidelines DIMAPUR, MAY 5 (NPN): In addition to the revised guidelines issued following the extension the nation-wide lockdown, deputy commissioner Kohima has issued revised directives to be strictly followed with immediate effect till further orders. It said that local taxis will be permitted to ply within the municipal jurisdiction strictly as per the guidelines for local taxis issued by the DC’s office. Complexes, multi-brand & single brand malls to remain closed 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28.
Abe complex high school road. Vishal MB High School Junction. TRENDS Bayavii High school road. Secondhand Market Sect.road. V.Mart Keziekie. Daily market Keziekie near sumo stand MK market. Star Market D.Block. Jasokie Complex D.B lock. Razou Point Daily Market. KAK Showroom (Daklane). S.A.B.T Market (Daklane) United Traders (Daklane) Pusa Complex Lilliput Main town N.C.S Building Razhii Point Vipielie Complex Viliethie Complex Fancy Market N.M Market Sekho Complex Ura Complex NCS Market (Old NST) Solo Complex Razhu Point Mhieluo Market (Y.Junction) Tibetan Market (Opp. APO building) Blackberry (Opp. Tibetan Market) Ser’s Bazaar (TCP gate)
Further, permitted shops are allowed to open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (see table). All other relaxations and prohibitions which have been specified in the previous orders shall remain in effect till further orders. Failure to comply with these directives will invite strict penal actions as per relevant sections of law, DC stated.
29. Topaz Plaza second-hand market (opp.APMC 30. Solo market) 31. Belho Complex (PR hill) 32. Second-hand market (opp. Popular Bakery) 33. Jack n Jill 34. MATO Complex 35. V&V Suohu Second-hand Complex 36. NM Second-hand Market 37. Second-hand Market (opp. Mao market) 38. Mao Market 39. Mao Second-hand Market 40. T. Khel Market 41. Secondhand Market (opp. south point market) 42. Pusa Market B.O.C 43. Second-hand Market (opp.ADS office) 44. Daily Market (opp.old Fira hotel) 45. R. Sopu Building (opp.post office) 46. CK Complex (Opp. Baroda Bank) 47. NV Point Complex (jail colony) 48. Khedi Market 49. Hornbill Mart 50. AVET (k) Mart 51. Hanny’s Corner 52. Gamati 53. UraAcademykidi 54. Pezielietsie Daily Market Street vending prohibited
Local ground South gate to North gate 1. Footpath Stretch Hospital to Y.Junction footpath 2. Oking Stretch 3. PHQ Junction to Mao Market footpath Stretch 4. South Point Market to PHQ junction footpath Stretch 5. U.T to Razhii Point Footpath Stretch 6. Razhü Point to Mission Road Footpath Stretch Roster system to be followed for opening of shops other than those already permitted A. Monday’s 1. Hardware/ Sanitary Equipments Shop. 2. Sand/ Cement outlets, 3. Electrical Goods & Repairing Shops. 4. Glass & Furniture Shop. 5 Marble & Tiles Shop B. Wednesday’s 1. Shoes/Sandals &Chappal Shops. 2. Cosmetic Shops. 3. Cloth/ Readymade garment shops. 4. Wool & Yarn stores. 5. Tailoring Shops. C. Friday’s / Printing Press/ Rubber 1. Stationeries Stamp Shops. 2. Utensils & Kitchen Wares. 3. Motor Parts. 4. Battery Repairing. 5. Tyre & Tyre repairing shops.
Behavioural changes may be new ‘healthy’ normal: Harsh Vardhan
New Delhi, May 5 (PTI): India has so far been able to stave off community transmission of COVID-19, says Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, expressing the hope that “behavioural changes” brought about by the infection could become the “new normal” for a healthy society after the pandemic abates. The nation in a postcoronavirus future could well look back on the pandemic period as a “blessing in disguise” if Indians imbibe hand, respiratory and environmental hygiene and practise it in their everyday lives, the minister said. Underlining the importance of the lockdown, which has been extended till May 17, the minister said health should be on the radar just as much as the economy. “The government has to do a balancing act,” Vardhan told PTI. On Tuesday, the number of COVID-19 cases shot
up to 46,433 from the 42,836 the day before, a sharp rise of 3,597 cases, according to Union Health Ministry data. The death toll has risen to 1,568 from 1,389. “Once the havoc caused by the virus subsides and the crisis blows over, people may remember it as a blessing in disguise,” Vardhan said. He added that India has so far been able to keep itself from “slipping into the stage of community transmission of the novel coronavirus”. “By now we know that fighting coronavirus is no rocket science. If behavioural changes such as hand, environmental and respiratory hygiene, which are being practiced more rigorously during this period, get imbibed in society it will become the new normal,” Vardhan said. Such practices will bring down the instances of communicable diseases and society will evolve for the better, he stressed.
Other than small pox and polio, no other viral infection has been completely eradicated from this country. Other diseases keep recurring, the minister said, indicating that COVID-19 might be here for the long haul. “But every cloud has a silver lining,” he said. The situation posed by the COVID-19 pandemic can be seen as an opportunity to shore up health infrastructure and indigenous production of medical equipment and protective gear under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the minister explained. “We have ramped up the production of COVID19 protective gears like PPE (personal protection equipment) and N-95 masks. Testing facilities have been scaled up significantly,” he said. Efforts are also on to ramp up the production of APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients), the raw material for pharmaceuticals, Vardhan added.
5
Govt suspends visas, bars travel by OCI card holders
Centre, state govts taking necessary steps for relief to migrant workers: SC
New Delhi, May 5 (PTI): The government Tuesday suspended all existing visas, barring a few exceptions, granted to foreign nationals till international air travel to and from India remains shut due to the coronavirus pandemic, an order said. In a separate order, the Union Home Ministry said it has extended on ‘gratis’ basis the visas of foreigners stranded in India due the lockdown. The extension will be for a period of 30 days beyond opening of international travel. The Home Ministry also said it has kept in abeyance multiple-entry lifelong visas given to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders till international travel remains suspended. However, the OCI card holders who are already in India can stay in the country for “any length of time”, it said. All existing visas granted to foreigners -- except those belonging to diplomatic, official, UN international organisations, employment and project categories -shall remain suspended till prohibition on international air travel of passengers from and to India is lifted by the government, the order said.
New Delhi, May 5 (IANS): The Supreme Court on Tuesday said the Centre and states are taking necessary steps for relief to migrant workers and disposed of a plea seeking free of cost travel for homebound workers. A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul and B R Gavai, which took up the matter through video conferencing, said “As all necessary steps are being taken by Centre and states, we do not see any purpose in keeping this writ petition pending.” The apex court disposed of the petition. The observation from the top court came while hearing a PIL filed by Jagdeep S Chhokar, former director in-charge of IIM Ahmedabad and lawyer Gaurav Jain, who moved the court seeking direction to authorities to allow migrant workers to return home without paying any fare after the coronavirus test. The bench noted that
as per reports 85 per cent cost is being borne by the Centre. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioners, said even 15 per cent is too expensive for the migrants. The bench noted the relief claimed by the petitioner has already been granted by the government and it is difficult to consider any prayer not included in the petition. Bhushan cited a circular, which said that the state where the workers are and their native state, have to agree for their travel, and submitted before court the government should ease the movement of workers, and not put such restrictions. After both states agree then the migrant workers are being sent to their native places, argued Bhushan. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, said the government is following all the protocol and arrangements have been made for all the necessary help to migrant workers. Mehta said the ground
situation is being carefully monitored by the government, for example when a migrant worker goes back to his native place he or she has to be placed under quarantine, therefore a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is already in place. “Government is proactive as we are concerned with the migrant worker and my humble submission is that this should be left to the government, and this micro-management should not be allowed”, Mehta contended before the bench. Petitioners filed a supplementary affidavit, claiming it must be made clear that the railways and the states would not be charging the migrant workers for the train and bus travel being arranged for them. “Migrants are being required to pay around Rs 800 as train fares and the same is highly unjustified. It has been reported that the Indian Railways is actually hiking its fare by 50 rupees per passenger,” said the affidavit.
Zion hospital to resume medical services DIMAPUR, MAY 5 (NPN): Dimapur district administration has permitted Zion hospital to resume medical services for the public with effect from May 6, 2020 onwards. On April 13, 2020, the hospital was sealed following a patient from Dimapur, who had gone there for treatment, was tested positive for COVID-19 in Guwahati. In an order, the deputy commissioner Dimapur Anoop Khinchi stated that the permission has been granted in the absence of new positive cases in the area.
Col Sharma killed in anti-terror ops cremated Jaipur, May 5 (PTI): Col Ashutosh Sharma, the commanding officer of 21 Rashtriya Rifles who was killed during an anti-terror operation in north Kashmir, was cremated with full military honours in Jaipur on Tuesday. His wife Pallavi Sharma and brother lit the funeral pyre at Jaipur Military Station’s 61, Cavalry Ground amid firing of three volley gunshots. She held tightly to the folded tricolour, removed from Col Sharma’s coffin and handed over to her for a while, as the ceremony progressed. As the body was placed on the pyre she fanned it gently with her “dupatta”. People gathered there shouted slogans in Col Sharma’s honour and against Pakistan. Pallavi and Col Sharma’s minor daughter saluted the departed soul in her final respect. A unit of the South Western Command of the Army gave a guard of honour to Col Sharma. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, South Wester n Army Commander Lt Gen Alok Kler, several other leaders and Army and state government officials paid tributes and consoled the
Col Ashutosh Sharma cremated with full military honours in Jaipur.
grieving family members. Rajasthan Soldier Welfare Minister Pratap Singh, MP Rajyavardhan Rathore, Jaipur Collector Jogaram and other senior officials also laid wreaths and paid tributes. “The entire nation will remember the sacrifice of Col Ashutosh. The country is proud of him,” Gehlot said. He said soldiers from Rajasthan have made supreme sacrifices be it in
1962, 1965, 1971 or in Kargil War. Gehlot said the country is united against terrorism. Lt Gen Alok Kler said Col Sharma represents every soldier fighting against terrorists, for country and for the honour of this Army. “I have spoken to his wife and told her that his bravery will never be forgotten and neither will Mrs Ashutosh Sharma, Pallavi, a very honoured member of our community, ever be for-
gotten. We will be there for them all the time and I salute Ashutosh Sharma and heroes like him,” he said. Col Sharma was among five security forces personnel killed in an encounter with terrorists in north Kashmir on Sunday. His mortal remains reached Jaipur in a special aircraft on Monday and were kept at the military hospital and shifted to the 61, Cavalry Ground for the wreath-laying ceremony this morning.
Dmu: Revised wholesale prices of essential items Sl. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.
Items
Existing Wholesale Per Kg/etc Rs. 20/Rs. 12/Rs. 40/Rs. 50/Rs. 30/Rs. 25/Rs. 10/Rs. 20/Rs. 50/Rs. 40/Rs. 20/Rs. 130/Rs. 120/Rs. 15/Rs. 28/Rs. 20/Rs. 65/-
Tomato (Kharpetia) Tomato (Local) Green Chilly (Big) Green Chilly (Micro) Beans (Big) Beans (Small) Cabbage Brinjal Bitter Gourd (Big) Bitter Gourd (Small) Cauliflower Garlic (Big) Garlic (Small) Cucumber Onion Potato Masoor Dal (Dal) Masoor Dal Rs. 69/(Medium) Masoor Dal (Small) Rs. 84/Moong Dal Rs. 106/Arhar Dal Rs. 88/Sugar Rs.39/Rice Rs. 1700/(Andhra/Arham) per 50 kg bag Rs. 140/Egg per plate
Proposed New Wholesale Per Kg/etc Rs. 18/Rs. 12/Rs. 35/Rs. 45/Rs. 30/Rs. 25/Rs. 12/Rs. 20/Rs. 50/Rs. 40/Rs. 20/Rs. 150/Rs. 130/Rs. 18/Rs. 26/Rs. 23/Rs. 77/Rs. 80/Rs. 90/Rs. 120/Rs. 95/Rs.39/Rs. 1885/per 50 kg bag Rs. 150/per plate
DP-2255
Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
ZION HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE PURANA BAZAAR : DIMAPUR
NOTICE
We are happy to announce that the hospital will resume all services i.e. OPD, IPD, Operations, Dialysis, Vaccinations and Emergency etc. from 9th May 2020. The following practices will be strictly adhered to while inside the hospital premises. 1. Hand washing at the entrance. 2. Compulsory mask wearing by patient and attendants. 3. Screening at the FLU CORNER before registration at reception. 4. Only one attendant for outpatients and two for inpatients. DC-402
6
International
COVID-19 survivors in China want to sue government BEIJING,MAY 5 (AGENCIES): The text messages to the Chinese activist streamed in from ordinary Wuhan residents, making the same extraordinary request: Help me sue the Chinese government. One said his mother had died from the coronavirus after being turned away from multiple hospitals. Another said her father-in-law had died in quarantine. But after weeks of back-and-forth planning, the seven residents who had reached out to Yang Zhanqing, the activist, suddenly changed their minds in late April, or stopped responding. At least two of them had been threatened by police, Yang said. Chinese authorities are clamping down as grieving relatives, along with activists, press the ruling Communist Party for an accounting of what went wrong in Wuhan, the city where the coronavirus killed thousands before spreading to the rest of China and the world. Lawyers have been war ned not to file suit against the government.
A COVID patient being escorted by health workers Police have interrogated bereaved family members who connected with others like them online. Volunteers who tried to thwart the state’s censorship apparatus by preserving reports about the outbreak have disappeared. “They are worried that if people defend their rights, the international community will know what the real situation is like in Wuhan and the true experiences of the families there,” said
Yang, who is living in New York, where he fled after he was briefly detained for his work in China. The crackdown underscores the party’s fear that any attempt to dwell on what happened in Wuhan, or to hold officials responsible, will undermine the state’s narrative that only China’s authoritarian system saved the country from a devastating health crisis. To inspire patriotic fervour, state propaganda has
portrayed the dead not as victims, but as martyrs. Censors have deleted Chinese news reports that exposed officials’ early efforts to hide the severity of the outbreak. And as more voices overseas call for China to compensate the rest of the world for the pandemic, the party has cast its domestic critics as tools being used by foreign forces to undermine it. The party has long been wary of public grief and the dangers it could pose
to its rule. In 2008, after an earthquake in Sichuan province killed at least 69,000 people, Chinese officials offered hush money to parents whose children died. Following a deadly train crash in the city of Wenzhou in 2011, officials prevented relatives from visiting the site. Each June, authorities in Beijing silence family members of protesters who were killed in the 1989 crackdown on the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy movement. Now, some say the government is imposing the same kind of collective amnesia around the outbreak. Three volunteers involved in Terminus2049, an online project that archived censored news articles about the outbreak, went missing in Beijing last month and are presumed to have been detained. “I had previously told him: ‘You guys probably face some risk doing this project.’ But I didn’t know how much,” said Chen Kun, whose brother, Chen Mei, is one of the volunteers who
disappeared. Volunteers for similar online projects have also been questioned by authorities in recent days. In blog posts and private messages, members of such communities have warned each other to scrub their computers. In March, police visited a Wuhan resident who had started a chat group of more than 100 people who lost relatives to the virus, according to two members of the group, one of whom shared a video of the encounter. The group was ordered to disband. Yang, the activist in New York, said at least two of the seven Wuhan residents who had contacted him about taking legal measures against the government dropped the idea after being threatened by police. With China’s judiciary tightly controlled by the central government, it was unclear whether Tan would get his day in court. Articles about Tan have been censored on Chinese social media. Calls to the court in Wuhan on Thursday rang unanswered.
Nagaland Post, Dimapur Wednesday, MAY 6, 2020
Jailed Saudi Princess fears coronavirus risk in prison
Princess Basmah bint Saud
LONDON, MAY 5 (AGENCIES): A year after landing in jail without charge, her mercy plea unanswered by Saudi rulers and in fear of a coronavirus outbreak behind bars, a prominent princess did the unthinkable -- and went public. Princess Basmah bint Saud, a 56-year-old royal family member long seen as a proponent of women’s rights and a constitutional monarchy, mysteriously disappeared from public life in March last year. Last month, her Twitter account sprang to life with a letter from the princess claiming she had been “abducted” and “thrown into prison” along with her 28-year-old daughter, Suhoud al-Sharif, and imploring King Salman and his
powerful son Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for help. The letter, a rare public appeal from a member of the secretive royal family, voiced fears that her “deteriorating health” in Riyadh’s high-security AlHa’ir prison -- known for holding terrorism convicts and political prisoners -could result in her death. Just hours later, those tweets were deleted. Two sources close to her family told AFP the account had been briefly hacked “by someone in Saudi Arabia”. “Since the tweets, there is no more contact; no signs of the princess or Suhoud,” one of the sources said. “No more phone calls, nothing.” The family’s fears have been further amplified by concerns over a possible outbreak of the novel coronavirus inside Al-Ha’ir. Allowed one weekly telephone call before the tweets, Suhoud told her family that prison authorities had sounded the alarm that coronavirus cases had been detected inside the facility.
Apple, Google ban location tracking in coronavirus contact tracing apps UK overtakes Italy with Europe’s highest official COVID deaths
system to compile data on citizens was a primary goal. The system uses Bluetooth signals from phones to detect encounters and does not use or store GPS location data. But the developers of official coronavirus-related apps in several U.S. states told Reuters last month it was vital they be allowed to use GPS location data in conjunction with the new
Crossword
Su doku
KAKURO
contact tracing system to track how outbreaks move and identify hotspots. The Apple-Google decision to not allow GPS data collection with their contact tracing system will require public health authorities that want to access GPS location to rely on what Apple and Google have described as unstable, battery-draining workarounds. Alternatives
likely would miss some encounters because iPhones and Android devices turn off Bluetooth connections after some time for battery-saving and other reasons unless users remember to re-activate them. But some apps said they planned to stick to their own approaches. Software company Twenty, which developed the state of Utah’s Healthy Together contact tracing app with both GPS and Bluetooth, said on Monday the app “operates effectively” without the new AppleGoogle tool. “If their approach can be more effective than our current solution, we’ll eagerly incorporate their features into our existing application, provided it meets the specifications of current and
prospective public health partners,” Twenty said. C a n a d a ’s A l b e r t a province, which does not collect GPS data, said it has no plans to adopt the Apple-Google system for its ABTraceTogether app. Privacy experts have warned that any cache of location data related to health issues could make businesses and individuals vulnerable to being ostracized if the data is exposed. Apple and Google also said Monday they will allow only one app per country to use the contact system, to avoid fragmentation and encourage wider adoption. The companies said they would, however, support countries that opt for a state or regional approach, and that U.S. states will be allowed to use the system.
No. 9554 Yesterday’s solution No. 9553
No. 4173 Yesterday’s solution No. 4172
No. 3198 Yesterday’s solution No. 3197
Across 1. Ballroom dance (3-3) 7. Canadian city (8) 8. Immense (4) 10. Mythical monster (6) 11. Suave (6) 14. Rodent (3) 16. Spring plant (5) 17. Ruminant mammal (4) 19. Desires or expectations (5) 21. Stratum (5) 22. Big cat (5) 23. Prophet (4) 26. Place of safety (5) 28. Orienteering aid (3) 29. Makes amends (6) 30. Credit (6) 31. Of the ear (4) 32. Board game (8) 33. Shirt part (6) Down 1. Plain-spoken (6) 2. Puma (6) 3. Prayer ending (4) 4. Race official (7) 5. Bravery award (5) 6. Slumber (5) 8. Rabbit-like mammal (4) 9. Obtained (3) 12. Clippie’s vehicle (3) 13. Female relative (5) 15. Senior member (5) 18. Splendour (5) 19. Witch (3) 20. For every (3) 21. Ancestry (7) 22. Number (3) 23. Salty (6) 24. Heroic (4) 25. Rubbish (6) 26. Robust (5) 27. Of the voice (5) 28. Encountered (3) 30. Employer (4)
LONDON, MAY 5 (AGENCIES): The United Kingdom has overtaken Italy to report the highest official deaths from coronavirus in Europe, figures released on Tuesday showed, increasing pressure on Prime Minister Boris Johnson over his response to the crisis. Weekly figures from Britain’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) added more than 7,000 deaths in England and Wales, raising the total for the United Kingdom to 32,313 as of late April. Only the United States has suffered more deaths than Britain, according to the data so far. Tuesday’s figures are based on death certificate mentions of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, including suspected cases. While different ways of counting make comparisons with other countries difficult, the figure confirmed Britain was among those hit worst by a pandemic that has killed more than 250,000 worldwide. “The UK has been hit very hard in this wave of COVID-19 and each death will (have) brought sadness to families,” said Professor James Naismith of Oxford University, who is director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute of medical research. Opposition politicians said the figures proved the government was too slow to provide enough protective equipment to hospitals and introduce mass testing.
“I’d be amazed, if when we look back, we don’t think: yep we could have done something differently there,” the government’s chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, said in response to lawmakers’ questions on testing. Britain’s health ministry said the ONS data should be handled with care. “We caution against extrapolating or estimating figures based on historic data as it risks being extremely misleading,” it said on Twitter. Ministers dislike comparisons of the headline deaths, saying that excess mortality - the number of deaths from all causes that exceed the average for the
time of year - is more meaningful because it is internationally comparable. But early evidence for excess mortality suggests Britain will be one of the hardest-hit on this measure, too. ONS statistician Nick Stripe said excess deaths for the United Kingdom were running about 42,000 higher than average at this point in the year. Only about 80% of these excess deaths have been linked specifically with COVID-19, however. The weekly ONS data also showed the peak in COVID-19 deaths has likely passed, although the week to April 24 was still the seconddeadliest since comparable records began in 1993.
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NEW YORK, MAY 5 (AGENCIES): Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc’s Google on Monday said they would ban the use of location tracking in apps that use a new contact tracing system the two are building to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Apple and Google, whose operating systems power 99% of smartphones, said last month they would work together to create a system for notifying people who have been near others who have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The companies plan to allow only public health authorities to use the technology. Both companies said privacy and preventing governments from using the
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GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND
DIRECTORATE OF SCHOOL EDUCATION KOHIMA : NAGALAND
NO.: ED/ADMN/F-37/2012-13(Pt.II)
Kohima, the, 5th May 2020
NOTIFICATION All regular Graduate Teachers (State Cadre) serving under the Department of School Education, Nagaland are hereby directed to submit scanned copies of the following documents through email to the address ‘directorate.docs@gmail.com’ within 7 days of publication of this notification without fail. On failure to do so, information from GT seniority list 2012 will be used for compilation of incumbency. 1. First Appointment Order 2. Regularization Order(If applicable) 3. GT Scale Of Pay Sanction Order (In case of PT to GT scale upgradation) 4. HSLC Admit Card (for age proof) 5. Graduation Certificate 6. Professional Degree(B.Ed.) Certificate Omission or commission of incumbent(s) in the list shall not be considered for updating after the aforesaid final date of submission is over. ( SHANAVAS C ) IAS Principal Director DC-401
northeast
Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
24 BSF men test positive for COVID-19 in Tripura
Agartala, May 5 (IANS): Even as the BSF is conducting a probe to trace the source of novel coronavirus infection among 24 personnel and three family members of a jawan in Tripura, authorities identified 331 persons who came in contact with infected persons, official sources said on Tuesday. The swab samples of 179 of the identified contacts have been sent for testing. “We are conducting an inquiry to know about the primary and secondary sources of infection in these BSF jawans and their family members,” the top BSF officer of Tripura frontier told IANS on the condition of anonymity. He said that the BSF authorities in cooperation with the Tripura government have taken all precautionary and other steps at the 138 Battalion headquarters at Ambassa, 82 km north of Agartala. According to Tripura’s health officials, 24 BSF personnel belonging to the 138 Battalion, wife of a jawan and their two
IANS File Photo.
children had tested corona positive on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Education and Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath said: “As many as 331 people, comprising 90 doctors and health workers and 241 BSF jawans, were identified for directly or indirectly coming in contact with infected BSF troopers. Of the 331 identified people, swab samples of 179 people
are being tested,” Nath told the media. “Despite the BSF battalion headquarters situated in a locality on a vital National Highway, the disease is yet to spread in the community,” the Minister said. Nath said that the Health Ministry on Monday had declared Tripura’s Dhalai district headquarters Ambassa as “Red Zone”
Arunachal appoints nodal Shops & markets officers to bring back citizens open in Manipur
I ta nag a r , M ay 5 (PTI): The Arunachal Pradesh government has appointed nodal officers to facilitate the movement of people from the state stranded in other parts of the country amid the nationwide lockdown, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar said on Tuesday. The officers would coordinate with different state governments to ensure smooth and orderly movement of the stranded people following the guidelines of the Centre, he said. The state government has decided to bring back the stranded persons in a phased manner, Kumar said. Home commissioner Kaling Tayeng has been appointed as the state nodal officer to facilitate smooth movement of the stranded
persons in coordination with 17 other nodal officers deputed for the purpose. The nodal officers in coordination with the state nodal officer will coordinate with the state government of various states and ensure smooth movement of stranded people to Arunachal in a phased manner starting with those stranded in the states of north east in the first phase and remaining states in subsequent phases, according to an official order said. The cost of transportation arranged by the nodal officers would be borne by the stranded persons, and the nodal officers would also facilitate the movement of the such persons who wish to arrange their own transport and return to the state.
Imphal, May 5 (PTI): The Manipur government on Monday allowed relaxation in opening of shops, markets and offices as the whole state is in the the green zone, officials said. With the relaxation of the lockdown from 6 am to 4 pm, the Paona Market and Thangal Market in capital Imphal town opened and people in large number visited both the markets to buy essential commodities, they said Police used the public address system to tell the people to maintain social distancing and wear masks while visiting public places. Government offices also witnessed more attendance as under the new guidelines all government offices were allowed to function with 50 per cent attendance.
after many BSF troopers tested positive. He said that all the 27 infected persons are now admitted at the Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital in Agartala, a dedicated Covid-19 hospital. Six of the eight districts of Tripura, before Saturday, were categorised as green zones and two districts as orange zones.
Dhalai District Magistrate Brahmneet Kaur has declared three containment zones -- the BSF battalion headquarters, their administrative base camp at Gandachara and Karina Border Outpost (BoP). As many as 29 positive cases have so far been reported in Tripura, with 27 active cases. A woman and a Tripura State Rifles (TSR) jawan were cured and discharged from hospitals. A week after the state was declared novel coronavirus free on April 25, two BSF jawans -- including a Head Constable -- tested positive on Saturday at the 138 Battalion. According to BSF officials, the Head Constable was the first to be infected. Belonging to Assam, he has been suffering from some ailments after he returned to Tripura from his hometown in Sivasagar district on March 11. Tripura’s first coronavirus patient, a 45-year-old woman, who tested positive on April 6 after her return from Assam by train, has already recovered and was discharged on April 15.
7 Shops in 14 pigs die in Meghalaya Arunachal to due to classical swine fever open on rotation I t a na g a r , M ay 5 (PTI): The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to allow the opening of shops on a rotational basis in order to avoid and regulate crowding amid the COVID- 19 outbreak, officials said on Tuesday. In the state capital, all the shops on the right side of the National Highway-415 from Hollongi to Banderdewa would be open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Those on the left side of the highway would remain open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, they said. The state government also permitted the resumption of construction works with existing labourers. All hardware shops have been allowed to operate to meet the requirements of the construction works. Cinema halls, swimming pools, gymnasiums, bars and auditoriums will continue to remain shut, they said. Bonded warehouses, wholesale vends and retail wine shops have been permitted to be open in the state capital, while transportation of liquor consignment has been allowed.
Surveillance Plan (ACSP) for COVID-19’ on Monday night and the government will start to execute the initiative from Thursday in all districts. However, the surveillance shall commence from May 6 in Kokrajhar, Kamrup Metropolitan, Jorhat, Sonitpur and Cachar districts, where five Zonal Screening Camps will be set up for people coming from outside the state. “A s s a m h a s b e e n successful in breaking the chain of transmission and containment of COVID19 epidemic in the state in first phase. In order to strengthen the response mechanism going forward,
the surveillance system has to be strengthened further. “It has been increasingly felt that with the increase in the testing capacity, the surveillance mechanism should be enhanced to cover all SARI and ILI cases so that they are identified from the hospitals and the community respectively and tested,” the document said. The objective of the ACSP has been defined as to identify any COVID-19 transmission, find unreported cases of SARI and ILI from every village, look for any clustering of such cases in a specific area, treat symptomatic minor flu cases at homes and create a
SHILLONG, MAY 5: Classical swine fever has killed over a dozen of pigs in two districts of Meghalaya already battling COVID-19. Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, G.M.R.K.Marak said the pigs died in different dates in East Khasi Hills District and Ri-Bhoi district over the last couple of months. A rapid response team formed district-level rapid response teams to continuously monitor the situation. “Six pigs have died in some villages under Mawphlang assembly constituency and another eight pigs in some villages under Umsning assembly constituency,” Marak said. “From the post mortem reports, it is found that they have died due to the classical swine fever,” he said. Meanwhile, the Khasi Jaintia Pig Association has decided to stop selling pork for the next two weeks from May 6 in the eastern part of State following the report of
African Swine flu in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. “We have decided to suspend selling of pork after our meeting with the Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary on Monday on the reported African Swine flu and to prevent the outbreak of the diseases,” KJPA president Donlang Kharumnuid said. Earlier, the State government has imposed a ban on import of pork from outside the state besides banning inter-district transportation of pigs. The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department has directed pig farms, private farms and pig farmers to take adequate measures for strict hygiene and bio-security such as disinfection of farms, equipments and restricting entry of any outside person into pig farms. “Signs of high fever in pigs and any abnormal mortality of pigs should be brought to the notice of the district or sub-divisional Animal Husbandry and Veterinary,” the department stated in its order.
Govt lacks clear-cut policy to combat COVID-19: Manipur Cong Correspondent
IMPHAL, May 5: The Congress in Manipur alleged on Tuesday that both the governments at Centre and state lacked a clear-cut policy to combat spread of COVID-19, particularly in dealing with people being stranded outside the state due to COVID-19 induced lockdown. The opposition announced that the state unit of the party will bear the costs of transportation of people stranded at various places due to the lockdown and also in helping people from other states stranded in the state to leave. Addressing a press conference, Singh revealed that the crucial problem was to tackle the dire situation people stranded and alleged that the state government has no clear-
cut policy to address this problem induced by the national-wide lockdown. This lack of a clearcut policy to combat the spread of COVID-19 has created confusion among the people, particularly those stranded outside the state due to the lockdown, he alleged. Pointing out the government’s recent initiative to bring back people of the state stranded at various place outside the state, the former chief minister said that the government handed over MLAs of each Assembly constituency the task of collecting details of stranded people. The MLAs were also asked to arrange quarantine centres in their respective Assembly Constituency. He said the state authority however did not
mention anything about the expenditure to be incurred while bringing back those stranded as well as to put them in quarantine centres. “Are the MLAs going to bear the expenditure or the state government. The state government must come up with a clarification,” he said. If the expenditures are to be borne by the stranded people themselves, the government clarify in this regard, then Congress is ready to help stranded people to return home. The party will also provide assistance to migrant workers stranded in the state while leaving the state for their respective home states. The former chief minister said that the MPCC (Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee) will start
Assam to start community surveillance for SARI, ILI to contain COVID-19 Guwahati, May 5 (PTI): The Assam government firmed up plans to start community based surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) and Influenza Like Illness (ILI) across the state in order to contain the possible spread of COVID19, according to an official document. To carry forward this programme and monitor it on a daily basis, a State Level Task Force and a State Level Coordination Committee have been set up. A set of guidelines has been issued through the standard operating procedure for Assam Community
Correspondent
database of such persons, including the migrant population. This exercise will also strengthen the surveillance for other diseases associated with fever like Japanese encephalitis, malaria, dengue, measles and rubella, said the standard operating procedure issued by Health and Family Welfare Principal Secretary Samir K Sinha. It also said that ACSP will ensure that all SARI and ILI cases are tested for COVID-19, followed by mapping and linking the places and accordingly plan for adequate beds and ICU facilities. For smooth operations of the ACSP programme,
a State Level Task Force is constituted under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department. “The role of the Task Force is to guide and review the programme and issue necessary policy directions from time to time,” the document said. Similarly, a State Level Coordination Committee is formed under the Commissioner and Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department to look after the day-to-day affairs of the programme and provide directions to the Deputy Commissioners to make the surveillance a success.
All the DCs will be responsible for the implementation of the ACSP, but it will not be carried out in the containment zones as active surveillance is already in place in these areas. According to the Health and Family Welfare Department of Assam as on Monday night, the state has tested a total of 12,775 samples for novel coronavirus, of which 42 have been found positive and one has died. Thirty-two have been cured and released from hospitals. However, as per the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Assam has reported 43 confirmed cases for COVID-19 so far.
raising fund which would be required in helping stranded people. On the other hand, following a decision of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), the MPCC has opened helpline numbers for districts while deputing an MLA of each district as in-charge of collecting information of the stranded people. The helpline numbers are 8014485993 (Imphal West), 8787346660 (Imphal East, 9436892005 & 9560069977 (Bishnu p u r ) , 7 6 2 8 0 5 4 6 1 5 (Kakching), 9862588231 & 9436023029 (Thoubal), 9436035497 (Senapati), 8414017376 (Tengnoupal), 8974824536 (Tamenglong& Noney), 9436892022 (Kangpokpi), 9366059574 (Churachandpur and Pherzawl) and 9612001735 (Ukhrul and
Kamjong). The Congress urged people of the state stranded outside the state as well as people stranded in the state to contact these helpline numbers to make necessary arrangements for their movement. Meanwhile, a total of 20 individuals, all residents of Thangmeiband Assembly constituency of Imphal West district, arrived in Imphal from Guwahati. They were evacuated under the initiative of the local MLA (Kh Joykishan) who also bore the expenditure including fare for the entire journey. After mandatory screening when they entered the state from Nagaland at Mao Gate, all the returnees have been put up at a government designated quarantine centre for the Assembly constituency.
GRATITUDE
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all the friends, relatives, churches, village communities and well wishers who stood by us and shared our pain at the sudden demise of our beloved Late TIAMONGLA IMCHEN on 30/03/2020. We f a l l s h o r t o f w o r d s t o acknowledge each and every one individually for the genuine love, concern, the phone contact, prayers and support rendered to us. It is greatly appreciated and may God Almighty bless you all abundantly. Loving Husband Sosang Jamir, Daughter and Relatives Watiyim Village DP-2254
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT "In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free" Psalms 118:5
Meghalaya woman tests 284 returnees enter Meghalaya on Tuesday positive for the third time
Correspondent
Shillong May 5: Nearly 300 citizens, including students and migrant workers, stranded in different North Eastern States, have entered Meghalaya on Tuesday after completing mandatory medical screening at various entry points along the inter-state boundary neighbouring Assam. “On the first day, 284 returnees entered the state through four designated checkpoints at Ratacherra in East Jaiñtia Hills, Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi, Dainadubi in North Garo Hills and Tikrikilla in West GaroHills district, which are manned by police, magistrates ,doctors and other health officials round-the-clock,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters in his daily briefing. “All of them came on their own arrangement of transportation, and not a single person had K Y M C
Prestone Tynsong symptoms when they entered into the state. All of them have been released to their respective villages and houses and they have to go for 14 days quarantine,” he said. Almost 3,000 stranded within the Northeast have registered with the government. The second batch of stranded people may arrive by midnight or Wednesday, and the third batch will come through govern-
ment’s arranged transportation. Meanwhile, students and working people stranded in other states, who returned from areas categorised as COVID-19 ‘hot spot’ and ‘red zone’ have been asked to go for 28 days quarantine. Registration is on for over 8000 stranded persons outside the Northeast. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that all who have returned to the state have to undergo strict home quarantine along with their family members as a safety measure for 14 days, during which they would be provided with ration by the state government. Stating that “very strict protocols” were being followed in regard to the entry of people into the state, Sangma said, “We are also ensuring that every individual coming in will be screened and if anybody shows any symptoms,
testing will be done. If they have symptoms, we will place them in Corona Care Centers or in isolation centers. If they do not show any symptom, we are prescribing home quarantine”. “The entire house will have to be quarantined and family members also have to stay inside the house for 14 days. We as a government will be supporting them with supplies of necessary essential commodities for that time. I would like to appeal to citizens of our state and also to the headmen of different localities and different villages that these people are our own,” the Chief Minister said. “I appeal to all of you that when these people come in, let us come together as a society and let us take care of the situation. It will be important that we should not be scared. But it’s also important that we should be careful,” he underscored.
Correspondent
SHILLONG, MAY 5: The lone active COVID-19 patient in Meghalaya has tested positive for the third time on Tuesday, a health official said. “The 11th patient who was positive was retested and unfortunately the results are still positive. We have to retest after 3 days,” Director Heath Services Aman Warr said. He also informed that the health condition of the patient is stable. Earlier, deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong urged the people not to panic, even as he informed that the samples of the woman would be tested for the fourth time after three days as per norms of the WHO and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Meghalaya had registered a total of 12 COVID-19 positive cases, of which one had died while ten others subsequently tested negative and were cured of the disease leaving one patient still positive and undergoing treatment in quarantine.
BORN ON : 10-11-1954 – DIED ON : 21-04-2020
Through this column we the bereaved family would like to express our profound gratitude to each and every individual, groups, organisations, Doctors, Nurses and Staff of Eden Medical Center, Dimapur who stood by us through prayers, physically, financially and morally throughout the illness and sad demise of our beloved Late Mr. Imlikaba Ao (Unger) on 21st April 2020 at Dimapur. We are unable to repay you for all the support and help but it is our sincere prayer that Almighty God bless you abundantly. We also regret for our inability to acknowledge every person individually. Loving Wife, Children and Relatives DP-2252 K Y M C
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sports
IOA seeks ideas to resume sports
New Delhi, May 5 (PTI): Conceding that the risk of athletes losing motivation in the ongoing lockdown is real, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Tuesday sought the views of athletes, coaches and other stakeholders on how to restart the national camps. National Sports Federations and State Olympic Associations have been asked to collect feedback from the stakeholders such as athletes, coaches, support staff, central and state government ministries, match officials and sports administrators on how and when training should resume. The lockdown has been extended till May 17. The stakeholders are being asked to respond to a questionnaire and the feedback will be collated and compiled to form a White Paper under IOA President Narinder Batra. “Training of the athletes was at the peak when the lockdown was enforced and the athletes had to stop their training at once, although it differs from
sport to sport. The risk of athletes & coaches losing motivation is real,” the document released on Tuesday read. “In the present scenario, we will have to find out what is the way forward and how athletes can resume sports activities, training and eventually competitions,” it added. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has also spoken about a phased reopening of national camps by the end of this month. The IOA, however, made it clear that the resumption of sports will have to be guided by the public health policies laid
down by the central and state governments. Eighteen National Sports Federations (NSF) and 16 state Olympic associations (SOA) have been asked to send the collated responses from the athletes and other stakeholders so that a draft White Paper is prepared by May 20. After that, the remaining NSFs and SOAs have been asked to submit the responses by May 31 so that a final White Paper is ready in June. “IOA President, Secretary General and Chairman Preparation Committee will consult experts and oversee the compilation of the White Paper as well as ensure effective implementation of the training/competition programme and remove hurdles, if any,” the document said. The athletes and the other stakeholders have been asked seven questions which will include the right time and strategy to resume training, changes they foresee in sport when it resumes after lockdown with regards personal hy-
Kerala boy’s Messi-esque free kick goes viral on social media
T HI R U V A N A N THAPURAM, MAY 5 (IANS): The video of a 12-year-old boy from Malappuram, Kerala kicking a ball through a ring that has been hung at the top right corner of the goalpost has gone viral. In the video that has been uploaded on the Facebook page All Kerala Sevens Football Association, the boy can be first seen standing over the ball and sizing up his target. He then proceeds to kick the ball that curls into the hoop hung on the top corner of the post. He is wearing the shirt of Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi. Messi himself is known for his free kicks that deceive the opposition goalkeeper and curls into the top corner of the goal frequently. 52 of Messi’s 697 career goals have come from free kicks. According to Manorama Online, the boy’s name is Mishal Aboulais, a seventh standard student
Mishal Aboulais
of Kattumunda Government UP School. Mishal was encouraged by his brother Wajid to pick up the sport and has been getting coaching for the past four years. The video itself
was shot by Wajid. The report further states that Messi is Mishal’s favourite player while the Argentina captain’s archrival Cristiano Ronaldo comes a close second.
Former cricketers team up to launch Junior Cricket C’ship
Negative COVID19 test required for training camps
Chetan Sharma
New Delhi, May 5 (IANS): Seven3Sports on Tuesday announced the launch of its unique cricket-based programme, Junior Cricket Championship (JCC). The idea behind this initiative is to promote the game of cricket among Indian youth through a “Unified Cricketing Platform”. JCC is specifically designed to integrate online and offline cricketing activities and will offer a fair, inclusive and merit-based opportunity to all cricket enthusiasts. JCC welcomes all the cricket enthusiasts to start their dream journey with online registration for cricket talent hunt followed by the online training and cricket tutorials by Indian cricket veterans -- Chetan Sharma, Ashok Malhotra, Dronacharya awardee Sanjay Bhardwaj and Surinder Khanna amidst the lockdown period.
Speaking about the initiative, Chetan Sharma said: “Junior cricket is crucial to the successful future of cricket for any nation. I began my cricket career with the tour of West Indies representing the school. I believe we must give back to the game, which has given us so much love and success. I’m pleased to be associated with the new age JCC. I’m confident that JCC would be an excellent platform to realise our dreams of promoting cricket among the youth.” “I am so pleased to be a part of this cause-driven platform as a mentor and eagerly looking forward to help young cricketers realize their dreams through JCC,” said Ashok Malhotra, President of Indian Cricketers’ Association. Sanjay Bhardawaj has designed special modules for JCC keeping in mind youngsters’ needs with a holistic approach to preparing them for modern-day cricket challenges. “Children’s safety is of utmost importance to us at JCC and we are redefining cricket with social distancing, sanitization and various safety measures for coaching, practice and live matches after the lockdown, besides engaging them online,” he said.
Bucharest, May 5 (IANS): Romanian professional athletes, upon entering the training camps, will have to present a medical certificate confirming a negative test for COVID-19, President of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee Mihai Covaliu has stressed. Covaliu on Monday hailed the announcement of President Klaus Iohannis regarding the resumption of sports camps after May 14, the last day of the state of emergency in the country, but specifying “it is a condition that when entering a base, performance athletes will need that certificate to prove they have been tested (negative) for COVID-19,” reports Xinhua news agency. The head of state announced earlier in the day that high-performance athletes will be able to resume training camps starting May 15, but only “in very special conditions, which will be detailed by specialists,” while also stating that they will not start sports competitions until “after a sufficiently long period of training.” Iohannis specifically pointed out that the sports facilities would not reopen for amateurs for now.
giene, social distancing, self-protection and precautions that need to be taken. They are also being asked whether they would want to see spectators instadia when competitive sport resumes. The National Sports Federations have been told to reach out to elite, developing and former athletes as well as the international and national level match officials while the SOAs will seek response from the state, district and club level athletes as well as state health and sport ministries. The National Sports Federations and SOAs have been tasked to get responses from doctors, virologists and sports medicine experts also. “Are resources for cleaning and santisation available? How can athletes’ time in shared facilities be limited? Are isolation areas available in/near training and competition venues?,” these are also among the questions being asked.
Nadal feels 2020 tennis season is ‘practically lost’ M a d r i d, M a y 5 (IANS): Spain tennis star Rafael Nadal feels the entire 2020 season will be lost due to the coronavirus pandemic and players can only return to the court next year. The entire sporting calender of the world has taken a massive hit due to the outbreak of the virus. “I hope we can return before the end of the year but, unfortunately, I don’t think so,” Rafael Nadal was quoted as saying by El Pais. “I would sign up to being ready for 2021. I’m more worried about the Australian Open than what occurs at the end of this year. “I think 2020 is practically lost. I hope we can start up again next year, I really hope that’s the case,” he added. Nadal recently returned to training in a long time and he expressed his happiness about things getting better slowly and steadily.
Ronaldo returns to Italy as Serie A to resume Turin, May 5 (IANS): Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Juventus, has returned to Italy after being locked down in his native Portugal for almost two months amid coronavirus pandemic. As per media reports in Italy, the star forward landed in Turin airport late last night in his private jet from the Portuguese island of Madeira. The 35-year old will now spend two weeks in quarantine. Serie A sides have returned to individual training on Monday with Juventus recalling their 10 overseas players. It is hoped that Serie A fixtures could resume between May 27 and June 2 -- with an end date for the season of early August. However, no formal date has been announced for the resumption of the league, even before empty stands. Italy was the first European country to be hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and Serie A has been suspended since March 9.
Melbourne, May 5 (PTI): Australian spin legend Shane Warne has offered a unique answer to the question of how to swing the ball without using saliva or resorting to tampering in a post COVID-19 world -- make one side of it heavier to ensure that it doesn’t need any shining. Warne feels it can help fast bowlers generate swing even on flat wickets and permanently eradicate ball-tampering. “Why can’t the ball be weighted on one side so it always swings? It would be like a taped tennis ball or like with the lawn bowls,” Warne told the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. There is speculation that the use of saliva to shine the ball will be stopped to cut down the risk of the highly contagious. Responding to the extraordinary situation, Australian manufacturer Kookaburra has started developing
Egyptian tennis player Youssef Hossam banned for life
L o n d o n, M ay 5 (IANS): Egypt’s Youssef Hossam has been banned from professional tennis for life following his conviction on multiple match-fixing and associated corruption charges. The Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) said on Monday that an independent anti-corruption hearing officer imposed the lifetime sanction following a disciplinary hearing held in London from March 9 to 11. A TIU investigation found that the Hossam had committed 21 breaches of anti-corruption rules between 2015 and 2019 and conspired with others to carry out a campaign of betting-related corruption at the lower levels of professional tennis. It involved eight cases of match-fixing, six cases of facilitating gambling, two cases of soliciting other players not to use best efforts, three failures to report corrupt approaches and two failures to co-operate
Youssef Hossam
with a TIU investigation. “As a result of his conviction, Hossam is now permanently excluded from competing in or attending any sanctioned tennis event organised or recognised by the governing bodies of the sport,” TIU said in a media release. “He has been provi-
sionally suspended from all professional tennis since May 2019, as a result of concerns about his alleged involvement in corruption,” it added. The 21-year old is currently ranked 820 in ATP singles and reached a career-high of 291 in December 2017.
My parents made sacrifices: Sindhu on 2016 Olympics New Delhi, May 5 (IANS): Ace Indian shuttler P.V. Sindhu feels that because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic -- which has put all sporting activities on hold -- it might be a good opportunity to get former players in the country to double up as coaches for athletes. “If the global pandemic continues, bringing coaches from abroad might become difficult, there are a lot of good players in our country who have played at international level, and we can use them in a coaching capacity,” Sindhu said on Tuesday. She was speaking in an online session for the newly appointed Assistant Directors at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) moderated by Nandan Kamath of GoSports Foundation. Speaking to the young administrators, Sindhu also stressed on the importance of parents, coaches, administrators working as a team to build up a champion. “The administrators must know the journey of every sportsperson. The future of Indian sports lies in the hands of young sports
Warne suggests weighted balls post COVID-19 world
Shane Warne
Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2020
a wax applicator -- which could be ready in a month -- as an alternative to saliva and sweat to help bowlers shine cricket balls in the post COVID-19 world. “I’m not sure you’d want it to hoop around corners like Wasim (Akram) and Waqar (Younis) but it could swing and give the seamer something on flat wickets when it’s hot and the pitch is at its flattest on day two, day three,” Warne said. “It would actually be a really good way to move forward, as you know no one needs to do anything to the ball. “You wouldn’t have to worry about anyone tampering with it with bottle tops, sandpaper, or whatever. It would be a good competition between bat and ball,” he added. The iconic spinner said while bats have become bigger and lighter, the ball has not evolved over the years and his suggestion can bring about a balance. “Have a look at how the bats have evolved. If you pick up one of the bats you started with in the 80s, and then one you used at the end of your career, it’s like four of your old ones stuck together - but the thing is lighter!
P.V. Sindhu
administrators like all of you. You must visit all the SAI regional centres and be aware of the performances from the players and be in touch with their parents,” the current world champion said. “The parent’s involvement is a lot and you need to take feedback from them. This feedback needs to be
monitored. Moreover players must be continuously tracked to avoid age fraud. “You must also understand how the SAI coaching system works and if athletes are receiving the right diet and supplements at the various centres,” she added. Speaking of her own 2016 Olympic silver and her parents’ role, Sindhu said
the sacrifices that parents make is something that often doesn’t get the importance it deserves. “Before the Rio Olympics we shifted to the academy. My mother gave up her job to care for me. My father took two years leave from his job. The challenge was recovering from the injury I suffered in 2015.
If cricket is played in empty stadiums, so be it: Ben Stokes London, May 5 (PTI): The element of competitiveness will not be lost even if action unfolds before empty stadiums, says world’s premier all-rounder Ben Stokes who wouldn’t mind international cricket becoming a ‘TV only sport’ till COVID-19 pandemic is under control. Stokes’ opinion was sought whether the upcoming England vs West Indies series at home in empty stadiums will lose its sheen as ECB is contemplating cricket without live spectators for some time. “I don’t think so. Think about it, we are walking out to represent our country, three lions on our chest and there is game that we are supposed to win. So whether it is in front of nobody or like we are used to in-front of full crowd, I don’t think it’s going to take that competitive side away,” Stokes told BBC Radio 5 Live. The England all-rounder however admitted that it will take some time to adjust to the possible scenario after being used to playing in front of capacity crowd. “Yeah, completely different scenario to get our heads around that there isn’t going to be the atmosphere
Ben Stokes
or cheering (of supporters) when we play international games,” said the 28-yearold Stokes, who has played 63 Tests, 95 ODIs and 26 T20Is. For Stokes, cricket on TV for the time being is the best option. “We would do anything to get cricket back on TVs, and people, who follow and watch. If that means playing in-front of nobody then so be it,” he said. However he maintained that safety and wellbeing of everyone remains
a priority. “We are still not hundred percent sure when that’s going to happen. Everybody’s concern at the moment is safety and well being of everybody,” he said. “Players and ECB are not going to push anything until everybody is satisfied, without being having to worry about whether people are going to be exposed or put in danger to anything,” England’s World Cup hero said.
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