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Nagaland Post

Vol XXX No. 267

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Former president Pranab Mukherjee dies at 84

Centre declares 7-day state mournin g; FUNER ALTO BE HELD TOD AY

NEW DELHI, AUG 31

(PTI): Former president Pranab Mukherjee, statesman, scholar and one of India’s most respected leaders across the political spectrum, died on Monday evening following a 21-day battle with multiple ailments. He was 84. He leaves behind two sons and one daughter. His wife Surva Mukherjee predeceased him five years ago. Mukherjee, who was admitted to the Army’s Research and Referral Hospital on August 10 and was operated for a removal of a clot in the brain the same day.

The long-time Congress leader and seven-time parliamentarian, known for his encyclopaedic memory and insights into varied issues, had tested positive for COVID-19 at the time of his admission and was being treated for a lung infection. He suffered a septic shock on Sunday and died of a cardiac arrest at 4.30 pm, the hospital said.

Mukherjee was one of India’s youngest finance minister when he was appointed to the post in 1982, at the age of 47. Though Mukherjee had been part of WCH emulates

WSH’s ‘bold initiative’

D I M A P U R , AU G 3 1

(NPN): Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) has informed that it has decided to emulate Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) over the issue of tackling crimes committed by any member of the community.

In a statement, WCH president Diethe Rhakho and joint secretary Zasekhoyi Ringa, applauded the “bold initiative by Western Sumi Hoho brothers” under the “dynamic leadership of Dr. Kakheto Zhimomi” in requesting police to furnish names of any Sumi involved in criminal activities to its office for action as per Sumi customary law and practices .

WCH said it has also decided to take similar action against any Chakhesang involved in criminal activities should police furnish names of such persons to its office.

Further, WCH has called up all tribes/communities to “come up with such spirit” in order to tackle such unwanted elements plaguing society. WCH said it was time for all to unite in order to usher in better society free from all kinds of anti-social elements that have hindered peace and progress for all these years. an elected government for several terms, it was only in 2004 that he won a Lok Sabha election for the first time-- from Jangipur in West Bengal.

When he became president in 2012, Mukherjee as minister in the UPA, headed 24 of 39 GOMs (groups of ministers). Between 2004- 2012, he chaired 95 GOMs. While most of Mukherjee’s political life was fairly noncontroversial, his visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur in June 1988, a year after he demitted office, generated huge controversy. His Bharat Ratna in 2019 also became the centre of debate.

7-day state mourning:

Centre announced sevenday state mourning from August 31 to September 6. The national flag will fly at half-mast on all buildings throughout India, where it is flown regularly, and there will be no official entertainment. The funeral will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday at the Lodhi Road crematorium, his family said.

Condolences

As condolences poured in for India’s 13th president,

D I M A P U R , AU G 3 1

(NPN): The newly formed Political Affairs Mission (PAM) on Naga issue of the opposition NPF held its first consultative meeting with the NSCN (I-M) at Rhododendron Hall, NAPTC Chümoukedima on Monday. NPF delegation was led by opposition leader and PAM chairman TR Zeliang and NSCN (I-M) led by its chairman Q. Tuccu.

While urging NSCN (I-M) to be more accommodative with other Naga political groups, PAM assured NSCN (I-M) of continuing

NEW DELHI, AUG 31

(PTI): India’s economy suffered its worst slump on record in April-June, with the gross domestic product (GDP) contracting by 23.9 per cent as the coronavirusrelated lockdowns weighed on the already-declining consumer demand and investment. GDP contraction in the world’s fifth-largest economy compared with 3.1 per cent growth in the preceding January-March quarter and 5.2 per cent expansion in the same period a year back, according to official data released on Monday.

This is the sharpest contraction since quarterly figures started being published in 1996 and worse than what was expected by most analysts.

While the pandemic caused historic GDP contractions in economies around the world, the situa

Late Pranab Mukherjee

who served as the country’s first citizen from 2012 to 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind described Mukherjee’s demise as the passing of an era. “A colossus in public life, he served Mother India with the spirit of a sage. The nation mourns losing one of its worthiest sons. Condolences to his family, friends & all citizens,” Kovind said.

PM: Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as a scholar par excellence and a towering statesman who was admired across the political spectrum. “India grieves the passing away of Bharat Ratna Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He has left an indelible mark on the development to play the role of an active facilitator in the ongoing political dialogue for reaching a final settlement on the Naga political issue. PAM said that the meeting was organised as part of the party’s endeavour to facilitate in bringing about a final solution to the protracted Naga political issue. As reconciliation in real sense of the term was a necessity, PAM stated that the NPF delegation called upon NSCN (I-M) delegation to revisit the Covenant of Reconciliation signed on June 13, 2009 and proceed with the ongoing peace process in trajectory of our nation,” Modi tweeted.

Known as a consensus builder, the West Bengal born Mukherjee spent much of his five decades in public life as a Congress worker but also inspired trust among leaders across political divides.

Dr. Singh: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh and Mukherjee’s colleague in the Congress said he had learnt a lot from him and depended on him a great deal for his wisdom, vast knowledge and experience of public affairs.

“In his death, our country has lost one of its greatest leaders of Independent India. He and I worked very closely in the Government of India and I depended on him a great deal for his wisdom, vast knowledge and experience of public affairs,” he said.

Sonia: Congress president Sonia Gandhi in her condolence message said: “Pranab Da had been such an integral and prominent part of national life, the Congress party and the central government for over five decades, it is hard to imagine the true spirit of reconciliation. PAM also expressed appreciation to the Central leadership for resuming the talks between Government of India and NSCN (I-M) after some hiccup between the two parties. “We believe solution is possible only through peaceful dialogue and not otherwise,” PAM stated.

Congratulating the newly-formed PAM, NSCN (I-M) delegation on its part expressed the hope of scaling greater heights with the support of Naga people and PAM in particular. June but China grew by 3.2 per cent in the quarter.

US economy shrank at a dizzying 32.9 per cent annual rate in the April-June quarter -- by far the worst quarterly plunge ever.

Chief Economic Adviser K V Subramanian told PTI that the first-quarter economic performance was “driven primarily due to an exogenous shock that has been felt globally.”

World Economic Outlook, he said, has highlighted countries across the globe where GDP per capita would decrease the most since 1870 -- once in oneand-a-half century event. “Which is what we are going through,” he said.

During April-June, agriculture was the lone bright spot, growing by 3.4 per cent. Financial services shrank 5.3 per cent, while trade, hotels, transport and communication declined how we can do without his wisdom, experience, sage advice and deep understanding of so many subjects.” Gov, CM, others condole

Nagaland Governor RN Ravi, chief minister Neiphiu Rio, NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, deputy CM Y Patton, Leader of Opposition TR Zeliang and NPCC president K Therie condoled the demise of Pranab Mukherjee.

In a condolence message, Ravi said late Pranab to the service of the Nation. Governor described late Mukherjee as a statesman who significantly shaped the course of modern Indian history and through his personal conduct left a legacy of value based politics. In his departure the country has lost a great son, Ravi said.

CM: In a condolence message, Rio said late Mukerjee was a towering personality of modern India and would be remembered as a stout Congressman and Parliamentarian and a much respected President of the country. (Cont’d on p-5)

State govt announces slew of relaxations

Highlights of the new consolidated guidelines

Correspondent

KOHIMA, AUG 31 (NPN):

Following months of lockdown and restrictions imposed to combat the COVID19 crisis, Nagaland government Monday decided to lift restrictions on economic activities across the state including lifting of restrictions on inter-state movements (through designated entry points). International border with Myanmar will continue to remain sealed.

The decision was taken, following ‘Unlock 4’ guidelines issued by the Centre, at a meeting of the High Powered Committee on COVID-19 chaired by chief minister Neiphiu Rio at civil secretariat here, HPC spokesperson and minister Neiba Kronu said.

Speaking to media persons, Kronu stated that apart from inter-district and intraState movements, the meeting decided to relax opening of hotels, restaurants, gyms, salons, shopping malls, games and sports activities without any spectators.

All business establishments have been advised to take note of the new consolidated guidelines which has all the dos and don’ts.

Further, Kronu informed that a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) would be issued for returnees and others by September 2. “We cannot continue imposing the lockdown as it has affected the economy of the state... The government also continues providing facilities amid the poor economic condition,” he said.

Expressing concern over the State’s economy, Kronu said there was a need to concentrate more on agricultural production.

This is it!

PAM, NSCN (I-M) hold consultative meet

PAM members along with NSCN (I-M) delegation at Rhododendron Hall, NAPTC.

Joint Legislators’ Forum didn’t fail in its role: CM

Correspondent

KOHIMA, AUG 31 (NPN):

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said that Joint Legislators’ Forum (JLF) on Naga issue has not failed in its role as facilitator in the ongoing Naga peace process.

In a brief interaction with a section of media persons at civil secretariat here, after a High Powered Committee(HPC) meeting, Rio however said that there were certain issues that could not be discussed with the media.

He claimed that JLF had deliberated on meeting with Central leaders in February, but did not have any policy on taking this forward. He said unless members were clear about what JLF was pursuing, such a meeting would have no meaning.

Rio also said though NPF blamed him for not meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and other Central leaders, the party should be understood that if a delegation from the forum was to meet them then there should be a clear-cut policy but “which was not coming out”.

On NPF withdrawing from JLF and forming its own committee, Rio refused to comment on it. He however stressed that it was a time to come together since there has to be “one Naga, one issue and one solution”. He said an appeal has been made to NPF to reconsider its decision but if it wanted to work separately, then he expressed the hope that it would give top priority to interests of the Nagas.

Rio disclosed that the PDA leaders plan to meet with home minister Amit Shah after his health improved, to hear what he has to say on the Naga issue.

He exuded confidence that all responsible elected members would work together in reaching a solution as it was high time a solution was found to the vexed Naga political issue and that the ruling coalition was all for it “whether JLF is together or not.” NDPP’s appeal to NPF to rejoin JLF DIMAPUR, AUG 31 (NPN): Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) Monday said it was “indeed unfortunate” and “a shocking political development for entire Naga society” after the opposition NPF withdrew from the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF).

NDPP through its media & communication committee said the NPF’s decision was “even more surprising” considering the Government of India led by the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister had taken “proactive steps to resume the Indo-Naga political dialogue in right earnest.”

It also said the resumption of the peace talks has been welcomed by all sections and there was a fervent call for unity, understanding and oneness. While endorsing the resolution of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) to NPF to reconsider its decision, NDPP said it was also a time for Naga society to come together “to strengthen not just the negotiating parties but to empower ourselves with unity.” NDPP said it was not the time to be pointing fingers at others, finding fault or “making excuses to stay away” but for leaders of all sections of the Nagas to set aside differences and rise above respective affiliations in the greater interest of Naga people. NDPP reiterated that it would “not engage in one-upmanship” and reply to the allegations made against the chief minister and PDA over the JLF issue but reiterate the appeal to NPF to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the JLF. (Cont’d on p-5)

Indian economy contracts by record 23.9 pc in Q1

Mukherjee dedicated his life 47 per cent. Manufacturing shrank 39.3 per cent, construction contracted 50.3 per cent, mining output fell 23.3 per cent, and electricity and gas segment dropped 7 per cent.

Subramanian said economy is “experiencing a V-shaped recovery” after the lockdown eased.

But the RBI in its annual report last week said the economy is likely to contract even in the second quarter (July-September).

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has already warned of a contraction for the full year because of the “act of God”.

India’s road to recovery appears a long and hard one, particularly after a mix of monetary and fiscal measures -- 115 basis points interest rate cuts and a Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package -- has not so far been able to prop up the economy. Nagaland active COVID cases drop to 874 COVID-19 STATUS AS ON au gust 31, 2020 India’s virus tally

District Asymptomatic ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic Mild Moderate Recovered Death Migrated Total Cases crosses 36 lakh mark NEW DELHI, AUG 31

Dimapur Kiphire Kohima 345 10 407 8 0 2 1 0 0 1527 1 822 9* 0 0 3 0 3 1893 11 1234 (PTI): The novel coronavirus tally in India crossed 36 lakh on Monday with

Longleng 1 0 0 3 0 1 5 78,512 new cases, while the Mokokchung 8 0 0 19 0 0 27 number of recoveries surged

Mon 40 1 0 232 0 2 275 to 27,74,801, pushing the

Peren 3 0 0 265 0 0 268 recovery rate to 76.62 per

Phek 1 0 0 31 0 0 32 cent, the Health Ministry

Tuensang 21 0 0 46 0 0 67 said.

Wokha 5 0 0 19 0 0 24 The death toll climbed Zunheboto 21 0 0 93 0 0 114 to 64,469 with 971 more

Total 862 11 1 3058 9 9 3950 people succumbing to the *1 death is Covid-19 positive but not due to Covid-19 infection in a span of 24 hours, according to the DIMAPUR, AUG 31 the severity of symptoms, ministry data. (NPN): Nagaland on 862 active cases are asympThere are 7,81,975 acMonday registered 28 new tomatic, 11 mild and 1 modtive cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 positive cases-14 erate case. disease (COVID-19) in the in Dimapur, 10 in Kiphire Further, out of the country, while 27,74,801 and 4 in Kohima. 3,950 positive cases, the people have recovered. The

With 3950 cases regisdistribution across various total coronavirus cases rose tered till date, the state now categories of people include to 36,21,245, it said. has only 874 active cases as 1,692 cases from the Armed The recovery rate has on August 31 while 3058 Forces, 1260 returnees, 283 increased to 76.62 per cent, have recovered from the frontline workers and 715 while the fatality rate has dreaded infection. As per traced contacts. declined to 1.78 per cent. K Y M C