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ASSENG/2015/64205
PAGE 6
Vol. II
Issue 53
Dibrugarh, Wednesday, August 10, 2016
BLAST ROCKS NH-2 TO BSF JAWANS HURT
5.00
PAGE 12
Pages- 12
SWIMMING LEGEND MICHAEL PHELPS BIDS FOR ASTONISHING 20TH OLYMPIC GOLD
MEHBOOBA URGES MODI TO OPEN DIALOGUE WITH KASHMIRIS
Page - 12
Page - 6
Page - 5
"My thoughts are with the family & supporters of Kalikho Pul on his sad demise. His service to Arunachal Pradesh will be remembered,"
Price -
Pul symbolised the hopes and "It is really shocking to hear the aspirations of the youth of Arunachal tragic death of former Arunachal Pradesh. In his death, we have lost a Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho promising young leader who rose Pul. He was a man of grit and from a humble background and determination and filled with worked for the common man," innovative ideas,"
Pranab Mukherjee President of India
Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India
"I am shocked and deeply saddened to know about the sad demise of Pul. I express my deepest
Sarbananda Sonowal Chief Minister of Assam
condolences on his untimely and tragic demise. "He was one of the greatest 'Sons of the Soil' from remote area of Arunachal Pradesh and despite hailing from a very humble origin, reached a great height in political career through sheer grit and hard work,"
The news of sad demise of Late Shri Kalikho Pul, has come as shock to me. Shri Pul was a seasoned and veteran leader who served the state in various
capacities. Besides proving his calibre as the longest serving finance minister, his hard work and dedication made him one of the tallest leaders of the State. He was a kind hearted and down to earth personality which touched the hearts of millions. His good deeds, especially his compassionate approach towards the needy, fetched him great name and respect. I share my personal association with him back to many years and had at various times benefitted from his guidance and advice. His passing is a personal loss for me.
My deepest condolence to the premature and sudden demise of Kalikho pul, a great son of our land, Arunachal Pradesh
Pema Khandu Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh
Kiren Rijiju MoS Home
and India at large. He has touched the hearts of the people of Arunachal with his compassion and his good deeds especially towards the needy. At this moment of extreme grief, me, my family, the people of my constituency in Diyun and Bordumsa, my colleagues and people of Arunachal Pradesh extend our solidarity to his families and convey our deepest condolences.
Nikh Kamin MLA - Diyun Bordumsa
Ex-CM Kalikho Pul found dead; cops confirm suicide A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Aug 9
Pul was found by one of his three wives. According to the doctors, the death occurred between 7 and 7:30 am. Pul, who is survived by four children, had not met any outsider for the past seven days, according to his family. MHA sources confirmed that no suicide note has been found and the reason of suicide could be depression. Meanwhile, a group of people who had assembled outside Pul's residence turned unruly and demanded that the Chief Minister and his council of
ministers resign immediately on account of Pul's alleged suicide. Scores of his supporters' gheraoed Chief Minister Pema Khandu's bungalow in Niti Bihar area and demanded a probe into Pul's "unnatural" death. They also set on fire an under-construction building of the Deputy Chief Minister and damaged two official bungalows. The agitated mob also damaged at least 15 SUVs in Itanagar near the CM Bungalow. Supporters said they would not allow Pul's body to be taken out of the bungalow and demanded that he be buried inside the premises. A coffin, which was brought from outside, was damaged and set on fire by the crowd before the assembled media. A section of the supporters headed towards the official residence of Deputy CM Chowna Mein, less than 100 metres away, damaged the outer wall and at least 10 vehicles parked in the premises. Protestors also damaged the official
ET CAPSULES Bodies recovered Dibrugarh, Aug 9: Two bodies recovered from a pond in Jokai, Dibrugarh. Bodies of one Mrs Nomi Sonowal and her 3 yrs old son Parag Sonowal recovered this morning by public. Police investigation is on to verify whether it was murder or suicide. Police has picked up Mr Panjal Sonowal, the husband of the deceased woman. (Staff Reporter)
Blood donation camp to be held Golaghat, Aug 9: Blood Donation camp will be held on 13th August at Golaghat, organising by the United Chamber Of Commerce, Golaghat in lieu of Independence Day and upcoming Diamond Jubilee Celebration from 10:00 am onwards at Chamber Office main Road. President, Apurba Ballabh Goswami and Secretary Dip Kalita has asked everyone to participate in the noble cause and donate blood. (Correspondent)
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Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh government on Tuesday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death of former Chief Minister Kalikho Pul. "The state government has ordered an inquiry to investigate whether there is any foul play in his (Pul's) death," Chief Minister Pema Khandu told reporters here. He said the police had been instructed to seize all available materials so that a genuine investigation process could be initiated. Asked about the suicide note left behind by Pul as claimed by his supporters, Khandu said he had no knowledge of it but directed the police not to leave any stone unturned in the investigation process. bungalow of Industries Minister Tapang Taloh. Meanwhile, Pul's wife Dangwimsai Pul has appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with the officials on duty. Sadly, some opportunists are making the most of the volatile situation and were seen stealing
Govt declares 3-day state mourning Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh government on Tuesday declared a three-day state mourning following the death of former chief minister Kalikho Pul, who would also be accorded a full state funeral. This was decided at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The Cabinet conveyed its condolences to the family members of Pul. Talking to reporters, Chief Secretary Shakuntala Doley Gamlin said the body of Pul would be flown to his native village at Hawai in Anjaw district on Wednesday for performing the last rites with full state honours. "All the official formalities have been completed and the body has been sent for a post mortem. All angles have been minutely observed by the police to ensure that there is no foul play in his death," the Chief Secretary said. Gamlin declined to comment on the alleged suicide note left by Pul. from vandalized vehicles. A high-level cabinet meeting took place and police reinforcements, including state police and ITBP, were sent to the high-security VVIP zone where the ministers' residences were located. Pul's body will be kept at the bungalow for public to pay respects, official sources said.
THE RISE OF KALIKHO PUL Kalikho Pul, was born on July 20, 1969 at Walla Village under Hawai circle on the border of Arunachal Pradesh near China in the Anjaw district. He graduated in humanities from the Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu. Kalikho Pul was elected as an MLA from Hayuliang constituency in 1995 and then was appointed as the minister of state (MoS) for Finance in the Mukut Mithi government.He also served as MoS Power, Finance, and Land Management. Thereafter, he was cabinet minister for Health and Finance and Planning, RWD, Taxation, Social Justice, and more.
The constituency that Kalikho Pul was the Hayuliang Assembly - he won 5 consecutive times from here. While Pul reached the highest political post in the state, he is also known as the longest-serving Finance Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. He served as many as 4 chief ministers that include Gegong Apang, Mukut Mithi, Late Dorjee Khandu and Nabam Tuki. As far as his journey in the Congress party is concerned he was the executive member of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee for as long as 13 years as well as a Pradesh Election Committee Member for 7 years. entire family in this most difficult of times. We were deeply shocked to learn of the sad demise of Late Shri Kalikho Pul ji and convey our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family members. I wish his family peace and strength My wife Sati and I during this difficult time. extend heartfelt condolences to the Chowna Mein, Deputy CM
It is sad & really unfortunate that young leader #KalikhoPul is no more with us. May God give strength to his family, a loss for entire Arunachal Pradesh. Congress family is with his family in this
moment of grief.
Nabam Tuki Former CM of Arunachal
Manipur's Iron Lady Irom Sharmila APCC says Kalikho Pul is victim of BJP's ends 16-year-long hunger strike I want to contest elections against Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, says the human rights activist ET Bureau Imphal, Aug 9
World's longest hunger strike ended on Tuesday when an emotional Irom Chanu Sharmila+ ended her 16-yearlong fast. "I will never forget this moment," Sharmila told media reporters after breaking her fast with honey. Manipur's 'Iron Lady' Irom Chanu Sharmila was on a hunger strike for 5757 days and was being force-fed through a nasal tube to keep her alive at a prisonturned-hospital in Imphal. She had earlier announced that she would break her fast and join politics as she wants Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to be repealed through political means. Addressing the media on Tuesday, shortly after ending her fast, Sharmila said, "I want to join politics as I've been called the Iron lady of Manipur and I want to live up to that name. I want to be the chief minister of Manipur and I want my people to believe in me." She also said that from now on, she will be staying at an ashram and would not require any security. She was released by the court earlier in the day.
Irom Sharmila ends her 16-year fast by tasting honey, in Imphal on Tuesday.
The 44-year-old had been held in judicial custody on charges of attempting suicide. Sharmila's struggle has been the nucleus of all protests against AFSPA in Manipur and the neighbouring north-eastern states. On November 2, 2000, an Assam Rifles battalion had allegedly killed 10 civilians in a village near Imphal. Three days later, Sharmila embarked on her fast demanding revocation of AFSPA, which allows security men to even kill a person on suspicion without the fear of facing a trial in court. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act is in effect in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeastern areas facing separatist insurgencies. The law gives security forces the right to shoot to kill suspected rebels without fear of possible prosecution and to arrest suspected militants without warrants. It also gives police wide-ranging powers of search and seizure. It prohibits soldiers from being prosecuted for alleged rights violations unless granted express permission from the federal government. Such prosecutions are rare.
politics, demands probe PTI Guwahati, Aug 9
Demanding a proper inquiry into Kalikho Pul's alleged suicide, Assam unit of Congress on Tuesday said BJP's "undemocratic and twisting politics" have claimed the life of the former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister. "He (Pul) was a victim of undemocratic practices of BJP. He was a very simple person and was not used to such twisting of politics by such a big political party," Leader of Opposition in Assam Assembly Debabrata Saikia told PTI here. The ups and downs in last eight months have actually claimed Pul's life, he added. "When he drifted away from Congress with some colleagues, BJP and NEDA (North East Democratic Alliance) claimed it as a grand success on Pul's
shoulder," Saikia said. He said Pul was a good and sincere Congress worker, who served the party well for a long time. "With their aggressive politics, BJP tried to destabilise the governance. The region is not accustomed to such practices," the senior Congress leader said. Demanding a proper inquiry into circumstances behind his death, Deputy Congress Legislature Party leader Rakibul Hussain said the news of Pul's demise was very "sad, sudden and shocking". "We are getting contradictory reports on how he died. We demand that an appropriate enquiry should take place. Only a proper probe will ascertain if it was a suicide or there was some foul play," the former Congress Minister said.
cmyk
Former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Kalikho Pul was found hanging in the chief minister's official residence on Tuesday; barely weeks after the Supreme Court unseated him from power. The 47-year-old was yet to vacate the chief minister's residence because his home was being renovated. He allegedly hanged himself from the ceiling fan in his bedroom, a top police officer said.
Govt announces magisterial inquiry
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
PAGE 2
ASTRO FOR YOU Aries A romantic link is about to be presented to you as a surprise, shining and smiling. Be prepared in your best dress and to practice some romantic talking. You never know what the evening has in store for you. Taurus Spontaneity yet sincerity will be the ruling emotions of the day. Keep your eyes and ears open. As trouble might be headed your way. Make it a point to read the print well before you sign any legal contract today. Prevention is better than cure. Gemini Today, your enthusiasm for sports and outdoor activities is palpable. According to you, variety is the spice of life. You will keep on jumping from one venture to another. You will establish a good rapport with your bosses and colleagues. It's time to taste success in your immediate and interim objectives. Cancer You will have enthusiasm for swift action. Variety adds spice to life. So you may change job or trade. Ties with superiors will be good. Leo Forget the weather. Today, the only thing shining bright is your chances of spending some quality time with your near and dear ones. Going along these lines, make the most of this lucky day. Chances are that you shall make new friends, who might turn out to be very supportive in the future. Virgo Business acumen is natural to you. Your management skills are immaculate. Move with imagination, innovation and motivation to further your enterprise. Feel free to express and exercise your sense of judgment Libra The whole point of being a Libran is that you always have the tendency to be two separate things put together on a pair of scales that somehow balance. You'll bring to the scales the stability of being your own master and servant. It's a fine balance to maintain. But only you are capable of doing that, thanks to your extremely high-power status today.
Attack was carried out by a single individual who was heavily drunk and not by a group, says SP ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Aug 9: In a new twist to the attack at Balajan Tinali on Friday last, Kokrajhar Superintendent of police Shyamal Prasad Saikia stated that the attack was carried out by a single individual who was heavily drunk and not by a group. Speaking at a peace meet organized by the district administration at the DC Conference hall here in Kokrajhar, SP Saika said it (attack) is handiwork of a single person and no group are involved. “He (the assailant) was heavily drunk and fired indiscriminately at the market place before he was gunned down, Saikia said. Total 14 people died
and 17 others were injured in the attack. It is to be mention that cabinet minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary have stated that the attack was carried out by the NDFBSongbijit, though the Union Home minister Rajnath Singh did not named any group or persons in his statement in the parliament yesterday. The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh made a statement in both Houses of the Parliament on Kokrajhar militant attack. Singh in the statement said there was a militant attack at a crowded weekly market at Balajan Tiniali in
Kokrajhar district of Assam. According to information available, around 11.30 in the morning militants, reportedly in army- like fatigue set on fire some houses and shops which led to a cylinder blast and fire in the area. This was followed by indiscriminate firing on the crowd of shoppers by the militants. 14 innocent persons including 8 Bodos, one woman, one child and four others lost their lives in the attack. 19 persons were seriously injured who are under treatment in various hospitals of the district and the state capital. The state police and the security forces reacted swiftly to the attack and neutralized one militant
ET Correspondent Nalbari, Aug 9: The office of the additional commissioner of income tax, Range4, Guwahati organised a day long awareness meeting on the new Income declaration scheme- 2016 at hotel Premoda of Nalbari town on August 8. The awareness meeting, conducted by Pramod Kumar Das, income tax officer, Nalbari ward, was addressed by income tax officers from Guwahati Sajjal Kanti Das and Bappi Das as resource personnel.
Sagittarius You may have women swooning over you today; such is your charm and way with them. But friends are highly valuable to you, and you shall spend much time with them cherishing their company and reliving amazing times spent together. Capricorn It may seem to be an unusual combination, but you will experience pain and pleasure in equal measure today. The errands you may have to run for at home will leave you exhausted, so conserve some energy for the rest of the day. Your wit can get you whatever you want, but it's important that you use it in the right way and not just to meet your selfish interests. Aquarius God helps those who help themselves. You have experienced this plenty of times as your efforts have been paid off. While your colleagues at work may pass negative comments at your work, your boss will not have any complains with you. For investments purposes, real estate and construction seem to be a wise option
PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)
10-8-16 (WEDNESDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Vidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Lokageet 12-30 P.M-Geetimanjari (Assamese Songs Programme) 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Mizu Mishimi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan (Rural Programme) 7-15 P.M-Chah Sramikor Asor (Tea Garden Programme) 8-00 P.M-Bijnan Jeuti (Science Programme) 9-30 P.M-Sahitya Kanan (Literary Magazine Programme) 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P
Declared I JC 440315A S Somasundaram serving JCO of 7 Madras c/o 99 APO resident of Dist Vellore (Tamil Nadu) make it know to public & declare to amend in my daughter S Reshma's DOB legally from 06 JUL 2000 to 06 AUG 2000 in service records of Army & in public she will be known accordingly.
ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Aug 9: BPF party staged protest demonstration in protest against Balajan Tinali bazar terror attack on Friday last at Debargaon ground in Kokrajhar. Thousands of protestors with banner, placards shouted slogans demanding stern action into mass killing and punished involved culprits.
Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights
From the slain militant, one AK 56 rifle, two magazines of live ammunition and one grenade were recovered. The exact number of militants and the militant group involved in the attack is being investigated. The state government has made satisfactory arrangements for the treatment of those injured in the attack, he had said adding that he have taken up with Government of Assam and the security forces in the state to track down the militants involved in this attack, so that they are brought to justice for this crime against the humanity.
A peace meeting was held at the conference hall of Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner here today. Organised by the district administration, the meeting was chaired by Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner MP Sarma and was attended by senior officials from the civil and police, representatives from various political parties and organizations like Bodo Sahitya Sabha, ABSU, AASU, ABMSU, BSU, civil society and local intellectuals. The DC called upon all to maintain peace and harmony and also help the administration to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
Awareness meet on BPF organizes protest income declaration demonstration at Kokrajhar scheme held at Nalbari
Scorpio Retail therapy with your loved ones is a perfect recipe to have a good time! You will be more than willing to buy things of their choice. Haggling will be a trait you have closeted today as you go about being lavish in your expenses
Pisces A day filled with socializing awaits you. You will likely make contact with near and dear ones you haven't met in a while. New associations and friendships could also occur. It is a pleasant and joyous day, so make the most of it.
whose identity is yet to be established.
ers took part in the protest.
and problems through political dialogue.
Mohilary, condemning the terror strike at Balajan Tinali bazar said that there was NDFB-S work behind killing. He has demanded government to arrest involved culprits through proper investigation into incident.
“No any issue and problems can be solved through arms struggle, NDFB-S should take path of main stream for peace building”, Mohilary said.
“We want peace, stop mass killing, we want justice, stop terror strike”, protesters demanded and shouted slogans.
He expressed serious concern over the situation, said it was unfortunate incident for society which had created terror among society. He told that government has been taking stern steps against involved militant organization.
BPF president Hagrama Mohilary, who is also BTC chief and several party lead-
Mohilary urged the NDFBS to come forward for main stream to solve their issue
He also told that he is leaving for Delhi to meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss on the killing incident in Kokrajhar. He will meet Singh tomorrow where he will brief about firing that claimed 14 civilian and 18 others received injures. Party leader Prabin Boro, Derhasat Basumatary, Rajib Brahma, Doneswar Goyary were prominent attendees on the protest programme.
Speaking in the awareness meeting, the resource personnel said that the income tax declaration scheme give an opportunity to declared the hidden properties. The Income Declaration Scheme2016, incorporated as Chapter IX of the Finance Act 2016 provides an opportunity to all persons who have
not declared income correctly in earlier years to come forward and declare such undisclosed income(s). Under the Scheme, such income as declared by the eligible persons, would be taxed at the rate of 30% plus 'Krishi Kalyan Cess' of 25 percent on the taxes payable and a penalty, at the rate of 25 percent of the taxes payable, thereby totaling to 45% of the income declared under the scheme. They added that the scheme shall remain in force for a period of 4 months from June 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 for filing of declarations and payments towards taxes, surcharge and penalty must be made latest by November 30, 2016. The meeting was attended by the representative of the Nalbari Chamber of Commerce, media personnel among others.
Songs and Drama Division puts up programme at Raj Bhawan ET Bureau Guwahati, Aug 9: As a prelude to the 70th Independence Day Celebrations of the nation, the artistes of the Songs and Drama Division, Guwahati presented a cultural exposition at Raj Bhawan in Guwahati today where Governor P.B. Acharya and the first lady Kavita Acharya along with the Vice Chancellors of the Universities of the State witnessed the programme, informed in a press release issued by the administration. The cultural programme primarily showcased the rich and diverse cultural mores of Assam intertwined beautifully with the theme of country’s
freedom movement. Governor Acharya thanked the artistes of the troupe for rendering such beautiful and patriotic live performance which basically evoked a sense of patriotism. Sharing a lighter moment with the artistes, Acharya said, “Your performance has really evoked a sense of patriotism and love for the nation which is an essential element conducive in unifying all the people of the nation as one garland”. He also emphasized on organising such programmes in schools and colleges to help them imbibe a sense of belongingness and patriotism among them.
Chirang administration prepares to observe Independence Day in befitting manner ET Correspondent Kajalgaon, Aug 9: The Chirang district administration is all set to observe the ensuing Independence Day in a befitting manner. As instructed by the state government, it has already chalked out to celebrate the day with various programmes in three days from August 13 to
15.
gust 13.
As per the programme, a Yoga display at Kajalgaon market shed followed by cleanliness and plantation drive at JSB Hospital, illumination of office buildings and debate competition at Kajalgaon High School among the students will be held on Au-
A half marathon, with the theme "Run for Unity" will also be organised on August 14. Like the preceding years, the main programme of the celebration of Independence Day which is to be held centrally at Kajalgaon district parade ground on August 15 will start with
the playing of prabhat pheri. This will be followed by hoisting of National flag in all residential buildings, govt.- semi govt. offices, educational institutions etc, processions of school and college students to the parade ground, Swahid Tarpon by VIP, hoisting of National flag centrally by the VIP, parade, cultural
programme, distribution of awards, grants in aid, friendly football match between DC-XI Vs SPXI etc. The Deputy Commissioner Rupak Kr. Mazumder has requested all the people of the district irrespective of caste and creed to be present in the programme so as to make it a grand success.
Governor discusses research carried on tea garden and tea garden workers ET Bureau Guwahati, Aug 9: “Universities should act as a catalyst as an epicentre of knowledge and a centre for societal development,” said the Governor of Assam P.B Acharya, informed in a press release issued from the administration. The Governor of Assam P.B. Acharya called the Vice Chancellors of the various Universities of the
State and the research scholars along with their guides on the researches carried out in tea gardens and the tea garden workers, in Raj Bhawan today. Acharya said that Universities should work for the primary social obligation of strengthening the society through students, faculty members etc. He also said that, “Mere getting degree is not enough, one should make the right use
of the degrees by applying them for social development and social transformation. Researches from the laboratory should go to the fields”. He urged upon the research scholars to channelize the results of their researches to bolster welfare of the tea garden labourers and the ex-tea garden labourers. Acharya on the basis of the various indicator made 6 groups. All the Vice
Chancellors of the Universities have been made the captain of each group. The group members will be the research scholars of the respective Universities. Tezpur University has been assigned to discuss on the research carried out in Education and Culture of the tea garden workers. Similarly, Jorhat Agricultural University has been entrusted with Model House, Documentation and Tribal dialect.
Guwahati University has been allotted to work on women in domestic violence and ex-tea gardens, Bodoland University will work on Health and sanitation. Dibrugarh University will find reports on Entrepreneurship, Tea Marketing. Assam University will work on Social evil and Character Building. The Governor also requested the Universities to prepare the reports and
submit within six months for the future course of action. The Vice Chancellors and the research scholars also presented their expert view points on the research papers carried out on tea garden workers and committed to work diligently in building the society. VC of Tezpur University, Prof. Mihir Kanti Choudhury, VC of
Gauhati University Dr. Mridul Hazarika, VC of Bodoland University Dr.Hemanta Kr.Baruah, VC of Assam Agricultural University Dr.Kamal Malla Bujarbaruah, Assam University VC’s nominee Prof.Parthankar Choudhury, Chandan Kumar Sharma of Tezpur University, research scholars, professors of different Universities and a host of other dignitaries were also present in the programme.
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
PAGE 3
Mishmi dominated districts express deep condolence over Pul untimely demise Itanagar, Aug, 9: Untimely demise of Kalikho Pul former CM has shocked & shattered the entire Mishmi dominated districts including Anjaw, Lohit, Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley and expressed profound condolence over his death. The entire districts are in deep grief as a mark of respect to the departed soul entire market of
both Lohit and Anjaw closed down its shutter for two consecutive days. All Mishmi Student Union apex body of both Lohit & Anjaw, Cultural and Literary Society of Mishmi (CALSOM), All Mishmi Women Welfare Society (AMWWS), All AP Gambura Welfare Association, All Arunachal Pradesh Worker Union
(AAPWU) dist unit Lohit, All Lohit District Student Union, All Idu Mishmi Student Union and several district’s Union and association have also expressed distress over the immature death of the Kalikho Pul. They utter utmost sorrow and said Kalikho Pul the political Stewart of Mishmi community has left behind entire community in vacuum.
“Pul the man of vision, studious and vibrant personality has forever missed amidst us and would take many more years to fill up the irreparable lost”, expresses one of the members of the unions. Meanwhile, the entire Unions from the districts, IGG College, Govt. Hr Secondary School, Tezu, well wishers, Senior Citizens,
civil societies, public and business community joined in the mass candle march here which started from Market Charali and culminated at Pul’s private resident to express condolence to the departed soul. Dr Mohesh Chai local MLA, Danish Ashraf DC, Issac Pertin SP, Head of the Departments of Lohit also expressed heartfelt condolence to the demise of the departed soul.
MLA conducts mass social service ET Bureau Khonsa, Aug 9: 56-Khonsa West MLA Tirong Aboh conducted Mass Social Service of 20 kms PMGSY link road from Tirathjo to Laho village involving 4(four) villages of Huakan, Dadam, Chinkoi and Laho on 9th August amidst huge gathering of villagers. While addressing the huge gathering of four villages MLA said that mass social service locally known as Lamsaam is was one of the important part of tribal life in Nocte community since the time immemorial. The MLA has announced Rs. 3 lakh from his MLA LAD to the villagers of four villages as a part of incentives for porter track clearance. The road from Tirathjo to Laho village is a lifeline of four villages of Dadam circle. Villagers of four villages have appreciated the initiative of local MLA. It may be mentioned here that the people of Dadam area have this practice of community based hunting, community fishing, community dwelling house construction etc since early days.
The day long social service programme was followed by community feast comprising of four villages in different places. The MLA
Gicho Kabak expresses shock over sudden fire accident at Norbuling Village
was accompanied by Dy. Commandant CRPF Dadam and OC Police Station, Dadam.
Dignitaries contribute towards CM’s Relief Fund A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Aug 9: A number of MLAs and Ministers contributed to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund today. Among those who handed over the cheques to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal were Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma Rs 95,000 and Ranjit Dutta Rs 1 lakh, MLAs Narayan Deka Rs 1 lakh, Promod Barthakur Utpal Borah, Mrinal Saikia, Aminul Haque Laskar, Kushal Dowari, Sum Ronghang, Ganesh Kumar Limbu, Binanda Kumar Saikia, Bhaskar Sharma and Ashwini Roy Sarkar gave away one month’s salary of Rs 60,000 each.
Jehadis responsible for Kokrajhar attack, alleges Hindu Yuba Parishad
ET Bureau Itanagar, Aug 9: The State NCP President Gicho Kabak expressed shock and sadden on the sudden devastating fire accident occurred at Norbuling Village under Tuting Sub-Division of Upper Siang District on 7th August last. A Memba type house of Pema Jangmo, ASM Gelling and Ven. Dondup Palzang Lama
Head lama of Norbuling village was completely burn down. The movable properties including house, crores of rupees were lost in the fire accident, informed Nima Sangey in a press release. The State NCP President talk to Deputy Commissioner, Upper Siang District Mr. Remo Kamki today to
assess the lost of the properties and asked him to submit the assessment report to the govt. at the earliest for further grant of relief to the victims. The state NCP urged the state govt. to take immediate action on the receipt of assessment report from the district administration.
ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Aug 9: Jehadis was involved with killing at Balajan Tinali bazar on Friday last in Kokrajhar, alleged Hindu Yuba Parishad of Assam. Speaking to the reporters at Kokrajhar Press Club on Tuesday Balen Baishya, president of the parishad, charged that terror attack was implemented by jehadis, where 14 innocent civilian lost lives and 18 others left injuries. He alleged that jehadis were behind the firing, not NDFB-S because the militant outfit cannot do such inhuman attack on innocent citizens in the bazar. The government should conduct impartial inquiry into killing and punished involved culprits, he added. He alleged that government and security forces totally failed while giving safe and security to the citizens. He has demanded clarification whether there was involved of NDFB-S or any forces involved with situation. "Government should conduct proper investigation into incident so that situation be come out authentic among citizens, otherwise it will remain confuse", Baishya added.
Rengging has immense potentials to promote tourism, says MLA Kaling Mayong ET Bureau Pasighat, Aug 9: “Rengging, only 15kms away from Pasighat is one of the best places of East Siang for nature lovers and could attract domestic and international tourists for its scenic beauty, adventure like white river rafting and angling etc. The place could be developed as tourism hotspot playing leading role to showcase the colorful and unique culture of Adis towards promotion of tourism,” opined the Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong while addressing in a public meeting here today. Moyong assured that road connectivity, health and education would be given priorities. Responding to a memorandum submitted by the ASM Durga Paron, the MLA admitted that
laboration with Rengging Angong Society(RAS) and Roi Anne Self Help Group and fifty saplings were planted by MLA Moyong, DIGP Nehlaia, Mondal President Obit Tamuk, ASM Durga Paron, RAS President Tau Tamuk, senior citizens and villagers. Both the dignitaries advised the villagers to take proper care of the planted trees. It worth to mention here that two minutes silence was observed by the gathering after receiving information of sudden demise of former CM Kalikho Pul. Sirpo water source could mitigate water and power crisis of the century old town Pasighat setting up micro hydel.
digenous culture and traditions to attract tourists. Outsiders would prefer virgin Himalayan beauty and local cuisines.
Central Range DIGP John Nehlaia advised the villagers to be hospitable and maintain in-
Earlier in the morning a massive plantation drive was organized by Renaissance Society in col-
One day before on Monday, a social service was also conducted organized by the above NGOs where thirty students from the Rengging UPS took part and had cleaned the areas under Swachch Bharat Mission. (DIPRO)
Condolences for Former CM kalikho Pul Tathagata Roy, Govornor of Arunachal The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Tathagata Roy has condoled the demise of Late Kalikho Pul. In his message, the Governor Shri Roy expressed surprise and shock on the tragic death and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family. He also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Kameng Dolo, Former DCM Former Deputy Chief Minister cum Home Minister, Kameng Dolo in a condolence message said that Former Chief Minister, Kalikho Pul's death has left a huge void in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, where his selfless services rendered to the people of state through long years of public service will always be remembered and cherished by the people. He further said his exemplary leadership shown during brief stint of Chief Ministership has left a major impact on people's lives. Expressing his deep condolences and shocked over sudden demise of Former Chief Minister, Kalikho Pul, former home minister, Dolo said "I was shocked to hear terrible news of his death and deeply saddened. May his Soul in Rest". He was a seasoned leader. He has gone when we needed him the most. "My heartfelt sympathies to Mrs Kalikho Pul and the entire family in this most difficult time. Me and my family's prayers are with them", the Condolence message added. Dolo further said, he was known for his love for common people, especially the underprivileged and ailing patients". He was a wonderful person, who always wanted to bring peace and progress to the state, former Home Minister added. Dolo also appeal the people to maintain peace and tranquility in the state to honor the soul of departed leader. He also urged the people to avoid from indulging in spreading rumors and hatred among the brothers and sister of Arunachal Pradesh. His soul will be rest in peace in heaven if our people restrain themselves in this trying hour from creating ugly situation, Dolo said late departed leader has dreamt of a progressive and peace state, which could really achieved, provided people give a chance to prevail peace situation.
PB Acharya, Governor, Assam Assam Governor P.B. Acharya today mourned the shocking and premature death of former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul. In a condolence message here today, Governor Acharya said, "I am shocked at the death of Kalikho Pul. The news of his death has caught me in the state of complete disbelief. He was young and full of positive energies. The country and Arunachal Pradesh in particular lost an energetic and dedicated leader who could have contributed immensely to the development of the country". Conveying his heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family, Shri Acharya said, "My prayer to the Almighty for the eternal peace of the departed soul and pray to grant strength and fortitude to the family members to bear pain at this critical juncture of life"
AAPSU The undersigned on behalf of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) would like to express shock and dismay over the demise of former Chief Minister Shri Kalikho Pul Today morning at his official residence. Late Pul, a veteran leader who had started his political career as General Secretary of IGGC, Tezu shall always be remembered by the people of the State for his humble and down to earth approach. His short stint as the Chief Minister of the State had instilled a new vigour in the working of the Government machines in the State and led him to be termed as "People's CM". He had dedicated his entire life for the people of the State and will be always remembered for going extra-mile to help the poor. He shall always remain an inspiration to many. The Union expresses its condolences to the family members of the deceased. The AAPSU also demands that proper investigations into the death of late pul be carried out. We would also appeal to the people to maintain calm in this hour of
grief.
NCP The State NCP President Shri Gicho Kabak and Vice President Nima Sange along with State office bearer expressed its deep sense of condolence on the sudden demise of veteran Political figure Kalikho Pul former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh today. The State has lost a true son of the soil, a patriot, a veteran politician of all time, and a man who led from the front and left behind a legacy to cherish. He was a politician who actively spent his life in public affairs and who deeply understood the pulse of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. His contributions to the state as well as society in different capacity will always remember as the path finder in the generations. The state NCP prayed to Almighty God for his eternal peace of departed soul and bestows strength to the bereaved family members to bear the irreparable loss cause to them. Two minutes silence was observed as a mark of tribute to the departed soul. In the condolence meeting Shri Gicho Kabak State President and Shri Nima Sange Vice-President NCP and members present resolved to convey a condolence message to the bereaved family members.
Galo Students' Union The undersigned on behalf of the Galo Students' Union (GSU) would like to express deep shock and grief at the untimely demise of Former Chief Minister shri Kalikho Pul at his official residence today morning. Lt. Pul in his short stint as the chief Minister had won hearts of the common man with his humble and down to earth approach. Always ready to serve, he went extra mile to help the poor and the down-trodden. His demise has left every one of us in a state of shock. The Union condoles the death of a true son of the soil and prays to the almighty to give solace to the family members of the deceased. There is a strong feeling among the local populace that A man who had dedicated his entire life to serve the poor could never take such an extreme step. Therefore, the GSU strongly demands the state government to unearth the circumstances which led to his demise and make the findings public.
JP Rajkhowa, Governor of Arunachal Pradesh (On leave) The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh (On leave) JP Rajkhowa has condoled the demise of Late Kalikho Pul. In his condolence letter to Smt Dangwimsai Pul, wife of Late Kalikho Pul the Governor Rajkhowa expressed shock and deeply grieved the sudden and untimely demise of former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh under tragic and mysterious circumstances. The Governor Rajkhowa recalled the contributions of Late Pul and his personal interactions with him. I and my wife Smt Rita Rajkhowa, with profound grief, join the people of Arunachal Pradesh in paying our respectful homage to Kalikho Pul and conveying our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and all other members of the bereaved family and pray to the Almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul. We also pray to the God for bestowing you and all other family members with the necessary courage, strength and determination to bear the irreparable loss, Rajkhowa wished. As a mark of respect, wreaths were laid on the mortal remains of Late Pul by the Aides de Camp (ADC) to Governor on behalf of the Governor Roy and Governor (on leave) Rajkhowa. Dr. Joram Beda, Secretary to Governor also laid a wreath on behalf of the Raj Bhavan and handed over the Condolence letters of the Governors to Smt Dangwimsai Pul, wife of Late Kalikho Pul.
Tai Khampti Singpho Council In this hour of great sorrow and grief, we, the Tai Khampti Singpho Council stand behind the entire family members of this great soul, his friends, colleages and well wishers. On behalf of our people and the entire NGOs of Tai Khampti and Singpho, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray Almighty Lord Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha and wish that the departed soul rest in peace in heavenly abode.
Lions club donates water filters to schools ET Bureau Aalo, Aug 9: As a part of centenary celebration of the Lions Club, the Director Lions Club, Ogong Tamuk, President, Pawan Jain and M.K. Poddar Charter Member Lions Club West Siang, Aalo donated made whirlwind visits to Govt. L.P. School Dasi, Govt. L.P. School Ego Kato and Govt. Secondary School Nikte and donated water filters to these schools in presence of Oni Padun, Circle Officer Nikte Kodum today. The Circle Officer expressed her gratitude to Lions Club of Aalo for the noble gesture on behalf of the people of Ubu Bango. The Club has been rendering such noble services to the medical and education departments from time to time in the past also.
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
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Man arrested under sexual exploitation ET Correspondent Bokajan, Aug 9: Police arrested a man under the charges of sexual exploitation and another doctor for allegedly carrying out abortion in his private chamber at Bokajan in East Karbi Anglong. The incident came into light after the victim lodged an FIR with Bokajan Police alleging that Bhisnu Kurmi had been cohabitating with her and sexually exploited her a number of times on false promises of marriage. She further alleges that when she conceived and insisted on marriage, Bhisnu
compelled her to undergo abortion of the 4 months old fetus assuring her to marry later. Eventually, the stalemate begun after Bhisnu stopped visiting her frequently. Bhisnu is a resident of Matipul village under the Bokajan Police Station. The arrested government doctor viz. Dr Netai Ch. Dey is posted at Dillai State Dispensary and reportedly running the private chamber at the heart of Bokajan town. He has been booked under sections of MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2002.
AASU stages demonstration against Kokrajhar attack ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Aug 9: Students activists and citizens join hands in the sit in demonstration protest against the recent terror strike at Balajan Tinali bazaar which claimed 14 civilian and left 18 injures on Aug 5th last in Kokrajhar. The protesters with banner, placards participated sit in demonstration, covering black clothes on mouths, was organized by Kokrajhar
South Kamrup prohibits illegal mining and excavation of sand ET Correspondent Rangia, Aug 9: The District Magistrate of South Kamrup, Rajib Prakash Baruah under Section 144 CrPC has prohibited illegal mining, excavation of sand and slits from water bodies and any other natural bodies by any person and illegal blasting of rocks in the entire district of South
Kamrup without valid permission from the District Administration and Forest Department. The District Magistrate has also prohibited illegal blasting of rocks and cutting felling and transportation of trucks without valid documents in the entire South Kamrup District.
Further, the District Magistrate has also prohibited the movements of trucks and vehicles carrying illegally mined and excavated sand, silt and soil etc. within the district as well as out of district. This order came into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force until further order.
district unit of AASU at Children Park near DC office in Kokrajhar district today. AASU demanded stern action into mass killing and nab the culprits along with impartial investigation into killing.
that government should initiate stern action against killing and punished involved culprits. Roy alleged that government has totally failed while providing safe and security in the state.
Nabajyoti Roy, assistant general secretary, AASU expressing serious concern over mass killing on Friday last said that the attack was condemnable and unfortunate. He demanded
“Government should make strategy to stop terror activities so that humanity could be safe from unwanted situations in the state”, Roy demanded.
Elephant poacher’s camp busted
The District level celebration will be held at Numali Jalah Parade Ground, Amingaon. As per programme, on August 13 at 10.00 am cleanliness drive will be undertaken at District and Circle jurisdiction; 10.00 am onwards Painting and Essay Competition will be held in all the Schools of the District besides staging of Street Play in prominent location of District from 10.00 am. Mass Plantation will be done at various parts
of the District from 10.30 am. On August 14 at 6.00 am mass jogging at Bastranagari Sualkuchi, at 10.00 am cleanliness drive, from 10.00 am onwards Quiz competition in all schools of the District and staging of street play. A mass rally will also be held at 4.00 pm from the District Headquarters on that day to spread the message of patriotism. On August 15 at 5.00 am Prabhat Geetanjali from District Headquarters, 7.00 am hoisting of National Flag at private residences; at 7.30am hoisting of National Flag in all Government offices, educational institutions and business establishment; 9.00 am hoisting of National Flag by
Hon’ble Guest at Numali Jalah Parade Ground followed by Speech by Guest, march past and cultural show; at 10.00 am felicitation of sports personalities, toppers of HSLC and HS and best employee awards; at 10.30 am distribution of sports equipment’s, Kishan Credit Card and Weaver’s Credit Card and at 4.00pm friendly veteran football match at Hajo HS School playground. An exhibition will also be held at Numali Jalah Parade Ground from 10.00 am of August 13 till 5.00 pm of August 15 which will be participated by various Departments to showcase their activities and achievements. The other programme includes playing of patriotic songs through FLS System and distribution of fruits at TRB Hospital, Amingaon.
ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Aug 9: A candle light praying for eternal peace for those who have lost their lives during indiscriminate firing at Balajan Tinali bazar on Friday last by armed militants was held at Kokrajhar. The programme was organized by Kokrajhar district unit of Goria Maria Desi
Jatiya Parishad at Kokrajhar town in front of Pragati Bhawan this evening. Parishad prayed for early recovery of injuries who are going under treatment. Parishad condemned the killing and demanded stern action into incident and demanded government to investigate properly into situation and punished involved culprits.
Kokrajhar administration holds peace meeting
Kamrup administration to celebrate Independence Day with full enthusiasms ET Correspondent Rangia, Aug 9: The Kamrup District Administration has appealed all sections of people of the District to participate in the three daylong programme of ensuing 70th Independence Day of India from August 13 to August 15, next.
Candle light prayer for victims held at Kokrajhar
ET Correspondent Margherita, Aug 9: On Monday Margherita Forest team officials busted a hideout camp of elephant poachers at Dirakmukh which falls under Margherita west range forest office.
Acting on a tip off Margherita west range forest officer, Padum Borpatragohain and his team during a search operation of elephant poachers busted a hideout camp and found a handmade gun
along with some foodstuffs at the camp. According to Margherita forest department sources there were 10 to 12 elephant poachers who unfortunately fled from the spot.
Hrishikesh Goswami offers tribute to Nikunjalata Mahanta A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Aug 9: Media Adviser to Chief M i n i s t e r, Hrishikesh Goswami today offered tribute to eminent folk singer, lyricist and educationist Nikunjalata
Mahanta at her Nigaji Pam residence at Ambikagiri Nagar in the city. Wife of renowned lyricist and singer late Keshab Mahanta, Nikunjalata Mahanta
Journalist are made scapegoats by various machineries, says Tongyan Rina
passed away at GMCH yesterday. She was 79.
ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Aug 9: A peace meeting, organised by the district administration was held at the conference hall of Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner here on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner Madhav Prasad Sarma and was attended by senior officials from the civil and police, representatives from various political parties and organizations like Bodo Sahitya Sabha, ABSU, AASU, ABMSU, BSU, AKRSU, AAMSU, civil society, BPF, BJP, UPPL and local intellectuals. The meeting apprise about the prevailing law and order situation, following the attack at Balajan Tinali market on Friday last where 14 people died and 18 others were injured.
The Media Adviser offered floral tribute to the eminent artiste on behalf of Chief Minis- The DC called upon all to ter Sarbananda Sonowal.
maintain peace and harmony and also help the administration to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. He said, district administration and state government has been initiating stern measures into situation. Government handed over ex gratia to victim’s family member and given away financial supports to injured persons who are taking treatment in different hospitals, Sarma added. The meeting was also attended by Kokrajhar Superintendent of police, Shyamal Prasad Saikia. Saikia said the attack at Balajan Tinali was carried out by a single individual and no group is involved. He said the militant who carried out the attack was heavily drunk and fired indiscriminately at the market place before he was gunned down, he added.
Oil India Limited bags the PetroFed E&P Company of the Year Award- 2015
how many journalists being deputed by national papers to give real and true picture that is happening day-today in remote areas of North East. She said hardly few. But bold and courageous columnist further said that bad and rubbish news get published in most of the newspapers and channels but mostly true pictures get hidden.
ET Correspondent Jorhat, Aug 9: Innovator, research scholar, educator and Manab Ratna Uddhav Kumar Bharali was awarded Kamala Saikia National Bota-2016 at a glittering jam-packed function held at the Sri Sri Pitambordev Goswami auditorium of District Library
here today. The award was handed over to Manab Ratna Uddhav Bharali by Kanak Sen Deka, who is the chairman of the journalist Kamala Saikia Foundation. The award carries a Japi, citation and cash Rs, 1, 00,000 for his immense contribution for upliftment
of the society and molding the youths in showing them the way of the final path for tomorrow, not only in Assam alone but also throughout the country and aboard, which was informed by the Foundation chairman Kanak Sen Deka to the mass gathering after giving away the award.
Arunachal journalist Ms Tongyan Rina who attended as guest of honour spoke about the role of journalist in today’s era from the far North Eastern hidden places. Ms Rina highlighted and asked how many national papers carry direct news item of North East or
On the other hand Rina clearly claimed that either journalist from print or electronic are easily made scapegoat by all machineries today. Meanwhile prominent journalist like Kanak S Den Deka, Nabo Thakuria, Dilip Chandan, Sanjib Kumar Phukan, Deepjyoti Goswami, Diganta Burahgohain, social activist Samiran Bordoloi including the adviser of forum, Dhononjoy Saikia decided on behalf of the forum to fight for the various rights and hurdles being faced by the journalist fraternity.
ET Bureau New Delhi, Aug 9: Oil India Limited (OIL), India's second largest National Exploration & Production Company, won the PetroFed Exploration & ProductionCompany of the Year Award 2015, in the glittering PetroFed Awards ceremony held in New Delhi, on 08th August, 2016. The award was presented by Sri K.D.
Tripathi, Secretary, MoPNG to Sri Utpal Bora, Chairman and Managing Director, OIL in the august presence of Sri B. Ashok, Chairman Petrofed and Chairman, IOCL, Sri P. Raghavendran, Vice-Chairman PeroFed and President (Refinery Business) Reliance Industries Limited and Dr. R.K Malhotra, Director General, PetroFed along
with members of the Board of Oil India Limited and other senior officials. The Award Honours Oil India Limited for its leading performance in exploration, development and operational efficiencies in exploration and production for Oil and Gas while meeting the norms of health, safety and environment protection.
REGION
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
PAGE 5
Blast rocks NH-2 to BSF jawans hurt For Govt. To organise conSadar Hills, Aug 9 : Two low intensity handmade IED exploded this morning at around 10.45 along National Highway-2 while another similar type of bomb found at the same place was detonated by bomb experts later in the evening. The blast site is located just 3 Kms from Kangpokpi town along ImphalDimapur road between Kangpokpi and S Changoubung village under Kangpokpi police station. Two BSF personnel who were among the convoy on a mini bus bearing Regd.No. AS01-FC- 8780 sustained minor injuries in the blast. The convoy was heading toward Dimapur side from Churachandpur. The injured personnel have been identified as Ct Anil Kumar and Ct Lalji Yadav of 54 Bn Border Security Force. While the former
unstable environment. The Kuki Women Union also censured the blast injuring two BSF personnel and questioned the reason behind such a destructive act in Sadar Hills.
Blast rocks NH-2 to BSF jawans hurt sustained minor splinter injury on his hand the later sustained minor splinter injury on his leg. The convoy proceeded towards its destiny after first aid was administered to the injured personnel at the nearest Assam Rifles post under Red Shield Division in Senapati district. Kangpokpi and Senapati
CLP discusses about new Bill Imphal, Aug 9: With Chief Minister O Ibobi in the chair, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) held a meeting and discussed about a convening a Cabinet meeting so that the new Bill being drafted in place of the PMP Bill 2015 can be tabled in the State Assembly. The CLP meeting discussed about whether the State Cabinet should send the new draft Bill to the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) or whether it should go from
the State Assembly to the HAC. Earlier, the State Government mooted about giving 15 days time to elicit public opinions and comments on the new draft Bill. Lapses in the implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA) and distribution of ration cards too figured at the CLP meeting. It further discussed on approaching the NIC, New Delhi to plug in the lapses.(Agencies)
CEM too for amendment to Sixth Schedule Shillong, Aug 9: While welcoming the suggestions from various quarters to make the anti-defection law applicable to the district councils, KHADC CEM P N Syiem said on Monday that there is a need to amend the Sixth Schedule in this regard. Shillong MP Vincent Pala had raised the issue in the Parliament recently, while the former Deputy Chief Minister Bindo Lanong also stressed the need of bringing the district councils under the purview of anti defection law.
police personnel including top officials of Assam Rifles rushed to the blast site and took stock of the situation while cordoning off the area. Traffic along the highway was disrupted for nearly an hour. Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi, Sadar Hills and Kuki Women Union, Sadar Hills
have vehemently condemned the bomb blast along National Highway-2 'in the strongest term' while conveying its extreme displeasure. The Kuki Inpi said that terrorism knows no limits or Nationalities and has no solution but the creation of communal disharmony and
The women body further said "we do not accept any destructive elements who have no sense of humanity to exist in our area and we are vehemently against such activities." The civil bodies also asked responsible groups or individuals not to repeat such activities in Sadar Hills stating that civil society organization will not tolerate such destructive activities in future.(Agencies) "Kuki Inpi, Sadar Hills and Kuki Women Union, Sadar Hills have vehemently condemned the bomb blast along National Highway-2 'in the strongest term' while conveying its extreme displeasure."
BT road incident case Tejpal, Shoma , Babloo despose Imphal, Aug 9: Founder and former Editor-in-chief of Tehelka magazine Tarun Tejpal, former Managing Editor of the same magazine, Shoma Chaudhury and Human Rights Alert Director Babloo Loitongbam today deposed before the Court in the July 23 BT Road incident case. All the accused except Y Munal were also present at today's trial hearing. Shoma Chaudhury appeared before the Court as prosecution witness number 85. She was
cross examined by the counsels of defence and CBI and discharged from the case. Tarun Tejpal who deposed before the Court as prosecution witness number 86 told the Court that the photographs published on Tehelka magazine were genuine and the images were not edited or tampered. The scribe however said that he doesn't know the photographer. After examining his statement by defence and CBI counsels, Tejpal was also discharged from the case.
Babloo Loitongbam, who had already appeared as prosecution witness number 75 in March, deposed again for the second time. He told the Court that he provided the photographs to Tehelka magazine and the statement he had given during his last Court appearance was true. His deposition was crossed examined by the counsels of both the sides in the open Court. Later, the Court fixed August 29 as the next date of hearing of the sensational case.(Agenceies)
Seized wldlife products disposed
"If you want to implement the anti defection law which is under the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution, the Six Schedule should be amended", Syiem said. According to Syiem, this is necessary since the Tenth Schedule does not apply to bodies under Sixth Schedule. Hence, to extend the provisions of anti-defection law under Tenth Schedule to the district councils, amendment to Sixth Schedule is the need of the hour, he added.(Agencies)
M Jha case deferred Shillong, Aug 9: The Supreme Court has deferred the case related to the plea of the state government to follow up the FIR against the two sons of CM Jha, which was earlier quashed by the High Court of Meghalaya. Police had filed FIR against Govind Jha and Gopal Jha, the sons of the Chancellor
of CMJ University CM Jha, in the past. The special leave petition to follow up the FIR came up for hearing on Monday in the Supreme Court, and the delay of 286 days for filing the petition was condoned by the Court. The matter will now be listed in the due course of time, thje state counsel R Mukherjee said.(Agencies)
Contract staff demand Imphal, Aug 9: The Fisheries Officiating Employees Union has categorically stated that no recruitment should be made against vacant posts in Fishery Department until the service of all the existing contract employees are regularized. Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here this afternoon, the union's acting secretary Khaidem Gopal said that 175 officiating employees were recruited in accordance with the results of the DPC held between May 22, 1985 and August 2, 1985. With the passage of time, the number of officiating employees dwindled to 110 and they were converted into contract employees. The 110 contract employees must first be regularised before vacant posts are filled up through fresh recruitment process, Gopal said. With regard to the proposed
regularization of the 110 contract employees, a Cabinet memo was already prepared for deliberation of the same matter at a Cabinet meeting. Although it has been four/ five months since the Cabinet memo was prepared, the matter is yet to figure in a Cabinet meeting. Recently, the ban on recruitment was lifted in order to fill vacant posts in Fishery Department. Some members of the union went to meet the Fishery Minister yesterday with an appeal to regularise the existing 110 contract employees. However, the representatives were made to wait from 7 am to 11.30 am only to be dismissed without giving any appointment, Gopal said. He also condemned the way the Minister humiliated them. (Agencies)
Seized wldlife products disposed Imphal, Aug 9: The Divisional Forest Officer, Central Forest Division disposed 991 kg of sea cucumber and a deer antler by setting on fire at Mantripukhri today. PCCF PN Prasad said that on August 31, 2014, 25 bags of sea cocumber weighing around 991 kg was brought by a flight from Kolkata to Imphal.
cumber was arrested on September 1, 2014, he said. On April 24, 2015, the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West convicted Sikander with simple imprisonment of eight months and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 under Section 51(1 A) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
One Sikander Singh Gill (44) from Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar who came to collect the sea cu-
On July 25, 2016, the PCCF (WL), Govt of Manipur vide his letter No 3/6/2016WL directed the DFO/C to dispose the seized sea cu-
cumber by burning in the presence of media, police and advocate etc. The deer antler was seized on May 2, 2016 at about 10.15 am while doing the normal checking of the baggage and luggage of the passengers at the X-ray point by the staff of the Air Asia from a passenger travelling by Air Asia in Imphal-Guwahat route. The seized deer antler along with the accused person Nagendra Das was detained. (Agencies)
City to host Mother Teresa film fest in Sept Shillong, Aug 9: The World Catholic Association for Communication's India chapter will organise Mother Teresa International Film Festival (MTIFF) in Shillong in September. Fr Francis Stephen, MTIFF 2016 North East India director, said on Monday that the four-day festival beginning September 6 would
be organized on the occasion of Mother Teresa's canonisation and would highlight her life and teachings. Twenty movies, documentaries and short films, will be screened at the State Central Library. The festival, which was first organized in 2010, will be held in Jowai from Sep-
tember 14 to 17. Fr Stephen said over 800 free passes per show (one day) are available and urged the public to avail themselves of these between August 15 and 30. Similar festivals will also be organized in other cities like Guwahati, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai and 50 countries, besides India.(Agencies)
sultation meetings, JCIPLS sets Aug 13 deadline
Two brothers allegedly raped two sisters Imphal, Aug 9: The JCILPS has set August 13 deadline for the Government to organise consultation meetings with all stake holders on the new Bill which is being drafted in place of the Protection of Manipur Peoples (PMP) Bill 2015. Speaking to mediapersons at their Sega Road, Konjeng Hazari Leikai office this afternoon, JCILPS convenor in-charge BK Moirangcha said that intense forms of mass agitation would be launched if the Government fails to organise due consultation programmes by August 13. The Government has been claiming before media that the process of drafting the new Bill is on the verge of completion, and legal and Constitutional experts have been consulted. However, it is not clear when the Government is planning to seek public opinions and comments. It remains a big question how much time the Government is prepared to spare for the JCILPS, JAC Against the Anti-Tribal Bills, Churachandpur and other stake holders to discuss the Bill, BK Moirangcha said. Questioning when the Bill will be made public, he enquired if the Bill would be placed in the public domain for a very brief period just for name's sake before it is tabled in the State Assembly. The idea to upload the Bill on social media is not a very good one as it may elicit contradictory opinions which may again land the Bill in deep controversies. Reacting to a news report which claimed that the electoral roll of 1972 is missing, BK Moirangcha asserted both the Government of India and the Government of Manipur owe an apology to the people of Manipur in case the news report is true. The electoral roll of 1972 and for that matter electoral rolls of any year cannot be lost and such deceit or lax-
ity is unacceptable. The State Government must be held accountable. According to an investigation conducted by JCILPS, the electoral roll of 1972 was taken by the Home Department from the Election Department during 1980-81 at the height of the anti-foreigners movement spearheaded by AMSU and AMSCOC and the copies of the electoral roll were never given back to the Election Department, BK Moirangcha said. Meanwhile, altogether 588 non-local labourers were detected and handed over to police while checking interState vehicles along Imphal-Dimapur highway and Imphal-Jiribam highway. People have been asking how police dealt with the non-local labourers handed over to them by JCILPS and a number of civil organisations. Manipur police should come out with a convincing answer to the people's query. The non-local labourers were handed over to police as JCILPS has no intention to take the law into its hands. A joint meeting of JCIPS, bus owners, Winger owners, drivers' union and representatives of ticket counters was held on July 28 and six different resolutions were adopted. It was agreed that if any passenger vehicle is found transporting non-local people without valid identification documents, the vehicle should take back the non-local people up to the place where they boarded it on the same day. If the non-local people could not be taken back on the particular day, they should be taken back the next day. All the expenditures for lodging and foods incurred by non-local people thus stranded should be borne by the transport agency/firm concerned. It was also agreed to penalise drivers if they bring in non-local people who do not possess valid
identification documents secretly. To resolve all misunderstandings or communication gaps between JCILPS and transport agencies by July 31 last was another resolution of the joint meeting. However, some transport agencies have been defying all these points of agreement. As such, JCILPS would be mounting a strict vigil over them. "According to an investigation conducted by JCILPS, the electoral roll of 1972 was taken by the Home Department from the Election Department during 1980-81 at the height of the anti-foreigners movement spearheaded by AMSU and AMSCOC and the copies of the electoral roll were never given back to the Election Department,-Says BK Moirangcha s" Two brothers allegedly raped two sisters at Haorang Sabal Imphal, Aug 9 : Two brothers allegedly raped two sisters at Haorang Sabal, Imphal West district under Lamsang police station today afternoon. According to information culled from the spot, local people rounded up Konthoujam Nando (45) and his younger brother Gandhi (32) this afternoon on the charge that they allegedly raped two girls who are sisters. The two accused were thrashed by the local people before they were handed over to Lamsang police station. Further, a mob vandalised their houses and the local people decided to banish the duo from the locality. The two brothers have been sexually assaulting the two girls since some time back. But they could not make a complaint as their parents lived separately. Local people came to know about the crime only after the sisters disclosed their ordeal to their mother. Lamsang police station have handed over the accused brothers to Imphal West District Women Police Station.(Agencies)
Asean Study Centre inaugurated in Shillong Shillong, Aug 9: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Study Centre, intended to facilitate AseanIndia research projects and studies, was inaugurated here on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the setting up of the study centre in Shillong, when he addressed the 13th ASEAN-India summit at Kuala Lumpur last November. The Study Centre, which will function from the Indian Council of Social Science and Research-North Eastern Regional Centre located in the premier North Eastern Hill University campus, was inaugurated by Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Preeti Saran. Minister of State for External Affairs, Gen V.K.Singh (retd.) was supposed to inaugurate the centre but his trip got cancelled at the last moment.
Diplomats from Asean countries - Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, and Singapore, MEA Joint Secretary (Asean) Pooja Kapur, Chief Secretary K.S. Kropha besides former diplomats attended the inauguration. "The Centre would serve the all the stakeholders in Northeastern India and Asean by facilitating Asean-India research projects, studies, workshops
and related activities as by maintaining a documentation centre the which would be repository of information on the North East-Asean engagement," Saran said. The Asean Study Centre will draw academicians from all universities across the northeastern states to enhance mutual understanding the and develop cross-border exchanges between India and Asean countries. (Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
PAGE 6
Mehbooba urges Modi to open dialogue with Kashmiris
Gujarat: CM takes charge, allocates portfolios to ministers
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
New Delhi, Aug 9: Facing a month-long turbulence and violence in the state, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open a dialogue process with the people of the state.
Minister will take this as an opportunity to initiate dialogue with people to address their problems. There is a need to take the same initiative of winning hearts of people, which was taken during Vajpayee ji s tenure," she said after the meeting which was also attended by National Security Advisor A K Doval and other senior officials of Home, Defence and Finance Ministries.
Talking to reporters after a two-hour meeting with Home Minister Rajnath Singh, which was attended by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Mehbooba also hinted at resuming a dialogue with Pakistan on Kashmir issue saying the state could act as a "bridge" between the two nations. Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti "I believe there is a need to heal the wounds of people, to initiate dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. These are our own people. If process of dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir can improve the situation in valley, we should do it," she said and adding, her state could become a bridge between India and Pakistan. "There is a need to apply balm to the wounds of Kashmiri people," she said.
Mehbooba, who has been facing difficulties in restoring normalcy in the Valley following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on July 8, said only the process of dialogue with the people of Kashmir can help improve the situation. The Chief Minister said during the one month of unrest, which started after the killing of Wani, 55 people lost their lives and referred the
deceased as "our own boys". "People will keep dying if we don't take initiative to bring normalcy. We want peace. There is an opportunity for dialogue and we should avail it," she said. "We have seen agitations in the past like in 2008 (Amarnath land row) and 2010 (over fake encounters by army).
"I am hopeful that the Prime
Kashmir issue isn't a simple law and order problem: Cong New Delhi, Aug 9: As curfew and restrictions paralysed life across Kashmir Valley for the 31st consecutive day on Monday, Opposition party members raised the issue in Rajya Sabha and asked the government to not think of the situation as a "simple law and order" problem. "This is a political, developmental and regional issue. The government should not think that this is simply a law and order situation," Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said. Azad noted that people are eager to listen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's views on the Kashmir unrest issue. He also urged the government to start a political process to defuse the crisis. "Hindustan ka Taj jal raha hai, par uski garmi Delhi tak nahi pahuchti (India's crown is burning but the heat hasn't yet reached Delhi)," Azad said. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)
Ghulam Nabi Azad leader Sitaram Yechury also echoed similar views. "An all party delegation needs to be sent to J-K, PM needs to respond on the atrocities civilians are facing," Yechury said. "It is inhuman. It is criminal. Why are we using pellet guns? Even Israel does not use pellet guns against Palestinians," the CPI-M leader added. A RS member also demanded withdrawal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts (AFPSA) from the Valley and withdrawal of the dominating presence of army
from civilian areas. On behalf of the government, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the government is ready for a discussion on the issue, adding that the matter has already been discussed in the House before. In the ongoing unrest in Kashmir, that started on July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed, a total of 55 people have died and over 3,000 others injured. (Agencies)
Pilot slams BJP over reports of cow deaths in Rajasthan Jaipur, Aug 9: PCC President Sachin Pilot on Monday accused the BJP government of being responsible for the deaths of hundreds of cows in the state-run Hingonia cow shelter here. "The BJP government has totally failed in taking care of cows. The situation in the Hingonia gaushala is very grim but the government has totally ignored this sensitive issue," Pilot told reporters here. "Gaushalas are suffering in the BJP rule...It comes to power on riding people's sentiments attached to cows but later forgets them," he said at the PCC after visiting the Hingonia cow shelter.
He said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have given the statement against cow vigilantes two years back so that the incidents which have happened in the name of cow's protection could have been stopped from taking place. "The PM needs to ensure that those who take law in their hands are strictly dealt with," he said. In his first public denouncement of cow vigilantes, some of whom flogged Dalits in Gujarat for skinning a dead cow, Modi had said in Delhi he felt enraged at such "anti-social elements" who indulged in crimes by the night and masqueraded as cow protec-
Our children have been killed. Our families have suffered. I don't wish to see any more killing. "Our Prime Minister has a huge mandate in the present Lok Sabha and he should seize the opportunity created by the unrest to win the hearts of the people and solve their problems, the way former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee did," she said.
tors by the day. The Raje government has been criticised by Congress, VHP, and Bajrang Dal over the death of cows. Congress alleged that 100 cows had died due to "mismanagement and lack of facilities" at the gaushala while VHP claimed that more than 500 cows died due to the "inhuman behaviour" of Raje government towards them. Commenting on the results of bypolls of local bodies and Panchayti Raj institutions declared on Saturday, Pilot said the Congress has gained in the bypolls which shows that the BJP is "losing" confidence of people.(Agencies)
The meeting took place on a day when month-long curfew in Kashmir echoed in Parliament with Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad raising the matter during Zero Hour and demanding a statement from the Prime Minister about the steps being taken by the government for restoring normalcy. "In such circumstances, we want to awaken the government ... We feel the government and the Prime Minister are watching the situation deteriorate like a silent spectator," he said, adding he wanted to know why Modi has not spoken on the grave situation in Kashmir so far. (Agencies)
No need for anybody to feel threatened in India: Goyal New Delhi, Aug 9: Muslims are very much part of India and there is no need for anybody to feel threatened, Union minister Piyush Goyal said here on Monday. Speaking at the launch of a book titled 'Modi and his challenges', the Minister of Coal and Power said he has spent "years and years" in association with RSS. Terming RSS as an organisation that focuses on reaching out to different segments of the society, particularly those in distress, he said RSS has never "told any of us that we have to either like or dislike" any other community or any other person who practises any other religion. "What they are trying to say is that Muslims should be as much a part of India and there is no question of either feeling unwanted or unsafe. They are Indians. They are as much part of India as Rajiv Kumar (author of the book) is, as I am, or anybody else is. "There is no question, there
is no need for anybody to get into ghetto psychology. There is no need for anybody to feel threatened at all within this country as long as we are working for the development of the country," he said. On the passage of GST Bill in the Lok Sabha, Goyal said, this has once again demonstrated to the world that Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in taking every body together. "This is the only government which has been able to pass four important Bills with unanimity...It demonstrates that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team believe in taking all schools of thought, working together with all political parties and it's a government that different political parities and states also can trust," he said. This is the change which has come, he said, adding, India is emerging from disruptive politics to move towards a new age of coalition working for development of all.(Agencies)
CM takes charge, allocates portfolios to ministers Gandhinagar, Aug 9: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Monday allocated portfolios to his Council of Ministers and kept the key home department with himself as he took charge of his new job. Rupani, who was sworn-in as the state Chief Minister on Monday, after his predecessor Anandiben Patel resigned from the position, on Monday presided over the first Cabinet meeting. He also had a lengthy discussion with his deputy Nitin Patel here. Like Anandiben, Rupani has kept major portfolios with himself while Nitin Patel has been re-alloted the Finance department, which he used to handle under Narendra Modi-led government and was later taken from him by Anandiben Patel after the change of guard in 2014. "Our Chief Minister Vijay Rupani held a detailed dis-
"The states in our country are not self-sufficient but are interdependent. GST will boost economy of underdeveloped states," Modi said in his elaborate speech in the House. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tabled the bill in the Lok Sabha. In his usual unique style of adding new interpretation of things, Modi termed GST as "Great Step by Team India", "Great Step towards Transformation" and "Great Steps towards Transparency". Addressing concerns of manufacturing states, the prime minister said, "It is true that consumer states will benefit more from GST but Centre
will compensate manufacturing states in case of losses." He then said that "GST will send across a message that 'Consumer is the King'." "Most of the things that can impact consumer inflation have been kept out of the ambit of GST," he added. Thanking all the political parties, Modi asserted that "this is not a victory of a particular party. It's a victory of high democratic principles, victory of all political parties." Underlining that all the political parties were taken on board for the passage of the bill, Modi said, "I held consultations with Sonia ji (Sonia Gandhi) and Manmohan Singhji. We made efforts to take into consideration everyone's suggestions. We have always tried to discuss this with everyone." "'Lok Tantra' (democracy) is not just a game of mandate, it is also a journey of forming consensus," he added. Stressing that many of the flaws have been overcome
Portfolios to be handled by Rupani include General Administration, Home, Administrative Reforms and Training, Planning, Industries, Mines and Minerals, Ports, Climate Change, Science and Technology and Information & Broadcasting. Rupani will also look after the portfolios which are not allocated to any other minister, an official release said. Nitin Patel has been given Finance, Urban Development and Urban Housing, Roads and Building, Capital Project, Narmada, Kalpsar and Petrochemicals. On Sunday, eight cabinet and 16 state-ranked min-
isters took oath. Senior cabinet minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama has been given charge of R e v e n u e , Education(Primary, Secondary and Adult), Higher and Technical Education and Law and Parliamentary Affairs department. Portfolios of Tourism, Tribal Welfare and Forests has been allocated to Ganpat Vasava. BJP's Dalit face in the cabinet, Atmaram Parmar, has been given Social Justice and Empowerment department, which includes welfare of Scheduled Castes as well as OBCs. He was also given the portfolio of Women and Child Development department. Newly inducted minister Chiman Saparaiya has been given Agriculture and Energy while Babu Bokhiria has been alloted Water Supply, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Cow protection, Civil Aviation and Salt Industry.(Agencies)
Modi was sleeping for last 2 years: Mayawati on Dalit atrocities New Delhi, Aug 9: BSP supremo Mayawati on Monday assailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his 'delayed' condemnation of vigilante cow protectors, saying he was "sleeping like Kumbhkarna" for the last two years and made the statements to woo Dalit voters ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. "Modi was silent for the last two years. He slept like 'Kumbhakarna' (the mythological character in Ramayana who slept for six months at a stretch). He has woken up now because assembly elections are going to take place in Uttar Pradesh and some other states. "He knew that he would not get a single Dalit vote. He gave the statements to get
GST will end tax terrorism: PM Modi New Delhi, Aug 9: Terming the passage of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Constitution Amendment Bill as "victory of all political parties", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the bill will boost the economy of underdeveloped states and will free the country of tax terrorism.
cussion with me and finalised the portfolios in consultation with our party leaders," said Patel. Before taking charge, Rupani paid his respects to the statutes of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and B R Ambedkar.
and GST will remove Centre-State mistrust, Modi said, "GST is a great step towards transparency in India. A trust between the Centre and states has developed. This was not about a parliamentary majority. This is about consensus." "GST will help strengthen One India, be it the smallest or the largest state," the prime minister remarked. Emphasising on the Union government's focus on the economically downtrodden section, the prime minister said, "Our aim is economical and educational empowerment of the poor. GST can help us achieve this aim." Also, lending a dramatic edge in his speech, Modi said that GST is the "new pearl in the necklace of Bharat". On August 3, the Rajya Sabha passed the relevant Constitution amendment bill to pave the way for the introduction of a pan-India GST regime unanimously with two third majority. (Agencies)
BSP supremo Mayawati Dalit votes," she said. Mayawati's criticism of the Prime Minister came after his denunciation of the cow vigilantes, twice in two days in Delhi and Telangana. Seeking to contain the damage to BJP government in his home state Gujarat, going to polls next year, fol-
lowing the Una Dalits flogging incident, and similar episodes in some other states, Modi had yesterday and the day before come down heavily on the socalled cow protectors, calling them "anti-socials" who should be "punished". (Agencies)
Mental Health Care Bill passed in Rajya Sabha New Delhi, Aug 9 : The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed a bill seeking to provide better healthcare for people suffering from mental illnesses as members across the political spectrum sought urgent steps to address the lack of infrastructure and shortage of psychiatrists in the country. The Mental Health Care Bill 2013, which provides for protection and promotion of rights of persons with mental illness during the delivery of health care in institutions and in the community, was passed unanimously by a voice vote. There were 134 official amendments to the bill, which took almost an hour to be passed clause by clause. Replying to a debate on the legislation, Health Minister J P Nadda termed it as "humane and progressive" and said its focus was to provide better support and facilities to the people suffering from various kinds of mental illnesses. "This is a historic and progressive Bill. It has been a long standing effort. It is patient-centric and focusses on how more facilities and support could be provided to the patients," Nadda said. He said around 6-7 per cent of the country's population suffered from some kind of mental illnesses, while 1-2 per cent suffer from acute mental disease. He also admitted that there was shortage of medical staff deal-
ing with mental health in the country and the government is trying hard to have more such specialists. Various stakeholders including academia, experts and political establishment were consulted while formulating the Bill, Nadda said, adding "the Bill focusses on community based treatment. Special provisions for women and health have also been provided for in the Bill." Among the various objectives, the bill provides for ensuring healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness "in a manner that does not intrude on their rights and dignity." It also allows adults to make an advance directive on how they wish to be treated in case they suffer from mental illness in future. A person can also chose a nominative representative who would take care of him or her. Earlier, Congress member T Subbirami Reddy raised a point of order saying the bill had as many as 134 amendments and sought to know if a new bill could be drafted. He was supported by his party colleague Jairam Ramesh, with even Deputy Chairman P J Kurien observing that the point of order raised by Reddy was "very valid" but asked them to raise the issue when the measure was taken up for passage.(Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
PAGE 7
NEIGHBOURS
breaking rules, will adopt Japan summons Chinese China tough stance against it: Trump envoy amid ship 'incursions' Tokyo, Aug 9: Japan summoned China's ambassador on Wednesday after the country's ships were spotted near disputed East China Sea islands for a fifth straight day. Foreign minister Fumio Kishida called in Cheng Yonghua, Beijing's envoy to Tokyo, the foreign ministry said -the second such summons since Friday. "The situation surrounding the Japan-China relationship is markedly deteriorating," he told Cheng, according to the ministry's statement on its website. "We cannot accept that (China) is taking actions that unilaterally raise tensions." The two countries are locked in a long-running dispute over the uninhabited islets known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China. The move comes after repeated protests by Japanese foreign
Japan summons Chinese envoy amid ship 'incursions' ministry officials since Friday over what Tokyo calls "intrusions" by Chinese ships in the territorial and contiguous waters of the rocky islands. Cheng was also summoned on Friday by vice minister Shinsuke Sugiyama after two Chinese coast guard
and fishing vessels entered Japan's territorial waters. On Tuesday morning, the Japan Coast Guard said it spotted Chinese ships in the country's territorial waters surrounding the islands and about a dozen others nearby. The Japanese coastguard a day before caught sight of
15 Chinese coast guard ships near the islands -- the highest number ever spotted. Some 230 Chinese fishing vessels and seven coast guard ships, including four apparently carrying weapons, sailed into waters close to the disputed island on Sunday.
It is rare for so many Chinese fishing vessels to be seen in the disputed waters. Tensions over the islands have been a frequent irritant and have strained bilateral relations, though tensions had markedly relaxed over the past two years as two sides took steps to ease the pressure through dialogue. But the fundamental divide over the islands remains unresolved. Japan's Kyodo News reported Monday that Japan wants "highlevel" talks with China over the incursions as they have not stopped despite Tokyo's protests. Citing a government source, it said that Japan wants to bring up the issue in talks between the country's leaders and foreign ministers. Japan protested in June after it said a Chinese navy frigate sailed close to territorial waters near the islands for the first time.(Agencies)
Both sides brace for crucial battle for Syria's Aleppo Beirut, Aug 9: Syrian regime forces and rebel factions sent hundreds of reinforcements to Aleppo on Monday as both sides braced for a crucial battle to control the country's second city.
hitting Aleppo but there were no signs yet of significant new offensives. After years of stalemate, fighting for the city entered a new phase last month when government forces took control of the last supply road into rebel-held areas, leaving some 250,000 people in eastern districts surrounded.
Fighting for Syria's former economic powerhouse is intensifying after an opposition advance at the weekend broke through a threeweek government siege of the city's rebel-held east, dealing a major setback to regime troops. Rebel forces on Sunday announced a bid to capture all of Aleppo city, which if successful would mark the biggest opposition victory yet in Syria's five-year civil war. But forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad are putting up a fierce fight and have begun pouring in reinforcements. The main opposition coalition said on Monday it was
only a matter of time before rebels take all of Aleppo, but the United States warned there would be no quick victory. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said some 2,000 pro-regime fighters from Syria, Iraq, Iran and Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah had arrived in Aleppo since late Sunday..
"Both sides are amassing their fighters in preparation for the great battle of Aleppo," said Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the Britain-based Observatory. The Monday edition of AlWatan, a Syrian daily close to the government, reported that the army had received "the necessary military reinforcements to launch the battle to retake the areas
from which it withdrew." It said a military operation by Syria's armed forces was "imminent... and inevitable." Aleppo has been roughly divided between government forces in the west and rebel groups in the east since fighting first broke out there in mid-2012. A correspondent in the eastern districts said shelling and sporadic clashes were
In a desperate bid to break the siege, a coalition of rebels, Islamists and jihadists overran a series of buildings in a military academy on the southwestern edges of Aleppo on Saturday before linking up with rebel groups inside the city. Emboldened by the victory, the fighters -- largely grouped under the banner of the Army of Conquest -- set their sights on recapturing all of Aleppo. In a statement on Sunday the Army of Conquest announced "the start of a new phase to liberate all of Aleppo", pledging to "double the number of fighters for this next battle".(Agencies)
Balochistan blast: 93 killed in Quetta hospital Islamabad, Aug 9: A deafening blast ripped through scores of mourners in a Quetta hospital on Monday killing 93 people, mainly lawyers, in this year's bloodiest terror attack in Pakistan, officials said. Balochistan Health Minister Rehmat Baloch blamed a suicide bomber for the carnage that took place when a large number of lawyers had gathered at the Civil Hospital with the body of a lawyer shot dead hours earlier. The hospital superintendent confirmed the toll, reported. Two legs of a body found at the site were likely to be that of the suicide bomber, it said. Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri blamed the Indian intelligence agency RAW, saying it was responsible for incidents of terror in
Quetta.
injured, Dawn said.
hospital.
dead.
His comments about the RAW came even before the police could say who was responsible for the horrific attack. The massive explosion occurred when nearly 100 lawyers and some journalists reached the Civil Hospital with the body of Bilal Anwar Kasi, president of the Balochistan Bar Association who was killed earlier.
A stampede broke out after the bombing, causing chaos at the hospital, witnesses said. Smoke filled the corridors of the emergency ward. Video footage showed lawyers rushing with stretchers to help the wounded. Samaa TV said bodies were strewn on the floor, some still smoking, "amid pools of blood and shattered glass". Shocked and dozed survivors wept and comforted one another, journalists at the site said. Many of the dead wore black suits and ties.
"This was a security lapse and I am having this personally investigated," Balochistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who left Islamabad for Quetta, condemned the killings and expressed his "deep grief and anguish over the loss of precious human lives".
Lawyers have been targeted several times in recent months in Balochistan. One lawyer, Jahanzeb Alvi, was shot dead on August 3. Bilal Kasi, who himself was shot dead on Monday, had condemned Alvi's murder and announced a two-day boycott of courts. The principal of University of Balochistan's law college, Barrister Amanullah Achakzai, was also shot dead by unknown assailants in June. Balochistan has experienced violence and targeted killings for more than a decade. Pakistan's largest province by area, Balochistan is home to a low-level insurgency by Baloch separatists. Al Qaeda-linked and sectarian militants also operate in the region. (Agencies)
Police officer Zahoor Ahmed Afridi said most of the dead were lawyers. Several lawyers, including Baz Mohammad Kakar, the former president of the Balochistan Bar Association, were injured, reported. Gunfire was heard shortly after the explosion. Shahzad Khan, a cameraman with Aaj TV, was also killed in the explosion while the cameraman for Dawn News was severely
Officials said as jammers were activated immediately after the blast, it became difficult to contact officials at the site. Police surrounded the hospital and an emergency was declared in all Quetta hospitals. Senior military officers also rushed to the
"No one will be allowed to disturb the peace in the province that has been restored thanks to the countless sacrifices by the security forces, police and the people of Balochistan," he said in a statement. Former Chief Minister Abdul Malik called it the "blackest day" in the history of Balochistan. It was the worst terrorist attack in Pakistan this year since the March 27 bombing at Gulshan-e-Iqbal park in Lahore that left 75 people
Beijing, Aug 9: Claiming that China is responsible for nearly half of the US' entire trade deficit, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Monday vowed to adopt a tough posture against Beijing if voted to power and alleged that the country was breaking rules in every way imaginable. "At the centre of my plan is trade enforcement with China. This alone could return millions of jobs into our economy," Trump said in his major economic policy speech which among others included strong protections against currency manipulation, tariffs against any countries that cheat by unfairly subsidising their goods and a renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). "If we don't get a better deal, we will walk away," the 70-year-old real estate tycoon said. He claimed that China was responsible for nearly half of US' entire trade deficit. Trump alleged that China breaks the rules in every way imaginable. "China engages in illegal export subsidies, prohibited currency manipulation, and rampant theft of intellectual property. They also have no real environmental or labour protections, further undercutting American workers," Trump said. "Just enforcing intellectual property rules alone could save millions and millions of American jobs. According to the US International
Trade Commission, improved protection of America's intellectual property in China would produce more than 2 million more jobs right here in the United States," said the billionaire from New York. Trump said that along with that the saved jobs from cracking down on currency cheating and product dumping, will bring trillions of dollars in new wealth and wages back to the United States. The Republican presidential nominee also lashed out at South Korea, which he claimed perfectly illustrates the broken promises that have hurt so many American workers. "President (Barack) Obama, and the usual socalled experts who've been wrong about every trade deal for decades, predicted that the trade deal with South Korea would increase our exports to South Korea by more than USD 10 billion - resulting in some 70,000 jobs," he said. "Like Hillary Clinton's broken promises to New York, these pledges all turned out
to be false. Instead of creating 70,000 jobs, it has killed nearly 100,000, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Our exports to South Korea haven't increased at all, but their imports to us have surged more than USD 15 billion - more than doubling our trade deficit with that country," he said. A vote for Hillary Clinton is a vote for Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) - and it is also a vote for NAFTA, he argued. "Our annual trade deficit in goods with Mexico has risen from close to zero in 1993 to almost USD 60 billion. Our total trade deficit in goods hit nearly USD 800 billion last year," he said. "This is a strike at the heart of Michigan, and our nation as a whole. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, before NAFTA went into effect, there were 285,000 auto workers in Michigan. Today, that number is only 160,000," Trump said. Trump alleged Clinton's Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will be an even bigger disaster for the auto industry.(Agencies)
US condemns terror attack on Pakistan hospital
US condemns terror attack on Pakistan hospital
Pak, Aug 9: The US on Monday strongly condemned the terror attack at a hospital in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province and offered assistance to the Pakistani government in its bid to bring to justice the perpetrators of the assault. "Our hearts go out to the families and other loved ones of more than 60 killed and we wish a speedy recovery to the dozens more injured. The US is committed to our continuing counter-terrorism partnership with Pakistan, and we remain resolute in joining with the people of Pakistan in confronting terrorism in Pakistan and across the region," Josh Earnest WH Press Secretary, said. "The United States condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks on Monday in Quetta, in-
cluding the bombing at the Civil Hospital that killed dozens of Pakistanis and wounded many more, and the murder of Bilal Anwar Kasi, president of the Baluchistan Bar Association," the State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau, said. "We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, and we offer our assistance to Prime Minister Sharif as his government investigates and works to bring the murderers to justice," she said. Trudeau said the terrorists targeted a hospital, as well as the judiciary and the media, two of the most important pillars of every democracy. "The victims at the Civil Hospital, many of them lawyers and journalists, were gathered as free citizens to mourn the
murder of Kasi," she said. "These brutal and senseless attacks only deepen our shared resolve to defeat terrorism around the world, and we will continue to work with our partners in Pakistan and across the region to combat the threat of terrorism," Trudeau said. At least 75 people were killed and 115 others injured on Monday when a Taliban suicide bomber struck them in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province in one of the deadliest terror attacks in the country this year. The bomber struck at a time when over 200 mourners had gathered at the government-run Civil Hospital in Quetta where the body of prominent lawyer Bilal Anwar Kasi, who was shot dead earlier in the day, was brought.(Agencies)
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Assam Branch Indian Tea Association Irom Sharmila End 16-year-long fast Irom started the hunger strike in November 2000 after the Malom massacre in a small village on the outskirts of Imphal, in which 10 people were reportedly killed by a governmentcontrolled paramilitary force, the Assam Rifles. Under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, in the 7 NorthEastern states and J&K, the armed forces can arrest, search without a warrant and use force on the basis of "reasonable suspicion" that a person is engaging in anti-national activities. Now almost sixteen years after she started a hunger strike, India's 'Iron Lady' Irom Chanu Sharmila, is expected to eat her first meal on Tuesday. The 44-year old campaigner, who has become a symbol of resistance against state violence in the conflict-torn northeastern state of Manipur, had set to break fast as she appears before a court charged with attempted suicide. Irom has been fed through a nasal tube at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, where she is currently being held by police. As part of judicial proceedings she has to appear in court every fortnight. At her last hearing she announced that her struggle against the armed forces special powers act was not working and that it was time to try another route. Irom's journey from prison to politics has led to comparisons with
icons such as Aung San Suu Kyi and Nelson Mandela. The end of the hunger strike coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Quit India movement, a symbolic day of remembrance for India's struggle for freedom against British colonisers. Choosing to end the fast on the same day has been interpreted by some as a sign of her disillusionment with India's democratic process. Irom's announcement that she will enter politics has already garnered interest from opposition parties in Imphal. In the past, she has turned down offers to join both the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). But it is unclear whether she will join one of the mainstream political parties or float an outfit of her own. Her fast has made her synonymous with the resistance movement in Manipur, and she could control huge swathes of votes throughout Manipur. Irom Sharmila doesn't just belong to Manipur, but represents the indomitable human spirit of resilience against injustice and human rights violation. Sharmila and her cause has always been in the news. Had it not been for Irom Sharmila's sacrifice, Manipur and the plight of its people would have never drawn national and international attention and support.
Organic Farming Organic agriculture is now being embraced by the mainstream Of late, agriculture in Sikkim, which has set for itself to go fully organic by December 2015, hogs the limelight in the media .Organic agriculture has grown out of the conscious efforts by inspired people to create the best possible relationship between the earth and men. Since its beginning the sphere surrounding organic agriculture has become considerably more complex. A major challenge today is certainly its entry into the policy making arena, its entry into anonymous global market and the transformation of organic products into commodities. During the last two decades, there has also been a significant sensitization of the global community towards environmental preservation and assuring of food quality. Ardent promoters of organic farming consider that it can meet both these demands and become the mean for complete development of rural areas. After almost a century of development organic agriculture is now being embraced by the mainstream and shows great promise commercially, socially and environmentally. While there is continuum of thought from earlier days to the
present, the modern organic movement is radically different from its original form. It now has environmental sustainability at its core in addition to the founders concerns for healthy soil, healthy food and healthy people. Since organic foods are considered to be premium (hence costly, beyond the reach of majority of populace), subsidising organic agriculture amounts to subsidising rich man's food. Policy makers should consider this before spending public money and subsidising organic agriculture. In addition, huge subsidies to promote organic agricultural area may contribute to more data fraud and misappropriation of funds in future. Hence, for India (the world's second most populated country and where land is increasingly becoming scarce) adoption of only-organic route of farming could be disastrous. It is only by using modern agriculture techniques and inputs (in terms optimum utilisation of fertilisers and crop protection products) farmers can increase food production to meet the requirements of growing population.
The Assam Branch Indian Tea Association in collaboration with UNICEF brings sustainable transformation in the lives of tea garden workers in Upper Assam Rooplin Sharma The Assam Branch Indian Tea Association (ABITA) and UNICEF, shared how their collaboration has brought about significant change in the lives of the tea garden workers, through the implementation of its social welfare programs towards better health and nutrition and community development in Upper Assam. This was shared by Mr. Sandip Ghosh, Secretary Assam Branch Indian Tea Association. Assam Branch of India Tea Association (ABITA) and UNICEF have a long standing partnership on Child Protection initiative since 2007. To address one of the major components of Child protection, an initiative was launched in April 2011 in 15 selected tea estates of ABITA in Dibrugarh district of Assam as a pilot project till March 2013, focusing primarily in improving the nutrition & health status of Adolescent girls in tea estates and with a view to reducing the prevalence of anemia in adolescent girls and women by addressing the underlying factors responsible for their poor nutrition status, complemented by improved life skills education. This progressive partnership has led to significant changes on nutritional status of adolescent girls in the tea garden areas through strengthening service delivery mechanism within the tea garden areas The Tea Communities constitute 17% of the population and Tea estates constitute 24% of land of the state of Assam. The ABITA, through various projects, strengthens the welfare initiatives of its member Tea estates as part of its commitment to welfare of the Tea community. In the process, the Association also facilitates the implementation of the PLA by the Tea Garden Managements. Through the provisions of the Plantation Labour Act (PLA), shelter, educational and health facilities are provided within the Tea Garden areas for the benefit of the workers and their families. In 2015, ABITA has done a phenomenal work titled Swachch Cha Bagan Programme, under this programme, The Singlijan and Lankashi tea estates were declared as an Open defecation free (ODF) tea estate with support from the govt. department and gram panchayat. 212 Anganwadi & ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers and 612 mothers Club members and service providers trained on Water, Sanitation & Hygiene issues. After advocacy with tea garden management, 542 Toilets were con-
structed /repaired by the tea estate management and 460 toilets were constructed by the Govt. 50 handpumps were installed and 371 handpumps were repaired by the tea estate management. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sandip Ghosh, Secretary, Assam Branch Indian Tea Association said, "We are thankful to our decade old partner UNICEF, who has been supporting though their hands- on involvement and monitoring of the programs in member estates. In collaboration with UNICEF, we have been implementing its child protection and nutrition programs since 2007. Last year , the coverage extended to as many as 116 member tea estates in the districts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Sivasagar culminating in positively impacting the reduction in infant mortality rate and maternal mortality ratios in the member gardens as the incidence of such casualties now is either nil or minimal." In Assam, several welfare schemes in collaboration with UNICEF , District Administrations and other agencies have been institutionalized and are in operation:" Joyful Learning Programme: This programme was initiated in 2001- 2003 . 63 Tea Garden school teachers were trained on the joyful learning methods. " Crèche Attendant Programme:This programme was initiated in 2003-2004 and a large number of crèches were developed and crèche attendants were trained in counseling of parents, mothers, lactating mothers on malnutrition. " Young Child Survival Programme:- This programme was initiated from 2008-2011. According to the programme, 315 demo toilets were constructed in 63 tea estates, 58 Sishu Rakhsha Committee were formed, and 63 Tea Estate Doctors / Health Assistants were trained on IMNCI (Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness). IMNCI is an integrated approach to child health that focuses on the well being of the whole child. It focuses primarily on the most common causes of child mortality- diarrhea, pneumonia, measles, malaria and malnutrition, illness affecting children aged 1 week- 2months, 2 months5 years. " (Water Hygiene & Sanitation)WASH Advocacy:- This programme has been initiated in collaboration with UNICEF and District Administration to improve sanitation facilities in tea estates in 5 Districts of Assam . Under the initiative 334 community people
were sensitized on the use of water handling and safe drinking water, 737 teachers and AWW(Anganwadi Worker) workers were trained on safe drinking water, 6110 trained community people w ere sensitized on sanitation and hand washing practices, 605 mothers club members were trained on health nutrition and sanitation issues , 67 masons were trained for construction of sanitary toilets, 107 community people were sensitized on diarrhoea prevention, 227 Schools covered through WASH awareness campaign. " Formation of Child Protection Committee :- Under this programme, 116 Child Protection Committee(CPC) were formed in 116 member estates, with representatives of the tea management, members, teachers, adolescent members, mothers club members, labour union leaders etc. building synergy between the representatives of different government schemes, local governance and tea estate to create a protective environment for children and adolescent girls. Through this initiative, a number of social evils were stopped:- 66 cases of child marriages,135 cases of child labour and 555 number of school drop outs mainstreamed. " Promotion of Protective Environment for Adolescent Girls:- Under this programme, 187 Adolescent Girls Club (AGC) were developed, with a total registered membership of 12301 adolescent girls (Aged 10-19 years). The formation of AGC at estate level has not only helped in providing a formal space for the girls for interaction with their peers and community members, but has also played an important role in empowering the girls by increasing their visibility, confidence levels and life skills. " Iron and Folic Acid Supervision programme:- To reduce
anaemia among adolescent girls, the Association has directly supervised weekly Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation and biannual de-worming to adolescent girls of 15 tea estates. At the end of the project almost 96% of the adolescent girls in 15 Tea Estates were seemed to be habituated to take IFA tablets weekly.It achieved 13.5% reduction of anemia during the 2011 to 2013 period in nutrition covering estates due to proper administration of IFA to the adolescent girls. " Vulnerability to disease and fatality: - Diarrhea and dysentery which used to assume endemic proportions have been controlled. Tea Estate workers are under the surveillance of the DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme- a state run tuberculosis (TB) control initiative of the Government of India) were TB medicines are provided free of cost. Awareness of TB cure campaign has been launched by the Association towards ensuring that workers complete the medication. " Health and Safety: - Protective gears are provided to the spraying squads to cover health and safety aspects of workers. Training and Awareness programmes are conducted regularly. Mr. Ved Prakash Gautam, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF, said, "Community upliftment has been one of the focal points of the ABITA members who work through the association. Developmental works in the field of education, sports and sports infrastructure, infrastructural support to medical institutions, promotion of Agro-Technology etc. are the key activities under the scheme of works of the association towards the society. With our partnership with ABITA our focus has been the prioritization of children healthcare and nutrition from the tea communities as an important constituency in
ABITA's drive on health related initiatives. Overall, the partnership has brought about a visible change in child and mother survival related indicators in 128 project gardens." The adolescent girls groups initiated by ABITA have been promoted as a behavior change communication initiative at the household level to ensure internalization of key behaviors relating to nutrition and child protection. It has been noticed the change of behavior on various issues like practice of good food habits, use of sanitary napkins, hand washing and use of safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene by the adolescent girls and their families. To spread the awareness regarding nutrition, health and hygiene among the adolescent girls Nutrition and Health Education (NHE) was imparted to all the adolescent girls of 15 tea estates by the resource persons nominated by MCH Cell of AMCH that they can follow healthy habits and also advocate to other community members. Given the status of the Tea communities especially women population in terms of their standard of living and limited access to social benefits and with a view to developing overall community people, ABITA and the tea estate Management took a initiative by formation and strengthening the Mothers Club in each estate with certain aims and objectives. Mothers Club and Adolescent Girls Clubs were supported for opening of Health Food Shop at Tea garden areas. During the period nine Health Food Shops were setup by the tea estate management which ensures the availability of locally available-nutritious food for use of communities at a reasonable cost at their door steps. Based on the result achieved from the initiative taken during 2011-13 and impact of the project among the adolescent girls and community people, ABITA and UNICEF
Imbroglio In A Herculean Task Sir, Since conceptualization, the process of compilation of National Register of citizens (NRC) has been receiving hindrances one after another. Many foreign nationals (migrants from Bangladesh) are hell-bent to incorporate their names in the Register by foul means. The authority taking up the job of update of the Register faces an uphill task. Meanwhile, cases with many fake documents have been detected and cases filed against them in different courts of Assam. But compared to huge number of such fake cases, number of cases detected is few and far bet ween. This happens only because of the sluggish way in which the work of verification is conducted. Huge number of documents submitted have their origins in the neighbouring stats like WestBengal, Bihar and almost all the states of the north-east. All these documents have been sent to the respective states for verification. The highest number of cases are from West-Bengal. All these states, as reported in the news - papers maintain a halfhearted notion in verifying the documents sent to them. Mainly because of this delay, the entire process of update receives
a severe setback, for which the NRC compilation authority as a last resort approaches the Government of India and places the matter before the supreme court. Incidentally, the apex court has been monitoring the matter of update of NRC.
Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
agreed to extend the Nutrition coverage of the project upto 42 tea estates in 2015 and 63 tea estates from 2016. The present district wise coverage of the Nutrition activities as 39 tea estates in Dibrugarh District, 15 tea estates in Tinsukia District and 9 tea estates in Sivasagar District of Upper Assam. The Association also provides medical facilities and sickness benefits which includes treatment to all workers and eligible dependents at garden hospitals. For complicated medical cases which require advanced healthcare are referred to central hospitals/ government hospitals/ medical college hospitals for better treatment. All these are provided free of cost. It has also embarked on a partnership with National Health Mission (NHM) of the Govt. of India, which is promoted and partnered by the Govt. of Assam. This assistance of the Govt. of Assam for an all inclusive medicare system is now available in 105 estates of its membership. The ABITA has also undertaken some innovative approaches such as promoting nutritional security and food diversity by establishing community and individual kitchen gardens for improving the consumption of green leafy vegetables and fulfilling the additional nutritional requirements of adolescents. In order to promote healthy dietary and cooking practices at the household level, various types of nutritious recipe / cooking demonstrations were done. It has also established Health Food Shops in tea estates, for the benefit of the tea estate families, especially for the targeted women and adolescent girls. The Govt. of Assam also adopted this innovative approach for implementing it in other tea estates. (For further information, please contact Rooplin Sharma: 9864932500)
Best Letter The best letter
of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing. Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786001 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Email : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com
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6 Things To Avoid While Making Career Decisions Prateek Bhargava What do you do when you select a restaurant to throw a party? You look it up on your smartphone, ask a couple of people for reviews, do a ground visit to check if the place meets your requirements of music and dĂŠcor, see if the place falls in your price range, negotiate and make a booking, sit down with the manager to finalise menu and then finally invite hundred other people. Basically, you do everything you can to make sure that you've got it all in order. But when it comes to making a choice that can make or break your entire future, you rely on pure hearsay, and maybe a few online reviews and advice that other people give you, and do not look for elements that might throw you off
your game. So, essentially you do more due diligence for throwing a party, than making your career decisions. When the world tells you what you should, I'm telling you what you shouldn't. Here are 6 extremely important things not to do, when making a career decision. 1. Two Before One! Everyone knows that two comes after one, but while we're in the decision-making process, we often first take decisions and then look for evidence that might justify our decision. So if you're thinking to yourself, "Doing Engineering would be a good move for me, but let me weigh out its pros and cons‌" you're letting confirmation bias influence your decision. Do not do that, consider every option independently and give it a fair shot. Remember, AB = BA, but only in math!
2. Tell Me, World! Prof X mixed up sugar and spice and everything nice to brew success. But that could be a recipe for disaster too if you do it subjectively, and you know, with fifty other people. Your mind is already confused with the options that are open to you. Bringing in viewpoints of family and friends, which are totally different from each other, will only deepen the ocean. Sure they all love you, and want what's best for you, but looks like this is a decision, that you have to take yourself. If you absolutely must, involve someone who is objective and can look at the bigger picture to give you the right advice. 3. Let Fear Fly The Plane! In general, decisions based on emotions tend to be more irrational than the ones based on fact and reason. And when fear captains the flight, the outcome is
even worse. It tends to hold your mind hostage and keeps you safe in your minute comfort space. Fear can and will never, support or reinforce your high ambitions. So pop that bubble and get started, make your career decisions, not on 'what if you don't make it', but on 'what if you do'. 4. Left Or Right! For many, it's always this or that, IIT or nothing, a pattern known as 'A or B mentality'. In such a zone, your mind tends to paint everything in black and white and show you only two stark options at the corners and nothing in the middle. Such a thought-process limits your horizon and stops you from accurately understanding the prospects that surround you. Sure, aim for the Everest, but do not limit your options. When in 'this or that' situation, always ask yourself,
and? You already have the two options in black, search for and what else? 5. Hold 'Em Tight! The time of fashion design being exclusive to girls and engineering to boys has long gone by. Today, we do what we like. They say to try something new, we have to first drain out what's in our mind already. It holds true to our career decisions as well. To truly explore something, we must first let go of our preconceptions and beliefs. Allow your perceptions and notions to grow along with evidence, never let your commitment to your ideology or set of beliefs stop you from doing what's right. After all, if 90's don't influence our style anymore, why should they influence our decisions? 6. Think, A Lot! Excessive thinking could cause your mind to undergo 'analysis paralysis', a situation where your mind goes
: Image for representational purpose (Photo: i0.wp)
With Its New Political Alliance, Is BJP's Mission Northeast On A Tricky Turf? Ayan Sharma About a fortnight ago, on an eventful morning in Guwahati, the political capital of Assam, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President, Amit Shah was ecstatically charting out the road map of his party's ambitious invasion of the northeast. It was the glittering launch of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), a group of BJP and ten other regional parties of the northeastern states, which, Shah envisioned, would triumphantly lead to a 'Congress-mukt Northeast'. The birth of NEDA, apparently Shah's brainchild, was studded by the presence of the who's who of politics including four present and a few former Chief Ministers of the northeast alongside several state and national level BJP leaders. Inaugurating the alliance, Shah thundered, "The NEDA has been formed to change the history of the northeast forever. The whole northeast is a region of possibilities". Urged by an excited crowd, he continued, "Northeast has everything but still it is lagging behind due to insurgency, illegal immigrants and negligence by the former Congress governments both at the centre and the states. Now, with the formation of NEDA every problem will be solved." Moments later, as reported in the local press, the BJP top brass present at the gathering received a massive blow from the Supreme Court which left a blot on their own party's history. The apex court had just ordered the restoration of the previous Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh by ousting the BJP-propelled Kalikho Pul from the Chief Minister's chair. Pul, an important ally in NEDA and thus present on the occasion, was as snubbed and dumbstruck just as his aides from the BJP who all had together manoeuvred an undemocratic overthrow of the incumbent Nabam Tukiled Congress government back in December, 2015 with the help of the state Governor. The timing of the verdict did not fail to showcase the irony of NEDA's launch. On a day the BJP National President was talking about increasing cooperation among the different political parties of the Northeast under his own leadership, the judiciary rebuked the same party for attempting to subvert democracy in one such northeastern state. Political commentators were quick to point out BJP's double standards being
disguised under the facade of 'cooperative federalism' since this was the second time that such undemocratic tactics to capture power were being employed after their first unsuccessful attempt in Uttarakhand. Clearly, the launch of NEDA did not quite turn out to be a rosy day the BJP had expected it to be. The NEDA was conceived on May 24 this year after the swearing-in ceremony of the first ever BJPled government in Assam and the Northeast. Driven by the unprecedented electoral success first in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and then in the 2016 Assembly elections in Assam, Shah couldn't wait any longer to extend his victory march to the other states of the region in the coming days. His Man Friday in this mission is Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, a younger face from Assam who was previously a strongman of Assam Congress before switching to the saffron fold in September last year. Apart from the BJP, the alliance consists of one party each from Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh; two from Meghalaya and three from Assam. One may however point out that this is not the first time that different parties of the region have come together under a common platform. As late as in October 2013, a forum named Northeast Regional Political Front was floated by the Naga People's Front (NPF) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), both being key players in Nagaland and Assam respectively and also present constituents of NEDA. The only significant difference with NEDA is the fact that for the first time the initiative to create such a body has been taken by a national party and not by its regional constituents. Even then, NEDA is not free from the multitude of challenges that politics in Northeast India always throws up. Will BJP Remain Satisfied With Being 'First Among Equals'? To begin with, creating a relationship based on mutual trust and confidence vis-a-vis its regional allies
has become an uphill task for the alliance leader BJP. The sabotage of federal relations by the BJP in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh seem to have reinforced BJP's desperation to assume power even by unfair means. Indian politics is replete with such bitter episodes over the decades with both Congress and BJP being party to these exercises in the past. Now that the latter is on a mission to rid the country of the former by embracing different stakeholders in different regions, these strategies will only stoke up the insecurity of smaller parties in BJP's alliance endeavours. Under such clouds, both Shah and Sarma have been careful enough to assert from the very outset that BJP will only be the 'first among equals' in NEDA, that the party will not attempt to boss around and rather treat all its allies with equal respect. However just as in many other instances across the country, the BJP has failed to walk the talk here in the northeast too. Just a little more than two months into power, the BJP-led government in Assam has already drawn flak from one of its major partner i.e. AGP. The BJP's slogan for the assembly elections in the state was"Jaati, maati aru bhetir rokkhya", that is the "protection of the nationality (indigenous people of Assam in this case), land and cultural foundations". Be that as it may, several decisions by the state government, including auctioning of the state's petroleum resources to private capital and granting of citizenship to the Hindu immigrants from Bangladesh, have already cast a serious doubt over the party's true commitment to its slogans. Justified or not, issues such as this inevitably lead to popular outrage against the government in a state like Assam, where a significantly large and strong constituency articulates a sub-nationalist politics, fueled by perceptions of political injustice and economic exploitation by New Delhi. It is this constituency that brought the AGP to power, twice and also the
one that the BJP has wrested this time to form the government. In the face of such popular backlash, the alliance partner AGP has increasingly found itself in a bumpy predicament prompting the influential Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, the twotime former Chief Minister of Assam, to continually direct his tirades against the BJP over all of these issues. Mahanta's fundamental complaint against the majority leader BJP is the latter's refusal to draft a 'Common Minimum Program' and a Coordination Committee of the legislative parties among the three alliance partners. This demand has found currency among a substantial section of the AGP and some in BPF (Bodoland People's Front, the other ally in the state government) too since these represent the cornerstone of the new-age alliance based politics. This inability of the BJP to take its allies into confidence is not a healthy sign for the NEDA's future as it sends out a grim reminder of BJP's arrogance to all the smaller parties it is willing to embrace in the region. Ally Hunting Another immediate challenge facing the BJP in NEDA is finding allies in Manipur and Tripura, the former being ruled by the Congress and the latter by the Left, both incumbencies being in power for at least three consecutive terms. Manipur goes to polls in early 2017 and Tripura in early 2018. With such little time in the face of formidable opponents, the BJP is in a difficult position to reach out to the voters in these poll-bound states. The party cannot fight an election in any of these states on its own and therefore an ally in each of them is not only a must for substantive electoral outcomes, but also for legitimising the national party's presence in the volatile political spaces of the states. NEDA's woes however do not end only with the questions of 'trust building' and 'ally hunting'. A quick glimpse of the different constituents of the alliance will shed light on the ethnicitybased compositions of most
of these parties, a premise which is very common when it comes to political formations in the region. Such ethnicity-driven formations have, however, entangled the region's political landscape with a gamut of conflicts based on opposing interests. Land and identity stand out most prominently among them. Possible Disputes Between NEDA Members The inter-state boundaries between several Northeastern states have incited a recurring tussle in the region for many decades now. The Assam-Nagaland border dispute is five-decade old and its solution is nowhere in sight in the near future. Dozens of people have lost their lives on both the sides in the numerous clashes and the economies of the two states have also been severely hit from time to time due to road blockades over the decades. Yet the ruling dispensation on either side is far from negotiating a settlement over the dispute, a potential threat to the stability of NEDA since it includes both the local ruling parties of Assam and Nagaland i.e AGP and NPF respectively. Assam also has an equally-tense border dispute with Arunachal Pradesh and somewhat softer tensions over her borders with Mizoram and Meghalaya, the former Chief Ministers of which are a part of the NEDA. The other states embroiled in the boundary deadlock are Tripura and Mizoram and most importantly Nagaland and Manipur. Over the years, the Nagaland-Manipur conflict has often led to intense economic blockades and large-scale ethnicity-driven bloodshed. Many in Manipur also fear that the Modi government at the centre might agree to clandestinely give away portions of its land to the Nagas to make up for the territory of the proposed Nagalim as part of the Naga Accord with the NSCN-IM, provoking many street protests in Imphal already. While the BJP is scavenging for an ally in Manipur, the joining of any local party from Manipur in NEDA will very likely lead to a conflict between this new entrant and NPF since the latter is seen close to the NSCN-IM and thus a tacit backer of the Nagalim, the map of which eats up substantial portions of Manipur's territory. This will severely jeopardise BJP's equations in NEDA. Moreover in Assam, the Bodo political organizations
have for long been leading a campaign for a separate Bodo state under the Union of India for a couple of decades now. Such a demand has not gone down well with a large section of the population in Assam, most significantly with the nontribal Assamese speakers. In such a backdrop, the presence of the BPF, articulating Bodo political interests, alongside AGP in NEDA, the staunch advocate of Assam's unity and integrity, may prove a tough deal to negotiate for NEDA. Indeed, the fear of losing identity and land dominates the political discourse in the region and political formations take shape by responding to this overarching narrative. It is this highly sensitive hurdle that holds the potential to thwart Amit Shah's grand calculations in the northeastern frontier. Northeast Not A Homogeneous Unit The saffron brigade is also likely to face a strong resentment from many of its allies in NEDA if its traditional 'cultural Hindutva' agenda is attempted to be pushed into the multi-cultural social fabric of northeast India. While increased development and inter-connectedness remain the ostensible agenda of BJP's outreach program in the region, one cannot lose sight of the simultaneously increasing RSS activities primarily in the conventional sphere of education. Covert they may be, but such activities, which threaten the different indigenous and animist cultures of different tribes of the region, are bound to create ripples across the culturally sensitive region, sooner than later. Unity among political formations in Northeast India is definitely a good idea but the inherent tendency of the dominant 'heartland' politicians toward treating the Northeast as a homogenous unit has only worsened the region's ethnogeographic tensions over the decades. Rather than subsuming the major regional parties of the northeastern states under one grand agenda - primarily to achieve its own electoral goal of a 'Congress-mukt bharat' - the BJP would have done better by thinking of structurally addressing the various local issues and interests in various parts to ensure durable inter-ethnic peace in the region. Contradictory ethnic, political and territorial interests put NEDA on a tricky wicket. Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz
round and round in circles to absorb, analyse and debate to make a decision. That is until a new internet article, or someone's viewpoint comes along. And then, it all starts again. This can happen to the best of us, and all we might end up doing is revolving in circles and not come to any final word. Thinking is fine, but do not overdo it. Give yourself a stipulated time to evaluate all possibilities, and then you must game on, and make that career decision, you've been dreading it for a while. Making decisions is hard. Knowing that they'll effect your entire life, is harder. But this is a decision, that all of us have to make, don't be a dummy and fall into traps, do not do the things mentioned above, and you might be good to go, already! Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz
How A Tribal Community In MP United To Protect Their Only Source Of Livelihood Vishnukant Govindwad According to a report published by Kumar Sambhav Shrivastava in Hindustan Times, the ministry of environment claims to have carried out plantation on 19.64 million hectors under various government schemes between 2003 and 2014. But the corresponding increase in forest cover was only 2.4 million hectares. This low percent of survival rate shows that a crucial link in this process was missed - the community. In my opinion, providing the livelihood options to the local communities will help them decrease their dependency on forest and increase conservation. This would help in increasing forest cover through regeneration and forests will be protected by the local communities. A Village In Kanha-Pench Corridor I have been working with a cluster-level team of an NGO in Mandla, MP for one and a half years. I have been in continuous interaction with communities and would like to share a story from one of the villages. Attarchuha is a small village in Mandla district, situated in Kanha-Pench corridor and is home to the entire population of Baiga tribe, who are identified as a vulnerable tribal group (PVTGs). These communities are fully dependent on forests for their livelihood. To improve dialogue on protecting their resources, a people's institution was formed with the consent of thegram sabha to understand individual needs as well as improve natural resource management and community needs. Interventions For Alternative Livelihoods It was observed, that communities are dependent on the forest for fuel wood, small timber, and construction material for housing and on wood for agricultural implements as well as honey, roots, fruits, leaves, flowers etc. Some of them were also selling charcoal in nearby cities to earn quick money. It was obviously difficult for our team to tell them to leave all livelihood options and start conserving the forests, which is why, we decided to follow a perspective plan prepared by the village institution. Smart stoves were promoted as a replacement to wood, not only because these would help reduce the use of wood for fuel, but also, help in reducing the emission of harmful gases. Apart from that, emphasis was given on increasing agricultural productivity by conducting several training sessions on agricultural practices like System of Rice Intensification (SRI). Despite constraints like water
scarcity for irrigation, hilly area and destruction by the wild animals, there was a good increase in production. Animal rearing was also introduced as an alternate livelihood and those who have a few acres of land were able to successfully adopt it. Conservation And Governance By The Community To make sure that everyone in the community takes steps to conserve resources, by-laws were also prepared to cover issues like grazing, wood-cutting and any unwanted activity that would prove harmful. Suitable penalties for violators and awards for those who informed the committee of violations was also set. An important rule that was passed, was one that prohibited the practice of using fire to clean up an area for an easy collection of Mahua. New plants started growing automatically; the forest started getting dense and diverse. The success of this measure encouraged the community members to take more such steps. They decided to undertake plantation on the 3 acre of degraded land that had been captured by Lantana (an invasive shrub species which did not allow grass or plants to grow and leads to scarcity in fodder). It also provided shelter to wild animals who have been causing an increase in man-animal conflicts. To solve this, a special list of plant species were ordered and many people contributed portions of their works as shramdan. Once the plantation process was completed, they worked on factors that would limit damage. Open grazing was prohibited. Instead, cattle rearers were encouraged to cut portions of the grass to feed their animals. The land which has been waste for the others, was now turned into a grassland where plants are flourishing. Reconciliation Of Interaction; Human-Nature As the protected forest became diverse and was able to provide food to wild animals, the residents decided that they won't come into the villages anymore. The water level in the ponds had increased as well which the community utilized to start a fishery. In my opinion, resources should be given to the communities to find alternative livelihood options. With just a little support and coordinated efforts, this community was able to protect nearly 14 hectares of forest.Along with that, they also brought most of the common property resources under the community governance. Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
BUSINESS
Rs 1,600 crore to be invested by Essar Oil to upgrade Vadinar refinery Dehradun, Aug 9: The country's second largest private sector refiner Essar Oil has chalked out plans to invest Rs 1,600 crore to upgrade its Vadinar refinery in Gujarat and boost gross refining margins over the next two-three years. "Our 20 MMTPA Vadinar refinery is looking at earning an additional $1.50 (per barrel of crude) on its Gross Refining Margin (GRM) on the back of Rs 1,600 crore of investments. "We have already invested Rs 400 crore during a 28-day planned shutdown of the refinery in September-October last year," said Essar Oil Managing Director and CEO Lalit Kumar Gupta. "A further Rs 1,200 crore will be invested to make additional upgrades in the various refinery units over the next 2-
3 years," he said. The project will be funded through internal accruals only as company generates $1 billion EBIDTA and saves good amount of money every year, Gupta said. The shutdown or turnaround activity involved not just routine inspection and maintenance, but also entailed the conversion of the VGO-HT unit into a mild hydrocracker (MHC) unit and the setting up of facilities to process High Acid (TAN) crudes. Ever since, the refinery has been able to convert its entire VGO (vacuum gas oil) production into higher margin products, he said. Over the next 2-3 years, Essar Oil will invest Rs 1,200 crore to upgrade its naphtha hydro treater (NHT), isomerisation unit, continuous catalytic re-
Essar Oil Managing Director and CEO Lalit Kumar Gupta. (Photo: essar)
former (CCR) units and also facilities for further recovery of sulphur to improve its margins. According to C Manoharan, Director-Refinery, Essar Oil, "Post the shutdown, we have been able to modify our crude blend to process higher quantities of ultra-heavy and high TAN crudes, and increase the production of high value distillates. This has enabled
Essar Oil to improve its crude and product mix significantly, which is reflected in our financial performance." Gupta said, "We are committed to making our refinery among the best in the world through efficient deployment of resources. We will take a path of safety and sustainability in reaching our goals. We believe in setting new benchmarks for the industry with our efforts." "With the shutdown having been successfully completed, EBITDA and PAT in the current financial year is expected to be significantly higher because of the full availability of the refinery, stable crude oil prices," added Manoharan. Refinery margins at Essar Oil have remained continuously above the industry
benchmarks. In the quarter ended June 30, 2016, the CPGRM of USD 10.29/bbl (unaudited) bettered the IEA margin for Singapore complex refineries by around USD 6/bbl. The shutdown and subsequent investment decisions were taken with an eye on the surging demand for petro products in the country over the medium and long term. The Vadinar refinery currently produces about 9% of India's refining capacity and is also among the world's most complex refineries. It has processed 91 types of crudes, including the dirtiest crudes available. The refinery is capable of producing high quality Euro IV and V grade products. Commenting on retail operations, Gupta said the company runs a network of
Idea Cellular Q1 net may Ban on diesel cars: Mercedesslip 23% to Rs 440 crore Benz moves SC to revoke order
Mumbai, Aug 9: Idea Cellular's net profit is estimated to slip 23.5% at Rs. 440 crore in April-June quarter from Rs. 575.6 crore in the quarter-ago period. According to a poll conducted by CNBC-TV18, the telecom provider's revenue may see marginal gain of 2.9% at Rs. 9,760 crore against Rs. 9,483.9 crore in the last quarter. During the period, EBITDA is seen at Rs. 3,613 crore (37%) versus Rs. 3,616 crore (38.1%) on sequential
basis. Also, the company's volume growth may be up by 2.7% at 207 billion minutes from 201.6 billion minutes QoQ. The telecom company has been focusing on improving realizations, which have been at the expense of volumes and the trend might continue. Margins had expanded sharply by 340 basis points last quarter due to steep increase in pricing, which will be partly reversed. (Agencies)
Prices of gold, silver lessens as global cues turn weaker Chennai, Aug 9: Gold prices inched further lower by Rs 30 to Rs 30,900 per 10 grams, picking weak overseas signal amid subdued demand from jewellers in the domestic spot market. Silver was also in a tight spot, easing another Rs 50 to Rs 46,250 per kg. Sentiment remained downbeat, in sync with a weakening global trend where gold dropped to the lowest level in a week after Friday's strong US jobs report, raising bets that the Fed may raise borrowing rates this year which sapped demand for the safe haven, traders said. Globally, gold fell 0.3 per cent to $ 1,331.59 an ounce, the lowest level since July 29, in Singapore. Besides, tepid demand from
jewellers as well as retailers at the domestic spot market fuelled the downtrend, they said. In the national capital, gold of 99.9 per cent and 99.5 per cent purity eased Rs 30 each to Rs 30,900 and Rs 30,750 per 10 grams, respectively. The precious metals had lost Rs 170 in Saturday's trade.Sovereign, however, remained steady at Rs 24,200 per piece of eight grams. Tracking gold, silver traded lower by Rs 50 to Rs 46,250 per kg and weeklybased delivery cracked below Rs 46,000 mark by falling Rs 290 to Rs 45,935 per kg. Silver coins, however, ruled steady at Rs 75,000 for buying and Rs 76,000 for selling of 100 pieces. (Agencies)
Mercedes Managing Director and CEO Roland Folger. (Photo: economictimes)
France, Aug 9: German carmaker MercedesBenz has moved the Supreme Court over the ban on the registration of new diesel vehicles over the capacity of 2,000cc. Mercedes has moved the SC to seek lifting the ban imposed on diesel vehicles. The carmaker told the apex court that is was ready to pay the 1% environment cess on the sale of diesel cars. The SC imposed a ban on the registration of new diesel cars in New Delhi, in a bid to clamp down on high levels of pollution.
Since then, several carmakers have revised their product strategy, even coming up with petrol or smaller capacity diesel cars, to get around the Court order. Mercedes had earlier said that it was putting India investments on hold because of the diesel car ban. "The decision has put a question mark on the country's credibility as an investment destination," said Mercedes Managing Director and CEO Roland Folger. "Most of the decisions are postponed rather than
being completely cancelled. If the ban continues, then certainly cancellations will come into play," he added. Apart from that Toyota has called the diesel cars ban order a "corporate death penalty" and both the carmakers have already pledged to re-consider their investment plans for India. Merc's India portfolio includes, the A-Class, B-Class, the CLA, GLA, C-Class, GLC, E-Class, GLE, CLS, GLS and the SClass. (Agencies)
2,470 operating retail outlets, while 2,850 additional outlets are in various stages of implementation. "Essar Oil has a target of reaching 4,300 operational outlets by the end of FY17. The total capital investment in these outlets would be about Rs 2,100 crore, which will be mostly infused by franchisees. Once completed, the retail operations will have 5,000 outlets and generate employment for about 20,000 people," he said. Essar Oil is also in talks to sell 49% stake to OAO Rosneft of Russia and about 23.5% to other oil trading companies. With reference to the stake sale, Gupta said, "Russians have not taken equity. As and when they buy, we will see about buying oil from Russia." (Agencies)
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Toyota Innova Crysta petrol version unveiled in India
Image for representational purpose. (Photo: carcrox) New Delhi, Aug 9: Toyota launched the petrol variant of its recent sensation --the Innova Crysta in India. The Innova Crysta petrol version is expected to be powered by a 2.7-litre, 4-cylinder, DOHC petrol engine. It can produce 164bhp and 245Nm of peak torque. The Innova Crysta is currently offered with 2.4-litre and 2.8litre diesel engines. While
the smaller motor is offered only with a five-speed manual gearbox, the more powerful 2.8 comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission. The diesel Innova Crysta has recieved overwhelming response since its launch in India by registering over 15,000 bookings already. (Agencies)
US $500,000 funding received by San Francisco-based startup 8TV, to enter Indian market San Francisco, Aug 9: San Francisco-based startup 8TV has raised US $500,000 funding (about Rs 3.34 crore) from investors including Redcliffe Capital Managing Partner Dheeraj Jain, Google executive Tidhar Carmeli and angel investor Thomas Korte. The company, which offers short form video network for brands, is also supported by the US tech giant Amazon that has invested about US $100,000 worth of AWS services credit. The startup graduated from Angelpad, a tech accelerator in Silicon Valley, and its customers include firms like Unilever. "We have received a US $500,000 investment from Dheeraj Jain (Managing Partner at Redcliffe Capital), Tidhar Carmeli and Thomas Korte (ex Google and Angelpad), with additional
US $100,000 invested by Amazon in form of AWS services," 8TV founder Leon Crutchley said. The investments will be used to strengthen the platform and for foraying into newer markets, including India. "Redcliffe's investment opens up the Asian market for 8TV starting with India. The booming digital native space makes India a very attractive proposition for 8TV," Redcliffe Capital Early Stage Investments Lead Aakaar Gandhi said. Brands are working hard to catch up with and stay relevant for the digitally empowered consumer and that offers a huge potential to companies like 8TV, he added. "We've worked with a lot of FMCG brands and noticed most were broadcasting their products at their customers rather than communicating
with them. Brands need a way to build direct meaningful relationships with their customers or die," Crutchley said. That is a problem that 8TV seeks to solve, he added. 8TV will begin piloting in India with The Man Company, a men's grooming products maker. According to the 'Digital Advertising in India' report, jointly published by Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and IMRB International, the digital advertising market in India that was pegged at Rs 5,200 crore at the end of December 2015. Digital advertising spends were about 12% of the total advertisement spends in the country. The spending is projected to reach Rs 7,044 crore by the end of this year at a CAGR of 35%. (Agencies)
Imports, exports of China fall again in July Beijing, Aug 9: China's exports fell again in July compared with a year earlier while a decline in imports accelerated. Customs data showed exports contracted 4.4 percent to $184.7 billion, a slight improvement over June's 4.8 percent contraction. Imports fell 12.5 percent to $132.4 billion, accel-
erating from a decline of 8.4 percent. Weak global demand has hampered efforts to shore up Chinese trade and stave off job losses in export industries. The contraction in imports reflects possible weakness in the domestic economy, but overall fig-
ures also are depressed by a decline in prices of oil and other commodities. Chinese economic growth held steady at 6.7 percent in the quarter ending in June compared with a year earlier, though that was the lowest quarterly level since the aftermath of the 2008 global crisis. (Agencies)
$1.8 billion market aimed by Mahindra, Rs. 43 crore revenue loss to MSTC from auto shredding plant JV AAI caused by DIAL, MIAL Nagpur, Aug 9: State-run metal scrap trading firm MSTC has signed an agreement with Mahindra Intertrade, a part of the diversified Mahindra Group, for setting up an auto shredding and recycling plant in the country. The idea behind the joint venture (JV) is to meet India's annual scrap requirement of 5-6 million tonnes (MT), which at present is done through imports. The market is estimated to be in the range of $ 1.8 billion (about Rs 12,000 crore). Speaking to reporters, MSTC CMD B B Singh said: "India's demand for vehicles stood at 23.34 million in 2015. It brings to fore the issue relating to scrapping of end of life vehicles (ELVs) and when you consider all these points, this
JV has immense potential for further growth." India imports around 5-6 MT of scrap every year, which again reiterates the need to set up a shredding plant in the country. The JV is starting with a single unit, but is also looking at a pan-India presence, he added. At
present, scrap is being imported at around USD 200300 a tonne. Keeping in view India's annual requirement, the market is in the range of USD 1.8 billion. This first-of-its-kind in auto shredding facility will establish an automotive recycling capability for ELVs from collection, compaction, transportation, depollution, dismantling, shredding, recycling, and disposal, Mahindra Intertrade Managing Director Sumit Issar said. "We will set up one plant now that is likely to come up in a location in Gujarat or Maharashtra. Its capacity will be about 1-1.5 lakh tonnes depending on the product mix. It will begin commercial production by March 2018," he added. On investments, Issar said:
"It is a sizable one. We will start with one, but will later scale up to a lot of plants." When prodded further on expansion, the country has immense potential for growth in this space. The firm expects India's scrap requirement to grow to as much as 15-20 MT in the next 5 to10 years. A country like the US alone has 150200 auto-shredding plants. The JV agreement was inked in presence of Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh and Steel Secretary Aruna Sharma. Every tonne of new steel manufactured from scrap steel saves a substantial amount of iron ore, coal, electricity and limestone, Singh said. Locally available scrap would help reduce the cost of production
of secondary steel makers, while hi-tech shredding using better technology and machinery would help the country significantly reduce pollution, Issar said. Mahindra Partners Managing Partner Zhooben Bhiwandiwala said the facility will transform the way automotive scrap is effectively recycled in a sustainable manner. Scrapping old vehicles will help recover significant amounts of steel scrap, aluminium scrap, plastic and rubber. Mahindra Intertrade is part of Mahindra Partners Division of the USD 17.8 billion Mahindra Group, whole the miniratna public sector undertaking (PSU) is engaged in the export of ferrous scrap. (Agencies)
Bengaluru, Aug 9: The private sector operators of Mumbai and Delhi airports caused a revenue loss of around Rs.43 crore to their public sector partner Airports Authority of India (AAI), according to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report tabled. Both Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) and Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) had set up a Marketing Fund in April 2010 and August 2012 respectively to collect 0.5 per cent and one per cent, respectively, of net sales from various concessionaires as a marketing fund charge to "promote business" at the two airports. As per the public-private partnership (PPP) agreement, DIAL has to share 45.99 per cent of its revenues with AAI, while MIAL is supposed to share 38.7 per cent of revenues. "Audit observed that MIAL and DIAL had collected or billed from the concession-
aires (till March 2015) an amount of Rs 66.76 crore in the name of Marketing Fund (MIAL Rs.14.90 crore and DIAL Rs.51.86 crore) without sharing it with the AAI," the report stated. While MIAL was supposed to share Rs.7.79 crore with AAI, including the interest amount, DIAL had to share Rs.35.69 crore with AAI as per the PPP contract, the CAG said. "Fact remains that though constitution of Marketing Fund was in contravention of provisions of OMDA [Operations, Management and Development Agreement], AAI did not object to constitution of the fund," CAG highlighted. It said although AAI's independent auditors had highlighted the issue of non-sharing of revenue in their quarterly revenue audit reports for December 2012 quarter in case of MIAL and June 2014 quarter for DIAL, AAI failed to resolve the issue promptly resulting in
non-realising of revenue. The CAG also pointed out the "potential revenue loss" AAI could accrue due to a "flaw in agreement" between MIAL and private developer Housing Development and Infrastructure Limited (HDIL) for removal of encroachments from the Mumbai airport land. It said MIAL awarded rights for commercial development on a considerable portion of Mumbai airport land owned by AAI to HDIAL for "a very long period" of up to 60 years in return to remove encroachments "without informing AAI." According to the contract, MIAL would not receive any revenue from HDIL for the commercial development. Although the contract has been terminated in February 2013, the case is still going on in courts so the "attached commercial development rights have not been closed finally." (Agencies)
Largest spectrum auction of India to kick start from Sep. 29 New Delhi, Aug 9: Bidding rounds for the country's biggest-ever spectrum auction will begin from September 29, in which mobile airwaves worth Rs. 5.63 lakh crore at the base price value will be put up for sale. "Large chunk of spectrum is being put for auction which address issue of fragmentation, improve quality of ser-
vice and rules have been made bidder friendly," Telecom Secretary J.S. Deepak said while releasing Notice Inviting Application (NIA). The government will put a total of 2,354.55 megahertz of mobile airwaves frequencies for auction all band -- 700 Mhz, 800 Mhz, 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz, 2100 Mhz and 2300 Mhz. All the
airwaves being put for auction can be used for highspeed 4G services. The total quantum of spectrum being put for auction includes about 197 Mhz of frequencies in 1800 Mhz band and 37.5 Mhz in 800 Mhz band (CDMA band). The government expects to raise at least Rs. 64,000 crore from the auction of about
2,354.55 Mhz of spectrum and Rs. 98,995 crore from various levies and services in the telecom sector this financial year. The government for the first time has promised to assign spectrum within 30 days of making upfront payment by successful bidders. Telecom companies winning spec-
trum in 700, 800 and 900 Mhz band will have to pay at least 25 per cent of the bid amount initially within 10 days the auction ends. Rest of the payment will have to be paid in 10 annual instalments after two years of moratorium. For rest of the bands, at least 50 per cent of payment will have to made. The government
has also reduced interest on instalments to 9.3 per cent from about 10 per cent earlier. "With auction size of this magnitude and bidder friendly rule there is going to be immense interest from bidders. The amount of spectrum being put to auction is more than any previous
auction. It will give them opportunity to bid and acquire chunk of spectrum which would enable to them to provide international quality services," Mr. Deepak said. This is the first time airwaves in 700 Mhz band will be put up for auction. The airwaves in this band are considered premium among all, as cost
of providing service in it is one-third cost of 3G service in 2100 Mhz band. The 700 Mhz band alone has potential to fetch bids worth Rs. 4 lakh crore if all spectrum in it gets sold at the base price. The Department of Telecom will hold pre-bid conference on clarification over NIA on August 13. (Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
Features
PAGE 11
ENVIRONMENT
Cabbage Growing and Harvest Information Cabbage is a common vegetable grown all over India and many parts of the world. As cabbage is very convenient to grow, it is grown on large and smallscale. Cabbage is grown all over India but it is popularly grown in Southern States and in northern India. Cabbage is available in India throughout the year due to its high productivity and many varieties. Cultivation Requirements Cabbage can be grown in variety of climatic conditions but cool moist climate is most suitable for its growth as it dries off soon in dry warm weather. The temperature for cabbage seed germination is 12 to 16 degrees centigrade. Climate and Seasons Cabbage is grown in all the seasons and mostly all over India. Cabbage grows well in winter as cold climate suits well for the growth. Soils Cabbage can be grown in a variety of soils like sandy and well drained heavy soils but the preferred soil variety is sandy loam soils. The preferred soil pH for cabbage is between 6.0 to 6.5. Cabbage is moderately tolerant to salty soils. Field Preparation The land for cabbage cultivation should be given 23 ploughings and the compost should be spread 1520 days before sowing. By giving a break of 10 days and then ploughing the soil will make the excess moisture to evaporate and improves the clod condition of the soil. Care should be taken that proper irrigation channel are made in the field as the cabbage grows well in moist conditions and should be seen that the soil is moist. Propagation
Cabbage is available in India throughout the year due to its high productivity and many varieties. Photo: meghalayasfac Seeds are used for propagation or cultivation of cabbage. Sowing, Nursery and Transplanting Seeds need to be first sown in well-prepared nursery beds which may be 60 cm-100 cm in width with suitable and preferred length. Good quality seeds which are well-formed must be used for sowing and diseased or broken seeds should not be used. Seed Rate 300-500 gm of cabbage seeds are required for 1 hectare area. Preparing the field properly and taking care of the drainage problems is very necessary for getting good results. As moist soil conditions are very much suitable for the cabbage crop it is good if the crop is grown in such
conditions. The early stages and the germination stages of the crop needs proper care. Nurseries or green houses can be used to cultivate the cabbage in adverse weather conditions to help in germination of seeds and the early growth of the plants. Direct seeding of cabbage seeds into the main field may not a good idea and needs to be avoided for the following reasons: It is always better to first raise the seedlings to a certain period, make them hard and then transplant them to the field as the temperature and soil conditions may not be optimum for the germination of the seeds. Seed Treatment There are numerous ways to treat the cabbage seeds before sowing them. It is important to properly treat
the cabbage seeds so that the mortality rate and productivity is high. The cabbage seeds after treated with hot water at 50°C for 30 minutes, should be followed by a treatment with 25g of Azospirillum for 250g of seeds. Cabbage Seeds can also be treated with Bavistin or Thiram in ratio of 2g/kg of seed. Seeds of cabbage are pelletized and the pelleted coatings on seeds helps in better germination. The cabbage seeds are covered by powder mixture making them easier to handle during sowing. Transplanting 3-6 weeks after sowing the seeds, seedlings are formed and will be ready to be transplanted in to the field. The transplantation depends on type of crop, the seedlings which are 5-6
Cultivating Hybrid Tea Roses It is generally suitable for higher elevation (1500 m and above). It can also be grown in the plains under ideal condition of fertile loamy soils with salt-free irrigation water. The ideal climate for rose growing should have temperature with a minimum of 15°C and maximum of 28°C. Light is important factor which decides the growth. The growth is slowed by day length, i.e. > 12 hours and heavy overcast, cloudy/ mist conditions. High relative humidity exposes the plant to serious fungal diseases. In tropics the ideal temperature is 25°C - 30°C on sunny day and on cloudy day 18°C - 20°C. The optimum temperature should be 15°C - 18°C. These temperatures are extremely difficult to find and it's therefore to compromise. Propagation and planting The crop can be propagated by rooted cuttings or by budding on Briar root stocks in hills and on Edward Rose and Rosa indica in plains. One year old budded plants are planted in July - August at 75 cm x 75 cm spacing. After cultivation The plants should be watered daily until they establish and thereafter once in a week. Pruning is done during March and October. Spray Diuran 2.5 kg a.i/ha to control weeds. Avoid spray fluid coming in contact with Rose plants. Support of the plants Post is placed at internals of 3m on both sides of the bed. Along the sides of the bed, galvanized wires or plastic string are fastened at
the posts at 30cm - 40cm intervals to support the plant. Between the wires across the bed, thin strings can be tied to keep the width of the beds constant. Disbudding Varieties produce some side buds below the center bud. These side buds have to be removed or disbudded. The disbudding must be done regularly and also as soon as possible in order to avoid large wounds in the upper leaf axil. Dead shoot removal In the old plants the dead shoot or dried shoots on plants will serve as the host for fungi. So regularly these have to be removed. Soil loosening on beds After 6 months or so, there is every chance that the soil become stony and it has to be loosened for efficient irrigation. Bending Leaf is a source of food for every plant. There should be balance between Source (Assimilation) and sink (Dissimilation). After
planting, 2 to 3 eye buds will sprout on main branch. These sprouts will grow as branches and these branches in turn form buds. The mother shoot is bend on 2nd leaf or nearer to the crown region. The first bottom break or ground shoot will start coming from the base. These ground shoots form the basic framework for production and thereon the ground shoots should be cut at 5th five pair of leaves and medium ground shoots should be cut at 2nd or 3rd five pair of leaves. Defoliation The removal of leaves is known as defoliation. It is done mainly to induce certain plant species to flower or to reduce transpiration loss during periods of stress. Defoliation may be done by removal of leaves manually or by withholding water. The shoots are defoliated after pruning. Manuring At three months interval, apply FYM at 10 kg and 8:8:16 g NPK/plant after
each pruning. For cv. Happiness NPK may be applied @ 75:150:50 g/plant/year. Harvest Harvesting is done with sharp secateure at the tight bud stage when the colour is fully developed and the petals have not yet started unfolding. There should be 1-2 mature leaves (those with five leaflets) left on the plant after the flower has been cut. The reason for leaving these matures leaves is to encourage production of new strong shoots. Harvesting is done preferably during early morning hours. Postharvest handling Roses must be placed in a bucket of water inside the polyhouse immediately after harvesting and transported to cold storage (24°C). The length of time depends upon the variety and quality of the roses.The flowers are graded according to the length. It varies from 40-70 cm depending on the variety and packed in 10/12 per bunch. Courtesy: agritech
weeks old are better and 34 week old seedlings give better productivity in case of mid season crop. The seedlings well grown should get enough daylight but not much heat. Proper watering of the seedlings is necessary before transplanting them to field. The germinated seedlings to adjust to the outside environment, the seedlings should get used to outside temperature and conditions through hardening process where it can be kept in mini green houses with optimal conditions. The seedlings can be transplanted to the already prepared field at appropriate time. Seedlings can be transplanted by making proper holes and planting them firmly which needs to be watered properly. Planting the seedling in a cold day or in evening is better to prevent wilting. Spacing The seedlings when being transplanted to the field should have optimal spacing so that each one gets proper nutrients. The spacing depends on the type of cultivar. The seedlings should be placed in single rows with a distance of 45 × 45 cm for early crop, for late crop the spacing of 60 × 60 cm is good. In any case, seedlings should be 35 to 50 cm apart in rows which are 60 to 90 cm apart. Water Management The Management of water or proper irrigation is very important for efficient and proper growth of cabbage. The water requirement varies according to the stage and type of seedling. It is essential to water the crop every 4 to 7 days if it is an early stage and in later stages it needs to be watered every 10 to 15 days. The cabbage plant requires
moisture, so the moisture should be well maintained in the field. Drip Irrigation or sprinkler can be one of the most effective ways to keep the cabbage plant well moistened and well hydrated as well as protect it from too much heat. Nutrient Management To ensure proper growth of cabbage, nutrient requirement is always to be considered top priority. The fertility level needs of the soil should be determined and accordingly nitrogen, phosphorous and potash needs provided for its growth. During land preparation, well decomposed farm yard manure or compost at 150200 quintals per hectare should be thoroughly mixed in the soil. An average amount of 40-60kg nitrogen, 40-60kg phosphorous and 60-80kg potassium per hectare can be used for proper cabbage production. Nitrogen is used with soil before planting, followed by seconds application of nitrogen in 7 to 10 days of planting. A third application of nitrogen can be done if the soil is very moist. Nitrogen helps in producing dark green leaves. Phosphorous is very essential requirement for cabbage growth as it helps in root development and its deficiency might lead to slow growth and delayed maturity. For soils of less than 50 ppm, an application of 45 to 90 kg/ha of P2O5 would yield better results. For soils of lower phosphorous, P2O5 at 168 to 336 kg/ha can be applied. Magnesium should be applied so that it does not face interveinal chlorosis. Various sources of magnesium like sulphate of potash
magnesia, Epsom and Dolomite lime can be applied in the cabbage field. The Cabbage plant also needs certain micronutrients for its proper growth. The deficiency of Boron may cause stem discoloration, leaf rolling, deformed buds, cabbage browning etc. An application of Sodium borate can reduce the boron deficiency. Manganese chelated and sulphates can be applied for maintaining manganese level as its deficiency may cause leaf yellowing. Molybdenum deficiency may cause whiptail which is deformed formation with no head and thus sodium molybdate can be supplied for addressing the deficiency. Harvesting and Yield Cabbages are harvested when the heads are fully developed. The heads must be in good shape, globular, firm. In order to protect the head, it is advisable to harvest it with its full foliage. The maximum size of the head may be up to 30 cm depending on the variety. Physical damage should be minimized during handling to avoid spoiling of cabbage. It is generally harvested with manual precision using a knife. It gives us a yield of almost 200 - 250 quintal/ha for early cabbage and for late season crop, yield is approximately 250 300 quintal/ha. Marketing Cabbages are available all over the year but winter is the best time for their availability. In the pack shed, the leaves are trimmed and uniform sized heads are packed in cardboards. Either they should be sent to market directly or should be kept in storage at 2°C. Proper handling is essential as the heads are sensitive and mishandling will lead to
loss of the vegetable. Post Harvest Technology These are the various steps for post harvest handling and marketing of good cabbage. Generally harvesting is done manually beginning in December with heads of approximate size of 15cm. Sorting and grading are the methods used in packing cabbages. Sorting is done and the extra foliage, wrapping the head and after that it is packaged. Cabbage is packed in perforated plastic, carton is cooled by hydrovac and carton is cooled by hydrocooling if head is wrapped by plastic. After that the cabbages are packed in cardboard box, are shipped to packing house where they are checked for any defects, trimmed and mildly treated with chlorinated water before final packaging. Care should be taken that there are holes in the plastic for ventilation. For storing cabbage requires low temperature of 2o C and relative humidity of 95% for storage. Temperature for storage varies with number of days the cabbage needs to be stored. Storing under proper conditions prevents decay, spotting and aging or browning of heads. When the cabbage is to be held outside temporarily of cold storage, it can be packed in crushed ice to keep it fresh. To remove the field heat, both hydrocooling and vacuum cooling methods are very effective. Care should be taken that cabbage is not stored by placing the on direct ice as they may spoil the cabbage. Cabbage can also be harvested when they are not fully mature as they can be used for various cuisines. Courtesy: farmnest
Can artificial turf cause cancer? University of Washington associate women's soccer coach Amy Griffin is probably best known for mentoring U.S. Women's National Team goalkeeper Hope Solo from 19992002, but she has a greater calling in recent years. Griffin is leading the quest for answers regarding the dangers of artificial turf fields using carcinogenic crumb rubber as faux dirt - the same surfaces installed at thousands of high schools across the country over the past dozen years. In a segment for NBC Nightly News, she detailed to Stephanie Gosk how she first made a connection between crumb rubber fields and cancer while visiting a
former player suffering from Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Her research has since uncovered 63 former soccer players with cancer who played on artificial turf. The majority are goalkeepers, and 15 have died. Griffin's data - however unscientific - suggests a link between coming into contact with these surfaces and contracting the disease, especially since goalies find crumb rubber in their mouths and cuts more often. "I've coached for 26, 27 years. My first 15 years, I never heard anything about this. All of a sudden it seems to be a stream of kids." Griffin readily admits to NBC Nightly News that there is no scientific corre-
lation between artificial turf and cancer, and organizations like AstroTurf, FieldTurf and SPRINTURF reportedly cite "dozens" of studies suggesting it doesn't. "It's always been true that a carcinogenic gas has been used to make tires," Dr. Laura Green, a toxicologist who studied at MIT, told NBC Nightly News, "but it's never been true - never - that once the tires are made, once they're in use and once they're crumbled that they liberate that or any other carcinogen." However, after NBC first interviewed Griffin in 2014, Consumer Product Safety Commission chairman Elliott Kaye altered the gov-
Representational image Photo: royalgrass
ernment organization's endorsement of artificial turf because on limited research. "Safe to play means something to parents that I don't think we intended to convey," he said, "and I don't think we should've conveyed." Both Griffin and the turf companies would like to see the debate settled one way or the other, but while the Environmental Protection Agency suggested "more work needs to be done," the federal agency has done nothing. The EPA told NBC it's a state matter, and Griffin's home state of Washington is currently conducting research. Courtesy: usatodayhss
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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
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India outclassed by Great Britain in women's hockey Rio de Janeiro, Aug 9: Indian women's hockey team could not produce the performance of their opening match against Japan as Great Britain convincingly overpowered them 3-0 in the second match of the Olympic Games on Monday. After a cautious first quarter, the English women who are the London 2012 bronze medalists, unleashed their fury by scoring within two minutes in the second quarter. Giselle Ansley pierced through captain Sushila Chanu and goalkeeper Savita Punia to sound the board with a powerful
Yadav of India competes with Great Britain players in their match at Rio Olympics. Reuters Before the Neil Hawgwood-coached team could settle down, it was Nicola White whose deft strike made it 2-0. The third half too went against India with Alex Danson making it 3-0 in the 33rd minute with some effortless dribbling as Indian women had no answer to them. dragflick breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute. Renuka Yadav of India
competes with Great Britain players in their match at Rio Olympics. ReutersRenuka
The strategy was to hold the possession and start attacking from the second quarter. "Indians are naturally skill-
ful individually. So we went on the attacking to make sure we are on the right side of the scoresheet," Crista Cullen said.
go as Deepika Thakur was yellow carded but they ensured that there's no further damage by putting up a solid defence.
A couple of times Vandana Katariya looked to get going, but just lacked that ability to pull away from the physically stronger British players.
"To play in Olympics after 36 years was big and there was a lot of pressure on us. We will have to learn from the mistakes and come back stronger. We still have hopes to make the quarters," captain Sushila said.
The first quarter however looked different with India putting up a solid defence as they went on to impress in the last 15 minutes against the two-time bronze medalists. Indians were reduced to 10 playes with five minutes to
Samba and smiles as Swimming legend Michael Phelps bids for astonishing 20th Olympic gold Usain Bolt warms up for Olympic swansong Rio De Janeiro, Aug 9: Shimmying amid a troupe of semi-naked samba dancers and wise-cracking with journalists, Usain Bolt is determined to bow out of the Olympics with a flourish. The 29-year-old Jamaican sprint star took centrestage on Monday at his first major press conference since arriving in Rio de Janeiro for his final Games. And from the moment he strutted onto the stage at Rio`s Cidade des Artes theater -- instructing his audience to applaud -- he was determined to entertain. "You`ve got to clap much louder than that, that was weak," Bolt joked. The setting of the largest theater in South America could not have been more appropriate for track and field`s greatest showman. "I like to entertain, because that`s what people come out and see," Bolt said. "I try to entertain and make it different. That`s my personality." And it works. A Norwegian stood up at the end of the press conference and said: "I don`t really have a question I just want to say I really love you man." It was a reminder of just
Before that however he has his final Olympics to think about, where he will bid to win 100m, 200m and 4x100m titles for a third straight Games, the fabled "Treble-Treble."
"I`ve done enough. I`ve proven myself over and over again, this is the last one." Bolt is preparing to bow out as athletics reels from two of the biggest controversies in the sport`s history, the Russian doping scandal and corruption allegations against the former leadership of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Even so, Bolt believes athletics has turned the corner. "For me I think we`re going in the right direction, I must say," Bolt said. "We`re weeding out the bad ones. I personally think we`re on the right track. We have to go through the rough time to get to the good times. And in a few years` time the sport will be cleaner and everything will be great.
Virat Kohli reveals the one Rio Olympics event he cannot wait to watch New Delhi, Aug 9: Like sporting lovers across the globe, Virat Kohli and his Test team too is engrossed in tracking all the action in Rio. While the Indian cricketers are busy training on the
ongoing tour of the West Indies, they are closely following the world's biggest sporting extravaganza. Ahead of the third Test against Jason Holder's side, Virat revealed that he was eagerly waiting for one event in particular.
Rio De Janeiro, Aug 9: Michael Phelps will set his sights on a record-extending 20th Olympic swimming gold on Tuesday when he tries to wrest back the 200m butterfly title from Chad le Clos.
"It was a tough race, I knew she was going to go fast. It was about getting my lane for tomorrow," said Ledecky, after finishing behind Sjostrom in Monday`s semi-finals.
Katie Ledecky will also be battling for another key swimming title on an Olympic day in which 14 golds will be up for grabs.
Ledecky set a world record as she won the 400m freestyle and the 19-yearold American is gunning for the first 200m, 400m and 800m treble in 48 years.
Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time has already topped the podium in Rio after the USA`s 4x100m win, and will now go for individual glory at the age of 31. Phelps won his signature event in 2004 and 2008 before his finger-tip loss to le Clos in 2012, and he will be desperate to regain the gold in his final Games. Ledecky and Sarah Sjostrom, both already world record-breakers at this Games, will duel for the 200m freestyle title in another hotly anticipated race.
In the 200m individual medley, Hungary`s "Iron Lady" Katinka Hosszu is going for her third gold medal after she smashed the world record in the 400m race and followed up by winning the 100m backstroke on Monday.
China by nearly 10 points. The three-time all-around champion was too young to compete in London but since has won a record 10 world titles and now just needs an Olympic gold to put her name among the legends. A team gold would also put Biles on the road to the record haul of five gold medals the 19-year-old covets in Rio. She also topped the all-around, floor, beam and vault in preliminaries. "We just have to stay confident and do our routines like we normally do," said a matter-of-fact Biles.
Elsewhere Simone Biles will go for the first Olympic gold of her already trophy-laden gymnastics career as the United States bid to defend their team title.
In diving, China`s Chen Ruolin will attempt to match team-mate Wu Minxia`s record of five gold medals when she starts as favourite with partner Liu Huixia in the synchronised 10m platform.
The tiny Texan powered a dominant United States in Sunday`s preliminaries with the reigning champions crushing their nearest rivals
Gold medals are also on offer in canoe slalom, equestrian, fencing, weightlifting, judo and shooting. (AFP)
Swimming: Sajan Prakash, Shivani Kataria finish 41st and 28th in their events Rio de Janeiro, Aug 9 (IANS):The two Indian swimmers that were competing at the Rio Olympics, Sajan Prakash and Shivani Kataria, had to settle with only their heats as competition time. Both swimmers, as expected, made an early exit from the Games and have no competition left. In the women’s 200m freestyle, Shivani was second in her heats but didn’t qualify on the basis of other classification points of swimmers from other heats. She finished 28th out of the
total 29 swimmers. In the men’s 200m butterfly heats, Sajan finished a disappointing fourth out of five swimmers and didn’t come close to qualifying for the finals. In the end, Sajan finished 41st amongst the 43 swimmers on the basis of his timings. Sajan clocled 1 min 59.37 secs in his heat and failed to qualify for the next round. Shivani Kataria, only the third Indian woman swimmer to qualify for the Olympics, aspires to finish high in 200m freestyle at the Rio Games, starting next month.
Shivani Kataria is first woman swimmer to represent India since 2004 Athens Olympics. (Source: PTI)
De termed Indian contingent's trio to Rio as a 'waste of money and opportunity'.
New Delhi, Aug 9: Over the years, the Indian contingent has endured several agonizing moments at the Olympic Games. Day 3 at Rio perhaps would top that list. As Abhinav Bindra lost out on medal in the Men's 10m Air Rifle event, Germany scored
against the Indian hockey team with just three seconds on the clock. While every Indian sports lover was disappointed with the results, columnist and author Shobhaa De took to social micro blogging site Twitter to take things to a whole new level.
'Rio waters for sailing events cleaner than before' Rio de Janeiro, Aug 9 (IANS): South Korean sailor Ha Jee-min has been coming to the city of Rio de Janeiro for three years for competitions, and he remembers seeing debris floating in the polluted waters of the Brazilian city.
what athletics will lose when Bolt walks away from the sport next year after the World Championships in London.
"This is the last one for sure," Bolt said when asked if he may yet extend his remarkable career.
India, who drew against Japan 2-2 in their last match, next face Australia (August 10), the USA (August 11) and Argentina (August 13) in their remainder league matches.
Abhinav Bindra's dignified yet devastating response to Shobhaa De's insensitive remark
But when he began his Olympic campaign Monday in the Laser event at Marina da Gloria -- the starting point for sailing events in Guanabara Bay - Ha found the waters "very clean," reports Yonhap. "My first year here, the waters were extremely bad, and there were sofas in them," Ha said on Monday. "But they weren't so bad in my second year. This year, they're really good, perhaps even cleaner than in Korea."
Competing in his third consecutive Olympics, Ha said he arrived in Rio on July 1 in preparation. And the water quality has been improving almost by the day, he said. According to reports, Rio authorities have placed nets across waters to keep the garbage from interrupting races, and garbage-collecting boats have been trying to pick up pieces that escape. Earlier this month, a study commissioned by The Associated Press showed Rio's "filthy" waterways were contaminated with dangerous viruses and bacteria, and posed serious health risks for athletes. It said those who ingest only three teaspoons of water would be infected
with viruses that can cause stomach and respiratory diseases. With the competition underway, South Koreans and other sailors alike gave their stamp of approval. "I have to put my hand into the water during the race, and other than a few leaves, there is no garbage," said Lee Tae-hoon, who entered the men's RS:X event. "I know people are worried about it, but they really don't have to." Pedro Pascal of the United States, competing in the Laser category, has also approved the conditions. Max Groy, coach of the German 49er class team, has also praised the water quality.
Independence cup football tournament 2016 miao Organised by Miao Sub-Division Youth Organisation (MSYO)
Indrajit Tingwa Miao, 9 Aug : The second quarter final match saw some thrilling moments and a very keen contest. The match was played between Upper Miao Football Club (UMFC) and Kuttum FC. UMFC defeated Kuttum FC 4-1. In the first half UMFC scored 2 goals in the third and sixth minutes and followed by 2 more goals later. A few minutes before half time UMFC bagged a penalty in their favour and successfully materialised into their fourth goal. All the 4 goals of UMFC were scored in the first half while
Kuttum FC netted their solitary goal in the second half. Kuttum FC failed to make use of their two penalties with the strikers shooting it straight in the goalkeeper's hands. In the first instance the ball went straight to the goalkeeper's hands and bounced back and a restrike of the ball went up the bar and bounced back. One player from UMFC and two from Kuttum FC were given yellow cards today. UMFC next faces the winner of third quarter finals to be played tomorrow in the semi final on 12 August.
Goal scorers:UMFC 1.Vivek Gurung Jersey No.18-2goals (Total goals scored by Vivek Gurung in the 3 matches played so far is 9 and stands as the second highest scorer as of now.) 2.Ganju Jersey No.451goal 3.Wangsut Jersey No. 111goal KUTTUM FC 1.Remlin Taikam Jersey No. 15-1goal Tomorrow's match: Miao Bum to face Gara XI FC in the third quarter final match.
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