May 1, 2020

Nagaland Post

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Vol XXX No. 144

DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020 Pages 6 (Online Edition)

Ensure all health facilities functional: Vardhan tells states NATIONAL, PAGE 3

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COVID-19 cess attracts wide ak pinch from the over one month lockdown and so it was time for the state government to formulate and implement policies to relieve public with subsidy on essential goods for the unemployed, the private sector employees and daily wage earners instead of “merely feeding a few of them for a few days since many were dependent on charity from NGOs, churches and other benefactorsâ€?.

It also urged upon the PDA government to check price rise for the sake of the poor but instead of paying attention to their please, the government instead turned a deaf ear as a result of which prices of every essential commodity has shot up sky high. NPF said people never expected their government to exhibit a “callous, merciless, heartless attitude� when they were suffering not only due to COVID-19 but also for their daily subsistence.

NPF concluded that the longer the present government was in power, the more the common people will suffer.

BAN: Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has also appealed to chief

minister Neiphiu Rio to roll back COVID-19 cess levied on petroleum products immediately.

Expressing its concern at the State government levying a cess of Rs 6 and Rs 5 on per litre of petrol and diesel respectively, BAN said it came to know through national media that Nagaland was the only State to levy such a cess.

The announcement came as a shock as the entire world was witnessing a reduction in international price of crude oil and everyone was expecting a reciprocal reduction in prices of fuel, it added.

Mentioning that it did not require rocket science technology to foresee the negative impact the cess would have on the State’s economy, BAN warned that the unprecedented measure would have a cascading impact on all walks of life, primarily on the economic enterprises of the State.

Moreover, with the consequent increase in freight charges as also the agricultural production cost, it feared that livelihoods of citizens, particularly the rural masses, would be af(Cont’d on p-3) fected.

INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 6

Pangnyu admits lack of facilities in all hospitals to combat COVID-19

DIMAPUR, APR 30 (NPN): Scores of organisations including NPF, NPCC and trade bodies have demanded immediate rollback of COVID-19 cess levied by the state government on diesel, petrol and motor spirit in the state. This makes Nagaland the first state in India to levy extraordinary tax on taxed amount on petroleum products.

NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Thursday demanded immediate rollback of COVID-19 cess on petrol and diesel, saying that such imposition was “not acceptable in the present circumstances� as that would result in price rise of commodities.

In a press release, NPCC president K Therie said that at a time when people have lost business and jobs, development activities halted, industries closed and farming activities affected imposing of extra tax was nothing but adding salt to injury.

Reminding that Rs. 21,049 crore budget passed was available with the state government, the NPCC president said the state government, in addition, had

received State Disaster Response Management Funds and also Prime Minister CARES fund. “We have also seen NEC has released grants while the Centre is supplying PPE materials,�

Therie said. Instead of raising cess to increase prices, NPCC said the state government should concentrate on restructuring the state’s economy to stimulate economic growth and check price rise.

NPF: NPF said it was confounded by the decision of the PDA government of Nagaland to levy exorbitant “COVID-19 cess� rates of Rs.5 per litre on diesel and Rs.6 per litre on petrol and other motor spirits. NPF Press Bureau said these have added “extra ordinary burden� on people at a time when they, particularly the daily wage earners in urban and rural areas were “increasingly dependent� upon relief and charity for their daily subsistence.

NPF through its Press Bureau explained that a cess is “tax on tax, an amount payable on tax amount� or an added tax, charged by dealers from consumers.

Therefore, NPF said the “COVID-19 cess� directly

ing lives of everyone in Nagaland, Pangnyu called upon the people to maintain peaceful law and order in the district.

Stating that current COVID-19 situation was like battling with invisible enemy, the health minister has, therefore, appealed to the people to be more cautious and take precautionary measures even after the lockdown was lifted.

The minister expressed gratitude to the frontline workers such as the medical department, the district administration, police, media, Churches, NGOs and civil society organisations for joining hands and working together to combat with COVID-19. He sought

cooperation and support from all responsible in the future also. He particularly appealed to the doctors, nurses and health workers to be mentally prepared and be practical in their assignment.

During his visit, the minister also inspected COVID-19 hospital, quarantine site at Phom Lempong School and makeshift hospital at Government Higher Secondary School.

Advisor Imnatiba, BS Nganlang MLA, DC Longleng, CMO Longleng, Medical Superintendent District hospital Longleng, presidents of Phom Peoples’ Council and Phom Students’ Conference also spoke at the meeting.

H&FW clariďŹ es on purchase of ambulances

Edn institutions will continue to remain shut India’s COVID-19 death toll rises to 1075

Price hike: DC Dmu warns of action

DIMAPUR, APR 30 (NPN): Health & Family Welfare department has refuted the allegations in social media, that the recently purchased ambulances were second hand. In a clarification, H&FW principal director Dr. Vizolie Suokhrie stated that since ambulances were no longer readily available in the market, the state government, in view of the COVID-19 crisis, purchased them from Uttar Pradesh.

The 10 ambulances, having registered in UP, were transferred from the surplus fleet of 108 Emergency Medical Transport Services, UP (East). The ambulances are brand new and not as alleged in the social media, Dr. Suokhrie stated. He also gave the breakup of the price of an ambulance-- One ambulance cost Rs. 14,06,250 + GST of Rs. 39,3750 total= Rs. 18,00,000 (10 ambulance x Rs.18,00,000= Rs. 1.8 crore) Meanwhile, H&FW has welcomed any individual come and check the mileage of the ambulances, to ascertain that they have not been used earlier.

It may be mentioned that the 10 Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances were delivered on Wednesday.

This is it!

“My sympathies on COVID-19 cess. Console yourself that it’s like extortion.�

K Y M C

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 30 (NPN): All educational institutions in the State will continue to remain shut till further notice. This was confirmed by chief secretary Temjen Toy. Speaking to media here on Thursday, Temjen Toy said the government was not ready to reopen schools and colleges immediately. He thanked Doordarshan Kendra, Kohima and All India Radio, Kohima for agreeing to broadcast daily lessons for students from Friday.

On lockdown: Toy said the State government was awaiting further instructions from the Centre regarding the lockdown that expires on May 3, besides new guidelines post the lockdown. Toy said he assumed that the new guidelines would mostly have to do with demarcating areas into red, orange and green zones, adding that respective states would chart out their own course of action.

leads to increase in prices of essential commodities and which has become a burden on the Naga public.

It termed the “COVID-19 cess� as “insulting� when the public are aware that international oil prices have been at an all-time decline of around 300% since 1991.

NPF therefore, demanded that the COVID-19 cess be immediately rolled back otherwise it would be nothing short of being like daylight robbery. NPF opined that the PDA government was actually trying to desperately recover the “little pinch of free ration� given to a few daily wage earners through the COVID19 cess.

The opposition said Naga public will not be taken for a ride by technical explanations and abstract rhetoric to justify the cess by citing preparatory cost incurred due to the pandemic. It said the preparatory period was over as sufficient money has been poured into the state’s coffer for COVID-19. NPF said if Nagaland was still not prepared then no amount of money will be sufficient.

NPF also said every citizen in the state was feeling the

China opposes any probe into COVID-19 origin

With regard to Nagaland, he remarked that new measures would have to be taken in a calculative manner. “We are on the process of looking out for more relaxations and will issue our own guidelines and safety measures after studying the overall situation. We will take our own independent decision in line with the Government of India guidelines and neighbouring States,� Toy explained.

On COVID cess: On the issue of Covid-19 cess on diesel, petrol to meet financial exigencies amid lockdown, Toy pointed out that Nagaland was almost entirely dependent on funds from the Centre. But now the State’s fiscal condition was precarious and funds earmarked for various welfare measures was less than what the government had budgeted for, he admitted. “Forget other departments, our expenditure on health and agriculture are now becoming thrust areas,

but without money these would be very difficult to sustain,� he remarked.

CM relief: On the issue of the bank accounts where relief money was credited and later got debited, the chief secretary said some applicants had given account numbers of their friends and relatives as they did not have bank accounts. And as the amount was credited twice or thrice in the same account, certain problems cropped up, he added.

He however claimed that the government got in touch with students who had shared the same bank accounts and got the issued resolved. As per data, 7714 individuals (4476 working people, 2522 students and 116 patients) from Nagaland stranded outside have been given cash assistance.

Stranded workers, students: Referring to stranded migrant workers and students, the chief secretary mentioned that two issues

6QEBUF

DIMAPUR, APR 30 (NPN): State Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) minister, S. Pangnyu Phom, Thursday admitted lack of facilities in all the hospitals across the state to combat COVID-19.

According to a DIPR report, the minister said this during a review meeting with the government officers and NGO leaders of Longleng district at DC office complex on April 30, 2020.

Pangnyu pointed out that COVID-19 pandemic was a wakeup call for the department and health care workers to be well prepared and equipped with advanced health care facilities to combat with such pandemic in the future.

He also informed that the Centre has approved the upgradation of the present district hospital Longleng with CHC status to fullfledged district hospital.

The minister assured that the problems of the hospital would be taken into consideration after holding a meeting in Kohima.

Stating that government committed to sav-

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NE DELHI, APR 30 (AGENCIES): The total number of novel coronavirus cases in the country has (Cont’d on p-3) increased to 33,610 after

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1,823 fresh positive Covid19 patients were reported in the last 24 hours, according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Pangnyu Phom with colleagues and ofďŹ cials at Longleng. (DIPR)

Speaking at the press briefing today, Lav Aggrawal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health said: “The current fatality rate is 3.2%.

Co-morbidities was found in 78% of the patients who died from the virus. Doubling rate of the cases has now increased to 11 days.�

Globally, the novel coronavirus cases have surged past 3.2 million along with reporting more than 228,000 deaths across the world.

DIMAPUR, APR 30 (NPN): Following reports of price rise of commodities especially cement, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Anoop Kinchi, has warned that strict action would be initiated against the defaulters. According to a DIPR report, the DC conveyed this during a meeting with the District Level Price Monitoring committee in the conference Hall DC Dimapur on April Nagaland COVID: Test of 30. DC has also directed results of 13 awaited Dimapur Municipal Council D I M A P U R , A P R 3 0 and administrative officers (NPN): State principal sec- to take strict action against retary Home, Abhijit Sinha defaulters.

Thursday informed that so far 653 COVID-19 suspected samples were been sent for MOKOKCHUNG, APR testing, out of which 640 30 (NPN): Ao Senden has reported to be negative. The called upon all the Aos to results for the remaining refrain from celebrating 13 samples were awaited, MoatsĂź--premiere festival of he added. Sinha also in- the community, in view of formed that 1755 persons the COVID-19 situation. In were screened on April 30 a press release, the Senden and 33 were currently under stated that such celebrations involving large gathering facility quarantine. would lead to flouting of social distancing guidelines framed to fight pandemic.

Ao Senden has rather urged the community members to observe the festival with a prayer in their respective However, CPO empha- homes asking for blessings sised that people entering from the Almighty.

Nagaland should be tracked and identified not only at airport and railway station, but also those coming on foot, personal cars, buses, M U M B A I , taxis, etc. Should there be APR 30: Bolany loophole in taking ap- lywood actor propriate measures, the R i s h i K a State government would be poor, famed held entire responsible, CPO f o r h i s r o stated. mantic roles, It also urged all indus- died of cantries, institutions, business cer aged 67. Rishi Kapoor establishments and offic- Kapoor was es in Dimapur district to diagnosed with leukemia in strictly abide by the orders 2018 and returned to India of the government in han- last September after a yeardling incoming travellers by long course of treatment in keeping them under 14-day New York. He was part of observation at designated the Kapoor acting dynasty which has long dominated observation centres.

It warned that heads Bollywood, the Hindi film of institutions, village heads industry. The actor made a and heads of families would huge splash in 1973 with his be held responsible if they first lead role in Bobby - a (Cont’d on p-3) teenage love story.

No MoatsĂź festival

New species of horned frogs discovered in NE COVID: CPO demands strict DIMAPUR, APR 30 (NPN): A team of Irish and Indian biologists from the University College Dublin (Ireland), the Natural History Museum (UK), and University of Delhi (India) have discovered three new species of horned frogs from the remote forested Himalayan regions of Northeast India-- two from Nagaland and one from Manipur.

The scientists named two of the new species using words adapted from local tribal languages at their sites of discovery. The Naga Hills Horned Frog (Megophrys awuh), where the word “awuh� means “frog� in the Pochury language, the primary native tribe from the Melluri district of Nagaland state, and the Tamenglong Horned Frog (Megophrys numhbumaeng), where the name is derived from ‘nwmbwmaeng’ meaning “forest spirit� from the Rongmei

adherence to guidelines

(L) DzĂźkou Horned Frog and (R) Common Warty Horned Frog (Systematics Lab)

(Ruangmei) language, the primary native tribe from the Tamenglong district of Manipur state.

The third new species, the DzĂźkou Valley Horned Frog (Megophrys dzukou), was named after the only place that this potentially endangered new species was found that lies on the border of Nagaland and Manipur states.

The discover y was made when the biologists were investigating a group

of small species of horned frogs from Northeast.

The extensive study was published on April 28, 2020 as a monograph in the scientific journal, Journal of Natural History.

Besides the discovery of three new species, this study has dramatically increased the known distribution of four of the five poorly known species. The Zunheboto Horned Frog (Megophrys zunhebotoensis) was known to science

from only two individuals since it was named in 2007 but was found to be widespread in Nagaland and Manipur states.

The Common Warty Horned Frog (Megophrys serchhipii) was previously known from a single individual but was found to be even more widespread in the hills of all Northeast Indian states (except Arunachal Pradesh) and neighbouring Bangladesh.

(Cont’d on p-3)

DIMAPUR, APR 30 (NPN): With the ensuing lockdown nearing its end, Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) has demanded that the State government should strictly follow the directives of World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Health (H&FW) ministry regarding quarantining of incoming travellers and dead body management of COVID-19 patients, if any.

Quoting WHO directive on quarantining incoming traveller, CPO in a press release issued through its president VichĂźtuolie Mere and general secretary Mhiesisato VĂźprĂź stated that respective district administration, along with the special committees on COVID-19 and NGOs had arranged accommodations for quarantining incoming travellers to Nagaland for 14 days.

Rishi Kapoor passes away

K Y M C

state

2

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020

COVID-19 pandemic: Visits, mock drills, trainings & directives

DIMAPUR: As the state continues to gear up and review COVID-19 pandemic preparedness, legislators, who are made in-charge of various districts, visited respective districts and interacted with the frontline workers and stakeholders. Review meetings, trainings and home visits by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) are also being carried out to assess and disseminate information on COVID-19 pandemic. Various directives, appeals and advisory have also been issued by the respective administrations at both district and sub-division level. Mock drills to check and test COVID-19 preparedness are also being held across the state. Various government agencies are being trained so as to ensure that they are adequately prepared in case of COVID-19 outbreak in Nagaland.

kohima

Mock drill on COVID-19 in progress at NHAK. (DIPR)

Mock drill: A real life simulation of the prepared action plan on dealing with positive COVID-19 case was carried out at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) by District Administration on COVID-19 in collaboration with District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and the medical department Thursday.

According to DIPR report, the mock drill was held to check and test the

peren

Namri visits Athibung Town: To assess COVID-19 preparedness, advisor for water resources, Namri Nchang who is also the legislator in-charge of Peren District, Thursday visited Athibung town. According to DIPR report, Namri accompanied by deputy commissioner and chief medical officer Peren interacted with medical staff, town councils and various organizations.

During the meeting, Namri Nchang lauded the district administration, medical teams and all frontline workers for their pro-active roles amidst the outbreak of COVID-19.

He urged the public, town councils, GBs of various villages under Ahthibung sub-division to continue to extend support to the district administration.

Namri asked medical team, SDO (C) and town councils to strictly adhere with the quarantine protocols issued by the government if and when stranded students and workers are allowed to enter the district.

preparedness of the different government agencies that has been set in place to tackle every aspect related to a COVID-19 outbreak in the district.

The simulation involved a number of important Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) activities such as patient management and treatment, contact tracing and quarantine of known contacts, containment and sealing off of COVID-19 positive areas

Zhaleo visits CHC Medziphema: Advisor, sericulture, excise & minority affairs, Zhaleo Rio Thursday on his second visit to Community Health Centre (CHC) Medziphema inspected the ongoing preparations for quarantine wards.

A press release by media secretary, NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II A/ C stated that Zhaleo also interacted with doctors and staff. He was accompanied by ADC Medziphema, Tshuvise Phoji and chairman, health centre management committee, CHC Medziphema, Miathou Krose.

Kikheto meets various samaj: APC and commissioner & secretary and convenor, empowered group, Dimapur District, Y. Kikheto Sema Thursday with various Samaj in Dimapur Hotel Saramati.

According to DIPR report, the meeting was convened to discuss issues relating to arrangement of quarantine facilities in the district for stranded people of Nagaland, who will be returning to the state post nationwide lockdown.

Highlighting the ongoing preparations of quarantine facilities for stranded people, nagalandpost.com Poll he informed that the committee has identified some Q.: Can the ongoing 4-lane

phek and dead body management of deceased COVID19 positive patients.

The mock drill was followed by a debriefing session in chamber of the deputy commissioner and chairman DDMA, Gregory Thejawelie, who is also the RO (Responsible Officer).

Incident Commander under the Incident Response System ADC Kohima, LithronglaTongpi Rutsa gave a detailed report of the entire COVID19 mock drill exercise followed by brief reports from all three section chiefs namely operation section chief, planning section chief and logistics section chief.

A number of procedural lapses were highlighted by the three section chiefs from their on-field experiences, which was duly noted by the team for future reference and to ensure that if any COVID-19 related situation arises it is tackled effectively.

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A

B

C

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

11% 89% 0%

Next poll

Q: Should Modi extend the

lockdown beyond May 3 for another 15 days?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST may 1

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Partly sunny; a stray t-storm

31 22

Aizawl

Some sun with a stray t-storm 27 17

Guwahati An afternoon thunderstorm

32 19

Imphal

A t-storm around in the morning 28 16

Itanagar

A t-storm around in the morning 28 19

Shillong

Couple of thunderstorm

21 12

Kohima

Heavy thunderstorms

23 14

Dimapur

A t-storm around in the p.m.

31 19

Mkg

A stray thunderstorm

24 15

Tuensang Some sun; a t-storm in spots Wokha

A stray afternoon t-storm

Zunheboto Some sun; a t-storm in spots

18 11 24 18 22 13

More state news on Page 3 & page 5 K Y M C

ASHAs monitor senior citizens: As part of COVID-19 preparedness and preventive measures, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) of Phek, in their respective areas, have been monitoring the elderly people.

A press release by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Phek informed that senior citizens (above 60 years) and especially those with comorbidities are particularly susceptible to the virus, therefore need to be monitored.

The release informed that the ASHAs have been conducting house visit in disseminating the information on the advisory Do’s and Don’ts for protection of senior citizens prepared by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, government of India. The department said that there are 12743 (approximate) elderly people in Phek district.

dimapur

All the representatives present in the meeting assured all possible help and also offered their community owned buildings to quarantine people from their communities.

Representative from medical department highlighted the various steps to be followed while receiving the stranded people. District administration and police also thanked the organisation for their support and contribution and sought the same support and cooperation in fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Churches resolve to suppor t government: Church leaders in a joint meeting of Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) and Government officials Nagaland on April 28 at Bishop's House Dimapur have resolved to support the government in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

A press release by CFD informed that the church leaders resolved to support the government in the following areas: 1. CFD to request the church associations to open the guest houses and premises for quarantine facilities. As per the needs of the government, the churches will take care of accommodating the respective church or com-

Patton visits PHC Nyiro: To review COVID-19 pandemic preparedness, deputy chief minister, Y Patton Thursday visited Primary Health Centre (PHC) Nyiro, which has been converted to five-bedded isolation centre under Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Wokha.

A press release by Dy. CM media cell stated that Patton, who is also in-charge of COVID-19 Wokha district, interacted with the health workers and public leaders of Nyiro range, and assured any logistic support in their fight against the virus.

At the request of the people, Patton assured to personally finance the construction of parking facility at PHC Nyiro and blacktopping the PHC approach road.

Patton also urged the public not to cause any hindrance, particularly land ownership issues, when developmental activities are initiated by the government.

Later, he also handed over

munity persons in quarantine designated and approved by district administration.

2. CFD collectively with the help of the different churches and institutions, have covered around 1900 families with food grains, provision kits; to cover another 3000 more families in two phases.

3. The youth and pastors 10-15 in number maintaining the physical distance will go around to different stations and colonies to share the message of love and hope.

4. CFD will represent and coordinate the charity and welfare related activities of the churches in Dimapur.

5. CFD will provide volunteers in case the government requires.

6. CDF will contact all the church associations to raise fund for hitting the target of 3000 people in the second phase of relief.

7. The CDF will request permition for 10-15 members to have prayer in the church on Sundays maintaining the social/physical distance.

8. The CFD also assured to continue to pray for our city, state, nation and people who are diseased, affected and infected by the COVID

Mon district launches mobile app: Mon district administration has launched a mobile application ‘NLSOJO COVID’ that would monitor the current, previous and future movements of people under observation for COVID-19.

The deputy commissioner (DC) Mon, Thavaseelan K, told Nagaland Post that the app also has additional features including tracking user locations and profiles, vital sign information, travel history and how they were progressing daily. Through the app, DC said the authorities would be alerted when users go outside defined boundaries during quarantine or lockdown.

To use app, DC said one has to fill out a profile, with travel history, medical symptoms, vital signs etc. he said the users would get instant alerts from authorities, map of test centres and hospitals, educational COVID-19 resources from official sources and, if enabled, the last visited locations of infected individuals could be viewed.

Communication includes receiving alerts about users' locations for compliance with local safety guidelines, sending mass messages, email and SMS emergency calls. The app is especially useful for monitoring individuals in quarantine (home or facility), medical and emergency personnel providing care, employees in essential retail, grocery stores, and other high-exposure occupations, recent travellers by air, rail, bus, etc, voluntary citizen opt-in. The app was developed in collaboration with Sita Corp, headquartered at New Jersey, United States. (Correspondent)

Guidelines for home delivery service: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mon Thavaseelan K notified that the designated home delivery persons/ volunteers are risking their safety to be at work. Therefore, the DC said it was necessary to issue health and safety measures to be followed by all persons involved in home delivery services.

According to DIPR report, the DC has issued the following guidelines: 1. Imparting of basic training on health, safety and norms to prevent spread of COVID-19 to all the delivery persons/volunteers must be conducted by all the organisations/ agencies involved in home delivery services. The office of the deputy commissioner Mon may be approached for help in this regard.

2. Persons suspected of suffering from Influenza like Illness (ILI) and severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) should not be deployed for delivery of essential commodities.

3. Regular hand washing is important. Masks and hand gloves should be used at all times.

4. In order to maintain social distancing, delivery person/volunteers should not come in close contact with any clients and at least 1 metre distance should be maintained. Items should be delivered at the doorstep.

5. Delivery persons/volunteers should not go inside the customers' house under any circumstances.

6. Service which requires exchange of cash must involve use of money carry bags to avoid touching the money. Always insist on exact amount of cash to avoid exchange of

(2-right) Patton and others at PHC Nyiro. (DIPR)

one fogging machine to CMO Wokha.

Training on disposal of dead bodies: Training on disposal of the dead bodies of COVID-19 victims was held Thursday at Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital, Wokha.

A press release by the office of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Wokha informed that resource person, SMO Wokha, Dr. Wemeri Khutsoh took sessions on the dead body management in COVID-19 cases. The session included procedure of disposal of dead body, handling and transportation

19 virus globally.

The release stated that the meeting was held share the concerns, challenges and enhancing possibilities of a strong collaborative mission to combat the pandemic.

The meeting called by CFD was attended by APC and commissioner secretary, Y. Kikheto Sema, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Anoop Kinchi, Secy. F& CS, department, Honje Konyak and 35 church leaders representing various denominations.

Medical camp at Chumoukedima: In view of COVID-19 pandemic, Nagaland Medical Dealers Association (NMDA) in collaboration with the district administration conducted a medical camp on April 28 at new DC office complex at Chumoukedima. A press release by NMDA informed that the medical camp was conducted for the people quarantined in the new DC complex. The team of doctors treated around 200 people at the quarantine centre most of whom had “general ailment of diarrhoea and skin infections with general weakness”, stated the release.

mon

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ASHA sensitising senior citizens on COVID-19.

government owned buildings as quarantine centres where renovation works have already started. The convenor also sought suggestions from different community present in the meeting and also sought details of those who will be arriving post lockdown.

Kikheto also briefed the gathering about various measures that are being taken up by the government to stop and contain the spread of COVID-19. Dimapur being the gateway of Nagaland, he said the citizens have huge responsibility to prevent spread of the virus while pointing out that the state government was giving “special attention” to the district in its fight against the pandemic.

Kikheto also sought the support and cooperation of every citizen and community saying that the district administration, police and medical departments alone cannot fight the pandemic.

Representatives from Marwari Samaj, Bengali Samaj, Jain Samaj,Oswal Samaj, Aggrawal Samaj, Gorkha Samaj, Kachari Tribal Council, Punjap Samaj, Kerala Samaj, Bhojpuri Samaj, Muslim Council attended the meeting.

expansion works be completed within 2020?

wokha

of dead body, management at burial ground and precautionary measures to be taken while handling such cases.

Speaking on bio medical waste management, he said stated that guidelines should be followed in the disposal of personal protection equipment after coming in contact with a COVID-19 case to avoid the spread.

Personnel from State Disaster Response Force, Police, Wokha Town Council, doctors from 24 Assam Rifles and medical department staffs took part in the one day training.

mokokchung

Training on dead body management: As per COVID-19 dead body management guidelines, training was carried out for PWD Mechanical, Home Guards & Civil Defence (SDRF) and MMC on April 28 at the Conference Hall of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mokokchung.

A press release by the office of CMO Mokokchung informed that resource person, Dr. Aonungdok (epidemiologist) in a power-point presentation briefed the trainees on the standard precautions to be followed while handling and disposal of the dead bodies of COVID-19 suspect or confirmed case.

Training was also imparted on the origin, transmission, risk groups, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and control measures. Presentation of illness like mild, severe and critical, age distribution of cases and its severity, case fatality rate and stages of pandemic. A short video on proper hand washing and guidelines on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was shown and demonstration on use of mask and gloves disposal was done.

HoDs, HoOs informed: In the interest of public health and safety and in pursuance of the government of Nagaland order, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mokokchung, Limawapang Jamir, has informed that all the head of departments HODs and head of offices (HoOs) returning from outside the district will be screened at the established check post/CMO Control Room. The DC said that strict protocol will be followed as per the directives of the Medical department and would issue necessary certification. All HoDs and HoOs, village task force/ ward task force have been directed to comply with the directives of the medical department. The DC warned that any person/group acting in violation of the order shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

kiphire change. The money is to be taken out of the carry bag after 5 days.

7. Regular health check-up/ monitoring of persons involved in home delivery should be conducted with the help of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer. The health check up should happen every week.

Call 9862014033 for the same.

8. In case of need for professional help, call district helpline - 986 2078993/9862014033/7005687775.

District administration ties up with IT&IA: Mon district administration has tied up with Intugine Technologies and Infinite Analytics (IT&IA) for bolstering its capabilities in the fight against COVID-19.

According to DIPR report, IT&IA is a Bangalore based start-up and the solution developed by it can work without installing any application which makes it very effective and easy to implement. It uses SMS based user consent to initiate tracking.

Alternatively, the COVID-19 Quarantine Alert System (CQAS) developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), government of India can be used for implementing the solution.

The report said the real time dashboard will be used by Mon district War Room for better monitoring of those under home and facility quarantine.

The report stated that with the tie up, the district administration and police have been able to boost the District's COVID-19 response capabilities manifold.

District level training: District level training on COVID-19 for police personnel, doctors and veterinary doctors was carried out Thursday at District Hospital Kiphire Conference Hall.

According to DIPR report, resource persons were Dr. Dheni (epidemiologist), SMO DHK, Dr. Tiakakla Walling and DPM, QA, Dr. Imnanoktsung.

Dr. Dheni spoke on epidemiology of COVID19 including global India update. He said that transmission of COVID-19 can occur through respiratory secretions and also mentioned about the most common symptoms.

Topics like high risk group and low risk group, surveillance period which is

for 28 days, contact tracing and collection of samples etc. was also covered.

Dr. Tiakala Walling spoke about infections prevention and control standard precaution and additional precaution. She said infection prevention and control is a scientific approach with practical solutions designed to prevent harm, caused by infections to patients and health workers.

She mentioned that the role of IPC was to reduce transmission of health care associated infections and to enhance the safety of staff patients and visitors.

Later the procedure for donning and doffing of PPEs was demonstrated by nurse Limasenla.

Kashiho, Sukhalu visit Seyochung: Minister for geol-

ogy and mining, soil & water conservation, V. Kashiho Sangtam and advisor for school education, K.T. Sukhalu, who are district in-charge for Kiphire visited Seyochung Thursday.

According to DIPR report, the legislators visited CHC for inspection and had brief meeting with the doctor and the medical team.

They also visited the 20 bedded quarantined centre set up at Government High School Seyochung.

Kashiho, Sukhalu also held a brief meeting with the area elders, Seyochung GB Federation President and his colleagues, Sema-Sangtam joint community office bearers. They sought the support and cooperation of the community in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

tuensang

Training for SDRF: As part of COVID-19 preparedness, training was conducted for the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Thursday at the Conference Hall, District hospital Tuensang.

A press release by district media officer Tuensang stated that resource person, Dr. Senilo Magh imparted training on donning and doffing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and how to carry the dead body bag to the burial site. Around 15 SDRF personnel, medical team and others after the training at DHT, Thursday.

SDRF personnel were trained.

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national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020

Ensure all health facilities Reduce exam duration, conduct exams offline or online in July: UGC functional: Vardhan tells states NEW DELHI, APRIL 30 (IANS/PTI): Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday directed all states and Union Territories to ensure uninterrupted blood donation and transfusion services for people with blood disorders and advised all health facilities to remain functional and provide critical services to non-Covid patients.

In a letter to his counterparts in in states and Union Territories, he asked them to ensure that nonCOVID health services were available. In the letter, states were also told that denial of critical services like dialysis, blood transfusion, chemotherapy and institutional deliveries to regular patients will not be acceptable.

States and Union Territories are advised that as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, all health services should remain functional during the lockdown period.

The movement of service providers may be facilitated, especially for those working in the private sector.

The Health Ministers are also advised to ensure quick resolution of grievances on denial of critical services especially on account of insistence on test-

Harsh Vardhan ing. Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases in the country mounted to 33,610 with 1,075 deaths, while the total recovery rate rose to 25.19 per cent.

Ensure uninterrupted movement of trucks: MHA to states

Union Home Ministry on Thursday made it clear that no separate passes are required for inter-state movement of trucks -- those carrying goods or returning after delivery -- during the ongoing lockdown and licence of the driver is enough.

Asking states and Union Territories to ensure uninterrupted movement of trucks, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said there have been reports that at inter-state borders in dif-

ferent parts of the country, movement of trucks is not allowed freely and local authorities insist upon separate passes.

Bhalla asked states to allow movement of all trucks and other goods carrier vehicles with two drivers and one helper subject to the drivers carrying valid driving licences.

An empty truck or vehicle will be allowed to ply after the delivery of goods, or after pick up of goods, he added. He said as per the guidelines issued by the home ministry no separate passes are required for movement of trucks and goods carriers, including empty trucks. This is essential for maintaining the supply chain of goods and services across the country during the lockdown enforced to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

“Accordingly, all states and UTs shall ensure that district authorities and field agencies are informed of the above instructions, so that there is no ambiguity at the ground level, and movement of through traffic of trucks and goods carriers, including empty trucks is allowed without any hindrance,” the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) order said.

New Delhi, Apr 30 (PTI): Universities may conduct semester exams in July either online or offline depending upon feasibility and the COVID-19 situation and reduce the exam duration from three hours to two hours, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has recommended.

Detailing the guidelines for examinations and academic calendar for universities in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, the commission has said the exams for final semester students be conducted in July.

It has recommended that intermediate semester students may either be evaluated on the basis of inter-

nal assessment or in states where the COVID-19 situation has normalised, exams be conducted in July only.

The varsities may decide whether to conduct exams online or offline keeping in view the support system available with them and ensuring fair opportunity to all students. “ U n ive r s i t i e s m ay adopt alternative and simplified modes and methods of examinations to complete the process in shorter period of time. They may reducing the time from 3 hours to 2 hours,” the UGC has said.

“They may conduct examinations in offline or online mode, as per their ordinances or rules and regulations, scheme of examinations, and must ob-

serve the guidelines of social distancing besides keeping in view the support system available with them and ensuring fair opportunity to all students,” it added.

The commission has said in case the situation does not appear to be normal in view of COVID-19, the safety and health of students be prioritised and their grading could be composite of 50 per cent marks on the basis of internal evaluation and the remaining 50 per cent marks can be awarded on the basis of performance in the previous semester.

“The situation where previous semester or previous year marks are not available, particularly in the first year of annual pattern of examinations, 100 per cent

evaluation may be done on the basis of internal assessments. The internal evaluation can be continuous evaluation, prelims, midsemester, internal evaluation or whatever name is given for student progression.

The UGC has said if the student wishes to improve the grades, he or she may appear in special exams for such subjects during the next semester.

Universities and schools across the country have been closed since March 16 when the central government announced a countrywide classroom shutdown as one of the measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

Later, a nationwide lockdown was announced on March 24, which has

CPO demands strict adherence to guidelines

(From p-1) did not report to authorities concerned about incoming people and failed to keep such persons under 14-day quarantine.

Though Nagaland did not have any COVID-19 positive case within its boundary, CPO said that if any case was detected post the lockdown, it should be assumed that the virus had come through the incoming travellers.

It further demanded at least one ambulance for every quarantine centre and qualified medical staff for overall coordination and supervision. CPO also insisted that food items and medical facilities

provided at the centres should meet all standard guidelines.

Further calling for strict compliance with guideline of WHO (“Infection Prevention and Control for Safe Management of a Dead body in the Context of COVID-19”) and the Union H&FW ministry (“COVID-19: Guidelines on Death Body Management”), CPO demanded that the State government should provide adequate equipment to health workers. It quoted the guidelines, “… the dignity of the dead, his/her culture and religious traditions and their families should be respected and protected…”.

Autopsy should be avoided un-

less it was for a special reason. But even in such a case, strict adherence to the directives given by the authority should be maintained.

CPO requested the authorities concerned to bring out information in local languages to educate and equip the public with the guidelines on dead body management of COVID-19 patients. It would be easier to fight the virus when people were aware of the dos and don’ts, it added.

In spite of financial difficulties, CPO said the citizens expected the government to honestly deliver them justice, regardless of their colour, sex and race in these trying times,

it added. Should there be any shortage of funds, CPO suggested that the State government should be honest in presenting the proposed budget in public domain and invite donation from the people to fight the pandemic.

It said that deducting salaries of government employees without taking their consent was not fair, and termed putting on hold dearness allowance and dearness relief to employees and pensioners as denial of rights, adding COVID-19 Cess was also an unknown concept.

It appealed to the government to reconsider its decision for the welfare of citizens and employees.

India’s COVID-19 doubling Edn institutions will continue to remain shut rate slower, mortality rate lower

NEW DELHI, APR 30 (PTI): The rate at which COVID-19 cases has been doubling in India is slower than several other countries such as the USA, Italy, Spain and the UK which have been hit hard by the pandemic, according to official sources.

In terms of mortality rate too, India fared better than these developed nations.

Data from the health ministry and Worldometer, a website that records confirmed cases of infection and deaths globally, said in India coronavirus cases doubled from 500 to 1,000 in five days and then took four days to reach 2,000.

It took just three days for coronavirus cases in the country to double and reach the 4,000 mark but six days for the tally to reach 8,000. Then the dou-

bling rate was eight days when the tally reached 16,000 and 10 days as it hit the 32,000 mark.

In comparison, in the US, it took three days for the cases to double from 500-1,000, two days to go up from 1,000 to 2,000, three days from 2,000 to 4000, two days from 4,000 to 8,000, two days again from 8,000 to 16,000 and another two days to go up from 16,000 to 32,000 cases. In Italy, for the same range of cases, it took two, two, four, three, four days and five days respectively while in Spain for the same range of cases of COVID-19, it took two, two, two, three, three and four days.

As for the United Kingdom, the number of days it took for cases to double from 500 was two days, four days from 1,000

to 2000, three days from 2,000 to 4,000, again three days from there to reach 8,000 cases, four days to reach 16,000 and five days to hit the 32,000.

In Germany, cases went up from 500 to 1000 in three days, from 1000 to 2000 in four days, 2000 to 4000 in two days, 4000 to 8000 in three days, from 8000-16,000 in three days and 16,000 to 32,000 in four days.

However, Canada is ahead of India in slowing the COVID-19 doubling rate. The rate was three days when the number of cases kept doubling from 500 till it hit the 4,000 mark. From then on it started to slow, with it taking five days for the cases to double and reach the tally of 8,000, another six days to reach 16,000 and 12 days to hit the 32,000 mark.

State govt warns against hunting

DIMAPUR, APR 30 (NPN): State government has strongly advised the general public not to hunt or consume any wild meat especially wild boar, civet etc since there was a strong possibility of the virus being present in such wild animals. In an advisory, issued by the home department has asked all the deputy commissioners to bring to the notice of all village councils. The advisory has been issued in connection with the department of animal husbandry & veterinary services notification banning import of pigs throughout the state in view of the reported outbreak of “African Swine Fever” in the neighbouring states.

Deadline for online application forms submission pushed to June NEW DELHI, APR 30 (IANS): Keeping in view the hardships being faced by candidates during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Ministry of Human Resource Development has decided to extend the date of online application forms submission for various entrance exams including JNU, IGNOU Ph.D and Hotel Management.

Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said: “The Director General of National Testing Agency (NTA) has been advised to extend the last date for submission of online applications for various examinations”.

Nishank said , “This includes entrance examinations conducted by JNU, I G NO U P h.D, I C A R exam, NCHM G and management course.”

According to an order issued by the NTA the date K Y M C

of filling the form for the entrance examinations of Jawaharlal Nehru University has been extended till May 15. The date of filling the form of the National Council for Hotel Management ‘G’ has also been extended till May 15.

Similarly, the date for submitting the form for Ph.D and MBA from IGNOU has been extended from April 30 to May 15 as has the date for the Indian Council for Agricultural Research. The All India AYUSH Post Graduate Entrance Test form can be filled till June 5.

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has also directed the CBSE, NIOS and NTA to prepare a revised schedule of examinations. Along with this, autonomous bodies and NCERT have been asked to prepare an alternative academic calendar.

(From p-1) BAN said it expected the government to act responsibly, taking into account the predicament of the business community at large.

Being a responsible business association and having the mandate of all local businesspersons of the State, BAN said it was well aware of the financial stress of the State government due to the threat of COVID-19 and the subsequent lightning lockdown. With this in mind, BAN said it had approached the chief minister for a virtual dialogue with participation all stakeholders with the intention of providing constructive inputs to salvage the State from the tragedy.

However, it regretted of not yet having received any acknowledgement of receipt on its request, let alone any opportunity to interact with Rio and the government machinery.

CNCCI: Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce & Industry

now been extended till May 3. The UGC had formed two committees to deliberate on issues arising due to the lockdown to avoid academic loss and take appropriate measures for the future of students. One of the committees led by Haryana University Vice-Chancellor R C Kuhad was formed to look into the ways of conducting exams in universities amid the lockdown and work on an alternate academic calendar.

The UGC has also notified in the guidelines that new academic session for freshers may begin in universities from September and for already enrolled students in August. The admission process will begin in universities from August 1.

(From p-1) had emerged – those stranded in Nagaland wanted to return to their respective home States, while those from Nagaland stuck outside wanted to return home.

He clarified that the Nagaland government did not have any issue and was in position to send stranded people to their respective States, but provided their home States were ready to receive them and made proper arrangements for taking them.

Toy said that the State was yet to get the actual figure of those that are to return.

He explained, “It’s not that we don’t want them to come, it’s just that we want to avoid total chaos and make their homecoming seamless as far as possible. The Home ministry has been issuing guidelines on migrant

labours, tourists, etc. Neighbouring States had made arrangements for bringing back their students. But as far as Nagaland is concerned, we have a committee looking into this.

The latest guidelines on quarantining such people have come and we are minutely examining them. Once we are ready, we will get in touch with those stuck outside.” While it was not a problem for the neighbouring States in terms of logistics, he admitted that getting people stuck in far-off places like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, etc, posed some problem, adding that these would have to be sorted out in conjunction with Government of India.

Court order: Reacting to a Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench order, Toy said a meeting was held with officials of the department

concerned and that they would soon be replying with affidavits as directed. They would be presenting facts which the court might not be aware of, he added.

Expressing happiness that some villages were earning Rs 80,000 from backyard farming during the lockdown, the chief secretary remarked that Nagaland had tremendous potential in agriculture. He said the current situation was a good opportunity for people to help make the State become self-sufficient in terms of food.

He said, “We have the potential to produce enough to feed our people.

But to do this, we need to change our mindset and go back to farming.” He called for restraint while using social media in current times and to use the platforms more responsibly.

(From p-1) Dr. Stephen Mahony, the lead author of the paper, said: “This study is a testament to how little is known about the most threatened animal groups, frogs, in northeastern India.

Our work has completely changed what we thought we knew about these secretive animals, from how to identify the different species and how they are related to each other, to where they live and how vulnerable they may be to deforestation.”

The discoveries have concluded the eleventh new species of horned frog to be named from Northeast India following research by the same

core team published in 2011, 2013, and 2018 (which included the 11 cm Giant Himalayan Horned Frog).

The teams’ dedicated work has now more than doubled the number of horned frog species known from the region.

Dr. Rachunliu G. Kamei, Scientific Associate department of Life Sciences at The Natural History Museum, London, said: “I grew up personally witnessing the rapid changes in the North East Indian landscapes, jungles disappearing with shocking speed! It troubles me greatly that natives are still ignorant about the delicate harmony an ecosystem

requires for it to be in balance. Frogs are so vital for healthy ecosystems but incredibly many Nagas still just consider them as tasty snacks.”

“Local communities are the custodians of their land, and therefore the protection of the remaining wildlife and natural habitats is entirely their responsibility. We named two of the species (Megophrys awuh and Megophrys numhbumaeng) using the local Naga languages because ownership, pride and reliability is very important, and may encourage the locals to be more sympathetic to protect their diminishing heritage,” Kamei said.

New species of horned frogs discovered in NE

COVID-19 cess attracts wide flak

(CNCCI) has urged the State government to review its decision for imposing the COVID-19 cess.

In a representation to chief minister Neiphiu Rio by its chairman Dr. Khekugha Muru and general secretary Dr. Seyievilie Mor, CNCCI stated that while it understood the urgency of the State government to generate revenue to sustain the fight against COVID-19, the cess should be cut down by at least 75% or rolled back completely.

Pointing out that prices of many essential commodities across the country had shot up at the source due to lockdown and that business community and consumers were bearing the brunt, CNCCI feared that such decision to impose high cess on fuel would further jack up prices of essential items further as transportation cost would increase and also have a negative impact on the State’s economy.

CNCCI stated that the business community, churches, NGOs and citi-

zens had come forward to assist the government in its fight against COVID-19 even as the business community and consumers were hard hit due to the lockdown stretching from March to May. Under the circumstances, the trade body suggested that the benefit of global petroleum price slump should be passed on to the consumers to provide them some relief and respite.

CNCCI also stated that the business community would require huge support from the state government so that the state’s economy was back on track for the government to earn revenue from GST/SGST. It, therefore, strongly suggested that in the interest of the State economy to bounce back to normalcy at the earliest the government should roll back the cess as it could have farreaching consequences on the economy.

MCCI: Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry(MCCI) in a statement issued by its

president Tsukti Longkumer and general secretary Limalenden Longkumer said that COVID-19 cess that became effective on the midnight of April 28 only revealed “how incapacitated the government of Nagaland is in not only tackling COVID-19 pandemic but also the in the whole gamut of governance.” MCCI said the worst was that the cess revealed the “insatiable cupidity” of the government and how it has wandered distantly from objective to function for the welfare of the common people adding it was a shocking abuse of state power.

MCCI also opined that “this surreptitious exploitation of the common people” was highly questionable that would compel civil society organisations to demand that the COVID-19 cess on petrol and diesel be repealed without delay in line with the objective of the government to function.

Drawing attention to the statement by the state chief secretary who justi-

NSCN (I-M) mourns DIMAPUR: NSCN (I-M) has mourned the demise of Andrew Clark, a prominent member of Quakers, adding that he played an important role during the Quakers mission in “Nagalim”.

In a condolence message, NSCN (I-M) said the group remember the Quakers for their integrity, simplicity, experiences and hard work in the field of peace and reconciliation.

“They respect no borders.

They came all the way to work among the Nagas. The Nagas shall remain indebted to them for their dedicated services to bring about reconciliation and unity among the Naga freedom fighters”, read the message.

NSCN (I-M) said the Quakers took keen interest in solving the Indo-Naga political problem and took the initiative and work towards reconciliation and unity among different political groups to bring final political settlement. NSCN (I-M) late Andrew Clark visited Hebron on two occasions to meet the NSCN Collective Leadership.

Further, NSCN (I-M) has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members, friends and members of Quakers and prayed that God would give them the courage and peace to bear the great loss, and the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

fied imposing COVID-19 cess on increasing the state’s revenue under the present situation, MCCI said the chief secretary had disclosed that the state revenue target for March was Rs.106 crore but had collected only Rs.5 crores due to current lockdown. MCCI said its view was that the rationale put forth of accruing revenue by jeopardizing the entire economy, was not wise.

Instead, the government should be focussing on facilitating and enabling the recovery of the state’s fragile economy rather than abusing state power to destroy whatever remains of the economy by reminding of the proverbial hen that lays the golden egg.

In fact, MCCI said it would be a surprise if the state government announced a stimulus for local businesses to tide over their financial stress caused by the lockdown and effect a direct impact to stimulate the economic revival of the state instead of choking the state’s fragile economy.

Southern Rly sends milk, medicines to Assam Rifles CHENNAI, APR 30 (PTI): Southern Railway has sent milk and medicines on a special parcel train to Nagaland on Thursday to meet the demand of Assam Rifles in view of the COVID-19 lockdown.

The train from the Salem division left from that city, carrying 1.15 lakh litres of milk (in tetra packs) and eight tonnes of medicines to Dimapur, Nagaland. The parcel loading area which has been remaining dormant was revived by Southern Railway to take up the initiative on transport of essentials.

During the loading of the goods, personnel underwent thermal screening and followed social distancing norms. The parcel express trains help in movement of medicines, medical equipment, masks, food products to those in need across the country.

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXx NO. 144 Dimapur, FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020

Time to deal with delays

N

agaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has said that with monsoon on and especially in the light of the relaxation to the extended nationwide lockdown, the delayed works for construction of the 4-lane highway between Dimapur to Kohima should restart in earnest. Whether the chief minister’s statement was a viewpoint echoing the sentiments of the public or a directive to the contractors involved is no clear.The ground reality is that works on the four-lane has been too slow and has been dragging on despite so many appeals including the high court suo moto notice issued to the contractors and all stakeholders last year. The easing of the lockdown have raised the expectation that free movement of labourers involved with the 4-lane would ensure the restart of the work.

The chief minister has probably aired that expectation with full confidence that the contractors would make every effort to resume the stalled works. However, the ground reality paints an altogether different picture. Even a few days after the statement of the chief minister made during this recent visit to inspect the ongoing renovation and preparation for the COVID-19 hospital at the District Hospital Dimapur, the works at the 4-lane project do not seem to have restarted with the desired pace. This then leads to the obvious conclusion that the works will take longer than assured and can take longer and presumably even till the end of 2021, unless some miracle takes place. The 4-lane construction works also reflect the state of affairs in Nagaland with regard to development projects. There may be a few exceptions but delays and consequent cost escalations appear to have become a convention. Escalations due to delays usually mean nothing more that huge increase in the estimate for works.

In the event the government refuses to accept the proposed escalations, then the contractors often take recourse to legal means. The longer the case takes the more the government would tend to lose in the end. The escalation clause should have some limitations and those contractors who make it a rule than the exception should be penalised. The 4-lane works between Purana Bazar to Chümoukdima are still continuing and appear to not have made the desired progress. Again the works from Nagaland check gate towards Jharnapani are also much behind schedule.

The other portion from Piphema to Kohima is another story where the road from Zubza to Kohima appears like a 2-lane. It is not known as to why a four-lane project between Dimapur to Kohima has been reduced to half the proposed width and which the state R&B as well as the NHIDCL have to explain.Even till today and after much brouhaha in the press on the slow pace of the work and caution from various organisations, the number of workers including machineries are still inadequate to ensure early completion of the project.

One of the rules which the government needs to apply its minds is on tackling the habit of review of estimates for cost escalations. If engineers are unable to prepare proper estimates by taking into consideration some percentage increase in prices of items, then their services should be dispensed. Also firms in the habit of demanding cost escalations should be barred from tendering. These are a few suggestions to ensure that contractors are penalised for delays and rewarded for completing works on time.

DailyDevotion Spontaneous Love

13:4

Love suffers long and is kind… —1 Corinthians

Love is not premeditated– it is spontaneous; that is, it bursts forth in extraordinary ways.

There is nothing of precise certainty in Paul’s description of love. We cannot predetermine our thoughts and actions by saying, “Now I will never think any evil thoughts, and I will believe everything that Jesus would have me to believe.”

No, the characteristic of love is spontaneity. We don’t deliberately set the statements of Jesus before us as our standard, but when His Spirit is having His way with us, we live according to His standard without even realizing it. And when we look back, we are amazed at how unconcerned we have been over our emotions, which is the very evidence that real spontaneous love was there. The nature of everything involved in the life of God in us is only discerned when we have been through it and it is in our past.

The fountains from which love flows are in God, not in us. It is absurd to think that the love of God is naturally in our hearts, as a result of our own nature. His love is there only because it “has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 5:5). If we try to prove to God how much we love Him, it is a sure sign that we really don’t love Him. The evidence of our love for Him is the absolute spontaneity of our love, which flows naturally from His nature within us. And when we look back, we will not be able to determine why we did certain things, but we can know that we did them according to the spontaneous nature of His love in us. The life of God exhibits itself in this spontaneous way because the fountains of His love are in the Holy Spirit.

Quotes

Love is the beauty of the soul. ~ Saint Augustine

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020

O

Is God in control of everything?

n the onslaught of COVID-19, many believers felt hesitant to stop religious group gatherings as well as refuse to take any preventive measure suggested by the State arguing that God is in control of everything and we don’t have to worry about anything. Of course, there is no doubt that God is powerful and can do everything. But God does thing only with purpose and in God’s own time.

God does not do everything according to the way we want or think. Even Jesus did not aimlessly heal sicknesses, exorcise evil spirits and calm the stormy sea.

But He did all these things with and for a purpose.

If we say that only those who don’t believe in God get sick and die, then we are only insulting those who are sick, died or are struggling with incurable disease. Many believers in God (including priests, pastors, and church leaders) have died with COVID-19.

There is no record which says that Jesus had wiped away all the problems of human beings when He

was on earth in his physical body. Look at how the apostles (including Paul), early Christians and many missionaries (like William Carey) faced problems and died. And therefore experiences tell us that we should not blindly tell others that if we believe, God will take away all our problems or heal all our sicknesses and we will not face death.

This kind of cheap teaching about faith in God is creating many problems today.

Listen to these two stories. “An Asian Christian jump down to the lion’s den challenging the Lion to come and attack him.

He said to onlookers that God will come and protect him and nothing harm will come upon him. The Lion took no time in mauling him. Luckily, those bystanders rescued him but not before he was gravely injured by Lion nearing to his death.” The other story is about a Christian who has strong faith in God. “There was heavy rain followed by flood. As water level increased, he climbed to the top floor

of his house believing in God’s protection. Rescue Boat came two times to pick him but he refused saying that God will take care of him. At last he got drown. After his death, he met God and asks why he was not protected despite his strong faith. To his query, God replied that the two boats were actually sent to rescue him but he was too stubborn to pay heed to God’s provision. The man had learnt a good lesson but it was too late for him.”

Having faith in God does not mean putting ourselves knowingly into danger as in jumping into Lion’s den or giving our hand to snake to bite or drinking poison and ordering God to deliver us. Faith in God does not mean refusing to take any preventive measure from impending danger.

The above two stories remind us to be careful with our faith in God. As far as possible we have to take care of ourselves. Only when all possible means have lost, we need to seek for God’s help. Without doing anything on our part simply asking God’s help

will not work. We should not put God to test. In the name of having ‘strong faith’, we often ‘order’ God to prevent or take away all problems, sicknesses, calamities, and the things that we don’t want in our life.

This is how today the way we pray, fast and worship is not primarily to please God but just an order to let God live and act according to the way we want. Many a time, we use GOD (without any respect) like a DOG to guard us. This is not how we should behave towards God. Can we expect God to protect us when we feel lazy to maintain social distance, remain in our homes, and refuse to obey the advice of medical experts even at the face life-threatening force of COVID-19 pandemic?

We have great role to play in keeping ourselves safe.

Adam and Eve fall into problem because they were standing too close by the forbidden fruit tree. A habitual user of tobacco elements should not expect God to protect him/ her from getting sick. A drunken vehicle driver can’t pray to God to protect from

accident. We often unnecessarily invite problem to our life and then blame God. If we know that something is dangerous to our life, we must avoid it. Let’s not put God into trouble again and again. We should live as a matured believer not as an infant that still survives on milk. “Heaven helps those who help themselves” is indeed a wise saying.

Dear friends, living a life without self-discipline but at the same time believing that God will take care of everything is a nonsense faith. This kind of faith will not work but bring more problems. Genuine faith demands obedience.

Indeed, there are many problems that come to our life as they are beyond our control but we are to keep moving forward with Jesus (Matthew 16: 24-26). In this imperfect world, there are pain, sorrows, calamities, epidemic, and death that accompany life. In a situation where all our effort fails in protecting and promoting life, we need to seek God’s help. When we face such unavoidable problem in life, God hears our cry

and answer us (cf. Exodus 3: 7, 9; Matthew 11:28).

However, God ‘does not always take away’ problem from believers’ life but ‘gives strength’ to bear all problems (cf. Philippians 4:11-13). When a person gets the strength to bear the problem, then the problem became no problem whether in life or in death. That’s the beauty of life through God’s grace (II Corinthians 12: 8, 9). We have to accept problem in life and make use of it as an opportunity to develop better relationship with God and fellow beings. Never forget or have doubt that God can do anything and is in control of everything but God has also God’s own time and way of doing things. Let’s be wise and cooperate with God and stay safe. Coronavirus will go away sooner or later but God will exist forever. May our faith in God grow greater than the fear in coronavirus. Thanks for reading. May God bless all the readers!

Z. K. Pahrü Pou, Mission Colony, Pfutsero

Friends of 80plus, 15th Why schools and colleges should not be opened amid COVID-19 Foundation Day Kohima village

T

hough I don’t claim myself to be a n expert in tackling COVID-19, I would like to share my opinion through this write-up. Until and unless a vaccine or a sure cure is found which according to the experts may not happen very soon, proper measures and precautions are the only options. To put forth my argument, I would like to use a term, “A, B, C, D Chain of Transmission”.

So far in Nagaland, by the Grace of God and efforts made by various stakeholders, we could contain the disease. With due sympathy to the stranded people, if and when the commercial flights and trains resume or interstate transport resumes, the Chain of Transmission may start to take place.

Let’s call an inter-state returnee or tourist as Mr. A.

God forbids, but if Mr. A is in incubation period or infected with the COVID19 and has a brother, Mr. B in a school, he may infect his brother Mr. B while Mr. B would infect his school mate(s), Mr. C (multiple of friends). In turn, Mr. C (including a number of students) may infect Mr. D (the family members) which constitutes a number of families thereby, straightaway reaching Stage-II of the COVID-19 which is known as “Local Transmission”.

As a result, one major concern will be the complexities of emotional, psychological and mental health of the infected children as they will be required to keep isolated from the care of their parents and loved ones. Another concern is, it will be difficult or even impossible to maintain Social Dis-

tancing (a major preventive measure to contain COVID-19) among the students. If ever a positive case is detected in the school or college, to quarantine or seal the entire school/ college community will be a herculean task.

Therefore, while education is very important, to save the life of a child is far more important. Let’s remember that nothing in this world can replace the lives of our near and dear ones. Since there are experts and concern authorities doing their level best to contain the spread of the virus, it is my humble request that my opinion is only taken as a reminder or an additional idea to jointly fight against this COVID19 pandemic.

Dr. M. Temjen Longkumer, Lerie colony, Kohima

3

0th April 2020 marks the 15th Foundation Day of Friends of 80plus of Kohima Village. Since its inception, 30th April is set aside to honour our elders who have weathered the storms of life for over 80 years.

The 15th Foundation Day was supposed to be hosted by the Kohima Village Council (KVC), but due to the Covid-19 Lockdown, we have to cancel the program. The KVC had generously and graciously donated a sum of one lakh (Rs. 1,00,000). As the plan stands cancelled, we have distributed the amount to all our 80plus citizens by our dedicated friends of 80plus volunteers in all the Khels and in Kohima town. Friends of 80plus express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the KVC members for their kind gesture.

For the last 14 years, on this day, we come together and have thanks-giving service, a feast and a medical camp.

Unfortunately, this year, we could not celebrate our annual event due to the turn of events. But, we want to inform all our members and well-wishers that though we could not meet physically, we are emotionally and spiritually connected and thinking of all our members.

Last year there were 180 elders, sadly 28 of our members passed away. May their blessed memory inspire us to continue to serve our elders and grandparents. At present, we have 171 members, with 19 new members joining our club.

A collective celebration of our elders and an opportunity to honour them is a privilege and a great joy for all of us. Our elders are the store-house of knowledge, and they are the true bearers of the ethos of our culture and traditions. Their rich experiences enrich us and teach us the values of life. The Covid-19 pandemic had taken its toll, especially the elderly citizens the world over, many had died; many are in their hospital beds. We are blessed to have our elders around us, teaching and guiding us. Let us value their presence, for they are the real gems of our community.

We wish all our 80plus friends, wellwishers and friends of 80plus a very happy 15th Foundation Day. God’s willing, we will celebrate together next year with much more fun and enthusiasm.

Neidonuo Angami, Convenor, Friends of 80plus, Kohima Village.

Lockdown musings: Changes in classes due to COVID-19

2

020 is a roller coaster course and now when we distraction). So yeah, the have to think hard and year with a series of are just a step away from then teachers would have smart on how to make unfortunate events. being a final year, losing a said “yeah right like that’s this work. The pressure of First, the entire country year was looming large. gonna happen”. Well guess moulding students at times got burnt. World War Ill Lucky for us, the what bro, that just happen. like this is so stressful that released a trailer. And world has seen a great deal Corona baby. one of my teachers had then the Chinese started of advancement in the field You don’t have to wake confessed to me that she getting sick. So very sick of technology for the past up early and get dress for a was seeing stars. that a pandemic officially years and communication class. Just be aware of the The method of combroke out all over the world has since then became so time the assigned teacher pletely adopting the style in just a matter of two much easier. Now an era of has set up for the class and of teaching online is a new months. I guess Earth re- online classes has begun. boom! You’re in class. I experience for both the ally got creative with her Advantages: never dreamt, in fact it was students and the teachers. new year’s resolution this Technology has never a dream that I wished one We are so used to and com time adamant to teach the failed in keeping us stay day I could attend class fortable with the tradihuman race a lesson that connected. This advantage just from my bed. Guess tional style of learning with so mercilessly had polluted became a boon at times what? Now I can! Get the blackboard and benches her land and water and air like this. Not only are we phone, get the app, punch that we feel and somefor his greed. connected with family and the code and voila! I’m in how are convinced that The effect of COVID- friends but also with our class, also in my bed! I just no amount of advanced 19 is more than dead peo- studies. How? Online class- woke up now. technology could replace ple lying on the streets. It es! All you need is a laptop Thanks to the technol- that because it just doesn’t touched and shook every or a mobile phone with a ogy and dedicated teachers, fit in. We are not very open aspect of the economy generous amount of good the problem of taking a gap to change I think. We resist and society. Panic and fear internet. Apps like Zoom, and wasting a year is solved it. We are pessimist about everywhere. Social distanc- Google classroom and even despite the need for social it. Because we think it is ing became important, WhatsApp got spotlighted distancing. You don’t have hopeless. lockdown was necessary as and are being used for con- to crowd in a classroom for Another major drawa result educational institu- ducting classes. learning. You could do that back on the issue is the nettions had to be closed down The fact that mobile in your room. You could be work problem. Everybody too (this was a fantasy phones are helping stu- anywhere doing anything. has faced it more often come true for lazy students dents study would have Attending a class has never than not. Nagaland is not like me). Nobody has ex- been a shock for the 2019 been this casual. very well developed. Stupected it to be this bad. and previous year’s teachDisadvantages: dents from different parts WW III didn’t scare us as ers. They have only seen Online classes are of the state do not have much as COVID-19. and understood until that physically easy but men- the same facilities. Even The lockdown gave point that when a student, tally frustrating if anyone I have had the misfortune open to a whole series of a mobile and a good inter- asks me. And not all but of poor connectivity. One new problems. Especially net get mixed, the result is many people would agree time I almost missed my the educational institu- distraction and a zero in with me including (and quiz, lost my mind that tions were in a fix. And quiz (mobile phones were surprisingly) teachers. In day. Another time I spent more especially for college never allowed in exam halls fact I have been brought my entire day trying to students like me who has and students didn’t study to light that it is so much figure out how to submit to go through a four year for the quiz because of the harder for teachers. They an assignment because the Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this

app to confer the pictures into files was not working properly, the internet was poor and I gave up. And I live in Dimapur. Imagine how much worse it must be for the students from the interiors.

Conclusion: Looking at the present scenario, I wish I could say that I know of a better alternative but there is none. Online classes, no matter how confusing and frustrating I find it, seem to be the only solution at the moment. It has its ups and downs of course, but what

doesn’t? Even the ying has its yang.

In conclusion, my opinion is that both the students and the teachers have to come and work this out together, help each other with empathy and understand each other’s situation, the whole situation. Learning is a two way process. So let’s learn. And may everything happen for the best!

Chubazungla Walling B.Sc.(Hons) Ag III Year SASRD, Nagaland University Medziphema Campus

Reader’s Post

Lockdown inspires dignity of labour

Sir,

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown, Nagaland has seen some changes where dignity of labour has strikes many Nagas across the state. Many lazy Nagas who depends solely on non-locals for their survival have finally realise the importance of ‘Dignity of Labour’ during this crucial time of over a month lockdown.

Going through the local dailies and Social Medias about the activities of the citizens, Nagas are now reversing back to “Organic Life” in which our forefathers depends only on organic vegetables for consumption. It is seen that local people are more focused on locally grown vegetables, fruits, meat and other items. The item which once upon a time was of no value and considered as unimportant is finally gaining back its worth and the spirit should persist.

Thanks to lockdown for waking up the Nagas.

Ngaugiayile, BA 6th sem. Kros College, Kohima newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

Not considering withdrawal of lockdown now: Tripura CM

Biplab Kumar Deb

Agartala, Apr 30 (PTI): Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has said the state government is not considering withdrawal of the ongoing lockdown in near future but will weigh options to relax some restrictions in a phased manner.

He said it is impossible to “resume inter-state bus, train or air services immediately after May 3”, the date till which the nationwide lockdown has been extended.

“We do not find any way to withdraw the lockdown as it is the only viable means to break the chain of the coronavirus outbreak. It seems we have to continue

with the lockdown and we have to withdraw some restrictions in a phased manner,” Deb said on Wednesday evening after an all-party meeting convened by the state government.

Eighteen political parties including the ruling BJP, its ally the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), the CPI(M), the Congress and the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Twipra (INPT) had participated in the meeting.

“It is impossible to resume inter-state bus, train or air services after May 3.

People have to accept the lockdown. All the political parties in the state were briefed about the COVID-

19 situation in the state,” Deb said, adding that “no political party” has stressed on immediate withdrawal of the lockdown.

CPI(M) politburo member and leader of the Opposition Manik Sarkar and Tripura Pradesh Congress president Pijush Kanti Biswas among others had attended the meeting.

“Almost all poor people of the state have received financial benefits ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 along with free ration during the lockdown,” the chief minister said.

Deb said the state government has taken several initiatives to revive the economy, which has been hit by the ongoing lockdown.

“Fifty out of 75 industrial units here have started operations. Primary sectors like agriculture are also working,” he said.

Last week, Deb had said the state became coronavirus- free after its second COVID-19 patient tested negative.

Senior minister Ratan Lal Nath said the state has adequate stock of essential commodities like rice, wheat and sugar.

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northeast/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020

Lengpui Airport upgradation in full swing Aizawl, Apr 30 (PTI): Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has said that upgradation of Lengpui Airport is in full swing during the lockdown imposed to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

The resurfacing of the runway and repairing of the road between the landing area and the terminal building is in progress, he said, after inspecting the renovation of the airport on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) handed over Rs 10 lakh to Zoramthanga as a contribution to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) to fight COVID-19.

Around 300 employees of the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Mizoram Horticulture Officers and Staff Welfare Association also donated Rs 7 lakh and Rs 8.3 lakh respectively to the CMRF. Earlier, each member of the Mizoram Horticulture Officers and Staff Welfare Association had donated their one day’s salary, amounting to a total of Rs 2.5 lakh, to the CMRF to fight the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Mnp seeks chartered flights for stranded citizens Correspondent IMPHAL, Apr 30: Manipur government has sought permission to operate chartered flights to bring back people from the state stranded in other states owing to COVID-19 lockdown.

“We are seeking help from ministry of civil aviation and ministry of home affairs to give permission for chartered flights to bring back state citizens stranded in different parts of the country to their home,” state health minister L Jayentakumar told reporters on Thursday.

The minister’s statement came barely a day after Union ministry of home affairs issued a fresh guideline for inter-state movement to allow stranded migrant labourers, tourists and students to return to their respective home.

However, as per the guideline which will be effective from May 4 will allow movement only through road using buses while adhering to social distancing, hygiene and sanitation and no mention have been made of operation of flights for the purpose.

Addressing a press conference, the minister hoped that the Centre will agree to the state’s proposal considering hardships being faced by people of the state stranded in various states.

Manipur health minister L Jayentakumar addressing a press conference in Imphal on Thursday.

Manipur government has estimated return of 30,000 to 50,000 state people stranded at various cities and towns of the country once the lockdown is lifted.

At the same time, state government had already sent four buses to bring back 84 state people stranded at Manipur Bhavan, Guwahati to Imphal on Wednesday.

It was the first step of the state government to bring back stranded state people to the state, the minister said.

He said that the government took the steps to bring back Manipuri people stranded outside the state

due to the lockdown.

Asserting that all people returning the state would be strictly screened and examined at various stages on their arrival, the minister added that returnees from Guwahati would be screened at Mao Gate as an initial step.

After doing so, they will be sent to quarantine centres being opened at various places in Imphal where they will be kept for a day for further examination.

They will then be put under quarantine at for 14 days which is mandatory as per government COVID-19

guidelines.

The persons will either be quarantined at home or at the institutional quarantine centres dependingon decisions made by health experts.

Local people should not have any social stigmas against the persons who are returning home since they have not been classified as infected by the virus, the minister asserted.

The health minister said that the state government, particularly health department is putting its best effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

Piglets from UK for NE quarantined in Delhi Four persons test positive Avoid harassment of frontline workers: home deptt for COVID-19 in Assam undertaken by the NLM. Later, both the states framed the pig breeding policy,” Chakma told IANS. He said that due to the outbreak of ASF in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, the NLM kept the piglets in quarantine at the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service center at Kapashera in southwest Delhi since the piglets were imported from UK in February. Chakma, who is also the Additional Secretary of the ARDD, said the NLM (similar to National Health Mission), would bear the entire expenditure to import the piglets from UK and to distribute them to the northeastern states. He said that the Mizoram Government’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Department (AHVSD) is the nodal agency of this scheme.

An official of the AHVSD said the pure breed large white Yorkshire and pure breed Landrace pigs of UK are of very high quality compared to the local breed in many respects. Pork is one of the most common and popular meats consumed by both tribals and non-tribals in

the northeastern states.

Due to the ASF, hundreds of pigs’ deaths were reported from the Dhemaji, North Lakhimpur, Biswanath, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar and Jorhat districts of Assam and in West Kameng, Papum-pare, Lower Siang, Upper Siang, East Siang, Lohit, Lepa-Rada, Namsai, Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Because of the outbreak of ASF in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, all the state governments in the northeast have sounded a high alert and asked people, especially owners of piggeries, to refrain from bringing pigs from other states.

Animal resource experts in northeast India suspect that the highly contagious ASF came to the region from Tibet in China through Arunachal Pradesh. Assam Agriculture and Veterinary Minister Atul Bora confirmed the deaths of over 2,260 pigs in his state’s six districts due to suspected ASF, with authorities waiting for confirmatory reports from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal.

All 8 kin of M’laya’s first COVID-19 victim test negative

Swine Flu: Pig import banned in Kohima

Agartala/Aizawl, April 30 (IANS): Piglets imported from the UK by the National Livestock Mission (NLM) for the northeastern states, have been kept in quarantine in Delhi as highly infectious African Swine Fever (ASF) caused the deaths of hundreds of pigs in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, officials said on Thursday.

According to officials in Agartala and Aizawl, the NLM had imported 262 high-quality piglets from the United Kingdom, but these piglets had to be kept in quarantine in Delhi as the ASF caused deaths of hundreds of pigs in six districts of Assam and nine districts in Arunachal Pradesh.

Tripura’s Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD) Director Dilip Chakma said these 262 high-quality piglets were supposed to be distributed in five northeastern states -- Tripura, Nizoram, Meghalatya, Manipur and Nagaland. “Assam and Arunachal Pradesh had no pig breeding policy when the initiative to import the piglets from the UK was

Correspondent Shillong, April 30: Meghalaya is apparently on the road to recovery from COVID-19 pandemic after eight family members of State’s first COVID-19 patient, who died a fortnight ago after getting infected, tested negative on Thursday, a health official said.

Two more positive COVID-19 patients, who had earlier tested positive for the virus has also tested negative on Thursday, Director of Health Services, Dr. Aman Warr said.

He also informed that the swab sample of the 12th positive COVID-19 patient has also been collected and will be sent to the laboratory for testing,” he said.

Meghalaya had recorded its first and only Covid-19 death on April 15 when renowned physician and philanthropist Dr John L Sailo Rynthathiang succumbed to the virulent virus attacked “All the eight family members of the first patient have recovered after the second retest has confirmed negative for COVIDK Y M C

19. However, all eight of them will have to continue with 14 days quarantine,” Warr said. Warr said swabs sample of the two patients who had tested negative for the deadly virus, will be sent for testing after 24 hours as per protocol to declare them as recovered.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong informed that the number of samples tested so far is 1595, of which 1433 yielded negative, while the outcome of 150 tests were awaited.

A total of 23,382 persons have been screened so far, and 6,727 person are under home quarantine while 312 under institutional quarantine On the other hand, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma along with Minister, Health and Family Welfare, AL Hek dedicated to the people today 25 newly acquired ambulances with basic life support systems procured through the CM’s Relief Fund for Covid-19.

The new fleet of ambulances will be utilized by the 108 team of first responders

DIMAPUR: In view of the reported outbreak of the “African Swine Fever” and high mortality of pigs in the neighbouring states, deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie has banned import of pigs from outside the state to the district with immediate effect.

According to DIPR report, the DC has also advised public not to hunt or consume any wild meat, especially wild boar, Civet etc. since there is a strong possibility of the virus being present in such wild animals.

Guwahati, Apr 30 (PTI): Four persons, including two women, tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam’s Bongaigaon district on Thursday, taking the total number of such cases in the state to 41, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

In a first in the state, the patients -- three from Bongaigaon town and one from Chaprakat -- were found to have no contact history. Their samples were sent for COVID-19 examination as they had fever.

Of the total cases reported in the state so far, 29 have recovered and one person has succumbed to the disease.

“Four more coronavirus positive cases reported from Bongaingaon district.

The number of COVID19 patients in Assam now stands at 41. Twenty-nine discharged, one death. So active hospital cases 11,” Sarma tweeted.

Bongaigaon has emerged as the new ‘red zone’ in the state with five

cases in a week, including that of a 16-year-old girl who tested positive for the disease on Tuesday, Sarma told reporters, adding the deputy commissioner will declare areas within threekm radius of the residences of those affected as containment zone. “Patients are being taken to Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital in Guwahati,” he said.

Altogether six persons have tested positive for COVID-19 this week.

A 61-year-old person from Goalpara was found to have contracted the disease on Tuesday.

Apart from Bonagaigaon, Assam has five other districts in the ‘red zone’ -Golaghat, Nalbari, Dhubri, Goalpara and Morigaon.

Sarma said that Golaghat and Nalbari districts are expected to come out of the Red Zone over the next few days. Containment zone restrictions at a highend apartment in Guwahati, where one person had tested positive, was lifted on Thursday.

DIMAPUR: Principal Secretary Home, Abhijit Sinha Thursday has urged all to strive to work together, encourage one another and render all possible assistance to the state frontline workers.

According to DIPR report, Sinha pointed out that a large number of people including health workers,

police, sanitation workers, etc. are in the frontlines in the fight against COVID19. He asserted that it was of utmost importance that every kind of support and cooperation was extended to them so as to strengthen their capabilities and their resolve in the fight against COVID- 19.

“Any kind of harass-

ment impacting the living or working conditions of such people will only weaken us,” said Sinha.

He then called upon all to render all possible assistance to the frontline workers so as to enable them to carry on with their work with renewed vigour and without any hindrances whatsoever.

Community assistance & relief during lockdown DIMAPUR: As the nationwide COVID19 pandemic lockdown continues for over a month, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), villages and clubs across the state have come forward and offered assistance to those in need.

Zhavame village: Zhavame Village under Phek district distributed food items and organic vegetables at Kohima Town.

IMPACT Ministry: IMPACT Ministry, Dimapur provided relief materials to management committee of Dimapur Government College Girls Hostel.

MHCD: Mokokchung Cart Home delivery initiated by the district administration Mokokchung donated fresh vegetables and pulses to more than a hundred families in Mokokchung Town by delivering it to their doorstep.

Zunheboto Bn: Zunheboto Battalion

of Assam Rifles distributed essential commodities to aggrieved residents of Chare Town, Tuensang.

Mon Bn: Mon Battalion of Assam Rifles extended its helping hand to the district administration of Mon by stitching 300 masks out of locally available materials.

45 AR: 45 Assam Rifles visited Shamator College and donated relief materials to the standard staffs.

MKSU: Middle Khomi Students’ Union (MKSU) with the help of Middle Khomi Village Council distributed vegetables and other food items at Pfutsero town.

MDFA: Mokokchung District Football Association (MDFA) made a financial donation and handed over the money the Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung.

Mon DC hands out ex-gratia to families & victims

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner, Mon and & chairman District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) , Mon, Thavaseelan K has informed that an ex-gratia has been handed over to families of the dead and victims affected by the recent storm on April 27 at

DC’s office. According to DIPR report, the DC informed that a total amount of Rs. Rs.15, 16, 500 was allotted to Mon district by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Kohima for emergency relief of the victims affected by recent

storm. DC Mon said Rs. 4 lakh each was handed over to the family members of two persons who died; Rs. Rs.1, 01, 900 each was handed over to six victims, whose houses were severely damaged and Rs.3, 200 to the victim, whose house was partially damaged.

Nagaland govt extends financial assistance

DIMAPUR: As announced by the government of Nagaland for financial assistance to support young entrepreneurs and home delivery/E- Commerce companies, Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Temjen Toy Thursday gave away cheques to registered home delivery companies of Kohima district at his office. According to DIPR report, in a brief interaction, Toy encouraged the

young entrepreneurs to start “thinking big” and venture into new areas. He suggested them to link with locals in rural areas so as to boost rural economy and to generate employment for the people.

The report informed that the scheme will be implemented in all the districts of Nagaland through the respective district administration.

Arunachal gets its first COVID-19 testing lab Itanagar, Apr 30 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh Health Minister Alo Libang on Thursday inaugurated the state’s first laboratory at a hospital near hear for conducting COVID-19 tests, making it the third state after Assam and Mizoram in the northeast region to have such facility.

The laboratory was inaugurated at the state-run Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIMHS) in Naharlagun, which was designated as a dedicated centre for treating coronavirus-infected patients.

The new facility can conduct 100-120 COVID-19 tests per day, and now there is no need to send samples to Guwahati or Dibrugarh, the minister said.

A similar laboratory will also be set up at Pasighat General Hospital, he said, adding that the government is building infrastructure to set up a temporary healthcare centre at Midpu, about 20 km from here, for treating COVID-19 patients.

Libang said the work for strengthening infrastructure at 10 hospitals across the state has been

A bamboo bed on display in Guwahati. A team at IIT-Guwahati has come up with a bamboo hospital furniture range, mass production of which will be going on. The state government led quick and low cost, to aid fight against COVID-19

by Chief Minister Pema Khandu are and meet demands of hospitalisation of more making all the initiatives to improve people if there is a spike in cases. (PTI Photo) infrastructure of the health sector and leaving no stone unturned to OFFICE OF THE NEIKESA PELI NO-13 tackle the coronavirus outbreak, D’KHEL, KOHIMA VILLAGE KOHIMA : NAGALAND he said.

POSTPONEMENT TRIMHS director Dr Moji Jini It is with deep regret that Neikesa Peli No-13, D’khel Kohima Village said the number of tests in the laboradraw rescheduled on the 2nd of May 2020 has been postponed once tory can be increased to 200 per day raffle again. This decision has been taken due to uncertainty of the lockdown and the by engaging more technicians. repercussion of the COVID-19. Therefore, it is our humble appeal to all our Health secretary P Pratibhan well wishers to bear with us once again. The draw lot date shall be informed at the earliest as the lockdown is lifted. applauded the authorities of the to all our well wishers/buyers Thanking In You President institute to set up the laboratory in Mob No: 8974209393 K-868 a record time.

K Y M C

6

International

China opposes any probe into COVID-19 origin

BEIJING, APR 30 (IANS): China opposes any “arbitrary” probe into the origin of coronavirus pandemic that is based on the presumption of its guilt, Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng said.

“This is an arbitrary investigation based on the presumption of guilt.

That is what we firmly oppose,” Efe news reported on Thursday citing Le as saying.

“We support professional exchanges between scientists. What we oppose, however, is unfounded charges against China. One should not accuse China first and then run so-called international investigations just to make up the evidence.”

He made the comments on Tuesday in an exclusive interview with NBC News aired on Wednesday.

The comments come after US President Donald Trump said his administration was conducting “serious investigations”

Le Yucheng

into Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak, that was first reported in Wuhan last December, and suggesting he would seek damages for Washington.

Trump has also lashed out at the World Health Organization, calling it “literally a pipe organ for China”.

However, Le said he would not object to scientific investigations into the virus’ origins but questioned why this probe was targeting only China and not other countries “with

rapid spread and surge of confirmed and fatal cases”.

“We oppose the politically-driven investigation to stigmatize China.”

He said the virus was a natural disaster and “China is a victim” and sought to assure that the measures adopted by China to contain the outbreak were “open, transparent and responsible”.

“We did not cover up anything, and did not delay any efforts,” he said.

He called Trump’s call

Joe Biden fields committee to help pick a running mate

WASHINGTON, APR 30 (AGENCIES): Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is assigning four close campaign allies to head up the process leading to one of his most important decisions: picking a running mate. Biden, who served as Barack Obama’s vice president, chose one of his former Senate colleagues, two elected politicians of color and a former aide to run a panel that scours the backgrounds of those who could be the first U.S. female vice president.

The panel’s co-chairs are U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, former U.S. Senator Chris Dodd and aide Cynthia Hogan, his campaign said in a statement on Thursday.

The former vice president has vowed to choose a woman for the role and hopes to complete vetting by July. His choice has spurred special interest among voters on the campaign trail, who regularly ask who he will pick and sometimes

express concern whether Biden, 77, would serve the maximum of two terms of four years each if elected president.

“These four co-chairs reflect the strength and diversity of our party, and will provide tremendous insight and expertise to what will be a rigorous selection and vetting process,” Biden’s campaign manager, Jen O’Malley Dillon, said in a statement. None of the names is a surprise. Dodd, now an independent lawyer, was a longtime Senate colleague and friend of Biden’s. Hogan was Biden’s top lawyer when he was vice president and was also involved in the process to get Obama’s Supreme Court nominee, Sonia Sotomayor, confirmed in the Senate.

Blunt Rochester and Garcetti are already cochairs of the campaign, regularly serving as Biden’s spokespeople. Blunt Rochester is from Biden’s home state of Delaware and black.

Garcetti, who is Latino, is talked about among possible

future Democratic presidential candidates. Both ethnic groups are critical voting groups for Democrats.

Another one of the broader campaign co-chairs, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, is among those Biden is thinking about picking as a possible running mate. Others tipped for consideration include Senators Amy Klobuchar, Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren. Each once fought Biden for his party’s presidential nomination.

The committee will closely scrutinize possible candidates for actions that could imperil Biden’s election odds ahead of his Nov. 3 face-off with Republican President Donald Trump.

Biden has likened the vetting process to “a public colonoscopy.” The chairs will consult “a network of vetting teams” led by longtime Biden friend and lawyer Bob Bauer, campaign general counsel Dana Remus and former Homeland Security adviser Lisa Monaco, the campaign said.

Formula One has a 50-50 chance of going racing: Agag L O N D O N, A P R 3 0 (AGENCIES): Formula E founder Alejandro Agag reckons both his electric series and Formula One have a 50-50 chance of getting races run due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has stalled both championships.

The Spaniard, whose city-based series started last November and completed five races before the virus forced it off the streets, said it was unclear how much was going to be possible as restrictions eased.

He said Formula One bosses, who have plans to start their season without spectators at Austria’s Red Bull Ring in July before racing behind closed doors at Silverstone in Britain, were doing “the right thing trying”.

“We are going to try the same thing. We are going to try to put some races behind closed doors,” the Spaniard told Reuters in an interview via Zoom.

“I guess it’s a 50-50 chance. The same for us,” he added when asked whether he felt Formula One would manage to get races held.

Formula E has a logistical advantage in that it has far smaller teams and controls all the cars, which are

Alejandro Agag

currently stored in Valencia in Spain, after the most recent race in Morocco at the end of February.

It also needs only a few more races to have a valid championship, with the normal season due to end in July but expandable into August and September.

“We will try and make at least two or three more races in a closed circuit. I think that should be possible in the month of August.

But again, who knows?,” said Agag.

“I’m thinking 90% they will be in Europe. We still have an option outside of Europe that we’re looking at, that is still alive, but we will decide later on.”

Agag reckoned Formula E needed between 950-970 people to put on a race, including broadcasters and safety staff, which would allow them to get under the limit of 1,000 im-

posed by some countries.

Formidable hurdles remained, however.

“Are the borders going to be open? We don’t know yet. The quarantine period if you go to one place being imposed we don’t know yet,” he said.

“So I would try to do what Formula One is doing, but I am not sure if it is doable.”

Formula E’s last two rounds of the season are scheduled for New York and London at venues that are now being used as temporary hospitals for those suffering from the virus.

Both locations are likely to be scrapped, but Agag suggested Britain remained an option.

“We could race in Britain. We are talking with some tracks in the UK to do it and maybe even more than a race,” he said, mentioning Brands Hatch, Silverstone and Donington Park as potential venues.

Agag is also busy planning an Extreme E off-road environmentally conscious electric SUV ‘docu-sport’ series that is due to launch next year.

They announced on Thursday that the eight teams’ cars would be crewed equally by male and female drivers.

for reparations over coronavirus an “unreasonable and legally unfounded” which is “not different from blackmail”.

“The intention is nothing but shifting blame to China for the inadequate response of someone else.

Blame game finds little support, and ends up nowhere.”

Beijing and Washington have, in recent weeks, exchanged accusations over the origin of the virus.

In an interview with Fox News, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Chinese authorities knew about the virus before they made the information public.

Le said it was unfortunate that some politicians were politicizing the issue.

“This is not something we want to see. Under the current circumstances, it is the time for solidarity, for working together to combat the virus and tide over the difficulties. It is not a time for accusation and political manipulation.”

The Chinese official said experts have widely confirmed that the virus “has a natural origin, and is not artificially synthesized”.

Citing the WHO, Le said the source of the virus was still unknown “but all the available data suggest an animal source, and hence it cannot be developed in a lab”.

He reiterated that China had informed the global health body about the virus on January 3 and on January 12 the country shared genome sequencing of the coronavirus that has been critical for diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine development.

“We put Wuhan, a city of over 10 million people, under quarantine.

That was an important decision that was unseen before in our history. The US government should have become fully aware of the severity of the issue. If it were anything less serious, how could we lock down an entire city?” Le asked.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020

Kim Jong-un’s sister could succeed as N.Korean leader, says think tank SEOUL, APR 30 (IANS): Kim Yo-jong, the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has been seen exerting increasing clout in Pyongyang as of late, raising the possibility of her succeeding her brother amid speculation that he may be seriously unwell, a Sotuh Korean legislative think tank has said.

In an analysis report of the latest meeting of the North’s Supreme People’s Assembly held earlier this month, South Korea’s National Assembly Research Services on Wednesday projected that the 32-year-old Kim Yo-jong’s reappointment to the Workers’ Party politburo “will strengthen the governing foundation of the Paekdu bloodline (in North Korea)”, reports Yonhap News Agency.

The Kim dynasty is often referred to as the “Paekdu bloodline” in the North, as Mount Paekdu, while widely disputed by outside experts, is known in

Kim Yo-jong

the country as the birthplace of Kim Il-sung, the nation’s late founder.

“This suggests the possibility of expanding her status and role as official successor,” the report said.

The report comes amid media speculation that Jongun might be seriously ill.

Unconfirmed rumours spiked after he skipped an annual visit to the mausoleum of his grandfather Kim Il-sung on the late national founder’s April 15 birth anniversary, the North’s most important national holiday, Yonhap News Agency reported.

“Kim Yo-jong has virtually taken on the role of the party’s core, undertaking the responsibility of the party’s monolithic leadership system.” the report said.

Her ascent to supreme leadership, if it were to take place, would not occur immediately, the think tank forecast, adding that an official process would be required after Kim Jong-un returns to the spotlight.

The report noted Kim Yo-jong’s official statements toward South Korea and the United States in place of her brother earlier this year as some of her recent major activities.

First seen in public during the funeral of late leader Kim Jong-il in 2011, Kim Yo-jong’s public profile has been quite visible in the past two years.

She was spotted near her brother at summit events with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump.

‘S Asia could face health crisis if children don’t receive vaccine’ UNITED NATIONS, APR 30 (PTI): South Asia could face another health emergency if the unimmunised or partially immunised children in the region -- nearly 4.5 million of whom live in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan -- do not receive their life-saving vaccine shots due to the COVID-19 lockdowns, the UNICEF has warned.

Sporadic outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and diphtheria, have already been seen in parts of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal, the UN Children's Fund said.

"With lockdowns in place as a part of the novel coronavirus response, routine immunisations have been severely disrupted, and parents are increasingly reluctant to take their children to health centres for routine jabs," it said.

According to the UNICEF, almost a quarter of the world's unimmunised or partially immunised children -- about 4.5 million children -- live in South Asia. Almost all of them,

or 97 per cent, live in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The South Asia region is also home to two of the last polio endemic countries in the world, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"Vaccine stocks are running dangerously low in some countries of the region as supply chains have been disrupted with travel bans and cancelled flights.

The manufacturing of the vaccines has also been dis-

rupted, creating additional shortages," Regional Health Advisor for UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA) Paul Rutter said.

Many of the health facilities throughout the region, where millions of children are normally vaccinated, have been closed and outreach sessions have been suspended, adding to the challenge, he said.

"As long as frontline health workers take the

Football resumption ‘definitely possible’: UEFA medical chief

Rakitic willing to risk coronavirus to play again

sports

PARIS, APR 30 (IANS): UEFA’s medical committee has said that it is “definitely possible” to re-start the football season which has been ruined by the COVID19 pandemic for over one month.

“All football organisations which are planning the restart of their competitions will produce comprehensive protocols dictating sanitary and operational conditions ensuring that the health of those involved in the games is protected and the integrity of public policy is preserved.” said German professor Tim Meyer, chairman of the UEFA medical committee in a statement on Wednesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

“Under these conditions and in full respect of local legislation, it is definitely possible to plan the restart of competitions suspended during the 2019/20 season,” the German added.

Meyer’s comments came only one day after French Ligue 1 was called to end after Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said professional soccer and other league sports will not be allowed to return before September.

Thus Ligue 1 has joined Dutch Eredivisie to become the second top-tier football league in Europe to be cancelled under the blow of the deadly virus.

However, Meyer’s remarks have stood against the opinion from Michel D’Hooghe, the UEFA medical chief ’s counterpart from FIFA. The latter on Tuesday said he was “very skeptical” on the return of the campaign in an interview with BBC. “The world is not ready for competitive football, I hope this can change very quickly and I sincerely hope that. Today you need more patience, “ D’Hooghe said.

M A D R I D, A P R 3 0 (IANS): Barcelona FC midfielder Ivan Rakitic has said he wants to start playing again and for that he is even prepared to risk catching the coronavirus.

Speaking in Spanish sports paper Diario Marca ahead of a possible return to individual training for Spain’s professional footballers on May 4, Rakitic said: “I want to play. It’s obvious that we have to try and return with the best guarantees possible, but we have to know it is never going to be 100 percent”, reports Xinhua news agency.

“However, all of the workers who return to work are going to have some risk, supermarket employees have to get changed in dressing rooms and have the same chance of getting infected as we’ll do.”

“They are willing to take a risk and they accept it,” said the midfielder.

Rakitic was asked if he was willing to be infected by the coronavirus and he said “without doubt and I say that knowing the risk is very small, but also to show solidarity for those who have been risking themselves for us from the start of the crisis and I am sure they will do so for a lot longer.”

appropriate precautions, particularly washing their hands, there is no reason not to vaccinate – in fact, it is crucial that vaccination continues," Rutter said.

Across the region, national mass vaccination campaigns have been postponed. Bangladesh and Nepal have postponed their national measles and rubella campaigns while Pakistan and Afghanistan have suspended their polio campaigns.

UNICEF strongly recommends that, where immunisation campaigns are suspended, governments begin rigorous planning now to intensify immunisation activities once the COVID-19 pandemic is under control.

"We are ver y concerned about the impact of not getting children vaccinated," UNICEF ROSA Director Jean Gough said.

"Many of these children are already vulnerable.

While the COVID-19 virus does not appear to make many children seriously ill, the health of hundreds of thousands of children could

be impacted by this disruption of regular immunisation services. This is a very serious threat. Early action is key," Gough said.

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF are urging governments to prevent devastating nutrition and health consequences for the 370 million children missing out on school meals as a result of school closures.

For millions of children around the world, the meal they get at school is the only food they will get in a day. WFP and UNICEF are working with governments to support children who are out of school during the crisis.

In 68 countries, governments and WFP are providing children with take-home rations, vouchers or cash transfers as an alternative to school meals.

The two organisations are also calling for support as they set up to assist governments in the coming months to ensure that when schools reopen, school meals and other health and nutrition programmes resume.

Playing without spectators will be deja vu for India’s Rahane

NEW DELHI, APR 30 (AGENCIES): Playing cricket without spectators, should the need arise, would not be a totally new experience for any player who has risen through the ranks, according to India test vicecaptain Ajinkya Rahane.

Cricket - India Nets Kia Oval, London, Britain - September 5, 2018 India’s Ajinkya Rahane during nets Action Images via Reuters/ Matthew Childs/Files Playing behind closed doors has been suggested as one way to resume professional cricket, which has been suspended over the novel coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions it has forced around the world.

Among those affected is this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), which was scheduled to begin on March 29 but has been postponed indefinitely, delaying Rahane’s debut season for Delhi Capitals.

“COVID-19 pandemic has taught everyone that unexpected things can happen,” Rahane said in an Instagram Live session with the franchise’s official handle.

“As for IPL or any other sport, I feel it could be played without spectators. All of us have played domestic cricket in almost empty stadiums, so that’s an experience all cricketers are used to. “We are nothing

Ajinkya Rahane

without our fans, and that’s why their safety is of utmost importance. Even if they get to watch some live action from home, I am sure that will be an enjoyable experience as well,” said the 31year-old. “The safety of fans is key, and if we need to play in empty stadiums for that, we are open to do it.”

Rahane, a key cog in India’s middle-order batting, is particularly looking forward to playing under Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting. “I used to try to copy his batting and fielding styles,” he said of the former Australia captain. “I’m really looking forward to working under him. I’m sure he will help me immensely in my batting as well as overall leadership.”

Confined indoors, Rahane is working on a childhood hobby to maintain his fitness. “I’m trying to revive my karate skills, something that I pursued as a child.

It definitely helps me in maintaining my agility and fitness, and I am enjoying it a lot.”

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