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ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 12

Vol. 1

Issue 332

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, May 11, 2016

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5.00

PAGE 6

Pages- 12

No ‘border haats’ with China in Arunachal Pradesh: Government Fake scribe arrested with India today ruled out setting up trading centres along its border with China in Arunachal drugs in Dibrugarh Pradesh saying such an initiative could be taken only when Beijing agrees to it.

India today ruled out setting up trading centres along its border with China in Arunachal Pradesh saying such an initiative could be taken only when Beijing agrees to it.

“China has to agree. We can’t enforce anyone. There has to be mutual consent, then only ‘border haats’ can be set up,” Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in Lok Sabha during the Question Hour.

ET CAPSULES

Tirap girl cracks UPSC

Rijiju’s statement came when Congress MP from Arunachal Pradesh Ninong Ering asked why India can’t set up ‘border haats’ along the Sino-Indian border in the state.

The Minister said without cooperation from the other country, no trade can take place in any ‘border haat’. Currently, India has a border trading post with China at Nathu La in Sikkim. Rijiju said India and Bangladesh have agreed to set up six more ‘border haats’ soon for promotion of trade along the international borders. At

Body recovered at Nalbari Nalbari, May 10: An unidentified body of a youth was recovered from a pond of Barkura village in Nalbari district this morning. The youth was wearing a t shirt.

A shirt and a pent were found on the bank of the pond. The cause of the death of the youth is yet to be ascertained.

(Correspondent)

Seven from Assam cleared the UPSC A staff reporter Guwahati, May 10: In what could be seen as a good news and positive development for the state, altogether seven students from Assam cleared the UPSC civil services examination, 2015, the results of which were declared today.The successful candidates are Padmanabh Baruah (194th), Sagarika Nath (199th), Bidisha (210th), Purna Borah (466th), Subhrajyoti Borah (557th), Jyotimoy Bailung (786th) and Maamoni Doley (1005th).

Last year, there were thirteen successful candidates from the state.

“The establishment of ‘border haats’ is expected to promote the well being of the people in areas across the borders of the two countries, which in turn will maintain peace and tranquility in the border regions,” he said.

Replying a supplementary question, Rijiju said the Home Ministry facilitates safety and security of border areas so that proper trading could take place between the people of two nations. “We are not here to do business but to ensure safety and security of people and facilitate that proper trade could take place in border haats,” he said.

The Minister said during two years of the Modi government, various efforts were taken for promotion of trade along the international

borders. “But we are not satisfied with whatever we have done so far and want to do more. We are committed to do more,” he said. Rijiju said government has adopted multipronged strategy to secure effective management of Indian borders, curb insurgency as well as to maintain peace and security in the border regions. Adequate steps are taken to curb human trafficking like issuing advisories to state governments and sensitizing law enforcement agencies, he said.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul visits Simte at State hospital; to personally evacuate emergency medical patients A Staff reporter Itanagar, May 10

Khonsa, May 10: The whole of Tirap erupted in joy today as Miss Chazat Lowang of Kheti village, a Nocte tribe cracked the UPSC, 2015 with All India Rank .1039. She is the daughter of former Tirap DC Wangliam Lowang and Snti Nyalian Lowang.

present, four ‘border haats’ — two in Meghalaya and two in Tripura — are functional along Indo-Bangladesh border and the four new ‘border haats’ — two in Tripura and four in Meghalaya –will be set up soon.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today ordered the 14-year-old Lammuarsang Simte, a patient suffering from chronic liver disease, to be flown to New Delhi for further treatment, during his unannounced visit to Tomo Riba State Hospital.

During his brief stopover, the Chief Minister visited Simte who is admitted in the state hospital. The doctors have referred the case to be treated further at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Science (ILBS) in New Delhi.

He also visited other patients admitted in the hospital and enquired on their health conditions. For those critical patients referred for further treatment outside the state, the Chief Minister ordered their immediate evacuation. Three

other patients will be flown tomorrow on chopper from Itanagar to Guwahati for their further treatment.

Minyum Potom, a serious patient and Giabu Poda, a heart patient suffering from multiple ailments has been referred to NEIGRIHMS, Shillong. The third patient Nogen Biswas suffering from asthma has been referred to CMC, Vellore.

The Chief Minister will personally accompany Simte and the other three patients during their Chopper journey from Itanagar to Guwahati.

Earlier on Monday, the CM had announced to pay from his two months’ salary for the journey expenses for Simte’s treatment at the ILBS. Accordingly, later on the day he personally handed over Rs 2 lakhs to Simte’s mother at his office for the journey and stay expenses at New Delhi.

Tribals living in the remote Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh will not have to travel over a 100 km into neighbouring Assam for treatment as a medical facility is coming up soon in Miao town.

Being built by the Miao Catholic diocese, the twostoreyed hospital at Injan village will have around 25

beds to begin with.

"There is a lot of public demand for a hospital in the area as the nearest hospital is 120 km away in Assam's Tinsukia. No other medical facility is functional nearby," Bishop George Palliparambil said during a visit to Kolkata.

Once ready by this year, the hospital will have very basic facility for treatment of diseases like TB, malaria and jaundice which are common in

A staff reporter Guwahati, May 10

Further, the CM informed that all expenditures for the boy’s treatment at ILBS, including medical expenses for the other three patients would be borne by the state government through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Making use of the opportunity

during the visit, a youth approached the Chief Minister for financial help for treatment of his father admitted at the state hospital, to which the CM directed his officials to process Rs 1 lakh for the medical expenses.

this part of the north-eastern state.

"People die there not due to some complicated health conditions but because of very ordinary diseases which are curable. Due to geographical distance, no medical attention is available to patients when they need it," the Bishop said.

The Salesian prelate said the building of the Krick and Bourry Hospital is ready and they are scouting for funds to buy equipment.

Besides nurses from Kerala, they will have two doctors to be available 24/7 at the facility.

The Catholic Church also has plans to start a training centre for nurses for availability of manpower.

Also on the cards is a volunteer programme for youngsters who will be trained as village health workers.

"Their task will be to identify the sick and bring him under medical supervision," the Bishop said.

NSS Unit of CHF and 12BN NDRF organizes disaster management awareness programme jointly Spl/ Correspondent Pasighat, May 10

he National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of College of Horticulture & Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat has organized a community awareness programme on disaster management in collaboration with 12BN NDRF Itanagar in the college campus today.

Deepak Kumar, Asst Commandant of 12BN NDRF Itanagar briefed the students, faculty and staff about the role and mandate of NDRF. He also suggested for learning basic tricks to help the people if in exigency due to any kind of disaster. Prof. B. N. Hazarika, Dean i/c of CHF Pasighat welcomed the NDRF officers and their team members for showing their interest for demonstration and tips to

Within the span of seven days six drug peddlers were arrested by Dibrugarh police from different locations of Dibrugarh town. Rahul Verma(30) was today arrested with 30 grams of brown sugar from his possession. He confessed that he regularly trafficked brown sugar to Arunachal Pradesh. After the launching of “operation Drugs free Dibrugarh by Dibrugarh police this was the sixth such arrest. Verma was the resident of Santipara and the father of the accused is also a senior local reporter of the Hindi daily Purvanchal Prahari.

Police said the accused Rahul Verma claimed to be a reporter of the Dawnlit Post, an Itanagar-based English daily from Arunachal Pradesh. A case has been registered against him under the NDPS Act, 1985 at the Dibrugarh police station. On the other hand The Dawnlit Post management said Rahul Verma never worked for the paper and

rescue the needy persons.

Rakesh Kumar, Instructor of NDRF showed various methods of lifting of victims through mock demonstration.

He also described the various tools used in disaster management and rescue tricks as well as first aid tricks. Dr F. Marandi, Sr. Officer of NDRF also spoke on the occasion.

While, Krishna S. Tomar, NSS Programme Officer, CHF Pasighat

highlighted the importance of the very burning topic of the time among the society to know about disaster and its management as we are living in a very seismic zone. He warned the audience about after effects of any natural disaster. Dr. L. Wangchu, Dr. Mahesh Pathak, Dr. S. K. Patnayak, Dr. T. S. Mehra, Dr Nilay Kumar and other faculty members, staff and students were present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi welcomed the developments leading to the rise of rhino population in Assam and attributed the rise to conservation efforts initiated by the State Governemnt.

Taking a dig at the Union Minister of State for Environment and Forest, Prakash Javadekar for crediting the Union Government for the rise in rhino population, Gogoi trained his gun on the Centre and asked when the Union Government is so eager in claiming the credits, it (Centre)

A staff reporter Guwahati, May 10

In a most unfortunate incident and a clear case of medical negligence, a three and-half-year-old child, who was being treated for burn injuries at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), allegedly contracted HIV positive virus after transfusion of blood.

"The boy was discharged from the hospital in October 2015. During his treatment, 10-12 operations took place and multiple blood

The Northeastern city is the acting home ground for Mohun Bagan in the AFC Cup and also the national team....

cmyk

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has zeroed in on Guwahati as the host of the Indian national team's home leg of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualification playoff round against Laos. The Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium (Sarusajai) in Guwahati will see that fixture kick-off on Tuesday June 7, 7 p.m.

The last time the city

entertained the national team, skipper Sunil Chhetri scored a brace to down Nepal 2-0 in a 2018 World Cup qualification match, nearly fourteen months ago. However, that win was not enough as India bowed out of the race for Russia 2018, only to remain in the hunt for a place in the 2019 Asian Cup in the UAE. In other good news for the Assam Football Association (AFA) the governing body for football in the state, the 2016

Federation Cup final on the 21st of this month has also been allocated to the Guwahati venue. India's premier cup competition returns to the city after a hiatus of four years. Last tiime in 2012, all matches were played at the Nehru Stadium, meaning a first for Sarusajai to get a taste of the Federation Cup. The AFA Secretary, Mr, Ankur Dutta in discussion with Goal said the AFA was pleased to have the opportunity to host

the banned drugs in some isolated places in Dibrugarh town. It shows that the district administration has completely failed to curb the drug menace in the society,’’ said Nabajyoti

“Drug abuse was common in Dibrugarh, many schools students were often seen using the banned drugs in some isolated places in Dibrugarh town. It shows that the district administration has completely failed to curb the drug menace in the society,’’ said Nabajyoti Borkakoty, some selected locations in Arunachal Pradesh where there was a demand for the narcotic items. Police said he served as a "drug mule" - a term used for human couriers who carry drugs consignment for monetary benefits on behalf of the drug traders.

“Drug abuse was common in Dibrugarh, many schools students were often seen using

Borkakoty, Social activist of Dibrugarh. The places like Kalibari, Panchali, Grambazar are the places where one can easily found drugs. Borkakoty added that the rising trend of drugs use among the youths would destroy the society if steps not taken.

Contd. on Page 3

the matches.

"Firstly it is a matter of pride and honour that the Federation (AIFF) has seen Guwahati fit as a venue to play host to all these big matches. We have three matches in the month of May and the big one (India vs Laos) in June," said an elated Dutta.

"The AIFF sent a letter to us citing our availability to host both the India match and the Federation Cup final. We were very happy that they even

thought of us. After getting the nod from state sports authority, we have sent a confirmation reply. So, it is confirmed that Guwahati will host the Federation Cup final as well as the Asian Cup qualifier, unless any misfortune occurs," he added.

Kolkata club Mohun Bagan have been playing all their AFC Cup matches in Guwahati in lieu of the Salt Lake stadium being closed for renovation for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World

should also own the discredit for its alleged failure in checking the dwindling population of Asiatic lions in Gir forest in Gujarat.

In a statement here on Tuesday Gogoi said, "Rise in deaths of Asiatic lions has posed a threat on the very existence of wild cats which are found only in Gujarat."

Gogoi stated that when Gujarat is considered as one of the favourite dens of the saffron party, the failure of the BJP Government both at the State and Centre in saving the lives of Asiatic lions cast a ray of doubts on the sincerity of the Government in its wildlife conservation efforts. It may be

mentioned that in Gujarat 76 lion deaths were reported in 2013, 78 in 2014, while the number increased to 91 in 2015.

In the last five years over 300 lions' deaths were reported in Gujarat which make the mockery of the conservation efforts of the Centre and the State Government in Gujarat.

Expressing his deep anguish over the deaths of Asiatic lions in Gujarat, Gogoi advocated for an exhaustive conservation efforts in Gujarat in line with Kaziranga National Park in Assam where the Government has succeeded in increasing the number of rhino population despite several adversaries.

Unfortunate incident of 31/2 yr old child contracted HIV positive virus

Guwahati all set to host Asian Cup qualifier and the Federation Cup final A Staff Reporter Gwahati, May 10

has never been associated with the publication. Verma confessed before the police that he regularly used to transport brown sugar and other drugs from Dibrugarh to

Assam CM welcomes developments leading to the rise of rhino population

Remote Arunachal district to get new hospital Press Trust of India Kolkata, May 10

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, May 10

Cup and the incapability of the Barasat Stadium to get a nod from the AFC due to lack of basic AFC standard infrastructure.

The Green and Maroon brigade play their last Group 'G' fixture on the May 11 against South China AA of Hong Kong, squeezed between either leg of their Federation Cup semi-final against Shillong Lajong. Also, having qualified as group toppers, Bagan play their Round of 16

transfusions were done from our internal blood bank," said GMCH Superintendent Babul K Bezbaruah. On March 29 this year, the child was again admitted for two further operations, he added.

"Before operation, when we tested his blood on March 31, it appeared to be infected with HIV positive virus," Bezbaruah said, adding the hospital did not have any information of the child for last six months till he was readmitted. He declined to confirm if the virus was infected after taking blood from the GMCH's blood bank

as both parents do not suffer from the disease. "We have formed a five-member committee to look into the incident. Only after a thorough inquiry, we will be able to tell anything in this regard," Bezbaruah said. GMCH Superintendent, however, claimed there is an open wound in his leg and the enquiry committee will look into the possibility of contracting the virus through it. The doctors have already operated the child on April 28 for burn-related injury and one more operation is due, Bezbaruah said.

Guwahati's dates with football: Wednesday 11th May [AFC Cup Group Round] - Mohun Bagan vs South China AA;

Tuesday 24th May [AFC Cup Round of 16] - Mohun Bagan vs TBD;

Saturday 21st May Federation Cup Final;

-

Tuesday 7th June [Asian Cup Qualification] - India vs Laos.

match at home on the 24th against any one of Ceres, Selangor or Tampines Rovers.

"We are thankful to Mohun Bagan that they have selected the Sarusajai Stadium as their home ground for the AFC Cup matches. If not for these matches, we would not have had the opportunity to host matches of the AFC Cup," Dutta commented.

"We will try our best and we are sure we will be successful of giving football fans a good game in all these four matches.

It is important for Assam football

as we gear up to also host matches in the 2017 U-17 World Cup," he expressed.

Guwahati does not have an ILeague club but it does have an Indian Super League (ISL) franchise in NorthEast United FC. The first three quarters of the year has proved to be a barren run for the Sarusajai Stadium but 2016 has been different. Unlike other northeastern stadiums in the I-League, the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium has a big capacity of 35,000. So, is Guwahati the next Indian footballing destination?

cmyk

Press Trust of India New Delhi, May 10

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries If you’re looking to get married, buy the ring today. But before you take the leap, weigh all the pros and cons carefully. All in all, this may be a day filled with activities related to your relationship and by the time the day ends, you may be on cloud nine!

Taurus You will be feeling listless, lazy and out of sorts today, and will tend to ignore and neglect important tasks scheduled for the day. Guard against this tendency as you could miss out on opportunities that others could then benefit from. That way, you will surely lose out professionally, particularly if you are in business. This aside, the day promises to be an eventful and fruitful one.

Gemini While today will be a day filled with a lot of festivity, you still need to guard against getting carried away. You will spend the day socialising with friends and family. You might end up neglecting your household duties in organizing some function or picnic.

Cancer You are known for your ability to set the ball rolling. Once you set your mind to do something, it is generally considered done by your peers. Today, you are eyeing a few accomplishments on the monetary front. Most part of your day will go in dealing with financial transactions, and importing and exporting goods.

Leo Guides help other people choose the right path in life and to select the correct alternatives.

It is a good day for those who are in the teaching or coaching professions. It is also a progressive day for those working in MNC’s.

Virgo You will start off on a long, arduous path to success. Some tough work will play a vital role in your progress. Don’t cut corners, and your labours will pay rich dividends and you will reap due rewards. Some opportunities are best left alone as they involve too much risk.

Libra Today will be a lucky day for you. You may receive some financial gain. There will be some good news about your children’s progress. This is the right time to invest in business.

For financial investors and share brokers this period is beneficial, so make the most of it.

Scorpio Your energy levels are high as you as you gear up for new events. However, there are chances that these events may not meet your expectations. But, don’t lose hope and get disappointed. Keep your spirits high. Implement the first lesson learnt in school: try & try till you succeed!

Sagittarius Lady luck is all smiles for you today. Suddenly, you feel like multi-tasking and becoming a jack of all. This is likely to keep you busy, almost throughout the day. If need be, your colleagues and peers will lend a helping hand.

Capricorn You are in hot water, but do not lose hope during these turbulent times. Maintain a calm head over your shoulders and deal with the problems. Also, do not jump to conclusions or be argumentative with the people around you, as you may end up being at the losing end.

Aquarius You have already fulfilled your short-term objectives. But you are ambitious, and straightaway begin setting your long-term goals. But all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Leisure time with family will rejuvenate and prepare you for a better stint at work.

Pisces A day of mixed fortunes awaits you, where taking risks could prove to be your undoing, or provide you with handsome returns. This is because you could come out on top by treading cautiously, but uncalculated risks will probably throw your calculations out of gear. Your success rate is unlikely to be too high; hence it may be a tough day for you. However, it will end on a promising note.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)

Dharna by ATTSA at Tinsukia ET Correspondent Tinsukia, May 10: Tinsukia district committee of the All Assam Tea Tribe Students' Association (AATTSA) has staged Dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner Office complex here today demanding Rs.10 lakhs to the each of the families of 11 people that died on 11th April at Pengeree. Another Rs.5 lakhs they have demanded to provide to the son of Sumi Garh and Lakhimani Garh who had been killed by miscreants on the night of 6th April last. They also demanded the suspension of the Officer In charge of the

Preparation in full swing for counting at kamrup ET Correspondent Rangia, May 10: Preparation is going on in full swing for conduct of an error free counting of votes on May 19 next. For counting of votes of Boko, Chaygaon, Palashbari and Hajo LACs altogether 8 nos. of Counting Halls have been constructed at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Amingaon. 2 nos. of Halls will be there for each LAC. There will be altogether 88 Counting Tables. 20 table each for Boko, Chaygaon and Palashbari LACs, while 28 counting tables will be set up for Hajo LAC. Already 260 Counting Supervisers and Counting Assistants have been appointed besides appointing 150 nos. of Micro Observers. Necessary officials for transit and sealing process have already been appointed. In connection with holding of error free counting process a review meeting on preparedness will be held on May 12 next.

Members of ATTSA stage demonstration in Tinsukia. Pic - Sidharth Singh Pengeree Police Station and to hand over the investigation of the incident to the Central Bureau of In-

vestigation (CBI). The Student body also demanded to take action against the Naga militants

who were demanding money from the owners of Namdung Tea Estate of Margherita and to ensure

Train engine hit survivor shifted to GNRC ET Correspondent Jorhat, May 10: Biswajeet Neog who was seriously injured after a train engine dragged him from near Jorhat Transport Office beside busy GarAli was shifted to GNRC at Guwahati today.

Biswajeet is in coma stage after he was seriously injured lost one of his eye and received 100% body injury as a single engine coming from Mariani Railyway Junction to Jorhat Railway Station.

Biswajeet was travelling with colleague Dulal Barua who was along with him died on the spot. Both Dulal and Biswajeet were about to reach their office of the SIS Prosegur Private Ltd, a state bank of India cash handling agent who refill cash nearly 50 ATMs under Jorhat district .

Meanwhile Jorhat district administration has issued a strict order from the office of the Deputy Commissioner; Jorhat V.

V. Solanki has asked the Railways to give a detail report over the tragic accident that took place near the DTO office, Jorhat. The administration also instructed to take stock of unmanned gate between Lahoty to Cinnamora beside busy Gar-Ali as the population growth rate between this two places has been growing like anything and also requested the Railways to limit their speed between 10 km / hour from Cinnamora to Jorhat station and also requested the train engine drivers to blow horns at all busy points so that people make it hurry before time as framed by the Railway Department, informed administrative sources here. According to Railway sources a survey team from the office of the division railway manager, Tinsukia is likely to inspect three different incident site

that took place between Dibrugarh to Jorhat along with most sensitive zone that is Cinnamora to Jorhat will be taken as priority for increasing number of accidents,and because of number of unmanned crossing that leads to several industrial premises, schools, colleges, namghars, masjids, government offices etc. It is to be, mentioned that the railways on the other hand had already completed several meters of barricade type of fence between Mariani to Ducklungia Railway Station as to keep away such accidents. But ironically a survey teams to arrive for surveying and study between Cinnamora Railway Station to Jorhat Railway Station which has become a human populated zone basically beside the railway tracks.

the security of the people including the workers of the Tea estate. They further alleged there was no response from the State as to their above demands for which they resorted Dharna on 22nd April last as well as their memorandum submitted in the matter to the Chief Minister and the Governor of Assam. They threatened that their protest programmes would continue more intensely till their demands fulfilled.

They have submitted a memorandum in this regards to the Prime Minister through the Deputy Commissioner.

Training of counting officials at amingaon ET Correspondent Rangia, May 10: For an error free counting process for the four LACs of Kamrup Election District, one day training for the Counting Supervisor and Counting Assistant held today at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Amingaon. Altogether 260 counting officials participated in the training. The training was imparted by the PD, DRDA and incharge Training Cell Bivash Modi, ADC incharge Election B K Bora and ADC incharge Personnel Cell Pragya Saharia besides other Master trainers. Training for 150 nos. of Micro Observer will be held on May 11 at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Amingaon from 11 AM.

Cataract Operation successfully Two link men done at Jorhat

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 11-5-16 (WEDNESDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Hindi Language Lesson 6-30 A.M-Vidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori (Request Programme of Assamese Songs) 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 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 Anusthan 7-15 P.M-Karpumpuli 8-00 P.M-Parikrama 9-30 P.M- Kramasha-"Jangam",Written by Debendra Nath Acharya Sd-/H.O.P

GO GREEN

Today in Tinsukia a tree plantation drive was carried out by the district administration with help from the army,CRPF & various other govt departments and social organisations. The entire initiative was led by noted social worker of Tinsukia Sanjay Singh, Sanjay Khaitan, Krishna Upadhya, Shiv ji Dubey & many more other citizens. Pic & Text - Sidharth Singh

ET Correspondent Golaghat, May 10: Agarwal Yuwa Sabha in association with Lions eye hospital, Jorhat recently organised a Free Eye Check up camp with modern eye checkups equipment at Chepaguri L.P School. The people from far and wide of the region reached and availed the facility of the camp. The object behind the work is to serve the society and to detect cataract patient and other patient who are unaware of their trouble. The hardworking team of more than 15 members of Agarwal Yuwa Sabha led

by President Naveen Agarwal and Secretary Abhishek Jagnani in a release today said more

arrested

than 150 patients were examined of which 24 were detected as cataract patient. Of which 16

people were ready to undergo operation at Jorhat and the operation was successfully done by the Ex-

perts at Lions Eye Hospital in Jorhat. It was a successful program and people appreciated the same.

Rangia rigorous life imprisonment ET Correspondent Rangia, May 10 : The Additional District and session Judge (First track court) Rangia Dibya Jyoti Mahanta sentenced the accused Kishor Deka of Village Dagaon under PS Kamalpur in Kamrup district to suffer Rigorous imprisonment for life and another period of 5 years including fine of Rs 1000 vide session case no 364/14 under section 364A/302/201 IPC on Tuesday. Accord-

ing to the verdict Kishor Deka murdered his friend Bikash Kalita only S/o Nakul ch Deka Asst teacher of Suhagpur High School Bagsa on 12th February 2014 near Baihata Railway Station and thrown the dead body on the Railway track of the station to prove the murder either an accident or suicide. But one message to the mobile of the father of Bikash Kalita demanding Rs. 50,000.00 changed the

way of investigation.

After that OC Rangia GRPF arrested Kishor Deka on the basis of doubt on 19th March 2014. Police also arrested one Nirmal Das friend of accused Kishor Deka but he was acquitted and set at liberty. But he was directed by the court to furnish bail bond of Rs. 10000 with one suitable surety amount for a period of 6 months till then he is allowed to remain in previous bail. According to

the father of the victim Kishor Deka confined Bikash Kalita in a piggery Firm near the Railway station on 12th February 2014 and after killing him brutall body was thrown on the Railway line. Addl PP Hiranya Kumar choudhury pleaded for victim and the other hand Advocate the Chidananda Deka for the accused. The victim family expressed their satisfaction for the judgment.

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, May 10: Police arrested two link men of NDFB-S from Serfanguri bazaar on Monday in Kokrajhar district. Based on an information about moving of link men, police raided the area and apprehended the two link men when were on way to bank deposit money.

Identified as Mrinali Murmu and another is said to be juvenile.

Cash 20,000 and bank form was recovered from them. Arrested linkmen sent jail today, said a senior police officer.

Two NSLA arrested ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, May 10: Two cadre of the National Santhali Liberation Army (NSLA) were arrested from Pakhihaga area, in a joint operation launched by army, police and cobra under Gossaigaon subdivision in Kokrajhar district late last night.

They were Joseph Hembrom and Sushil Hebrom,were involved with extortion, money collection, logistic supports to the militant outfits. Two riffle and live bullets recovered from them.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

PAGE 3

Arunachal CM a puppet of Governor: CLP Press Trust of India Itanagar, May 10: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) of Arunachal Pradesh has alleged that Chief Minister Kalikho Pul is a puppet of Governor J P Rajkhowa and has failed on all fronts.

In a meeting chaired by CLP leader Nabam Tuki here on Monday, Congress legislators alleged that the Raj Bhawan had become the head-office of PPA government and

Rajkhowa was donning the role of its High Command with the blessings of the Centre, CLP spokesperson Bamang Felix said in a statement here.

"The government has failed on all facets of effective governance and has been superlatively successful in befooling the people with tall claims and false promises. CLP, Congress and people of the state will

not remain mere spectators henceforth," it said.

The CLP also alleged that the government had failed in maintaining law and order, financial management and was victimising government officials.

It was resolved that a delegation of CLP members, Congress leaders and members of civil societies would approach the Raj Bhavan soon to record its complaints and demand remedies.

Governor takes up connectivity issue with NEC Secretary A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 10 : The Secretary, North Eastern Council, Shillong, Shri Ram Muivah called on the Governor Shri JP Rajkhowa at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 10th May 2016. They discussed on various NEC Schemes and projects in the State.

The Governor, while emphasizing for better connectivity in the State, advised the NEC Secretary to take up 'Orphan Roads' as it benefits both Arunachal Pradesh and its neighbouring States.

The Governor also asked him to develop the Advance Landing Grounds at Ziro, Pasighat and Aalo in the line of Lilabari, Tezpur and Umroi Airports, where there are regular air services and is funded by NEC. Stating that inspite of road connectivity problem in the State and region, there is not even a single institute for road research and designing. The Governor suggested that an institute must be set up by the NEC and as Arunachal Pradesh has variant topography and climatic condition, the State is most suitable for it. He also suggested for setting up 'Centres for Excellence' for architect, skill development, tourism etc. which will be beneficial for all the States of the region as students will come from every corner of the North East.

The Governor emphasised on regular visits and monitoring by NEC officials of the NEC funded North

Eastern Region Community Resource Management Projects (NERCORMP) in the State. With regular monitoring, social auditing and proper selection of schemes, it will bring good results, he opined.

Highlighting on the abundant Kiwi, Orange and other horticultural produces, the Governor requested the Secretary NEC to assist the entrepreneurs of the State in setting up of Food Processing Units and wineries. Chief Secretary Smt Shakuntala Gamlin added on it by suggesting floriculture ad orchid cultivation as thrust avenues.

The Governor called for enhancing the annual budget of the Council so that larger projects can be taken up. He suggested that NEC should entertain schemes or projects of less

than Rs. 20 (Twenty) lakhs, when approached directly by the needy people.

The Governor called for special attention by NEC towards philanthropic institutes like Oju Welfare Association and Donyi Polo Mission. Suggesting him to visit the institutes, the Governor said that these centres are doing wonderful work for the poor and the society and they need to be supported.

Shri Muivah briefed the Governor on the ensuing Plenary Meeting of NEC at Shillong on 27th May 2016. He also briefed the Governor on the challenges of the Council.

Secretary to Governor cum Secretary Planning Dr. Joram Beda and Additional Secretary to Governor Shri Bharat Singh Hada were also present in the meeting.

For Classifieds in Annual Sports Meet The Eastern organized by CRPF Today Call concludes successfully Ashok 09706178219 and Riki 08751056534

Sports

Abdul I. Ansari Namsai, May 10: Annual Sport Meet of Hand Ball Competition was Organised at 186 Battalion Head quarter Jaipur under Namsai District. In the Final Closing Ceremony was held on 09th of May. Shri D. E. Kindo 2nd Commandant of 186 BN as Chief Guest Shri R.K. Sharma Deputy Commandant 186 Battalion as a Guest of Honour and Dr. L. Patri as a guest and other dignitaries were present in the closing ceremony.

The total number of 6 team were participated they are (1). 36 Battalion from Khonsa, (2). 68 Battalion from Tinsukia (Assam), (3) 138 Battalion from Itanagar, (4) 149 Battalion from Sibsagar (Assam) (5) 171 Battalion from Dibrughar (Assam), and (6) 186 Battalion from Namsai were participated out of which 2 team were reached final which was played on 9th of May. In which the 138 Bn V/s 186 Bn were played and 138 Battalion won the final Match.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul calls for documentation of the traditional priest chanting A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 10 : Chief Minister Kalikho Pul called for documentation of the traditional priest chanting to preserve it for future generation. Underscoring the significance of the traditional priests in guarding and preserving the identity of tribal society he said, "the traditional priests are the storehouse of our traditional knowledge and indigenous beliefs as we don't have written records of our ancient history. And it is only through the oral chanting of the traditional priests that we come to know about the myths of origin, ancient histories of tribes, the routes of migration as well as the basis of our various rituals".

He further said that priest, in our society holds a central figure and a very dignify position in the society. They have a unique power for performing rituals during conception of a child in mother's womb, before the birth of a child, for well being during life and also perform after death ritual for non-recurrence of un-natural death and for peace and well being of soul. He said, "no other power have this right".

He expressed sadness that the traditional priest

chanting is diminishing day by day in our society and is being sidelined with the changing time and modernization. He pressed for the proper documentation of the traditional priest chanting and to use it for imparting it to the younger generation citing it as a reality and unique identity of the tribal society.

He further called upon the priests to maintain its originality and do not let it dilute with modernization. He exhorted them not to lose heart but continue to serve the society by performing rituals for the needy people for their overall well being.

The Chief Minister suggested for modification in the dress of the priests to look it more solemn and graceful. He also suggested for bringing some modifications in observing taboos which makes it difficult for the people to follow in this fast changing life style.

As a mark of respect and honour for the traditional priests, he said to look into their demand of honorarium at Rs 2000 per month for the senior/ head priests. He, however, requests the priests to serve the people willfully without demanding from them but to accept

whatever is offer to them in return for their services saying that the priests are being look up as divine man. He also requested them to be united and to come under one platform, to stay away from the politics and to remain concentrate in their service to the people for the cause of the society.

He also said to construct Community Hall in every district headquarters for performing traditional priests as well as for imparting traditional and indigenous knowledge and also for preserving and learning of puja articles.

He informed that Rs 4 Crore was sanctioned by his govt during the last financial year for the completion of Multipurpose Community Hall for the Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh at Itanagar. He said that the same hall can also be used by the priests for organizing such functions.

Regarding Land dispute at Jammi-Jaate at Itanagar, the Chief Minister said that the Deputy Commissioner will be asked to verify and settle the issue.

Chief Minister was attend-

ing the Conference of All Arunachal Pradesh Abotani Abo Taru Nibu, Nijik Boos (Priest) Welfare Association (AAPANWA) at Mopin Gorund as Chief Guest here today.

Guest of Honour Lokham Tassar, Ex-MLA in his speech has suggested for constitution of a Core Committee to deal with issues confronting the traditional priests in the state. He also said that the priests of different tribes must come together and work in congregation for better understanding and coordination.

Kameng Ringu, Chairman of the People's Party of Arunachal who attended the function as special guest said that the need of the hour is to codify practice of customs and traditions in the state. He urged upon the govt to get it codify in the State Assembly for enforcement.

Hari Taro, President of AAPANWA read out and submitted a Memorandum with Bye-laws to the Chief Minister on the occasion.

Large numbers of Priests from various districts of the participated in the conference. Multi-Cultural items were also presented on the occasion.

Governor chairs a high-level Security Review Meeting A Staff Reorter Itanagar, May 10 : The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa chaired a high-level Security Review Meeting at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 10th May 2016. The meeting reviewed the overall security scenario of the State, Law and Order and Insurgency related issues.

Reviewing the security arrangement at the Capital Complex as also elsewhere in the State, the Governor advised the State Government to evolve suitable mechanism involving general public, the Civil Society and security forces to address any major law and order incident. He suggested for augmentation of State Intelligence apparatus for collection, collation ands communication of real time intelligence in order to have regular and timely feedback of any unlawful activities.

Expressing his concern on recent incident of firing at Tawang and arrest on militants in eastern District of Longding, the Governor

called for foolproof security arrangement in the State. The Governor appreciated the timely actions taken by the State Government for defusing the tension and maintaining the public peace and order post May 2 firing incident. He expressed the view that the Magisterial and Commissioner level enquiry committees should conduct through inquiry into the happenings that ultimately led to

the unfortunate firing incident costing precious lives and injuring several persons, in a free, fair and independent manner. A timeline should also be drawn for completion of the enquiry and submission to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh with findings and recommendations for preventing such incidents in future and also fix responsibilities. He also emphasized on restoring normalcy in

Tawang and adjacent districts for enabling the people to have normal activities at the earliest.

The Governor appealed to the people generally and the Spiritual leaders, the public leaders, the youth to cooperate with the Administration to maintain public peace and tranquillity and restore the earlier status of Tawang as the most peaceful district in India..

The Governor appreciated the immediate visit of Deputy Chief Minister & Home Minister Shri Kameng Dolo to Tawang.

Participating in the discussion, the Chief Minister Shri Kalikho Pul said that security of every citizen of the State has always been the top priority of the State Government and he is personally monitoring it. He

further informed that the Government would not tolerate any unlawful activities in the state and firmly deal with it as per law. The Chief Minister also informed that he would be personally assessing the situation by visiting Tawang on 11th May 2016.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister, who is also the minister in-charge for Home Shri Kameng Dolo and the senior officers, briefed the Governor on various security issues.

Both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister informed that all the vacant posts in Police Departmnt will be filled up on priority basis.

State Chief Secretary Smt Shakuntala Gamlin, Principal Secretary Home, Shri Satya Gopal, in-charge Director General of Police Shri Nabin Payeng, Secretary to Governor Dr. Joram Beda, Additional Secretary to Governor Shri Bharat Singh Hada and senior Police Officers were present in the meeting.

A joint team of Tinsukia police, 15th Kumao Regiment of Indian army and CRPF on Sunday night apprehended one person from Inthem village under Pengree police station in Tinsukia district and recovered a pistol from his possession. The arrested youth has been identified as Prabin Moran, According to source; Prabin was apprehended from his residence. Security forces has recovered one .22 pistol along with 7 live ammunition from his possession. He was also involved in stealing of elephant during 2015 and was also working as a linkman, added sources in the security forces.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

PAGE 4

One arrested in connection withg astrologer's murder in Digboi ET Correspondent Digboi, May 10: One identified as Dhan Das (23) son of Rameswar Das a resident of Nahorkotiya village under Digboi Police station has been arrested here recently on the charge of murdering a renowned Astrologer of Digboi Topla basti on 29th night at AOD residential Area in Digboi.

According to Police based on the case no 70/ 16, the culprit has been

arrested and prosecuted u/s 397 IPC. Presently under 5 days of Police remand, a thorough interrogation with the arrested Das was being carried out till the filling of this report.

While, the investigating officer claims of having sufficient evidences to ascertain the criminal act of the accused, Mr. Das a vegetable vendor who temporarily resides at Masterpara area within Digboi township on the

other hand denied all the allegations against him and rather told that there can be no evidences to establish his guilt except an earlier case of muscular clash with his friend in his village.

Referring to the incidence of murder, he told that he was busy with his pan vendor till the 30th morning at Muliabari Bihu function.

However, interrogation and further investigation was being carried out by Digboi police to nab the

Woman jumped off Dikhow Bridge- saved by a swimmer ET Correspondent Sivasagar, May 10: A woman about fifty years old was rescued today after she plunged into the Dikhow River from Dikhow Bridge, in an attempt to end her life, here at Sivasagar. Now she is receiving treatment at Joysagar Hospital. According to the sources, due to "family problems" she tried to end her life by committing suicide.

According to the Reports is that the woman named Mira Hazarika, who resides in Melachakkar of Sivasagar town, jumped in to the Dikhow river from M. I Bora bridge, in Tuesday morning and was saved by a

young guy named Madhurjyo Saikia who witnessed her plunging into the river. Madhijyo Saikia son of Rajnikant Saikia is hailing from Joysagar of Sivasagar.

Fake scribe arrested with drugs in Dibrugarh Contd. from Page 1

Dr Ahmedullah Khan, social activist of Dibrugarh said, “The business of drugs has been rising in Dibrugarh and mostly in some cases the students have seen using the dendrite instead of drugs as an alternate,’’.

Dibrugarh SP Bir Bikram Gogoi said, “Verma has claimed to be a reporter of a daily English newspaper. A valid identity card of Itanagar-based newspaper 'Dawnlit Post' was recovered from his possession. He has confessed that he use to traffic drugs to Arunachal Pradesh regularly. From his statement we are trying to identify the network of drug dealers and traffickers".

According to sources Kalibari area is one of the place where one can easily found brown sugar and other banned drugs and from earlier the place have

been a hub of anti-social elements. “The drugs peddlers are very much active in Dibrugarh and targeted the school going to involved them in their business luring them with money,’’ a source said.

“During the noon and evening time many person found under the influence of alcohol roaming at Joggers Park 30 meters from Dibrugarh SP office but the police administration did not give heed into the matter. Many school students purchased drugs from the peddlers from the area,’’ said daily goers at Joggers park.

On the other hand, ULFA (I) have issued a statement against the growing menace of drugs in Assam. A statement emailed by the militant group to media houses on Monday and urged the people to provide information about drug users, peddlers and traders, based on which the rebel group would take action against them.

Two NSLA arrested

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, May 10: Two cadre of the National Santhali Liberation Army (NSLA) were arrested from Pakhihaga area, in a joint operation launched by army, police and cobra under Gossaigaon subdivision

in Kokrajhar district late last night. They were Joseph Hembrom and Sushil Hebrom,were involved with extortion, money collection, logistic supports to the militant outfits. Two riffle and live bullets recovered from them.

It is to be added that, Madhijyo Saikia is a national level Swimmer. Now people appreciated the bravery work done by the young swimmer.

accomplices involved in the act. It may be recalled here that Deepak Acharjee a resident of Topla Basti in Digboi under Digboi Police station in Tinsukia District was hacked to death by unidentified miscreants here on 29th last. The dead body was found lying in the AOD residential area beside a vacant quarter 1656-A in CMH Area very close to their residence.

According to the relatives of the deceased

including the grief stricken wife, Mr. Acharjee leaving behind his mobile phone at home had gone to drop her relatives in Durgabari at around 7.30 on his purple colored Scooty (Activa, AS23L 7065) and the incident occurred while returning after leaving Durgabari at9.15 pm passing through the said residential area which did not have sufficient lights and residents too were thinly concentrated.

Today in Tinsukia a tree plantation drive was carried out by the district administration with help from the army,CRPF & various other govt departments and social organisations. The entire initiative was led by noted social worker of Tinsukia Sanjay Singh, Sanjay Khaitan, Krishna Upadhya, Shiv ji Dubey & many more other citizens. Pic & Text - Sidharth Singh

Teachers' conference in Kokrajhar 3 hospitalized eating will grace the open ET Correspondent wild mushroom on the Kokrajhar, May 10: session The 49th biennial conference of Assam Madhyamik aru Karmachari Santha, the apex teachers' organisation in Assam begins at from Wednesday with three days colorful programme scheduled Kokrajhar District Sports Association (KDSA) stadium in Kokrajhar.

Over 1200 delegate and members from 33 district committees of the santha are participating the conference where issues related to the association will be discussed and resolution likely to be adopted. BTC deputy Chief Kampa Borgoyary

concluding day as chief guest.

Director of secondary education Assam Babulal Sarma, Vice Chancellor of Bodoland University Prof. Hemanta Kumar Baruah, Kokrajhar D C Madhav Prasad Sarma, MLA Kokrajhar east Pramila Rani Brahma will attend the function as guests.

A souvenir 'Baukhungri will also be brought out on the occasion by the Reception Committee which will be unveil by Padmashri Kameswar Brahma, president of Bodo Sahitya Sabha on the second day.

ET Correspondent Golaghat, May 10: In Golaghat district of Kunwani region three people after eating wild mushroom stuffed today and were reported ill.

According to information received

from the same family Sukroti , Mamoni Shankar Gaur felt uneasy and had to be hospitalized. It is to be known that few days ago in the region such incident had already taken place.

Shot dead ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, May 10: One person identified as Komin Boro, 30 was shot dead by unidentified miscreant at Kawlibhanga village under Tangla PS in Udalguri district today.

According to source, two

motorcycles had borne unidentified miscreants shot dead Komin from close range and died on the spot. Police officials rushed the spot to take stock about incident.

Two empty cartridges of 9mm pistol were recovered from the spot

Bail for Singer Bhrigu Kashyup A staff reporter Guwahati, May 10: A session court in Guwahati on Tuesday granted interim bail to singer Bhrigu Kashyup. Bhrigu Kashyup was accused of uploading morphed photo of singer Priyanka Bharali in social media platforms. A case was registered under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Priyanka Bharali on Sunday filed an FIR against co-artist Bhrigu Kashyap and five others at the Dispur police station in Guwahati for allegedly uploading morphed pictures of her in social media. But he has denied uploading her photos in Facebook, WhatsApp in front of media on Monday evening.

Meanwhile, wild elephants have caused extensive damage to homesteads at Beharbari area along the AssamMeghalaya border in Guwahati last night. A herd of wild elephants from the Hills forest of Meghalaya has been on the rampage in Beharbari area and damaged many houses on Monday night.

2 Arunachal women crack JFA demands for all due benefits to media employees UPSC exams A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 10 : Duyu Kampu and Chazat Lowang from Arunachal Pradesh have cleared the prestigious Union Public Service Commission Combined Civil Services Examinations 2015 with all India ranking of 1034 and 1039 respectively.

An alumnus of Ramakrishna Sarada Mission, Khonsa, Kampu credits her success in the examinations to her family and friends for their constant encouragement, especially her mother Duyu Yakang, a senior nurse, for being her inspiration throughout. Her father Duyu Kojee is also a retired government official.

Kampu, who cleared the examinations in her third attempt, says that UPSC was the platform where she realized her true potential was, before add-

ing that the preparation for the examination is a wonderful learning experience.

In her message to aspiring UPSC candidates, Kampu said, “Allow yourself to dream, have the courage to follow through, be sincere to yourself and devoted to your work. Everything else will fall into place.”

Lowang, who came in at an all India rank of 1039, said that coaching is not compulsory for preparation as there are enough materials in the internet and appealed all to not get discouraged if they cannot afford coaching.

Lowang, who cracked the prestigious examination in her third attempt, said that she preferred the Indian Administrative Service but informed that as of now service allocation is not out.

She though added that NCERT books are important for foundation, as well as reading newspaper daily and current affairs magazine to remain updated. She informed that these days the UPSC does not focus on technical question but on current affairs.

Lowang is the daughter of Wangliam Lowang (father), who last served the state government as additional secretary (Power), and Nyaliam Lowang (mother). She did her schooling from Sarda Mission, Khonsa till the 10th standard and from Numaligarh DPS till 12th.

After graduating from Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi, she completed her post graduation in Mass Communication from Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi.

including the journalists A staff reporter Guwahati, May 10: Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA), while maintaining its demand for all due benefits to media employees including the journalists in accordance with the guidelines of Majithia wage board, urged the managements of media houses in the region to implement the latest wage board recommendations to show respect to the apex court of the country. It may be mentioned that barring the Assam Tribune group of publications, no media house in northeast India has so far implemented the Majithia wage board recommendations even though the Supreme Court of India had asked

every newspaper (and news agency) management in the country to offer benefits to their employees following the new wage board directives."Lately two established media groups of Guwahati have shown interest to implement the recommendations of Majithia wage board, which we would like to appreciate herewith," said a statement issued by the JFA adding that other media houses of the region should also follow the direction at the earliest. The JFA also fervently appealed to those media groups not to play tricks with the interest of their employees by offering illogical and unethical proposals. The media fo-

rum pointed out that a number of media groups in different parts of the country had asked most of their senior employees either to resign for no reason or give written consent accepting whatever benefits the owners could provide, implying to ignore the new wage board benefits. "The media persons engaged in newspaper & news agencies across the country should get united over the issue and fight for their dues.

Moreover they should also continue raising voice for logical benefits to their counterparts in the electronic media as well," concluded the JFA statement issued by its president Rupam Barua and secretary Nava Thakuria.

Nagaland Governor approves Online Skill Games Bill Kohima, May 10 : Nagaland governor P.B. Acharya has given his assent to a bill which aims to regulate and legitimize online games of skill.

The Nagaland Prohibition of Gambling and Promotion and Regulation of Online Games of Skill Bill, 2015 will now become an Act. The development was first reported by gaming laws website GLaws.in. The Act has a long list of online games which will now be allowed. Any game which focuses more on the skill of the players rather than chance will be legal.

The list includes games like chess, sudoku, poker, rummy, virtual sports like cricket, football and fantasy sports league games.

Jay Sayta, who founded GLaws.in and has done extensive work on gaming laws, said the bill "brought some amount of certainty" on online games

of skill. He called the law "a first of its kind legislation and a visionary step by the Nagaland government, which will help in defeating the perception that playing skill games for real money amount to gambling."

There has been no legislation to regulate or license online skill games in India before the law introduced by the Nagaland government and therefore the Online Skill Games Act is expected to show the way to other state governments to regulate and license this activity.

P.K. Jain, Head of Operations of Sachar Gaming Pvt. Ltd. which operates khelplayrummy.com and khelplay.com the leading poker and rummy websites in the country said, "The Nagaland Act to regulate skill games is definitely a step in the right

direction for the growth of the gaming industry. As one of the leading operators of poker and rummy, we would certainly be interested in applying for a license. However, we will wait for the rules and licensing guidelines to be formulated before taking a final decision."

Sayta, however, added that there are some concerns relating to the new law.

"For instance, the constitutionality of the provision which bars any company which has any past or present interest in gambling in India or abroad is also questionable. Additionally, whilst the law aims to prohibit online gambling or unauthorized skilled gaming, there are no punitive measures for illegal gambling. Hopefully, the Nagaland government will amendment the law to improve it and address these concerns" he said. (ANI)

Mothers Day Programe organised by socio Cultural Organization TULIP at Sivasagar today. Pic - Firuz Ahmed

REGION

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

Animal diseases compel Mizoram to curb animal imports

Mizoram will stop importing poultry, pigs and cattle from Bangladesh Aizawl, May 10: Mizoram will stop importing poultry, pigs and cattle from Bangladesh as well as other states after several thouand animals died due to diseases, an official said here on Tuesday. "We have asked the district magistrates to take suitable steps to stop import of chickens, birds, ducks, eggs, cattle and pigs from Bangladesh and neighbouring states of the northeast in view of the diseases among cattle and pigs," an official of the animal husbandry and veterinary department said.

Several thousand pigs and cattle have died in the last few weeks in Mizoram, especially in Champhai district in eastern part of the state due to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and foot and mouth disease.

He said: "Samples from

the dead pigs and cattle being tested in the laboratories in and outside the state. Experts were sent to bordering Champhai and other districts to take appropriate steps to prevent further spread of the diseases."

The state government has issued an order banning sale of all domestic animals from other villages within and outside the disease-affected districts in Mizoram. The government also asked the people not to sell or consume pork, cattle meat and poultry products in the disease-affected and adjoining areas.

Mizoram shares an unfenced international border of 404 km with Myanmar and 318 km with Bangladesh, causing immense scope for smuggling of animals, drugs, arms and ammunition and other things across the border. (Agencies)

"We have asked the district magistrates to take suitable steps to stop import of chickens, birds, ducks, eggs, cattle and pigs from Bangladesh and neighbouring states of the northeast in view of the diseases among cattle and pigs,"

'MLA scheme not meant to buy gifts for people' Shillong, May 10: Urban Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh is not infavour of legislators using MLA scheme to buy gifts for the people of constituencies instead of creating public assets. Lyngdoh chaired a meeting of the urban MLAs on Monday to discuss the issues related to implementation of Rs 2 crore MLA scheme per year and the related guidelines.

When contacted, Lyngdoh said, "It is unjust to say that funds under MLA scheme should be allocated for buying gifts for people instead of creating public assets". According to Lyngdoh, the government expects an MLA to attend to the needs of the constituency, but the scheme is not meant to distribute gifts. .She also said that there should be a common approach for execution of MLA scheme. The meeting on

Monday was attended by legislators Sanbor Shullai (South Shillong ) and Paul Lyngdoh (West Shillong) Paul Lyngdoh later said that the meeting discussed on how to plug the loopholes in the implementation of the MLA scheme by saying that many times, the projects are sanctioned very late which adds to cost and time over run.

During the meeting, the Minister was also urged to make the Special Rural Works Programme (SRWP) more accessible to the people.

Both the legislators also stressed the need to rejuvenate the Shillong Municipal Board.

The Minister assured in the meeting that all suggestions will be incorporated in the revised guidelines for the MLA scheme which will be implemented in the year 2017-18. (Agencies)

BJP MLA seeks review of orders Imphal, May 10: Pointing out that suspension of passenger transport services after the Transport Department issued an order directing all transporters to pay one-time tax for all vehicles below five tonnes has caused severe inconveniences to the public, BJP MLA Kh Joykishan has sought withdrawal of the same order.

Speaking to media persons this afternoon, Joykishan said that the Joint Administrative Council suspended all transport services since May 6 after the Transport Director issued an order directing all vehicles under five tonnes (auto-rickshaws, Magic vans, Winger vans, 407 mini-buses/trucks and DI jeeps) to pay one-time tax.

Suspension of transport services has severely affected the public particularly daily wage earners and students.

In view of the inconveniences caused by the order, the Government ought to review it, Joykishan asserted. Suspension of transport services has also severely affected the State's economy.

Most of these transport operators have low incomes.

Asking them to pay one-time taxes for their vehicles would be an enormous financial burden on them.

Even though the order was in line with a decision of the State Cabinet, it is antipeople and it should be revoked, Joykishan asserted.(Agencies)

PAGE 5

BBS College springs surprise, produces commerce topper Tura, May 10: The declaration of MBOSE results to the Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC) examination on Monday was pretty much a repeat of last year's performance with St Anthony's Higher Secondary School, Shillong this time as well dominating the toppers' lists in both the Science and the Commerce streams.

The surprise element in the results, however, was BBS College, Shillong as it produced the topper in the Commerce stream - Pema Lama. This is for the first time that the College produced a rank holder that too a top position holder. In the Science stream, the total pass percentage is 74.46 per cent. For regular candidates pass percentage is 76.60 per cent, with male students getting 74.17 per cent and their female counterpart scoring 78.86 per cent.

For non-regular candidates, female candidates scored over their male counterparts. The pass percentage is 74.46. The male candidates had a total percentage of 46.41 and female candidates ( 52.71 per cent).

There is a drop in the overall pass percentage (74.46) as it registered 75.68 percentage in 2015. In the Commerce stream, the total pass percentage is 70.60 per cent whereas the percentage was 72.32 in 2015.

For 2016, the regular students' pass percentage is 75.09 per cent (males70.23 per cent, females82.84 per cent) while for non-regular students' pass percentage is 38.11 per cent with females taking the lead with 55 per cent and males (30.81per cent). As per the result of the vocational stream for HSSLC, out of the six students appeared, five students were declared

First position holder in Science stream Amayaa Goswami with her parents, successful with three in first division and two in second division.

In both science and commerce streams, St Anthony's Higher Secondary School bagged as many as 15 top positions, For St Edmund's College (Higher Secondary Section) while Sulekha Sen was the lone position holder securing 8th spot for the College in com-

merce stream with 90 marks in Business studies , Adrian D Sangma of the same College shared the 9th position with Dutifull Nongbsaw of St Anthony's.

In commerce stream, Barimika Marboh from Mawryngkneng Higher Secondary School secured fifth position while Darisuk Shabong of Sacred Heart Girls' Higher Secondary

School, Shillong stood at 7th position. However, in science stream, other than St Anthony's, the students of Government Boys' Higher Secondary School , Jowai and R K Mission Higher Secondary School, Cherrapunjee shared second positions with Berister Swer and Saurav Pathak bringing laurels to the schools respectively.

Students from Garo Hills schools put up a poor show with only Don Bosco College, Tura and J N Higher Secondary School, Phulbari managing to secure a spot each in the Science toppers' list.

While the 6th spot was secured by Drishti De of Don Bosco College, Tura, the 7th spot was shared by Mebadki Sohlang of St Anthony's Higher Secondary School, Shillong and Resma Sheik of J N Higher Secondary

Documentary shows Konyaks of Nagaland rediscovering roots

Documentary shows Konyaks of Nagaland rediscovering roots Kolkata,May 10: Tracing their origins to the region around the Tigris and Euphrates river basin in western Asia, the head-hunting Konyak tribe of Nagaland, which embraced Christianity, is now trying to rediscover itself and its fading culture, the Rajat Kamal National Award-winning documentary "Aoleang",

highlights.

Produced by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS) and directed by Ranajit Ray, the documentary won the prestigious Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus) National Award for the Best Anthropological Ethnographic film this year. "Aoleang" is based

on aoleang, the most important traditional harvest festival of the Konyak Nagas located in Nagaland's Mon district. It is celebrated in April.

The 30-minute film narrates the history of the Konyak tribe, their conversion to Christianity, their loss of traditional culture and the resurgence of cultural activities, said Ray. By documenting the most important festival of the tribe, he has also put the spotlight on a tribe that has no written records of its cultural practices. "They are trying to rediscover themselves and they feel Christianity has robbed them of their culture. While the older generation say the youngsters do not know

their own culture, the new generation are trying to go back to their roots and revive the festivities," Ray told the media here at a screening of the documentary.

Shot in 12 days across villages, in the interiors of Nagaland, almost inaccessible by modern modes of transport, the film provides a day-byday insight into the sixday festival which has now been shortened to one or two days, thanks to paucity of time and globalisation.

The whole village comes out dressed in its traditional finery with elaborate headgear and heavy jewellery, and celebrates by dancing and singing, ending in a mega feast.

One of the tribesmen shown in the film is a reverend who translated

the Bible into Konyak and claims their forefathers originated from Tigris and Euphrates region.

"He translated the Bible into Konyak. Nobody contradicted (his version of origin) or had new insights. They have no written records," informed Ray. According to MAKAIAS Director Sreeradha Dutta, the film is a muchneeded documentation effort to preserve the culture for future generations. MAKAIAS is an autonomous body under the ministry of culture.

"Their indigenous lifestyles are slowly fading away due to globalisation and other factors. We thought of documenting the festival in its original form," Dutta said. (Agencies)

NPF backs Naga peace process ILP Bills against hill people: NPF Senapati, May 10: Leaders of the Naga People's Front, Manipur unit have reaffirmed their faith in the Naga peace process while at the same time opposing the three Bills passed by the State Assembly on August 31 last year.

These resolutions were taken during the NPF leaders' consultation programme held at Tamenglong on May 6.

The consultation programme was attended

by NPF ADC members, NPF division office bearers and other local leaders.

Announcing their continued support to the political dialogue to find an amicable solution to the Naga issue, NPF in a statement said that solving the Naga political problem will bring peace and development in the State as well as in the entire North East region.

In the same breath, NPF said that it will continue to oppose the three Bills and the resolution passed in the Manipur Assembly on August 31 last year. The Bills are against the interest of the hill people, said NPF and added that they were passed without following proper procedures.

"It is very clear that the Bills affect the hill areas.

According to the Presidential order of 1972 and rule of procedure and conduct of business paragraph 4, any Bill affecting hill areas wholly or partly should be referred to the Hill Area Committee.

However, the mentioned rules were not followed before the Bills were passed", contended NPF. The NPF also came down strongly against the Congress Govt for ignoring the sentiments of the hill people.

The nine people who were

NPF backs Naga peace process ILP Bills against hill people killed in the anti-Bills agitation at Churachandpur are yet to be buried, said NPF and added that till date the State Govt has done nothing to solve or understand the issue.

If the Govt continues to press the Centre to give assent to the Bills, the divide between the hill and

valley people will deepen, it said and added that the Govt of Manipur will be held responsible for any unwanted incident. So far the State Govt has done nothing to bring an understanding between the hill people and valley people on the three Bills, contended NPF.

Many leaders at the c o n s u l t a t i o n programme also questioned why the Governor of Manipur failed to report matters pertaining to the hills to the President of India which is mandatory according to the Indian Constitution.(Agencies)

Hearing on Champion trial today Shillong, May 10: A crucial hearing pertaining to the trial of jailed GNLA chairman Champion Sangma will be held here on Tuesday.

Earlier on April 22, the High Court of Meghalaya had directed the Judicial Magistrate First Class, East Khasi

Hills, to complete the trial of the pending case pertaining to the GNLA leader within a month.

Sources said that the matter related to the trail will be taken up on Tuesday.

The High Court had earlier said that no further extension will be al-

lowed for the lower court to complete the trial.

Though the High Court in November last year directed Judicial Magistrate First Class, East Khasi Hills, to complete the trial within five months, there has been delay.

It was the Champion's

lawyer Sujit Dey, who had sought the transfer of the case under section 186/506 IPC which has been pending before the court of NM. Momin, Judicial Magistrate First Class, Shillong following which the High Court wanted the lower court to speed up the trial.

The High Court on April 22 refused to grant further extension and wanted the Judicial Magistrate First Class, East Khasi Hills, to initiate day-to-day basis trial. Earlier, the lower court had rejected the bail application of Champion. (Agencies)

School, Phulbari. However, there were no toppers from Garo Hills in the Commerce list. Assembly Speaker jubilant Assembly Speaker A T Mondal who is the president of the J N Higher Secondary School, Phulbari is jubilant over the school's success as its student Resma Sheik secured a position.

Mondal who visited the school said over phone on Monday that the credit of the success goes to Resma and her parents as the teachers and the management have acted only as catalysts.

This is the first time that the school is getting a top position in science stream. According to Mondal, though the school was established in 1965 by the land donated by this family and subsequently augmented by him, this is the fifth batch of the science stream.(Agencies)

Suspended Commandant remanded to two days police custody Aizawl May 10: Col Jasjit Singh, the suspended Commandant of the 39th battalion of the Assam Rifles and one of the main accused the in highway robbery of gold allegedly committed by Assam Rifles personnel, was on Monday remanded to police custody for two days by a local court.

Police on Monday sought five days custody of Singh at the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court, while Singh's counsel pleaded for a day's remand and the court granted two days police remand. Singh was arrested on May 5 in the Aizawl district court premises by the members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to investigate the alleged dacoity of smuggled gold bars on December 14 last year.

He was remanded to three days police custody by the CJM's court on May 6 and was being grilled by the investigators. An FIR submitted at Kulikawn Police Station in Aizawl on April 21 by C Lalnunfela alleged that he was waylaid by a group of Assam Rifles personnel armed with sophisticated weapons on southern outskirts of Aizawl and the armed group decamped with 52 gold bars worth around Rs 14.5 crore concealed in the gear box of his SUV. Five persons, including a former student leader and a prominent businessman, were arrested in this connection after which eight Assam Rifles personnel, accused of participating in the dacoity, were also arrested. The case had raised quite a few eyebrows in the Northeastern state especially against the Assam Rifles. (PTI)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

PAGE 6

PM Modi reviews progress of Aadhar, Direct Benefit Transfer programmes New Delhi, May 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the progress of Aadhar and Direct Benefit Transfer programmes at a high level meeting yesterday, where he was informed about the progress made in Aadhar number generation, and seeding of official databases with Aadhar numbers to streamline the process of identification of beneficiaries, and to ensure proper targeting of benefits to the people In the course of the two

hour meeting, the Prime Minister was informed that in 2015-16, an amount of over Rs. 61,000 crore was distributed to over 30 crore beneficiaries, using Direct Benefit Transfer. This includes over Rs. 25,000 crore in MGNREGS, and over Rs. 21,000 crore in PAHAL (for LPG). DBT has resulted in significant savings across welfare schemes. It has also resulted in weeding out of duplicate beneficiaries.

For instance, over 1.6 crore bogus ration cards

Congress will pass the floor test with flying colors: Rawat

Harish Rawat Dehradun (Uttarakhand), May 10 : Ahead of the crucial test floor which will decide the destiny of President rule imposed in the state, ousted chief minister Harish Rawat said that he is sure that the Congress will pass the test with flying colours and claim back its power in the state.

Rawat while told Media that the Congress party has supports from all quarters and that will prove victorious in the floor test today. "Majority is with us, the sentiments of the common are with us.

The gods are with us. Let the BJP make whatever claims they want to but I am sure that we will win, Uttarakhand will win with flying colors," said Rawat.

When asked if he would resume his post as Chief Minister of the state, he added that the decision will be taken by the Supreme Court and asserted that the Congress has full support today including from PDF, BSP, UKD. A floor test will be held in the Uttarakhand Assembly today to ascertain whether ousted Congress chief minister Harish Rawat still enjoys a majority in the House.

During the two-hour-long special session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the President's rule will be kept in abeyance for a single agenda of vote of confidence.

The proceedings will be video-graphed and the result of the voting will be placed before the Supreme Court tomorrow in a sealed cover.

The Uttarakhand Assembly has 70 members, out of which 27 belongs to the Congress, excluding the nine rebels. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 28 members, while there are six from other parties.

Rawat will need at least 32 members for claiming his majority on the floor. The rebel MLAs will not be allowed to participate in the floor test. The Supreme Court rejected their pleas yesterday after they moved the apex court against the Uttarakhand High Court's decision dismissing their petition against the disqualification.

The apex court also said the voting will be overseen by Principal Secretary (Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary Affairs) in the state.

(ANI)

AgustaWestland deal: CBI summons Khaitan, two business honchos New Delhi, May 10: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday summoned advocate Gautam Khaitan, IDS Infotech Managing Director Pratap Agarwal and Aeromatrix CEO Praveen Bakshi in the high-profile Agusta Westland deal scam.

The CBI on Friday questioned Khaitan and three cousins - Rajeev, Sanjeev and Sandeep Tyagi of former Air Chief S.P. Tyagi. The questioning revolved around accounts of IDS Tunisia and remittances received by it.

The CBI claimed that Khaitan was being evasive during questioning and concealing information. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar earlier last week, without taking names, had attacked top Congress leaders, suggesting their involvement

in the VVIP chopper scam during a reply to a discussion in the Parliament.

Alleging that the procurement process in the AgustaWestland deal was violated, Parrikar said that the former UPA regime had created 'single-vendor situation' to benefit from the same.

Parrikar said the UPA regime tried to take the longer route of writing to the embassy and the court etc. instead of taking action against the company.

He also said that the government probe 'will focus on the role of those named in the judgment of the Italian court. The Agusta deal was signed in 2010 and was cancelled in 2014, after the allegations of corruption surfaced. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been deleted, resulting in savings of about Rs. 10,000 crore. Similarly,

3.5 crore duplicate beneficiaries were weeded out in the PAHAL scheme, re-

sulting in savings of over Rs. 14,000 crore in 201415 alone.

In MGNREGS too, a saving of Rs. 3000 crore (roughly 10 per cent) has been estimated in 201516. Several States and Union Territories too have achieved significant savings through DBT. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of creating a platform that is error-free, and would ensure that the targeted beneficiaries receive their benefits in time.

He also asked all con-

cerned departments to ensure that as the new mechanisms are put in place, they do not result in causing inconvenience to any beneficiary. The Prime Minister asked the officials to test their systems carefully before implementing them on a large scale.

The Prime Minister was also informed of steps taken towards a unique identifier for NGOs. Over 71,000 NGOs are now registered with the NGO Darpan portal maintained

by NITI Aayog. (ANI)

BJP shrugs off Sonia's passionate salvo, asks who is taking her citizenship away New Delhi, May 10: Swatting away Sonia Gandhi's emotional response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi where she declared her unflinching devotion for India, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday questioned the Congress Chief's passionate declaration asking who was trying to take her citizenship away and also called on her to refrain from making statements that did not befit her post.

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said that her statement was completely unaccounted for and that she should have used words befitting her senior title.

"She is a coward by nature, so such strong words do not befit her. Why is she making such statements now? Who is taking away her citizenship?

Whether she stays in ten janpath or tihar jail I can't say. But the fact remains that no one is driving her away from this country," Swamy said.

Asserting that 'escapism' was Sonia's forte, he added that she had absolutely no credibility and

also has a long history of running away from India when faced with problems. "In 1971 she ran away during the Bangladesh war with her children, then in 1977 she hid in the Italian embassy, in 1991 she put all her jewellery and precious belonging into a trunk put it on a plane to Singapore and deposited there. She has a history of running away when facing a crisis," Swamy said.

Hitting back at Prime Minister Modi for "taunting to shame her for her birth in Italy", onia Gandhi in an emotional speech during an election rally in Kerala yesterday said she would breathe her last in India and it was in this country where her ashes would mingle with those of her loved ones. "But it is here in my country, India, that the blood of my loved ones is mingled. It is here that I will breathe my last and it is here my ashes will mingle with those of my loved ones," Sonia said at the end of her speech.

Saying that Prime Minister Modi can sink to

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy whichever depths he wishes to challenge her integrity, Gandhi added, "He cannot take the truth away from my commitment and my love for India, my country. I cannot expect Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, to understand these feelings, but I know and I am sure that you will."

Gandhi's remarks came days after the Prime Minister made a cutting remark about her Italian origins and a Milan court verdict which found bribes

were paid in India for a helicopter deal when the Congress was in power. "I have no family in Italy. I have never been there," the Prime Minister said on Friday, stressing the verdict in Italy could not have been influenced by his government.

"I will die in India and my ashes will be immersed in India as the blood of my loved ones are mixed in this soil. I also know PM Modi will never understand my integrity, and him and the RSS will always abuse me," Sonia added. (ANI)

Polling for fifth phase of Bihar panchayat elections begins Patna, May 10: Amid tight security, the fifth phase of the panchayat polls in Bihar began on Tuesday. The voting is being held in 60 blocks of 38 districts in the state.

Polling began at 7 a.m. and will end at 5 p.m. whereas, in naxal-infested areas, voting will end at 4 p.m. According to reports, over 85,000 candidates are in fray for the different

post of representatives of Panchayati Raj institutions including Zila Parishad Member, Mukhiya, Panchayat Samiti Members in this phase.

The first phase of the polls took place on April 24, while the second phase of polling took place on April 28. More than 65 lakh voters can exercise their right of franchise at 13,253 polling stations across the

state.

The 10 phase three-tier panchayat poll is being held to elect a total of 1161 members of zilla parishads, 11,496 members of panchayat samitis, mukhiyas and sarpanchs in 8,392 gram panchayats and 114733 members each in gram panchayat and gram kutcheries.

The rest of the phases are scheduled to be held on

May 14, 18, 22, 26 and 30. The State Election Commission has established a control room which would be functional on polling days from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Altogether 50,000 armed personnel have been reportedly deployed for the first phase of 10-phase Bihar panchayat elections commencing.

(ANI)

Bihar road rage: Rocky Yadav confesses to murdering teenager Gaya, May 10: After Chief Minister Nitish Kumar assured yesterday that the guilty in the Gaya road rage incident would not be spared, main accused Rocky Yadav on Tuesday admitted to committing the crime after he was arrested by the police.

"In his statement, Rocky Yadav admitted committing the crime. I assure you that we will soon arrest others involved in the case. The investigation will reveal about his whereabouts and these things would be addressed later on," Senior Superintendent of Police Garima Malik told the media here.

"The incident took place on 7th night and in the early morning of 8th one FIR named accused and one non-FIR named accused with the vehicle used was arrested. Today in the morning we have arrested the main accused with the weapon which was used for committing the offence,"

Rocky Yadav confesses to murdering teenager she added.

Malik further stated that from the time of the incident, raids were being conducted in various places, intelligence gathering was going on and a team has gone to Delhi.

"We got information of Rocky being in Bodh Gaya and he was arrested. Anyone who was trying to hide him, will be taken to task.

In our investigation, it was

not found that he was drunk.

We will consider this angle also. A raid was conducted in Manorama Devi's residence and some liquor bottles were recovered. A separate case will be registered," she said.

JD(U) MLC Manorama Devi's son Rakesh Yadav alias Rocky, the main accused in the allegedmurder of teenager Aditya Sachdeva in a road rage

case, was arrested in the wee hours of morning today.

The police said that he was hiding inside a construction company office when Special Task Force (STF) sleuths raided the place at 4 a.m. The arrest happened a day after Rocky's mother Manorama Devi, member of legislative council, was interrogated.

The youth was shot dead in Gaya on Saturday night allegedly because the son of JD (U) MLC was irked with the teenager for overtaking his SUV. Aditya, a businessman's son, had recently given his Class 12 exams, was in his Swift car with his friends when he overtook the Range Rover belonging to the family of Manorama Devi.

Rocky was travelling in the SUV with a security guard who has said that the bullet that hit Aditya was fired from the personal revolver of the politician's son.

(ANI)

India carried out proper retaliation to Pak ceasefire violations: Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar New Delhi, May 10: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday said the Indian Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) had constantly carried out appropriate retaliations to the ceasefire violationsby Pakistan.

"In addition, all violations of ceasefire are taken up with Pakistan authorities at the appropriate level through the established mechanism of hotlines, flag meetings as well as weekly talks between the Directorate Generals of Military Operations of the two countries," Parrikar said in a written reply to Janata

Dal (United) leader K.C. Tyagi in the Rajya Sabha.

He further stated that the BSF, too, held talks at various levels with its counterpart viz. Pakistan Rangers.

"Diplomatically, India has repeatedly emphasised, including at the highest level, the need for Pakistan to uphold the sanctity of the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir as its obligations emanating from the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration," he added. (ANI)

Rahul Gandhi cancels rallies in Tamil Nadu citing health reasons

Rahul Gandhi New Delhi, May 10: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday cancelled his visits to Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, citing health reasons. Gandhi apologised for cancelling the visits, saying that he had been running high fever since Sunday and has been advised rest by doctors for the next two days.

He was scheduled to tour Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where elections will be held on May 16.

"Unfortunately I have been down with high fever since Sunday and the Doctor has advised rest for the next two days," he tweeted.

"Shall keep everyone updated about the rescheduled visits," he added.The cam-

paigning ends in these states on May 14. The government yesterday cleared additional security for Gandhi after his party met Home Minister Rajnath Singh about the assassination threats.

Singh issued extra caution for both the Intelligence Bureau and the elite force that guards politicians considered to be at high risk.

The Puducherry Police too had made special preparations for Gandhi's speech.

The Home Minister had decided that Gandhi would get more commandos from the Special Protection Group (SPG), which handles the security of top leaders including the Prime Minister.

(ANI)

10 million people to pledge for ethical voting today in Tamil Nadu Chennai, May. 10: The Election Commission has organised mass pledge taking events for over 10 million voters today to promote ethical voting in Tamil Nadu.

All the polling booths, state and central government offices and quasi-government organisations, beneficiaries in the muster rolls of welfare schemes like MGNREGA, self-help groups, youth associations and similar other bodies will witness the event as they will swear that they will not receive money for voting.

This is the first time ever that such a massive people's movement against distribu-

tion of money for voting has been initiated in the country by the Election Commission.

Reports from different districts indicate that the move has got wider support from various cross sections of the public including political parties who will take the pledge at 10 am. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a political rally at Vedaranyam in Nagapattinam district tomorrow. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi who was set to address rallies in the state today has cancelled his events due to health reasons. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Pakistan raises F-16 issue with visiting US commander Islamabad, May 10: Pakistan has raised the unresolved issue of F-16 sale to Islamabad with General Joseph Votel, the visiting commander of US Central Command (Centcom).

Pakistan's Defence Secretary Lt-General (Retd.)

Muhammad Alam Khattak reiterated the need for F-16 jets and impressed upon the Centcom commander the jet's utility in the war against terror, reports.

Afghanistan urged to halt further executions Newyork, May 10: Afghanistan should immediately halt further executions and impose a moratorium on death penalty, Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday.

The executions by hanging of six Taliban prisoners on May 8 were the first capital sentences carried out by President Ashraf Ghani since he took office in 2014.

The six executions appear to be part of Ghani's efforts to respond to critics who have demanded that the government take a harder line against the Taliban, Human Rights Watch said. Following the April 19 truck bomb attack in Kabul that killed at least 64 people, Ghani vowed to deal severely with those "who shed the blood of our innocent people and soldiers" and vowed to show no mercy when punishing them.

But Human Rights Watch said: "The Afghan government needs to recognize that the death penalty is not only an unacceptably cruel punishment, but ineffective and possibly counterproductive in tackling terrorist threats.

"Delivering justice requires adhering to the highest standards, not flaunting a hanging for the purpose of revenge," it said.(Agencies)

He also enquired about the status of roadmap regarding future reimbursement mechanism in lieu of Coalition Support Fund (CSF) beyond 2016.

Pakistan's envoy to the US, Jalil Abbas Jilani, meanwhile has intensified lobbying efforts trying and convincing the US Congress to release funds for the purchase of F-16 jets. "I am holding frequent meetings with congressmen to convince

Pakistan has raised the unresolved issue of F-16 sale to Islamabad with General Joseph Votel them that these jets would only be used in the

ongoing war against terrorism," Dawn quoted

Jilani as saying in Washington.

Pressing that multiple lobbies were working against Pakistani interests, he said the US administration has no objection on the supply of jets to Pakistan, but the Indian lobby at Capitol Hill was engaged in efforts to block the supply of the jets.

Washington and Islamabad reached a deal in which seven F16 planes were to be sold to latter. In the deal,

Pakistan was required to pay about $270m from its national funds and the US was supposed to provide the rest from its Foreign Military Financing (FMF) fund.

Following the move, Pakistan conveyed the US that it did not have the money to buy F-16 jets from its resources and also cautioned that if the stalemate over funding was not resolved it could consider buying it from others. (ANI)

Pak-origin MP in Brussels signs petition against illegal annexation of Gilgit Baltistan Brussels(Belgium), May 10 : Brussels Capital Region lawmaker Dr. Manzoor Zahoor Ellahi has signed a petition extending his support in creating awareness regarding the proposed annexation of Gilgit Baltistan and the construction of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Ellahi, a Pakistani-born lawmaker and a member of the Socialist Party of Belgium (Parti Socialiste), also happens to be the doctor of Pakistani embassy in Brussels.

He signed the petition along with Motaher Chowdhury, the local

councilor for IxellesBrussels. The Europewide signature campaign is being organized by Junaid Qureshi, a Kashmiri writer, international human rights activist and a senior leader of the Jammu Kashmir Democratic Liberation Party (JKDLP).

In Brussels, the Signature Campaign was held on May 7 and 8. The organizer for Overseas Affairs of United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) based in Pakistani Administered Kashmir, Dr. Ishaq Khan, also visited the venue of the signature campaign to sign the petition and expressed his

support.

"We stand against all designs which divide our motherland further and we will not allow anyone to loot our resources. We stand against the division of Jammu and Kashmir, the proposed annexation of Gilgit Baltistan by Pakistan and the construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor which is being built without any say or consent from the people of Gilgit Baltistan," he said.

Meanwhile, Qureshi expressed his satisfaction regarding the progress of the Signature Campaign.

"Hundreds of signatures were already collected in the first leg of the signa-

ture campaign in The Netherlands. Brussels, being the unofficial capital of Europe, seat of the European Parliament and home to other European institutions, proved to be a very successful city for our Campaign," he said.

He hoped to gather the same positive response from the public in Vienna, Geneva, Paris and various cities of UK. Talking about the campaign, he said, "More than three thousand pamphlets and flyers were distributed to the public and more than 500 signatures were collected in just 2 days. I am also very humbled

Former Lankan Prez Chandrika to attend UNGA session on peace, security

Former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga Colombo, May 10: Former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga will represent the country at a special session of the United Nations General Assembly focused on UN, Peace and Security commencing today at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The President of the UN General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft, has organized a high-level thematic debate of the UN General Assembly

by the visit and support of MP Manzoor Zahoor Ellahi and Councilor Motaher Chowdhury. It clearly shows that human rights issues stand above party politics or other sentimental alliances".

Expressing his delight over Ellahi's support, Qureshi said, "It is very encouraging to see that a Pakistani MP is supporting our efforts against the annexation of Gilgit Baltistan and the construction of CPEC. This should serve as a wake-up call to the Pakistani establishment and all other supporters of Pakistan's duplicitous policy on Jammu and Kashmir." Manila, May 10 : Maverick anti-crime candi(ANI) date Rodrigo 'Digong' Duterte has won the Philippines presidential elections after his opponents withdrew from the contest.

The official PPCRV poll monitor said the appeared Persons in order mayor of the southern to secure acquittal from city of Davao had more those mechanisms. than 14.8m votes, about The petitioners said the 39 percent, with 90 pernine-point agreement was cent of ballots counted. against Articles 20 (9), 46 Although the official reand 125 (1) and (2) of the sult has not yet been deConstitution of Nepal. clared, main rival Mar They said the nine-point Roxas admitted defeat agreement was in viola- after the polls, reports tion of independence of Daily Star. judiciary and principle of Duterte, who has been finality of judgment. the long-time front-runThe petitioners have ner in a campaign named Prime Minister driven by economy and K.P. Sharma Oli, CPN- corruption, said that he UML and UCPN-M chair- accepted the mandate person Pushpa Kamal with 'extreme humility'.

Dahal the defendants in President Benigno the case. (ANI) "Noynoy" Aquino is standing down as the Constitution limits

Rodrigo 'Digong' Duterte wins presidential elections in Philippines

Petition filed in SC against CPN-UML, Unified CPN-Maoist agreement Kathmandu, May 10: A writ petition has been filed at the Nepal Supreme Court against the nine-point agreement signed recently between the ruling CPN-UML and the Unified CPN-Maoist.

Four advocates and a law student have filed the writ petition, stating that the two parties' agreement to withdraw conflict era cases and to accelerate the process of amending the relevant laws within 15 days was against the verdicts delivered by the Supreme Court, reports.

The petitioners said that

certain parts of the ninepoint agreement, particularly the third and seventh points were against the norms and values of independent judiciary.

The petitioners have said the signatories of the nine-point deal acted against the independence of judiciary as the deal intended to override the Supreme Court's verdict.

The petitioners have argued in their petition that the nine-point agreement was aimed at transferring the court cases to

A writ petition has been filed at the Nepal Supreme Court against the nine-point agreement signed recently between the ruling CPN-UML and the Unified CPN-Maoist

the Truth and Reconcili- the Commission of Ination Commission and quiry on Enforced Dis-

focused on UN, Peace and Security on May 10 and 11. The thematic debate titled 'In a World of Risk: A New Commitment for Peace' will be a platform to identify key threats and engage in a strategic reflection about today's challenges to international peace and security.

Kumaratunga, Chairperson of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, will make the introductory remarks at tomorrow's session, reports Colombo Page. (ANI)

presidents to one sixyear term. Filipinos are also picking a vice-president and local officials.

The 71-year-old stirred controversy during campaigning with his incendiary comments. He has credited his success to his tough stance on law and order. His record as the crime-crushing mayor of the southern town of Davao, once notorious for its lawlessness, earned him the moniker The Punisher and resonated with voters.

The election campaign has also focused on reforming the economy, infrastructure and on the territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. Duterte has suggested he will disregard democratic checks and balances if they get in the way of fixing the country's problems.

(ANI)

Pak police kill gunman Ex-Pak PM Gilani's kidnapped Myanmar Parliament to firing shots from hotel son recovered from Afghanistan add one more ministry Nepal Sadbhawana Party member found drowned in Peshawar Islamabad, May 10: chairman Bilawal Bhutto in Bagmati River Former Pakistan prime Zardari on Twitter.

Pak police kill gunman firing shots from hotel in Peshawa Peshawar, May 10: Pakistani police on Tuesday gunned down a tribesman at a hotel here after he was reported to have fired aerial shots and also opened fire on security personnel.

The incident occurred at the Bangash Hotel in interior Peshawar city that falls under the jurisdiction of Shah Qabool Police Station.

Police received information that a tribesman was firing aerial shots. He was firing shots at short intervals from the ventilator of his hotel room.

Police rushed to the site and the tribesman, hailing from North Waziristan Agency, started firing on

them to which the police party retaliated.

The tribesman was killed in the police firing. He was identified as Aayah Jan, a retired employee of Frontier Corps. The police recovered a pistol from his hotel room. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) during search operation in Upper Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa arrested three terrorists. The arrested terrorists were involved in attacks on security forces since 20092011. The arrested terrorists were shifted to an undisclosed location for further interrogation, sources said. (Agencies)

minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's kidnapped son was today recovered from Afghanistan in a joint operation carried out by the US and Afghan forces, three years after he was abducted by suspected Taliban militants.

Ali Haider Gilani, son of ex-premier Gilani, has been recovered from Afghanistan's Ghazni province, Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a statement. "The Afghan National Security Adviser, Mr Mohammad Hanif Atmar, in a telephone call to the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Mr Sartaj Aziz, informed that Mr Ali Haider Gilani son of Mr Yusuf Raza Gilani...has been recovered today in a joint operation carried out by the Afghan and US security forces in Ghazni," the statement said.

Ali's transfer to Pakistan is being arranged following a required medical check-up, it said. Ali's recovery from Afghanistan was also announced by Pakistan Peoples Party

Former premier Gilani received a call from the ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan, informing him that Ali was recovered in a successful operation in Afghanistan, Bilawal said.

Ali was kidnapped by gunmen in Multan on May 9, 2013. He was abducted when he was leaving a street corner meeting outside the house of a supporter in Multan's Farrukh Town. His two associates were killed during the kidnapping. At the time of the abduction, Ali was contesting for the general election from a constituency in Multan.

Ali's rescue comes over two months after the recovery of Shahbaz Taseer, son of slain Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer, who was found by security and intelligence forces from Balochistan's Kuchlak area nearly five years after his abduction in 2011. Shahbaz was kidnapped from Lahore on August 26, 2011, near his company's head office in Gulberg area.(PTI)

Myanmar Parliament to add one more ministry Nay Pyi Taw , May 10: Myanmar's parliament on Tuesday approved the addition of the Ministry of the Office of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi to its set-up, sources said.

The addition of the new ministry, proposed by President U Htin Kyaw, has brought the total number of the ministries to 22 under the government, as reported.

Myanmar's new government, led by U Htin Kyaw, have reformed the ministries with 21 run by 18 ministers, reducing the number from 36 and 32 respectively in previous government. Some of the ministries were combined

into one. The reformed ministries includes a new ministry of Ethnic Affairs.

Of the ministers, Aung San Suu Kyi holds two more posts -- Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the President's Office -- in addition to that of State Counsellor. Significantly, according to the 2008 constitution, the three ministries of home affairs, border affairs and defence are run by military personnel.

The new government took office on April 1 after the handover of the duties of head of state from the previous U Thein Sein's government was complete on March 30.

Rautahat, May 10 : Anil Kumar Jha, a district member of Nepal Sadbhawana Party, lost his life after being drowned in the Bagmati River at Samanpur of Rautahat district.

The deceased has been identified as 45-year-old Anil Kumar Jha of Samanpur-1, reports The Himalayan Times. Jha, who had gone to look after crops at Barhathawa VDC in Sarlahi on Monday, might have drowned while crossing the River, locals said.

His family members started a search after he did not return home till late night but was found drowned in the river, Area Police Office, Samanpur, informed. The police suspected that Jha might have drowned after he lost control due to excessive consumption of alcohol.

SP Ganesh Regmi said Jha's body has been handed over to his family members after conducting autopsy at the District Hospital in Gaur. The case is being further investigated. (ANI)

Anil Kumar Jha, a district member of Nepal Sadbhawana Party, lost his life after being drowned in the Bagmati River at Samanpur of Rautahat

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

Skill Development for Inclusive Growth Poverty in India Growing population inflates the problem Despite the country's meteoric GDP growth rate (about 9%), poverty in India is still pervasive; especially in rural areas where 70% of India's 1.2 billion populations live. It is one of the fastest growing Photo: theviewspaper economies in the world and yet its riches are hardly redistributed across the population. It spends only 1% of its GDP on health, which is half that of China, who is already planning on increasing that by a substantial amount. Many Indian people do not get two meals a day. They do not have good houses to live in. Their children do not get proper schooling.

Poor people are the depressed and deprived class.

They do not get proper nutrition and diet. Their conditions have not sufficiently improved even long after over 68 years of our Independence.

According to the India Rural Development Report 2013-14, 6.84 per cent of the rural population was categorised as "very poor" in 2011-12, down from 16.3 per cent in 2004-05. Chhattisgarh had the highest percentage of "very poor" across major states 15.32 per cent - followed by Madhya Pradesh (15.04 per cent), Odisha (11.46 per cent), Bihar (10.45 per cent) and Jharkhand (9.23 per cent). In 2004-05, the bottom five states were Odisha (34.3 per cent), Chhattisgarh (24.5 per cent), Bihar (23.5 per cent), Madhya Pradesh (23 per cent), Maharashtra (22.5 per cent). However, the report also finds that the rate of reduction of rural poverty per annum nationally accelerated to 2.3 percentage points during 2004-11 as compared to 0.8 percentage points in the decade spanning 1993-2004. Poverty declined at a faster pace in poorer states like Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh during 2004-11 as compared to the decade preceding it. In 2004-11, the highest rates of reduction of rural poverty per annum among states were in Tripura (4 percentage points), Odisha (3.6), Maharashtra and Uttarakhand at 3.4 percentage points, and Bihar, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu at 3.1 percentage points. The growing population inflates the problem of poor techniques used in Agriculture. Further, there is unequal distribution of wealth. As a result, the poor people are often exploited by the wealthy community. The most important causes of Poverty in India are poor agriculture, growing Population, gap between rich and poor, corruption and black money.India is mainly an agricultural country. About 80% people of our country depend on agriculture.

But our agriculture is in a bad way. Also there is shortage of food and as a result India have to import it. So, poor agriculture is one of the causes of India's poverty. Also there is corruptions in every walk of life.

There is inefficiency in offices. People have become selfish. They neglect the national interests. Black money causes the problem of rising prices. Some people have all the privileges. But many others are suffering. Black money affects our economy and as a result it causes poverty.

India's Tobacco Industry Warnings on Cigarettes In a country where about 1 million deaths every year are blamed on tobacco consumption, the government has ordered that 85 percent of both the front and the back of a cigarette pack be covered with graphic images, such as diseased lungs, to discourage smoking. Current law requires 40 percent of only the front of the package carry such warnings. India's tobacco industry and tobacco growers are resisting new government rules requiring cigarette manufacturers to print huge pictorial warnings on cigarette packages, saying the stringent measures will impact the livelihood of more than 45 million farmers and lead to an increase in the sale of illegal cigarettes.

India's Supreme Court earlier this week turned down a plea to halt implementation of the new rules, which were introduced April 1. The court ordered tobacco companies to comply with the new government rule, which would put India among the countries where cigarette packs carry the most graphic warnings.The court also directed a lower court to hear more than 25 petitions filed by big tobacco companies in different courts challenging the new guidelines. Tobacco is unique as a consumer product, not because it is hazardous, nor because it can be lethal. Tobacco is unique in that when used as intended by the manufacturer, it kills its long-term users - probably half of them. The scale of harm tobacco causes to the people who buy and consume it, makes it unlike any other product on the market. It also justifies intervention and regulation of the product, to warn consumers of the risks associated with consumption. Government health warnings on cigarette packets are one form of tobacco regulation. Unlike food, there is no mandatory disclosure of ingredients in tobacco products (although voluntary disclosure occurs and constituents are posted to an Australian Government website). Like other consumer warning labels, warnings on tobacco packets are designed to inform consumers of its toxic constituents. Mandating health warnings on tobacco packaging is a cost-effective way to help draw consumers' attention to the harms associated with the product. Smokers can see the warnings when they handle the packet. It has been estimated that a 20-a-day smoker would be exposed to cigarette packet warnings 7000 times a year. Tobacco is a unique consumer product, warranting unique regulation and controls, including clear consumer advice and restrictions on marketing.

Furthermore, there is no doubt that health warnings on cigarette packets provide information to smokers, engage smokers, and influence smokers' cognitions, feelings and behavioural intentions. Research and evaluation has also demonstrated that some pack warnings have greater impact than others.

India has the largest young ship. They neither have population in the world. access to training nor can According to United Na- afford any programme. On tions estimates, 883 mil- the contrary, only 1 out of lion people in India are 10 graduates, even after under the age of 35 years. paying exorbitant fees to This is 66 per cent of the private colleges, complettotal population of the ing the university educacountry. But the Youth tion and acquiring a cerEmployment Rate has tificate are unemployable. been 12.9 This preper cent Pranjal Bezborah sents the only. In d i 2014, The World Bank chotomy of the Indian estimated that India had education and training 179.6 million people be- system. We have youth low the poverty line (liv- who are seeking work and ing on less than 1$ a day). employment but have limWhile having 17.5 per ited means of access to cent of total world's popu- skill based training. On lation, India is home to the other hand, there are 20.6 per cent of the young people who are acworld's poor. In states like quiring qualifications but Odisha, West Bengal, are not work ready.

Bihar. Madhya Pradesh, Skills development for inChattisgarh, Jharkhand clusive growth is thereand U.P., more than 25 per fore, an imperative to encent of the population is sure that young people Below Poverty Line. This from different backis the stark reality. We grounds participate in the have an abundance of development process. young, productive minds While industry has rebut unemployment and ceived impetus through underemployment has se- 'Make in India', only 3 per verely impacted both their cent of organized sector social and economic chal- cannot perhaps absorb all lenges with each passing those joining the labour day. market. Further, initiatives A substantial portion of such as Digital India, these poor are those who Swachh Bharat, Namami are not in education, em- Gange and several other ployment or training. They infrastructure develophave no formal entry ment programmes will repoints to any form of train- quire an army of skilled ing, leave aside academ- professionals. An equally ics, which qualifies their vast number of informal workmanship/ craftsman- sector craftsmen are also

being promoted by the initiatives like USTAAD, Learn and Earn where skilling in traditional trades and employment in informal sector is being recognized as a skilling outcome for the first time in the country. This therefore, calls for skills programmes that empower people to seek employment both in the form of jobs or self-employment.

Central Government has nurtured the skills development process in the country in close partnership with private sector, international agencies like ILO, World Bank, OECD, EU among others.

Through various skills development schemes more than 20 departments have launched programmes which are outcome driven, now steered by the Ministry of skills development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). They have invested significantly in nurturing the skills development process, such that those in remotest part of the country get an opportunity to join mainstream employment. The largest of the government initiatives being Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (GKY) under Ministry of Rural Development and Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) by Ministry of Textiles that have

Image for representational purpose (Photo: ugc.ac) reached out to youth from Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) groups in rural and urban areas, backward regions and hilly areas, economies under stress of civil conflict and extremism, minority communities. Their initiatives have focused on women and persons with disabilities such that all segments can participate.

In this connection, several noteworthy private sector initiatives have also played their role. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), now part of the MDSE, is playing a pivotal role in aggregating the industry by way of incubating training initiatives, setting

up Sector Skills Councils and promoting skills of Indian youth at international skills forum etc.

Corporate from more than 35 sectors are working closely with the Sector Skills Councils to define the National Occupational Standards (NOS) as per the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), which is the young person's passport to the world of work. These bodies have collectively launched a mechanism for deeper engagement of all stakeholders, including the learner, towards Skills India.

The skills development process has hyper accelerated in the past few years,

but the sheer scale and complexities, facing it calls for interventions that keep the learning needs of the trainee in mind while preparing him/ her for a job. Ultimately, skill development has the potential to socially transform young people. For individuals, who are most often school dropouts seeking to join the workforce; skills training is the critical bridge of information, training, soft skills, and experience that will lead them to gainful employment.

Pranjal Bezborah Is a Professor in the Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University. Email id: pranjalbez borah@yahoo.com

Can India Counter China's Submarine Force?

Is the Indian Navy ready for the challenges posed by increased Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean?

India's first conventional submarine in over a decade and a half -the INS Kalvari-finally began sea trials, amid reports of Indo-U.S. cooperation in tracking Chinese submarine activity in the region. As sightings of Chinese submarines become more frequent in the Indian Ocean region, the Indian Navy is looking at innovative ways to gain an edge in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. Can the Indian Navy effectively counter a modern Chinese submarine force, which is primarily optimized for regional anti-surface warfare missions near major sea lines of communication in the Indian Ocean?

India's expenditure on defense acquisition has remained largely static in real terms in recent years, resulting in constraints on not just the navy but the armed forces in general.

The defense outlay for fiscal year 2016/17 was INR 2.49 trillion (USD 36.63 billion), but according to IHS Jane's 360, this was counterbalanced by rising inflation, and weakening of the Indian rupee against the U.S. dollar over the past two years. Furthermore, the force posture and modernization agendas of the Indian armed forces under the continued broad influence of a "twofront war" construct have left the Indian Navy with a mere 16 percent of the defense budget (excluding defense pensions). This limits the navy's capacity to address increasing

diffusion of the People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN)'s capabilities in the region.

The commissioning of the INS Kalvari, first of six indigenously-built French Scorpene-class submarines, should be a shot in the arm for the navy's ageing and dwindling submarine fleet. However, the submarine will be inducted sans its primary weapon: torpedoes. The navy plans to buy Black Shark torpedoes from a subsidiary of Italian defense big wig Finmeccanica. But the company is currently embroiled in a helicopter bribery scam in India that will create further delays in acquisition, leaving the weapons platforms ineffective for the near future. Given how long submarine building takes, the follow-on program for Project-75 I submarines is probably more than a decade away, considering the Ministry of Defence is yet to issue a Request for Proposal.

The navy's most-recently inducted surface combatants destroyers-INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, and ASW corvettes INS Kamorta and INS Kadmattlacked Active Electronic Towed Array Sonar (ATAS) systems to detect submarines at the time of commissioning.

The Indian Navy is also woefully short of ASW helicopters, which means that ships have taken to sailing without their requisite air complements of late. The purchase of 16 Sikorsky S-70B naval multi-

role helicopters (MRH) is stuck in price negotiations.

While the navy has made significant progress in acquiring government approval to build a robust warship program, its acquisition of an adequate multi-role ship-borne helicopter has been futile. This significantly reduces the ability of In-

nuclear-powered attack submarines and put into service at least four new classes of indigenously-built submarines."

The same report quotes various defense sources, estimating the PLAN submarine force to grow to between 69 and 78 submarines by 2020. A combination of nuclear-powered

Pushan Das

A conventional submarine (Photo: thediplomat) dian vessels to triangulate and engage underwater targets.

However, in recent years, India's aerial maritime surveillance has received somewhat of a boost with the induction of eight Boeing Poseidon-8I maritime patrol and ASW aircraft, which have been deployed to the strategically important Andaman and Nicobar Islands and more recently, Seychelles.

The process of acquiring four more P-8I aircraft is on.

In contrast, according to a new Congressional Research Service report, "China since the mid-1990s has acquired 12 Russian-made Kilo-class non-

(such as Jin class/Type 094) and conventionally-powered (such as Yuan class/Type 039A) submarines will represent formidable capability.

Compounding Indian concerns over China's increasing underwater ambition in the Indian Ocean, Pakistan is believed to be in the process of purchasing eight Type 039A/Type 041 Yuan-class diesel-electric submarines from Beijing. Added to the existing three French Agosta-90B/Khalid and two Agosta-70 submarines of the Pakistan Navy, the Indian Navy faces a significant under water threat in the years to come.

Prominent strategic analyst Ashley Tellis recently argued that India's "current and prospective defense budget constraints" suggest that it won't be able to fund its stated warfighting orientations "adequately," and this will constrain its ability to be a net security provider in the region.

Acquiring "effective military capabilities for power projection coupled with wise policies for their use" are key to India's ambitions in the region.

Fitting India's defense needs within a reasonably-sized budget remains a challenge as concerns remain over its fiscal situation. Despite allocating around 54 percent of its budget (INR 394.25 billion/USD 5.93 billion, excluding pensions) to capital expenditure this year, the navy would be woefully short of funding its Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP 201227). This is because the assumption was that the allocation for defense would equal 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the entire plan period, which has not happened.

Cooperating with the United States and regional partners in ASW in the Indian Ocean will help the navy bridge its ASW capacity deficit, and also allow for the optimization of its available assets and capabilities.

The commitment to sign the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) during U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter's visit to

Kudos To D.K.D. College Guwahati And Tezpur University

(Photo:hannibalbpw)

Sir, At a time when the education of the state is in a shambles because of some slack and erroneous policy of the education department, when the department is mismanaged by a minister who could not handle the department properly. perhaps for the first time in the history of Matric or H.S.L.C answer scripts of many students got burnt. Two papers of H.S.S.L.C had been leaked prompting the council to hold the examination afresh. The responsibility of any wrong done in any department must be borne by the minister concerned. In fact, a very gloomy scenario prevails all around in the education department. but amidst this saddening scenario, a good news pleases us beyond measure. D.K.D. College, (Dergaon Kamal Dowerah) brings that scintillating laurel to Assam. Our language falls short to appreciate and compliment the college authority along with

the teaching staff and all its rank and file.

The only college of Assam that could shine like a beacon glorifying Assam.

124 colleges of the country had been shortlisted by the U.G.C. for excellence among all such institutions. This ranking is ascertained depending on the environment of education, research works and infra-structure. Again, among the 343 state-universities of the country Guwahati University obtaining 4th ranking, Tezpur University's distinguished ranking among the Central Universities are good news as an Oasis in a desert!

Kudos to all these institutions.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

India last month- which grants India access to certain U.S. military bases like Diego Garcia, Djibouti, Bahrain as well as logistical assets in the region- will be central to IndoU.S. cooperation in ASW. With a bit of imagination, the Indian naval assets can increase their endurance, and range in tracking and deterring PLAN's submarine forays into the region. Division of labour, by way of forming different areas of responsibility to track and monitor, will help focus India's limited ASW capacities in strategically-vital regions.

While procurement difficulties and funding issues will drive New Delhi's cooperative sourcing of maritime capabilities, India's defense preparedness and capability-development efforts will ultimately depend on building an efficient system of defense procurement, indigenous production capability, and acquisition reform, in order to sustain this modernization. Given the centrality of the Indian Ocean to India's national security and China's increasing activity and ambition there, New Delhi must recapitalize and optimize its ASW capability in order to shape the region's security environment. Courtesy: The Diplomat Pushan Das is Research Assistant at Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi. A version of this piece originally appeared at South Asian Voices, an online platform for strategic analysis and debate hosted by the Stimson Center.

Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200.

So please keep writing.

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

p O

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

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ed

How Chaayos' Ad On Mother's Day Says There Is Something 'Lacking' With Single Moms On the evening of May element. Before you re6, roaming around the alize it has taken over the SDA market, New Delhi, entire call for people to I came across a strange move away from their poster adorning Chaayos, computers, and while a favourite chain cafĂŠ in keeping their eyes glued the city. It is a green to their smartphones, take poster. If you happen to their mothers out for chai visit that area today-and at Chaayos because the make it today because Day demands it. But this the specelement is tacle is ungameDebojit Dutta the likely to last changer. The beyond May baap of all 8-you can see it standing ideas that will make the in front of the door of the Chaayos ad stand apart cafĂŠ. from the other similar The design is minimal Mother's Day ads. enough, to the point, com- When I say baap of all municating its message. It ideas, I actually mean includes only the elements your father. Imagine your that are required by the father and think about the market. There's the im- time he used to sport a age of a woman who oc- moustache. If you are cupies most part of the lucky enough and he still poster. Superimposed on sports a moustache just her image is a hashtag call him to the room and #SingleMomDoubleParent think Jackie Shroff, think that is driving the cam- Anil Kapoor, think paign. Beneath that Jeetendra and think of the there's a two-line sen- 80s. Think the Charminar tence that reads: "This ad where the mooch Mother's Day, come and added so much oomph to raise a toast to all the Jackie's brooding looks. single mothers, for being They were mards (not double the parent." This just men, but manly men) is followed by the cafĂŠ's of faded denims, of terlogo. rible movies. Good at This poster ticks all the heart, passively emotive, boxes you would think. A capable of love but also human face to a call for capable of catching their emotions, a hashtag to love interests by their hair carry it to the social me- and grounding them when dia using public who demanded by morality. share and care, and a Obnoxious when you message that declares think about them in retclearly what it is about. rospect, the mooch-ed But then comes a strange masculine men symbol-

ized desirability.

If you have been keeping up with the advertisement campaigns recently, you will notice that the moustache has returned.

But then you would know that retro fashion has its way of coming back. 80's movies also did in a selfconsciously comic avatar. But what makes the moustache's return interesting is that its comeback into our social life hasn't been limited to look catalogues. Moustache has curiously become a symbol of political discourses, particularly related to feminism.

When in 2013, hurt by the inequalities prevalent in our society, Farhan Akthar came out with his MARD (Men Against Rape and Discrimination) campaign, he chose moustache to be the symbol. It summarized the campaign's motto: the need for men to take part in ending gender discrimination. In that, Akthar completely missed the overbearing masculinity that moustache brings to a campaign like that. A well-meaning guy, Akthar seems completely unaware of patriarchy's tendency of trying to assimilate and make invisible women from women's right movements. That capitalism and technology in the hands of patriarchy has

Image for representational purpose (Photo: i.huffpost) always been used to subjugate women, is a history most people are willfully unaware of.

Still, when a campaign chooses an overtly masculine symbol to deliver its message, it becomes obvious what it is driving at.

For Akthar's campaign it is the message of men leading the march of women's liberation. The moustache signifying who is the MARD of the event. In Chaayos's case two moustaches-one over the hashtag and one on the women's face-signify the woman is not just a woman, but also a man.

She is a single mother who is also a father. The moustache here fills in the lack. It drives in the mes-

sage that even though she had to bring up her child alone, she never let her child feel the lack of the father. In a single mother parentage, the campaign assumes, there is a lack.

The mother is half a parent. She is a superhuman, a superman, because she also doubles up as the missing man. And this is where the problem is.

Whichever advertising agency is behind the Chaayos campaign, did not just stop at that. To compliment a cringeworthy poster, they have also come out with a song video that salutes the faulaadi aanchal (part of Indian traditional attire, the implied meaning here being a protective shade

made of iron). It eventually goes on to say "Mom, I salute your moustache."

Mother's Day, as capitalism tells us, is a day celebrating the motherly love that the mother forever showers on us. A mother is a child bearer and a child rearer. In gendered, patriarchal societies both the roles are inseparably hers. And she is suitably lauded for performing both. In the medieval families, she shared the responsibility of rearing with the other "low class" people of her kind. In the nuclear family, this responsibility is entirely hers under close supervision of the figure of authority, which is the father. In a single parent

family, she must be the bearer, rearer and the authority, all at the same time. Authority, the role of the patriarch, calls for masculinity. Thus the moustache in this capitalist celebration of women, must be noted is the missing crown that is a stamp of that machismo we associate with not only men, but men strong enough to rule.

In one quick stroke the moustache adds the attribute of masculine "strength" to the perceived 'motherly gentleness' of the female body. This strength is not a unifier.

This single mom body that Chaayos' ad creates is far from the completeness that it pretends to promote. What it does actually is that it superimposes a macho masculinity on the female body. And the moustache, a tiny vector element functioning as the colonizing force of patriarchy, entirely takes over the femaleness, hijacking and making invisible in the celebration of the symbol the actual event and its however problematic politics.

It is the malleable nature of capitalism, the stooge of patriarchy. It sells whatever is saleable at a particular point of time. If the mood of the season is #WomenEmpowerment, it will give you that. But the token "feminism" will

only be its neat packaging. Bubble-wrapped inside multiple layers, at the heart of it is still patriarchy. The women's body, historically a site of violence, is still just a sales pitch. Be it the infamous Vogue advertisements, the board outside the Delhi restaurant Imperfecto that created a stir, in the name of women's protection based on misinformed feminism, the market will keep trying to sell what it considers trendy.

These marketers are of course blind to their own sexism. They are also the product of the same patriarchal society where sexism is a norm. Their deviations, they would make you believe, are revolutionary. Examples of radical advertising going against the tide. But the truth is that capitalism never goes against the tide. In place of a #SingleMomDoubleParent, you aren't soon going to see a #SingleDadDoubleParent on a Father's Day. The father is sufficient in his fatherliness, his motherliness need not be pronounced. Further, there's nothing sexy in celebrating a man who is also a woman. It is as shameful as it is risky. A Father's Day advertisement will never carry an image of a father wearing a bindi.

How The State Is Using Education Why Is The Govt. Trying So Hard To Culturally Brainwash Students To 'Civilise' India's Tribals?

It was a few months ago to consider the beauty ond part of the question? when TV sets and FM and marvel of the many What exactly is the stations started running versions of the story of policy of the BJP? What government sponsored Sita and Ram, transmit- ideology does it have? advertisements, com- ted orally to different Hindutva, communal hamemorating October 31st parts of India, Srilanka, tred, and Digital India asNational Unity Day Malaysia and Indo-China might fetch full marks!

(Rashtriya Ekta Divas). geographic locations.

This question is a blatant That particular incident This seething cultural in- weapon which again tarhad countless palimpsest tolerance was aggravated gets to create a new hisundertones like a guided after the current govern- tory. School students in propaganda to appropri- ment came to power. their history classes learn ate Sardar Vallabhai Patel Universities have been about the formation of as a freedom fighter, consistently targeted the Indian National Conwho was at loggress and its gerheads with the activities Congress, in- Hamna Mariyam Binth Ashraf since 1885 cluding the first to the Prime Minister since 2014 with the likes present day or at least till Jawaharlal Nehru, judi- of IIT Madras, FTII, 1947 in their syllabus. ciously maneuvering to Hyderabad Central Uni- They also learn about the induct him into the saf- versity, Jawaharlal Nehru formation of CPI in 1925 fron party and its ideologue. BJP is trying to create a new version of Indian history for India.

However, the danger lies not only in the crafty creation of a unilateral history but also in the act of suppression of dissident voices using diverse strategies.

When one analyses these strategies of repression, it is shocking to see that more than direct violence, which was the modus operandi earlier, those in power have now Image for representational purpose (Photo: resorted to cultural reweirdhut) pression. In other words, there is an ideological University and Jadavpur and various reformation warfare, which concen- University increasingly movements it has hertrates mainly on the edu- being attacked as anti- alded. However, there is cational system - schools national hubs, by putting no presence of the BJP in and universities. I had a weight on the obsolete the history of India before draconian independence or during personal experience and while studying at Delhi Macaulay's Indian Penal its initial years. Its incepUniversity when A.K Code. tion is much later derivRamanujan's Three Hun- I wish to throw light into ing its essence from the dred Ramayanas: Five something equally con- post-emergency amalgam Examples and Three spiring which has not that Janata party was.

Thoughts on Translation, caught the limelight. It is Hence, this question is a which was part of the a question from the So- calculated move to instill syllabus of B.A (Hons) cial Science examination the young minds with a History back then, was conducted by CBSE in notion of history regardu n c e r e m o n i o u s l y this academic year. The ing the BJP. It is not just scrapped from the sylla- question reads like this, a notion, but also a prebus due to protests by "When was the Bharatiya monition where countABVP activists. Their ar- Janata Party founded? less students from next gument was that the text Discuss any four of its year, while referring to hurt the sentiments of the policies and programs." the previous year's quesHindu population. How- What would a fifteen t i o n p a p e r s , w i l l b e ever, they were not ready year old write to the sec- forced to learn the poli-

cies of BJP and the teachers would be compelled to cover such topics in detail and include lectures about the BJP's policies in the curriculum.

Thus, such a seemingly innocent question will take off causing ripples in the cultural space of educational institutions.

If the reader dismisses my argument regarding just one question as hypersensitive, then I would use Althusser for greater substantiation.

According to him, the two modes employed by the state to ascertain its supremacy are the Repressive State Apparatus (RSA ) and the Ideological State Apparatus (ISA). While RSA is more obvious while observing as it includes strict law-enforcing and governing bodies such as the police and the military, the ISA is comparatively much more plural and diverse.

The latter comprises of social institutions and structures such as schools, colleges, religious institutions, and even the family all of which ideologically interpellates people as 'subjects' of the state.

Without giving a neatly tied up conclusion or a dictatorial solution, let the piece end with an Althusserian quote itself, "what the bourgeoisie has installed as its number-one, i.e. as its dominant ideological State apparatus, is the educational apparatus, which has in fact replaced in its functions the previously dominant ideological State apparatus, the Church (religious institutions)."

The author is an Assistant Professor at the Department of English in Farook College, Kozhikode, Kerala

Recently, I came across an zens. They seem not even article on Firstpost, which to consider the needs of an provided a good example of indigenous community. To everything that's wrong them, they are just 'backwith our current idea of de- ward' communities that velopment, and our need 'development', and mindsets. The argument what better than to uproot put forth in the article, that them out of their lives and tribals have no particular homes. Many of us seem to claim over the land they in- be gripped by an idea of suhabit, says so much about periority, the same kind of the pattern we see world- complex which the British wide, wherein institutions, were suffering from when governments, and capital- they decided hunting-gathists work together to ex- ering communities and haust the resources that tribals needed to be tamed originally bea n d longed to Arunima Singh civilised. tribal comLet me munities. What do the tribal present my argument in a communities get in return? different manner. Cities like Promises of rehabilitation Varanasi have been existing and compensation that are for the longest time now, never properly fulfilled. But and the town, the houses, what they lose though is and other structures have everything: their home, been built and rebuilt time food, culture and lifestyle. and again. Today, it's a hapAnd I cannot imagine a hazard setting of extremely world where it's ethical, and congested lanes with even even appreciable for people narrower and poorly laid to do that to each other. (and maintained) roads. It's Let me just say it loud and close to impossible to declear. Yes, they need spe- velop these cities too much cial legislation - unlike what without demolishing the the article suggests - and existing structures, the naryes, their lifestyle and re- row lanes, the unwieldy sources need to be taken houses, and the crumbling into account when we dis- roads. But can any governcuss their rights. They may ment consider breaking not be tigers we put in re- down and rebuilding this serves, but they are our city? Do we see politicians equals, and as equals, none yelling out slogans in supof us gets to displace the port of this form of develother from his or her home. opment and rehabilitation But sadly, it's happening in for those involved? Would India. the people of Varanasi ever Not only is the government agree to give up their actively working towards homes just like that? taking away the resources No, they wouldn't. And it's of the tribals, but it is doing not just a matter of taking so with an acute disregard away their homes and for the rights given to the spaces, but also, the reputribal communities by the tation of such governmentForest Rights Act. In fact, sponsored rehabilitation as this article shows, the at- plans. tempt is to bypass the FRA altogether.

This problem only gets a lot Somehow in all of this, there worse, because many tribes is also a sense of self-righ- still live in harmony with teousness on the part of nature, subsisting on it for the government; as if they their daily existence. They are doing a favour to the are not accustomed to the people. And there is a gen- urban lifestyle. To take all eral apathy towards the is- this away from them is in a sue among most of the citi- way robbing them of their

identity.

There have been protests against the government's policies in many tribal areas, and the government has been using force (the police, law, administration) to suppress the voices of these protestors. There is a huge issue with reporting on such protests and problems from the field. The government machinery actively works to keep these issues out of the press and people's minds.

This constant struggle between the bad governance of decades by various parties and the tribals who are either left ignored or have their resources exploited by one industrialist or another is perhaps one of the great-

very and racism so they can steal their lands, resources, and labour in the name of 'progress' and 'civilisation'.

Since the dawn of the Age of 'Discovery', tribal peoples have been the innocent victims of an aggressive colonisation of their land. By portraying them as backward and primitive, the invaders have justified a systematic and cruel annihilation, which continues to this day."

The statement is just as true in the case of tribes in India. Their land, forests, and lifestyle are stolen from them in the name of 'progress and development', for the 'greater good.'

But who gets to decide what that is?

Image for representational purpose (Photo: viralstories) est reasons behind the emergence and constant growth of Maoism in many Indian states. The Naxal Belt is only expanding, and the way our governments have dealt with it so far only seems to be making it worse.

Stephen Corry, the director of Survival International, which monitors the repression against indigenous groups battling to protect the primary sources on which they depend for sustenance, said, "Industrialised societies subject tribal peoples to genocidal violence, sla-

If we are willing to take away their way of life and leave them with nothing but wastelands after mining, and faulty rehabilitation plans after most other projects, how are we any different from our colonial masters? We are also willing to make and manipulate laws, cook up explanations, and use force if needed to drive these people out of their homes and take away their resources.

We urgently need to reevaluate how we view development and the fact that it can mean many different things for different sections of people across the world.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

BUSINESS

20% jump in 2-wheeler sales aimed by Honda this fiscal Mumbai, May 10: Twowheeler major Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has set a target of over 20% sales growth this fiscal as it hopes to banish the long waiting period for its flagship Activa scooter with the commissioning of the second line at its Gujarat facility. "We hope to sell over 20% more units this year. The second assembly line in Gujarat, with a capacity of 0.6 million by the end of this quarter, should help us end the near six-month waiting for the Activa now. We hope from the Diwali season one can drive away an Activa over the counter," the company's Senior VicePresident for Sales and Marketing Yadvinder Singh Guleria. The Japanese company got off to a stellar start this fiscal, with April sales zooming 26.51% to 4,31,011 units, while rival Hero MotoCorp, which saw sales falling in 2015-16, witnessed a 15% spurt in sales to 6,12,739 units.

Third-placed Bajaj saw volume falling 2% to 3,30,109 units. For the full fiscal 2015-16, as per SIAM data, while two-

wheeler sales inched down 0.24% to 1,07,00,466 units, Honda sales rose to 44,83,459 units from 44,52,005 units, out of which domestic sales stood at 42,83,345 units, up from 42,63,746 units earlier.

"For the first time, we will be able to cross the 5 million sales mark this year," Guleria said, adding that the 1.2 million scootersonly Gujarat plant will help in reaching the target. With the second line in Gujarat going on-stream, Honda's total capacity will touch 5.8 million from the present 4.6 million from its four plants. "FY17 is going to be our most definitive year here. Our priorities will be strengthening our connect with the youth, make all our models BS-IV compliant at the earliest while continue to aggressively make inroads into rural markets, which now contributes around 35% of total sales," Guleria said. Honda opened the 6-lakh unit first line in Gujarat ahead of schedule in February and a similar capacity second line will be on-stream next month, Guleria said.

The Japanese auto major

Thyrocare makes grand appearance on BSE; shares surge over 49%

U.S. had $1.7 billion trade deficit with India in March

Pune, May 10: Shares of diagnostics company Thyrocare Technologies made a blockbuster debut at the bourses recently, skyrocketing more than 49% over the issue price of Rs 446.

The stock listed at Rs 662, reflecting a huge premium of 48.43% over the issue price on the BSE. At the trade progressed, the stock touched a high of Rs 665.40, soaring 49.19%. At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), it opened the day at Rs 665, surging 49.10% as compared to the issue price. At 1059 hours, the company shares were trading at Rs 626.50, up Rs 180.50 or 40.47% on the BSE. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the shares were trading at Rs 628.00, down Rs 37.00 or 5.56%. The company's market valuation now stands at Rs 3,299.43 crore. The Rs 479.21-crore initial public offering (IPO) of Thyrocare was oversubscribed a whopping 73.55 times in a price band of Rs 420-446.

The issue was open for bidding from April 2729. The firm, which runs a diagnostics laboratory chain, has come out with a public issue of up to 10,744,708 shares. JM Financial Institutional Securities, Edelweiss Financial Services and ICICI Securities managed the issue.

Thyrocare competes with diagnostics chains such as Dr Lal PathLabs, SRL Diagnostics, Metropolis Healthcare and Apollo Clinic. Many healthcare firms like Alkem Laboratories, Dr Lal PathLabs and Narayana Hrudayalaya came out with their IPOs last year while HealthCare Global Enterprises got listed on the stock exchanges in March. (Agencies)

New Delhi, May 10: The U.S. had a trade deficit of $1.7 billion with India and of $26 billion with China in the month of March, according to official figures. The goods and services deficit was $40.4 billion in March, down $6.5 billion from $47.0 billion in February, the US Department of Commerce said in its latest monthly figures.

March exports were

2X SALES TARGETTED Two-wheeler major Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has set a target of over 20% sales growth this fiscal as it hopes to banish the long waiting period for its flagship Activa scooter with the commissioning of the second line at its Gujarat facility.

The Japanese company got off to a stellar start this fiscal, with April sales zooming 26.51% to 4,31,011 units, while rival Hero MotoCorp, which saw sales falling in 2015-16, witnessed a 15% spurt in sales to 6,12,739 units.

The second assembly line in Gujarat, with a capacity of 0.6 million by the end of this quarter, should help Honda end the near six-month waiting for the Activa now.

Currently, with 4.65 million units, Indonesia is the largest market, while India was worth 4.60 million units in 2015. The two-wheeler market is on course to touch the 20 million mark by 2020 from 16 million in FY15, but the industry is worried about the new emission and safety norms.

had a whopping 56% share of the scooters market in 2015-16 and expects it rise further with more supplies from the Gujarat plant. The Rs 1,100-crore plant at Vithalapur near Ahmedabad is the world's largest scooter factory.

Since its entry, Honda has invested over Rs 7,800 crore and employs around 20,000 people, including the 3,000 people at the Gujarat plant. Honda began independent opera-

tions (after split with Hero) in 2001 with a 1.65 million units plant at Manesar in Haryana. In 2011, it launched the second plant at Tapukara in Rajasthan with 1.2 million capacity.

It opened the third plant at Narsapura in Karnataka in 2013 with 1.8 million units, making it Honda's largest two-wheeler plant in the world. Honda India President and Chief Executive Keita Muramatsu had said earlier that by end

$176.6 billion, $1.5 billion less than February exports while imports in the month were $ 217.1 billion, $8.1 billion less than in February, it said. According to the Commerce Department, the deficit with China decreased $ 6.2 billion to $26 billion in March. Exports from China increased $0.1 billion to $8.5 billion and imports decreased $6.1 billion to $34.4 billion, it

said. The March figures show surpluses with South and Central America (USD 3.2 billion), OPEC (USD 0.7 billion), United Kingdom (USD 0.5 billion) and Saudi Arabia (USD 0.1 billion). Deficits were recorded with China (USD 26 billion), European Union (USD 11.1 billion), Germany (USD 5.9 billion), Japan (USD 5.9 billion), Mexico

Honda has doubled its dealerships in the past two years from 1,950 outlets in FY13 to 3,750 outlets in FY15 and 4,300 outlets by March, adding over 800 new touch-points in 201516.

For the first time, Honda will be able to cross the 5 million sales mark this year.

Honda's total capacity will touch 5.8 million from the present 4.6 million from its four plants.

2016, India will be the largest market for Honda globally. Currently, with 4.65 million units, Indonesia is the largest market, while India was worth 4.60 million units in 2015. The twowheeler market is on course to touch the 20 million mark by 2020 from 16 million in FY15, but the industry is worried about the new emission and safety norms.

Muramatsu said scooters

(USD 5.2 billion), South Korea (USD 3.0 billion), Italy (USD 2.4 billion), India (USD 1.7 billion), France (USD 0.9 billion), Brazil (USD 0.2 billion), and Canada (USD 0.1 billion). According to the latest monthly report, the balance with the United Kingdom shifted from a deficit of USD 0.5 billion to a surplus of USD 0.5 billion in March. Ex-

will continue to be the growth driver for the company, though bikes' volume should also improve as the company will be producing more bikes at the Rajasthan plant. He said for Honda, the volume will be mostly driven by Activa in the near future.

A recent research report by the Swiss brokerage Credit Suisse had said scooters will continue to drive two-wheeler sales in the country till FY20, when its market share will jump to 40%. The report had also said that Honda will drive the scooters market, where it is already the leader with over 56% market share. When asked how the newest launch -the India-specific Navi (priced at Rs 39,500) -- is doing, Guleria said the response has been overwhelming, with over 2,000 bookings from four cities in two weeks since the launch. Honda has doubled its dealerships in the past two years from 1,950 outlets in FY13 to 3,750 outlets in FY15 and 4,300 outlets by March, adding over 800 new touch-points in 2015-16.

(Agencies)

ports from the UK increased USD 0.6 billion to USD 4.8 billion and imports decreased USD 0.3 billion to USD 4.4 billion. The surplus with Saudi Arabia decreased USD 1.2 billion to USD 0.1 billion in March. Exports from Saudi Arabia decreased USD 0.9 billion to USD 1.4 billion and imports increased USD 0.3 billion to USD 1.3 billion. (Agencies)

Delay in 238 infra project brings in great loss for Govt.

New Delhi, May 10: Project cost of as many as 238 infrastructure projects, monitored by the Statistics Ministry, have overshot by Rs 1.6 lakh crore from their original estimates due to delays on account land acquisition forest clearances and other reasons, official data showed. The Statistics Ministry is monitoring 1,071 infrastructure projects worth Rs 150 crore or above each in various sectors such as power, railways and road. During February 2016, of 1071 projects, 238 projects reported cost overruns and 341 projects reported time delays. "Total original cost of implementation

of 1,071 projects was Rs 12,66,248.36 crore and their anticipated completion cost is likely to be Rs 14,26,985.93 crore, which reflects overall cost overruns of Rs 1,60,737.57 crore (12.69 percent of original cost)," the data by Statistics Ministry showed. According to the data, expenditure incurred on these projects till February 2016 was Rs 5,66,058.05 crore, which is 39.67 percent of the anticipated cost of the projects. However, compared to April 2015, the number of projects reporting cost overruns came down to 22.22 percent in February 2016 from 30.47 percent of total monitored projects last

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: im.rediff) year. Projects reporting time overruns fell to 31.84 percent in February this year from 42.61 percent in April 2015. In April 2015, out of 758 projects on the monitor of Statistics Ministry, 231 projects

reported cost overruns and 323 projects reported time overruns. Speedy implementation of projects assumes significance in view of government's push to move towards high growth trajectory of

over 8 percent and touch double digit mark in few years. According to the Ministry's report on these projects, the reasons for time overruns as reported by various project implementing agencies are delay in land acquisition, delay in forest clearance and delay in supply of equipment. The other such reasons are fund constraints, geological surprises, problems in equipment erection, geo-mining conditions, slow progress in civil works, shortage of labour, inadequate mobilisation by the contractor, Maoist problems, court cases, contractual issues, ROU/ ROW problems, law and order situation etc.

(Agencies)

20 million cars to be recalled by India ranked 9th in Honda over Takata airbags' issue crony-capitalism Tokyo, May 10: Honda Motor will recall an additional 20 million Takata-made airbags globally, in a widening scandal that has led to the biggest auto recall in US history. Tokyo-based auto parts giant Takata is struggling to deal with a defect that can send metal and plastic shrapnel from the inflator canister hurtling toward drivers and passengers when an airbag is deployed. The defect has been blamed for grisly injuries that have in some cases proved fatal.

Honda, along with other automakers, has already been ordered by US authorities to recall all units that do not contain a desiccant that keeps explosives in airbags from deteriorating. The Japanese automaker now plans to widen areas for the recall to Asia, Oceania, Latin America and Europe, which will force the firm to recall another 20 million airbags or

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

more globally, bringing the total number to more than 50 million, the Nikkei daily said.

The additional cost is estimated at 200 billion yen ($1.87 billion. Immediate confirmation of the news report was not available. Last Wednesday, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordered Takata to recall between 35 and 40 million more airbags in-

stalled in US cars. That is on top of the 50 million already recalled globally, including about 29 million in the United States, making it by far the biggest auto recall in US history. Also Wednesday, Honda announced two more people in Malaysia had died in accidents linked to Takata-made airbags. Most deaths have been in the US. (Agencies)

New Delhi, May 10: India is ranked at ninth position in crony-capitalism with crony sector wealth accounting for 3.4 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), according to a new study by The Economist. In India, the non-crony sector wealth amounts to 8.3 percent of the GDP, as per the latest cronycapitalism index. In 2014 ranking also, India stood at the ninth place. Using data from a list of the world's billionaires and their worth published by Forbes, each individual is labelled as crony or not based on the source of their wealth. Germany is cleanest, where just a sliver of the country's billionaires derives their wealth from crony sectors. Russia fares worst in the index, wealth from the country's crony sectors amounts to 18 per cent of its GDP, it said. Russia tops the list followed by Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. "Thanks to tum-

bling energy and commodity prices politically connected tycoons have been feeling the squeeze in recent years," the study said.

Among the 22 economies in the index, crony wealth has fallen by USD 116 billion since 2014. "But as things stand, if commodity prices rebound, crony capitalists wealth is sure to rise again," it added. The past 20 years have been a golden age for crony capitalists/tycoons active in industries where chumminess with government is part of the game.

Their combined fortunes have dropped 16 percent since 2014, according to The Economist updated cronycapitalism index. "One reason is the commodity crash. Another is a backlash from the middle class," it said. Worldwide, the worth of billionaires in crony industries soared by 385 percent between 2004 and 2014 to USD 2 trillion, it added. (Agencies)

PAGE 10

First round in suit over storing biometric data lost by Facebook

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: s2.reutersmedia) Washington, May 10: Facebook Inc lost the first round in a court fight against some of its users who sued the social networking company, alleging it 'unlawfully' collected and stored users' biometric data derived from their faces in photographs. The judge in a California federal court last week turned down Facebook's motion seeking dismissal of the suit. Facebook filed the motion arguing that the users could not file a complaint under Illinois Biometric Information Pri-

vacy Act (BIPA) as they had agreed in their user agreement that California law would govern their disputes with the company, and that BIPA does not apply to "tag suggestions." The court found that Illinois law applies and that the plaintiffs have stated a claim under BIPA. The complainants alleged that Facebook's face recognition feature that suggests 'tags' on photos unlawfully collected and stored biometric data, in violation of the BIPA. (Agencies)

Inox Wind shares jump over 8% Nagpur, May 10: Shares of wind power solutions provider Inox Wind have soared over 8% after the company reported a 77.5% rise in consolidated net profit for the quarter ended March 31. Boosted by the encouraging numbers, the stock rallied 8.25% to Rs 261.75 on BSE. At NSE, it surged 8.19% to Rs 261.35. Inox Wind recently reported a 77.5% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 209.2 crore for the quarter ended

March 31, 2016. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 117.8 crore in the year-ago period, it had said in a BSE filing. Consolidated income from operations during January-March increased to Rs 1,828.65 crore over Rs 930.05 crore in the year-ago period. The company achieved highest-ever annual installations by commissioning projects with a cumulative capacity of 786 mw during FY16. (Agencies)

1.87% growth in domestic car sales in April, twowheeler sales up 21.23%

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: eliteautorepairtempe) Pune, May 10: Domestic passenger car sales increased 1.87% to 1,62,566 units in April as against 1,59,588 units in the year-ago period. Motorcycle sales last month rose by 16.24% to 10,24,926 units from 8,81,743 units a year earlier, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manu-

facturers (SIAM). Total two-wheeler sales in April rose 21.23% to 15,60,339 units. Sales of commercial vehicles rose 17.36% to 53,835 units in April, SIAM said. Vehicle sales across categories registered an increase of 20.04% to 19,00,879 units from 15,83,582 units in April last year.

(Agencies)

WITNESSING GROWTH Domestic passenger car sales increased 1.87% to 1,62,566 units in April as against 1,59,588 units in the year-ago period.

Motorcycle sales last month rose by 16.24% to 10,24,926 units from 8,81,743 units a year earlier.

Total two-wheeler sales in April rose 21.23% to 15,60,339 units. Sales of commercial vehicles rose 17.36% to 53,835 units in April.

Vehicle sales across categories registered an increase of 20.04% to 19,00,879 units from 15,83,582 units in April last year.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

Features

PAGE 11

ART AND CULTURE Major Types of NE Jewelleries & Accessories The seven sister states of North east India are laid out in the country's remote easternmost part and constitute a rather compact geographical section, quite obscured from the mainland world by the most formidable hillocks, mountain ranges and the impenetrable ageless forests. The fact that this part of the country is inhabited by a unique medley of multiple tribes, each one exhibiting its own lifestyle, food habit and fashion, Northeast India definitely stands out as the most fascinatingly diverse region in the whole of the world. Be it their outfits or the way they accessorize themselves, Northeast Indian tribal population undoubtedly manifests a matchless ethnicity and close-to-nature approach. Every outfit these tribal people wear are well paired with fitting accessories and jewelries and it is rather a tradition for them to look wellaccessorized and bejeweled all the time. Let's cast a glance on the major jewelleries and accessory types worn by the North Easterns.

Jewelleries and Accessories of Assam Jewelleries of Assam show generous use of gold, silver, lavish decorations colorful gemstones, minakari and Nature-inspired intri-

cate designs and motifs.

Chief Assamese earring designs include types like Keru, Long Keru, Lokaparo, Jangphai, Thuriya, Makori; necklace designs include types like Satsori, Bena, Jun biri, Dhol biri, Golpata, Gejera, Magardana, Doog Doogi, Poalmoni, Mukuta moni and many more. Assamese people also wear a vast array of rings the designs of which include varieties like Horinsakua, Bakharpata, Senpata, Jethinejia.

Jewelleries And Accessories of Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh is home to innumerable tribes among which the most prominent ones are Monpas, Mishimi, Wanchos, Aptamis, Adis, Akas, Nyishis, Singphos, Khamtis, Noctes. Use of materials like bamboos, cane, feathers, ivory, bones, brass, silver, gold is one common factor to be witnessed in the jewelleries and accessories of almost all tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Idu mishimis tribal people for instance, wear unique beaded necklaces known by the names of Arulaya and Lekapon.

Women of the Aka tribe wear silver-fillet style headdresses known by the name of Lencchi and also wear trumpet style silver earrings for the earlobe

called Gichli. Women of the Adi tribe wear a distinctive kind of waist belt, Benyop which is decked with series of brass discs strung on cords made out of leather or cane or even screw pine fiber.

Jewelleries and Accessories of Meghalaya The predominant tribes residing in the state of Meghalaya include Khasis, Garos, Jaintias. These tribes exhibit unique and attention-grabbing jewellery forms. The Garos love to sport jewelleries like Nadongbi or brass earring for the earlobes, Jaksan or chunky bangles made from various materials, Seng ki or waistband crafted out of crude conch shells, Ripok or necklace strings made from red glass or cornelian beads, Penta or a special kind of ivory ear jewelry. Women of the Khasi tribe love to sport crowns on their head.

These crowns are crafted in gold or silver and embellished with a 'peak' design towards the back. Khasi men folk also wear crowns adorned with feathers and sport highly ornate waistbands around their waistline. Jaintiya tribe is an important sub-tribe of the Khasis and the jewelries they wear is almost same as those worn by Khasi tribes.

Jewelleries and Accessories of Manipur

The jewelleries of Manipur exhibit real rich traditions.

Precious metals like gold and silver go into the making of Manipuri jewelries.

Every jewelry piece is marked by precision, intricacy and elaborate designs.

The population of Manipur consists of a huge bulk of people from the Meitei and Bishnupriya communities.

Women from Manipur are fond of wearing their most traditional jewelries like Likchow or Kantha, Khownappi, Liksoi and many more.

Jewelleries and Accessories of Mizoram The tribes inhabiting the state of Mizoram reflect a very colorful dressing sense. Not only is their attire colorful but also the jewelries and accessories they use. Some of the Jewelry items flaunted by the different Mizoram tribes include Thifen, a small beaded necklace, Thihus, a necklace strewn with largesized amber beads, Varika, a female headgear decked with a bamboo band, colorful feathers and beetle wings.

Jewelleries and Accessories of Nagaland The tribes of Nagaland show a very strong sense of designing as well as adorning themselves with jewelleries. Brass, bones, animal tusks, animal skulls, hairs and shells, conches,

bells, beads, colorful stones all go into the crafting of Naga jewelleries.

The motifs and designs of the Jewelries of Nagaland symbolize power and primeval quality. The women of the Konyak tribe for instance love to flaunt multistrand necklaces crafted out of their signature beads. The Kuki tribe women sport unique multistrand hip belts. Feathermade earrings, cowrie cuffs, necklaces with skull pendants are also some of the popular jewelries exhibited by many of the Nagaland tribes. The chief accessory sported by the various Naga tribes like Ao, Angami, Chang, Lothas, Konyak, Kuki, Rengma is shawls. The Naga shawls come in a variety of styles and designs denoting the social strata of a particular tribe. Also, these shawls vary in their nomenclature. For instance, the Ao tribes wear shawls known by the names ofRongsu and Tsungkotepsu; the Lothas wear shawls known by the names of Ethasu, Sutam, Longpensu, the Angami tribes wear shawls called Lohe.

Jewelleries and Accessories of Tripura The tribes of Tripura exhibit a unique sense of upholding their authentic traditions through the

Jewelleries and Accessories of Nagaland (Photo:Nagaland jewellery) jewelleries they wear.

Bronze, Copper, silver, gold, bamboo, cane and even bones are used to craft the tribal jewelries of Tripura. Coin jewelleries of Tripura have entered the modern fashion industry and are ruling the rage of late. Necklaces, anklets, earrings are adorned with innumerable dangling metallic coins all arranged in a row.

Women also love to sport 'Karas' or large-sized metallic bangles around their wrist. Many tribes of Tripura create their own, very distinct style statement with intricate cane and bamboo jewelleries like necklaces and earrings.

Jewelleries and Accessories of Sikkim The main population of Sikkim consists in tribes like

Lepchas, Bhutia and the Nepalese community.

Lepcha women use jewelries like Gyar-a kind of bracelet, Lyak-a kind of necklace, Namchok- kind of earrings. They also use accessories like Nyamrek, a kind of waist belt and Taro, a kind of cap. The chief accessory sported by Lepcha men is a cap called Shambo.

Even Bhutia men wear the Shambo plus Kera, a typical type of cloth belt. The chief accessories used by Bhutia women include Shabcha, kind of shoes, then Pangden, a type of striped apron, Kushen, a kind of jacket and Shambo, a kind of cap that differs from the male version in design. The major jewelleries that Bhutia women flaunt are Khao-a kind of necklace, Phiru-a

pearl jewelry, Yencho- a typical pair of earrings, Joko- a kind of ring and Diu, a kind of gold bangle.

Nepalese men and women too use a vast array of accessories and jewelleries.

Nepalese men accessorize themselves with a belt called Patuki and waist coat called Aaaskot. Nepalese women accessorize themselves with Hembari, a colorful printed cloth worn on upper part of body. The chief jewellery items flaunted by Nepalese women include necklaces like Naugeri, Kantha, Charanihari, Tilhari, earrings like Gadwari, Chepti Son, Kalli, a kind of heavy silver anklets, Dungri, a kind of nose pin, Bulaki, a kind of nose ring.

Courtesy:nelive

HORTICULTURE FLORICULTURE Cultivating Watermelons Sikkim organizes Everyone seems to love juicy watermelon in the summertime. Melons usually need warm temperatures and a long growing season. Gardeners in colder climates can still have success in growing watermelon by starting seeds indoors and choosing short-season varieties. Days to maturity range from 70 to 90, depending on the variety. Every gardener should plant a hill or two of watermelons as they are easy to grow and, oh so good on sultry summer afternoons.

Try a small variety such as an eight-pound 'Seedless Big Taste Hybrid' that will fit in the refrigerator easily, or go for the glory and sow watermelon seeds for a whopper like the 30-pound 'Million Bucks Hybrid'. Heirloom fans will want to plant 'Moon and Stars', introduced in 1926 with a deep green skin speckled with tiny yellow stars and quarter-size moons. The leaves are speckled with yellow stars as well.

If you don't have room in the garden for watermelon vines, think about growing them in the middle of the lawn. Yes, in the middle of the lawn. Simply dump two 40-pound bags of composted cow manure and one 40-pound bag of topsoil into a heap on the lawn. Mix and mound with a trowel or by hand to integrate all materials.

Water well and plant 6 to 8 seeds and later thin to three plants. The vines will ramble all over the lawn, and you will have to mow around them.

But, the watermelon foliage will shade most of the grass underneath it and slow growth.

After harvest, pull up watermelon vines; rake the nutrientrich manure mix over the lawn for fertilizer and water well.

Within a week, the grass will be growing vigorously again, and it will be a healthy dark green.

Watermelon seeds or plants?

Watermelons need a long growing season (at least 80 days) and warm ground for seeds to germinate and grow.

Soil should be 70 degrees F or warmer at planting time. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and keep well watered until germination.

To get a jumpstart in cooler climates, cover the planting area

with black plastic to warm up the soil and start seeds indoors two or three weeks before they are to be set out in the garden.

Don't start seeds any earlier, because large watermelon seedlings transplant poorly.

Plant 3 seeds in 3- or 4-inch peat pots or large cell packs, and thin to the best plant. Sow watermelon seeds 1/2 inch deep. Place in a sunny southfacing window or under lights to germinate. Make sure the area is warm, day and night, ideally 80 degrees F. Use a

are set. Withhold water as melons start to mature to intensify sweetness.

Watermelon growing tips When vines begin to ramble, give watermelon plants a dose of boron to help them produce sweeter fruits. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of household borax in 1 gallon of water and spray foliage and the base of the plants. Select short-season varieties such as 'Million Bucks Hybrid' or 'Orange Sunshine Hybrid' if your growing season is less

Cultivation of watermelons has gain a wide popularity all over the world. This juicy and sweet fruit is also liked by most of us. (Photo: picsmel) Seedling Heat Mat if necessary.

Cultivation Watermelon is a space hog; vines can reach 20 feet in length. So plant where there is plenty of open ground. Amend soil with organic matter such as compost or composted cow manure. Add a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.

Sow 8 to 10 watermelon seeds in a hill, and push seeds 1 inch into the soil. Space hills 3 to 4 feet apart, with at least 8 feet between rows. Thin plants to the 3 best in each hill. Keep soil free of weeds by shallow hoeing or with a layer of mulch.

Watermelon plants have moderately deep roots and watering is seldom necessary unless the weather turns dry for a prolonged period. When vines begin to ramble, sides dress the plants with half a cup of balanced fertilizer (5-10-5). A third application of fertilizer should be made when melons

than 90 days. Start watermelon seeds indoors and use black plastic mulch.

Insects & diseases Cucumber beetles and vine borers are the worst watermelon pests. Apply an insecticide such as Sevin or use Bacillus thuringensis for organic control. Floating row covers work, too, but they should be removed when watermelon plants start to bloom, at which time pollinating insects must be allowed to reach the flowers.

Watermelon harvest tips Knowing how to determine when a watermelon is perfectly ripe is not easy. One way favored by many gardeners is to watch the tendril closest to the melon stem. A tendril is a modified leaf or stem in the shape of slender, spirally coil. When it turns brown and dries up, the melon is ripe.

The trouble with this method is that with some watermelon varieties, the tendril dries and

drops off more than a week before the melon is fully ripe.

Slapping and tapping or thumping are other common methods used to determine ripeness, but they are not always accurate.

The surest sign of ripeness in most watermelon varieties is the color of the bottom spot where the melon sits on the ground. As the watermelon matures, the spot turns from almost white to a rich yellow.

Also, all watermelons lose the powdery or slick appearance on the top and take on a dull look when fully ripe. After picking a watermelon, chill it before serving for best flavor.

Some folks sprinkle a little salt on their watermelon, but it's probably thought of as a cure for poor tasting store-bought melons and certainly not necessary for home-grown. If the seeds present a problem, grow seedless watermelon varieties like 'Seedless Sugar Baby Hybrid' or 'Orange Sunshine Hybrid'. A cut melon, if covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, will keep several days in the refrigerator.

Planting " If you live in warmer climes, you can direct sow seeds outdoors, but wait until the soil temperature warms to at least 70 degrees to avoid poor germination. " Watermelon vines are very tender and should not be transplanted until all danger of frost has passed. (To be safe, wait at least two weeks past your last frost date.) " If you are in a cooler zone, start seeds indoors about a month before transplanting. " Amend soil with aged manure, seaweed, and/or compost before planting. Watermelons are heavy feeders. " Watermelons prefer a soil pH between 6 and 6.8. " Growing the vines in raised rows, known as hills, ensures good drainage and will hold the sun's heat longer.

Space the plants about 2 feet apart in a 5-foot-wide hill. " If you're growing in rows, space 6 feet apart by 6 feet apart. " Watermelons like loamy, well-drained soil.

Handle them gently when you

transplant. " After you transplant, cover the plants with row covers to keep pests at bay. You'll remove the row covers when you see both male and female flowers on the vine.

Care " Mulching with black plastic will serve multiple purposes: it will warm the soil, hinder weed growth and keep developing fruits clean. " Watering is very important from planting until fruit begins to form. While melon plants are growing, blooming, and setting fruit, they need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. " Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Water at the vine's base in the morning, and try to avoid wetting the leaves and avoid overhead watering.

Reduce watering once fruit are growing. Dry weather produces the sweetest melon. " If you choose to fertilize (and many do), make sure it's deliver more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium.

However, after flowering begins, use a fertilizer with less nitrogen. We like to use liquid seaweed. " Pruning isn't necessary, but vine productivity may be improved if you do not allow lateral (side) vines to grow and stick to the main vine.

When the plant is young, just cut off the end buds as they form (before the side shoots become vines). You can also pinch off some blossoms to focus the energy on fewer melons (though it's a challenge to kill off a potential fruit!). " Vines produce male and female flowers separately on the same plant. They often begin producing male flowers several weeks before the females appear. Do not be concerned if the male flowers fall off. The female flowers (which have a swollen bulb at the base) will stay on the vine and bear fruit. " Blossoms require pollination to set fruit, so be kind to the bees! " As fruit is ripening, prevent rotting by gently lifting it and putting some cardboard or straw between the fruit and the soil. Courtesy: agrifarming

International Flower Festival Sikkim, the small and landlocked state located in North east India has several attractions for wooing tourists. You get the numerous trekking routes in its mountainous terrains, to begin with.

Then there are those beautiful and amazing wildlife zones including forests and national parks. The heritage and culture of the state is also enticing. However, to witness the natural splendor in Sikkim you need not necessarily head to

with anything religious or making New Year etc!

This is about a show where you can find a wide variety of flowers, plants and orchids. The sight of the flowers, the various aromas and the sheer variety can sweep you off the feet. Apart from flowers, the International Flower Festival also showcases the rare orchids and beautiful rhododendrons found only in Sikkim. The exotic rose and magnolias displayed in the event

val venue The viewers cannot have enough of watching the spectacular plants and flowers of Sikkim at the festival. However, the visitors can also find other means of entertainment at the venue while enjoying the visual treat.

There are options for tasting succulent delicacies of Sikkim.

The Government of Sikkim is trying in various ways to make the festival more popular. In 2013, the state govern-

A snap from International flower festival held in Sikkim (Photo: images.indiatvnews) the forests or wildlife sanctuaries. You may simply choose to visit Sikkim during its famous and annual International flower festival!

Nuances of International flower festival in Sikkim The International flower festival, as evident from its name, is not related

also make head turn. A lot of these plants are now grown organically in Sikkim.

The International flower festival is celebrated in Sikkim each year in April or May. The festival is held at Saramsa Gardensnot far away from Gangtok.

Attractions at the festi-

ment signed a MoU agreement with Thailand and Netherlands to make the festival more appealing. In this festival, the botany experts and researchers give lectures and seminars are also held. Other notable attractions of this festival include yak safari and river rafting. Courtesy: Nelive

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

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Kohli's experience instills lot of confidence Messi backs Atletico to in me, says RCB's Watson hammer Real at CL finals ANI Mohali, May 10 : After guiding his side to a nerve-wracking one-run win against Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Shane Watson has heaped praise on team skipper Virat Kohli for instilling confidence in him and using his skills perfectly in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

"Virat has been using me in one over spells early on in the innings and then more towards the back end depending on where it suits the team the most.

I am happy to bowl anywhere Virat (needs me).

He instills lot of confidence in me, he lets me sort of choose the balls and allows me to set my fields accordingly as well - with his input a lot of the time as well. It's been great to work under him and he's using me very nicely," Watson was quoted as saying by

given them a chance to make it to the playoffs.

"It is a gift to be able to win a game by one run.

In these tournaments, in the IPL, you have to fall on the right side of those really close ones to be able to give yourself a chance to make it to the playoffs. So it's a good starting point we were able to fall on the right side of the game tonight to continue on the momentum that we started in the last game in Bangalore," he added.

Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Shane Watson and Virat Kohli iplt20.com.

Pointing out Kohli always tries to get the best out of everybody, Watson admitted that it was a privilege to work under the player, who has the quality experience and knowledge about the game.

Opting to bat first, the

Old Boys’ Club win Veterans title Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, May 10: Old Boys’ Club defeated Pioneers Sporting Club by seven wickets in the final match of the Veterans cricket tournament organized by Dibrugarh District Sports Association at DDSA stadium on Sunday.

Electing to bat first, Pioneers Sporting Club were bowled out for 126 in 27.5 overs.

Neeraj Singhania scored 27 off 39 balls, hitting three boundaries, while Mohammad Nazimullah contributed 21 off 40 balls. Mustak Ahmed chipped in with 14 off 15 balls.

For Old Boys’, Sanjib Ganguli scalped four wickets for 15 in 6 overs and Debo Buragohain took two for 44 in 6 overs.

In reply, Old Boys’ eased past the target in 23.5 overs by scoring 127 for 3. Ajay Mazumdar remained unbeaten on 51 off 69 balls, hitting six boundaries and one six.

Santanu Sharma scored steady 25 off 43 balls with two boundaries, while Amar Ghosh contributed 13 runs.

A.R. Rahman, Udvaf Borkakoty and Jitu Singh took one wickets each for Pioneers Sporting Club.

Ajay Mazumdar was adjudged man of the match. Sanjib Ganguli got best bowler award while Suman Deb of Duliajan Veterans XI got best batsmen.

Neeraj Singhania of Pioneers Sporting Club was adjudged man of the series.

RCB posted a daunting target of 176 runs, thanks to Lokesh Rahul and AB de Villiers for their 42 and 64 runs respectively.

In reply, Kings XI Punjab also produced a brilliant fight back, with Murali Vijay scoring a blistering knock of 89 runs off just 57 balls.

But Vijay's knock went in vain as the RCB bowlers managed to restrict Kings XI to 174 runs in their stipulated 20 overs.

Reflecting on their thrilling narrow win, the 34year-old Australian said it was a gift to win a game by just one run, adding that it had also

Watson was adjudged `man of the match` for picking up two wickets in his four overs spell.

The RCB are currently standing sixth in the point table, having four wins from the nine games they have played so far.

They will play their next match against Mumbai Indians at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

ANI Barcelona, May 10 : Barcelona star striker Lionel Messi has backed Atletico Madrid to seal this year's Champions League title, saying his team don't want to see Real Madrid claim the trophy.

Barcelona were knocked out of the European Championship after suffering a 3-2 aggregate defeat in the quarterfinals at the hands of Atletico Madrid, who later stormed into the finals after beating Bayern Munich.

Admitting that Champions League elimination was a major blow for Barcelona, the 28-yearold said that his side had a great chance to win the match as they had displayed a much better performance than Atletico in the first half.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, however, insisted that it would be great to see Atletico beat Zinedine Zidane's side in the finals.

"It would hugely please

Lionel Messi Barcelona if Atletico beat them in the Champions League final. What Atletico Madrid have done is great, it is not easy to beat them. They are a very tough opponent and [Diego] Simeone deserves credit for their performances," Messi was quoted as saying by goal.com.

Messi also called on Barcelona to end the season on a winning note by

clinching the La Liga title.

"It would be great if we can end the season by winning the Liga title and the Copa del Rey. We realise it will not be easy, though. We have two finals left, one in La Liga and one in the Copa," he added.

Atletico will aim for the Champions League glory when they take on Real at San Siro stadium in Italy on May 29.

Gianni Infantino` sad` to see Platini resign as UEFA chief ANI Johannesburg, May 10 : FIFA president Gianni Infantino has expressed sadness after his former mentor Michel Platini decided to step down as the UEFA chief following the refusal of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to lift his six-year suspension from all football-related activities.

The 46-year-old said he respects the sports tribunal's decision on

Platini, but added that he felt extremely sad to hear the verdict on a personal level.

Infantino added that he had shared some great things with Platini in their span of nine years together at the UEFA , Sport24 reported.

Backing the FIFA's judgment, the Lausannebased court earlier rejected the appeal filed

by Platini and said that the payment he received

Gianni Infantino

from the FIFA was 'unfair' and a 'conflict of interests'.

ment ' of 1.35 million pounds from the outgoing president in 2011.

The CAS, however, cut the suspension to four years and reduced Platini's fine from 80,000 Swiss francs to 60,000 Swiss francs.

Platini, along with his former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, received a ban of eight years in last December over claims that the former had received a ' disloyal pay-

Both Platini and Blatter, however, refused all the allegations and had their bans reduced to six years by FIFA's Appeal Committee in February.

Earlier in April, the 60year-old Frenchman's appeal against the ban was heard by a threemember CAS panel, with Blatter among one of the witnesses.

`Honoured` Bindra eager to motivate India's Rio contingent

Abhinav Bindra ANI New Delhi, May 10 : Ace shooter Abhinav Bindra has said that he felt honoured to be named one of the goodwill ambassadors for the Indian contingent at this year's Summer Olympics, adding he is looking forward to support and motivate all sportspersons representing the country in Rio de Janeiro.

"It's a real honour for me to be the goodwill ambassador of Indian contingent at the Rio Olympics. I am happy to support and motivate all fellow sportspersons who will be representing our country at the Rio Olympics. The welfare of sportspersons and encouraging them to give their best is very precious to me," Bindra said.

"I strongly believe that all the sportspersons from different parts of the country, pursuing their unique skills are the true

ambassadors of the growing sporting culture in this country. I have already extended my full support to all Rio qualified athletes by sending letters to each one of them," he added.

The Indian Olympic Association's ( IOA) decision to invite legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and Bindra as one of the goodwill ambassador came after Bollywood actor Salman Khan's appointment left the sporting fraternity divided, with London Olympics bronze-medallist Yogeshwar Dutt and legendary sprinter Milkha Singh questioning the move.

Meanwhile, those in support of Salman said that his selection would give a glamour quotient to the Indian team's presence at the Olympics and would also help in drawing maximum attention from the masses for the Games.

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