High Powered Committee, Covid –19, Nagaland, led by

Nagaland Post

Vol XXX No. 269

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DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 Pages 8 ` 4.00

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Messi ‘agrees Man City deal worth £623 mn’

s orts, Page 8

No ‘Q’ Hour in Parl monsoon session

Oppn says Covid19 excuse to murder democracy

NEW DELHI, SEP 2

(AGENCIES): Following backlash from Opposition leaders over the decision to scrap Question Hour from the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, starting September 14, the government has said it would allow “unstarred questions” -- meaning written questions that will receive written responses. The modification came shortly after the government’s claim that Question Hour was dropped only after discussions with opposition leaders.

As per the notification, in the wake of ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the government said that there will be no Question Hour and Private Members’ business during the Monsoon Session. However, Zero Hour and other proceedings will be held as per schedule, it added.

All questions for Question Hour— the first hour of business every day when Parliament is in session--

A session of the Lok Sabha in progress. (PTI File Photo)

have to be tabled 15 days before the session, but Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told news agency ANI that the government had requested Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Vice-President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu to allow MPs to table their unstarred questions.

The government, however, said it is not running away from any debate and provisions are being made for allowing written answers for the questions put up by MPs.

While several opposition parties criticised the move, sources said that provisions are being made to facilitate written answers to questions from the members of both the houses.

Opposition leaders accused the government of trying to “murder the democracy” in the name of the COVID-19 pandemic and reducing “Parliament to a notice board”.

BJP also took a swipe at the Congress over its criticism of the Union government for not having the Question Hour, saying it is amusing to see that those who “don’t have power” to question their own party president are creating a “fake narrative” on this issue.

In separate notifications, the two secretariats said there will be no breaks as well during the session to be held from September 14 to October 1, and both Houses will function on Saturdays and Sundays as well. In view of the COVID19 pandemic, the session will be held in two shifts -- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Except for the first day, the Rajya Sabha will sit in the morning shift and the Lok Sabha will sit in the evening, according to the notifications.

Further, Joshi also said he has requested the heads of the two Houses to keep the duration of Zero Hour to 30 minutes. Unlike Question Hour, members can raise any current issue related to any ministry for discussion during the Zero Hour. But the minister concerned is not bound to respond.

“They will take the final decision. The government is ready to have a discussion on every issue,” Joshi said. Underlining that the monsoon session is being held in unprecedented circumstances in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Joshi said officers from ministries would have to come to Parliament if the Question Hour is held and that can make the place crowded.

DCCI alleges spike in taxation demands in Dmu

DIMAPUR, SEP 2 (NPN):

Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has alleged that with the resumption of normal business activities, there has been rampant increase in taxation and monetary demands.

Pointing put that the business community had undergone immense hardships since the past six months, DCCI president Akashe K Zhimomi urged organisations and groups not to harass and burden the businessmen and traders at the present juncture when they are just trying to start everything from the scratch. He also reiterated the trade body’s strong opposition to the cess on petrol and diesel levied by the State government.

Maintaining that the business community has so far not hiked prices of goods and essential commodities despite the cess, DCCI warned that the traders would be forced to hike prices as transportation charges have become a heavy burden, if the cess was not lifted.

(Cont’d on p-6)

Regulated opening of markets in Dmu

New Market, Hazi Park, Purana Bazaar markets to follow Odd-Even system

DIMAPUR, SEP 2 (NPN):

District Task Force chairman and DC Dimapur, R. Soundararajan issued an order Wednesday to allow opening of shops in New Market and Hazi park (Hongkong ) market and others in a regulated manner-- Odd & Even days, from September 4, in compliance with the latest SOP issued by the state government.

New Market: All shops located within the market complex will open on alternate days following odd-even system i.e. Odd number-- Monday, Wednesday and Friday and Even number-- Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Fish market to be opened daily, however one way entry/exit shall be maintained. Dry fish, mutton, chicken stalls will open daily in compliance with all COVID-19 safety protocols.

All shops outside the New Market complex are allowed to open daily in compliance with all the safety protocols. Vegetable stalls and footpath vendors will not be allowed to open till further notice. No vehicles will be allowed inside the New Market complex.

Hazi Park (Hongkong

Market): Shops located at Hazi Park ‘B line’ allowed to open on Monday, Wednesday & Friday and C line on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. Shops which are outside the complex/market or along the roadside are allowed to open daily.

Purana Bazaar: Vegetable market in Purana Bazaar will be allowed to open on alternate days Odd number-- Monday, Wednesday & Friday and Even number-- Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.

Super Market: Vegetable vendors will be allowed to sell vegetables in Supermarket aera, but hawkers/ vendors along supermarket footpath are prohibited.

All other weekly bazaars to remain closed. Further, vegetable vendors are allowed to sell in the colonies/villages only and not in the daily markets.

Millennium market will be allowed to open.

All shops dealing in essential and non-essential commodities will be open from Monday to Saturday as per normal business hours.

Private vehicles, buses, commercial passenger vehicles, taxis and autorickshaws will be allowed to ply with strict adherence to guidelines as per SOP.

Safety norms: Besides following all safety norms like disinfecting the premises, proprietors of all shops and establishments have been directed to make arrangements for keeping hand sanitizer, provide facilities for hand washing with soap and water for the public as well staff.

Shops and establishments have also been asked to not allow entry of anyone without wearing mask.

The decision was made after the DTF meeting attended by commissioner of police and other members.

Meanwhile, DTF has advised public to refrain from overcrowding in the markets as enough stock of all essential/non-essential commodities were available. At the meeting, chief medical officer Dimapur Dr Mereninla Senlem informed that COVID cases in Dimapur was on a downward trend with good recovery rate. However, CMO urged all to be more cautions specially during September.

118 mobile apps including PUBG lite & map banned

NEW DELHI, SEp 2

(AGENCIES): Nearly two months after banning 59 apps with Chinese links, the Ministry of Information & Technology on Wednesday banned 118 more mobile applications including the popular gaming app PUBG.

In an official statement, the ministry said apps have been banned as they are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order. The latest ban order comprises apps like PUBG Mobile Nordic Map, Livik, PUBG Mobile Lite, WeChat Work, Baidu, Tencent Weiyun among others.

“The ministry has received many complaints from various sources including several reports about misuse of some mobile apps available on Android and iOS platforms for stealing and surreptitiously transmitting users’ data in an unauthorised manner to severs which have locations outside India,” it said.

“Compilation of these data, its mining and profiling by elements hostile to national security and defence of India is a matter of deep and immediate concern requiring immediate measures,” the statement further noted.

This is it!

Nagaland COVID tally 4017

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON sept ember 2, 2020

District Asymptomatic ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic Mild Moderate Recovered Death Migrated Total Cases

Dimapur 285 4 0 1608 9* 3 1909

Kiphire 10 0 0 1 0 0 11

Kohima 377 1 0 888 0 4 1270

Longleng 1 0 0 3 0 1 5 Mokokchung 9 0 0 19 0 0 28

Mon 50 1 0 235 0 2 288

Peren 2 0 0 266 0 0 268

Phek 1 0 0 31 0 0 32

Tuensang 20 0 0 48 0 0 68

Wokha 4 0 0 20 0 0 24 Zunheboto 20 0 0 94 0 0 114

Total 779 6 0 3213 9 10 4017 *1 death is Covid-19 positive but not due to Covid-19

DIMAPUR, SEP 2 (NPN): categories of people inNagaland on Wednesday clude 1708 from the Armed reported 14 new COVID Forces, 1272 returnees, 291 cases-- 7 in Dimapur 5 in Kofrontline workers and 746 hima and 1 each in Mokokctraced contacts. hung and Tuensang, taking the tally to 4017 cases. India’s tally over 37 lakh

As on September 2, the India’s COVID-19 tally state has 785 active cases-- of cases galloped past 37 779 asymptomatic and 6 lakh Wednesday with 78,357 mild cases, 9 deaths, 10 minew cases reported in a day, grated and 3213 recovered. while the number of recover

Further, out of the ies crossed 29 lakh pushing 4017 positive cases, the the recovery rate to 76.98%, distribution across various the Health ministry stated.

State BJP unit reaffirms commitment to early resolution of Naga political issue

DIMAPUR, SEP 2 (NPN):

BJP Nagaland unit has reaffirmed its stand towards realising an early political solution to the Naga political issue.

In a resolution adopted in this regard at the first executive virtual meeting held on August 29 at The Heritage Kohima for the tenure 2020-23, the party asserted that it stood for an early solution to the Naga political issue that was inclusive, acceptable and honourable, keeping in mind the history and political rights of the people.

Observing that the talks have made tremendous strides in recent years, the party appreciated all groups involved– the Government of India (GoI), NSCN (I-M) and Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) – for their sincerity in having brought the peace process thus far.

Claiming that the PDA government, of which BJP is an integral partner, was playing the role of an active facilitator in the ongoing political negotiations, the party acknowledged the negotiating parties in their quest for lasting peace and all-round development of Naga people.

It also reaffirmed its earlier declared stand under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP’s national president Jagat Prakash Nadda.

Resolving to continue fighting COVID-19 pandemic in the State and across the country in every possible way, the sate BJP stated that till date its legislators and karyakartas have been working tirelessly to fight the pandemic.

The party declared that it would continue to follow the pragmatic vision of Modi for Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by actively promoting local manufacturing of various essential products for selfreliance while fighting the pandemic.

Conveying its gratitude to Modi and the BJPled NDA government for having brought the country thus far when it can produce two lakh PPE kits and N95 masks per day now as against zero production when the pandemic began, the party’s State unit declared to continue working tirelessly for the people of the State and the country.

The party further resolved to stand with the commitment made during the pre-poll alliance for PDA with NDPP under the leadership and blessing of Modi, then national BJP president Amit Shah and Nadda. (Cont’d on p-6)

Illegal liquor unit busted

Inside the illegal liquor unit raided by security forces. DIMAPUR, SEP 2 (NPN):

Security forces along with Dimapur police Wednesday busted an illegal liquor unit in 7th Mile area and seized several items including the arrest of one person.

In a press note, PRO (Defence) Lt. Col. Sumit K. Sharma said that based on specific inputs, security forces apprehended one Electo Sumi (36), resident of 6th Mile, during the operation.

PRO said a bottling plant of IMFL MC Rum at 7th Mile Model village was busted. 107 cases of rum and other materials were also seized along with 98 Nos of Burma Teak. It was also reported that Hydrochloric Acid (HCI) were being used in the illegal liquor unit.

The accused along with the recovered items was handed over to Chümoukedima police station and Superintendent of Anti Smuggling Customs Prevention Division, Dimapur, for further investigation.

Organisations serve ultimatums on state govt

NSF, ENSF on SSA & RMSA teachers issue DIMAPUR, SEP 2 (NPN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) and the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) Wednesday served a 30-day ultimatum on the state government to mainstream SSA & RMSA teachers of 2010 & 2013 batches as per the decision taken at the cabinet meeting on October 3, 2018 and Office memorandum issued on October 5, 2018.

In the ultimatum addressed to the state chief secretary, NSF president, Ninoto Awomi and ENSF president Sepili L Sangtam cautioned that failure to address the issue would compel the two federations to take up “democratic measures against the inaction of the state government.”

NSF and ENSF stated that in the agreement, which was signed between the school education department and Nagaland Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers’ Association (NSSATA), NSF & ENSF on June 12, 2018, the Point No.3 stated that the department would rectify the nature of appointment of SSA teachers of 2010 & 2013 batches.

Subsequently, they said that the Cabinet meeting on October 3, 2018 decided in principle to bring the all 2010 & 2013 batches of SSA & RMSA teachers into the mainstream of School Education cadre and the OM vide No. CAB-2/2013 (Pt), was issued on October 5, 2018. However, they lamented that despite their several reminders and appeals, the agreement/ decision has not been implemented till date. NCD over Dhansiri bridge work

Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) has issued an ultimatum on the Urban Development department (UDD) to complete the RCC T-Beam bridge near Urban Haat Super Market Dimapur over river Dhansiri by December 2020 otherwise it will resort to its own course of action. Stating this, NCD president Ghokehto Chophy and general secretary Thsanpongkyu Sangtam in release, expressed anguish over the inordinate delay in completing the project.

NCD said as per RTI, the work order was awarded to M/s Aien Meren Enterprises CL-I/360 NPW Dimapur, Nagaland vide work order dated Kohima February 10, 2010. It said that as per work order terms and condition SL.No.2, all the works of the project was to be completed within 24 months. Further, NCD pointed out that as per SL.No.3 if the project was not completed within 24months, then penalty would be imposed as per agreement.

However, NCD said that even after 10 years, the bridge was still incomplete and causing immense hardship to commuters. NCD has asked the UDD as to why it was taking so long to construct the bridge of only a few meters? NEAN over pending salary

National Health Mission Employees Association Nagaland (NEAN) has served an ultimatum on the state government to release two months pending salary on or before September 10, 2020.

In a press release, NEAN president Dr. Shasinlo Magh and general secretary Kewetso Kenye cautioned that the government’s failure to release the pending salary would force the association to take the next course of action as deemed fit.

NEAN stated that since the outbreak of COVID-19, the NHM employees, both technical and non-technical, have been working ceaselessly till date and attendance made more stricter.

In addition, the NEAN has also appealed to the government to expedite the release of the pending arrears for the current financial year from April 2020 onwards, which was yet to be released.

Banned delicacy resurfaces in Kma market

Correspondent

KOHIMA, SEP 2 (NPN): Nearly two months after the state government banned commercial import and trading of dogs, it was business as usual when dog meat was on sale in the state capital Kohima near at Old MLA junction Wednesday.

When asked the reason for violating the ban, the local vendor claimed that she was selling dog meat in order to sustain her family. The meat weighing about 1kg was sold for Rs.500. The vendor said she believed that the lifting of the lockdown meant that dog meat could be sold in the market again.

The vendor confided that she used to sell dog meat pre-lockdown period, but had to stop sale of dog meat after COVID-19 lockdown. This Correspondent made attempts to obtain comments from KMC administrator but was unsuccessful.

It may be mentioned that on July 3, the state government issued the ban order and warned that any person found violating the order would be liable to be punished under

The vendor selling the meat item along the foot path in Kohima. (NP)

Section 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and/or any such other provisions of law as may be applicable.

The state government also directed the district administration, police, municipal administration and veterinary clinic, the animal husbandry department to enforce the order. K Y M C