11 July, 2016, Monday

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PAGE 7

Vol. II

GLOBAL FISH PRODUCTION APPROACHING SUSTAINABLE LIMIT, UN WARNS

Issue 23

Dibrugarh, Monday, July 11, 2016

Golaghat, July 10: Twenty persons were injured in a road mishap at Nogora in Golaghat last night. According to the report a group of people from Sipahibari area were on their way to see a Fair going on near Doyang Tea Estate. Suddenly the Tata Ace vehicle ( AS -05/C5212) in which the group was travelling lost its control and fell in a roadside ditch. In the accident 20 passengers were injured among which 8 were serious. The injured persons were rushed to KK Civil Hospital in Golaghat.

(Correspondent)

ONGC Director Utpal Borah is new OIL CMD Guwahati, July 10: In a move to bring a cheer among the people of Assam, the union government will be appointing Utpal Borah to head the Oil India Limited.

Borah, now one of the director with ONGC, who has been finalized for the post of OIL chairman cum managing director is expected to join within this month.

OIL has been running functioning without a fulltime CMD since July 1 last year.

Public sector top management personnel recruiter Public Enterprises Selection Board last year conducted two interviews to select its head where Rupshikha Saikia Borah was selected.

But the Prime Minister’s Office rejected the selection. The MoPNG search committee shortlisted 15 candidates for the interview. (Staff Reporter)

Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, July 10

ET Bureau Itanagar, July 10

First Lady of the State Anuradha Roy, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul, Deputy Chief Ministers, Kameng Dolo and Chowna Mein, cabinet colleagues, Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Wangki Lowang, members of State Legislative Assembly, former Chief Minister Gegong Apang, senior officers, public leaders, special invitees and distinguished guests attended the function.

The Governor of Tripura Tathagata Roy has been swornin as the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh in an impressive function in the Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, Itanagar today. Roy has been given the additional charge of Governor of Arunachal Pradesh during the absence on leave of J.P Rajkhowa. He is the 18th Governor to be sworn in as the Governor of the State.

Tathagata Roy being sworn in as the Governor of Arunachal. Pic -ET Photo.

'Internal disturbance in Manipur, not war-like state' PTI New Delhi, Jul 10

The Supreme Court today termed it a tragedy that Manipur is facing internal disturbance from past six decades but made it clear that it was "not akin to a war-like situation" in this north eastern state.

The Centre's view in opposing any investigation into the alleged extra-judicial killings that a war-like situation was prevailing in Manipur did not go well with a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Uday Umesh Lalit which rejected it saying Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi's submission was nothing but a "play on words".

The AG had opposed any investigation or inquiry into

the alleged extra-judicial killings contending that a warlike situation has been and is prevailing in Manipur.

"The submission of the Attorney General is nothing but a play on words and we reject it and hold that an internal disturbance is not equivalent to or akin to a warlike situation and proceed on the basis that there is no war or war-like situation in Manipur but only an internal disturbance, within the meaning of that expression in the Constitution - nothing more and nothing less," the bench said.

It also said there was no doubt from the case records that Manipur has been facing a "public order situation equivalent to an internal disturbance" and "the tragedy is that this situation has

The swearing-in ceremony was followed by State Guard of Honour presented by Arunachal Pradesh Police commanded by Inspector Duyu Aago at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar.

Despite a blanket ban on smokeless tobacco, the people involved in black marketing of tobacco (zarda), gutka and tobacco leaves are desperately attempting to bring in the banned products in the district.

This once again came to light on Saturday evening after GRP seized 15 more bags of tobacco leaves from New Tinsukia Railway Station. The goods were brought through a passenger train and before the same could be taken out of station GRP seized them.

15 bags tobacco leaves seized from New Tinsukia railway station. Pic -Sidharth Singh Contd. on Page 4

Flood situation creates havoc in Dhemaji Situation improves in Jorhat

continued since 1958 for almost 60 years".

The court said when it had asked the counsel for Manipur to place before it the declarations under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and the prohibitory orders issued under Section 144 of the CrPC, only recent declarations and prohibitory orders were produced and the rest have been lost in antiquity.

"A generation or two has gone by and issues have festered for decades. It is high time that concerted and sincere efforts are continuously made by the four stakeholders civil society in Manipur, insurgents, the State of Manipur and the Government of India to find a lasting and peaceful solution to the festering problem, Contd. on Page 4

DANGEROUS TRACK!

ET Bureau Jorhat, July 10

Flood waters continue to wrack havoc in Dhemaji district. Pic - Vinod Singh Vinod Singh Dhemaji, July 10

number ward to take shelter under tents in open field of Kobo chapori in last few days.

Along with other parts of upper Assam, the flood situation under Dhemaji district also remains grim, where 244 families are homeless and taking shelter in tents.

Due to continuous rain since last few days in upper Assam, have paralleled the life of common people.

The increasing water level of all tributaries of Brahmaputra again brought havoc situation.

The erosion of Siang river of Kobo chapori in Bahirselek goan panchayat have compelled 34 families of 3 number ward, 31 of 1 number, 177 of 4 number and two of 2

The villages namely Naruathan, Ghuguha and Somajan who recently was facing food problem due to flood, are again in same condition due to rise of water

Drug peddler supplying drugs at Mumbai arrested from Tayan Chapori in Dhemaji Rishu Kalantri Tinsukia, July 10

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Tathagata Roy sworn-in as the 15 bags tobacco leaves seized from Governor of Arunachal Pradesh New Tinsukia railway station

Classifieds at Rs. 10/- per word

Pranjal-

The one and only lifeline road of Tirap - Longding near Kendra Vidyalaya School, Khonsa is likely to wash away during monsoon. Pic - Gawang Sumpa

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A day after Dibrugarh police arrested the 'most-wanted' drug mafia of upper Assam Illahi Sheikh from Tinsukia, Dhemaji police on Sunday arrested a drug peddlar supplying drugs at Mumbai.

The arrested drug peddlar has been identified as Siddhant Yadav, a resident of Ratnagiri in Maharasthra. Police has recovered 14 gms substances

suspected to be heroine from his possession.

cmyk

Every individual is part of the population. Many of us are

the humanity and all other creatures on earth . The global population is increasing and it has also become a concern.

From 1 billion in 1810 the world has crossed 7 billion in 2012.

In 1989, the Governing

Council of the United Nations Development Programme recommended that 11 July be observed by the international community as World Population Day, a day to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population

issues. Every year a theme is being chosen to observe the day and this year's theme is investing in teenage girls.'

Teenage girls around the world face enormous challenges. Many are considered by their

Kashmir remains on edge, three more killed in violence

Contd. on Page 4

Invest in teenage girls for development worried because of population growth while many see it as an opportunity. It is important us for the realize that each and every one on earth is important and we must look at how best we can utilize the human resource for the progress of

in Jiadhal.

Dikrong, Subansiri and Ranganadi of Lakhimpur District are also on spate, where 10 villages are badly affected.

Road communication leading to Upper Subansiri, Upper Siang, West Siang and Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh are disturbed due to land slide at different places.

Nearly five thousands people are affected in twenty five villages of both the district along with several hecters of firm land under water, the source added.

In Assam, the flood situation has slightly improved today as major rivers including the Brahmaputra are showing a receding trend.

Jorhat district administration said that reports of inundation of new areas have not been received today.

Officials said that nearly 50 thousand people have been affected in Jorhat district alone.

Flood waters have also damaged nearly seven thousand hectare of crop land and also affected livestock.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the flood situation yesterday, as he instructed ministers and legislators to visit flood affected areas.

He also instructed the Health department to monitor health and hygiene related issues.

Sonowal stressed on providing proper relief materials to women and infants. The Chief Secretary appraised that there would not be dearth of funds to tackle flood.

Superintendent of Dhemaji police Swapnanil Deka said, based on an information a team of police arrested one person from a vehicle at Tayan Chapori, the road that leads to Bogibeel and recovered 14 gms of suspected heroine from his possession. He was set to go to Mumbai to supply drugs, he added.

11th July is World Population Day Ranjan K Baruah

PAGE 12

4 MILITANTS ARRESTED BY MANIPUR POLICE

Page - 6

Hon’ble Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court Mr. Justice Ajit Singh administered the oath of office.

Cub of Meseka being recovered by Dibrugarh Forest Division from Borpather Kamargaon.

Pic - UB Photos

Pages- 12

PTI Srinagar, July 10

communities or parents to be ready for marriage and motherhood. Many are forced from school, damaging their future prospects.

Kashmir remained on the edge with three more persons, including a cop, getting killed in violence today, raising the death toll to 18, while 200 have been injured even as curfewlike restrictions and suspension of Mobile internet services continued.

Contd. on Page 4

In view of the unrest following the killing of Hizbul

Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, Amarnath Yatra also remained suspended for the second day, although some stranded pilgrims were escorted to safety.

In Delhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation in the Valley and spoke to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, assuring her of all possible help.

Contd. on Page 4

cmyk

20 Injured in road mishap

5.00

INDIA WILL 'RE-THINK' POLICY IF PAKISTAN CONTINUES TO AID TERRORISM: CENTRE

Page - 11 ET CAPSULES

Price -

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 11

PAGE 2

ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You can make a difference to others' lives. Considerate and thoughtful, today, you will be treasured more than ever as a boss, colleague, parent or beloved. Utilise this exchange of energy to sort out difficult issues.

Taurus Today, your mind shifting from your professional affairs and drifting, time and again, towards your home and family. You are likely to return home early and get happily engrossed in discussing pressing domestic issues with your family members. This will possibly be followed by a festive evening filled with fun and laughter. You're going to devote the whole day to your home and family and will be inclined to do little else.

Gemini You will be lost in the memories of the past today. You will be in a nostalgic frame of mind.

Intellectual pursuits will attract you. Do not let your past lay a shadow upon your present and your future.

Cancer The day shall find you in buoyant spirits.. As you are feeling lively and full of beans, you will not mind slogging it out, even if in some mindless activities or chores. It is a perfect day for activities like gardening, cooking, baking and even for a nice house warming gettogether. Evening stars encourage you to go all out and splurge - emotion-wise, moneywise or time-wise - on your sweetheart!

Leo The trader in you comes to the fore today. With an impeccable eye for recognising profitable avenues, you will quickly spot opportunities that arise from buying goods at cheaper prices, and selling them off at a rate that leaves you with a lump sum profit. Start with small transactions, and treat each transaction with care before you plunge into bigger ventures, like the Bull-n-Bear tussle of the stock markets.

Virgo There is a strong indication that you will dabble in writing or performing arts, and emerge with excellent results. Since these are your passions, you may cultivate hobbies in these fields, if they are not already your profession. Enjoy the power you have over people today as you grip them with sweet words, swinging to your whims.

Libra You will spend time with your family members by putting them above other commitments.

There may be plans made to go out for dinner or for a short excursion with them. Health of a close relative may be a cause of concern for you today.

Scorpio The target is locked in and the arrow is shot. It is only a matter of time before Cupid celebrates and hits the bull's eye and you find yourself in the mush of things. Sentiments and romance will be the order of the day. There is a good chance that marriage proposals or new relationships will find their footing today.

Sagittarius The way you keep your interests alive will keep your mind occupied. Leisure activities and by-lines will by-pass the mundane routine today.. Pamper yourself by doing what you like, be it gardening, cooking or even plain old reading.

Capricorn New projects and partnership will keep you busy today.If a meeting is scheduled, you may be praised vociferously for your ability to make the right decision at the right time. You may also bag rewards for the commendable efforts you'd put in the past.

Aquarius If you are an astrologer, doctor or a spiritual leader, today is a favourable day for you.

Those who may want to challenge you must reconsider the thought of testing your strengths.

Doing charity work, helping the needy, and working for humanitarian causes give you a feeling of contentment. Today, it will be one of those extremely fulfilling days.

Pisces An action-packed day awaits you, busy as you will be corresponding with old contacts, telephonic interviews, organising meetings and scheduling tasks. Do not forget to breathe!

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 11-7-16 (MONDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Songs) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 2-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Jaagaa Grahak Jaagaa" 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 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 Anushthan 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 7-45 P.M-Aadhunik Geet 8-00 P.M-Drama-Khirikiyedi,Written by Ali Haidar 8-30 P.M-Talk in Assamese 9-30 P.M-Mandakini Sd-/H.O.P

Gynecology specialist of Cleanness drive Dhemaji Civil Hospital arrested held at Nazira ET Correspondent Dhemaji, July 10: On Friday night last, Gynecology specialist Dr. Tikendrajit Taid of Dhemaji Civil Hospital was arrested by Dhemaji police under charges of physical assault to his wife, lodged by his neighbors.

According to the source,

Taid got second marriage few months back for which his first wife lodged a complaint against him at Dhemaji police station, but he got bail from Honourable Guwahati High Court. On Friday night he was forcefully trying to get signature of first wife on divorce papers, but

He was produced in the court on Saturday and was charged under IPC 447,427,325 and 307. He was sent to judicial custody.

Death of Jawan triggers strife in Khatkhati CRPF Group Centre ET Correspondent Bokajan, July 10: A CRPF

jawan died of heart failure while undergoing 21 days special training at CRPF Group Centre, Khatkhati in East Karbi Anglong. The incident took place when the jawan collapsed unconscious during the 20 km march on Saturday evening. He has been identified as Raju Paswan of 33rd Batch, 129 BN CRPF. Hundreds of jawans today protested in front of the main gate and accounted Assistant Commandant, Jayanta Rai of Paswan's death. Rai was in charge of the training programme. The protesting jawans alleged that the officer refused to rush ailing Paswan to the hospital in his car after he collapsed and instead called for an ambulance which consumed another couple of hours. He was however admit-

Cleanness drive held at Nazira ET Correspondent Nazira, July 10: As a part of Swasha Bharat Abhijan, Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Nazira, Rajendra Oja, CI of Nazira and OC of Simaluguri police station took part in a cleanness

programme at historic Kareng Ghar campus, today. According to SP Anand Prakash Tewari, administration of Sivasagar will take part regularly in the cleanness drive and it will continue even in future.

Organizational election among BJP party workers of Bajali held ted to a hospital.

He was in the group of 650 CRPF jawans from various battalions across the country who had come to the group centre to attend the 21 days special training which was started from 27th June, 2016.

The jawans also complained of

mental and physical torture in the light of training which they are subjected to.

Paswan is said to have joined the force back in 2008.

He hailed from the state of Bihar and was posted at Assam's Kokrajhar district. He is survived by a wife and four young daughters.

A Correspondent Bajali, July 10: The Bajali BJP Block committee today conducted an organizational election which was held at district BJP committee office of Pathsala. The election was presided over by Mandal returning officer (MRO), Mr. Nikunja Das. The election was held between Mr. Robin Deka and Mr. Gautam Kalita. The en-

tire process of election was free and fair. At the end of the counting, the result was declared in favour of Mr. Robin Deka.

The president of Bajali District BJP committee Mr. Phani Pathak told this correspondent that, organizational election is not something between rival parties, rather it is among the same party workers.

Margherita police Children from Chirang at arrests 2 for alcoholism Sainik School, Goalpara ET Correspondent Margherita, July 10: Margherita police today evening caught two youths and bought to Margherita police station under the influence of alcohol at block tiniali, Margherita. The two youths allegedly verbally abused the policemen on duty due to which they were arrested. When they were examined by doctors they were found under the influence of alcohol. The two were identified as Anshuman Gogoi (18) a student of Salt Brook Academy, Dibrugarh and son of Dr Budhin Gogoi, Principal of Margherita College and an-

other Biswadeep Gogoi (19) a resident of Block Tiniali, Margherita. When they were brought to the doctor for medical tests Anshuman also reportedly used slang words against the doctors on duty.

It has been noticed in Margherita due to flourishing of several illegal liquor dens wards of many rich and educated families consume liquor openly and create nuisance. Conscious citizens of the town has expressed concern over the issue and had urged upon the local administration and police to take necessary steps in this regard.

Fund crunch hit anti-poaching measures at Pobitora Wild life Sanctuary ET Correspondent Morigaon, July 10 : The Brahmaputra's flood damaged the 50 % infrastructures of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Morigaon district of Central Assam in current wave of flood. Several link roads connecting to Pobitoara W.L. sanctuary were submerged and even washed away in some places.

A total of 60 percent areas of Pobitora Sanctuary which is the world's densest habitat of one horned rhinos are still under flood water. The Authority of the sanctuary has tightened the security system to combat the poaching in the sanctuary during the flood.

But, according to Ranger of the sanctuary due to nonavailability of fund, the Authority could not repair the mechanized boats as well as

the country boats which becomes a concern to the protection of wildlife including one horned rhinos. The forest guards inside the flood ravaged areas of Pobitora WL Sanctuary could not perform their rhino protection duties upto the mark for non availability of mechanized boats.

It is learnt that fund flow to Pobitora is so poor during last 3 months resulting in severe problems in anti poaching operations. As many as five anti poaching camps of Pobitora namely----Kuchiyani , Kholabhuyan, Kukkari, Tuplung, and Nekera--------were completely destroyed by the storm and flood but till date it could not be repaired for which forest guards are facing serious problems in anti poaching operation in the sanctuary.

Candle light march for Divakar Das held at Daporijo ET Correspondent Dhemaji, July 10: The citizens of Daporijo, Upper Subansiri District headquarter, organized a candle march for the peace of soul to Jawan of 138BN CRPF, who was killed by a youth during patrolling.

The jawan named Divakar Das (34) was killed by Rokder allies Tadar Motu who was caught with brown sugar. The incident occurred near district hospital of Daporijo on Sunday

hearing noise of quarrel, his neighbor complained to police about it. Eventually, the police arrested him.

around 9:30 pm.

On 9th July citizens of Daporijo along with police force, CRPF, APP, ITBP, marched with candle light for peace to the soul of jawan Deevakar Das. “The peace marched was successful only because of Deputy commissioner, Komkar Dulom, SP Taru Gusar, OC, Police forces and all the citizens of Daporijo”, said Gumjum Haider.

A Correspondent Goalpara, July 10: In an effort to create awareness and motivate children from remote parts of Chirang District of BTAD to join Armed Forces, an educational visit was organised by 7 Sikh Light Infantry of 11 Mountain Brigade of Red Horn Division to Sainik School Goalpara (SSG), Assam on 08 Jul 16. The visiting team comprised about 25 primary school children, three parents and five teachers from different schools in Panbari, Kailamaila, Khunguri, Kajalgaon and Boro Bazar villages in Chirang District.

The team saw the infrastruc-

ture and education facilities in the school, viz. the Academic Block, Science Block, Labs, MI Room, dormitories, swimming pool, various sports fields etc.

They were given a presentation by the School Authorities regarding the admission procedures to join Sainik School and the All India Sainik School Entrance Examination. The children were elated to join the SSG cadets for lunch in the sprawling Cadets’ Mess.

The children were extremely happy to visit the school and expressed their willingness to join SSG as

cadets soon. It is significant to mention that the school has over 250 SSGians to its credit as officers in the Armed Forces which was established in 1964. The noted among them are Air Marshal Anjan Kumar Gogoi (Retd), AVSM, PVSM, ASM, Lt Gen Konsam Himalaya Singh, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, Commandant of Infantry School, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, Lt Gen Pranab Kumar Bharali, VSM, Director General of Army Aviation Corps, Army Headquarters, New Delhi and Maj General Ananta Bhuyan, SM, GOC Dao Division.

Jehadi Sahidul Islam is missing from the year 2014 ET Correspondent Barpeta, July 10: After the terrorists activities of ISIS in Bangladesh, the security and police force became alert regarding the entry of 5 jehadis in Assam from the neighbourung country.

It may be mentioned that " NIA" got information about the entry of the 5 jehadis in Assam through the Indo- Bangla border in Meghalaya Garo hills border way.After this declaration all the security forces became alert and security tightened in all over Assam. The police force made slipper cell in minority remote char areas.

Among those five 5 jehadis one is without doubt Sahidul Islam who was also involved in Burdwan bomb blast. Sahidul Islam

is the son of Jahar uddin of Roumari pathar village in Barpeta district. At present there is no whereabouts about Sahidul, even his family members didnot know about him. Since 2014 he was absconding.

There is no information about his whereabouts in the hands of police.

Sahidul passed HSLC in the year 2011 from Doulashal High school, Nalbati district. After then in the year 2012 he went to Bardhaman district of west Bengal in order to study in a Madrassa there.

There was telephonic conversation along with his family members. It was sure that Sahidul Islam and some other youths were taken to Bordawn under the leadership of jehadi

Sahanur Alam alias " doctor". But when Sahanur's involvement in Bordawn bomb blast came to light from that time Sahidul was missing.His family members did not know about his whereabouts till now,though his father Jahar uddin and elder Golam Osmani were sent to jail for 6 months in the year 2014 on the basis of telephonic conversation , Sahidul' s father and elder brother also at present told that which jehadi path Sahidul choose is not true path. All the villagers also wanted that Sahidul should surrender as early as possible.On the other hand Tarabari police have been in search of jehadi Sahidul Islam.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 11

PAGE 3 Taloh lays foundation stone of UD and PHED division buildings at Boleng ET Bureau Pangin, July 10: 35 Pangin MLA Tapang Taloh laid foundation stones of for office of Deputy Director of UD & H and PHED Division amidst local officers, staffs and leaders.

He also attended a public meeting held at Paman Club, Boleng and addressed the people.

While addressing the gathering, MLA Taloh has fervently appealed people to cooperate the administration in all fronts

that would usher in a new era of progress and to give fillip to development. He urged the local populace to pay attention on education of their children and to preserve the local culture and tradition, which is threatened by advent of modernity.

Among others, DC In-charge Tamik Talom, Boleng ADC Taro Mize, DD (UD & H) Sankoli Sonam, ZPMs Taben Jamoh (Pangin) and Tajing Taki (Nugong Banggo) also spoke on the occasion.

‘VAN MAHOTSAV’ a festival of tree plantation observed

Dr Joram Begi sworn-in as the Chief Information Commissioner

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, July 10 : Dr Joram Begi has been swornin as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Arunachal Pradesh State Information Commission in a function in the Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 10th July 2016.

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Tathagata Roy administered the oath of office.

The former Director of Higher and Technical Education, Dr. Joram Begi is also advisory board member in Central Advisory Board of Education, Na-

tional Council of Teacher Education.

Chief Minister Shri Kalikho Pul, Deputy Chief Ministers, Shri Kameng Dolo and Shri Chowna Mein, Cabinet Ministers, Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Shri Wangki Lowang, members of State Legislative Assembly, former Chief Minister Shri Gegong Apang, senior officers, public leaders, special invitees and distinguished guests attended the function. Smt Joram Yajur, wife of Dr. Begi was also present on the occasion.

Bishnu Rana Tezu, July 10: Marathon trees plantation drive since 4 to 10th July has been held at the Lohit district under the ageis of Divisional Forest Office (DFO) in association with Jaw Krong Foundation Trust where avenue plantation drive both sides of NH 415 right from Airfield to Tezu Khola was covered up.

Also entire market premises, ITBP 9th BN Lohitpur including office

campus were under the priority drive. Over 650 plants species namely Azhar, Canchan, Ficus, Jackfruit, Been etc were covered.

In a culminating programme held at Botanical Garden, Dr Mohesh Chai MLA as a chief guest felt the necessity of tress plantation through the year in a bid to retain the depleting forest resources and rising climate change. “The township once had moderate weather during peak

summer and no flood despite month long rains unfortunately gets worse these days due to illegal timbering and massive encroachment in reserve forest”, he rues. The MLA also appeals each one to plant tree to restore the depleting environment. He also pleads the department to give precedence of caring and preservation of sapling after plantation with proper enclosure.

While appreciating the fes-

tival of Arunachal on nature and its preservation, Danish Ashraf IAS DC Lohit said that each tribe celebrate festival based on nature makes much difference to preserve nature. “We should give due importance to tree to preserve environment. The plantation along NH 415 would add beauty of the township and attract tourist coming from outside”, he hopes. Former Minister of Forest Nakul Chai expressed concern over the

lost of forest cover at Tabang, Digaru and Tezu reserve forest due to which the weather pattern of the township adversely changed. He urges the forest department to set Lohit district as precedent to plant more and more trees to regain the lost. Earlier highlighting the Arunachal maximum forest coverage then rest of the states, Abhinav Kumar (IFS) ACF expressed distress over fast depletion of forest re-

sources which he felt that the youth should take the onus to assist the forest department to preserve trees.

He appreciation ‘Friends of Forest’ a volunteer of youths under the leadership of Picaso Chai in extending cumulative effort to preserve the nature.

Jitendra Kumar (CF) also suggested ornamental, fruits and shadow giving tree during plantation to avoid gullible timber mafia.

Other guest participated in the occasion were Dr T Taloh Principal IGGC, Chand Ashraf, the father of the D.C., Lohit, Dr A Wailong, Gautam Hazarika SDO, June Kadu DIO, Gaonburas, member from Friends of Forest and other public.

S Manyu DFO also distributed Been, Jackfruits and other ornament sapling as a gift to the MLA, DC and other visiting guests.

Later the MLA, DC and Head of Departments planted sapling at the entrance of Botanical garden to mark the celebration.

BJP VIKAS PARV The Governor visits Jawaharlal held at Khonsa Nehru State Museum and Itafort

Distressed Russian 'bahu' thanks Sushma Swaraj for help Agra, July 10 (ANI): Russian national Olga Efimenkova, who has been sitting in protest against her mother-in-law at the doorstep of the family home in Agra, on Sunday; extended her gratitude to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, hours after an FIR was lodged in this matter.

Speaking to ANI, Efimenkova said, "I want to thank Sushma Swaraj ji for taking prompt action. Sushma ji through her tweet directed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to help us. I want to thank both of them.

An FIR has been lodged, finally."

"My mother-in-law keeps on asking for money, says that I'm from poor family and didn't bring anything along," she added.

Earlier in the day, Sushma urged Akhilesh to help the Russian daughter-in-law, who has been sitting in protest against her mother-in-law at the doorstep of the family home in Agra from where she has been kicked out.

"Akhilesh ji - Pl help this lady. @yadavakhilesh," she said in a tweet.

Efimenkova, who married Vikrant Singh Chandel in 2011, has been sitting outside her inlaws house on a hunger strike, claiming that she, her husband and daughter have been barred from entering the house.

"I am from Russia and I got married to Vikrant Singh Chandel here in Agra in 2011. My problem is that my mother-in-law has thrown us out of the house and we have no other place to go. So now I am sitting here with my daughter at the gate of the house, as she (mother-in-law) is not letting me go inside," Olga had earlier said.

The Russian lady said that she would continue her protest until she and her family are given a place to stay in the house.

Olga further said that she was often tortured for being a foreigner and also accused of not bringing a dowry with her.

Backing his wife, Vikrant Chandel stated that his mother often physically assaulted Olga and kept asking for dowry and money.

"She has asked for 11 lakh rupees, but I don't have that. She has opened an illegal school and I don't think she has the right papers for that. I went to new Agra police station, but they are not helping. I have been out here since 20 days and now I don't even have any money left," he said.

However, Olga's mother-in-law Nirmala Chandel has maintained that she herself is living in a single room and had gifted the house to her daughter. She has also alleged that her son and daughter-in-law often indulge in gambling and do not care about her well-being

ET Bureau Khonsa, July 10: The VIKASH PARV, marking the successful completion and achievements of 2 years Modi led NDA Govt.at the centre was organized by the Tirap District BJP unit recently at Nehru Stadium, Khonsa.

The delegates from entire Tirap region comprising of Changlang, Tirap and Longding Districts attended the programme.

The Arunachal Pradesh State BJP President Shri Tapir Gao while addressing the mammoth gathering,stated that a history has been created at Khonsa with the huge gathering of people from Tirap region.

He exhorted that Changlang,Tirap and

Longding is not far away from our great country and it is very much part and partial of the country and they are not less patriotic than the rest of India.

He said that BJP has become the largest political party in the world with more than 11 crores and to manage the party affairs,the party is imparting training across the country and the district level training in the state from Tawang to Longding has been organized across the state and asked party cadres to take part in the important programme of the party.

The 2 years achievement of our central Govt. which includes 52 schemes should benefit all, we must take advantage and said that the current policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is quite focused on developing the Indian economy.

JanDhan Yojana was born out of this objective of the PM and under this Yojana, PM Narendra Modi had launched the Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency or the MUDRA Bank on 8th April'15 to extend needful financial supports to the small time entrepreneurs .Mudra bank provides three stages of loans for small time entrepreneurs.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, July 10 : The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Tathagata Roy visited the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Itanagar to acquaint himself with the cultural richness of the State. Accompanied by the First Lady of the State Smt Anuradha Roy, the Governor had a closure look into the artifacts and other details on the evolution of the State since early 1900.

covering Tawang, Bomdila, Nafra, Bichom Dam site, Kimi, Ranganadi Dam site, Narottatam Nagar and Namdapha and always marveled at the variety of everything in the State.

Today’s visit gave me an insight into that variety, explained in great detail and with enthusiasm by the people in-charge, the Governor said while appreciating the Director Research Shri Batem Pertin and his team of officers.

Impressed by the displays in the State Museum, the Governor remarked that he had travelled extensively in Arunachal Pradesh earlier

Later the Governor and the First Lady of the State visited the Itafort, the fort of bricks or Ita in Hindi, from which the State capital de-

rives its name. The fort has an irregular shape, built mainly with bricks dating back to the 14th-15th Century believed to be of Mayapur of Ramachandra, a king of the Jitari Dynasty.

Earlier, on the day the first couple visited the Itanagar Buddhist Gompa. The Governor lighted a ceremonial lamp and offered prayers.

Itanagar Buddhist Cultural Society led by IBCS functionaries Dr. Norden, Dr. P.N. Thongchi and Dr. D.W. Thungon along with Director Tourism Shri Karma Leki ushered them around sacred compound and briefed the Governor about the Gompa.

Murray sinks Raonic to clinch second Wimbledon's title London, July 10 (ANI): World number two Andy Murray on Sunday produced a scintillating performance as he defeated Canada's Milos Raonic in straight sets to clinch his second Wimbledon's title.

Murray defeated the sixth seeded Canadian player 64, 7-6(3), 7-6(2) in the summit showdown to repeat his triumph of 2013 and claim a third Grand Slam title.

/

Snap shots from the ‘Team Up to Stop Drugs Abuse’ organised by Inter / Collegiate Youth Association in Miao recently. /Pic - Indrajit Tingwa

/

Jubilant with the victory, the 29-year-old player gave a tearful speech wherein he said that Wimbledon was the most important tournament for him.

"The most important tour-

nament for me every year.

I've had some great moments here and some tough losses. I'm glad to get my hands on the trophy again," he said in the post match interview.

"I played really good stuff but Milos has had a great few weeks on the grass and had some unbelievable wins. His match against Roger in the semis was a great match and he is one of the harder workers out there. Each time we've played each other, he's made big movements," he added.

With the victory, Murray has become the first Briton to win multiple Wimbledon singles titles since Fred Perry in 1935.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 11

PAGE 4

Naba Doley felicitates the meritorious students of Dhakuakhona LAC

PM Modi leaves for Kenya, thanks Tanzania for 'remarkable visit' Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania), July 10 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a five-day tour to Africa, left for Kenya this afternoon after completing his day-long visit to the nation.

Prime Minister Modi, who received a rapturous farewell at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, took to Twitter to thank Tanzania.

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, July 10: MLA of Dhakuakhona Legislative Assembly cum State Minister (independent Charge), Rural Development, Youth Welfare and Cultural Affair, Naba Doley today conveyed warm felicitation to the meritorious students of his LAC.

fitting manner in the auditorium of North Bank College of Ghilamora where he felicitated a total of 1200 students who passed the HSLC and HS Final exams with flying colours.

They were presented with a Gamocha, a Certificate of Merit, bouquet of flowers and a bundle of books as mementos.

Dr. Jugal Saikia, Princi-

pal of North Bank College; Dr. Jogananda Sut, Principal of Dhakuakhona College; Dr. Manash Jyoti Neog, Principal of Harhi College; educationists Amiya Kumar Hundique, Sewak Chandra Chutia, a host of eminent personalities along with the guardians of the students were present in the programme.

dedication of the Solar Mamas impressed me.

Enjoyed interacting with them," he said in a series of tweets.

Prime Minister Modi was earlier today accorded a ceremonial welcome at the State House kicking-off his first engagement in Tanzania.

He met with a group of 'Solar Mamas', the women from developing nations who have been trained in harnessing solar energy at the Barefoot College in Tilonia village of Rajasthan's Ajmer city.

"Thank you Tanzania.

This was a remarkable visit and the ground covered during the visit will benefit our two nations immensely," he The Prime Minister also tweeted. interacted with around 50,000 members of the "The hardwork and Indian community.

Ministers should accept bribes if offered, chief Hectic lobbying begins in of BJP ally in Assam Like the previous years, The program held in be-

Congress for Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 10: Hectic lobbying by senior Congress leaders for the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat which has fallen vacant after the seat was left by chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal has started, and several senior congress leaders are eyeing the seat. According to AICC and APCC sources, several senior Congress leaders have recently

meet AICC general secretary CP Joshi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi regarding ticket to contest from the seat.

“Among the possible contenders are former Bihpuria MLA Bhuben Bora, and former Dhakuakhana MLA Bharat Narah, but Bora appear to have an edge on this,” said a APCC secretary. The Congress

NDFB-S held ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 10: A NDFB-S cadre identifed as Derhasat Basumaraty was apprehanded by security forces from Panbari area under Bijni PS in Chirang

district on Sunday. He was involved with several activities like extortion, kidnapping in the area. A pistol, a magazine and live bullet were recovered from his possession.

Delhi Police arrest four for selling CDRs New Delhi, July 10 (ANI): The Delhi Police on Sunday arrested four people for running inter-state CDR (call detail records) leakage racket.

The snooping racket had been allegedly selling CDRs of thousands of people collected through the help of a police constable.

Divulging the details, Ravindra Yadav, Joint Commissioner (Crime) of Police said that they were getting information that few detective agencies were illegally procuring CDRs. "We sent a decoy to Scorpio detective agency in Janakpuri and trapped by them giving 5000 rupees. We arrested Pakaj Tiwary. During interrogation, it was found out that Tiwari was procuring CDRs from J.V. Rathore," Yadav said.

"Rathore runs a detective

agency in Uttam Nagar, who was procuring CDRs from a constable name Narendra Kumar in Uttar Pradesh. We then arrested him in Delhi," he added.

Yadav further asserted that after the arrest of Rathore, they came to know that international firm named BLS solutions, whose branches are located in Delhi, have been purchasing huge quantum of CDRs from him.

Other arrested include Aditya Sharma and Sanjiv Chaudhary.

Aditya was earlier arrested by the Delhi Police for selling CDRs of high profile persons in 2013.

The Joint Police Commissioner also informed that each CDR was procured at a minimum cost of Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 10, 000 but were sold to customers at minimum one lakh rupees

All Assam Tai Ahom Students Union felicitation program by HSLC and High Secondary merit students at Sahitya Rathi Laxminath Bezbarua Bhawan, Dibrugarh. Pic - UB Photos

leadership at New Delhi is looking at the issue cautiously as they don’t want another embarrassment after the debacle in the Assam assembly election this year. Meanwhile, according to the BJP leadership, the party is yet to decide on its candidate for the seat, and very soon a meeting on this is likely to be held with BJP president Amit Shah.

Guwahati, July 10 : The chief of a regional party has dealt a blow to ally BJP’s battle against corruption in Assam by saying ministers should accept bribe if offered.

“We have two ministers in the Sarbananda Sonowal government.

They should accept ‘maal’ (bribe) if offered,” Hagrama Mohilary, the president of Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), said.

Mohilary, a rebel-turnedpolitician, is the chief executive member of Bodoland Territorial Council that BPF has

been ruling since 2003.

BPF is one of two regional allies of the ruling BJP. “The government has taken steps to check corruption but ministers have not been asked to not accept bribes if offered. There is no harm in accepting anything but the ministers should not demand,” he said.

The BPF has two ministers in the Sonowal government – environment and forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma and public health engineering minister Rihon

Daimari.

Mohilary’s twist to Assam’s crusade against corruption has drawn criticism.

“His party, BPF, is a part of the government. Such remark, amounting to justification of what is happening around us, is not expected of him,” Pramod Bodo, president of All Bodo Students’ Union, said on Saturday.

A few days ago, chief minister Sonowal had appealed to the people to not bribe officials or government employees to get their job done.

15 bags tobacco leaves 11th July is World seized from New Population Day Tinsukia railway station Contd. from Page 1

Contd. from Page 1 Speaking to ET correspondent, Officer - in charge of GRP at New Tinsukia Railway Station said that in a recent haul GRP has seized 15 bags of tobacco leaves on Sunday.

Till now we have arrested two persons, Uma Shankar Rai and Prabhat Saikia, in connection with tobacco leaves haul case. Another two persons, Brij Kishore Prasad and Niranjan Prasad were arrested in tobacco leaves

(sada) seizure case previously, added Tamuly and said all are out on bail.

The arrest of the persons comes at a time when they went to claim pan masala seized alongwith tobocca, as pan masala is not banned. It comes only after select media pointed towards the role of GRP in not acting against the person claiming pan masala on a previous similar occassion, despite all packets of pan masala and zarda were of the same lot. Instead, GRP released all pan masala packets.

'Internal disturbance Drug peddler supplying in Manipur, not war- drugs at Mumbai arrested like state' from Tayan Chapori in Contd. from Page 1

with a little consideration from all quarters. It is never too late to bring peace and harmony in society," it observed.

Making it clear that the situation in Manipur has "never been one of a war or an external aggression or an armed rebellion that threatens the security of the country or a part thereof", the bench said no such declaration has been made by the Centre, "explicitly or even implicitly".

"Nothing has been shown to us that would warrant a conclusion that there is a war or an external aggression or an armed rebellion in Manipur," it said.

Dhemaji Contd. from Page 1

Replying to a question SP Deka said, after reaching Mumbai his handler would tell him where to deliver the banned drugs. He has bought the drugs from Dibrugarh, added Deka and said that his interrogation is on.

The arrested drug peddlar has admitted his role in supplying drugs at Mumbai on one prior occasion.

Today's catch has made it crystal clear that Upper Assam has become a hub for banned drugs business and are supplied from Assam to other parts of the country.

Even among girls who stay in school, access to basic information about their health, human rights and reproductive rights can be hard to come by, leaving them vulnerable to illness, injury and exploitation.

These challenges are exacerbated among marginalized girls, such as members of ethnic minorities or those living in poverty or remote areas. The situation is different in different places of the world.

"Leaders and communities must focus on and stand up for the human rights of the most marginalized teenage girls, particularly those who are poor, out of school, exploited, or subjected to harmful traditional practices, including child marriage," UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin said.

He also added that "when a teenage girl has the power, the means and the information to make her own decisions in life, she is more likely to overcome obstacles that stand between her and a healthy, productive future. This will benefit her, her family and her community." It is to be mentioned that UNFPA works with many partners, both within and outside the United Nations system, including Governments, nongovernmental organizations, civil society, faith-based organizations, religious leaders and others, to achieve its mission.

Ban Ki-moon, SecretaryGeneral of United Nations on his message on the occasion

said that "despite significant gains made in reducing poverty and improving opportunity and well-being for many people around the world, hundreds of millions remain desperate for a chance of a better future, Among those least served by previous development initiatives are girls, particularly those in their formative teenage years." , he added that "just when girls should be in school and imagining the possibilities ahead, too many are held back from pursuing their ambitions by social and cultural traps.

While a boy's options and opportunities tend to expand when he becomes an adolescent, those of a girl too often shrink. Half of all sexual assaults worldwide are committed against girls aged 15 or younger. In developing countries, one in three girls is married before she reaches 18.

And teenage girls are less likely than teenage boys to start or finish secondary school."

On this World Population Day he has urged all Governments, businesses and civil society to support and invest in teenage girls as everyone deserves the benefits of economic growth and social progress.

We are aware the international community has committed to a new sustainable development agenda built on the principles of equity and human rights. It is also responsibility of each and every one us to see that every individual progress. Let us work together to ensure a life of security, dignity and opportunity for all. (With inputs from UN publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)

Rock climbing, Hill trekking creates amusement ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 10: Rock climbing as well Hills trekking created amusement among participant and spectators along the Sonamukhi hills under Bilasipara subdivision in Dhubri district during the summer adventures camp.

The camp was organized by Adventure NGO, Kokrajhar in association with Assam Mountaineering Association to find out sports talents in the region.

Nearly 100 participants from different districts of BTAD and its adjoins districts participated in the summer camp.Participants took training on rock climbing, hills trekking under learned expert and instructors from Asssm Mountain-

eering Association.

Mananjay Daimary, president of Adventure,NGO said that we organized the summer camp to give training on rock climbing, hill trekking among the budding sports persons in the region.

'Participants participated with enthusiasts during the camp which encouraged us to lead the programme in healthy manner', Daimary said.

Dr Jagadish Basumatary, instructor of the camp said that the camp has been imparting training on adventures like rock climbing, hill trekking along with key capacity building. The training camp has been emphasizing to hunt sports talents from the region.

Kashmir remains on edge, three more killed in violence Contd. from Page 1 The state police also urged protesters not to resort to violence, saying it does not bring the right consequences, and that it would like to avoid the killing of the youth.

Even as curfew-like restrictions remained in force, violence was reported from a number of places.

An 18-year-old youth Irfan Ahmad Malik was critically injured in clashes between protestors and security forces at Newa in Pulwama this morning, a police official said.

Irfan was rushed to SMHS hospital here but succumbed to injuries, he said.

An unidentified person was brought to district hospital Pulwama in a critical condition but succumbed to injuries, he said, adding efforts are on to ascertain his identity.

A police driver Feroz Ahmad was killed after a mob pushed his mobile bunker vehicle into river Jhelum at Sangam in Anantnag district, the official said. Efforts were on to fish out the body of the deceased cop.

In another incident, a head constable of police was shot in both legs by militants last night at his residence in Tral area of Pulwama district, the official said.

Three policemen, who went missing after a large mob attacked a police station in Damhal Hanjipora yesterday, are still untraceable, state Education Minister Naeem Akhtar said.

Three youth were injured in security forces firing when a mob attacked a police post in Achabal area of Anantnag district with stones, the official said.

Another youth was injured when he was hit by firearm in Pampore town on SrinagarJammu National Highway today.

At least six other persons were hospitalised with minor injuries at various places in south Kashmir, which as seen widespread protests following the killing of Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces in Kokernag area on Friday.

The official said four persons who were injured in the violent clashes yesterday succumbed to injuries during the night.

As per consolidated information available now, more than 200 persons including 96 security personnel were injured in the day long clashes during which the mobs set on fire three police installations, three civil administration offices, the house of a PDP MLA, several vehicles and targeted a BJP office. .

REGION

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 11

PAGE 5

Landslide blocks NH2 disrupting traffic to and from Manipur Imphal, July 10: Manipur's road-link with the rest of the country was severely disrupted on Sunday as a landslide blocked National Highway 2 near the Nagaland capital Kohima.

"All available personnel and machinery are being used to remove the debris from the road," an official told IANS over phone from Kohima.

NH 2 and NH 37 are the two main road links between the state and the rest of the country.

However, it is feared that there may be fresh landlsides as heavy downpour continued to lash most of the northeastern states.

Many parts of Assam were reeling under water and thousands of affected villagers were taking shelter in evacuation centres put up by the state government.

In Manipur, a number of villages, paddy fields and public facilities in Chadong and Riha in Chandel and Ukhrul districts, respectively, were under water. Vil-

Miscreants attack leaders of pressure group

Tura MP to file counter affidavit

Nongstoin, July 10: A public meeting organized by Hyniewtrep Achik National Council (HANC) along with the Join Action Committee of Warsan Lyngdoh on Saturday turned ugly when some unidentified miscreants fired stone shots from catapults targeting the leaders of the pressure group.

The meeting was organized to demand NOC from the KHADC for double laning of Nongstoin Mawthabah road.

Two persons - a reporter of Khasi daily Rupang and the Sordar of Domshrah under Mawthabah area K .Pariong - received minor injuries in the incident.

The incident happened when Ricky Sohlang, president of HANC, took the stage to deliver his speech.

Sohlang later told newsmen that his organization condemned the incident. He said that the fight for the construction of the road connecting Nongstoin with Mawthabah would continue.

No FIR was filed by any organization till the filling of this report.(Agencies)

ILP violators pushed back Aizawl, July 10: Altogether 99 people were on Saturday pushed back from Mizoram to Assam for violating provisions of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, Aizawl district SP Lalhuliana Fanai said.

Over 150 non-tribal were arrested in Aizawl on Thursday for residing in the state without valid ILP and these 99 of them were convicted by courts, Fanai told PTI. At least 120 alleged ILP violators were again arrested on Friday night in Aizawl of which 79 were convicted on Saturday, Fanai said.

Under the provisions of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, non-tribal people who come from outside some North Eastern states including Mizoram, have to possess ILP to live and work in the tribal areas. (PTI)

Shillong, Jul 10 : Tura MP Conrad Sangma is accused of violating the provisions of Representation of People Act, 1951 by his Congress opponent Dikkanchi Shira as per the petition filed by her in the High Court.

According to the counsel for the petitioner K C Mittal, Conrad Sangma carried out misinformation campaign regarding the distribution of money under MGNREGS thereby tilting 60 percent votes in his favour.

"On the one hand, initially, the government was falsely accused of withholding the money meant for the job card holders creating a feeling of neglect by the government against the beneficiaries by the NPP candidate and on the other hand, he (Conrad

said: "Churches and schools are inundated and Chadong village is completely under water.

Agriculture is ruined for now...."

Landslide blocks NH2 disrupting traffic to and from Manipur lagers said the overfull Mapithel dam was caus-

Sangma) later stopped the distribution of money after lodging complaints with the Election Commission", Mittal said over phone from Delhi on Saturday.

The petition was heard in the High Court on Friday following which the Court issued notice to the respondent Conrad Sangma. The matter will come up for hearing after three weeks.

When contacted, Sangma said that he was yet to receive the notice and added that he will file an affidavit after getting the necessary papers.

Sangma said if the case is related to MGNREGS, his job was to raise relevant issues as a candidate, and "I did not say anything adverse".

The petition was filed before the High Court

ing the inundation.

Some tribal villagers

citing section 123 and subsection 2 of Representation of People Act, 1951 which prohibits corrupt practices and influencing the voters by way of direct or indirect interference.

MIttal, who is also the AICC legal and human rights department secretary said that the tactic adopted by the opponent was to deprive the voters from knowing the facts.

During one of the campaigns, Conrad had attacked the state government accusing it of misusing fund given by the Central government under MGNREGS resulting in New Delhi withholding the next installment and demanding utilization certificates which the state has allegedly been unable to provide.

During the campaign,

However, government sources told IANS that the villagers have been paid Rs 15 lakh per family as compensation in the Chadong village.

Besides, they have been given an alternative site for setting up a new village, the sources claimed.

Some villages and paddy fields in Imphal

Conrad had also said that the claim of Congress was that Narendra Modi government was not releasing funds to opposition ruled states, and added that the truth was that the Mukul Sangma government had misused Rs 300 crore of Central money allotted by Modi government for the MGNREGA works.

According to Mittal, at a later stage, the NPP candidate had also petitioned the Election Commission just through SMS that Rs 351 crore central fund released to the state government by the Centre under MGNREGS should not be distributed citing model code of conduct despite the fact that it was an ongoing project .

Later, the Election Commission withheld the amount, but finally the Commission allowed the

east district remained flooded as the breached river banks had yet not been repaired.

The LeilonLeimakhong road in Sadar Hills sub-division of the Senapati district had suffered a number of damaged culverts with the result that vehicles cannot ply on it.

Since July 1, more than 30 villages in the subdivision have been affected by floods. The villagers were facing shortage of basic necessities and medicines.

(Agencies)

release of the amount, but it was too late, according to Mittal..

Mittal, said that out of Rs 351 crore, almost Rs 100 crore was to be distributed to the job card holders from the respective blocks under Tura Parliamentary constituency.

According to the petitioner, if the payment was released in time, the election result would have been different.

"NPP candidate used undue influence, and the law in this regard is very clear that if a candidate misleads voters, maliciously and by way of concealment of facts , it attracts the provisions of Representation of People Act, 1951.

According to Mittal, the act of the NPP candidate was a kind of hypnotizing the minds of voters by way of misleading speeches.(Agencies)

Central Govt should uphold SC verdict : All India Imphal, Jul 10: The Central Government must heed to a Supreme Court ruling on the importance of holding security forces accountable for human rights violations, and repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts which grant soldiers virtual immunity from prosecution in civilian Courts, Amnesty International India said on Saturday.

The Court is hearing a public interest litigation filed by Imphal-based NGO Human Rights Alert and a victims' group, seeking its intervention in the cases of 1528 alleged extrajudicial executions in Manipur from 1979 to 2012, AI India said in a statement.

In its ruling on July 8, it

said that all the allegations needed to be looked into, and offences committed by security forces could be prosecu- ted in civilian Courts. It asked for more information about the cases. Proceedings will resume in four weeks.

"The Court's ruling makes it clear that security force personnel accused of human rights violations must not be allowed to get away with impunity. It offers a ray of hope to the families of hundreds of people who were allegedly extrajudicially executed in Manipur over decades," said Arijit Sen, Project Manager at Amnesty International India.

The Court stated: "If any death was unjustified,

there is no blanket immunity available to the perpetrator(s) of the offence. No one can act with impunity particularly when there is a loss of an innocent life. ‌from the point of view of a citizen, living under the shadow of a gun that can be wielded with impunity, outright acceptance of the proposition advanced [that Army personnel have immunity from civilian trials] is equally unsettling and demoralizing, particularly in a constitutional democracy like ours."

"We welcome the judgment. It is a positive one.

We shall have to wait on what the court decides on our demand for a special investigation team to investigate all the cases.

The real sting is yet to come on the nature of investigations on the cases," said Babloo Loitongbam, Director, Human Rights Alert.

In January 2013, the Court had appointed a three-member commission to determine whether six cases identified by the court were 'encounter' deaths - where security forces had fired in selfdefence against members of armed groups - or extrajudicial executions.

The Commission found that all the cases involved extrajudicial executions, and also said that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was widely abused by security forces in Manipur.

Parts of Manipur, other

North-eastern States and Jammu and Kashmir remain officially declared "disturbed areas", where the AFSPA is in force.

The Act provides soldiers with wide-ranging powers, including the use of lethal force. Prosecution for alleged rights violations in civilian courts requires permission from the central government, which is virtually never given.

"The AFSPA violates constitutional rights to life and liberty and shields soldiers from justice. This judgment underlines that no one should be above the law.

The government must recognise the import of this ruling and repeal the AFSPA," said Arijit Sen.(Agencies)

Preventive health care an investment: Dr Udayan Barua Shillong, July 10 : "In India people usually don't go for routine health check- ups due to lack of awareness and because of the cost factor. Most people come to the hospital only after they suffer from some serious ailment. We have time for everything but ourselves and often neglect the silent signs that our bodies are in trouble," said Dr Udayan Barua, Medical Superintendent, Down Town Hospital while speaking at a preventive health awareness meeting at the Shillong Club here on Saturday.

Dr Barua gave an overall picture of the health scenario in the Northeastern states and said that today more people suffer from non-commu-

nicable diseases and many die premature deaths.

He pointed to lifestyle which includes consumption of tobacco and alcohol, a sedentary existence and lack of exercise whereby the body secretes more insulin in the body than needed.

This excess insulin in the body is a potent cause of cancer. Stressing on moderation in food habits, Dr Barua said excessive salt and sugar are not good for the body. He warned against the consumption of processed meat (sausages, bacon, salami etc) where nitrates are used as preservatives and are known to cause cholorectal cancer.

He said raw vegetables have plenty of magnesium which is an antioxi-

dant. "Prunes are packed with anti-oxidants but equally important is the consumption of fibre and of regular exercise to prevent disease. Preventive health care is an investment and if we take health insurance to cover the cost of hospitalisation then why don't we invest in health care?" Dr Barua questioned.

"Healthy habits are an automatic defence against disease and one of those healthy habits is getting enough sleep.

Lack of sleep can lead to serious health complications," Dr Barua said. He added that Down Town Hospital offers health check up that is efficient affordable and smooth.

Down Town Hospital dietician, Tinababy Barua

said good food equals good health equals good life. She said good food is a source of energy and said that people should stay away from food with trans-fats such as potato chips, deep fried foods etc and said people should instead munch some nuts like almonds and walnuts for a healthy heart and healthy life.

Earlier, the Managing Director, The Shillong Times, Manas Chaudhuri, while addressing the audience, stressed on the importance of preventive health care. "We die because we don't know how to live," Chaudhuri said adding that there are two aspects to preventive health which is the right attitude and a zest for life.

He pointed to a book by John Robbins called, "Healthy at 100," and said that in India we tend to treat the aged with tenterhooks and don't give them responsibility whereas in the west people are active even at 90 years. He said keeping busy is one way of keeping mentally and physically fit.

Chaudhuri reiterated that regular health check-ups are a must. He pointed to statistics which said that in 2011, 55 million people dies because they did not know that they carried a disease.

It may be mentioned that Down Town Hospital Guwahati has a consultancy outlet in Shillong and doctors regularly visit the city for consultation.(Agencies)

4 militants arrested

by Manipur Police

Four militants were arrested by Manipur police in the last two days from different places of Imphal valley Imphal, July 10: Four militants were arrested

by Manipur police in the last two days from different places of Imphal valley, a press release said on Saturday.

The statement informed last morning around 11.30 am, the state police commandos arrested one ultra of the banned PREPAK (PRO).

He has been identified as 52-year-old P Gorobi from North AOC area and nabbed from within the Imphal municipality area, said the release.

Based on his disclosure, two other active members of the outfit, N Doleshwor Singh @ Sotu (48) and L Appu Singh (30) were also arrested from their residences at Khurai and Uripok locality respectively, said the release.

Meanwhile, another active worker of the banned KYKL namely 59-year-old Chongtham Jadu was apprehended by the state forces from Thoubal Kshetri Leikai during frisking at a nearby police outpost, added the release.

All party meeting deliberates new draft Bill New draft Bill proposes 1972 as base year Imphal, Jul 10: With the completion of drafting a new Bill for protection of all indi-genous people of Manipur, a meeting of all political parties was held today at the Chief Minister's Secretariat.

The meeting was presided by Chief Minister O Ibobi and the participants discussed the acts of omissions and commissions and lapses, if there are any in the draft Bill.

Some political leaders who attended the meeting said that most of the participants were appreciative of the draft Bill and they felt there were little provisions/clauses which could be added.

Notably, the meeting was attended by representatives of Indian National Congress, Trinamool Congress, BJP, LJP, CPIM, CPI and JD-U. However, NPP and NPF stayed away from the meeting.

Taking due note of the fact that the Manipur Peoples Bill 2015 was withheld by the Government of India, the meeting discussed about naming the new Bill with jargon different from the earlier one.

Some of the participants proposed replacement of the term 'inner line per-

mit system' with 'indigenous people protection'.

In a remarkable deviation from the PMP Bill 2015, the new draft Bill proposed January 21, 1972 as the base year for identification of indigenous people of Manipur.

Notably, the PMP Bill 2015 adopted 1951 as the base year for identification of indigenous people of Manipur.

Most of the political parties which attended the meeting expressed their appreciation on adopting January 21, 1972 as the base year as Manipur has its census records in 1972, con- veyed the political leaders.

Nonetheless, all the political parties agreed on referring the draft Bill to constitutional and legal experts so as to plug in all loopholes and lapses, if there is any.

The draft Bill would be studied in another meeting of all political parties after it has been referred to constitutional and legal experts.

This would be followed by another meeting with all stake holders belonging to all communities including JCILPS to elicit their opinions on the draft Bill, added the political leaders. (Agencies)

Strengthening the party high on priority: Conrad Shillong, July 10: The state executive committee meeting of NPP will be held here on Tuesday to discuss the strengthening of the party after the successful win of the party candidate Conrad Sangma in the Tura by-poll.

The meeting will also discuss the formation of fullfledged functionaries of the party before dissolving the ad hoc committees.

The NPP's National President Conrad Sangma said on Saturday that the issue of pre-poll alliance with likeminded parties would also figure in the meeting, though no decision will be taken at this juncture as there is still time for the Assembly polls.

According to NPP leader, the party is open to work with likeminded parties in Assembly polls. "The agenda of the state executive

committee will be to re-organize the party and the intention is to strengthen the party ", Sangma said.

After Sangma secured victory in 23 out of 24 Assembly segments which comprises Tura Lok Sabha seat, there is resurgence of the party which, otherwise has only two legislators ( James Sangma and Nihim Shira) after NPP could not secure the projected seats in the 2013 Assembly polls.

After the debacle of NPP in 2013 Assembly polls, there were signs of improvement in its performance with the party forming a coalition in GHADC after the delayed elections in October 2015.

The party, which is rejuvenated after the win of Sangma from Tura Parliamentary seat is looking at the repeat of the success in 2018 Assembly polls.(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 11

PAGE 6

India will 're-think' policy if Pakistan continues to aid terrorism: Centre Bengaluru, July 10: Asserting that elements in Jammu and Kashmir were creating disturbances after getting influenced by its 'neighbours', the Centre on Sunday warned Pakistan that India will have to re-think its policy with Islamabad if it does not stop 'aiding, abetting and sponsoring' terrorism.

In a message to Pakistan, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said that Islamabad must understand that its current ways would not help in sustaining healthy ties between the two nations.

"Aiding, abetting, funding, training terrorism is not acceptable at all. Pa-

kistan should give up such tactics. They will not succeed in their attempts. PM Modi has given a signal that he would like to work with Pakistan and want to have friendship and long term understanding. But if Pakistan continues to do such things, then the government has to think its policy," Naidu said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan today released a statement condemning the killing of 'innocent Kashmiris in India-Occupied-Kashmir' and said that solving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is only possible through an impartial plebiscite with the United Nation's support.

The statement comes as

Modi's "obsession" with Kejriwal forcing Centre to use agencies against us: AAP

Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra New Delhi, July 10: Taking potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for using investigative agencies against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra on Sunday said the apprehension of losing power in the BJPruled states' has forced the Centre to adopt such tactics.

"They (BJP) have realised that they are losing Punjab, Goa and the kind of response Arvind Kejriwal ji has got in Gujarat, I think this fear is forcing them to focus on the AAP," Mishra told.

The Delhi Minister taunted Prime Minister Modi, saying the latter has an obsession for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

"I think Modi is obsessed with Arvind Kejriwal.

All the investigative agencies have been instructed to leave the job and focus on the AAP MLAs and Ministers," he added.

Mishra further said the terror attacks are being investigated by Pakistani agencies, while the national agencies have been left to harass the AAP ministers.

"On one hand there are terrorist attacks happening and they are inviting ISI to investigate the attack and on the other hand the Central agencies like the CBI and Delhi Police are only pursuing cases of the AAP MLAs and are arresting them on false charges," he said.

(ANI)

Congress dubs Maharashtra Cabinet reshuffle as "fraud, deceptive"

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam

ANI New Delhi, July 10 : Days after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expanded his Cabinet, Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam on Sunday dubbed it to be a 'fraud' and 'deceptive' exercise.

Stating there are 11 Cabinet Ministers, who are tainted and charged under corruption cases, Nirupam said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should have dropped them during

the reshuffle.

Nirupam further stated the helpless Chief Minister is unable to act against them.

"It seems that the Maharashtra Government, BJP and Shiv Sena, who used to shout against corruption, have adopted corruption," he told ANI. Earlier on Friday, Fadnavis inducted 11 ministers in his Cabinet.

Two leaders from the Shiv Sena were also sworn-in in the 39-member Cabinet.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu the security forces shot Wani, along with two of his accomplices in Kokernag area, earlier on Friday.

The statement released

by Office of the Spokesperson on Sunday said the extrajudicial killing of Wani and scores of other innocent Kashmiris is deplorable and con-

demnable.

"Pakistan reiterates that the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is only possible by the realisation of the right to self determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as per the UNSC resolutions, through a fair and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices," the statement said.

"Such acts are a violation of fundamental human rights of Kashmiris and can not deter the people of Jammu and Kashmir from their demand for the realisation of the right to self determination," it said.

Islamabad also expressed its concern over the de-

tention of Kashmiri leadership and called upon New Delhi to fulfill the human rights obligations as per the United Nation.

"Pakistan also has serious concerns over the detention of Kashmiri leadership in Indian Occupied Kashmir and calls upon the Indian government to fulfill its human rights obligations as well as its commitments under the United Nations Security Council Resolutions," the statement said.

The Kashmir valley has been on a boil as widespread protests were carried out over Wani's killing with many separatists' calling for a shutdown. (ANI)

MP floods: 15 killed, water level gradually decreasing, says Chauhan Bhopal, July 10: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said that at least 15 people have lost their lives so far in the flash floods, adding the concerned authorities are taking all precautionary measures to bring the situation under control as the MeT office has forecast heavy showers in the coming days.

Stating the conditions are getting better as of now, Chouhan told there are possibilities of heavy rainfall is Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain.

"In Rewa division, everything is getting under control and the conditions are getting better at several places. The flood like situation is getting better as the water level is decreasing. It was drizzling in few areas, but was not raining heavily.

In Bhopal division also, things are now getting

better," he stated.

Chouhan said there is water logging at several places, adding BhopalBareli road and RaisenVidisha road are closed post the flood-like situation.

The Chief Minister said there is a possibility of heavy rainfall in Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain divisions and added that an alert has been issued to the Collectors to remain alert.

Lauding the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for helping the people in this hour of crisis, Chouhan said survey orders have been issued so that the damage can be assessed and in particular the poor can be adequately compensated.

"After the water level decreases, there can be a possibility of the spread of water borne diseases.

So, the Health Department has been given this responsibility to work in

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan collision with the Municipal Corporation and local authorities to ensure clean drinking water is available to all," said Chouhan.

"Since the Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rains. So, the district administrations have been issued orders to take all types of precautionary measures.The situation as of now is under control. The district administration has done

a tremendous job.We are ready to tackle the future challenges," he added.

Chouhan further said the Centre has been briefed about the present situation in the state.

"I had a telephonic conversation with Rajnath Singh ji today and I have apprised the Home Minister of the present situation. I will also brief the honourable Prime Minister about the situation here," he said. (ANI)

Jitendra Singh calls for collective fight against terrorism New Delhi, July 10 : Expressing serious concern over the present situation in Kashmir valley post the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani, Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh on Sunday called for collective fight against terrorism.

Singh said Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is keeping a close watch on the entire sequence of events in Jammu and Kashmir at the moment.

"He has personally been in constant touch with the state administration and the state Chief Minister and has been regularly conducting review meetings," Singh told.

"At the same time, the security agencies are also maintaining a close coordination," he added.

The Minister of State in PMO expressed hope that the situation will be back to normal soon.

"This is a very sensitive part of the year as on the one hand we have the Amarnath Yatra going on and on the other

Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh hand this is the tourist season which took off very well and, therefore, none of us would like the season to get disturbed," Singh stated.

"This is collective and joint fight against terrorism and therefore, we should avoid the temptation of trying to seek some political mileage," Singh added.

Singh also showered praise on the para-military forces, saying they have always done us pride and are continuing the same even today.

"I am of the firm opinion

and a firm believer that we should never directly or indirectly say or do anything, which tends to lower the moral of the forces, which are working and operating under the most difficult circumstances particularly in the Kashmir valley," he said.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh earlier in the day chaired a highlevel meeting to review the law and order situation in the valley following protests over Wani's killing.

Union Home Secretary

Anil Goswami, Joint Secretary (Kashmir division) Gyanesh Kumar, Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Dineshwar Sharma and senior Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials were present in the meeting.

The meeting took place in wake of the soaring violence in the valley as the death toll in the clashes between the security forces and protestors reached 15 with three more civilians succumbing to their injuries. At least 100 protesters were injured earlier on Saturday.

Violence erupted in south Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam and later spread to other districts in the valley after security forces killed Wani and two of his associates in Bamdoora (Kokarnag) village of Anantnag district on Friday.

Wani was buried in his native Shariefabad (Tral) village on Saturday where nearly 40,000 people gathered defying curfew restrictions to take part in his funeral prayers.

(ANI)

RSS taunts UPA over Satyapal Singh's assertion on Zakir Naik

RSS taunts UPA over Satyapal Singh's assertion on Zakir Naik New Delhi, July 10: Mocking the former UPA regime for not responding to reports submitted by former Mumbai police commissioner Satyapal Sinha on Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue Rakesh Sinha on Sunday said the Congress leadership had then only one agenda which was to coin the term Hindu terror.

"This is the same party whose leader uses respectable words like 'ji' for a terrorist.They hold the RSS responsible for the 26/11 terror attacks.

What can you expect from such a government?... The UPA government attempted to give prestige to terrorism," Sinha told here.

"The then Home Ministry had only work, which was find to find out Hindu terror. They were searching for something

which was non-existent.

Two Home Ministers tried to find out Hindu terror," he added.

Former commissioner and now Baghpat MP Satyapal Singh has said in a recent interview that there was an event of mass religious conversion by Zakir Naik in 2008 but the then Congress government didn't act against the hard-line preacher on the basis of his report.

During a lecture on Peace TV, Naik hada reportedly urged all Muslims to become terrorists.

Naik, a popular but controversial Islamic orator and founder of the Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation, is banned in UK and Canada for his hate speeches.

He is among the 16 banned Islamic scholars in Malaysia.

(ANI)

BJP appeals for unity to pacify fragile situation in J-K New Delhi, July 10 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Hina Bhat on Sunday countered the Congress' allegations in wake of the deteriorating law and order situation in the valley and said everybody must come on board to pacify the situation instead of giving hype to the opposition's charges.

Taking a jibe at the Congress, Bhatt said the nation is at the moment least interested to know about the allegations of the grand old party.

"The situation is very fragile, very sensitive in the state.we are only concerned about the peace so that no more deaths are there in Kashmir. So, I don't want to give hype to the Congress Party or any other allegations. Right now, everybody should get together and pacify the situation and get thing under control," Bhat told here.

"When such thing happens, imposition of curfew is a must. And through Facebook, WhatsApp, they try to communicate with each other to carry forward the protest. So, it is important to bring the situation under control," she added.

Talking about the Amarnath Yatra, the BJP leader said that it has been suspended for the time being due to security concerns.

"It is better if we hold on the yatra for the safety of the people both from the state or those coming from outside the state," she said.

Appealing for peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress yesterday said that it was the responsibility of the Centre and the PDP-BJP

coalition government in the state to ensure law and order.

The Congress also blamed the PDP- BJP coalition government in the state for all "wrong decisions that may have adverse consequences in the long-term".

"To the youth or the elderly people of Jammu and Kashmir, we will convey the message that violence is not the solution to any problem. Peace, harmony and brotherhood are the only answers," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

Meanwhile, the death toll in the clashes between security forces and protestors has reached eleven as three more civilians from south Kashmir succumbed to injuries.

Earlier, eight civilians were killed in the clashes in south Kashmir, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani and his two associates were killed in an encounter in Anantnag.

More than hundred protesters have also been injured in the clashes across Kashmir Valley.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said the Centre is working with the state government to bring normalcy in the valley. In a tweet, he appealed to the people to remain calm and maintain peace.

The mobile internet and train services are suspended in the valley.

Amarnath Yatra remains temporarily suspended and around ten thousand pilgrims are reportedly stranded at Jammu.

The CBSE has postponed the UGC-NET exam scheduled for today in Srinagar. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 11

Post Dhaka attack: Education Ministry asks institutes to inform about students remaining absent for 10 days

Education Ministry asks institutes to inform about students remaining absent for 10 days Dhaka, July 10 : In the aftermath of the Dhaka cafe attack, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid today issued instructions to all educational institutions across the country to inform the Education Ministry about the names and identities of the students who remain absent for more than 10 days.

The decision comes after the six assailants of the Holey Artisan Bakery were identified as "students", who received education in elite private

schools and some of them were missing for the past three months, reported.

Nahid gave the instruction at his office at Secretariat on the first day of office after a nine-day Eid vacation.

The minister said he will also discuss with the authorities of various institutions about the steps that can be taken to curb terrorism and militancy as part of the government's antimilitancy campaign.

(ANI)

PM Modi hold delegationlevel talks Tanzanian leadership in Dar-es-Salaam

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Chinese national sentenced to nine years imprisonment for arms smuggling in Pak Gilgit, July 10: A Chinese national Wang Jiangquo has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment for trying to smuggle weapons from Pakistan to China via Khunjrab border by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Gilgit.

Earlier on Thursday, the court also imposed a ban on Wang to visit Pakistan again.

Gilgit Anti-Terrorism Court judge Shahbaz Khan hearing the case also asked the Punjab In-

spector General of Police to take action against the arms dealer, who sold four pistols and hundreds of bullets to the Chinese national, reports the Nation.

Wang was arrested by the Khunjrab Security Force (KSF) on May 24 from Khunjrab National Park area of Hunza district near the China-Pakistan border.

A case was registered against him under the anti-terrorism law after which he was shifted to Giglit for investigation.

Earlier, the police said

He then travelled by bus to Aliabad, Hunza, from where he reached Sost. In Sost, he hired a taxi and went to the Khunjrab National Park.

The taxi driver informed the local police that Wang asked him to drive slowly while he took photographs. After Wang did not return, the driver got worried and informed the nearby Khunjrab Security Force checkpost officials.

The officials along with policemen combed the

area and found Wang near a glacier.

After searching his bag, the police officials reportedly found four pistols, 200 bullets, a map, compass and binoculars.

He was shifted to Sost town where a case was registered against him under the anti-terrorism law.

During the interrogation, Wang confessed to his crime of trying to smuggle four pistols and ammunition across the border. (ANI)

Pak condemns killing of innocent Kashmiris in IOK, reiterates resolution of Kashmir dispute

Nepal to send team to assess security in Kabul post attack

Islamabad, July 10: Pakistan has strongly condemned the continued killing of innocent Kashmiris in India-Occupied-Kashmir and said that solving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is only possible through an impartial plebiscite with the United Nation's support.

The statement comes as the Indian security forces shot dead Hizbul Mujahideen's 21-yearold leader Burhan Muzzafar Wani, along with two of his accomplices in Kokernag area, earlier on Friday.

The statement released

by Office of the Spokes-

person on Sunday said the extrajudicial killing of Kashmiri leader Burhan Wani and scores of other innocent Kashmiris is deplorable and condemnable.

"Pakistan reiterates that the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is only possible by the realisation of the right to self determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as per the UNSC resolutions, through a fair and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices," the statement said.

"Such acts are a violation of fundamental human rights of Kashmiris and can not deter the people of

Chinese national sentenced to nine years imprisonment for arms smuggling in Pak that Wang had arrived in Islamabad from China in

Jammu and Kashmir from their demand for the realisation of the right to self determination," it said.

Islamabad also expressed its concern over the detention of Kashmiri leadership and called upon New Delhi to fulfill the human rights obligations as per the United Nation.

"Pakistan also has serious concerns over the detention of Kashmiri leadership in Indian Occupied Kashmir and calls upon the Indian government to fulfill its human rights obligations as well as its commitments under the United Nations Security Council Re

the first week of May on a one-month visa.

Pak condemns killing of innocent Kashmiris in IOK

solutions,"said.

The Kashmir valley has been on a boil as widespread protests were car-

ried out over Wani's killing with many separatists' calling for a shutdown.

(ANI)

NATO Summit: Afghan CEO highlights terrorists' sanctuaries in Pak PM Modi hold delegation-level talks Tanzanian leadership in Dar-es-Salaam Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania), July 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held delegationlevel talks with Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli in Dar-esSalaam on Sunday during which both sides reviewed full spectrum of relations between the two nations.

"Reviewing the full spectrum of #IndiaTanzania relations.

President @Magufuli and PM lead delegation level talks," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.

The Prime Minister's Office atweeted, "Discussing India-Tanzania relations with President @MagufuliJP during the bilateral meeting and delegation talks."

Prime Minister Modi prior to the delegation-level talks also held restricted meeting with President Magufuli to bolters bilateral ties between India and Tanzania.

"Talking with Tanzania. PM @narendramodi and Presi-

dent @MagufuliJP in restricted talks following the welcome," Swarup tweeted.

Prime Minister Modi was earlier today accorded a ceremonial welcome at the State House kicking-off his first engagement in Tanzania.

He landed at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dares-Salaam earlier today, as part of his four-nation Africa tour aimed at enhancing ties with the continent, particularly in the economic sphere.

His delegation-level talk will be followed by signing and exchange of agreements at the State Room of the State House and a joint press statement.

His others engagements include meeting the 'Solar Mamas', a group of rural women solar engineers from Africa who have been trained under the Government of India-supported programmes followed by interaction with the Indian community.(ANI)

Three children killed in Afghanistan bomb explosion Kabul, July 10: At least three children were killed and six others, including three women and three men, wounded in a bomb explosion in Kandahar province of southern Afghanistan.

Provincial Police spokesman Zia Durani said the incident took place earlier today on a main highway connecting Spin Boldak and Arghistan district when a rickshaw vehicle carrying civilians struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), leaving at least three children dead.

Durani added that six oth-

ers also sustained injuries in the attack.

No group has claimed responsibility for the incident so far, reports.

The Taliban militants and other armed insurgent groups are frequently using IEDs, which are the main contributors to the casualties of the Afghan security forces and but are also growing civilian casualties.

At least 600 civilians were killed and 1,343 others wounded in the first quarter of 2016, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said in its latest report. (ANI)

Kabul, July 10 : The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Afghanistan, Abdullah Abdullah, in a veiled reference to Islamabad at the NATO Warsaw Summit in Poland highlighted about the safe havens used by the Taliban group and Haqqani terrorist network in Pakistan.

"Looking back at recent history, some of us failed to grasp, the strategy that enabled the reemergence of militant cells that enjoyed sanctuaries and staging grounds in our neighborhood. But that strategy, in the face of Afghan resolve and in-

Afghan CEO highlights terrorists' sanctuaries in Pak

ternational steadfastness, has failed and I am certain, it will never succeed,"

Khaama Press quoted him as saying.

Abdullah hailed the

NATO's contribution and commitment to Kabul in maintaining security in the country.

"The Afghan National Security and Defense Forces grew in numbers, and more importantly, in terms of capacities, heralding the end of the international combat engagement in 2014, and the start of a new era of cooperation and assistance under the Resolute Support mission," he said.

He asserted he is confident enough to say that the Afghan nation benefited greatly from the NATO engagement, not only in the security sector, but also

with the concurrent civilian deployments to bridge the gap between reconstruction and security in many parts of Afghanistan.

Highlighting that his country is on the frontlines against various types of threats, including Taliban, Da'ish and Al-Qa'ida, the Afghan CEO said international partnership matters in defending the threats.

His remarks come as the Afghan officials have long been criticizing Pakistan for allowing the militant groups to use its soil to plan and coordinate attacks in Afghanistan.(ANI)

Stop blame game, cooperate in fight against terrorism: Pak tells Kabul Karachi, July 10: Expressing disappointment over Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's remarks against Islamabad at the NATO Summit in Warsaw, Pakistan has urged Kabul to end the blame game and instead cooperate with peace efforts.

The Pakistan Foreign Office in a statement released yesterday said that the country would continue with its efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan and asked Kabul to cooperate in its fight against terrorism.

"It was unfortunate that Afghan leaders continue

to make hostile statements against Pakistan and blame Pakistan for all failures in Afghanistan. Since we have a genuine interest in seeing peace in Afghanistan, Pakistan would continue to make every effort to help bring peace in Afghanistan," the Foreign Office said.

"We expect cooperation of the Afghan government in our fight against terrorism through effective border management and denying sanctuaries to anti-Pakistan terrorists from TTP. The need of the hour is close cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan rather

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani than constant blame game by the Afghan government

based on inaccurate assumptions," the statement

added.

President Ghani had blamed Pakistan for continuing to make a distinction between good and bad Taliban.

"Our regional initiatives with neighbours are beginning to yield significant cooperative dividends.

The exception is with Pakistan - despite clear commitments to a quadrilateral peace process, their dangerous distinction between good and bad terrorists is being maintained in practice," said President Ghani and called upon the international community for help. (ANI)

Kathmandu, July 10 : The government has decided to form a team that would soon be sent to Afghanistan to make an assessment of the potential security risk faced by the Nepali migrants working there.

The decision comes after a Taliban suicide bomber targeted a minibus of security guards working at the Canadian embassy in Kabul and killed 13 Nepali guards.

Minister for Labour and Employment Deepak Bohara told the Parliament on Saturday that the team of officials would leave for Afghanistan soon.

"Following the incident, the government has issued labour permits to some working in green zones as they were on annual leave.

Since questions are being raised about the security situation of even those working in green zones, we are planning to send a team in 8-10 days to find out the reality," the Kathmandu Post quoted Bohara as saying.

The security of an estimated 20,000 Nepali citizens, currently working in Afghanistan, has become a major concern after the tragedy.

So far, a total of 8,614 Nepalis have acquired the work permit for Afghanistan, according to the Department of Foreign Employment and the officials estimate a higher number of people going to Afghanistan through informal channels.

A few days after the attack, the Nepal Government imposed a ban on the citizens going to work in the war-torn country and has also been facilitating the evacuation of workers willing to return.

More than 50 Nepalis working as security guards have returned from Afghanistan following the attack.

(ANI)

PM Turnbull's party to continue in power, declares victory in elections Sydney/Melbourne, July 10: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has declared victory at the federal election as he addressed the media following opposition leader Bill Shorten's concession of defeat.

Speaking in Sydney, the

Prime Minister thanked the Australian people, his family and the Labor leader for support, reports news.com.au.

"This is a great day, a great day to thank the Australian people for the decisions they have taken in this election, and to commit to them and you our absolutely un-

relenting determination to ensure that this Parliament delivers good government, wise legislation, and builds on the strengths of our economy to ensure that truly our greatest days are yet ahead of us," Prime Minister Turnbull said.

"We must ensure a strong economy in years ahead.

That we maintain a successful transition from an economy fuelled by mining and construction booms. We need to ensure that Medicare and education, health services and all those vital government services are provided for and Australians feel secure that they are provided for

and guaranteed," he added during his victory speech.

Earlier this afternoon, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten conceded defeat for the Labor Party at the federal election as addressing the media in Melbourne today he said that it was clear Malcolm Turnbull would form a

government.

Shorten also acknowledged that he phoned Malcolm Turnbull earlier this afternoon to congratulate him for the victory.

The Coalition currently has 74 of the 76 seats needed to form a majority government, with Labor trailing behind at 66. (ANI)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 11

Pakistan's Black Day Floods Affect Over 1 Lakh in Assam Assam have been declared affected by floods, as the monsoon situation worsened for the fifth continuous day. Neighbouring states, especially Arunachal Pradesh, were also badly hit as people (Photo: have been killed in landmedia2.intoday) slides. Over one lakh people have been affected by to floods in seven districts of Assam for the last few days. As a total of 1,12,307 people in 213 villages of Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Golaghat, Morigaon, Biswanath, Barpeta and Jorhat districts were marooned by floods till late Friday, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority official said. The situation may get worse in the coming days as the state meteorological department has predicted more rains for Assam and other northeastern states.

The situation is worse in Jorhat, Golaghat and Lakhimpur district where the district administration have opened six relief camps, housing over a thousand affected people. As a result district administrations have been asked despatch relief material to the affected areas. There were reports of flash floods inundating villages and croplands. According to the government, 6,978.63 hectares of land with standing crops have been affected by floods in the state. The Brahmaputra River was flowing above the danger level at Neematighat (Jorhat district) and in Dhubri district. The Dikhow river was also flowing above the danger level at Sivsagar and the Dhansiri river was flowing above the danger level at Golaghat and Numaligarh. Besides, there were also reports of massive erosion in Majuli river Island. While the flood waters have inundated several villages in the area, people feared erosion of river banks in last few days.

In Jorhat, the district administration called in the army to help carry out rescue operations. The surging waters have reached embankments in the district causing more worries for the people. The surging waters have reached embankments in the district causing more worries for the people. The state had witnessed similar floods last year as well. More than 92,000 people in Assam were affected as floods wreaking havoc in six districts of Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Cachar. Also as per reports so far more than 16,000 animals and nearly 12,000 poultry, vital to rural economy have been destroyed in Morigaon and Golaghat districts.

Food Inflation India has seen a prolonged period of high inflation Over the past decade, India has seen a prolonged period of high inflation, to a large extent driven by persistently-high food inflation. Around this time every year, farmers and economists look to India's skies, hoping for the arrival of the monsoon rains.Late and less rain hurts crops and triggers inflation, goes the traditional worry, so every day of delay or deficit in downpours threatens to derail the country's fragile growth. The problem with this annual, rational worry, however, is that it's just, plain wrong. Reports suggest that good and bad monsoons in recent years have had limited effect on growth or even on food inflation. This year wholesale price-based inflation remained in the negative zone for the 17th month in a row at (-)0.85 per cent in March even as prices of some food articles, mainly pulses, turned costlier. The March wholesale price index-based inflation was higher than (-)0.91 per cent in February. In March last year, it was (-)2.33 per cent. This is the 17th straight month since November 2014 when deflationary pressure persisted. Food inflation stood at 3.73 per cent in March compared with 3.35 per cent in February, showed official data.

Food inflation in India has remained stubborn in recent years. A number of proximate factors such as increasing demand particularly arising from higher rural wages, rising agricultural cost of production, changing consumption pattern favoring protein items, increases in minimum support prices (MSPs) and droughts in certain years are believed to have led to higher food inflation. India experienced one of the highest rates of food inflation among emerging economies at an average rate of more than 9% during the period 2006 to 2015. Moreover, the rate of increase in food prices during this period was nearly double that witnessed in the previous decade. While India has witnessed sporadic spurts in food inflation, episodes of such persistently high inflation have been rare. The welfare impact of such high rate of food inflation is bound to be significant given that on average, food accounts for 48.6% of overall expenditure in rural areas and 38.5% in urban areas. The proportion is significantly higher for 362 million or 29.5% of the population living in abject poverty. On average, the bottom three income deciles in rural areas devote 60.4% of their total expenditure on food products while food accounts for 56.5% of total expenditure in urban areas. Given that this section of population already spends a large proportion of their income on food, they are generally unable to divert additional expenditure on food to neutralise the impact of food inflation, thereby aggravating food and nutrition deficiency. An often-cited reason for the recent surge in food inflation is that rising per capita income and diversification of Indian diets has raised the demand for highvalue food products like milk, eggs, meat, and fish relative to supply, and thereby adding to inflationary pressures. Also the inflation in agricultural wages is a universal driver of food commodities inflation, as well as the aggregate food inflation.

How the military engineered its July 5, 1977 coup, leading to 11 years of martial law.

July 5 is a "Black Day" (not set Bhutto on a collision necessarily the only one) in course with GHQ. HowPakistan's political and con- ever, that alone was not stitutional history. Exactly enough to help military 39 years ago on this day in wrestle power from the 1977, General Muhammad most popular and charisZia-ul-Haq, then Chief of matic leader with a wide Army Staff (COAS), im- and ferocious fan-base in posed martial law in the Sindh and Punjab. country and dissolved na- Clearly, the military wanted tional and provincial assem- something concrete to blies-all in one go. In his hedge their bets which, acfirst post-coup speech, Gen- cording to Husain Haqqani, eral Zia could reaclarified Ahsan Chaudhary sbo n a b l ye that the decision to impose martial achieved if a legitimacy crilaw was taken as a last re- sis was engineered through sort and only to save the a "political disorder." As country from the tumult and Haqqani wrote inPakistan: chaos that had ensued in the Between Mosque and Miliwake of controversial tary, "Bhutto's legitimacy as March 1977 parliamentary a civilian leader derived elections. According to Zia, from his success in a genthe parleys between the eral election; only electoral government and the protest- defeat or election victory ing opposition conglomer- attained by questionable ate, Pakistan National Alli- means could render ance (PNA) were going no- Bhutto's political legitimacy where; a schism within the questionable. The military ranks of junior army offic- could not topple Bhutto ers was taking hold; and the without [first] country was at the brink of delegitimizing his leadercollapse. ship position [among the However, in the same populace]." breath he reaffirmed that Hence, as Haqqani argues, "the survival of this coun- the Inter-Services try [Pakistan] lies in democ- Intelligence's (ISI) position racy and democracy alone," paper to Bhutto recomand that his "sole aim is to mending that he hold early organize free and fair elec- elections should be intertions, which would be held preted-although not concluin October this year," or sively-as an incipient atwithin 90 days of Zia's tempt by the military leadcoup. Emphasizing his ership to entrap Bhutto. The commitment to parliamen- first paper came in April tary elections, Zia pro- 1976 and a second followed claimed, "Soon after the on October 5. Entitled polls, power will be trans- "General Elections" and ferred to the elected repre- signed by General Jilani, sentatives of the people. I then director-general of ISI, give my solemn assurance the 53-page paper sugthat I will not deviate from gested that "Bhutto was at this schedule." (Quotes in the height of his popularity this paragraph come from and would sweep the polls Hasan-Askari Rizvi's The in the face of a divided opMilitary and Politics in Pa- position." Indeed, in hindkistan, pp. 289-93). sight, while facing trial beAlthough there's little con- fore the Supreme Court and clusive evidence that Gen- in the deposed prime eral Zia's declaration of minister's private conversamartial law was premedi- tions, Haqqani notes, tated, or that he extended "Bhutto hinted [at] the posactive support to PNA lead- sibility of having been ers to create conditions fa- trapped in a conspiracy by vorable to the military take- the military and intelligence over, the events leading up services." However, as to the 1977 elections and Haqqani cautions, Bhutto what transpired later how- would likely not have taken ever, cast doubt on the cred- the military's recommendaibility of men in uniform. It tions on their face if the emseems unlikely that the coup pirical evidence had not was anything but carefully strongly laid on his side. thought out. By 1977, In the article "The March Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, then- 1977 Elections in Pakistan: prime minister of Pakistan, Where Everyone Lost," had already successfully Marvin Winbaum notes the averted two botched coups many reasons Bhutto had to by the military establish- be confident: "the rate of inment since he assumed of- flation at 6 percent was fice in 1971. The military down from an average of 25 was constantly looking for percent between 1972 and excuses to get power back 1975. Real GNP was growfrom civilians. Bhutto gave ing at 5 percent, up from a plenty of excuses to the gen- 3 percent a year earlier. The erals by arbitrarily sacking agricultural sector was government officials, perse- growing after years of stagcuting his political oppo- nation with the help from nents, and nettling the gen- 'heavy public investment in erals by making new secu- tube wells and subsidies for rity and intelligence agen- fertilizer, pesticides and cies - notably the Federal other farm inputs.'" Overall, Investigation Agency (FIA) although Bhutto had several and the Federal Security potential pitfalls on his side Force (FSF) - that arguably in terms of mass-scale na-

tionalization of industries and his suppression of opponents, he fared well in many sectors, including law and order, political stability, economic progress, and human development. That might have convinced him to reap the political dividends before any spoiler could arise.

Thus the polls date for national assembly elections was set as March 7, 1977, with elections for the provincial assemblies on March 10. The elections, however, did not go as smoothly as predicted.

There were incidents of violence and the stealing of ballot boxes from polling stations. The Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) government was accused of rigging the elections and the conglomerate of opposition political parties took to the streets. Bhutto ordered the military to "act in aid of civil power"-a constitutional right of the federal government- to control the protesters. Nearly 200 people died with even more wounded in less than four months, from March 7 to July 4.

However, that does not mean the warring parties could not have come to the negotiating table. In fact, Saudi-brokered negotiations followed on the heels of the demonstrations. By mid-June, Bhutto had agreed to hold parliamentary elections afresh in October and the PNA agreed to drop its insistence on Bhutto's resignation. However, Bhutto then went on a tour of Middle Eastern countries, leaving everything up in the air. Although he might have breathed a sigh of relief in the hope that an agreement had been reached and a political cyclone had passed, the opposition and military, on the other hand, got the impression that Bhutto perhaps was insincere or indifferent to the grievances of the opposition.

Upon his return Bhutto was amazed to learn that the opposition was still up in arms. In fact, there are indications that the military was playing the role of a "spoiler" rather than of a "facilitator." Asghar Khan and a coterie of his PNA hardliners, for instance, tried to block the conciliatory efforts of the PNA moderates under the "ironclad guarantee from the army headquarters" that generals would hold "free and fair elections within three months of ousting Bhutto," according to Aqil Shah in The Army and Democracy: Military Politics in Pakistan. This account is corroborated by Ghafoor Ahmed, then-secretary general of the PNA and a key negotiator in the talks, who later admitted that "we were under constant pressure from the hawks to abort the

Followers of late Pakistan military ruler General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq carry his pictures as they assemble at his grave in Islamabad on August 17, 1996 to mark his 8th death anniversary. (Photo: Reuters) negotiations. It could not have been just a bluff.

Asghar Khan could not have claimed to speak on behalf of the army without the high command's nod."

Similar claims were made

by Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, a key figure in the PNA. In his words, "the ISI was playing each side against the other, sowing mistrust in the minds of the PNA regarding Bhutto and vice versa" (For more, see Shah, pp. 137-138 and Haqqani, pp. 124-25).

The military's spoiler role, if any, notwithstanding, the warring political parties still reached an agreement in the first week of July 1977. As host Farrukh Sohail Goindi explained in an interview with General Faiz A. Chishti, "the government and PNA had reached an agreement on July 3, 1977.

On July 4, both parties had a press conference and on July 5, they were set to sign the agreement. But before that could happen, Zia struck the axe of martial law on the night of July 5." According to Chishti however, when asked if it was the right decision by the military establishment to impose martial law on July 5, the answer was yes. Chishti explained that the decision to impose martial law was justified but what came later-the prolongation of martial law and reneging on the promise to hold elections within 90 days-was not.

It's plausible. Martial law is a slippery slope, whereby a general and what Chishti calls his "loyal lieutenants" (and Chishti himself was one of them), initially driven by a desire to stabilize law and order later deem themselves too indispensable to cede power to civilians. However, the fundamental question remains: was the sky really falling when General Zia imposed martial law? In other words, was it really the case that law and order was in shambles and the country

was at the brink of collapse?

The empirical evidence on ground does not fully support coup-makers' claim that the situation was so terribly bad or that the country was on the brink of disintegration. Intuitively, the crisis should have peaked before the negotiations started and incrementally deflated after the parleys seemed to be working. If accounts from Goindi,Shah, and Haqqani, among others, are reliable, then the parties had reached a workable agreement on July 2-3. In that case, the crisis should have subsided if not fully eliminated, (assuming there were only two parties to the agreement and no one was left aggrieved) and the coup would have become anything but warranted.

Indeed, as Shah notes, "After the initial wave of heightened protest and violence between March and April, the levels of violence had [actually] gone down, and curfews in the main cities had been relaxed." According to PPP sources, "the general law and order situation in the country had remained calm since at least May 26, and there was no immediate necessity for action on July 5, 1977."

Counterintuitively named as "Operation Fairplay," the martial law declared on July 5 would be the longest and the most brutal in Pakistan's politico-constitutional history. Initially, both the senior leadership of PPP, including Bhutto, and the PNA leadership were taken into custody, but later released. Only Bhutto was taken into custody again.

He was convicted in a sham trial for the murder of a political opponent and executed. Zia would not hold elections for more than 90 months, after originally promising polls within 90 days. But before that, Zia got himself elected president in a questionable referendum that gave him 97.7 percent support from the electorate.

Majuli's World Heritage - Status

An exotic view of Majuli (Photo: upload.wikimedia)

Sir, On July 8 in the Keteki Hotel conference Hall, Dibrugarh a meeting presided over by Dr. Shristidhar Dutta was held. The meeting was organized by the Mauchak UNESCO club, Dibrugarh.

As many as 8 dignitaries associated with the activities of UNESCO coming from different parts of India graced the occasion. In the second plenary session (2 P.M), we had the opportunity to interact with Sri Dhirendra Bhatnagar, the first-ever President of the world Federation of UNESCO club based in Paris. One point of the agenda was, why Majuli is deprived of the world. Heritage site-status. Sri Bhatnagarji, while replying let us know that certain very pertinent points must be focused that includes the pattern of population say entry into the island and exodus. Further, when confronted with volleys of questions by Dr. Dutta, he

Yet, despite winning a nearly absolute majority, Zia never doffed his military uniform and continued to wear two hats-the chief of army staff and the president.

During that period, most of the parties that made up the PNA (including Jamaat-eIslami and the Pakistan Democratic Alliance) joined Zia's cabinet rather than pressing for early elections. However, Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan, the head of the Pakistan Democratic Alliance, later withdrew from Zia's cabinet and joined the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD), which he cofounded with the PPP to oppose the military rule and restore the democracy. The government brutally tortured and killed the MRD activists and leaders but never ceded power to the civilians.

In 1985, General Zia held parliamentary elections-albeit on a non-party basisand devolved power to the newly elected prime minister, Muhammad Khan Junejo. Critics such as Craig Baxter argue that Zia organized elections under U.S. pressure and never transferred real power to the prime minister-simply because the power to sack the government, notably under article 58(2)b, still remained with Zia himself.

Burki and Baxter cite evidence to point out that the first victim of article 58(2)b was none other than Junejo himself, as Zia dismissed the government when he saw Pakistan's controlled democracy getting out of hand.

Nonetheless, it's significant to note that in 1985 Zia still kept his promise to hold elections and devolved power to the elected government. The fault for the new government's inability to perform better and stay in power however lay with the civilians not with the general. Courtesy: The diplomat

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.

clarified that it depends on the recommendation of the state government as a small wrong is enough to disqualify it. We understand that in the recommendation of the previous government on 3 terms, there have been some lacuna for which Majuli remained deprived of the status. Now, with the chief minisLetters to the ter having been elected from Majuli, with promises galore - it remains to be editor and articles seen if the said status still can evade should be sent to : Majuli.

The Eastern To-

day Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786001 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Yours etc.

Email : Ashok bordoloi Dibrugarh

editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

p O

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With $1.6 Billion In Its Pocket, How India Is Using Foreign Aid To Make A Point For the first time in is partially repaid by acnearly 69 years of India's knowledging one's infeIndependence from the rior position in the hierUnited Kingdom, this archy with respect to the year we will not be re- donor. Is it any surprise ceiving any aid from our then that the biggest doformer colonial masters. nor in the world today is On the contrary, we, the United States, which who have been the big- doles out money primagest recipient of foreign rily not to the poor naaid for decades, are now tions of sub-Saharan Afan international donor in rica but rather to Afour own right, providing ghanistan, Israel, Jordan around $1.6 and Pakistan b i l l i o n Cordis Paldano which are annuallyin countries economic assistance to that are of significant poorer nations. This is military interest to the not a contingent develop- USA? In a similar vein, ment but rather a reflec- France directs nearly all tion of India's growing of its aid resources tostature in the world to- wards maintaining its day. sphere of influence Foreign aid may be os- among its former colotensibly allocated for nies in West Africa on moral reasons such as whom it wields unparalpoverty alleviation or dis- leled diplomatic and miliease eradication, but at tary influence. no point is the donor or It would be a mistake to the recipient oblivious of take the moral high the underlying politics of ground here and assume 'giving', which, be it at that unlike western the village level or in the countries, the financial global arena, remains the assistance provided by means par excellence of India was somehow preserving authority. By more altruistic. Much of the same token, to accept the aid that we provide aid is to be indebted to is restricted to South the donor, a debt which Asia where we are in-

creasingly asserting ourselves as a regional power and the two biggest recipients of Indian aid are Bhutan and Afghanistan which, in itself, reveals the political motivations that underpin our developmental assistance policy. For decades, Bhutan has remained the single largest benefactor of Indian aid, in return for which we maintain a stranglehold on the foreign policy, defence and commerce of our much smaller neighbour. Afghanistan on the other hand, is the stage where India and Pakistan are playing out the 'great game of the 21st century' and so it is no wonder that India's pledge to rebuild Afghanistan has reached a total of $2 billion . This money is being used to build dams, roads, democratic institutions and public/military infrastructure with a view to stabilise Afghanistan, reduce its dependence on Pakistan and strengthen ethnic groups that are inimical to the Taliban, which in turn is backed by the Paki-

stani state apparatus.

Foreign aid, which is the voluntary transfer of resources from one country to another, often poorer country, does come with strings attached, but it is also an indicator of the closeness of relations between the two countries. Similarly, falling aid levels are in all likelihood, symptomatic of trouble brewing in the relationship. Following India's displeasure at Nepal's new constitution and the ensuing blockade imposed on the Himalayan nation, India, in its budget this year, has decided to slash the aid given to its neighbour from Rs. 420 crore rupees to Rs. 300 crore , at a time when Nepal is desperate for resources, given that it is still recovering from the devastating earthquake of the previous year.

If aid, as you say, is inherently self-interested and used to apply pressure on the recipient, then why, the naysayers ask, did India snub the UK in 2012 and award a ÂŁ13 billion deal to France

to supply fighter jets?

Readers will remember that this came at a time when the UK had committed to providing 1bnÂŁ in aid to India over a period of four years and that India's decision subsequently led to a diplomatic row and to the eventual cessation of British aid from this year onwards.

Andrew Mitchell, the then British International Development Secretary had justified the aid being given to India by clearly stating that, "the focus is also about seeking to sell Typhoon [fighter jets]."

In order to understand why the Indian government did not buckle to British pressure, we must understand the nature of the aid industry and its evolution since the end of the Cold War. A significant proportion of the aid that India received prior to liberalisation went into public sector projects intended to build and bolster a young nation.

However, foreign donors today are more interested in promoting Western democratic models of

Indian PM Modi meets with President Obama at the White House (Photo: cdn.youthkiawaaz) governance and so, aid is nowadays routed through Western consultancies and charities, working in tandem with local civil society groups and NGOs. This interference is often seen by recipient nations as an attempt by the West to reshape foreign societies to suit its own needs and is no longer viewed favourably in a decade that has seen an emboldened civil societies toppling several regimes around the world.

India's rejection of British aid is, therefore, unsurprising and was in fact, soon followed by an

expulsion of USAID by Bolivia, Ecuador and Egypt.

Incidentally, India delayed finalising the deal with France, thereby giving hope to the British that the lucrative order was still within their reach and in the process, managed to wrangle substantial concessions from both sides. This was precisely the same strategy that India had adopted during the Cold War years, refusing to align with either of the superpowers that continued to woo India with technical and financial assistance, leading to

India becoming the largest beneficiary of foreign aid in the world over the past seven decades.

To conclude, not all assistance is nefarious, and in an age marked by increasing economic inequality, it is imperative for countries to show solidarity with one another and provide aid that is delinked from commercial and military objectives. But in a world where even the offerings made to Gods have underlying expectations, is disinterested aid even possible? Courtesy :Youthkiawaaz

It's Heartbreaking How People Who Work Is It True: That Some People In Customer Services Are Treated Just Can't Do Math?

Let's start with one of don't!'" my favourite legends And there it is. The funfrom the Soviet Union. damental strangeness of With formal political col- the 'customer service lapse imminent, Soviet skills' that every single President Mikhail worker virtually requires Gorbachev had made in the service industry. great strides towards We take them for modernising the toppling granted - the forced superstate through his cheeriness, the 'how-isglasnost and perestroika your-day-going's, the programme. Part of this perma-smile that lies on ideological game-chang- every staff face like a ing attitude was allow- coating of dried ketchup ing previously reviled on a table. As workers, b i g we take busithe exn e s s e s Morgaine Das Varma p e c t a to set tion of up shop (literally) in the these skills for granted Soviet economy. The too - we smile at rude first McDonald's opened customers, we ask how in Moscow in 1990, to their days are going even extraordinary success. when our own day has However, an unexpected already brought us to part of this introduction tears in the back room, of American big busi- we remain polite even as ness to Soviet workers a customer spits and was the sudden intro- screams and swears. We duction of American are not paid any extra for customer service skills. the emotional work that

lives. She discovered that workers were often left 'burned out' and depressed due to putting on a cheerful facade for hours at a time; despite their own internal feelings of exhaustion or anger at abusive customers, they were forced by the professional expectations of their jobs to act happy.

In my own work as a barista (coffee brewer), I have also experienced the exhaustion that comes from the endless cheerful chirruping that is expected of me regardless of my own internal feelings, the demands from managers that I 'smile more' at the customers even as I make six coffees in a row whilst stress levels balloon around me. And that's not even counting the fact that the burden of emotional labour that falls disproportionately

Image for representational purpose (Photo: selfavenue) It was not enough to merely sell the product one had to sell it with a cheery attitude too.

This led to some confusions for the new staff at McDonald's . "After several days of training about customer service at McDonald's, a young Soviet teenager asked the McDonald's trainer a very serious question: 'Why do we have to be so nice to the customers? After all, WE have the hamburgers, and they

we do as workers on top of the tables we wait, the coffee we make, the hair we cut, or whatever it is our job title requires us to do. So, I hear you say, is that a bad thing? Well, let's give it a thought.

'Emotional labour' was a term coined by American sociologist Arlie Hochschild. She studied the work of American air hostesses and the effect that a permanent expectation of acting 'happy' all the time had on their professional and personal

on women, in both the professional and personal realms of life.

Whilst a male colleague may snap and sigh without judgement, a female worker is deemed 'unprofessional' or 'rude' for the same behaviour.

But regardless of gender, it cannot be denied that the growth of the service industry (last year, India had the second highest growing service sector after China) has led to a massive increase in demands for emotional

labour in the workplace - the dreaded 'customer service skills.' It is no longer enough to do the job - you must enjoy the job. You must act happy, you must be polite. Remember, the customer is always right.

All well and good if you do enjoy your job - but what about when you don't? When you're tired, underpaid, and a customer or manager has just screamed at you? Are these customer service skills still on your side? I say no.

The fundamental truth of customer service skills is that they are there to benefit the company, not the worker. Customer service skills are an insidious part of the machinery of capitalism in a way that is rarely critically examined. They are less about social skills and holding a delightful conversation, and more about the self-control to not scream back in the face of the person who just called you a 'fucking retard.' When it comes to abuse of service workers the desperate unfairness of the system becomes even more acute. The service worker who desperately wants to defend themselves shuts their mouth out of fear, not politeness. The self-esteem destroying experiences fall disproportionately on those who are most likely in service jobs (generally very lowwage) - the poor and vulnerable, the young.

If one was treated by an intimate partner or family member in the way that members of the public frequently do, that would constitute abuse.

But hey, they are the customer, not your boyfriend or mother, and the customer is always right under capitalism.

Here, the worker has little to no rights because they're replaceable. It's been picked up on by Marx himself, if you need further convincing, long before the words 'customer service' were even a twinkle in the eyes of a board of executives.

Only here, it is less about alienation from a product as it is about alienation

from one's emotions.

Once more, capitalism has found a way to commodify something that should never be profitable, and that something is your emotions. Whilst one might find it difficult to put a coal mine worker and a waitress in the same revolutionary context, I still think there is value in trying to find solidarity as members of an oppressed working class.

Customer service skills are there to make sure you remain a good little worker in the industry, to make sure you keep raking in the profits for the company even if it comes at the expense of your dignity, your emotional well-being.

Are customer service skills fundamentally always a bad thing? Well, nobody wants to be served by a surly waiter, but I would argue that when we focus too much on whether the service worker smiles enough, and not whether they are being paid enough or treated respectfully, we focus on the wrong things.

Capitalism might be screwing all of us, but it screws some of us more than others, and often in a more visible way. The service worker who cries in the back room after attending an abusive customer, has to walk back out, smiling again as they make you a hamburger. It is a tiny reference but a relevant example of how profit often trumps human emotion.

So what is to be done?

Well, as much as I love to build verbal barricades and wax Marx lyrically, I still have to go back to my minimum wage service job tomorrow, and provide service with a smile.

But I'll still think fondly of that Soviet McDonald's worker.

And to everyone who's utilising the skills of a service worker, the least you can do is be polite.

Courtesy :Youthkiawaaz

Math. A disastrous ca- ter than others at math, tastrophe that is doomed there will always be to befall all. some people better at a Kindergarteners to se- subject than others - you nior citizens all struggle may be able to build cabiwith the subject yet it is nets better than me, but made compulsory to that does not mean that learn and is a significant I am entirely incapable of part of our learning how e v e r y d a y Amna Kapur to construct lives. I've a cabinet. grappled with it all my Mathematics, in all its life. Though the subject glory is beautiful and the never seems to get pure logic and simplicity easier, I've found that I of the subject is underenjoy the fact that math- stood by few. Perhaps ematics is a straightfor- this is because math is ward topic. There is not taught by rote really any creativity in- memorisation, or maybe volved and perhaps that because it is a cumulais why it is so commonly tive subject. Not underdetested. standing one topic leaves

can't do math."

There are of course actual math disabilities, the most prominent being dyscalculia. This essentially means that the parts of your brain that do math for you do not function properly resulting in you not being able to comprehend math problems. Often called math dyslexia, it supposedly affects 6-7% of the population. However, just because you cannot easily calculate the vertex of a parabola does not mean that you suffer from dyscalculia. But if it is hard for you to grasp the idea that six clocks

Image for representational purpose (Photo: archilabo) Science says that nature has given us all the necessary brain parts to be able to comprehend math up to, at the very least, high school algebra and geometry. Almost everyone is born with the ability to (1) appreciate the concept of numbers and (2) have a sense of the fact that numbers and space are related therefore is capable of understanding arithmetic, geometry, algebra and probability deeply enough to apply it in real life situations. While it is true that some are bet-

you confused about the rest making you feel inadequate. In addition, a lot of people do not believe that the math learnt at school will actually be put into use later in life and while it is true that x=(-bÂą?(b^2-4ac))/2a will likely not come in handy while doing your taxes, it also helps you build logical thinking skills. Such reasons tend to make most people reach the conclusion that math is useless and they needn't spend too much time or effort on it hence giving up and sighing, "I

are the same number of objects as six bananas or six trucks, chances are you may have to see a doctor.

Therefore, unless you have an actual disorder, you can do math! Believe it or not, your brain does have the competence to process formulas and theories. So the next time you think that math is beyond you, remember that science is on your side. Science says you can do it, and science is (almost) always right.

Courtesy:Youthkiawaaz

BUSINESS

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 11

Kharif sowing gains momentum; area under paddy up 6%, pulses 26% New Delhi, Jul 10: Sowing of paddy, the main kharif crop, has gained momentum on account of good monsoon and total acreage under this crop has gone up by 6 percent to 81.93 lakh hectares so far this year, according to the Agriculture Ministry. There has also been a significant jump in pulses area as farmers have sown in nearly 46 lakh hectares as on today in the 2016-17 kharif season, up by 26 percent from 36.44 lakh hectare in the main period a year ago, it said.

Sowing of kharif crops begin with the onset of southwest monsoon from June and harvesting starts from October. "Good rains in several parts of

India's SaaS market expected to grow thrice till 2020 Pune, Jul 10: The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) market in India is expected to triple to about $1 billion by 2020, according to a research report by Nasscom. The demand will mainly be driven by business' looking to focus more on their core operations. The market for SaaS, a pay-as-you-go software distribution model, was pegged at $300 million in 2014-15. For 2015-16, it is expected to be worth $407 million. The research points out there are over 150 firms offering solutions in the SaaS segment, with start-ups driving the segment. About 40-45 per cent of the companies in the segment are start-ups.

"Investors are showing keen interest in a number of start ups. India SaaS based products have received close to $450 million in the first two quarters of 2015," according to the report. Over $170 million was invested in such start-ups in 2014 across 22 deals. Further, the number of such deals has already doubled to 22 in 2014 from 11 in 2011.

"With 60 per cent of the funding received post 2012, more start-ups are gaining access to funding in the past 5 years," the report said. (Agencies)

Rs. 597-cr biotech unit to be set up

by Cipla in South Africa Bengaluru, Jul 10: Pharmaceutical major Cipla has announced plans to set up a biosimilars manufacturing facility in South Africa with an investment of 1.3 billion rand (Rs.597 crore).

This will be South Africa's first biotech manufacturing unit. The announcement was made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing visit to Africa. This unit will be undertaken by Cipla's subsidiary Cipla BioTec, a biotechnology company focused on affordable and accessible biophar maceuticals. The factory, which will be located in the Department of Trade and Industries Special Economic Zone of Dube Tradeport in Durban, will manufacture biosimilar drugs made from living organisms and used in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Biosimilars are designed to have the same characteristics as an original biological agent.

The construction of the facility is scheduled to start in early 2017. Full operations are expected to commence in the third quarter of 2018. At full capacity, the facility will create up to 300 jobs, primarily in the engineering and biological science fields.

This facility will run independently. (Agencies)

A GOOD HARVEST Sowing of paddy, the main kharif crop, has gained momentum on account of good monsoon and total acreage under this crop has gone up by 6 percent to 81.93 lakh hectares so far this year.

Good rains in several parts of the country boosted sowing operations. The gap in sowing area has come down. The sowing situation is expected to improve further. the country boosted sowing operations. The gap in sowing area has come down. The sowing situa-

There has also been a significant jump in pulses area as farmers have sown in nearly 46 lakh hectares as on today in the 2016-17 kharif season, up by 26 percent from 36.44 lakh hectare in the main period a year ago.

Among cash crops, area planted to cotton is down at 67.89 lakh hectares as against 87.83 lakh hectares, but sugarcane acreage is marginally higher at 45.78 lakh hectares as against 43.68 lakh hectares in the said period.

As per the ministry's data, paddy has been sown in 81.93 lakh hectares as on today in the 2016-17 kharif season, as against 77.31 lakh hectares in the year-ago period.

Among oilseeds, soyabean area is lower at 59.88 lakh hectares so far this year, as against 75.39 lakh hectares in the same period last year.

tion is expected to improve further," a senior Agriculture Ministry official said. As per the

ministry's data, paddy has been sown in 81.93 lakh hectares as on today in the 2016-17 kharif season, as

against 77.31 lakh hectares in the year-ago period. Higher acreage is reported from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and other states.

Although sowing of coarse cereals, oilseeds and cotton has picked up but total acreage under these crops is still lagging behind when compared to last year's same period.

Area sown to coarse cereals is lower at 75.02 lakh hectares as against 77.80 lakh hectares, while oilseeds acreage is down at 82.28 lakh hectares when compared to 101.5 lakh hectares in the year-ago. Among oilseeds, soyabean area is lower at 59.88 lakh hectares so far this year, as

against 75.39 lakh hectares in the same period last year. Among cash crops, area planted to cotton is down at 67.89 lakh hectares as against 87.83 lakh hectares, but sugarcane acreage is marginally higher at 45.78 lakh hectares as against 43.68 lakh hectares in the said period.

Total area sown to all kharif crops is down by 6 percent at 406.27 lakh hectares so far this 2016-17 kharif season when compared with 431.82 lakh hectares in the year-ago period.

The southwest monsoon is critical for kharif crops as over half of India's farm land does not have assured irrigation. (Agencies)

JV route evaluated by Tata Steel to revive European steel business Bengaluru, Jul 10: Cyrus Mistry led Tata Steel Ltd has decided to seek strategic joint ventures with leading international steel makers including with German industrial group Thyssenkrupp AG for its European business after the sale of its UK assets hit a roadblock due to uncertainty arising from Britain's decision to exit the European Union. Tata Steel has decided to evaluate "alternative and more sustainable" solutions for the European business. Consequently, Tata Steel has now entered into discussions with strategic players in the steel industry including Thyssenkrupp AG," said Tata Steel in a statement on late Friday night after the lengthy board meeting of the company.

However, the company cautioned that the talks were currently at a preliminary stage and there could be no certainty of a transaction as the outcome depends on consul-

tation and negotiations with various stakeholders. The announcement came after the UK's business secretary Sajid Javid met Tata Steel representatives on Friday in Mumbai to discuss the future of the company's UK assets just before the board meeting. We have initiated conversation for a potential strategic combination of its European businesses. A potential strategic combination of strip products businesses offers the best prospects to create a premium, world-class strip steel business with the scale and scope of capabilities to compete successfully on the global stage," said Koushik Chatterjee, group executive director and Tata Steel's executive director for Europe adding that the success of the new round of talks would depend largely on discussions with employees over pensions and government policy initiatives in the UK. "It is too early to give any assurances

Koushik Chatterjee, group executive director and Tata Steel's executive director for Europe.

(Photo: livemint) about the success of these talks. Such success, especially the inclusion of the UK business in the potential joint venture, would depend on several issues including finding a suitable outcome for the British Steel Pension Scheme, successful discussions with the UK trade unions and the delivery of policy initiatives and other support from the Governments of the UK and Wales.

These are necessary for realizing a sustainable business in the UK," Chatterjee added. Tata said there had been seven expressions of interest in buying its business after it announced in March it was selling its loss making UK assets. The bids have been fully considered and reviewed in the light of "uncertainties" caused by Brexit. Besides, Tata will begin separate processes for

the potential sale of the South Yorkshire-based Speciality Steels business and the Hartlepool pipe mills (other than the 20inch Tube Mill). Both of these operations are largely independent of the strip products supply chain and Tata has already received interest from several bidders for Speciality Steels and the pipe mills. Hans Fischer, chief executive officer of Tata Steel Europe, said : "This is a welcome development, not just for Tata Steel but also for the European steel sector more broadly.

Although there's much work still to be done on any strategic collaboration I'm confident that the direction is the right one - towards higher performance and capability to serve customers. We will continue to communicate with our employees and inform and consult both works councils and trade unions as these discussions develop." (Agencies)

Rs 373 crore raised by L&T Infotech from anchor investors New Delhi, Jul 10: L&T Infotech raised Rs 373 crore from anchor investors by selling shares at a price of Rs 710 apiece ahead of its initial share sale next week. As many as 22 anchor investors, including Auburn Ltd and General Insurance Corp, have been allotted shares by the company. The IT firm, part of the diversified Larsen & Toubro group, would be coming out with the IPO that can fetch up to Rs 1,243 crore. The price band for the issue, which would be open for subscription from July 11 to 13, has been fixed at Rs 705-710.

L&T Group Executive, Chairman A M Naik.

(Photo: livemint) The IPO committee of the company has finalised allocation of 52.5 lakh shares to anchor investors at a price of Rs 710 a piece. Shares to the

anchor investors have been allotted at the upper price band of Rs 710.

Among the anchor investors are BNP Paribas, HDFC Trustee Co, Pru-

dential ICICI, Global Strong Growth Fund, Shriram Life Insurance, Reliance Capital, TATA AIA Life, Union Bank of India and New India Assurance. At the upper end of the price band, the offer would be worth Rs 1,243.50 crore. The sale would rake in Rs 1,233.75 crore at Rs 705 per share. Retail individual investors would get a discount of Rs 10 on the price fixed. The IPO comprises an offer-forsale of up to 1.75 crore equity shares by L&T Ltd. It constitutes 10.3 per cent of the post offer paid-up equity share capital of the company.

Kotak Mahindra Capital Company, Citigroup Global Markets India and ICICI Securities would be managing the issue. L&T Group Executive Chairman A M Naik said the immediate target for L&T Infotech is to double its revenue to USD 2 billion (nearly Rs 13,500 crore) in next three years. In the financial year 2015-16, L&T Infotech's revenue from operations and other income stood at Rs 6,143.02 crore while it clocked a profit after tax of Rs 922.17 crore during the same period. (Agencies)

Route 17 launched by Mumtaz Sorcar Kolkata, Jul 10: Actress Mumtaz Sorcar launched Route 17, a new trendy cafe that specialises in Chinese food. Speaking at the launch the actress said, "Route 17 is really amazing. I love its interiors and decor and it seems perfect for an adda session with friends after a hard day at work. The fact that Route 17 remains open till midnight is another great feature as it is just right to fulfil those midnight food cravings!" She further

went on to add, "We Bengalis are known for our affinity towards dining out and having a good time, and Route 17 which is easily accessible and serves Chinese is a great crowd puller."

Conceptualised by young entrepreneurs Akhilesh Jayaswal, Mantosh Gupta and Zahid S Khan, Route 17 is a 44 seater eatery that has been divided into four dining zones. Guests can either sit in the main dining area which is dotted with retro-vintage looking

wrought iron furniture for a formal lunch with a section devoted to high stools if one wants to enjoy a private meal alone, or can move to the lane area which is more personal in its sitting arrangement and do not want to be bothered.

Route 17 even has its own little private library for bookworms to enjoy their grub while they read and finally the cabana area to hang out with friends. Speaking about Route 17, Akhilesh Jayaswal said, "What

makes Route 17 special to us as it will be to the guests is its decor and fun atmosphere. Eating out is always associated with a feel good factor and to this extent Route 17 is a place that has a space for all kinds of moods." He further added, "We have not targeted any particular age group for the place, we want people of all ages to be comfortable here."

Mantosh Gupta added, "The food items are not new. It is not an experimental cafe, but it is a

place that serves soul food that will satiate all senses.

We source all our produce fresh from the local markets and everything is cooked in a hearty manner.

Route 17 is all about good food and a great time." The decor of Route 17 is artistically done with paintings dotting the interior. The place amalgamates newage knickknacks like driftwood lightings and bamboo decor with carved wrought iron furniture, snazzy music, jute linings and a projector as well.

(Agencies)

PAGE 10

Spectrum auction to be conducted in September

Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha. (Photo: img.etimg) New Delhi, Jul 10: Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said the government was working towards completing the mega spectrum auction, which can fetch the exchequer revenues of Rs.5.60 lakh crore going by the reserve price, by September-end. "We expect spectrum auction to be finalised in September," Mr. Sinha, who took charge of the telecom ministry earlier this week, told reporters. Asked about the much talked about issue of frequent call drops, the minister said it has been a priority for this government and "qualitative progress" will be seen on the issue in coming 5-6 months. "Department of Telecom will work on the framework

for providing relief from call drops in the long term," he said, adding the issue would be discussed in next 15-20 days. He added that the private players account for nearly 90 per cent of telecom market share and hence they need to improve quality of service. Last month, the Union Cabinet had approved the sale of about 2,300 MHz of spectrum - the highest quantum of airwaves sold at one go - at the auctions. Going by the reserve price, this has the potential to fetch the exchequer about Rs.5.5 lakh crore.

The government had earned revenues of Rs.1.1 lakh crore from the auctions held last year. (Agencies)

TECHNOLOGY Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016) unveiled at Rs 9,750, J Max at Rs 13,400

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: static.digit)

Leading smartphone manufacturer Samsung launched two new Galaxy series phones while unveiling its Turbo Speed Technology (TST) and Smart Glow technologies. Newlylaunched Galaxy J2 2016 is the refreshed version of Galaxy J2 launched in 2015, an addition to Samsung`s existing 4G enabled smartphone portfolio.

The reengineered Galaxy J2 2016 loaded with `Made for India` features is equipped with TST, a new technology which delivers suprior performance by loading native apps 40 per cent faster.

"With TST, Samsung engineers have made a quantum leap in optimising the operating system and hardware to provide consistent best-

in-class performance out of the box and over time," said Samsung India Mobile Business Vice President Manu Sharma. Smart Glow offers Galaxy J2 2016 phone with next generation colour LED notificaion system. Aimed at people looking for complete entertainment experience, Samsung has launched Galaxy J Max, which features a seven inch WXGA display coupled with 4G VoLTE connectivity for faster streaming and downloads.

It has 200 GB expandable memory. Slated to be available from July 10, Galaxy J2 2016 has been priced at Rs 9,750 while Galaxy J Max will be open for purchase by the end of July at Rs 13,400. (Agencies)

ELEGANT SMARTPHONES Leading smartphone manufacturer Samsung launched two new Galaxy series phones while unveiling its Turbo Speed Technology (TST) and Smart Glow technologies.

Newly-launched Galaxy J2 2016 is the refreshed version of Galaxy J2 launched in 2015, an addition to Samsung`s existing 4G enabled smartphone portfolio.

The reengineered Galaxy J2 2016 loaded with `Made for India` features is equipped with TST, a new technology which delivers suprior performance by loading native apps 40 per cent faster.

Smart Glow offers Galaxy J2 2016 phone with next generation colour LED notificaion system.

Aimed at people looking for complete entertainment experience, Samsung has launched Galaxy J Max, which features a seven inch WXGA display coupled with 4G VoLTE connectivity for faster streaming and downloads.

It has 200 GB expandable memory.

Slated to be available from July 10, Galaxy J2 2016 has been priced at Rs 9,750 while Galaxy J Max will be open for purchase by the end of July at Rs 13,400.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 11

Features

PAGE 11

ENVIRONMENT Global warming to blame for hundreds Global fish production approaching of heatwave deaths, scientists say sustainable limit, UN warns Manmade climate change increased the risk of heat-related deaths by about 70% in Paris and 20% in London in 2003, research shows.

Hundreds of deaths in the searing European heatwave of 2003 can be attributed to manmade climate change, say scientists.

Researchers calculated that 506 out of 735 heatrelated deaths recorded that summer in Paris - the hottest city - were due to global warming.

The impact of climate change was less severe in London, where 64 out of 315 deaths were blamed on manmade effects.

Scientists arrived at the figures after combining climate model simulations of the 2003 heatwave with a health impact assessment.

They found that humaninduced climate change

A doctor carries ice cubes to help cool down a patient suffering from hyperthermia, during the Paris heatwave of August 2003. (Photo: guim)

increased the risk of heatrelated deaths by about 70% in central Paris and 20% in London.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, looked at the three summer months from June to August.

Lead researcher Dr

Daniel Mitchell, from Oxford University, said: "It is often difficult to understand the implications of a planet that is 1C warmer than pre-industrial levels in the global average, but we are now at the stage where we can identify the cost to our health of manmade glo-

bal warming.

"This research reveals that in two cities alone hundreds of deaths can be attributed to much higher temperatures resulting from humaninduced climate change."

Courtesy: theg uardian

Australia's vast kelp forests devastated by marine heatwave, study reveals About 90% of forests off the western coast were wiped out between 2011 and 2013, posing a threat to biodiversity and the marine economy, say scientists.

A hundred kilometres of kelp forests off the western coast of Australia were wiped out by a marine heatwave between 2010 and 2013, a new study has revealed.

About 90% of the forests that make up the northwestern tip of the Great Southern Reef disappeared over the period, replaced by seaweed turfs, corals, and coral fish usually found in

with up to 30% of species endemic.

Dr Thomas Wernberg, from the University of Western Australia's oceans institute and lead author of the study, told the Guardian that 100km of kelp forest died following a marine heatwave in 2011 which saw the ocean temperature increase by 2C. The death of the kelp caused the functional extinction of 370sq km of rocky cool-climate reefs, extending down the coast from Kalbarri, about 570km north of Perth, Western Australia.

The area was then rapidly colonised by turf-forming

go all the way down to Perth or whether we just go another 10km.

"All the projections are that it will get warmer, we will get more frequent heatwaves, so unfortunately I think it's just a matter of time," he said.

The heatwave in 2011 killed 43% of kelp in western Australia, but with the exception of the northern tip near Kalbarri most was able to regrow.

Wernberg said that northern area was now being colonised by corals and coral reef species, brought in by the Leeuwin current which runs north-to-south in a

About 90% of forests off the western coast were wiped out between 2011 and 2013, posing a threat to biodiversity and the marine economy, say scientists (Photo: guim.co.uk) tropical and subtropical seaweeds and bottom- west coast replica of the grazing tropical herbi- East Australia Current. waters.

The Great Southern Reef vores, such as rabbitfish He said the area would is a system of rocky reefs and parrotfish, which eventually become tropicovered by kelp forests stopped the kelp from re- cal, but "I don't think that these things will turn into that runs for 2,300km growing. along the south coast of If the trend continued, healthy functional coral Australia, extending past Wernberg said, the kelp reefs in our lifetime".

Sydney on the east coast, forests could retract to the "It's not just a matter of a down to Tasmania and, southern tip of the state, temperate ecosystem bepreviously, back up to with environmental and ing replaced by a tropiKalbarri on the west economic consequences cal ecosystem... You sort as grave as the loss of the of get locked into this incoast. termediate stage where It supports most of the Great Barrier Reef. nation's fisheries, includ- "I think the next big you have lots of small ing the lucrative rock heatwave is just going to turf-forming seaweeds, lobster and abalone fish- push what we see in the so you lose the best parts eries, and is worth about north ultimately further of both systems. $10bn to the Australian down, and then it just de- "We take these systems economy. It is also a glo- pends on how bad that for granted because bal biodiversity hotspot, heatwave is, whether we they're right in your back-

yard, in contrast to the Great Barrier Reef. This is a cool water, seaweeddominated system that for a lot of reasons is less attractive. The water's not as clear, it's cold... I can understand that, of course, but if you look at what kelp forests actually do for us I think we need to be as passionate about understanding this reef system," Wernberg said.

The El NiĂąo phenomenon that caused mass coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef earlier this year also caused the longest and hottest heatwave on record off the east coast of Tasmania, resulting in mass oyster deaths but not, surprisingly, a huge loss of kelp.

That suggested southern kelp forests were more able to withstand heatwaves than northern kelp forests, Prof Craig Johnson, from the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, told the Guardian.

He agreed with Wernberg that it was likely kelp forests would retract to the southern-most corners of the continent as temperatures warmed, which would see the majority of species dependent on the reef pushed out.

Tasmania has already lost 95% of its giant kelp forests, due to ocean warming over the past 80 years, but the remaining species appear more resilient.

The species grows so fast you can measure it in the morning and come out after lunch to find it's grown another 30cm.

Johnson said the value of the Great Southern Reef was "completely underappreciated," and that the number of endemic species was "orders of magnitude more on the Great Southern Reef than the Great Barrier Reef".

Courtesy:theguardian

Around 90% of the world's stocks are now fully or overfished and production is set to increase further by 2025, according to report from UN's food body Global fish production is approaching its sustainable limit, with around 90% of the world's stocks now fully or overfished and a 17% increase in production forecast by 2025, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Overexploitation of the planet's fish has more than tripled since the 1970s, with 40% of popular species like tuna now being caught unsustainably, the UN FAO's biannual State of the world's fisheries report says.

Manuel Barange, the UN FAO's fisheries director, told the Guardian that overfishing rates of around 60% in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions were "particularly worrying".

He said: "There is an absolute limit to what we can extract from the sea and it is possibly very close to current production levels, which have stabilised over last few years. They have grown a little in recent years but we don't expect much more growth because of the rampant increase in

More than 40% of popular species such as tuna are being caught unsustainably, UN (Photo: guim.co) aquaculture production."

Aquaculture is now forecast to overtake wildcaught fish as the source of most fish consumption in 2021, for the first time.

The rise of aquaculture has also benefitted trade, employment and diets in the developing world, with global per capita fish consumption estimated at a record 20 kilograms.

"My personal view is that it is quite momentous to have reached this level of production," Barange said. "In the struggle to make sure we have enough food to feed more than 9 billion people in 2050, any source of nutrients and micronutrients is welcome."

Some campaign groups though fear that aquaculture may introduce inva-

sive species, diseases and parasites. The potential for chemical pollution and use of transgenic species are also causes for concern, as are the impacts on wild fisheries and natural habitats.

Shrimp farming is thought to have led to the destruction of 3m hectares of coastal wetlands, including many mangrove forests, and the UN FAO is currently drawing up guidelines to reduce such environmental footprints.

Lasse Gustavssin, the director of Oceana, a marine conservation body, said that sustainable fisheries management should be prioritised instead.

"We now have a fifth more of global fish stocks at worrying levels than we did in 2000,"

he said. "The global environmental impact of overfishing is incalculable and the knock-on impact for coastal economies is simply too great for this to be swept under the rug any more."

For the UK, Brexit could have a big impact on fisheating patterns. "One thing very likely to happen is that the drop in the value of the pound will makes fish imports into the UK more expensive, and exports cheaper," said Barange, who lived in Britain for several years. "The UK is a net importer of fish so the fish we eat might cost us more. The fish our industries export will benefit as they will be more competitive pricewise."

Globally though, some of the biggest beneficiaries of the growing fish industry will be found in the developing world, where fish exports in 2014 exceeded the combined net trade revenues from meat, tobacco, rice and sugar.

Of the world's top 30 fish consuming nations, 22 were in the UN's "low income, food deficit" category.

Twelve percent of the world's population now relies directly or indirectly on the fisheries industry.

Courtesy: theguardian

Research to 'save the most valuable silk moth in the world' Research that could help to save one of the rarest and most valuable silks in the world is being spearheaded with novel research at the University of Leicester.

Researchers from the University are developing a technique known as phage therapeutics to target harmful bacterial infections in Muga silkworms in order to protect them from disease.

Muga silk yarn is golden in colour and is produced only in Assam, India, by Muga caterpillars to form their cocoons. As one of the rarest and most valuable silks in the world, it remains an integral part of the tradition and culture there.

However, crops of Muga silkworms have been in decline over the last few years due to the growing presence of bacterial disease called Flacherie caused by the silkworm larvae eating infected leaves.

In an attempt to save the Assam silk industry, Dr Mahananda Chutia, a Visiting Post-Doctoral Fellow from Assam, has been working with Professor Martha Clokie in the University of Leicester's Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation to identify bacteriophages to treat the disease and to establish how, and when it is best to deploy them to the caterpillars.

Professor Martha Clokie has been investigating an alternative approach to antibiotics, which utilises naturally occurring viruses called bacteriophages, meaning 'eaters of bacteria', for nearly a decade at Leicester.

Dr Chutia, who is employed by the Indian Government's Central Silk Board as a Scientist, has been working on scientific developments within the field silk production, and advises farmers on improved methods, said: "In our model system at Leicester, we have found that the consumption of phages by caterpillars is a very effective method of preventing bacterial diseases.

"As well as its silk trade, Assam is known for its tea and farmers often spray pesticides to protect the tea leaves -- these sprays are thought to have reached the silkworms and have weakened them.

"Flacherie is the biggest killer of Muga caterpillars, and we have been trying to find out successful treatment options. I was aware of the work carried out at the University of Leicester looking at bacteriophages as an alternative to antibiotics and am so happy to be able to collaborate with the team to find out more. I am also thankful to the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India for their support."

The team at Leicester has been working with common white waxworms available in the UK, which are the caterpillar larvae of wax moths, because the Muga worm is only able to survive in the wild conditions found in Assam.

Professor Clokie said: "Dr Chutia began by learning techniques to isolate bacteria and phages and how to study the

genetic sequences of the virus's genome to ensure viruses are suitable for development.

"He then applied his knowledge to a caterpillar model here in the lab, where he investigated what the best timings and dosages were in order to reduce infection in caterpillars. He has learned how to select appropriate viruses that can be used as therapeutics and he has successfully shown that he can prevent infection in caterpillars.

the way in which he uses phages in Muga caterpillars and Dr Chutia is planning to apply the knowledge he has learned at Leicester when he returns to Assam to identify appropriate phages for the main causative agents of disease. If it is successful, this approach is expected to be used by the thousands of Muga growers where it could dramatically reduce the amount of caterpillars that are lost during production.

The team at Leicester has been working with common white waxworms available in the UK, which are the caterpillar larvae of wax moths, because the Muga worm is only able to survive in the wild conditions found in Assam. (Photo: sciencedaily)

"It's a really good model because the caterpillars are small and white and it is really easy to tell when they are ill because they turn brown, and then black, before dying.

"Normally the phages would be injected into the caterpillar but we have managed to do it by putting these into their oral cavity. Ideally we would look to put the viruses onto the leaves that the caterpillar consumes, which would protect them from disease."

This model will inform

Dr Chutia added: "What we need to establish now is the cost-effectiveness of applying phages as a preventative measure to all Muga caterpillars, or just to those we know are infected.

"I will continue to collaborate with the University of Leicester when I return to Assam to identify and characterise phages and establish the most effective ways of using them in order to save the caterpillars from bacterial infection."

Courtesy: sciencedaily

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DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 11

PAGE 12

Openers, Rohit hit fifties as India reach 258/6 on Day PTI Basseterre (St Kitts), Jul 10 : India ambled to 258 for six as half centuries by the opening duo of Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul were followed by an unbeaten fifty from Rohit Sharma on the first day of their two-day opening warm-up fixture against West Indies Board Presidents' XI here.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, India were provided a solid start by Dhawan (51) and Rahul (50), with the two putting on 93 runs for the first wicket before the lefthanded Delhi dazzler was retired out.

At the end of a slow day during which 93 overs were bowled at the Warner Park wicket, Sharma was batting on 54 with the help of eight boundaries and a six.

Amit Mishra (18) was giv-

ing the Mumbaikar company when the stumps were drawn.

Skipper Virat Kohli (14) and Ajinkya Rahane (5) failed to get what would have been some valuable batting practice before the start of the four-match Test series. The Indians, though, is slated to play another three-day warmup game before the Test series gets going from July 21 at Antigua.

Like Dhawan, who struck seven boundaries during his 90-ball knock, Rahul was also called back after the batsman found the fence five times and cleared it once.

Sharma added 47 runs for the sixth wicket with Wriddhiman Saha (22) before putting on 45 runs for an unbroken seventhwicket stand with Mishra.

While the visitors retired out the openers, they

Portugal to take on France for maiden Euro title

Cristiano Ronaldo

ANI Paris, July 10 : Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal will aim to clinch their maiden international title when they take on hosts France in the mouthwatering final of the European Championship 2016 at the Stade de France, here on Monday.

The summit showdown will see a clash between one of the world's greatest playe r s e v e r n a m e l y, Ronaldo and Antoine Griezmann.

Portugal booked their place in the Euro finals following a 2-0 win over Wales while France reached the summit showdown with a thrilling 5-2 win

against Iceland.

It was for the first time that France claimed a win over Germany in a competitive match since 1958 World Cup. The match will see Ronaldo-led side aim to erase harsh memories of the Euro 2004 final defeat to Greece, which left the Real Madrid striker crying on the pitch.

The Portugal skipper now has the best chance of winning the first international title of his glittering career.

Meanwhile, France will head into the final match remaining unbeaten in 18 games at major tournaments on home soil.

Inter District Wushu Kicks Off ET Correspondent Golaghat, July 10: The 13th Inter District Wushu Championship started from today at Indoor Stadium in Golaghat. There are

three categories from Sub junior to Senior level in the Wushu Championship.

Around 200 players have participated in the competition.

Rohit Sharma looked in some sort of discomfort at 159 for four when Rahane departed. At 166 for five in the 60th over, Cheteshwar Pujara (34) was also asked to come back to the dressing room by the team management.

Pujara's knock contained

five boundaries and he spent 115 minutes at the crease while facing 102 balls.

Sharma then took charge and guided the lower middle-order in the company of Saha and Mishra.

For the West Indies, leftarm spinner Jomel

Warrican was the most successful bower, returning figures of 2/61 in 26 overs.

Saha was the last Indian wicket to fall on day 1, when the wicketkeeperbatsman was dismissed by Damion Jacobs.

Earlier, Dhawan looked compact as his 50 came off 88 balls with seven boundaries while Rahul looked equally comfortable during his half-century that took him 99 balls with five fours and six.

The rules allow 12 players to play while 11 could field.

India decided to rest offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin and opener Murali Vijay.

India started cautiously in the beginning even though Rahul hit a lovely square cut while Dhawan also played some nice looking strokes on the off-side.

Tried everything to beat `unbelievable` Serena, admits Kerber ANI Johannesburg, July 10 : Reigning Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber has admitted that she was helpless in preventing the world number one Serena Williams' unstoppable force which guided the American to a seventh Wimbledon title.

Kerber, who was bidding to become the first German to win the Wimbledon crown since Steffi Graf in 1996, went down 7-5, 6-3 at the hands of defending champion Serena in the finals of the tournament.

With the win, Serena has not only taken the revenge of her Australian Open final loss to Kerber, but has also fulfilled her long-standing quest of equaling Graf's record of 22 Grand Slam titles.

Reflecting on the match, Kerber said that she did everything possible to stay in the match, but it was Serena who took the victory in the end, Sport24 reported.

Describing Serena's performance as `unbelievable`, the 28-year-old German said that

ANI El Monte, U.S.A, July 10 : Ace Indian shuttler Ajay Jayaram knocked out of the US Open Grand Prix Gold tournament after suffering a straight-game loss at the hands of Japan's Kanta Tsuneyama in the men's singles semifinals here on Sunday.

The fourth-seeded Indian failed to match the intensity of his Japanese opponent and ended with a 10-21, 14-21 defeat in the last-four contest that

Kerber said there is still a long way to go to match Serena's level.

It was a double delight for Serena at Wimbledon 2016 as she not only won the women's singles title, but has also notched up the women's doubles crown alongside her elder sister Venus Williams.

Ajay Jayaram lasted 33 minutes.

With his defeat, India's

challenge also folded at the tournament.

Wushu championship held at Dotma ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 10: Nearly 150 participants participated in the 12th Kokrajhar district Wushu championship being held at Dotma ground on Sunday in Kokrajhar district.

It was organized by Dotma anchalik Wushu association in collaboration with Kokrajhar district Wushu association. Participants performed their best performance in different categories of competitions, which included senior, junior, sub-junior in the championship.

Angelique Kerber the top-ranked player performed really well and that she truly deserved to win.

Kerber, however, said that she was no less and played on a really high level in the finals.

Serena has clinched a total of 71 career titles in contrast to Kerber's nine titles.

Commenting on the same,

Indian challenge ends with shuttler Jayaram's defeat at US Open

Rabiram Narzary, MLA Kokrajhar west, graced as chief guest on the prize distribution ceremony and distributed certificate and prizes among participants.

Rakesh Brahma, president of Kokrajhar district Wushu association said that the association organized the championship in the district where huge participants took part and presented their performance.

Those who were won prizes in the championship, they would be participating in the state

level championship that to be held from July 21 in Kokrajhar with four days programme scheduled, he added.

Rupam Kumar Brahma, Bakul Chandra Brahma organizers were prominent attendees on the occasion.

New Chingsa FC clinched the Final of Kharsang Football Champion Cup Lomhom Thanga Kharsang, July 10: The Kharsang Football Champion Cup was organized by educated youths of Kharsang with a motto "Say no to drugs" which kick started on 23rd June 2016 with a grand function that was graced by Zila Parishad Chairperson Mr. Jokhong Singpho as chief guest, Circle officer Kharsang R.K. Rai as guest of honour and the local Zila Parishad member Smt K.Longri as a special guest and concluded today between New Chingsa FC and Nolang Club.

The New Chingsa have won the Kharsang football champion cup beating their arch rivals Nalong Club by 4-1

and walked away with 30,000 rupees with trophy besides three important individual awards. The New Chingsa FC could managed to net a lone goal in the first half of the play and other three goals in the second half.

On the other hand, the Nolang club could able to convert one penalty shot at the last few minutes of the match. Altogether, the final match was under the total control of New Chingsa FC. The New Chingsa youths have been famous for many wrong reasons in the past especially for addiction with psychotropic substances, alcohol and opium by and large but these youths have become a trend setter inspite of bad images set earlier. Now

they have altogether alter their destiny by giving their valuable time to football.

This boys have won three tournaments in a raw this year besides a famous All Changlang District Student

Union cup last year who walked away with one lakh cash prize apart from individual awards. In this tournament, Mr. Kitson Kitnal was adjudged with the best player award with cash prize of

5000 rupees, Mr. Repu Rekhung was adjudged with the highest individual scores for eight goals with cash prize of 5000 besides a trophy and Mr. Joseph Rekhung was adjudged for best goal keeping

with 5000 rupees with the trophy.

The main organizing committee consisted of the following conscious youths of the Tangsa community of Changlang district. They were Mr. Arap Khimhun as Chairman, Mr. Tamlong Latam as President, Mr. Raja Tangha as Vice President, Mr. Anthony Jugli as General secretary, Mr.Hangmey Tangha as Asst G.S, Mr.Akhum Lungphi as Treasurer and Mr. Watoi Mandok as Asst Treasurer. The organizing committee have done their job well and brought complete awareness among the youths about the ill effects of drugs in the society and such endeavour is a welcoming steps and should be encouraged from all quarters.

Dallas shooting: Wimbledon star Serena fears for family ANI Johannesburg, July 10 : Expressing concern over the recent gun violence and deteriorating race relations in the US, world number one Serena Williams said she fears for the safety and security of her family in the current volatile situation.

Serena's comments came after she lifted her seventh Wimbledon title and equalled Steffi Graf's record of 22 Grand

Slam titles with a 7-5, 6-3 win over reigning Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber.

Earlier this week, five police officers were killed after unknown snipers ambushed them amid protests in Dallas over the shooting of two black men by cops in Louisiana and Minnesota.

The crowd had gathered to protest against the killing of Philando Castile on Wednesday by a cop in Minnesota

Serena Williams and Alton Sterling, who was shot by a police-

man, in Louisiana on Tuesday.

Saddened by the shootings in Dallas, Serena said she is feeling devastated by the incident and also expressed fear for her nephews,Sport24 reported.

Serena said violence is not the solution of any problem and that no one deserves to lose his life because of the colour.

Gun violence has touched Serena and her family really hard in the past, with the American player losing her elder

half-sister Yetunde Price in a drive-by shooting in Compton in September 2003.

Preaching everyone to love one another, Serena insisted there is a significant need for proper education in order to avoid such kind of incidents.

Earlier, NBA star Carmelo Anthony had urged the athletes to step out and demand change amidst the ongoing violence in the US.

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