27 May 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 170

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

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Advisory panel of experts for HC directs State govt on Covid-19 situation NSDMA, SEC set up on May 13

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 26 (NPN): Taking suo moto cognizance over the second wave of COVID-19 situation in Nagaland, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, has asked the state government to comply with its directives while listing the matter for hearing in two weeks time. A division bench comprising of Justices S. Serto and S. Hukato Swu, held a suo moto hearing of the PIL on May 5 and subsequently on May 24 directed the State government to designate isolation centres, facilitate free testing, rampup testing and at the same time explore the possibilities of establishing RT-PCR testing facilities, increase the number of vaccination days, submit reports of man power availability at PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals and review burial charges among others. The court also directed the registry to make the Union ministry of health & family welfare (MoHFW) a respondent party in view of the nature and scope of the PIL. The bench asked the State government to desig-

Vehicular movement restricted from Patkai bridge junction to PCC D I M A P U R , M AY 2 6 (NPN): In a circular, deputy commissioner Dimapur, R. Soundararajan, has ordered total restriction of movement of all vehicles along Patkai bridge junction to Patkai Christian College (PCC) with effect from May 28, 5 a.m. till June 1, 5 a.m. However, vehicles are allowed to ply between Dimapur-Kohima from Chathe river bridge (Patkai bridge) to Kukidolong. This has been necessitated for the timely completion of the four-lane bypass road of NH-36 & NH-39 from km132.375 to km 153.058, the DC stated.

Load shedding in Kma

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 6 (NPN): Due to damage of power transformer at 132kV sub-station Kohima on May 25 morning, Power department has informed that in order to regulate power in and around Kohima town load shedding would be imposed particularly during evening and night hours till alternative arrangements were made. In a press note, chief engineer (T&G) Penrithung Yanthan said that all measures were being taken to urgently restore the damaged transformer and sought cooperation of all consumers.

This is it!

“Only the tough are admitted to this army tent to fight the virus. You look like a winner already.” K Y M C

Tells govt to designate isolation centres and mobilize surveillance teams to verify home isolation facilities Facilitate free testing, ramp-up testing and explore possibilities of establishing RT-PCR testing facilities To increase the number of vaccination days for 18 to 44 years age group and undertake the drive on warfooting. Submit reports of man power availability at PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals and review burial charges among others. nate isolation centres and mobilise surveillance teams to verify home isolation facilities after it observed that while the government had set up quarantine centres during the first wave of the pandemic last year, such move was absent during the second wave and, instead, opted home isolation for those infected with Covid-19. While asking the government to designate place(s) for isolation in case of families lacking proper facilities for home quarantine, the bench further directed

it to look after the medical needs of persons under home isolation since they would not be able to venture out, although that should be done. As for those who can afford to take care of their own expenses, the government could provide medical advices, it suggested. The judges also directed village councils/churches, CSOs and other authorities concerned of the wards (in case of towns) to set up such facilities and centres with proper sanitisation and high standards of hygiene with all medical needs. The gov-

ernment was to provide all necessary requirements for such exercises and, for food, it could explore possibilities of involving village councils and NGOs, including churches, they added. Observing that free testing was facilitated only for random testing, the court also stressed on free testing individuals coming out voluntarily, while ramping up testing by increasing testing facilities at PHCs and CHCs. “We are aware that RT-PCR testing facilities are available only at 3 places i.e. at Dimapur, Kohima and

NPF concerned over financial management D I M A P U R , M AY 2 6 (NPN): Expressing serious concern over the ‘financial management’ of the state government, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), Wednesday called upon the government to be sincere and serious enough as “worst time” was likely to hit the state if the “present trend of corruption continues.” NPF through its press bureau stated that the government has not shown any of its collections and expenses “proving the financial mismanagement of last year’s state budget 2020-21”. It said that 15% of pro rata cut from non plan collection and how it was spent was never disclosed in public domain, adding that pro-rata cut for

the year 2021-22 increased to 20% from non-plan also remained a secret. NPF said the plan and non-plan chargeable head were normally under different category of funding. It said that after having exhausted of the non-plan fund from the pro rata cut, there was no sign of any developmental activities from out of the plan fund in the state. “The biggest mystery that the general public should ponder upon is ‘How the government had spent it?’, ‘Where the Government had spent it all?’,” it stated, adding that the government had now cut 20% from the nonplan in the name pro rata cut. Further, NPF maintained that all the health centres in

the district headquarters or in the sub-division in the rural areas had no allocations in the name of Covid. It said that despite setting up of district disaster management authority in various districts there was no proper fund allocation, which was supposed to be given to various management authorities that were considered the main ground level workers. NPF stated that the village council, town ward council, municipal council and various other civil society groups and NGOs, which were the main warriors in serving the public safety, should be provided due recognition and allowances for their services ren(Cont’d on p-5) dered.

Tuensang. The State may explore feasibility of establishing such facilities even at other strategic places. However, for the PHCs and CHCs facilities of testing by True Nat or Rapid Antigen Test may serve the purpose,” the Bench stated. With regard to the ongoing vaccination drive, the court asked the authorities concerned to increase the number of vaccination days for 18 to 44 years age group and undertake the drive on a war-footing, while acquiring the vaccine at the earliest. The court was informed that so far 1,81,443 persons above 45 years of age and frontline and health workers had been vaccinated, out of which 51,650 had received their second dose. On May 12, 36,580 doses of Covishield arrived in the State meant for administering to people in the age group of 18 to 44. The court also asked the government to take appropriate steps in coordination with Doordarshan, All India Radio and other print and digital media to spread awareness so that any fear or reservation among people could be removed.

any implementation.” Suggesting increased mass testing especially in vulnerable areas and potential hotspots, the NPCC, however, cautioned that no force should be applied for testing. Calling for expediting vaccine procurement and increase in vaccination centres, the NPCC said that the current vaccination drive for 18-44 age group through a few hundred slots in two days a week was inadequate. Congress party said that current system also exposed the digital divide where the

serve the state. The letter signed by the three panels stated that with COVID 19 second wave was being observed surging high in south /west to central India and further spreading towards east, there was an immediate need to put precise scientific knowledge based inputs into strategy and action at various levels. Along with health care system, complimentary and well-coordinated support from other departments and entities are mandatory for thwarting the impending COVID 19 threat, stated the panel experts. The three experts also requested that “Online Consultation may be organized shortly” to discuss elaborate plans to augment short-mid and long term measures. Meanwhile reacting to the remarks of the senior NPF legislator who had suggested inclusion of medical experts as part of the panel, HPC spokesperson and advisor Mmhonlumo Kikon said HPC and the War Room was guided in all medical matters by the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare. (Cont’d on p-6)

FIR filed in LPG pilferage case

State likely to experience harsh weather

KOHIMA, MAY 26 (NPN): After report on absence of panel of experts in High Powered Committee (HPC) as raised by senior NPF legislator, it has come to light state government has already constituted advisory panel of experts on May 13 to be utilized for a period of one year. During this period, the expert panel will be consulted on various matters through virtual or any other means of communication as the members were from outside the state. According to the notification issued on principal secretary, R. Ramakrishnan on May 13, it stated that in view of the surge COVID 19 cases in the state and in pursuance to section 17 of the Disaster Management Act 2005, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority constitutes an advisory panel of experts to make “expert opinion” on various aspects of emergency response of COVID-19 to the State Disaster Management Authority and State Execu(Cont’d on p-5) tive Committee (SEC).

State’s lone oxygen plant faces another technical glitch Staff Report

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 6 (NPN): Nagaland’s lone oxygen plant– BMA Liquid Air Oxygen/Cylinders – located at Naga United Village here has faced yet another technical glitch. Speaking with Nagaland Post, its proprietor Imti Aier explained that after the damage to main motor few days back, there were some issues now with the “pulley” part. He said the new pulley would be brought by Thursday, adding that, if everything went alright, the plant would become functional once again by Friday. More cylinders, ventilators arrive: Another consignment containing 10 ventilators and 200 oxygen marginalised people were cylinders arrived at Dimapur left out. airport Wednesday night, Further, NPCC sug- transported by India Air gested reactivating govern- Force C-130J flight. ment quarantine facilities to house visitors from outside, returnees and those who cannot afford home isolation or paid quarantine D I M A P U R , M AY 2 6 (NPN): Nagaland on facility. Congress also suggest- Wednesday reported 260 ed strict regulation of entry fresh Covid-19 positive cases of all visitors from outside and 12 more fatalities. Of the fresh cases, Dithe state besides ensuring they undergo Covid-19 test mapur recorded 117 cases, upon arrival and undergo a Kohima-98, Mokokchungstipulated duration of quar- 15, Phek-12, eight in Zun(Cont’d on p-5) heboto, five in Wokha, four antine.

NPCC suggests measures to fight pandemic D I M A P U R , M AY 2 6 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Wednesday wrote to the state chief minister Neiphiu Rio and suggested 12 measures to be undertaken on a war footing by the state government to alleviate the Covid situation. In the letter, NPCC president K Therie said that the Congress party had shared its views at the meeting convened by the governor of Nagaland on April 21, 2021, but there was “no significant evidence of

The panel of experts include Dr Satish Ranjan, senior scientist molecular immunology, drug development to fight Covid-19 from University Hospital, Madgeburg Germany; Col. Sanjay Srivastava, specialized in emergency response, chemical and biological warfare CROPC-MoES New Delhi and Dr. Manoj Murhekar specialised in infectious diseases epidemiology, preventive and social medicine, disease surveillance and outbreak investigation and director National institute of Epidemiology, New Delhi. The contract stated that the service of the panel of experts shall be utilized by the SDMA/SEC through virtual consultation or any other means of communication. It also mentioned that the panel of expert members shall provide accurate scientific advice to the members of SDMA/SEC to take COVID 19 appropriate preventive measures by the state. In response to the appointment, the three panel experts responded appreciating the government for giving the opportunity to

Correspondent

Correspondent

KO H I M A , M AY 2 6 (NPN): Following the LPG pilferage case that surfaced recently in the State Capital Kohima, proprietor of M/s Seyie Gas Service has filed an FIR against one truck driver for delivering waterfilled LPG cylinders to the depot. Talking with Nagaland Post, M/s Seyie Gas Service proprietor K Seyie said an FIR was filed at South Police Station here and that the case was under investigation. He disclosed that police were conducting thorough investigation of the case, while Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) officials had also come and taken necessary documentation as part of the company’s investigation into the case. He said a combined meeting of police and IOC officials with LPG service representatives was

held on Wednesday where a thorough plan for the next course of action was charted. Claiming that all faulty cylinders received from the customers were replaced, Seyie said his customers were also cooperating in the investigation process. According to the FIR, 39 water-filled LPG cylinders were delivered to Seyie Gas Service on April 6, 2021 from Gopanari LPG bottling plant in Assam. A few weeks ago, 18 such cylinders, which had about 70 percent water mixed with LPG, were detected by customers residing at Officers’ Hill Colony here, which were replaced. Thereafter, the remaining 21 faulty cylinders were detected on May 24, also from the same vicinity. The proprietor in his FIR has urged stringent action against the erring person in order to prevent recurring of such incidents.

State records 260 new cases, 12 Covid deaths in Kiphire and one in Peren, taking the total caseload to 20975. Further, the death of 12 more patients-- eight in Dimapur and two each in Longleng and Phek took the tally to 327, that includes 12 non-Covid deaths but with Covid positivity.

The State currently has 4923 active cases. PTI: India on Wednesday re por ted 2,08,921 Covid-19 cases, pushing the overall tally of cases to 2,71,57,795 while the death toll also climbed to 3,11,388 with 4,157 fatalities reported in a 24-hour period.

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 6 (NPN): With very severe cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ crossing Odisha coast near Balasore, the weather condition over the entire North Eastern region is expected to deteriorate particularly in Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal, Meghalaya and Nagaland, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has informed. In a press note, OSD NSDMA, Johnny Ruangmei, stated that the onset of Southwest monsoon over the mainland India was expected to occur around May 30. Both these weather conditions called for sensitive weather condition for the entire state, it added. NSDMA said that light to moderate rain/thundershowers was very likely to occur at few places which would get intense and could cause disruption in communication and connectivity. “This phenomenon in the weather activity is expected to take place from May 26 to June 5 mostly during evening and night hours. During the next 48 hours and the second half of the forecast period, NSDMA said the state was expected to experience harsh weather conditions with Kohima being more vulnerable for strong weather activity.

Airport contractors union refutes allegations Power department clarifies to reports D I M A P U R , M AY 2 6 (NPN): Nagaland Airport Contractors Union Dimapur (NACUD) has denied the allegation by Odisha-based contractor Nabalok Das in his police complaint that “local contractors” were giving him life-threatening calls after his firm won the annual maintenance contract (AMC) for civil works at Dimapur Airport for the year 2021-22. In a statement, the

union contended that Das’ tender should have been dropped at the initial stage of technical bid as there was shortfall in his tender documents. Pointing out that unlike other capital works, maintenance works required 24 hours attention of the contractor and as he hailed from a far-flung State, the union claimed to have told him that he might not be able to carry out the works due to various techni-

cal reasons that demanded close attention of the contractor. But he reportedly rejected the union’s advice and won the tender by bidding well below the quoted rate. After winning the bid, NACUD alleged that Das had called up its general secretary in an inebriated condition around 9.30 p.m., during which the latter told him that since it was late, he would call him back the next morning.

D I M A P U R , M AY 2 6 (NPN): Power department has clarified that the motor at M/s BMA Liquid Air’s oxygen plant here got burnt on May 23 evening due to non-stop operation, and not due to any power issue In a report to the chief engineer (D&R), Dimapur electrical division executive engineer Er. Imsenkaba also held the inability of the management in handling in-house electrical system responsible for the power outage at the (Cont’d on p-5) oxygen plant. Mentioning

But, the union said that did not stop the contractor from calling the general 13 to 14 times that night, thereby causing much disturbance to latter and his family members. Ultimately, Das started challenging the union members on the telephone that he would come to Dimapur and see them, which NACUD said could be proven by his recorded telephonic conversations with the.

that he and other senior officials from head office, Kohima had visited the plant on the evening of May 22 following some complaints, he said they had found that the problems were purely created by the inability of the plant’s management to operate inhouse electrical system like tap-changer in distribution transformer, etc. However, he claimed that the department officials assisted in rectifying the internal problems in the interest of work, even though

these were beyond the scope of the department. And, as apprehended, the motor got burnt on May 23 evening due to non-stop operation, and not due to any power issue, he said. Whereas, the proprietor admitted that the motor got damaged due to continuous use to meet everincreasing demand for oxygen, Imsenkaba expressed surprise at the reports in various media outlets that the plant’s motor got damaged due to erratic power (Cont’d on p-5) supply. K Y M C

2

state

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Should there be independent international probe on lab leak of Wuhan virus? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

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

A

B

C

95% 5% 0%

Next poll

Q: Can the state govt do better in its fight against the second wave covid-19?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST May 27

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Couple of thunderstorms

30 25

Mostly sunny and less humid

30 20

Guwahati A passing morning shower

31 24

Mostly sunny and pleasant

29 21

Imphal

Itanagar A thunderstorm in the morning 28 23 Shillong

Rain and drizzle in the a.m.

24 16

Kohima

An afternoon thunderstorm

24 18

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

31 24

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

Mkg

25 20

Tuensang An afternoon thunderstorm

20 15

A t-storm around in the a.m.

25 21

Zunheboto Humid with a thunderstorm

22 17

Wokha

Staff Reporter

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

Aizawl

Private hospitals assist in providing COVID health facility

DIMAPUR, MAY 26 (NPN): Even as number of new COVID19 positive cases continued to show an upward trend, the private hospitals in Dimapur such as Eden, Zion, Faith, CIHSR (Referral hospital), Nikos and Olive hospitals have been providing COVID health facilities. While interacting with a surgeon with regard to the facilities at Faith hospital, Dr. Kitaka said that almost all private hospitals were taking up COVID cases. Informing that they were assisting both COVID and nonCOVID, Dr. Kitaka said that testing was also being carried out in the hospitals. With regard to the availability of oxygen cylinders and ventilators, Dr. Kitaka said that altogether, the hospital had 70 oxygen cylinders, 33 type ‘D’ cylinders and 37 type ‘B’ cylinders. At present, the hospital also has six ventilators. Initially, the hospital had 51 COVID beds but had recently reduced it to 41 COVID beds. On supply of oxygen cylinders, Kitaka informed that earlier the hospital received

the cylinders from the supply centre in Dimapur but due to technical problem, they could not avail the same. The government has been assisting in providing the supply refilled cylinders since the last four days and at present there were 34 COVID patients in the hospital, he added. It may be mentioned that there are more than 15 private hospitals in Dimapur. Nurses share their challenges Medical professionals have never been more important than they are today, especially the nurses who are the vital link between the patient and the rest of the health care team. As the situation at COVID wards remain gloomy, nurses go a step further from their usual job and put more effort in creating cheerful environment for the patients and help in raising their morale to fight against COVID-19. While speaking to Nagaland Post, some nurses shared the challenges they faced during this unprecedented crisis. A nurse working for a government district hospital, who wished to remain anonymous, said that it was “extremely challenging to deal with elderly

patients due to comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and other age-related issues”. “We make sure that the patients are physically active for it helps them recover well,” she said. The nurse also stressed on the mental health, which she said was the biggest challenge. Maintaining that the magnitude of the second wave was more intense, she said that having witnessed her co-workers getting infected and patients succumbing to the infection, at times they “feel scared” but would have to put on a brave face and “keep going”. A nurse from a private hospital, who also wished not to be named, said that their biggest fear was contracting the virus. “We make sure to follow all the precautions such as hand hygiene, physical distancing and respiratory etiquettes, but there is constant fear of being infected and infecting our families, and I think it is only human to be apprehensive about it, even though we follow all precautions”, she shared. She further added that going back home after her duty in the COVID-19 ward also added to the stress.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

LLRPO reminds DG prison DIMAPUR: The frontal organisations of the Lotha Lower Range have issued an open letter in response to the “nonchalant attitude of the department of prisons” in addressing the “charter of demands” with regard to late Yanpamo Mozhui (UTP) who was beaten to death by the jail police at district jail, Wokha on December 26, 2019. In a letter addressed to the state director general (DG) of prisons, the Lotha Lower Range Public Organisation (LLRPO) president Nonghothung Yanthan, Lotha Lower Range GB Association (LLRGBA) president B. Longshithung Odyuo, Lotha Lower Range Students’ Union (LLRSU) president Mhademo Lotha and Lotha Lower Range Eloe Hoho (LLREH) president Thungsali Odyuo has requested the DG to refer to the: representation letter of December 27, 2019; reminder letter of July 22, 2020 and ultimatum April 19, 2020 While stating that all the letters were acknowledged and forwarded by the DC Wokha to the DG of prisons, the joint letter said that the department would “solely bear the responsibility of any sort of agitation arising from the family” and sympathizers of late Yanpamo Mozhui”, adding that frontal organisations of the Lotha Lower Range would not be held responsible.

Organisations extend condolences DIMAPUR: The Nagaland Dobashis Association (NDBA) has expressed grief over the demise of its two members, Maongtemjen and Yehovi. In a condolence note, NDBA general secretary, R Kemerio Yanthan said that the active members of the association were responsible government employees who discharged duties associated with customs and traditions of Nagas and also maintained law and order duties. While stating that one of the deceased members was infected COVID-19 while discharging duties and later succumbed to it, the association appealed to the state government to take timely steps to compensate for the loss due to COVID-19. Further, NDBA while paying its respect to the departed souls conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families for the irreparable lost it had encountered. RCN: Rongmei Council Nagaland (RCN) has expressed grief over the demise of executive secretary, emeritus and former executive secretary Rongmei Baptist Churches Association Nagaland (RBCAN), Rev. H.M Gonmei who passed away on May 25 at Eden Hospital, Dimapur. In a condolence note, RCN president Chingkhiulung Gonmei, vice president Mathew Rongmei and general secretary

ZSUN asks for manpower, facilities at Tening CHC DIMAPUR: Zeliangrong Students Union Nagaland (ZSUN) has appealed to the state government to provide facilities and manpower at the Tening Community Health Centre (CHC). In a press release, ZSUN President Dithuibo Newmai and vice president Sangwangbou Shingbengmai said that the hospital at Tening was one of the “first and oldest in the state” which was in existence and yet it continued to reel under very poor condition. It said that as per laid

down norms, a CHC was entitled to have six doctors on duty however the Tening CHC ran with a single doctor. While drawing the attention of the government and its “lackadaisical attitude towards the people of Tening sub-division and Peren District in general”, ZSUN said that there was hue and cry for better healthcare system however the people of Tening sub-division were being neglected. The union said that the

lack of basic infrastructures and facilities like oxygen, ICU, ventilators etc, the absence of doctors and nurses in the hospital were glaring “step motherly treatment to the people of the region”. ZSUN maintained that the people had been cooperative to the government since the first wave of COVID-19 and would continue to do so, however, without the presence of medical personnel in the hospital, the union said that it would be a fight which cannot be won in the long run.

Kidongam Panmei described the late reverend as the most humble, joyful, inspirational servant of God. While maintaining that the untimely death of a tall leader and Christian minister was a great loss to Rongmei people, RCN said that all the good deeds he had done for his people and his legacy would be forever remembered. Rongmei Council Nagaland on behalf of the Rongmei community of Nagaland mourned the demise of the late reverend and extended their condolences to the bereaved family members. AGEI: Assemblies of God East India (AGEI), Nagaland district council has mourned the passing of its secretary Rev. Khriezolie Chupuo on May 22. In a condolence note, its superintendent Rev. Tusaya Kath described late Rev. Chupuo as a godly man, a wonderful theologian, gifted singer and an exemplary Christian leader. “The demise of a great soul has shocked and saddened the entire AGEI community and caused an immense loss for the Assemblies of God in particular and Naga people in general”, it said. The Assemblies of God East India, Nagaland district council while praying for comfort for the bereaved family also extended its heartfelt condolences to them.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ZSUN therefore, appealed to the government to look into the matter and make good of their “pronouncements that the state of Nagaland is well prepared to deal with COVID-19”. Further, the union said that the threat of the third wave was eminent and it was important that hospitals work at their optimum levels. In this regard, ZSUN hoped that the government would positively respond and give the people what they deservde.

Late O. Limakumzuk Ao Born on 24/10/1987 Died on 16/05/2021

We, the family members of Lt. O.Limakumzuk Ao, son of Lt. Olem Ao convey our profound gratitude to each and every individuals, neighbours, friends, churches, organisations, department and well wishers who stood by us physically, spiritually and financially during the brief illness and sudden demise of our beloved. We shall be indebted to the kind gesture sympathy you have shown us during one of our most difficult times and we deeply regret our inability to thank each and every one individually. It is our prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly. K-985

DP-2549

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

From Loving, wife & family members

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

Lt. C Hakao Murry (27.10.1997 - 15.05.2021)

DP-2549

K Y M C

Born: 01.03.1964 – Died: 24.05.2021 We, the bereaved family of Late M. Wangyao Konyak, S/o Mantei Konyak of Nyahnyu village, Mon District, would like to express our profound gratitude to all the individual and well wishers who stood by us spiritually, emotionally, materially and financially during the pain and sorrow at the sudden demise of our dear beloved father on 24th May’ 2021. We sincerely convey our special thanks to;1. Fire & Emergency Services Department, Nagaland 2. Wayen Union Dimapur 3. Phomching Area Union Dimapur 4. Konyak Union Dimapur 5. Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Dimapur 6. Sheanghah Union Dimapur 7. Phomching Area Women Society Dimapur 8. Police Colony Dimapur 9. Mr. Pashak Phom 10. Mr. Chingao Konyak We regret our inability to mention each and everyone individually; however it is our humble prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly. – Loving Wife, Daughters, Son & Families DP-2548

We, the bereaved family of our beloved Lt C Hakao Murry would like to express our sincere and profound appreciation to all the well-wishers, relatives, friends, near and dear ones who stood by us through constant prayers and different support in time of his sickness till his demise. We convey our gratitude to: 1. Wokha Village Baptist Church, Wokha 2. Doctor and Staff, Yisali Memorial Health Clinic, Wokha 3. Wokha Village Students’ Union 4. Wokha Village Youth Organization 5. Wokha District Chamber of Commerce & Industry. 6. Tourist Lodge Colony Youth, Wokha 7. St. Joseph’s College, Economics Dept, 2019 Batch 8. DBHSS, Wokha Cl-12, 2016 9. CMHS, Wokha, 2014 Batch 10. SMBHS Staff 11. Juggernaut Cricket Club, Wokha 12. Sky Hawks Cricket Team, Wokha 13. GAPYO (Cricket Lovers) Though we are unable to mention every individual, we seek an apology and pray that God’s abundant blessings and guidance be with each and everyone. Your good deeds and support will always be remembered. Loving Parents, Siblings and Family Members WC-105 K Y M C

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Second ‘Oxygen Express’ train reaches Assam

The second ‘ Oxygen Express’ train reaches Amingaon. MALIGAON, MAY 26: N. F. Railway on Wednesday ran another special train to supply Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) to Assam. The second Oxygen Express train which left from Tata Nagar in Jharkhand on May 25 carrying 4 containers loaded with 80 MT of LMO, arrived at the Inland Container Depot at Amingaon in Assam the next day. A press release by NFR CPRO Subhanan Chanda stated that a Green Corridor was created for fast and safe movement of the train carrying the life saving consignment. The distance of 630 Km was covered by the train in about 9 hours

from Malda Town to Amingaon with an average speed nearly 70 Kmph. It may be mentioned that NFR ran its first Oxygen Express carrying 80 MT of LMO which left from Tata Nagar on May 22 which arrived at Amingaon on May 23. So far, Indian Railways has delivered more than 17945 MT of LMO in more than 1080 tankers to various states across the country.lt may be noted that 272 Oxygen Expresses have completed their journey so far and brought relief to various States. In a scale up of operations which continued till late yesterday night, 12

Oxygen Expresses with 969 MT of LMO started their journeys from Cyclone hit Eastern States and beat tough weather to take relief to the nation. Criss crossing the country, Indian Railways is picking up oxygen from places like Hapa, Baroda, Mundra in the West and Rourkela, Durgapur, Tatanagar, Angul in the East and then delivering it to states of Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Assam in complex operational route planning scenarios.

Northeast/State

3

Assam govt creates Welfare of Bodoland Department

Scientists discover new species of African violet plant in Mizoram

Guwahati, May 26 (PTI): The Assam government on Wednesday created Welfare of Bodoland Department for speedy implementation of various schemes in an autonomous region comprising Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri districts of the state. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Affairs of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) were under the Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes Department. The cabinet also approved a proposal to set up Bodoland Administrative Staff College at Kokrajhar, the headquarters of BTR, Pijush Hazarika, the state government spokesperson, told reporters here. The council of ministers decided to start functioning of the college immediately from a rented building if no suitable government facility is available, he said. It was also decided that there would be no need to send files to the Finance Department for its approval for releasing monthly stipends to beneficiaries of three schemes- Kushal Konwar

Universal Old Age Pension, Indira Miri Universal Widow Pension and Deen Dayal Dibyang Yojana, he said. The senior-most secretary of the department concerned will be empowered to transfer cash to bank accounts of the beneficiaries within the 10th of every month, Hazarika said. The cabinet also approved a guideline for the responsibilities of “guardian ministers” who will look after administrative affairs of districts. These ministers will be given responsibility for the implementation of the government policy, administrative reforms and other welfare schemes for two or three districts entrusted to them, he said. They will also review the implementation of all centrally-sponsored schemes and the priority programmes of the state, and will visit their respective districts at least once a month. “If there is any problem in the implementation of a particular scheme, where a policy decision is required from the government or the cabinet, they can make recommendations for consideration,” Hazarika said.

Manipur opens 100-bedded COVID-19 hospital Correspondent IMPHAL, MAY 26: A 100-bedded dedicated COVID-19 hospital was opened on Wednesday as Manipur stepped up measures to take on the challenges posed by coronavirus. State chief minister N Biren Singh opened the dedicated COVID hospital at Integrated Ayush Hospital located at Keirao in Imphal East district today. After opening the hospital, Singh said that the capacity of the hospital would be upgraded to 200 beds if required.

Expressing serious concern over not adhering to SOPs by the public, the chief minister said that it can become a reason for the increase in positive cases. Singh claimed that the state government had significantly improved health infrastructures and oxygen production capacity in the past few weeks. He said the state health directorate now has around 1800 oxygen cylinders and 1000 oxygen concentrators. In addition to the existing oxygen generating units, a cryogenic oxygen plant having a

production capacity of around 1300 cylinders per day would be inaugurated soon at JNIMS, he added. The chief minister stated that home isolation treatment without having the required amenities like separate rooms and toilets can also be one of the main reasons for fast spreading of the virus, and added that the state government was actively considering limiting this mode of treatment. Stating that mass testing is a must at this juncture, Singh said that 50,000 RAT testing kits had

COVID-19 advisories and directives DIMAPUR: The state government departments and district administrations have issued various advisories for the public and government employees in order to contain the spread of COVID-19. Peren: In view of the detection of COVID-19 positive patient and in order to take preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, DC Peren, Sentiwapang Aier ordered the sealing of house no. 78 of Beilikui ward of Peren town with immediate effect until further notice. The DC also advised public to follow all safety precautions, especially within the proximity of the sealed area. Further, he has that warned any persons violating the order would be liable to be prosecuted as per the provision of section 51 to 60 of the disaster management act 2005 besides legal action under IPC section 188. Meanwhile, ADC Peren, K. Mhathung Tsanglao issued the following guidelines: transportation of essential commodities into Peren to be done with a limited time period; shops to be open from 6 a.m.-12 noon; DEF along with PTYO volunteers would monitor social distancing and compulsory wearing mask; private cars would be allowed for facilitating of carrying essential goods. Private vehicles to other district/s for procurement of medical and emergencies would be allowed on permission. On entry to the district it would be sanitized between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; president of traders’ union, Peren has been directed to supervise and maintain the SOPs; the MS, district hospital have informed that the existing OPD has been converted into a COIVD hospital due to rise of COVID-19 positive cases in the district, subsequently decided to identify a fresh building for emergency OPD K Y M C

within the town. Dimapur: In view of the detection of COVID19 at fire station Dimapur west, directorate of fire and emergency services (F&ES) has informed that the fire station would be temporarily suspended from undergoing further emergency calls till further order. In a circular, IG (F&ES) Neilasa Sopfii informed that the jurisdiction of the station would be covered by fire station Dimapur west and Chümoukedima. The circular informed that fire station Dimapur west personnel who were on duty during the last 10 days would be home isolated/quarantined and in case of any symptoms during the course of home quarantine, they have been directed to report to the responsible authority for testing and medical check-up. It also informed that the present duty personnel would not leave the jurisdiction of fire station and have been directed to get themselves tested for COVID-19. Further, 2nd OC has been directed to fumigate/ disinfect the whole station premises while insp. A Wati Jamir, OC Dimapur central has been directed to provide logistic support to the personnel under isolation at fire station, Dimapur West including rations and basic amenities. Zunheboto: In view of the detection and confirmation of COVID-19 positive case, ADC & chairman, subdivisional task force Pughoboto, Thungchanbemo Tungoe has informed that house no. 140 at Ajiqa colony Ighanumi village has been sealed with immediate effect. During the period, all movement of persons within the sealed area is strictly prohibited. The ADC further informed that persons violating this containment measure would be liable to prosecution

as per the provisions of section 51 to 60 of the disaster management act 2005 and under IPC section 188. Kohima: The directorate of economics & statistics (E&S) has issued directives to all the district economics & statistics officers and district registrars of birth & death for compliance. According to DIPR report, the department has informed all death occurring under your jurisdiction to be registered within 21 days of the stipulate time as laid down in the registration of births & deaths act 1969 and corresponding Nagaland registration of births & deaths (amendment) rule 1999. The district registrar has been directed to collect and maintain the district wise digital dataset of death eases, including COVID-19. The department has directed all efforts to be made to ensure institutional/noninstitutional deaths were covered and reported to local registrar of births & deaths in time for registration. The institutional deaths are to be certified under medical certification of causes of death (MCCD) form “No.4 and non-institutional deaths in form No. 4A”. To coordinate with the DC who is the district chief registrar of births & deaths for executing the Act in both government and private medical institutions; to coordinate with the medical superintendent of district hospital and other medical institutions in-charge under your jurisdiction for certifying the death registration and collection of reports. To issue necessary direction in this regard to all the Registrars under your jurisdiction; to compile and report all death cases every month under your district to the undersigned on or before 10th of the following month as per the RBD Act 1969.

been provided to all the districts recently. In addition, one lakh more kits had been ordered to intensify testing , he added. Singh stated that the state government was also planning to add 100 ICU beds more to the existing figure. After opening the hospital, the chief minister travelled to Churachandpur district headquarters by road where he inaugurated the mini-secretariat building of the district on his arrival. Later, he went to the district hospital complex and inaugurated the first oxygen plant of the hill districts there.

GUWAHATI, MAY 26 (IANS): A group of botanists from the Bhopal-based Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) have recently discovered a new species of plant belonging to the African Violets family in Mizoram and adjacent areas in Myanmar. IISER sources said that currently, there are 106 known species of this African Violet genus, out of which 26 are present in the North Eastern states of India. Didymocarpus is a genus belonging to the plant family Gesneriaceae, commonly known as African Violets. Its members are distributed from Western Himalayas to Sumatra. Most of these species are narrow endemics and require specialised habitats to survive, thus acting as an indicator of pristine habitats. Highlighting the importance of the research, Vinita Gowda, an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at IISER and the one who led the study on African Violets, said, “Northeast India is home to highly diverse flora because of its unique bio-geographic placement as part of two biodiversity

African Violets

hotspots, the Indo-Burma hotspot and the Eastern Himalayas.” She said that the discovery brings new insights into the unique evolutionary trajectory of flora in this region of India. “Beyond the academic desire to document biodiversity, finding the amissing pieces of the biodiversity puzzle are important in designing conservation approaches to protect the fragile ecosystem of such hotspots,” added Gowda. The newly described species Didymocarpus vickifunkiae (Gesneriaceae) is currently discovered in only three locations of Mizoram and thus considered an endangered species. Along with other discoveries by the IISER research team in the past few years, this discovery shows that the biodiversity of the North Eastern parts of India

is understudied and that there are many species of plants that remain undiscovered. One of the researchers said that the biodiversity in the North Eastern region of India is poorly known due to low priority in research, inaccessibility, and remoteness. Such challenges are being tackled by research groups such as the TrEE lab (Tropical Ecology and Evolution lab). The IISER research team combines traditional processes of taxonomy with modern methods such as molecular phylogenetics to unravel the biodiversity of the northeast and place it in the context of the larger Asian landscape. “This is science in its finest form, a field of investigation that seeks knowledge and depth because, for man, there is much to learn in the wonders of nature,” said Gowda.

Active Covdi cases in M’laya breaches 8k mark; govt hints at extending lockdown Correspondent Shillong, May 24: With the number of active COVID19 cases in Meghalaya breaching the 8000 mark with the detection of 846 new cases on Wednesday. On the other hand, Health minister, Alexander Laloo Hek has hinted at extending the ongoing lockdown to break the transmission chain in East Khasi Hills that includes the

State capital Shillong which is the worst COVID-19 hit district in the State. “If the surge of positive continue to increase, the government have no other option but to continue to extend the ongoing lockdown in the overall interest of the people,” Hek said. He, however, said that the government will take a collective decision after assessing the overall the pandemic situation in the State. The state recorded

527 fresh cases in East Khasi Hills district, 84 in South West Khasi Hills, in West Garo Hills district, 43 in South West Garo Hills district, 36 in East Jaintia Hills district, 23 in North Garo Hills district, 18 in Ri-Bhoi district, 19 each in East Garo Hills district and West Jaintia Hills district and five in South Garo Hills district. With 10 more new Covid deaths, the tally has mounted to 512.

State

Super blood moon enthralls sky gazers

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, MAY 26 (NPN): People across the State and country witnessed ‘Super blood moon’ on May 26 night. The moon on Wednesday had the nearest approach to Earth and therefore appeared to be the closest and largest full moon or ‘Supermoon’ of 2021. Many parts of the globe caught a glimpse of ‘super blood moon’, a rare celestial event coinc ided with this A full moon rises in the sky, in Dimapur on Wednesday night. (NP)

Centre rationalises Remdesivir distribution DIMAPUR, MAY 26 (NPN): In view of its panic buying amid surge in Covid-19 cases and limited production, the Government of India (GoI) has decided to rationalise distribution of Remdesivir. Accordingly, health & family welfare (H&FW) department said States and Union Territories were allocated the drug on pro rata basis, and its procurement and supply was done as per the allocation. Hospitals engaged in treatment of Covid-19 cases are to submit their requirement for allocation according to the quantity allocated by GoI. Further, the Central government and development/ donor partners also provide in kind from time to time. The H&FW department pointed out that as on date, there was no definitive treatment available for Covid-19, and WHO had made conditional use of Remdesivir for treatment of Covid on November 2, 2020. The department quoted Lancet Journal (Vol. 21, Issue 1, page 20-21, Jan 10, 2021) as having stated that Remdesivir was recommended for patients with mild or moderately severe cases not requiring respiratory support. Mentioning that Union ministry of H&FW had authorised its emergency use in specific circumstances, the health department clarified that Remdesivir could be given in moderate and severe cases as per the State Clinical Management Policy.

year’s only total lunar eclipse. Sky gazers across the globe witnessed the rare celestial event coincided with this year’s only total lunar eclipse. A total lunar eclipse took place alongside a supermoon that made skywatchers excited for the epic moment. Significantly, a supermoon and a total lunar eclipse have not occurred together in nearly six years. This was the first total lunar eclipse since January 2019.

GBUD & DUCCF appeal F&CS

DIMAPUR: GB Union Dimapur (GBUD) and Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) have urged the responsible authority to distribute the remaining one month PMGKAY free rice distribution free of cost rice on time, for the welfare of the poor and needy.

In a press release, GBUD president M Y Ngullie and DUCCF president Tsenthungo Nyamo expressed gratitude to the Food & Civil Supplies (F&CS) department for issuing free rice for the month of May to the card holder beneficiaries It also stated that the timely distribution

had immensely reduced the hardships faced by the poor sections of the society during the pandemic. Further, the bodies urged the citizens to be more sincere and continue following the government guidelines to contain the infection and spread of the virus.

NSCN (R) appoints convenor of ACLs DIMAPUR: NSCN (R) through its MIP has informed that its president office in consultation with the collective leadership has appointed Omnyei Konyak as the convenor of advisors to the collective leadership (ACLs) “basing on his seniority, sincerity, loyalty and statesmanship.” MIP on behalf of all rank and file of the group has congratulated the newly assigned

convenor. It expressed optimism that Omnyei Konyak has the calibre and potential to shoulder responsibilities and with efficiency lead his team comprising of other ACL members. NSCN (R) prayed that “God’s Wisdom, Intellects, Sagacity and Judicious Comprehensiveness to be showered upon the ACL members to enable them to provide logical supports to the Collective Leaders”.

KFD to organise WED 2021 competition

DIMAPUR: Kohima Forest Division (KFD) has informed that it would be organising an online competition on the occasion of “world environment day 2021” in order to promote environmental conservation awareness among the public and the children in particular.

In a press release, divisional forest officer Rajkumar M has informed that the following competitions would be held through online mode: illustrations (meme/poster/ cartoon/signage) on “environmental conservation”– open for all; oratorical (max. 3-minute video) on “innova-

tive ideas for conservation in Nagaland” – open for school children only. KFD has informed that the entries can be mailed to kohimadfo@gmail.com on or before June 3. The competition is open only for the residents of Nagaland. K Y M C

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXxI NO. 170 Dimapur, THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Battered health system

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hat has always been a cause for deep concern since the coronavirus pandemic struck India in February 2020 was the question of how the fragile health system would cope up with the onslaught. The national lockdown imposed on March 23,2020 was done without proper consultation or planning with all the stakeholders. The entire pandemic was handled like a emergency -situation where the prime minister unfailingly appeared on national television to ‘inform’ the people of the effectiveness by which his government was handling the crisis.India’s health system in the urban areas and metro cities are highly rated qualitatively. However despite possessing among the best of health systems, the pandemic has exposed serious flaws. As in the first wave, the hospitals could not accommodate thousands of seriously ill covid patients since there were no beds. Many slept at corridors or in wheelchairs waiting for help. Thousands died due to lack of medical attention especially unavailability of oxygen. In Nagaland, as well as most north eastern states, the second pandemic wave is showing a dangerous trend of heading for the rural areas or far-flung districts. The preparations even at premier towns such as Kohima and Dimapur are still undergoing. Bed capacities for covid patients in Dimapur has been increased to a total of around 472 beds inclusive of the District Hospital Dimapur(DHD).Kohima (NHAK) has a total bed capacity of 300 recently declared as covid beds. Other four private hospitals are also to reserve at least 50% of their total beds for covid patients. Despite the best of efforts at least in Dimapur and Kohima where most hospital have been equipped with oxygen concentrators to prepare oxygen for use, the number of patients even at 80% capacity has almost overwhelmed the system. Doctors, nurses and technicians down to cleaners and ambulance drivers are overworked. The story throughout India appears to be the same. The escalating scourge of coronavirus and the shortage of available emergency services has prompted a sort of mass migration, with thousands of villagers flowing toward urban centres – sometimes mainly to Guwahati- in a desperate attempt to find care. In India, nearly 60% of hospitals, 80% of doctors and 75% of clinic-pharmacies are located in urban areas. There are roughly 3.2 government hospital beds per 10,000 people in rural areas. So far, most of the new coronavirus cases are reported mainly from Dimapur and Kohima but reports suggest that the rural areas and far-flung districts are likely to witness the scourge. Even if Dimapur and Kohima have the best health care system in the state, yet the coronavirus has shaken the infrastructure.There is shortage of medical teams in the two towns. Now, if the scourge spreads to rural areas, then the scenario would be a worst case scenario. The rural areas have a little more than 71.14% of the state’s population of around 20 lakh( as per 2021 census). Hospitals in rural districts are under staffed and without technicians to operate x-rays or CT scan wherever some are installed. If the second wave goes to the rural areas then the already poor state of the health infrastructure will collapse. The consequences will be nothing short of a catastrophe. The state government has to work on an actionable plan to tackle such a crisis as it has no more time to ponder over what to do especially with the third wave expected to hit the nation by next month.

DailyDevotion Thinking of Prayer as Jesus Taught Pray without ceasing… —1 Thessalonians 5:17

Our thinking about prayer, whether right or wrong, is based on our own mental conception of it. The correct concept is to think of prayer as the breath in our lungs and the blood from our hearts. Our blood flows and our breathing continues “without ceasing”; we are not even conscious of it, but it never stops. And we are not always conscious of Jesus keeping us in perfect oneness with God, but if we are obeying Him, He always is. Prayer is not an exercise, it is the life of the saint. Beware of anything that stops the offering up of prayer. “Pray without ceasing…”— maintain the childlike habit of offering up prayer in your heart to God all the time. Jesus never mentioned unanswered prayer. He had the unlimited certainty of knowing that prayer is always answered. Do we have through the Spirit of God that inexpressible certainty that Jesus had about prayer, or do we think of the times when it seemed that God did not answer our prayer? Jesus said, “…everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8). Yet we say, “But…, but….” God answers prayer in the best way— not just sometimes, but every time. However, the evidence of the answer in the area we want it may not always immediately follow. Do we expect God to answer prayer? The danger we have is that we want to water down what Jesus said to make it mean something that aligns with our common sense. But if it were only common sense, what He said would not even be worthwhile. The things Jesus taught about prayer are supernatural truths He reveals to us.

Quotes

Appearances are a glimpse of the unseen. ~ Anaxagoras

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

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he life-threatening infection, mucormycosis, informally referred to as the black fungus, is currently raging as a part of the aggressive second wave of Covid-19. Epidemiological data suggests an estimated global prevalence of 140 cases per million population, of which over 40% is contributed by India. The fungal order responsible for causing it is Mucorales, the third most common pathogenic fungal infection following Candidiasis and Aspergillosis. The mucorales like others (yeasts, moulds, mushrooms) are ubiquitously distributed fungi that exist in decaying organic matter, damp places, soil, plants, water, air and animals. At greatest risk are people with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, blood cancer, and those with organ transplantation or receiving regular immunosuppressive drugs and/ or steroids. Hyperglycemia (high sugars), especially in the presence of elevated available serum iron and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), is the most common factor. The inability of a compromised host immune system to suppress Mucorales germina-

A tale of two infections

tion precipitates infection, which, upon widespread dissemination, is virtually impossible to resolve. The hallmark of mucormycosis is the invasion of blood vessels by Mucorales spores that germinate and invade host cells causing tissue necrosis (death), which becomes visible only at very late stages of infection. More often than not, diagnosis is delayed. The high mortality rates (45-60%) associated with mucormycosis are reflective not only of the aggressive nature of the infection, but also of the dysregulated innate immune response seen in Covid-19 as well as the cytokine storm observed in the more severe disease with eventual immune exhaustion. A recent publication by Soliman and others from the University of California Los Angeles in Nature Microbiology (March 2021) has demonstrated that high mortality of the condition is attributed to the release of a preformed toxin (new venom), named Mucoricin, which could also be the promising therapeutic target. The widespread reports of mucormycosis

point to multiple factors, of which high prevalence of diabetes mellitus — over 80 million known cases in India and several that remain unreported or undetected — is of utmost importance. Of the over 8,500 reported cases of mucormycosis in India, over 90% are in people who are either known diabetics or have new onset (Covid or steroid related) diabetes mellitus. The injudicious use of steroids with improper dosage, duration, timing as well as self-medication contributes directly or indirectly to this. Generalised lymphopenia induced by Coronavirus, characterised by the specific depletion of killer T-cells, provides further impetus to the deadly fungus. In addition to hyperglycemia, DKA is known to predispose subjects with diabetes to mucormycosisowing to the high cellular iron and low serum pH (acidosis). Iron is an essential micronutrient for most organisms and fungi are no exception. A report published in the April 2021 issue of Journal of Fungi suggests that iron metabolism holds the key for the development of mucormycosis, and that serum iron

Making health system resilient towards climate variability

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here is very high confidence within the scientific community that “health of human populations is sensitive to shifts in weather patterns and other aspects of climate change”. IPCC’s ‘Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5ºC’ states with high confidence that high percentages of poor in Africa and Asia would be most vulnerable due to exposure to climaterelated risks for temperature increase between 1.5°C and 2°C. Furthermore, COVID19 pandemic has globally exposed the limited preparedness and capacity of health systems in combating mass health risks of vulnerable population. Climate services for health are an emerging field with an objective to support public health practitioners and policymakers for understanding the impact of climate change and extreme weather events on human health. Climate services can make a difference through providing actionable early warnings based on historical climate information as well as future predictions.In India, climate services are being effectively utilized for sectors such as agriculture, shipping, fishing and water resource planning, however the effective demand of climate services from the health community is very low or non-existent. A new study, published in Current Science, has examined the policy congruence at international, regional, national and subnational level for climate services for public health,

with specific focus on India and suggests a roadmap for co-developing climate services for public health sector in India. This study is an inter-disciplinary take from the perspective of climate scientists and public health professionals on the existing structures of governance, wherein the authors objectively bring out that to make a climate resilient health system, climate-related data and information needs to be routinely integrated into health science, practice, and policy making. For this, the starting point is to develop a baseline understanding of the region-specific demographic, social, and ecological determinants of health. Globally, several international agreements and instruments have recognized the urgency for climate action. Regionally, there are diverse set of collaborations involving state as well as non-state agencies for action on climate change and health. At our level, India has implemented a series of sector specific and centrally sponsored policies aimed at achieving sustainable development. Several key policies indirectly support climate change adaptation by promoting resource efficiency and reducing exposure to health risks. The study examines the progress so far and spells out the strategic steps (Ten Commandments) required to codevelop climate services for resilient public health system in India. The proposed steps include proactive partnerships, enabling institutions, creating sustainable

infrastructure, strengthening capacities and investment in interdisciplinary research on climate-health linkages. Its sheer coincidence that the study comes at a juncture when the country is fighting combined colossal impacts of COVID-19 and recent cyclonic storms Tauktae (and Yaas). This study aptly emphasizes a rethinking, reshaping and redefining of climate adaptation strategy to encompass ‘pandemic preparedness’ as in such times, climate change acts as a ‘threat multiplier’ and ‘compounds’ risks. It emphasizes the urgent need for health and climate actors of the country to work together to combat the threat by shaping up an effective system of climate services for public health system. Abha Tewary, Rajeev Kumar Mehajan, Mahaveer Golechha and Dileep Mavalankar (AbhaTewary, an Independent Researcher, was formerly a Meteorologist with Indian Air Force and Programme Officer with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Dr. Rajeev Kumar Mehajan is Scientist ‘G’/Advisor with Science and Engineering Research Board, DST, GoI and a panel expert for the Technical Commissions of World Meteorological Organisation. Dr. Dileep Mavalankar is the Director at Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, where Dr. Mahaveer Golechha is an Associate Professor. This article is based on their latest research paper published in the Current Science journal.)

and glucose together enhance the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), the novel host receptor that mediates invasion and damage of human endothelial cells by Rhizopus oryzae. Published literature, supported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), recommend six vitamins (D, A, C, Folate, B6, B12) and four minerals (zinc, iron, copper and selenium) as essential constituents for resistance to viral infections because of their ability to enhance immune function and reduce inflammation. But addition of zinc may worsen the course of mucormycosis. This is supported by the fact that Zinc chelators (compounds that bind it in blood) like Clioquinol with posaconazole are the most active combination in ameliorating mucor in animals. This may be relevant in the Indian setting as during the pandemic, there has been an unprecedented, over the counter use of drugs of unproven benefit such as vitamin C, D and zinc. The latter may be doing more harm than good and may explain the high incidence of mucormycosis. The key to preven-

tion of mucormycosis is prompt control of hyperglycemia, maintenance of hygiene, and judicious use of steroids; the key to treating it is early diagnosis for ameliorating morbidity and mortality. It is critical to have high index of suspicion even on observing subtle symptoms. For suspected cases, prompt imaging (contrast enhanced MRI of paranasal sinuses/ brain or plain CT chest), with or without fungal scrapping/ culture from the accessible tissues, is of utmost importance. Successful treatment of mucormycosis requires multidisciplinary approach involving multiple specialists. General experience of treating patients with various brain tumours, endocrine disorders such as the Cushing’s syndrome as well as a multitude of other medical indications where steroids are generally prescribed in high doses shows opportunistic fungal infections especially mucormycosis do occur, but in modest proportions. Why then is there a sudden spurt in cases in Covid-19 where comparatively moderate steroid doses of short duration are used? Could there be a specific afflic-

Power of rumours during pandemic

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n average, in 2019, Indian internet users spent close to 2.5 hours on social media everyday. Average usage went up to 4.3 hours during the first phase of the 2020 nationwide lockdown, later stabilising to 3.3 hours by the end of June 2020. For many Indians, who were isolated and confined to their homes, social media outlets such as WhatsApp and Facebook enabled convenient and seamless access and dissemination of health information, including information related to curbs and restrictions. Yet, health information, specifically on social media, is often published, shared, and re-shared, irrespective of its veracity, frequently leading to the spread of misinformation and rumours under the guise of truth. Covid-19 is the first pandemic in history where technology and social media are being used on a massive scale, and widespread dissemination of health rumours has been rampant, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to also call the pandemic an “infodemic”. Health-related rumours spread fast and not only hinder individual display of desirable health behaviour but also prevent the seamless implementation of institutional efforts to manage public health. To be sure, a pandemic gives rise to confusion, ambiguity, anxiety, and uncertainty, which, in turn, may lead to increased transmission of health rumours. The accuracy, veracity, and perceived credibility of the source are ignored, more so on social media where users are already cognitively overloaded with too much information. As such, studies find that during a crisis (e.g. natural disaster, terror attack, global pandemic), sharing rumours works like a coping mechanism. People draw a false sense of relief, such that anxiety or fears associated with the uncertain situation is momentarily reduced. But in the long-run, during a pandemic, prior research finds that health rumours, exchanged in a community, can instil fear. One such fear is about the Covid19 vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy, in 2019, was named as one of the top 10 threats to global health by WHO. This was announced after the global uptake rates for the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine slipped to 85%, significantly lower the re-

Mild Covid-19 induces antibody protection lasting lifetime

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tion between Sars-CoV-2 derived viral proteins and the steroid compounds? Are there specific host determined factors that might predispose a certain group of individuals? Clearly, further research is needed to understand the pharmacokinetics of drug-protein interaction, besides devising easier diagnostic and prophylactic strategies. Even though mucormycosis is a serious opportunistic infection among patients with Covid-19 treated with steroids and those having uncontrolled hyperglycemia, it is important to remove undue fear and anxiety by creating guarded awareness among health care workers and the public. M Ashraf Ganie and NK Mehra Ganie is the Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Sher-IKashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar and NK Mehra is Indian Council of Medical Research Emeritus Scientist (Hon) and former Dean of the AIIMS, New Delhi (This article was first published on Hindustan Times. The views expressed are personal)

S researchers have resolved, most such cells ies for the rest of people’s obtained bone marrow from found that people die off, and blood anti- lives. That’s strong evidence 11 people who had never who had mild ill- body levels drop. How- for long-lasting immunity,” had Covid-19. Of the bone marrow ness due to Covid-19, de- ever, a small population of said Ali Ellebedy, Associate velops antibody-producing antibody-producing cells, Professor at the varsity’s samples, 15 contained antibody-producing cells speimmune cells that can last called long-lived plasma School of Medicine. for a lifetime and give them cells, migrate to the bone For the study, the team cifically targeting the virus protection against the vi- marrow and settle in, where involved 77 participants that causes Covid-19. Such rus. they continually secrete low whose antibody levels in cells could still be found Researchers at Wash- levels of antibodies into the blood samples were assessed four months later in the ington University in St. bloodstream to help guard at three-month intervals five people who came back Louis, US, found that during against another encounter starting about a month after to provide a second bonea viral infection, antibody- with the virus. initial infection. The team marrow sample. None of producing immune cells “We found antibody- obtained bone marrow from the 11 people who had never rapidly multiply and circu- producing cells in people 18 of the participants seven had Covid-19 had such late in the blood, driving 11 months after the first or eight months after their antibody-producing cells in antibody levels sky-high. symptoms. These cells will initial infections. For com- their bone marrow. Once the infection is live and produce antibod- parison, the scientists also IANS feature Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this

quired target of 95%. Further, the presence of anti-vaxxers, a cult across the world that shares the belief that vaccines cause more harm than good, and opposes vaccines for a variety of reasons including religious beliefs, indicates that these ideas exist even though there is evidence to the contrary. In the United States (US), half the population is now fully vaccinated. But survey-based findings reveal that close to 25% refuses to get jabbed altogether. While India’s core crisis today is vaccine shortage, and data on hesitancy is inadequate, it would be a mistake to ignore the role of the latter as supplies shore up. This stems from distrust in health institutions and experts, misunderstanding related to herd immunity, fear related to rapid vaccine development, and new side effects, supplemented and reinforced by conspiracy theories and misinformation circulating widely on social media. Technology-enabled rumour dissemination can conflict with public health and safety interventions during a pandemic. Since the internet and social media are important sources for health information, governments and health agencies must establish an engaging web presence to debunk misinformation and fill the knowledge gaps. Some of this is already happening, but a lot more is desirable. Engaging celebrities and social media influencers can motivate people who are less eager to take the vaccine. To be sure, social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp (to name a few) have been proactive in adding features that allow users to access verified information, but they must double their efforts in flagging misinformation and rapidly removing heath rumours. If the government is to be believed, India’s current crisis of shortage will ease in the next few months. Then, the challenge will not be in supply, but ensuring that citizens understand that a vaccine is the most effective protective mechanism that is currently known and available. Putting the rumours to rest is a national imperative. Payal S Kapoor Associate professor (Marketing), FORE School of Management, New Delhi

Reader’s Post

Provide uninterrupted power supply Sir,

With the temperature in Dimapur rising with each passing day, it has become almost unbearable to remain sweat free. And as such being said, regular flow of electricity has become very important in our daily lives. While keeping in mind that not every household can afford inverters, generators or air conditioners, there are also plenty of households who have been struggling to meet their daily needs and electricity problem has only been doubling everyone’s burden. Even network connectivity gets affected in the absence of electricity. Therefore, I would like to urge the concerned departments to provide uninterrupted power supply for the welfare of al. Achila Ao, Dimapur newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

‘Yaas’ weakens after pounding Odisha-WB coasts

HC directs State... (From p-1) “For the aged and physically challenged persons, we are of the view that the State Government should make special arrangements to reach out to them with the vaccine,” the court added. The court directed chief medical officers to submit reports of manpower availability at PHCs and CHCs and district hospitals within a given time. Reacting to a report in local newspapers regarding absence of doctor in Shamator CHC, the court ordered the government to post the required number of doctors and manpower within five days with effect from May 24. On receipt of information that exorbitant rates were being charged for burial of bodies of Covid-19 victims, the bench asked the government to exempt charges at least for those who could not afford. “We also urge the government to take appropriate action so that burial charges are not unreasonably high,” it added. The matter will be listed again on June 10 and the respective respondents have been asked to file affidavits of compliance on the directions given and observations made.

Pedestrians wade through a flooded road during landfall of cyclone Yaas at Digha in East Midnapore district, Wednesday. (PTI)

Mayurbhanj district sparked fears of a flash flood in the Budhabalang river. In the afternoon, the water level in the river was at 21 metre against the danger level of 27 metre, Jena said. The Mayurbhanj district administration has started evacuating certain vulnerable points on both sides of the river and also from some low-lying areas in the Baripada town, he said. Restoration works for

power lines have started in some places in Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Jajpur district after cables were snapped, Jena said, adding that not much damage was caused in these districts. Local sources said that a person was killed in Panchupalli village in Anadapur block of Kenojhar district after a tree fell on him but there was no official confirmation of the death. The man was identified as

Purna Chandra Nayak. Besides, a man was injured in the Balasore district after he was hit by a falling tree, Jena said. The sea will remain rough till Thursday and the accompanying rain will continue, he said. The wind will slow down by the evening and the cyclone is likely to leave Odisha for Jharkhand by midnight, Jena said. Odisha shifted 5.8 lakh people to safer places, while

NPCC suggests measures...

(From p-1) Demanding free rations to all non ration card holders, especially those daily wage earners who were unable to get free rations under PMGKAY scheme, the NPCC said that the scheme benefited only those holding PHH or AAY cards. It also sought financial incentive for children who have lost their parents or earning member due to Covid-19. Also, suggesting designation of non covid hospitals or healthcare facilities to take care of patients suffering from other ailments, NPCC said that the current trend of converting almost all hospitals to increase bed facilities for Covid patients has become a deterrent factor for patients suffering from other serious ailments. It further suggested ensuring fair deployment/ posting of healthcare workers and resources in all districts in accordance to size and population with sufficient equipment and medicine supplies. Pointing out that Nagaland has the largest number of government employees in terms of population ratio, the Congress party said this could be put to good use by utilizing the services of those employees in their respective places of posting. “ T h i s w i l l r e l i eve

healthcare workers who have been multitasked in their job so far,” NPCC stated. Stating that almost all villages in Nagaland have ex-servicemen (ESM), who could be a force multiplier for various Covid Task Forces if given an opportunity, the NPCC appealed to the Naga ESM community to come forward and lend a helping hand. Further, claiming that there was huge suspicion on social media that not all Covid-19 deaths were true and that Covid-19 testing equipment cannot be fully trusted, NPCC said “These are two of many factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy.”Asserting that the “pandemic is not politics,” the NPCC said “These issues do not need politicians whom the people do not trust on the subject.” Therefore, it stated that experts and scientists with authentic evidences were the need of the hour to clear suspicion. Lastly, NPCC said that MP and MLA LADP funds could be used for procurement of equipment, oxygen, medicines, etc, for respective constituencies or districts. The Congress expressed hope that the government would take its suggestions in the interests of Nagaland and its people.

West Bengal moved 15 lakh people ahead of the cyclone, amid concerns over following COVID-19 norms at the temporary shelters as the two states battled the pandemic, reporting thousands of new cases daily. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that one crore people were affected by the cyclone in the state. Three lakh houses were damaged due to the cyclone, she said. She claimed that West Bengal was the most affected state due to the cyclone. “At least one crore people in Bengal have been affected by this natural disaster. As of now, three lakh houses have been damaged. One person died an accidental death even after he was rescued,” the chief minister said. Relief materials worth Rs 10 crore were sent to the affected areas, she said. The resort town of Digha in East Midnapore, which shares a border with Balasore district of Odisha, was completely inundated with the Army being called in for rescue operations, a defence official said.

(From p-1) “We are not certain whether this is due to wrong reporting by the media houses or they were wrongly fed by the proprietor of M/s BMA oxygen plant,” he added. The report pointed out that the plant had an installed capacity of 11/0.4 KV, 250 KVA DT, but the capacity of compressor motor was a single 150 KW induction motor without back-up or standby unit. Mentioning that the plant had no technician to handle or operate the power system, the report claimed that the plant’s existing power set-up was also very primitive with no critical components like voltage regulator, capacitor bank and protective system

interest and development of the airport for his selfish interests. Pointing out that in accordance to contract clause, the agency/firm should obtain contract agreement within 15 days from the issue of work

ing of May 22, he said the proprietor was advised to take breaks in running the motor, otherwise it would burn out. Noting that the power department was supplying power 22-23 hours every day to the plant, the proprietor was nonetheless still advised to be ready to operate his DG set for at least 2 or 3 hours in a day, if required, instead of depending 100% on the grid supply, which at times got interrupted due to rains, storms or other line faults. And in case of any major problems, Imsenkaba said he had also advised the proprietor of the plant to inform and coordinate with executive engineer (electrical) Dimapur and Chümoukedima.

NPF concerned over financial...

(From p-1) It also stated that frontline workers particularly medical, security and police personnel, who have been giving extra efforts, should also be given extra recognition and allowances. NPF said that the state government should not take

Airport contractors union... (From p-1) The union asserted that his filing of police complaint, branding local contractors as hooligans and allegation of lifethreatening calls did not hold any truth, but were purely aimed at malign the image of local contractors who, for years and without any problem, were discharging their duties for the welfare of the only airport in Nagaland to the best of their abilities. According to the union, his true character got exposed while being under the influence of alcohol on several occasions. Referring to the Das’ mention that his letter had reached “top level”, the union wanted to know what he had meant to say. Urging the authorities concerned to take note of the fact that there had never been any such undesirable situation in respect of contract work at Dimapur airport, NACUD called for initiating appropriate action against Das for intentionally creating chaos and confusion against the

(apart from Kit-Kat and DO fuse), etc. Even the back-up generator (DG set) was non-functional, it added. Imsenkaba fur ther stated that he along with DC Dimapur, R Soundararajan had also visited the plant on the night of May 20, during which power availability to the plant was 22-23 hours per day and the proprietor was found to be running the plant almost continuously for those hours. Since, he had only a single motor, the executive engineer claimed to have advised him to take breaks, otherwise the motor would burn out. Further, during a departmental inspection of 33/11 KV, 10 MVA referral sub-station on the morn-

any advantage out of the pandemic for their personal benefit. Meanwhile, the opposition party reminded the chief minister Neiphiu Rio that he being the chief minister for the fourth time, the Naga people had high expectation that develop-

mental changes would be brought under his leadership. However, NPF said that “with the ever increasing continuation of the mismanagement of the state fund and corruption, he has time and again proved wrong in the eye of the general public.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

order, the union observed that Das was given 30 days owing to pandemic, which had since lapsed. It, therefore, appealed to Dimapur airport authority to cancel the work order and pursue to re-call the tender.

Office of the NETAJI RAILWAY COLONY COUNCIL WARD No. 8, Dimapur – 797112, Nagaland

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

Through this column, the RAILWAY NETAJI NST COLONY expresses deep shock and grief at the untimely demise of LT. PUKHAVI YEPTHOMI, former DMC Member and Ex-Candidate of Dimapur-I Constituency. He was a kind and humble person who works for the welfare of the society and without any barriers. He was also instrumental in bringing change among the various sections of society through philanthropic work. The untimely demise of Lt. Pukhavi Yepthomi has left a deep void among us but the good work done by him will be remembered forever even though he is not in our midst. May his soul rest in peace and our deepest condolences to the bereaved family members. May the Good Lord grants them comfort through these difficult times. Chairman GB’s Railway Netaji NST Colony Railway Netaji NST Colony Dimapur : Nagaland Dimapur : Nagaland

Lt. SALUSHI KATH 1931 – 2021 We, the bereaved family members of Late Salushi Kath (Kandinu Village) would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual for the love and support that you have extended through your prayers, physically and financially during the brief illness and demise of our beloved father on 22nd of May, 2021. We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every one individually, but we pray that our Almighty God will bless each one abundantly. DP-2534

Loving Wife, Children, Grand-children, In-laws, and Loved ones

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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BALASORE/DIGHA/ RANCHI, MAY 26 (PTI): Yaas weakened into a severe cyclonic storm on Wednesday afternoon after pounding the beach towns in north Odisha and neighbouring West Bengal with a wind speed of 130-145 kmph, inundating the low-lying areas amid a storm surge even as the two eastern states battled the COVID crisis, officials said. Yaas, which was earlier classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, hit the coast north of Dhamra in Odisha’s Bhadrak district and 50 km south of Balasore, close to Bahanaga block, around 9 am, they said. The landfall process was over around 1.30 pm, they added. Seawater entered several villages in Bahanaga and Remuna blocks in the Balasore district, and Dhamra and Basudevpur in the Bhadrak district, Odisha’s Special Relief Commissioner PK Jena said. The administration with the help of the locals is taking measures to drain out the saline water from the villages, he said. Heavy rainfall in the Similipal National Park in

5 Power department clarifies to reports

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“There is a time for everything. There’s a time for everything that is done on earth.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Lt. Mrs. Renemkala (Yajang C) W/o Lt. Chalukumba (Aliba) 15/06/1952-22/05/2021

Your life was full of loving deeds, Forever thoughtful of our Special needs. Today and tomorrow, our Whole life through, we will always love and cherish you.

We, the family members of Late. C. TEMJENPOKBA JAMIR, extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who stood by us physically, spiritually, financially and materially at his demise on 15th May 2021 after a prolong illness. We convey our special acknowledgement to :1. Police Baptist Church Chumukedima. 2. Ungma Senso Telongjem Dimapur. 3. Chumukedima Town Ward-1 Council. 4. Well wishers and relatives from Ungma Village and Mokokchung. 5. Neighbours, Friends and well wishers from Chumukedima. Though we cannot thank each one of you individually, it is our prayers that our Almighty God bless each one of you. DP-2546

K Y M C

DP-2542

From Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren, In-laws, & Relatives

We, the bereaved family of Lt. Mrs. Renemkala would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to each and everyone who supported us prayerfully, physically and financially during the short period of illness and demise on 22/05/2021. Words are inadequate and we deeply regret our inability to thank each and everyone individually but your kind expressions of sympathy, thoughtfulness and deeds continue to be a great comfort to us in our time of sorrow. It is our sincere prayers that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly ‘If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.’’ Romans 14:8

DP-2539

Loving, Children, Relatives and Grand Children. K Y M C

national/STATE

‘Vax absolutely important to save lives’

He said various groups of officers and experts drawn from the directorate are also assigned with specific tasks/ subjects like overseeing quality of clinical management for COVID-19 cases, providing tele-consultation, ensuring drug availability, home isolation, oxygen supported beds, etc. Kikon added that another “consultative team” was also put in place for wider consultation as and when needed, comprising specialists in preventive & social medicine, public health specialists, team of clinicians, epidemiology intelligence service (EIS), consultants from WHO, UNICEF. He said this team was in touch with the War Room, advises and assists the Health department. Further he said each team of DTF comprises Deputy Commissioner as chairman, CMO as member secretary, SP, MS, chief veterinary officer, district surveillance officer, district epidemiologist, senior medical officers and medical officers as members.

IMA serves defamation notice on Ramdev

DEHRADUN, MAY 26 (PTI): The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has served a defamation notice on Ramdev for alleged disparaging remarks against allopathy and allopathic doctors, demanding an apology from him within 15 days, failing which it said it will demand a compensation of Rs 1,000 crore from the yoga guru. The six-page notice served on behalf of IMA (Uttarakhand) secretary Ajay Khanna by his lawyer Neeraj Pandey describes the remarks by Ramdev as damaging to the reputation and the image of allopathy and around 2,000 practitioners of it who are part of the association. Terming the remarks a “criminal act” under section of 499 of the Indian Penal Code, the notice demanded a written apology from him within 15 days of its receipt, or else a compensation of Rs 1,000 crore will be demanded from him at the rate of Rs 50 lakh per member of the IMA.

Crossword

The notice has also asked Ramdev to make a video clip contradicting all his false and defamatory allegations, and circulate it on all the social media platforms where he had uploaded his earlier video clip levelling the allegations. ACHIEVERS ACADEMY Registration started for NPSC CSAT-MADE-EASY Series Registration ends : 29th May ONLINE Class Starts : 1st June For DETAILS, Contact 9378129625/9366942624

DP-2466

(From p-1)

a year of the COVID-19 outbreak shows the power of human determination and tenacity. India is proud of its scientists for developing vaccines, Modi said, and also saluted healthcare and frontline workers for risking their lives to save others. Offering condolences to those who have suffered and lost near and dear ones in the pandemic, the prime minister said he grieved with them. In COVID-19, the humanity has faced its worst

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DP-2544(B)

Advisory panel of...

Narendra Modi

crisis in decades and has not seen a pandemic like this for a century, he said. On the occasion, Modi also highlighted the issues of climate change and terrorism, saying one must not lose sight of the other challenges faced by humanity while fighting the pandemic. With the prime ministers of Nepal and Sri Lanka and the secretary general of International Buddhist Confederation in attendance at the virtual event, Modi gave a call for all those who believe in humanity to come together and defeat terrorism and radicalisation. The life of Gautama Buddha was about peace, harmony and co-existence, he noted, adding that there are still forces whose existence depends on spreading hate, terror and mindless violence. Such forces do not believe in liberal democratic principles, he added, accord-

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DP-2544(A)

NEW DELHI, MAY 26 (PTI): Describing COVID19 as a “once-in-a-lifetime” pandemic that has brought tragedy and sufferings at doorsteps of many and caused huge economic impact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that the planet will not be the same after this and the events in future will be remembered as either pre or post-Covid. Delivering the keynote address on the occasion of “Vesak Global Celebrations” on Buddha Purnima, Modi noted that the pandemic has impacted every nation but added that there have been many noteworthy developments which strengthen our strategy to fight it. “Most importantly, we have the vaccine which is absolutely important to save lives and defeat the pandemic,” he said, asserting that the emergence of jabs within

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ing to a statement. Referring to the issue of climate change, Modi said the reckless lifestyle of the present generation is threatening future generations, and said our planet should not remain wounded. Buddha’s emphasis was on a way of life where respect for mother mature is paramount, he said, highlighting that India is among the few large economies to be on track to achieve their Paris targets. For India, sustainable living is not only about right words but also about right actions, he said. Modi said Lord Buddha devoted his life to removing human suffering and noted that in the last one year, several individuals and organisations rose to the occasion and did everything possible to reduce human suffering during the pandemic.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

South, NE big worry as Covid 2nd wave retreats in India

Subodh Jaiswal takes charge as new CBI chief

NEW DELHI, MAY 26 (AGENCIES): The second wave of Covid-19 pandemic has shown definite signs of retreat in India as daily coronavirus cases have declined by over 1.50 lakh in the past one month. The case positivity ratio for Covid19 has also declined from around 25% to less than 10% while the number of samples tested daily has increased from less than 15 lakh to over 22 lakh. India has seen a consistent decline in active caseload since May 10 with no uptick in the past two weeks (May 13-26). Still southern and the northeastern states remain a worry as India fights against the Covid-19 pandemic. Several states in these two geographical units have a case positivity ratio of above 20 per cent.

NEW DELHI, MAY 26 (IANS): IPS officer Subodh Kumar Jaiswal on Wednesday took charge as the new Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He took charge a day after his name was cleared for the top post of the country’s premiere investigative agency. On Tuesday, in an order, the Department of Personnel and Training said: “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has, based on the panel recommended by the Committee, approved the appointment of Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, IPS, (Maharashtra 1985) as Director, CBI for a period of two years from the date of assumption of the charge of

NAGALAND UNIVERSITY

(A Central University Established by an Act No. 35 of Parliament 1989)

School of Agricultural Sciences & Rural Development Medziphema Campus - 797 106 (Nagaland)

CANCELLATION OF WALK IN INTERVIEW

This is for information of all concerned that the WALKIN-INTERVIEW advertisement published on 16th May, for hiring different posts funded by Govt of India, Ministry of Science & Technology, Department of Biotechnology in Nagaland Post, which was scheduled on 28.05.2021 at SASRD, Nagaland University stands cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances arises within the campus as well as in the state. New tentative date and time of same interview will be notified soon after complete normalcy of the pandemic situation. DC-458

OFFICE OF THE

EHUNNU & YIKHANU SERVICE UNION P.O TSEMINYU, 797109 DIST. KOHIMA : NAGALAND

FELICITATION

With immense pride and pleasure, the Ehunnu & Yikhanu Employees Union extends our heartiest appreciation and congratulations to Dr. Bentilo Kath, son of Lt. Joseph Kath, for being appointed as Medical Officer, under Health and Family Welfare Department and Mrs. Sinile Kath, for being promoted to the post of Hindi Education Officer (HEO) under School Education Department. The Union further wishes the success of both the individuals in their future endeavours. DP-2537

No. 9928 Yesterday’s solution No. 9927

Su doku

No. 4548 Yesterday’s solution No. 4547

KAKURO

No. 3572 Yesterday’s solution No. 3571

Across 3. Blossom (5) 8. Prophets (5) 10. Card game (5) 11. In favour of (3) 12. Military trainee (5) 13. Part of a whole (7) 15. Restore to zero (5) 18. Shade of brown (3) 19. Waver (6) 21. Drawing implements (7) 22. Head covering (4) 23. Become a member (4) 24. Rear (5,2) 26. Pressed (6) 29. Pinch (3) 31. Evaluates (5) 32. Inhabitant (7) 34. All-night watch (5) 35. Drawn match (3) 36. Any two-footed animal (5) 37. Response (5) 38. Spools (5) Down 1. Warehouse (5) 2. Pig’s foot (7) 4. Lacking fat (4) 5. Musical dramas (6) 6. Hotel for motorists (5) 7. Native American tent (5) 9. Make mistakes (3) 12. Agreement, harmony (7) 14. Boy’s name (3) 16. Bend forwards (5) 17. Fashion (5) 19. Face cloth (7) 20. Seat (5) 21. Fulcrum (5) 23. Planet (7) 24. Next to (6) 25. Spirit (3) 27. Quick (5) 28. At no time (5) 30. Touches (5) 32. Watch part (4) 33. Fastening device (3)

Subodh Kumar Jaiswal

the office or until further orders whichever is earlier.” Jaiswal was appointed as CBI Director a day after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-headed committee including Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana and Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury discussed the names of the candidates for the new CBI chief.

Farmers observe ‘Black Day’ to mark 6 months of stir NEW DELHI/ CHAND I G A RG H , M AY 2 6 (AGENCIES): To mark six months of protests at the borders of the national capital over the farm laws, farmers are observing a nationwide ‘Resistance Day’ on Wednesday. Marches were carried out, black flags raised and effigies burnt in several cities and villages in Punjab and Haryana, and at Delhi’s borders. In nearly all villages in Punjab, effigies of the Prime Minister were burnt. In a video message on Wednesday, Haryana Bharatiya Kisan Union president Gurnam Singh Chaduni said, “We are celebrating the day to oppose PM Narendra Modi...”

RAFFLE DRAW RESULT New Creation Church Kohima In aid of Church land

1st – 4375 2nd – 6683 3rd – 6694 10 consolations – 1990, 6697, 3683, 6623, 4929, 12981, 14364, 13669, 14533, 6382 K-987

Acknowledgement “His absence is a silent grief. His life a beautiful memory.” Through this column, we the bereaved family members of Late Ihoto H. Sukhalu would like to sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone, who have shown immense support and kindness to us during the illness and demise of our beloved, on May 23, 2021. We regret our inability to thank each one of you personally, but it is our humble prayer that our Almighty God, Bless each one of you abundantly. Loving Wife, Children, In Laws, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Relatives.

IHOTO H. SUKHALU

Retired SPL-HD.DB.ZBTO.HQ 26th April 1929 - 23rd May 2021

DP-2547

6

NAGALAND GORKHA ASSOCIATION HEAD OFFICE : KOHIMA - 797001 - NAGALAND Regd. No.-H/Rs- 1282 Dt:24/11/2000

SHRADDHANJALI

(1946 – 2021) The Nagaland Gorkha Association (NGA) along with its federating district units mourns the sad and shocking demise of Late Shri BB Gurung, former President of Nagaland Gorkha Association on 23rd May, 2021, at Delhi. Late BB Gurung popularly known as Thagu Daju, was the President, NGA, during the tenure 2009-11. He served the Gorkha community in Mokokchung in various capacities as the former President, Gorkha Union Mokokchung and President, Gorkha Students Union Mokokchung (GSUM), and was associated with GSUM till 1983.He was also former President of Sarvajanik Gorkha Mandir, Mokokchung. He was an exceptional leader, a humble soul and a very thorough gentleman. A very popular figure in his hometown Mokokchung, he was associated with various clubs and organisations there. A keen sports enthusiast, he was a founding member of the popular Seasonal Club Mokokchung in 1968, founding member of Mokokchung District Sports Council where he served as its General Secretary, and is credited for the development of sports like cricket, badminton, table tennis and football in Mokokchung. He was associated with Rotary Club Mokokchung also in various capacities for around 20 years. In his sad passing away our community has lost a great soul who will always be remembered as a man of dignity and a great leader who has left behind a legacy. The Nagaland Gorkha Association along with its federating district units expresses its sincere condolences to his family members – Mrs. Gurung, sons, daughter and a host of grand children. Nobin Pradhan PK Thapa, President, General Secretary, Nagaland Gorkha Association Nagaland Gorkha Association 1. Gorkha Public Panchayat, Kohima 2. Gorkha Union, Mokokchung 3. Gorkha Panchayat, Wokha 4. Dimapur Gorkha Union 5. Dimapur District Gorkha Indigenous Forum 6. Gorkha Union Peren 7. Gorkha Union Kiphire 8. Gorkha Union Mon 9. Gorkha Union Naginimora K-986

WHO to continue COVID origin investigation WASHINGTON, MAY 26 (PTI): US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra has urged the WHO to ensure that the next phase of investigation into COVID-19’s origins are more “transparent” and “science-based”, amidst media reports here suggesting growing evidence that the virus could have emerged from a laboratory in China. In March, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a report written jointly with Chinese scientists on the origins of COVID-19, saying the chances of it having started in a lab were “extremely unlikely”. But the US and some other countries have raised concerns about the way the mission of the WHO experts was carried out in China, including in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, and

7

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

the lack of adequate cooperation from Beijing. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has also agreed that further studies were needed into the virus’ origins. In a video message on Tuesday at the annual ministerial meeting of the WHO’s World Health Assembly, Becerra called for a second phase of the investigation to be launched “with terms of reference that are transparent, science-based and give international experts the independence to fully assess the source of the virus and the early days of the outbreak.” In his address, Becerra did not mention China directly, but his remarks came days after a Wall Street Journal report in which US intelligence officials are quoted saying three

Wuhan Institute of Virology

researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in the central Chinese city of Wuhan sought hospital care in November 2019, several weeks before China acknowledged the first case of the new highly infectious disease in the community. China has angrily rejected the US media reports, repeatedly suggesting the virus may have come from a US laboratory instead. On Monday, Chinese

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the Wuhan Institute of Virology in a statement on March 23 had said that the premier lab had not been exposed to COVID-19 before December 30, 2019, and a “zero-infection” record is kept among its staff and graduate students so far. “What is the real purpose for the US to continue to play up the so-called “lab leak theory”? Does it really

care about the origin-tracing of the virus or just want to divert attention? We hope that the relevant departments in the US will make a clarification and explain that to the world as soon as possible,” Zhao said in response to a question at a foreign ministry briefing in Beijing. Dr Anthony Fauci, senior White House health adviser and director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, said recently that he was also not convinced about the natural origins of the coronavirus and called for further investigations. In his address to the World Health Assembly, Becerra noted that the COVID-19 pandemic “not only stole a year from our lives, it stole millions of lives.”

Aide says PM Johnson thought COVID first wave was ‘scare story’

London, May 26 (PTI): Dominic Cummings, the former top aide of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on Wednesday said that the government had fallen “disastrously short” in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave in early last year as the premier believed it was just a “scare story” at that time. In a series of explosive claims during his evidence before a joint House of Commons hearing of the Science and Technology and Health Committees, Johnson’s former Chief Strategy Adviser before an unceremonious exit last year declared that the officials in charge of the crisis were “out of their depth” and apologised to the families of those who died in the early

Super Flower Moon rises in clear sky over Sydney Opera House SYDNEY, MAY 26 (AGENCIES): The year’s biggest full moon, known as the Super Flower Moon, rose in a clear evening sky over the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday to the delight of amateur photographers positioned just across the water to capture the moment, reports Reuters. The moon was at the closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear about 7% larger and 15% brighter

days of the pandemic. “At that stage, the Prime Minister believed it was a scare story, a new swine flu… I certainly told him it wasn’t,” Cummings told cross-party MPs during the evidence hearing, in reference to the period before the UK went into a complete “stay at home” lockdown to control the spread of the deadly virus on March 23, 2020. “We have the Prime Minister chairing Cobra [Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms] meetings and he just tells everyone ‘it is swine flu, don’t worry about it. I’m going to get Chris Whitty to inject me live on TV with coronavirus so everyone realises it’s nothing to be frightened of ’. That would not actually help serious

planning,” he said. Taking on some of the blame himself as one of the senior officials at Downing Street at the time, Cummings defended his stance as he did not feel equipped with all the facts and expertise to pull a so-called “emergency panic button” to push harder for a complete lockdown earlier. “The truth is, senior ministers, officials, advisers like me fell disastrously short of standards required by the public,” he said. “When the public needed us the most, the government failed. I want to apologise to all those families who had people that died… In retrospect, it’s completely obvious that many institutions failed,” he said.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

Zeliangrong Baptist Church expresses our sincere condolences to the family of Late Rev H.M. Gonmei. He was a great leader, a teacher and a faithful follower in Christ. It is a great loss for the Church and His ministry. His death has created a void which will be difficult to fill. His contribution to the church and the community will be always remembered. May the good Lord provide strength to the family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

than normal. The May full moon is known as the Flower Moon as it occurs when spring flowers are in bloom. This will also feature the first total lunar eclipse in more than two years, during which the moon will pass through the Earth’s shadow. It will appear red, which is known as a blood moon, because light is scattered through the Earth’s atmosphere, much like during a sunset.

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Pastor Dinggailung Panmei Zeliangrong Baptist Church Dimapur

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

The Dimapur Nkonjan Ngullie Ekhung is deeply saddened by the demise of Nyimjamo Ngullie (Ex-Chairman DNNE) who passed away on the 23rd of May 2021.His valuable contribution to the DNNE will always be honoured and acknowledged. The DNNE conveys our most sincere condolences to the bereaved family. May the Almighty God bring comfort, strength and peace. May the departed soul Rest in Peace.

O B I T U A RY Lt. Pukhavi Yepthomi

Biography 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

Apunu tsala (DOB) 20/07/1962 28th Feb , 1971 migrated from Natha Old to Luzheto village. Youth Pastor Luzheto Baptist Church 1979-1982 Deacon Luzheto Baptist Church Luzheto Village Council Chairman 1986-1990 Niu Colony Council Chairman 1994-1995 GB Niu Colony 1997-2013 WSBAK Council member, Kuhuboto Area 2005-2008 Advisor Sumi Council Dimapur 2006-2010 Dimapur Municipal Member 2004-2010 2013-General Election Contest 1Dimapur- 1 Constituency (Independent Candidate) 2018- General Election Contest 1 Dimapur-1 Constituency (NPF Candidate) Chairman Ward Education Committee Govt High School Burma Camp Vice-Chairman Niu-Vty, Fellowship Church Building construction Advisor Silver Jubilee planning board committee Niu Colony, 2019. Finance convenor Golden Jubilee, Luzheto Ghami cum Baptist Akukuhou 1970-2020 Advisor Banker Kulalau Natha Old Kuposhukulu 2016 till date

Death was inevitable though losing someone during this time was very heart breaking but because of the constant prayers & support of so many people in our lives. We are able to pass through a very difficulties time in a most acceptable way. We thank Govt. of Assam and Govt of Nagaland for allowing interstate movement to bring the mortal remains of our beloved Lt. Pukhavi Yepthomi from Assam to Nagaland adhering to COVID 19 SOPs. We are so touched to have received Jesus call Diphu prayer Tower with prayers and blessing in Manja Town. Sincere thanks to Rev. Vitoshe Swu and his team from Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church for conducting prayers., Niu Colony G.Bs, Council members, old and young for showering your blessings on the departed souls by organising a memorable last rites in Burma Camp and accompanying us to burial site at Pukhavi Colony. Our sincere gratitude to Luzheto Baptist Church, Pastor Tokivi Yepthomi, Deacons, and Youth for standing by us till the end. Special thanks to Pastor for conducting burial ceremony with love and in spirit. Not forgetting the people who laid down the coffin for his onward eternal abode till the coming of Jesus Christ.

(20/07/1962 – 20/05/2021)

We sincerely thank each one of you for your kindness and sympathy during our time of lost. It gives us much comfort to know that you were thinking of us as we grieve our love death.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalms 23:6

This is also to all who have sent condolence through black and white, digital, whatsapp, facebook, instagram sms, phone calls and other social medias. Please accept our sincere thanks for the beautiful texts, wreaths, bouquets and attendance during the burial ceremony of Lt. Pukhavi Yepthomi. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and caring more than we can say.

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P. Chonchio Ngullie General Secretary DNNE

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Nlumo Ngullie President DNNE

Late Hukheni Sumi

Born on: 03/06/1978 – Died on: 07/05/2021 We, the bereaved family of Late Hukheni Sumi express our profound gratitude and sincere thanks to all who stood by us during the illness. We deeply regret our inability to thank each and everyone personally who supported us through prayers, physically and financially. Loving husband, son and family members DP-2541

We convey our special thanks to: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Shri Tokheho M.P. Lok Sabha Shri Tovihoto Aye (advisor power Govt of Nagaland) Shri Kaito Aye Minister of Agriculture & Cooperation Shri Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu, former Chief Minister NPF President Shri Dr. Andrew, Ahoto Yeptho NPP President Shri Kikheto Sema IAS Shri Rajesh Soundarajan, IAS DC, Dimapur Shri Atokhe Aye ADC Dimapur Shri Relo Aye ACP Dimapur Shri Albert Ezung DMC administrator & colleagues Dispur Hospital Staff and Nurse, Guwahati Dr. Debojit Basumatary, clinical cardiology and critical care specialist Dr. Raj Dutta, medical specialist and critical care specialist Dr. Tauhidul Alam (Nephrologist) Dr, Abhishek Agarwal (Pulmonologist) Western Sumi Youth Front(WSYF) Dimapur Sumi Council Joint Council Welfare Forum ward no. 3 & 22 Niu Colony Council Niu/Vety Fellowship. Shri Zasivikho Zakiesato (Convenor JCWF Ward 3 & 22) Kulolau Yepthomi Kuposhukulo Dimapur Natha Old kuposhukulu Dimapur Natha Old Baptist Church Natha Old Kuqhakulu-u Shri Toka head GB and all the GBs of Luzheto Village Shri Khekiye Hekiye Yepthomi, Council Chairman and all the member of Luzheto Village Shri Mikato Hekiye of Luzheto Village Prayer warriors of Luzheto Baptist Church Business Partners All the family members, siblings, kith, and kins, relatives, friends and well wishers

Words are not enough to show our gratitude but it is our prayer that Almighty God will bless you all richly. Loving Wife and Children K Y M C

8

Decision on IPL’s remaining games to be taken on May 29

NEW DELHI, MAY 26 (IANS): Indian cricket board will take a decision on holding remaining Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 matches at special general meeting on May 29, in which entire domestic cricket schedule for 2021-22 will be discussed. “As of now, nothing has been finalised (regarding IPL),” a top BCCI office-bearer told IANS. The franchises too haven’t got any intimation though they have been told that they will get to know only after May 29. “There is nothing concrete yet. But we are aware that the Board is likely de-

cide the matter on May 29 and may convey to us after that,” a franchise official told IANS. There are 31 matches remaining in IPL 2021 which was postponed, after completion of 29 matches, due to Covid-19 cases in the bio-secure environment. Although there has been no official intimation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), UAE, where IPL 2020 edition was also held, appears to be the most likely venue to hold the remainder of IPL. The window being discussed is the month-

long gap between the end of India’s Test series in England on September 14 and start of the T20 World Cup in mid-October. The T20 World Cup could also be held in UAE in the wake of rise of Covid-19 cases in India. Jay Shah, secretary of BCCI, had earlier issued a note to state associations, calling them for a special general meeting. “Notice is hereby given for a Special General Meeting of the BCCI which will be held on May 29, 2021 virtually to transact the following business: Discussion on the upcoming cricket season in view of the pandemic situation prevailing in India,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a note addressed to the state cricket associations. The 2020-21 domestic season, held in India, could only witness limited overs tournaments -- Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s and Vijay Hazare one-dayers. The IPL, also a domestic event with international stars, was held in UAE.

sports

Man United fans attacked ahead of Europa League final

General view outside the stadium after training at Stadion Energa Gdansk, Poland. (REUTERS)

GDANSK (POLAND), MAY 26 (AP): Manchester United fans were attacked outside a bar in Gdansk on the eve of the Europa League final, the club said Wednesday. United plays Villarreal on Wednesday night in the Polish port city. “Club staff were assisting a number of United fans in Gdansk last night and today, after an incident where some of our supporters were attacked outside a bar in the city,” United said. There were no immediate reports of any serious injuries. Up to 30 attackers may have been involved, Gdansk police spokesman Michal Sienkiewicz told Polish broadcaster TVN24 on

Wednesday. They left before police arrived, he said. “The whole thing took seconds rather than minutes and then the attackers dispersed,” Sienkiewicz said. “We will most probably be publishing the images of persons that were involved in the occurrence. Arrests are just a matter of time.” Gdansk Mayor Aleksandra Dulkiewicz said on Twitter there was “no room in our city for any form of violence! Dear fans and guests, you are always most welcome in our city.” United and Villarreal each have been allocated 2,000 tickets. There is a maximum crowd of 9,500 allowed for the final, or just under 25% of the capacity of the stadium.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

UEFA opens proceedings against Barca, Juve and Real over ESL plan LO N D O N, M AY 26 (AGENCIES): UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid over their involvement in the proposed European Super League. The clubs were part of the 12 ‘founding’ members of the breakaway league, which later collapsed. The other nine clubs renounced the project but Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid have refused to do so. UEFA said proceedings had been opened against the three “for a potential violation of UEFA’s legal framework”. In a statement released on Tuesday, UEFA said: “Following an investigation conducted by UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspectors in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’ project, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus for a potential violation of UEFA’s

legal framework. The other nine clubs involved - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid - have been punished by European football’s governing body for their participation. They have agreed to make a combined 15m euro (£13.4m) goodwill contribution to benefit children’s and grassroots football across Europe. They will also have 5% of UEFA competition revenues withheld for one season, starting in 2023-

24, and this money will be redistributed, including in the UK. Each has also committed to UEFA and its competitions, with the clubs facing fines of 100m euros (£86.9m) apiece if they seek to join an unauthorised competition in the future. They will be fined half that if they breach any other terms of the declaration. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who was appointed as chairman of the ESL, recently said that the 12 clubs that agreed to join the project have “binding contracts” and “cannot leave”.

Boxer Sanjeet enters semi- French Open: Navarro to play Barty excited for ‘spine tingling’ Games debut in Tokyo finals of Asian championships after recovering from cancer

India’s Sanjeet Kumar (left) fights with Jasur Qurbonov of Tajikistan during the quarter-finals bout.

DUBAI, MAY 26 (IANS): India’s Sanjeet Kumar defeated Jasur Qurbonov of Tajikistan 5-0 in quarter-finals of men’s 91 kg category in Asian Boxing Championships here on Tuesday night. In another bout, India’s Sakshi scored a 5-0 win over Ruhafza Haqazarova of Tajikistan to set up a semi-final clash with top seed Dina Zholaman of Kazakhstan in women’s 54 kg. In women’s 57kg, Jasmine outplayed Mongolia’s Oyuntsetseg Yesugen 4-1 to advance to semi-finals. She will next face VladislavaKukhta of Kazakhstan. Olympic-bound Simaranjit Kaur too made a good start in continen-

tal competition scoring 4-1 win over Uzbekistan’s Raykhona Kodirova to advance into semi-finals of women’s 60 kg category. She will face Rimma Volossenko of Kazakhstan in semis. There are no matches scheduled for women on Wednesday, but India’s star male boxer Amit Panghal will be seen in action in quarter-finals of men’s 52 kg on Wednesday. The world silver-medallist and defending champion will face Mongolia’s Kharkhuu Enkhmandakh. The 2018 Commonwealth Games champion in men’s 69kg, Vikas Krishan will face Iran’s Moslem Malamir in his opening bout of the competition on Wednesday.

mad r id, M AY 2 6 (Agencies): Former world number six Carla Suarez Navarro will play at the French Open, a month after announcing she had recovered from cancer. The Spaniard, 32, revealed last September she had early stage Hodgkin lymphoma and was having chemotherapy. She had her final chemo session in January before saying in April that she had been “cured”. “It makes me tremendously excited to be able to participate in Roland Garros,” she said. “I have been working these last few months to give myself the opportunity to compete one last time in Paris,” she added

in comments posted on the Spanish tennis federation’s website. “I am looking forward to jumping on to the court and feeling again how special this tournament has always been for me.” Before her diagnosis, Suarez Navarro had intended to make 2020 her last season on tour but she now wants to carry on playing and has said it would be a “dream” to compete in this summer’s Tokyo Olympics. The Spaniard, ranked 118 in the world, is a twotime French Open quarterfinalist. “Tennis has given me many things and I have always wanted to say goodbye on a court,” she said.

MADRID, MAY 26 (AGENCIES): Winning a Grand Slam is the ultimate goal for most tennis players but Ash Barty says there is no greater honour than representing your country and the world number one sees the Olympic Games as the pinnacle of sport. Barty, the 2019 French Open champion, cannot wait to pull on Australia’s green and gold colours when the Tokyo Games begin in July after the event was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tennis is normally an individual sport though women players also have the opportunity to represent their country at the annual Billie Jean King Cup. “The green and gold for me is always the pinnacle,” Barty told Olympics.com. “I’ve had a very small taste of it, but I think the Olympics is the pinnacle of every sport. “It’s a remarkable place to be able to test yourself against the best in the world. All of the best athletes in the world come together in one place, which is quite special. “And I think the experience will be spine tingling.” Barty was not even 5-years-old when Cathy Freeman, wearing a green, white and gold body-

suit, won the 400m gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics but the indigenous track star made a lasting impression on her. “I remember her outfit ... and, not really knowing a lot (else) of what was happening being such a youngster,” said Barty, who is the first indigenous Australian since EvonneGoolagongCawley to top the world rankings. “And I think every time you see that outfit now in Australia it’s iconic and everyone knows exactly the purpose of it. It’s a really, really special memory to be etched in my brain.” Barty had an opportunity to talk to Freeman after exiting the semi-finals at her home Grand Slam in Melbourne in 2020. “She’s been an idol for me growing up,” Barty added. “She’s been an idol and an icon for so many young indigenous girls and boys all across Australia.

Chelsea return more than 800 unsold Champions League final tickets L O N D O N, M AY 2 6 (AGENCIES): Chelsea have returned more than 800 unsold tickets for the Champions League final with Manchester City in Porto. The Blues were given 5,800 tickets by UEFA for Saturday’s game and there was a high demand for 2,800 tickets which were sold with independent travel. However, the unsold tickets were part of a char-

ter package, which included subsidised flights at £200. Chelsea Supporter Trust board member Dan Silver said: “UEFA’s lack of care for fans has again come to the fore.” H added: “They came to be our friends over the European Super League but now they have turned their backs on us again. “UEFA’s insistence on having charter flights initially linked to 90% of tickets, which the clubs

pushed back on - spending only 24 hours in Portugal with added Covid testing and additional costs have

sary travel is outrageous when there were obvious solutions closer to home.” A capacity of 16,500 has been confirmed for the 50,000-capacity Dragao Stadium. UEFA has been criticised for its pricing policy. Tickets start at 70 euros (£60.50) and rise to 400 euros (£346). made it very prohibitive. However, European “Selling tickets for up football’s governing body is to 400 euros for a limited facing some huge financial access final with unneces- challenges.

It is estimated UEFA’s pre-Covid reserves of 500m euros (£432.64m) will have shrunk to just over 100m euros (£86.53m) by 2023. That financial impact is a direct result of the costs incurred in moving the European Championship back by a year - resulting in rebates to broadcasters and sponsors and refunds to ticket holders, plus the cost of Covid testing and mitigation measures for the rescheduled tournament.

Major Japan newspaper Asahi urges Tokyo Games cancellation Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma placed 2nd and 3rd in ICC ODI rankings TOKYO, MAY 26 (AGENCIES): Japanese newspaper publisher Asahi Shimbun, an official partner of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, called for the Summer Games to be cancelled in an editorial on Wednesday, citing risks to public safety and strains on the medical system from the COVID-19 pandemic. Several polls have shown the majority of the public is opposed to holding the Games this summer, concerned about tens of thousands of athletes and officials descending on a country where vaccinations have proceeded slowly. Doctors’ associations have protested holding the Games, investors have talked up the benefits of shelving them, and maverick businessmen such as Masayoshi Son have called for cancelling the games. “We ask Prime Minister (Yoshihide) Suga to calmly and objectively assess

the situation and decide on the cancellation of the event this summer,” said the paper, a left-leaning daily often critical of Suga’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. “We are far from a situation in which everybody can be confident they will be ‘safe and secure’,” the paper added, invoking the government mantra about the Games. In a statement later on Wednesday, the Asahi Shimbun said it remained committed to being an official partner of the Tokyo 2020 Games and that its editorial

division had its independent mission. The company would “continue its activities as an official partner while monitoring the COVID-19 situation,” the statement said. To k y o 2 0 2 0 C E O Toshiro Muto shrugged off the editorial, saying that “it is only natural for all sorts of media organisations to have all sorts of opinions” about the issue, at a news briefing held on Wednesday evening following a Tokyo 2020 executive board meeting. He said the board did

not discuss the possibility of a cancellation or postponement, instead discussing the importance of communicating how safe the Olympics would be to the public. Olympic organisers have insisted that the Games can go ahead as planned. Speaking ahead of the board meeting, Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto said only one coach tested positive for coronavirus over the course of four test events with almost 7,000 visitors from some 50 countries. The events “are evidence that our current coronavirus precautions are effective”, she said. “Even baseball matches are being held currently with spectators. Why not go ahead with the Games?,” Kozo Yamamoto, a heavyweight politician of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said in an interview with Reuters. Although Japan has been spared the coronavirus

ravages of overseas nations, it has struggled to control a fourth wave of infections across the country. Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike said on Wednesday she will ask that the current state of emergency, originally set to be lifted at the end of May, to be extended for “about another month,” mere weeks before the Games is scheduled to start on July 23. Just over 5% of the nation has received vaccinations, and it has recorded about 719,000 infections and 12,394 deaths. Although the majority of the population remains unvaccinated, the Japan Olympic Committee is expecting to start inoculating the Japanese Olympic delegation from June 1. About 1,600 people, including athletes and coaches, will receive Pfizer shots which were donated by Pfizer (PFE.N) separately from the national supply of vaccines.

DUBAI, MAY 26 (IANS): India skipper Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma maintained their second and third positions respectively in the International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI batting rankings. With 857 rating points, Kohli is only eight points behind Pakistan’s prolific run-getter Babar Azam, who has enjoyed an extremely successful run against South Africa this year. Only two Indians figure in the top 10 of the ODI batting rankings, with opener ShikharDhawan placed 18th behind New Zealand’s Martin Guptill on 706 points. In the ODI bowling rankings, JaspritBumrah continues to maintain his fifth position with 690 points. New Zealand’s leftarm pacer Trent Boult leads

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

the charts with 737 points, followed by Bangladesh’s right-arm off-spinner Mehendi Hasan who has 725 points. Only RavindraJadeja, at No. 9, figures in the all-

rounder’s top 10 for India. Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan top the charts with 396 points while England all-rounder Ben Stokes sits a distant second with 295 points.

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