12 april 2016

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ASSENG/2015/64205

Page 12

Vol. 1

Issue 305

Dibrugarh, Tuesday, April 12, 2016

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WHEN PENGERI TURNED INTO GRAVEYARD FOR HUMANITY From left to right - 1. Security forces in action during the clashes; 2. villagers with arms in hand; 3 & 4. police carry the dead bodies of the victims. Pic - Arjun Mishra.

10 killed as high-voltage power line fell on protestors, tension prevails in Pengeri At least ten people were killed and 18 injured when a high-tension electric wire fell on a group of protestors in Pengeri area of Tinsukia district on Monday. Police said that a group of 700 tea garden workers gheraoed the Pengeri police station at around 11.30 am demanding justice for the two adivasi people who were killed by criminals on the night of April 6.

The protestors, some of them armed with bows and arrows and sharp weapons first

ET CAPSULES

FIR launched against Gogoi for violating election norms: EC New Delhi, April 11 : TheElection Commission on Monday directed local authorities to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) against Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for violating election code of conduct.

Gogoi had allegedly held a press conference this morning which is a violation as per Representation of Peoples act 126, as it may influence the voters.

District Magistrate has confirmed that FIR has been lodged.

Assam today voted for second and final phase.

(ANI)

raised slogans against the police and demanded that the five accused persons arrested in the case be handed over to them.

The deadlock continued for the next 90 minutes after which the protestors suddenly turned violent. The angry mob breaking the police cordon stormed the police station. The police assisted by CRPF personnel resorted to lathi charge and succeeded in pushing back the protestors outside. The crowd however refused to be cowed down and attacked them with stones injuring a few policemen. The police then resorted to blank fire to disperse the crowd. When the protestors

tried to flee the scene, a roadside overhead high-tension electric wire suddenly snapped and fell down on the protestors resulting in the death of nine of them. One protestor is believed to have died of police firing. Six of the 18 injured were being treated at the Assam Medical College and Hospital while the rest were being treated at the Tinsukia civil hospital.

Deputy Commissioner of Tinsukia Puru Gupta said, indefinate curfew has been imposed in areas under Pengri police police station until further orders following the violent clashes. Several columns

of army has been called in to conduct flag march, he added.

In the meantime, terming the entire incident very unfortunate, Superintendent of Tinsukia police Mugdha Jyoti Mahanta said, a high level inquiry has been ordered into the incident thay has killed 10 persons.

Mahanta said, the protestors were demanding to hand over the murder accused. Police tried to pacify the mob but were left with no option after the mob went violent and started attacking police station, added Mahanta and said whether the electric wire was

hit by a bullet electrocuting 10 people is a matter of investigation.

SP said, police had to resort to lathicharge and blank firing to save life and public property.

“Nine of them have died of electrocution. One is said to have bullet injuries. We are investigating the incident. We are not sure whether the electric wire broke because of the firing or other reason as a heavy wind was blowing at that time. The situation is tense but under control at present,” said Lamhao Dongle, Tinsukia additional SP (Headquarters) On April 6 at around mid-

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul make surprise visit to Itanagar Police Station A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Apr 11

Just at the entry, he discovered the broken window panes, which prompted him to react “if policemen themselves are operating in such pathetic condition then how would they ensure safety of public?”

CM Kalikho Pul during his inspection to Itanagar police station.

Dalai Lama recognizes nine-year-old Darjeeling boy as reincarnation of Bratse Rinpoche

cmyk

The 14th Dalai Lama has recognised Dawa Wangdi, a nine-year-old boy from Darjeeling as the reincarnation of Bratse Rinpoche.

The letter from the Dalai Lama's office, with its prominent official seal, clearly mentions the name of the new incarnation, who is the son of Pema Wangdi and Sanju Rai. This has been confirmed by a Rinpoches senior novice Geshe Tashi Tsethar.

The previous Draktse

Rinpoches were all born in Monpa community of Tawang district, and for that reason, the Rinpoche has huge number of devotees in the district, especially in Jang, Jangda, Thingbu, Mago, Rho and Lhou areas.

His Eminence Draktse Thupten Tenpa Gyaltsen Rinpoche, the former reincarnation passed away on November 1, 2004. After completing his monastic education in Mysore, he returned to Tawang and spent his life performing prayers, rituals, tantric healing, empowerment

CM order judicial probe A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Apr 11

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi ordered judicial inquiry in to Pengeri incident in Tinsukia district where few people were allegedly electrocuted and died following a protest rally.

Gogoi also appealed to the people to exercise restraint and maintain peace and tranquillity.

He also asked the Deputy Com-

missioner of Tinsukia district to maintain law and order. Gogoi also asked the concerned authority to provide necessary treatment to all persons injured in the incident.

Moreover, Gogoi said that an inquiry would also be instituted where an elderly was reportedly killed in clashes between security persons and voters in Sorbhog constituency in Barpeta district.

Avove 80 percent voter turn out recorded as second phase of Assam assembly elections concludes A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Apr 11

Actress Nishita Goswami casting vote. Pic - UB Photos

GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Contd. on Page 3

ANI Darjeeling, Apr.11

Debaru however managed to give his abductors the slip. On April 7, locals discovered the badly mutilated bodies of Gour and Lakhimoni, 500 metres away from their home. The police have so far arrested 5 persons including two brothers Deben and Kukheswar Phukan.

As second phase voting concluded on Monday at 5 pm, it finally ringed the curtains down on assembly polls in Assam. Altogether, the fates of 525 candidates were sealed in various electronic voting machines across 61 constituencies, spread across central and lower Assam.

As per preliminary estimates of the election commission, the state witnessed a high voter turnout of 82 per cent. The turnout too was around 82 per cent in the first phase.

Contd. on Page 4

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today paid a surprise visit to Itanagar Police Station, to see for himself how the facilities are like and to get firsthand account of the condition in which the policemen and police officers serve.

The CM expressed that it is his wish to secure a safe and favourable working environment for the policemen– to see that the police station is well maintained,

night, a group of five armed persons entered the house of one Chuni Gour (55), a tea garden worker in no 2 Noloni gaon under Pengeri police station. The group then kidnapped the 3-member family comprising of Gour and his son Debaru (26) and daughter-in-law Lakhimoni (18).

initiation and social services.

Locally, the Rinpoche is also known as the 'Bratse' Rinpoche. Draktse and Bratse literally means 'Hill Top' or 'Top of the Cliff'. He was probably given the name 'Draktse' by the local Monpas owing to the fact that he used to remain secluded at the top of Jang village mountain. Later in his life, the villagers donated the mountain where he used to spend most of his time in meditation.

The auspicious coronation ceremony of Draktse Rinpoche has been postponed to next year.

OFFICE OF THE ADDITIONAL DEPUTY COMMISSIONER JAIRAMPUR:: DISTRICT:: CHANGLANG No. JRP/JUD/KR/2016 Dated Jairampur, 10-4-2016

NOTICE This is for general information for all concerned that the Deputy Commissioner, Changlang has through an order vide No. C-JUD/123/16 dated Changlang, the 31st March, 2016 appointed the undersigned, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jairampur to conduct an enquiry of the incident and aftermath that took placed on 29th March at Diyun under Changlang District, Arunachal Pradesh.

The undersigned is already stationed at Circuit House, Diyun and started the enquiry process. If any individual, organization, forum etc wants to depose or submit evidential inputs regarding the incident and aftermath before the magistrate he/she/they are allowed to do either in person or by writing. In case anybody wishes, his or her identity will be kept confidential. Anybody who wishes to meet the undersigned pertaining to the incident can meet him with prior appointment and due permission. The undersigned can be contacted on 09612425346 or 08730010377 or 09436835266.

Sd/- Kento Riba Additional Deputy Commissioner Jairampur

cmyk

ET Bureau Digboi, Tinsukia, Apr 11

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, APRIL 12

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries Today will be as agreeable as any day can be. You are satisfied with what you have. Besides, you have already planned on what you desire and are moving towards it.

Taurus You may not find an easy way out of your financial problems and will find it hard to take firm decisions. Your experience and expertise plus your great way of dealing with people will eventually enable you to make correct and profitable investments.

Gemini You will witness a marked improvement in your emotional quotient. This change may either come through watching a film, listening to a song or just a simple insight. At the workplace, people will be lavishing praise on you for your excellent performance.

Cancer You will tend to try new recipes at home. Family members will take advantage and enjoy it. You will indulge in pastimes. Arrival of guests will bring in an air of festivity and happiness.

Leo You will be filled with extra-ordinary self-confidence and will be able to take on huge risks. Sportspersons will be able to make a lot of progress in their fields.

You will square off against any obstacles in your way using your entire might.

Virgo You may realise the futility of your efforts and constant failure in achieving success. Recharge your imagination, inquisitiveness and intelligence and focus on your long-term goals.

Libra Trivialities should be the least of your concerns today. Do not let the small things faze you out. Remember that it is the overall picture that matters, and not one small stroke of the brush. Bear this is mind, since you may come under some pressure from subordinates at your workplace.

Scorpio There is a big black hole in your pocket, and it’s high time you looked for remedies there. Loved ones will make use of your money as suntan cream – liberally and carelessly. You are most likely to burn the holes larger by spending lavishly.

Sagittarius Mushy talks and whispering sweet nothings in your beloved’s ears may give you little joys of life. However, brace yourselves as there are times when relationships do not workout, and you may experience this soon.

Capricorn You are busy as a beaver. It is extremely difficult for you to think for yourself as you are all tied up by the demands of your work. You want to be creative, but again, the workload will not let you have that freedom.

Aquarius Travelling is on the cards for you today. Travel alone, because if you take people with different tastes along with you, their preferences may dampen your mood and spoil the trips.

Pisces Your fount of creativity spouts everyday like there is no tomorrow. However, you need to be organised and in position to implement all those revolutionary ideas that occur to you in a jiffy.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 12-4-16 (TUESDAY) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha 6-15 A.M-Classical Music (Flute Recital) 6-50 A.M-Tokari Geet 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M-Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-30 P.M-Geetimanjari 1-10 P.M- Troops Programme 2-00 P.M-Singphow Songs 2-10 P.M-Brindagaan 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Mizumishimi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan 7-15 P.M-Chah Sramikor Aasor 8-00 P.M-Bijnan Jeuti-1. Talk-"Bongshanukromik Cancer" by Dr. Gayatri Gogoi, 2. "Bijnan Barta" by Raju Kr. Chetry 9-30 P.M- Sahitya kanan-1."Sahitya Sangbad" by Jadav Gogoi, 2.Short Story "Jeewan nodir Dore" by Rajiv Baruah 10-00 P.M-Classical Music Sd-/H.O.P

Hagrama claim forming government in Assam ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Apr 11: Bodoland Peoples Front(BPF) president Hagrama Mohilary,who is also BTC chief has been claimed forming of BJP led alliance government in Assam on the blessing irrespectives of cast,creed and languages voting in favour of alliance parties in the assembly polls.

Mohilary,along with family members cast his vote at Debargaon Higher Secondary School polling centre this morning on the second phase Assam assembly polls for 61 constituencies of 126 member House.The Bodoland Peoples Front(BPF),an alloy of BJP led alliance is contesting 10 seats in the second phase polls,being held today in lower Assam region.

Mohilary has claimed forming of the BJP-BPF-AGP alliance

in the state with scoring 100% scoring result of his party in BTAD region.The ruling Con-

gress party would be rooted from government,because all sections of communities are

supporting the BJP-BPF-AGP alliance party in both phases of the assembly polls.

Hagrama Mohilary, BPF president said,'BPF party is winning in all 13 contesting seats all over the BTAD region,besides the BJP-BPFAGP alliance party is forming government at Dispur by winning over 70 seats in both phases.The second phase Assam assembly election is being held all over the middle Assam,lower Assam region today,the BJP led alliance party is winning in majority seats in the second phase polls.

'My party is getting strong mass support among common citizens in the state.There is no possibility of winning large number of seats from Congress,AIUDF,UPP parties in the polls', he added.

Advt.

Correction On dated 24th Feb, 2016 The Eastern Today have published an advertisement regarding Notice Inviting Tender from the Office of the Lanka Municipal Board, Lanka, the final receiving date has been changed to 29-022016, 2.30 pm and Details Tender Notice and Tender Paper against 13th Finance Commision for the year 2013-14 Fund date has been changed to 12-02-2016, all working hours.

Package drinking water creates panic ET Correspondent Margherita, Apr 11: Nirmal Package Drinking Water Company has been creating Panic now a days at Margherita Region as many people of Margherita have found

Fungi and other form of Bacteria inside the Water bottle.According to Sources Nirmal Package Drinking Water is being manufactured from Hanshara Pathar Gaon and Moran Drinking water Com-

pany supplies to the market where many questions have raised how Food Inspector allows these Water Bottles to the market.Many Consumers of Margherita while buying Nirmal Package

Drinking Water have found Fungus and other form of Bacteria inside this Water Bottle but where Margherita Administration is playing with the life of Citizens of Margherita alleged a Conscious Person of

Nagaland police foil infringement bid ET Correspondent Diphu, Apr 11: Unlike the previous occasion today Nagaland police under Dimapur jurisdiction foiled a major attempt by a big assemblage of intruders who forcefully tried to take possession of large portion of Daldali reserve forest part flanked by Dimapur city of Nagaland and Lahorijan border police outpost of Assam’s Karbi

Anglong district.

The early morning endeavor by at list two thousand people who gathered on the Dimapur side was stopped by Nagaland police from moving forward towards Sankartila and Lahorijan BOP where hundreds of armed Assam police battalion Jawans and central force were in possession to thwart any forceful intrude.

This is the second incident within a short span of time when Nagaland police proactively put a stop to encroachment bid from Nagaland side. On April 2 Nagaland police averted a similar situation in the same place and push back the intruders who attempted to construct a road with mechanized tools, again on April 4 exchange of fire took place between

unknown gunman and border guards of Assam, on April 4 Assam police with the help of Nagaland police removed several huts and demolished number of defensive bunkers in the disputed area. Superintendent of Police Karbi Anglong has expressed satisfaction on the peaceful termination of the could be violent episode.

Science Exhibition cum Competition successfully held ET Correspondent Golaghat, Apr 11: Reliance College Jr organized a district level Inter School - College Science Exhibition cum Competition for the first time on 9th April .

Lightining of Lamp was done by Dr Rimen Bordoloi . The Exhibition cum Competition was inaugarated jointly

by Dr T.N Hazarika , Dwipen Dutta and Dr Mridul Chetia. Many school took part in the competition and showed their talent . Meanwhile the Host College student from Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology displayed their own project . Shikha Nath Neog gave special prize to Outgoing students .

Among the Judges from Kaziranga University Pankaj Bora and Dr Jyoti Prasad Gogoi & from D.R College Dr Rimen Bordoloi and Dr Mridul Chetia judged the event .

In the competition first prize was bagged by Aimie Gogoi , Neha

Boka , Mrinal Phukan and Akash Sahu of Melamara High School ; second prize by Anuran Saikia and Anirban Das of Golaghat Jatiya Vidyalaya and third prize

by Anagh Singh , Arnab Jyoti Bora and Chiranjiv Das of Dergaon Shankardev Sishu Niketan who were awarded Cash prize worth rupees 5000, 3000, 2000 respectively along with certificate .

Other participating stu-

dents were awarded with certificate too . A meeting was held which was presided by Dr T.N Hazarika . Object of the meeting was read out by Priyanka Saikia Das and program was coordinated

by Hemanta Bora . Chairman Deepak kr Gogoi , Judges and Debojit Dutta was made to sit over the dias and we're felicitated . Dr Amarendra Nath Dutta gave emphasis on Conservation of Wildlife . Tapas Borah displayed

a slide show which was highly appreciated . Special thanks was given to Sadikul Hussain , Debojit Dutta , Dipak Kr Akela and Arup Ballabh Goswami . Vote of thanks was given by Priyanka Saikia Das . Deboranjan Sarmah , Sikha Nath Neog , Sreema Khound, Apurba Saikia and Tankeshwar Pathak played leading role in organising the same .

Many students were present in the event .

Margherita.Meanwhile many Concious people of Margherita have asked Does Margherita Administration have the Courage to take necessary action against Nirmal Packaged Drinking Water Company?

84 percent poll in Rangiya ET Correspondent Rangiya, Apr 11: With nearly 84 percentage of poll here at 200 different polling stations of 57 Rangiya LAC, and 83 percentage of poll at 187 polling stations at 56 Kamalpur LAC. The overall election process under Rangia election district was peaceful and ended with no reports of any untoward incidents till filing of this report. Participation of voters from all section particularly youths and females were seen maximum at almost all the booths of both the LAC. Voters queued in front of the polling stations till morning to use their franchise. It needs mention here, out of total 1,68,596 voters of Rangia LAC, 88,375 are males while 80,221 are females and out of 157058 voters 82694 are male and 74368 are female respectively.

Meanwhile, administration has taken all adequate steps to ensure smooth conduct of poll here. Al total 21 candidates 10 from Kamalpur and 11 from Rangia LAC were in the fray. Except 2-3 minor incidents like de functioning of EVM machine in some of the polling stations , over all poll process were free and fare as stated by DEO KailashKarthik

After festival of Democracy, its now time for Rongali bihu in Assam, with Duke & Duchess of Cambridge at Kaziranga Bijoy Shankar Handique Jorhat, Apr 11: After the second phase of election i.e.,the festival of democracy is over and now its time for the people of Assam to prepare for Rongali Bihu as well as people of Assam in Kaziranga is preparing to welcome the Duke and Duchess who is arriving on April 12, as the Royal Guests is going to celebrate bihu and taste pithas and larus, within the hub of nature, and taste Assamese dishes that would range from amita khar(traditional papaya dish),panitenga (grinded mastered seed),kochuthur & mua mas pattot ( cornleaf with lo-

cal fish steamed in banana leaf,aloo pitika (potato smashed),sungat dia sagolee meat( mutton roasted in bamboo),khoricha mas curry,ahriho mas, mas tenga with kon bilihi ( bamboo shoot fish roast, fish gravey with masterdoil seed and smoked local chicken etc at the Difloo River Lodge(DRL), informed Ashis Phukan (Managing Director of Assam Bengal Navigation & proprietor of the DRL) Bohag bihu one of the major festival of Assam commonly known as Rongali bihu is celebrated in Assam during

middle the month of April. It is the most popular Bihu celebrates the onset of the Assamese New Year (from April 13) and the coming of Spring,every year. This marks the first day of the Hindu solar calendar and is also observed in Bengal, Manipur, Nepal, Orissa, Punjab, Kerala and Tamil Nadu though called by different names like Pongol in south India, Baisakhi in north India. This festival is celebrated the whole month.

The new year of Assamese calendar usually falls on April 15.

The new year starts with the month 'Bohag'. This is the reason why Rongali Bihu is also

Prince William will follow in the footsteps of his late mother, Princess Diana, by visiting the Unesco World Heritage Site when he and his wife Duchess

called 'Bohag Bihu'. The word 'Rongali' is derived from 'Rong' which means Happiness and celebrations. So this festival represent happiness of the society. All the three Bihu festivals of Assam are related to harvesting. Rongali bihu falls in a period when the there is no work for the cultivators but still there is enough in the store to enjoy. Being a agriculture based state, Assam, has always marked this Bihu as the symbol of joy. This also biggest the festival in Assam and celebrated in every corner of the state.

On the eve of the Bihu the

womenfolk clean the clothes and prepare special Bihu delicacies like Chira, Pitha,Borajolpan,doi,cream,g ur,tilpitha,borpitha,(puffed rice like - hurum,akhoi,muree etc. In the rural areas the men folk remain busy in collecting necessary items such as 'Tara Pogha' (ropes for the cattle) prepared out of slices of 'Tara' - (an indigenous creeper) and vegetables such as raw turmeric, brinjal, gourd etc for the next days 'Garu Bihu'.

The first day of the Bihu is dedicated to the cattle (Goru), as cows and bullocks provide them with means of

livelihood through farming .

On this day, early in the morning the cows and bullocks are ceremonially bathed in a river and ponds.

Their feet are washed; horns and hoofs are painted various colours and are adorned with flower garlands. Cut pieces of the vegetables like brinjal, gourd etc. are offered to them. Their old ropes are cut and they are let loose for the day. On this day, they are permitted to pasture in any field without restraint. On returning from the river everybody takes a special bath and the younger people seek the blessings of their elders.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, APRIL 12

PAGE 3

National seminar in northeast culture at saint claret college

ET Correspondent Ziro, Apr 11: A two-day national seminar on "Tribals in the contemporary context: Myriad perspectives from Northeast India" was organized by the Department of Anthropology of Saint Claret College, Ziro, on April 9-10.

The Seminar was marked by 4 Key Note addresses, 38 paper presentations by scholars from 9 states of India, and an anthropological tour to Hong village which hosts Myoko festival

this year. The Seminar was part funded by Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), Bhopal, and Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).

Inaugurating the Seminar and releasing the Book of Abstracts, Shri. Marnya Ete, IAS, Commissioner, Education, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, congratulated the College for organizing the Seminar and invited the delegates to conduct original research into

the life and culture of Northeast India to preserve and enhance the best in it. In his Key Note, Dr. Jose K., SVD, Director of Sanskriti, underlined the pluricultural nature of the Northeast and the need for envisioning a desirable future. There were four concurrent sessions for paper presentations on four different thrust areas - tribal governance, socio-cultural issues, bio-cultural and biophysical issues, and other tribal-related matters. The Plenary Session on the second day consisted of two

Key Note addresses-by Shri. Batem Pertin, Director of Research, on the topic: "Arunachal Pradesh, a unique cultural zone of North East India," and by Dr. Fr. Paulson Veliyannoor, Principal of SCCZ, on the mimetic theory of Rene Girard and the viability of its application to the Northeastern cultures. In the Valedictory Key Note, Dr. Simon John, Director-incharge of Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies,

shared his expertise on how to document Folklore and Cross Cultural Sensitivity.

Dr. P. Sankara Rao, Assistant Keeper of IGRMS, chaired the Valedictory and awarded the certificates.

He congratulated the college for its initiatives in research and assured support for its similar undertakings in future as well. For the students of Anthropology of the College, the entire Seminar was a unique experience that would serve them well in their academics ahead.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul makes unannounced visit to Itanagar Women Police Station A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Apr 11: Continuing with his unannounced visit, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today took a tour of the first all-women police station of the state near bank tinali. Speaking to the women police personnel, he informed that women police stations will be opened in all the districts with creation of 400 posts for women police to be posted in these police stations.

the requirements and asked the works department to speed up the construction of a common toilet with bathroom facility and an attached toilet room for the officer’s cabin along with promise to depute a sweeper. Also he took a walk around the campus to survey for the construction of boundary wall. He further asked the contractor to build a RCC wall to accommodate the generator for the police station.

In addition, women police personnel will be detailed in police beats in all strategic points in the urban areas and in public transport to prevent crimes against women.

As a major step for providing better facilities to the women police, the government has also kept a provision of Rs 44 Crore in the budget estimate 2016-17 for construction of women police stations including housing facilities in all the districts, informed the CM.

The official requested the CM for the old police barrack presently occupied by their male counterpart to be handed over to women police station to accommodate the women police personnel.

They informed the women police station has 45 women police personnel and was short of rooms in the present occupied building.

Since most women personnel were working mother, they also requested for a crèche or a baby care centre and said that such facility would be first of its kind in the entire country. Also they requested to increase IRBN personnel for women police station as they were short of manpower. They further requested that dispensary room be opened 24 hours to serve police personnel working late at night.

The police official asked for more police vehicle required for emergency police movement and also for drop and pick up facility for women police personnel serving late at night. The CM assured to provide four more vehicles along with the drivers as per the re-

Miscreant Stolen Computer items from BDO Office Aalo East Aalo, Apr 11: Some unknown miscreants entered the office of Block Development Officer Aalo East by breaking the lock of main entry door and stolen one ASUS Computer set, one COMPAQ Computer Set and one HP Deskjet 1510 Printer on 7th April night last.

FIR has been lodged at Aalo Police Station against unknown culprit.

quirement mentioned, and informed that the government has already sanctioned funds for procurement of 228 police vehicles. To facilitate the stay of women police personnel in the capital city, he assured on making provisions for government residences in the city who were now currently staying in rented house.

The CM further sought suggestion on having an exclusive women police officer of not below the rank of deputy superintendent of police to register and initiate proceedings related to crime against women. The police officials informed

that such high ranking police officials were required especially for high profile case, where the official could be empowered to approve cases to be registered.

The discussion came up with suggestion that there was need to create more posts for women police officers to which the CM expressed doubts if such reserved posts would be left without any qualified applicants.

Promising to address the requirements of the women police station, the CM assured to provide a lockup cell. Also he was informed of the requirement for a per-

manent site for the women police station as the present building belonged to the department of industries.

Taking tour of the women police station, the CM inspected on the condition of toilet, kitchen, office rooms and police resting rooms.

For the entire office, there was only a single common toilet room temporarily arranged in a makeshift building, which was used by the visitors as well. Several office rooms had leakage roofs; in the ladies resting rooms, the kitchen had no water facilities.

The CM assured to meet all

Poll violence in Barpeta, 1 killed, 3 including 2 CRPF men injured A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Apr 11: In an untoward incident during the second phase of the election at the Barpeta district today, a over 90-yearold voter was killed and three others, including two CRPF personnel, were injured in a clash between the central force and voters.

The incident took place in the Sorbhog contituency in Barpeta district in the after-

Bomdila, Apr 11: Cleanliness drive under the national campaign of Swachh Bharat Mission was organized in the entire township of Bomdila on 9th April, 2016.

Spearheading the cleanliness drive by District Ad-

The WASE held a joint operation on April 8 last with the Sille Police headed by SI Lowang at Oyan village, and caught one Mohan Tamut. He was caught from his study house with three grams of brown sugar in his possession.

Contd. from Page 1

equipped with water, toilet and sanitation facilities and also proper office rooms with attached toilet facilities.

On entering the police station, he first checked the duty chart to get information on the working shifts.

The CM suggested introducing a new working hours to a rotating schedule of 8hour shift each for morning, afternoon and night shifts.

An addict himself, Tamut sold drugs to the youths of Sille village, Oyan and

He said further that besides your service to people, the job you hold is also a mean to look for welfare of your own family. So treat it with respect, and be responsible in your duty, said the CM and assured that the government is ever ready to commit for the welfare of the police.

The information about the drugs came to light when the WASE team caught and interrogated some youths of Pasighat who were intoxicated with the same. The culprit is in custody and a case has The CM in his tour also been registered in Sille asked to check for water faoyan 04/16 under cilities in toilet room of all officers’ cabin. He entered 21(A) NDPS Act. WASE general secretary Joya Tasung Moyong appealed to the youths to not indulge in such dreadful activities, and assured to uproot and do the best to put a halt on the menace.

ministration at the initiative of Deputy Commissioner, Bomdila Dr. Sonal Swaroop, IAS. It was organized by the nodal agency, Urban Development and Housing Deptt. The mass social service coincided with Govt. of India's order to conduct Swachta

Pakwada w.e.f 1st to 15th April, 2016 commemerating Ambedkar Jayanti on 14th April, 2016.

The Govt. officials and general public of Bomdila participated in the mass cleanliness drive. (DIPRO)

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul make surprise visit to Itanagar Police Station

He inspected the under construction building for police station where IRBN personnel are stationed temporarily. The CM rushed to check the toilet facilities that was stinking and kept unclean though it had proper water facilities.

Coming out of the toilet, he advised the IRBN personnel to keep their living room clean and hygienic, who were earlier lined up for a brief instruction. He advised them to serve themselves first and then they would be able to garner respect of the public and be able to serve them better.

The disorderly way you maintain of yourself will reflect in your commitment to your duty and discipline, the CM and added that Pasighat Township. He said no one will come to clean has reportedly almost your toilet; it has to be by sold out his entire sup- yourself.

ply of drugs beforehand.

said.

All the four were rushed to the Barpeta Medical College Hospital where Abdul Rashid was declared dead.

Both the CRPF men were admitted to the hospital, while Motleb Ali was discharged after primary treatment. The situation was soon brought under control and voting continued normally, said district administration officials.

Cleanliness drive under swachta pakwada organised in bomdila township

Drug peddler nabbed Pasighat, Apr 11: In another major breakthrough the Women Against Social Evil (WASE) a women’s team of East Sing district nabbed a drug peddler from Oyan village, East Siang district.

noon hours. The situation turned disruptive at Safarkamar polling station when CRPF men asked voters to stand in line properly leading to arguments and jostling, district election officials said.

In the scuffle, voter Abdul Rashid, 80, another voter Motleb Ali as well as CRPF Assistant Commandant Naval Kishore and constable Amarjeet were injured, they

each toilet room, and checked to see the water facilities. On finding none of the toilet had running water facilities; he directed the works department officials for immediate rectification and sought proposals for any further improvement.

The CM also inspected the common toilet erected in a makeshift structure outside the police station built with CGI sheets. He instructed the department to prepare estimate and proposal and to start works for immediate construction of toilet building with four set of toilet facilities. He further advised the police officials to keep the police station clean, upon finding huge heaps of garbage lying outside.

In another surprise move, the CM also inspected the lockup rooms and met the inmates who were arrested on money laundering case.

He asked them about their background and their family. He asked about the facilities in the lockup – the food they eat, the level of health and hygiene maintained in the lockup. Upon learning that the inmates are provided with two meals a day, the CM instructed to provide them with breakfast and tea, as the same facilities provided in the jail.

In a scene that went emotional with inmates crying profusely, the CM calmly advised them to look for healthy means of livelihood and not to make their family members feel ashamed.

He said the police are not here to punish you; they are not your enemy. You have broken the law, so they have no choice but to arrest you, said the CM. However, he informed them they could make best use of the moment spent in jail for which the government is coming up with new proposals to bring back the law-breakers to lead a normal life. The CM informed that the government will give opportunity for the inmates to learn skills to secure their livelihood by converting jail to skill training schools.

Speaking to the jawans on duty, on the role of the policemen, the CM said the police have to be a role model for the society; someone whom people can trust.

So it is important that you maintain your mental health and keep yourself physically fit.

He said the police are the one to get first news on all sorts of bad news and crimes being committed that could affect our mental health and even affect the sanctity of our family. So in such condition, it becomes imperative that they be mentally strong and remain positive. To prevent mental fatigue and stress due to the nature of duty, he asked them to practise yoga and meditation as these exercises will help you in having a positive outlook and preparing you to take on life’s challenges.

The CM assured that the government will provide full backing to policemen on duty, but with expectations that police also perform their duty sincerely and diligently. He, however, warned that the government would not hesitate to initiate on-spot suspension or termination of erring policemen.

He also assured to release the election honorarium for the policemen for their last three election duty. This was promptly granted after a jawan spoke up to put their grievances, which was made on the request of the CM after he asked them to.

Speaking on facilities for police personnel, he informed about the police welfare measures implemented recently by the state government, such as grant for uniform to be deposited directly in their personal account and hike in ration money from Rs 600 to Rs 1000 per month.

He also informed that helicopters will be requisitioned specially for police personnel to be deployed anywhere in the state in the event of law and order breakdown.

Further, helicopters will also be mobilised in the event of flood, natural calamity or for any emergency patient evacuation. On the unused vehicles lying outside the police station, seized from accused and other condemned police vehicles, the CM instructed for its immediate disposal as per the procedure.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, APRIL 12

PAGE 4

84% poll in Chirang Repolling in Gossaigaon LAC, 82 % poll turn

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Apr 11:Two constituencies in Chirang district has recorded over 84 percent poll on Monday that Assam assembly poll was held along with others parts of the state on the second phase.

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Apr 11: Around 82 percent poll turn was recorded in three constituencies in Kokrajhar district,besides a repolling was declared for EVM anomalies at 24-polling station at Kachugaon LP school on the second phase Assam assembly polls.

In 31-Sidli LAC, the polling was recorded 83.34% till 5pm while polling in 33-Bijni LAC was turn 85% in the district.

Voters coming out to the polling stations to participate in the second phase of Assam assembly poll, held in free and fair manner in the district without any reports of untoward incident from all areas of the two-constituencies.

Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Jalukbari LAC BJP candidate Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on way to casts her valuable vote during 2nd phase assembly poll at Amingaon High School.

Pic - UB Photos

Darrang recorded an average poll percentage of 82.5

ET Correspondent Mangaldai Apr 11 : Along with the sixty one assembly constituencies of the state election held peacefully in four constituencies namely

PM Modi doesn't speak truth: Manmohan Singh Dispur (Assam), Apr. 11 (ANI): Former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday hit back at his successorNarendra Modi over his remark that the nation suffered because of 'backseat driving' and a 'remote control' government, saying the latter knows that he does not speak the truth.

"I don't want to criticize the Prime Minister. He knows that what he says is not true," Dr. Singh told the media here after casting his vote in the second phase of the ongoing Assam Assembly polls.

Expressing confidence of the Congress' comeback in Assam, Dr. Singh said the voters of the state will reward the grand old party for the good work which it has done for the people in the last 15 years.

Launching a blistering attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Modi had last week said the nation has suffered enough from 'backseat driving' and asked the people of Assam not to hand over the 'remote control' into anyone's hands.

"The country has suffered enough from this backseat driving. Should Assam be allowed to be destroyed through this backseat driving?

They are not interested in the country. Don't give the remote control into anyone's hands," he said while addressing a poll meeting in Raha town in Assam's Nagaon district.

Prime Minister Modi also asked the people to elect a BJP-led government with absolute majority and defeat the forces which were spreading rumours to create political instability in Assam.

The Prime Minister has repeatedly alleged that the former Congressled UPA regime was being run by 'remote control' and that there were "two power centres" with Congress president Sonia Gandhi taking all important decisions.

Meanwhile, brisk polling is underway for the final phase of assembly elections in Assam.

Voting is being held in 61 constituencies covering the lower and central parts of the state in this phase.

Around 55.28 percent polling has been reported till 1 p.m.

A total of 525 candidates are in the fray in this phase. The Election Commission has set up 148 model polling stations in the second and final phase of Assam assembly polls.

Kalaigaon , Sipajhar , Mangaldai (SC) and Dalgaon under Darrang election district. Barring some incidents of EVM replacements in a few polling

stations including No.72 Gabhora ME school and No.73 Bheruadol LP school due to technical reasons , there is no untoward incident has been reported till

late this evening . According to the District Information and Public Relation officer , Darrang Samar Kalita till the schedule time 5 PM of polling the district recorded an average poll percentage of 82.5 with an increase of more than 3% to that of the average polling record of 2011 assembly election.

The Sipajhar LAC which earlier recorded the lowest 75.73% polling in last assembly poll recorded the highest poll percentage of 84 , followed by 83 in Mangaldai , 82 in Kalaigaon and 81 in religious minority dominated Dalgaon LAC .However this figure is likely to increase after the final compilation of poll records of all the polling stations as reportedly polling could not be completed even after the schedule time as electorates were still in queue .

UBI branch inaugurated ET Correspondent Teok, Apr 11: The newly constructed office building of the United Bank of India (UBI) Teok Boloma branch situated at the heart of the Teok town of Jorhat district was today inaugurated with a colorful function.

The newly constructed office building was inaugurated by Dr Akan Chandra Saikia ex- Principal of Kakajan college.

CRM of UBI Jorhat branch Mr Prasanna Kumar Samal, CM Mr P.K.Saha, CM Mr N.K. Rath , BM of the branch Mr Benudhar Borah and all staff of the Boloma branch were present at the function . There were more

UBI branch inaugurated in Teok than hundreds of invites were also available at the

inaugural function of the bank.

NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of Kollam fire tragedy New Delhi, April.11 (ANI): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of devastating fire due to explosion in the stored crackers in the premises of crowded Puttingal Devi Temple in Kollam (Kerala), which led to deaths of around 107 people and left over 400 injured.

According to reports, the temple authorities had gone ahead with a competitive pyrotechnics display despite the denial of permission from the Kollam district administration.

The Commission has issued

notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala as well as the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Kollam and demanded reports in the matter within four weeks.

The Chief Secretary has been asked to apprise the Commission about the steps taken by the State Government to ensure that such incidents do not occur in future.

The Commission, while issuing the notices, has also observed that the life of hundreds of people was at risk by such an event organised by the Temple authorities, who despite having been de-

nied the permission by the District administration decided to go ahead.

According to the media reports, huge quantity of crackers, meant to be burst to mark the conclusion of the MeenaBharani festival, exploded, killing over 40 persons instantly, maiming many more and causing extensive damage to the nearby buildings.

The disaster struck when a cracker, meant to explode in the air, fell to the ground, sending sparks flying in all directions. The spark ignited the crackers which were stored in a storehouse in the temple premises.

According to Gossaigaon district election officer,the repolling was declared at Kachugaon LP School polling following EVM anomalies during ongoing voting on the day.The anomalies was intimated to the higher authorit of the election commission and date would be fixed whenever it would held, said election officer.

Around 84 percent poll turn was recorded in the district by 5pm, with 84 percent poll in 30-Kokrajhar east LAC,83 percent in 28Gossaigaon LAC and 81 percent poll turn in 29Kokrajhar west LAC,an election officer told in Kokrajhar.

Voters from irrespective of communities come out on a enthusiastic mood and turn in long queue to the voting centres to cast their votes o the second phase Assam asembly polls since early morning, the polls was started from 7 am all over the region, included Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) area.

Sitting MLA and BPF candidate for Kokrajhar east LAC Pramila Rani Brahma,UPP candidate Pratibha Brahma cast her vote at Town JB LP school polling centre,BPF candidate for Kokrajhar west

Photos of old age persons coming forward to the polling centre to vote on Monday in Kokrajhar.

Rabiram Narzary his vote at Uttamasen ME school polling station,UPP president and Kokrajhar west candidate Urkhao Gwra Brahma cast his vote at Chalani Batabari LP school polling station, BTC executive member Rajib Brahma cast vote at Bhalukmari LP School polling station in the early morning.

said, ‘We have(alliance parties) confidence of winning of majority seats in both first and second phase polls in the state. There would be no possibility of winning majority seats from CongressUPP alliance party,besides AIUDF also less seats in the polls. Government would be formed from BJP led alliance parties’.

Sitting MLA and BPF candidate for Kokrajhar east Pramila Rani Brahma said, ‘We have been forming alliance government at Dispur on the blessing of citizens’ support.This time common voters are extending support us, besides voting in favour of alliance parties that is why the grand alliance is making their grand scoring of majority results. She also said that her winning is sure for six consecutive terms from Kokrajhar east seat this time too’.

Rabiram Narzary, BPF candidate for Kokrajhar west

UPP president Brahma expressed his hopeful that Congress-UPP alliance party is winning majority seats in both first and second phases polls, government would be formed by alliance party with no doubt.He has claimed that this time common voters are extending support to the Congress-UPP party to gain social integration and uplift among society.

Binay Kumar Brahma, a professor by profession said, ‘We are feeling very excited to be involved to cast our votes on the polls

in a peaceful manner.We have cast our votes to elect our peoples representative.

Voters come out to be participating in the polls since early morning’.

Sumi Das,a college going student, after participating voting exercise at Vidyapith High School polling station said that it was a happy moment for voters that this time polls was held in a peaceful manner without any incidents in the region.

Pradip Dey,a voter in Uttamachen ME School polling centre said that this is a very peaceful and happy moment to participate in the assembly polls, that was passed off in enthusiatic situation.

‘We have never seen such a healthy and pleasant situation during polls in the region.It was a laudable arrangement on the day by concern commission’,he said.

Ceremonial programme of councillors and others merger into BJP held Spl Correspondent Pasighat, Apr 11: In a mass gathering of BJP workers and its supporters here at BJP Mandal Office today, a ceremonial programme of INC councillors’ merger into BJP besides joining of more than 150 INC loyalists from Tekang, Yagrung, Runne and other village under Bosing Banggo region to BJP was held.

MLA Kaling Moyong and Mandal President Obit Tamuk opined hope that BJP will become people’s choice in days to come.

While welcoming the new joining members by putting BJP badges, Moyong opined hope that development fund man-

agement would be easy and smooth as there is BJP led government in the centre and its party MLA representing Pasighat besides PPA government having good rapport with BJP in the centre. Moyong also quoted that PMC has got

the power to function in free and fair manner and there would be no political interference in PMC's official function. He urged the councilors to work with dedication holding BJP party ideology besides maintaining closer relation with party high command.

Moyong took reference of state's Chief Minister Kalikho Pul for enhancing student's stipend and labour wages. The effort of the Pul will encourage the student communities for higher study, while it will boost economy of the poor labour families.

Avove 80 percent voter turn out recorded as second phase of Assam assembly elections concludes Contd. from Page 1 However election commission officials said that the numbers are still being counted, and the final figure could go up.

The 2016 Assam election saw neck to neck contest between the ruling Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which contested the polls in alliance with Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) and two smaller players representing the tiwa and rabha communities.

The Congress party, which has been in power in Assam uninterrupted since 2001, was seen battling heavy anti-incumbency this time around.

‘Porivorton’, meaning change, had almost become the

buzzword in the charged up Assam political atmosphere.

The BJP, which till recently was a marginal player in Assam’s politics (in the last assembly election it managed to win just five seats) had been seeing its fortunes swelling in Assam since the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Riding on the ‘Modi wave’, the party performed unexpectedly well in Assam in 2014. It won seven of the 14 Lok Sabha seats, with the Congress managing to win just three.The anti-incumbency against the Congress in this election also favoured the BJP as it could position itself as a serious alternative political force in Assam’s politics.

The reason behind BJP’s spectacular 2014 performance was because it could make good inroads into upper Assam

constituencies, which were Congress’ stronghold. In this assembly election too, the party is hoping for a repeat of 2014 in upper Assam, which went to poll in the first phase on April 4. If the party can manage to sweep upper Assam, as it did in 2014, it would surely emerge as a strong contender for government formation.

Almost all the constituencies that went to poll on Monday, spread across central and lower Assam, have sizeable Muslim voters. At least 25 constituencies, out of the 61, have Muslims in majority. The Muslims had been traditionally Congress’ trusted vote-base. But with the arrival of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in Assam political scene in 2005, headed by cleric Maulana Badruddin Ajmal,

there have been erosions in Congress Muslim vote-base.

The central and lower Assam have dominant migrant Bengali-Muslim population and Ajmal, being a Bengalispeaking, finds greater appeal among them. In 2014 Lok Sabha poll, AIUDF swept lower Assam, upstaging the Congress. For Congress, regaining ground in lower Assam becomes crucial to remain as a probable in government formation post results on May 19.

Many of the constituencies, which went to poll on Monday, saw tough contest between the Congress and the AIUDF. In second phase, the Congress had fielded 57 candidates, followed by AIUDF (47), BJP (35), AGP(19) and BPF (10). There were altogether 1,04,35,271 voters in second phase of poll.

REGION

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, APRIL 12

PAGE 5

House gutted in fire in city Eight militants from Bangladesh surrender in Tripura

House gutted in fire in city

Shilliong, Apr 11 : The house of a prominent city-based businessman Modrick Nongkynrih was gutted in a fire that broke out around 9 AM on Sunday morning.

Short circuit is said to be responsible for the

fire that gutted the house located at Mawlai Nonglum. The fire also destroyed a beauty parlour that was being run in the house.

No injury was reported and the total estimate of the damage is yet to be ascertained.

Independent Garo MLA eyes vacant Tura LS seat Shillong, Apr 11 : Independent legislator from Rongara-Siju constituency and Parliamentary Secretary in charge Information and Public Relations, Rophul S. Marak, is keen to contest the vacant Tura Lok Sabha seat.

The seat fell vacant following the demise of sitting MP from Tura, Purno A Sangma, on March 4.

The Election Commission is yet to announce the date for the by-poll.

Sources on Sunday said Marak has the support of many legislators including Independents and even Congress MLAs to contest the vacant seat.

When contacted, Marak did not deny the move and said he was assessing the situation.

Earlier, the NPP leadership had appealed to the political parties and individuals not to put up any candidate for the Tura seat as a mark of respect to the departed soul of Purno.

Though the name of NPP national president Conrad Sangma is doing

the rounds as the party candidate to contest the Tura seat, the party is yet to officially declare his candidature.

NPP’s principal rival Congress is in a dilemma as the party is not able to decide on a candidate who can win the seat this time after Purno had won the seat nine times and his daughter Agatha Sangma one time.

In the 2014 polls, Purno had defeated young Daryl Momin of the Congress by a margin of 39,716 votes.

Sources said that while the chief minister is keen to field Momin once again, the AICC and the State party leadership want a more suitable candidate to take on the NPP nominee.

Earlier, last month, in a meeting held at the residence of Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Zenith Sangma, many Congress legislators had supported his candidature for the Tura seat.

But the party is not keen to spare Zenith as the Assembly polls are just two years away.

Rape, murder case: Special prosecutor demanded Shillong, Apr 11 : The CSWO (Irene) has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma demanding appointment of a Special Prosecutor to handle the case relating to the rape and murder of 19-yearold Shailinia Kharrymba at Upper Shillong.

The organization led by Irene Hujon has urged the chief minister to appoint Additional Advocate General W.H.D. Syngkon who had earlier been ap-

pointed as Special Prosecutor in a case relating to Corphilia Nongkynrih who was murdered by Tenderlywell Hynniewta in 2002.

The CSWO (I) also demanded death sentence for the accused and his accomplices, if any.

Stating that the gruesome rape and murder is not only condemnable but despicable, the organization said such crimes should be dealt with a firm hand.

Agartala (Tripura), Apr. 11 : Eight militants of the banned National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) laid down their arms before Tripura police on Sunday.

The militants of the Biswamohan faction decamped from their base camp at Khagracheri in the Chittagong Hill Tracks (CHT) of Bangladesh.

According to police source during the wee hours the militants have

reportedly crossed the border and surrendered before the Superintendent of Police, Special Branch (SP SB) Arindam Nath and BSF in fence gate of border out post Sewarmapara under Anandbazar police station of remote Kanchanpur sub-division in North Tripura, around 230 Km from here.

At present NLFT (BM) outfit is facing scarcity of funds and the condition of lower cadres is

miserable. The frequent joint operations of BD Army and BGB in Rangamati and Khagrachari districts and proposed establishment of new proposed BOPs of BGB in Chittagong Hill Tracts are also creating a huge problem to the outfit for free movement in Bangladesh.

The militants have been identified as Halongsa Tripura alis Khalangsa, Laxmanjoy Tripura alis Nandaranifa, Tarun

Mohan Tripura, Mritumjo Tripura, Debsingh Reang, Mojoiram Reang, Kusum Tripura and Bijay Debbarma.

The militants deposited one AK 47 rifle, one INSAS rifle, one G3 rifle, one Fusil Automatique rifle and one SLR, magazines, huge quantity of ammunition and two Chinese grenades.

The militants had returned along with their family members,

though their number could not be confirmed.

The surrender is a big jolt to the NLFT especially at a time when the organization is plagued with weak finances, disillusioned cadres and frequent rifts within itself.

According to the Tripura government at present there are no militant camp in Tripura and only few militants of the NLFT who did not come back

to normal life and live across the border and keep changing their location under the pressure of the Bangladesh security forces especially in the CHT. Tripura has 856 km border with Bangladesh and around eight five percent of it has been fenced by barbed wire except few pockets in the densely populated and difficult terrains where work is under progress. (ANI)

CM calls for support to those involved in bamboo sector

Shireen Mistry awarded honorary MBE

by Prince William

Shillong, Apr 11 : Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Saturday attended the Global Bamboo Summit which was held at Indore from April 8 to 10.

The event was jointly organized by the Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE), New Delhi and National Agro Forestry and Bamboo Mission (NABM), New Delhi.

Addressing the Summit as the Chief Guest on the second day during the session “Bamboo in North East Region”, Sangma pointed out that North East accounted for nearly 66 per cent of the total bamboo growing stock and 28 per cent of the

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma bamboo bearing areas of the country.

He said that the government must incentivize the micro entrepreneurs engaged in bamboo sector and hoped that through continuous efforts the full potential of bam-

boo sector will be tapped thus making it the driving force of the economy, paving way for a bamboo-based, eco-friendly and green economy.

He added that bamboo plantation must be remunerative in order to

ensure its sustainability.

He also felt that there is need to ensure that there is a convergence of thoughts of all the North Eastern states to overcome the issues related to bamboo growing.

The Chief Minister also recommended the need of a joint meeting of the government and the North Eastern states in this regard to be facilitated by DoNER and to have a separate summit for bamboo growers of the region as North East is the largest bamboo growing region in the country.

It may be mentioned that the focal theme of the summit was “Bamboo

for Sustainable Development” and it was held with the primary objective of soliciting global cooperation in bamboo sector for making bamboo an agent for poverty alleviation and climate change.

Issues of appropriate variety of bamboo, availability, up gradation of skills in manufacturing niche products, marketing and harnessing its business potential were discussed during the three-day summit by participants from across the globe. Also present at the session was Forest Minister, Madhya Pradesh, Gauri Shankar Shejwar and Joint Secretary, DoNER, A M Singh.

Will bring in foreign faculty to improve hr. edn in NE: Minister Agartala, Apr 11 : The government will bring in foreign faculty to improve the quality of higher education in the north eastern region, union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Ram Shankar Katheria has said.

“The government will do everything, including bringing of foreign faculty and development of infrastructure, to improve the quality of higher education in the northeastern states,” Katheria told IANS. “The northeast region is a priority area for the central government. We will make all-out efforts for the development of higher educational institutions in the region,” he added.

Katheria, who was here this week and inaugurated a newly-constructed Golden Jubilee Knowledge Centre at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Agartala, and opened an academic building at the Tripura Central University, was speaking to IANS on the recent ranking of higher educa-

tional institutions in India.

“We will include higher educational institutions of northeast India with the global educational network for their advancement. In the coming years, you will see the improvement,” the minister said.

Assam’s Tezpur University, Guwahati’s Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Meghalaya’s North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), have figured prominently in rankings released recently by the union Human Resource Development ministry.

Of the eight northeastern states, higher educational institutions of Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh failed to feature in the first university rankings, done by the HRD ministry under its National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) programme.

Eight universities of northeast India featured in the 100 best universities picked up in the NIRF while four technical institutions of the region figured in 100 best engineering institutes

(research and teaching).

The Rajiv Gandhi Indian Institute of Management in Shillong and the Department of Business Administration in Tezpur University (Assam) figured in the 50 best ranking of management institutions (Research and Teaching), while the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Assam’s Dibrugarh University secured a position in the 50 best pharmacy institutes (research and teaching) in the national rankings.

The Tezpur University was recently judged the best university among 40-odd central universities and conferred the Visitor’s award. The 22year-old central university has made remarkable progress in the last two decades since its initiation. Tezpur University Vice-chancellor Mihir K. Chaudhuri told IANS: “The university, despite its location in a far-flung area, has been steadily doing study and innovation works. We have a clear vision of the research and quality education and we are working in that direction.”

“We are happy to be

ranked fifth among the universities in India. We feel optimistic that the combined hard work led by our vice-chancellor has been recognised nationally,” Rajeev Doley, who is also Director of Centre for Inclusive Development in Tezpur University, said.

According to the NIRF, Tezpur University in northern Assam was in fifth place among 100 Indian universities, followed by NEHU in Shillong (15th), Guwahati University (22nd), Mizoram University (51st), Sikkim University (61st), Dibrugarh University (74th), Assam University in Silchar (77th) and Tripura Central University (88th).

In all, four technical institutions of the region figured in 100 best engineering institutes (research and teaching).

These are Indian Institute of Technology in Guwahati (11th), Tripura’s National Institute of Technology (52nd), NIT, Shillong (57th) and NIT, Silchar (65th).

NIT Agartala director Gopal Mugeraya told

IANS: “Though our NIT got 52nd position, our achievements among the 31 NITs in India are remarkable. The placement percentage in the NIT is over 85 percent. Among this year’s 519 final year students, 477 have been already chosen by various government and private companies for jobs.”

“Over Rs.16 crore research and development projects are being implemented by our faculties and students,” Mugeraya said, sounding a little upset with the ranking of his institute.

Tripura Central University registrar Onkar Sadhan Adhikari told IANS: “Among the central universities in India, our university rank is 21st.

Though we have to do a lot, among the 700 odd central, state and deemed universities in India, Tripura University is almost a front runner.”

“In just eight years after becoming central university from a state university, we have achieved a lot.

There would be remarkable improvement in the near future as we have undertaken a lot of programmes,” Adhikari told IANS.

3-member committee to monitor content of govt ads New Delhi, Apr 11 : The Centre has formed a three- member committee, headed by former Chief Election Commissioner B B Tandon, to check violations of the Supreme Court guidelines with regard to content in government advertising.

Apart from Tandon, the other two members of the committee are Editor-in-Chief of India TV Rajat Sharma

and Piyush Pandey, Executive Chairman South Asia, Ogilvy and Mather, an official statement said here today.

The Committee would also recommend corrective action to the Ministry or Department.

The Information and Broadcasting ministry, in the statement, said in compliance with Supreme Court directions dated May 13, 2015, it

has constituted the committee to address issues related to content regulation in government advertising.

The Supreme Court had in its May 13, 2015 order laid down criteria as per which government advertisements can only carry pictures of certain dignitaries like the President, Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India.

Subsequently, modify-

ing its earlier order, the apex court allowed that Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, Governors and State Ministers can now appear in government advertisements.

Tenure of the members would be initially for a period of two years which shall be extendable by one year at a time, but overall extension should not be more than two times.

The committee would be operational from Delhi and Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity would facilitate day-to-day its functioning, it added.

The names were chosen by a selection panel headed by Chairman of Press Council of India Justice (Retd) Chandramauli Kumar Prasad.

As per the Terms of Reference, the Com-

mittee would, interalia, address complaints from the general public of violation of the guidelines set out by the Supreme Court, the statement said.

The Committee may recommend suitable changes to the Supreme Court guidelines to deal with new circumstances and situations that may arise from time-totime, without making

major policy changes within the policy direction of Supreme Court, the statement said.

The Committee shall not be bound by any legal rules of evidence and may follow such procedure as appears to it to be fair and proper for swift settlement of grievances.

For all decisions of the Committee, the view of majority would prevail, the statement said. (PTI)

Mumbai, Apr 11 : Shireen D Mistry, former Head of Communications and Public Affairs of the British Deputy High Commission for Western India, was awarded an honorary MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge here today.

"Her Majesty The Queen has approved the award of an honorary MBE to Shireen Dinshaw Mistry, an Indian citizen, in recognition of her contribution towards building strong relations between India and the United Kingdom," an official release said here.

Mistry worked at the British Deputy High Commission, Mumbai for 23 years, between 1992 and 2015, running their Communications and Public Affairs department for Western India.

She was presented with her honorary MBE by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge during the Royal couple's visit here today, the release said.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Mumbai, Kumar Iyer, said "Shireen has been a powerful and impressive advocate for strong and friendly relations between India and the UK. On top of that she has been the link between the media in Western India and the British Government and a popular, high profile member of the British Deputy High Commission staff.

"I am delighted that Her Majesty has graciously approved this award and that His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge has agreed to present it to Shireen. She deserves it," Iyer added.

Mistry is a graduate of Mumbai University (St Xavier's College, where she co-founded its popular annual festival Malhar) and of Oxford University (Somerville College).

She worked as a journalist before joining the British Deputy High Commission.

The Order of the British Empire (which has several ranks) is the order of chivalry of British democracy.

Valuable service is the criterion for the award. Citizens from other countries may also receive an honorary award for services rendered to the United Kingdom and its people.

The MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) was created in 1917 by King George V to recognise the contribution of a greater range of people to the British war effort and with the post-war intention to reward services in a wider sense.

Under the MBE, women and foreigners were included in an order of chivalry for the first time, it added. (PTI)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, APRIL 12

PAGE 6

Temple fire: Toll rises to 109, six persons booked Kollam (Ker), Apr 11 : Police has registered a case against six persons, including members of temple managing committee and associates of firework contractors, on attempt to murder and other charges in connection with the Putttingal Devi temple fire tragedy, even as the toll rose to 109 Five persons have also been held for questioning but the police did not the reveal the identity of those booked and detained.

The accused were charged under Section 307 (attempt to murder) and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide)

of IPC and Section four of the Explosives Substances Act, police said.

"The crime branch has initiated the investigation by collecting evidence from the mishap spot at the temple complex," ADGP (Crime Branch) S Ananthakrishnan, heading the Crime Branch special investigation team, told PTI here.

"More persons will be included as accused after collecting documents and evidence," Ananthakrishnan said.

Among the accused are associates of two contractors, Surendran and Krishnakutty, who conducted the competitive

Malaysian state sets stage for polls amid scandal Kuala Lumpur, Apr 11 : Malaysia's Sarawak state dissolved its assembly today, the country's official news agency Bernama reported, paving the way for an election that is being closely scrutinised for its impact on a huge financial scandal.

Prime Minister Najib Razak and his nationally ruling coalition have taken a battering over allegations that billions of dollars were plundered from a state-owned investment fund which he founded.

Parties from the Barisan Nasional (National Front) have long had firm control of Sarawak. But political observers are watching for any signs of eroding support before national elections due by mid-2018.

New polls for Sarawak's state assembly must now be held within 60 days. A date is expected to be set this week.

Sarawak, known for its vast tropical forests, is one of Malaysia's most sparsely inhabited states, yet plays an outsized role in politics.

It is often referred to as a reliable "fixed deposit" of support for the ruling coalition even as Malaysia's opposition has gained ground elsewhere.

Although richly endowed with oil, timber and hydropower resources, its people - many from tribal communities - are among

Malaysia's poorest.

It is one of ten Malaysian states controlled by the Barisan Nasional while three are held by the opposition.

Despite the scandal swirling around the stateowned investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), ruling coalition parties are widely expected to remain in firm overall control of Sarawak.

The opposition and electoral reform advocates say Barisan Nasional parties retain control of the states via "money politics", control of the media, and other means, adding that a recent redrawing of electoral boundaries in Sarawak blatantly favoured the ruling coalition.

Analysts say a strong showing by the coalition could boost its position in the next national polls.

Barisan Nasional has governed Malaysia since independence in 1957.

A recent independent survey found that most people in Sarawak supported the current government and were little influenced by the 1MDB scandal.

Najib, who denies wrongdoing, has weathered the scandal so far by taking steps to scuttle investigations and clamping down on his powerful ruling party.(Agencies)

Shani worship by women will increase rapes: Swaroopanand Saraswati

Swaroopanand Saraswati Haridwar, Apr.11 : With women being allowed to worship in the inner sanctum of the Shani Shingnapur temple in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district, the Shankaracharya of Dwaraka-Sharda Peeth Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati on Monday said that this would result in increase of rape incidents.

"Women entered Shani temple's inner sanctum.

The women are worshipping Shani in the temple.

By doing so, Shani's eyes would fall on women and

this would result in increase of rape incidents," Swaroopanand Saraswati told ANI. Bowing to the Bombay High Court order, the temple trust had last week broke the 400 years tradition and announced that both men and women will henceforth be allowed to enter the inner sanctum and offer their prayers.

The Bhumata Brigade cadres led by Trupti Desai offered prayers at the sanctum sanctorum of the temple following the decision. (ANI)

Narendra Modi visits the site of the tragedy in Kollam Paravoor fire works at the temple, situated at Paravoor, a semi-urban area about 60 km from the state capital

Police said five workers associated with the contractor of the fireworks display have been detained for ques-

tioning.

Meanwhile, three more persons succumbed to injuries at different hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram.

At least 383 injured persons are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Kollam and the state capital.

Government medical teams would visit all hospitals where the injured have been admitted to assess the situation, it said.

The devastating fire had engulfed the 100year-old Puttingal Devi Temple complex near here during an unauthorised display of fireworks early Sunday

morning.

The Kerala government had ordered a judicial probe by a retired High Court Judge as also a probe by Crime Branch.

The tragedy had struck around 3.30 AM during a display of fireworks at the temple complex, where thousands of people had gathered to witness it.

The mishap occurred as sparks of the fireworks fell on the storeroom 'Kambapura' and the fire crackers kept there exploded with a deafening noise. The blaze spread quickly trapping devotees within the complex.(PTI)

Kerry visits Hiroshima memorial 7 decades after A-bomb Hiroshima (Japan), Apr 11 : US Secretary of State John Kerry visited the revered memorial to Hiroshima's atomic bombing today, delivering a message of peace and hope for a nuclear-free world seven decades after the US used the weapon for the first time in history and killed 140,000 Japanese.

Kerry became the most senior American official to travel to city, touring its peace museum with other foreign ministers of the Group of Seven industrialised nations and laying a wreath at the adjoining park's stonearched monument, the exposed steel beams of Hiroshima's iconic ABomb Dome in the distance.

The otherwise somber occasion was lifted by the presence of about 800 Japanese waving flags of the G7 nations, including that of the US. Kerry didn't speak publicly at the ceremony, though could be seen with his arm around Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, a Hiroshima native, and whispering in his

ear. The ministers departed with origami cranes in their respective national colours around their neck, Kerry draped in red, white and blue.

"Everyone in the world should see and feel the power of this memorial," Kerry wrote in the museum's guest book. "It is a stark, harsh, compelling reminder not only of our obligation to end the threat of nuclear weapons, but to rededicate all our effort to avoid war itself."

"War must be the last resort never the first choice," he added. "This memorial compels us all to redouble our efforts to change the world, to find peace and build the future so yearned for by citizens everywhere."

Kerry's appearance, just footsteps away from Ground Zero, completed an evolution for the United States, whose leaders avoided the city for many years because of political sensitivities.

No serving US president has visited the site, and it took 65 years for a US ambassador to attend Hiroshima's annual memorial service.

John Kerry Many Americans believe the dropping of atomic bombs here on August 6, 1945, and on the Japanese city of Nagasaki three days later were justified and hastened the end of the war.

Nevertheless, Japanese survivors' groups have campaigned for decades to bring leaders from the US and other nuclear powers to see Hiroshima's scars as part of a grassroots movement to abolish nuclear weapons.

As Kerry expressed interest, neither Japanese

Duke, Duchess of Cambridge launch start-up awards in Mumbai ably change the world through their technology.

Some of the young entrepreneurs Their Royal Highnesses met today already have some truly amazing innovations.

At the awards launch The Duke and Duchess were highly impressed by the ideas, innovations and energy of all the young entrepreneurs they interacted with. The Duke and Duchess tried out a few letters on a Braille learning machine designed by Sanskriti Dawle, co-founder of Project Mudra and a winner of Tech Rocketship Awards.

They were invited to view and try out a simulator of a Mahindra Formula E racing car, an example of UK-India technology collaboration. They also met Chris Sheldrick, Founder of What3Words, who partner with Indian social enterprise Pollinate to bring lighting to

Supreme Court New Delhi, Apr. 11 : The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), which citing the hefty solatium granted to the family of Akhlaq who was lynched by a mob in Dadri accused the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party Government of adopting a 'discriminatory' compensation policy.

The petitioner in the apex court alleged that the Uttar Pradesh Government didn't follow rules citing that the compensation to victim's family was raised twice.

The compensation was first

raised to Rs. 25 lakh from 10 lakh and was finally raised to Rs. 45 lakh.

The apex court noted that the petitioner should have made Akhlaq's family as party in the case.

Earlier, the Allahabad High Court had dismissed the petition, which was filed by a Mathura-based advocate Ritesh Chaudhary who questioned the state government's decision to allot four plots of land in addition to Rs. 45 lakh as compensation to family members of Akhlaq who was beaten to death by a mob over rumours of beef consumption. (ANI)

Three Indian students stabbed in Ukraine government officials nor survivor groups pressed for the US to say sorry.

And a senior American official travelling with Kerry said no apology would occur.

Shortly before the ceremony, Kerry called it "a moment that I hope will underscore to the world the importance of peace and the importance of strong allies working together to make the world safer and, ultimately, we hope to be able to rid the world of weapons of mass destruction.

(Agencies)

Duke, Duchess of Cambridge launch start-up awards in Mumbai Mumbai, Apr.11 : The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge launched the Tech Rocketship Awards 2016-17 at a GREAT for Collaboration event for young entrepreneurs. The awards aim to identify and support some of India's best and brightest start-ups, helping them to grow and internationalise their businesses.

Now in its third year, the Tech Rocketship Awards an initiative by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in India - provides top Indian start-ups with expert business advice and support from leading professional services companies in the UK. This year the competition gets bigger and better: the ten most promising startups from the competition will win a week-long business trip to the UK. There they will meet venture capitalists, experienced industry leaders and entrepreneurs who will provide them with guidance on how to establish a firm footing abroad - starting with the UK. At the official launch of the Tech Rocketship awards, Kumar Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner Mumbai and Director General of UK Trade and Investment in India said: "We are delighted to have the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge launch the Tech Rocketship Awards today.

We're looking for the next batch of leading Indian entrepreneurs that will prob-

SC dismisses petition challenging UP Govt.'s compensation to Akhlaq's family

less privileged areas in Indian cities.

The launch of the awards by Their Royal Highnesses was followed by a pitching session where four young entrepreneurs showcased their innovations to a panel comprised of business leaders and icons of the entrepreneurial world. The panellists were Anand Mahindra; T.V. Mohandas Pai, of Aarin Capital; Saurabh Srivastava of the Indian Angel Network and young entrepreneur Shradha Sharma of YourStory a leading tech media platform. The event was hosted by Social, a hub for innovators and entrepreneurs during the day and a restaurant in the evening.

Mr. Mahindra said: "The UK is a hotbed of technology and we need to deploy that know-how in India. The Tech Rocketship Awards is exactly the platform that can give young Indian entrepre-

neurs access to the UK's prowess in this sphere.

Mahindra group drives various initiatives to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship both within and outside Mahindra and we are creating a start-up ecosystem that allows it to leverage its strengths and create value for entrepreneurs. I am looking forward to judging the entries for the competition this year."

The awards are a GREAT for Collaboration initiative, aiming to link up fast growing Indian companies with potential UK Venture Capital and finance opportunities. The launch coincides with a delegation of UK Venture Capitalists to India.

Applications are open to entrepreneurs under 40 in India who have been operating a company created from the year 2000 onwards. One winner will be selected from each of five categories - Cleantech, EdTech, Fintech, Medtech and smart manufacturing and a further five winners will be selected in the 'Judges Awards' section, from any sector. The winners will be announced at the -UK-India Technology Summit in New Delhi, in November 2016.

The UK provides an excellent platform for Indian companies to grow their businesses overseas, with world leading financial and professional services and a burgeoning technology sector. (ANI)

New Delhi, Apr. 11 : At least three Indian students studying in Uzhgorod Medical College were stabbed by three Ukrainian nationals on Sunday.

Two students Pranav Shaindilya, hailing from Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar city and Ankur Singh from Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad city succumbed to their injuries while the third Indrajeet Singh Chauhan from Uttar Pradesh's Agra city is undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Based on Chauhan's statement, the police have apprehended the Ukrainian nationals, who were trying to cross the Ukrainian border.

The police have reportedly also recovered passports and documents of the three Indian students and bloodstained knife from the flee-

ing students.

Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the Indian embassy in Kiev has been informed about the incident.

"Our Embassy in Kiev was informed of this incident around 1100 hrs on 10 April 2016, and has been trying to ascertain the facts from the police, the University authorities and other local contacts," Swarup said.

"The Embassy has spoken to the families of the two deceased students. All necessary actions are being taken to complete the formalities for sending the two bodies to India. The Embassy is also taking up the matter related to safety of Indian students strongly with the Foreign Office of Ukraine," he added. (ANI)

Indian Students

Pathankot attack: Red corner notice to be issued against Masood Azhar New Delhi, Apr. 11 : In a major development into the Pathankot attack, a red corner notice is set to be issued against Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar and three others after a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mohali issued arrest warrants against four suspects of the terror group.

According to NIA sources, JeM suspects Kashif Jan and Shahid Latif were involved in the Pathankot attack and played an instrumental role as trainers in the terror outfit.

Masood Azhar, his brother Abdul Rauf, Jan and Latif are being touted as the main culprits into the deadly attack on Indian Air Force Base.

Earlier, the NIA had also secured non-bailable arrest warrants against the four JeM terrorists.

The special court issued the arrest warrant after weighing the evidence presented by the NIA.

During the meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart on April 18 in Moscow, India is likely to take up the issue of China blocking its call to ban Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar at the United Nations.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "India is in constant touch with China on the matter. The issue has already been taken up at high level. There cannot be two sets of rules for judging terrorists."

China stopped the UN sanctions committee from designating Masood Azhar as a terrorist, stating that the case did not meet requirements of the Security Council.

China maintains that designation of any individual as terrorist by the UN is a serious issue, and, therefore, there was a need for more evidence from India for better understanding to ban JeM chief. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, APRIL 12

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

US envoy urges Pak to bring Taliban to negotiation table Kabul, Apr. 11: US Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Olson, has urged Islamabad to influence and bring the Taliban to the negotiation table using its leverage.

"Pakistan has been a very good partner on peace process issues. We encourage Pakistan to use its leverage and influence to help bring Taliban to the table [of negotiations]," Olson told Tolo news in an interview yesterday.

Highlighting the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) meetings and recent efforts made are a step forward in bringing peace and development to the country, Olson asserted that Islamabad was critical to the peace process.

"I think Pakistan is critical to the peace process and we commend the approach that both the government of Afghanistan and the government of Pakistan have taken to come together on peace

US envoy urges Pak to bring Taliban to negotiation table

issues," he added.

Olson, who has been Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan for the past six months, assured Washington's support in bringing peace in Afghanistan.

"The United States is committed to an Afghanled, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process. All the members of the quad, including Afghanistan have signaled that they are prepared to enter the peace process

without any pre-conditions, but unfortunately, the Taliban have not taken up the offer to come to the table," he said.

His statement comes in wake of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's meeting with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Saturday where the latter asserted his government's commitment in fulfilling its promises and leaving no stone unturned in bringing peace in his country. (ANI)

Karki to be Chief Pakistan, India respected partners of US Govt.: Ash Carter Justice of Nepal's Supreme Court

Karki to be Chief Justice of Nepal's Supreme Court Kathmandu, Apr. 11 : The Constitutional Council (CC) has recommended senior-most Justice Sushila Karki as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Karki will be the country's first female chief of the judiciary, reports The Himalayan Times.

A meeting of the Constitutional Council, which was deferred earlier in the absence of Speaker

Onsari Gharti, took the decision in the evening with her consent.

Karki will take charge once the President appoints her after the CC nod.

Karki's nomination is considered yet another milestone in women's leadership in the state mechanism.

Karki is known for her zero tolerance against corruption in the judiciary. (ANI)

One killed, six injured in Kabul blast targeting govt. employees

Lahore, Apr. 11 : United States Defence Secretary Ash Carter asserted that India and Pakistan were equal partners and friends of the US Government and that there was no Indo-Pak hyphenation from their perspective.

The Dawn quoted Carter speaking at the Council of Foreign Relations here ahead of his three-day visit to India saying, "The US has a 'whole global agenda' with India, covering all issues, while the relationship with Pakistan has to do with issues of terrorism and Afghanistan."

Adding that the days are gone when America

only dealt with 'India as the other side of the Pakistan coin or Pakistan as the other side of the India coin', Carter said that both the nations were respected partners and friends and found themselves in very different situations.

"I know that there are those in India and Pakistan who are still glued to that way of thinking.

But the US put that behind us some time ago.

With respect to Pakistan, which also is an important security partner, we have a whole lot of issues of which counter-terrorism looms largest. And we work with the Pakistanis all the time on that," Carter

IS recaptures Syrian town from rebels Beirut (Lebanon), April. 11 : Islamic State (IS) militant group recaptured control of a northern town of Al Rai along Syria's border with Turkey on Monday, days after losing it to rebel forces and allied militants.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has claimed that the militant group captured Al Rai early on Monday morning after intense fighting for the frontier town, report Dawn.

Rami Abdurrahman, the Observatory's chief said Islamic State fighters also captured six villages

near Al Rai. The militant group had lost the town last after Thursday after an offensive by rebels in which militant groups including Al Qaeda's branch in Syria known as the Nusra Front allied with them.

Recapturing of Al Rai, which is strategically located on the border with Turkey , serving as access point to supply lines, shows the group's capability of launching counterattacks.

Recently, Islamic State has lost wide areas in Iraq and Syria including historic central town of Palmyra. (ANI)

One killed, six injured in Kabul blast targeting govt. employees Kabul, Apr.11 : At least one person was killed and six others severely injured after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detonated near government employees' vehicle in Kabul on Monday morning.

The heavy explosion took place in Bagrami area, targeting the education ministry workers.

A police official confirmed that the explosive

device was planted in a bus carrying Ministry of Education workers and was detonated in Bagram area, reports Khaama Press.

Today's blast comes two days after Kabul city was hit by rocket attack which did not incur any casualties.

Meanwhile, no group including the Taliban militants have claimed responsibility behind the incident so far. (ANI)

Two govt. employees killed in targeted Kabul blast Kabul, Apr. 11: At least two government employees of the Ministry of Education (MoE) were killed and five others injured in a roadside mine blast in Kabul on Monday.

MoE spokesman Mujib Mehrdad said that the incident took place in Bagrami district of Kabul when a staff bus of the ministry hit a road-

side mine, reports Tolo news.

Mehrdad , however, did not provide any further details.

No group, including the Taliban militants, has claimed responsibility for the incident so far.

Today's blast comes two days after Kabul city was hit by rocket attack which did not incur any casualties. (ANI)

IS recaptures Syrian town from rebels

United States Defence Secretary Ash Carter said.

The Defence Secretary stated in his discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, the progress that

the two countries had made on major military projects such as building an aircraft carrier and jet fighter and engine collaboration, would be deliberated upon. (ANI)

26 Taliban insurgents killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz operation

Obama reveals 'worst mistake' of his Presidency

United States President Barack Obama Washington D.C., Apr. 11 : In a surprising revelation, United States President Barack Obama said that the worst mistake of his presidency was the sheer lack of planning by his government in the aftermath of the 2011 toppling of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

CNN quoted the President from his interview to Fox News saying, "probably failing to plan for the day after what I think was the right thing to do in intervening in Libya," In a statement to CNN, a National Security Council spokesman tried to justify Obama's remarks, reassuring that the alliance between the

United Kingdom and United States remains strong.

"Prime Minister Cameron has been as close a partner as the President has had, and we deeply value the UK's contributions on our shared national security and foreign policy objectives which reflect our special and essential relationship," NSC spokesman Ned Price said.

In September, Obama had criticized the Libya intervention during a speech before the U.N. General Assembly.

"Our coalition could have and should have done more to fill a vacuum left behind," he had said. (ANI)

John Kerry lays wreath at Hiroshima peace park

Tokyo, Apr. 11 : US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday visited the Hiroshima peace park, becoming the senior most US official to visit the site, more than 70 years after the city was devastated by the world's first atomic bombing.

Kerry laid a wreath at the cenotaph for the victims of the bombing. However, he did not offer an apology for the bombing, which killed around 1,40,000 Japanese.

The US Secretary of State's move may preclude a visit to the memorial by President Barack Obama next month during the G-7 26 Taliban insurgents killed in Afghanistan's Kunduz Summit on May 26 and operation 27 in Japan.

Kabul, April.11 : At ered during the operation "Everyone in the world least 26 Taliban insur- and the operation was should see and feel the gents were killed and 10 ongoing, report Tolo power of this memorial. other injured in a military news. operation in Dasht-e-Archi and Afghanistan's northern Chahardar are insecure Kunduz province. districts in the province The operation took place which has been freyesterday and was quently targeted by launched in Dasht-e- Taliban insurgents. The Archi, Chahardara dis- military group has also tricts and Kunduz city. targeted security forces' Military officials said outposts in the past. that weapons were recov- (ANI)

It is a . harsh, compelling reminder not only of our obligation to end the threat of nuclear weapons, but to rededicate all of our effort to avoid war itself. War must be the last resort - never the first choice," Kerry wrote in the guest book for the Hiroshima Peace memorial Museum, reports Guardian.

Prior to his visit, Kerry expressed hope to underscore to the world the importance of peace and the importance of strong allies to help make the world safer.

Kerry was in Hiroshima for the G-7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, where visiting diplomats have agreed to work in fighting terrorism. (ANI)

Khole K pours her heart on social media Washington D.C., April 11 : Khloe Kardashian, who has been working on renewing her relationship with Lamar Odom, recently used social media to speak out her heart.

The 31-year-old reality star posted a couple of cryptic posts on her Instagram account about unrequited love, reports E! Online.

She wrote, "Just because someone doesn't love you the way you love them, doesn't mean they don't love you with all their heart."

The 'Kocktails With

Khloe Kardashian Khloe' star also included a quote from Nayyirah Waheed, author of the 2013 book 'salt,' who stated,

"Someone can be madly in love with you and still not be ready. They can love you in a way you have never been

loved and still not join you on the bridge. And whatever their reasons you must leave."

Claiming that letting go with love takes great strength, Kardashian said, "We have to learn to stop taking on people's problems as if they are our own. Loving people does not mean we have to carry their burdens and confusions on our back."

The reality star was last linked romantically to NBA player James Harden. They called it quits in February after dating for six months.

(ANI)

John Kerry lays wreath at Hiroshima peace park

Bangladesh: Khulna jute mills' workers block road, rail routes Dhaka, Apr. 11 : Staterun jute mills' workers of Khulna blocked the road and railway in the district this morning to press for their five-point demand.

The blockade has been enforced alongside a prevailing strike that they began since April 4, reports The Daily Star.

They blocked the Khulna-Jessore highway this morning.

The blockade has also

been enforced on the Khulna-Jessore rail route causing distress to numerous passengers.

The five-point demand includes payment of dues of last eight weeks and dearness allowance.

A work stoppage since April 4 has caused a production deficit of nearly a thousand metric tonnes which has a market value of eight crore. (ANI)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, APRIL 12

Sure cure: how to tackle India's undernutrition crisis in 10 steps Polio Eradication Let us join hands against it Polio has vanished in most corners of the globe at the turn of the 21st century. As many as 209 countries, territories and areas have succeeded in cutting down wild poliovirus cases to nil by 2003.

Among them, 134 have Photo: api.ning been certified polio-free after maintaining zero case performance for three consecutive years. Yet polio continues to menace the health and lives of children in seven countries: Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Nigeria, Niger, Pakistan and Somalia, the last frontiers of humankind's battle against the virus. In the age of global mobility and increased human contact across borders, the ominous prospect of a reversal: the virus' re-transmission, overshadows the impressive milestone reached thus far.

It is quite a matter of pride that not a single polio case has been reported in Assam since 2008. The last case of polio was detected in June 2008 in Lahorighat block of Morigaon district, after which, despite a sensitive surveillance system, no case has been reported in the state. Besides, the state reported around 97% immunization rate for the first phase of pulse polio immunization programme. Out of 47,30,271 children below the age of 5, around 46 lakh were immunized.

In 2003, one wild polio case was detected in western Assam. In remote villages and urban slums, an army of experts and committed volunteers is fighting what could be the final battle in an age-old war. The polio eradication campaign is the largest non-military, global enterprise ever. It involves dozens of organizations, scores of governments, thousands of health workers and millions of volunteers. In a world of AIDS, malaria and other health crises, the eradication of polio would demonstrate that humankind can triumph over nature. Between 2000 and 2001, the number of polio cases in India had hovered around 260, an impressive record compared to the time NIDs started with nearly 5,000 cases. Despite its hopes of zero transmission and polio-free certification, India suffered a major resurgence of poliomyelitis in 2002.

The country ended the year with 1,599 children paralyzed. The vast majority of cases - 80% - occurred in Uttar Pradesh and of all 1,271 cases there, 59% were Muslim children, most of them below two years old.

Endemic transmission continued in Bihar, and the wild poliovirus was spreading to West Bengal, Gujarat, Delhi and 11 other states and union territories.

With the eradication of wild poliovirus transmission in the country, non-polio enteroviruses are likely to occupy the center stage in the category of major human pathogens associated with emerging and yet to be recognized human and animal diseases in the 21st century. India's polio-free status has demonstrated that global eradication of polio is an achievable goal.

Best practices and lessons learned from India's initiative are being applied by polio-endemic countries like Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The programme now serves as a model for health programmes globally - it's demonstrated that it's possible to achieve ambitious health goals through high vaccination coverage, even in areas with weak health systems. The strong will of political leaders and support of international partners like WHO, Unicef and Rotary International played a critical role in the initiative in India to eradicate polio from India.

Kerala temple fire Yet another horrific tragedy In one of the worst fire tragedies in the country, at least 108 people were killed and nearly 400 injured when a huge stock of fireworks exploded at a temple in Kollam district early morning. The incident took place at the 500-year-old Devi Temple at Puttingal of Paravur municipality in Kollam, located around 70 km from the state capital, where a fireworks show is part of the annual festival. The toll is likely to go up as at least two dozen victims are critically injured.The temple authorities had gone ahead with the show despite denial of permission by the district administration for the fireworks display, on safety grounds. The contractor of the fireworks, who was among those injured, told that he was forced to conduct the show by the temple authorities and locals.

The fireworks show which began at a ground near the Kollam temple at 11.45 pm. As a huge crowd gathered to watch the spectacle, the organisers set off the fireworks at regular intervals. When almost 70 per cent of the stock had been exhausted, sparks from one of the fireworks fell on the stockpile lying inside a building, setting off the explosion. The temple, one of the oldest in the state, holds a competitive fireworks display every year, with different groups putting on successive light shows for thousands of devotees gathered for the last day of a sevenday festival honouring Goddess Bhadrakali, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Such fireworks displays are held across temples in Kerala, which are run by powerful trusts that often flout local regulations.

There are judges who decide the winners.

The impact of the explosion was such high that it left bodies in shreds. Many of the victims sustained more than 70 per cent burns. Injuries and fractures were also caused by the falling pieces of concrete.

Such was the impact of the blast that one of the concrete pieces hit two people on a two-wheeler 1.5 km away. Elaborate fireworks displays have been an integral part of temple and church festivals in Kerala for decades, and their scale has been rising year after year. At many places the displays are held as competitions, with one group trying to outdo another.

Nothing is seemed excessive in these exhibitions of financial clout - not even incendiary material of dangerous potency. Indeed, banned chemicals such as potassium chlorate are known to have been used in the crackers burst at festival contests.

India is the epicenter of a global stunting crisis. At least 39% of the country's children under five - about 47 million souls - suffered from stunting in 2015.

That's more stunted children, proportion-wise, than in all of Africa, where the figure is 32%.

Simply put, stunting is abnormal Shriya weightheight ratio.

It's inter-generational in that it often starts in the womb.

One way to address the crisis is through nutritional schemes for pregnant women and children.

While such programmes exist, state support to them hasn't been adequate of late, as laid out in a report titled Under Nutrition In India - A Nutrition Budget Disconnect.

Indeed, this year's budget made no significant increase in the allocation for nutrition-related schemes.

The Centre, in fact, passed the burden on to the states, asking them to set their own nutrition priorities and pay up to half the funds needed for programmes like the ICDS. Here's what the report - released on 11 March by the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability and UNICEF and partly written by prominent food rights experts - prescribes for tackling the crisis.

1) Ensure better coordination among various ministries To tackle malnutrition, it's imperative that the following ministries work together: Rural Development Public Distribution and Civil Supplies Health and Family Welfare Women and Child Development Drinking Water and Sanitation Agriculture Tribal Affairs Minority Affairs By coordinating their efforts, these ministries will ensure that essential nutrition services reach the most deprived communities.

The finance ministry and the planning departments, the report points out, can play an overarching role by ensuring such programmes get sufficient budgets, resources and a policy framework.

2) Improve data collection on stunting and obesity Although the practice of measuring malnutrition, through the ICDS, on the "underweight criterion" weight for age - is expedient at the village level, it doesn't count stunted and wasted children with the same frequency, Aarti Ahuja, a food rights expert, argues in the report.Another area of ne-

glect is the measurement of obesity. According to the WHO, India's obesity rate rose from 4% to 4.9% between 2010 and 2014, sending India off-course in meeting the WHO's obesity reduction targets.

The report notes that appropriate policies can only be designed Mohan ifand proper timely information and data is collected not just on underweight children but the overweight ones as well.

3) Invest heavily in social welfare programmes What do Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh have in common?

Good nutrition indicators.

In a paper titled Child Development Index: How Have Different States Fared, the economists Reetika Khera and Jean Dreze analyse the key reasons for the rapid progress made in these states.

First, a major expansion of elementary education.

Two, the constructive role of the state in extending a wide range of essential services and facilities, from healthcare and clean water to social security and basic infrastructure. Three, active social policies that enabled disadvantaged groups to have a voice in the democratic process, and in turn led to broadbased support for social development across political parties.

And all this, Khera and Dreze point out, didn't prevent any of these states

Adivasis who suffer from acute malnutrition, and in far greater numbers, than most other communities.

The report blames the lack of accountability of government officials in remote and sometimes inaccessible regions for the poor delivery of state programmes to these people.

A study conducted by UNICEF in 2014 confirmed loss of their land and displacement without adequate rehabilitation as the key causes for tribal impoverishment. Apart from poor utilisation of funds, the tribals have suffered due to poor quality of governance.

"The Indian planner unfortunately has still to understand the difference between planning and budgeting. This is where a systemic change is needed in India. In addition to spending budgets, we need to give equal importance to non-monetary issues such as institutions, laws and policies," the report report argues.

5) Allow panchayats a bigger say in running welfare schemes The ICDS Anganwadi programme is plagued by massive systemic corruption. In the report, Vrinda Krishna argues that a key reason for this is that accounting, budgeting, clearing bills, auditing and all such functions are centralised. She advocates delegating powers to gram panchayats or local elected bodies to clear bills and

First, a major expansion of elementary education. Two, the constructive role of the state in extending a wide range of essential services and facilities, from healthcare and clean water to social security and basic infrastructure. Three, active social policies that enabled disadvantaged groups to have a voice in the democratic process, and in turn led to broad-based support for social development across political parties. from registering decent economic growth.

No surprise then that despite being regularly warned that this approach isn't "sustainable", Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Himachal keep expanding the reach and quality of public services. Tamil Nadu, for instance, recently launched potentially pioneering schemes of maternity entitlements, community kitchens and even nursing rooms at bus stands.

4 ) Make welfare delivery mechanisms more accountable The report details the state's utter neglect of

make payments to the food suppliers.

"This would involve considerable decentralisation and democratisation of decision-making. Budgets would have to be directly made available to the gram panchayats."

6) Diversify the Public Distribution System Making only rice and wheat available through the subsidised PDS has adversely affected the consumption pattern of poor people, the food rights activists Dipa Sinha and Shikha Nehra argue in the report, adding that we must put the focus back on

Image for representational purpose (Photo: newsmobile) millets.

"Due to shortages in pulse and oil production in India, the prices of these commodities are highly volatile and have recently been seeing increasing inflation, making it more difficult for the poor to access.

Hence, not only are the factors of availability and absorption not taken into account, access too is defined narrowly in the NFSA" they write, advocating a more diversified food basket to provide better nutrition through the National Food Security Act. 7) Strengthen and expand on nutrition schemes for adolescent girls Undernutrition among adolescent girls requires immediate attention. More than 44% of India's adolescent girls are underweight, that's they have a body mass index of less than 18.5. In most states, the proportion of adolescent girls with anaemia is alarmingly high, ranging between 76% and 92.9%.

"The nexus between gender discrimination and nutrition cannot be ignored.

Malnourished girls become malnourished adolescents who marry early and have children who become malnourished, and so the cycle continues," the report points out.

Yet, the focus on these girls is limited. The report advocates for the Kishori Shakti Yojana, which is limited to 2-3 adolescent girls per Anganwadi, to be expanded substantially.

Other schemes such as the National Programme for Adolescent Girls - which provides underweight adolescent girls 6 kg of free food grain per month - and Sabla need be expanded beyond the 51 and 200 districts, respectively, they have been rolled out in.

8) Strengthen MGNREGA to ensure better food security In Rajasthan, it's said that one season of drought can send an entire generation back into poverty. Staying true to its roots as a

drought relief scheme, the MGNREGA continues to play a vital role in mitigating the disastrous effects of droughts in rural areas.

Citing Rajasthan's Sahariya tribals as an example, Nikhil Dey of the MKSS writes in the report, "The Sahariyas are infamous for the highest number of starvation deaths at the time of distress. These extra work days for vulnerable groups like them has not just helped them fight hunger, it has enabled many of them to free themselves from bondage".

"This is a powerful example of the political and economic impact of MGNREGA on a vulnerable community and its fight against extreme deprivation and exploitation."

Since this rural job guarantee programme has great potential for "improving food security on the whole", the report advocates stronger budgetary support to it.

9) Revive and safeguard forests as sustainable sources of food The months from April to September are especially difficult for most of India's villagers when it comes to household food security.

They neither get full-time employment nor are able to take up daily wage work owing to the extreme heat.

Moreover, a substantial part of the household food stocks goes into sowing the fields. The subsidised rice from the PDS only meets the food needs of a family of five for about 56 days a month. Therefore, forest foods are critical for these communities.

In a chapter titled Forests: A Food Producing Habitat, Debjeet Sarangi, Bichitra Biswal and Pradeep Patra describe the tradition of collecting and cultivating in forests to meet local food requirements. Indeed, communities across the country have been growing over 60 varieties of crops - millets, maize, sorghum, lentils, sesame, flaxseed, spices and vegetables - through mixedcropping on hill slopes. They also raise local varieties of

Deserving ones should be given the first preference

Photo: londonexternal Sir, I fail to comprehend why some of us are creating a ruckus over the conduct of written examination, computer test and vivavoce for recruitment of a few posts of UDCs, LDCs and Multitasking staff by the district administration. Some esteemed members are stirring a storm in a tea cup without any convinc-

ing basis. Many of us are in fact, casting unnecessary aspersions on the district administration that worked so hard to conduct the recruitment examination in a fair and transparent manner and many of us are speculating. To my mind, this recruitment process was the fairest in the history of Tirap district in which all possible measures were adopted to ensure that the examination was held without any hiccup and blemish. The DC personally supervised the whole process from the day one till the very end. Please go through the lists of successful candidates in all categories of jobs. The most meritorious candidates who faired well in written, computer test and viva-voce were eventually selected not by one person but by a competent board. Please don't demean and belittle the calibre and hardwork of the candidates who came out with flying colours. Please understand that everybody wants to improve his/career prospects and hence a number of in-service candidates also applied and faced the examination.

If they have not violated any norm or gudeline and succeeded in all the 3 stages of tough interviews then what is their fault?? Please for heaven's sake put to rest all the wild specula-

tions. The most deserving candidate got through and we must congratulate them and appreciate the flawless conduct of the examination by the district administration. Those who could not succeed should invariably try for the next examination without training their accusing fingers on the DA. Yes, if some people feel that the rules have been flaunted then they can always discuss with the DA. But wild conjectures and speculations should best be avoided as they serve no body's cause. Whether its a game or examination, the vanquished always carries a bag full of complaints but the busy world has no time to sob with the defeated and listen to the complaints but goes ga ga with the winner because the winner takes it all.. If you any of you have realistic issue then please take up the matter with the DA but please let's not indulge in rumour-mongering. It demoralizes the people who tried their best to hold the examination with all fairness.

Your etc Denhang Bosai Khonsa

paddy and collect hundreds of uncultivated foods from the forests - edible flowers, fruits, tubers, leaves, stems, seeds, wild mushrooms, tamarind, bamboo shoots, edible insects.

According to a study by Living Farms, an average of 0.725 kg of forest foods" goes into the cooked food of a forest-dwelling household a day. The dependence of such communities on forest foods, which provide a critical supplement to and diversity in their diets, ranges from 20% to 50%.

"The current land use or forest policies and even food security programmes do not appreciate the traditional forest foods in the diet of tribal folk. Instead, the focus has been on using plantations as a revenue-generating measure at the expense of minor forest produce and unmarketed forest foods.

These practices have led to a hugely reduced diversity of traditional food and degradation of forest and agrobiodiversity," the report concludes.

10) Improve access to public healthcare for poorer communities Tribal migrant labourers who constitute a significant proportion of the urban poor in places like Ahmedabad and Surat - are exposed to health risks by their excruciating living and working conditions in the city. To make the situation worse, they lose access to decent healthcare and welfare benefits when they move locations.

Most of them are engaged in work that puts them at high risk of getting ill marble cutting, construction, tile-fitting and cutting. Absence of nutritious food and overcrowded living conditions only heighten the risk.

To address this problem, the report advocates for providing better public healthcare facilities in places with high migrant populations. It also calls for "a judicious optimisation mix of human resources, engaging tribal providers and establishing good transport referral systems".

This article was originally published by Catch News.

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

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, APRIL 12

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I'm Surprised That The Govt. Is Making This Huge Change But No One Seems To Give A Shit I do not know what I am capital of a company besurprised at more. The ing more than one half of fact that the Modi govern- such value at the time of ment just proposed an making the contribution, amendment which will such company shall not redefine forbe deemed a eign compa- Pillai Vishnu f o r e i g n nies as Indian source'." to donate to political par- To explain the implication ties or the fact that no one and motive of this amendgives a shit? ment let me take you First of all, the amend- back to a Delhi High ment is as follows, Court judgementin 2014, "In the Foreign Contribu- before the national election (Regulation) Act tion, that indicted the BJP 2010, in section 2, in sub and Congress for acceptsection(1), in clause (j), in ing donations from the sub-clause(vi), the fol- foreign company lowing provision shall be Vedanta. This was inserted with effect from against the Foreign Con26 September 2010, tribution (Regulation) Act namely:(FCRA). At least, it was 'Provided that where the in violation back then. nominal value of share While the High Court incapital is within the limits dicted the BJP and Conspecified for foreign in- gress, like always, the vestments under the For- national parties appealed eign Exchange Manage- in the Supreme Court ment Act, 1999, or the against the verdict. As of rules and regulations now, the matter is pendmade thereunder, then, ing in the Supreme Court. notwithstanding the nomi- But, guess what Mr. Arun nal value of the share Jaitley did ever so silently

without anyone noticing.

He just proposed an amendment to that law to make this (Vedanta) company not foreign anymore. In other words, he just saved BJP's and, wait for it, Congress' ass as well.

Since the amendment takes effect retrospectively, he has actually not left any loopholes. I am amazed at the efficiency of the lawmakers this time around (of course, it's for their own survival).

The case will surely sail through in the Supreme Court. The BJP and Congress will walk scotfree again and we would be left wishing, if only these lawmakers could make such air tight laws for matters like rape.

Why is it surprising the Modi government is doing it? Well, that is because it was this same government that came down hard on 'some'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) listens to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during a meeting (Photo: cdn.youthkiawaaz ) NGOs (some of which were pursuing cases against the accused in the 2002 riots) under the same FRCA for receiving foreign donations.

They were accused of using the donations for 'political activities'.

Why is it surprising that no major news channel picked up on the news?

It is even more surprising because it is the bloody election season now! Four states and one union territory are going for elections. This

should have been prime time news. We should have heard the likes of Barkha and Arnab asking these difficult questions. Because guess what Mr. Goswami, the nation really wants to know!

What are the implications of this amendment?

First of all, the BJP and Congress would be saved as this amendment is effective retrospectively. Secondly, it would open the doors to other such 'foreign' corporations to dictate the political scenario in our country, be it foreign policy or economics. Of course, all they have to do is to give hefty donations to political parties.

What this amendment is telling me is that when times are tough for political parties, there is no difference between them, not in ideology, governance or anything.

There are no adjournments, nothing! This will be proven to be correct if this amendment proposed by Mr. Jaitley and the Modi government is passed because it helps both the BJP and Congress!

The amendment is serious. The media is not

exposing it. The politicians are all in it as they stand to benefit. We have everything going against us. It's upon us to spread the news, create a public consensus opposing the amendment, and make it so strong that the media can't ignore it.

What the new law will do is to increase the already high corporate donations to political parties. Now, they wouldn't even have to be Indian! We have to stand up together and make the government realise that if the corporates have money, we have the votes.

We have to make them realise that our votes are more valuable than corporate money. We have to make them realise that they can't fool us. We have to make them realise that we also matter! Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz

3 reasons why married women in India Not an Indian technically, here's why I still call myself a proud Indian continue to be treated as unequals In the patriarchal Indian the economic and social work, household chores, cially as well as economisociety, it is customarily gender inequality which child rearing etc. How- cally, the contribution of accepted that a wife be- already exists. The exist- ever, the Indian courts do the wife to the joint matlongs to her husband's ing law itself disregards not apply or recognise rimonial property and her family after marriage. the financial and non-fi- any such mechanism. equal right to get a share Yet her share in or her nancial contribution of the The importance of in the same is also comspouse who recognising this non-fi- pletely disregarded by right to property in Simran Bhinder does not nancial contribution of a the courts. Even her dihold the woman in ensuring the rect financial contribution her matrismooth and successful is often completely igmonial home is almost title.

Another limitation of the functioning of her matri- nored by the courts. As a non-existent.

In 2010, the government existing law is that it only monial home has also result, even the mainteof India introduced The talks about that property been highlighted by Flavia nance that she gets, or the Marriage Laws (Amend- which is acquired at the Agnes, in her book titled limited interest in jointly ment) Bill 2010, which time of marriage or those 'Family Law II: Mar- held property that she proposed to give a di- in which an individual riage, Divorce, and Main- gets, are given keeping in vorced Hindu wife half holds a direct interest. It tenance Litigation'. mind the knowledge that the share in her husband's does not recognise or Often, a woman is forced she is being given someresidential property. This make any provisions for to let go of her career in thing which he ex-husBill-though it is still pend- all the property which a order to look after the band rightfully owns. ing in the Parliament and married couple acquires family. The financial cost Thus, the courts never it is limited only to Hindu during their marriage to of her professional sacri- really give a fair and just marriages-introduces the idea of matrimonial property and a wife's equal right and interest in it for the first time in the Indian legal system.

The reasons why I think that these new provisions, which would guarantee women a share in the joint matrimonial property, should be allowed are: 1) The Existing Gender Biased And Limited Laws The main problem with legal provisions and rules which deal with the property of spouses on the dissolution of their marriage is that all of them are extremely gender biased.

While under Muslim personal law a wife is only entitled to that property which the wife holds an absolute title to and to her Image for representation purpose. (Photo: tooyoungtowed) mehr amount, the only provision under Hindu meet the needs of matri- fice, as well as her un-re- reimbursement to a law which talks about dis- mony. munerated contribution to woman. Often, low and tribution of property Thus, the present law is the maintenance of her completely unjust among ex-spouses is Sec- not only extremely biased matrimonial home, should amounts are justified ustion 27 of the Hindu Mar- in the favour of men, who be considered while de- ing the logic that since the riage Act. And even this have been the traditional ciding how the joint prop- husband is doing a favour provision only discusses title holders of property erty will be divided. on his ex-wife by giving the distribution of the in the Indian society, but 3) No Concept Of her a monetary sum or jointly held property, i.e., it is also really limited Equality Or Equity share in the property that property which is with regard to the kind of Within Marriage While which is deemed to be 'his'. jointly registered in the property it governs.

Deciding Property A very high sum or joint name of both the 2) No Recognition Of Share interest in property are spouses. Thus, under the The Non-Financial "A noteworthy feature of very rarely granted since current laws, property Contribution Of The all maintenance statute[s] the presumption is that the remains with the spouse, Wife in India is that they are husband is being denied his usually the husband, in In countries such as the based not on the concept property. whose name it has been UK and others in Eu- of equal economic part- The courts need to registered. As a result, rope, the courts apply the nership of husband and recognise that in most the divorced woman has doctrine of constructive wife, but on the concept modern day marriages the very little financial sup- trust to determine and of maintenance as gratis wife is an equal partner port, besides the nominal decide how joint matri- or at best an act of com- who contributes socially as 'maintenance' granted by monial property should passion."

(B. well as economically. Her the courts. be distributed between Sivaramayya, 'Matrimo- claim to her husband's In a country like ours, ex-spouses. Under this nial Property Law in In- property is nothing but a which has had a history doctrine, the court con- dia') claim to get an equal share of gender-based discrimi- siders the non-financial Since the courts fail to in that property in which nation against women, contribution of a woman view both the husband and she is an equal shareholder such laws only worsen in the form of domestic wife as equal partners so- and contributor.

Is there something called tween being a patriotic made me who I am. Yes, root connection? I often Indian and sinking on the I am an Indian by choice ask myself whether, as verge of insanity by tak- but not birth. It saddens human beings, we get ing offense at every small me when sexual assaults trapped in the past and thing said or done. My and rapes bring a bad must someIndia is tol- name to the country. Inhow adopt Vishal Bheeroo erant - one dia is not a 'rape country' that be- nor is Delhi the 'rape the land where we have spent our lieves in respect for all capital'. Like any other life - our ancestors' home religions - and I outright country in the world, Inreject this notion of 'Hindu dia is saddled with issues - to make it our own.

I suffer from no identity Rashtra' spearheaded by - be it corruption, crimes crisis. Being born in a for- bigots. against women, educaeign country and of In- As an Indian, it makes me tion or gender bias. That dian roots (my grandparents hail from Uttar Pradesh), I call myself an Indian by choice and not by birth. Trust me; this emotion is strongly embedded in my body and nerves. I came face-toface with my roots when I crossed the ocean to study at Pune and Mumbai. Both places offered me the chance to look within and discover my potential as a human Image for representational purpose. (Photo: being. Since then, there allpicts) has been no looking back.

It brought me close to revel in pride when the shouldn't stop us from who I am; I not only dis- national cricket team striving and aiming to be covered my roots but also stages a win against Pa- the next super power. came face-to-face with kistan or even Australia, Each and every Indian my 'Indian-ness'. It's for that matter. I celebrate worth his or her salt been a journey of self-dis- with a peg of whisky. It knows that every citizen covery since then, and I brings tears to my eyes can contribute to the am still exploring myself when Amitabh country's well-being. We as an Indian.

Bachchan recites the can start where we live Being an Indian doesn't 'Jana Gana Mana' with by pledging to keep our make me jingoistic, con- passion and emotions. area safe and clean. trary to what many NRIs I owe a lot to the country I am often quizzed about or People of Indian Ori- which has given me edu- my loyalty to India. "Why gin are led to believe. cation, and it is with pride do you say you are Indian There is a thin line be- that I say that India has when you weren't born

here?" My reasoning is simple: It's a matter of the heart and where it lies. My emotions lie with India - a country with a bundle of contradictions and diversity. After all, 'Once an Indian always an Indian'.

I plan to be back to India soon for it taught me so much about life. I feel this is where I belong. No! I am not a cash-rich NRI but an average, middleclass person who has hopes and aspirations, like most others. India gives me a sense of comfort and belonging. It's something that comes from within.

Am I critical of this land?

Of course, I am. Does that make me a bad Indian or a confused Desi? No, it doesn't, for I want the country to prosper in its diversity - to build respect for all religions and to break the gender gap and patriarchal mindset. There is more to India than just Hindi films or cricket. Those who scorn our obsession with cricket and films - I humbly ask such critics to come and stay in this country as an Indian to understand our emotions and everything else that makes us one as a nation.

The writer is a freelance journalist living on an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean.

How we're all losing out to this 'faceless enemy' a.k.a. patriarchy How do you challenge or basis and it is transmitted overthrow something that from mind to mind in innocudoes not really exist? I don't ous little ways. Like a virus! mean to say that patriarchy It reminds me of Agent doesn't really exist, but there Smith (from 'The Matrix'). is no King And like an Patriarch or viAditya Gupta efficient the Holy rus, it moves Book of Patrideeper into archy being annually re- our subconscious over time viewed and revised by a till it becomes us.

Council of Scholarly Patri- I imagine seeing a little boy archs. It's so widespread (or girl) and smiling at him and so omnipresent that it and finding him and his inis very much a part of the nocence, or warmth, spechuman condition. It's like air. tacular. As soon as he's born, Every person born is bound the virus will find its way in. to breathe it and bound to A few years down, we can be affected by it somehow. still see some of the beautiHow do you challenge ful boy. But we can also see something without any face some decay, some gangrene at all? or a sign that he's been afDoes it even exist? flicted. We meet him a few I never saw much in life years further down the line, growing up, but now that I an adolescent perhaps, and can really see, I can see that we can see that so much of it's present in all of our the beauty is gone. There's minds. It floats without sci- still a lot of him, but there's entific, logical or a humane also the virus that speaks

through him sometimes. He grows up and so does the virus (what an amazing creature) and one day, out of nowhere you see him being bizarrely and blatantly cruel to a girl, a girlfriend or a wife.

It makes no sense - just yesterday he was someone else.

Who taught him this? No one seems to say this is 'good' behavior but everyone seems to do it anyway.

And you can't talk to him about it because he doesn't know. And he doesn't want to. The mind and its deeper trenches are so private, and carry so many things that the world condemns, that no one wants to allow people to just invade them without any obvious signs of disease. He protects his mind with unflinching loyalty, just like all of us. What a wonderful virus!

And one fine day, like the climax of a teenybopper

zombie flick, we look at him, his nearest and dearest and only see the zombie, and no more the little boy and we exclaim,"We need to get rid of him, he's been taken and there is nothing we can do about it. He will hurt everyone in his way," and we get rid of one of our own. The air is filled with the deafening silence of something that was fully expected, not at all a surprise, but still really painful to go through. Just like in the teenybopper zombie flick.

And then, when we walk through the rest of the town, we realise what we're up against. There are zombies in the restaurants, zombies walking down the street, zombies everywhere‌ closing in.

What an amazing virus! I wonder if there is a Neo somewhere concocting a vaccine or a syrup to cure us all.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, APRIL 12

BUSINESS

PAGE 10

Rs 903 crore pulled out from gold ETFs in FY16 Protest against excise duty Chennai, Apr 11: Investors remained bearish on gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as they pulled out Rs 903 crore from this instrument last fiscal, making it the third consecutive financial year of outflow. The pace of outflow, however, slowed down in the 2015-16 fiscal ended March 31, as against the preceding two years on account of a sluggish equity market.

According to the latest data available with Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi), gold ETFs witnessed a net outflow of Rs 903 crore last fiscal, compared to an outflow of

Rs 1,475 crore in the preceding financial year. In 2013-14, the funds witnessed outflow of Rs 2,293 crore. The asset base of gold funds dropped to Rs 6,346 crore in March 2016 from Rs 6,665 crore at the end of March 2015. "Gold prices had a good run until 2012 and investors bought gold chasing the historical returns from gold. As gold corrected, investors were disappointed and thereby exited out of gold. Equities saw a good run up from September 2013 onwards and sentiment towards equities improved thereby driving flows/

A TIGHT PULL Equity and equitylinked saving schemes saw an infusion of over Rs 74,000 crore and debt funds attracted nearly Rs 20,000 crore.

In 2013-14, the funds witnessed outflow of Rs 2,293 crore. The asset base of gold funds dropped to Rs 6,346 crore in March 2016 from Rs 6,665 crore at the end of March 2015.

The pace of outflow, however, slowed down in the 2015-16 fiscal ended March 31, as against the preceding two years on account of a sluggish equity market.

Investors remained bearish on gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as they pulled out Rs 903 crore from this instrument last fiscal, making it the third consecutive financial year of outflow.

shift from other asset markets to equities," Quantum AMC Senior Fund Manager (Alternative Investments) Chirag Mehta said.

However, the pace of outflows has slowed down, as most of the return chasing disappointed investors seem to have exited from gold ETFs, he added. The demand for gold ETFs has been steadily falling in the past few years. These products have seen outflow as gold prices are correcting and equities have given good returns to investors.

Retail investors have been putting in more money into equity and debt mu-

tual funds in the last financial year. Equity and equity-linked saving schemes saw an infusion of over Rs 74,000 crore and debt funds attracted nearly Rs 20,000 crore.

Overall, the mutual fund schemes have witnessed an inflow of Rs 1.34 lakh crore during the period under review. "With the recovery in prices (positive short-term performance) the return chasing types may come back," he added. The mutual fund sector has 14 gold-based schemes, which have been in the market since 2006-07.

(Agencies)

FPIs pour Regional channels' portfolio planned in Rs 7,600 to be expanded by Viacom18 cr in April Mumbai, Apr 11: Continuing with their bullish stance on India for the second month, foreign investors have pumped in over Rs 7,600 crore into the country's capital market in April so far, buoyed by a rate cut by the Reserve Bank. It follows a staggering inflow of Rs 19,967 crore in the capital markets (equities and debt) last month. FPIs had turned net buyers of equities in March after pulling out a massive Rs 41,661 crore from the market in the previous four months (November to February).

Overall, so far this year, FPIs have invested Rs 7,964 crore in equities, while withdrawing Rs 3,202 crore in the debt markets, resulting into a net inflow of Rs 4,762 crore. Market experts attributed the huge inflow this month to rate cut by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its first monetary policy meet of 2016-17 on April 5.

RBI had reduced the short-term lending rate by 0.25 per cent to over five-year low of 6.5 per cent. According to the data available with depositories, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) invested Rs 3,469 crore in equities till April 7, while they poured Rs 4,152 crore in the debt markets, leading to a total inflow of Rs 7,625 crore. "Following the recent rate cut by RBI, bond prices have rallied (prices move inversely to rate) which has lead to inflows from FPIs on anticipation of further price appreciation the future," SAS Online Chief Operating Officer (COO) Siddhant Jain said.

"Also in the recent hike by capital markets regulator Sebi in FPI investment limit for government debt will further lead to more FPI inflows, he added. Capital inflows by FPIs are often referred to as hot money due to their unpredictability, although the funds continue to remain one of the key drivers of the stock market.

(Agencies)

Pune, Apr 11: Media firm Viacom18 is looking to expand its regional channels portfolio, especially in southern languages, a top company official said.

"We have got to be present in more regions than what we are present now. We will keep evaluating other languages and regions, particularly in South India," said Viacom18 Chief Executive Officer Sudhanshu Vats.

Viacom18 operates various regional entertainment channels like Colors Marathi, Colors Kannada, Colors Bangla, Colors Oriya and Colors Gujarati, which were earlier under the ETV umbrella. Last year, when the company had re-branded the five ETV channels under the Colors brand, Vats had said, "59% of the country converses in regional lan-

Viacom18 Chief Executive Officer, Sudhanshu Vats. (Photo: d1s8mqgwixvb29) guages. Today, regional TV channels command the second largest viewership in India." According to a recent FICCI-KPMG report, regional general entertainment channels had a viewership of 29.6% in 2015. Among regional

markets, Tamil channels occupy the biggest share -- 25.7% -- in viewership and the Telugu market is the second largest with 24.4% viewership share.

Kannada enjoys a viewership share of 11.6%, while that of Malayalam is 9.2%. The

company recently launched its ad-led video on demand (VOD) platform Voot, and in the next 12-24 months, it will be evaluating both free and subscription-led models.

"We are working on the payment gateways. As we go into subscription model we will need to give more value adds. "The product that we have, this might be a more basic feature product, we will need to add more features to it, so that we are able to command some amount of premium or value to the consumer.

In India, my sense is that both models (free and subscription-led) will hold," he said. Voot has a large repository of kids' characters in the Indian OTT (over-the-top) space with characters like - Dora, Spongebob, Motu Patlu, Chhota Bheem and

Pokemon, and going ahead, the Voot Kids could be subscription-led.

"The advertising in India for kids is a challenge. As the payment ecosystem develops in India, one of the candidates for going into subscription VOD could be actually our Voot kids. There will be some amount of advertising which we will be able to get, so while it's a challenge, there is some advertising in this space as well," he said. "We have got 7,000 videos and 80 characters on Voot kids and have six out of top 10 (characters). Our kids piece (on Voot) is very strong," he added.

Viacom18 announced its plans to foray in the Hindi movie genre and Vats said Rishtey Cineplex will be launched in a month's time. (Agencies)

36% rise in currency derivative trade in FY16 New Delhi, Apr 11: Currency derivative turnover on the three top bourses of the country surged 36 per cent to nearly Rs 76 lakh crore during last fiscal. The currency derivative turnover on the three exchanges -- NSE, BSE and MSEI -- stood at Rs 55.8 lakh crore during fiscal 2014-15, as per data from regulator Sebi and stock exchanges. Moreover, the volumes of currency derivatives also rose by 28 per cent to 114.4 crore last fiscal compared with the same year-ago period. Individually, the turnover of currency derivatives at NSE increased to Rs 45 lakh crore in 2015-16, from

Rs 30.2 lakh crore in the same period year-ago.

The bourse has 59.3 per cent share in the currency derivative segment of the country's capital markets. In 2014-15, it represented 54 per cent stake in the total turnover from the segment. The number of currency derivative contracts on NSE rose to 67.3 crore from 48 crore in the period under review. BSE, which had commenced trading in currency derivatives in November, 2013, recorded a turnover of Rs 27.64 lakh crore in the segment, during the last fiscal.

This is 45 per cent increase from Rs 19 lakh

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: thumbs.dreamstime) crore registered in 201415. Helped by its latest trading technology, BSE has fast become the second largest bourse in the country in this category

with 36.4 per cent market share. The stock exchange witnessed trading in 42 crore currency derivative contracts in 201516 compared with 31

crore in 2014-15. Meanwhile, currency derivative turnover on MSEI, formerly known as MCXSX, halved to Rs 3.24 lakh crore, during the last financial year. Its volume in terms of number of contracts traded in the segment declined to 4.6 crore from over 10 crore, for the period under review. Currency derivative contracts allow investors to take position on change in the foreign exchange rates between pairs of two currencies, such as rupee and dollar. Trading in currency derivatives in India was introduced in 2008 with National Stock Exchange being the first bourse to offer such trades. (Agencies)

of Talks started between Huawei, Foxconn to start Teaser Redi GO mobile phone manufacturing in India launched by

Huawei's Indian CEO, Jay Chen. (Photo: thehindubusinessline)

Taiwan, Apr 11: China-based Huawei is evaluating ways to start production of mobile phones in India through contract manufacturing in association with Foxconn and is currently studying the business models and tax incentives. A delegation of

Huawei, led by its India CEO Jay Chen, met Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad recently and apprised him of its expansion plans for the country. "We had a very elaborate talk and they have said that till now they have invested $2 billion (13,305.5

crore) in India in the last 16 years," Prasad said.

"They have a facility in Sriperumbudur... they are selling one million phones in India... if you are selling one million phones, you better start manufacturing here and they have promised me, they will explore the possibility. They are in talks with Foxconn on a contract basis. They are welcome to do business in India," Prasad said.

Huawei is serving 40 networks worldwide from its offices in India.

Asked about manufacturing plans in India, a Huawei representative, who was part of the delegation, said, "(It) depends on the business volumes, we are still evaluating... we are trying to understand the policy, tax incentives and the business models. Currently, we manu-

facture the network equipment." Apart from Huawei, officials of two other Chinese telecom companies, Le Eco and ZTE, met the minister.

Also, global CEO of USbased Avaya, Kevin Kennedy, along with Vishal Agarwal, who is MD (India and Saarc), called on the minister. "All these companies are into ICT, into electronic manufacturing and communication services and all of them are very bullish about India. They are keen to invest and expand their footprint in India," Prasad said. "I made three things clear to them.

You are most welcome to do business in India, but keep sensitivities in mind.

India is an open democratic society, be sensitive to issues of cyber security and follow India's regulatory scenario properly. (Agencies)

Datsun; to be launched on April 14 New Delhi, Apr 11: Japanese auto major Datsun has released the teaser image of its upcoming car. Media speculation says that the car -Datsun Redi GO is scheduled to be launched on April 14. The Redi GO will be the third car from the Japanese automaker as part of its re launch strategy for the brand.

It was unveiled at the 2014 Auto Expo and will join the GO, GO+ as Datsun's budget offerings for various markets.

As you scroll through the teaser image, you will see a large chrome grille bearing sleek headlamps. The teaser image also Redi-Go has a tall body design. Further media reports state that the upcoming RediGo will have 1.2L, three-cylinder, petrol engine churning maximum power output of 65bhp and maximum torque of 142Nm. Though there is no specific information on the price tag of the car, it is expected that the vehicle will be priced below Rs 5 lakh.

(Agencies)

continues by jewellers during Sushma Swaraj's visit

MP and External Affairs Minister of India, Sushma Swaraj. (Photo: i.ndtvimg) Vidisha, Apr 11: Jewellers in Vidisha town of Madhya Pradesh protested against the 1% excise duty imposed in the Budget on non-silver jewellery, during the visit by local MP and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. She was here to attend a meeting of the District Monitoring Committee.

Gold traders, jewellers and artisans have been observing strike across the country since March 2, demanding rollback of the budgetary proposal that has impacted the trade. "We have been agitating for the last 40 days but no BJP leader visited us," said Vidisha Sarafa Association president Rajendra Saraf. "We were expecting that Swaraj would visit us and support our just demands, but when she did not turn up we went

to Neemtal area and showed black flags to her and shouted slogans," he said and claimed police arrested some 200 agitating jewellers.

However, City Superintendent of Police Nagendra Pateria said only 80 jewellers were arrested and taken to Kararia police station where they were released in the evening. Meanwhile, the day-long bandh (for all shops and offices) called by local Sarafa Association, which was supported by Congress and AAP had a mixed response in Indore city. Shops near Sarafa Bazar were closed, but elsewhere they were open. At Hoshangabad, jewellers staged 'Jal-Satyagarha' (protest by standing in water) at Veer Savarkar Ghat on the banks of river Narmada.

(Agencies)

Xiaomi Mi 5 smartphone to go on sale again in India on April 13 New Delhi, Apr 11 : Xiaomi's recently announced Mi 5 smartphone will be available for purchase in India for the second time in a flash sale again on April 13 (Wednesday).

The Xiaomi Mi 5, the company's latest offering will be up for for flash sale in black, gold and white colours from 2 pm exclusively on Mi.com for which registrations have already been started.

Xiaomi had launched the much anticipated Mi 5 smartphone in India on March 31 at a price of Rs 24,999 only.

The smartphone comes with a 5.15-inch ultra-thin bezelless 16 LED display with a resolution of 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels at a PPI of 428 pixels-per-inch.

The phone has a 3Dcurved glass body is made of Gorilla Glass 4 that makes the phone slimmer and gives the best "hand feel". The front fingerprint scanner unlocks the phone in a blink. The 129-gram Mi 5, which is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, remains true to the brand`s pricing strategy with 3GB RAM and 32GB onboard

memory. Apart from the latest Adreno 530 GPU for ultimate gaming experience, it has a Kryo quadcore CPU with two of them clocked at 1.8 Ghz and the remaining two at 1.4 Ghz. The smartphone wears 16megapixel flat rear camera with dual tone flash, 6P lens, quick focus and 4-axis optical image stabilisation (OIS) and is assisted by a 2-micron pixel 4-megapixel secondary camera for selfies. The Xiaomi Mi 5 is powered by a 3,000mAh non-removable battery and supports quick charge. The smartphone covers all LTE brands in India and comes with a VoLTE technology allowing user to make high-quality calls with all supported networks. Infrared support makes it work as a universal remote for multiple devices including set top boxes and ACs. Mi5 supports full NFC functionality for both reading and writing. Xiaomi is offering an accidental damage for Rs 499 for a year on the device that runs on MIUI 7 based on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. (Agencies)

WAIT IS FINALLY OVER Xiaomi's recently announced Mi 5 smartphone will be available for purchase in India for the second time in a flash sale again on April 13 (Wednesday).

The Xiaomi Mi 5, the company's latest offering will be up for for flash sale in black, gold and white colours from 2 pm exclusively on Mi.com for which registrations have already been started.

Xiaomi had launched the much anticipated Mi 5 smartphone in India on March 31 at a price of Rs 24,999 only. The smartphone comes with a 5.15-inch ultra-thin bezel-less 16 LED display with a resolution of 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels at a PPI of 428 pixels-per-inch.

The phone has a 3D-curved glass body is made of Gorilla Glass 4 that makes the phone slimmer and gives the best "hand feel". The front fingerprint scanner unlocks the phone in a blink.

The 129-gram Mi 5, which is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, remains true to the brand`s pricing strategy with 3GB RAM and 32GB onboard memory.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, APRIL 12

Features

PAGE 11

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Common painkiller making Five ways to stay away from diabetes! us overlook mistakes ANI You may want to rethink popping that pill for pain as a new study has suggested that a popular over-the-counter painkiller may hinder the brain's error-detection process.

The University of Toronto research, authored by a team including postdoctoral fellow Dan Randles and researchers from the University of British Columbia, is the first neurological study to look at how the painkiller acetaminophen (Tylenol) could be inhibiting the brain response associated with making errors.

"The core idea of our study is that we don't fully understand how acetaminophen affects the brain," says

Painkiller may hinder the brain's error-detection process (Photo: i0.wp) Randles. "While there's been recent behavioural research on the effects of acetaminophen, we wanted to have a sense of what's happening neurologically."

To test the idea two groups of 30 were given

a target-detection task called the Go or No Go. Participants were asked to hit a Go button every time the letter F flashed on a screen but refrain from hitting the button if an E flashed on the screen. "The trick is

you're supposed to move very quickly capturing all the GOs, but hold back when you see a No Go," says Randles.

"It looks like acetaminophen makes it harder to recognize an error, which may have implications for cognitive control in daily life," says Randles.

"An obvious question is if people aren't detecting these errors, are they also making errors more often when taking acetaminophen? This is the first study to address this question, so we need more work and ideally with tasks more closely related to normal daily behaviour."

The research is published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience.

Ten Discs and Pubs in the North East Over the past decade, the Cloud Nine need for good pubs and A popular place for party discs has grown and the goers in the heart of the people are not afraid to city. The food is amazexperiment. ing and We bring you Cloud Nine ten pubs and Paulami Dutta also has an discs in the excellent North East, where you view of one side of would want to hang out Shillong. The wide glass with a beloved or your windows give you a gang of friends. dreamy view of the farKamikaze Discotheque away hills. Deep sofas The floating disco and and a decor that to taste, pub at Uzan bazar Cloud Nine is the place Guwahati, Kamikaze where one would like to

Blues is one of the most happening pubs (Photo: nelive)

Discotheque is built on a medium sized ferry that remains afloat on the river. This unique feature of the discotheque in Guwahati, obviously adds to its aura and makes it appealing to the crowds. The place also has good music to offer, a delectable platter and, of course, a range of spirits to choose from.

sit back and enjoy a lazy drink.

Silver Streak The discotheque of the Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok is a lively place for an evening with a gang and to shake a leg.

This is one of the oldest pubs of Guwahati. As the river Brahmaputra flows right across, one can be rest assured of a great

view and beautiful atmosphere.

Blues Blues is one of the most happening pubs in the city. There is great music often with live rock bands from the city. The foot tapping numbers get onto you. There are also large options for drinks on offer.

Pub 25 Pub 25 in Gangtok is known for its excellent ambience and food.

There is also a live band that also plays songs on request. You could enjoy a good platter and a musical evening with a loved one or a gang of friends.

X'Cape One of Gangtok's happening places X'Cape , the popular nightclub plays good music until midnight. The crowd is young and enthusiastic.

One could groove and sip a nice cocktail or choose from other spirits on the menu card. The foot-tapping music and the ambience stay with you.

Platinum An integral part of the Shillong nightlife, Platinum situated in the Hotel Polo Towers is situated near the Polo Grounds. The nightclub is one of the first in Shillong and is known for its impressive decor and ambience. There is

also great music that plays into the night and a drink or a dance or even both is always something to look forward to at Platinum.

Orthodox Orthodox would sound like an unusual name for a pub. But this place in Gangtok could be a place one would want to explore. The drinks and food are of course good, and so is the music.

Tourists could also try this place and unwind after a tiring day of sightseeing and shopping.

Cafe Hendrix The name has a musical ring to it, right? And no prizes for guessing, Cafe Hendrix is indeed named after the legendary Jimi Hendrix. And even if one is not a Hendrix fan, there is a lot on offer for anyone who has a passion for music. The wellstocked bar is an added attraction and bar foods to nibble along. Live music with blues and original covers are an attraction.

Tango Located at the heart of Shillong, Tango is your place if you are looking for a lively evening. It is a place for the young crowd and you can let your hair down. The hospitality is good too.

Courtesy: Nelive.

Diabetes is caused mainly from unhealthy eating habits, stress and lack of physical activity.

The two common forms of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is not preventable while the latter one can often be avoided.

But one can reduce the risk of getting diabetes by following a healthy lifestyle.

Here are some ways to prevent the disease: Lose weight If you are overweight then try to lose weight as it increases the risk of developing diabetes.

Weight loss will help you improve insulin resistance and health thereby reducing the risk of diabetes.

Eat Breakfast

Eating breakfast within two or three hours after waking up is important (Photo: thanhniennews) Eating breakfast within two or three hours after waking up every day, will reduce the risk of developing diabetes. So,it is advisable to all not to skip breakfast.

Eat fibre Increase the intake of foods high in fibre like fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds in their daily diet as it slows the absorption

of sugar from foods which reduces the postmeal rise in blood glucose levels.

Physical activity One should exercise regularly as it contributes to weight loss which reduces the risk of getting diabetes. Exercise not only reduce weight but also improves the body's ability to use insulin properly that protects against developing diabetes.

Quit Smoking If you are a smoker then quit the habit as it increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Quitting smoking will not only help prevent diabetes but also reduce the risk of associated health complications.

Emergency tips to survive an asthma attack!

Maintain calm and do not panic (Photo: tribune) Living with asthma can be tough and terrifying.

But the good thing is that there are ways that can help reduce your symptoms and risk of having an asthma attack.

An asthma occurs when the airways in the lungs become swollen or inflamed and are blocked by mucus, making breathing difficult. The chest tightens and the

lungs seem to produce a wheezing sound.

If you have asthma, you probably would never go out without your inhaler.

But, if you forget your inhaler due to negligence or unforeseen circumstances, follow these emergency guidelines: " Sit up right and don't lie down - Bending over or lying down can constrict your breathing even more. " Stay calm Maintain calm and not to panic is the best in such situation. Staying calm also prevents further tightening of your chest muscles and makes your breathing easier. " Take long, deep breaths - Taking long,

deep breaths may help to slow down your breathing. Try to breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. " Drink hot caffeinated drinks - Taking hot caffeinated drinks like coffee can help relax the airways, providing some temporary relief. " Avoid asthma triggers - An asthma attack could be triggered by exposure to dust, cigarette smoke or smell of other chemicals. Move away from triggers and go to a place with clean air. " Seek medical help - Seek immediate medical help if the attack does not subside after some time. (Agencies)

Top decor ideas From intricate patterns to bold colors; print on print to mixed materials- decoratively speaking, with so much that had been taken to its peak, one could only possibly imagine a slight shift in trends this year. But be prepared to be surprised for the trends a changing.

Artisanal gardening This year, it's not just going to be a matter of bringing the outside in but also creating interiors that are inspired by nature. Decor created from branches, twigs and flowers, prints inspired by succulents and forests and elements made from untreated wood, natural stone and marbles will

dominate interiors this year.

In with metals From acid wash metallic cow hide rugs to vases, lamps and table stands- this year we will see a bit of shine.

Practical decor This year, practical furniture that are conversation starters will make a come back.

A sofa that can be a bed and a storage; a table that can act as a night light or even a good old Murphy- it's going to be about functionality with aesthetics.

No connection Now, this trend is one that I can really live with. Gadget and TV less living rooms are one the major trends of 2016

Decorating tables with white flowers is the latest trend (Photo: homejpg) and guess who is doing a happy dance. Finally, there is room for relaxation.

Think mood not colours See a whole lot of dreamy whites. It'll all be about moody, restful corners as

opposed to eye catching and bold. We will also see grey, indigo tinted blues, dusty versions of pastels, a whole lot of natural wood and black- but only when it comes to metal furniture.

Easy hacks to clean your home in a jiffy For parents of tiny tots, a clean home is a myth. With toys and crayons scattered across the living room and food particles miraculously finding their way on the wall next to the showcase, it's not really a pleasant sight for the guests. If you genuinely don't have time on hand, a quick sweep and these clever hacks can help you save face in front of guests.

Living Room This is where you will welcome your guests. So, pay extra attention to this space.

1. First things first. Remove the clutter from the floor and tables. This includes your washed clothes, your kid's building blocks and your partner's office files. Grab a

basket and throw in excess things. If you don't have any place to shove it, then cover the opening with a table cloth or throw blanket to make it part of your decor.

2. Stuffed animals can either find a place in the corner of a sofa or can be hidden in extra pillow cases.

3. Sofa laces and throw cushions play a big role in giving the illusion of a clean space.

Fluff the cushions and arrange them aesthetically on the couches. Drape the throws and blankets over the armrest.

4. If you have pets at home, then remove fur from the sofa and carpet. Run a vacuum as it makes your job much easier.

5. Ensure your welcome mat

is spot-free. If need be, turn it over such that the unused side faces the ceiling.

6. Dirty windows proving to be an eyesore? Pull the curtains and drapes and switch on mood lights.

7. Fold undergarments, nursing pads and kiddie's clothes hung in the passageway and put them back in place, or stash them in the ironing bag. If there are dirty undies and other laundry to be taken care of, put them in the washing machine.

8. If there is a pile of magazines and you have no other place to put them, stack them on the side table or arrange them neatly in a corner on the floor. If you have a book rack, rearrange them so that the

spine of all the books face outwards. l Colour pencils, crayons, pens, rulers, notes and notepads should ideally do not belong in the living room. If they have found their way there, spare a few seconds to arrange them in a decorative tray.

Kitchen 1. If you've got unwashed dishes in the sink and have no time to clean them, you have two options - either stove them in a dish washer or stack them in a tub and hide it from sight.

2. Use a shopping bag to collect packets and other clutter that is covering the kitchen's countertop. Once that's done, quickly run a wet sponge over it to remove food stains. If they

are stubborn, use mild soap water. Else, strategically place hand towels to hide the spot.

3. As an alternative, you can place fruit baskets on the counter or decorate the dining table with it.

4. One of the biggest problems of a dirty kitchen is the smell.

If last night's overcooked chhole and masala is making it unbearable for you to enter the premises, boil cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, lemon or other citrus fruits and leave the container open.

This will surely rid of the foul smell.

Invest in Decorative baskets This lovely invention is a saviour for all those last-minute

cleaning tricks. Anything stray - clothes, magazines, utensils, play things, grocery - can easily vanish into one.

And because decorative hampers are pleasing to the eyes, no one will give you dirty looks if they are placed in the corner of your room.

Flowers These come in handy when you need to distract them the minute they enter your home.

Lampshades The way you light up your home plays a huge role in making it look attractive for your guests.

Lampshades with earthy patterns add a touch of rustic appeal. You can also buy different varieties of lighting fixtures.

Scented candles Pleasant fragrance will make your home come alive. Light a few scented candles or use diffusers and you are good to go.

Bathroom Be it for washing hands or using the loo, at least one of your guests is most likely to visit the bathroom. So, don't leave it in a messy state.

1. Spray liquid soap or glass cleaner either on tissue papers or a sponge cloth and give a quick rub to the basin, mirrors, toilet seat and generally all over the surface.

2. Drop an automatic toilet cleaning tablet in the flush tank and pull the lever once so the remnants of stain remover are

washed away. If you don't have one in stock, pour liquid soap/ shampoo or a piece of fragrant soap in the tank. This will do the trick.

3. Straighten hand towels and put the bath mat in its place. If you have a shower curtain, dump clutter behind it and cover the area. You can also use Turkish towels to cover used towels.

4. If you have shampoos and body lotions lined on the basin, either put them in the cupboard above it or collect them in a tub and cover it with a bathroom stool.

5. Most importantly, don't leave the floors wet because you don't want your guests to leave foot impressions behind. (Agencies)

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, APRIL 12

PAGE 12

Virat Kohli joins Premier Futsal family Evergreen beat DCCCC, PTI Mumbai, Apr 11 : Star India batsman Virat Kohli has joined the recentlyannounced Premier Futsal football league as its brand ambassador.

Premier Futsal was launched amid much fanfare last week and Kohli, who has been the face of Indian Cricket over the last few years, will now lend his name to Futsal, the newer, shorter 5-a-side variant of soccer.

His announcement as brand ambassador follows the unveiling of soccer legend Luis Figo as Premier Futsal's president last week, marking another major coup for the league as it heads into its inaugural season.

Virat Kohli said, "We all grew up playing 5-a-side soccer. The combination of speed & flamboyance

is what attracts so many people across the globe to watch & play the sport.

Futsal is a fast and exciting sport.

"Futsallers display a lot of flair, skill and swag on the field, which are all qualities I relate to. I am tremendously excited to be a part of Premier Futsal and motivated to positively contribute to the development of this wonderful new sport in India."

Premier Futsal is set to take place in India from July 15th to July 24th with each game split into two halves of 20 minutes each.

Over 50 International Futsalers, from four Continents and 21 countries are expected to participate.

Xavier Britto, Chairman, Premier Futsal said, "It is

Maxwell believes Clarke didn't have `that same personal side` as Smith

Glenn Maxwell ANI Melbourne, Apr 11 : Australia swashbuckling all-rounder Glenn Maxwell believes that the former skipper Michael Clarke didn't have 'that same personal side' as that of his successor Steve Smith.

The 27-year-old opined that Smith was more approachable than Clarke and that he felt the latter wanted to keep himself as the captain while playing under him, news.com.au reported.

However, Maxwell praised Clarke's record as captain and described his former captain as the ultimate professional, who was tactically brilliant.

Reflecting on Australia's

shambolic tour of India in 2013, where they suffered a whitewash in the four-Test series, Maxwell said that he tries to forget most of the things about the 'disastrous' tour apart from making his debut and taking his first wicket.

The tour was engulfed by the infamous 'homeworkgate' scandal, where Shane Watson, James Pattinson, Mitchell Johnson and Usman Khawaja were suspended for failing to do a team task assigned by then coach Mickey Arthur, who was sacked several months later on Ashes eve in England.

Australia are scheduled to visit India next year for a four-match Test series.

Jubilee club win

Virat Kohli joins Premier Futsal family our great pleasure to have India's current favorite sportsman as the Brand Ambassador for our League. We feel proud to share a common dream of promoting new sports in India with Virat.

"With him coming on

board, we are confident of attracting the youth of India to come see Futsal and take it up as a career eventually. These are really exciting times for us and I am sure this association with Virat will further elevate the standard

of Futsal in India."

Expressing concerns over the proposed league, FIFA had shot off a letter to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) last week, saying it was not authorised by the world governing football body.

India beat Canada to climb to third spot in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup ANI Ipoh (Malaysia), Apr.11 : It was a match that saw various anxious moments, especially for India, who finally emerged out as victorious with a scoreline of 3-1 against Canada in the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here on Sunday.

India, who wasted numerous chances to score, finally sealed the victory with two late goals scored

by Harmanpreet Singh, who converted a penalty corner in the 41st minute and Talwinder Sing, who capitalised on a Sardar Singh cross into the circle in the 67th minute of the match.

With six points from three

Indian hocky team outings, India are now third in the round-robin league standings.

On top of the table are World Champions Australia with nine points from three successive wins, followed by defending champions New Zealand who have eight points

from their four outings.

In other fixtures Australia outplayed Pakistan 40, while New Zealand defeated Japan 4-1.

India will next face archrival Pakistan, who have three points from their three outings, on Tuesday.

Tottenham thrash Man Utd 3-0 to remain in title contention ANI Johannesburg, Apr 11 : Tottenham Hotspur remained in contention for Premier League title as they thrashed Manchester United with three rapid goals in the second half at White Hart Lane.

Dele Alli put the hosts ahead in the 70th minute before Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela struck within a gap of six minutes, Sport24 reported.

Elsewhere, Leicester bagged a 2-0 win over Sunderland earlier in the day to remain overwhelming favourites for

Sports Reporter and one maximum.

Dibrugarh, Apr 11: Ev- Dinesh Gupta scalped ergreen Club defeated three for 13 in 2 overs for Dibrugarh City Cricket Dibrugarh City Cricket Coaching Centre by 67 Coaching Centre. runs in the Dembi Bori While in run chase, and Kusum Dibrugarh Bori T20 City Cricket Cricket tourna- T20 Cricket C o a c h i n g ment organised by Centre were bundled out Dibrugarh District for 89 in 15 overs. Ayush Sports Association at Sharma scored 14 off 17 DDSA stadium here to- balls with a six. Amir day.

Ahmed contributed 14 Put into bat, Evergreen runs. club piled up 156 for six For, Evergreen Club, in 20 overs. Umesh Raut Gaurav Dutta, Umesh scored run a ball 35 with Raut and Bonny Das two boundaries and three scalped two wickets a sixes, while Krishna piece conceding 7, 20 Sundas remained un- and 22 runs respectively. beaten on 31 off 27 balls, Umesh Raut was adhitting three boundaries judged man of the match and one six. Manash for his all round perforDutta contributed 27 off mance.

28 balls with three fours In another match, Jubilee

KP pondering international return with South Africa ANI Melbourne, Apr 11 : Out-of-favour England batsman Kevin Pietersen has admitted he is harbouring hopes of making a return to international cricket with his native country South Africa.

"Yes, it is a thought in my head," Pietersen was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. "If it happens, it happens, if it doesn't, it doesn't. Obviously, playing international is something I have done for a very long time.

Do I miss playing international cricket? Do I miss batting in international cricket? Yes I do very much so you never know."

Pietersen, a veteran of 104 Tests and 136 one-day caps for England, has been out of the national squad since his central contract was cancelled by the ECB following the team's Ashes washout by Australia in 2014.

As per the International

But he played his last 11 holes superbly with two birdies and rest of them pars to finish with 75.

"The two triples (one each on first and last days) and not being able to score off the Par-fives cost me something like 10 shots and that is the difference being in Top10 or somewhere in the 40s. That should explain it all. I played well in patches and that was not enough," Lahiri said.

Lahiri is planning to take two weeks off and practice with his coach, Vijay Divecha, who arrived over the weekend.

"I want to a few chores around the house, as we settle into a new place in Florida, which will be

Tottenham Hotspur the title. They have a seven-point lead over Hotspur.

Meanwhile, United fin-

Anirban Lahiri my base for next few months," said Lahiri.

"Also I need to work on my game and will get

Kevin Pietersen Cricket Council rules, a player must wait four years to re-qualify for another side if he has represented a Test-playing country.

"The eligibility for South Africa is still [over] a year away. So we will have to wait and see but [an England call-up] is definitely still an option," said the 35-year-old.

Last year, Pietersen's hopes of earning an England recall suffered a heavy blow when Andrew

Strauss, the England and Wales Cricket Board's director, told the maverick batsman that he would not be considered for an international recall.

He displayed a rich vein of form in the Ram Slam T20 in South Africa and Australia's Big Bash League and recently struck an unbeaten 14-ball 21 to help new franchise Rising Pune Supergiants claim victory in the opening match of the Indian Premier League.

Willett capitalises on Spieth's collapse to win Augusta Masters

ished the weekend four points below fourth-place Manchester City in fifth place.

ANI Johannesburg, Apr 11 : British golfer Danny Willett etched his name into record books as he won the 80th Masters at the Augusta National after defeating defending champion Jordan Speith

Lahiri finishes T-42nd at Masters, betters own best PTI Augusta (USA), Apr 11 : Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri was pulled back by a disastrous front-nine but still managed to better his previous best by signing off tied 42nd with a three-over 75 in the final round of the 80th Masters Tournament here.

Lahiri ended with a total of 11-over 299 to finish tied 42nd and better his previous best of T49 last year.

Lahiri, starting the day at five-over and in tied38th place, courted disaster on the third with a triple bogey and had further bogeys on fourth and seventh.

club registered a win against Dolphin Club by 11 runs. Jubilee went into bat and scored 85/4 in 15 overs. Amit Borpuzari remained unbeaten on 29 off 21 balls with two boundaries and Kiran Gharphalia scored 15 off 18 balls.

For Dolphin, Sahid Khan took two for 16 in 3 overs.

In reply, Dolphine were bowled out for 74 in 13.4 overs. Kundun Verma scored 30 off 18 balls with seven boundaries and Sahid Khan contributed 10 off 13 balls.

For Jubilee Club, Krishna Prasad and Kiran Gharphalia took three wickets each. Kiran Gharphalia was adjudged man of the match.

back to tournaments in two weeks time at New Orleans."

Asian Tour's Kiradech

Aphibarnrat added a two-under 70 in the final round of the Masters to finish Tied 15th, his best ever result in a Major event.

Thongchai Jaidee, playing his fifth Masters, had another frustrating with a six-over 78 that saw him finish the week at 19-over and in Tied57th place.

Kiradech had rounds of 72-72-77-70. His previous best at any Major was T25 on debut at the 2013 PGA Championship.

Overall, Kiradech scored heavily on Parfives, where he was nine-under with one eagle and nine birdies and two bogeys.

Ahead on the top of the leaderboard, Danny Willett, playing in fourth from last group shot one of the three scores of 67 on Sunday to catapult from Tied8th to the very top.

He finished more than half an hour earlier than defending champion Jordan Spieth to finish and won by three over fellow Englishman Lee Westwood (69) and Spieth (73).

For Willett it meant a first major and it was only his second appearance, having finished Tied-38th last year.

Willett, who also won the Dubai Classic this year, is 28 and a former World No.1 amateur.

on Monday.

Willett posted a final round of five-under par 67 and took advantage of overnight leader Spieth's late collapse to claim his maiden major by three shots, Sport24 reported.

Spieth had been leading

by five shots before making bogey at both 10 and 11. Although the American rebounded with birdies at 13 and 15, another bogey at 17 saw him finish second at two-under par with another Englishman Lee Westwood.

Van Gaal backs Man Utd to make top-four PL finish despite Tottenham drubbing ANI London, Apr.11 : Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes that his side can still make a top-four Premier League finish despite his side's humiliating defeat at the hands of second-placed Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Earlier, Tottenham Hotspur thrashed United 3-0, with Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld and Erik Lamela scoring each within a gap of six minutes in the second half.

Reflecting on their performance, van Gaal said that his side were playing good away match before

Tottenham's first goal, but added that they soon lost the opportunity to score.

He added that his side had to cope with their defeat and need to shift their focus on their upcoming games, the Mirror reported.

United are currently fifth in the points table and are behind fourth-place Manchester City by four points.

Insisting that his side were still in the race, the Dutchman admitted that it had become more difficult to close the gap, but said that the opponent teams could suffer a defeat in their upcoming games.

United will now lock horns with Aston Villa on Saturday.

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