19 March 2023

Nagaland Post

State govt duty bound to hold ULB elections as per SC directive: MAD

DIMA PUR, MAR 18

(NPN): Drawing attention to the recent statements made by various organizations with regard to the elections to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), principal secretary Municipal Affairs Department (MAD) I Himato Zhimomi said that the state government was duty bound to hold the ULB polls in compliance with the Supreme Court directive.

MAD clarified that the Supreme Court in the CA case no. 3607/2016 PUCL Vs the State of Nagaland has, after a series of hearings, directed the state government to hold the ULB elections without any further delay in accordance with the 74th Amendment of the Constitution that stipulates 33% reservation for women in ULBs and also directed the state gov-

Yhome files paper for NLA Speaker’s poll

DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (NPN): In a surprising development, NDPP legislator Dr. Kekhrie Yhome who was appointed as advisor School Education & SCERT has filed nomination papers for the election of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker. Informing this in a tweet, the official handle of NDPP secretary general said that “… KekhrieYhome signed nomination papers for the election of Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The MLA from 11 Northern Angami 1 ac represents and carries the goodwill of the entire NDPP family in the nomination process.”

There is considerable speculation about the turn of events since it was largely expected that former Speaker of the 13th NLA Sharingain Longkumer, who was not inducted into the cabinet nor appointed as Adviser, would be re-elected as Speaker of the newly constituted 14th NLA.

KTCN president R Hasnu passes away

DIMAPUR, MAR 18

(NPN): Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland (KTCN) president Ramesh Hasnu passed away on Saturday.

According to KTCN media cell, the funeral service would be held at his native village, Amaluma under Dhansiripar on March 19, 2023 at 10am. KTCN stated that Hasnu breathed his last as he was being brought back to Dimapur from Guwahati at around 6:30pm.

This is it!

ernment to issue the notification for elections to the ULBs by March 9, 2023.

Accordingly, the State Election Commission issued the notification for the ULB election schedule on March 9 with the polls scheduled for May 16, 2023. Thereafter the Model Code of Conduct was accordingly enforced.

Further, with regard to the issue of “Tax on Land and Building”, MDA clarified that the provisions relating to it have already been removed from Nagaland Municipal Act 2001 by the

APO reaffirms Dec 2016 resolution on ULB polls

Govt should listen to the voice of people: Azo on ULB elections

NMA (3rd Amendment) Act 2016. The amendment of section 120 (1) (a) states that “All references and operative provisions relating to tax on land and buildings wherever these occur in the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 shall be deemed to have been omitted”, it stated.

With regard to request made by some section of the organizations to replace the word “Deleted” in lieu of “Omitted”, MAD clarified that as per the legal opinion, the words “Omission, Omitted & Deleted” have no difference but should be read as of the same meaning and character in context of the amendment issue in question.

On the suggestions of nominating women in ULBs with voting rights instead of 33% women’s reservations

of wards, MDA said that the Supreme Court in its judgment dated February 22, 2022 had categorically struck down this submission as “something naturally not acceptable”.

On the issue of reservations for women chairpersons, MDA said that “women’s reservation of chairpersons of the ULBs was notified as per Section 23B of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001, as amended. To bring about fair play, the rotation is being based on the Alphabetical order of the ULBs,” it said.

The department pointed out that the Supreme Court, in its judgment on March 14, 2023 “directed that the poll schedule will not be disturbed now and the election process be completed in terms of the schedule.

DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (NPN): Reaffirming its December 11, 2016 resolution vis-à-vis election to Municipal/Town councils, the Angami Public Organisation (APO) said that “till such a space is provided for the amendment and necessary and clear-cut safeguard is provided to Article 371 (A), the APO has resolved not to allow the conduct of election to municipal and town councils in the Angami territories (Chümoukedima, Dimapur & Kohima Districts).”

The reaffirmation was made at the extra-ordinary executive meeting held on March 17, 2023 where APO executive members, presidents of all frontal organizations, advisory board members and intellectuals attended the meeting, APO president Razouvoto Chatsu stated in a letter to the chief secretary.

After marathon discussion over the issue of

Nagaland Municipal Act of 2001, the house unanimously resolved to re-affirm the “infamous resolution” made on December 11, 2016.

APO, therefore, appealed to all political parties, intending candidates and individuals to refrain from filling or nominating any candidate for the forthcoming ULB elections. “Any action in violation of this resolution shall be viewed as a direct challenge to the APO,” it stated.

APO also appealed to the newly elected and constituted government to seriously feel the pulse of the public and rectify all points in the Act, which it said was against the interest of the Naga public.

The organization further urged upon the state government to seriously review the issue of women reservation before the coming Municipal and Town Council election in the State.

Formation of a third opposition-less govt likely

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 18

(NPN): A s reported by Nagaland Post on March 4, political events in the state indicate an emerging consensus among various political parties in the state on formation of the third opposition-less government.

The driving force behind such a move is the Centre’s desire to have all on board so as to ensure peaceful solution of the protracted Naga political issue and also meeting the demands of the people of eastern Nagaland as spearheaded by ENPO.

It may be recalled that all other parties such as–

NPP, LJP (RV), RPI (A), JD(U) and Independentshave extended support to the NDPP-BJP coalition government and also expressed willingness to be part of the coalition government.

Significantly, the NPF has also joined all other political parties, in extending support to the NDPP-BJP coalition government. This was informed by NPF legislature party leader Azo Neinu while interacting with media persons at the NPF felicitation programme here at the party central office Saturday.

Azo disclosed that NPF had submitted the letter of support to NDPP-

BJP coalition government keeping in mind the party’s stand for resolving the Naga political issue. He said the reason behind was for the Naga solution which NPF has been championing. However, he said NPF was yet to receive a reply from the government.

Azo mentioned that both prime minister Narendra Modi and union home minister Amit Shah during the election campaigns on February 24 and 21, promised to solve the Naga issue. Azo said it was high time for both the leaders to walk the talk. He said if the present elected members have the political will, the issue can

76 samples of new Covid-19 variant XBB1.16 found in India: INSACOG data

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (PTI): A total of 76 samples of COVID-19’s XBB.1.16 variant have been found which might be behind the recent rise of cases in the country, according to INSACOG data.

The variant has been found across Karnataka (30), Maharashtra (29), Puducherry (7) Delhi (5), Telangana (2), Gujarat (1), Himachal (1) and Odisha (1), the Indian SARSCoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) data showed.

XBB 1.16 variant was

first found in January when two samples tested positive for the variant while in February a total of 59 samples were found. In March, till now 15 samples of the XBB 1.16 variant have been found, the INSACOG said.

Some experts have attributed the recent rise in COVID-19 cases to this variant. India’s single-day tally of COVID-19 cases crossed 800 after 126 days on Saturday, while the number of active cases climbed to 5,389.

Former AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria, who had led the national

Covid task force, said the rise in Covid cases seems to be driven by the XBB 1.16 variant while the influenza cases are because of H3N2.

Vipin M Vashishtha, former convenor of Indian Academy of Pediatrics, said the new XBB.1.16 variant has now been detected in at least 12 countries with highest cases in India followed by the US, Brunei, Singapore and the UK.

In India, there is a 281 per cent increase in cases 17 per cent increase in deaths over the past 14 days, he tweeted.

be resolved within a year’s time and that members can vacate their chairs anytime if an honourable and acceptable solution was arrived at.

Azo acknowledged that public had condemned the elected members and criticised them for taking up the Naga political issue only at the end of their tenure. Therefore, NPF has decided to extend support to the government at the beginning of the 14 NLA to pursue Naga solution. Meanwhile highly placed government sources disclosed to Nagaland Post, the NDPP-BJP legislators had discussed the letters of support at a joint meet-

ing recently. Though chief minister Neiphiu Rio is to accept the letters of support, accepting post-poll support from other parties or legislators has to be decided only after consultations between the two (BJP and NDPP) partners. The BJP will also have to get the nod for a post-poll alliance from its Central high command.

Parties appoint legislature party leaders: Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) secretariat has notified the election of legislature party leaders of various political parties to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 18 (NPN): NPF Legislature party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, while acknowledging the standing order of the Supreme Court to conduct the Urban Loal Body elections (ULBs), however, maintained that the government should listen to the voices of the people.

Citing the 2017 violence where two persons had lost their lives during the protest against holding of ULB polls, Azo said his party had faced a bitter experience and therefore felt that the government and the Supreme Court should listen to the voices of the people.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of the felicitation programme for the two NPF legislators, Azo said the main reason the government was trying to push the ULB polls was for “monetary benefit.” “They (government) say that we are losing a lot of funds if we do not hold ULB polls. Why should we lose our political rights just because of money,” Azo stated.

While asserting that the ULB polls should be held, Azo however, opined that elections should be kept on hold or postponed for few months till the issues were resolved and also review the Municipal Act, 2021.

Also present at the press meet, NPF legislator Achumbemo Kikon said that the NPF working committee had met on March 17 and conveyed that the government should not take any step before arriving at a consensus decision with the public. Kikon also stated that NPF did not want face the 2017-like episode, where two

persons had lost their lives, government offices burnt down, houses of some candidates were vandalized etc. No question or merger: When asked if the two NPF legislators would merge with the NDPP/BJP like the 21 NPF MLAs had jumped ship in the previous house, Achumbemo Kikon—chief whip of the party, said that there was no question of merger. He said the party had already dispatched the letter of support to the Rio-led government particularly based on the Naga political issue, adding that it was one of the principles that NPF maintained and supported the government in the past as well. He said if the government does not reciprocate, the party will be left with no other choice but to take another step.

On the other hand, Azo said that whether the two legislators were in the government or not, they will raise questions during the assembly session and speak for the rights of the Nagas.

Azo reminded that though NPF had been in the opposition-less government for nearly a year in the previous tenure, they had raised questions and charged the government. This trend will be continued even in the new house, he added.

Paiwang stresses on goal to eliminate malaria by 2030

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (NPN): Stressing on India’s goal to eliminate malaria by 2030, state health & welfare minister P Paiwang Konyak on Saturday said that the National vector borne disease control programme (NVBDCP) in the state has been progressing steadily towards a malaria-free Nagaland.

Speaking at the regional review meeting of Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) states at Niathu Resort on Saturday, health minister said that the journey towards malaria elimi-

nation programme over the years had witnessed a sharp decline in malaria morbidity and mortality.

He informed that in 2009, malaria health workers under NVBDCP Nagaland, detected 8489 malaria cases and 35 lives were lost

2023 poll a gambling bout, highest bidder becomes winner: Shürho

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 18

(NPN): Congratulating Kuzholuzo Nienu and Achumbemo Kikon on their victory in the recent assembly election, NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu on Saturday said that the just-concluded election was purely a money game—”a gambling bout” where the highest bidder becomes the winner. NPF president said that party’s two MLAs, however, survived the onslaughts and emerged victorious. Describing the two MLAs as “big winners”, Liezietsu also conveyed

the party’s gratitude to all the supporters and wellwishers of 19 Phek A/C and 40 Bhandari A/C. Speaking at the NPF

felicitation-cum-thanksgiving event at the NPF central office here, NPF chief recalled that the recent election was in name only

as political ideology and principles had no place. he said that even the election manifesto had no meaning for the people.

Dr. Shürhozelie said that with money power and other government machineries, the ruling alliance put in maximum efforts to crush NPF, the only regional political party in Nagaland.

Liezietsu asserted that out of 10 political parties that participated in the last election, nine were National political parties and NPF was the only Regional political party. He said that even as NPF could secured only two seats, there was no

reason to be discouraged because NPF was the only party, which has its roots in the Naga society and on Naga soil while the rest were all “migratory political parties” in nature.

He encouraged the two leaders to hold NPF fort with pride because from this stem, which has its root in the unique history of the Nagas, new sooth would sprout when spring comes.

Party chief informed that in 2018 general elections, NPF won 26 seats though it could not secure the magic figure to form the government.

to the dreaded disease in the same year. He, however, said that with the support of the global fund and the directorate NCVBDC, the state has been able to bring down the malaria cases. He said that there had been no malaria deaths since 2017.

Health minister also informed that three districts—Mokokchung, Longleng and Zunheboto—have been very successful in the malaria control programme in the last three years. He also said that seven out of 16 districts have not detected any malaria positive in 2022.

In this regard, Paiwang acknowledged various stakeholders involved in making

it possible and expressed hope that the trend to continue.

The minister said that the emerging trends of other vector borne diseases like Japanese Encephalitis and Dengue have been observed in the state.

He said that the aim was to be more alert, cautious and identify early signals to help prevent any further spread or prevent any mortality and morbidity that could arises.

Health minister has, therefore, called upon all responsible to be informative, practical and fruitful in order to make better policy

CBSE schools warned against starting session before April 1

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (PTI): Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has warned schools against starting the academic session before April 1, saying it poses the risk of causing anxiety and burnout among students.

The warning by CBSE comes after several schools commenced their academic session, especially for Classes 10 and 12.

“It has been noticed that some of the affiliated schools have started their academic session quite early in the year. Attempting to complete an entire

year’s worth of course work in a reduced timeframe poses risks for students who may get overwhelmed and struggle to keep up with the pace of learning, leading to anxiety and burnout,” CBSE secretary Anurag Tripathi said in an official order.

“The principals and heads of institutions of the schools affiliated with the board are, therefore, advised to refrain from beginning academic sessions before the specified time and strictly follow the academic session from April 1 to March 31,” Tripathi said.

(Cont’d on p-8)

P Paiwang Konyak (NP)

Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu (NP)

(L-R) Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, Azo Neinu, Achumbemo Kikon and Apong Pongener at the felicitation programme. (NP)

Newly elected members hold thanksgiving services

giving service at the Community Hall, Mangmetong Village.

According to a DIPR report, speaking on the occasion, the veteran politician thanked the electorate of the 28 Koridang A/C for their unflinching support in electing him for five consecutive terms.

Imkong said the victory was not for him alone but for all the people of the constituency and mentioned his special thanks to the citizens of his native village (Mangmetong) for their selfless effort and untiring support.

DIMAPUR: The newly elected MLAs Y. Patton (BJP), Jacob Zhimomi (BJP), Mhathung Yanthan (NDPP), Sharingain Longkumer (NDPP) and Imkong L. Imchen (BJP) held thanksgiving services on Saturday.

Y Patton: Dy. CM (Home & Border Affairs) and BLP leader, Y. Patton organized a thanksgiving programme as a gesture of appreciation towards the voters of 37 AC at Old Riphyim village in Wokha.

The 4-time consecutive representative from 37 AC, Patton thanked his supporters for their unflinching support and electing him with a huge winning margin. He acknowledged the contribution of Central BJP leaders in his victory.

On his election as BLP leader, Patton expressed his gratitude to the 11 BJP legislators for reposting their faith in him.

The BJP strongman further appealed upon his

supporters to forgive and forget the wrongdoings of his opponent during election.

He reminded the gathering that as Dy. CM, his activities and roles cannot be confined to 37 AC and that the supporters should understand the responsibilities he would be shouldering for the whole state.

Patton therefore urged upon his supporters to uphold him and his family in their prayers for good health and divine guidance.

In his speech, Patton lamented the culture of gifting wildlife in Nagaland saying such practices should be discouraged.

The Dy. CM was accompanied by advisor Prisions and Printing & Stationary, Er. Kropol Vitsu.

Former MLA Yankithung Yanthan, ex-candidate Dr. Thungchamo Ezung, Dr. N Mhabemo Kithan, BJP Wokha president Subenthung Kithan and others also spoke on the occasion.

Jacob Zhimomi: PHED and Cooperation minister, Jacob Zhimomi hosted a thanksgiving programme at his private residence, Thilixu village.

Sharing words of gratitude, Zhimomi said that his win in the recently concluded elections was a landmark for him and his family.

Reflecting on his previous win in 2013 as an independent candidate, Zhimomi acknowledged the support of the people that led to his victory.

On the development front, he said that it would be unjustified to put the blame on the previous governments. Zhimomi also spoke about the government’s plans to prioritize transparency and accountability in governance.

The minister informed that with over 1.2 lakh government employees, around 50,000 were contractual and lamented that the figure is well over the required limit. Speaking on

the state’s natural resources, Zhimomi expressed regret that they were unable to be exploited due to the unresolved political issue.

Zhimomi also spoke about the importance of reviving the strong bond that Nagas shared before statehood, stating that without it, they wouldn’t have achieved statehood in the first place. The minister urged the Nagas to unite and become one people, emphasizing that cultural growth was a crucial aspect of development alongside infrastructure.

Short speeches were delivered by BJP 4, Ghaspani-I A/C general secretary, Vinson Lotha and Chumoukedima Area GBs Union president, Tokishe Achumi while thanksgiving prayer was offered by WSBAK executive secretary, Rev. Dr. Pughooboto Sema.

The programme was chaired by BJP Ghaspani-1 AC, Kezgaleno Phira (Nino), invocation prayer

by Thilixu Baptist Church pastor Rev. Dr. Hokheto Chophy, special song by Azalimi Lejo, Diphupar and Vivi Yepthomi. Benediction was said by Akito village pastor Samuel Assumi. (Staff Reporter)

Mhathung Yanthan: Advisor for Agriculture and Protem Speaker, Mhathung Yanthan held a thanksgiving service at Lakhuti village.

Mhathung Yanthan thanked all the party workers, his supporters as well as church leaders for their supports and prayers. He assured that he will do his level best for the general infrastructure development and people’s livelihood.

Delivering a short speech, president NDPP Wokha Region, John Ezung expressed gratitude to all the NDPP party workers and all the supporters of NDPP for electing Mhathung Yanthan as representative from 39 Sanis A/C. The NDPP Wokha

Region assured support to the leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio and NDPP president Chingwang Konyak.

Sharingain Longkumer: Sharingain Longkumer, MLA held a thanksgiving service at Lt I Nungshi Lkr, Darogapathar, Dimapur. Speaking at the programme, Longkumer thanked 26 Aonglenden AC, well-wishers who had extended their immense support, contribution and cooperation during the electioneering process.

Longkumer, while disclosing that he had filed his nomination for speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly said that his journey as speaker for three years in the last election have been a big challenge trying to deliver the best. He asserted that during the electioneering process, it made him realize the many shortcomings which was indeed a good learning experience.

Whichever assignment, the government thinks fit to allocate him, he assured that will be representing each and everyone in the 14th August house and serve to the best of his ability in the greater interest of the people.

The programme was chaired by Alemwati Jamir, invocation prayer was offered by Ungmatsur Telonjen Dimapur

Short speeches were delivered by Darogapathar Village Council, Aoyimti Village Council, Ongpangkong Senso Telonjem Dimapur, Ao Union Darogapathar, Ungma Senso Telongjem Dimapur and family members.

Later, thanksgiving prayer and benediction was offered by Mangimen Baptist church pastor Marnungba Lkr. (Staff Reporter)

Imkong L. Imchen:

The newly elected MLA, Imkong L. Imchen, who contested from 28 Koridang A/C held a thanks-

Giving thanks to God for his abundant blessings, Imkong said God’s plan was amazing for He has spoken to the people of Mangmetong village to be united and to live in peace and through this strong bond amongst the people, God has given then the victory.

Thanks giving messages was delivered from Mangmetong A Khel Senso Mungdang, Mangmetong B Khel Senso Mungdang, Village Council Sattsu, Mangmetong Senso Telongjem, Mokokchung, Kohima, Dimapur and Mangmetong Village Council.

The service was chaired by Mangmetong Baptist Church (MBC) Pastor, Dr. I. Lolen, MBC deacon, Chuchang Imchen said the invocation, Rev. Teka, shared the word of God while special number was presented by choir MBC and Mangmetong Students’ Union.

DSSU convenes presidential meeting

Correspondent

Dept of IT & C fetes Dr. K.D Vizo AR rejects allegations of harassing GPRN/NSCN cadres

KOHIMA, MAR 18 (NPN): Department of Information, Technology and Communication felicitated Dr. K.D Vizo, principal secretary IT & C for the completion of his degree on Doctorate of Philosophy on “Role of Information Communication Technology and Citizen Centric Services on socio-economic Development in Nagaland”, at the directorate IT&C on Friday.

In his brief address, Dr. Vizo expressed gratitude to the officers and staff of IT &C for felicitating him on his achievement.

Dr. Vizo attributed his accomplishment and the support of the IT staffers. He also acknowledged his mentors for their guidance during the course of his research.

Congratulating Dr. K.D Vizo, additional director IT&C Sabou Yashu said it was a pride and honor for the department to have its prin-

cipal secretary accomplishing the degree of Ph.D and wished him success in life.

It may be mentioned that Dr. K.D Vizo also earlier published three international papers, on “Exploration of factors of information communication technology in socio economic development in Nagaland, India-A citizen perspective in the 4th international conference on recent trends in multi-disciplinary research on December 23, 2021 in Maldives and published the article in International Scopus Indexed journal”.

Also, a paper on “Analysing benefits and challenges of information communication technofixes”, a study on Nagaland in IOP publishing (previously Institute of physics publishing) conference series: Materials science and engineering.

Director IT&C Tongtiluba Longkumer and other officials of the department attended the event.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (NPN): Assam Rifles has rejected and condemned the “baseless allegations” made by GPRN/NSCN of harassing their members on March 15, 2023.

In a statement, PRO (Defence) said that the statement was published in certain section of the media without the comments from appropriate government authorities.

PRO said that the allegations were aimed at discouraging As-

sam Rifles from discharging their bonafide duties and “obfuscating the blatant disregard to the Ceasefire Ground Rules.”

PRO said that the AR, based on specific inputs of likely presence of armed cadres in Zutovi village, had launched an operation. PRO said 23 military cadres, without any written permission from CFMG office, were found inside a compound, at a sensitive place clearly violating the Cease Fire Ground Rules.

PRO said that around 11.30 a.m., five Cease Fire Monitoring members arrived at the site and the cadres were handed over to the police personnel at 1:30 pm, on their arrival, in presence of CFMG members.

Therefore, PRO said that the allegations were clearly, an afterthought as the incident took place on March 15 the press statement published on Mach 17/18. It said that the communique issued by violators of CFGRs themselves were with ulterior aim of maligning the image of a professional force whose history is replete with acts of valour, bravery and selfless service.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away”

DIMAPUR: The office of the Dimapur Sümi Students’ Union (DSSU) has convened its 3rd presidential meeting on March 21, 3 pm at DSSU office. A press release issued by DSSU has requested all the unit presidents and general secretaries to attend the meeting or send one executive without fail.

3rd DEATH

Three years have passed by without you and we miss you dearly but fond memories of your kindness, prayers and gentle smile comforts our heart always. May your soul forever be in peace.

Forever Remembered, Forever Missed ! Loving Family Members & Relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

dp-1178/23

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born on : 15/09/1947 – Died on : 14/03/2023

"For dust you are, and to dust you shall return" Gen-3:19"

Born : 09-02-1919

Died: 12-03-2023

We the bereaved family of Late P. LHOKHELI SWU would like to express our profound gratitude to all those who stood by us physically, financially and through prayers during her prolonged illness and demise on the 12th March 2023 at Oking Hospital, Kohima.

Our special thanks goes to:

1. Doctors, Nurses and Staff of Oking Hospital, Kohima

2. Honorable MLA Dr Sukhato A. Sema & His Lady Wife

3. Rev. Dr. Kiyeto G. Sema, Sr. Pastor, SABCK

4. Pastors, Staff and Members of SABCK

5. Chairman, GBs and Elders of Zuikhu Village

6. Pastor and Staff of Zuikhu Village Baptist Church

7. Rev L. Akhato Achumi, Sr. Pastor Lazami Baptist Church

8. Pastors, Staff and Members of Lazami Baptist Church

9. Neighbours and Well-Wishers of Electrical Colony, Kohima

10. Neighbours and Well-Wishers of Laza-Ayizhuqa, Lazami

We utterly regret and apologize for our inability to mention all the names individually but it our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly. We shall remain ever indebted to you all.

K-571/23

Loving Son, Daughters, In-Laws, Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren

Late Ketoulhoubeizo (Baby) Linyü

Born on 12/10/1982 Died on 14/03/2023

Through this column, we, the family members of Late Ketoulhoubeizo

(Baby) Linyü, would like to express our profound appreciation and gratitude to every individual, neighbours, relatives, friends and well-wishers who stood by us during his health complications and unfortunate demise on 14th March, 2023.

Words alone are unable fully express our gratitude towards your prayers, physical presence, moral and financial support during our darkest times.

We convey our special thanks to:

1. NCRC Kenuozou, Kohima

2. 4th NAP ‘C’ COY Baptist Fellowship, Kohima

3. Koinonia Baptist Church, Kohima

4. Kohima Town Club (KTC)

5. Tseikha Enterprise, Zienuobadze.

6. Zienuobadze Youth and Women Organization.

7. Rhüdezou Rhüba, L. Khel, Kohima Village.

8. Peli No. 14, L. Khel, Kohima Village.

9. Oking Hospital Kohima.

10. Lhisemia Youth Organization.

11. Linyü Youth Organization.

We regret our inability to mention all the names individually, however, it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Mother, Siblings, Nieces, Nephews and Relatives.

K -579/23

We, the bereaved family members of Late Inoli Yeqheli Ayemi express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood by us physically, materially, financially and spiritually at the sudden demise of our beloved.

Special thanks to :

1. East Dimapur Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Purana Bazar.

2. East Dimapur Sumi Council

3. Pond Circle Union Jorapukhuri Dimapur

4. Itovi Ghami Kuqhakulu Dimapur

5. Itovi Ghami Amulimi Kuqhakulu Dimapur

6. Satoi Range Public Union Dimapur

7. Satoi Range G.Bs Association

8. Bamunpukhuri Prayer Fellowship Dimapur

9. Eralibill Sumi Baptist Akukuhou

10. Issac National GYM

11. Mrs. Hekani Jakhalu, MLA & Advisor Industries & Commerce,

And all the near and dear ones, "Thank you all".

Loving Husband, Children, Grandchildren, In-laws and Families

Late K. K. Ngullie (Kontsemo)

Born: 15/07/1939 Died: 11/03/2023

Retd. Vehicle Examiner (Auto Nagaland State Transport, Nagaland.

We, the bereaved family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our friends, neighbours, relatives, various groups, organisations, churches, councils, doctors, nurses and every individual who helped and supported us in every possible way during his illness and at the time of his demise.

We may never be able to repay you for your kind gestures shown to us and we also deeply regret our inability to thank you all personally but it is our sincere prayer that the Lord Almighty bless each and every one of you abundantly.

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren, In-laws and Relatives

Govt. of Nagaland.

12. Mr. Huto Wotsa for providing Ambulance, physical & financial support.

ANNIVERSARY Lt. Heito Achumi

Y. Patton Jacob Zhimomi Sharingain Longkumer Imkong L. Imchen Mhathung Yanthan with others

NEXT POLL

Around 14,000 youths trained under PMKVY: DoESD&E director

the citizens and bring home the point to them.

Farmers encouraged to cultivate millet

DIMAPUR: Under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Nagaland government has, so far, trained around 14,000 youths and out of these, more than 7000 youths have been given placements.

This was informed by Department of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, (DoESD&E) director, Kovi Meyase during one day media workshop “Vartalap” at Hotel Japfu, Kohima on Saturday.

A press release by Press Information Bureau (PIB), Kohima stated the workshop was organised by PIB Kohima, Ministry of

Information & Broadcasting, Government of India under the theme, “Skill India Mission & Digital India Mission”.

Meyase said PMKVY was started by the central government for the purpose of skilling the unskilled and also further upgrading the skilled workers so that their earning potentials were increased.

He said the state government has so far trained around 14,000 youths and out of these, more than 7000 youths have been given placements. Meyase also expressed gratitude to the Union Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship for selecting a multi-skill programme from the state for showcasing during the recent state

chief secretaries’ conference in Delhi.

Stating that the theme of the workshop was very relevant as there has been a lot convergence between skilling and digitalization, Meyase recalled that Digital India Mission was started in 2015 to improve digital literacy, digital infrastructure and to reduce the distance between the government and the citizens.

Earlier, delivering his speech as the guest of honour, joint director, Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), I Simon Teilia said, the media should do their reporting to make a difference.

He said they should try to create consciousness about such programmes to

In a keynote address, PIB Kohima assistant director, K Sonikumar Singh said the workshop was organised with the objectives of creating a platform for interaction among the media and stakeholders involved in formulation and implementation of Central government schemes and projects. He said such a platform gives opportunity to the media to enquire and learn more about the different schemes and also to the implementing departments to clear doubts while highlighting their achievements.

Resource persons for the workshop were deputy director, Zubemo Lotha Tsanglao; DoESD&E, senior instructor, Menguzelie Suhu; Sr programme officer, Ruokuovizo Chupuo and Programme Officer from the department information technology & communications, Yanger Longkumer.

The vote of thanks was delivered by HoO central bureau of communication, Kohima, P Sophie.

Training on mapping & listing activity for NFHS-6 launched

The programme was also attended by NDO director, Rev. Amop Noklang; executive director, DAN, Fr. Sajan Joseph; PO, IIPS, Zubenthang Enny and many local community leaders, civil society organization representatives and officers from CMRSD.

Meanwhile, the release informed that the ministry has designated Mumbai-based

International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), as nodal agency responsible for providing coordination and technical guidance for the survey. IIPS has assigned, Centre for Market Research and Social Development Pvt. Ltd. (CMRSD), New Delhi as the field agency to conduct field work for collecting data in the state of Manipur and Nagaland.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAR 18(NPN):

In view of the year 2023 being declared by the United Nations as the “International Year of the Millet”, following a proposal by India, farmers in Nagaland have been encouraged to cultivate millet, utilise the nutrient rich crop and reap the benefits. A farmers’ awareness programme was organised by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) - Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), in collaboration with Farmers’ Cell, Nagaland University (NU) School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD) Medziphema at SASRD campus on Saturday in celebration of the “International Year of the Millet”. Speaking at the programme, joint director of Agriculture, N. Jacob Yanthan said the department has prepared set of activities to commemorate the “International Year of the Millet”.

He said the department was targeting to increase the area of millets to about 10000 ha in the state from the existing 8000 ha, and informed that the department had procured about 25 MT of local seeds and distributed it to the farmers as inputs. Yanthan also encouraged the farmers to emphasise on cultivating the millet crop and utilise the nutrients rich crop and reap the benefits.

He said the department will be organising various

activities such as documentation and publication of millet crops, exhibition, celebration of millet festivals at sub-divisions and districts, farmers and extension workers’ exposure trips to create awareness and impart a sense of public participation for the grain millet crop.

Earlier, in a welcome address, dean, NU: SASRD, professor, L. Daiho spoke on the importance millets and shared that at present millets were not only consumed in replacement of rice but also used in other forms for consumption.

In an introductory remark, Farmers Cell,

in-charge, professor L. T. Longkumer asserted that millets could help tackle challenges of food security as they did not require as much care compared to other crops and had less water consumption rate. At the programme, special number was presented by Dr. Chubatemsu and Tsarila Sangtam, vote of thanks by the coordinator, millet scheme, Dr. Pankaj Shah. Live streaming of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from ICAR, New Delhi and unveiling of the global millets conference were also part of the programme.

DIMAPUR: A state-level training on mapping and listing activity for first phase of sixth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) was launched on Saturday at Development Association of Nagaland (DAN), Chekiye Village, Chümoukedima.

A press release by Centre for Market Research and Social Development Pvt. Ltd. (CMRSD) informed that the training programme was inaugurated by Nagaland Development Outreach

(NDO) chairman, Dr. Major Mughavi Y. Sema.

Speaking at the programme as chief guest, mission director, State Health Mission, Nagaland, Dr. Ritu Thurr conveyed the importance of NFHS-6 for a state like Nagaland and urged the investigators to be sincere and collect good quality data.

Additional secretary & mission director (NHM), ministry of health & family welfare, government of

India, Roli Singh said the NFHS-6 has been launched in Nagaland with the specific goals of providing essential data on health and family welfare needed by the central and state governments and other stake holders, for policy formulation and also acquiring information on important emerging health and family welfare issues.

The presidential address was delivered by executive director, CMRSD, Dr. Manmath Kumar Mohanty.

KKMK celebrates silver jubilee

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 18

(NPN): Kuda Kewhimialfü Mechii Krotho (KKMK) observed 25th years (silver jubilee) of its existence here on Saturday at Northern Angami community hall, Dimapur.

The celebration programme was organized under the theme, “.....And thy righteousness may profit the son of man,” (Job 35:8) with KMK president Neinguneü Kire as guest speaker.

Guest speaker in her speech dwelt on the role of a women and its contribution in the society. “Women are basic unit of the society, they make a family, family make a home, home make a society and ultimately societies make a country, so the contribution of a woman are everywhere from taking birth and giving birth to a child to the care for whole life and other areas”, she added.

She encouraged the women folk on the need to raise awareness of the

contributing factors as well as skills and abilities and pointed out that if women play different kinds of positions, they need to ensure that the wellness of their families and communities is promoted effectively.

Exhortation speech was delivered by Ruokuoheü Miachieo. The programme was chaired by KKMK president Khonuo Keretsü, invocation prayer was offered by Rhenou Kerhüo, special number was presented by the executives and Ajanuo Kire.

Trainees attend the training session of mapping and listing for first phase of NFHS-6.

Womenfolks presenting songs during the silver jubilee celebration on Saturday. (NP)

N. Jacob Yanthan inaugurating the primary millet processing unit at SASRD. (NP)

Kovi Meyase (extreme right) during the media workshop “Vartalap” at Hotel Japfu.

NE changing positively under Act East Policy: Yadav

rend ra Modi’s Act East Policy has made visible positive difference on ground.”

About the district, he further wrote “Vibrant culturally and rich in biodiversity, Tamenglong is a visitor’s delight. The region has immense potential for growth and the government remains committed to harnessing its full potential.”

Correspondent

IMPHAL, MAR 18: Act

East Policy has brought about positive changes on ground in the Northeastern region of the country, Union minister for labour & employment and environment, forest and climate change Bhupender Yadav claimed on Saturday.

The Union minister who arrived in Imphal on a two-day visit in Manipur today visited Tamenglong district headquarters where he took stock of the developmental work in the district.

The meeting with the

district level officers of various departments of the state government discussed ways to accelerate growth in the region.

After the meeting, the Union minister told the media that positive changes were witnessed in the northeast region of the country under the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

He said that he paid the visit in the district to assess development works taken up in the district to know the ground reality.

Later, in his Facebook page, the Union minister wrote “Prime Minister Na-

Siblings kidnapped from Ghy rescued in Bihar: Police

GUWAHATI, MAR 18

(PTI): Two brothers, kidnapped in Guwahati a couple of days ago, were rescued in Bihar, police said on Saturday. Guwahati Police Commissioner Diganta Barah said the kidnapped boys were rescued with the help of Bihar Police.

Protests in streets over paper leakage in Assam

GUWAHATI, MAR 18 (PTI): Several examinees of the class 10 state board examination demonstrated in front of the office which conducts this test in Guwahati, while hundreds of others were staging similar protests in other parts of Assam on Saturday.

The Union minister also paid a visit to Chiulon village of the district and interacted with the villagers to hear their grievances in a simple function. The villagers felicitated the visiting Union minister with a cultural dance performance.

During the function, the Union minister handed over Rs 12,000 each to two selected underprivileged children of the village as assistants for their study and medical care.

Yadav further distributed beneficiary cards of various social security schemes to the villagers.

The Union minister will halt the night at the district headquarters.

“The boys are now at Mahua police station in Vaishali District. A Guwahati Police team is already in Bihar to bring them back home,” he told reporters.

Barah said that after necessary health check-ups and paperwork, the boys will be brought back to Guwahati either on Saturday evening or Sunday. “The culprits are currently absconding. Our operation is underway to nab them,” he added.

Assistant Commissioner (Jalukbari) of Guwahati Police, Bhargav Goswami, had told PTI on Friday that the incident took place on Thursday evening in Tetelia area of the city. Goswami said the suspect was known to the family and the siblings, who are nine years and four years old.

With the exam for Modern Indian Languages (MIL) and English due on Saturday cancelled due to leakage of question papers –the second such cancellation within a week in the state for the same reason – hundreds of students, including matric aspirants, continued to protest against the incident.

Nearly a hundred students gathered in front of the Board of Secondary Education, Assam, (SEBA) office here for the second day, raising slogans against the board and the government. “We want the SEBA chairman to come and meet us so that we can place our issues before him. We will wait till he comes,” a student of TC Girls HS School said.

Another one from Bhaskar Vidyapeeth added, “We don’t understand why the chairman, RC Jain, is

Sighting of tiger helps detect illegal logging inside national park

ITANAGAR, MAR 18

(PTI): Spotting of a tiger near a human habitation outside Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh has led to the unearthing of illegal timber depots in the core area of the park, a senior district official said.

A Royal Bengal Tiger was caught on cameras near Deban Forest Inspection Bungalow in January this year. It was the second tiger spotted in Namdapha after an eight-year gap.

During an operation, conducted by a joint team of the administration and the forest department, to find out why a tiger ventured out of the core area after 2015, large-scale timber smuggling was detected inside the national park.

Namdapha National Park in Changlang district, near the international border with Myanmar, spans an area of 1,985 sq km, including a core area of 1,808 sq km and a buffer zone of 177 sq km.

On March 14, the team led by Changlang Deputy Commissioner Sunny K Singh found several illegal

timber depots in the core area of the park.

Timber smugglers had also carved a 20-km stretch of kutcha road in and around the core area of the park, Singh said.

Of the motorable road, which is suitable only for small trucks, 1-2 km of it falls inside the park while the remaining stretch is in its buffer zone.

The DC said woodbased industries legally operate in Changlang district. The forest department issues permit by stipulating a quota of cutting trees and the mills manufacture veneer and plywood and then export it from the district, Singh said.

“The problem is that the persons involved in

BSF-BGB discuss effective border management strategies

timber operations cut more trees beyond the prescribed quota. They even constructed a road at the national park up to the core area and resorted to rampant illegal felling of trees and extracted timber from inside the park since November last year.

“It was a tough operation and the smugglers made it even more difficult by blocking our way with logs. However, our team members showed unmatched strength and cleared the path,” Singh told PTI on Saturday.

A district official said on condition of anonymity it is difficult to comprehend how the smugglers carried out such “large-scale illegal activities” under the nose of forest department officials.

Assam hit by two earthquakes

GUWAHATI, MAR 18

(PTI): Two back-to-back earthquakes of 3.6 and 2.8 magnitudes on the Richter Scale hit central Assam on Saturday morning, an official bulletin said. There was no immediate report of any injury to anyone or damage to any property due to either of the quakes.

The administration directed forest officials to ensure strict monitoring of all suspected areas adjoining Namdapha and take stringent action against smugglers.

During the operation, eight persons were arrested.

The team also seized an excavator, a pickup and two trucks, one loaded with timber. Another excavator and two trucks were found abandoned in the jungle, Singh said.

Two persons, one from Arunachal Pradesh and another from Assam, were absconding and arrest warrants were issued against them, the DC said.

The DC said the sighting of a Royal Bengal Tiger in January near Deban In-

spection Bungalow after eight years was not a mere coincidence.

He attributed it to destruction of habitat owing to timber smuggling in the catchment of Mpen Nallah – a perennial stream.

“The catchment of Mpen Nallah has dried up due to deforestation. It is the source of water for the animals of Namdapha as well as the residents of the Miao subdivision. If there is a scarcity of water, there will surely be human-animal conflicts,” Singh said.

According to preliminary estimates, over 2,000 CFT (cubic feet) of timber was found lying at several illegal depots en route.

“The administration is fully committed to preserving the rich flora and fauna of the national park. We will go to every possible length under the ambit of the law to preserve its sanctity,” Singh said.

The Namdapha National Park with varied exotic floral and faunal species is the only place where four big cats – Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard and Clouded Leopard - are found.

afraid to face us. He is sending representatives, but we won’t budge till we meet the chairman.”

Students from several schools had protested in front of SEBA office on Friday also till late evening and dispersed only after a meeting with top officials of the Board.

Two instances of question paper leak of class 10 exams conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Assam, (SEBA) has come to light, leading to the cancellation of both tests.

The general science exam, scheduled for Monday, was cancelled the night before, while the Modern

Indian Language (MIL) and English papers, slated for Saturday, were declared cancelled by SEBA on Thursday night.

The first exam that was cancelled will now be held on March 30, while the other on April 1. In Namti of Sivsagar district, a student pleaded for the chief minister’s intervention and ensure that the exam is held smoothly. “We are the same age as the chief minister’s children. We are the future of the country. We come from middle-class families, our parents pay for our education with great difficulty. Please don’t make a

mockery of our efforts and future,” the girl student said. Students who came out to protest in Dholpur, Lakhimpur, and Kharupetia, Darrang, staged road blockades and also burnt tyres and effigies of Education Minister Ranoj Pegu. In Bongaigaon, they staged protests in front of the deputy commissioner’s office, raising slogans against SEBA and the Education department. Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti and its student wing formed a human chain in Gandhi Chowk in Bilasipara of Dhubri district to register their protest against the paper leakage case.

GUWAHATI, MAR 18

(PTI): The two teachers identified as masterminds of the Assam class 10 board examination question paper leak are being brought to Guwahati from Lakhimpur on Saturday, a police officer said.

A juvenile accused and another teacher are also on their way along with the duo, he added.

“The main accused, Pranab Dutta and Kumud Rajkhowa, have left for Guwahati around 8.15 am from Lakhimpur Sadar police station. Another teacher and a student are also in the same convoy,” the officer said.

They are expected to reach the CID headquarters here by evening, travelling a distance of about 380 km by road.

Dutta was detained by the police from Majuli on Thursday evening, while Rajkhowa had surrendered at Lakhimpur on Friday.

They are teachers in different schools, with Dutta facing the charge of taking out the question paper sets

and circulating those with Rajkhowa’s help. Both were produced before a court on Friday evening and taken into police custody.

Dutta, Rajkhowa and the other teacher arrested with them on Friday have been suspended by the Education Department.

A total of 31 people, including several juveniles, have so far been arrested in the question paper leak case, Assam Police spokesperson Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan had said on Friday.

Two instances of question paper leak of class 10 exams conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Assam, (SEBA) has

come to light, leading to the cancellation of both tests.

The general science exam, scheduled for Monday, was cancelled the night before, while the Modern Indian Language (MIL) and English papers, slated for Saturday, were declared cancelled by SEBA on Thursday night.

The first exam that was cancelled will now be held on March 30, while the other on April 1.

Director General of Police (DGP) G P Singh, addressing a press conference here on Friday, had said the CID, which is investigating the case, has been able to establish the chain of events leading to the leak of the question papers and circulation.

“We have enough physical evidence with us in the case,” he said.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had on Thursday conceded in the assembly that the general science question paper leak was a “failure” of his government.

AGARTALA, MAR 18 (PTI): Director General of Border Security Force (BSF), Sujoy Lal Thaosen, visited the India-Bangladesh international border in Tripura and held a meeting with a senior BGB official, discussing strategies for effective border management, including ways to prevent drug trafficking.

A senior official of the paramilitary force said that Thaosen, accompanied by BSF Inspector General of Tripura frontier, Sumit Sharan, visited the border areas on Friday to take stock of operational deployment of the forces.

“During a meeting with Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) regional commander of Sarail, Brigadier General Mohammad Shahid Islam, at the Agartala-Akhura Integrated Checkpost (ICP), effective border management strategies, including

measures to prevent drug trafficking, were discussed,” he said.

“The BSF DG also visited ‘Dipak’ border outpost in North Tripura district and an unfenced patch of 1,960 metres at N C Nagar in Sepahijala district to monitor the ongoing Single Row Fencing (SRF) work,” the BSF official said. Thaosen also interacted with the bordermen to evaluate their real-time problems.

“The DG applauded the tireless efforts made by the border guards of the BSF’s Tripura frontier to control crimes along the international border,” he added.

During his visit, the BSF DG also held a courtesy meeting with Chief Minister Manik Saha and Chief Secretary J K Sinha. He left the northeastern state for Delhi on Saturday.

A National Center for Seismology report said the first quake of 3.6 magnitude on the Richter Scale was recorded at 9.03 am, with its epicentre near Titabar in Jorhat district on the southern bank of Brahmaputra River, at a depth of 50 km.

People in the neighbouring Sivasagar, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts also felt the jolt. Lakhimpur on the northern bank of Brahmaputra too felt the tremors. The earthquake could be felt in many areas in the north-western part of Nagaland as well, the report stated.

The second tremor of 2.8 magnitude on the Richter Scale was registered at 11.02 am, with the epicentre near Dalgaon in Darrang district on the northern bank of Brahmaputra, at a depth of 9 km, it added. This earthquake could be felt by people living in Udalguri, Baksa and Sonintpur district, while those in Morigaon on the southern bank of the mighty river also received the jolt.

GANGTOK, MAR 18 (PTI): Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has said that investors have expressed interest to pump in Rs 1,000 crore in various sectors in the Himalayan state.

He said the government will immediately start implementing investor-friendly policies.

Tamang, while addressing a press conference on Friday, said the interest shown by the investors during a G20 meeting on March 16 will be fruitful for the state in the long run.

Chief Secretary V B Pathak said representatives of 12 G20 nations had participated in the B20 conference.

“Investors have shown interest to pump in over Rs 1,000 crore in IT & ITeS, infrastructure, renewable energy, microbrewery, skill

development, education, agri-processing, organic farming, forest products and hospitality sectors,” he said.

Pathak said Costa Rica, which has a 95 per cent dependency on hydropower for its energy needs, wanted to collaborate with Sikkim, which also has a huge hydropower potential.

Norway showed interest in small hydro and tunnelling activities in Sikkim with disaster mitigation efforts, and Sweden wanted to

AIZAWL, MAR 18 (PTI): A 29-year-old militant belonging to the Kuki-Chin National Army (KCNA), a Bangladesh-based rebel outfit, was arrested by the Assam Rifles in Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, the paramilitary organisation said in a statement. The insurgent, identified as Faliansang Bawm, was allegedly staying at a house in Bungtlang village for some time, the statement said. Acting on a tip-off, Assam Rifles

support the education sector of the Himalayan state, he said. He said neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh have shown keen interest in international air connectivity with Pakyong and Bagdogra.

Agriculture Department Secretary J D Bhutia said that Switzerland has expressed interest in the organic products of Sikkim owing to its huge market potential in Europe and US.

personnel raided the house and nabbed the militant on Friday, it said, adding he was handed over to the state police.

Earlier on March 10, Assam Rifles had apprehended another KCNA militant in Hmunnuam village in the same district.

Fleeing the Bangladesh Army’s offensive against the KCNA, more than 500 people from the neighbouring country’s Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) have taken refuge in Lawngtlai district.

GUWAHATI, MAR 18 (PTI): Prior to the delimitation exercise of constituencies in Assam, the full bench of the Election Commission of India will meet and hold discussion with various stakeholders, including political parties and civil society.

According to an official release on Saturday, the full bench of the Election Commission, comprising Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar and two Election Commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel, will be visiting Assam from March 26 to 28 to hold talks with various sections.

“The Commission has decided to visit Assam for knowing the ground reality and expectations of the stakeholders and general public on the ongoing delimitation exercise in the state,” it added.

The Election Commission of India has been entrusted for the delimitation of Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies of Assam.

“During this period, the Commission will interact with political parties, public representatives, civil societies, social organizations and state administration officials, including District Election Officers and Deputy Commissioners,

to gather first hand information,” the release said. In order to receive inputs concerning the ongoing process of delimitation, the Commission expects that all stakeholders will cooperate in the endeavour and will provide valuable suggestions so that the task is completed timely, it added.

The preliminary works to start the delimitation exercise have begun and the final job will begin after the CEC’s visit in the last week of this month, a senior official from the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer told PTI.

On December 31, 2022, the Assam Cabinet had decided to merge four districts with their parents from where they were carved out and made separate districts. Biswanath with Sonitpur, Hojai with Nagaon, Tamulpur with Baksa and Bajali with Barpeta were merged.

The decisions to merge the districts were taken just a day before the Election Commission had imposed a ban on creating new administrative units in Assam from January 1, 2023 as the poll panel would undertake the delimitation exercise in the state.

The administrative jurisdiction of some villages and a few towns were also changed at the state cabinet meeting, held in New Delhi.

Union minister Bhupender Yadav on day one of a 2-day visit in Manipur s Tamenglong district on Saturday.

Activists of All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) protest against Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu after the question paper leak incident. (PTI)

Stacks of logs (L) Tiger spotted in Namdapha National Park.

CM Prem Singh Tamang with delegates.

DG (BSF) Sujoy Lal Thaosen.

DGP G P Singh

SNIPPETS

PhD scholar arrested for raping

children: CBI

NEW DELHI, MAR 18

(PTI): The CBI has arrested a 35-year-old PhD scholar from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu for allegedly raping children, officials said Saturday.

The agency had registered a case against the accused for allegedly creating and circulating child sexual abuse material in electronic form, they said

The CBI had found child sexual abuse images and videos from the Interpol database. Its further analysis using digital forensic tools gave the location of the incident to the Thanjavur district.

The agency conducted searches at the premises of the accused which led to the recovery of incriminating electronic gadgets, officials said.

It was alleged that the accused was sexually abusing a child for the last four years whose nude videos and photographs were uploaded on his Google account.

Only way to probe Adani issue

Says,anyother panelwillbe‘exercise inexoneration’

NEW DELHI, MAR 18

(PTI): The Congress on Saturday asserted that the only way to comprehensively investigate the Adani issue is through a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) with appropriate powers as any other panel will be reduced to an “exercise in legitimation and exoneration”.

The Opposition party’s assertion came a day after Home Minister Amit Shah said that anyone who has evidence of wrongdoing in the matter is free to submit it to the Supreme Court-appointed expert committee.

is through JPC: Cong

tion. The Gautam Adaniled group has dismissed the charges as lies, saying it complies with all laws and disclosure requirements.

SC order on EC appointments: Rijiju invokes ‘Lakshman Rekha’

recent past. The panel’s mandate is to suggest measures to strengthen investor awareness, investigate whether there has been regulatory failure in dealing with the alleged contravention of laws pertaining to the securities market in relation to the Adani Group or other companies, to suggest measures to strengthen the statutory and/or regulatory framework, and secure compliance with the existing framework for the protection of investors, Ramesh said.

of evidence or to cross-examine witnesses, and statements before it do not have the same force in terms of evidentiary value as a court of law, Ramesh said.

“At most, the Supreme Court has requested the SEBI chairperson to ‘ensure that all requisite information is provided to the Committee’ and asked that ‘all agencies of the Union Government including agencies connected with financial regulation, fiscal agencies and law enforcement agencies’ cooperate with it,” he pointed out.

Two die as truck hits scooter

in Mangaluru

MANGALURU, MAR 18 (PTI): A man and his daughter were killed when their scooter was hit from behind by a speeding truck at around noon on Saturday, police sources said.

The scooter riders came under the truck due to the impact of the collision. The bike riders were waiting at the signal when the lorry crashed into them from behind.

Angry public, who gathered at the spot, hurled stones at the truck and thrashed the driver.

The police has taken the truck into custody.

IYC launches campaign to find young leaders

NEW DELHI, MAR 18

(PTI): The Indian Youth Congress here on Saturday started a new phase of ‘Young India ke Bol’ campaign with a new poster, an office bearer of the Congress youth wing said.

Those who want to join the campaign can apply through Google form, said IYC president BV Srinivas. The process of registration started from Saturday and the last date to apply is April 25, he added

The competition will take place in all states one by one and the grand finale will be held in Delhi. The national level winners would be appointed as IYC national spokesperson, he said.

Student falls to death while filming reel

BILASPUR, MAR 18

(PTI): A 20-year-old man fell to death while filming for an Instagram reel with his friends at a college in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district, police said on Saturday.

The incident, which took place at Government Science College in Bilaspur town on Friday afternoon, was captured by the deceased man’s friends on their mobile phones, an official said.

4 killed, 28 injured in J&K road mishap

SRINAG AR, MAR 18

(PTI): Four people hailing from Bihar were killed and 28 injured when their bus overturned in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday, officials said.

The incident took place on the SrinagarJammu National Highway in the Barsoo area of the south Kashmir district, they added. Four passengers, all residents of Bihar, were killed in the accident, the officials said, adding that 28 passengers were injured, of whom 23 were rushed to various hospitals for treatment.

The Congress has been persistent on its attack on the government weeks after Adani Group stocks took a beating on the bourses after US-based short seller Hindenburg Research made a litany of allegations, including fraudulent transactions and share-price manipula-

Posing a set of three questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the party’s “Hum Adani ke Hain Kaun” series, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh referred to Shah’s remarks and underlined that the mandate of the Supreme Court-appointed committee is to provide an overall assessment of the situation including the relevant causal factors which have led to the volatility in the securities market in the

“Clearly, the expert committee’s mandate excludes the main charge against you: that you have sought to enrich your close friend and financier Gautam Adani at any cost,” Ramesh said, addressing the prime minister.

The expert committee has no formal jurisdiction over investigations by SEBI and any other investigative agency and it lacks the power to enforce summons, to compel the production

BJP trying to topple Delhi govt by issuing threats to MLAs: AAP

NEW DELHI, MAR 18

(PTI): The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that the BJP, which has only eight MLAs in the Delhi Assembly, is trying to topple the Arvind Kejriwal government by issuing threats to legislators under the guise of a no-confidence motion.

Addressing a press conference here, the AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha alleged that the Bhar atiya Janata Party (BJP) is offering two options to his party MLAs -- they should either join the saffron party or the CBI-ED will put them in jail.

The BJP is planning to bring a no-confidence motion against the Kejriwal government during the on-

going session of the Delhi Assembly.

“The AAP has 62 MLAs with a thumping majority and the BJP has eight MLAs. But the BJP wants to topple the government by buying MLAs under the guise of a noconfidence motion, just like governments that fell from Madhya Pradesh to Maha-

rashtra. Here are the options that the BJP is giving to our MLAs -- join the BJP or the CBI-ED will put you in jail,” Chadha said.

“The BJP has been losing election after election in Delhi and now, our MLAs are getting threats that ‘if we can do it with the deputy chief minister, you are just an MLA’. The BJP should stop its nefarious efforts. They tried many times, but could not lure our MLAs,” he added. The budget session of the Delhi Assembly began on Friday. Leader of Opposition Ramvir Singh Bidhuri has said the BJP will bring a no-confidence motion against the AAP government over its involvement in “corruption”.

“We would like to remind you that Chief Justice CV Ramana reportedly stated on 25 August 2022 that your government refused to cooperate with the committee investigating the illegal use of Pegasus malware in India, setting a disturbing precedent,” he said. Ramesh said that given this history, is it not obvious that the only way to comprehensively investigate the Adani scam is through a JPC with appropriate powers.

NEW

DELHI,

MAR 18 (PTI): Law Minister Kiren

Rijiju on Saturday invoked the constitutional “Lakshman Rekha” guiding different institutions, including the executive and the judiciary, and wondered that if judges become part of administrative appointments, who would carry out judicial work.

Rijiju was responding to a question on a Supreme Court bench directing the government to set up a panel comprising the prime minister, the chief justice of India and the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha to select the chief election commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners till a law is in place for the same.

“The appointment of election commissioners is prescribed in the Constitution. Parliament has to enact a law. Accordingly, the appointment has to be done. I agree that there is no enactment for that in Parliament, there is a vacuum,” the minister said at the India Today Conclave.

Rijiju said he is not criticising the apex court

judgment or talking about its “repercussions” or what the government is going to do on the issue.

“... But what I am saying is that if the CJI or judges of India sit on every important appointment, who will carry forward the judiciary’s work? There are so many administrative matters in the country. So we have to see that judges are primarily there to deliver judicial work. They are there to deliver judicial orders by giving justice to people,” he said.

The minister felt that if judges got involved in administrative work, they would have to face criticism. He said the principle of justice will be compromised

if a judge ends up hearing a matter of which he or she was a part.

“Suppose you are the chief justice or a judge. You are part of an administrative process that will come into question. The matter comes to your court. Can you deliver a judgment on a matter you were part of? The principle of justice itself will be compromised. That is why the Lakshman Rekha is very clear in the Constitution,” Rijiju said. In a landmark verdict aimed at insulating the appointment of the CEC and election commissioners from the executive’s interference, the Supreme Court ruled that their appointments will be effected by the president on the advise of a committee comprising the prime minister, the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha and the CJI. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Justice KM Joseph, in a unanimous verdict pronounced earlier this month, held that this norm will continue to hold good till a law on the issue is enacted by Parliament.

CBI, ED working impartially: Amit Shah

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asserted that probe agencies like the CBI and the ED have been working impartially and except two, all cases they were investigating had been registered during the UPA government.

Participating in the

“India Today Conclave” here on Friday, Shah said whatever the investigating agencies were doing could be challenged in courts.

“In 2017, during Uttar Pradesh polls, a big woman leader of Congress had said if they were indulging in

Man surrenders for fake videos of migrants attack in TN

PATNA, MAR 18 (IANS):

After facing heat from the Bihar Police, infamous YouTuber Manish Kashyap, who is accused of spreading rumours about attacks on Bihar migrant labourers in Tamil Nadu, surrendered before the Bettiah police on Saturday.

The police, in its official statement confirmed that Kashyap went to Jagdishpur police station in Bettiah district and surrendered.

“Due to joint action of West Champaran district police and Economic Offence Unit (EOU), Manish Kashyap surrendered in Jagdishpur police station,”

said Upendra Nath Verma, Superintendent of Police (SP) of West Champaran district. Following his surrender, the enforcement agencies have stopped the property attachment process of Kashyap’s house located in the Majholia locality of

Bettiah city.

Manish Kashyap along with three others was booked under the charge of making a fabricated video where migrant labourers from Bihar were purportedly seen getting thrashed by local Tamilians. The videos that were uploaded by him and three other accused on social media turned out to be fake. Subsequently, Bihar Police’s EOU, which is the investigating agency in this case, registered two FIRs against them. Following the FIR, Kashyap went absconding and was said to be moving in Delhi and Noida. During this period, he gave

interviews to various media organisations as well. He had also challenged Bihar deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav.

Bihar Police on the other hand, went for the legal process and obtained the warrant from the respective court for the property attachment of Kashyap’s house. The Bettiah police initiated the property attachment process and removed doors, windows, rooftop, walls and other valuables in the last two days. Due to this, Kashyap came under pressure and surrendered in the police station.

corruption, why there was no investigation. She was questioning us. Now they are creating a hue and cry when there has been action,” he said. The ho me minister said these investigating agencies are not above the court and any notice, FIR and charge sheet can be challenged in the courts.

“Instead of going to the court, why are they

shouting outside? I want to ask the people if there is any corruption allegation against anyone, shouldn’t there be a probe. All these cases, except two, were registered during their rule. Not during our government,” he said.

Shah said when there were allegations about scams worth Rs 12 lakh crore during the 10-year rule of the Congress-led UPA regime, the government back then registered a case through the CBI to keep the situation calm. If there is any money laundering case, the ED is bound to probe it, he said.

Asked about allegations that the probe agencies are targeting opposition leaders, the home minister asked, “Who is stopping them from going

to court? They have better lawyers in their party than us.”

“Agencies are working impartially. I want to tell everyone that you follow the law, that is the only road,” he said. The Opposition has been alleging that the government has been targeting its leaders through the CBI, ED and other probe agencies.

The agencies have been carrying out investigations against several leaders, including former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain, Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, RJD leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, among others. Sisodia and Jain are currently in jail.

Manish Kashyap

Raghav Chadha

Amit Shah

Kiren Rijiju

Jairam Ramesh

‘Mostcasesbeing probedregistered duringUPAtime’

Repellent opposition

With May 2024 elections approximately 400 days away, the dream of opposition unity appears to be bedevilled by insurmountable egos and ideological differences despite the fact that all political parties accept that it is the only way to check the unstoppable BJP juggernaut. Till today, all the opposition parties - Congress, CPI, CPM, JD(U), SS (UBT), RJD, DMK, JMM, AAP, TMC, NCP, IUML, VCK, Kerala Congress etc- have not even sat down together leave alone talk of strategy. Even in the recent parliament session, the TMC and the NCP did not join opposition parties in the protest march to the office of the Enforcement Directorate against the misuse of the agency by the BJP to target opposition leaders. TMC did not sign a joint opposition letter sent to the Director of Enforcement Directorate, SK Mishra, urging the probe agency to initiate an investigation into the Adani Group over allegations of corrupt practices, including money laundering through shell companies. It also did not participate in the opposition march to the ED office. The letter was signed by leaders of Congress, CPI, CPM, JD(U), SS (UBT), RJD, DMK, JMM, AAP, IUML, VCK, Kerala Congress and others. The Opposition’s march to the ED office was stopped by the police at Vijay Chowk and they returned to the Parliament complex. TMC and NCP who have been active in taking on the Centre over the roles of the governor and the misuse of ED, stayed away and did not participate. TMC floor leaders disclosed that the core reason for their non-participation was Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Choudhury’s remarks against Mamata Banerjee in Bengal . Earlier eight political parties wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the government at the centre of misusing the seat of the Governor and central agencies to target the opposition parties and their leaders, which has transitioned the country from being a democracy to an autocracy. Among the Opposition leaders who were the signatories of the letter included BRS president and Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, JKNC chief Farooq Abdullah, AITC chief Mamata Banerjee, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. However, there was no representation from Congress, JDS, JD (U), CPU, CPM in the letter. These are clear indications that the opposition has failed to achieve even a minimum of understanding for a broad-based national coalition. On the other hand, the AAP has begun campaigning in Madhya Pradesh against BJP and Rajasthan against Congress. On the other hand, Mamata is leading an initiative to forge an alliance of regional parties in all the states against the BJP and Congress. She has sealed the deal with former UP chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. The will form an alliance in UP and West Bengal. The strategy is that Mamata’s TMC will be the dominant partner in West Bengal and will offer some seats to SP for those who are not from TMC but who want to contest as SP candidates in the state. Similarly the same can will apply in UP where aspiring candidates who are not from SP can contest as TMC candidates. Congress needs to honestly and humbly reassess itself in every state, instead demanding top spot on the strength of having a pan-India reach and doing nothing to stop its free fall.

DailyDevotion

Will I Bring Myself Up to This Level?

…perfecting holiness in the fear of God. —2 Corinthians 7:1

“Therefore, having these promises….” I claim God’s promises for my life and look to their fulfillment, and rightly so, but that shows only the human perspective on them. God’s perspective is that through His promises I will come to recognize His claim of ownership on me. For example, do I realize that my “body is the temple of the Holy Spirit,” or am I condoning some habit in my body which clearly could not withstand the light of God on it? (1 Corinthians 6:19). God formed His Son in me through sanctification, setting me apart from sin and making me holy in His sight (see Galatians 4:19). But I must begin to transform my natural life into spiritual life by obedience to Him. God instructs us even in the smallest details of life. And when He brings you conviction of sin, do not “confer with flesh and blood,” but cleanse yourself from it at once (Galatians 1:16). Keep yourself cleansed in your daily walk.

I must cleanse myself from all filthiness in my flesh and my spirit until both are in harmony with the nature of God. Is the mind of my spirit in perfect agreement with the life of the Son of God in me, or am I mentally rebellious and defiant? Am I allowing the mind of Christ to be formed in me? (see Philippians 2:5). Christ never spoke of His right to Himself, but always maintained an inner vigilance to submit His spirit continually to His Father. I also have the responsibility to keep my spirit in agreement with His Spirit. And when I do, Jesus gradually lifts me up to the level where He lived— a level of perfect submission to His Father’s will— where I pay no attention to anything else. Am I perfecting this kind of holiness in the fear of God? Is God having His way with me, and are people beginning to see God in my life more and more?

Be serious in your commitment to God and gladly leave everything else alone. Literally put God first in your life.

Quotes

Common problems and basic needs of elderly people

There is a huge increase in the elderly population today due to advancements in medical science, improvement in the healthcare system and better economic conditions. Worldwide, the life expectancy rate is now 72.27.

The average life expectancy in India is 70.15, while in Nagaland it is 72.4. Living in a fast-paced and busy world, elderly people are often left neglected. Some common problems which the elderly face irrespective of caste and creed in the advanced world as well as the developing world among the rich or poor are discussed below:

Health-issues: Blood pressure, blood sugar, body aches, urinary problems, heart disease, constipation, cancer, etc. At least 72% of the age group above 65 Years old have one or two

of such health problems.

Memory loss: Memory loss leads to depression and mental disorders such as dementia. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Across the world, an estimated 47.5 million people are affected with dementia today, including 8.8 million in India.

Physical injury: Physical injuries become more common as muscles shrink and bones weaken.

Financial insecurity: Financial insecurity due to high medical expenditures can also become a great problem, often leading to depression.

Malnutrition: Often, with no caregiver to ensure proper nutritional diets, the immune system becomes compromised which can then lead to further health complications.

Loneliness: Owing

to social isolation, feelings of loneliness and despair increase which then aggravates mental insecurity.

Sensory impairments: Sensory impairments such as visual and hearing are very common among elderly people.

Difficulties in mobility: Due to many reasons, mobility becomes a serious problem. Having to always depend on someone else even for many basic activities often leads to a sense of helplessness and also even a loss of dignity.

Basic needs of elderly people

As compared to many other cultures around the world, in our Naga context, the old and ageing are relatively well-taken care of owing to a sense of familial and social responsibility that is culturally inculcated in us. Except in certain

cases, children or family members inevitably take up the responsibility of being caregivers to the elderly. The following may serve as reminders to both the elderly and their caregivers to ensure a better quality of life.

While it is a fact that regular exercise and staying physically active go a long way in keeping our bodies healthy, the need for routine check-ups cannot be stressed enough. Preventive measures can only be taken if one takes the step of heading to see a doctor. Getting proper nutrition and exercise is also very vital. We are in fact very fortunate to have easy access to the most organically grown healthy foods. Many of our indigenous plants have healing properties. Eating varieties of good food in the right

amount and meal-planning are healthy choices that we can make everyday. While the lack of parks or open spaces can limit recreational activities for the elderly, stepping out of the house to take walks around the house or neighbourhood can be refreshing. Keeping one’s surroundings clean as well as helping maintain personal hygiene are also very important. When it comes to meeting the emotional needs of the elderly, a very simple act can be to spend time talking and listening to them to make them feel seen and heard. Little things like recollection of fond memories of the good old days can also reactivate the brain. Further, interaction with peers is very important. Being in the company of the same age group and friends can

keep them healthy and happy. Our Naga society is a community-centred society. Church is one of the best places where one can have fellowship with God and fellow members in the society. For the elders who cannot go to church, home fellowship can be a great way to meet this need for connection.

Ageing can often be a lonely and painful affair. However, with these small reminders, the quality of life can still be achieved and maintained to ensure ageing with dignity, and making old age a season to be cherished for both the elderly and caregivers alike.

Dr. P Kilemsungla Speech delivered on 14th March, 2023 at the workshop on Elderly Care by Good Samaritan Society Kohima, Nagaland.

Fear in the unbelieving world A Utopia political narrative

While much of fear in this world may not be obvious publicly, yet there are distinctive signs and subtle nuances in the behaviour of people that betray their inner feelings. Over a couple of years ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic was at a high risky,a sampling of people in the world was asked what their greatest fears were. Some that were mentioned most frequently were civil unrest, the fear of loved one catching COVID-19, getting seriously ill from some other cause, corrupt government official, pollution of the environment, cyber terrorism, and economic collapse.

More recently, with the COVID-19 pandemic subsiding and the war in the Ukraine assuming serious proportions, the fears have shifted, with many being more concerned now about the possibility of increased shortages of fuel and food, and World War that may include nuclear weapons. However, along with all this

there are seemingly multiple things going on at the same time and a general decline in every sphere of society. A state of fear can trigger outrage, a demand for action, and a disintegration of trust and even civility. We are seeing all of these in the world today, including an increase in things like general incivility, going all the way up to road rage. We are seeing an increase in mass shootings, generally by those who are either angry or simply tired of all the inconveniences and annoyances of life. Some have been able to cope with changes, while others, unable to manage under the difficulties, have thrown off restraint and resorted to behavior of various kinds. This bad behavior may include simply the incivility we have already mentioned and a rather “who cares?”attitude toward responsibility, or it may escalate into immoral conduct and even violence. We who belong to Christ

ought to pray that all the sad events today and the general deterioration of the “good life”to which we have become accustomed will draw souls to Christ and cause them to think seriously about what lies beyond this life. Instead of bringing about the casting off of restraint, such developments ought to produce a solemn reverence for the God who has allowed them, for God never brings down judgement on man without giving a warnings today, and our prayer ought to be that they will be headed.

The antidote to the fear present in this world is a vision of eternity and the promise of a life beyond this world. We are reminded of lack of vision that is spoken of in the Word of God and the solemn consequences of it.”Where there is no vision the people cast off restraint”(Prov.29:18)

Abel Shitiri Gospel Truth Centre. Dimapur.

In a shocking turn of events, the government of a small, fictional country called Utopia has announced that they will be forming an opposition-less government.

The move, according to the ruling party, is designed to streamline the decision-making process and eliminate the “gridlock” that has been plaguing Utopia’s political system for years.

In a press conference, the Prime Minister of Utopia proudly declared that “From this day forward, we will be a united front. No more bickering, no more partisan politics. We will work together, as one, for the good of our nation.”

While some citizens are hailing the move as a bold step towards progress, others are more skeptical.

“Isn’t this just a fancy way of saying that they want to be a dictatorship?” one man asked on social media.

“How can we trust a government that doesn’t allow dissenting opinions?”

Indeed, there are concerns that an opposition-less government could lead to corruption and abuse of power. Without anyone to keep them in check, the ruling party could

theoretically do whatever they please without fear of reprisal. “This is a recipe for disaster,” warned one political analyst. “There’s a reason why we have checks and balances in our political systems. It’s to prevent abuses of power.”

Despite the concerns, the ruling party of Utopia is moving ahead with their plans. On the other hand Opposition parties are more happier to pave the way for a smooth functioning without any favour and demands. The Prime Minister has assured the public that these measures are necessary for the greater good, and that the government will continue to act in the best interests of the nation.

As for the future of Utopia, only time will tell. Will the lack of opposition lead to a golden age of prosperity and unity? Or will it prove to be a disastrous mistake that leads to tyranny and oppression? One thing is for sure: the eyes of the world are watching, and the fate of Utopia will be closely scrutinized in the coming years.

Swuto Swu Dimapur

How a warrant for Putin puts new spin on Xi visit to Russia

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow next week highlighted China’s aspirations for a greater role on the world stage.

But they also revealed the perils of global diplomacy: Hours after Friday’s announcement of the trip, an international arrest warrant was issued for Putin on war crimes charges, taking at least some wind out of the sails of China’s big reveal.

The flurry of developments — which followed China’s brokering of an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume diplomatic relations and its release of what it calls a “peace plan” for Ukraine — came as the Biden administration watches warily Beijing’s moves to assert itself more forcefully in international affairs.

US President Joe Biden said on Friday he believes the decision by the International Criminal Court in The Hague to charge Putin was “justified.”

Speaking to reporters as he left the White House for his Delaware home, he said Putin “clearly committed war crimes.”

While the US does not recognise the court, Biden said it “makes a very strong point” to call out the Russian leader for his actions in ordering the invasion of Ukraine.

Other US officials privately expressed satisfaction that an international body had agreed with Washington’s assessment that Russia has com-

mitted war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine.

Asked about the XiPutin meeting, Biden said, “Well, we’ll see when that meeting takes place.”

The Biden administration believes China’s desire to be seen as a broker for peace between Russia and Ukraine may be viewed more critically now that Putin is officially a war crime suspect, according to two U.S. officials. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the matter publicly, said the administration hopes the warrants will help mobilize heretofore neutral countries to weigh in on the conflict.

A look at the Xi-Putin meeting and how it may be affected by the warrant.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF XI MEETING WITH PUTIN?

The visit to Russia will be Xi’s first foreign trip since being elected to an unprecedented third term as China’s president.

It comes as Beijing and Moscow have intensified ties in steps that began shortly before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with a meeting between the two leaders in Beijing during last year’s Winter Olympics at which they declared a “no limits” partnership.

Since then, China has repeatedly sided with Russia in blocking international action against Moscow for the Ukraine conflict and, US officials say, is considering supplying Russia with weapons

to support the war.

But it has also tried to cast itself in a more neutral role, offering a peace plan that was essentially ignored.

The meeting in Moscow is likely to see the two sides recommit to their partnership, which both see as critical to countering what they consider undue and undeserved influence exerted by the US and its Western allies.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ICC ARREST WARRANT ISSUED FOR PUTIN?

In the immediate term, the ICC’s warrant for Putin and one of his aides is unlikely to have a major impact on the meeting or China’s position toward Russia. Neither China nor Russia — nor the United States or Ukraine — has ratified the ICC’s founding treaty. The US, beginning with the Clinton administration, has refused to join the court, fearing that its broad mandate could result in the prosecution of American troops or officials.

That means that none of the four countries formally recognises the court’s jurisdiction or is bound by its orders, although Ukraine has consented to allowing some ICC probes of crimes on its territory and the US has cooperated with ICC investigations.

In addition, it is highly unlikely that Putin would travel to a country that would be bound by obligations to the ICC.

If he did, it is questionable whether that country would actually arrest

him. There is precedent for those previously indicted, notably former Sudanese President Omar Bashir, to have visited ICC members without being detained.

However, the stain of the arrest warrant could well work against China and Russia in the court of public opinion and Putin’s international status may take a hit unless the charges are withdrawn or he is acquitted.

WHAT IS THE VIEW FROM WASHINGTON?

US officials have not minced words when it comes to Xi’s planned visit to Moscow. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby called Beijing’s push for an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine a “ratification of Russian conquest” and warned that Russians could use a cease-fire to regroup their positions “so that they can restart attacks on Ukraine at a time of their choosing.”

“We do not believe that this is a step towards a just, durable peace,” he said. Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan this week called on Xi to also speak with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian leader has also expressed interest in talks with Xi.

WHAT IS THE VIEW FROM KYIV? Speaking before the ICC warrant was unveiled, Ukrainian analysts cautioned against falling into a potential trap ahead of the Xi-Putin meeting.

“We need to be aware that such peace talks are a trap for Ukraine and its dip-

lomatic corps,” said Yurii Poita, who heads the Asia section at the Kyiv-based New Geopolitics Research Network.

“Under such conditions, these peace talks won’t be directed toward peace,” said Nataliia Butyrska, a Ukrainian analyst on politics related to Eastern Asia.

She said the visit reflects not so much China’s desire for peace but its desire to play a major role in whatever post-conflict settlement may be reached.

“China does not clearly distinguish between who is the aggressor and who is the victim. And when a country begins its peacekeeping activities or at least seeks to help the parties, not distinguishing this will affect objectivity,” Butyrska said. “From my perspective, China seeks to freeze the conflict.”

WHAT IS THE VIEW FROM MOSCOW?

Even if China stops short of providing military assistance to Russia as the US and its allies fear, Moscow sees Xi’s visit as a powerful signal of Chinese backing that challenges Western efforts to isolate Russia and deal crippling blows to its economy.

Kremlin spokesman Yuri Ushakov noted that Putin and Xi have “very special friendly and trusting personal ties” and hailed Beijing’s peace plan.

“We highly appreciate the restrained, wellbalanced position of the Chinese leadership on this issue,” Ushakov said. Observers say that despite China’s posturing as

a mediator, its refusal to condemn the Russian action leaves no doubt about where Beijing’s sympathy lies.

“The Chinese peace plan is a fig leaf to push back against some Western criticism on support for Russia,” said Alexander Gabuev, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

“The optics that it creates is that China has a peace plan, both parties of war endorsed it and were ready to explore the opportunities and then it was killed by the hostile West.”

WHAT IS THE VIEW FROM BEIJING?

Chinese officials have been boasting about their new-found clout in the international arena as their country’s foreign policy has become increasingly assertive under Xi.

In announcing the Xi visit, China’s foreign ministry said Beijing’s ties with Moscow are a significant world force.

“As the world enters a new period of turbulence and change, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and an important power, the significance and influence of China-Russia relations go far beyond the bilateral scope,” it said.

It called the visit “a journey of friendship, further deepening mutual trust and understanding between China and Russia, and consolidating the political foundation and public opinion foundation of friendship between the two peoples for generations.”

By Matthew Lee. (AP)

“Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.”

~ W. Clement Stone

SNIPPETS

Woman run over by cluster bus in Delhi

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (PTI): A 40-year-old woman died after being run over by a cluster bus in north Delhi’s Narela on Saturday, police said.

The incident happened in front of FCI godown at main Bawana road and they received information about it at 1.25 pm, they said. The deceased has been identified as Sheela, a resident of Swatantra Nagar in Narela, Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer north) Ravi Kumar Singh said. Sheela was on a scooter with her husband when the bus hit them from behind after which she fell on the ground and the vehicle ran over her, he said.

Man shot dead by suspected Maoists in Odisha

NABARANGPUR, MAR 18 (PTI): Suspected Maoists shot dead a man holding him responsible for clearing forests and leasing out forest land for human settlement in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place at Laxmanpur village under Raighar block of the district on Friday night and the deceased was identified as Narayan Nagesh (38). Some posters left by the killers claiming to be belonging to the CPI (Maoist) Mainpur-Nuapada Divisional Committee, termed Narayan Nagesh as a timber mafia, who was accused of destroying forests in the area.

Man lynched, couple detained

ADITYAPUR (JHARKHAND), MAR 18 (PTI): A 27-year-old man was lynched allegedly by a couple for stealing a battery from their tractor in Seraikela-Kharswan district of Jharkhand on Saturday, the police said. The lynching took place at Shivnarayanpur when the man was reportedly trying to steal a battery from a tractor in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday and its owner caught him red-handed, the police said. The man was mercilessly beaten up allegedly by the couple and left lying at the spot till morning.

The police rushed to the spot on Saturday morning on being informed and shifted the man to a Seraikela Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Collegium best system developed for appointment of judges: CJI

the independence of the judiciary, which is a cardinal value. We have to insulate the judiciary from outside influences if the judiciary has to be independent,” Chandrachud said.

Punjab Police cracks down on radical preacher Amritpal; suspends internet

A few retd judges, some activists want judiciary to play role of Opposition: Rijiju

D Y Chandrachud

NEW DELHI, MAR 18

(PTI): Not every system is perfect but this is the best system available, Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud said on Saturday while defending the Collegium system of judges appointing judges, a major bone of contention between the government and judiciary.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave, 2023, the CJI said judiciary has to be protected from outside influences if it has to be independent. “Not every system is perfect but this is the best system we have developed. But the object was to protect

The CJI also responded to Law Minister Kiren Rijiju voicing displeasure over the Supreme Court Collegium revealing the government’s reasons for not approving the names recommended by it for appointment as judges of constitutional courts.

“What is wrong about having a difference in perception? But, I have to deal with such differences with a sense of robust constitutional statesmanship. I do not want to join issues with the law minister, we are bound to have differences of perceptions,” the CJI said.

Rijiju has been quite vocal against the Collegium system and once even called it “alien to our Constitution”.

Kiren Rijiju

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday claimed that a few retired judges and some activists who are “part of the anti-India gang” are trying to make the Indian judiciary play the role of the opposition party. He again criticised the collegium system to appoint judges, saying it is a result of the “misadventure” of the Congress party.

The minister was speaking at the India Today Conclave, where Chief Justice of India D Y Chan-

Jaishankar takes jibe at Rahul; says ‘for him China is harmony, and India is discord’

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday hit out at Rahul Gandhi for his comments relating to China during his recent visit to the UK, saying he is troubled to see the Congress leader “drooling over” China while being dismissive about India.

Jaishankar’s comments in an interactive session at the India Today conclave came days after Gandhi targeted the external affairs minister and the government

on their approach to dealing with challenges from China.

Referring to comments made at the conclave by US-based author Michael Pillsbury, the minister said “When Panda huggers tried to be China hawks, it does not fly.”

In his remarks, Pillsbury had referred to some “Panda huggers” in the US.

“I also, like many others, followed some of what Rahul said when he was in the UK. Obviously a lot of it is politics. I am putting that

Congress questions govt on conman posing as PMO official

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (PTI): The Congress on Saturday expressed concern over the case of a conman posing as a PMO official and getting requisite perks, saying if the government is serious about the country’s security then it must make it clear who will resign for the lapse.

aside. There is a discount when it comes to politics,” the minister said replying to a question. “I am troubled as a citizen of India when I see somebody drooling over China and being dismissive about India. And I would give you examples. He puts his description suo motu of China in that Cambridge talk,” EAM said. The external affairs minister, replying to a question, also cited Gandhi’s comments relating to China’s manufacturing capabilities.

drachud later defended the Collegium system, saying “not every system is perfect but this is the best system we have developed” and the “object was to protect the independence of the judiciary, which is a cardinal value”.

Rijiju also hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks in London on democracy in India, saying the person who speaks the most says he is not allowed to speak.

“Anti-India forces in India and outside India, they use the same language - democracy is in danger, human rights are non-existent in India. What this antiIndia gang says, the same language is used by Rahul Gandhi,” the minister alleged. Whatever Rahul Gandhi says is publicised with a “louder voice” by the “same ecosystem”, he said

Pawan Khera

questions are -- can a PMO officer get Z+ security, should Z+ security be given and is Z+ security availed so easily. It is very important to know from which level the instructions to give security to a thug came?” he said.

2 dead after

being swept away by river current in Rajasthan

JAIPUR, MAR 18 (PTI):

Two persons were killed and five others were missing on Saturday after a group was swept away by a strong water current while crossing the Chambal river on foot in Rajasthan’s Karauli district, officials said. Police said that 10 people have been rescued out of the 17 belonging to two families of Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district who stepped into the river thinking the water level was shallow.

Five drown in canal

in Sonbhadra

SONBHADRA (UP), MAR 18 (PTI): Six people, including two minors, were swept away in a canal in a hilly area here after last night’s heavy rains and hailstorm, police said on Saturday. Bodies of five of them have been recovered from the canal, they said.

All six of them had gone to a jungle near Baitara canal to get wood, Additional Superintendent of Police Kalu Singh said. “In the evening, due to sudden heavy rains and hailstorm, they started looking for a safe place. As the flow in the canal increased, six persons were swept away.

Police and search teams have recovered five bodies so far, and search is still on to find the body of a woman,” he said.

Kiran Bhai Patel from Gujarat has been arrested by police from a five-star hotel in Srinagar for posing as an ‘additional secretary’ in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and enjoying security cover besides other hospitality. He had three cases registered against him in his home state, police said on Friday.

At a press conference, Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said it was a very serious matter pertaining to the country’s security and the government probably was not focussed on such matters as it was “busy protecting the prime minister’s best friend”.

“If anyone asks questions to the Modi government, he is anti-national. Which national interest are you serving? If you are at least a little serious about the security of the nation, then tell me that at the political level who will resign in this matter?” Khera said.

“Our three essential

In a sensitive area like Jammu and Kashmir, a person has been cheating the security forces for five months and is roaming in those areas with Z+ security by making a PMO card, where common citizens cannot go, he said and raised questions over the government’s intelligence mechanism. Khera said the government must answer whose resignation will be taken for this lapse.

The ruling party has such a toolkit that the one who asks questions of them is an anti-national while one person takes Z+ security by printing fake cards of the PMO, the Congress leader alleged. According to court documents, Patel was on his third visit to the Kashmir valley and was subsequently nabbed by alert security officials on March 3.

CHANDIGARH, MAR 18 (PTI): A major police crackdown is underway in Punjab against radical preacher Amritpal Singh and his supporters over charges of spreading communal tension in the state. As the operation went underway, the Punjab government suspended internet services in the state till Sunday noon to prevent circulation of rumours and possible tension. Officials privy to the development said that six close supporters of Singh had been detained so far while a manhunt to locate the radical preacher was still on. They said the preacher had almost been caught but he managed to give a slip to the approaching police team, which intercepted his cavalcade in Mehatpur village in Jalandhar district on Saturday. Some supporters of ‘Waris Punjab De’ chief shared some videos on social media claiming that policemen were chasing

NEW DELHI, MAR 18

(PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina on Saturday inaugurated a Rs 377-crore pipeline to transport diesel from India to northern Bangladesh, cutting cost and reducing carbon footprint.

The pipeline will start a new chapter in IndiaBangladesh relations, Modi said at the inauguration.

Currently, diesel is supplied to Bangladesh through a 512-km rail route. The 131.5-km pipeline

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them. A video also showed Amritpal sitting in a vehicle and one of his aides could be heard saying policemen were after ‘Bhai saab’ (Amritpal).

The Punjab Police had registered cases against Singh and his supporters earlier last week in Ajnala for alleged hate speech. Singh gained more prominence in February this year when a man complained at Ajnala Police Station alleging he had been kidnapped and beaten by the associates of the radical preacher.

An FIR was registered against Amritpal Singh and

Modi, Hasina inaugurate Rs 377-cr diesel pipeline

carbon footprint of moving the fuel, Modi said.

The construction of the pipeline project started in 2018. It is the first crossborder energy pipeline between the two neighbours.

Of the total cost of Rs 377 crore of the project, the Rs 285 crore cost of Bangladesh section of the pipeline has been borne by the government of India under grant assistance. The IBFPL will be transporting 1 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of diesel to seven districts in Northern Bangladesh. The pipeline will run from the Siliguri-based marketing terminal of the Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) to the Parbatipur depot of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC).

six of his associates. Police later arrested one Lovepreet Singh Toofan, a close associate of Amritpal, in the matter. The arrest of Toofan prompted Amritpal to issue a warning to police to revoke the case against him, and the matter turned ugly when hundreds of his supporters broke through police barricades and stormed the police complex, armed with automatic guns and sharp weapons. Toofan was released under pressure but only after the police informed the court that they would be investigating the matter further. During the incident, six policemen including a Superintendent of Police rank officer, had suffered injuries. As the crackdown continued on Saturday, some videos of radical preachers were circulated on social media, including one shared by a supporter, who claimed policemen were after him. will supply up to 1 million tonnes per annum of diesel from Numaligarh in Assam to Bangladesh. This would not just help save on transportation costs but also reduce the

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PM Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina during the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline inauguration. (PTI)

Amritpal Singh

Millets can tackle challenges of global food security: PM Modi

NEW DELHI, MAR 18

(PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said millets can help tackle challenges of global food security as well as diseases arising from bad food habits as he exhorted farm scientists to work towards increasing the share of nutricereals in the national food basket from the current 5-6 per cent only.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the ‘Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference’, Modi noted that many states have included millets in their PDS system and suggested that other states follow suit.

He also called for including the super food in the mid-day meal so that children can get proper nutrition. The prime minister also stressed that India wants to share its agricultural practices with the world and learn from experiences

from other countries.

He also made a strong pitch for developing a stable supply chain for these super food from field to market and from one country to another. The prime minister also unveiled a customised postal stamp and Rs 75 currency coin to mark International Year of Millets celebrated this year.

Hyderabad-based ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research was also declared as a Centre of

Excellence. Speaking about the food security challenges faced by the world, Modi said: “We are aware that the world today is facing two types of challenges. On one hand, there is a Global South which is concerned about food security for the poor, on the other hand there is Global North where diseases related to food habits is becoming a serious problem.

“On one side, there is a challenge of food security and on the other side the problem of food habit. Both sides have expressed concern about heavy use of chemicals in farming. Shree Anna provides solutions for all such challenges,” he said. Millet is a common term to categorise smallseeded grasses that are often termed nutri-cereals and includes Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi), Little Mil -

2023 poll a gambling bout, highest bidder becomes...

let (Kutki), Foxtail Millet (Kakun), Proso Millet (Cheena), Barnyard Millet (Sawa), Kodo Millet (Kodon) and other millets.

Modi informed the foreign delegates present at the event about India’s branding initiatives for millets as India now calls millets

‘Shree Anna’.

He elaborated that Shree Anna is not limited to just food or farming. Those acquainted with the Indian tradition will understand the importance of prefixing ‘Shree’ before anything.

“Shree Anna is becoming a medium of holistic development in India. It is linked with ‘gaon’ as well as ‘garib’ (Village and the poor)”. He referred to Shree Anna as a door to prosperity for small farmers of the country, the cornerstone of nutrition for crores of countrymen and a felicitation of the Adivasi community.

Formation of a third opposition-less govt likely

w.e.f February 3, 2023;

KTCN president R Hasnu passes away

(From p-1)

KTCN stated that in his sudden demise the Kachari community has lost “a bold leader”, who was always ever ready to give his time and service for the community. “The void created by his demise will be very hard to replace,” the council stated. KTCN conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God Almighty grant give them strength and solace during this time of sorrow.

DDCF: Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum (DDCF) has expressed grief over the passing of KTCN president Ramesh Hasnu and said that “we have lost a won-

derful soul” in his demise.

In a condolence message, DDCF president Yibemo Kikon and general secretary Ricahrd Haolai described late Hasnu as “a man of principle and a very loving person.” Stating that the vacuum created by his demise would be very difficult to fill, the forum said his contribution to the society must have been an immense help to many. DDCF extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God Almighty grant them strength and solace during this time of grief and sorrow.

NGTC: Nagaland Garo Tribal Council (NGTC) has also expressed

deep sorrow over the demise of KTCN president Ramesh Hasnu, saying the Kachari tribe has lost “a great enthusiastic leader” in particular and the minority tribes in general.

In a condolence note, NGTC joint secretary Cliff Sangma described Hasnu as “a very tall and visionary leader” with a lot of experiences, who always believed in standing together and going together for the betterment of minority tribes and society as a whole.

NGTC has extended condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Lord Almighty give them strength to bear this irreparable loss.

2023;

State govt duty...

(From p-1) The State Election Commission and the Government to make all necessary arrangements to ensure free and fair elections in pursuance to the Notification and any violation by any authority or citizen in breach thereof would be an act in breach of the order of this court.” Accordingly, it said that the next hearing was scheduled on May 18, 2023 only to ensure that the ULB election process was over. Therefore, MAD has appealed to all registered voters of the ULBs “to whole-heartedly participate in the forthcoming ULB elections as notified with polls scheduled for 16th May 2023 and make it a resounding success.”

(From p-1) He said the journey started with high hope that the party could do better in due course of time. However, on the contrary, that hope continued dwindling away year by year and finally, the players in the field scored suicide goal and left the playfield before the time was over, he said.

On careful scrutiny, Liezietsu said it was suspected to be “a well-planned action with mischievous calculation” made by some of the former players to defect only at the eleventh hour so the original party was not given any chance to reorganise itself to face the election in 10 months’ time.

“Indeed, the purpose served them well in weakening the NPF party to its lowest ebb. But I do not admit that this was the weakness of the party and it was, indeed, a plan to destroy NPF but they have failed to achieve their ill motive goal,” Dr. Shürhozelie said.

Further, he said that former 20 NPF MLAs followed the “Pipe Piper” and joined another political party at the last moment of the tenure. He said there was no one to be blamed because the former might have taken the decision with high expectations.

Unfortunately, he said

out of 21 MLAs, only seven of them got NDPP party tickets whereas 14 of them were deprived of their expectation by their masters and out of seven only three of them survived and the rest four failed to return.

Towards this, he said retrospection of the particular case may benefit the future politicians in Nagaland. He thanked Azo, who led NPF in the electoral battle as leader, though the party could not do well as much as desired. “We have won two seats only but we called it a big win taking into account money and muscle power that was used against them by those political parties in power,” Liezietsu added.

Also, acknowledging NPF leaders from Manipur state unit, he said that even as the main central party in Nagaland the party was rendered almost helpless and therefore the party depended heavily on its in Manipur State.

The president thanked the NPF Manipur unit for their financial support and all other logistic support extended to NPF Nagaland at all times even to the extent of campaigning for NPF candidates in some constituencies. “Without them, our position will not be up to what we have today,”

Airlines misguiding people, forcing passengers to pay more: Parl Panel

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (IANS): A Parliamentary Standing Committee has taken note of the high air fares charged by some airline operators in the domestic sector, and held that they are misguiding the public and forcing passengers to pay more. The Committee also pointed out the wrong information published by the private airlines on their websites, regarding the number of seats left in the flight and the prices of the tickets.

“The level of misinformation can be gauged from the fact that even

after the last tickets have been sold, the same number of seats show on the website, as indicated before the tickets sale. This indicates that airline operators are misguiding the public and forcing passengers to pay more,” the panel said in the Demand for Grants (2023-24) report of the Civil Aviation Ministry.

In view of the above, it recommended that the Ministry should formulate appropriate guidelines regarding rationalisation of fares and publishing the correct information on the website of the airlines.

It also pointed out that ‘Predatory Pricing’ is being restored to by the domestic airlines sector.

“A particular airline may sell its air tickets at such a low level, that other competitors cannot compete and are forced to exit the market.

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he said. He also congratulated all the NPF official candidates for putting up a very good fight in their own constituencies and also expressed gratitude to the electorates who voted in favour of NPF candidates.

Party president also appreciated the electorates in Zunheboto town A/C where NPF candidate Akavi Sumi’s supporters donated paddy, rice, vegetables, animals and also money for feeding his workers. Though he lost the election, he said Akavi had set a model for the Naga people against a situation where money flows freely from other national political parties.

In his brief address, NPF Manipur president and Manipur minister Wangbow Newmai congratulated Azo and Kikon for their victory and assured to stand by the party and two MLAs, be it outside or inside the house.

Newmai said NPF was a respected party, where even the central leaders in Delhi recognized NPF as true representative of the Nagas irrespective of whether the party is in ruling or opposition, adding NPF’s decisions were viewed seriously.

Khuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA, in his address,

thanked the party for organizing the event. Nienu said he and his colleague will strive hard to revive and re-strengthen the party. He also thanked Manipur NPF unit for all the assistance extended towards NPF Nagaland during the election period.

NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon, MLA, in his address said the party belonged to every Naga and thereby those who fought with NPF tickets were the true Nagas and the brave hearts.

He congratulated the other 15 candidates for standing strong till the end. Kikon said that since 1964 this was the first time since the party was reduced to single digit. However, he said there was never a year that registered nil.

Kikon also promised to strengthen the party at grassroots level and will perform well in the ensuing assembly session representing the voice of the Nagas.

Minister and MLAs from Manipur unit Khashim Vashum, L Dikho, Leishiyo Keishing, Ram Muivah and a host of officials from NPF Manipur unit and Central Office attended the meeting.

MLAs from Manipur state unit and other units also felicitated Azo and Achumbemo.

Paiwang stresses on goal to...

(From p-1) to achieve the goal of malaria elimination by 2030. In his welcome address, commissioner & secretary H&FW, Y Kikheto Sema, said that India being one of the most diverse countries of the world, it was not an easy to manage. However, he appreciated the regional meeting where issues of a similar nature could be discussed for better delivery system. He Sema called for having constant coordination, cooperation, confidence and contribution and to have awareness campaign, cleanliness drive involving all section of the people. He also encouraged all the states to work hard to achieve the target to eliminate malaria by 2030.

Joint secretary (VDB), MoHFW, Rajiv Manjhi, said that the present review of the project was to keep a close watch on the activities and initiate connective measures, at appropriate time.

He mentioned that

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GFATM has supported and contributed almost 55% of total reported cases of malaria in North East states. He said that Mizoram and Tripura have recorded poor performance. Therefore, he urged all to work hard to ensure that the incidence of malaria was brought down to a significant number.

NCVBDC, MoHFW, director Dr. Tanu Jain; (VBD), MoHFW, joint secretary, Rajiv Manjhi and additional secretary & mission director (NHM) MoHFW, Roli Singh also gave short speeches. Earlier, the programme was chaired by principal director, H&FW, Dr. Vibeituonuo M. Sachu and vote of thanks was proposed by mission director NHM, Dr. Ritu Thurr.

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(From p-1)

In separate notification issued by the NLA secretariat, it was in -

formed that Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu, MLA was elected as leader of the NPF Legislature Party

Dr. Sukhato A Sema, MLA Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) w.e.f March 10,

Er. Picto Shohe leader of the Nationalist Congress Party w.e.f March 14, 2023.

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5 of family found dead in S Korea’s Incheon

SEOUL, MARCH 18

(IANS): Police launched an investigation on Saturday after five of a family was found dead inside their home in Incheon, South Korea. Police received a call at 10:37 a.m. reporting that people were lying motionless in an apartment in the Michuhol Ward of the city, 27 kilometers west of Seoul, according to the Michuhol Police Station. The deceased were identified as the parents and their three young children. They were discovered by a relative who visited their home. Police suspect the father, who was in his 40s, may have taken his own life after killing his wife and children. The body of the father was found alone in one room, and the other family members in a different room.

Millions of dead fish wash up in Australia

SYDNEY, MAR 18

(IANS): Residents in a regional Australian town have woken to find millions of dead fish in their river. The large-scale fish deaths were first reported on Friday morning in the New South Wales’ (NSW) town of Menindee, as per a BBC rport. The state’s river authority said it was a result of an ongoing heatwave affecting the Darling-Baaka river. Locals say it is the largest fish death event to hit the town, that experienced another significant mass death of fish just three years ago, the BBC reported. In a Facebook post, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) said the heatwave put “further stress on a system that has experienced extreme conditions from widescale flooding.”

Mortar mine blast kills

2 children in Afghan

PUL-I-ALAM (AFGHANISTAN), MARCH 18 (IANS):

Two children were killed and two others injured as a mortar mine left over from past wars went off in Afghanistan’s eastern Logar province, the staterun Bakhtar news agency reported on Saturday. A group of children found a toy-like device in the Altamor area of Pul-iAlam city, the capital of Logar province, on Friday evening and began playing with it when the device suddenly exploded, killing the two children on the spot and injuring two more, the news agency reported. A similar blast injured four children in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province last week. Afghanistan is reportedly one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world as dozens of people mostly children are killed and maimed annually in blasts of unexploded devices left over from the past four decades of wars and civil conflicts.

Two new plant species discovered in China

BEIJING, MAR 18 (IANS): Chinese researchers have discovered two new plant species in a giant panda habitat in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) said. The new species, including an orchid species and a primrose species, were first found in the Wolong National Nature Reserve by researchers from the Chengdu Institute of Biology under the CAS, Xinhua reported. The orchid species, Gastrochilus heminii, was named after Zhang Hemin, a panda expert. It was first discovered in June 2021 and identified as a new species after field investigations and specimen collections during its breeding period.

Pak police storm home of ex-PM Khan

LAHORE, MAR 18 (AP): Pakistani police stormed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s residence in the eastern city of Lahore on Saturday and arrested 61 people amid tear gas and clashes between Khan’s supporters and police, officials said.

Senior police officer Suhail Sukhera, who led the operation in an upscale Lahore neighborhood, said police acted to remove a barricade erected by members of Khan’s Tehreek-eInsaf party and his defiant supporters. He said they blocked the lanes around Khan’s residence with concrete blocks, felled trees, tents and a parked truck.

Khan was not in the home, having traveled to Islamabad to appear before a judge to face charges he sold state gifts while in office and hid his assets. The judge postponed that hearing until March 30.

Sukhera said batonwielding Khan supporters attempted to resist police by throwing stones and Molotov cocktails and a man on

the roof of Khan’s residence opened fire. At least three police officers were injured.

Sukhera said police broke open the main door of Khan’s residence and found automatic weapons, Molotov cocktails, iron rods and batons used in attacks on police during the week.

Sukhera said that inside the sprawling residence, illegal structures had been erected to shelter people involved in attacks on police that have injured dozens of officers.

Interior Minister Rana

Sanaullah said later that police would do a complete search of Khan’s home,

where they found bunkers and suspected more illegal weapons and ammunition were hidden. In Islamabad, many of Khan’s supporters were armed, he said.

Witnesses in Lahore said police attempted to disperse Khan’s supporters by firing tear gas and chased them to several homes in the Zaman Park neighborhood.

Khan’s lawyer appeared in an Islamabad court on Saturday after a top court Friday suspended Khan’s arrest warrant, giving him a reprieve to travel to Islamabad and face charges in the graft case without being detained.

Serbia and Kosovo in highstakes EU-mediated talks

Khan had been holed up at his home in Lahore since Tuesday after failing to appear at an earlier hearing in the case. His supporters hurled rocks and clashed with baton-wielding police for two days to protect the former premier from arrest.

Khan’s motorcade arrived Saturday near the federal judicial complex in Islamabad, where his supporters also clashed with police who were preventing them from entering the complex. The enraged Khan supporters threw rocks at police and in reply police lobbed tear gas canisters to disperse them.

Khan’s attorney, Babar Awan, filed an application for Khan’s exemption from appearance in court amid special circumstances.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar condemned Khan for not turning himself over to police and not appearing in court Saturday despite arriving at the judicial complex gate. He accused Khan of using his protesting supporters to avoid indictment.

Russia says ICC’s warrant for Putin ‘meaningless’

LONDON, MAR 17

(IANS): The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, reports said.

The court alleges he is responsible for war crimes, including the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia, the BBC reported.

It says the crimes were committed in Ukraine at least from February 24, 2022 - when Russia launched its full-scale invasion.

Moscow has denied allegations of war crimes during the invasion.

The ICC has charged Putin with being involved in the deportation of children, and says it has reasonable grounds to believe he committed the acts directly, as well as working with others.

The court also said the Russian leader failed to exercise his rights to stop others who deported children, BBC reported.

Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, is also

Turkey estimates earthquakes loss over $105 bn

ANKARA, MAR 18

(IANS): An official report has estimated that the twin earthquakes that hit southern Turkey on February 6 cost approximately 2 trillion Turkish liras (about $105.2 billion) for the country.

The report, announced by Turkey’s Treasury and Finance Ministry and prepared by the presidency’s department of strategy and budget, predicted that the financial burden caused by the tragic tremors could reach approximately 9 percent of the national income in 2023, Xinhua news agency reported.

The study noted that the support expenditures made to the earthquake area cost a total of 351 billion liras (about $18.5 billion) in national income.

Housing damage took the lion’s share in the earthquake’s total burden on the Turkish economy with 54.9 percent, and the monetary value was calculated as 1.07 trillion liras (about $56.4 billion). The second largest cause of damage loss was the destruction of public infrastructure and service buildings, with estimated 242.5 billion liras (about $12.7 billion).

Private sector damage, excluding housing, was calculated as 222.4 billion liras (about $11.7 billion). This item included damage to manufacturing, energy, communication, tourism, health and education sectors.

Vladimir Putin Joe Biden

wanted by the ICC.

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the arrest warrants are meaningless. “The decisions of the International Criminal Court have no meaning for our country, including from a legal point of view,” Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram, BBC reported.

That is because despite the warrants, the ICC has no powers to arrest suspects, and can only exercise jurisdiction within countries who are signed up to the agreement that set up the court.

Russia is not a signatory to that agreement - so it is unlikely either will be extradited, BBC reported.

Bidenwelcomes ICC’swarcrimes chargesagainstPutin

U.S. President Joe Biden has welcomed the International Criminal Court’s issuing of an arrest warrant against his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

The ICC accused President Putin of committing war crimes in Ukrainesomething President Biden said the Russian leader had “clearly” done, BBC reported. The claims focus on the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia since Moscow’s invasion in 2022.

Moscow has denied the

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We the Family members of Mr & Mrs. Nokban Konyak of Fire victims would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual/ groups who stood by us and supported us physically, financially, spiritually and morally during our hardship when the Fire razed (destroyed) my house at Chümoukidema Town Ward-10 on 28th February 2023. All your visits, messages, materials and monetary contributions are greatly appreciated.

We specially like to thank :

1. Police baptist Church 14th NAP (IR) bn. Kiphire.

2. Commandant & all ranks, 15th NAP (IR) Mahila bn, CMD.

3. 15th NAP (IR) Mahila bn. baptist Church.

4. NCO’S14 NAP (IR) bn.

5. C- Company 14th NAP (IR)bn.

6. b- Company 14th NAP (IR) bn

7. Nagaland Police Training School (NPTS) Chümoukidema.

8. Konyak brothers 14th NAP (IR )bn.

9. Konyak Sisters, 15th NAP (IR) Mahila bn, CMD.

10. Rosemount International Pre. School, Chümoukidema. Teaching Staff and Parents

11. Konyak Union, Chümoukidema.

12. Konyak baptist Church, Chümoukidema.

13. KNSK Unit, Chümoukidema.

14. Konyak Students' Union, Chümoukidema.

15. Konyak baptist Youth, Chümoukidema.

16. Wakching Area Union, Chümoukidema

17. Tizit Area Union, Chümoukidema.

18. Wanching Nokden Union, Chümoukidema.

19. Chaoha Nokden Union, Chümoukidema.

21.

22.

23.

24.

OHRID (NORTH MACEDONIA), MAR 18 (AP):

Western officials are hoping for progress on Saturday in EU-mediated talks between Serbia and Kosovo’s leaders, in a new attempt to ease decades of tensions between the Balkan wartime foes and solve one of Europe’s longest standing disputes.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti arrived at North Macedonia’s lakeside resort of Ohrid for meetings with international envoys and

rare head-to-head talks.

They tentatively agreed last month to the wording of an 11-point EU plan to normalise relations following the neighbours’ 1998-1999 war and Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008.

Both countries hope to join the European Union one day, and have been told they must first mend their relations.

Solving the dispute has become more important as war rages in Ukraine and fears mount that Russia could try to stir instability in

the volatile Balkans where it holds historic influence.

“This is the time for the leaders of Kosovo, Serbia, and of the entire Western Balkans to show courage and to demonstrate shared responsibility for the success of the EU accession process of the region,” said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who will chair Saturday’s meeting.

He said the talks will focus on how to implement the EU plan that calls for the two countries to maintain good neighbourly relations, and recognise each other’s official documents and national symbols. If implemented, it would prevent Belgrade from blocking Kosovo’s attempts to seek membership in the United Nations and other international organisations.

The tentative agreement, drafted by France and Germany and supported by the US, doesn’t explicitly call for mutual recognition between Kosovo and Serbia.

allegations and denounced the warrants as “outrageous”. It is highly unlikely that much will come of the move, as the ICC has no powers to arrest suspects without the co-operation of a country’s government, BBC reported.

Russia is not an ICC member country, meaning the court has no authority there. However, it could affect Putin in other ways, such as being unable to travel internationally. He could now be arrested if he sets foot in any of the court’s 123 member states. Putin is the third president to be issued with an ICC arrest warrant. Biden said that while the court also held no sway in the U.S., the issuing of the warrant “makes a very strong point.”

His administration had already “formally determined” that Russia had committed war crimes during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Kamala Harris saying in February that those involved would “be held to account.”

Helicopter crash in Brazil kills 4

SAO PAULO, MAR 18

(IANS): Four people were killed after the helicopter they were aboard crashed on a street in Brazil’s Sao Paulo, the largest metropolis in South America, the Fire Department said. The accident occurred at 2:35 p.m. local time in the Barra Funda neighbourhood in the western area of the city, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a tweet by the Fire Department. The Fire Department, part of the Sao Paulo state Military Police, added that nine vehicles were affected by the crash and that it was “awaiting further information.”

The helicopter, according to local media, was a Robinson R44 Raven II, apparently owned by an air taxi company. Sao Paulo has 411 private registered helicopters, with 2,200 daily trips per 2021 data, according to the Brazilian Helicopter Pilots Association.

Office of the RENGMA MOTHERS’ ASSOCIATION

Headquater : Tseminyu Town District : Tseminyu, Nagaland -797109

Ref................ Date : 16/03/2023

FELICITATION

The Office of the Rengma Mothers’ Association (RMA) Tseminyu Nagaland, with immense pleasure and joy, conveys our heartiest congratulation to Ar. Jwenga Seb on being elected to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 12 Tseminyu A/C.

The RMA extends its full support and cooperation as you march forward with the people of Tseminyu District and we believe that under your dynamic leadership the Rengma people would witness all round development.

We further extend our humble prayer and wish that our Almighty God bless you abundantly in your future endeavours.

General Secretary President

Rengma Mothers’ Association Rengma Mothers’ Association

Tseminyu : Nagaland Tseminyu : Nagaland

LETTER OF APOLOGY

This letter of apology is being tendered to all individuals/communities that may have been hurt by my comment on HornbillTv News posted on 22 nd February 2023 in Youtube (https:// youtu.be/XkVadNoGtRY at 7min 33 sec to 7min 38sec). Out of anguish, grief and shock on seeing the horrific and mutilated dead body of Late Imkongjeba Kichu who was like a son to me. I, Mrs Temsunaro Ajem of Chungtia Village spontaneously cried out those words. My words in the aforementioned clip has offended the Chungtia Village Council and I was summoned by the Council on 13th March 2023. As per the directive of the Chungtia Village Council, I hereby tender my apology and express regret for my words.

Sd/Mrs Temsunaro Ajem Chungtia Village MKC

Malawi: Death toll from cyclone Freddy rises to 438

BLANTYRE (MALAWI),

MAR18 (IANS): More bodies have been recovered in Malawi hit by cyclone Freddy, raising the death toll to at least 438, the country’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs has said.

The cumulative number of injured people has reached 918, with another 282 reported missing, Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday quoting Charles Kalemba, commissioner of Department of Disaster Management Affairs.

Around 3,45,183 people (or 79,602 households) have been displaced and 505 camps have been set up to accommodate them.

The commissioner said his department, humanitarian partners and councils “continue to facilitate the provision of relief assistance to affected and displaced households, with search and rescue operations led by the Malawi Defence Force, the Malawi Police Service, the Department of Marine, the Malawi Red Cross Society and communities underway”.

C ORRECTION OF D ATE OF B IRTH

Registration No. : 465/2023 Date : 18/03/2023

I, Shri. Supongrepba do hereby affirm and declare that my D.O.B. is 25/09/1990 as mentioned in my Birth Certificate and not as 25/08/1990 mentioned in my Appointment Order.

DP-1181/23

OFFICE OF THE EASTERN YINGNYÜ UNION KOHIMA, NAGALAND

Dated: 18th March 2023

FELICITATION

With immense pride and honour, we the Eastern Yingnyü Union Kohima would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Shri. C. Danted Phom, S/o Late Chingkhu Phom of Sakshi Village for being promoted to the post of Joint Secretary under P&AR Department, Government of Nagaland. The Union further wishes and prays for the best in his future endeavours and may the Almighty grant him good health and wisdom.

Sd/- Sd/(E. THIBA PHOM) (P. ANYAK PHOM) President General Secretary K-575/23

OFFICE OF THE JAPU VILLAGE COUNCIL

P.O Mangkolemba – 798604 Dist. Mokokchung, Nagaland AppreciAtion

The Japu Village Council and the Japu Senso Mungdang would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Shri. Temjen Imna Along, Hon’ble Minister Tourism & Higher Education, Govt. of Nagaland for having successfully contested in the recently concluded 14th NLA Election 2023 from the 30m Alongtaki A/C, who trusted and voted our visionary leader to lead our state and our constituency to greater heights. We convey our best wishes and may the good Lord guide him in all his future endeavors.

President Secretary Japu Senso Mungdang Japu Senso Mungdang

Chairman Secretary Japu Village Council Japu Village Council

20. Chen Ching baptist Fellowship, Dhansiripar.

Chen Union Dimapur.

Chenwetnyu baptist Church.

Chenwetnyu Students' Union.

Western Chenwetnyu Union HQ. Dimapur. Though we cannot mention each and every individual’s name here, it is our humble prayer that God’s blessings will be upon you all.

Mr. Nokban Konyak & Mrs. Hoilem Konyak

Police detain supporters of PTI during a search operation in Imran’s resident, in Lahore, Saturday. (AP)

Kosovo’s PM, center, with EU High Representative Borrell, EU Special Representative Lajcak, at N Macedonia. (AP)

Kohima College hosts ‘Yuva Utsav’

PCC (A) orgnaises annual ‘Cultural Fest’

Actor Lance Reddick, who appeared in major TV series like ‘The Wire’, ‘Fringe’ and ‘Bosch’ and films like the ‘John Wick’ franchise, which is set to debut ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ next week, died of natural causes aged 60.

Variety has confirmed with his representative. He was found dead at his Studio City home in Los Angeles on Friday morning, according to TMZ, which first reported the news.

Students set up their Morungs during the cultural fest.

value each other’s culture.

Kohima College, Kohima hosted the district-level “Yuva Utsav—India @2047”, a Pan-India flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) in collaboration with Kohima College.

The event was launched across 150 districts across India. This initiative was launched in commemoration of 75 years of Independence— Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and PM Modi’s Panch Pran Amrit Kal, the first of it being “Goal of Developed India”, which was also the theme for several competitions in this Yuva Utsav.

Five competitions were simultaneously held

for colleges and schools in painting, declamation, poetry, cultural show and photography. A formal programme for Kohima district Yuva Utsav was also part of the event.

The special guest for the programme was additional secretary YRS, Anthony Ngully, in his speech linked the Yuva Utsav initiative to India’s largely youthful population in his address—a fact that could be a ‘demographic dividend’ for the country if the Indian government could harness them as the Chinese government had done to propel itself into being a global economic powerhouse. The student audience were then, counselled to be patriotic and good citizens for their youth and skill to be useful for India’s growth.

OFFICE OF THE RENGMA SELO ZI HQ: TSEMINYU

TSEMINYU

: NAGALAND - 797109 FELICITATION

The office of the Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) is elated to extend our hearty congratulations to Ar. Jwenga Seb on being elected to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 12th Tseminyu A/C during the recently held 14th NLA General Election 2023.

Having been duly mandated to represent the constituency, the RSZ is confident that with his elation, the aspiration of our people towards the prosperity and all round development of Tseminyu District will sooner come to fruition under his dynamic and visionary leadership.

Further, we iterate our fullest support and cooperation to his leadership in the pursuit of our common aspiration for the betterment and welfare of the people whom he so represent.

The President and colleagues of the Rengma Selo Zi wish him good health and prayers as he embarks upon this challenging new chapter of public service.

(KENNETH KATH) President

General secretary, Kohima College Students’ Council (KCSC), Hyulo Tsela, conveyed the welcome address and a short introductory speech was delivered by NYKS representative, account & programme assistant, Ruokuovikho Chale, who pointed out that Yuva Utsav was designed to celebrate talented artists, poets, painters, orators, etc., amongst the Indian youth.

A short speech on HIV prevention and treatment awareness was also delivered by District Program Officer, District AIDS Prevention & Control Unit (DAPCU), Kohima NSACS, Sentimongla Tzudir. The programme was chaired by Thejavizo Venuh.

The programme con-

cluded with a prize distribution ceremony, where Kohima College, Kohima and Mount Olive College, Kohima won the most prizes.

The winners of the various competitions are: Painting Competition – first by Tahimu Trakha, second by Bambambe Irangbe and third by Nukulu Hoshi.

Photogrpahy Competition - First by Neisaho Noho, second by S Nokpai Konyak and third by Lenpenthe.

Poetry Competition

– First by Tsonger K. Jongphe, second by Joel Solo and third by Nüzokholü Shijo.

Cultural Show - Zeliangrong Troops and in declamation competition

– First by Küvethi Swüro, second by Sameer Khati and third by Lenrishe Anar.

OFFICE OF THE KOHIMA lONGSA SENSO TElONGJEM KOHIMA – 797001, NAGAlAND FElICITATION

The Kohima Longsa Senso Telongjem extends our heartiest congratulations to Shri. Metsubo Jamir, Honourable Minister for Rural Development and SIRD for his tremendous victory in the 14th NLA Election from 27th Mokokchung Town A/C.

The Union further extends prayers and wishes that our Almighty God continue to Bless him with good health, wisdom and success in all his endeavours.

(lANUAKUM) (BENDANGMEREN) President, KLST General Secretary, KLST

In the upcoming ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’, which is set to release in theatres on March 24, Reddick reprises his role as Charon, the concierge at the Continental Hotel in New York City who appeared in all four entries.

Charon worked alongside Keanu Reeves’ unretired hitman, notably looking after John’s new dog in the second instalment and joining in on the gun-toting action in the third movie. Reddick was also slated to appear in the upcoming ‘Ballerina’ spinoff, starring Ana de Armas.

Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) organised a two-day “Annual Cultural Fest” under the theme, “Flowers of our roots” on March 17 and 18. The fest was jointly organised by the Students Union of Patkai Christian College and the Post Graduate Students’ Welfare Committee.

Speaking on the occasion as special guest on the inaugural day, MLA, Bhandari Assembly Constituency under Wokha district, Achumbemo Kikon called upon the youths to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the rich tradition and culture of the state.

He also encouraged the young minds to go back to reading and gain full knowledge thereby being an asset to the society and not a liability.

Appreciating the college for observing “Cultural Day” in the college, he said

this will enable the young minds to understand the importance of preservation.

Earlier, principal PCC, Dr. T Peiru, while welcomed the guests, informed that the objective of the celebration is to encourage faculty and students to participate in preservation and promotion of the rich and vibrant culture and tradition of various communities in Patkai.

On the second day, assistant professor, Political Science department, Dr. Zhoto Tunyi impressed upon the importance of observing annual cultural fest and said that invoking and partaking in symbolic cultural activities, they are telling stories and reclaiming their history by creating a space for them to come together to strengthen common ties and celebrate diversity.

Calling the youths, the “keeper of culture”, Dr. Tunyi urged them to foster and

The two-day celebration concluded with various activities such as ethnic fashion show, group dance, folk drama, cultural dish competition, bamboo climbing, men and women’s tug of war, men’s deadlift, men’s pull up, women’s squat and Naga wrestling.

One of the highlights of the two-day event was the preparation of ethnic cuisines by the students in their respective communities’ Morungs. Thereafter, the foods prepared were shared with all the attendees and guests to ensure that everyone present tasted the dishes of various tribes studying at Patkai.

Apart from various tribes of Nagaland, students from Manipur, Mizoram, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh also put-up their Morungs and shared their cuisine.

OFFICE OF THE BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP) 4 GHASPANI – I A/C DIPHUPAR UNIT C ONGRATU l ATORY N OTE

With immense pride and reverence, the Diphupar Unit BJP, would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri. Jacob Zhimomi Honorable Minister, for being inducted as Minister Public Health Engineering and Corporation, Government of Nagaland.

May God Almighty grant Shri. Zhimomi good health and wisdom as he continues his journey as an admirable public leader and a gentleman of deed. Sd/- Sd/(Kikheshe Ayemi) (T. Renchamo Odyuo) President, DU Seasonal Secy., DU

K-578/23

CONGRATULATIONS

The Dimapur Nkonjan Phiro Union expresses our warm and heartiest congratulations to Shri. Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, NCP candidate, 38 Wokha A/C on his success in the Nagaland General Election 2023.

The union extends deep gratitude to all his supporters, well wishers and sympathizers for their outstanding support braving through many unfavorable circumstances.

We wish and pray that the Almighty God grant you good health and success in all your future endeavours.

A.

Renpomo Odyuo

Renchumo Tungoe Chairman Secretary Dimapur Phiro Union Dimapur Phiro

Union

Anthony Ngully with other participants during the ‘Yuva Utsav’ at Kohima College.

‘The Wire’, ‘John Wick’ star Lance Reddick passes away at 60

Lance Reddick

ATK Mohun Bagan crowned ISL champs

Beat Bengaluru FC 4-3 on penalties

MARGAO, MAR 18

(PTI): ATK Mohun Bagan held their nerves in a tightly contested Indian Super League final to beat Bengaluru FC 4-3 on penalties and lift their maiden title here on Saturday.

In a game that ended 2-2 in regulation time, ATKMB’s Dimitri Petratos scored all three penalties he took on the night before Vishal Kaith’s save from Bruno Ramires’ in the shootout brought them one step closer.

Bengaluru FC’s Pablo Perez then sent his spotkick over the bar as the Mariners sealed the result in a game where they had unsettled Bengaluru FC right from the start.

Bengaluru FC were forced into bringing Sunil Chhetri early on after Sivasakthi Narayanan was stretchered off in the opening seconds of the match.

Things went further away from plan in the 13th minute when Krishna han-

dled the ball from a Petratos corner as ATKMB were awarded a penalty. Petratos finished the job from the spot to put his team in front.

ATKMB made use of this advantage to put pressure on Bengaluru FC, who picked up a glut of yellow cards on the pitch and one off it for head coach Simon Grayson.

But in the final minute of first-half stoppage time, they were given a way back when Bose missed the ball and made contact with Krishna while attempting a clearance. Chhetri stepped up to take the penalty and sent Kaith the wrong way to restore parity.

In the final quarter of the game, Rohit’s shot from the edge of the box created

All England Championships: TreesaGayatri lose at semifinal stage

BIRMINGHAM, MAR 18 (PTI): The Indian women’s pairing of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand’s sensational run came to an end as they signed off with a second successive semifinal finish at the All England Championships here on Saturday.

The two young shuttlers found the going tough against Korean world number 20 pairing of Baek Na Ha and Lee So Hee, losing 10-21 10-21 in a 46-minute women’s doubles contest at the Utilita arena.

als to boost with former partner Shin Seung-chan.

a series of corners, before a deflection found Krishna at the far post, and the striker nodded it home in the 78th minute. But five minutes from time, the game was all square again. At the edge of the Bengaluru FC box, Kiyan Nassiri went down after a nudge from Perez as ATKMB won their second penalty of the evening.

Footballer Atsu laid to rest in Ghanaians’ grief

ACCRA (GHANA), MARCH 18 (IANS):

Ghanaian President Nana

Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo led a government delegation to pay their last respects to former Black Stars player Christian Atsu, who got caught up and died in the earthquake in Turkiye last month.

The funeral on Friday was also attended by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, former Presi -

dent John Dramani Mahama, family members, officials from the Turkish embassy in Ghana, ex-footballers and well-wishers, who were all filled with grief and agony.

In a tribute read on behalf of the government by the Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif, the government observed that the people will continue to remember the late footballer as a committed and

Baptist High School sports meet concludes

Winner of boys’ football - Red House.

DIMAPUR, MAR 18

( NPN): Baptist High School, Tening concluded its 31st spots meet under the leadership of sports in-charge teachers Kewizaisibo Rentta and Ariange. According to a press release by headmaster of the school, Kenkhambo, both students and teachers participated in athletics and

CSK eyeing stake in MLC’s Texas team

CHENNAI, MAR 18

(PTI): Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could be eyeing a stake in the Texas team, one of Major League Cricket’s (MLC) six sides. The four-time IPL winners on Saturday revealed that they will soon make a “major announcement” with regard to their association with the new T20 tournament in the US. San Francisco Unicorns, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle Orcas, Texas and Washington D.C. are the six teams competing in the tournament, scheduled to be begin on July 13 this year.

MLC had announced on Friday that another IPL franchise Delhi Capitals, co-owned by GMR Group, will partner with Seattle Orcas to “help build and operate a world-class cricket team”.

The Seattle Orcas’ lead investor group includes Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft and Soma Somasegar, managing director of Madrona Ventures, among others.

group games plays in four days of the sports meet. Red house won both boys and girls football and Blue and Yellow house were runners-up respectively while Greenhouse won the boys volleyball. The closing prayer was pronounced by the school managing board member Ranluliu

dedicated player, a Xinhua report said. “The government and Ghanaians in general will continue to

remember Christian Atsu as one of the most committed, dedicated and resultoriented youth and a football star of our time,” said the government official.

Former Ghanaian international Atsu was found dead 12 days after the devastating earthquake hit Turkiye and Syria. The 31-year-old had been missing since the earthquake took place in the early hours of February 6.

OffICE Of tHE

SüMI APHUyEMI KIPHIMI KüqHAKUlU (SAKK) Pughoboto, Nagaland CONGRAtUlAtORy NOtE

The Sümi Aphuyemi Kiphimi Küqhakulu (SAKK) would like to express our heartiest congratulations to Dr. Sukhato A. Sema on being elected to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, 2023 from 13 Pughoboto Assembly Constituency.

The union further extends its prayer and wishes that the God Almighty grant him wisdom, good health and guidance as he takes his pledge to serve the Nagas in general and the Aphuyemi in particular. May your leadership bring about positive changes to every corner of Nagaland and beyond!

ANOPA KAPPO MUGHASHE ACHUMI President, SAKK General Secretary, SAKK

Petratos was on hand to score again. In the third minute of stoppage time, Asish Rai’s goal bound shot was cleared off the line by Prabir Das. Moments later, Colaco and Nassiri almost combined to score, but Bruno Ramires provided the crucial interception as the game went into extra time.

Gayatri’s father Pullela Gopichand, the chief national coach, was the last Indian to win the All England crown, in 2001, the first being the legendary Prakash Padukone in 1980.

Gayatri, 20, and Treesa, 19, had a big opportunity to reach the finals but it ended in anticlimax as they played into the hands of the Koreans.

The Indians were pitted against Baek and Lee, the latter being an experienced player with two world championships med-

MOUNT TIYI COLLEGE TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION

WOKHA: NAGALAND

MTCTA FELICITATES TEMJEN IMNA ALONG

Mount Tiyi College Teachers' Association (MTCTA), Wokha extends heartfelt congratulations to Shri. Temjen Imna Along on his successful election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly and inducted for the second time as Minister for Higher Education.

MTCTA appreciates his ablest contributions during his previous tenure and hopes that his second tenure will be another blessing for the College.

MTCTA prays that our good Lord continue to grant him good health, wisdom, and a discerning heart as he works for the advancement of higher education and the welfare of teachers and students.

Dr. Libemo Kithan Rentsamo J. Humtsoe President, MTCTA General Secretary, MTCTA

In fact, Lee and Shin had faced defeat against the Indian pair in the last edition but the Koreans have been relentless this week with wins over second and eighth seeds and looked in supreme touch as they came up with a tactical masterclass.

The Koreans turned into a retrieving machine as they defended seamlessly and extended the rallies with their high tosses and lifts to not allow the Indians to play their short flat rally game.

The result was that Gayatri and Treesa failed to make a good start, like they did in this week, falling behind 0-4 early on. Lee and Baek frustrated the Indian with longer rallies, waiting patiently for their opponents to make errors. It worked perfectly as the Koreans grabbed a 11-5 lead.

Briefly the Indians made it 9-13 but it was a one-way traffic from 14-10, with the Koreans drawing the first blood with seven straight points, including the last which went long from Gayatri.

OffICE Of tHE KINIMI

KUGHUKO

KüqHAKUlU

fElICItAtION

We, the KINIMI KUGHUKO KüqHAKUlU would like to extend our hearty congratulations to SHRI KAZHEtO KINIMI BJP Candidate for emerging victorious in the recently concluded 14th NLA election from 31 A/C Akuluto The Union extends our prayer and support. May Almighty God bless you as you shoulder your responsibility.

We wish you good health, prosperity and success.

(IHOSHE KINIMI) (AVItO KINIMI) Secretary Chairman dp -1175/23

Treesa Jolly with Gayatri Gopichand Pullela during their women’s double semi-final match. (AP/PTI)

Christian Atsu

ATK Mohun Bagan players pose with the trophy and celebrate their victory.

Venuzo Dawhuo wins 14th open NWC

RS.50 CRORE APPROVED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WORLD CLASS STADIUM AT TSIESEMA

Peren Govt College annual sports concludes

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAR 18

(NPN): Venuzo Dawhuo emerged winner of the 14th open Naga Wrestling Championship, making him the only fighter to win the Open Naga Wrestling Championship three times and also defend his title after winning the 13th Open Naga Wrestling Championship.

The event was organised by Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA), hosted by Zeliang Wrestling Association (ZWA) and co-hosted by Kuda Village Council (KVC), at MultiDisciplinary Sports Complex (MDSC), on Saturday, here at Dimapur.

Addressing the gathering as the special guest, Deputy Chief Minister and minister of planning & transformation and national highway, TR Zeliang stated that Naga Wrestling was practiced by the Naga forefathers since time immemorial, however Naga Wrestling started only during the 1960’s under the banner of Federal Government of Nagaland.

He cited that that the first legitimate Naga Wrestling Board was formed in

1969 and later renamed to Nagaland Wrestling Association.

Lauding the NWA for successfully organizing the championship, he stated that the association is a wellstructured and prominent organization focusing on improvement of the traditional game to take forward different styles of wrestling to greater heights.

On the cash prize of the tournament, he considered the gesture as a remarkable indication of promoting wrestling in the state.

Acknowledging that the event was organised

outside state capital for the first time, he opined that the movement was a good start, adding that people from outside Kohima must also be given the opportunity to learn and witness the beautiful game passed down by ancestors.

He further appealed to the three units of NWA, Angami Sports Association, Chakesang Wrestling Association, Zeliang Wrestling Association, to work wholeheartedly as a unified body to promote not only wrestling, but other fragmented sports organizations in the state.

Zelaing also informed

the gathering that the state government has been providing constant support to NWA by granting annual grant in aid through Youth Resource and Sports department, besides providing logistic support and financial assistance during various foreign trips while representing India.

He also revealed that the state government recently approved Rs 50 Crore for construction of a world class stadium at Tsiesema under Kohima district, by acquiring 14 acres of land. He reminded the younger generations on how sports play an important

2nd Test: 200s for Williamson, Nicholls; New Zealand declare at 580-4

WELLINGTON, MAR 18 (AP): Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls made double centuries in a 363-run partnership for the third wicket as New Zealand amassed 580-4 before declaring its first innings Saturday on the second day of the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka. Williamson posted his sixth double century and was out for 215 and Nicholls brought up his first and highest Test score for New Zealand and was 200 not out when captain Tim Southee signalled the declaration.

It was the first time two New Zealand batsmen had scored double centuries in the same innings of a Test.

The partnership was the ninth-highest for the third wicket in all Tests and New Zealand’s highest since Martin Crowe and Andre Jones made 467 against Sri Lanka in the Basin Reserve in 1991. Williamson batted for 6-1/2 hours and Henry for one minute longer.

New Zealand resumed Saturday at 155-2 with Williamson 26 not out and Nicholls at 18. Williamson and Nicholls stayed together for most of the day.

At stumps and after 17 overs, Sri Lanka was 26-2 with captain Dimuth Karunaratne 16 not out and nightwatchman Prabath Jayarsuriya 4 not out.

Oshada Fernando was out for 6, caught by Tom

Blundell from the bowling of Matt Henry and Kusal Mendis was 4 when he was brilliantly caught at point by Devon Conway off Doug Bracewell who is playing his first test since 2016.

The first day at the Basin Reserve was dark and gloomy. Only 48 overs were possible between the rain-delayed start and finish hastened by bad light. The second day dawned bright

and sunny and the pitch at the Basin Reserve, which was soft and slow on the first day, had become firm and ideal for batting.

Williamson scored an unbeaten 121 when New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by two wickets from the final ball of the first test and 132 as New Zealand beat England by one run in the second test at the Basin Reserve one month ago.

Nicholls had gone 10 tests since he last passed 50: he made only 2 and 20 in the first test against Sri Lanka and 70 at 17 in four innings over two tests against England. Williamson reached 50 from 106 balls in 142 minutes and Nicholls’ half century came from 79 balls in 145 minutes as he played a subordinate role early on.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 26 for 2 (Karunaratne 16*, Jayasuriya 4*, Doug Bracewell 1-1, Henry 1-15) trail New Zealand 580 for 4 dec (Williamson 215, Nicholls 200*) by 554 runs

role in overall development of human lives.

Urging them to make sports an integral part of their life, he said, “A good education system is not based only on development of the mind but is equally focused on the development of physical body.”

Zeliang cited the examples of Dr T Ao who was the flag bearer for the Indian contingent at London Olympics and encouraged participants to always aim higher.

Hoping that the 14th NWA event organized for the first time outside Kohima would be a starting

point to strengthen unity of not only three units of NWA, but Naga people in general, he said, “It is high time that Naga people unite and march forward in unison and I am hopeful that this event will be an inspiration for our people to move forward for progress and development in our land.”

Earlier, the programme was chaired by general secretary, NWA, Vilekho Bio; invocation by pastor, Kuda Village Baptist Church, Ruopfüzhalie Nagi, greetings by president, NWA, Dr Hiabe Zeliang and a special song by Thejasier Khate.

A total of 56 wrestlers participated in the 14th Open Naga Wrestling Championship, of which, one wrestler each were from Ao, Suni, Lotha. A nonNaga wrestler also participated. Winners of the 14th Open Naga Wrestling Championship will walk away with a cash prize of Rs. 2.1 lakhs, Rs. 1.6 lakhs, Rs. 1.1 lakhs and Rs. 80 thousand for the First, Second, Third and Fourth winners respectively, along with citation, whilst quarter finalists will walked away with Rs. 10,000 each and citations.

DIMAPUR, MAR 18 (AGENCIES): Peren Government College held its 35th annual games and sport meet under the theme, “The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory” at Peletkie village football ground in Peren district from March 16 to 18. According to a press release by the media cell convenor of Peren Government College, the threeday event began with a brief formal program where vice principal of the college Albert exhorted students on the importance of sports . He encouraged them to give their best not only in studies but also in extracurricular activities such as sports and games

to excel in life. Asst. games & sports secretary, PGCSU, Chetrailube Ndang chaired the program, Invocation was pronounced by PGC EU prayer secretary Keyipeiraile, and special melody by Keyipeiraibe, Other highlights included, lighting of torch by Rangzaibeule of 6th Semester and oath taking by games & sports secretary, PGCSU. In the group level competition, the overall champion was bagged by ‘Hearts’ Group and in individual level,. Kenzeu and Rangzaibeule of 6th Semester bagged the individual champion position for boys and girls category respectively.

BWC: Nitu, Preeti, Manju enter pre-quarters

Italy ruling in the Indian’s favour much to the joy of the partisan crowd at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall.

Having won her opening bout by an RSC verdict, Preeti had to work hard for her second win in the tournament. Both boxers looked to keep a distance in the first few seconds. Preeti was caught unawares by a Perijoc straight jab but the Haryana pugilist recovered soon.

The 2022 Asian Championships bronze medallist then landed two punches on her Romanian opponent and led 3-2 at the end of the first round.

NEW DELHI, MAR 18 (PTI): Indian boxers continued to shine at home as three of them entered the pre-quarters with contrasting wins at the Women’s World Championships here on Saturday.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Nitu Ganghas (48kg) began her campaign with a RSC win over Doyeon Kang of Korea, while Preeti (54kg)

eked out a 4-3 split decision victory against Romania’s Lacramioara Perijoc.

Manju Bamboriya (66kg), on the other hand, defeated Cara Wharerau of New Zealand by a 5-0 unanimous verdict. Nitu, who lost in the quarterfinal during the last edition, opened her campaign in the best possible way, winning the bout in the first round itself.

In the opening minute, she used her hook and left cross but wasn’t able to connect her jabs. The boxers then went into a frenzy as they punched each other with both hands. Soon, Kang got the first standing count.

With Nitu continuing her onslaught, the Korean got her second standing count 20 seconds later with referee Luca Vadilonga of

In the second round, both boxers tried to sidestep each other as Perijoc resorted to body blows. Preeti danced around the ring, using her nimble feet, as she tried to avoid the Romanian. She landed some accurate punches but lost the round 2-3.

The final round was a draw with the bout going into a review. The evaluator and observer ruled in favour of the Indian.

Djokovic

to miss Miami Open after being denied entry to US

NEW DELHI,

MARCH 18

(IANS): World number one men’s tennis player Novak Djokovic has been denied entry to the United States over his vaccination status and he will miss next week’s

ATP Masters 1000 Miami

Open in Florida.

The Miami Open main draw starts on March 22 and the tournament ends on April 2. “We did all that we could. We tried to talk to the government, but that’s out of our hands. We tried, and he wasn’t able to play,” Miami Open tournament director James Blake told Tennis Channel. “Same result that he had in Indian Wells, where I know (fellow tournament director)

Tommy Haas did as much as he could. We tried to get No-

vak Djokovic to be allowed to get an exemption, but that wasn’t able to happen. We’d love to have him, and he’s our greatest champion, he’s won six times here. Unfortunately, that’s way above my pay grade,” he added. Notably, unvaccinated air travellers are still prohibited from entering the States until the middle of May.

The Serbian great asked American authorities last month for special permission to enter the United States despite being unvaccinated against the coronavirus. His bid to enter the US had even been backed by the US Open and the United States Tennis Association, who had implored the government to make an exception for the tennis great.

“Novak Djokovic is one the greatest champions our sport has ever seen. The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami,” the US Open Twitter account posted earlier this month.

Men’s open volleyball c’ship from Apr 12

DIMAPUR, MAR 17

(NPN): The 7th edition of A. Sopen Konyak Memorial Men’s Open Volleyball Championship organised by Deu Yong Club will be held at Tobu Village from April 12-14, 2023.

A press release issued by Deu Yong Club has informed that apart from individual prizes such as best spiker, best libero and best setter, the winner of the tournament will walk away with a cash prize of

Rs. 50,000 along with trophy, certificates and medal while the runners-up will receive a cash amount of Rs. 30,000 and two losing semi-finalists will receive a cash amount of Rs. 10,000 each.

Novak Djokovic

The in-form Williamson scored 215.

Manju Bamboriya (blue) in action during a match against Cara Wharerau of Newzealand in the 66 kg category at the 2023 IBA WBWC. (PTI)

Participants and winners along with tournament officials. (Inset L) T.R Zeliang. (Inset R) Venuzo Dawhuo.

Champion team of Peren Gov College sports.