Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXIII No. 104
DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2023 Pages 12 ` 5.00
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Governor stresses on public welfare Govt to hold ULB polls as notified: Zhaleo Correspondents
Correspondent
KO H I M A , M A R 2 1 (NPN): Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, in his maiden speech to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, highlighted pertinent issues concerning the state and priorities set by the government and called upon the members to keep public welfare and their interest paramount while deliberating on any matter. Addressing the second day of the ongoing budget session, governor congratulated and welcomed all the members particularly the legislators who have been elected for the first time to the House. Ganesan said the huge turn-out of electorate on the polling day and the participation of the electorates vindicated the deep faith and trust that Nagas has in the democracy and the core values of the Constitution.
Governor La. Ganesan addressing the First Session of the 14th Nagaland Assembly on March 21, 2023. (DIPR)
He also appreciated the entire government machinery for working without fear and favour and ensuring that democracy and the will of the people be triumphed over everything else. Ganesan said the coming back of the NDPP-BJP alliance government with a resounding mandate has shown the enormous faith reposed in the ideals and the
work done by the Government in the last five years by the people of Nagaland. Some of the highlights of the speech included: Naga issue: Ganesan affirmed that the State government was committed to not coming in the way of a final Naga settlement. He admitted that Nagas were not able to fully grow and realise their full potential owing to the
unique challenges and constraints posed by the decades-long unresolved Naga political issue. In some way or the other, he noted that the smooth march of the State on the path of development and prosperity had been affected. He, therefore, called for resolution of the Naga political issue at the earliest possible. The governor assured that the State government would be proactive and continue to play the role of a sincere and active facilitator for strengthening the ongoing peace process for bringing an early solution. As NDPP-BJP commenced its new term in the service of the people with a clear vision to bring about positive change, progressive development and allaround inclusive economic growth, Ganesan said the government was mindful of the longstanding unre-
solved Naga political issue, which had impacted every sphere of the society and created hurdles, especially for the economy and progress of the State. ULB polls: Meanwhile, to ensure grassroots democracy, the governor said the State government had initiated the process of conducting the longoverdue elections to the Urban Local Bodies as per the Supreme Court directive. He stressed that the elections and constitution of ULBs as per the provisions of Constitution of India and in compliance with the Supreme Court directives were critical for equitable development, growth and progress of cities and towns in Nagaland. In this regard, he urged everyone to come forward and assist in the successful conduct of the polls in the interest of people of the State. (Cont’d on p-7)
KO H I M A , M A R 2 1 (NPN): Adviser Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio categorically stated that the State government would not deviate from its stand in holding election to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) as notified, He said this while speaking to mediapersons after the meeting among all 60 legislators, held at the Assembly secretariat
(NLA) conference hall here Tuesday. The meeting was to brief the legislators on the stand of the government on ULB polls. Zhaleo reiterated that the government was prepared to hold the ULB elections and had therefore issued notifications and that it will not deviate away from. It may be recalled that the state government had notified that the election to the ULBs with 33% reservation for women would be held on May 16.
With regard to various contentious issues in the Nagaland Municipal Act 2001, raised by various organizations, he said the department had already issued clarifications which have been made public and so nothing more remained to be said. Asked whether the issue would be discussed in the ongoing assembly session, Zhaleo said the chief minister could make a statement to this effect in the House.
3 Municipals, 23 town councils firm on demand
Re presentatives of various associations and unions within three Municipal councils of Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung, held a meeting here Tuesday along with 23 town councils and reaffirmed they will not participate in the forthcoming ULB polls if the government failed to address their demand on the contentious clauses in the NMA 2001. The meeting was jointly
convened by Association of Kohima Municipal Ward Panchayat (AKMWP), Dimapur Urban Council Chairman Federation (DUCCF) and All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT) supported by 23 town councils. Later, addressing media persons, DUCCF president, Zasivikhi Zakiesato said the meeting resolved that Nagaland Municipal Act (NMA) 2001 should
reflect the reality and practicality of the Naga people. He said although State government had already clarified the main contention on taxation, land and property with regard to the usage of the words “omit”, “omitted and “deleted”; a memorandum requesting the government to use the word “deleted” would be submitted on Wednesday. (Cont’d on p-8)
Strong tremors felt in Delhi-NCR, J&K LS okays `1.48L cr supplementary NDPP youth body reacts to
People gather after a building tilts following an earthquake, in Delhi. (PTI)
NEW DELHI, MAR 21 (AGENCIES): Strong earthquake tremors, lasting for several seconds, were felt in Delhi and neighbouring cities late on Tuesday evening. According to reports, the earthquake shocks, measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale, were felt in Turkmenistan,
LRD rejoinder to RTI activists
DIMAPUR, MAR 21 (NPN): Land Resources Department (LRD) district project officer (DPO) Mokokchung has reacted to the claims of two RTI activists that the department on its own established a new village name ‘Tsudiyim’ under Mokokchung district and provided huge amount of money by enlisting beneficiaries name randomly. In a rejoinder, DPO Mokokchung Dr Sashiyangba clarified that “Tsudiyim” was not a village, but the name of a micro-watershed bearing code No. 3B3D1d2d, which was taken up under the watershed programme. DPO stated that the project has been completed and its works have been officially closed as per the closure protocol of the programme.
This is it!
“This embarassment would have been avoided, had he been made to read from a text.” K Y M C
India, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, China, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The epicentre of the earthquake is believed to be 90 km from Kalafgan in Afghanistan. Earthquake tremors were felt in Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, Pakistan’s ARY News report said.
In India, besides Delhi, heavy tremors were also felt in Jammu and Kashmir, western Uttar Pradesh. “An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 on the Richter Scale hit 133km SSE of Fayzabad, Afghanistan today at 10:17 pm IST,” said National Centre for Seismology. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake rocked Afghanistan its epicentre was 40 kilometres south-southeast of the Afghan town of Jurm. There was a disruption in mobile services in some parts of the Jammu region immediately after the earthquake, an official said. There was no immediate report of any loss of life or property.
grants for FY’23 without debate
NEW DELHI, MAR 21 (PTI): Lok Sabha on Tuesday gave its approval to the central government to spend an additional Rs 1.48 lakh crore during the current financial year 2022-23, amid uproar by Opposition parties on the Adani issue. On March 13, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary had tabled the second batch of supplementary demands for grants in the House amounting to a total of Rs 2,70,508.89 crore. “However, the net cash outgo aggregate is estimated at only Rs 1,48,133.23 crore. The remaining expenditure will be matched by savings of the ministries/departments or by enhanced receipts/recoveries aggregates to Rs 1,22,374.37 crore,”
NPF leaders’ statements
said the statement. Of the total additional cash outgo, Rs 36,325 crore is for payment towards fertiliser subsidy. This includes additional subsidy outgo of Rs 21,000 crore for P&K (phosphorus and potassium) and Rs 15,325.36 crore for urea. The second batch of supplementary demands or ‘Appropriation Bill (No 2), 2023,’ was passed without discussion amid continuous uproar by the Opposition demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the allegations against the Adani Group of companies. The government has been authorised to make additional transfers to the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) to the tune of Rs 25,000 crore, according to the bill passed.
Rise in H3N2 and Covid-19 cases: Difference between the two virus
NEW DELHI, MAR 21 (AGENCIES): Reports of the H3N2 influenza virus spreading in India, and there is concern about the potential for it to cause illness and spread further. The Health ministry has stated that the cases of seasonal influenza are expected to decline by the end of March. This is likely due to changing weather patterns and the end of peak season for influenza transmission. However, it’s important to note that H3N2 is a type of seasonal flu virus that has been circulating for many years and is not a new subvariant that has emerged after COVID-19. While the
symptoms of H3N2 generally involve fever and cough, it can still lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations. Difference: COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, while H3N2 is a strain of the influenza virus. COVID-19 is generally more contagious than H3N2, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Additionally, COVID-19 can cause a loss of taste or smell, which is not a symptom of H3N2. Furthermore, COVID-19 can also lead to more severe complications such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ failure.
Can H3N2 bring next pandemic?: As per media reports, the potential for a virus to cause a pandemic depends on many factors, including its ability to spread easily from person to person, the severity of the illness it causes, and the availability of effective treatments and vaccines. While H3N2 is not as contagious as COVID-19, it can still spread rapidly and cause significant illness and death, as has been seen in past influenza pandemics. While COVID-19 and H3N2 share some similarities, having had COVID-19 does not necessarily put someone at a higher risk
of contracting H3N2, nor is there evidence to suggest that the occurrence of the two is linked. Meanwhile, the health ministry has issued revised guidelines for the management of COVID-19 cases in response to the recent surge in cases across the country. The guidelines recommend that antibiotics should not be used unless there is a clinical suspicion of bacterial infection. It’s important to note that COVID-19 is caused by a virus, not bacteria, and antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. The guidelines also highlight the possibility of coinfection
with other endemic infections and suggest that this should be considered in the management of COVID-19 cases. This is important because co-infections can complicate the management of COVID-19 and may require specific treatments. Additionally, the guidelines state that systemic corticosteroids are not indicated in mild disease. Corticosteroids are a type of medication that can be used to reduce inflammation and are often used to treat severe cases of COVID-19. However, they can have side effects and should only be used in severe cases under medical supervision.
DIMAPUR, MAR 21 (NPN): NDPP Youth Organisation (NDPPYO) has taken strong exception to the statements made by senior NPF leaders, including its president, secretary general and Legislature Party leader, claiming that the candidates who had contested from their party were real Nagas. In a communiqué, the youth wing of the ruling party termed the statements an insult and demeaning to every candidate who had contested in the recent Assembly elections. Such attitude also demeans the electorates and all the citizens of the State. “The NPF’s absurd claim that it is the only regional party in Nagaland explains the mentality of its leadership. They seem to be living in their own time capsule without realising that there has been generational changes and the world has moved on. They are obviously living in past glory and unable to accept the realities of the present times and the current generation. It is a universal truth that nothing stays the same and change is the only permanent assurance with time,” the communiqué stated. The youth organisation asserted that NDPP had emerged as the only
viable regional political party in Nagaland today, as reflected in the Naga people’s mandate. Mentioning that since 2018 the NDPP had won every election with bigger margins, it said the electoral results were the voice of the people. NDPPYO asked NPF to realise where it stood as it had contested only a handful of seats and won in only two during the recent Assembly elections. It said the party had given up even before the polls as it had no chance of forming the government since it had no possibility of reaching a majority on its own, and nor did it have any alliance with any political party. According to the youth wing, the manner in which NPF had written off the mandate of the people was an insult to the democratic process and a disrespect to every member of Nagaland’s electorate, including those who had voted for the NPF. It declared that Nagas were not purchasable commodities and claimed that due to the efforts of the present leadership, Nagaland continued to emerge as unique State duly recognised at the national and international levels. (Cont’d on p-8)
Naga political groups celebrate ‘Republic Day’ at respective HQs Fate of FA hangs in balance, says Tuccu
AP accepted by all Nagas: Neokpao
Contribute to save Naga identity: Niki
speech at the ‘44th Republic Day’ celebration at DIMAPUR, MAR 21 CHQ, Hebron, Q. Tuccu (NPN): Various Naga said that political identity political groups (NPGs) of Nagas as a sovereign celebrated ‘Republic people was “well recogDay’ at their respective nized and protected” by headquarters and desigFA. However, he said nated camps on Tuesday. that in the years that Q Tuccu (NP) Fate of Framework followed, the GovernAgreement hangs in balment of India “started ance: Tuccu to fiddle with what has been agreed NSCN chairman and GPRN upon.” Yaruiwo said that the world yaruiwo, Q Tuccu, stated that the was “keenly watching” how India fate of the Framework Agreement, handles the FA. (Full text on p-6) which was signed on August 3, On the occasion, short speeches 2015, hangs in balance “as the were delivered by representatives commitment of the Government of from Naga Hoho, Naga Students India fluctuates wildly every now Federation, Eastern Naga Students’ and then.” Delivering presidential Federation, ENPO(Cont’d on p-8)
In his speech dur(WC), Naga Nationing the ‘44th Naga al Political Groups Republic Day’ cel(NNPGs), have clearebration held at Naga er understanding of Unification Camp, the “Indo-Naga” poKhehoyi on Tuesday, litical problem in its GPRN/NSCN presicorrect perspective. dent “gen. (retd.)” GPRN/NSCN MB Neokpao Konyak president urged Naa s s e r t e d t h a t t h e Neokpao Konyak galand government “Agreed Position”, signed on headed by chief minister to shift November 17, 2017, and ne- focus from electoral politics to gotiated status papers were facilitating and resolving the “sacred political documents” “Indo-Naga” political problem. widely known and accepted by (Full text on p-6) all Nagas. The programme was also Neokpao Konyak expressed attended by ato kilonser N belief that the Government of Kitovi Zhimomi and host of India, in the course of political leaders from the GPRN/NSCN talks with Working Committee and others.
Addressing H owe ve r, S u m i the “43rd Naga said that at present Republic Day” celthe Nagas were “in ebration as chief state of breaking guest at cease fire into pieces” based supervisory board on lines of tribalism ( C F S B ) o f f i c e, and clannism creatPadumpukhri on ing disunity among Tuesday, NSCN/ Nagas. Niki Sumi (NP) GRPN president Niki stated “gen. (retd)” Niki that the new generaSumi while acknowledging the tion intellectuals understand sacrifices made by forefathers the Naga political rights, but towards the cause for Naga were being compromised and identity and political rights has only a handful of people were called upon every Naga to con- practically and physically comtribute in their own capacity to mitted for the Naga cause. He save Naga identity. He recalled said that more of the people that earlier Nagas worked should practically commit for in unity for a common goal. the cause. (Cont’d on p-8)
Staff Reporters
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