24 MAY

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DIMAPUR, MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021

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Decision on Class XII board exams by June 1: Pokhriyal NEW DELHI, MAY 23 (PTI): There is a broad consensus among states about conducting Class XII board exams and an “informed, collaborative” decision will be taken by June 1, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal said on Sunday. However, states like Maharashtra said at a highlevel meeting on Sunday that “non-examination route” for Class XII students should be actively examined and Delhi and Kerala governments suggested vaccinating students before the exams. According to sources, the CBSE has proposed conducting exams between July 15 and August 26 and the result to be declared in September. The board also proposed two options: conducting regular exams for 19 major subjects at notified centres or conducting shorter duration exams at respective schools where students are enrolled. The ministry has sought detailed suggestions from states by May 25. Sources claimed majority states were in favour of the second option while some wanted a mix of both options.

This is it!

“Sir, people are more afraid of the random Covid test by this team. I think it’s a good idea to work together.” K Y M C

(L) Health minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan (R) Yoga guru Ramdev

enough to make up for it... I hope you will think hard on it and withdraw your statements completely,” he added. Ramdev had drawn outrage and a legal notice from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), demanding a written apology for the statement that it said damaged the reputation of practitioners of allopathy and modern medicine when they are striving to save lives during the pandemic. In a video that was widely shared on social media, Ramdev was heard saying at a recent event, “Lakhs of people have died because of allopathic medicines, far more than those who died because they did not get treatment or oxygen.” He also purportedly called allopathy a “stupid

and bankrupt” science. Facing a backlash over the comments, Ramdev’s Patanjali group said the video had been edited and the statement “taken out of context”. “It is necessary to mention that the event was a private event and Swami jee (Ramdev) was reading out a forwarded WhatsApp message received by him and various other members who were participating in the event... what is being attributed against him is false and nugatory,” it said. Besides the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which represents 3.5 lakh doctors, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) too served a legal notice to Ramdev, condemning the “baseless and unscrupulous claims made for cheap publicity”.

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Ramdev draws ire over allopathy remark

NEW DELHI, MAY 23 ( AG E N C I E S ) : U n i o n Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has asked yoga guru Ramdev, the face of one of India’s biggest consumer goods and alternative medicine empires, to rescind remarks in which he ostensibly said more people died of modern medical treatments during the COVID-19 crisis than the coronavirus itself. “The people of the country are very hurt with your remark on allopathic medicines. I have already told about this feeling over phone. Doctors and health workers are like gods for the people of the country for whom they are fighting against the coronavirus risking their lives,” Dr Vardhan said in a two-page letter written in Hindi. “You have not only insulted Corona warriors, but have hurt the feelings of the people of the country. Your clarification yesterday is not

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Vardhan says clarification not enough; Ramdev apologizes

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The IMA, earlier in a media statement, had said the Union Health Ministry should take action and prosecute Ramdev under the Epidemic Diseases Act as he had misled people by making “unlearned” statements and defamed scientific medicine. It also claimed that Ramdev had called doctors “murderers” in front of the Health Minister - a doctor himself - during the “release of his wonder drugs”. With close ties to the ruling BJP government, Ramdev has courted controversy during the pandemic earlier as well. Flanked by Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and his colleague Nitin Gadkari, Ramdev had launched what he called the “first evidence-based medicine for COVID-19” in February. Ramdev withdraws remarks: Ramdev tendered an apology and withdrawn his controversial comments about allopathy and other modern medicinal methods. Replying to Harsh Vardhan, Ramdev has said that he is withdrawing his statement to put an end to the debate about the conflict between various methods of medicine.

Assam will supply surplus oxygen to NE states: Sarma DIMAPUR, MAY 23 (NPN): Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that any surplus medical oxygen in Assam will be supplied to other North Eastern states. Assam chief minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday received the first ‘Oxygen Express train’, carrying four containers loaded with 80 tonnes of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO), at the Inland Container Depot, Amingaon from Tata Nagar in Jharkhand. Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and the Railways, Sarma said the excess medical oxygen will be shared with the other NE states. “Apart from fulfilling its own requirement, Assam would supply surplus oxygen to other North Eastern states of Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Tripura,” he said. The state has medical oxygen storage capacity of 800 litres at present, he added.

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Made-in-India nasal vax could be game changer: WHO scientist on Covid in kids NEW DELHI, MAY 23 (AGENCIES): Nasal vaccines, which are being made in India, could be game changers for children. However, it may not be available this year, said World Health Organization’s chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan. The hope comes amid concerns over a probable third wave of the coronavirus pandemic hitting the children. “Some of the nasal vaccines that are going to be made in India could be game changers for children — easy to administer, will give you local immunity in the respiratory tract,” Swaminathan, a paediatrician, said in an exclusive conversation to CNN-News18. She, however, insisted that till then more and more adults, especially teachers, need to be vaccinated and schools be reopened only when risk of community transmission is low. “I am very hopeful that ultimately we’ll have vaccine for children. But that’s not going to happen this year, and we should open schools when community transmission is down. That’s what rest of the

Dr Soumya Swaminathan

countries have done, with other precautions. And if teachers are vaccinated, that would be a big step forward,” WHO’s top scientist added. The Centre on Saturday said children are not immune from the infection, but stressed that the impact is minimal. “If children get affected by Covid, either there will be no symptoms or there will be minimal symptoms. They do not require hospitalisation generally,” Niti Aayog (health) member VK Paul said during the press briefing of the Union health ministry. He added that health infrastructure should be ramped up to treat Covid19 among children, but it is most important to not let them become a part of the transmission chain in

the first place. Children account for about 3-4 per cent of hospital admission, in both India and the rest of the world, Paul said, adding special attention should be on those between the age of 10 and 12 years as they are very mobile. The US Food and Drug Administration also already given emergency authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for young people aged 12 to 17. Reports said two other vaccines are likely to be given emergency authorization for children in the coming months. Moderna is testing its vaccine in 3,000 children ages 12 to 17 and may have results for that age group within weeks. Johnson & Johnson in April also began studying 12- to 17-year-olds, a report in New York Times stated. “There are many vaccine developers who have already started their paediatric trials, like the Pfizer vaccine is now approved for children over the age of 12 and trials in younger children are ongoing. It is expected that in a couple of months, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will get approval...,” Swaminathan said.

State govt to post 56 State Covid tally breaches 20k mark, 14 more deaths Fuel prices hiked COVID-19 STATUS AS ON MAy 23, 2021 more MOs: Pangnyu D I M A P U R , M AY 2 3 (NPN): Barely a week after the state government had decided to appoint 56 medical graduates/practitioners as medical officers (MOs) on a temporary basis, Health minister S. Pangnyu Phom on Sunday informed that the Health department will be posting another 56 young medical officers within 48 hours to various Health care centres across the state. “The Department will be posting another 56 young, energetic & dedicated Medical Officers within 48 hrs to various Health Care Centres in the State to cater to the needs of the people during these challenging times,” Pangnyu said in a tweet. “We ensure all possible help we can and appeal to the people to cooperate with the Government & Department,” he said. On May 17, Nagaland Post had published about the cabinet’s decision to appoint 56 medical graduates/ practitioners as medical of-

ficers (MOs) on a temporary basis. Two separate orders were issued by the Health secretary Wezope Kenye on May 17, after the Cabinet had approved the creation of posts and engagements on temporary basis based on the recommendations made by Health & Family Welfare department. In the orders, the appointment of 40 individuals were made with immediate effect in the pay matrix of Rs. 56100-177500 (pay level 13) while 16 individuals have been engaged with a fixed pay of Rs. 72832 per month, against deputation and study leave vacancies. It further noted that both the appointments were temporary arrangements for a period of one year or till regular appointments were made through NPSC, whichever is earlier. Besides others, it also stated that the appointees shall have no right to claim regularization on any ground whatsoever.

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 3 (NPN): Nagaland’s total caseload breached the 20,000 mark on Sunday after 223 fresh Covid-19 positive cases were reported while 14 more patients succumbed to the infection taking the death toll to 285. Of the fresh cases, 78 were reported from Kohima, Dimapur-77, Tuensang-23, Phek-14, Longleng-11, Zunheboto- 10, five in Mokokchung, three in Mon and two in Kiphire, taking the total

caseload to 20068. According to the Health department, the state also reported 14 deaths-- 12 in Dimapur and two in Mokokchung, taking the toll to 285 (274 Covid deaths and 11 non-Covid but with Covid positivity). PTI: With the fresh cases, India’s tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,65,30,132. The death toll due to the disease rose to 2,99,266 with 3,741 fresh fatalities, the ministry data updated at 8 a.m. showed.

ACTIVE CASES Non Covid Symptomatic Deaths Recovevere Death with ered On ICU ICU Covid 19 Oxy- (without (On Positivity gen vent.) vent.) 62 22 12 7706 207 10 0 0 0 44 1 0 18 0 0 4642 42 0 0 0 0 31 0 0 0 0 0 246 9 0 0 0 0 688 2 1 0 0 0 528 0 0 0 0 0 85 3 0 1 0 0 316 2 0 0 0 0 52 2 0 6 0 0 162 6 0 87 22 12 14500 274 11

AsMod District ymptom- Mild On Oxyatic gen Dimapur 2299 102 50 Kiphire 33 7 0 Kohima 1437 28 3 Longleng 38 13 0 Mokokchung 121 12 2 Mon 98 5 1 Peren 18 1 0 Phek 79 0 0 Tuensang 84 4 0 Wokha 32 3 0 Zunheboto 84 3 0 Total 4323 178 56

sive profitable business at the cost of people’s misery while performing their last rites.” With the “unfortunate increase” in Covid fatality cases, DAYO said it would be deemed more humane that at least a communitybased welfare organisation should make free burial for Covid-19 deaths. DAYO also said that the poorest of the poor should be exempted from paying any burial fees. On recent procurement of oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators, the Ao youth body has urged the state government to make public the distribution of all available resources. It also called for judiciously allocating life saving machineries

459 10929 0 85 93 6263 10 92 21 411 12 807 2 549 0 167 2 409 3 92 3 264 605 20068

Policy reversal: Employers can now vax family members of staff Contractor alleges threat NEW DELHI, MAY 23 (AGEN- had already lined up vaccination the employee, spouse, their chil- against taking up AMC; AAI CIES): Reversing its earlier policy, programme for their employees dren, parents, in laws and other the Health ministry has allowed and their family members. dependents allowed by compasay allegations baseless private and state entities to vacWhile the May 19 advisory nies in their internal policies can cinate not just employees but even dependent family members. The fresh advisory to states, issued on Friday, came after companies and industry bodies took up the issue with the Health Ministry, arguing limiting vaccination against Covid-19 only to employees was not going to help the process. Companies received the communication on Saturday. Several companies, both in the public and private sector,

was seen to be holding back the vaccination drive, Friday’s letter said that the clarifications followed several queries and were meant at “further accelerating” the inoculation process. Now, the government has allowed family members and dependents– as defined by the employer– be covered under the programme at industrial and workplace Covid Vaccination Centres (CVC). This means that

be vaccinated at these centres. Employers have been advised to procure the vaccines from hospitals with whom they may have tied up. Further, at government CVCs, beneficiaries who are 45 years or more can be vaccinated for free through the doses supplied by the Centre. Beneficiaries in the 18-44 years bracket can be covered through doses directly procured by the states, the health ministry said.

DAYO dismayed by high burial cost at new Naga cemetery D I M A P U R , M AY 2 3 (NPN): Expressing disappointment over alleged “high cost of burial” at the New Naga Cemetery (NNC) Dimapur managed by the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), the Dimapur Ao Youth Organization (DAYO) has urged the district administration to immediately intervene and take appropriate and corrective measures. DAYO through its media cell stated that NCD since its inception brought about Naga unity and had been instrumental in maintaining cordial relationships with all non-Naga communities. However, it said that lately there has been “public murmuring and complaints of making burial an expen-

MiTotal gratCases ed

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 3 (NPN): State-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) Sunday hiked the prices of petrol and diesel by 17 paise a litre and 29 paise a litre respectively. Following the latest rate revision, petrol price in Dimapur rose to Rs.92 per litre and diesel price surged to Rs.86.17 per litre. In the state capital Kohima, petrol and diesel prices increased to Rs.92.95 per litre and Rs.86.93 a litre respectively.

and tools based upon severity of case load and not “necessarily” state capital based. “This will also prove the efficiency, transparency and sincerity of governance,” DAYO stated. DAYO maintained that Nagaland “unfortunately has a healthy record of converting public property into private owned very conveniently in terms of resources and fund allocations.” In this regard, the youth body has appealed to all the civil society groups, public organisations and others to remain as vigilant watch dogs over such activities where government properties disappeared and become private properties in no (Cont’d on p-6) time.

NCD clarifies on burial rates

Naga Council Dimapur has clarified that the amounts charged for burial at new Naga cemetery Dimapur, managed by it, was not for the benefit of the council or any individual, but for a systematic and uniform burial. Responding to the allegation of high cost of burial, NCD vicepresident Etsungmomo Kikon said that the rate fixed by the council for normal burial– earth digging 3x61/2 feet, 4 feet deep, brick wall with iron rot 10 mm, slab casting and plastering up to ground level– would be Rs 10,000. And Rs. 5,000 would be charged for nameplate one-feet above the ground level in granite 24/18 inch. Kikon explained that a total of Rs 15,000 would he charged

for complete normal burial that included labour charge, material costs and name plate granite. He said the rate had been fixed for uniform burial. However, for burial of bodies of Covid-19 victims, the NCD vice-president mentioned that the council directed the labourers to charge a lump sum of Rs 3,000 for earth digging. He said this could be done by family members of the deceased too, if they wished and for which labour charge would not be applicable. Besides charging Rs. 1,000 for record registration for normal burial, he said NCD, with effect from May 22, has also included the same for registration of Covid-19 victims, so that the names of deceased were registered accordingly.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAY 23 (NPN): A controversy has arisen after an Odisha-based contractor was recently awarded the Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for residential colony, car parking and other structures towards city side (civil works) etc. for the year 2021-22 at Dimapur airport. According to a complaint, a copy of which is available with this newspaper, the contractor-- Nabalok Das of the firm M/s Nabalok Das, alleged that he received “life-threatening phone calls to leave the work”. Das in his letter, claimed that the calls were allegedly made by “local airport contractors and competing contractors from Nagaland.” Das, a special class contractor said he was awarded the work amounting to Rs. 75,00,000 as the lowest bidder. “If this type of hooliganism will go on then there would be less development work in Nagaland,” the contractor said. AAI refutes : When contacted to respond to these allegations, director Dimapur airport authority, Mughavi Zhimo termed it as baseless. Talking to Nagaland Post, Zhimo said Das’ allegations were excuses for not starting the AMC and for which he went so far as predicting no one would like to work in Nagaland because of such instances. Zhimo said Das was only making excuses since he never brought it to the notice of the AAI at Dimapur airport. He said despite being awarded with AMC, the contractor was yet to visit the state/site. Zhimo reiterated that till date no letter in the form of complaint was received by the authorities regarding the alleged (Cont’d on p-6) threat. K Y M C

2

state

nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Is a c h i e v i n g 7 5 % efficiency too high a goal for the department of power Nagaland? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

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A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

53% 47% 0%

Next Poll

Q: Should the state govt

p rov i d e f re e c ov i d medicines to the daily wage earners ?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST MAY 24

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A t-storm around in the a.m.

38 26

Hot; a p.m. t-storm or two

33 21

Guwahati Very hot with high clouds

38 26

Aizawl Imphal

A strong t-storm in spots

32 21

Itanagar A t-storm around in the a.m.

34 23

Shillong

A stray afternoon t-shower

27 18

Kohima

A t-storm around in the a.m.

28 19

Dimapur

Warm; a strong p.m. t-storm

36 24

Mkg

A morning t-storm in the area

30 20

Tuensang A thunderstorm in spots Wokha

A strong afternoon t-storm

22 16 30 22

Zunheboto A couple of morning t-showers 28 18

Scholars urged to provide VST formed at Ruchan, Liphi villages value education to students

KO H I M A , M AY 2 3 (NPN): Pointing out that there was lack of quality education among students in Naga society today, Nagaland University (NU) professor Neivetso Venuh has urged scholars to think of ways to provide value education to students. Professor in NU’s department of history and archaeology, Venuh was speaking on “Roles of scholars towards the society” during a virtual meet organised by Chakhesang Scholars’ Forum (CSF) on Saturday. Observing that there was no value education at all, he said students were only getting degrees without value which was creating “more problems” in the society. If a student only had degree and did not have quality and value education, then he would not be able to survive, he added. According to Venuh, who is in the teaching profession for more than 35 years, science and technological advancement has made people’s lives easier, but it has also made them

artificial. There was a lack of original ideas among students as they depended on the internet for their assignments or projects. “And as scholars, we have to seriously ponder on this issue and think of a way to provide value education to young children,” he exhorted. The professor also requested scholars to analyse and conduct research studies on issues relating to social structure, politics and economics and contribute their ideas to solving problems. He stressed that it was the scholars who could transform the society by giving valuable ideas as was the case in the history of any nation. CSF Constitution Drafting Committee member Colo Mero spoke on various aspects of education like practical utility and quality of education for employment. He was of the opinion that the best minds must become teachers in schools, colleges, universities and churches. He said the teaching profession built and nurtured all other

professions. Mentioning that scholars had a vital role in building society, Mero remarked that educated people must give back to society through noble services, ministry, contributions and sharing of resources, adding that CSF members could take a lead. In his keynote address, CSF chairman Dr. Zavise Rume emphasised on the scholars working or pursuing studies in various universities, colleges and institutions across the country becoming more resourceful. He explained that CSF was formed and its first office-bearers installed on April 29, 2021 to promote healthy and regular interactions among scholars on multiple academic disciplines. He said Chakhesang had been identified as one of the potential areas for research in various areas like village development boards (VDB), communitisation policy, terrace farming, entrepreneurship, indigenous medicines, cultural practices, folklores and folk-

tales and indigenous food, and called upon scholars to protect the intellectual properties rights. CSF also constituted a Constitution Drafting Committee during the virtual meet with Dr. Venüsa Tunyi as its convenor and Colo Mero, Dr. Riku Khutso, Dr. Meneno Vamuzo as members, and the CSF chairman as its ex-officio member. The committee was entrusted to work on criteria of membership fee and tenure of CSF executive members. Other CSF members also shared their views during the interaction. Earlier, Rev Dr. Chekrovei Cho-o, professor of applied theology and director of Centre for Pastoral Renewal at Oriental Theological Seminary, said the opening prayer. Rev D r. Yi e p e t s o Wezah, former principal of Baptist Theological College, Pfutsero made the concluding remark and Tavezo Theluo, assistant professor of Pfutsero Government College, led the virtual meet.

SCC Tsg conducts webinar on career counseling DIMAPUR: Sao Chang College (SCC), Tuensang, career guidance committee organised a webinar on career counseling on May 21. A press release through the SCC media cell stated that the webinar was organised with the aim to equip the students with broader knowledge and understanding about career prospects. During the webinar, resource person Samuel Vaiphei spoke on the topic “career prospects in civil services”. He gave a brief historical background on how civil services in India

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 24, 2021

were introduced by the British in order to administer law and order in the country. He introduced different administrative services and gave brief description about the work culture associated with each respective service both at central and state level. He reiterated on the importance of inculcating a “spirit of curiosity” and encouraged the students not to neglect their undergraduate studies but to develop deep interest in their respective subject. Samuel Vaiphei also challenged the students to see the civil services not

just as means of earning but to execute the responsibility with honesty and not to compromise their integrity. Meanwhile, Hotoni Yeptho presented on the topic “institutions offering master’s degree”. She highlighted on different institutions within and outside Nagaland, offering master’s program in different disciplines.

She also shared about the eligibility criteria and fee structures of each institute. T h e we b i n a r wa s moderated by department of chemistry, assistant professor Dr. Shokip Tumtin, welcome address was delivered by SCC department of botany, assistant professor N Tekameren and vote of thanks was delivered by department

of zoology, assistant professor Vidila Jing. It may be mentioned that the webinar was conducted for the outgoing students with directorate general of GST intelligence, Siliguri Zonal Unit, West Bengal Samuel Vaiphei (IRS) and SCC Tuensang, department of sociology assistant professor Hotoni Yeptho as resource persons.

Members of the village surveillance team.

DIMAPUR: In order to detect and contain the spread of COVID-19 from urban to rural areas, village surveillance team led by NSRLM-RD was formed at Ruchan and Liphi villages under Bhandari block in coordination with the medical department, social welfare department, church leaders and village stakeholders.

According to area coordinator (SISD), NSRLMRD department, the team would extend its efforts while maintaining SOPs to prevent community spread through community surveillance of people with COVID-19 like symptoms. The area coordinator informed that this was done to assist the community sur-

veillance exercise by DTF at rural areas and as continued effort towards rural community response and preparedness to COVID19. The team would be steered by NSRLM SHG members & community cadre along with ASHA; AWW, church leaders and village stakeholders.

Power outage in Mon district

DIMAPUR: Power department has informed all concerned that the department would be taking up intensive jungle clearance works along 66kV Nagnimora-Tizit transmission line from May 24 to June 5. Assistant engineer, transmission division Mokokchung has informed that the power supply would be disrupted in Mon district headquarters and surrounding areas from 7 a.m.-10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. daily. This was necessitated in order to ensure stable power supply to Mon district before the onset of monsoon. Therefore, affected consumers have been requested to bear with the inconvenience.

NDPP Dimapur region youth organisation assisted the district administration team in arranging and setting up the makeshift Covid hospital at Institute of Hotel Management (IHM). The youth members were led by its president Toshi Longkumer. The hospital with a capacity of 100 beds would be functional by May 26.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

PACSU asks medical staff to remain at station

DIMAPUR: In view of the second wave of COVID-19 in the state, the Pungro Area College Students’ Union (PACSU) has asked all medical staff of CHC, PHC and sub-centre under Pungro sub-division to remain at their station by May 27. In a press release, PACSU president Tokiu Yimchunger warned that failure on the part of the staff would compel the union to take own course of action. Meanwhile, PACSU also observed that community health officer (CHO) PHC Kiusam was transferred without a reliever. In this regard, the union has asked the concerned authority to fill the post immediately to meet the urgent need of the general public.

DP-2508

‘Sales day’ under SEWA organised at Shamator

Daily wage earners selling their produce at the sales day on Friday. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: The Self Employed Women Association (SEWA) Shamator organised a “sales day” on Friday, at Shamator town strictly following COVID19 SOPs. According to DIPR report, SEWA reached out to neighbouring villages to help out villagers, especially daily wage earners by buying their vegetables, K Y M C

fruits/ forest products and organise sales day systematically. SEWA Shamator unit secretary, Tsurila informed that only a few selected members were involved in marketing with cash on delivery and door to door step services within Shamator and added that the response of citizens of Shamator was very encouraging.

BRIGADIER IMTIMEREN NSCN (IM) (31:07:1969 - 16:05:2021) We, the family members of Brigadier Imtimeren NSCN (IM) who passed away suddenly and before his time on 16.05.2021 a day coinciding with the Historic Naga Plebiscite Day. He served thirty three years (1988-2021) for the Naga National cause till his last breath. Though we cannot mention everyone here, we thank each and every individual, known and unknown sympathizers who supported us during our hard times spiritually, financially and physically in cash and kind, which has been the prime source of our strength and solace for us. Though we have nothing to give you in return, may the Good Lord bless you abundantly. In addition to all the unmentioned sympathisers we want to say special thanks to: 1. Doctors and Nurses, Eden Hospital Dimapur 2. Chairman Q. Tuccu NSCN (IM) 3. Vice-Chairman Tongmeth Wangnao NSCN (IM) 4. General Secretary Th. Muivah NSCN (IM) 5. Longvibu Adjutant General & Commander GHQ NSCN (IM) 6. Ao Region NSCN (IM) 7. Hevuto Battalion Headquaters, Naga Army NSCN (IM) 8. Town Command Mokokchung NSCN (IM) 9. NAFD staff Mokokchung NSCN (IM) 10. Chaplee Dept. Mokokchung NSCN (IM) 11. All Ward Mokokchung Union 12. Aor Linük Tenzüker Telongjem 13. Khensa Village Councils 14. Satsü Village Councils 15. Ex. UG Mangmetong 16. Rijuchanger Zünga Mangmetong 17. Jamir Kitong Mangmetong 18. Imkong L Imchen MLA 19. Mangmetong Baptist Church 20. Mangmetong Village Councils 21. Khumen Village, Dimapur 22. Women Ministry Indisen Baptist Church 23. Indisen Baptist Church 24. Indisen Village Councils 25. Mangmetong Watsü Telongjem, Dimapur 26. Mangmetong Senso Telongjem, Dimapur Loving Wife, children, siblings and relatives DP-2509 K Y M C

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 24, 2021

Six DNLA cadres killed in encounter

IPFT observes strike over attack on minister

Correspondent

DIPHU, MAY 23: Six members of the outlawed Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) were killed in an encounter with security forces near the Assam- Nagaland border early on Sunday. Based on specific inputs, a joint operation was carried out by Assam police commandos and Assam Rifles personnel led by West Karbi Anglong Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Prakash Sonowal. After a fierce gun battle security forces killed six DNLA cadres, police said. The encounter took place at the Misibailung area under Dhansiri police station, around 39 kms from Diphu, Karbi Anglong district. Unconfirmed reports also claimed that two more cadres were grievously injured and missing. After the encounter, security forces recovered AK 47 rifles, .303 calibre bolt action rifles, light handguns, grenades and assorted types of ammunition. Police initially identified the six cadres as Amarjit, Niken, Prem, Action, Balmit and Pritom. Police sources informed that operation was on along the Assam-Nagaland border.

Bodies of the slain cadres.

N C Debbarma

AgARTAlA, MAY 22 (PTI): The Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), a constituent of the ruling BJP-led coalition, observed a 24-hour strike in Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) area in protest against the alleged attack on its president and minister N C Debbarma. Debbarma, the revenue minister, was on Thursday attacked allegedly by supporters of the Tipraha Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance (TIPRA) at Belbari, about 25 km from the state capital, police said. The TIPRA, a newly floated tribal party, swept the recently concluded elections for the 30-member TTAADC. Educational institutes of the state are closed due to summer va-

cation while government offices are closed as it is the fourth Saturday of the month. Private vehicles were off the road due to restrictions imposed by the government in view of the surge of COVID-19 cases, officials said. The goods and transport vehicles which were permitted to move in local areas were on the road. Most of the shops, which were not under the purview of the restrictions were open, they said. As the night curfew was imposed from 6 pm, all shops were closed in the evening. Officials said that about 20 strike supporters were picketing at Mandai and Khumulwung area of West Tripura district, who returned home following requests from the police. Police said that adequate security arrangements have been made to ensure that law and order situation remains under control. The TTAADC area constitutes two-third of the state territory and spread over all the eight districts of the state. It is also home to the tribals, who form onethird of the state’s estimated 40 lakh population.

Tripura planter bets on hand-rolled orthodox tea variety

AgARTAlA, MAY 23 (PTI): Successful completion of a pilot project on hand-rolled orthodox tea has encouraged a 25-yearold planter in Tripura to go for full-scale production of the costly and delicate variety. A consignment of hand-rolled tea produced by the young entrepreneur in Unakoti district had recently fetched Rs 12,500 per kg, the highest ever in

the state. For hand-rolled tea, the plucked leaves are first spread out in a thin layer an allowed to wither. Each leaf and a bud or two leaves and a bud are then rolled gently in the palms. Sold under the brand name of Neermahal, the tea is produced in a factory run by a cooperative society at Pancham Nagar village in Unakoti district. Sumedha Das, a gradu-

ate in agriculture science entrepreneur and owner of Neermahal Tea, said when samples were sent to a few exporters, Amritsar-based Shahjada Exports Limited, having links in the markets of Europe and Gulf countries, took an interest. “We produced 5.5 kg hand-rolled tea and the entire production was purchased by them at Rs 12,500 per kg,” Das told PTI. The process for making

hand-rolled tea is delicate and the yield is very less in comparison to CTC or other varieties, she said. “When I saw buds coming out after pre-monsoon rain, I tried my hand for making hand-rolled tea. Only one or two tender leaves and a bud is plucked and then spread out in a thin layer and allowed to dry,” Das said. It took almost a week to dry the leaves naturally,

which were then handrolled, Das, whose family owns a tea estate called ‘Shova Bagan’ and is in the tea planting business for generations, said “I did it on an experimental basis and not for commercial purposes. Now, I understand that it can be produced commercially. The buds started coming out after the recent rain and I am planning to do it in a bigger way”, she said.

Assam reports 79 more COVID 803 new Covid cases, 24 deaths in M’laya deaths, 5,980 fresh cases Correspondent

gUWAHATI, MAY 22 (PTI): Assam reported 79 COVID-19 fatalities on Saturday taking the death toll to 2,667, while 5,980 new cases pushed the tally to 3,65,620, the National Health Mission (NHM) said. Currently, the state has 54,058 active cases, it said. Altogether 4,659 patients were cured of the disease during the day, taking the total number of recoveries to 3,07,548 in the state.

Of the fresh fatalities, 19 were reported from Kamrup Metropolitan district and nine from Kamrup. The remaining deaths were registered in several other districts. The NHM said that 1,347 more COVID-19 patients have died till now, but the government’s Death Audit Board has not included them in the tally of fatalities caused by coronavirus as they had other ailments too.

SHIllONg, MAY 23: Meghalaya on Sunday recorded 24 more Covid-19 related deaths, mounting the fatality figure up to 459 and 803 cases of fresh infection, surging the number of active cases to 7,680, health officials said. On the other hand, 553 more patients have recovered from the viral infection pushing the number of recoveries up to 21, 542 in the state, which has so far registered 29,

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Northeast/state

681 confirmed COVID-19 cases as on date. Director Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War said the COVID-19 related deaths included 19 in East Khasi Hills district and five in West Jaintia Hills district. The new cases of COVID-19 infection detected were 484 in East Khasi Hills district, including one case in the Shillong Raj Bhawan cluster, 55 in West Jaintia Hills district, 52 each in South West Khasi Hills district and

West Garo Hills, 45 in South West Garo Hills district, 34 in East Jaintia Hills district, 27 in Ri-Bhoi district, 19 in South Garo Hills district, 16 in West Khasi Hills district, 10 in North Garo Hills district and nine in East Garo Hills district, the senior medical official informed. Meanwhile, Raj Bhavan officials informed that at least eight of its staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. All the infected patients are on quarantine.

Mizoram forms panel to scientifically study causes of Covid-19 spread AIZAWl, MAY 23 (IANS): With a 1.1 million population (2011 census), India’s second least populous state Mizoram is the only state where out of the 11 districts, only four districts -- Aizawl (27), Serchhip (1), Kolasib (1) and Saitual (1) -- have reported 30 deaths due to Covid-19. The state’s Health and Family Welfare Department Secretary R. Lalramnghaka said that the Mizoram government has recently formed a team comprising medical experts and scientists to conduct a scientific study on all aspects of the spread of Covid-19 in the state. The team comprises experts from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Indian Medical Association, Principal of the Zoram Medical College and Hospital (ZMCH) and professors from Mizoram University. “After studying all the aspects of the Covid-19 and its related effect, the team would submit a detailed report with their findings and recommendations to

the government for taking further course of steps,” Lalramnghaka told IANS over phone. Mizoram’s Health and Family Welfare Minister R. Lalthangliana has in a meeting with members of the study team asked for an in-depth study and research on the spread of the coronavirus specially the second wave of Covid-19 as it is different from the first wave. Of the 1.1 million population in Mizoram, tribals constitute around 95 per cent, the highest proportion of tribals among the Indian states. Though Mizoram and a few other northeastern states had once suffered from malaria leading to many deaths, most tribals due to their healthy and traditional food habits (mostly boiled food) and lifestyle remained unaffected from many diseases compared to the mainland states. However, in recent years, due to the use of tobacco products and drugs, prevalence of cancer and HIV/AIDS is rising in a few

Assam Min bats for conservation of biodiversity

Mnp announces covering Covid treatment under CMHT, PMJAY

gUWAHATI, MAY 22 (PTI): Assam Environment and Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya on Saturday appealed to people to focus on the conservation of biodiversity, amid the COVID19 pandemic. Extension of the green cover will lead to an increase in the level of oxygen that is so essential during this crisis period, a release quoted him as saying. On the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity, the minister said man and nature must live in unity and everyone must work relentlessly to protect environment. “It is time for introspection as to what we have done for the conservation of nature and what we can do in near future”, he said. Suklabaidya also urged people to plant at least two to three saplings to make the world greener and the atmosphere clean with more oxygen which is so vital in the backdrop of the coronavirus scourge, the statement said.

Correspondent

I M P H A l , M AY 2 3 : Manipur government on Sunday announced that COVID-19 patients can now avail the cashless healthcare services if they are cardholders of the CMHT and PMJAY. CMHT (Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang) is a health assurance scheme of the Manipur government which provides free treatment to SECC (Socio-Economic Census), widow/disabled/AAY card holders for treatment of illness at empanelled hospitals. Central sponsored Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) provides free secondary health care for those needing specialist treatment and tertiary health care for those requiring hospitalization but does not cover COVID-19 patients. However, COVID-19 patients in the state can now avail the benefits of the two schemes if they are the

northeastern states including Mizoram, Manipur and Meghalaya. Health officials in different northeastern states said that unlike in the first wave children below 15 years are also being tested for Covid-19 in reasonable numbers during the second wave in Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, forcing the governments of several states to constitute panels of paediatric doctors. As the nature and intensity of the second wave of Covid-19 are diverse, physician Pradip Bhowmik has suggested forming study groups for an in-depth study of the disease. “It is witnessed in the second wave that during the post-Covid period many patients are being affected by pneumonia and mucormycosis (black fungus). “Unlike in the first wave, a large number of young people and children are being infected by the coronavirus. In the second wave the recovery rate is very slow and the death rate is higher,” Bhowmik told IANS.

bonafide beneficiaries. “Happy to share that, for all the Covid patients holding CMHT and PMJAY cards, the expenses for their hospitalization in empanelled hospitals will now be covered under CMHT and PMJAY,” state chief minister N Biren Singh posted in his facebook account today. Beneficiaries of the two schemes may raise any issues, complaints and queries to the dedicated 24/7 toll free number 1800103-2015, Singh added in the post. Even as CMHT provides cashless hospitalisation benefits of up to Rs two lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care to the card holders, PMJAY card holders provides Rs five lakh per family in a year for secondary and tertiary care to the card holders. There are 26 empanelled hospitals in the state where card holders of the two schemes can avail the benefits of the schemes.

state

COVID-19: Random testing, directives, activities Leaders, organisations convey condolences DIMAPUR: Since the imposition of state-wide lockdown, the DTFs across the state have been monitoring the prevalence COVID-19 while the medical department has been conducting random testing exercises. Civil society organisations (CSOs) and churches have also been assisting the district administrations. Various orders, appeals and reminders to public are also being issued by CMOs and district administrations. Phek: In view of the surge in COVID-19 cases in the district, DC & chairman DTF (COVID19) Phek, Razouzolie Dozo has directed villages under Phek district to activate village disaster management authority (VDMA) immediately. The DC has infor med VDMA that village health workers and other volunteers may also be included. Roles and responsibilities or the committee include: assisting government agency; handling and management of dead bodies; monitoring COVID-19 related cases and coordinating with DTF/block level task force (BLTF). Sealing/cordoning of the house in the event of detection COVID-19 on the order of the authority; unsealing of the house in the event of recovery on the order of the authority; enforcement of government SOPs and guidelines on COVID-19 in the village; disseminating of necessary information in the village

and any other duties responsibilities assigned by DTF/BLTF. The DC has informed that the committee would be provided with PPE kit, gloves, mask, sanitisers, body hag, etc. by the medical department through concerned SMO/MO or health workers of the nearest CHC/ PMC when needed. Kohima: ADC & chairman SDTF for COVID-19 Tseminyu, W. Manpai Phom has informed on activation of community surveillance on COVID-19 and village surveillance team on actions for Tseminyu sub-division to be undertaken. The ADC has informed that urgent setting up and activation of village surveillance team compromising of members from ASHA workers from health department, Angawadi workers from social welfare department and SHG from NSRLM/ RD department would work to identify anyone in the village with influenza like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) including fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. SMO Tseminyu along with MOs Chunlikha & Tesophenyu to collaborate with CDPO Tseminyu, BDO Tseminyu and BDO Chunlikha to activate VST for necessary action; activation of community surveillance team in the sub-division through coordinated participation and reports of respective village surveillance team and liaison committee as well.

The ADC has informed that community surveillance for the sub-division should be under the supervision of SDTF Tseminyu while SMO Tseminyu along with MOs Chunlikha and Tesophenyu have been asked to initiate the activation of community surveillance including working out of requirement and modalities of block supervisors with reports to be submitted to Tseminyu (SDTF). Tuensang: Random sample collection for porters was conducted at badminton stadium Tuensang town by the district health society (DHS) Tuensang, on Sunday. According to DMO Tuensang, altogether, 56 samples were collected on Sunday. Mon: With reports of price hike being reported at Mon town and other parts of the district, especially during the present lockdown, although measures to control the same had been initiated, DC Mon, Thavaseelan K has issued an order reiterating that any individual or groups selling goods/essential commodities beyond the maximum retail price (MRP) would be penalised and their trade license confiscated. Further, the DC also informed that the public have been requested to acquire the receipts for all goods purchased. Meanwhile, in a press release, CMO Mon, Dr, Kechongol Sophie has informed that on May 1, Changlangshu PHC received one OPD attendee with

complaint of fever, cough and bodyache dated April 28. Other OPD attendees with similar complaints were tested for COVID-19 of which 10 out of 12 showed RAT positive. This was immediately reported to the BTF and the village was sealed on the same day. Contact tracing was initiated and 47 RT-PCR samples were collected out of which 33 were positive. Meanwhile, on May 11, 154 samples were collected through random testing in the village out of which nine showed RAT positive. As on May 22, CMO informed that 298 samples were tested out of which 65 were tested positive with a positivity rate of 21.8%.till date. All have been recovered while no death and no active case were reported. Though the detail epidemiological investigation/studies could not be carry out, analysis of the person, time and place revealed that the age group between 20-29 years were mostly affected with 17 cases. The CMO also informed that the lowest age affected was 17 years and 69 years being the highest age. Among the genders, females were mostly affected with 34 cases against 31 male cases. It may be mentioned that the village has a PHC with one medical officer, two nurses, two medical attendants, a pharmacist, dhai, peon and one vaccinator.

DIMAPUR: State deputy chief minister, Y Patton has expressed his sadness over the demise of GB of Ikishe village Dimapur, Luheto Awomi who passed away on Sunday. In a condolence note, Patton described late Luheto as an upright leader, a brother and a friend who lived his life in the service of the people. He maintained that the village had lost a father figure whose absence would be felt dearly in days to come. Further, the Dy.CM and his wife conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family. Picto Shohe: Picto Shohe MLA has expressed grief over the demise of Kikheho Khulu and his son Atoshe Khulu. In a condolence note, Picto said that late Kikheho Khulu was his teacher at GHS Atoizu who imparted quality education with life values and later served as GB, Naghutomi village under Atoizu sub-division. He said that late Kikheho was among the pioneers who strived at every capacity to shape and nurture Atoizu town in particular and the area people in general. Meanwhile, Picto described late Atoshe Khulu, GB of Naghutomi village as a dedicated and kind person whose life inspired people

around him. The MLA has conveyed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family members. AWO: Angami Women Organisation (AWO) has expressed their grief over the sudden demise of prominent leader, Kevisokho Khro. In a condolence note, AWO described late Kevisokho as a man of principle and integrity who served the society with utmost dedication, commitment and honesty till his departure. The Organisation conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the departed soul find rest in peace. C WO : C h a k h r o m a Women Organisation (CWO) has expressed grief over the demise of Kevisokho Khro. In a condolence note, CWO through its president Keviralie Medoze and general secretary Kelengunuo Zumu said that in his demise, they had lost a great soul, gentle and humble leader who left a legacy behind. CWO extended its condolences to the family members and prayed that the Lord’s presence would give them strength . C YO : C h a k h r o m a Youth Organisation (CYO) has expressed grief over the demise of Kevisokho Khro. In a condolence note, CYO president Seyieneilhou Keyho

and general secretary Noseho Peter described him as a pioneer to the youth fraternity and an exceptional leader to the Chakhroma people who will be remembered for his upright personality. While maintaining that the services he had rendered as a leader for the cause of Chakhroma people and the Angamis in general would be remembered, CYO said that his demise was a loss not only to the family but also to the entire community. Further, CYO said that his legacy would always stand and guide them in their pursuits and conveyed its sympathies to the bereaved family members. HASPOD: Highway Area Sumi Public Organisation Dimapur (HASPOD) has expressed grief over the demise of its former president, Kaiho Zhimomi, who passed away on Sunday. In a condolence note, its general secretary A Akito Zhimomi described late Kaiho Zhimomi as a dedicated social worker who worked with a commitment towards the welfare of the society. The organization said that it would cherish him with gratitude and conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members while praying that God would bestow His strength as they grief.

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OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXXI No. 167 DImapur, moNDaY, maY 24, 2021

Justice inordinately delayed

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ay 21, 2021, marked the 30th anniversary of a well-planned and well-executed gruesome killing that snuffed out the life of former prime minister rajiv Gandhi, a dynamic young indian leader who was on a comeback trail to power. rajiv was blown to bits by LTTE terrorists while campaigning for the party candidate at Sriperimbudur , Tamil Nadu. rajiv was betrayed not only by some enemies within but also the LTTE which he had initially supported to appease Tamils at home. interestingly, it was later revealed that then Sri Lankan president ranasinghepremadasa( January 2, 1989 to may 1, 1993), was also a co-conspirator with LTTE chief V.prabhakaran. according to documents, rajiv’s involvement with the Tamil issue stemmed from appeasing Tamils at home. He supported the LTTE but it proved a costly mistake.rajiv tried to correct it when he sent weapons and later indian troops(ipKF) to Sri Lanka to save the besieged government there facing terrible onslaught from the dreaded LTTE. The terrorist outfit had paralysed the island nation through a series of bombings. many Sri Lankan leaders were blown to smithereens by LTTE human bombers. The then indian government in 1991 under Chandra Shekharhad sacked the DravidamunnetraKazhagam (DmK) government in Tamil Nadu for turning a blind eye to LTTE activities and placed it under president’s rule . When rajiv was believed to be set on a comeback to power, he promised to deal with the LTTE. This brought the chief betrayer Sri Lankan president premadasa to conspire with LTTE chief prabhakaran to eliminate rajiv.premadasa did it to settle old scores against rajiv for having initially backed LTTE. prabharan ordered the assassination as he feared rajiv’s return to power would be a big blow to the LTTE. The deed was done on may 21,1991 and after many months LTTE including sympathisers were arrested and convicted for the crime. Those who are still in jail in Tamil Nadu includeNaliniSriharan; murugan, husband of Nalini; Santhan; aG perarivalan; Jayakumar; robert payas, and p ravichandran. The seven were given death sentence by a TaDa court in January 1998. The Supreme Court later upheld the death sentence for only four: NaliniSriharan, murugan, Santhan, aGperarivalan. However, the death sentence was later commuted to a life term. Those who acted their parts in the gruesome assassination of a former indian prime minister should not be left unpunished. Earlier in 1993, fate had a hand when premadasa was himself killed by the LTTE and then subsequently, prabhakaran and his entire family and LTTE leadership and military were wiped out in 2009 when the Sri Lankan army under president Gotabayarajapaksa, ruthlessly ended Sri Lanka’s nearly 30-year civil war with the LTTE. However, on the indian side those involved in the rajiv assassination are being supported by indian political parties. The then aiaDmK had pleaded for mercy and pardon. in 2017 Sonia Gandhi sought clemency for the convicts. The newly appointed Stalin-led DmK government has also written to the president to pardon all convicts. The scales of justice demand that the guilty be punished and this cannot be circumvented by extraneous considerations.The convicts knowingly assassinated a popular indian leader and should pay for their crimes.

dailydevotion Our Careful Unbelief

…do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. —Matthew 6:25

Jesus summed up commonsense carefulness in the life of a disciple as unbelief. If we have received the Spirit of God, He will squeeze right through our lives, as if to ask, “Now where do I come into this relationship, this vacation you have planned, or these new books you want to read?” And He always presses the point until we learn to make Him our first consideration. Whenever we put other things first, there is confusion. “…do not worry about your life….” Don’t take the pressure of your provision upon yourself. It is not only wrong to worry, it is unbelief; worrying means we do not believe that God can look after the practical details of our lives, and it is never anything but those details that worry us. Have you ever noticed what Jesus said would choke the Word He puts in us? Is it the devil? No— “the cares of this world” (Matthew 13:22). It is always our little worries. We say, “I will not trust when I cannot see”— and that is where unbelief begins. The only cure for unbelief is obedience to the Spirit. The greatest word of Jesus to His disciples is abandon.

Quotes

Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers. ~ Voltaire

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 24, 2021

Super inflation, income loss thaw India

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ultiple Taxes, unemployment, high 10.49 percent wholesale price index (WPI) rise and severe income losses are thawing the nation amid high covid19 deaths. The six-month high WPI figures in April would be straining the economy. Actual price rise at the retail level would be a minimum of 10.49 percent plus 4.29 percent CPI inflation, not less than 14.78 percent. The super inflation in 1974 was at 28.66 percent, and 16.94 percent in 1973. Those days purchasing power of the people had collapsed and protests marked the national scenario. It may not look serious but if income losses of 84 percent of the people are added it appears grim. As per a study of the Azim Premji University study, the pandemic has led to worsening in quality of employment, with a number of salaried employees joining the ranks of precariously selfemployed. “The annual rate of inflation in April 2021, is high primarily because of rise in prices of crude petroleum, petrol, diesel and manufactured products as compared to the

corresponding month of the previous year,”the Commerce and Industry Ministry (CIM) said. As most rise in prices, fares, freight are due to the CIM stated factors, the economy is slowing down, indicating a lower GDP as well. It is being further complicated by rising joblessness at 8 percent in April amid the second covid19 wave from 7.4 percent in March 2021. A CMIE study - Consumer Pyramids Household Survey (CPHS) - observes weekly unemployment rate touched 14.5 percent on May 15. The CMIE says that 84 percent household has suffered a decrease in monthly income and that more than one-fourth of the country’s workingage population is unemployed. World Bank warns 70 percent of employment and about a third of GDP comes from the ‘informal’ workers. They are likely to lose their jobs or suffer severe income losses during covid19 lockdowns and they tend to be largely excluded from social safety nets. Informality has made eight lakh migrant workers move out of Delhi, according to the state government. No nation, WB says, could

have actual recovery unless these ‘informal’ people, particularly women, are taken care of. RBI governor Shaktikanta Das says that manufacturing and services PMI along with inflation would continue the price pressure. It may aggravate because global prices continue to rise. Amid such scenario it looks strange that RBI, itself in crisis, approves a dividend payout bonanza of Rs 99,122 crore for July Shivaji 2020-March 2021. It is 73 percent higher than the entire previous year’s Rs 57,126 crore. It is time for austerity not only in the debilitated public sector units but also in its expenses on many real estate and cosmetic projects. It also needs to review increasing the number of members of Parliament that would strain the nation’s finances further. Their contribution has not been much in giving direction or putting on leash the expenses. Most MPs just kowtow blindly, unlike the MPs of 1950s and 1960s, the party policies for fear of losing their seats as per provisions of the antidefection laws. Such laws

need review for ensuring that MPs could function in the interest of the people they represent. The arrest and recent sedition case against a Telangana YSRCP Lok Sabha member KR Ramakrishna Raju, for criticising the Jagan Mohan Reddy government publically over several issues, including handling of the covid19 crisis, for the past few months, is a stark example how parties could be dictatorial Sarkar and block democratic functioning. The inner party democracy is necessary for restoration of the nation’s economic and social health. The country is avoiding discussing such criticality that leads to impasses. The recent farmers’stir against the three draconian laws is the result of the ‘partycracy’. The nation does not want to discuss the irrationality of multiple taxes and the woes of the people. Since economic concepts have been given a bye, the rulers are only concerned about the state revenues without pondering how it could improve if the people themselves were in distress. They are paying taxes on taxes – on

old cars, multiple taxes on petrol, bank deposits, vaccine, coffin, Rs 25 per km road toll and also a GST on that, junking their own cars and even on oxygen –that thankfully was undone Delhi high court, and irrational atrocities and penalties on masks and covid19 related issues. No political party discusses such police excesses. A senior political observer and journalist, Ajai Setia, comments that even in government “ministers don’t know what is going on in their ministries”. The discriminations are not being discussed. The Serum Institute of India is stated to have made profits of Rs 59,000 crore ($8.2 billion) in 2020 and Rs 85,000 crore ($ 12.7 billion). Similarly, some selected corporate are making tons as edible oil, fruit and gas prices are soaring apart from their international and national business. The concern of rising monopolies that are checked in the US through anti-trust laws remains missing. The PSUs that are sustaining the nation are designed to become junks. In such situation expectation that GDP and tax revenue would spurt

are not realistic. A hungry and unemployed country cannot sustain cosmetic expenses though there is stress on it as some are bestowed with large profits. The model has to be sustainable and the entire economic concept has to be approached afresh. The second wave or spurt in cases of covid19 since April has not only caused loss of lives but has cast its shadows on growth prospects. A third wave has been warned. Downward revision of tax revenue and GDP projections are realities. The central government’s gross tax revenue in Budget 2020-21 estimates was reduced by more than 20 percent in 2021-22 Budget. The government would be facing heavy shortfall which are imprudently being tried to be made up through taxes on fuels, an impractical move. The governance method has to change with the participation even the opposition. The crisis is national and to surpass Bangladesh, the country has to take prudent drastic steps, prune expenses and not do politicking on issues of benevolence. One step would go through long chain of changes.

Post-mortem

Medical nutrition therapy (Mnt) general guidance for covid-19 patients

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his nutrition guidance is not for COVID-19 patients with co-morbidities like diabetes, cardiovascular, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease and other chronic diseases that requires specific diet modifications Good nutrition is essential to prevent, fight and recover from infections. While limited access to fresh foods may undermine eating healthy and may lead to consumption of highly processed foods, however, eating a healthy diet is still possible even with few & limited ingredients. Diet & nutrition counseling should be performed only by experienced qualified dietitian. Portion size matters, there is no magic food or dietary supplement that can prevent COVID-19 infection, but healthy diet is one way to strengthen your immune system. Your diet is going to be personal, symptoms may vary from person to person, if experiencing gastro intestinal symptoms, like diarrhea, opt for low fiber diet and avoid milk & milk products. Avoid sugary drinks, processed and refined food products. In addition to following COVID-19 SOP’s, here’s some general guidance on what to eat and drink. Nutrition management for non-critically ill patients with mild symptoms The key here is not to have excessive nutrients (overfeeding) but to have adequate nutritionand maintaining healthy body weight.

Diet should include variety from, • Energy Giving Foods – carbohydrates & fats – (cereals & millets, starchy vegetables, fats and oils, nuts, sugars) • Body Building Foods – Protein – (milk, pulses, meat/fish/poultry/egg) • Protective Foods – Vitamins, minerals & fibre – (fruits and vegetables) Cereal & millets – Sorghum (jowar), barley, pearl millet (bajra), kodo millet (varagu), little millet (samai), rice (parboiled, brown, milled), whole wheat flour (atta), rice flakes, rice puffed (muri), quinoa, maize (tender & dry), oats, corn Starchy vegetables – Potato, sweet potato, taro corms/roots (arbi), yam Green leafy vegetables – All local and seasonal light green and dark green leafy vegetable Other vegetables – All seasonal and local vegetables like yardlong bean, snap beans, sponge gourd, bottle gourd (lauki), ridge gourd (tori), snake gourd (chichinga), cucumber, lady’s finger, round zucchini, squash, chayote, carrot, radish etc Fruits – All seasonal and local fruits legumes and pluses – Green gram dal (moong), red lentil (masoor), cow pea, Bengal gram (channa dal), Bengal gram whole (kala channa), kidney beans (rajmah, kholar), black gram dal (urad), soya bean, milk and milk products – Toned and skimmed milk, paneer meat/poultry/fish/ eggs – Chicken, lean meat

part of pork, beef, mutton (in limited amount, without fatty parts, avoid processed meat), fresh fish, egg Fats and oils – Rice bran oil, soya oil, olive oil Nuts and oil seeds – (unsalted) Almond, walnut, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, gingelly seeds (sesame seed), groundnut (moongphali) Sugars – Honey, jaggery (gur) Consume more fruits and vegetables to improve antioxidant levels. Increase frequency of meals to counter the increased caloric requirement of fever. Keeping yourself hydrated is especially important. Include warm liquids like vegetable soup/chicken soup/honey water/ginger water/warm water/light tea etc to relieve cough and sore throat. Get enough sleep, reduce stress, do light exercise. Avoid alcohol, tobacco products and smoking. Nutrition management for non-critically ill patients with mild symptoms & Dyspnea (shortness of breath) The amount of carbohydrate intake should be decreased and stress on low GI carbohydrates & meals. Include high biological value proteins. Good quantity of fats for increased energy need. MCT oils can be included for calorie density and good source of omega-3 fats to strengthen immunity and reduce inflammation. Carbohydrate – In case of dyspnea, consumption of carbohydrate quantity is to be reduced (not eliminated) and emphasize more on low GI (Glycemic Index)

carbohydrates to ease less RQ generated. • Low GI foods – Kidney beans, lentils, chick peas, soya bean, barley, oats, beans, milk (toned), corn, whole wheat, green leafy and other vegetables except starchy vegetables, apple, orange, avocado, grapefruit, watermelon (100g), unripe banana, plum, peaches. protein – Get adequate protein like egg, lean meat part of pork, beef, mutton (in restricted amount, without fatty parts), fatty fish, chicken, milk (toned/ skimmed), paneer. Fats and oils – Amount of fats can be increased during dyspnea to increase calories due to reduced carbohydrate intake, fats like groundnut oil, sesame oil, canola oil, rice bran oil, soya oil. To increase calorie density Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) oils like coconut oil & ghee (not dalda vanaspati) can be included but not in excess. Nuts and oil seeds – (unsalted) Flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds. Drinking water or clear liquid is very important even if you’re not thirsty, to replace body’s fluid losses to thin respiratory secretions. Take frequent small sips of liquid every few minutes. Oral rehydration solution can be consumed in addition to other liquids for vomiting/diarrhea. To avoid taste fatigue include variety of liquids like honey water/ginger water/light green tea/unsweetened fruit juices/lime water/ broth. medical Nutrition therapy (mNt) guidance

for covid-19 patient requiring icu care (The quality of macronutrients & micronutrients for critically ill COVID-19 patient with co-morbidities like diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease etc will be according to their specific diet modifications) Depending on severity of illness and tolerance, sufficient nutrients through normal diet, modified textured diet, enteral or parenteral nutrition is to be established to reduce catabolism. Critical care nutrition is one of an integral part of supportive measures in managing critically ill covid-19 patients. Timing of nutrition delivery in critically ill patient is crucial. Early enteral nutrition (EN) should be initiated proactively within 24-36 hours of admission to ICU or within 12 hours of intubation & placement on mechanical ventilation, especially if the patient cannot maintain voluntary adequate oral intake. Early enteral feeding at tropic rate is usually tolerated in most patients with sepsis or circulatory shock. Continuous rather than bolus enteral feeding is highly recommended. EN can be suspended/withheld in case of feeding intolerance. Enteral feeding should be initiated with low dose EN (hypocaloric), advancing to full dose slowly over the first week of critical illness to meet energy goal of 15-20 kcal/kg actual body weight (ABW)/day Protein goal of unstressed adult patient with adequate organ function

Why and how face masks are effective in limiting Covid spread

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requiring nutrition support is 1.3 to 1.5 g/kg/day and it may rise with metabolic demands to 1.2 to 2.0 g/kg ABW/day. Fat and carbohydrate needs are adapted to energy needs with 30:70 ratio of fat and carbohydrate for patients with no respiratory deficiency to 50:50 for ventilated patients. When dietary intake is insufficient to reach nutritional goals, oral nutritional supplement should be used to provide at least 400-600 kcal/day with 30g or more protein/day. Enteral formula choice should be of polymeric & Isosmotic, standard high protein (>20% protein) in early acute phase of critical illness and if polymeric EN administration is associated with gastro intestinal dysfunction, semi-elemental EN can be tested as second line or a fiber free formula. As gut dysfunction is resolved to reinitiate fiber containing formula or supplement. Enteral nutrition (EN) should be preferred over parenteral nutrition (PN) but early PN should be initiated if EN is impossible/contraindicated but with utmost care to avoid high risk of overfeeding and hyperglycemia. In patients with mild & severe sepsis, immune modulating formula may be harmful and are not recommended. (Reference; Indian Dietetic Association “Nutrition guidelines for COVID-19 patients”) Zuthunglo odyuo Clinical Dietitian Nagaland multispeciality health & research centre (NMHRC) Dimapur

Reader’s Post

esearchers have found respiratory particles contains “The combination of and a novel quantitative model under which condi- viruses. Most environments high-efficiency masks with of airborne virus exposure to tions and in which and contacts are under virus- other protective measures is elucidate how the efficacy of ways, masks actually reduce limited conditions, where particularly important for face masks depends on charindividual and population- face masks, including simple hospitals, medical centres, and acteristic regimes of airborne average risks of being in- surgical masks, have a high other indoor environments, virus concentration. The approach can be used Sir, fected with Covid-19 and efficacy in preventing the where high risk patients may help mitigate the coronavirus spread of Covid-19,” said encounter high virus concen- to assess protection against I am writing to you in order to bring to the pandemic. Yafang Cheng, the head of trations,” said Christian Witt, more infectious mutants of concerned authorities notice to ensure smooth The study, led by re- the Minerva Research Group head of the Research Area Covid. It is also applicable implementation of the scheme. searchers from the Max Planck at Max Planck. Pneumology at the Charite to a wide range of respiratory Our honourable Prime minister has anInstitute for Chemistry in GerIn environments with Universitatsmedizin Berlin. viruses and diseases, including nounced free distribution of rice for ration card many’s Mainz, showed that in potentially high airborne vi“Masks will remain an coronaviruses, rhinoviruses, holders for two months (May and june ) under most environments and situ- rus concentrations such as important protective measure and influenza. The findings PMGKAY (Pradhan mantri garib kalyan ann ations, even simple surgical medical settings and densely- against SARS-Cov-2 infec- showed that aerosol trans- yojana) which has benefited thousands of Naga masks effectively reduce the occupied indoor spaces, masks tion -- even for vaccinated mission does not necessarily families who were struggling to maintain basic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 with higher filtration effi- persons, especially when the lead to very high reproducneeds.It will be shame in general if such welfare and the effective reproduction ciency (N95/FFP2) should be protection provided by vac- tion numbers as observed for number for Covid-19. used and combined with other cination decreases over time,” measles, and that relatively scheme is corrupted for individualist profit. So, I hereby request competent authorlow reproduction numbers do “For the airborne trans- protective measures such as Witt said. ity to ensure smooth and transparency of the not rule out airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, intensive ventilation. In most For the study, published stated scheme. we find that usually just a situations, even simple surgi- in the journal Science, the mission. Swuto swu minor fraction of exhaled cal masks are effective. team used observational data IaNS feature Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

Ensure smooth implementation of PMGKAY scheme

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NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 24, 2021

12 oppn parties support SKM nationwide protest call on May 26

the joint statement include “The Central Govformer chief ministers Fa- ernment must stop being rooq Abdullah (JKPA) obdurate and immediately and Akhilesh Yadav (SP) resume talks with SKM besides Tejashwi Yadav on these lines,” it said. The (RJD), D Raja (CPI) and opposition leaders said that Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M). on May 12, they had jointly “We extend our sup- written to Prime Minister port to the call given by the Narendra Modi demanding Samyukta Kisan Morcha the “repeal of farm laws to (SKM) to observe a coun- protect lakhs of our ‘annatrywide protest day on May datas’ becoming victims of 26 marking the completion the pandemic so that they of six months of the heroic can continue to produce File photo of Samyukta Kisan Morcha leaders. peaceful Kisan struggle,” food to feed the Indian NEW DELHI, MAY 23 brought by the Centre, alpeople”. the statement said. (PTI): Twelve major op- leging that the legislations position parties, including will hamper farming. Farmers gathering again at the Congress, Trinamool In a joint statement Delhi borders to fortify protest Congress, Left parties, SP, issued here by Congress After a brief hiatus, farmers protesting against the NCP and DMK on Sun- leader Sonia Gandhi, forday extended their support mer prime minister H D Centre’s three farm laws have started gathering again at to a countrywide protest Devegowda, NCP chief Delhi borders to strengthen their agitation. Some peasants have already reached the Singhu call given by the Samyuk- Sharad Pawar and chief ta Kisan Morcha (SKM) ministers Mamata Baner- border from Haryana’s Karnal district. They said that the government should not be under on May 26, marking six jee, Uddhav Thackeray, M months of the farmers pro- K Stalin and Hemant Soren the wrong impression that the protest has dwindled to a test against the Centre’s said the Centre must stop trickle but will be fortified again soon. Nearly, 3000 vehicles have reached the Singhu borfarm laws. being obdurate and immeFarmers from various diately resume talks with der from Karnal. Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) leader parts of the country are farmer leaders and repeal Darshan Pal told IANS: “The farmers had to move to their village for sometime due to the harvesting season. protesting at Delhi borders the three farm laws. against the three farm laws Other signatories to But now they have started returning to the protest sites.”

Depression in Bay of Bengal to develop into cyclonic storm by today, says IMD NEW DELHI, MAY 23 (PTI): A low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression that will cross the West Bengal and Odisha coasts on May 26 as a “very severe cyclonic storm”, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday. The depression is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm, “Yaas”, by Monday, it added. “It (the depression) is very likely to move northnorthwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm by 24th May morning and further into a very severe cyclonic storm during the subsequent 24 hours. It would continue to move northnorthwestwards, intensify further and reach Northwest Bay of Bengal near West Bengal and north Odisha coasts by 26th May morning,” the Cyclone Warning Division of the IMD said. “It is very likely to cross north Odisha-West Bengal between the Paradip and Sagar islands by evening of 26th May as a very severe

Boats anchored at a beach in Puri, Odisha, on May 22, 2021. (PTI)

cyclonic storm,” it added. The state governments as well as the Centre are preparing for the cyclone that will bring winds with a speed ranging 155-165 kmph and gusting to 185 kmph. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for a timely evacuation of those involved in offshore activities as he chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness of the state and central agencies to deal with the situation arising out of Cyclone Yaas. He asked officials to work in close coordination with the states to ensure safe evacuation of people from the high-risk areas and stressed the need

to ensure that the time duration of outages of the power supply and communication network is minimum and these links are restored swiftly, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. Modi also asked the officials to ensure proper coordination and planning with the states to ensure that no disruption is caused to the treatment of COVID-19 patients in hospitals and vaccination against the viral disease. He called for involving various stakeholders such as the coastal communities and industries by directly reaching out to them, the PMO said.

3 booked for gang rape of minor in UP

AGRA, MAY 23 (IANS): Three persons have been booked for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh. Shamshabad police station in-charge Pradeep Kumar said: “A case has been registered under section 376 D (gang-rape), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 5/6 of POCSO Act at Shamshabad police station against three accused. Police have rounded up a few persons for interrogation and raids are on to arrest the accused.” The incident took place on Friday when the victim was alone in her house as her parents had gone to attend a wedding ceremony, the police official said. “One of the accused lured the girl and took her to a secluded building on the outskirts of the village, where his friends were already present. All three committed the crime and escaped. They also threatened the victim with of dire consequences if she told anyone about the incident,” the official added.

Future govt should remove Vaccinate all Class 12 CBSE Delhi govt extends lockdown till May 31 Lockdown extended in Plaque on Central Vista: Sibal students before exams: Sisodia Puducherry till May 31

NEW DELHI, MAY 23 (IANS): Coming down heavily on the continuation of Central Vista project, Congress leader Kapil Sibal in a statement on Sunday said, future government should remove the plaque from the project and should write about the apathy of the government towards citizens. Kapil Sibal in a statement on Sunday said, “The government which comes to power in future must remove the plaque and instead write that this project was built despite the fact that money was needed to save people’s lives during the pandemic. It is an act of monumental insensitivity not to voluntarily stop the project.” Sibal said that the government should purchase vaccine and vaccinate every citizen and pool all the resources including the PM CARES fund and use Rs 35,000 crore earmarked for vaccination in the budget. “The real problem that the country is facing these

Kapil Sibal

days is absence of adequate vaccines and production facilities,” he said. He asked why there has been limit to companies involved in production of the vaccines and international vaccine manufacturers are excluded. He justified the suggestion made to the government by the opposition and alleged that the government has not performed at the time of crisis. Twelve major opposition parties including four chief ministers had on May 12 wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding that the government

should stop the Central Vista project and instead use the money to procure oxygen and vaccines. The letter said, “We have repeatedly in the past drawn your attention, independently and jointly, to the various measures that are absolutely imperative for the Central government to undertake and implement. Unfortunately, your government has either ignored or refused all these suggestions. This only compounded the situation to reach such an apocalyptic human tragedy.” The Congress has been attacking the government over mishandling of the pandemic and not heeding to the advise of ex-PM Manmohan Singh, party president Sonia Gandhi and the opposition parties. The Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on a plea seeking to halt the construction of Central Vista redevelopment project against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.

NEW DELHI, MAY 23 (IANS): If health experts clear anti-Covid vaccine jabs for 17.5-year-olds, then all Class 12 students across the country must be vaccinated before the CBSE exams, said Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Sunday. Sisodia, who holds the Education portfolio, made the demand during the highlevel virtual meeting with Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and other Union Ministers along with state education ministers to deliberate on the conduct of the exams. However, it was inconclusive. “During the meeting, I demanded making arrangements for vaccinating Class 12 students before board exams at a meeting with the central government. Conducting the examination by toying with students’ safety will prove to be a big mistake. First vaccine, then exams,” Sisodia said. In a post meeting press conference, he demanded

Manish Sisodia

that the Central government should arrange vaccines for around 1.5 crore Class 12 students across the country and the same number of vaccines for teachers. Sisodia said that nearly 95 per cent of Class 12 students are above the age of 17.5 years, and suggested that Centre should talk to experts aif they can be given anti-Covid vaccines. Following the Centre’s directive, he had on Saturday held a virtual meeting with teachers, educational experts, parents, and students to gain view of collective view regarding holding of the CBSE’s Class 12 board exams.

NEW DELHI/PUDUCHERRY, MAY 23 (IANS): Although the Covid positivity rate in the national capital has declined to 2.5 per cent and the singleday cases also reduced to around 1,600, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced that the ongoing lockdown has been extended to May 31. The capital city has been under lockdown since April 20 when it registered over 28,000 Covid cases in a day. Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal said: “The daily cases have reduced to 1,600 and positivity rate has also declined to 2.5 per cent, but the war against the Covid pandemic is still on. Daily cases are still above the 1,000 mark in the city and therefore the Delhi government has decided to extend the existing lockdown for one more week. It means, Delhi would remain under lockdown till next Monday (May 31). “After one week, we

Arvind Kejriwal

will examine the situation and if reduction in Covid cases continue, then we will take a decision to remove the lockdown in phase wise.” This is the third straight day that Delhi’s daily positivity rate remained below 5 per cent. The WHO recommends that areas below 5 per cent for a two-week period for an infection can be considered under control. Within five weeks of the lockdown, Delhi has witnessed a steady decline in the number of cases from a high of over 28,000 on April 22 to 1,600 on Sunday.

The Puducherry government on Sunday announced extension of the ongoing lockdown till May 31 as COVID-19 cases continue to soar in the union territory. The two-week long lockdown clamped on May 10 is to come to an end on May 24 midnight. Lt Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan said the lockdown is extended till month end, beyond midnight of May 24. All restrictions imposed from May 10 would continue andonly essential services such as vegetables would be available till noon every day, an official release said. Milk and essential services would continue to be available and the government is keen that livelihood sources should not suffer any setback. With Puducherry registering unabated incidence of covid 19, extension of lock down to rein in the pandemic has become necessary, an official source said.

Covaxin trials on children likely from next month Farmers warned of locust attack in UP

HYDERABAD, MAY 23 (IANS): Bharat Biotech may commence paediatric trials of its Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin from June, a senior company official said. The vaccine maker has already received permission to carry out trials on children aged 2-18 years. Bharat Biotech’s Business Development & International Advocacy Head, Dr Raches Ella, exuded confidence that vaccine for kids may get the license in the third quarter of this year. Holding a virtual conversation with members of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) Hyderabad on “All About Vaccines, he said that the company expected approval from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for Covaxin by the end of third or fourth quarter. Ella also said Bharat Biotech will be ramping up manufacturing capacity of Covaxin to

700 million doses by the end of this year. “We are happy to have the full support of the government because of which we are able to stand where we are today in this journey. The vaccine is co-developed by us and ICMR. The Government placed an advanced purchase order of Rs 1,500 crore. This will help us to increase our risk appetite. That is why we are expanding to Bangalore and Gujarat,” he

said. Also seeking to dispel various myths about vaccines, he said that they are safe and everyone should take vaccines. Replying to a query by Consultant, Breast Oncology & Oncoplastic Surgeon, Dr Pragnya Chigurupati, who moderated the talk, Ella said the success probability of a vaccine is just 6 per cent from discovery to development. “In normal circumstances, the develop-

ment of a vaccine takes anywhere between 7 to 10 years, which we have done in the least possible time. This was never taught in books. This is something I learned practically. The journey was challenging, promising, and fulfilling,” he said. Asked about dosing intervals he said ideally the gap should be between two weeks and can go up to six weeks. “If for some reason you miss that schedule, you need not get panicked. You can go and take the second dose anytime possible but at the earliest possible time.” Three months after the second dose, a good antibody response can be developed. Talking about a booster dosage he said the current vaccines are doing good enough but it will depend on future variants of the virus if any booster doses needs to be taken or not. About herd immunity,

he said if the majority of the population are inoculated, that is when herd immunity can be achieved. About cross-matching of different vaccines he said: “As of now, no mix and match. The studies are on, if proved well, then we can take a call in the future”. Stressing that no vaccines offer 100 per cent protection, he said that the vaccine efficacy can be improved up to 100 per cent protection by Covid appropriate behaviour and following other safety protocols. Asked why people still get Corona even after taking the first dose, he replied that the first dose gives only partial efficacy. “That is because your immune system takes time to develop. It is a biological process and the system needs some time. The severity of the Covid effect will be a lot less after the second dose,” he said.

After Sonali Guha, Sarala Murmu wants to rejoin TMC KO L K ATA , M AY 2 3 (PTI): With the TMC having emerged victorious with a thumping majority in the recently concluded assembly elections, turncoats who had quit the party to join the BJP seem to be making a beeline for re-entry into the Mamata Banerjee camp, the latest being Sarala Murmu. Murmu, who had switched camp as she was reportedly unhappy with the ticket that was given to her by the ruling party, has expressed her

Sarala Murmu

desire to return to the TMC, a day after Banerjee’s former aide, Sonali Guha, made a similar appeal. Claiming that it was a mistake on her

part to have joined the BJP, Murmu said that she wants party supremo Mamata Banerjee to pardon her. “If she accepts me, I will stay with her and work for the party diligently,” Murmu told reporters at her Malda home. Murmu was nominated from Habibpur seat in Malda, but party sources had then claimed that she was keen on contesting the election from Maldaha constituency. “I committed a mistake and want Didi (Banerjee) to par-

don me for that,” she said. Former TMC MLA Sonali Guha had on Saturday written to Banerjee, apologising to her for leaving the party. The four-time MLA from Satgachhia in South 24 Parganas district, in a letter which she also shared on social media, said, “The way a fish cannot stay out of the water, I will not be able to live without you, ‘Didi’. I seek your forgiveness and if you don’t forgive me, I won’t be able to live.

DC-455

A L I G A R H , M AY 2 3 (IANS): As Uttar Pradesh is struggling to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the emergence of black fungus cases, the possibility of a locust attack also looms large. The Aligarh District Administration has now sounded an alert over a likely locust attack. Officials have issued the advisory after swarms of locusts were spotted in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer city.

The state’s Agriculture Department has geared up and remains vigilant. Farmers have also been warned on the issue, Desert locusts that move in large swarms, can consume crops up to their own weight every day. When millions of locusts descend on a crop, they destroy everything. The desert locust is considered the most destructive migratory pest in the world and a single swarm

covering one square kilometre can contain up to 80 million locusts. Last year, almost 17 districts in Uttar Pradesh were put on alert after the locust swarms which travelled from Pakistan invaded India and made their way to at least five states, leaving a trail of destruction. According to District Agriculture Officer Vinod Kumar Singh, on the basis of the advisory issued by UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Rajasthan has sounded an alert for a possible locust attack and directed authorities to plan, coordinate and execute a strategy to repulse it. Following this, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued directions to be fully prepared and ensure a timely response to tackle an infestation of the shorthorned grasshoppers.

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10 suspected barge sank victims found

M U M B A I , M AY 2 3 (AGENCIES): Ten unidentified bodies were found at three different locations along the coast in Maharashtra’s Raigad district and Gujarat’s Valsad, police said. Police suspect they could be of some of the victims of barge P305 that sank off the Mumbai coast in Cyclone Tauktae, a police official said on Sunday. Out of the eight bodies found on Saturday, five were washed ashore in Mandwa, two in Alibaug and another one in Murud, the senior official from Raigad police said. “The bodies are yet to be identified,” he said. Raigad administration and senior officials of the state police have been informed about the bodies, he added. Two more bodies were found at the Tithal beach on Sunday morning. The police have recovered their identity cards and some documents

Indian Navy carries out the rescue and search operations for the missing crew members of the barge P305, off the Mumbai coast on May 20. (PTI)

bodies found on Saturday, one was identified as that of the captain of tugboat ‘Varaprada’ that sank last Monday. “We are trying to identify the other five bodies,” he said. Barge P-305, which housed personnel engaged in maintenance work of an offshore oil drilling platform of the state-run oil and gas major ONGC, sank on Monday evening off the Mumbai coast after it went adrift due to the high-speed winds and huge tidal waves caused by the extremely severe cyclone which brushed the Mumbai coast on its way to Gujarat. Apart from the nine missing personnel of the barge P305, the Navy and the Coast Guard are also searching for 11 missing persons from the tugboat Varaprada. Of the 13 people on Varaprada, two have been rescued, officials earlier said.

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 24, 2021

FIR against BJP leaders Raman Singh and Sambit Patra in ‘toolkit’ issue

NEW DELHI, MAY 23 (AGENCIES): An FIR has been registered against BJP’s National Vice President Raman Singh and party spokesperson Sambit Patra in Chhattisgarh for allegedly “forging” the letterhead of AICC Research Department and printing “false and fabricated” content. They both have been summoned for further investigation, Raipur Civil Lines Police SHO RK Mishra said on Sunday. “Today, we have asked Sambit Patra to be present here in person or via video conference. The complaint was registered by Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress NSUI president,” news agency ANI quoted Mishra as saying. The Congress has also filed a complaint with Delhi Police seeking registration of an FIR against BJP president J P Nadda, Union Minister Smriti Irani, Sambit Patra, and BJP’s National

and further investigation is underway, the official said. Valsad Superintendent of Police Rajdeepsinh Jhala said six bodies have so far been recovered from two places here in south Gujarat

since Saturday evening. On Saturday, four bodies were washed ashore—three on the Tithal beach and one on a beach in Dungri village here. “From their uniform

and life jackets, it appears they are the missing victims of the barge or the tugboat that sank off the Mumbai coast during cyclone Tauktae,” Jhala said. He said out of the four

Odisha Govt allows online access of Covid test reports

3 held for smuggling whale vomit worth ` 7 crore in Gujarat

Centre should put out district-wise data of daily inoculations: Congress

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 23 (AGENCIES): The Odisha government has introduced a facility to help people access COVID-19 test reports online in a hassle-free manner, instead of physically visiting laboratories, an official said. After undergoing RTPCR or rapid antigen test, one can access the result of the clinical examination through a website that has been linked to the “State Dashboard”, he said. Launching the facility on Saturday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said this will help people get COVID-19 test reports at their homes. “After undergoing COVID-19 tests, RT PCR or Rapid Antigen, people can know their test result- whether it is positive or negative- by just submitting their registered mobile number on the website,” he said. The initiative was tak-

en by the health and information technology departments will help reduce the stress of people, he said. The test results generated digitally will carry all the details of persons who undergo the clinical examinations, including the QR code which can be used by any designated agency to verify the authenticity of the report at any time. “Technology has always been a big bulwark during the fight against the pandemic. Hassle-free provision of information regarding the COVID-19 test will not only smoothen the process but also give a huge relief to the people during these trying times,” Naveen Patnaik said. Meanwhile, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is starting doorstep COVID-19 test and vaccination services for differently-abled persons from Sunday.

Su do ku

AHMEDABAD, MAY 23 (AGENCIES): Police have arrested three persons for allegedly smuggling ambergris, or whale puke which used in making cosmetics, worth about `7 crore, police said on Sunday. Ambergis is a waxy substance produced in the intestines of sperm whales. According to police, the three men were apprehended on Saturday after they brought the expensive substance from Junagadh for a client in Ahmedabad. The police recovered from them 5.35 kg of the ambergris valued at around `7 crore in the international market, they said. “We have arrested three persons for smuggling 5.35 kg ambergris. They are part of a network in which so far 10 people are suspected to be involved. Further investigation into the case is underway,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone VII) Premsukh Delu said.

NEW DELHI, MAY 23 (PTI): The Congress on Sunday claimed there is shortage of vaccines in the country and asked the Centre to put out district-wise data of those inoculated as state-wise data hides many facts. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also took a swipe at the prime minister, alleging that he is arrogant. “One there is a pandemic, on top of that the leader is arrogant,” he said in a tweet in Hindi, while citing a media report quoting a top official of Covishield maker Serum Institute that WHO guidelines on vaccine sticks were not followed while announcing the vaccine. Congress leader P Chidambaram said after Delhi suspended vaccination of 18-44 years age group because of shortage of vaccines, there is more bad news from Telangana. “The Union Health Minis-

P Chidambaram and Rahul Gandhi

try should put out a daily statement of the number of vaccinations administered district-wise every day. The number for the whole State hides many alarming facts,” he said on Twitter. “Will the “no shortage” Harshvardhan please answer the facts emerging from Delhi and Telangana,” he said. The former union minister said no vaccines have been administered in 29 out of 33 districts of Telangana because there are no vaccines. “The fact that

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the number of daily vaccinations is declining can only be attributed to the shortage of vaccines,” he alleged, urging Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan to meet Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and sort out the issue. The Centre says that there are 1.6 crore doses of vaccines available with the states, but several states including Karnataka and Delhi have stopped vaccinating the 18-44 age group citing shortage of vaccines, he said.

Sambit Patra and Raman Singh

General Secretary B L Santhosh. On Tuesday, the BJP had hit out at the Congress over the alleged toolkit of the opposition party, claiming it wants to tarnish the image of the country and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by calling the new Covid-19 strain the “India strain” or the “Modi strain”. The Congress had retorted accusing the BJP of propagating a “fake toolkit” to defame it. A case for

“spreading fake news” and “promoting enmity between classes” was filed at Civil Lines police station based on the complaint of Akash Sharma, state chief of the National Students Union of India. Twitter had also tagged some of the posts on this alleged Congress “toolkit” against the Modi government as “manipulated media”. Among those whose posts was tagged is BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.

DAYO dismayed by high burial... (From p-1) Further, DAYO has expressed concern over the “silence” of five MLAs of Dimapur district at a time when the district was facing the worst Covid crisis. It said that Dimapur district citizens expected elected representatives to be their role model. “But unfortunately our leaders seem to shy away from their responsibilities,” DAYO stated. It has, therefore, appealed to the “our leaders to rescue the public they represent and lead by

example once again.” Meanwhile, DAYO has appreciated and acknowledged all the Good Samaritan and philanthropic works contributed by different Churches, community-based organisations, civil society organisations and individuals towards the common fight against the pandemic. DAYO has requested all its members to continue extending cooperation and selfless services towards all initiatives undertaken by different Ao Churches.

Contractor alleges threat against... (From p-1) Zhimo said the only letter received from Das was during April when he mentioned that he was unable to start the work in view of the lockdown. Zhimo also said there are many contractors from outside who are undertaking various works in Dimapur and none of them have any problem.

He said failing to execute the work and then making up excuses even to the extent of projecting the state in poor light was certainly unacceptable. Zhimo warned that if Das continued to delay execution of works issued within the time without valid reasons, such firms will be blacklisted as per the law.

Moderna rejects Punjab plea for vaccines, says it deals only with Centre CHANDIGARH, MAY 23 (AGENCIES): US-based manufacturer, Moderna has refused to deliver vaccines directly to Punjab citing policy that allows it to deal only with central government for such purpose. State nodal officer for vaccination, Vikas Garg said that all vaccine manufacturers were approached for direct purchase of various Covid vaccines, including Sputnik V, Pfizer, Modern, and Johnson & Johnson, as per the directions of Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to ensure early inoculation in the state. Garg said that Moderna had refused to deal with the state government citing

policy decisions. Punjab was forced to stop vaccination for Phase I & Phase 2 categories in the last three days because of non-availability. All efforts would be made for procurement of vaccines to meet the acute shortage in the state, which had received fewer than 44 lakh vaccine doses so far from centre. As per GoI allocation for Phase III (18-44 age group), the state government has been been able to buy only 4.2lakh vaccine doses, including 66,000 received yesterday. A total of 3.65 Lakh have already been used, leaving only 64000 for use as of now, said Vikas Garg.

Andhra, Telangana CMs playing with people’s lives, says TDP AMARAVATI, MAY 23 (IANS): Telugu Desam Party’s Andhra Pradesh unit president K. Atchannaidu on Sunday slammed the YSRCP government for not immediately taking any steps to resolve the problems of the Covid patients who were being prevented from entering Telangana. Voicing his concern over Covid patients being stopped on the inter-state border, Atchannaidu alleged that the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were playing with the lives of the common people at a time when the Coronavirus epidemic had caused untold suffering.The TDP leader condemned the lathicharge on the motorists by the Telangana police at Pondugala checkpost. Atchannaidu alleged that the Telangana police were not allowing Andhra Pradesh vehicles on the border and even threaten-

K. Atchannaidu

ing the vehicle users if they tried to cross over. He said that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy was behaving as if these border problems were not his concern. “It’s like pouring out the problems of the AP people before a deaf man. In no other State in the country, incidents like these are happening,” he said. Atchanaidu asked whether Telangana was not part of India to deny entry to people from Andhra Pradesh. He said the AP officials were not talking

to their Telangana counterparts when such untoward incidents were taking place on the borders. The Governments should explain whether some other laws outside of the Indian constitution were in force in Telangana. They were not showing any humanitarian concerns to the AP patients. The TDP leader wanted to know how the AP Government would react if the Telangana officials would stop any ruling YSRCP MLA or minister on the borders from going to take emergency treatment in Hyderabad. Atchannaidu demanded the AP Government to form a task force so as to coordinate with the Telangana officials for resolving the border problems. The TDP would not watch silently if the AP government continued to ignore the patients’ woes on the borders, he added.

7

international

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 24, 2021

Israel allows Jews to visit flashpoint site 2 dead, 8 injured in US city shooting

Jerusalem, may 23 (aP): Israeli police on Sunday escorted around 50 Jewish visitors to a flashpoint holy site in Jerusalem where police actions in recent weeks had ignited protests and violence that triggered war in Gaza, according to the Islamic authority overseeing the site. The Waqf said police cleared young Palestinians out of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and barred entry to Muslims under the age of 45. Muslims who entered were required to leave their IDs with police at the entrance. It said three Muslims were arrested, including a guard. Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the site was open for “regular visits” and that police had secured the area to prevent “incidents,” without elaborating. Israeli police had briefly clashed with Palestinian protesters after Fri-

A man carries his son on his shoulder with a toy rifle and a Palestinian flag, as thousands of Lebanese and Palestinians celebrate a cease-fire in Gaza, Lebanon, Saturday.(AP/PTI)

day prayers in an early test for the truce, which had taken effect hours earlier. The Waqf said Sunday it was the first time Jews had been allowed to

Pak records lowest Covid positivity ratio islamabad, may 23 (ians): Pakistan on Sunday reported its lowest number of positive coronavirus results in three months, as life returns to normal and business activity and educational institutions reopen gradually. The national positivity ratio was recorded at 4.96 per cent, its lowest since March, according to the Health Ministry. There were 3,084 new cases out of the 62,061 tests conducted during the last 24 hours, dpa news agency reported. Pakistan has so far recorded 900,522 cases and 20,251 deaths. Most of the deaths occurred during the ongoing third wave, as a majority of the new patients were infected by a variant first found in Britain. A downward trend in the number of new infections encouraged authorities to ease coronavirus-related restrictions imposed to curb

the spread of the virus. National Command and Operation Centre, the body responsible for the country’s response to the pandemic, will allow the reopening of markets, businesses and educational institutions in districts where Covid-19 positivity ratio is less than 5 per cent, to start on Monday. Meanwhile, educational institutions nationwide will be reopened in a staggered manner from June 7. The tourism sector will also be reopened under strict Covid-19 protocols, also starting on Monday. Meanwhile, a free vaccination drive has started picking up pace, with reports of more than 5 million doses administered. A Health Ministry spokesperson said that more vaccination centres are being set up across the country as more people are getting themselves registered.

visit the site since May 4, a week before the war broke out. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. It sits on a sprawling

hilltop in Jerusalem’s Old City that is revered by Jews as their holiest site because it was the location of the biblical temples. The site has often been the scene of

dhaka, may 23 (Pti): A Bangladeshi court on Sunday granted interim bail to a senior woman investigative journalist who was arrested on charges of violating a colonial-era official secrecy law that triggered widespread protests, including by the UN. Rozina Islam, a senior reporter of Bangla daily Prothom Alo, the largest daily newspaper based on circulation, was on Monday last detained for over five hours by Health Ministry officials for allegedly clicking a picture of a document with her cell phone without permission. She was later arrested by the police. The court of Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Baki Billah granted her bail on a bond of Tk 5,000 (approximately USD 59) with two guarantors -- one of whom must be a lawyer, and the other a legal guardian. She was also

Rozina Islam

granted bail on condition of submitting her passport, The Daily Star newspaper reported. While pronouncing the bail order, the magistrate said, “It is the duty of journalists to protect the image of society and state. I hope that from now on, we will all act responsibly.” Islam was lodged in Kashimpur Central Women’s jail. The health ministry filed a case against Islam under the draconian 1923

– and I urge everyone to book in their jab when offered,” he said. “I’m increasingly confident we’re on track for the roadmap because this data shows the vaccine after two doses works just as effectively, and we all know that the vaccine is our way out of this,” added the minister, raising hopes that the June 21 end to lockdown date remains on track. The analysis shows that vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 variant is similar after two doses compared to the B1.1.7 VOC discovered in Kent and currently the dominant variant in the UK.

The Pfizer jabs were found to be 93 per cent effective against the B1.1.7 VOC compared to 66 per cent effectiveness from AstraZeneca against the B.1.1.7 variant. After just one dose, they both showed around 50 per cent effectiveness against the B1.1.7 VOC. PHE said it expects to see even higher levels of effectiveness against hospitalisation and death over time. “This study provides reassurance that two doses of either vaccine offer high levels of protection against symptomatic disease from the B1.617.2 variant,” said Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at PHE.

UN chief concerned about COVID surge in India, S America

Manhunt in Belgium for terror suspect enters 5th day

u n i t e d nat i o n s, may 23 (Pti): Recent surges of COVID-19 in India, South America and other regions have left people “literally gasping for breath before our eyes”, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said, warning that the pandemic is still “very much with us, thriving and mutating”. “From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I warned that no one is safe until everyone is safe…. Grossly unequal access to vaccines, tests, medicines and supplies, including oxygen, have left poorer countries at the mercy of the virus,” Guterres said in his statement to the Global Health Summit on Friday. He said “recent surges of COVID-19 in India, K Y M C

tiveness from both types of vaccines was found to be only 33 per cent against the VOC found in India after just one dose of either jab. The Serum Institute of India has been producing the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines as Covishield for use in India as protection against COVID-19. “This new evidence is groundbreaking – and proves just how valuable our COVID-19 vaccination programme is in protecting the people we love,” said UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock. “It’s clear how important the second dose is to secure the strongest possible protection against COVID-19 and its variants

South America and other regions have left people literally gasping for breath before our eyes. The pandemic is still very much with us, thriving and mutating.” “Let’s be clear, we are at war with the virus. And if you are at war with the virus, we need to deal with our weapons with rules of a war economy, and we are not yet there. And this is true for vaccines, and it is true for other components in the fight against the virus,” he said. While the COVAX should have delivered 170 million doses around the world by now, vaccine nationalism, limited production capacity and lack of funding have led to that figure being just 65

Of the 10 victims shot, preliminary information shows all are adults.

Washington, may 23 (ians): Two people were killed and eight others injured in a shooting incident that took place in the US city of Minneapolis in Minnesota state, police said. The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) said officers responded to “an exceptionally chaotic scene” at 1.59 a.m. on Saturday at a bar in the city centre, reports Xinhua news agency. Preliminary investigation revealed two people both pulled out guns and began shooting at each other as they got into a verbal

confrontation. “Of the 10 victims shot, preliminary information shows all are adults. Five are males and five are females. The two deceased are males. One male is in critical condition and the remaining seven have non-life-threatening injuries,” the MPD said in a statement. The incident took place along the 300 block of North 1st Avenue. The names of the victims and suspects have not been publicly released. “These brazen senseless acts of gun violence must stop. The perpetrators of these crimes should never

find refuge or anonymity in our communities,” Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said in a statement on Saturday evening as an investigation into the incident was still ongoing and additional law enforcement agencies were called to assist in the process. The violence, which came just days before the one-year anniversary of the killing of George Floyd under police custody, followed other recent shootings in the city, including the death of a six-year-old girl earlier this week.

Bangladesh woman journo released on bail Nepal’s EC tells Oli to conduct

Vaccines effective against B.1.617.2 variant: UK study l o n d o n, m ay 2 3 (Pti): A new study by health officials in England shows for the first time that two doses of COVID-19 vaccines are “highly effective” against the B1.617.2 variant first identified in India. Public Health England (PHE) said on Saturday that while the Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine was 88 per cent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 from the B1.617.2 variant of concern (VOC) two weeks after the second dose, the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine was 60 per cent effective against symptomatic disease from the B1.617.2 VOC. However, the effec-

Israeli-Palestinian violence and was the epicenter of the 2000 Palestinian intifada, or uprising. Israeli police repeatedly clashed with Palestinian protesters in the days leading up to May 10, when Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers fired long-range rockets at Jerusalem. The threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families from a nearby Jerusalem neighborhood was cited as another major trigger of the 11-day war, which was halted by a cease-fire on Friday. In recent years, increasing numbers of religious and nationalist Jews have visited the site. Palestinians fear Israel plans to eventually take over the compound or partition it. The Israeli government has repeatedly said it has no intention of changing the status quo, under which the Waqf oversees the site under Jordanian custodianship.

million. “I call on G20 countries to lead by example and contribute their full share of funding. An investment of billions could end up saving trillions – and saving lives,” he said. Guterres stressed that vaccinating quickly and thoroughly around the world, together with continued public health measures, are the only way to end the pandemic and prevent more dangerous variants from gaining a foothold. He, however, noted with concern that so far, more than 82 per cent of the world’s vaccine doses have gone to affluent countries while just 0.3 per cent have gone to low-income countries.

b ru s s e l s, m ay 2 3 (ians): The manhunt for a fugitive Belgian soldier believed to harbour rightwing extremist sympathies has continued for a fifth consecutive day. Security forces carried out searches during Saturday night of 10 houses belonging to people thought to be close to the suspect, dpa news agency quoted a statement released on Sunday by the public prosecutor. The 46-year-old soldier, identified as Jurgen Conings in the Belgian press, disappeared from his home in the nearby municipality of Dilsen-Stokkem on the Dutch border on May 17. Authorities believe he is armed and said he may have intentions to harm a number of institutions and personalities, including the country’s top virologist.

Official Secrets Act that carries harsh penalties, including a possible death penalty. Reacting to reports of Islam’s arrest, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson Ste phane Dujar ric on Tuesday said it is obviously “something concerning”. “Journalists need to be able to do their work free of any sort of harassment or physical threat anywhere around the world. And, obviously, that includes Bangladesh

and every other country. I think we have seen the very important work that journalists all around the world have done during the pandemic, and they need to be able to continue that work, wherever they may work,” Dujarric said at a regular media briefing at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Rozina, who earned the reputation of being an investigative journalist, has in recent months published several reports exposing the health ministry’s alleged malpractices during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing public attention. She also published several reports involving the health sector which included alleged graft in procurement at the health ministry, corruption in doctors’ recruitment and how urgent medical equipment for coronavirus treatment were left at Dhaka airport for months.

25TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF LT. SUBONG IMCHEN

Died on 24/05/1996 "If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." - Romans 14:8 It's been 25 years since God called you to be with him, but we remember your love and affection in our hearts everyday. God has been kind to us and we know that you are smiling down on us, happy and proud. You remain always in our memories and we miss you every single day. Loving Wife, Children and Family Members DP-2511

Nov snap polls in single phase

kathmandu, may 23 (Pti): Nepal’s Election Commission has advised the government led by embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to conduct the mid-term elections slated for November 12 and 19 in a single phase to prevent the further spread of coronavirus infections during electioneering. After a meeting with Prime Minister K P Oli on Saturday, Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya said it is Election Commission’s constitutional duty to successfully conduct polls once the date has been announced. “We have abundant time for preparation and have suggested to the government to conduct the election in a single phase,” Thapaliya was quoted as saying in a report in My Republica.

In the meeting, the representatives of the Election Commission also suggested to the government to create a favorable political environment for elections, maintain peace and security, and prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections among others, it said. Nepal’s President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the House of Representatives on Saturday for the second time in five months and announced snap elections on November 12 and November 19 on the recommendation of prime minister Oli. Oli suggested that the Election Commission officials step up preparations for elections by devising a proper strategy based on its past electionmanagement experience in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY LT LASIEVILIE KHEZHIE

24/05/2020

A year has passed since you left for your heavenly abode. Gone but not forgotten, missing you always. K-976

Loving wife, Children and Family members

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

Lt. Mrs. THRITONGLA SANGTAM (Wife of Mr CHUMLISE SANGTAM) Born on: 14 March 1979 Died on : 22 May 2021 We, the bereaved family members would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and sincerely thank to all individuals, friends, neighbours, churches, unions and well wishers who have extended immeasurable help morally, physically, financially and unceasingly prayers for our family during her illness and at her sudden demise on 22nd May 2021. Despite our inability to thank each and everyone individually, we shall always remain indebted and remembering you in our prayers. “Till we meet again, you shall always be remembered” Loving husband, sons, daughters and relatives. DP-2510

The Assemblies of God Angami Section deeply grieved at the loss of Rev. Khriezolie Chüpuo, Executive Member. He was a cheerful and dedicated servant of God, who served faithfully till his last breath. It was an untimely departure and a great loss to the Assemblies of God Angami Section in particular and the AG Nagaland District in general. We have lost a faithful Minister of God, a trustworthy colleague, a wonderful husband, a loving father and a cheerful friend in Christ. May the departed soul rest in peace and may God give comfort the bereaved family, specially his beloved wife and children. In His Service Rev. Vivolie Angami Presbyter AGAS K-978 K Y M C

8

sports

NagalaNd Post, Dimapur mONDaY, maY 24, 2021

Atletico pip Real Madrid to La Liga title

Atletico Madrid teammates celebrate after winning the La Liga 2020-21 title.

Barcelona, May 23 (IanS): Luis Suarez fired Atletico Madrid to a 2-1 win at Real Valladolid to earn his team La Liga for the first time in seven years late on Saturday, and for the 11th time in their history. Atletico needed to win on the last day of the season to guarantee they would finish ahead of city rivals Real

Madrid, who also earned a 2-1 win against Villarreal. Real Valladolid went ahead through Oscar Plano but goals from Angel Correa and Suarez, the team’s top scorer with 21 in La Liga, ensured Diego Simeone’s side earned the trophy, reports DPA. Simeone had led Atletico to the title in 2014 and it

has seemed for months like he was going to add another title this season, but in 2021 their lead on Real Madrid and Barcelona crumbled, and they won it by a fraction. Atletico finished on 86 points, two ahead of Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid on 84, after a topsy-turvy final day where both sides fell behind. Atletico, visiting a Val-

ladolid side hoping to snatch survival, stumbled when Oscar Plano finished well on the break. At the other end Suarez curled wide and Saul Niguez headed off target, with the team unable to find their best attacking football. Eventually in the second half, Angel Correa broke the deadlock with a

brilliantly-taken goal, beating two men and then poking the ball home from the edge of the box.That turned the tide in their favour and Suarez ran through on goal to slot home the winner in the 68th minute. The Uruguayan joined from Barcelona last summer, with the Catalans telling him he was no longer needed at Camp Nou. “It was tough in the summer, the way they undervalued me,” said Suarez. “I will always be grateful to Atletico Madrid. In terms of statistics, Luis Suarez has won five of the last seven leagues.” Real Madrid also fell behind when Villarreal’s YeremiPino fired past Thibaut Courtois after 20 minutes. Zidane’s side struggled to turn it around, with Karim Benzema having a goal ruled out for offside, but he struck in the 87th minute and Luka Modric grabbed the winner in stoppage time. Third-place Barcelona earned a 1-0 win over relegated Eibar through Antoine Griezmann’s late goal.

Fury & Wilder 3rd fight signed for July 24 laS VeGaS, May 23 ( aG e n c I e S ) : W B C world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has signed his contract to face Deontay Wilder on 24 July. Fury, 32, looked set to finalise a fight for all four world titles against Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia. But the all-British affair fell through when Wilder’s team won an arbitration hearing stating the American had a right to a third fight with Fury. Fury attended Josh Taylor’s win over Jose Ramirez in Las Vegas on Saturday, where he signed his fight contract. “He’s getting seriously smashed to bits,” Fury said. “I’ll give him another shoulder injury, another bicep injury, another leg injury. “One round, you’re going. I have got your soul, your mojo, everything. I own you.” Fury’s deal arrives less than seven days since he appeared on social media stating he had agreed to face Joshua in August. But 24 hours after giv-

Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury

ing the Joshua showdown the green light, Fury’s plans were de-railed by Wilder’s arbitration success. Wilder, 35, refused to take any money in order to step aside and let Fury pursue the Joshua fight, where all four world heavyweight titles would have been on the line. Joshua is now expected to defend his IBF, WBA and WBO belts against Ukraine’s OleksandrUsyk in August, with a Fury bout mooted should both still hold their world titles

later this year. Fur y beat Wilder to end his reign as WBC champion in Las Vegas in February 2020, 14 months after the pair drew in Los Angeles. A venue has not yet been formally announced for their third contest but Fury’s team have said Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas was already reserved for the fight date. The stadium, completed in 2020, holds 65,000 and is home to the Las Vegas Raiders NFL franchise.

Jadeja will be the ‘X-factor’ for India in WTC final Taylor defeats Ramirez to become undisputed world champion london, May 23 (IanS): Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar feels all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja “will be the X-factor” when India take on the Kane Williamsonled New Zealand in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from June 18 onwards. Panesar said on Saturday that while a lot will depend on how the International Cricket Council (ICC) prepares the pitch for the inaugural WTC final, “spinners will also play a crucial role” in the summit clash. “For me, Ravindra Jadeja will be the X-factor. He’s been in terrific form in the Indian Premier League. If India decides to go with just one spinner, I’ll go with Jadeja instead of (Ravichandran) Ashwin as the spin-bowling option. Jadeja’s defensive bowling skill and be-

ing a left-armer give him an upper hand,” Panesar told media. During the IPL 2021 season, which was postponed indefinitely on May 4 due to a breach in the bio-secure bubble, Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Jadeja amassed 131 runs at 162.32 and picked up six wickets. Panesar who was a part of the England side between 2006 and 2013 and played a half century of Tests, taking 167 wickets, added that for the five-match Test series against India after the WTC final, England would bring in the home advantage and “go with green wickets”. “Spinners will also play a crucial role in the WTC final in Southampton. We’ll have to see how the ICC prepares the pitch for the event. For the Test series, England will obviously go with a green wicket. But for the WTC final, I think the ICC should prepare a neutral wicket. It’ll be the perfect advertisement for the WTC if the final spans over 4 or 5 days,” Panesar said.

PAWA condoles demise of its first champion Khunucho

DIMaPUr (nPn): Phek Area Wrestling Association (PAWA) has mourned the sudden demise of its association first champion Khunucho Khamo son of Yesatsu Khamo of Lozaphuhu village who breathed his last on May 16 at Phek Town after a brief illness. A condolence note issued by PAWA president Khusuzo Khamo and general secretary Khosepa Vero stated that late Khunucho was the first champion of the association in the year 1978. He was also crowned as champion for the second time in the year 1982. Late Khamo

served as DB under DC, Phek office till his last breathe PAWA said that late Khamo was a sincere and dedicated person with full of integrity, who served the community in different capacities after his retirement in the field of sports. On his demise, PAWA said that it has lost a guidance and a good motivational leader which has created a bigvacuum and will be hard to fill it. PAWA shared pains and sorrows with the grieving bereaved family members and prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

l a S V e G a S, M ay 23 (aGencIeS): Josh Taylor delivered a titanic performance to become Britain’s first undisputed world champion in the four-belt era by defeating Jose Ramirez by unanimous decision in an enthralling light-welterweight unification bout. The Scot, 30, knocked down the American in Las Vegas with two devastating left hands on his way to recording a 114-112 score on all judges’ cards. Taylor, who is undefeated in 18 bouts after inflicting Ramirez’s first loss, is just the fifth man in the sport to hold all four belts in a division. Victory in the epic contest at the Virgin Hotel in Nevada, fewer than seven years on from winning gold at Glasgow’s Commonwealth games as an amateur, means Tay-

Josh Taylor and Jose Ramirez fight during their lightweight unification bout.

lor retains his IBF and WBA titles while adding the WBO and WBC belts to his cabinet. Question marks were

raised about the promotion of the event, billed as bout of the year, with fellow Briton Billy Joe Saunders fighting in front of a re-

cord indoor US crowd with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez a fortnight prior. But there were no doubts about the quality fight fans were

about to witness, with four world title belts on the line and two unbeaten records consisting of 43 contests between two pristine fighters in their prime. Often fights with so much on the line can take time to heat up, but this one hurled out the blocks as the bell echoed out, both fighters catching each other with body shots early. Underdog Ramirez started aggressively, catching Taylor with a jab late in the first round and continuing to impress in the second by giving the Scot trouble with a flurry of shots up against the ropes. The American further pressed Taylor in the third, opening up and lunging forward to land a strong left hand before pressuring the Edinburgh fighter, again on the ropes, and ending the round with a strong uppercut.

ANTPEUU to host free physical fitness trg 21 killed in China mountain marathon

DIMaPUr (nPn): All Nagaland Trained Physical Education Unemployed Union (ANTPEUU) would be hosting a two-day free online physical fitness training on May 25 and 26 from 4:30 pm to 6 pm through google meet. The training will also be telecast live through ANTPEUU official Instagram page where the importance of physical fitness and health education will be discussed. The google meet link will be available on the ANTPEUU official Instagram page @antpeuu. The training will be hosted and assisted by the ANTPEUU officials

and initiatives will be taken by a qualified master degree holder (MPEd, NET), lifeguard (swimming), fitness instructor and a physical teacher. The union maintained that especially during periods of lockdown, physical activity is one important way of supporting this population of people to self-manage their conditions so that they are able to cope effectively with different symptoms. The release stated that the impact of this physical inactivity may very likely be seen in many areas such as health and social care and

the mental well-being of people all across the globe. “During this pandemic, being physically active will be a challenge for all of us but it is critical that we find and plan ways to be active and reduce our sedentary time”, it added. The union has requested all the schools and physical teachers to encourage the students to take part in the training. For more details one may contact finance secretary at 9366303939. This was stated in a press release issued by ANTPEUU president Kivilu K. Kibaand general secretary, Imchatsung.

BeIjInG, May 23 (IanS): Tragedy struck the 100 km crosscountry mountain marathon race in China’s Baiyin City in Gansu province as 21 participants died after extreme weather hit the event, local authorities said on Sunday. Another 151 participants were confirmed safe, of which eight with minor injuries were treated in a hospital, reports Xinhua news agency. The mayor of Baiyin City, Zhang Xuchen said on Sunday that “it was a public safety incident caused by a sudden change in local weather, and the province had set up a special team to further investigate the cause”. According to the rescue headquarters, freezing rain and gale hit

the area of the race’s high-altitude stage between 20-31 km at around 1 p.m. on Saturday. The participants suffered from physical discomfort and loss of temperature, hypothermia, due to the sudden drop in temperature. Some of the participants went missing and the race was halted. Local governments initiated an emergency response and organised over 1,200 rescuers to search for the missing people. The temperature dropped again during the night due to the area’s complex terrain and topography, making the search and rescue more difficult. A total of 172 people took part in the race.

US Classic: Biles makes record with Yurchenko double pike Pilato sets 50m breaststroke world record

Simone Biles

InDIanaPolIS, May 23 (aGencIeS): Four-time Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles became the first woman to land a Yurchenko double pike vault in competition at the U.S. Classic in Indianapolis on Saturday, while winning

the all-around title in her first meet since October 2019. Biles, who last competed at the 2019 World Championships, had an all-around score of 58.4 points and finished ahead of training partner Jordan Chiles, despite fall-

ing off the uneven bars on her final event. For the Yurchenko double pike, Biles sprinted down the runway, did a roundoff onto the takeoff board, followed by a back handspring with a half-twist onto the vault before finishing it with a double somersault in a piked position. “I was just thinking to do it like training, don’t try to overdo anything because I have a tendency as soon as I raise my hand to overpower things,” Biles told NBC Sports when asked about the vault. The 24-year-old said was not happy that the International Gymnastics Federation gave a preliminary 6.6 difficulty score for the element. “We were hoping it would be a 6.8 (difficulty score),” she said. “But that’s OK.” Biles, who sported a rhinestone goat on the back of her white leotard on Saturday, also posted the highest scores on balance beam, floor exercise and vault at the U.S. Classic, the first of three major competitions before the July 23-Aug. 8 Tokyo Summer Olympics. She has won every meet she has entered since the 2013 U.S. Championships.

BUDaPeST, May 23 (aGencIeS): Italian 16-year-old Benedetta Pilato broke the women’s 50 metre breaststroke world record at the European swimming championships in Budapest with a time of 29.30 seconds in Saturday’s semi-finals. The previous long course best of 29.40 was set by U.S. swimmer Lilly King, the reigning Olympic 100m breaststroke champion, at the world championships in the same pool in the Hungarian capital in 2017. “I thought I might break the European record but definitely not the world record,” said Pilato, who was silver medallist behind King in the non-Olympic event at the 2019 world championships. The final is on Sunday. Another young swimmer also made headlines in the Duna Arena pool, with 17-year-old Anastasia Gorbenko denying Hungary’s Olympic champion KatinkaHosszu a sixth successive 200m individual medley gold.

Benedetta Pilato

It was the first European women’s title for an Israeli swimmer, with Britain’s Abbie Wood taking silver and Hosszu the bronze. On the men’s side, Britain’s world and Olympic 100m breaststroke champion Adam Peaty defended his 50m title -- his third European gold of the week

-- with a winning time of 26.21 seconds. “I don’t want to sound arrogant, but that was an outstanding swim,” he told the BBC after winning by half a body length. Britain extended their lead over Russia at the top of the medals table with nine golds, seven silvers and four bronzes.

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