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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

Issue 159

India and the 21st Century's Great Game

Dibrugarh, Saturday, November 14, 2015

Price -

5.00

Declassifying Netaji's Archives: Government Transparency Or Just A Clever Move?

Gold demand up 13 per cent in July-Sept

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Pages- 12

India, UK for promoting secure, affordable and sustainable supplies of energy

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“Being able to question alleged leadership North East states had to fight hard to get back the 90:10 crisis in Arunachal Cong is a positive sign” funding pattern: Tarun Gogoi The 21 dissident MLAs have issued a joint press statement saying that in the recent past, there have been many statements made in the print media and social media by various organizations and individuals regarding the ongoing crisis of leadership in the Congress party “which we greatly appreciate as it is indeed a positive sign of a

ET CAPSULES Children’s Day Dibrugarh, Nov 13: The District Rural Development Agency (UNICEF) Cell) will be celebrating the Children’s Day with a daylong programme on Nov 14 at Assam Sahitya Sabha Bhawan, Dibrugarh from 9am onwards. (DIPRO)

1 run over by train at Mariani Jorhat, Nov 13: One person was run over by train as his body was recovered from beside the railway track between TitaborKhoriakotia railway station although the body is yet to be identified. The body was recovered at Latukujan 361/ 23 km past, under Mariani PS in Jorhat district, informed police here.

According to GRP, Mariani Railway station said that the body is yet to be identified suspected to be 40 years of age and to be from the tea community. The body would be kept at the Jorhat Medical College Hospital Morgue for next the 72 hours. (Correspondent)

4 held with stolen motor bikes Dhubri, Nov 13: Four bike-lifters identified as Imran Khandakar, 29, Rafique Zaman Haque, 28, Mafizul Haque, 29, and Shahnaz Khandakar were picked up by Dhubri police last night at Dhubri and Gauripur of Dhubri district and recovered four motorbikes stolen from different parts of Dhubri town recently. (Correspondent)

Majuli’s historic ‘paal naam’ starts Jorhat, Nov 13: The historic ‘paal naam’ kicked off at the historic Auai Ati Sattra, at Kamalabari last night as per its annual schedule at the sattra premises which is to continue till the next five days, informed the sattra spokesperson, Kamal Dutta here today. In the mul kirtan ghar, Bhawagat was placed and the bhaktas of the sattras in groups will continue the pal naam days. Meanwhile hundreds of devotees from far and wide thronged the venue of the Aunai Ati Sattra. The district administration had arranged special ferry service to and from Nematighat to Kamalabari ghat on the occasion of paal naam to the Majuli island. (Correspondent)

Contd. on Page 3

Coordination meeting held on Chakma-Hajong issue at Namsai AAPSU, JACCHIN, CDFHR come together to chalk out future course of action Indrajit Tingwa Namsai, Nov 13

Financial assistance for qualified UPSC preliminary examinee With reference to a news item that appeared in one of the English dailies dated 13th November 2015, it is being informed that financial assistance to aspiring candidates those who have qualified preliminary examination of UPSC is a commitment of the state government. The state

government is committed to providing financial assistance as announced in the budget 2015-16. All the candidates those who have qualified UPSC prelims examination may contact Director State Plan, Department of Planning and can email or contact at the following email address or contact the department at: directorstateplan@gmail.com or 9436055282.

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Police personnel attack on journo condemned ET Correspondent Margherita, Nov 13

Margherita Journalists’ Association has condemned the attack on a Margherita journalist Prashanto Chetia, cameraperson of a Guwahati based satellite channel by a Police personnel of Margherita Police Station on 12 November

AJF to stage dharna at Jantar Mantar Lomhom Tangha Changlang, Nov 13 Continuing its tirade against the State Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Nabam Tuki, the Arunachal Justice Forum (AJF) under the

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said Assam and other States of the North East had to fight for restoration of 90:10 funding pattern and it was not a ‘new decision by the Modi-led Government but a continuous process of the previous UPA dispensation at the Centre’. In a statement here today, Chief Minister Gogoi said the States of the North East had to put up a concerted fight to get back the 90:10 funding pattern. “We had to fight to get the 90:10 funding pattern restored. The Manmohan Singh-led UPA Government had incorporated several flagship programmes but there is nothing new in the one announced by the BJP-led Government at the Centre,” Gogoi said. Gogoi said the slew of retrogressive steps

ET Correspondent Guwahati, Nov 13

Contd. on Page 3

ET Bureau Naharlagun, Nov 13

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 13

taken by the present dispensation at the Centre has affected the development process in Assam and other North Eastern States.

“We will not rest and continue our fight for our rights vis-a-vis restoration of the now suspended Special

Assam Govt. to provide housing facilities to all Harijans: Gogoi

A coordination meeting was held today at Namsai among All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU), Joint Action Committee on Chakma Hajong Issue Namsai (JACCHIN) and Changlang District Forum for Human Rights (CDFHR).

leadership of Nabam Tagam (Court Tagam) is slated to stage a 2-hour dharna at Jantar Mantar on 14th November, 2015 in collaboration with India Against Corruption (IAC). By means of the protest, the protesters would demand

immediate stepping down of Nabam Tuki as chief minister; immediate pronouncement of Supreme Court case against the chief minister; white paper on financial mismanagement of NDRE and SDRF schemes among other demands.

night. Prashanto Chetia said, “On 12 November at Faltu Basti, Margherita I went there and saw gambling was going on. So, I immediately informed Margherita Police. Then after sometime Police personnel from Margherita Police Station came and beat me black and Contd. on Page 4

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the State Government would be providing housing facilities to all Harijans.

Announcing this at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Solapara Harijan Housing Colony at the premises of Nehru Stadium here today, Chief Minister Gogoi said that the State Government would come up with a comprehensive plan for extending housing facilities to Harijans across the State.

Terming his Government ‘propoor’, Gogoi said that the State Government has taken up a slew of welfare oriented schemes and programmes in the past 14 years. Despite the

drastic cut in Central funds, the State Government out of its own resources have been carrying out developmental activities. “We will continue to keep up the tempo of development despite cut in funds by the Central Government. The welfare oriented schemes for the poor, marginalised and underprivileged sections of the society will continue,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that Assam has bagged the coveted India Today State of the States Award for Infrastructure Development outclassing several big States. “The development initiatives have brought about changes in key sectors like road, agriculture, education, health and macroeconomy.

Contd. on Page 4

ITA contributes Rs 90 lakh to CM’s Relief Fund A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 13

Indian Tea Association (ITA) donated Rs 90 lakh as contribution to Chief Minister ’s Relief Fund.

Chairman, ITA, Contd. on Page 4

Wild elephant kills Enjoy winter with Wagh Bakri-Spice Tea range 60-year-old farmer Leaf from the best tea gardens selected and personally tasted by group directors, today, Wagh Bakri Tea is the 3rd largest packaged tea company in India with a turnover of over Rs. 1000 Cr. and over 30 million Kgs of tea distribution.

ET Bureau Mumbai, Nov 12

Nirmalendu Pathok & Bijoy Handique Jorhat, Nov 13

In a bizarre incident, a sixty year old farmer was killed by a wild elephant at Jhanjimukh Hatisal gaon under Teok police station of Jorhat district last night. The victim was identified as Pursaram Choudhury (60) who was a permanent resident of

Jhanjimukh Bihari gaon.

According to sources, the killer wild elephant suddenly attacked the farmer when he returned home from his temporary cow farm with several other farmers last night at around 9 pm. In the wake of the sudden attack, the aged farmer died on the spot.

Contd. on Page 4

1 feared drowned Dhubri, Nov 13: Sanowar Hussain, 30, of Kokradanga village under South Salmara police station of Dhubri district has gone missing after falling in the river Brahmaputra while fishing in the river along with three other fishermen of the village today. Police has been searching in the river but till the filing of the report, Hussain could not be traced out, a police source said. (Correspondent)

It is crucial that we, as a society, must accept that as a privilege to have a difference in opinion and the right to have a voice of dissent is at the core of democratic functioning, without it, institutions and organisations invariably lose direction and focus.

LPG cylinder crisis hits residents of Mansirir-Berajan area in Sonitpur Sambhu Boro Tezpur, November 13

The people of greater Mansiri-Berajan, Rowmari, Kachubil, Boithabhanga, Sonabil and Rangajan areas near Balipara here in Sonitpur district have expressed total

dissatisfaction over the severe crisis of LPG cylinder in their areas for the last few months.

Dhaneswar Kumar and Khageswar Kumar, who are local social workers, Contd. on Page 4

Wagh Bakri Tea Group is a Premium Tea Company with a long-lasting relationship of love and trust with its loyal consumers since 1892.With

This winter get health protection as Wagh Bakri Tea Group, which is the 3rd largest packaged tea company in India offers Wagh Bakri Spiced Tea range enriched with health benefits of select 7 spices.

Contd. on Page 4

Category Status and North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy,” he said, adding that the retrogressive steps have retarded the pace of development in the region. The Chief Minister said that the present Central Government leave alone providing special assistance to Assam and other North Eastern States has choked the flow of funds by drastic cut in MGNREGA and other flagship programmes.

Gogoi said his Government would not be cowed down by such retrogressive steps and would continue implementation of policies and programmes with full vigour.

“Funds flow has been choked by the present Central Government but our Government will continue implementing policies and programmes out of our own resources,” he added.

NSCN (K) allegedly cut down tea bushes to transport coal from Nagaland Bijoy Shankar Handique Jorhat, Nov 13

Tension has been reigning at Merapani Kolaijan area since the last night under Merapani Police station in Golaghat district as suspected NSCN (K) militants have cut down a major portion of a tea garden belonging to one Hiren Gogoi of Merapani Kolaijan near here. According to Police, suspected militants from Okha district in Nagaland with the view to ferry out coal via Merapani to Guwahati-Siliguri side and to make a comfortable transportation of black diamond from Impang Naga basti through Kolaijan have taken a new route with the Naga militants involved in the coal business forcefully cutting down tea bushes in Assam land owned by Assam small tea grower Hiren Gogoi. Kolaijan lies in the D-sector of the border areas of AssamNagaland where a CRPF battalion is based with Assam police battalion in anticipation of anti-social elements from Nagaland hilltop coming down and harassing the innocent villagers and farmers residing at the border belt. It is a common affair that generally happens during the Christmas festival which is almost round the corner, informed a senior police official here. On Saturday a section of border residents from the Merapani area is likely to meet the Upper Assam commissioner Anurag Goel and Satyan Gogoi, the DIG (Eastern Range) in connection with disturbance created by Naga goons, especially the NSCN (K).

Industrial production growth slows down to 3.6% in September New Delhi, Nov 13

Growth in industrial production, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production, slowed down in September to 3.6 per cent from the break-neck 6.3 per cent achieved in August.

Retail inflation for October, accelerated to 5 per cent from 4.4 per cent in September, Contd. on Page 10

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION GROWTH TAKES A HIT Ø Growth in industrial production, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production, slowed down in September to 3.6 per cent from the break-neck 6.3 per cent achieved in August. ØRetail inflation for October,

accelerated to 5 per cent from 4.4 per cent in September, marking the fourth consecutive month of consumer price inflation quickening.

Ø The General Index (of

Industrial Production) for the month of September 2015 stands at 178.0, which is 3.6 per cent higher as compared to the level in the month of September 2014.

ØThe 3.6 per cent growth rate

in industrial production seems more the norm than the high 6.3 achieved the previous month.

Ø Growth

in the manufacturing sector, for example, plummeted to 2.6 per cent in September from a heady 6.6 per cent the previous month.

Ø Notably, by usage, the capital goods sector slowed down considerably, coming in at 10.5 per cent in September compared to 21.4 per cent in August.

ØThe electricity sector, on the

ØConsumer goods, a measure

other hand, grew very strongly in September, coming in at 11.4 per cent, up from 5.6 per cent in August.

of demand in the economy, also slowed to 0.6 per cent in September compared to 6 per cent in August.

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vibrant state”. “It is crucial that we, as a society, must accept that as a privilege to have a difference in opinion and the right to have a voice of dissent is at the core of democratic functioning, without it, institutions and organisations invariably lose direction and focus. All over the nation today, we are seeing a rising movement against the very idea of intolerance.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 13

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Former Principal passes away

ET Correspondent Sonari, Nov 13: Dhirendra Nath Changmai, former Principal of BPBMHS School, Sonari passed away this morning while undergoing treatment in Dibrugarh. He was 69.

Changmai was suffering from multiple ailments.

The news of his demise was mourned by various organizations and people of the town. Changmai joined the school in 1967 as a assistant teacher and although, originally, he hailed from Tingalibam, he later permanently settled in Sonari. He took over the post of Principal-in-charge of the school in 1999 and served in the same capacity till his retirement in 2004. He leaves behind his wife, a son, three daughters and host of other relatives. Many organizations paid homage towards the body of Changmai as it was brought to Sonari. His body was later cremated at the Sonari Public Crematorium.

Religions must tolerant and give due respect to women: Prof Shukla ET Correspondent Shillong, Nov 13: ExVice Chancellor of North Eastern Hills University (NEHU), Prof P Shukla said that religions must be tolerant and should have due respect especially for women. Speaking as chief guest at national seminar on the theme, “Women and religion in India: Status and Quest for Liberation”, organised by the Synod College, Shillong held here on Friday, Prof Shukla said, “I have met different religious leaders; I liked them all. I have never met anyone

whom I don’t like in my life”. He added, “Religions should be tolerant and give due respect to all especially women”.

He disagreed with the notion that man is superior to woman when he said, “Son gives due respect to his mother just like to his father”. According to Prof Shukla, the harmony of religions is tolerance. Earlier, Prof Manorama Sharma in her keynote address said that women always were treated as inferior to men by religions. “Religions and genders are complex issues and have become

Itanagar, Nov 13: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa has has extended warm greetings and best wishes to all the members of the media fraternity of the Nation and Arunachal Pradesh in particular on the momentous occasion of National Press Day. The Governor expressed hope that the occasion will enthuse every member of the fraternity to continue their excellent service towards the cause of the society, especially the down-

trodden, children, women, the old and otherwise able.

He said that the Press must be always remembered by one and all that the Press is the fourth Pillar of Freedom. Without a free, fair, fearless, transparent and truthful Press, democracy would be in danger. Similarly, the syndrome of Paid News’ has to be fought by the media itself tooth and nail, in order to serve the Freedom of the Press on a firm footing.

In his message for the Press Day, the media is a

mirror to reflect correctly the happenings in society to the public at large and therefore, it must profile issues requiring attention.

At the same time, it should carefully avoid sensationalizing the happenings, particularly when the incident involves young, women or sensitive social and national security issues. Special effort must be there from the media fraternity to focus on core sectors like education, health, rural development, tourism, environment and

humanity. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Clean Arunachal, Green Arunachal should also be focused areas.

Media in Arunachal Pradesh may be very young, but we are already proud of you for your dedicated endeavours and in becoming the true ‘Voice of the every Arunachalee.’ I extend my Best Wishes for the successful celebration of the Day, in the most befitting manner, the Governor wished.

HNLC claims blast as warning to non-tribals in Shillong city

Prasanta Phukan, MLA laying foundation stone of Fakaruddin Ali Ahmed Road at Lachit Nagar in Dibrugarh. Pic - UB Photos.

ET Correspondent Shillong, Nov 13: The banned outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) today through a Facebook page update claimed that the blast caused last late night at Jhalupara in Shillong city, is a sign of warning to non-tribals “not to show off while they are in Hynniewtrep land”. Selfstyled publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw in a Facebook page update said that the blast is a sign that the outfit wanted to send message to outsiders. Last night at around 10.30 pm as the residents were busy celebrating Diwali, all of a sudden a big blast rocked Jhalupara locality forcing the residents to come out of their houses. The ‘mysterious’ bomb blast caused at a bush near the JRGM Hospital at around 10.30 pm created a crater at the blast site and partially damaged two vehicles and a road roller

parked nearby. Initially, police suspected that the loud noise was caused by firecrackers.

However, due to the impact of the blast, many houses and buildings in Jhalupara area shook compelling the people to come out of their houses to inquire about the incident. Police personnel who immediately rushed to the site are tight lipped over the actual cause of the blast. They took photos of the site and the vehicles. Police said that the dog squad and other wings of the police will visit the blast site on Friday to further investigate into the matter.

Meanwhile this morning the banned HNLC claimed the blast through the outfit publicity secretary Facebook account. Mr Sainkupar Nongtraw stated that “the blast was just a minor bomb, to warn the non-tribals living in the Hynniewtrep land not to take chances on the innocent people of Hynniewtrep”.

List of hospitals in Dibrugarh with contact details & phone numbers, Assam Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals Bordoloi Avenue, Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2302219, 2302225

G M Hospital ET Correspondent Dhubri, Nov 13: Nearly 200 villagers of Airkata gaon panchayat under J a m a d a r h a t Development Block of Dhubri district registered protest today at Dhubri D e p u t y C o m m i s s i o n e r ’s office against the withdrawal of money of job card holders from their accounts by panchayat officials and elected representatives.

Protesters also s u b m i t t e d memorandum and demanded inquiry and suspension of officials involved in this and payment of their money immediately.

exploited, illiterate and ignorant. He said that the Purdah system, the Shariah and the Islam law do not allow Muslim women to participate in public life nor are they allowed the basic human rights. “In short, they are akin to beasts and slaves”, he said. He also said that against this background, the study attempts to understand the status of Muslim women in Islam and their quest for liberation need to be understood within the Islamic ideology.

Governor extends greetings to Press Fraternity

A STEP FORWARD

Protest against job card anomalies

fascinating subjects of study”, she said. In most religions, men dominate women but there are only few examples where women take the lead. She concluded by saying, “Women need to be liberated from religious sanctions to make them equal with men”. Later on, Dr Saifun Nessa while presenting a paper on Islam and Muslim women said that the picture of Muslim women painted in most of the existing literature is one of living in a pathetic condition etiolated by the Burkha and Hijab,

Shrishti Hospital & Research Centre Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2300024, 2302099

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2302100, 2302099

Near Indian AirLines City Office Paltan Bazar Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2303476

Assam Medical College

Marwari Arogya Bhawan Hospital Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2302872, 2302051

Graham Bazar, A.T. Road Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2322547

Jalan Nagar, Dibrugarh - 786 002 List of Phones numbers: Emergency Room : 0373 - 2300627 Labour Room: 0373 - 2300022 Drug Deaddiction Centre: 0373 - 2302952 Community Medicine: 0373 - 2302994 RIA Centre: 0373 - 2302093

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic

Aastha Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2303448, 2303458, 2301904

Sankardev Hospital Mancotta Road, Chowkidinghee Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2327717, 2327715, 2326960

Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

Dr Damani's Nursing Home Near Circuit House, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2300928, 2302873

Students and teachers of Joya Vidyapith, Jorhat performing during a programme held at the Jorhat Book Fair. Pic - Nekib Ahmed

ASTRO FOR YOU You are very sensitive, and some people will disturb your peace of mind today.

However, getting irritated will only make matters worse. Reflect in isolation what may be at the root of the problem. Ganesha says it is closer to you than you think.

People around you will be surprised to witness the considerate and compassionate side of you today, says Ganesha. Problems may come knocking but you, along with support from your loved ones, will handle them with brilliant tact. Enjoy the company of near and dear ones and let your presence be felt in social outings, suggests Ganesha You will be in an extremely emotional and romantic mood today. You may be worried about your personal relations, health, diet, career etc. You need to guard against giving into excessive stress and worry and look after your health, says Ganesha.

The day is very favourable, says Ganesha. You will feel a sense of joy and happiness with your valuable possessions. You may fall into love or have a strong romantic ties with someone. A great time for lovers. Ganesha foresees chance of having new contacts and ties.

You will be busy on the work front today. It is a good day for those who are self-employed. Housewives will remain extremely busy with household matters. You will be able to work according to your desire though, says Ganesha Close members of your family and friends will take up most of your time today. Students will have to pay more attention to studies as exams are upcoming, and they will have to learn to balance study and free time. Ganesha says today is a good time to buy property. All in all, it is a day when you can afford to relax and let your mind pursue its interests.

"Every man has specific natural abilities", said Aristotle. This seems to be true for you today. Your natural talents will be acknowledged and documented at work. This might prompt your equals to hold you up above the rest, and for your seniors to positively encourage you to scale greater heights. But as always, be careful to make sure that success does not make you heady with arrogance, cautions Ganesha. Keep yourself firmly grounded, and remember that, 'pride cometh before the fall' You are ready to take up the challenges that life has to throw at you. Thanks to the confidence within you, which gives you power to fight it out against all odds. Even if you take up a mammoth task, you are bound to succeed today, predicts Ganesha.

Your business is likely to grow with leaps and bounds, foresees Ganesha. Increase in financial returns will keep you happy for the entire day. Work in progress gives out positive signals. Your expert advice will be valued at work.

In short, a day full of activities.

You are armed with good communication skills, it helps you convince the most adamant of those around you. But, you'll need to hone this talent once again, says Ganesha. You'll look into heart of the matter and find the answers you have been searching for. As the day progresses, your creativity will come to the fore, impressing the people around. You can ask for the support of your peers to move ahead, feels Ganesha.

The cupid may strike you today! The singles may feel the energy and excitement of budding romance. Equally blissful day for the married couples, too, as they will spend quality time with each other. Go down the memory lane, go through some photo albums and cherish those long lost moments, says Ganesha.

You are fond of traveling and are always looking for an excuse to set off.

Hence it comes as no surprise if you pack your bags and decide to embark upon a journey on a whim today. It is a much needed break too, from the daily stresses of earning a livelihood. While you are seeking solitude, you will take your friends and relatives along with you on the trip, says Ganesha.

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

14-11-15 (SATURDAY) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha 6-15 A.M-Classical Music, Artist-Pt. Kartik Kumar 6-50 A.M-Lokageet 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto 8-35 A.M-Surar Satsori 9-05 A.M-Antara 11-30 P.M-Live Phone-in Programme of KKHSOU 12-15P.M-Teachers' Broadcast 12-30P.M-Hindi Film Songs 2-00 P.M-Kunhipaat 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-30 P.M-Mishing Geet by Biplab Panging 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 7-45 P.M-Daakpakhili 8-00 P.M-Ekalabya (Sponsored Prog. of K.K.H.S.O.U) 8-30 P.M-Geetor Shorai 10-00 P.M-Classical Music,Artist-Pt. Kumar Gandharva Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Arunachal CM included in National Skill Development Mission governing body ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 13: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has been included in the apex governing council of the National Skill Development Mission. The two other chief ministers in the governing council are those of Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be the chairman of the governing council, an official communiqué informed here on Thursday.

A letter from the Union ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship had last week said that the key institutional mechanism

under the National Skill Development Mission would consist of three tiers — an apex governing council, a steering committee and a mission directorate along with an executive committee. Mr Tuki’s role as a member of the governing council would be to provide overall guidance and policy direction to the Mission.

The policy decisions, including decisions regarding resources, taken by the governing council will be binding across all sectors and ministries, it said. The council will review overall progress and development of the Mission activities on a half-yearly

basis besides overseeing the convergence of all skill development initiatives and schemes across the various central ministries and departments with Mission objectives, the communiqué added. It will also provide strategic directions to the Centre and states to achieve the skilling target fixed under the Mission. Beside the three chief ministers, other members of the governing council include the Union ministers of Finance, HRD and Agriculture, the Deputy Chairman of NITI Aayog, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary and prominent entrepreneurs

Arunachal Governor urges better future for the children for a better tomorrow ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 13: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa along with the First Lady of the State Rita Rajkhowa have extended their heartiest greetings to the people of the State, particularly the children, on the occasion of Children’s Day, which commemorates the Birth Anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

In his message on the special occasion, the Governor appealed to every

Brajen Sarma Barua felicitated

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Nov 13: Brajen Sarmah Baruah, who is the Founder Principal of Lakhimpur Commerce College was warmly felicitated in the 32nd Foundation Day of the KC Das Commerce College of Guwahati as one of the pioneers who contributed much in the expansion of commerce education in Assam. In the programme held in a befitting manner, the educationist was honoured with a Certificate of Merit, bundle of books, Cheleng Chadar along with cash amount of Rs 10,000.00. It is to be noted that the College has felicitated four Commerce Fellows (Banjya Guru) of the State in the last four years. Brajen Sarmah Baruah is the fourth among them. The others are respectively Dr Anil Sarmah and Dr Deva Das Bhorali, both former Deans of Guwahati University and Purna Bordoloi, the founder Vice Principal of Guwahati Commerce College.

parent, guardian and citizen to provide ample opportunities to the children to excel in every field of activities, topmost being study and instil good values in them, so that they can become confident, knowledgeable human beings with compassion for the weaker sections and contribute towards nation building tomorrow. He said that nurturing an approach of ‘Service before Self’ in the children is one of the greatest gifts one can give them. “While renewing our

obligation, commitment and responsibilities towards the welfare of every child of the State, let us strive to build a harmonious society and thereby ensuring their proper upbringing,” he added. “For our better future, let us give our best to our children today for a better tomorrow. Let us all keep in mind that ‘the Child is Father of the Man’ and accordingly celebrate the Children’s Day together,” the Governor exhorted in his message.

MLA resigns Chairman’s post A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 13: Just after the Diwali celebrations, the Independent MLA from Tawang ST Assembly constituency, Tsering Tashi who is also the younger brother of former minister Pema Khandu has resigned the post of Chairman of Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board today. In his resignation letter, the MLA said that he could

not attend office due to the present turmoil and leadership crisis brewing under the incumbent Chief Minister Nabam Tuki. He also cited that there are financial crises and law and order problems which are offshoots of the leadership crisis. He said, he cannot work any further under these circumstances. He has served as Chairman only for three months.

1962 war unexploded bomb ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 13: An unexploded bomb of the 1962 Sino-India war was found at Mechukha in West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh and it was handed over to the army, an official said today. Weighing about 3.5 kgs with a circumference

of 7.96 cms, the bomb was dug out during excavation at the ongoing construction site of the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) recently, Colonel R Parthasarathy, Project Manager, ALG, Mechukha, said. The bomb was handed over to the army, he said.

By-poll in Hazirhat GP ET Correspondent Dhubri, Nov 13: By-poll for the post of president of the Hazirhat gaon panchayat passed peacefully conducted by South Salmara-Mancachar Sub-Divisional administration today. The post remained unrepresented following the death of the erstwhile president. Four candidates contested for the post of president while a total of 6297 voters exercised their franchise; out of the total 8841 voters in the gaon panchayat.

like Tata Group chairman Cyrus P. Mistry, founderCEO of Flipkart Sachin Bansal and founder-

A NEW BEGINNING

Chairman of Team Lease Services Manish Sabharwal, the communiqué added.

APCC congratulates Tuki for being inducted as NSDM member ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 13: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) today congratulated Arunachal Chief Minister Nabam Tuki after he was inducted as a member of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM) headed by the Prime Minister of India.

In a release, APCC said, “It is a moment of pride to have

Nabam Tuki as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. His innovative ideas have been recognized by other states and the country. Meanwhile, the Skill Development and Employment Generation Programme is running smoothly and successfully across the State. He deserves to be nominated as a member of NSDM”.

Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister Home (State) is being felicitated by Banshidhar Sharma, Director General SSB during inauguration ceremony of SSB Frontier Head Quarter in Tezpur. Pic - UB Photos

“Being able to question alleged leadership crisis in Arunachal Cong is a positive sign” Contd. from Page 1

Within an organisational structure like a political party too, a difference of opinion should exist, and does exist in each organisation – including in those who have made the statements. It is not only desirable but also vital that there is always an inner voice that raises questions that are valid, rational and in the greater interests of the people, that must remain un-negotiable, if a society has to evolve,” the statement said. “What the state is witnessing today in the Congress party is precisely that same spirit of questioning – of a style of functioning and its unsatisfactory outcome,

combined with a betrayal of trust that is negatively impacting development in the state. It is for the same reason why we have raised questions about the legitimacy of the current leadership and its failure to deliver on governance and development, as we have earlier shared with the people of the State who have voted us to power. The present level of mismanagement of developmental funds, misgovernance, incidences of blatant nepotism and partiality in allocation of funds are known to every citizen of the state. Such a dark period of our history has never before seen under the leadership of successive Chief Ministers – Apangji,

Mithiji, late Khandu sir and late Gamlinji,” the disobedient Congress MLAs said with the intention of bringing the past glory of the former Chief Ministers. “In regard to our being currently in New Delhi, it needs to be clarified that since the protest is against the Chief Minister himself, it is impractical to discuss the matter within the State party machinery, as being in power, he is likely to influence decisions taken at Itanagar. In this, we are only following the advice of the central leaders who had recently visited Itanagar and asked that “any grievances of any party leader or worker should be brought to the Congress

house and sorted them out within the party.” What better and more important structure do we have at our reach other than the AICC and the offices of the President and Vice President, which are all located at New Delhi. After all, this was the same mechanism that was used

by Shri Nabam Tuki for six (6) months in 2011 to topple the government of late Jarbom Gamlin, who had the support of legislators,” the dissident MLAs said. “We earnestly hope that all the individuals and organisations will appreciate the larger picture of what is happening and will exhibit true neutrality by ensuring that Arunachal does not

become an intolerant land where the right to a different opinion is interpreted as insincerity or apathy.”

The disgruntled Congress MLAs include Kameng Dolo, CT Mein, Chowna Mein, Lombo Tayeng, Wangki Lowang, Phosum Khimhun, Honchun Ngandam, Wanglin Lowangdong, Kamlung Mossang, Thangwang Wangham, Kumar Waii, T.N Thongdok, Pema Khandu, Jarkar Gamlin, Pasang D. Sona, Markio Tado, Wanglam Sawin, Gabriel D. Wangsu, Mutchu Mithi and Zignu Namchoom. The team is headed by expelled Congress member MLA Kalikho Pul.

Coordination meeting held on Chakma-Hajong issue at Namsai Contd. from Page 1

This is the first coordination meeting convened by AAPSU against the backdrop of the 17 September judgment of the apex court directing the Government of India and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to confer citizenship on the Chakma and Hajong refugees within a period of three months. The meeting assumes significance as it witnesses a renewed approach of AAPSU and the local denizens alike in order to fight for the rights of the indigenous Arunachalees.

At the outset Biru Nasi, General Secretary AAPSU briefed the house regarding the aim of convening the coordination meeting and the steps taken post 17 September. He informed that AAPSU has filed an impleadment and a review petition in the Honourable Supreme

Court of India. Today’s meeting was called to seek support and suggestions from the indigenous people of the refugee affected areas.

Nasi further said that AAPSU stands for total deportation of Chakma Hajong refugees from Arunachal Pradesh and that Chakmas with records of criminal activities, encroachments on both public and private land have posed a big problem to the indigenous people. The review petition filed by AAPSU is slated for listing on 19 November but Biru Nasi said that whatever the outcome, Arunachalees will never accept the refugees.

CS Namchoom, ViceChairman, JACCHIN spoke on the need for a halt to the influx of Chakmas from Bangladesh, Tripura, Mizoram etc. and strict implementation of Inner Line Permit system. He further said that pending the final decision on the Chakma-Hajong refugees

who came between 196469, the ones who came after that period ought to be detected and deported immediately.

On behalf of the CDFHR, Mrs. Pinna Kitnal Muklom Singpho stated that as of today the indigenous population of Changlang district was lower than the refugee population. She said that National Human Rights Commission should not be partial in their observations but also take cognizance of the plight of the indigenous people whose future was at stake. Gumjum Haider, who heads the Core Committee on Chakma Hajong Refugee issue constituted by AAPSU said that when it comes to Chakma Hajong refugee issue, it becomes an emotional issue. In Arunacahal Pradesh, all lands were community land hence there is no place for refugees. Haider also repeated his earlier comment on taking the help of a third nation if the step-motherly attitude

towards Arunachalees continued. He also wondered as on what basis some Chakmas were given voting rights before becoming citizens of the country.

Kamta Lapung, President AAPSU said that in spite of the existence of a Joint High Power Committee (JHPC) constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, surprisingly the SC judgement came before the completion of its task by the JHPC. He said that AAPSU was ready to go to any extent to fight for the rights of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh. He blamed the political leadership of fighting for the chair at a time when the state was passing through an uncertain period with regard to the Chakma Hajong refugee issue.

The Core Committee on Chakma Hajong Refugee issue was also expanded today with Mrs. Pinna Kitnal Singpho and Chow

Anuradha Mantaw, nominated from CDFHR and JACCHIN respectively. One more member from Lohit is to be added shortly after further consultations. The other resolutions adopted in the meeting were that the AAPSU and committees/organisations from the affected districts shall submit separate representations to the National Human Rights Commission regarding the refugee imbroglio, a public referendum and signature campaign amongst the indigenous people of the refugee affected areas is to be conducted soon. The venue for the referendum was to be decided shortly.

Demand for detection and deportation of all Chakma-Hajong refugees who entered and settled in Arunachal Pradesh after 1969 would also be placed. It was also decided to demand for setting up of a different department in the state government to look after the refugee affairs.

Amol Prabha Das Sarvodaya Award conferred on Lakhi Phukan at ‘Stree Sakti Sanmilan, Asom’ ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Nov 13: “Woman is the symbol of power. So, they are originally powerful. If the power of empowered women is led in the right direction, no evil can happen in the society,” said Biswa Barua, the former President-in-charge of Asom Sahitya Sabha while inaugurating the Open Session of the Stree Shakti Sanmilan held in the Matry Ashrom premises at Ujjalpur in Lakhimpur. In his speech, Barua emphasized and appreciated the noble

sacrifice and the great endurance on the part of women with regard to the maintenance of the family and the progress of the society. It is noteworthy that the two-day long programme of the extravaganza concluded today on a successful note.

As per the agenda of the concluding day, the Open Session began at 10.30 am under the chairmanship of Rekha Phukan, Retired Principal of Lakhimpur Post Graduate Training College. In this meeting, Lakhi Phukan, the Manager of the Matry

Ashrom who has dedicated her life in the service of humanity was conferred the prestigious Amal Prabha Das Award. “Lakhi Phkan is an icon among the women. People call her Pragyawati (intuitive) Lakhi Phukan whose life is imbued with the quality of sacrifice and solidarity and enriched with the colorful experience of the social service in the nation and the abroad,” said Suprabha Medhi, Retd. Principal of Lakhimpur Girl’s HS School, sketching the life of the awardee. Lakhimpur DC Debeswar Malakar

conferred her the award in a joyous environment with a Certificate of Merit along with several mementos.

Conferring the award and releasing a book, the DC said, “Like Lakhi Phukan, we all can do something for the betterment of the society. Only good will and love is required for this”.

On the other hand, Kusum Borah Mokashi, the former delegate of Assam Branch Kasturba Gandhi Rastriya Smarak Nyash (KGRSN), delivered a brief lecture on the life of Amal Prabha Das. It is noteworthy that Assam Governor PB

Acharya was to attend the program today. He was scheduled to confer the award on Lakhi Phukan, but he could not attend the program in the last moment due to some u n a v o i d a b l e circumstances. In the meeting, ‘Matry, the souvenir was released by Hemendra Kumar Gogoi, the former Principal of North Lakhimpur College. Literateaur Dr Swadhinata Mahanta, Associate Professor of Lakhimpur Veterinary College Nava Krishna Rajkhowa took part in the

meeting as Appointed Speaker while Bhimkanta Konwar, Retd Professor of Kanoi College, Dibrugarh, Rina Borah, Chair Person of the Advisory Board of KGRSN were the Guest of Honor. Before the Open session, Prayer, Sutra Yagya Spiritual Interpretation and Prayer Conference with the attendance the followers of all religion etc. commenced as per the agenda of the day. The whole programme concluded with prayer at 5 pm.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Elephants wreak havoc on villagers ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Nov 13: A herd of around 150 elephants entered the villages of Sadia at night and damaged at least four habitats of villagers. According to sources, the wild elephants entered the villages namely Ganeshbari and Muluk Chapri in the western parts of Sadia and destroyed the crop fields and houses of the farmers. They entered from Dibru Saikhowa National forest area into these villages and destroyed the paddy fields and houses of

villagers. They attacked the fields and houses of Muluk Chapri village also. A farmer, who identifies himself as Prasana Dutt, spent the night under open skies as his house was completely destroyed by herd.

The forest office was informed but they stated that at night they are unable to chase them off. It is worth mentioning that during winter, the wild elephants enter human habitations in search of food and there is always a fear of their attack on crop fields and houses.

1559 quintals of PDS rice distributed on ‘Rice Day’ Roing, Nov 13: In the recently concluded two-day programme themed ‘Rice Day’ on November 9 and 10 in Lower Dibang Valley District declared by the District Administration in its effort to streamline the PDS Rice Distribution System in the district, 1559 quintals of PDS rice were distributed among the beneficiaries out of 3071 quintals PDS rice

dispatched to the 44 Fair Price Shops located in 5 circles of the district viz., Roing, Koronu, Parbuk, Hunli and Desali. This amounts to 50.75% of the rice allotted to these 44 FPS in the 5 circles. Out of 12660 Ration Card Holders in these circles, 6051 Card Holders received the rice on the Rice Day, i.e., on November 9 and 10 encom-

inside the house. Receiving information, Bireswar Ramsiary, father of the deceased rushed to the residence of Prince Saha and took her to hospital where she was declared dead.

Sensing trouble Prince fled from the hospital, meanwhile hundreds of local youths rushed to the hospital demanding arrest of the absconding accused, and not finding Prince there the angry mob fanned out in nearby areas; around 3.30 PM Prince was hounded out from nearby Phuloni village by the local youths and was handed over to police.

Meanwhile, the dead body of Dabika Ramsiary has been sent to Diphu Civil hospital for autopsy.

Protest against bribery at Circle office

Kabir Mondal Dhubri, Nov 13: Dhubri district unit of Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) registered protest by demonstrating in front of Dhubri Circle Office today in connection with rampant corruption in the office.

KMSS alleged that no land settlement work got done in the office without bribing the officials and staff. Moreover, some of the government employees are also being absorbed by the officials against hefty amounts of bribe, it further alleged.

Mithun Boruah Margherita, Nov 13: Questioning Tarun Gogoi’s recent ‘Developed Assam’ remark, an unemployed youth of Margherita region said, “If someone wants to get a true picture of ‘Developed Assam’, they should come to Margherita con-

stituency. Mr Pradyut Bordoloi, the MLA of 124 Margherita LAC has been representing Margherita constituency for the last 17 years; they have got to see how developed Margherita is.” On a visit to a remote area of Margherita constituency called Number 1

Kuhiarbari Gaon, under Ketetong Gaon Panchayat, it came to notice that the state of roads, bridge, water supply, electricity supply, soil erosion problem are a stark contrast to the reality of some parts of developed Margherita. A local youth of Number 1 Kuhiarbari said, “We have pleaded several times to our Honourable MLA Mr Pradyut Bordoloi to construct a permanent RCC Bridge and set up embankment at Tirap River as during rainy season due to soil erosion we lose our lands.

The bamboo-made bridge is the only road communication for us with about 2000 residents here. During rainy season we have to suffer a lot because the Tirap River overflows the bamboomade bridge and hence we cannot get across the bridge.” Again, during rainy season the crops get destroyed by heavy floods every year but not single penny in the form of assistance comes from Margherita Administration

Nalbari BJP welcomes Jayanta Malla Ramen Kalita Nalbari, Nov 13: The Nalbari district committee of Bharatia Janata Party (BJP) today formally welcomed the MLA of Nalbari Assembly constituency Jayanta Malla Baruah, who newly joined the BJP on November 6 defecting from the ruling Congress. The MLA was welcomed from the Chak bazar area to district BJP Office by means of a rally. The rally marched through the Hajo road, PNC road and NT

road. The welcome meeting held at Nalbari Dharamshala was presided over by Ashok Sarma, president of Nalbari district BJP. Addressing the meeting the MLA Jayanta Malla Baruah said that the decision of Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma to join the BJP is a right step as the party has democracy for every member. He added that he had not joined the Congress at the request of then Chief Minister Late Hiteswar Saikia and not for its ideologies. “As I joined the

BJP I shall try to strengthen the party base in the all three constituencies in the district so that the BJP candidates can win the next poll,” the Nalbari MLA stated. He further said that the people like us have no position in the Congress as the party is now engaged in corrupt and family oriented practices. The meeting was addressed among others

by Diganta Sarma, district pravary of BJP, Baneswar Das, vice president of district BJP.

Demand to remove encroachment from water body ET Correspondent Sonari, Nov 13: Procesta – a NGO has demanded to remove encroachment from Bhojo Beel and its adjoining areas and a ban on hunting of migratory birds which throng the

water body during the winters. The NGO has made the demand through a memorandum submitted to the Charaideo sub divisional administration.

The land mass from the adjoining areas of the

water body which comes under the Sonari Development Block is shrinking everyday due to large scale encroachment. “Although, some parts of the water body was cleaned and dug out under the

S w a r g a d e o Rudrasingha Adarsha Pukhuri Achoni, three fourth of the huge water body still remains unguarded due to which unscrupulous people are taking advantage and illegally

occupying land”, the memorandum stated.

Moreover, it has been noticed some miscreants are hunting the migratory as well as the residential birds, the memorandum stated.

Wild elephant kills Assam Govt. to provide housing 60-year-old farmer facilities to all Harijans: Gogoi Contd. from Page 1 There have been more than hundred wild elephants moving around at the greater Jhanjimukh area since last month destroying crops and cultivation of the poor farmers. The local farmers and a number of social organizations including AASU, AJYCP, KMSS, etc. have been demanding the concern government department to prevent the herds of wild elephants but to no avail. The local villagers of the Jajimukh Hatisal have demanded an amount of five lakh rupees as compensation to the dead farmer’s family. It has also been reported that several others were

injured while chasing away the herd of elephants that has been marauding the area since the past 15 days. The marauding jumbos destroyed crop areas at Dharigoan, Rajabari, Khorgoan, Duliagoan, Borkokorachowa, Doloigoan, Lakhargoan, Bamungoan, Kamarkhatwal, Jhanjimukh Changmaigoan, Hatihal, Chiloni Chapori, Bezorchiga, Tinekuria and Melang Borfalia. In this connection, the residents of Jhanjimukh on Thursday blocked the NH-37 near Mudoijan road for several hours to vie for the attention of the district administration and the forest department so as to take measures to deal with the situation.

LPG cylinder crisis hits residents of Mansirir-Berajan area in Sonitpur Contd. from Page 1 in a memorandum recently submitted to the deputy commissioner, Sonitpur, Lalit Gogoi stated that the area is home to more than fifty thousand people belonging to different castes and communities.

However, though modern facilities like electricity, safe drinking water, proper road communication, LPG cylinder at subsidised rate etc. are to be made available, due to the

alleged negligence in this regard by the agencies concerned including the local panchayat workers these facilities have remained a dream for the people of these areas. The duo social workers pointing out at present besides other problems faced by the inhabitants of the mentioned localities crisis of LPG cylinder has been a major one, urged the authority, particularly the Deputy Commissioner, Sonitpur to address the same.

Rice Day was declared by the District Administration of Lower Dibang Valley District to let the people especially the rural people to know that the PDS Rice (as per the entitlement) will be available to them in these particular days as the villagers are mostly unaware of when the Fair Shop remains open and when the PDS rice arrives and distributed in

the Fair Price Shops in their villages. The Fair Price Shops were directed to compulsorily keep their FPS open on the Rice Day besides keeping it open in all other working days too.

Ravi Dhawan, Deputy Commissioner of the district informed that this exercise will be continued in the following months too.

(DIPRO)

Kuhiarbari Gaon reels under lack of basic infrastructure

Housewife dies under mysterious circumstances Sushanta Roy Diphu, Nov 13: Tension reigned in Langhing town around 90 kilometres from Diphu following the death of a housewife who according to family members and neighbours was a well planed murder. As alleged, Dabika Ramsiary (19) who was married to Prince Saha, a Hindi speaking youth of the same locality six months earlier, and ever since Debika settling at Saha’s residence was subject to physical torture by her inlaws in connection with dowry. Informing about the incident, Dokmoka police said that on Wednesday last she had a quarrel with her husband and during afternoon she was found hanged

passing 47.8% of the Card Holders. APL Rice distributed were constituted 42.61%, BPL Rice 61.7% and AAY 65.3% on these two days. In Parbuk Circle, the highest number of Card Holders collected their entitled PDS rice with 82.77% followed by Koronu with 49.70%, Hunli-Desali with 48.16% and Roing with 43.90% on the Rice Day.

Contd. from Page 1

From 19, Assam has made a giant leap to No.7 ranking in overall composite development category.

However, we will not rest on our oars and will continue to work with full steam to take the State along the path of growth and development,” he said, adding that the State Government would focus on those areas in which the State is lagging behind.

Gogoi said Assam has outshined even Punjab in so far as density of road per 100,000 population is concerned. Assam has 834 km of roads for every 100,000 population which is

nearly three times of what Punjab has at 324 km. The Chief Minister said that Development Council constituted by the Government for Scheduled Caste would take up various policies and programmes aimed at ameliorating their condition. Gogoi said a statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar would be installed in Guwahati to pay homage to the great leader who fought relentlessly for the cause of Harijan and other backward communities. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Scheduled Caste Welfare, Basanta Das, said the housing complex for Harijans at Solapara would

be built at an estimated cost of Rs 2.22 crore. Das said under the leadership of Chief Minister Gogoi, the State has embarked on a slew of initiatives for the welfare of Scheduled Caste. In his welcome address, GMC Commissioner, Narayan Konwar said the Rs 2.22 crore four-storied housing complex for Harijans at Solapara would have 32 units in all. MLA Captain Robin Bordoloi and GMC Mayor, Abir Patra also spoke on the occasion.

The Chief Minister also distributed tractors along with other agricultural implements to different SHGs at a brief function organised by Scheduled Caste Welfare Department.

Secretary of Margherita Journalists’ Association have condemned the attack and demanded Margherita Police to take strict action on the guilty Police personnel

otherwise “from 16 November onwards Margherita Journalists’ Association shall initiate strong agitation against Margherita Police Station officials”.

or from any Government agency, says a local youth of this village.

“Margherita constituency MLA Pradyut Bordoloi is now busy in erecting statues of freedom fighters at Margherita constituency but developed Assam

would come from real development works like bridge, roads, electricity, water supply,” says another local youth. With the Assembly Election of Assam nearing, political parties and leaders seems to have their task cut out.

blue saying that it was not my duty to give information about gambling.” Ram Prasad Ambedkar and Rana Jyoti Neog, President and

Kabir Mondal Dhubri, Nov 13: Two child lifters identified as Monoj Ghose, 22, and Sant Kumar Bihari, 28, of Bilasipara and Nuniapatty areas of Dhubri town of Dhubri district, were nabbed at Dhubri Civil Hospital when attempting to lift a four-and-half year old child who came with parents to see a patient in the hospital yesterday. People in the premises beat them left and right and handed them over to police.

The duo was later arrested by police, a police source said.

According to a source in the hospital, Amjad Hussain of Falimari village under Dhubri police station came with his wife, Jahinur Begum and daughter, Afrin Neha to see a patient admitted in the hospital. “While they were coming out from the hospital Neha walked out a little ahead of her parents and in the mean time, Ghose and Bihari who were inside the hospital premises lured the girl and attempted to take her away. But the girl’s maternal uncle noticed this”, Amjad Hussain said. Police are interrogating the duo so as to ascertain whether they were involved in child lifter racket or this was their first attempt, a police source said.

State BJP vice-president inspects sewer pipelines laying job ET Correspondent Sonepat, Nov 13: Responding to the yearlong demand of the residents of 10 villages, state vice president of BJP, Rajiv Jain along with the engineers of water services and sanitation (WSS) department today visited the under construction site of the 45 MLD sewer treatment plant (STP) at Kakroi road and asked the engineers to complete the laying of sewer pipelines by the end of December this year. Around Rs 50 crore project of this STP was started about three

years back and as a result Sonepat-Kakroi road was blocked for vehicular traffic. However the laying of sewer pipelines was stopped about one year back following the death of the contractor. The residents of about 10 villages were forced to cover extra distance of about 10 km for coming to and going from Sonepat and the delay in the work was causing resentment among them. After the inspection, Jain said that after completing the work of laying of sewer pipelines, the road would immediately be re-

paired for the vehicular traffic. He also informed that as the underground oil pipelines of India Oil Company also cross the Kakroi road and finally Company has given its permission to lay the sewer pipelines under the Company’s pipelines. The Superintendent Engineer, Ishwar Chander Jain said that the STP would become fully operational in one year. However, the plant would be used for releasing of water in the open drain during the coming rainy season.

Coal pilferage at Rangia Margherita coals mines educationist ET Correspondent Margherita, Nov 13: Coal India Limited, Margherita, has been reeling under coal pilferage since many years, according to sources. Coal India Limited, Margherita extracts hundred tonnes of coals daily but coal pilferage by local coal thieves has been a major concern. Coals are available at Tikok Colliery, Tirap Colliery, Ledo Colliery, Tipong Colliery, Namdang Colliery under Coal India Limited, Margherita but today 1000 tonnes of coals are illegally stolen daily by school dropout

children hired by coal mafias of Margherita region, a local says.

It is understood that many officers are of Coal India Limited, Margherita fear for their lives as few a week ago NSCN(K) cadres have threatened to demand huge ransom owing to which Tikok Colliery higher-ups for fear of their lives have reportedly taken shelter at Dehing Guest, Margherita along with their family members. When Margherita Sub Divisional Police Officer was contacted in this regard, he was not available at that moment.

passes away

Enjoy winter with Wagh Bakri-Spice Tea range Contd. from Page 1 As we all know that winter is the time when we crave for "Masala Tea" which also keeps our body fit. Thus keeping all this things in mind, benefit of all 7 natural herbs & spices, Wagh Bakri Tea Group is aggressively promoting its "Spice Tea range", that consists of Masala Tea, Tea bags & 3-in-1 Instant Tea. These teas are fortified with 100% natural extract of Cardamom, Clove, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, and Piper Longum.

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using "Olio Resin Technology" so that tea granules absorb the extract and gives consistent flavours till the last sip. Wagh Bakri's Instant tea is becoming hot favourite amongst travellers that gives them freedom of having tea just adding hot water any where any time. Cardamom helps in digestion, Clove cools the body and fight bacterial infections, Black Pepper helps in the form of antioxidant, Cinnamon maintains body temperature, Ginger increases appetite, Nutmeg helps in bowel movement & Piper Longum treats fever & Asthma. The range is available in all leading stores.

ITA contributes Rs 90 Police personnel attack on journo condemned lakh to CM’s Relief Fund Contd. from Page 1

Child lifters nabbed

Contd. from Page 1 AK Bhargava handed over the cheque to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at his official residence in the evening today.

Chief Minister Gogoi thanked ITA for the generous

contribution towards the relief fund which will go towards patients afflicted with cancer and other diseases. Vice Chairman, ITA, Azam Monem, CK Dhanuka, Vinay Goenka, Arijit Raha and Dicky Dutta were present on the occasion.

ET Correspondent Rangia, Nov 13: One of the notable educationists, Rtd Doloi (Priest) of Gopeswar Devalaya Baikuntha Nath Sarma passed away today at his residence of Rangia Bangalikuchi after prolonged illness. He was 87. He was Rtd. Head master of Rangia Railway High school, Barghuli High school, Ghograpara High school and also served as Asstt teacher at Tezpur Bengali High school, Rangia Higher Secondary School, Muktapur M V School. He was also awarded state’s best teacher.

He was associated with different cultural, religion, social and literary associations.

He is survived by 3 sons and 2 daughters.

PAGE 5

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Mizo officials on Bru voters' list revision duty stranded Aizawl, Nov 13: The Mizoram officials assigned to conduct special summary revision of voters list in Bru relief camps in Tripura have been stranded in MizoramTripura border district Mamit for four days as civil society activists blocked roads to prevent them from leaving for Tripura.The election officials from Mamit, Kolasib and Lunglei were supposed to revise electoral rolls in the six camps in Tripura, but have been stranded at Mamit deputy commissioner's office premises since Sunday. Mamit Deputy Commissioner Lalbiaksangi told media over phone that she had appraised the situation to the state election department."I

Election Commission notifies new by-poll dates for Jharkhand Assembly seat

New Delhi, Nov 13: The Election Commission (EC) today announced fresh dates for holding by-polls in Lohardaga Assembly seat of Jharkhand which fell vacant in June this year.

According to an EC notification, polling in the reserved seat (Scheduled Tribe) will take place on December 14 and the counting of votes will be held December 17. The seat fell vacant after sitting MLA, Kamal Kishore Bhagat of AJSU party lost his membership after being convicted and jailed in an attempt to murder case in June. The byelection on this seat was earlier scheduled to be held on November 21 but was deferred by the poll panel on the request of Jharkhand polling authorities in view of Panchayat elections in the state. The EC notification said the poll process for the seat will begin with the formal issuance of the gazette notification on November 19 and the Model Code of Conduct in the Assembly constituency has been enforced with immediate effect. The entire election process in the Lohardaga seat will be completed before December 19, the notification said.

(Agencies)

sought the permission to release the officials as there would be no time for them to complete conducting revision of electoral rolls in the camps.But the state election department has been waiting for instructions from the Election Commission of India (ECI)," Lalbiaksangi said.She said that there was very little time now for hearing of claims and enrollment of new voters who have attained 18 years of age on January one, 2016, in the camps as verification of bona fide residents of Mizoram alone would also take time.State joint chief electoral officer F J Liantluanga said the situation has been informed to ECI which said it would give

instructions after Diwali.The NGO Coordination Committee comprising five major civil societies has opposed the ECI's move to conduct revision of voters' lists in the Bru relief camps.It said the Brus in the relief camps refused to return to Mizoram despite repeated appeals by civil societies and the government. It also demanded that those who refused to return to Mizoram should settle permanently in Tripura and their names be deleted from Mizoram's voters lists.

Hundreds of volunteers have blocked the roads in and around the Mamit DC's office since Sunday night to ensure that the officials could not leave the office premises. (Agencies)

DHS issues advisory on dengue outbreak Dimapur, Nov 13: In view of the detection and confirmation of dengue cases in Dimapur particularly Lengrijan and DC court area, DHS has issued an advisory and assured citizens that various preventive measures have been put in place. In a press release, DHS said, through the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) headed by DC Dimapur Kesonyu Yhome, it has been carrying out coordination meeting with council members and others measures to control and prevent the diseaseFogging with Malathion to kill the adult mosquito is being carried out at least twice a week and spraying of inimical (temephos) to kill the larvae in drainage and water collected area, it said.Fogging is being carried out colony wise and the department is

making efforts to cover the whole of Dimapur, DHS stated. Since mosquitoes breed mostly in areas where water is left to stagnate, DHS appealed every house to keep the surrounding clean to prevent breeding of mosquitoes.Though there are no specific medicines to treat dengue fever, DHS said it was self-limiting and recovery spontaneous in most cases.Supportive treatment with plenty of fluid orally should be given and for fever only paracetamol should be used, DHS advised. It also informed that for confirmation, blood test could be done free of cost at the sentinel site laboratory, District Hospital Dimapur. For information and assistance, individuals can contact DVBO (NVBDCP) CMO, Dimapur. (Agencies)

Gadkari clarifies, says 'no question of action' against veteran leaders

Imphal, Nov 13: The twoday long 22nd General Conference of Tangkhul Katamnao Long Imphal (TKLI) kicked off yesterdayat Manipur Baptist Convention Recreation Centre, Dewlahland. The programme was organized under the theme 'Together towards Tomorrow' and will conclude on November 13 .

Delivering his speech as the Chief Guest in the inaugural function, Director Uni-

versity and Higher Education and also the Chairman of Council of Higher Secondary Manipur (COHSEM) C Arthur stated that the Government of Manipur is planning to include skill development as a subject in the schools syllabus from Class IX to Class XII.The Director said the subject will aim at providing skills to youth after passing Class XII so that they can avail job

opportunities.On the occasion, Arthur also urged the youth to generate ideas on preserving their cultures, traditions and ways of life.He also pointed out that the future depends on how the economic sector develops and the society needs skilled members to empower the economic sector.He appealed the students to know "what is role that can be played in future" and "how to build a skilled society"

hicles and a road roller parked nearby.The blast was so powerful that it created holes on the road roller. Initially, it was suspected that the loud noise was caused by fire crackers. However, due to the impact of the blast, many houses and buildings in Jhalupara area shook compelling the people to come out of

on traditions of collective living instead of engaging in self-aggrandizement and living a selfish life style.He appealed the students to put in more efforts on academic endeavours and studies for a bright future.SDO Wilong, Senapati LH Ngathingshim and Additional Director, Commerce and Industries Manipur RV John attended as Guests of Honour.(Agencies)

Civi polls in Tripura on Dec 9

Mysterious blast rocks Jhalupara Shillong, Nov 13: A blast rocked Jhalupara locality on Thursday late night forcing the residents to come out of their houses.The 'mysterious' blast occurred at a bush near the Jeevan Ram Goenka Memorial Hospital at around 10.30 pm creating a crater and at the blast site and partially damaging two ve-

besides identifying the roles that can be played to promote skills among the youth.Meanwhile, TKLI President Thotchan R Shimray spoke on the theme, "Together towards Tomorrow" .He stated that much needs to be done for generating a collective and responsible social life so that the youth can carve a niche for their future.

Thotchan said values should be inculcated based

their houses to inquire about the incident.Police personnel who immediately rushed to the site are tight lipped over the actual cause of the blast.

They took photos of the site and the vehicles.

Police said that the dog squad and other wings of the police will visit the blast site on Friday to further investigate into the matter. (Agencies)

Agartala ,Nov 13: Election to 20 civic bodies in Tripura, including Agartala Municipal Corporation, would be held on December 9, the state election commission notified .The official notification said election to the 49-member Agartala Municipal Corporation, 13 municipal councils and six nagar panchayats would be held on the day.A total 537,968 voters, including 268,754 females, are entitled to cast their votes in the municipal elections through electronic voting

machines.By-elections for a few gram panchayats would also be held along with the civic body elections, where ballot boxes would be used.G Kameswar Rao, the former state chief secretary, was appointed the State Election Commissioner. Agartala municipality was elevated to the status of Agartala Municipal Corporation two years ago. The civic body was formed in princely Tripura in 1871 during the reign of Maharaja Bir Chandra Manikya. (Agencies)

Will China come to investment-starved Bengal's rescue?

Kolkata, Nov 13 : After hunting for investments in a rather futile way in Singapore and Britain, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appears to have taken some interest in looking for money where it is available - China. In October, China's Zhontong announced plans for a bus making factory at Andal, the state's upcoming hub in its industrial belt of Burdwan.

The agreement was signed when Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao was in Kolkata on his way to Delhi.

This was a significant visit signalling Chinese priorities.

The Chinese are keen to invest in the east, which explains their sustained interest in the Kolkata-Kunming or K2K Forum. But while

West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra took a team to the South Asian Expo in Kunming in July this year on an exploratory visit, his government is hardly taking any interest in the K2K summit that will be held in Kolkata on November 2425.Mitra's visit to Kunming and Li Yuanchao's to Kolkata seem to have got the Chinese working big time on the K2K. "They are sending a very high-power delegation to the K2K this year. Yunnan's deputy governor will lead the team and that will consist of several top CEOs of major Chinese companies," K2K secretary general ((India) Binoda Mishra told this correspondent. Mishra says he has asked the West Bengal

government and other states in east and northeastern India to send their industry or commerce ministers and secretaries to the K2K summit to scout for possible Chinese investments or joint ventures.

"The scope for that is significant what with such a high-power delegation coming," Mishra said. But so far no minister in the West Bengal government has confirmed presence.When the K2K annual forum was held in Kolkata in 2013, then industry minister Partha Chatterjee and Governor M.K. Narayanan had addressed the forum but made no real effort to woo Chinese investments. In 2014, when the K2K annual forum was held in Kunming, the

West Bengal government did not send a minister or a secretary in the delegation.

Manipur, however, is sending a big delegation as are some smaller northeastern states. For a state with the kind of negative business image like West Bengal, China remains perhaps the only realistic source for investments and industrial joint ventures. But, though Mamata Banerjee has been in power since 2011, it is only in July this year that she sent Finance and Industry minister Amit Mitra to China to scout for possible investment. During the visit last month of the Chinese vice president, an invitation was extended to Mamata Banerjee to visit China, which she accepted.

As Bengal goes into election mode after Bihar, it is perhaps unlikely that Banerjee will visit China before the 2016 state elections. Her record in securing investments for Bengal has been very poor, not the least because she has not gone to the right places," Bharatiya Janata Party's minder for Bengal, Siddharth Nath Singh, said.

The BJP-ruled states like Prime Minicter Narendra Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Gujarat have attracted Chinese investments worth billions of rupees. But Bengal has clearly failed to take advantage of China's interest in investing in the state's once famed manufacturing sector which still has potential but has languished for years. (Agencies)

Tipu Sultan row: VHP stages West Bengal celprotest, mocks Siddaramaiah ebrated 'bhai phonta'

Now Tewari finds faults with BJP strategy in Bihar New Delhi, Nov 13: Manoj Tewari, Lok Sabha member from Delhi, on Friday joined several other BJP leaders in criticising the party's election strategy in Bihar and lauded the strategy of JDU-RJD-Congress alliance as "undoubtedly better". The Bhojpuri singerturned-politician said the party failed to convince the people to vote for BJP candidates in the keenly-fought Bihar elections. "We failed to make people realise to vote for the party at the Centre and earn maximum benefits. We clearly failed to convine our party agenda to the people of Bihar," said Tewari, who represents North East Delhi in Lok Sabha.

"Undoubtedly the strategy of grand alliance (of JDU-RJDCongress) had been proved better than ours. We could have campaigned in a more strategical way to reach out larger masses," he added. Ever since the BJP faced drubbing in the Bihar Assembly elections whose results were declared on November 8, several leaders have spoken out against the strategy, including the way the campaign was conducted. The critics include party veterans L K Advani, M M Joshi and Yashwant Sinha who have demanded fixing of accountability. Others who have spoken out include Bihar MPs Shatrughan Sinha, R K Singh and Bhola Singh. (Agencies)

REGION Skill development to be introduced in State school syllabus

Nagpur, Nov. 13: Offering a clarification on his previous comment regarding the outrage being expressed by the Bharaitya Janata Party (BJP) veterans over the Bihar debacle, Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari on Friday said that there was no question of taking 'disciplinary action' against the 'respected' delegation of senior leaders.

"Party elders including Shri L.K.Advani and Dr. M.M. Joshi are our highly respected leaders and neither I nor any other party functionary has ever shown any disrespect to them and there was absolutely no question of any one suggesting explanation from them and not the least demanding disciplinary action against them," Gadkari said in a statement. He emphasised that the BJP central leadership is discussing with the veterans the issues raised by them in the wake of party's unsatisfactory performance in the Bihar Assembly elections. However, he slammed reports indicating that he had suggested BJP president Amit Shah to initiate disciplinary action against the veteran leaders and said the rumour was in-

correct and misleading Earlier, Gadkari had said that he has suggested the BJP chief to take stringent action against leaders who make unwarranted controversial statements while defending Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah for the Bihar elections fiasco. Union Minister Venkaiha Naidu today in an indirect message to the veterans said that dissent should be expressed within the party and not be made publicly. "Would have been better if these issues were raised in the party forum rather than in public, but we take it seriously nevertheless. Advani ji has immensely contributed to the growth and expansion of the party and we are taking note on everything," Naidu told the media here.Lal Krishna Advani and three other BJP veterans had issued a strong statement on the party's defeat in Bihar, demanding a thorough review and criticising its stand on the debacle. "The results of Bihar election show that no lesson has been learnt from fiasco in Delhi," said the statement signed by Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Shanta Kumar and Yashwant Sinha. (ANI)

Bengaluru, Nov. 13: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest against the ongoing violence in Madikeri over the birth anniversary celebrations of 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan in front of the town hall here on Friday. The protestors raised VHP flags and carried placards showing a morphed image of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a typical Muslim beard and cap. The agitators also burnt an effigy of Siddaramaiah and raised 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans. One of the VHP activists, while addressing the gathering, said that organising the birth anniversary celebrations of Tipu Sultan by the state government was a deliberate attempt to insult people of Kodagu, who had rebelled against the 18th century Mysore ruler. "It was all done in a planned manner to insult people of

Kodagu and disrupt peace in the region. It claimed Kutappa's life," he said. On Tuesday, a local VHP leader, Kutappa, had died and several others were injured in the violence that erupted over the holding of the birth anniversary celebrations of Tipu Sultan. Streets and markets in several parts of Karnataka bore a deserted look due to the bandh called byVHP on Friday. In Mangalore, section 144 of the CrPC (prohibits an assembly of more than ten

people in an area) has been enforced for three days and only a few private vehicles were seen on roads. With the auto rickshaw protest, people are compelled to walk to their destinations as public transport is not available. Tight security is in place as police vehicles have been moving around the city, warning the people through the public address system mounted on vehicles not to form crowds or take out demonstrations.

(ANI)

Kolkata , Nov 13: Renewing bonds of sibling love, sisters applied 'teeka' or 'phonta' on their brothers' foreheads as West Bengal celebrated 'bhai phonta' on Friday amid fervour and exchange of gifts. Dressed in ethnic wear, sisters prayed for the long life of their brothers and offered a variety of traditional sweets such as 'sandesh' as they dotted their foreheads with sandalwood paste, vermillion and rice grains. Observed on the last day of the five-day-long Diwali, 'bhai dooj' is known as 'bhai phonta' in Bengal. Celebrities took time out from their busy schedule to indulge in the festive atmosphere complete with food fiestas and cultural programmes.

National Award-winning actor Prosenjit Chatterjee let sister Pallavi lovingly daub his forehead in the popular ritual and opted for savoury snacks instead of sweets.

Sugar-free sweets and low-

fat desserts done up exclusively for the day were in demand. Embracing technology, sisters staying in other parts of the country and abroad, wished brothers via WhatsApp messages and special online greetings. In reciprocation, bouquets, cakes and chocolates purchased online by brothers were delivered to sisters as surprise gifts. Toddlers in their own animated style, decked up in specially crafted dhoti, salwars and saris to celebrated 'bhai phonta' and enjoyed their day-off from kindergarten.

Making the day more inclusive, a section of society made sex workers of Sonagachi a part of the festival. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also greeted people on social media. "Greetings on the occasion of Bhai Dooj to all my brothers and sisters," she said on Twitter.

(Agencies)

Nitish takes stock of Chhat preparations Patna, Nov. 12 (ANI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday visited ghats located on the banks of the river Ganga to take stock of

preparations being made for the Chhat pooja. He said this year's preparations pose a challenge as the level of the river has dropped. "The officials

have made arrangements at these Ghats ahead of Chhat. I have just come to inspect that and give some suggestion. This year the level of river Ganges

has dropped. Because of this the river has become less wide and people can get closer to the deep parts of the river. So to prevent any mishap we must demar-

cate the area and erect barricades," Nitish told media here. Kumar recently won state assembly elections for a third consecutive time and is likely to take oath on November 20. (ANI)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

PM Modi owes an explanation wherever he goes: Congress

New Delhi, Nov. 13: Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his 'intolerance' comment made at a joint media interaction in the UK, the Congress on Friday said that Modi owes an explanation wherever he goes as people look at him with a lot of suspicion. "One good thing about PM visit is that he has to make a statement of this kind. I think probably in India he would not have made a statement like that. India is a democratic country. So, what is happening in India, he owes an explanation wherever he goes. Wherever he goes people look at him with lot of suspicion so he has to clear that," said Congress leader P.C. Chacko to. Further mocking the Prime Minister and the BJP, Chacko said that the latter is playing havoc with the lives of the people. He has to make a statement because this fundamentalist

group that is encouraged by the BJP is playing havoc with the lives of the public.

This needs an explanation from the PM," he added.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in the United Kingdom yesterday on a three day visit.

He has since had delegation-level talks, addressed the British Parliament and the City of London, met representatives of the Sikh community and paid homage before a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The Prime Minister said, there is no place for intolerance in India. Describing India as the land of Gandhi and Buddha, he said India never tolerates anything against its fundamental values. Law deals strictly with such issues and will keep doing so. He said, it does not matter whether such an incident is significant for a country of 125 crore people. For us, every incident is serious.

(ANI)

Chhattisgarh: Four Maoists gunned down by police Jagdalpur, Nov. 13: Four Maoists were killed in a gun battle with Police personnel near Hallur and Hakwa villages under Police Station Mirtur in Chhattisgarh on Friday. The police have also recovered a service pistol,

one .303 service rifle, one.

315 rifles, and one 12 bore rifle from the spot. One of the slain Maoists has been identified as Rainu, who is allegedly Bairamgarh Area Committee Action team commander. (ANI)

PAGE 6

India, UK for promoting secure, affordable and sustainable supplies of energy London, Nov. 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart David Cameron stressed that addressing climate change and promoting secure, affordable and sustainable supplies of energy are shared strategic priorities for both nations. They noted with appreciation the strong history of collaboration between the two countries in support of these aims and committed to strengthen bilateral cooperation to this end. Both leaders pledged work together for an ambitious and comprehensive Agreement under the UNFCCC at the Paris Climate Conference in December 2015 that would be applicable to all. The two Prime Ministers recognised the importance of building trust amongst parties to theUNFCCC and support the inclusion within the Paris Agreement of a transparency framework, reflecting the need for all parties to track and report progress regularly of both action and support as appropriate towards achieving their efforts, which would serve to demonstrate that all parties are implementing their respective efforts. They welcomed the fact that 159 countries have submitted intended nationally determined contributions to the Paris Agreement, covering over 88 percent of global emissions and supported global stock takes, covering both action and support, periodically in order to achieve the objective of the Convention. Both leaders recognised the need for the Paris Agreement to give a clear signal to citizens, businesses and investors on the long-term direction of travel to foster innovation and research and development to make clean energy more af-

fordable. They emphasized the importance of climate finance and of developed countries honouring their commitment to mobilise jointly US $100billion a year by 2020 from a wide variety of sources, both public and private, in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation. UK and India recognised the crucial role of predictable and enhanced public and private climate finance, to support mitigation and adaptation actions in developing countries. They also recognised the role of climate finance in helping the deployment and development of environmentally sound technologies and research and development addressing barriers to bring about a shift in investment to help achieve the objective of the Convention. The two Prime Ministers noted our partnership on climate resilience, which includes UK support for India's National and State Action Plans for Climate Change. This programme will help reduce the climate risks to India's highly vulnerable population, strengthen adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change and generate lessons from which other countries can learn.

Both leaders were pleased to note that successes from the UK India partnership on climate change and energy would be showcased at the India Pavilion in Paris. They also recognised the vital role youth can play in tackling climate change and shared a vision for co-operation between youth climate networks in both countries to develop innovative solutions to common climate challenges. The two Prime Ministers recognised the importance of the Inter-

governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in providing a comprehensive assessment of climate change based on available science.

They highlighted the importance of an increased focus on solutions to climate change and agreed to work together to support the Indian and UK Co-Chairs of IPCC Working Group III as they lead the work on assessing options for mitigating climate change in the IPCC's 6th Assessment Cycle. The two Prime Ministers committed to strengthen the existing energy partnership between the UK and India. Looking ahead, they agreed their Ministers should meet for regular summits to share views and explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation on strategic priorities as well as push forward collaboration across the breadth of the energy partnership, including joint collaboration on research, development, demonstration and eventual deployment of clean technology and renewables, gas and nuclear. Under this broad framework of cooperation, Prime Minister Cameron and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen energy coopera-

tion between the two countries building on existing successes and promoting closer future collaboration in areas such as electricity market reform, energy efficiency, offshore wind, solar power, smart grids, energy storage, and off-grid renewable energy services.

They also welcomed the extension of the collaboration between the UK and India on strategic energy planning. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations on a bilateral Civil Nuclear Co-operation Agreement providing a framework for further cooperation, and announced the signing of a MoU between the UK and the Indian Department for Atomic Energy to encourage joint training and experience sharing on Civil Nuclear with the Indian Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership. They reaffirmed the importance of global collaboration on research and development in finding innovative solutions and their applications to facilitate the expansion and reduce the costs of clean energy. They agreed to work closely together on initiatives that would enhance and better co-ordinate global efforts to this end. Prime Minister Cameron ex-

pressed UK support for India's initiative for an international solar alliance for the promotion of solar technologies and applications.

The two Prime Ministers announced £10 million of joint funding from the Research Councils UK and Indian Department of Science and Technology for new joint renewable energy research centres, bringing the total value of the Indo-UK clean energy research programme to £60 million.

They welcomed the growing role of the private sector in their countries in channelling investments in the clean energy space, which would catalyse innovation and accelerate the pace of deployment of breakthrough technologies.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the need for large scale, low cost, long term finance to deliver India's renewable energy ambitions, and noted the potential role that the City of London could play in leveraging international capital towards this end. Prime Minister Cameron announced the UK Climate Investment venture with the Green Investment Bank, which will invest up to a total of £200 million of UK climate finance inrenewable energy and energy efficiency projects in India and Africa. Prime Minister Cameron also announced UK funding for the India Innovation Lab for Green Finance, an independent Indian initiative endorsed by the Government of India, to bring together the private and public sectors to find innovative solutions to the barriers to clean energy finance in India. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of sharing skills and expertise to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy for

Parrikar reiterates OROP India, UK resolve to promise has been 'fulfilled' reinvigorate ties: MEA Vellore, Nov. 13: Despite the growing protest by defence veterans that the government has failed to deliver the One Rank One Pension (OROP), Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday reiterated that the promise on the scheme was fulfilled. "OROP was an election promise of the BJP and I feel the promise has been fulfilled. The notification was issued after consultations with 300 various ESAs. Para 6.4 of Koshiary Committee says the pay review in five years is an acceptable proposal," Parrikar told the media here. He added that if the protesting veterans had any pending issues regarding the OROP notification, they could go to the Judicial Commission.

The Defence Minister also

Incessant rains claims 40 lives in TN Chennai, Nov. 13: Heavy rains in coastal parts of Tamil Nadu over the last few days have left around 40 people dead. On Tuesday, there was a respite from rain in coastal parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry after a deep depression, which had intensified over the Bay of Bengal region, made a landfall near Puducherry. Incessant rains and heavy winds have been battering the state for the last few days. Heavy rains inundated many areas in Chennai, throwing normal life out of gear. Earlier, the Indian Metrological Department (IMD) had advised fishermen not to venture into sea along and off north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and adjoining Pudukkottai and Ramanathapuram districts of south Tamil Nadu coasts.

(ANI)

slammed the 'medal burning' by the war veterans saying it was a disrespectful act.

"Burning of medals or showing disrespect to the

service medals is neither good for the nation nor to the Defence service. The medals are given in the Armed Forces for gallantry,

performance or service to the nation and it is not a service condition," Parrikar added. However, Major General (Retd.) Satbir Singh, who is leading the OROP protest against the government, denied the rumour of ex-servicemen burning their gallantry medals. "We have no knowledge and we have no plans for that at the Jantar Mantar.

We do not want to burn it.

Why should we burn it? If there is anything, we will see at that particular time," Singh told. He also lashed out at Parrikar for failing to deliver his promises on the OROP scheme and warned him to stop misleading the nation while daring him to meet with their delegation for an open discussion.

(ANI)

London, Nov. 13: The Ministry of External Affairs ( MEA) has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK has set on course the relations between the two countries to become a leading global partnership. "During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to the United Kingdom, we have resolved to reinvigorate our relations and set it decisively on a course to become a leading global partnership for both of us," Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. He said that renewed partnership between both sides will transform the lives of 1.25 billion people in India. "Our partnership can contribute to India's ambitious plans to transform the lives of 1.25 billion people and UK's goal

to rebalance its economy and sustain its global leadership in areas ranging from aerospace to financial services," Swarup said while addressing a press conference in London. He said that both governments will work together towards progress and transforming the lives of people in both countries. "Our governments will work together to accelerate progress and transform the lives of our people. We will invest in skills for this century and create high quality jobs for our people. We will cooperate in health and education to advance human development," he said. Swarup said both nations will invest in infrastructure and promote manufacturing, including in areas of advanced technologies, with the lightest pos-

sible footprint on earth. "In doing so, we will leverage our myriad private partnerships, the extraordinary enterprise, resources and capabilities of our private sector and our markets, including the City of London and the financial sector of India," Swarup said. He added, "We will be at the leading edge of research, technology and innovation in realising the vision of a low carbon future, while meeting the development aspirations of our people.

We will power the lives of our people with clean energy that is affordable and accessible. And we will partner in making our rivers cleaner, our habitats healthier and build smart, sustainable cities in which everyone can prosper."

(ANI)

President Mukherjee greets nation on Children's Day eve New Delhi, Nov. 13: President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said in a message on the eve of Children's Day that we should encourage children to dream big about the future of our nation and explore their potential to the full.

In a message to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, President Mukherjee said, "I am happy to know that the Ministry of Women and Child Development is celebrating Children's Day on 14th November, 2015 by conferring the 'National

Child Award for Exceptional Achievement, 2015', 'Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award, 2015' and 'National Award for Child Welfare, 2014'." "The future of our nation depends on our children. When provided adequate opportunity and guidance, they have immense potential to contribute to society and humanity. Children should have the opportunity to receive education, acquire comprehensive knowledge and develop in a child friendly environment so that they turn into good

human beings with a mission in life. We should encourage children to dream big about the future of our nation and explore their potential to the full," President Mukherjee added. The National Child Awards ceremony is held every year to recognize the achievements of children and the services of individuals and institutions working for the welfare of children as well as to pay tribute to the memory of late Prime Minister, Pandit

Jawaharlal Nehru. These awards are meant to encourage children with exceptional achievements and inspire other children follow in their steps. The awards celebrate the efforts of those individuals and institutions which have made a transformative difference in society through their commitment and dedication to children. "On this occasion, I congratulate all award winners and extend my best wishes and blessings to all the children of this country. I wish them a happy, healthy, bright and productive future". He added. (ANI)

all. Prime Minister Cameron announced a £10 million five-year programme of Technical Assistance to support national and statelevel reforms in India's power sector. Prime Minister Cameron also announced a new Chevening Fellowship Scheme for clean energy and climate change, which over three years will bring the future leaders of India's energy sector and in the field of climate change to the UK to study and build partnerships. The two Prime Ministers highlighted the strong Indo-UK commercial collaboration on energy, which plays a key role in job and revenue generation in both economies. In particular they welcomed Lightsource's plans to invest £2 billion in India, building over 3 GW of solar electricity infrastructure including through a partnership with Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited, and the recent announcement that UK technology company Intelligent Energy has signed an agreement to acquire the energy management business of Indian company GTL to provide efficient, clean and economical energy to 27,400 telecoms towers in India, with a total contract value of £1.2 billion over ten years.

They agreed to support UK and Indian companies operating in both countries recognising that this was important for sharing expertise and experience on how well functioning energy and gas markets can promote energy security and economic growth as well as delivering a cost-effective low carbon transition. They emphasised the importance and mutual benefit of continuing to work together in the areas of energy and climate change to enhance the prosperity of both nations. (ANI)

PM Modi is a master of double speak: Manish Tewari New Delhi, Nov. 13: Criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his 'intolerance' remark during his bilateral visit to the UK, Congress leader Manish Tewari on Friday said he is a master of double speak. "The Prime Minister is a master of double speak. In India, he and his fellow travelers keep on patronizing all those who spread intolerance, hatred and try to polarize the atmosphere in the country.

When he goes abroad he quotes Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha. It reminds me of the old Hindi proverb 'muh mein Rama Rama, bagal mein churi' (A sweet tongue, but a hand ready to stab in the back)," said Tewari to. Also speaking on Prime Minister Modi's maiden visit to London, Tewari marked that there is nothing substantive on his visit and just a normal interaction which takes place between countries. "There is nothing substantive to this visit at all..This is the normal interaction which takes place between countries. Therefore, the sum total of the Prime Minister foreign forays last 18 months has not been anything that can be termed as a defining event in India foreign policy," he added. Prime Minister Modi arrived in the United Kingdom yesterday on a three day visit. He has since had delegation-level talks, addressed the British Parliament and the City of London, met representatives of the Sikh community and paid homage before a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.(ANI)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

No blockade on Nepal-India border, supplies to resume soon, says envoy Ranjit Rae New Delhi, Nov.13: Expressing concern over the obstruction of essential supplies on the Nepal-India border, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae has clarified that India has not blocked supplies at the border, and added that if there was a blockade, then hundreds of trucks would not have lined up on the Indian side of the border."There are interruptions of supplies on the border because of ongoing protest by certain groups of Nepalese citizens. As soon as the protests are over, I am sure supplies will resume. We hope that with the dialogue process which is under way, there will be a resolution of these political issues that are agitating certain groups and communities in Nepal," he said in an interview to Nepal TV.He also said that protests at Terai region in Nepal have been going for three months now and despite of killings and violent protests in the first and a half month, there was no resolution for the issues which lead a change in the

nature of the protests, and also said, "Protestors started picketing the major access routes into India and that is when this so called notion of blockade started coming in.""The problem is rising because of insecurities, like the Birgunj incident. We see the problem is political in nature and we hope very much that these political issues will be resolved and once the protesters change the forms of protest and stops picketing borders routes, I am sure supplies would come back to normal. As far as the Indian government is concerned we have made every effort to re-route supplies through other check posts and also provide petroleum through other depots but 70 percent of Nepal's trade comes from Birgung and that is the place which is blocked" he added."Well I am not sure which supplies are coming in and which are not. There are 1600 trucks lined up in Sanoli, Nepal, these queues are there for several kilometers and trucks are coming one by

Pak to avoid talks on nukes during army chief's US visit Islamabad, Nov 13: Pakistan will not discuss the issue of its nuclear weapons in talks with American officials during army chief General Raheel Sharif's US visit next week and will instead point to India's "cold-start doctrine" to justify its nuclear status, a media report today said.

Gen Sharif will discuss several important issues during his trip from November 15-20, which follows Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's US visit last month.The Dawn quoted diplomatic sources as saying that even if the US side brought up this issue, "Pakistan will politely remind them that it was India's socalled cold-start doctrine that created the current situation". Pakistan claims that under the cold-start military doctrine, India has built cantonments and airbases close to the border that has shortened the time for launching an offensive. "This increased Pakistan's dependence on tactical nuclear weapons to counter an Indian offensive," the Dawn reported.

It also highlighted US media reports suggesting that American officials will urge

the Pakistan army chief to revise his country's nuclear policy. Pakistan rejected the suggestion from unnamed US media sources that its fears of an Indian offensive were unfounded.

"Right now, their (Indian Army's) 21st corps is busy conducting an exercise in Rajasthan to test this coldstart or pro-active strategy," said a Pakistani diplomatic source. "The nuclear issue is not a bilateral subject," said the source while explaining why Pakistan did not want to discuss the issue with the Americans. "Our nuclear programme focuses only threats from India and only India can remove the concerns that cause these threats," the source said. "Absolutely not, not even a meeting.

The focus will be on Afghanistan," he said when asked if the nuclear issue was on the agenda for Gen Sharif's meetings in Washington. Earlier, American defence officials had clarified that the Pakistan army chief would visit the US on his own as there was no official invitation either from his counterpart or the Pentagon. (Agencies)

one. As far as the petroleum is concerned foreign minister already made a request to re-route these trucks through other check post," he said.Expressing grief over the killing of an Indian citizen in police firing Rae said, "We have asked the Nepal police to fully investigate the matter. We reject the allegations that Indians are fuelling the protests that are going in Tarai. We feel that there is mass agitation and people in parts of Tarai are involved, this is a home grown agitation arising out of certain perceptions of those people and it is best

that those perceptions are addressed through dialogue," he added.When asked about the bilateral relationship between India and Nepal, Rae said, "We are at a difficult stage of relationship but I am very confident that our relationship is very strong and robust.

It is a relationship fundamentally between our peoples, so there are aberrations from time to time but I am confident that we emerge out of these every crises and difficulties. Both sides are committed to this relationship and we will do everything to set it back on

the track.""Our perception is that the constitution being a foundational document. There were great expectations and aspirations from the people of Nepal.

Some sections feel that they are not full stake holders in this process, has generated certain anxieties and protests. We are optimistic that these issues will be resolved and have to be resolved because that is the only solution to maintain peace and stability," he said.He further added that India is very close friend and neighbor of Nepal."Instabilities of Nepal will have a negative implication on us but we hope the dialogue process will progress and there will be a resolution of these complex issues and everything on border become normal.""I think there is a constant process of engagement in and there are many communication channels so we are constantly engaging with each other and I am also engaging all political actors, business communities and media to share, engage our views

and resolve any issue that exists. We want Normal meeting, exchange institutional mechanisms in a multidimensional relationship should take place," he told media here."We understand the great desire of Nepal people of their right to constitution and this is the desire which was articulated more than 6 decades ago so we understand how important it is and obviously it is a foundational document which should accommodate every section of the society. It is not an easy task but it can be achieved. I think if you have a constitution is a great achievement and I hope it would accommodate all those who feel left out," he added.He said that as long as the protests continue on Raxaul- Birgunj border, supplies would continue to remain interrupted."Every effort will be made to create environment in which NepalIndia relation would improve but we reject anti- India campaigns," said Rae. (ANI)

Several injured at international cycle race in China Beijing, Nov 13: In a bizzare incident, seventeen contestants have been injured in a head-on collision in an international cycling race in southwest China's Yunnan province. The injured riders were rushed to hospital after they fell down at the fourth stage when the leading group missed the finish gate and then turned back, only to collide head-on into an onrushing group of sprinters. "I guess there was something wrong with the guiding vehicle and referees, who reportedly didn't do their job," Xing Yandong, a veteran Chinese cyclist said, adding the ve-

hicle may have been misleading at the finish yesterday. Chinese netizens slammed the organising committee for the "bizarre and horrible accident", but the organisers refused to take the blame, only saying they would "cooperate with relevant bodies and tried their best in follow-up work", state-run Xinhua news agency reported today.

The 2nd Colorful Yunnan Gryffindor International Cycling Race opened on November 8 in Kunming, capital of the province, with the participation of about 1,000 cyclists from 25 countries and regions. (Agencies)

Suu Kyi's party wins majority in historic Myanmar vote

Koirala meets UN Secy Gen Moon in US Kathmandu, Nov 13: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala met UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon at UN headquarters in New York.During the meeting, Moon said the unofficial blockade imposed by India on Nepal had breached Nepal's right to free transit.

He said he was concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Nepal due to the blockade. Dr. Dinesh Bhattarai, Koirala's former advisor on foreign affairs, who was present in the

meeting, said Moon congratulated Koirala for successfully drafting the constitution under his premiership. Bhattarai said

Moon was very saddened by the blockade imposed by India especially as Nepal was trying to rise from the devastating earthquake that

left the country in ruins. "I am really sad that India, which was first to response after the earthquake, imposed the blockade," Bhattarai said quoting the UN secretary General.In response, Koirala thanked the role played by the UN and stated that both the sides should work together to solve the current crisis.

Moon also enquired Koirala about his health condition.Koirala is currently in New York for a follow-up on his cancer treatment. (Agencies)

Thousands attend state funeral of dissident Buddhist monk in SriLanka Colombo, Nov.13: Thousands of people from all walks of life attended the funeral of dissident Buddhist monk Maduluwawe Sobitha on Thursday. Sobitha was 73 and died last Sunday in Singapore, where he was receiving treatment after heart surgery.

Sobitha acquired fame for campaigning for democratic reforms for

over four decades.He played a leading role in challenging the near dictatorial regime of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa that eventually led to the latter's electoral defeat in the January 2015 presidential elections.His death triggered a massive outpouring of grief with religious leaders and political leaders from across party

lines in this multi-religious and multi-ethnic island nation hailing him as a true democrat who fought for the rights of all people.Ignoring his last wish for a simple funeral, the government pulled out all stops to give him a full state funeral, which is a rare honour for a Buddhist monk who had no special status in the Buddhist hierarchy.Speaking

on the occasion, Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena said, "We have to make certain that we achieve his wishes for a just society, good governance and within that a broad enlightened humane society.

Very clearly he had a strong commitment to abolish the executive presidential system."

(ANI )

Yangon, Nov 13: Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party won a majority in parliament today in the Southeast Asian nation's historic election.With votes still being counted, the Union Election Commission said the National League for Democracy (NLD) party had crossed the 329 threshold of seats needed for an outright majority in both houses of the 664-member parliament.The country's first free election in 25 years took place on Sunday. "The people of Myanmar have been dutiful and it is time for the NLD to try to fulfill the wishes of the people," senior party official U Tin Oo told Al Jazera outside of its headquarters. "The NLD has to try hard to change."Phil Robertson from New York-based Human Rights Watch said it was time to move on from the countries bloody past.

NLD captured 21 lower house seats today, the election commission said, taking its total to 348 seats with 82.9 percent of the vote now confirmed.The ruling Union Solidarity and Development

Party has won 140 seats so far. The party holding a majority is able to select the next president, who can then name a cabinet and form a new government.

Suu Kyi won the last free vote in 1990, but the military ignored the result. She spent most of the next 20 years under house arrest before her release in 2010.Today's majority announcement came exactly five years to the day when Suu Kyi was freed from house arrest. Al Jazeera's correspondent Wayne Hay was there."I had to sneak into the country to cover the 2010 election," recalled Hay. "On this exact day five years ago, we were here outside the home of the NLD's leader Aung San Suu Kyi as she was released from her last period of house arrest."The Nobel Peace Prize laureate is barred from taking the presidency because she's married to a foreigner under a constitution written by the then-ruling generals to preserve their power.But Suu Kyi has said that may change once her party is in power. (Agencies)

India deports Bangladesh Sri Lanka says ties with fugitive murder suspect Bangladesh robust, warm Dhaka, Nov 13: India has deported one of Bangladesh's most wanted criminals and the prime accused in the sensational 2014 Narayanganj murder case, Nur Hossain, two days after Dhaka handed over top ULFA leader Anup Chetia to New Delhi. Border Security Force (BSF) handed over Hossain to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at the western Benapole frontiers in Jessore late last night, hours after he was freed from a Kolkata jail on a court order for his deportation, officials said.

"BGB's Major Liakat received him (Hossain) on the other side of the zero lines of the border he was then handed over to RAB (Rapid Action Battalion) officials who escorted him to Dhaka by road," a

home ministry spokesman told media. TV footage showed the fugitive being driven in an RAB microbus to Dhaka while it was escorted by security forces.But some reports said a police squad of suburban port town of Narayanganj, the scene of the murders, took charge of Hossain early morning as the convoy reached the RAB headquarters in Uttara area in

the capital. "He is now in our custody (in Narayanganj) and we will produce him before the court later today accomplishing some procedural formalities and interrogation," a police officer told media by phone from Narayanganj. West Bengal police arrested Hossain, a city councillor, soon after he fled Bangladesh in June last year. He was found guilty

of masterminding the murders of seven people, including a fellow councilor and a lawyer, in the port town in April last year. The incident had sparked a massive outcry in Bangladesh as the families of the victims alleged several Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel were involved in the murders.

Hossain's deportation came a day after ULFA leader Chetia was handed over to India by Bangladesh. Bangladesh home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Thursday told media that the deportation was a reflection of excellent ties between the two countries and Dhaka was ready to cooperate with India in mutual interest in future as well. (Agencies)

Colombo, Nov 13: Sri Lanka says ties with Bangladesh remain "robust and warm" and has promised to work towards the expansion of economic ties.Sri Lanka has invited top Bangladeshi companies for 'joint ventures' to tap 'unlimited' trade potentials.Sri Lanka's High Commissioner in Dhaka Yasoja Gunasekera said the two countries, strategically located along the Bay of Bengal, faced "opportunities and challenges"."We'll have a particular interest in working in partnership with friends like Bangladesh in Asia and our immediate neighbourhood, the Bay of Bengal, to mutually beneficial economic cooperation," she said, while interacting with diplomatic correspondents in Dhaka.The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event, 'DCAB talk', at Dhaka Reporters' Unity with its president Masud Karim in the chair. DCAB General Secretary Bashir Ahmed also spoke.The envoy said "Sri Lanka's government is working towards both national reconciliation and economic development" six years after the end of a bitter 30-year conflict with "a deadly terrorist group", the Tamil

Tigers.She said the country would use all its "key assets" such as strategic location, educated human resources, innovative spirit, agricultural wealth, and tourism potential to attain upper-middle-income status.The Dhaka-Colombo two-way trade was worth around $150 million, a volume the envoy felt was way "below the potential".She said both countries were studying the feasibility of free-trade agreement for mutual benefit."We have close partnership with the two major

economies of Indian Ocean. So trade potential is unlimited," she said, citing her country's close ties with both India and China.She described DhakaColombo relations as "robust and warm" and promised to work towards the expansion of economic ties. Gunasekera presented her credentials to President Md Abdul Hamid in September.She identified trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, education, culture, defence, health, air and sea connectivity, and human resource development as areas of

cooperation.She said Colombo was specially focusing on certain sectors. They included export-oriented manufacturing and services, tourism, tourismdriven projects, infrastructure, higher education, skill development, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. Sri Lankan companies have already invested over $300 million in Bangladesh .The high commissioner also suggested joint ventures in jewellery and readymade clothing .She also launched the DCAB's annual publication, 'Beyond the Boundary'. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

India and the 21st Century's Great Game Maggi returns A reason to cheer for Maggi fans Nestle's hugely popular Maggi noodles returned to shelves in India five months after the government banned them over lead levels, in one of the biggest crises to hit the Swiss giant. India's food safety watchdog banned the noodles nationwide in June after test results showed packets exceeded legal limits of lead, while criticising Nestle for failing to list flavour enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) on labels.

But the Bombay High Court, the highest court in the western city now known as Mumbai, overturned the ruling two months later, calling it "arbitrary" and ordered fresh tests. Nestle said last month those tests had found that Maggi noodles were safe to eat. It has restarted production at three of its five India plants. Unfortunately, Nestle lost more than 75 million Swiss francs (US$74.7 million) over the ban, which forced it to destroy more than 37,000 tonnes of the noodles. The recall had cost Nestle Rs 320 crore, and another Rs 1,270 crore in brand loss, according to global valuation consultancy Brand Finance.

But Nestle India announced a voluntary recall of the noodles on June 5, the same day national food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned its sale alleging excessive levels of lead in it and mislabeling on the pack. The recall, the country’s biggest and which grabbed international headlines, almost wiped out the entire instant noodles category and dented the sales of all packaged snacks, as wary consumers avoided them. But Maggi's return came as Indians celebrated the Hindu festival of Diwali, a time when food shopping is at its peak. Fans of the brand, which had 80 per cent of India's instant noodle market before the crisis, reacted with delight on Twitter. The noodles will initially return in 100 cities compared with more than 400 previously and in just one flavour, Masala.

Also according to Nestle, it has always maintained the product was safe to eat, and has continued to sell it in other countries. The company said it conducted more than 3,500 tests representing over 200 million packs in both national as well as international accredited laboratories and all reports were clear. In addition to these, various countries including the US, UK, Singapore and Australia have found Maggi noodles manufactured in India safe for consumption.

The FSSAI had banned sale of Maggi noodles citing lead levels more than the permissible quantity of 2.5 parts per million, mislabeling on the packs and selling a variant of Maggi noodles without product approval.

With the return of the two minute noddle, it leaves many people wondering with regard to the efficacy of the ban in the first place.

Global warming catching up Extreme poverty might be staring at 100 million people The “shock waves” of global warming could force 100 million people into “extreme poverty” within 15 years, according to a recently released report by the World Bank. “Global warming is borne unevenly, with the world’s poor woefully unprepared to deal with climate shocks such as rising seas or severe droughts,” the report concluded. “The poor live in uncertainty, just one natural disaster away from losing everything they have,” it added. The report is, in part, a product of surveys with 1.4 million people from 92 nations. Those who say that rich countries are not doing enough to help the poor said the report added emphasis to demands for billions of dollars in so-called climate finance to developing countries. Despite pledges to rein in emissions of carbon dioxide and other global warming gases, climate change is not likely to stop anytime soon. Carbon emissions are expected to rise for many years as China, India and other developing countries expand the use of fossil fuels to power their economies. But efforts to protect the poor, such as generally improving access to health care and social safety nets, and targeted measures to upgrade flood defenses and deploy more heat-tolerant crops could prevent most of the negative consequences of climate change on poverty, the bank said.

According to the report, efforts to shield the poor, such as better access to health care, deployment of more heat tolerant crops, and upgrading of defenses in coastal areas can prevent some of the more severe impacts.

Without such measures, the report warns of crop losses of 5 percent by 2030 and 30 percent by 2080, with higher temperatures exposing an additional 150 million of the world’s residents to the dangers of malaria.

Tellingly, the report does not give any advice on how to prevent any of these changes because it’s already way too late for any global plan to instill meaningful change. Rather, it asks us to firm up the social safety nets. So that’s something else our world leaders can chew over when they meet later this month in Paris for the UN’s climate change conference. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on $1.25 a day. While roughly half the citizens in the developing world were classified as living in extreme poverty in 1981, we got that number down to 21 percent by 2010, according to a World Bank poverty overview. That still left about 1.2 billion globally in extreme poverty as of 2014. A big problem for those struggling on the edge is going to be the lower crop yields leading to higher food prices.

As malnutrition spreads and water dries up, you can expect a host of expensive health problems to follow, from malaria to diarrhea to stunted development. Yet even this is optimistic when you consider that we are already confronting the impact of climate change tumbling the underclass across the globe in 2015.

A new monograph calls for India and the U.S. to work together in Eurasia. as China, the Francis P. Sempa War United States, Iran, and The U.S. Army War College's Strategic Studies Institute recently published a monograph by Roman Muzalevsky on India's strategic role in the 21st century's "Great Game" in Central Asia. Titled "Unlocking India's Strategic Potential in Central Asia," Muzalevsky's work analyzes the complicated relationships between, and rivalries among, India, China, Iran, Russia and the United States in the heart of the Eurasian landmass. He concludes that India and the United States can best advance their interests in the region if they develop a "strategic partnership" that allows them to both compete and collaborate with the other powers vying for influence in Central Asia.

Muzalevsky, a researcher and analyst for iJet International, Inc. and former analyst at the Hudson Institute, has studied and written extensively about the region. He is the author of China's Rise and Reconfiguration of Central Asia's Geopolitics: A Case for U.S. Pivot to Eurasia (2015), From Frozen Ties to Strategic Engagement: U.S.- Iranian Relationship in 2030 (2015), and Central Asia's Shrinking Connectivity Gap: Implications for U.S. Strategy (2014). In this monograph, Muzalevsky discusses both the geopolitical constraints and opportunities that India confronts as it develops policies and strategies to increase its influence in Central Asia.

India, the author notes, is a latecomer to the 21st century's Great Game, having stood by after the end of the Cold

a resurgent Russia sought to improve their respective economic and political interests in the region. India's initial reluctance to compete in the region was due, in part, to its focus on domestic issues and its tradition of non-alignment. India also suffered from geography: It lacks a common border with Central Asia and must interact with the region through unstable Afghanistan and hostile Pakistan. Meanwhile, China exploited its geography and economic power to implement its so-called "Silk Road" strategy in the region, Russia used its geographical proximity and traditional economic and political ties to the region and its leaders to further its Eurasia strategy, and Iran used favorable geography and common cultural/religious ties to further its interests there.

Muzalevsky notes that the United States has a military presence in the Eurasian heartland for the first time in history, but is currently pulling back militarily from the region - a move he believes will harm U.S. long term interests. A politically stable and secure Afghanistan is an interest that India shares with the U.S., and Muzalevsky recommends that India and the U.S. work in tandem to do more to bring that about. He laments, however, that the U.S., after long and unsuccessful wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, seems more intent on withdrawing militarily from Afghanistan than on promoting stability.

India recognizes that its greatest strategic rival in the region is China.

Muzalevsky calls China the greatest "barrier" to

India's emergence as a power in Central Asia and a global great power. Indeed, India views Chinese strategy here as one of geopolitical encirclement.

Muzalevsky writes: To that purpose, China has . . . used its growing economic and security partnerships with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar to India's northeast; Sri-Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia to India's southeast; Pakistan and Afghanistan to India's northwest; and Central Asia to India's northwest.

This landward geographical encirclement coupled with China's expanded role in the Indian Ocean poses insurmountable dilemmas for India's plans to expand its influence in Central Asia unless it eschews non-alignment and, Muzalevsky suggests, strategically partners with the United States.

In 2012, India's leaders announced a policy called "Connect Central Asia," which is designed to further India's economic and political ties to the states of Central Asia, especially in the areas of energy and

transportation.

Muzalevsky recognizes India's growing economic ties to a few Central Asian states, and envisions possible collaborative efforts here between India and Iran and China, all of which would benefit from energy and transportation improvements in the region. He even goes so far as to suggest that India and the United States may be able to shape Iran's interaction with the states of the region. He makes it clear, however, that "Connect Central Asia" has lagged far behind Chinese and Russian moves in the 21st century's Great Game.

Muzalevsky's sophisticated geopolitical analysis, however, produces more questions than answers. For example, India and the U.S. would, as he suggests, appear to be ideal partners to contain or counterbalance China in Central Asia, but there is no indication that policymakers in Washington have decided how to approach the growth of Chinese power despite all of the rhetoric about the "pivot" or "rebalance" to Asia. As noted ear-

lier, the U.S. is militarily retreating from the region in the wake of two unpopular wars, and has done nothing substantial in response to Russia's aggressive moves in the Middle East. Moreover, it is not clear that India would be wise to rely on a U.S. commitment to a strategic partnership given the current U.S. administration's affinity for global retrenchment and multilateralism in foreign policy.

There is also a question as to whether democracies, such as India and the United States, can conduct a foreign policy based on pure rational national security interests instead of sentiment, popular emotions, and competing special interests.

Muzalevsky envisions India and the U.S. engaged in a delicate, sophisticated, nuanced approach that combines elements of competition and collaboration with current and potential adversaries.

This may be too much to ask. The great British geopolitical theorist Halford Mackinder once noted that, "Democracy refuses to think

strategically unless and until compelled to do so for purposes of defense."

In any event, the Great Game of the 21st century proceeds apace. It is a geopolitical competition that will likely influence the future global balance of power.

(Francis P. Sempa is the author of Geopolitics: From the Cold War to the 21st Century (Transaction Books) and America's Global Role: Essays and Reviews on National Security, Geopolitics and War (University Press of America). He is also a contributor to Population Decline and the Remaking of Great Power Politics (Potomac Books). He has written on historical and foreign policy topics for Joint Force Quarterly, American Diplomacy, the University Bookman, The Claremont Review of Books, The Diplomat, Strategic Review, the Washington Times and other publications. He is an attorney, an adjunct professor of political science at Wilkes University, and a contributing editor to American Diplomacy.)

India-Nepal Strained Relations

Sir, We note with concern that the diplomatic relation between India and Nepal deteriorates with each passing day. It all started following the new constitution framed by Nepal’s new ministry.

Severe upheavals rocked Nepal that led to Police firing. Constitution of a nation ought to have

provisions acceptable to all sections of the acid test for Sushma Swaraj, the external affairspeople. But the Madhesi community that lives minister to better our relation with Nepal. in Nepal’s plain areas perceives discrimination meted out to them and the people of the community reacted violently that resulted into the turmoil. But Nepal government smelt a rat in the entire exercise leading to the turmoil pointing Yoursetc. the accusing finger at India. The matter went to AshokBordoloi such an extent that a cabinet minister of Nepal Dibrugarh expressed apprehension that India had fanned the flames contemplating sending of troops to Nepal with plain clothes. But Indian embassy in Kathmandu strongly refuted the charge terming it baseless. Our Prime-minister even talked to his Nepal’s counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli to diffuse the tension. But it proved to be a futile atBest Letter tempt. Moreover blockade by some activists near The best letter of the month in the Letter to Nepal’s border with India made matters worse. the Editor section will be awarded an amount There is unprecedented crisis in Nepal of essenof Rs 200. So please keep writing. tial commodities including Oil and LPG cylinder. All these factors, perhaps, prompted Nepalese government to look to China for help.

Meanwhile, an agreement had already been Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : signed with China for supplying Oil. It is a fact The Eastern Today that China has always been looking out for a Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital chance to fish in troubled waters. To make matMancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: ter worse, India raised the points of the turmoil 0373-2328944 over constitution and violation of human rights Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com in the United Nations platform. This will be an

Op

Page 9

d e Declassifying Netaji's Archives: Government Transparency Or Just A Clever Move?

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Annesha Ghosh On September 18, the West Bengal government declassified all the 64 files in the custody of the state government. The released documents include 8 DVDs of over 1200 pages, many of which have handwritten notes on the margins. These files, which were scrutinized by the Justice M K Mukherjee commission, contain personal correspondences between Netaji and his elder

brother Sarat Chandra Bose, the British intelligence's analysis of Netaji's speeches at various public meetings and invitations he received to attend various functions.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee explained the rationale behind this move saying, "We want to maintain transparency and accountability. We don't feel there is anything related to internal security. Netaji was a national icon. Everybody wants to know what happened to Netaji."

Despite her claims of transparency, the ulterior

motive is far too obvious for one to overlook. Given the extraordinary grip Netaji continues to hold on the public imagination, the move on the part of the state government comes as a masterstroke. Even after 70 years of his purported death in a plane crash in Taipei,the memory of Bose as an unequaled nationalist continues to evoke strong passions, especially in Bengal. In a way, by declassifying these files she has particularly attempted to earn the good will of people from that part of the country which constitutes her political backyard.

Clearly, the Chief Minister of West Bengal can be seen making attempts at cashing in on the 'Netaji' factor to shape a favourable public discourse ahead of the 2016 elections. This will not only help play on the sentiment of Bengali pride but in a way will allow her to align herself in Bose's tradition of challenging the

establishment. Aren't we already familiar with her 34-year-old-Left rule conquests and spoils of breakaway battle with the grand old party of India?

In the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had had promised to release each of the 135 classified documents on Netaji that have been lying with the central government.

Prior to that, the Congress regimes weren't ever keen on going ahead with the disclosure because, as Ardhendu Bose, nephew of Subhash Chandra Bose stated, "they probably did not want to declassify something that would hurt Nehru's legacy." In fact, writer Anuj Dhar claimed in his book 'No Secrets' that "at least four secret files that were in existence in the Internal Security Division (ISD) of the Ministry of Home Affairs during the Atal Bihari days" were made to "disappear".

Perhaps, decisions as unprecedented and incomprehensible as this are only

Mr. Modi, As A Kashmiri, Here's Why I Think Your Money Won't Solve Our Political Problems Sofi Ahsan Narendra Modi's visit to Kashmir on Saturday, 7th November yet again proved how myopic and ignorant the leadership in Delhi is when it comes to Kashmir and its turbulent politics. The Prime Minister's announcement of a Rs. 80,000 crore package may have cheered few faces in the valley, particularly his local allies - Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed and his party men, but by evening the bitter truth of Kashmir was again out on the streets as a stark reminder to the Indian state how lethal it is to think that the money can restore calm in the troubled valley. Gowhar Ahmad, a 22year-old Computer Science student, was killed in Srinagar when a tear gas shell hit his head during a protest against Modi's visit to the valley. The military apparatus may have succeeded in foiling the Million Marchcalled

by Hurriyat Conference against Modi's visit, but it could not bottle up the emotions and aspirations of Kashmiri youth for long. They were again out on the streets as soon as the restrictions were eased to perhaps tell Modi that they were not up for sale.

Death again revisited the valley on a day the Indian Prime Minister promised Insaaniyat (Humanity) and Jamhooriyat (Democracy) to its people.

The mistake of looking at Kashmir through an economic perspective while overlooking the glaring political reality of Kashmir has been an old policy of the Indian state, but the youth out on the streets in the valley have time and again debunked the myth perpetuated by New Delhi that Kashmir is merely a law and order problem.

They have revealed their demand of a political resolution and a right to decide their future through continuous resistance, be it by picking up the gun in the early '90s or today by throwing stones on the Kalashnikov-wielding soldiers.

Gowhar's murder by menin-uniform should again remind Delhi that the Kashmir problem cannot be solved by keeping open the treasury in Delhi or announcing an economic package. Modi, who "does not need advice or analysis from anyone‌on Kashmir" must come out of his slumber and read the writing on the wall, that the youth in Kashmir can no longer be swayed by the oft-repeated Vajpayee rhetoric on Kashmir. They know and know well the twisted glass of despotism the Indian state makes use of to look at Kashmir and its residents.

Modi's announcement of the package, that had become necessary to announce for his local ally, Peoples Democratic Party in order to save its face in

the valley, may have acted as a breather for Mufti and his ruling alliance, but a common Kashmiri is surely disappointed. The aam aadmi is bearing the brunt of an unending political strife and needs more than purse strings to heal the wounds inflicted

by Modi's representatives in the valley - the gun-toting soldiers stationed in every village and town of Kashmir. The mantra of Insaaniyat and Jamhooriyat is hollow as long as India allows the gun and its black laws to do the talking in Kashmir.

The Prime Minister's visit had been sold as a major dream to the valley by his henchmen, but he not only dismayed his only ally in the region but also failed to win the hearts of Kashmiris who had hoped the Modi would go beyond the usual rhetoric given his government's mass popularity and dominant say in Indian politics. His speech in the heavily guarded Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium only reflected his lack of understanding of

the Kashmir subject. There was only a semblance of former Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee, but in reality he failed to achieve anything substantial to remove the alienation of people in Kashmir by failing to address their long-pending demand of political engagement and deliberation on their right to self-determination.

Modi, by avoiding a serious political narrative in Kashmir again proved the insincerity of the Indian state towards Kashmir. It again showed that the political leadership in India only prefers to deal with Kashmir when there is bloody mayhem out on its streets.

The Prime Minister may be a 'toofan ka aadmi" for Mufti and his ilk in the socalled developmental and political sense but for the family of Gowhar and many other households who lost their sons to Indian bullets and tear gas shells, he is the angel of death whose one day presence in Kashmir took away their beloved.

Despite what you may have hear or believe, there are still many women and homosexual workers at companies who don't get the same benefits as others in the industry get.

According to a survey conducted by Thomson Reuters Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation, women in Turkey and India face some of the greatest workplace inequalities among the G20 nations but are least likely to speak out.

The findings come at a time when tech companies are under scrutiny for their evident dearth in celebrating diversity at the workplace.

Celebration of diversity needs to be applauded and encouraged in a sensitive society like ours where segregation in terms of sex, religion, sexual orientation is viewed as a normal. Managing diversity indicates

commitment of an organisation to recruit and retain employees from a different demographic background. There is a need to support women in achieving a good work and household life balance. Ericsson, a global name in technology, set an example in its Blue River Project. Ericsson aims to have one-third of its employees as women by 2020 by hiring more female candidates in fields dominated by men. Ericsson India, who were committed to the cause were encouraged to join the movement by signing the HeForShe pledge on the website.

'SEWA' a trade union which is an organisation of poor, self-employed women workers has done a remarkable job of wage fixation for the home based piece rate workers by taking action in the ILO and passing the minimum wage act. The mindset towards females in

most cultures including ours is that she is the one who has to take care of the household even if she is working and men have nothing to do with what is happening inside the house.

In the corporate arena, not only in India but across the globe, business is also discussed outside the four walls of the office where men have gathered for their recreation, and this system disallows women to be more inclusive in the 'Men's Club'.

According to the survey conducted by pollster Ipsos MORI, one in five Turkish women, and one in four Indian women perceive a lack of equal career opportunities as a major issue in the workplace. By celebrating diversity, we should encourage ideas that anyone can bring to the table, despite belonging to a different religion, gender or sexual orientation.

The survey also revealed that

only four in every ten women were confident that they earned the same as a man doing the same job.

Women need to feel empowered to act and be aware that change is possible and it is acceptable for speaking out in the workplace. There is a popular notion followed by some organisations to include women only in certain departments like human resource management or public relations. They are not included in core operations and there are only few female CEOs and Presidents of big companies.

We have to understand and dispel that primitive psyche that believes that Indian women are by default a bad negotiator for themselves, and have to work harder for getting their due. Only initiatives by organisations like encouraging diversity at the workplace and pay parity can bring some change to a working woman's life.

now finds itself favourably inclined towards the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and its supremo.

Her prior unsuccessful attempts at getting nationalist forces like the Forward Block out of the Left by milking Communist insults of Netaji (who was labelled as a 'fascist stooge' and Japan's lapdog) may now finally bear fruition.

Though the Forward Block has for long only been a largely-ignored constituent of the Left, its shift towards the TMC in a charged electoral atmosphere, can possibly add the final nail to the Left's coffin which has, anyway, been down in the dumps following its dismal performances in state and parliamentary elections in 2011 and 2014 re-

spectively.

The Congress, which never allowed Mamata Banerjee gain stature while the TMC was part of the UPA, now finds itself embarrassed by the skeletons tumbling out of its closet vis-Ă -vis the revelations on successive Congress governments in the Centre and the state having snooped on Bose's kin.

As A Trained Therapist, It Was Hard To Accept That I Was Dealing With Depression Myself Vidyashree

Why Do 1 In Every 4 Indian Women Not Get Equal Opportunities At Work?

Atif Khan

possible in politics for Mamata Banerjee had constantly snubbed attempts by the Bose family to meet her over the declassification issue over the past few years.

What made the TMC government suddenly change tack remains anybody's guess. More so, given that the decision came after the Prime Minister had held several meetings with members of the Bose family between April- May this year.

With the disclosure of the 64 Top Secret files on Netaji having created quite the buzz the West Bengal government would have hoped for, the Chief Minister has effectively launched a tripartite offensive.

One cannot rule out the possibility of a split in the four-party-CPI (M) led Left-front in Bengal in the very near future. It should not come as a surprise if the All India Forward Block, an organization that was founded by Netaji,

I trained to be an Expressive Arts Therapist in 2012. Expressive arts therapy is the practice of using imagery, storytelling, dance, music, drama, poetry, movement, dream work, and visual arts together, in an integrated way, to foster human growth, development, and healing. It is about reclaiming our innate capacity as human beings for creative expression of our individual and collective human experience in artistic form. It is also about experiencing the natural capacity of creative expression and creative community for healing. Counseling and talk therapy are an integral part of the work of expressive arts therapists and are used as very strong aids to process the work created by the client. In July 2014, I had my first baby. What followed was postpartum depression. Overwhelming feelings of sadness and unstoppable bouts of crying.

When it happened, it took me a few days to realise and to completely accept that this had happened to me, a trained therapist!

This was the real test of my training. To be able to apply all my belief in therapy and art. The first step to healing is always acceptance. Acceptance of feelings, acceptance of behavior of self and acceptance of the situation. No healing can take place in the absence of acceptance. I

next few days, I also went and consulted my homeopath. She listened to me for close to two hours and just that made me feel a lot better. As a habit, I also shared my everyday feelings with my husband, close friends and my mother. I also cried a lot, without feeling ashamed. A combination of writing, painting, talking, crying and sessions with my doctors ensured that I was on my way to feeling better and feeling healed.

It took four months for me to get over my postpartum depression. Some feelings of depression come and go even now, but the deepest feelings of sadness have disappeared.

I share this very personal journey with all of you to bring to light the importance and the beauty of healing. How it is imperative that each one of us recognise feelings that need a way out and then choose a way to let them out. The process of 'letting out' needs an anchor. An anchor can be an art form, a close family member, a spouse, a friend or a trained therapist or a clinical psychologist. This is a personal choice and one that has to be made with trust, openness and no judgement.

As a trained therapist and as someone who has herself made this journey of seeking help to 'let out', I would always recommend finding an Expressive Arts Therapist or a combination of seeking an art form and going to a therapist.

accepted that I was undergoing postpartum depression. I accepted that there were inexplicable feelings and I accepted that I needed to reach out and seek help. I also completely accepted that my 'symptoms' were separate than me, the person.

On one such evening of depression, I opened my diary and wrote a journal entry. I wrote about how wanting a daughter had been a childhood dream and how I felt when she was born. I felt better. The next day I wrote some more and I painted. Within the

Please consider the following factors before making a decision about your therapeutic process: 1. Self-Expression: All therapies, by their very nature and purpose, should encourage individuals to engage in self-exploration and self-expression. A platform where this is made possible becomes effective from the beginning.

2. Active Participation: The experience of doing, making, and creating can actually energize individuals, redirect attention and focus, and alleviate emotional stress, allowing one

to fully concentrate on issues, goals, and behaviors.

How will a process of active participation be facilitated?

3. Safe-Space: The space where therapeutic work happens has to feel safe.

The concept of safety can be relative and its notion is as much psychological as physical. Aspects like trust, rapport with the therapist, confidentiality, a nonthreatening and a nonjudgmental environment, all of these contribute to safety. It is important that you ask questions related to the physicality of the space which will be used for your sessions. A neutral space is always a good idea - neither your house nor the therapist's.

4. Affordability: You have to decide what works for you. There are clinical psychologists associated with every hospital, there are expressive arts therapistsdifficult to find but they exist and there are therapists running their independent practice. There is also a lot of pro-bono work happening in the field of therapy and while individual therapists may not offer these services, there are organisations and NGOs and online channels which provide free services.

5.

Stigma-ShameMarginalisation: There is NO shame in seeking help.

There is NO shame in going through depression, battling mental illness, fighting feelings of suicide.

There is no shame in accepting that maybe your mental health is affected and it needs healing. Each one of us goes through cycles of a low tide in our mental health.

Marginalisation begins with oneself. When you choose to go into a shell because you are ashamed of what is happening in your mind, you initiate the process of stepping away. It is crucial to remind ourselves every day that each of our journeys are sacred and precious and difficult.

When there is no shame, stigma and marginalisation

affect us less.

6. The Person You Are: Who you are and what you want is the most important.

How you want to heal is of primary concern while making this decision. How much time you want to take before seeking help, is your decision. A dear friend I know doesn't take medication for her schizophrenia.

Another friend I know takes medication for her depression and goes to a psychologist.What works for another person may or may not work for you. Rely on your intuition and your own understanding of yourself.

7. Seek Therapist Information: a) Ask for information about where the therapist is trained from and what the body of work is like. This is important because when you make an effort to do research and seek information, you also take the responsibility for your therapeutic process. b) Ask if the therapist is registered and works independently or is attached to a therapeutic establishment. c) How will goals be identified for your therapy sessions? You may go with a set of goals you want to achieve, but as you make this journey, you will realise that the goals might change. For e.g. you may decide that you want to do seek therapy to improve your self-esteem.

But in the process you will discover stored up anger from childhood experiences. The goal of the sessions will then switch to the theme of 'anger'. And will eventually lead to enhanced emotional expression and self-esteem.

Mental health is imperative for a healthy society.

I have witnessed some fantastic work that is being done in this field and I have also witnessed the evolution of people from ignorance to awareness to healing and then to empowerment.

And NO, therapy is not just for 'the not normal'. We are all normal neurotics.

BUSINESS Gold demand up 13 per cent in July-Sept

PAGE 10

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Chennai, Nov 13: Decline in gold prices in the last few months led Indian consumers to buy more of the yellow metal ahead of the festival and wedding season. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), total demand for gold in the country in the threemonth period between July and September climbed 13 per cent from a year earlier to 268.1 tonnes. The third quarter of 2015 saw gold valued at a total of Rs.62,939 crore being bought by consumers with both jewellery and investment (coins, bars) demand registering increases. While jewellery demand went up by 15 per cent, investment demand increased by 6 per cent. “A softening of prices at the beginning of the quarter led to consumers buying in advance for the festive and wedding season ahead,” said Somasundaram P.R., Managing Director India at WGC. “Although jewellery demand continues to dominate – at 211 tonnes jewellery volume for the quarter almost equalled the pre-

vious peak of 213 tonnes in third quarter of 2008 – growth was broad based with both jewellery and investment demand up, signifying the continuing reliance on gold in household portfolios and trust in its long term prospects,” said Mr. Somasundaram. As per WGC, the demand is expected to remain high in the current quarter as well since it includes the peak buying season of Dhanteras and Diwali.

Also, the government has announced gold investment schemes that increase the options for consumers looking to invest in the precious metal. “Based on the demand for three quarters of this year, we estimate full year demand to be in the range of 850 to 950 tonnes, but this is still above the 811 tonnes of demand seen in 2014,” said Mr. Somasundaram. Globally as well, the trend has been similar as the total gold demand in the third quarter stood at 1,121 tonnes, an increase of 8 per cent compared to the same period

IMF gets new Executive Director

Kochi, Nov 13: Former Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Subir Gokarn was appointed as an Executive Director on the board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal for appointment of Mr. Subir Gokaran, Economist as Executive Director representing the Indian Constituency (In-

dia, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka) at the International Monetary Fund vice Mr. Rakesh Mohan,” the government said in a release. Mr. Gokarn’s name was cleared by Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training. He replaces Mr. Rakesh Mohan at the IMF. (Agencies)

LOW PRICES LEADING TO GREATER DEMAND ¨ Decline in gold prices in the last few months led Indian consumers to buy more of the yellow metal ahead of the festival and wedding season.

¨ According to the WGC, total demand for gold in the country in the three-month period between July and September climbed 13 per cent from a year earlier to 268.1 tonnes.

¨ The third quarter of 2015 saw gold valued at a total of Rs.62,939 crore being bought by consumers with both jewellery and investment (coins, bars) demand registering increases.

¨ While jewellery demand went up by 15 per cent, investment demand increased by 6 per cent. ¨ Although jewellery demand continues to dominate -- at 211 tonnes jewellery volume for the quarter almost equalled the previous peak of 213 tonnes in third quarter of 2008 -- growth was broad based with both jewellery and investment demand up, signifying the continuing reliance on gold in household portfolios and trust in its long term prospects.

¨ Based on the demand for three quarters of this year, the estimate for full year demand is made to be in the range of 850 to 950 tonnes, but this is still above the 811 tonnes of demand seen in 2014.

¨ Globally as well, the trend has been similar as the total gold demand in the third quarter stood at 1,121 tonnes, an increase of 8 per cent compared to the same period last year.

¨ In China, investment demand grew by 70 per cent to 52 tonnes, as demand was initially stimulated by the gold price weakness in July, which was further fuelled by the mid-August foreign exchange reform, as per the world gold body.

¨ As per WGC, China and India continue to remain the dominant figures in the global gold market, accounting for close to 45 per cent of the total demand. last year. At a global level, gold for investment purposes saw a much higher increase compared to jewellery demand. As per WGC, bar and coin demand touched a five-year high in the

U.S. while Europe also saw strong levels of demand in the investment sector on account of the ongoing concern surrounding the Greek debt crisis and uncertainty in Eastern Europe. In

choose from. Mr. Pai would join as advisor of the startup board and will mentor the founding team and senior management to strengthen the organisational leadership and set the company up for strong growth, said a statement. “A big question in the future of brand value growth is how to engage the new generation of consumers that are coming of age. Today’s consumers want to feel closer to the brands whose work they enjoy. So enabling novel

Bengaluru, Nov 13: A total of 60,000 welcome kits of Maggi, which was re-launched at the start of this week after being off shelves for five months, were sold in just 5 minutes on the online marketplace Snapdeal. The welcome kit contained 12 packs of Maggi, a 2016 Maggi calendar, a Maggi fridge magnet, Maggi post cards and a ‘Welcome Back’ letter, for which the registrations started on November 9.

The sale on Snapdeal took place on Thursday. Another batch of Maggi Welcome Kits will be go on sale from November 16. “Snapdeal sold out the first batch of 60,000 Maggi Welcome Kits

within 5 minutes of Maggi Flash Sale going live today. There has been much anticipation for the return of one of the favourite Indian brands and we have witnessed a phenomenal response to this sale from customers across the country,” Snapdeal Senior Vice President (Partnerships and Strategic initiatives) Tony Navin said. Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has slapped a nationwide ban on Maggi in June alleging that the snack contained excessive quantities of lead. The Bombay High Court, however, overturned the ruling and ordered fresh tests. Earlier this month, Nestle

methods to deepen those relationships will help drive brand loyalty and recall, while improving the experience for us consumers too. I think a product customization platform like Gingercrush makes the relationship of the individual with the brand that much more intimate, and I believe this helps brands deliver new dimensions of affinity and helps the best brands to stand out,” Mr. Pai said in a statement. The platform has 81

brands and Mr.Makol plans to expand it to 150 brands.

He also said the platform has hit the 4,000 order mark this month. Mr. Pai has invested in about a dozen young tech firms including GetActive, home services firm Zimmber and exam preparation venture OnlineTyari.com. He also runs a private equity fund Aarin Capital along with Manipal group scion Ranjan Pai that invests in life sciences startups.

(Agencies)

Industrial production growth slows down to 3.6% in September Contd. from Page 1

marking the fourth consecutive month of consumer price inflation quickening. “The General Index (of Industrial Production) for the month of September 2015 stands at 178.0, which is 3.6 per cent higher as compared to the level in the month of September 2014. The cumulative growth for the period April-September 2015-16 over the corresponding period of the previous year stands at 4 per cent,” the government said in a release. The 3.6 per cent growth rate in industrial production seems more the norm than the high 6.3 achieved the previous month.

In fact, the growth rate

achieved in September is exactly the median growth rate over the period JanuarySeptember. August seems to have been an aberration, registering a growth rate 2.6 percentage points higher than the median. That said, some elements of the index certainly have fallen more drastically than others.

Growth in the manufacturing sector, for example, plummeted to 2.6 per cent in September from a heady 6.6 per cent the previous month.

However, this 2.6 per cent is low even compared to more ‘normal’ months, falling well below the 3.9 per cent median growth rate since January. The electricity sector, on the other hand, grew very strongly in September, coming in at 11.4 per cent, up from 5.6 per cent

China, investment demand grew by 70 per cent to 52 tonnes, as demand was initially stimulated by the gold price weakness in July, which was further fuelled by the midAugust foreign exchange

reform, as per the world gold body. As per WGC, China and India continue to remain the dominant figures in the global gold market, accounting for close to 45 per cent of the total demand. (Agencies)

Snapdeal sells 60,000 Maggi kits in five minutes

Mohandas Pai invests in startup Gingercrush Mumbai, Nov 13: Former Infosys Director TV Mohandas Pai has invested an undisclosed amount in Gingercrush, a licensed product customization platform startup. The platform lets users choose a product, pick a design and customise it, according to their tastes before placing order. Gingercrush currently has a design library of 81 licensed brands including Disney, Pixar Movies, Mattel among others as well as 56 artists for customers to

Highest revenue ever targeted by Air India

in August. This is the fastest growth the sector has seen since August 2014. Notably, by usage, the capital goods sector slowed down considerably, coming in at 10.5 per cent in September compared to 21.4 per cent in August. However, this could be more of a correction since the sector grew at 10.6 per cent in July. Consumer goods, a measure of demand in the economy, also slowed to 0.6 per cent in September compared to 6 per cent in August. Growth in the Consumer Price Index, at 5 per cent in October, was the highest it has been since June, when it was 5.4 per cent. The greatest increase can be seen in the food and beverages segment, which accelerated from 4.3 per cent in September to 5.3 per cent

in October. Here, urban Indians felt the pinch more than rural Indians, although the rate of inflation quicken considerably for the latter as well. Food inflation in urban India went from 3.8 per cent in September to 5.4 per cent in October. The same numbers are 4.5 per cent and 5.4 per cent for rural India. Significantly, growth in the fuel and light segment of the CPI slowed for the third consecutive month to 5.3 per cent from 5.8 per cent two months ago. Inflation in clothing and footwear, at 5.6 per cent was at a multi-year low, lower than it has been for at least three and a half years.

Although CPI inflation has been accelerating lately, it is still within the Reserve Bank of India’s comfort zone of 6 per cent that it wanted to achieve

by January 2016. (Agencies)

said the government-approved laboratory had found samples from the freshly manufactured stocks of Maggi to be safe. As part of the relaunch, the Swiss food giant Nestle had also announced tied up with online marketplace Snapdeal for the sale of

New Delhi, Nov 13: Air India is all set to earn its highest-ever passenger revenue — Rs 17,000 crore — this fiscal, bettering the previous high of Rs 15,500 crore registered in FY 14-15. The airline's total revenue is expected to be Rs 21,500 crore this fiscal. "While the revenues are up due to higher passenger loads, costs are down because of oil prices and softening of interest rates on working capital loans of Rs 22,000 crore by almost 1 percentage point. As a result, we are looking at halving our net

loss to Rs 2,500 crore this fiscal from Rs 5,500 crore last fiscal," said a senior AI official. AI is now looking at new revenue streams to shore up its finances. It is now going to train Airbus A320 pilots for other Indian carriers in India. At present, other airlines using the A-320 send their pilots abroad for type-rating (certificate that a pilot is trained on a particular type of aircraft). IndiGo — the biggest user of A-320 in India — sends its pilots to Kuala Lumpur for typerating. (Agencies)

Seized pulses offloaded to stabilise prices New Delhi, Nov 13: With pulses prices still ruling high in the open market, the government has offloaded over 4,660 tonnes of hoarded pulses seized in five states to augment availability and stabilise prices. A shortfall in production last year has impacted availability of arhar and urad dals as a result of which prices of these lentils, continue to hover between Rs. 180 and Rs. 190 per kg in retail markets. “Till now, 4,660.68 tonnes pulses seized under de-hoarding

operations have been auctioned or disposed through other options in markets to increase availability. This will help to moderate the prices further,’’ official sources said. Since imposition of the stockholding g limits on pulses, over 35,761.16 tonnes were seized in Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Karnataka, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. Of this 4,660 tonnes have been released in various markets. Dal prices have risen this year sharply as owing to drought in parts of the country. (Agencies)

its product through a unique ‘flash sale model’.

Flash sales or deal-of-theday is an e-commerce business model in which a website offers a single product for sale for a limited period of time. Potential customers have to register to avail the deal.

(Agencies)

Entry level car competition hots up Mumbai, Nov 13: The entry level car segment is set to witness a new battle with French car maker Renault trying to dislodge Hyundai from its Number 2 position in the segment. The new sub-Rs.4 lakh hatchback Renault Kwid has secured orders for more than 55,000 units in 6-7 weeks since the market rollout of the small car and the carmaker delivered about 5,000 units last month. “Together with first time buyers, we are also seeing new consumer trends across urban and rural India,” said Sumit Sawhney, Country CEO and Managing Director, Renault India. During April-October 2015, micro (Nano) and mini (Eon, Alto, WagonR and Kwid) segments reported combined sales of 310,883 units as against 309,999 units in the year-ago period. While segment leader Maruti’s sales grew seven per cent to 2.53 lakh units, secondranked Hyundai sold only 38,053 units of

Eon as against 63,589 units. Nano’s volumes zoomed from 8,019 units to 13,621 units.

The sub-Rs.4 lakh or entry level segment has been served by Maruti, Hyundai, Tata, Chevrolet and Nissan.

But, this segment has been dominated by Maruti owing to its strong product portfolio, track record of low cost of maintenance and vast distribution

network.

These strengths have meant limited success for some of the new entrants. ICRA’s senior analyst Shamsher Dewan points out that car makers have been focusing on high localisation levels to compete effectively in the entry segment. Kwid, which comes with 98 per cent localisation, has created a lot of interest with its value-for-money proposition, which will

be an attractive point for first time buyers to justify investment in a sub4 lakh car. Also, it has come at a right time when things have started looking up for first time car buyers with improving sentiment, fall in lending rates and lower fuel prices. Thus, Renault Kwid appears to be racing ahead to overtake Hyundai Eon’s numbers. (Agencies)

GEARING UP FOR CUTTHROAT COMPETITION The entry level car segment is set to witness a new battle with French car maker Renault trying to dislodge Hyundai from its Number 2 position in the segment.

The new sub-Rs.4 lakh hatchback Renault Kwid has secured orders for more than 55,000 units in 6-7 weeks since the market rollout of the small car and the carmaker delivered about 5,000 units last month.

During April-October 2015, micro (Nano) and mini (Eon, Alto, WagonR and Kwid) segments reported combined sales of 310,883 units as against 309,999 units in the year-ago period.

While segment leader Maruti’s sales grew seven per cent to 2.53 lakh units, second-ranked Hyundai sold only 38,053 units of Eon as against 63,589 units. Nano’s volumes zoomed from 8,019 units to 13,621 units.

The sub-Rs.4 lakh or entry level segment has been served by Maruti, Hyundai, Tata, Chevrolet and Nissan.

But, this segment has been dominated by Maruti owing to its strong product portfolio, track record of low cost of maintenance and vast distribution network.

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Features

Page 11

WOMEN’S 6 Easy Home Remedies For Happy Feet Are you victim to unwanted cracks and corns on your feet? You're not alone! Most women have them, and yes, they're completely normal. You get them when your feet lack moisture. Sometimes it occurs due to climatic conditions, wearing the wrong footwear, a certain bath product not agreeing with your skin. But, whatever be the cause, there's a solution! To get baby soft feet, you don't need to fix a date with the salon lady, you can treat them fabulously at home. Here are 8

home remedies for dealing with cracked heels and pesky corns on your feet!

1. Ripe Bananas By now, you should know that the whole world loves bananas! They're popular because they're rich in potassium, fiber, vitamin C, antioxidant compounds, and vitamin B-6. When used as a beauty ingredient, it has moisturizing properties that are extremely beneficial for dry skin.

Step 1 - Peel one ripe banana and mash it up.

Step 2 - Apply the fruity

paste on your cracked heels and the surface of your corn.

Step 3 - Let it stay on for 15-20 minutes till the paste hardens.

Step 4 - Wash it off with lukewarm water and in a small tub, soak your feet in chilled water for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5 - Remove them and pat dry using a towel.

2. Fresh Vegetable Oil Not many people know this, but vegetable oil can breathe life into your skin.

It has moisturizing properties and provides nourishment to cracked, dry and tough skin. For cracked feet and corns, you can use olive, sunflower, sesame and coconut oil!

Step 1 - Soak your feet in a tub and scrub it well using a pumice stone.

Step 2 - After 10 minutes, remove them and pat dry.

Step 3 - Now, gently massage your feet using vegetable oil.

Step 4 - After that, put on your favourite socks and

leave them overnight to soak properly.

Step 5 - In the morning, take your socks off and wash your feet with lukewarm water. Trust us, you'll feel the difference instantly.

3. Gooey Paraffin Wax Paraffin wax has a number of beauty beneficial qualities. When applied to your skin, it makes sure it removes dead skin cells, disinfects cracked feet, retains your skin's natural oils and softens rough skin.

Step 1 - Pour some paraffin wax in a bowl, add coconut oil to it, and turn up the heat.

Step 2 - Mix both ingredients well by stirring.

Step 3 - Now, apply the thick paste over your cracks and corns.

Step 4 - Put on your socks and leave the paste to dry overnight.

Step 5 - The next morning, remove your feet from the socks and wash your feet thoroughly with lukewarm water.

4. Strong Lemon Juice

Due to the acidic properties of lemon juice, it does a fab job of removing dead skin cells from the feet and disinfecting your cracks and corns from any bacteria living on it. If you want your feet to look soft and smell delicious, lemon juice is your answer!

Step 1 - In a glass container, add about 5 tablespoons of sea salt, a tablespoon of coconut oil and the juice of one lemon.

Step 2 - Mix all the ingredients well till it gives the texture of a scrub.

Step 3 - Apply it over your cracked feet and corns and let it stay on for about 1015 minutes.

Step 4 - Wash it off after with chilled water.

5. Natural Apple Cider Vinegar The acid in vinegar not only makes your skin baby soft, it also does away with dead and dry skin cells. It makes tired feet look and feel youthful again.

Step 1 - In a tiny bucket,

add a scoop of rice flour, a tablespoon of thick honey, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and dash of coconut oil.

Step 2 - Mix these ingredients well till you're left with a thick paste.

Step 3 - Apply the paste on your feet and give it a good massage. Do this for 10-15 minutes till your skin absorbs it in.

Step 4 - Wash it with luke-

warm water.

6. Grainy Oatmeal For keeping your feet moisturized and healing cracks and corns, oatmeal does a fabulous job. It also makes a good scrub to remove dead and damaged skin cells.

Step 1 - In a steel container, add half a cup of honey, a tablespoon of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of rice flour and a cup of well

crushed oatmeal.

Step 2 - Give these ingredients a good mix.

Step 3 - Apply the paste to your feet after soaking your feet in lukewarm water for 15 minutes.

Step 4 - Let it sit there for another 15 minutes.

Step 5 - Wash it off with chilled water and apply a moisturizer after.

To Do At Home This Weekend How Can You Lose Your Water Weight Quickly? What To Look Parlour Pretty!

Have you been working out and eating right, and yet can't seem to get rid of the bulges on your tummy, thighs and arms?

You won't believe it, but the cause has nothing to do with your current lifestyle. Water is the root cause of it! For several reasons, your body retains water. Your body stores it as subcutaneous liquid in your cells. When too much of it is stored, it makes your skin look puffy and bloated. Here's how to say goodbye to your water weight naturally and quickly!

1. Cut Down On Salt Intake Foods that contain high amounts of sodium like bacon, cheese, potato chips, pickles, soy sauce, smoked meats, salted roasted nuts, and stock cubes, causes your body to store water, which leads to bloating. Ideally, your body only requires 2000-2500 mg of sodium. If you exceed that level, you could put on a few extra pounds as it leads to water retention in cells. Opt for foods like salads, boiled meats, yogurts, fresh veggies and fruits instead.

2. Drink Enough Water!

To lose water weight, you have to drink more water! As contradictory as it sounds, water fights water! One of the primary reasons for your cells and tissues to retain

water is when your system is not getting adequate water (from you drinking it often and regularly enough), and it sends your body into survival mode and makes it store water to stay hydrated. You see, it's important for your body to stay hydrated as it flushes toxins, unnecessary fluids and fatty foods away.

Instead of chugging water, trying sipping it throughout the day.

Drink as much as water as you can to keep the fat and toxins away.

3. No More Caffeine For You! Too much caffeine consumption can lead to dehydration. This causes water retention by your cells, since your body is under-hydrated and tries to fight that state. Coffee, tea, aerated drinks all contain high amounts of caffeine. We're not asking you to give up on all of them, we're asking you to maintain a balance. Opt for natural juices instead.

Try not to settle for packaged juices as they contain added sugar, preservatives and food chemicals. Make your juices using your trusty juicer at home. Juices from cranberries, apples, melons, black currants, beetroots, lemons, parsley and cucumbers, all act as natural diuretics which eliminate toxins and fluids from the body. Remember, ladies, a healthier

you is a prettier you.

4. Sweat It Out! Walking, running, sitting in a sauna room, do whatever it takes to drop that water weight! When you sweat, you not only shed excess water in your body, you also flush toxins and salts away. Don't overdo it, though, because sweating it out too much can lead to dehydration.

Whatever way you choose to sweat, make sure it's done for a period of 30 minutes. Spend no more time doing one thing as it could push you into subsequently consuming more water than required.

5. Are You Eating Enough Fiber?

Eating fiber rich foods is the best thing you can do for your body. These foods not only clean your kidneys and urinary tract, they also flush toxins and unwanted fluids away. In the morning, opt for a

bowl of cereal instead of juicy pancakes or butter coated parathas. You can also add flax seeds to your bowl of cereal. During the day, make sure you get your daily dose of steamed and fresh veggies. These could be sprouts, broccoli, avocado, peas, beans and lentils. Don't boil or roast them because that could drastically tamper with its nutrition and fiber value. And if you crave snacks during the day, nibble on fruits like strawberries, cranberries, blackberries and pears as these babies are packed with antioxidants and fibers that are useful for your health.

6. Bye Bye, Alcohol Drinking alcohol every other day does take a major toll on your health. No matter how much you like the taste and kick of wine, beer,

vodka, rum, whisky, etc., all these beverages dehydrate your body. When you drink too much of it, it forces your body to store water in cells to keep you hydrated. You can either choose to cut down on it or you can completely give up on it.

Both these options will send you on the road to better health. Choose wisely, live well, we say!

7. Exercise Like You Mean It! You can hit the gym or try exercises that require no equipment, the choice is yours. Tennis, swimming, bicycle riding, running and crunches can help you get rid of excess water weight on your tummy, thighs, arms and ankles. After each exercise make sure you replace a carb dish with a fiber one to lose the bloat the healthy way. You go, girl!

As much as we would love to, it's hard to find the time to really pamper our skin during the week and we just about scrape by with the basics. But come Friday evening, it's important to amp up your beauty routine a bit and give your skin some extra love and care.

How else can you repair the damage caused by stress and pollution from the past week? We give you the weekend skincare routine to follow to help you look gorgeous come Monday morning.

1. Brighten Those Peepers Place a cold ice mask or used green tea bags on your eyes and lie back and relax.

The cold and the caffeine in the tea helps constrict blood vessels to reduce puffiness and leaves your eyes looking super bright and fresh.

Who wouldn't kill for gorgeous, bright eyes, right?

Try this on Sunday after a tiring night that could be the cause of under-eye puffiness.

2. Try A DIY Facial For Brighter Skin Rev up a tired, dull complexion by whipping up a quick facemask. A few amazing combinations for softer, brighter skin are banana and honey, yogurt and lemon juice and turmeric and honey. Two ingredients are all you need, mix them up and apply on your face for 15 minutes before rinsing.

It's an easy, fuss-free way to give your complexion some much needed TLC. 3. For That Glow From Within Instead of splurging on pricey creams and lotions to

achieve that sought-after glow, get off your butt and sweat it out instead. Go sign up for a Saturday afternoon aerobics class or take your bestie for a run. Not only will it kickstart your blood circulation, but exercising also helps collagen production for younger skin.

Sweating helps give you that radiant glow, plus it also releases those happy hormones that will most definitely help brighten up your weekend.

4. Try A Body Polish A good body scrub helps exfoliate dead skin cells to give way to smoother skin, reduce tan and even help get rid of those pesky ingrown hairs. Of course, we don't have the time for luxurious long showers during the week, so weekends are perfect for a good body polish.

We love Body Polish because it really does leave your skin feeling velvety soft. Go on and get closer to your loofah.

5. Show Your Hair Some

and neglect. Mash up an avocado and comb it through your locks for a super easy deep conditioning treatment. It will help nourish, moisturize and repair dryness in just 10 minutes. Rinse it off, followed by your shampoo and say goodbye to dullness. Also, massage your scalp while you shampoo by gently kneading your fingers along your scalp for about 30 seconds. This helps blood circulation and results in healthier, thicker hair.

6. Moisturize To The Max How often do you generously moisturize your skin during the week? Take advantage of your free time during the weekend to makeup for the week and revive dry, dull skin. You need a really good body lotion with ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa, honey or aloe vera for their super hydrating properties. A moisturizer is amazing for leaving your skin super soft

Love Friday evening is perfect for going into repair mode when it comes to your precious strands after a week of sun damage, heat styling

and smooth and is suitable for sensitive skin too.

Moisturize your skin twice a day throughout the weekend and you skin will feel like a dream come Monday.

Isn't it? A new pair of sandals that will become your saviour in times ahead! You can rock these heels with any outfit, Indian or Western.

Don't you love how pristine and pretty they are?

8. They Are A Must-Have

But Choose Wisely!

Nude shoes are a bit more tricky when it comes to how you can style them! Making sure that other accessories are not OTT is one way!

Wearing opaque tights with these shoes are a complete

no! Buying a nude that almost looks white can take your fashion quotient pretty low, thus we recommend that for all of you folks, this pair of nude slip one is easy as it can it get to begin with!

Shoes That Make You Look Taller And Slimmer?!

Why should you be getting nude coloured shoes? Because they are classic pair of must-have shoes in your wardrobe, plus celebs swear by this for their red carpet appearances. These are shoes that make you look taller and slimmer instantly, and these pretty much go with every outfit of yours and they are the "new" black! If these reasons are not enough, then what is? Get your hands on these gorgeous hued pairs because after you read about how they revolutionize your style, you would want to run and grab them!

1. They Lengthen Your Legs!

Wearing the right kind of nude heels gives an illusion of longer legs as they blend

with the colour of the skin and visually make you look taller too. To add that extra height you can opt for platform shoes as well! This right here is a classic pair of pumps which can never go wrong! The pointed toes and the stilettos makes this one super stylish and a definite want!

2. They Make Your Feet Look Slimmer Did you know that a pair of shoes can make you look thinner? Pointed shoes make the feet appear slimmer because it narrows down in front thus making it look elongated in the best way!

Opt for this pair of flats for that edge. The colour doesn't stand out against your skin and merges so well that your

feet look slender!

3. They Are Part A Top Celebrity Style Trick You would have seen a lot of celebrities wearing nude shoes to get that gorgeous look on the red carpet. And this is not recent, it has been going on for a while! Why wouldn't it? These shoes have the power to transform your look! It adds elegance to your already amazing personality and makes your legs look even more longer, slimmer and dreamier!

4. They Are A Great Asset To Have In Your Wardrobe!

Nude shoes (especially pumps) have been around for a while and trend reports reveal that they are not going out of style anytime soon!

The simple reason being, they can be taken out of your closet only once in a while but they will always be your best friend in times of desperate need when you simply cannot find something matching to wear! These peeptoes should be your pick - they go with practically everything!

5. They Match Well With Each And Every Outfit You can wear these shoes in the summers or winters, for formal or casual occasions.

Because of the hue they can be pretty much your go-to shoes for every ensemble!

Fetch a pair of sling sandals or a duo with heels, either way they will do the job well of ending your shoe worries!

We are loving these studded

nude flats and we can already imagine wearing them every day!

6. They Highlight Your Skin Tone!

Yes! That is true. Just choose a nude that is darker than your skin tone! There are different types of nude tints available. Make sure you pick something that is not too pasty but it actually makes your natural colour stand out!

This gorgeous pair right here is such a winner!

7. They Are An Elegant Alternative To Black We love our black pumps a bit too much. But, what if we had another shade range to choose from? With the versatility that this colour brings to your shoes collection, we wouldn't mind switching.

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"These kinds of cricketers who can bring in balance to the whole combination team are very important in any squad. Don't be surprised if you see him playing very soon."

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Virat Kohli On Gurkeerat Singh.

PAGE 12

Capital Complex lifts 14th TTMFT held at Tezu

Kohli backs Gurkeerat as potential all-rounder

Bishnu Rana Tezu, Nov 13: The 12-day 14th Tadar Tang Memorial Football Tournament (TTMFT) ended on a colourful note here and witnessed a nail biting final played between Capital Complex and APP. Eventually, Capital Complex lifted the 14th TTMFT defeating APP by a solitary goal (1-0) in the final match played here at the jam-packed Jubilee ground today. Early on, the Capital Complex team started to dominate the APP team with the latter also responding in the same token every now and then. At the end of the first half, both the teams were goalless. Shortly after the second half started, Capital Complex's Gyamar Kuku scored a brilliant goal in the 47th minute which ultimately sealed their win. Though the APP made several attempts at the opponent's' goal, they failed to draw level. The APP walked away with the runners-up trophy and a cash prize of Rs 25000/- while the champions received the winner's trophy and a cash prize of Rs 50,000/- from

ANI Bengaluru: Terming Gurkeerat Singh Mann as a potential all-rounder for India, Test captain Virat Kohli on Friday said that the latest addition is certainly in the scheme of things for the ongoing Test series against South Africa. "He is certainly in the mix of things because he has ability with bat. At 6 or 7 position he can be very dangerous because he is an instinctive player and can take away the game from opposition. He is bowling well as well. He has earned his call up into the team," Kohli said of Gurkeerat on the eve of second Test starting here tomorrow. Earlier on Thursday, the 25-year-old Punjab player was roped into the Indian squad for the Bengaluru Test. He was also included in the preceding ODI series, which India lost 2-3 against the AB de Villiersled side. Gurkeerat has been in a scintillating form lately, scoring half-centuries in successive matches

Robin strikes as India end losing streak in WC qualifiers ANI Bengaluru: India ended a five-match winless streak in their 2018 football World Cup qualifying campaign by registering a 1-0 win over Guam in Bengaluru. Robin Singh scored the decisive goal in the 10th minute to give the Sunil Chhetri-led side three points in the Group D match. Although Guam tried to stage a strong comeback, the hosts were successfully able to thwart their rivals' challenge despite losing Sehnaj Singh in the 41st minute. With the win, India avenged their 2-1 defeat against Guam in their first leg contest. However, they are still languishing down at the bottom of their group with three points.

Abraham C Techi, Commissioner RTI and Vice President Weightlifting AP who attended the final match as chief guest. The highest scorer Gubenso Drai of APP with 6 goals, best goalkeeper of the tournament Gyamar Sangkio of Capital Complex, best player of the tournament Biri Pada of Capital Complex were also awarded in the ceremony. In his message to the youths, the chief guest advised them to shun drugs addiction and maintain good health to excel in games and sports which has tremendous scope. He also appreciated the peaceful Mishmi community whose cooperation for smooth conduct of the tournament was invaluable. “TTMFT is a prestigious football tournament of the state, a big sports festival where youths are proving their mettle. The state government has reserved 5% job quota for the sportspersons and 10% in police department to promote games and sports in the state”, he informed. DC Lohit Tamiyo Tatak in his welcome speech extended gratitude to all the teams that showcased sportsmanship

during the entire tournament and appreciated the Sports Authority and Arunachal Pradesh Football Association for their wholehearted assistance to make the tournament a success. Local MLA Dr Mohesh Chai who was unable to participate in the final match conveyed in his message that the Lohit district has had the pride to host this prestigious tournament and the way the participant teams displayed their skills to entertain the public of the district would be remembered for a long time to come.

The message also thanked the participating teams and Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA), Sports Authority for their coordinated effort to make the tournament a grand success. Among those present in the ceremony were Apur Miting DIG Eastern Zone, Tadar Apa Director Sports Authority Itanagar, Ved Prakash Surya SP Lohit, Heads of the Departments to witness the final match. B C Das DSO Lohit also extended deepest gratitude to the teams, APFA members and the enthusiastic crowd for their support in making the tournament historic.

Tamiyo Tatak, DC, Lohit handing over the 'Best player of the tournament award' to Biri Pada of Capital Complex. Pic - Bishnu Rana

South Africa in a mess as Steyn ruled out of Bangalore Test!

Agencies Bengaluru: South Africa's worst fears were confirmed on Friday when premier fast bowler Dale Steyn was ruled out of the second Test match against India in Bangalore because of injury depleting their alreadyweakened bowling attack.

Steyn joined fellow fast bowler Vernon Philander on the sidelines, who also missed out because of injury which he sustained during South Africa's net session on Friday. "I think Dale and Philander are both ruled out of this match. Obviously, losing Dale - one of the best bowlers in the world and Philander - arguably the best all-rounder in the world - certainly changes the dynamics of the

team," South Africa captain Hashim Amla said in Bangalore. However, there was some positive news for the Proteas with experienced batsman J P Duminy ruled fit for the match. "Yes he is back. The fact that JP has been a quality player for many years, he bats at crucial positions - No 5, 6 and 7 at times. He has performed in all forms of cricket. So he brings a great balance into the middle order and his off-spin too has been helpful for South Africa," he said.

South Africa were beaten by 108 runs in the first Test in Mohali in which Steyn was unable to bowl in the second innings after suffering a groin strain. Fast bowler Kyle Abbott has

PCB suspends Ajmal's contract over hostile remarks ANI Karachi: Out-of-favour spinner Saeed Ajmal has been suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after accusing the International Cricket Council (ICC) of singling him out on the illegal bowling action issue. Reflecting on the decision, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said that they had taken the minimum action on the violation of discipline and had suspended his contract, stopped releasing his salary and had asked him to explain his comments.

Abraham C Techi, Commissioner RTI and Vice President Weightlifting AP handing over the champion’s trophy.

Earlier, Ajmal had accused Indian off-spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Harbhajan Singh of chucking saying that if tests were

conducted on other bowlers then there would be many bowlers whose bowling actions would exceed the 15 degrees extension limit. The 38-year-old spin maestro was banned by the ICC for an illegal bowling action in August 2014, which led to his ouster from the national squad for the World Cup. Ajmal, who has claimed 178 Test and 184 ODI wickets, has been struggling with his remodelled bowling action and failed to cement his spot in the team since returning from suspension in February.

been rushed to Bangalore to replace Philander, who is ruled out for the rest of the series. Amla pointed that Abbott has a good control

over his bowling which should stand him in good stead when bowling in Indian conditions. "Kyle has been one of our outstanding

reserve bowlers in the last couple of years. Whenever he has got an opportunity - in all formats - he has done exceptionally well.

He is similar to Vernon, in the sense that he is consistent in where he lands the ball, and you know what you will get. He has great control and great knowhow on what to do with the ball," he said. Amla is counting on batting mainstay AB de Villiers, who is playing his 100th Test match, to inspire the South African team as they seek to make a comeback. "As a team, we all enjoy the fact that AB is playing his hundredth game. As a South African, we know that this is an amazing feat.

We hae all celebrated the

occasion, and hopefully, he gets into the park tomorrow and wins the game for us - that will be ideal match for him and us. Having lost the previous match, obviously it is not difficult for us to focus on this match. It's been great to have something to celebrate, but in terms of taking our focus away, no I don't think so," he added.

The South African skipper pointed out that the prevalent overcast conditions and with some rain in the last few days, the fast bowlers could get a bit of help. "I will have a look at the pitch tomorrow, but with these sorts of conditions and moisture around, it does not seem like the Mohali pitch."

World Cup qualifiers: Rodriguez snatches draw for Colombia Agencies Santiago: James Rodriguez struck in the second half to give Colombia a 1-1 draw away against Chile in 2018 World Cup qualifying as the hosts dropped their first points of the South American campaign. Chile appeared to be on their way to a third straight win in the group when Arturo Vidal headed them in front on the stroke of halftime.

Rodriguez, returning after missing the opening games through injury last month, had a subdued match until he levelled midway through the second half from one of several chances set up by the dangerous Luis Muriel.

South American champions

Chile, unbeaten in their last 10, have seven points from three games and Colombia, quarter-finalists at the last World Cup, have four. Elsewhere, Ecuador beat Uruguay to top the South American World Cup qualifying

group after three games but Brazil and Argentina must wait after their much anticipated clash was postponed because of heavy rain. Ecuador won 2-1 to record their third consecutive win and their best start to the quali-

fying phase. Goals by Felipe Caicedo and Fidel Martinez gave the Andean side, who began with a shock 2-0 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires last month, the three points in Quito after Edinson Cavani had scored an equaliser for Uruguay. Brazil are sixth in the 10-team group, while Argentina are eighth. Four teams qualify automatically and a fifth goes into a play-off. Bolivia, who lost their first two matches, lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with a 4-2 win over Venezuela. Striker Rodrigo Ramallo scored twice, midfielder Juan Arce converted a penalty and Rudy Cardozo hit their fourth in the second half.

Euro 2016 playoffs: Hungary on verge of finals Agencies Oslo: Hungary moved tantalisingly close to a first appearance at a major tournament for nearly 30 years when Laszlo Kleinheisler's goal gave them a 1-0 win in the first leg of a Euro 2016 playoff against Norway in Oslo. Kleinheisler scored the game's only goal in the 26th minute, taking a touch to control Adam Szalai's pass before whipping the ball home after

Norway had created a flurry of chances in a strong opening period. A draw in the home leg on Sunday will put Hungary into the finals in Francen after years in the wilderness since they qualified for the 1986 World Cup. "We are happy now after 90 minutes, to win this game, but the second game will be on Sunday.

We can't think about celebrating," Hungary coach Bernd Storck said. "It's a

very good job and nothing more -- we have to do a very good job on Sunday," he added. Norway attacked relentlessly in search of an equaliser but they lacked guile in attack as Hungary's veteran goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly celebrated his 100th cap with a clean sheet. Norway were denied two second-half penalties for fouls on Omar Elabdellaoui, and coach Per-Mathias Hogmo ex-

pressed his dissatisfaction with English referee Mark Clattenburg.

Clattenburg booked the full back for diving for the second incident and turned down an even stronger call for the first when Elabdellaoui went down after having his shirt pulled. "Clearly a penalty. Crystal clear," Hogmo said. "It's remarkable that an experienced referee didn't see it." Norway battled on and came

close late on, but substitute Pal Andre Helland's header hit the bar and Hogmo now has to rally his players for the second leg in Budapest. The defeat was Norway's first by Hungary since 1981 and highlighted their inability to score, having managed only 13 goals during a qualifying campaign in which midfielder Alexander Tettey was their top scorer with three goals.

against Australia A and South Africa A besides picking up a five-wicket haul earlier in August.

Subsequently, he had slammed an unbeaten double-hundred against Railways and took a match haul of nine wickets against Andhra in his two Ranji Trophy matches. "These kinds of cricketers who can bring in balance to the whole combination team are very important in any squad. Don't be surprised if you see him playing very soon," Kohli added.

India will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match Test series after comprehensively defeating South Africa by 108 runs in Mohali.

Warner blasts double ton to quell Kiwis in Perth

ANI Perth: David Warner reached his 4000-run mark by scoring a maiden double hundred on Friday as Australia maintained a complete stranglehold over New Zealand on the opening day of the second Test at Perth. The 29-yearold pugnacious opener also scored his third consecutive century and remained unbeaten on 244 as the hosts made 416 for two before the stumps were drawn. Opting to bat first, Australia saw a 101-run opening partnership between Joe Burns (40) and Warner before the latter constructed a mammoth 302-run stand for the second wicket with Usman Khawaja (121).

New Zealand pace spearhead Trent Boult continued to struggle with his form as he failed to swing the ball and gave away 99 runs in his 17 overs. Australia are leading the three-match series 1-0 after crushing New Zealand by 208 runs at the Gabba in the first Test.

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