14th jan 2016

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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

Issue 220

Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility Page 8

Dibrugarh, Thursday, January 14, 2016

JOBS & CAREER

The Supreme Court today ordered to maintain status quo and asked the Arunachal Pradesh governor not to convene an assembly session until January 19.

The Apex court also informed that it would hear the entire matter tomorrow.

Earlier today, Guwahati High Court issued verdict in favour of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly deputy speaker TN Thongdok's application for vacation of December 17 court order of keeping in abeyance of Arunachal governor order to prepone assembly. The proceedings of sixth assembly session of December 16-17, 2015 in which Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia was removed and Nabam Tuki lost in the floor test as chief minister stands valid also the selection of Kalikho Pul as the new chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh by 34 MLAs stands

ET CAPSULES

The political crisis in the state of Arunachal Pradesh got triggered with almost 21 of the 47 Congress MLAs in the 60-member House, alongside 11 BJP and two independent MLAs, extended support to the Deputy Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker was elected the Chief Minister in the session convened by Governor J P Rajkhowa advancing the date from January 14 to December 16, 2015 last year. Following the event, the Speaker filed a petition challenging both the notifications.

The writ petition by the Speaker Nabam Rebia, was filed challenging the notification issued by Governor J P Rajkhowa on December 9 preponing the assembly session to December 16 from January 14, 2016 and

also the notification issued by the Deputy Speaker restoring the suspended 14 MLAs. The writ petition had also challenged the order of the Deputy Speaker for holding of the session at a new place and the decisions of the Assembly session on December 16.

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Earlier, the Guwahati High Court had on December 21 given an order directing not to hold any session till January 4, 2016 of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly after hearing a series of applications filed by the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly and some MLAs. The Congress party, which is in power in Arunachal, alongside few of its MLAs had given a similar notice last month for the removal of the Deputy Speaker, also of the Congress, accusing him of engaging upon Anti party activities. Soon thereafter, MLAs from the opposition BJP gave a notice for the removal of the Speaker.

Guwahati High Court rejects plea challenging termination of Gabriel D Wangsu and Wanglam Sawin ET Bureau Gawahati, Jan 13

Guwahati High Court has dismissed the writ petition filed by Gabriel D Wangsu and Wanglam Sawin challenging their termination as MLAs in Sixth Arunachal Legislative Assembly.

Justice T Vaiphei and Justice M R Pathak, dismissed the petition saying there was no merit in it. After examining the case from all angles, we are satisfied that speaker has not violated any mandatory provision of law in not rejecting the resignation let-

ters of petitioners and is rather correct in accepting the resignation letters of the petitioners, the judges noted while delivering the verdict.

With this Kanubari and Khonsa East assembly seat have fallen vacant.

However, it is expected that duo will challenge the judgment in higher appellate bodies.

Earlier, Speaker Nabam Rebia had accepted the resignation letters of both the MLAs but was challenged by them alleging Chief Minister Nabam Tuki of forcefully getting signed their resignation letters against their will.

HAPPY MAGH BIHU

Gauhati HC stays Bulbul fight New Delhi, Jan. 13 : The Gauhati High Court has issued order staying the 400year-old Bulbul fight at Hajo in Kamrup district which is being organized during Bhogali Bihu.

The petition was filed challenging the earlier order of the Gauhati High Court which last year said that the centuries old Bulbul fight to be continued at Hajo.

Assam CM to appear in court Guwahati, Jan 13: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will appear in the Court on January 18, in response to court notice given to him.

The development has been necessitated in view of the defamation case filed by the former minister Himanta Biswa Sharma for Chief Minister Gogoi’s reported comment alleging him to be involved in corruption.

It may be noted that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi reportedly made a statement charging Himanta Biswa Sharma to be indulged in corrupt practices in Sharda and Louis Burger Case.

cmyk

In view of the court notice Chief Minister Gogoi will appear before the Court on January 18. (Staff Reporter)

Close associate of Ulfa leader arrested 7.5 lacs cash recovered

Accused flee from judicial custody

Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Jan 13

In yet another blow to Ulfa (I), Tinsukia police on Tuesday late hours arrested close associate of top Ulfa leader, namely, Babul Dihingia alias Jan asom from Dirak in Tinsukia district and recovered 7.5 lacs from his possession.

Superintendent of Tinsukia police, Mugdha Jyoti Mahanta said, "On Tuesday noon at about 2 pm a source input was received regarding the movement of Ulfa linkman along with the extorted money in the general area of Kakopathar, Namsai and Bordumsa on the Assam-Arunachal interstate border. The operation team headed by Lamhao Doungel, Addl SP (Hq) Tinsukia, OC Kakopathar police station and special operation team of Tinsukia police started search operation."

The party managed to Identify one suspected Bolero. The Bolero vehicle was closely followed by the team and after some time the vehicle was intercepted and the operation team managed to apprehend hardcore linkman Babul Dihingia aliasJan at Dirak Hunjan while he was travelling in a Bolero vehicle on National highway 52. During search of the Bolero an amount of Rs.7,50,000/- was recovered from Babul Dihingia, SP Mahanto added.

He said that Babul Dihingia, son of Khogen Dihingia of Namrup fertiliser Ltd is a hardcore ulfa linkman and was arrested on two occasions earlier, particularly. Tinsukia PS C/No./2011 U/Sec and Tinsukia PS C/No.762/2014 U/Sec 387 IPC R/W Sec 10/ 13 UA(P)Act. It has to be noted that, on

Hearing a petition filed by the Animal Welfare Board, Justice Rumi Kumari Phukan stayed the fight till 20th of this month.

According to a Humane Society International press release, bulbuls are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and are reportedly captured from the wild by villagers who then train them by intoxicating their food with marijuana and starve the bird a night before the fight. (ANI)

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Pathankot, Mazar-i-Sharif attacks coordinated by ISI: R.K Singh

Supreme Court ordered to maintain Status Quo valid, Guwahati Court stated.

However, with the Apex Court, the Supreme Court ordering to maintain status quo, Nabam Tuki can sigh a relief until tomorrow.

5.00

Retail inflation in December rises to 5.61%

Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Crisis A Staff Reporter New Delhi, Jan. 13

Price -

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 13

ULFA Babul Dihingia.

Pic - Arjun Mishra October 2015 Mrinali Gohain the wife of Babul Dihingia was arrested along with one SULFA namely Bijoy Moran alias Ridip Neog from Dirak Chariali while they were on way to delivered one .32 Pistol and one Chinese Grenade to Sri.Babul Dihingia. Babul somehow managed to escape.

A case vide Kakopathar PS C/ No.67/15 U/Sec 120(b)/122 IPC R/W Sec 25(1)(A)Arms Act. R/W Sec 5 ES Act. R/W Sec 10/13 UA(P) Act was registered and both of them were forwarded to judicial custody.

Sources suggested that since the last 5/6 months Babul Dihingia is operating his extortion activities from Arunachal Pradesh. He is the trusted linkman of SS Captain Arunudoy Dohotia who is believed to be based in Mon district of Nagaland. Babul Dihingia was wanted in connection with Kakopathar PS Case No.67/2015 and accordingly he was arrested and produced before court on Wednesday, sources added It must be mentioned that in last few months Ulfa is making repeated attempts to carry out extortion but the vigilness of police has failed their planning to a great extent.

The accused of Dibrugarh Loharpatty firing incident Ajit Bora managed to fled away from judicial custody today. He fled away from Assam Medical College and Hospital while he was taken for medical checkup today. Ajit Bora is one of the bike lifter gang involved in the firing incident of 7th January.

Two members gang came on January 7, to steal a bilke but their attempt was foiled by alert locals. A local youth Mazid Khan stopped them in front of his house, when the duo dragging a bike from their area close to the Diamond Sporting Club, after he realized that it belonged to a friend. On being challenged, one of the thieves whipped out a pistol and threatened him to keep quiet.

Police identifed him as Ajit Bora alias Dhaniram (21), a resident of Hatibandha village in Sivasagar while the one who escaped with the pistol is said to be Bulu Gogoi, a veteran car lifter from Sonari area of Sivasagar.

Sources said that due to the casual attitude of the police personal the accused managed to fled away from Assam Medical College and Hospital.

However, the incident like this is not a new one earlier many accuse had manages to fled way from Judicial custody.

Resentment among air passengers over Jet Airways A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 13

The Eastern Today wishes all its readers, agents, advertisers and clients a very happy Magh Bihu and Makar Sankranti. The offices of the publication will be closed on Jan. 14 and 15. The next edition of the newspaper will be published on Jan 17.

Magh Bihu at its peak inTitabor, place famous for rice since Ahom era Bijoy Handique Jorhat, Jan 13

Hectic preparation is on to celebrate the festival of harvest in the villages, towns and nagars of the Jorhat district along with the rest of the state of Assam.

This year it seems people are witness to be more enthusiastic for the celebration in a pre-Magh Bihu pattern starting from today.

In the village areas most of the Bhela Ghars are ready by today itself, young ones are seen with a music system, people are busy in harvesting to put into their gra-

naries and making ready the Bhela Ghar.

On the other hand meat, fish, vegetables are being well decorated are seen over flood in the market to attract customers and buyers. Some organizations has been organizing lucky draws against prizes like duck, hen, cock, eggs, wine, rice, potatoes, mustard oil which is very interesting to see as those prizes are well decorated in most of the business point and market place as well as near community hall and namghars of the district.

Tomorrow being the Uruka bihu special market will be held throughout the district like markets –Rajabari Market, Dopholatin market, Borhulla market, Titabor market, MarianiDeberapara market, Chipahikhula market, Meleng market, Jorhat station market, Cinnamora market, Rowriah market, Piyoli market, Tarajan market, Dhekorgorah market where gur, mallow pathar curd, Majuli cream and fish etc will be all available in the market for Uruka special.

One of the major airlines in India in the private sector, Jet Airways, seems to be planning to withdraw its Boeing 737-

800 aircrafts operating in the Dibrugarh – New Delhi sector and that the same are going to be utilized for flight operations to Aizawl, while Dibrugarh Airport, the easternmost airport in the country, amidst a

highly industrialized zone, will be served with ATR – 72 type aircrafts. This information was made available by a source in Jet Airways, who did not wish to be named.

Contd. on Page 4

Wishes all a very Happy

Makar Sankranti and

Magh Bihu

Gogoi visits different stadia at Sarusajai Sports Complex A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 13 Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today visited different stadia at Sarusajai Sports Complex and other venues and took stock of the preparation and other ancillary facilities for the 12th South Asian Games to be held from February 6 to 16.

Chief Minister Gogoi's visit comes as a part of series of steps

he has been taking to streamline the available sports infrastructure and facilities available in the State.

Gogoi was accompanied by several senior officers and saw for himself the facilities put in place and work being done.

4th APBN, Kahilipara and instructed the authority concerned to complete the last minute preparation for the games. Gogoi also expressed satisfaction over the steps being taken for putting up state-of-the-art venues for South Asian Games.

Chief Minister Gogoi visited Dr. Jakir Hussain Aquatic Complex, Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium, Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Bhetapara Hockey Stadium and the Shooting range at

Raising the security issue for the games, Gogoi said that the matter has been taken to the Centre and Government of India has assured him of full-proof security for the games.

Sri Tirong Aboh Hon’ble Minister, Civil Supplies, Mining & DoTCL Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh cmyk

Dalam Studio Near parking stand Khonsa

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

GNLA executes Assam Trader ET Correspondent Dhubri, 13 Jan: A small time ginger trader from neighboring Assam, who was kidnapped by GNLA militants in East Garo Hills, has reportedly been executed by his captors during a fire fight with police commandos who raided their hideout in Songsak region.

The over 50-year-old victim, Kali Biswas of Krishnai town in Assam, was heading back from Songsak in East Garo Hills on January 4 afternoon in a

Lt. Gen. Suresh Sharma takes over as DG border roads

Dinesh Goyal Doomdooma, Jan 13: Lieutenant General Suresh Sharma has taken over as the 24th Director General Border Roads (DGBR) on 06 Jan 2016.

Lt Gen Suresh Sharma was commissioned into Corps of Engineers from Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and has attended all prestigious courses of the Indian Army including Staff Course at Defence Service Staff College, Wellington, Higher Defence Management Course at College of Defence Management, Secunderabad and the National Defence College, New Delhi. The General Officer has held various staff, instructional and command appointments.

Some of his important assignments include Command of an Engineer Regiment during 'OP PARAKRAM', Staff Officer of an Infantry Brigade on the Line of Control, Colonel Administration of an Infantry Division and Brigadier Administration of a Strike Corps.

He has been Chief Operations Officer and advisor to United Nations Mission in Bosnia & Herzegovina. The General Officer has also tenated the prestigious appointment of Chief Engineer (Indian Navy and Coast Guards), Mumbai and later commanded Bengal Engineer Group & Centre, a premier training institution of the Indian Army. The General Officer was Command Chief Engineer South Western Command and has been elected as Colonel Commandant "The Bengal Sappers and Military Survey" from 01 August 2015.

The General Officer is a qualified mountaineer and has participated in an international Mountaineering Expedition.

Before taking over as Director General Border Roads, he was holding the appointment of Director General Combat Engineers at Army HQ.

public vehicle when he was kidnapped at gunpoint by GNLA militants from Nangapa, between Dagal and Songsak.

On Tuesday morning, while police were raiding the hideout of the GNLA deputy area commander of East Garo Hills identified as Pangkam there was a fierce gun battle between the two sides inside the dense forests near Songsak.

After the militants fled the attack, police conducted a search of the area and came

across the body of Kali Biswas a little distance away from the militants’ hideout. He had been executed with a single bullet to the head. “Following the Williamnagar IED blast we had launched a mammoth operation throughout East Garo Hills to flush out the militants. It was during one such operation in Songsak region that we came across a makeshift camp of the GNLA during which there was an exchange of fire,” said East Garo Hills district police chief Davis Nestell R Marak to The Shillong

Times. He added that the militants instead of releasing their victim executed him in cold blood before fleeing from the encounter site. One of the militant collaborators who led police to the hideout following his arrest the previous night also sustained a bullet injury on his leg.

On Mondaynight, police had intercepted two villagers who were arranging food from a nearby village for the militants and following their lead an operation was launched the same night

which culminated in the morning encounter. The GNLA militants had demanded a sum of five lakh rupees from the family of ginger trader Kali Biswas.

The family of five had expressed their inability to pay such a huge sum and pleaded with the militants to release their sole bread earner who earned for the family purchasing ginger from different villages and selling them at the weekly markets. The militants later scaled down the amount to Rs 1.50 lakh and insisted that the family pay the ransom for his safe release.

Only based on the tradition of night before which is called "Uruka" (28th of Pooh) and the day of Mokor Sankranti the people of the Sonitpur district have been celebrating the festival

Model catwalk on the ramp Tai Ahom Traditional Beauty contest Mr. & Miss Doi-Patkai at District Library, Dibrugarh on 12-01-16. Pix by UB Photos

NCHISF warns govt for stir ET Correspondent Haflong, Jan13 : The N C Hills Indigenous Forum would take every possible step to defeat the Congress Govt. if their demand for a separate autonomous district is not fulfilled disclosed NCHISF President Devid Keivom in press meet held at its office at Haflong on Wednesday.

Keivom stated that, in the back-drop of the forcible change of nomenclature of the N.C. Hills District into Dima Hasao on March 1, 2010 after the dialect of a mere simple majority community, the Dimasas, the Indigenous Peoples Forum

(IPF) have been demanding for Bifurcation of the District with Separate Autonomous Councils.

After a series of agitation programs from the IPF, the Task Force headed by Sri P.P. Verma, the then Addl.

Chief Secretary, Presently Adviser to Chief Minister was constituted to examine the demand of the IPF and has submitted its report way back on 16th November, 2011. The Task Force in its Report has recommended for creation of Separate, Independent Autonomous District Councils for both the Non-Dimasa and the Dimasas under Article 24-

4(2) and 275(1) of the sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.

The Govt of Assam Created Five New districts like (1) Biswanath, (2) Charaideo, (3) Hojai (4) South Salmara- Mankachar and (5) West Karbi-Anglong on last Independence Day while IPF demand was kept aside. However, the Govt. of Assam still ignored the Demand of the Indigenous People of N.C Hills recently when Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi made New Year announcement for the people of Assam.

As such, the IPF community

have lost faith in Tarun Gogoi Govt as they have been cheated long enough so, Tarun Gogoi Govt have still time to make the things right by giving IPF demand who comprises 67% of the district population.

They the N.C. Hills Indigenous Students Forum (NCHISF) unanimously resolved that the congress party will be boycott for the coming state assembly election 2016 in N C Hills and others Areas where IPF community are in large.

They would also be compelled to launch further agitation from February for which the Govt of Assam would be held responsible.

Naharkatia gets ready for Magh Bihu ET Correspondent Naharkatia, Jan. 13: Celebrations for Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu, the harvest festival marks the end of the harvest season.

This is the time when the hard working farmers of the State sit down to reap the benefits of their labour. The spirit of the bihu festivities and celebrations has gripped the state a week ahead of the occasion with people thronging the markets and few going to their native places to celebrate it with their near and dear ones in Naharkatia.

Naharkatia is no different from it, with the change of time people too have changed the celebrations of Magh bihu specially the Bhelaghars which is made with bamboo, hay and dry leaves, leaving behind the old design of Bhelaghar people are trying to give new design to it so as the people of Asomiya gaon where a

since time immemorial.

Marking the tradition the people here are all set to celebrate festival. Bhela ghar are ready in the paddy fields of Villages attached with the Tezpur town including Majgaon, Ketekibari, Dewrigaon, Da-Porbatia, Bam-Parbatia, Beseria, Dekargaon, Dipota, Milonpur, Holeswar, Bihaguri, Johamari, Borgaon, Thelamara, Bandarmari-Khelmati, Ghoramari etc. The makeshift huts, known as meji and Bhela ghar commonly made by the public collecting bamboo, leaves and thatch still reflects the unity and harmony among the people here.

Moreover, the fishing out in various public fisheries and beels and common feasting on the day of 'Uruka' reflect the rural livelihood of the Assamese people and other ethnic communities living in this belt. Meanwhile the second most celebrated Bihu festival also known as Bhogali Bihu or the festival of food and sport is going to be celebrated with much pomp and gaiety here at Bejorchuburi-Da-Parbatgia area in Tezpur by the people of the locality marking the celebration of golden jubi-

ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You will experience a profound connection with the cosmos today. And you will be very grateful to the almighty for showering his grace on you. Your love for your kith and kin deepens today

Taurus You will be over eager to do some thing big, lay your hands on something precious and valuable. Though you are quite likely to succeed to some extent you over enthusiasm may land you in serious problems that may affect your persona; and private life.

Gemini You will be more inclined towards religious teachings and rituals today. You will probably visit a place of worship and spend some time there and this will bring you mental peace and calm. However, you still need to do justice to your duties.

Cancer Today, you will be at the centre of all your plans. Your responsibilities at home are likely to be unnecessary digressions for you, with your help-yourself-only attitude.

However, you may feel that you are not getting enough returns of your hard work.

Leo Traders and businessmen will face heightened competition today. Financial losses are possible. It is not a good day for investments and speculations. Avoid heated discussions with people. Be cautious in all your dealings today.

Virgo Excellence will drone on throughout the day today. Top on the list are money matters and your loved ones – not necessarily in that order! Much of your time may be spent in appeasing the Gods.

Libra Destiny lends you a helping hand and guides you in your goals. But it is your sentiments that may darken your thoughts today. Don’t stress yourself out too much, and try and keep your expectations under control. The hen that laid the golden eggs laid only one egg a day!

Scorpio Two words will define your day — eloquence and elegance. Sweet talk and compliments may take you a long way, but do not become complacent and get carried away with your success. Sometimes, saying the right thing may be more beneficial than saying what the other person wants to hear. Communicate carefully.

Sagittarius You nearly become a superhero in the eyes of your near and dear ones,. And what more? You loving your new avatar. Good news is on its way as promotion or increment is on the cards.

Capricorn After prepare a beautiful Bhelaghor for Magh Bihu, villagers have seen enjoying on before ORUKA celebration at Nitaipikhuri Padumoni Gaon of Dibrugrah Dist near Demow. Pic - UB Photos

bhelaghor is made in the Japanese traditional home, designed by Indrajit Gogoi a local youth of the village along with the help of villagers.

This Bihu is a celebration of food after a good harvest and a variety of sweets are prepared from rice, coconut and variouos other delicacies

prepared on this festival.

This is an occasion when all differences are forgotten and people unite to celebrate the occasion in a magnificent manner.

People here all set to celebrate Bhugali Bihu Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Jan 13: With the rest of the state the people here in Tezpur and it's periphery areas have been seen busy in preparation for celebrating the harvest festival Magh Bihu. People, particularly the youngsters are seen busy in giving finishing touch to the meji or the Bhela ghar erected at various places including in the paddy field with much enthusiasm and enjoyment, arranging feasts and bonfires, preparation for the traditional Assamese games such as tekeli bhonga (potbreaking) and various competitions while women particularly in the rural area have been busy in making cakes of rice with various names such as Shunga Pitha, Til Pitha and laru. It is to be mentioned here that like in other places of the region, there s no any tradition of organizing games like koni juj (egg fighting), moh juj (buffalo fighting), kukura juj (cock fighting) and other traditional sports in Sonitpur district.

FASHION PARADE

Keeping your cool will benefit you in more ways than you would have imagined, so think twice before you unleash your vengeance on your foes. You are also likely to have a heart-to-heart conversation with your beloved and make him/her feel wanted.

Colleagues will appreciate the amiable and amusing side of you.

Aquarius Your plate will be full with plenty of work, and you will have no clue about how to handle all the chaos. Patience and organisational skills, your best qualities will help you sail through these difficult times.

Pisces It is important to plan your finances in life, and you will devote your energies towards the same today. You might turn stingy with your money all of a sudden. An unexpected illness in the family will leave you worried. But it is likely to be a crisis which will blow over soon. Do not let it stress you out

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

14-1-16 (THURSDAY)

Vendors selling traditional Assamese Foods on the eve of Magh Bihu at Bhogali Mela in Guwahati. Pic - UB Photos lee year as the people of the area this time have attained glorious fifty years of celebration of the festival which has already started with unfurling of flag, tribute paying, installation of laikhuta, inauguration of office, unfurling of fifty flags by the senior citizens of the area, presentation of Bihu Dance by the Baligaon Yubak Sangha etc. on December 20 last. Outlining the programme, organizers of the programme

stated that on January 13 there will be art competition in two categories (A and B group) among the students of class I to V and Class VI to X at 10 Am in the morning and it will be followed by competition on preparation of Pitha (cake) and other recipe among and inauguration of Bihu Ghar in the evening. On January 14 the day's programme will start with prayer programme in the morning at around 4 Am. It will be followed by ex-

tempore speech at 10 Am, interaction programme at 11 Am etc.

On the last day that is on January 15 appraisal of Kirtana at Bihu Ghar will be held at 9 Am which will be followed by exhibition of Bihu Ghar, offering of Bihu Ghar to the agnidevata (god of fire) with agnisewa, prize distribution and open session etc. The open session will be graced by Guna Baruah and Jatin Bora respectively as chief guest and the appointed speaker.

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 6-50 A.M-Dihanaam 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-30 P.M-Ghar Jeuti (Women's Programme)-1.Talk-"Krishtir Anupam Upadan Magh Bihu" by Minti Gogoi, 2.Radio Report on "Mukhyamantrir Sonali Saishab Prakalpa" 3-30 P.M-Mishing Geet 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 8-00 P.M-Gyanmalini (Sponsored Programme of Directorate of Distance Education, D.U) 8-30 P.M-Aapuni Sajag Ne? 9-30 P.M-Ei Mahor Atithi-Dr. Anima Guha, Veteran Social Activist, Writer. InterviewerTribeni Das Gogoi

Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

Lazu ZPM expressed her gratitude to relief contributors

WASE team finds out father and sister of recovering abused girl Spl Correspondent Pasighat, Jan 13: As desired by the recovering abused girl who was rescued by Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Chairperson cum ADC (HQ) Deepak Shinde, CWC Member Secretary cum Dy. Director ICDS, Ponung Ering Angu, District Police with the initiative of newly formed local NGO, Women Against Social Evils (WASE), the father and elder sister of the girl was brought from Assam to General Hospital here by the WASE activists.

Khonsa, Jan 13: The ZPM Lazu Block Smti Ngoke Hodong on behalf of the fire victims of Lazu village extended her gratefulness to all the well wishers whoever extend relief items to the fire victims of Lazu village in which 38(thirty eight) houses gutted into ashes and 23(twenty three) of which got partially damaged during devastating fire accident on 31st December, 2015. She extended special thanks and gratitude to the following relief contributors who thought and come forward instantly with relief material after the fire accident at Lazu.

1.Shri Tirong Aboh, Hon'ble Minister for Civil supplies, DoTCL and Mining 2. Tirap District Administration.

3. ZPC Chahwang Lowang 4. Shri Wangdi Hakhun,

DCC(I) President 5.Shri Yumsem Matey, ExMLA 6. Shri Thajam Aboh, Exminister 7. Shri Ngamchai Kamhua, ZPM Dadam block 8. Smti Ngoke Hodong, ZPM Lazu block 9. Shri Hapwang Lowang, President ATDSU and his team 10. Shri Azet Humtok, EXZPM 11. Shri Kijen Rangsong, Public leader, Sanliam 12. Catholic church Lazu 13. OC SIB, Lazu 14. Bishop house Miao 15. Lazu town Baptist church 16. Revival church, Khonsa 17. Shri Phawang Lowang, Public leader 18. Shri Y. Noknyu Kongkang 19. Shri Ngongnong Kitnya, ASMC, Lazu block 20. Shri Moaliam Khoisia

21. EE(Power), Khonsa 22. Mother Teresa Home sisters, Khonsa 23. Dr. Foren Aran, Medical Officer, Lazu 24. Driver Union Lazu 25. Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Associattion 26. Forest department, Khonsa 27. Shri Rangmo Hassen 28. Nokte Apex Body team 29. Ollo people Dimapur 30. Shri Kijen Rangsong, JE(PWD),Lazu 31. Indigenous faith group Barap 32.Lazu zpm expressed her gratitude to relief contributors Smti Sontung Bangsia, ZPM Khela _Lamsa block 33. Women Welfare Association, Khonsa team 34.Lazu zpm expressed her gratitude to relief contributors Smti Komna Moidam, chairperson H.O.P.E. 35. Shri Shah, JE(RWD), Lazu.

Dc bats for involvement of GBs & PRI members for successful conduct of IPPI. Bomdila, Jan 13: Presiding over the District Task Force Immunization meeting of the District Health Society today, Deputy Commissioner AK Singh observed that besides the involvement of the concerned administrative officers, the involvement of the GBs and the PRI members of the area would facilitate for achievement of higher target in the first round of the IPPI which is to be held on January 17.

Though the coverage of the district was 83% in the last quarter, DC Singh concerned over the low perfor-

mance of immunization in certain pockets of the district especially in areas like Rupa and Singchung blocks due to the inflated floating population, directed that the ASHAs be engaged to carry out the actual head counts of the total population of the 0-5 year children in their respective areas and the result be tallied with the similar counts made by the AWWs. He also asked the DMO to ensure that the IEC materials and other logistic support from the state be received well in advance and that the process for collection of data of the immunization and the JSY of the

Military Hospital Dahung be initiated for which he would liaise with the GOC 5-Mtn Div, he assured.

Earlier, the DMO highlighted the aims and objectives of the meeting which was followed by the power point presentation by the DRCHO reviewing the immunization performance of the last quarter. The micro plan for the first round of IPPI to be held on January 17 was also highlighted.

Among others, the meeting was attended by the administrative officers, MO Incharges of all the CHCs, PHCs, NHM staffs and the DD ICDS.

While slightly getting emotional by seeing her elder sister, Monalisha Taye (8 years, as stated by her father Engel Taye, 35 years) by her side this evening, the rescued girl named Berby Taye (6 years as confirmed by her father) was very happy who asked Monalisha to sleep by her side. Berby, now slowly improving to speak also urged for her younger brother Badal Taye to be

brought before her. However, she was not willing to see much to her father whom she said responsible for handing over her to Mr and Mrs Taloh who had almost killed her through various ways physical abuses.

When asked about the story behind Berby’s landing into problem, father of the girl Engel Taye, from Romdhon Village, Dist. Dhemaji, Assam said that, he had handed over the girl to Mr and Mrs Taloh by the pursuance of one Deskompany Pegu from Oyan-Jhelum in between Ruksin and Oyan.

“Mr and Mrs Taloh had taken my daughter to give her best education treating her as their own daughter which was also seconded by Pegu by saying Taloh had already educated a girl upto college level. Out of poverty, I too accepted the proposal as mother of the children had fled away with someone else and there was no one to care them. But I

Governor conveys Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu greetings Itanagar, Jan 13: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa has conveyed sincere greetings and felicitations to the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti and Magh Bihu of the Assamese community. On the joyous occasion, on behalf of the people of the State, the Governor also extended the good wishes and warm greetings to the people of the neighbouring State of Assam.

In his festival message, the Governor said that Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated in India.

Sankranti is derived from the word 'Sankramana', meaning a 'change'. It is also called 'Makara Sankranti', as the Sun enters 'Makara Rasi' that day.

He said that the day is very important for the State of Arunachal Pradesh as large number of pilgrims come to Parasuram Kund in Lohit District to take

holy dip in the sacred kund and offer prayers. A dip on Makara Sankranti day is considered sacred.

While welcoming devotees and pilgrims to Parasuram Kund on the occasion, the Governor offered his prayer for safe and secure holy dip at the Kund. He also advised the district administration and organizers to ensure all comfort and convenience for the pilgrims.

The Governor in his message added that the festivity of Makat Sankranti also coincides with Magh Bihu (also called Bhogali Bihu - Bihu of enjoyment), a harvest festival of Assam, which marks the end of harvesting season in the month of Maagha (January– February).The festival is marked by Bihu songs & dance, feasts and bonfires.

May these festivals bind each one of us in fraternal love and affection, the Governor wished.

Labour room inaugurated Thanco’s natural ice cream launched in Itanagar at PHC Pakoti

Seppa, Jan 13: Labour room inaugurated at PHC Pakoti by smti.

MEYUK CHEDA ZPC East Kameng District in presence of DR(Mrs) Chasen Lowang Mallo DMO East kameng district, Dr kapu sopin MO i/c PHC Pakoti, Shri Rohit Bayang ASM Pakoti , PRI, ASHAs ,publics and staffs on 13th January 2016. Dr. Kapu Sopin MO i/c PHC Pakoti informed that this labour room will be benefited pregnant mother for many nearby villages of pakoti valley like

pakoti, loffa, lachungyangje, hambapinda, kamsha, richa, weshi, tallang, pachi, mangkhya, mebuwa etc. He also thankful to HMLA cum PS TOURISM Shri Mama Natung local MLA who provided fund from his MLA Lad for labour room construction.

Dr.(Mrs.) Chasen Lowang Mallo ,DMO advised the public of area to cooperate medical staffs and ASHA and get benefits from health facilities.

She also directed all

ASHA to bring pregnant mothers for institute delivery for safe mother and baby. She also thankful to Local HMLA, Shri Mama Natung who is soft corner for area , did noble and help for health department to provide labour room from his MLA Lad fund, where mother can give birth safely at PHC level rural .

Shri Rohit Bayang, ASM pakoti, requested DMO for more health infrastructures for PHC Pakoti.

Smti Meyuk Cheda ZPC East Kameng District stressed on hospital delivery, where mother and baby safe with the help of medical staffs who are trained. Also appreciated MO i/c PHC Pakoti who initiated for the labour room facilities at village level like pakoti and for nearby villages, where needed for pregnant mother of area.

Itanagar, Jan 13: Thanco’s natural ice cream, one of the major players in natural ice cream segment in the country launched its outlet at Akashdeep, here today. Located at the center of the Akashdeep shopping complex, Thancos provide a comfortable setting- ideal for small close circles. The outlet was inaugurated by vice president Arunachal Press Club and also editor The Dawnlit Post, Dakter Esse in presence of representatives from the Thanco’s Pvt Ltd and members of Empire’s Club.

Thancos offers at least 70 flavours in three different categories Royal, Classic and Premium including special flavours such as pan, chilli, ginger, green tea, and lemon. It also provides sugar free ice creams in 12 different flavours.

Franchise owner, Thancos Itanagar, Pakyom Koyu informed that after Meghalaya, Nagaland and Assam Thancos Pvt Ltd has launched its outlet in Arunachal Pradesh and is spreading its tentacles to other parts of the North East region.

Koyu said the products are organic and targets health conscious people making it the unit selling point for the brand. The ice creams at Thancos have no chemical preservative, no added colours and short expiry date. Unlike other ice cream brands that last for six months, ice cream at Thancos last for 30 days as it does not contain chemical preservative, said Koyu, adding that it makes a fresh and healthy choice.

He also said for the convenience of the customers the store provides takeaway packages in varied quantities and categories. The prices per scoop for royal, classic and premium are Rs. 70, Rs. 80 and Rs. 90 respectively. Family package in the three categories ranges from Rs. 400 to Rs. 700.

was never allowed to contact my daughter when I contacted them due to which I too had started developing doubts but couldn’t dare to ask them fearing consequences for my daughter”, added Taye this evening at Hospital.

On the part of WASE, a seven member team namely Joya Tasung Moyong, Omem Ering, Momang Jamoh, Yate Jamoh, Omem Gao, Kenny Koyu and

Ponung Dai zeroed the father of the girl as hinted by her with the help of TMPK and Adi-Mishing Kebang President Raju Medak search operation of which took whole day. One Suyiram Doley of Vijaypur Village near Jonai had also helped the WASE team to locate the address, informed WASE activists.

The effort to nab the absconding Mrs Taloh has been intensified from WASE team who have also circulated the

photograph of Mrs Taloh all around including AssamArunachal boundary. Meanwhile, improving Berby has been given intensive care both by medical authorities and CWC member secretary Ponung Ering Angu who has been closely caring the girl whom the girl now calls “Ayi”, means, mother.

24 hours police vigilance is also given to the baby so as to ensure no harm to her from absconding Mrs Taloh.

School peon complains about sexual harassment by two teachers ET Correspondent Roing, Jan 13: A female employee employed as a peon in Government Secondary School, New Abali has complained of sexual, physical and mental assault and harassment by two teachers from the school to the Deputy Director of School Education, Roing.

The complainant in a written submission to the DDSE Roing complained that she was physically manhandled and sexually assaulted by two teachers of the school on 12th October’2015. The written document said, “despite a mutual understanding enforced upon me by a select coterie from the school management in a meeting held in my absence on 15th October’2015, mental harassment against me has continued unabated to this day’.

According to the complainant on the fateful day of 12th October’2015, Vinay Kumar Srivastava and Ashok Rai, both employed as assistant teachers (Hindi) in the school attempted to sexually molest her by physically assaulting and tugging her clothes in the staff room in the school premise. The submission by the employee said, “the assault was well timed by the duo, as all other teacher and gone to their classes. No other persons were in the

staff room, except for three of us, as I had already rung the bell for the start of the classes. However, instead of going to their respective classes, on pretext of an argument over trivial issue, the two teachers, Vinay Kumar Srivastava pushed me to floor of the staff room, attempting to tear off my clothes, after being floored; Ashok Rai punched and kicked at me, while gagging my mouth’.

The complainant claims that the timely arrival of another teacher, Tinge Umpe saved her from further assaults. In the words of the complainant, ‘Fortunately, another teacher Tinge Umpe appeared in the staff from and forced Ashok Rai off me as he sat squatting on top of me by flooring me, while continuing his physical assaults’.

In her submissions, she also claimed that since their posting to the government secondary school, New Abali, the two teachers had passed lewd comments against her time and again. “I faced the continued straining harassment of being called ‘Heroine, Darling’ by the two teachers to copy some of their sober remarks against me. The verbal harassment did not end here, and they continued to use extreme remarks against me using explicit word until the out-

Tuki extends greetings on occasion of Magh Bihu and Makar Sankranti Itanagar, Jan 13: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has extended warm greetings on occasion of Magh Bihu as well as the holy festival of Makar Sankranti.

In a message this evening, the Chief Minister wished the people from Assam on the joyous occasion of 'Magh Bihu' also known as 'Bhogali Bihu' that marks the end of harvesting season.

"With the harvesting season coming to an end, let us relieve and thank the Almighty for a bumper harvest and happiness," he

said and expressed hope that the celebration would usher in a new year of happiness, peace and prosperity for all.

The Chief Minister also greeted the people on the holy occasion of Makar Sankranti, which is celebrated by various names across the country.

"As the festival is dedicated to the Sun God, I pray Almighty Donyi to bestow its choicest blessings on the people of Arunachal Pradesh and protect them from all evils," Tuki added in his message.

burst in the from of sexual, physical assault on 12th October’2015’.

She also stated that during her recuperation from her injuries, sustained during the assault by the two teachers, adding salt to the injury, the school management, after assuring me of justice, instead forced a sort of ‘Mutual Understanding’ upon me by holding a meeting in my absence and sending a copy to me”.

Citing her helplessness, the complainant claimed that she had accepted the fate of getting no ‘justice’ to the humiliation of sexual and physical abuses that were inflicted upon her, she had withheld from seeking official redresses for fear of retribution by the teachers in cahoots with section of school management and village influential persons.

But finally, she was forced to complain as she was unable to bear the mental harassment against her inflicted on a daily basis.

“The school management in cahoots with teachers make it unbearable for me to attend my duties at the school. Hence silence into inaction, forced to bear continued mental harassments and humiliations, am now forced to seek solace from the interventions from your good office”, she appealed to the district education officer.

Advt.

MISSING

Tulu Raipuria age 14 years S/ O Dukhu Raipuria has been gone missing since 5th August 2015 after a minor quarrel with his sister as usual and was expecting him to be with his friends or relatives houses. Unfortunately after enquiring and searching all places he was nowhere and is missing till day.

According an FIR has been lodged to find my son at Namsai Police Station to find out at the earliest.

If anybody notice this boy may contact at Phone9402246865 Dukhu Raipuria C/O Aditya Mein, Tamulbari, Back side of the Buddha Mandir Namsai

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

North-Eastern state capitals to be linked by rail by 2020: MoS Railways Agartala, Jan 13: Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha today (Wednesday) said the capitals of all north-eastern states would have proper railway connection by 2020 and Agartala would be brought onto the map of broad gauge network by March.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded priority to the de-

velopment of the northeastern region and taking the rails to hilly areas is a major challenge for us.

"The capitals of the north-eastern states would be connected by rails by 2020 and this capital city (Agartala) would be on the country's broad gauge railway map

by March this year," he said here.

Sinha today received the

first broad gauge trial train here in the presence of state PWD Minister Badal Chowdhury and Transport Minister Manik Dey. He said the construction of 15 km-long railway track to connect Agartala with Akhaura in Bangladesh "is a top priority".

The project is funded by the Government of India

for connecting Tripura and West Bengal via Bangladesh, he said.

The process of acquiring land in Bangladesh was complete and in India, it would start soon, he said adding a 3.7 km-long railway track on Indian side would be a viaduct (through an elevated corridor) to reduce the cost of acquisition of land.

Laying of railway line

BIG CATCH

from Agartala to Sabroom in South Tripura district bordering Bangladesh would be completed by 2018, he said.

To a question, the Union Minister said Tripura's demands for setting up a railway division and a railway recruitment board here are genuine but decision on it cannot be taken in a hurry.

Cabinet approves New Crop Insurance Scheme - Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana - A boost to the farming sector A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 13: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has approved the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' - a path breaking scheme for farmers' welfare. As per this scheme there will be a uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by farmers for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops. In case of annual commercial and horticultural crops, the premium to be paid by farmers will be only 5%.

The premium rates to be paid by farmers are very low and balance premium will be paid by the Government to provide full insured amount to the farmers against crop loss on account of natural calamities.

Moreover, there is no upper limit on Government subsidy. Even if balance premium is 90%, it will be borne by the Government.

Mejhi Ghar in the form of Titanic ship at Tangla Shajid Khan Tangla Jan 13: The villagers of Gohaikhat in the outskirts of Tangla has built a Mejhi Ghar in the form of a Titanic ship. The 26 ft long mejhi ghar has been built with the help of near about 70 bamboos by the villagers. Talking to this correspondent the villagers said that within 12 days they have made the giant structure. The structure has drawn great number of visitors from nearby places these days.

CORRINGDUM The News item “Retired police officer blames SP of Golaghat for the death of OC, Binod Phangsu is regretted.Dimeswar Bhuyan- the retired Inspector actually did not take the name of any officer or office for the dead of Borpathar OC, but was chatting all about his experience during his tenure as OC of Borpothar police station , said that an experience officer is fit for the post in areas and places like Borpathar, Sarupathar, Nowjan, Urimghat, Merapani, Silonijan as the areas were all extremist/criminals prone area and hyper-sensitive.

But his experience with some senior officials was praised too, but instead the retired officer said that SP- Golaghat PP Singh it should be investigate the issue very strictly why he did not carry enough force as the OC has full power to take and go.

But it was told that SP Golaghat PP Singh should go for proper investigation of the death of the Borpathar Police Station OC- Binod Phangsu.

Mentionable that earlier, there was a provision of capping the premium rate which resulted in low claims being paid to farmers. This capping was done to limit Government outgo on the premium subsidy. This capping has now been removed and farmers will get claim against full sum insured without any reduction.

The use of technology will be encouraged to a great extent. Smart phones will be used to capture and upload data of crop cutting to reduce the delays in claim payment to farmers. Remote sensing will be used to reduce the number of crop cutting experiments.

The new Crop Insurance Scheme is in line with One Nation - One Scheme theme. It incorporates the best features of all previous schemes and at the same time, all previous shortcomings/weaknesses have been removed.

No

NAIS

MNAIS

[1999]

[2010]

Feature

Lo 1

Premium rate

Low

High

2

One Season – One Premium

Yes

No

3

Insurance Amount cover

Full

Capped

4

On Account Payment

No

Yes

5

Localised Risk coverage

No

Hail storm Land slide

6

Post Harvest Losses coverage

No

Coastal areas for cyclonic rain

7

Prevented Sowing coverage

No

Yes

8

Use of Technology (for quicker settlement of claims)

No

Intended

9

Awareness

No

No

Boat sinks in Brahmaputra, two missing, 5 admits in hospital ET Correspondent Tezpur , Jan 13: In a tragic accident on the river Brahmaputra a boat carrying 10 persons collided with a anchored boat resulting missing of two children near Bharabi temple under tezpur PS in the afternoon today. According to police a group of people at picnic spot near Bharabi temple sailed on country boat . The boat collided with a anchored boat near the river bank after the boatman lost the control of the boat. "After the collation the boat sunk in the river.

However , eight persons were res-

cued but two children were still missing" , police informed. The missing children are identified as Ariyan Pokhral ( 8 years) and Koushik Pokhral ( 9 years), police informed. Five of the resued persons were admitted in the Kanalata civil hospital . The injured persons were identified as Sarna Devi ( 30 ), Madhu Koushik ( 28),Hiya Devi ( 30), Usha Devi ( 18) and Samikhya Kashyab ( 7 years ). The SDRF was recovered the boat late in the evening. Police further informed that the boatman is still absconding.

National Youth Day Observed in Udalguri Shajid Khan

Tangla, Jan 13: The Udalguri unit of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) observed the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda as National Youth Day in Udalguri with a day-long programme on January 12 last.The programme began with the hoisting of flag by Maihursha Boro, the president of ABVP Udalguri unit. A quiz competition was held among the participants from various schools of Udalguri and the first prize was lifted by the girls of

Udalguri Girls HS School, the second prize went to Asboford Academy, Udalguri, and third prize to the students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Udalguri. The winners were given trophy, certificates and cash amount.

The open session was presided by Maihursa Boro and conducted by Sanraja Muchahary, the president and general secretary of ABVP Udalguri unit respectively.

Tarapati Upadhyaya, senior academician and litterateur, Rewati Raman Sapkota, senior scribe, Baidyanath

Upadhyaya, senior scribe, and Lt. Manjot Singh of 168 field regiment (Longewala) delivered their speech on ‘Role of Youth in National Development’ during the session.

A warm felicitation was also given to the Wushu players of Udalguri who earned fame as the second best team of the State in the 3rd State Games held in Silchar in the second week of January. The dance performances of the students of Fusion School of Dance, Udalguri enthralled the audience.

c t

A un

A villagers with his price possession - a chital fish- which he caught during a community fishing on the eve of Magh Bihu in Nimatighat. Pic - UB Photos Y do

Ex congress top man Biswas visits Tinsukia, address BJP workers rally Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Jan 13. Once congress top man now BJP face Himanta Biswas Sarmah visited Tinsukia for a brief spell. During his short trip, he met party workers at a private hotel and asked them to ensure that in the forth coming rally of prime minister Narendra Modi large number of BJP leaders and workers from Tinsukia district reach Guwahati. Taking a jibe at chief minister Tarun Gogoi, he said this election the people of Assam will show him the exit door to go away.

BJP district president Bhaben Sarmah, ex - congress MLA from Sadiya Bolin Chetia, Tinsukia municipal board chairperson Dipti Das, BJP district media cell incharge Sanjay Singh and many others were present in the meeting.

Resentment among air passengers over Jet Airways Contd. from Page 1

While the local air passengers in Dibrugarh and also in adjoining towns and cities using the Dibrugarh Airport for their travel have expressed their serious dissatisfaction over the development, echoing a same voice, social activist Nabajyoti Borkakoty, said, ‘We certainly do not have an issue over Jet Airways connecting to Aizawl or any other airport in North East. But what has made us very much concerned is that, this development comes at the cost of Dibrugarh, the undisputed industry hub of the North East.’

It may be mentioned here that the Jet Airways flight from New Delhi to Dibrugarh began in under the erstwhile Sahara

Mentally retarded found near Jorhat Medical College ET Correspondent Jorhat, Jan 13: He said he is some Borah from Dakhinpat- Halita gaon in Nagaon district and aged between 70/72 years.Looks to be from a good family background and might be well educated and a government service holder, may be officer in the past,cannot recall most of the facts, when Dr Sajib Borua the president of YMCA Jorhat tried to talke to him the elderly man could not give the right

answer.

Later a team from YMCA Jorhat led by Dr Sajib, Tonny, Vhaitee admitted him at the Jorhat Medical College Hospital and provided food and medicine.

The members of YMCA asled help from one and all to kindly help, if anybody could get back in touch with his family members and call YMCA Help-Line Number :9435091615/ 9854215676.

Airlines and that the same was operated with Boeing 737 aircrafts.

Later on, Indigo airlines chipped in with introduction a flight in New Delhi to Dibrugarh sector with Airbus 320 aircraft and later added one more direct flight in the same sector with the same type of aircraft, which is a non-stop direct flight.

While Jet Airways is supposed to introduce more flights to and from Dibrugarh, considering Dibrugarh’s economic and industrial importance, this move for flying ATR -72 type aircrafts in the sector will considerably reduce the number of seats in the sector besides considerably increasing the flying time to and from Dibrugarh by such aircrafts.

Bhudev Phukan, the President of the Eastern

Assam Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, ‘We feel, this development is going to have an adverse effect upon industry in the eastern Assam region and is at the same time against the spirit of Act East Policy of the Govt. of India.

Rather Jet Airways need to reschedule the Dibrugarh-New Delhi flight to evening hours to facilitate tourism and industry, which does save a day for the travellers.’

Business and corporate air passengers, who use the Dibrugarh Airport for their travel in eastern Assam towns of Jorhat, Sivasagar, Tinsukia, Duliajan and Digboi have expressed their opinion that Jet Airways should urgently introduce an additional flight from Chennai to Dibrugarh and back preferably in the morning hours.

More than one person commits suicide in a day in Tripura Agartala, Jan 13: Tripura has recorded as many as 674 cases of suicide in 11 months between February and December of 2015, which estimated more than one case of suicide each day.

Replying to a query of opposition legislator Ratan Lal Nath today Chief Minister Manik Sarkar informed the assembly that the rate of suicide in Tripura has been increasing over the year but the cause is yet unknown.

According to Sarkar, altogether 617 people had committed suicide in 2012-2013 and in 2013-14 the figure rose to 744. In 2015 the figure has registered at 674, which is a

cause of concern for all.

Nath claimed that social insecurity, joblessness and political vandalism perpetrated by the ruling Left Front over the past 22 years have created frustration among the youths and marginal income groups in the state, which ultimately led to suicide.

"Unless the government stops politicizing each and every opportunity for the youths and poor class, it is impossible to arrest the frustration and psychological unrest in the society. The government must redefine the development and growth," Nath added.

(Agencies)

Three arrested for cow slaughter in HP village, security tightened Shimla, Jan 13: Three persons have been arrested on the charge of cow slaughter in remote Ranola village of Chamba district, following which the police tightened the security arrangements fearing tension in the area.

Safi Mohammad, Isrile and Raj Bali were arrested last evening after a police case was registered against them on the complaint of one Gulam Nabi.

The incident took place on Sunday, the police said on Tuesday.

All the accused have been booked under Section 429 (mischief by killing or maiming cattle) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 8 of the Himachal Pradesh Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act. During investigations, a police team recovered bloodstained soil and wooden pieces and flesh of an animal from a spot near a slaughter house and cooked meat from the residence of one of the ac-

cused, a police official said.

Both the flesh and the meat dish have been sent to Regional State Forensic Laboratory (RSFL) in Dharamshala to ascertain whether it is cow meat or not, he said, adding that the veterinary doctors who conducted the postmortem said the "flesh pieces belong to the cow species". "The accused are being interrogated to establish the motive and the tool used for slaughtering," the official said.

Police claimed there was no tension in the area but added that the members of one community met the local administration and expressed concern over security arrangements.

Chamba's Superintendent of Police (SP) and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), who visited the village, said sufficient security has been put in place to ensure that no untoward incident takes place.

(Agencies)

27 people died of drug abuse across Mizoram in 2015

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

Need support of farmers to make Sikkim an exemplary organic farming State: CM Gangtok, Jan 13: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today inaugurated the first organic farmers market here at the top floor of old super market situated in Lall Bazaar. The market having 17 outlets would exclusively sell vegetables and fruits grown organically in different parts of the State. The stalls have been allocated to one Self Help Group (SHG) from north, six each from east and south and four from west district. They would be charged a monthly rental of Rs.600.

The market is aimed to break the involvement of middlemen so that the

farmers can come anytime and get best value for their organic produce.

The department has also fixed the rate of the products. "The market would only sell only organically grown vegetables and fruits. Anyone found selling inorganic products will have to pay a fine of Rs. 2 lakh and face imprisonment up to six months along with the cancellation of license," said Horticulture department joint director S.T. Bhutia.

Interacting with the farmer, the Chief Minister said, "This is a new beginning for our State.

We need the support of the farmers in making

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling

Sikkim an exemplary State in organic farming."

The farmers have expressed happiness as they can now sell their vegetables and fruits without the involvement of middleman.

"Earlier we had to sell our products to the middle-

man. Now we can bring our products and sell directly here," Manita Basnett, of Laliguras Farmers Club of Phongla, South Sikkim said. According to Basnett, a farmer earns an annual net profit of Rs. 1.5 lakh by selling organic

vegetables. "Growing organic takes more time than using chemical fertilizers but it is very good for health," she added.

The products in the market which are on sale are organically grown spinach, ginger, red chillies (Dalley), organges, squash, cauliflower, beans and other seasonal fruits and vegetables.

A farmer from Rumtek village, Karma Doma Bhutia said farmers need cold storage facilities to

"This is a new beginning for our State. We need the support of the farmers in making Sikkim an exemplary State in organic farming."

Chefs de Mission arrive in city; take stock of SAG preparations Shillong, Jan 13: The Chefs de Mission of all eight participating nations arrived here on Tuesday to take stock of the ongoing preparations for the upcoming 12th South Asian Games. They also held a meeting with members of the Organising Committee of the 12th SAG to discuss all aspects surrounding the disciplines to be held here during the February 5-16 event. During the meeting, technical sessions were held on various aspects ranging from accommodation to security, transport and medical facilities.

Presentations were also made briefing the Chefs de

Mission about the readiness of the respective venues to host the multinational event. Also made known were the attractions of Shillong, its special features and sports legacy.

The visiting Chefs de Mission, it was learnt, had concerns over traffic and food arrangements and SAG OC (Shillong) members assured that the same would be addressed accordingly.

On Wednesday, the Chefs de Mission will tour all the venues of Shillong. Meanwhile, during a press conference after the meeting, SAG Organising Committee (Shillong) CEO, RK

Sharma informed that preparatory work is making good progress, with 95 per cent of the renovation work for the Shillong venues already complete.

"The Organising Committee will soon be handed over charge of the venues," he added. It may be mentioned that the venues for the Games include JN Sports Complex, JN Sports Complex Indoor Hall, SAI Complex, NEHU and NEIGRIHMS Indoor Stadium. The Assam Rifles Sports Complex has, meanwhile, been listed for hosting wushu event but the venue is yet to be finalized. Sharma, however, said that the Assam Rifles

venue is completely ready for the Games and if given the go ahead will be able to successfully host the event.

Dismissing "rumours" of shortage of proper accommodation in Shillong, Sharma said that ideal accommodation has been arranged for all the athletes and team officials who are expected to descend on Shillong for the multinational event. Meanwhile, Joint CEO and Meghalaya Sports & Youth Affairs Secretary, FR Kharkongor championed this edition of the tournament as the "Gender Equal Games", saying that women's events have been added to every discipline and

likewise games will be conducted wherever possible.

This will make the South Asian Games 2016 bigger than any of the previous editions, taking the total medal events to around 235, SAG Advisor RK Sacheti informed. Over 3600 athletes will take part in this edition of the games against around 2600 of the last edition making it a much bigger event.

Meanwhile, it was also informed that a series of events including a mini marathon will be organised in the run up to the event to raise awareness about it in the city. Celebrities will also be roped in for the events. (Agencies)

CPM ex-MLA, arrested on sexual abuse charge granted bail Agartala, Jan 13: Former Marxist MLA Manoranjan Acharjee, arrested for sexually abusing an 8 year-old girl was granted bail by the Tripura High Court on Tuesday. He was released following an order issued by the High Court after he was produced before a local court in Amarpur on Wednesday.

The HC also sought reply from Superintendent of Police of South District and Officer in-Charge why Acharjee was arrested before producing the case diary in the court.

As per rule, the accused cannot be arrested before a case diary is produced in the court.

The police thus have violated the court order by

arresting Acharjee, Chief Justice Deepak Gupta said.

Court sources said that Acharjee earlier, applied for bail , but he was arrested before that. Later, he filed a petition in the High Court seeking to convert the Section 438 of IPC to Section 439 CrPC according to which he could be granted bail even he is in custody.

Eyeing the petition, the HC granted him bail only with two conditions that he need to seek prior permission from the court to leave the state and he should restrain him from threatening the witnesses.

He was arrested on January 9 even after 59 days of the incident. He was

sion. Barely 24 hours passed, police arrested him.

Acharjee was axed from the party and was forced to resign from the post of MLA following a complaint of sexual abuse of the minor girl inside party office at Amarpur in Gomati District on November 27. Though police lodged an FIR against Acharjee, he is yet to be arrested.

Former Marxist MLA Manoranjan Acharjee sent to judicial custody till next January 12 after producing before a local court. It is to be noted that opposition members de-

manded immediate arrest of Acharjee and also stirred into the well of the House on the first day of the Assembly's winter ses-

Receiving the complaint by the victim's parents, the party served a show cause notice to him. It is to be noted that Acharjee's sexual abuse incident has been raised in the recently concluded Parliament session demanding stern action against.(Agencies)

Justice Singh set for parting shots Shillong, Jan 13: A series of crucial orders pertaining to several issues including dual post, empowerment of headman, Lokayukta, reservation for Niam Khasi will be delivered by the High Court of Meghalaya on 27 people including three women, died in Mizoram Wednesday. Sources said due to drug abuse in 2015 that on the eve of his retirement, Chief Justice Uma Aizawl, Jan 13: At least to spasmo proxivon, a Nath Singh will deliver sig27 people including three clinical painkiller drug nificant judgments. women, died in Mizoram widely abused by the As far as dual post is condue to drug abuse in 2015, youth in Mizoram. cerned, the High Court had

according to the record maintained by the state excise and narcotics department.

Of the 27 deaths, nine died due to heroin addiction, four due to abuse of spasmo proxyvon and parvon spas, while 19 died due to consumption of a mixture of different kinds of intoxicating drugs, the record said.

At least 1,342 people including 141 women have died in the state due to drugs in the state since 1984, when the first drugrelated death was reported, it said. Except for the initial six years, till 1989 when heroin-related deaths were high, more and more people died due

Out of the 1,342 deaths since 1984 till last year, 1,164 died due to abuse of spasmo proxyvon and parvon spas, while heroin claimed 109 lives, the report said. State excise and narcotics department officials said there has been considerable increase in heroin trafficking through the porous Mizoram-Myanmar border during the last two years and the cost of heroin in the local market had come down over the years.

The state shares a 404 km long international border with Myanmar and the infamous Golden Triangle makes Mizoram vulnerable to drug trafficking, the officials added. (Agencies)

asked the Meghalaya Governor V. Shanmuganathan to decide on the matter after taking up the issue with the Election Commission of India. The High Court also wanted the Governor to include all the eight legislators, who were holding the posts of MDC while referring the matter to the Election Commission.

It was learnt that the Election Commission is yet to give its reply to the query

of the Governor regarding the dual post held by the legislators. Though the State Government had made effective the dual post Act from October 1 last year to give protection to those legislators who were holding the posts of MDC , the High Court had said that it was not bound by the Act passed by the State Government. Advocate VGK Kynta is representing seven legislators in the case except

Metbah Lyngdoh.

Kynta is also representing the headmen from Jaintia Hills related to the pending case of empowerment of headmen in Meghalaya passed by the Justice SR Sen. The High Court will finally decide on the order which striped off the powers of headmen.

On the Lokayukta issue, the state government had filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court against

the stay of the High Court on the accommodation of a non-judicial member as the Chairperson of Lokayukta.

The state Chief Secretary Barkos Warjri has filed an affidavit on the minority status of Niam Khasi on the eve of the hearing scheduled for Wednesday. As per the affidavit, since Niam Khasi is considered as ST, there would not be any other reservation for Niam Khasi.

(Agencies)

'Roads in Nagaland not worthy to serve common man' Nagaland, Jan 13: The deplorable road conditions of Nagaland caught the attention of BJP National Secretary Farooq Khan when he was in Dimapur to attend a party related function. Khan on Tuesday commented that the roads in Nagaland were not worthy to serve the common man. "Only the national highways are visible and none other roads were worthy to serve the needs of the common man," the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) from Jammu and Kashmir is learnt to have

BJP National Secretary Farooq Khan

said during a function organized to welcome the newly appointed State BJP president Visasolie Lhoungnu in Dimapur.

Khan also lamented that

poor infrastructure in Nagaland have affected the lives of the common person. Bringing this into fore, Khan urged the State BJP party workers under

the leadership of its new president, Visasolie to work towards bringing positive changes by focusing on the development of public infrastructures.

Visasolie Lhoungnu, the newly elected president in his address assured the party workers that he would strive hard for the betterment and uplift of the party on all fronts with focus on the next assembly election due on 2018.

He also thanked the party leaders, national and state, for reposing faith in him to hold the reins of the

store the products.

"We have taken note of it and would look into the matter of setting up cold storage in the market," said Agriculture minister Somnath Poudyal.

Gangtok Mayor Shakti Singh Chaudhary was also present at the inauguration.

The market has been constructed by Gangtok Municipal Corporation and funded by Union ministry of Housing & Poverty Alleviation under Challenge Fund.(Agencies)

State. Outgoing president Dr M Chuba Ao congratulated the newly elected president and formally handed over the reins of the State president office.

He thanked the party members who had stood by him through thick and thin during his tenure.

Ao also encouraged party workers to be loyal to the party programmes and work towards strengthening the party and the State. BJP general secretary (org) Prashant Arora, also congratulated and welcomed the new president.(Agencies)

HC directs Tripura govt to table minister murder report Agartala, Jan 13: The Tripura High Court has directed the state government to table the judicial commission report on the killing of former health minister Bimal Sinha under mysterious circumstance on March 31, 1998, within next six weeks.

A division bench headed

by Chief Justice Deepak Gupta yesterday heard a PIL filed by president of Tripura Congress Women wing Kalayani Roy. It asked the government to make the report, which was submitted on January 31, 2000, public.

Within a fortnight of assuming office as chief minister in 1998 by Manik Sarkar, Sinha was murdered allegedly by NLFT militants. (Agencies)

Mizoram Govt is Suffering from Financial Anaemia Aizawl, Jan 13: Former chief minister and opposition Mizo National front (MNF) president Zoramthanga on Tuesday launched a scathing attack against the Mizoram state government saying it is suffering from acute financial anaemia due to gross fiscal mismanagement during the past seven years.

Zoramthanga alleged the financial crisis under the regime of the Congress led by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla was irreversible. "The financial anaemia is like a human being without blood and could not be cured," he said. Alleging that there was no development during the Congress regime, he said the state government has declared a "development holiday" during its seven year rule.

State finance minister Lalsawta's words of consolation to the people in regards to the financial mess was that he would be able to arrange fund for payment of the salaries of regular employees under the government for December, 2015, Zoramthanga alleged.(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

PAGE 6

Pathankot, Mazar-i-Sharif attacks coordinated by ISI: R.K Singh New Delhi, Jan.13: Former home secretary and BJP MP R.K. Singh on Wednesday said the Afghan Police confirmation about the involvement of Pakistan military in January 3 attack on the Indian Consulate only support the argument that the Pathankot and Mazar-i-Sharif attacks were coordinated by the ISI. "At the time of attack on the Pathankot air base, I had said that this attack and the attack on the Indian Consulate in Afghanistan are coordi-

nated. There is no doubt that there was involvement of Pakistan's ISI in the attack. Now this argument has been supported by the Afghan Police," Singh told. "The attack near the Pakistan Consulate in Afghanistan is a lesson to Islamabad that if you will nurture terrorism, it will harm you as well," he added. He also said Pakistan's denial that the telephone numbers provided by India were not registered there was completely false.

"Pakistan will keep on

BJP MP R.K. Singh

saying that they need more evidence just like they did after 26/11.

However, their strategy is

not going to work this time around. The planning of the Pathankot attack was made in Paki-

stan. The terrorists were trained in Pakistan and had come from there only.

India should only provide them with the fingerprints to establish identity of the militants," he said.

Reports have emerged that Pakistan has rejected the evidence provided by India in the Pathankot attack and also denied the credibility of the proofs.

Seven military personnel were martyred and another 20 injured when six terrorists crossed the border and launched a massive attack on the

"The attack near the Pakistan Consulate in Afghanistan is a lesson to Islamabad that if you will nurture terrorism, it will harm you as well," Pathankot Air Force base in the early hours of January 2. (ANI)

Indo-Pak Foreign level 'Hurt' by Kiku Sharda's mockery of talks unlikely on Jan. 15 'guruji': Gurmeet Ram Rahim's follower New Delhi, Jan. 13: The Foreign Secretarylevel talks between India and Pakistan are unlikely to take place on January 15. No dates have been fixed in this regard yet.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is expected to make a formal statement in this regard tomorrow. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz had earlier said that the talks would be held on January 15. However, National Security Ad-

viser Ajit Doval was quoted as having said that talks can be held only after action. He, however, later refused that he gave an interview to a national daily, where he stated that the upcoming talks have been cancelled over the Pathankot attack. India has made its stand very clear and said that progress in this regard would be made only after Pakistan acts on the leads given to it about the terror attack on the Pathankot air base.

(ANI)

CJI asks Jallikattu organizers to move before appropriate bench New Delhi, Jan. 13: Chief Justice of India (CJI) T.S. Thakur on Wednesday asked some of the organizers of Jallikattu, who had sought permission from CJI Court to organize the festival, to move before an appropriate bench. An apex court bench headed

by Chief Justice Thakur had yesterday stayed the Central Government's notification, which permitted the controversial bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu.

The Centre's notification lifting ban on Jallikattu during the festival of Pongal in Tamil Nadu was challenged in the Supreme Court on Monday. The petitions were filed by Animal Welfare Board of India, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and a Bangalore-based NGO. PETA had last week criticised the Central Government's decision to permit events like ' Jallikattu' and bull races in Tamil Nadu. (ANI)

Ban on Jallikattu during the festival of Pongal in Tamil Nadu

This Makar Sankranti, 'Modi kites' to fly in Varanasi skies

The city's devotion towards Prime Minister Modi is quite visible as kites, with patterns of 'Swachch Bharat'

Varanasi, Jan.13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency, Varanasi, is full of kites with his pictures of his face on them these days as the city gears up for the Makar Sankranti festival. The city's devotion towards Prime Minister Modi is quite visible as kites, with patterns of 'Swachch Bharat' campaign and his own photographs being seen in huge numbers in the market.

The Prime Minister is scheduled Varanasi on January 22 and thus, a great amount of curiosity can be seen ahead of his visit. One of the kite vendors says that although there are many varieties of kites available in the market, still there is a huge demand of kites with pictures of the Prime Minister and United States President Barrack Obama inscribed on them.

It seems that 'Modi wave' which was seen during the Lok Sabha elections in 2014, will be seen in the skies of Varanasi on Makar Sankranti this time around.

The festival, which marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its celestial path, is also believed to mark the arrival of spring in the country.

(ANI)

Kaithal, Jan. 13 : Following comedian Kiku Sharda's arrest for mimicking Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief said that they were hurt by the show as the latter was 'God' for them.

"There is a programme on Zee tv, Jashn-eumeed, they impersonated him (Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh) and showed him with alcohol and showed him dancing with women. All this was shown and there were

posters with the name of the dera and the picture of the dera as well. There has been a mockery of Guruji. All the followers, who saw it, were hurt.

After this, we filed a complaint against Kiku Sharda and party including six to seven people," said a follower of the Dera chief. "We were hurt because our Guru ji is God for us. There is anger in the whole country against this incident," he added.

The issue came to light after the December 27,

The follower of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief

2015, episode of 'Comedy Nights with Kapil' was aired on television. This episode had Sharda mimic the Dera Sacha Sauda head, something which didn't go down too

well with his followers, leading them to file a police case against the actor. The actor has been booked under Section 295 A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for outraging religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious belief.

Kiku, on the very next day of the episode, wrote an apology on his twitter handle saying ,"Doston the act on TV was not to hurt anyone's feelings. My apologies to @Gurmeetramrahim ji and his followers. Let's spread happiness."(ANI)

US to press Pak to bring Mumbai attacks culprits to justice, says Sewall

India and the United States, both free, inclusive, and democratic societies

New Delhi, Jan. 13: US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Sarah Sewallsaid on Wednesday that Washington would continue to press Pakistan to help India to bring to justice the culprits behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. "We will continue to press Pakistan to take the fight to all terrorist networks in the border region and do everything in their power to help In-

dia achieve justice for the Mumbai attacks, which claimed both Indian and American lives," Sewall said at the Vivekananda International Foundation.

"India and the United States, free, inclusive, and democratic societies, face a similar test in overcoming the threat of terrorism while staying true to our most cherished values," she added. She said that India and the US have been brought together by

the shared trauma of terrorism, from the attacks against the United States on 9/11 to the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11, to the recent bloodshed in Pathankot earlier this month.

"We strongly condemn these attacks and express our deepest condolences to the victims and their families. We recognize that terror is too often on India's doorstep," she added. She said the endurance of terrorism and the rise of groups like ISIS underscore the limits of conventional approaches and tools, insisting on a need for a broader, bolder and smarter approach to

turn back terrorism.

She said that extremists want a clash of civilizations and they only look forward to terrorise the people. "Throughout history they have sought to divide and to demonize. But the success and prosperity of societies like ours, free, diverse, and enriched by the contributions of all, fly in the face of everything they believe. As we face violent extremists, we must reject their terms of engagement and stay true to ourselves, by upholding religious freedom, ensuring legal protection for all, and speaking out against discrimination and hatred of all stripes," Sewalls said. (ANI)

"India and the United States, free, inclusive, and democratic societies, face a similar test in overcoming the threat of terrorism while staying true to our most cherished values."

Kiku Sharda apologises, says 'followed the script' Kaithal, Jan. 13: Television actor Kiku Sharda, who has been arrested for mimicking self-styled godman and Dera Sacha Sauda headGurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, on Wednesday said that he had merely followed the script given to him during his act, adding that his job was to entertain the people.

timents. If such a thing has happened then I apologise for it," he told reporters here. "I do not want that my work hurts the sentiments of the people. I am in this industry for 13 years and my job is to make the people laugh.

Whatever script was given to me I performed it," he added.

"I am an actor. I am told what to do, I am given a script and a get up and I act accordingly. I did not have any clue that my look would hurt religious sen-

The issue came to light after the December 27, 2015, episode of 'Comedy Nights with Kapil' was aired on television. This episode had Sharda mimic

case against the actor. The actor has been booked under Section 295 A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for outraging religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious belief.

Kiku Sharda the Dera Sacha Sauda head, something which didn't go down too well with his followers, leading them to file a police

Kiku, on the very next day of the episode, wrote an apology on his twitter handle saying, "Doston the act on TV was not to hurt anyone's feelings. My apologies to @Gurmeetramrahim ji and his followers. Let's spread happiness." (ANI)

Kejriwal meets family members of Pathankot martyrs

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met the family members of the two defence personnel martyred in the Pathankot terror attack

Gurdaspur, Jan. 13: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday met the family members of the two defence personnel martyred in the Pathankot terror attack. Kejriwal, who visited the family members of Defence Security Corps (DSC) Havildar Kulwant Singh and Subedar Major (Retd) Fateh Singh, handed over a cheque of Rs. two lakh.

Kulwant Singh joined the army when he was 19.

He retired in 2004 and joined the DSC the same year. He was recently posted in Pathankot from Odisha.

He was

martyred on the night of January 2 during the predawn strike by the terrorists. He is survived by mother Swarn Kaur, wife Harbhajan Kaur and two sons - Surinder Singh and Gursharan Singh.

Fateh Singh, the foremost big bore rifle (300m) shooter-turned-coach, had won gold in the first Commonwealth Shooting Championships in New Delhi in 1995. He retired as a Subedar Major from the Dogra regiment in 2009, joined the Defence Service Corps (DSC) and was initially posted at the Army War College in Mhow. He was posted to Pathankot two years ago. (ANI)

Pak LoC bus passengers condemn Pathankot attack Poonch , Jan.13: The Pakistan passengers of the cross LoC Bus service in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir, have condemned the terrorist attack on the Pathankot air base. They asserted that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif must take action against the responsible Pakistanis involved in the terror attack.

They also insisted that they have always been against terrorism and want peace and harmony between the two nations.

Following the terror attack on the Pathankot air base, Nawaz Sharif has asked the Intelligence

Bureau (IB) chief Aftab Sultan to form a joint investigation team comprising the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI).

This was followed by raids at Gujranwala, Jhelum and Bahawalpur districts of Pakistan leading to some arrests of unspecified number of people. Seven military personnel were martyred and another 20 injured when six terrorists crossed the border and launched a massive attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in the early hours of January 2.

(ANI)

Instability will continue for decades in many countries including Pakistan: Obama Washington D.C., Jan 13: In his final State of the Union address, US President Barack Obama said that instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. "Instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world?-?in the Middle East, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in parts of Central America, Africa and Asia," Obama said.

Obama also said that some of these places

might become safe havens for terrorist networks. He also said that ISIS must be dealt with immediately, defending his approach to taking on the terror group and said that it poses a dangerous threat to the nation but not an existential one. He called on Congress to help him finally close the war or terror detention center at Guantanamo Bay, which he branded a gift to extremist propagandists seeking to stir anti-American sentiment.

(ANI)

Pak military runs govt. in Islamabad: Shiv Sena Mumbai, Jan. 13: A day after Afghanistan blamed the Pakistan Army for the attack on the Indian Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif, the Shiv Sena on Wednesday backed the claims and alleged that the military runs the government in Islamabad. "Earlier, only the Shiv Sena used to say this but now the whole world knows that the Pakistani Government is

controlled by its military.

The military runs entire government in that country and it is responsible for sheltering the terrorists," Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande told.

"The fact stated by the Afghanistan Police chief is confirmation to all these specifics," she added. Responding to a poser on the Foreign Secretary-level

talks between India and Pakistan which looks in jeopardy in wake of the Pathankot terror attack, the Shiv Sena leader said 'dialogue' is the keys to solve disputes. "Let's see what comes out of these (Foreign) Secretary-level talks, which are scheduled at a time when former president of Pakistan Parvez Musharraf has stressed that attacks on

Pakistan were not that major," she added.

Pakistani military officers were behind the attack on the Indian consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif last week, a top Afghan police official said on Tuesday. One Afghan policeman was killed and nine others, including three civilians, were wounded in the attack on January 4. (ANI)

US President Barack Obama

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

UN gets USD 250 million to educate Syrian children, needs more United Nations, Jan 13: Donors have pledged USD 250 million to educate over one million Syrian children this year but an additional USD 500 million is urgently needed to fund the program in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, the UN envoy for global education has said.

Gordon Brown yesterday warned that "death voyages to Europe" will soar in 2016 as long as Syria's two million refugee children and millions more displaced inside the country are exploited and don't have the opportunity

for education.

The organization Girls Not Brides recently reported that the child marriage rate among Syrian refugee girls has doubled from 12 per cent to 26 per cent, he said, and a recent survey estimates that one in three refugee boys and girls have become child laborers. "It's urgent that we provide them education and avoid this exploitation and give these children hope for the future," Brown told a news conference by audio link from Europe.

Pakistan arrests 12 suspects of JeM, seals its offices Islamabad, Jan 13: Pakistan's law enforcement agencies have arrested 12 suspects of banned Jaish-eMuhammad (JeM) over links with the attack on Indian Air base in Pathankot.

The suspects were arrested from different cities of southern Punjab.

Islamabad has decided to share the development with Indian side and a proposal to send a top level investigation team to New Delhi was also under consideration, according to a spokesman forPakistan's Prime Minister Office. A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was informed on Wednesday that offices ofJeM that allegedly conducted

Pathankot attack were secretly operating in four cities of Punjab.

The offices have been sealed in Bahwalnagar, Bahawalpur, Multan and Muzafargarh cities and the suspected members of the group were also held, top officials briefed Sharif. Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Raheel Sharif, DG Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General Rizwan Akhtar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Prime Minister's National Security Adviser Lieutenant-General (r) Nasir Janjua and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif were told in the meeting that the arrested people could be possible facilitators ofPathankot attackers. (ANI)

Pak NYT correspondent's house raid not a 'target' raid, say police Islamabad, Jan 13: The move to search the house of New York Times Correspondent Salman Masood has been claimed by the police to be a part of search operation carried out in Loi Bher, Sihala areas rather than a targeted one. Masood explained that a man in plain clothes accompanied byRangers personnel and a police officer wanted to search his house without a search warrant, reported .

Masood also tweeted that he was asked if he 'had any illegal weapons hid-

den in the house.' An Islamabad police official, however, confirmed that the search operation carried out in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Islamabad was not a targeted one and several houses were searched within that area.

Islamabad police later released details of search operations conducted earlier, and confirmed that 25 suspects, including two Afghan nationals, had been detained during the search operation across the Sihala and Loi Bher areas.(ANI)

New York Times Correspondent Salman Masood has been claimed by the police to be a part of search operation carried out in Loi Bher

"Turkey detains 68 IS suspects in nationwide raids" Istanbul, Jan 13 : Turkey has detained 68 suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group in raids across the country, state media said on Wednesday.

The arrests were made after an IS suicide bomber killed 10 people in central Istanbul yesterday, but the reports did not make clear if there was any connection.

Sixty-five people were detained yesterday in raids in Ankara; Izmir on the Aegean; the Syrian border town of Kilis; Sanliurfa close to Syria; Mersin on the Mediterranean; and the southern city of Adana, the Anatolia news agency said.

In Ankara, the authorities detained 16 people who were suspected of planning a major attack in the capital, the report said.

The 21 people detained in Sanliurfa were also planning an attack at an unspecified location in Turkey, it added. Today, three more suspected IS members were detained in the southern resort city of Antalya. All three are Russian citizens, it added. The reports did not make clear if there was any link to Tuesday's suicide bombing in Sultanahmet Square in central Istanbul, which the authorities said was carried out by an IS jihadist who came from Syria. Most of those killed were German tourists. Long accused of failing to crack down on IS, Turkey has in recent months moved against cells operating on its territory after several deadly attacks blamed on the group.(Agencies)

ought to be possible to raise USD 500 million for what is an excellent cause." He pledged to try to raise the money at the World Economic Forum in Davos and an international pledging conference for Syria in London, on February 4, among other places.

Double-shift classes in school has been the greatest success story, educating over 200,000 refugee children from Syria

When he was Britain's prime minister in 2009 and head of the Group of 20 leading economies,

Brown recalled that a trillion dollars had to be raised to support the world economy, so "it

Brown said Lebanon's introduction of double-shift classes in school has been the greatest success story, educating over 200,000 refugee children from Syria right now "from a negligible number a few

months ago." The refugee youngsters go to school in late afternoon and evening, after Lebanese children are finished, he said.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards release US Navy sailors

The goal, he said, is to double the 200,000 Syrian refugee children now in school in Turkey to over 400,000, increase the number in Jordan from 130,000 to 200,000 in the next few months, and reach one million in 2016.

"And by next year every single child refugee would be Iran's Revolutionary Guards have released 10 US offered a place in school sailors and their patrol boats whether they be in Lebanon, Jordan or Turkey," Brown Tehran, Jan 13 : Iran`s waters in the Gulf," said. (Agencies) Revolutionary Guards state television quoted a have released 10 US sail- Guards statement as ors and their patrol boats saying. after investigations showed they had en- The announcement was the flights violated tered Iranian waters un- soon followed by publiVietnam's sovereignty intentionally, a state- cation of the first images over the islands, and de- ment said Wednesday. of the detained sailors -manded that China stop "It was determined that nine men and a woman any such activities. the detained American -- who were pictured sitVietnam and China both Marines did not enter ting in a room on Persian claim the Paracel Islands Iranian waters inten- rugs. Still images of the and the two along with tionally. Following their two boats were also the Philippines, Malaysia, apology, they have been shown by state Brunei and Taiwan claim released to international television.(Agencies) all or parts of the Spratlys, which sit on potentially oil and gas rich resources and occupy one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. China's recent increasing assertiveness has caused serious concerns among its neigh- Timor Sea, Jan 13: Four were "140 miles off the bors and the United Indonesian fishermen who nearest Kimberley States, which backs free- spent eight days adrift in Coast... basically in the dom of navigation and the remote Timor Sea on middle of nowhere". "It overflights in the South a makeshift raft were res- was a wing and a prayer China Sea.(Agencies) cued by marine authorities keeping them afloat," and a fishing vessel Finlay told the Australian Wednesday, Australian of- Broadcasting Corporation, ficials said, adding that adding that the raft was they were in "good health" just 1.5-square-metres despite their ordeal.

(16-square-feet) in size The men were spotted by and made from debris session last week pledged an Australian Border Force from the fishermen's ship. to swiftly pursue new plane in the Timor Sea on "They had two fuel cells sanctions. For current Tuesday evening and a latched together as the sanctions and any new nearby fishing vessel AFV base of the boat then penalties to work, better Exodus was called on to around the two fuel cells cooperation and stronger pick up the men early they had plastic 20-litre implementation from Wednesday morning, the (5.3 US gallon) drums," he China, the North's diplo- Australian Maritime Safety said. "They had a couple matic and economic pro- Authority (AMSA) said. of 40-litre plastic blue contector and a veto-wielding The fishing boat was later tainers latched there and a permanent member of the met by the Australian Navy 400-kilo (882 pound) ice Security Council, is seen ship HMAS Maitland, box that was half subas key. merged."

On today, Park said in a AMSA added. nationally televised news conference that South Ko- "All survivors have been Finlay said when his crew rea will push as hard as it medically assessed and are found the Indonesians, can for strong sanctions in good health. The fish- they were knee-deep in that can force change in ermen will be repatriated water and their feet were North Korea. But, she said, to their home port of "suffering". But while Chinese help is crucial. Kupang, Indonesia," they were hungry and "in AMSA said. a bit of shock", they were (Agencies) The skipper of the Exodus, otherwise physically well, Gary Finlay, said the men he added.(Agencies)

Vietnam: China threatens civilian air traffic Hanoi, Jan 13: Vietnam has accused China of threatening safety of civilian flights over the disputed South China Sea by failing to properly inform its aviation authorities of Beijing's recent test flights to a man-made island also claimed by Hanoi.

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh said that although a Chinese Embassy representative did inform the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry about the flights last month, prompting a protest from Hanoi, that did not extend to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam and threatened

the safety of civil aviation.

The notification from the Chinese Embassy "cannot substitute China's notification to the appropriate air traffic services units of Vietnam in order to ensure the safety and regularity of flight operations," the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said in a statement late on Tuesday.

China Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters Monday that China's three test flights to Fiery Cross Reef one of seven South China Sea features where China had carried out extensive land reclamation were state aviation activities and had

no restrictions under international law.

Hong said that Beijing informed Vietnamese aviation authorities on December 28 and Foreign Ministry two days later about them. He said that Vietnam had failed to see "the professional, technical and civil nature of China's inspection and test flights."

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh disputed Hong and said that at the meeting with the Chinese Embassy representative, Vietnam protested and demanded that China cancel the flights. Binh said

Indonesian fishermen rescued by Australia after eight days at sea

South Korea fires warning shots after North Korean object seen Seoul, Jan 13: South Korea Wednesday fired warning shots after an unidentified object from North Korea was seen flying close to the rivals' border, the South's military said. Media reported that it was a drone. The incident comes amid a deepening standoff between the Koreas in the wake of the North's nuclear test one week ago.

The North Korean object turned around after the South fired the shots, the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

It did not say whether the South Koreans hit the object. The South fired 20

rounds from machine guns at a drone.

North Korean drone flights across the border are rare but do occasionally happen across the world's most heavily armed border. Animosity is high after the nuclear test, the North's fourth. South Korea's president earlier today urged North Korea's only major ally, China, to help punish Pyongyang's recent nuclear test with the strongest possible international sanctions.

Seoul also said that North Korea had flown leaflets across the border describing her and her government as "mad dogs" as

Cold War-style propaganda warfare continued between the rivals. South Korea, the United States and others are pushing hard to impose fresh sanctions and other punitive measures on the North for what Pyongyang said was a hydrogen bomb test.

There is widespread skepticism over the H-bomb claim, but whatever the North detonated underground will likely push the country closer toward a fully functional nuclear arsenal, which it still is not thought to have.

Diplomats at a UN Security Council emergency

Israeli air raid in Gaza Strip kills one, wounds three Jerusalem, Jan 13 : An Israeli air raid today in the northern Gaza Strip targeting alleged militants killed one Palestinian and wounded three others, the Israeli army and a Palestinian official said.

Israeli aircraft "targeted a terror cell plotting to detonate an explosive device against (military) forces stationed along the border of the northern Gaza Strip," the Israeli army said.

A Gaza health ministry

spokesman said one person was killed and three wounded on a beach in the area of Beit Lahiya, located near the Palestinian enclave's northern border with Israel.

The spokesman identified the person killed as Musa Abu Zuaiter, 31. The air raid would mark a departure from recent Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, which have usually followed rocket fire from Palestinian militants and have rarely led to casual-

An Israeli air raid on Wednesday in the northern Gaza Strip targeting alleged militant

ties. There was no reported rocket fire from Gaza before today's strike, but there have been a number of recent incidents along the Gaza border, including

explosions and gunfire targeting Israeli soldiers.

"Forces guarding the border with Gaza face a growing threat from hostile terror groups attempting to destabilise the situation on the ground," Israeli military spokesman Peter Lerner said in a statement following today's raid. Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008, including a devastating 50-day conflict in 2014.(Agencies)

Myanmar peace talks get a boost as Suu Kyi's attends Yangon, Jan 13: Aung San Suu Kyi`s last-minute decision to join Myanmar peace talks she had previously criticised took some attendees by surprise, and could boost the chances of progress with rebel groups who have so far resisted joining the process.

The democracy champion, who led her party to a landslide election victory in November, shared the stage in the capital Naypyitaw with members of the former military junta, which kept her under house arrest for years and persecuted her allies. Suu Kyi has already shown she is willing to do business with

Aung San Suu Kyi former foes, and, despite a constitutional ban on her becoming president, has also made clear that she intends to lead the country.

Her appearance at peace talks this week attended by the military, members of parliament and some of the armed guerrilla groups waging local in-

surgencies across Myanmar underlined that sense of pragmatism, experts said. Until now, Suu Kyi had dismissed the ceasefire agreed last year as a pre-election stunt by outgoing President Thein Sein to win votes in ethnic areas.

"Today`s conference shows how the talks over the political transition and change of government in Myanmar are progressing unexpectedly quickly and smoothly as the parties learn to trust one another," said Yohei Sasakawa, a peace envoy for Japan who has been involved in the talks for the last three years.(Agencies)

Pak won't send troops to join Saudi-led military alliance

Aziz asserted that Pakistan was playing its role to diffuse tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia

Lahore, Jan. 13: Pakistan has decided to not send ground troops to Saudi Arabia as part of the 34-state Islamic military alliance led by Riyadh.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, on Tuesday said Pakistan will not send ground troops to Saudi Arabia or any other country.

Speaking to the National Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee at the Parliament House, Aziz said that matters between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have not been settled yet. However, he said that Pakistan will share intelligence with Saudi Arabia to counter terrorism. Aziz asserted that Pakistan was playing its role to diffuse tensions

between Iran and Saudi Arabia. "An emergency meeting of OIC foreign ministers has been summoned in Jeddah where Pakistan would present important proposals to reduce Iran-Saudi tensions," he said.

The announcement comes a day after Saudi Defence Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visited Pakistan and held meetings with army chief General Raheel Sharif and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Earlier, Pakistan had twice rejected calls by the United States for joining alliances against the militant Islamic State (IS) group on the same pretext. (ANI)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility Education in emergency situations One in four children in conflict zones are out of school Over 20 million children living in conflict-torn countries are out of school as per Unicef report .

The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) fears that unless education is provided to children living in emergency situations, a generation of children will grow up without the skills they need to contribute to their countries and economies. School equips children with the knowledge and skills they need to rebuild their communities once the conflict is over.

According to an analysis released by Unicef, the countries with the highest proportion of children out of school include South Sudan -- where 51% of primary and lower secondary aged children are not in school -- and Niger -- where 47% of children are out of school. Afghanistan and Sudan are among countries with 40% or more of children out of school.

Children living in countries affected by conflict have lost their homes, family members, friends, safety, and routine. Now, unable to learn even the basic reading and writing skills, they are at risk of losing their futures and missing out on the opportunity to contribute to their economies and societies when they reach adulthood. Also children who are not in school in conflict areas are at increased risk of recruitment into armed groups.

According to Unicef, security restrictions and funding shortfalls are affecting the provision of education and the distribution of learning materials in conflict situations. UNICEF fears that unless the provision of education in emergencies is prioritised, a generation of children living in conflict will grow up without the skills they need to contribute to their countries and economies, exacerbating the already desperate situation for millions of children and their families. Education continues to be one of the least funded sectors in humanitarian appeals. In Uganda, where UNICEF is providing services to South Sudanese refugees, education faces an 89% funding gap. School equips children with the knowledge and skills they need to rebuild their communities once the conflict is over, and in the short-term it provides them with the stability and structure required to cope with the trauma they have experienced. Schools can also protect children from the trauma and physical dangers around them. When children are not in school, they are at an increased danger of abuse, exploitation and recruitment into armed groups .

During episodes of instability and violence, schools become more than a place of learning. UNICEF is working to create safe environments where children can learn and play to restore normalcy to their lives.

And UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything. Together with their partner work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

NE Hydro Carbon Vision NRL supports Northeast Hydrocarbon Vision The total conventional prognosticated hydrocarbon resources in the North East is estimated to be of the order of 5,040 million metric tonne, out of which 2,224 MMT has been established so far. Moreover, the oil produced in the North East is not sufficient to run Assam's four refineries, leading the Centre to import crude from outside. During the last three years, oil production in the NE has decreased, however, gas production has increased. Northeast India accounts for 10% of India's total oil and gas production. Over the years the production of oil and gas in Assam has been declining due to various reasons.

Crude oil produced in the region is inadequate to meet the installed capacity of four refineries in the NE region with combined capacity of seven MMPTA. Imported crude oil is currently being brought to the region to partially enhance the pool of crude oil available for NE refineries and processed at Bongaigaon Refinery of IOCL. Till date, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited, Oil India Limited, private and joint ventures have conducted 70,843 Line Kilometres (LKMs) of Two-D seismic survey and 14,833 sq km of Three-D seismic survey. The Government of India has formulated a plan to conduct Two-D seismic survey in all sedimentary basins of India including the North East, where scanty data is available. In 2014-2015, crude oil and natural gas production from NE was about 4.542 MMT and 4,131 Million Metric Cubic Metre (MMSCM) respectively. In Assam, OIL produces 3.405 MMT of oil and 2,509 MMSCM of natural gas, while ONGC produces 1.061 MMT of oil and 449 MMSCM of gas. During the last five years, ONGC and OIL have made an expenditure of Rs 5,120 crore and Rs 6,117 crore on exploration in NE, respectively. The construction of product pipelines from Numaligarh to Siliguri in West Bengal, Numaligarh to Imphal in Manipur and then extended to Moreh in future via Dimapur in Nagaland, Numaligarh to Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh via Gohpur and 130-km Indo-Bangla Friendship Pipeline from Siliguri to Parbatipur in Bangladesh are some of important aspects of the draft proposal. In addition, private and JV companies have made an investment of USD 464.03 million. The Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) is committed to developing a common understanding in the region to achieve desired development as envisaged in the Centre's overall North East Hydrocarbon Vision 2030. Taking a step in this direction, NRL in association with the CII, organised an interactive Session on North East Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 last week as per the directive of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Pranjal Kumar Phukan "Leadership requires the courage to make decisions that will benefit the next generation." -Alan Autry In today's changing world, the concept of corporate social responsibility is high on the agenda. The term corporate social responsibility became popular in the 1960s. Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) is an ethical framework which suggests that an entity, be it an organization or individual, has an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large.

Types of Corporate Social Responsibility Many leaders are aware of their legal and economic responsibilities (earn a return for their stakeholders within the confines of the law) but may shirk the following because it may not seem as important. Here are 3 categories of social responsibility that leaders should place more emphasis on: Environment: Sadly exploitation and corruption exist within the domain of management responsibility.

Many leaders have been involved in the degradation of the earth's resources. Changes have been especially rapid in the

last 50 years due to the vast destruction of the forests and the increasing emission of destructive gases resulting in the depletion of the protective ozone layer. Environmental responsibility involves efforts to protect air, water, and land from any harmful effects. With a worldwide call to "Go Green" sustainable business practices consider not only the use of resources in production, but also the assurance that those resources can be replenished for future use.

Philanthropy: Philanthropic social responsibility is all about a company caring about the world in which it exists and striving to improve that world for future generations. It involves making an effort to benefit society. Corporate philanthropy ranges in size and scope, and can include everything from donating money to charities, supporting community volunteerism, sponsoring local events, establishing and funding educational programs, supporting a community's economic growth or funding worthy social causes. Businesses can also aid in the prevention of harmful activities by

supporting groups that advocate for ethical behaviors such as animal rights welfare, coalitions against domestic violence or child abuse, etc.

Ethical practices: Leaders want their companies to be profitable, but this should be done only within the confines of sound legal and ethical precepts. Ethical leaders function within both the letter and the "spirit' of the law. The financial crisis of 2007-08 revealed there is a higher need for ethical leaders and transparency in business processes. Employees locally or internationally should be treated fairly and paid equally. It also includes minimizing the use of child labor as well as refusing to do business with oppressive countries and engaging in fair trade practices. It also involves ethical marketing practices such as not trying to manipulate or falsely advertise to potential customers.

Ethical practices seeks to make sure that all stakeholders receive fair treatment.

Three steps to get socially involved: Pick a current issue. Declare a clear goal, and mobilize your resources. Make sure is something you easily sustain. Be accountable. You must implement your program strategically.

Just giving a donation is not enough. " Make your approach employee-centric.

Get employees involved.

Be a catalyst but let them champion it.. For example, schedule initiatives where

employees can work with the community as a group such as donating time at a local shelter, or volunteering for a cause that is important to your employees. " Incorporate social responsibility into your business model. CSR should be managed just as any other business activity, and thus it should be integrated into the daily operations. Make it part of your culture. Most importantly, it must be based on a genuine concern for people and the community.

Five Benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility 1. Brand Differentiation: Branding your business as 'socially responsible' differentiates you from your competitors.

2.Retention of staff: Socially responsible companies report increased employee commitment, performance and job 3. Customer loyalty: Customers are attracted to socially responsible compa-

nies and prefer to support a business that does well for the community.

4. Reduction in business costs: Environmental initiatives such as recycling and waste management can increase in-house efficiency and in so doing cut costs.

5.Personal and professional growth: It can help employees develop their leadership, project management and people skills.

A company's "social responsibility" quotient can make a difference to its bottom line. Corporate social responsibility is imperative as most customers consider how businesses deal with their environment. Undertaking socially responsible initiatives is truly a win-win situation.

It can reduce business risk, improve reputation, and drive market opportunities.

Great leaders don't only focus on the organization and their employees

but also the society as a whole. They look at the overall big picture. They are concerned about the future and how their decisions will impact it.

Leaders are responsible for fulfilling their civic duty; the actions of an individual must benefit the whole of society.

Will you fulfil your duty today? As Mahatma Gandhi so emphatically stated, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Excerpts from the Book: The Edge of Leadership: A Leader's Handbook for Success.

(Author is recipient of prestigious Peter F Drucker award for his outstanding contributions in the field of management from University of Swahili- A Fully accredited chartered Government University. He can be contacted at pranjal_xlri@yahoo.com)

The Decline of Independent Journalism in China Valuable journalism is fading in China as state-funded digital media grows.

Sarah Cook The year 2015 may have marked the end of an era in Chinese journalism.

Until recently, liberal, commercial print media engaged in aggressive and influential reporting that also formed part of a successful business model. The decline of this sector is due to a combination of tighter government controls, targeted prosecutions, and the kinds of financial pressures facing print media worldwide.

Although investigative journalists and commercial media have faced periodic reprisals for over a decade, and more pressure than usual since 2012, events in 2015 were decisive in reducing the space and influence these media outlets had tried to carve out for themselves in a politically restrictive and highly competitive market.

The Guangdong-based Southern Media Group has been hit especially hard. Last January, former Southern Weekly journalist Fang Kecheng lamented the failure of 2013 protests by report-

ers and others who sought to combat censorship at the paper, one of the country's most influential liberal news outlets and a pioneer of serious investigative journalism in China. Fang said censorship demands had mounted since the protests, and an exodus of experienced journalists to various internet start-ups ensued.

In April, authorities revoked the publishing permit for Money Week and shut down the website of the 21st Century Business Herald. Staffers from the two Southern Media Group outlets had been detained in 2014 under allegations of extortion. In August, Guangdong authorities published a report listing various new requirements that had been imposed on the company, including an increase in the percentage of CCP members among its employees.

In September, three of the group's papers ran glowing coverage of a military parade held in Beijing, one of the CCP's largest propaganda events of the year.

The final blow of 2015 came on Christmas Eve, when Shen Hao, the

former chairman of the company's 21st Century Media unit and a former Southern Weekly editor whose idealism and professionalism inspired a generation of journalism students, was sentenced to four years in prison on extortion charges that many colleagues believe to be fabricated. Amid the Southern Media Group's political tribulations and falling readership, what was once among the most successful commercial media companies in China has reportedly been forced to accept millions of dollars in government subsidies. "The case of the 21st Century group

showed that journalism has been annihilated in China," Cheng Yizhong, a prominent journalist who has served time in prison for his reporting, told the Washington Post. "The ruling party has won the war it started in 2003, completely."

Similar pressures have appeared at other commercial media outlets over the last two years, causing many to break up investigative reporting teams and even close down altogether. In a watershed moment in 2015, Wang Xiaolu, a reporter from Caijing, one of the country's most respected financial magazines, was arrested and paraded on

state television in August for an article that reported on the stock market around the time of one of the summer's precipitous sell-offs. Wang's case was widely seen as an attempt to scapegoat and intimidate financial reporters as the government attempted to prop up the market.

Adding to the shifting direction of news coverage in China, a number of new, state-subsidized digital media outlets are gaining readers and increasing the dominance of official narratives. The most prominent is the Paper, a web-based publication entirely funded by the government under the Shanghai United Media Group. As Tabitha Speelman outlined in a recent article, the Paper is China's first digital news organization to create a mobile application featuring its own content, which consists of an incongruous combination of social exposĂŠs that occasionally get censored, propaganda-like pieces, and arts and culture news. With this recipe, the Paper"has distinguished itself by successfully integrating into

the media diet of many young Chinese, most of whom would normally not follow or share state media's often stodgy coverage." Its success has reportedly prompted satisfied reactions from the State Internet Information Office and copycat online platforms in at least six other provinces or municipalities.

Taken together, these developments paint a disheartening picture for China watchers who saw publications like those at the Southern Media Group as proof that quality journalism could survive - and even thrive - in one of the world's most restrictive political environments.

A few journalistic stalwarts, like Hu Shuli's Caixin, carry on. But with the regime's thumb on the scale, the model of journalism that produced hardhitting, popular investigative reporting on topics like official corruption and tainted vaccines is increasingly losing out to a format whose most prominent feature is sunny headlines about government work and the daily activities of Xi Jinping. Courtesy: The Diplomat

Proverbial Chameleon or What? what is happening in netweenthe political leaders Sir, From the news telecast through the electronic me- of our state? dias, we viewed that Himanta Biswa Sarma and Yours etc.

Gourav Gogoi, both stalwarts of their respective parAshok Bordoloi ties, were having a closed-door conversation. NatuDibrugarh rally, it gives rise to a commotion in the Political Circle also among the rank and file. Many doubt that Himanta Biswa Sarma, like the proverbial Chameleon may do Best Letter something wonderful. Many people may raise their The best letter of the month in the Letter to the eye-brows. But in Politics uncertainty reigns supreme.

Editor section will be awarded an amount of One, particularly, lesser mortals like us find it tough Rs 200. So please keep writing. to feel the pulse of the politicians. Again, we feel that Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : some people are unnecessarily raising hue and cry The Eastern Today over the issue, trying to make a mountain of what is Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital not even a mole, as this conversation might be a part Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: of courtesy-call. Why at all should we bother about 0373-2328944 this non-issue by giving more taxation to our thinkWeb : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com ing? We the common people are least interested in

JOBS & career

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

Appointment in Assam Administrative Staff College Society, Khanapara, Guwahati (Assam) Applications are invited from eligible Indian nationals for filling up positions under the Assam Administrative Staff College Society in the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara.

Applications in plain paper indicating name, date of birth, present and permanent address, email ID and contact number(s), office address, present post held, educational qualifications with photo copies of certificates, experience and nature of work done with certificates may be addressed to "Director, Assam Administrative Staff College Society, Jawaharnagar, Khanapara, Guwahati-781022". In case of government employees, applications may be submitted through proper channel.

Candidates will have to appear before an interview board where original copies of all testimonials will have to be produced.

No TA and DA shall be paid for attending the interview. Candidates will be informed individually regarding the date and time of interview.

The term of post engagement will be initially for a period of one year renewable every year, Subject to satisfactory performance. Further, the engagement will be on the basis of terms and conditions prescribed by the Board of Management and Executive Committee of Assam Administrative Staff College Society.

The last date for submission of applications for each of the posts mentioned above isJanuary 25, 2016.

Sd/- Director Assam Administrative Staff College Society Khanapara, Guwahati-22

Vacancy of Assistant Professor at Rangapara College, Sonitpur (Assam) In persuance of DHE letter No. G (B) Ac/Permission/247/ 2015/426 Dt. 04.12.2015, applications along with testimonials from H.S.L.C. onward are invited from the candidates having UGC Norms with NET/SLET/SET Degree (as mandatory required qualifications) for the following vacant sanctioned posts of Assistant Professors at Rangapara College in the Pay Band + AGP Rs. 15,600-39,100 + AGP 6000/- with allowance as per rule.

Candidates who have obtained M.Phil degree on or before 1.07.2009 may also apply for the post excluding the candidate obtained M. Phil / Ph.D degree from off campus centre. Provided however, that candidates who are or have been awarded a Ph.D degree in accordance with the UGC (Minimum standards and procedure for award of Ph.D degree) Regulation, 2009 shall be exempted from the requirement of the minimum eligibility condition of NET / SLET / SET. The age of a candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01-01-2015 and relaxable up to 5 years for SC / ST candidates.

1. Assistant Professor, English 2 (Two) Posts i) 1 (One) Post Un-reserved ii) 1 (One) Post, Reserved for OBC/ MOBC Application with Bio-Data including contact number and all relevant testimonials from H.S.L.C. onwards along with a bank Draft of Rs. 1000/- (Rupees One thousand) only in favour of the Principal, Rangapara College payable at SBI, Rangapara Branch should reach Rangapara College, Rangapara within 10 days from publishing of this advertisement. The candidates must have a PermanentResidential Certificate (PRC) and must know local languages.

Candidates in service must apply through proper channel or submit NOC issued by concerned authority. No TA / DA is admissibleat the time of interview.

Page 9

Applications are invited for the posts of Asst. Professor at N.N. Saikia College, Titabar, Jorhat, Assam.

N.N. Saikia College Titabar Applications are invited from eligible candidates having UGC norms with NET/SLET/ SET (as mandatory requirement) Ph.D. (compliance with UGC regulation 2009) M.Phil degree obtained on or before 10.07.2009 (excluding candidates obtained M.Phil/Ph.D. degree from off Campus Centre) for the following sanctioned posts of Assistant Professors in the UGC scale of pay.

1. Assistant Professor- Assamese - 1 post, unreserved.

2. Assistant Professor - Chemistry-2 posts (a) Post reserved for OBC/MOBC (b) 1 post unreserved.

3. Assistant Professor- Geography - 2 posts (a) 1 post unreserved (b) 1 post reserved for ST(P).

The age of a candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01.01.2015 and relaxable upto 5 years for SC/ST candidates. The candidate must have a PRC and must know local languages. Application with bio-data and all relevant attested documents from HSLC onwards along with a Demand Draft of Rs. 1000/- (non- refundable) drawn in favour of the Principal, payable at UBI, Titabar Branch should reach the undersigned within 5 days from the date of publication of the advertisement. No TA or DA will be paid to the candidates.

Sd/- Principal, N.N. Saikia College, P.O. Titabar-785630 Dist. Jorhat, Assam.

Job posts vacant at Dimoria College, Khetri, Kamrup (Assam) Applications along with a demand draft of Rs.1000/- (one thousand) (non refundable) only drawn in favour of Principal In-Charge, Dimoria College, Khetri payable at Central Bank of India, Khetri Branch along with full bio- data supported by selfattested copies of certificates and mark sheets from HSLC onward and contact number are invited from the candidates having latest UGC norms in the regular UGC scale of pay and will be received by the undersigned within 5days from the date of publication of this advertisement for the fol lowing vacant sanctioned posts of Assistant Professors.

The candidates having Ph.D Degree in accordance with the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for award of Ph.D Degree) Regulation, 2009 shall be exempted f rom the requirement of NET/SLET/SET. Those who have obtained M.Phil Degree on or before 10/7/2009 may also apply for the post excluding the candidate obtain M.Phil/Ph.D Degree from the off campus centre.

(1) Assamese: 02 (Two) Posts: (i) 01(One) Post: (Unreserved), (ii) 01(one) Post: (Reserved for SC), (2) Political Science: 01 (One) Post : ( Reserved for ST(H)), (3) Geology: 01 (One) Post: (Unreserved), (4) Botany: 01 (One) Post: (Reserved for OBC/ MOBC) (5) Education: 02 (Two) Posts: (i) 01(One) Post: (reserved for ST (P)), (ii) 01(One) Post: (Reserved for SC), (6) Post: Anthropology: 01 (One) Post against FIP of UGC. The candidates should have a Permanent Residential Certificate and must know local languages.

The age of the candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01-01-2015and relaxable up to 5 years for SC/ST candidates. The OBC/ MOBC, SC and ST candidates must submit their relevant caste certificate from appropriate authorities. Those who are in service must apply through proper channel.

No TA/DA will be provided for appearing interview.

Sd/- Dr. Hem Ch. Deka Principal In-Charge Dimoria College, Khetri, Kamrup (Metro) PIN: 782403, Assam

Sd/- Principal i/c, Rangapara College PO:- Rangapara, PIN:- 784505 Dist:- Sonitpur (Assam)

Head Assistant Jobs in SDO, Bijni Office O/o Deputy Commissioner, Bongaigaon.

Last Date: 25/01/2016.

Applications are invited in Standard Form from eligible candidates for filling up of the following posts in the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (C), Bijni.

Name of Post: Head Assistant No of Post: 01 Pay: Rs.5200/- to Rs.20200/- + G.P. of Rs.3100/Educational Qualification: The applicant must have rendered at least 10 years of continuous service as Senior Assistant including Supervisory Assistant and gathered experiences of working in different branches of the Amalgamated Establishment of the Deputy Commissioners of the State of Assam.

Job posts vacant for PWD at LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur (Assam) LGB REGIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (Govt. of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) Post Box No. 15: FAX No. (03712) 233623 TEZPUR:: 784001 :: ASSAM No. LGB/Estt/PWD/1804/15/09 Dated 1st Jan'2016 SPECIAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR PWD (2nd Attempt) LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur invites applications in prescribed Format from the Persons With Disabilities (PWD) candidates for the post of (i) Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and (ii) Staff Nurse under Special Recruitment Drive.

Application Form and other details of Advertisement/conditions may be downloaded from the website www.Igbrimh.org. Duly completed application should reach to the Administrative Officer, LGBRIMH, Tezpur- 784001 on or before 21.01.2016. Candidates are advised to follow website for further modification if any from time to time. Candidates may submit application through e-mail at recruitment lgbrimh@gmail.com.

Interview/Selection test is likely to be held on 30.01.2016.

Director, LGBRIMH

The Eastern Today has taken an initiative to present Questions & Answers to help the aspirants in their competitive exams (SSC, Banks, Insurance, etc.).

1). Who is the chairman of the committee, which formed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development to frame the new Education Policy? a) Shailaja Chandra b) T S R Subramanian c) Sewaram Sharma d) Sudhir Mankad Answer: b) 2). Which among the following state has decided to setup bio-ethanol refinery to stop menace of straw burning? a) Punjab b) Gujarat c) Kerala d) Maharashtra Answer: a) 3).Headquarters of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is located at ________. a) Vienna, Austria b) New York, USA c) Rome, Italy d) Geneva, Switzerland Answer: d) 4). Which of the following Social Media has came forward to help BSNL to setup 100 WiFi hotspots in Rural India? a) Facebook b) Twitter c) Google+ d) Thumblr Answer: a) 5).Who is the winner of the women's doubles title of the prestigious $7 million WTA Finals which was held at Singapore Indoor Stadium? a) Casey Dellacqua and Yaroslava Shvedova b) Sania Mirza and Martina Hings c) Hao- Ching Chan and Yung-Jan Chan d) Muguruza and Suarez Navarro Answer: b) 6). Swami Vivekanandh

Airport is located at _________. a) Bhavnagar, Gujarat b) Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh c) Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh d) Raipur, Chhattisgarh Answer: d) 7).Which of the following countries has won the 2015 Rugby World Cup? a) Russia b) New Zealand c) Germany d) US Answer: b) 8).Who is Goodwill Ambassador of the SAARC HIV/AIDS Campaign? a) Arjun Kapoor b) Aamir Khan c) Anupam Kher d) Ajay Dengn Answer: d) 9). Saketh Myneni is related to which of the following sports? a) Tennis b) Badminton c) Hockey d) Squash Answer: a) 10).Who is known as the "Doyen of Indian prehistoric Archaeology"? a) Daya Ram Sahni b) Virendra Nath Misra c) Dlip Kumar Chakrabharti d) V D Krishnaswami Answer: b) 11).What is the position of India in World's Most Valuable Nation Brands Report announced by Brand Finance? a) 7th b) 5th c) 4th d) 8th Answer: a) 12).Which of the following state government has banned for fishing along its coast for 7 months up to till May 2016 to protect the

endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. a) Maharashtra b) West Bengal c) Gujarat d) Odisha Answer: d) 13).BrahMos Supersonic cruise missile was successfully test fired from ________. a) INS Joshi b) INS Kochi c) INS Virat d) INS Arjun Answer: b) 14).Reserve Bank of India has recently allowed subscribing for the National Pension System (NPS) for ___________. a) Freedom Fighters Living Aboard b) Rural Elderly People c) NRIs d) Descendents of freedom fighters Answer: c) 15).The European Parliament has gave status of whistle-blowers and human rights defenders to _________. a) Gilbert Waltz b) Edward Snowden c) Alexander Swarosky d) Edward Paul Answer: b) 16).Corbett National Park is located at _________. a) Uttar Pradesh b) Assam c) Uttarkhand d) Jharkhand Answer: c) 17).Who is the winner of the Mexican Grand Prix 2015? a) Nico Rosberg b) Valtteri Bottas c) Lewis Hamilton d) Sebastian Vettel Answer: a) 18).What is the currency of Netherland? a) Franc b) Pound c) Dollar

d) Euro Answer: d) 19).Headquarters of National Housing Bank is located at______. a) Hyderabad b) Kolkata c) Mumbai d) New Delhi Answer: d) 20). Who is Brijmohan Lall Munjal? a) Founder and Chairman of Hero Motocorp b) Founder and CEO of Bajaj Auto c) Founder and Chairman of Maruti d) Founder and CEO of Ashok Leyland Answer: a) 21). Recently India has signed two MoUs on New and Renewable Energy Sector and Cultural Exchange Programme with which of the following countries? a) Japan b) Indonesia c) Malaysia d) Myanmar Answer: b) 22). Who among the following has been appointed as the new Global Brand Ambassador of Tata Motors? a) Alessandro Del Piero b) Novak Djokovic c) Thomas Bach d) Lionel Messi Answer: d) 23).Name the programme which has won the first prize at the 2015 Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Prizes 2015? a) Nilkkam Ivarkkoppam b) Green Revolution c) Antyodaya Yojna d) Jawahar Rozgar Yojana Answer: a) 24). 11th National Tribal Crafts Mela Aadishilp was inaugurated by Union

Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram at __________. a) Pune b) Mumbai c) New Delhi d) Kolkata Answer: c) 25).Who has been appointed as the 2nd Commanding Officer (CO) of Indian Navy's new and formidable aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya? a) Captain M N Mulla b) Captain D K Joshi c) Captain Ramaksrihana d) Captain Krishna Swaminathan Answer: d) 26).Who has been appointed as the MD and CEO of Andhra Bank? a) Suresh N Patel b) Praveen Kumar Gupta c) P S Jayakumar d) Rakesh Sharma Answer: a) 27).Who has won the 2015 Swiss Indoors Basel Title of Tennis in Men's Single category? a) Rafael Nadal b) Roger Federer c) Andy Murray d) Novak Djokovic Answer: b) 28).Which of the following language became the 3rd most common language in the House of Commons of Canada? a) Marathi b) Hindi c) Punjabi d) Gujarati Answer: c) 29).Who is Colin Welland? a) British Actor b) Pop Singer c) US Politician d) Russian Dancer Answer: a) 30).Hasim Abdul Halin, former Speaker of the ________ State Assembly

has passed way recently. a) Maharashtra b) Madhya Pradesh c) Gujarat d) West Bengal Answer: d) 31).Recently, International Indigenous Terra Madre- 2015 is started at which place? a) Shillong, Meghalaya b) Mumbai, Maharashtra c) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh d) Surat, Gujarat Answer: a) 32).Which of the following country has recently hit by tropical Cyclone Chapala? a) Turkey b) Yemen c) Saudi Arabia d) Oman Answer: b) 33).Which of the following state cabinet has approved the A P J Abdul Kalam Amrut Yojna Scheme to provide one full hot cooked nutritious food to pregnant, lactating women in the tribal areas? a) Rajasthan b) Meghalaya c) Maharashtra d) Punjab Answer: c) 34).Who is Colin Welland? a) Russian Singer and Poet b) Irish Singer and Actor c) Russian Writer and Actor d) British Writer and Actor Answer: d) 35).Who has become the first female jockey to win Australian dollars Melbourne Cup? a) Cecily Eaton b) Nikita Berriman c) Michelle Payne d) Kayla Stra Answer: c) 36).Which scheme has won the Recognition of

Excellence award at ITU World Telecom 2015 held at Budapest, Hungary? a) Pradhanmantri Gram Sadak Yojana b) Indira Awaas Yojana c) Bharat Nirman d) GyanSetu Answer: d) 37).Name the Pakistani Cricketer who has recently announced his retirement from the Test Cricket? a) Shoaib Malik b) Younus Khan c) Imran Khan d) Umar Gul Answer: a) 38).Garo hill region is located at which of the following state? a) Arunachal Pradesh b) Meghalaya c) Assam d) Himachal Pradesh Answer: b) 39).Which is the largest spoken Indian Language in United States, according to the United States (US) Census Bureau? a) Marathi b) Punjabi c) Hindi d) Gujarati Answer: c)

40).Modi Gold Cup is related to which of the following sports? a) Boxing b) Hockey c) Kabbadi d) Table Tennis Answer: b) 41). What is the India's Rank on a Global Index to that measures the level of information and communication technology access? a) 111 b) 131 c) 121 d) 101 Answer: b) 42). Who has been appointed as the new president of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI)? a) Sam Pitroda b) Deepak Gupta c) Mahesh Gupta d) P L Punia Answer: c) 43). Which of the following country has recently imposed economic sanctions against Turkey? a) Russia b) Germany c) USA d) China Answer: a)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

BUSINESS

Retail inflation in December rises to 5.61% New Delhi, Jan 13: Rising for the fifth straight month, retail inflation or CPI quickened to 5.61 percent in December, mainly on costlier vegetables and cereals, limiting the headroom for the Reserve Bank to lower rate next month. Food inflation too rose to 6.40 percent during the month, government data released recently showed. Retail inflation measured by the consumer price index (CPI) was at 5.41 percent in November 2015 and 4.28 percent in December 2014. Retail prices of cereals and products moved up by 2.12 percent in December, from 1.7 percent in November. The growth in prices in meat and fish

stood out at 6.57 percent as against 5.34 percent in November while that of eggs was at 0.97 percent, from 0.5 percent in the previous month. The prices of protein-rich items such as meat, fish and eggs generally go up during the winter as demand spikes. However, seasonal fruits turned cheaper in December, with inflation print at 0.64 percent although vegetables prices grew 4.63 percent.

Pulses continue to pose a big challenge for policymakers as the rate of price growth stood at 45.92 percent, only marginally down from 46.08 percent in November. Retail inflation in the oil and fats category

India Inc biz registers rise after 4 quarters of fall New Delhi, Jan 13: After a four-quarter slide, India Inc's business optimism registered an increase for the first quarter of this year, largely driven by GDP growth, easing FDI normsand RBI rate cuts, says a Dun & Bradstreet report. The Business Optimism Index (BOI), which measures the pulse of the business community, improved to 85.9 for the JanuaryMarch 2016 quarter, registering a rise of 2.5 per cent compared with first quarter last year. "After a four-quarter slide, the D&B Composite Business Optimism Index for Q1 2016 provides tentative evidence that the recovery should slowly resume," Dun & Bradstreet India Senior Economist Arun Singh said. Optimism level for net profits, selling prices and level of employees saw an increase of 1 percentage points, while optimism for new orders rose by 4 percentage points. "The acceleration in GDP growth, easing of FDI norms and rate cuts by the RBI could be partly responsible for the improvement in confidence level of corporate India in the recent period," Singh said. The increase

in government spending has clearly raised hopes of a government investment-led recovery. "A number of stalled projects have been debottlenecked and fasttracked while hopes of a recovery in demand conditions have gathered strength particularly owing to Seventh Central Pay Commission payouts next fiscal," Singh added.

He further noted for business confidence to get a sharp boost from here on, the government should "shift up several gears from the slow dripfeed of reforms to targeted measures" that are aimed at encouraging investment and correcting structural deficiencies in the economy. "Going forward, the measures announced in the Budget will also play a crucial role in shaping business sentiment," he added. For calculating the composite BOI, each of the six parameters -- net sales, net profits, selling prices, new orders, inventories and employee levels -- is assigned a weight. The parameter weights are then applied to these ratios and the results aggregated to arrive at the Composite Business Optimism Index. (Agencies)

Dun & Bradstreet India Senior Economist, Arun Singh.Source: www.moneycontrol.com

moved up to 7.06 percent while that of fuel and light, it was 5.45 percent. "We are not surprised as this is a very sticky consumer inflation, but is well within the RBI target of 6 percent.

Once the base effect comes into play, I see a downward trend in CPI and a very strong case for interest rates coming down," Yes Bank CEO and MD Rana Kapoor told reporters here.

The Reserve Bank keeps track of retail inflation to decide on its bi-monthly monetary policy. The next meet is due on February 2.

The apex bank has been targeting 6 percent inflation target by January 2016.

(Agencies)

RISING INFLATION Rising for the fifth straight month, retail inflation or CPI quickened to 5.61 percent in December, mainly on costlier vegetables and cereals, limiting the headroom for the Reserve Bank to lower rate next month.

Food inflation too rose to 6.40 percent during the month, government data released showed.

Retail inflation measured by the consumer price index (CPI) was at 5.41 percent in November 2015 and 4.28 percent in December 2014.

Assocham Secretary General, D S Rawat.

Source: bolrealty.com ment showed negative growth during November 2015 compared to the corresponding month of the previous year. Capital goods output, which is a barometer of investment, contracted by 24.4 percent in November 2015 compared to a growth of 7 percent in same month of previous year. The electricity sector, which constitutes about 10 percent of the index, also showed dismal performance as it grew by meagre 0.7 percent in November 2015 compared to 10 percent growth in same

The prices of proteinrich items such as meat, fish and eggs generally go up during the winter as demand spikes. However, seasonal fruits turned cheaper in December, with inflation print at 0.64 percent although vegetables prices grew 4.63 percent.

month a year ago. The mining sector output grew by 2.3 percent in November 2015 against 4 percent growth in the same month a year ago. Overall consumer goods production grew at 1.3 percent in November 2015 against contraction of 1.6 percent in same month of 2014. Production of consumer durables goods grew by 12.5 percent in November 2015 as against a contraction of 14.5 percent in the same month a year ago.

Consumer non-durable goods' output declined 4.7 percent in November 2015 compared to 7 percent growth in same month a year ago. "The negative growth of General Index further worsens the prevailing levels of demandsupply imbalances in the country. The significant shrinkage in the production of capital goods and consumer non-durables shows that industrial revival is going to be one of the major challenges in

The bank has already announced plans to lower its stake in insurance ventures -- SBI Life Insurance and SBI General. In its life insurance venture, SBI proposes to sell up to 10 percent stake, while it may be about 23 percent in case of its general insurance company.

Bhattacharya said that individual banks are examining various ways through which they can raise the capital. "One thing I would like you to be assured about is that there is a lot of thought going (into it) and the banks will be capitalised enough in order to have good capital to support the economy," she added. She emphasised that meeting Basel III requirement is going to be a challenge. "It is a challenge because India is basically capital starved. On

top of that, you need capital to grow. And to compound all of this, you (have) regulatory requirements on keeping capital at higher level than Basel," she said.

This is a challenge that all banks have to face and they are in a position to base the kind of capital that the regulator would like them to have, she added. Stating that India does not require such stringent capital norms, she said: "Basel template as it was created was really and truly not meant for a country like India which has plain vanilla banking. West, they have the investment led model.

They have got many, many complicated products."

Basel norms basically provide risk templates for banks and amount of capital it is required to keep

First ever SUV Coupe unveiled by Merc Pune, Jan 13: Luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz India has begun the year 2016 with the introduction of GLE 450 AMG Coupe, its first ever SUV Coupe in India to enhance its product offering. The car is priced at Rs 86.4 lakh ex-show room Mumbai. "We are glad to kick-start 2016 by introducing a thrilling and powerful product from our global portfolio. The GLE 450 AMG Coupe is a valuable addition to our versatile SUV portfolio in India," said Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. "This one of the kind performance SUV is sure to delight the customers with its raw power output level, exhaust system, a sleek design with multifarious features and an active sports light system," he added. The vehicle will be imported from Germany as a Completely

Built Unit (CBU) and will be sold in India. To power its wheels the car is fitted with an AMG enhanced 3-litre V6 bi-turbo engine producing 270 kW (367hp) and a torque of 520 Nm. It has very high acceleration and takes just 5.7 seconds to reach 100

Pulses continue to pose a big challenge for policymakers as the rate of price growth stood at 45.92 percent, only marginally down from 46.08 percent in November. Retail inflation in the oil and fats category moved up to 7.06 percent while that of fuel and light, it was 5.45 percent.

days to come," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said. PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Mahesh Gupta said, "Going ahead, efforts should be taken to enhance disposable income of households vis-a-vis simplification of taxation system and enhanced tax incentives to individuals and reduction in the interest rate scenario." In the AprilNovember period, the industrial production grew at 3.9 percent against 2.5 percent growth in the same period of previous year. The mining output grew at 2.1 percent compared to 2.5 percent growth in the corresponding period in 201415. Overall consumer goods production grew by 4.1 percent compared a contraction of 5.7 percent. During April-November the consumer durables growth works out to be 11.9 percent compared to a decline of 15.9 percent in the eight months period in 2014.

(Agencies)

Non-core assets to be monetised by SBI, list few units over 3 years Kolkata, Jan 13: SBI said it is planning to monetise non-core assets and list some of its subsidiaries for meeting capital needs as well as global risk norms, Basel III, which will kick in from March 2019. Public sector banks need Rs 1.80 lakh crore to meet Basel III norms, while the government will provide only Rs 70,000 crore, SBI chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya said, adding that the rest will have to be borne by banks through profits and non-core assets.

"For instance, for us, we have a number of non-core assets which we are looking at monetising. We also have very successful subsidiaries which we have not listed. So, we can look at those as well," she said at an Assocham event here.

km per hour speed from 0.

The vehicle to be available in five colours and comes with a parking package with 360-degree camera including active parking assist. It is targeted at high networth individuals and those loving the thrill of driving and

the comforts of a sedan as well the brute force of a four wheel drive. During the year the company said it would introduce 12 new products or variants of existing models in India to maintain its market leadership position and have an edge over its

FIRST EVER LUXURY CAR Ø Luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz India has begun the year 2016 with the introduction of GLE 450 AMG Coupe, its first ever SUV Coupe in India to enhance its product offering. The car is priced at Rs 86.4 lakh ex-show room Mumbai. ØThe GLE 450 AMG Coupe is a valuable addition to our versatile SUV portfolio in India. Ø The vehicle will be imported from Germany as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and will be sold in India. Ø To power its wheels the car is fitted with an AMG enhanced 3-litre V6 bi-turbo engine producing 270 kW (367hp) and a torque of 520 Nm. It has very high acceleration and takes just 5.7 seconds to reach 100 km per hour speed from 0. Ø The vehicle to be available in five colours and comes with a parking package with 360degree camera including active parking assist. It is targeted at high networth individuals and those loving the thrill of driving and the comforts of a sedan as well the brute force of a four wheel drive.

30% rise in IndusInd Bank Q3 profit

The growth in prices in meat and fish stood out at 6.57 percent as against 5.34 percent in November while that of eggs was at 0.97 percent, from 0.5 percent in the previous month.

IIP growth plunges to over 4-year low at (-) 3.2% in November New Delhi, Jan 13: Dashing hopes of recovery, industrial production contracted by 3.2 percent in November -- the lowest level in over four years -due to poor performance of manufacturing sector and a sharp decline in capital goods output. The Index of Industrial Production (IPP) measuring factory output, grew at 5.2 percent in November, 2014, as per the data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

This is the worst performance since October 2011 when IIP had contracted by 4.7 percent. The industrial production growth in October was slightly revised upwards to 9.9 percent from provisional estimates of 9.8 percent released last month. The manufacturing sector, which constitutes over 75 percent of the index, contracted by 4.4 percent as against a growth of 4.7 percent in the same month last year. Seventeen out of 22 industry groups in the manufacturing seg-

PAGE 10

competitors mainly Audi and BMW. "With this launch, we are committed to bring more such exciting products this year redefining luxurious mobility to our existing customer base," Mr Folger said. In 2015, the company had unveiled 15 new products and had opened 15 new dealerships cum service outlets. This year the company will open 10 new outlets and will make additional capital investment at its manufacturing unit in Pune towards mid 2016, a top company official said. The company closed the calendar year 2015 by selling 13,502 units, its highest ever sales in India and a growth of 32 per cent as compared to the previous year thus making it the number one luxury car maker in India. Audi was number two with sales of 11,192 deliveries in 2015. (Agencies)

against lending. On interest rate, Bhattacharya said, since banks play a part in providing social security, they cannot provide negative rate of return to savers. In a developing economy, inflation is slightly high so that banks have to provide slightly higher returns over inflation so that savers earn some positive return, she said. If the cost of borrowing for banks comes down, the lending rate can be lowered, she added. Ruling out that net interest margins of Indian banks are high, Bhattacharya said this is not a fact and the spread in India is quite reasonable. "Spreads are not higher in India. It is similar or lower than other countries," she added.

(Agencies)

Image for represntational puropose

Nagpur, Jan 13: Private sector lender IndusInd Bank posted 30 percent increase in net profit to Rs 581.02 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2015-16. The bank had recorded net profit of Rs 447.19 crore in the October-December quarter last fiscal, IndusInd Bank said in a statement.

The total income of the lender also increased to Rs 3,766.7 crore during the quarter under review, as

against Rs 3,085.9 crore over the corresponding period of 2014-15. During the third quarter of the current fiscal, the gross Non-performing Assets (NPAs) of IndusInd Bank decreased to 0.82 percent of the total advances, from 1.05 percent at the end of third quarter of 2014-15. However, net NPAs of the bank rose to 0.33 percent from 0.32 percent of the total assets.

(Agencies)

Discount offered by Jet Airways on its Amsterdam flights Amsterdam, Jan 13: Jet Airways today said it would offer special discounted fares for Amsterdam, which is set to become the private carrier's new European Gateway from March, for a limited period. Under the five-day offer, which can be availed till January 15, Jet Airways has cut ticket prices by up to 16 percent for both Premier and Economy class passengers travelling to Amsterdam from New Delhi and Mumbai, according to a statement. The airline has already announced commencement of two daily non-stop flights, one each from its domestic hubs --Mumbai and New Delhi -- to the Dutch capital from March 27. Besides, it will also operate a daily flight from Toronto in Canada to Amsterdam. "We have received an overwhelming response to our new routes to and from Amsterdam since announcing them last month. The inaugural offer acknowledges the support from our guests, providing them with greater value when travelling to our new European gateway," Jet Airways senior vice president (commercial) Gaurang Shetty said. From Amsterdam, Jet Airways will be able to provide its passengers with one stop access to a wider array of destinations across Europe and North America with its partners, he said. The airline had last month also announced codesharing pacts with KLM and Delta Air Lines along with its decision to shift the European Gateway to the Dutch capital from Brussels. Code-sharing of flights allows an air-

Jet Airways senior vice president (commercial), Gaurang Shetty.Source: tourismbreakingnews.com

line to book passengers on its partner carriers and provide seamless transport to multiple destinations where it has no presence.

Under the inaugural offer, passengers travelling from Mumbai to Amsterdam in Economy class can book all-inclusive return tickets for Rs 33,734 while those travelling in Premiere (business) class can avail an allinclusive return ticket for Rs 1,47,071, it said. The fares for the same from New Delhi will be Rs 37,211 (Economy) and Rs 1,12,480 (Premier), the airline said.

Special fares are also available for travel from Amsterdam to India, it said. Jet Airways passengers from Canada can also avail the offered fares while they book on the airline's new service between Toronto and Amsterdam, it said. Similarly, private carrier has also extended the offer to guests travelling to Amsterdam on the airline's network from ASEAN and SAARC countries via Mumbai and Delhi. The codeshare pact with the two global airline, which when approved by the government, would provide seamless air connectivity to Jet Airways passengers to as many as 41European and American cities from India.

(Agencies)

New business plan by sterling generators Mumbai, Jan 13: Sterling Generators - A Shapoorji Pallonji Group which is one of the largest manufacturer of DG Sets in Asia recently announces its plans to expand its sales network across India in order to take its product closer to its customer base particularly in the tier 2 and 3 cities. Currently Sterling Generators has more than 60 dealers across India and plans to spread out to more cities increasing its dealer network to 120 by this year.

Looking at the increasing demand of DG Sets in the tier 2 and 3 cities, Sterling Generators has embarked on building a strong dealership network offering the complete range of Sterling DG sets from 10kva up to 3000kva in these cities. Sterling Generators is known to have provided its customers with the most Fuel Efficient and Emission opti-

mized CPCB II compliant DG sets that comply with the new Environmental norms and meet International Emission Standards.

Their Premium Design and Specifications provide an Economic solution that is reliable and durable. With a spread of factory trained Service engineers, Sterling Generators aims to provide best in class After Sales Service to its customer throughout the country through its well established Dealer Network. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Sanjay Jadhav, President, Sterling and Wilson Powergen Pvt Ltd said, "The Sterling Generators family is looking forward to a stronger dealer network to reach out to more people with our products and services while continuing to serve our loyal customers. Keeping in mind the increasing demand for fuel efficient and silent DG

sets, we are planning to expand our dealership network extensively across the country." Sterling Generators is managed by a group of best minds in the Industry who bring in a Solutions-Oriented approach and the latest in Technology to their customers and are backed by a state-of-the art manufacturing facility at Silvassa. Sterling Generators enjoys the trust and excellent relationships with their customers, operating in India through four Regional Hubs and 17 Branch offices and have opened offices in Dubai, Nigeria and Australia as they foray into the Exports market, which will be the focus area for the company in near future. It has a Pan India Network of trained Service Engineers across the country who are responsible for providing un-interrupted power to their customers and are available 24*7.

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

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Dibrugarh Cricket coaching emerges champion Saikia scored 14.

Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 13: Dibrugarh Cricket For Phoenix Cricket Coaching Centre (A) Coaching Club, Promoth defeated Phoenix cricket Dutta and Titikhyu Neog coaching club, Sivadagar took three wickets each by 68 runs in the final of conceding 25 and 26 runs the Simang Arnold respectively.

Phulari Invitation (underIn reply, 1 5 ) Cricket Under-15 Cricket P h o e n i x Cricket To u r nament, organised by Coaching Club were all Dibrugarh City Cricket out for a paltry 87 in 28.4 Coaching Centre, at overs. Minhaz Ahmed Dibrugarh District Sports scored 17 off 32 balls with Association stadium two boundaries and Jarzoo here today. Altogether, Mili contributed 10 off 9 eight teams participated balls with two boundaries. in the tournament.

For Dibrugarh Cricket Centre, Opting to bat, Dibrugarh Coaching Cricket Coaching centre, Mrintinjoy Yadav picked A scored 155 in 35 overs up three for 10 in 7 overs. before being all out. Radhid Afradi and Priyanshu Mech scored Upamaniyo Saikia took 36 off 45 balls, hitting five two wickets each by givboundaries. Ankush ing away 9 and 17 runs Mazumdar contributed 17 respectively. off 34 balls with one boundary. Upamaniyo Ankush Mazumdar of

Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching Centre (A) with the Winning trophy in Dibrugarh.

Pic- ET photo

Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching centre (A) was adjudged best batsman and Priyanshu Mech was given man of the match.

On the other hand, Nishant Singhania of

Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching Centre was given most promising player of the tournament.

Every year Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching orga-

nized the tournament in memory of young budding cricketer Simang Arnold Phulari who died a premature death in 2009. Phulari also led the under-15 Dibrugarh district team.

Riaz warns Kiwis to be wary of Pak's pace attack ANI Wellington, Jan.13 : Pakistan fast bowler Wahab Riaz has warned New Zealand to be wary of his side in the upcoming series as they have got more variety and experience in their pace attack.

"We will pose a tougher challenge to New Zealand than Sri Lanka did because we have more variety and experience in our pace attack," the 30-year-old was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. Riaz said that although the hosts have been playing really well these days it would not be easy for them to score runs against Pakistan. "It seems like cricket is very easy these days for the New Zealand batsmen.

They've been hitting

Wahab Riaz balls really well. It's going to be a different challenge because we have much more good bowlers than Sri Lanka. They lacked experience, but we have experience and some quality bowlers as well," he said. According to Riaz, the upcoming series against the Kiwis

would also provide perfect preparation for the World T20 and would also help in boosting the side's confidence. Pakistan will play a threematch T20 series and three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting from Friday in Auckland.

FIFA fires Secretary Mirza-Hingis win 28th Waveriders' bank consecutive match, equal on new additions General Valcke in HIL 2016 22-year-old record

AGENCIES Zurich, Jan 13: FIFA said on Wednesday it had fired Secretary General Jerome Valcke amid alleged corruption involving World Cup ticket sales, one of many scandals surrounding soccer's governing body.

"The FIFA Emergency Committee decided, on 9 January 2016, to dismiss Jerome Valcke from the position of FIFA Secretary General with immediate effect," Zurichbased FIFA said in a statement without giving a reason for the dismissal.

Valcke was once one of the most powerful men in FIFA and responsible for ensuring that preparations

for the last two World Cups, in South Africa and Brazil, were completed in time.

An ethics investigation into the case recommended a nine-year ban for the Frenchman, former right-hand man to FIFA President Sepp Blatter who himself has been banned for eight years.

Last week FIFA's ethics judges announced they had opened formal proceedings against Valcke, who has denied wrongdoing in the past.

Valcke was placed on leave by FIFA in September following the allegations and initially sus-

AGENCIES New Delhi, Jan 13: Hockey India League(HIL) franchise Delhi Waveriders are all set to kickstart the 2016 season with a fresh-look squad, which boasts of a mixture of youth and experience.

The team which managed to beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards last year in a third place playoff has made some crucial buys for the fourth and upcoming edition of the league.

The team under the guidance of head coach

Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis

AGENCIES Sydney, Jan 13: The tennis doubles duo of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis won their 28th consecutive match at the Apia International in Sydney on Wednesday, equaling a record set by Gigi Fernandez and Natasha Zvereva in 1994.

The Indian-Swiss pair have been in sizzling form since they joined forces in 2015, winning nine titles, including the Wimbledon and the US Open. They won the last tournament of the year at the WTA Tour Finals, and started 2016 with another tournament win, taking the Brisbane Inter-

national. Experts expect that they will be eyeing a clean sweep of all the Grand Slams this year.

New Delhi, Jan 13: Disappointed at being ignored for five years, veteran India pacer Ashish Nehra said it is absolutely imperative for him to perform well in the upcoming Twenty20 series in Australia to have any shot at selection for the World Twenty20.

back of an impressive IPL season, where he finished fourth on the wicket takers list with 22 scalps from 16 games.

in India. Whatever is gone is gone, I am just looking forward and hopefully everything will go my way," he said.

"I was surprised when they were not picking me for the last 2-3 years to be honest. Better late than never, hopefully I can do well, I am just working hard," Nehra, who has 157 wickets to his kitty from 120 ODIs and 13 scalps from eight T20 Internationals, told ESPNCricinfo.

The injury-prone Delhi pacer admitted that it was difficult at times to motivate himself when he was in the wilderness but he somehow kept himself fit with regular practice. "I have always worked hard to play international cricket.

For their 28th win consecutive win together, Mirza and Hingis easily swept aside the Chinese pair of Chen Liang and Shuai Peng, winning 6-2, 6-3 in straight sets.

No India-Pakistan series scheduled for 2016: BCCI World T20 in mind, Nehra secretary Anurag Thakur wants to do well in Australia PTI New Delhi: BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur today ruled out the possibility of an Indo-Pak bilateral series stating that no such series is scheduled in Futures Tours & Programme (FTP) calender.

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"In the FTP, we had a series planned in 2015 but there is no series planned in 2016 against Pakistan. India will be playing against them in Asia Cup and the World T20 since they are multinational tournaments.

And India has been playing them for many years," Thakur told the media.

After the limited-overs series proposed to be held last month did not come through, Pakistan Cricket Board had expressed hope that a bilateral series could happen this year, may

Anurag Thakur be in the United Kingdom.

Last year, a high-profile proposed bilateral series between India-Pakistan was expected to take place in the month of December. But it eventually failed to materialise as both the governments couldn't manage to come on the same page.

The planned series had remained in limbo for a

long time with little progress made in the last couple of months.

Thakur had last month said it would be difficult to arrange the series, given the short window ahead of India's limited-overs tour of Australia, which began today with the first ODI in Perth.

The 37-year-old last played for India in the semifinal of the victorious 2011 World Cup campaign against Pakistan.

After missing the final due to a finger injury, he was overlooked for nearly five years before being recalled for the three-match T20 series against Australia starting January 26 in Adelaide.

"If I go to Australia and play the World T20 (in India in March-April) and deliver, people will say 'Oh he should have been there earlier. If I don't people will say it was He made the return to right that they didn't pick the Indian team on the him!' That's how it works

Once you have been there, you know how much pleasure you get playing for India. There were times when it was very difficult for me to motivate myself, despite not being picked, to go to the gym or ground and train. It was difficult," Nehra said.

Cedric D' Souza, will look forward to an impressive season this year, acquiring a good set of Indian and overseas players.

The major Indian retentions which has been made by the Delhi team include star forward Yuvraj Walmiki who has been making a mark for himself. Yuvraj, who spent some time last year away from the game will be looking forward to make the league his pavement to make an entry back into the national team.

Guatemalan Official Arrested in FIFA Probe AGENCIES Guatemala: Police in Guatemala captured the former head of the country's football federation Brayan Jimenez, wanted by the United States in the FIFA bribery scandal, an official said.

rant for his extradition.

tained in an apartment in a posh suburb of Guatemala City yesterday, the head of the national civil police force Nery Ramos told reporters.

fraud, racketeering and money laundering.

Another Guatemalan, the federation's former secretary general Hector Trujillo, 62, was arrested in Florida last month. He was freed on bail last week.

The Guatemalan courts must now decide whether to extradite Jimenez.

The scandal over allegations of multimillion-dollar bribes has led to the suspension of numerous other top officials including Sepp Blatter, longtime president of FIFA.

He was one of 16 Latin American football officials indicted by US authorities.

They are suspected of taking bribes to grant marketing rights for major FIFA fixtures, violatJimenez, 61, was de- ing US laws on wire

As well as being president of the Guatemalan soccer federation, Jimenez was a member of the FIFA committee for fair play and social responsibility.

Ramos said Jimenez "was in a bad physical state" having been on the run since December 3 when US courts issued a war-

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Jerome Valcke

pended for 90 days in October when the ethics committee started its investigation. That suspension was extended for another 45 days last week and a ban from all soccer activities remains in effect.

The secretary general's duties will continue to be carried out by Acting Secretary General Markus Kattner, FIFA said.

Valcke has now been sacked twice by FIFA. He joined the organisation in 2003 as marketing director but was fired in December 2006 for his part in botched sponsorship negotiations with credit card firms MasterCard Inc and Visa Inc. His case has been overshadowed by the turmoil which has engulfed FIFA in the last year, with criminal investigations into the sport in both the United States and Switzerland.

Altogether, 41 people and sports entities, including top FIFA officials, have been indicted by U.S. prosecutors for offences including corruption, fraud and money laundering.

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

ET SPECIAL COVERAGE

PAGE 12

Parashuram Kund Mela

File picture of Pilgrims taking the holy dip at the Kund and (above) a majestic view of the Lohit river.

Like most pilgrim centres sage Parsurama washed in other parts of India, Parashuram Kund in Arunachal Pradesh, situated on the Brahmaputra plateau in the lower reaches of the north of Tezu in Lohit District, has been a source of spiritual inspiration of a multitude of devotees since time immemorial. This place carries a strong mythological link with the legend of Parsurama, a Hindu sage.

According to the legend,

away his sin of matricide in the waters of the Lohit river at Bramhakund. Each year thousands of pilgrims from all over the country congregate on Makar Sankranti day, to wash away their sins. A fair (mela) is held during this period.

Parashuram Kund Mela is an annual religious fair which is celebrated near Parshuram Kund, which is based at a distance of

nearly 3 miles from the north-eastern portion of Tezu, which is the district headquarters of the district of Lohit. On Paush sankranti, a Parashuram Mela is held near this place in the month of January every year, which is attended by innumerable saints and devotees from across the nation, despite the severe cold.

Parashuram Kund , nestled in the lower reaches of Lohit River in Lohit district

of Arunachal Pradesh has been regarded as holy place for Hindu devotees.

Every year in the month of January, the devotees or Pilgrims from abroad and country thronged to the Kund to take a holy dip in the river, and has its own importance. The legendary butchering of his mother's head by Parashuram and eventual penance followed by taking a bath in the so called Brahma Kund, has added religious significance to this naturally beautiful Parashuram Kund.

The legendary story of Parashuram Kund also finds its mention in many puranic texts in different ways. However, it is believed that Parashuram was born to saint Jamadagni and Renuka in Treta yug. One day, Renuka, after her bath in Ganga was on her way back to the Ashram when she saw the Gandhrava King Chitraratha playing with the celestial nymphs.

She felt drawn to the king Chitraratha and lost the track of time. When she returned with wet clothes, frightened and absent minded, it was already time for the mid-day worship in the Ashram.

Jamadagni, who was worried over the delay of her returning from her bath, could perceive why she was late. Jamdagani then became so much furious

for this unusual conduct of Renuka that he lost his self-control. He asked his father's cruel mandate as a dutiful son. He came forward and killed his mother, as he was fully aware of his father's power of Tapasya.

He even killed his brothers because they did not carry out their father's command. Here at this Kund, the legendary sage Parashuram gets atoned from his sin of matricide. Thus, it is believed that if a person takes a dip in the Kund once, his sins would be wiped out forever. The inflow of pilgrims in large number shows their faith in this holy place which is the main driving spirit in making them travel so long and to face many odds and inconveniences.

The continuous flow of pilgrims over thousands of devotees including hundreds of Sadhus from across the country take a holy dip in Parashuram Kund, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti is a pleasantry site. On Paush Sankranti, the Parashuram Mela is attended by innumerable saints and devotees from across the nation, despite the severe cold. Most of the pilgrims come from Nepal, Manipur, and various parts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. In order to encourage the pilgrimage,

Convergence of pilgrims at the Kund for the holy dip.

Another view of the Lohit river during the Parshuram Kund mela. the Government of Arunachal Pradesh arranges for all sorts of assistance. Makar Sankranti commences during midnight, during which occasion, the pilgrims start bathing in the waters of the Parashuram Kund. Saints belonging to various sects arrive at this place to offer their prayers during this

mela and stay near the Kund for two nights, singing some devotional songs.

This fair is arranged on the banks of Lohit River. Despite the absence of decent accommodation, the devotees and 'sadhus' or saints assembled here spend the two nights around the Kund.

On the Mela site food are

provided to the pilgrims and free medical camp is also organized by ITBP, District Medical Authorities.

Round the clock, volunteers help the old and aged pilgrims and to control the crowd. The District police authorities make elaborate security arrangements and deploy adequate Police and Para Military Forces.

TEZU BAZAAR COMMITTEE

Lohit District Administration

Welcomes

Welcomes all pilgrims, tourists & visitors on the occation of

all Pilgrims and visitors to

Parshuram Kund Mela-2016

Parshuram Kund Mela-2016

Welcomes all Pilgrims and visitors to

Parshuram Kund Mela 2016

Dr. Mahesh Chai Hon’ble MLA Tezu

Deputy Commissioner Lohit

Printed, Published and Owned by NIKH KHOPI and Printed at PEE GEE(India) Ltd., C/O Asomiya Khabar Pulibor, Jorhat-785006 and Published from T.C Borah Building, 1st Floor, Next to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee Dibrugarh-786001, Assam. Email: editor.easterntoday@gmail.com. For advertisement: advt.easterntoday@gmail.com

Editorial Adviser: Subir Bhaumik

Editor: Ripunjoy Das

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Tele : Dibrugarh, 0373-2328944, for circulation contact: 8471896580, Telephone & Fax: 0373-2328944.

Dibrugarh, Thursday, January 14, 2016

Bihu is the most important festival of the Assamese people that is observed by all, irrespective of class and caste. With the passage of time, this festival has been adjusting itself at different ages, taking into consideration the changed situation of a particular age.

Bihu is mainly a culture of the masses, secular in concept and it is intimately connected with agriculture. The Eastern Today wishes its readers a very Happy Magh Bihu.

Imploration

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B

ihu is the most auspi cious festival that is cel ebrated in the state of Assam with pomp and show. It is celebrated not once, but thrice a year, albeit each time it signifies something unique to the people of Assam. Bhogali or Magh Bihu

means, it is a time for new beginnings and for the celebration of life through feasting and merry making. Bihu marks the end of harvesting period and granaries at this time are full. There is lot of feasting and eating during this Bihu. On the eve of the Bhogali

Bihu day, it is called the Uruka.

This grand feast known as Bhog is held on the night of the first day of the festival in Uruka night.

So this, Magh Bihu let us all hope that in the burning fire of ‘Meji’ all the evil of our society too gets burnt.

Assamese- Ms Kshiroda Devi Translated by Ashok Bordoloi

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Time for merriment

Bring me back a night Fraught with the aroma Of my childhood, I feel like being asleep In my dinner table Bring me back that day Yet again.

In the nebulous pinching cold I feel like getting lost Concealing my face In the warmth of Mom's apron Give me back that day Yet again.

Amidst the breast of 'Mom' Under the warm cotton quilt On my damp beloved bed I feel like sleeping With a shrunken posture Yet again.

Running in toddling Mom's soothing In the midst of her breasts After a fall Bring me back Those colourful days Yet again.

Take away, all my belongings Take away what you want In those colourful days Chasing after butterflies Give me back even For a day, yet again.

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A time to celebrate life Let this Bihu heal wounds and make us tolerant Once again it's that time of year when people feel complete and celebrate life. After all, the granaries are full. Since Magh Bihu is a harvest

festival, feasting and merry-making are therefore only natural during Bhogali Bihu. However, today it is also important to ponder about our present and future during the festivities. At a time when our society is witnessing frequent clashes and violence, Magh Bihu must be used as an opportunity to heal our wounds and overcome our frustration and depression while aspiring for a better tomorrow.

The main reason behind violence and clash we are witnessing today is the growing intolerance among us. But when we are in touch with nature, we become tolerant and thus this festival can be the right occasion to be in harmony with nature. The festival is also an occasion for us to get closer to nature. It will help us rejuvenate. The meji, which is lit on Magh Bihu day, is a symbol of purification of our minds and souls. It is a process of transferring the

fire in the meji to our minds. The fire implies the inner strength to douse the evils in us and strength to create or do something worthwhile for society. The fire that burns with the mejis must also cleanse our hearts. All that is evil must be consigned to the flames.

Sushmita Jena But the celebration of Magh Bihu has undergone a lot of changes over the years. People are seen no more celebrating the Bihu as they used to do earlier. In early days, preparation for Magh Bihu use to start a month earlier. From every household the sound of 'Dheki' would be heard and also the smell of jaggery could felt in the air all around. The entire environment of Assam starting from Sadiya to Dhubri

would turn into something very lively.

People from various communities were seen busy preparing Bihu ethnic foods, bhela ghars etc. No matter what, people from Assam were seen celebrating Bihu with their whole hearts out. But nowadays, it is no more the same. In this concrete world, people are so busy that they do not have time for the preparation of pitha and laddus. Instead they prefer to buy them directly from market which they think is a much convenient way and a easy method for time saving.

But above all, let us all hope that this Magh Bihu may bring in prosperity and peace to all of us. Lastly, let us promise that we will celebrate this Magh Bihu without harming the nature and without disturbing the ecological system of the surrounding around us.

Magh Bihu: History and significance to Assamese Culture Abstract: Magh Bihu (also called Bhogali Bihu (Bihu of enjoyment) or Maghar Domahi) is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam, India, which marks the end of harvesting season in the month of Maagha (JanuaryFebruary).It is the Assam celebration of Sankranti, with feasting lasting for a week.The festival is marked by feasts and bonfires. Young people erect makeshift huts, known as meji, from bamboo, leaves and thatch, in which they eat the food prepared for the feast, and then burn the huts the next morning. The celebrations also feature traditional Assamese games such as tekeli bhonga (pot-breaking) and buffalo fighting.

Magh Bihu celebrations start on the last day of the previous month, the month of "Pooh", usually the 29th of Pooh and usually the 14th of January, and is the only day of Magh Bihu in modern times (earlier, the festival would last for the whole month of Magh, and so the name Magh Bihu). The night before is "Uruka" (28th of Pooh), when people gather around a bonfire, cook dinner, and make merry. There are other conventional festivals observed by various ethnic-cultural groups. Me-dam-mephi, Ali-aye-ligang, Porag, Garja, Hapsa Hatarnai, Kherai are few among them.The Koch celebrates this bihu as pushna. All Assamese people around the world celebrates this tradition on the month of January as per English calendar. The Uruka comes on 13 January & Bihu is on 14-15.

Importance of Magh Bihu It all starts on the eve of the Bhogali Bihu day when young men move into the fields and set up Mejis: structures made of thatch, firewood, and hay, which are burnt on the following morning. Around these Mejis, temporary hut like structures called Bhelaghars are also set up. People, especially the agrarian community, spend the whole of the night in these Bhelaghars, guarding the Mejis through the night and partaking in community feasting, fun, games, music and dancing to Bihu geets.

In the night, a grand feast is prepared and the whole community partakes in it. In the morning at sunrise, people move out from Bhelaghars, take a bath, and then return to light fire to Mejis. Edibles like coconuts and betel nuts are thrown into the fire which is

day on which a ?re sacri?ce was performed in the hope of obtaining a better crop. This word, together with the practices it involved, is believed by various scholars to be the root of the present-day word Bihu and the festival's attendant customs (P. Goswami 1996, 1-6). Other texts, such as the Vishnu Purana(c.400 CE), state that a festival called Bisuva took place between winter and spring, when the sun changed its position from one particular sign of the zodiac to the next (P. Goswami1996, 1).Twentieth-century etymological studies that search for Sanskrit sources of words are also re?ective of approaches intended to reinforce the view of Assamese culture as part of an Indo-Aryan lineage and its form as a result of the Sanskritisation of local cultures. Relatively recent interpretations looking at the Tai origin of the word relate it to a form of cattle worship, construed from boi, "the rules of worship," and hu, "cow" (Sarmah 1996, 61). This, however, does not explain the presence of festivals of similar name and origin in other parts of India. like symbol of thanksgiving for the harvest that has been collected. People also pray to the Agni Devta and seek his blessing for the next harvest season.

The half burnt firewood gathered by the people is thrown among the fruit bearing trees to seek an abundant harvest. Then all the trees in the compound are tied to bamboo strips or paddy stems. The celebrations then go on for the rest of the day with more feasting and exciting sports, some of which are region specific, like buffalo fighting, cock fighting, and egg fighting. These however, have no religious significance and are played simply for some competitive enjoyment. The birds that are caught for the sports (few days before the events) are fed nutritiously and also trained. The owner of the winning bird or buffalo takes away a cash prize and a trophy as collectible. In the end all the birds are freed and the celebrations continue for some more time, or days in a few culturally ethnic groups. Thus ends the festival of Bhogali Bihu and people await eagerly for a new beginning with Rongali Bihu.

Bihu History Historically, it is believed that the festival of Bihu originated in the pre-Aryan days around the 3500 century BC. From then onwards to the following many centuries until the recent, celebrations used to last for a month or more, which now have been reduced to a week. Even the word "Bihu" is said to have been derived from the language of Dimasa Kacharis, an agrarian tribe that has existed from many a centuries. Since long, Bihu has been a festival to rejoice, offer thanks, and pray for a bountiful harvest.

Pranjal Kumar Phukan

The Bihu songs also had an influence on Assamese literature, and legend has it that Madhav Deva (early 15th century), whose outstanding contributions include Assamese rendering of the Adi Kanda of Valmiki's Ramayana; and Sankar Deva (early 15th century), the great hymn composer could not escape from the influence of Bihu geets. Most explanations of the origins of Bihu have stemmed from etymological investigations. In the sacred Hindu texts Atharvaveda (900 BCE) and the AitareyaBra hmana (c. 600 BCE), the Sanskrit word Bisuvan occurs, referring to a

This is celebrated on the last day of the month 'Puh' and lasts for three days. It is celebrated after the annual harvest; the name 'Bhogali' suggests banquets and food - indeed, this is the Bihu for those fond of food and eating! The last day of 'Puh' is called 'Uruka', when the men folk construct a makeshift cottage called the 'Bhelaghars' and the 'meji' - a tall structure of fire-wood and bamboo poles in the field. The fun, feasting and gaiety continue through the night.

The next day, at dawn, the community pays homage to the god of fire - setting alight the meji and then offering sweetmeats to the fire. After this, people visit each other's homes, and refreshments of various kinds are served. Among the chief attractions of this Bihu is the Buffalo fight and Bulbul fight. The parallels for the Magh Bihu are the 'Nara-siga' Bihu of the Misings and the 'Pushy Par' or 'Tushu' Puja of the tea tribes of Assam.

(Author is recipient of prestigious Peter F Drucker award for his outstanding contributions in the field of management from University of Swahili- A Fully accredited chartered Government University. He can be contacted at pranjal_xlri@yahoo.com)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

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Down the corridors of time The Essence of Magh Bihu

India is the land of festivals. With its rich tapestry of cultures and festivities, probably no other region justifies this as well as our very own north east. Each season brings in with it some or other festival that spices up the lives of the people in this corner of Incredible India. After being soaked in the festive spirit of the English New Year we hardly have a moment's rest when Bhogali Bihu arrives -- with promises to drench us in its flavours and delights.

Bhogali or Magh Bihu is indeed a festival of fasting and feasting. In many places, people fast on the day before uruka (the first day of Bhogali Bihu). For the next two days-there is a succession of feasting and merry making. The term 'bhogali' traces its origin to 'bhoga' which means eating/enjoyment. In the Assamese consciousness Bhogali Bihu is associated with the pounding dheki , the buzz of activities in the household, the aroma of fried and baked delicacies, the frequent trips to the bazaarand most importantly, the community feast on the uruka and the meji or the bhelaghar.

Today however most of these experiences linger more in our memories and in the aromas that waft the air.

In those days of our childhood and youth, Bhogali Bihu had meant a flurry of activity in every household. It was a time,

when an entire locality would get together to shop, cook, and eat as one family. Bhogali Bihu in fact reminds us at once of the urukar bhoj i.e. the community feast on uruka. The morning after, people would gather around the meji to make offerings of 'til' (sesame), rice and other eatables to 'Agni'-the God of fire. Also, ashes of the burnt mejis would be scattered over the fields; for it was believed to increase the fertility of the soil.

These traditions are sadly, dying a slow death.

Although the flurry of activity associated with Bihu is there even today (yet) the contours have changed. With increasing urbanization and consequently, sparse land space, the bhelaghar or the meji are almost passĂŠ. Buffalo fights, egg fights and other traditional entertainments are virtually unknown to the new age Asomiya. With a plethora of malls and shopping arcades, and easy availability of most commodities, the dheki and the taat xaal (loom) have but vanished from people homes. Bihu today is a season of shopping for the latest designer tees and kurtis. From the pithas to the laddoos to most other delicacies that we offer our guests during Bhogali Bihu come straight from the supermarket next door. Our children, today show greater inclination towards the pastry than the pitha. With the

so-called fast life invading our socio-domestic spheres, people are isolated like never before. Though people do get together for a meal beside a warm fire in farmhouses and open fields, (sadly) these often deteriorate into one and another form of alcohol-drenched late-night parties.

In view of all this--Bhogali Bihu today is generally deemed to be a shadow of its past.

younger lot. This has also enabled numerous groups and individuals to eke out a living. In a state ravaged by insurgency and where unemployment is rampant, such avenues offer young men and women an opportunity to earn an honest living. The success and popularity of Pre-Bhogali Utsav and other such festivals at the NedfiHaat and the Sankardev Kalakshetra among others attests to this.

Yet-not all is lost in this land of the Red River. The biggest strength of the Assamese community is that its national festival Bihu is not a religious but an essentially agricultural festival that has the entire Assamese community participating in it-irrespective of religious, ethnic, caste and linguistic identities. On the night of uruka all kinds of barriers are wiped out when men eat out of the same pan. This community feast is in itself a symbol of unity; it stands for the brotherhood and harmony that continual ethnic strife has eroded considerably from the composite Assamese society. On the day of the Bihu, people visit one another's families offering good wishes and seeking blessings from elders. In our isolated modern lives, such opportunities help us to mend and forge bridges between hearts. The fire of the meji purifies and purges all vices.

The famed Bihu dance-is restricted to the bihu VCDs that throng the market at the advent of each Bihu season. Though much of the output is well below par, yet these have at least managed to keep the folk culture of Assam alive and vibrant in the hearts and minds of its people.

Viewed from another perspective, availability of the different pithas, laddoos etc. in the market has enabled the traditional delicacies to sustain in the face of the newer tides in tastes of the people, especially the

An encouraging trend is the celebration of Bihu-especially Magh Bihu and Rongali Bihu by the Non-Resident Assamese in other parts of India as well as abroad. Magh Bihu celebrations in places as diverse as Singapore, Dubai, Qatar and United States of America have become annual affairs.

Thus, in spite of the myriad changes that have come over with the passage of time, Bihu continues to live in our minds and hearts; and in the nooks and crannies of the numerous towns and hamlets beside the Brahmaputra and its tributaries... As the sun turns warmer on our backs, and aromas begin to tickle our taste buds, we brace ourselves to welcome this festival of Food into our lives.

Happy feasting to all!!

Magh Bihu Or Bhogali Bihu (Bihu Of Enjoyment) Magh bihu or Bhogali bihu or Maghor bihu which is a harvest festival and marks the end of harvesting season is comes from the word 'Bhog' that is eating and enjoyment. It marks the end of harvesting season in the month of Maagha (JanuaryFebruary). It is the Assam celebration of Sankranthi, with feasting lasting for a week. There is a lot of feasting and eating in this bihu celebration as the fields are full. On the eve of the bihu, called 'uruka', young men go to the field, preferably near a river, build a makeshift cottage called 'Bhelaghar' with the hay of the harvest fields and the 'Meji', the most important thing for the night. During the night, people prepare food and there is community feasting everywhere. The entire night (Uruka) is spent around the Meji with people singing bihu songs, beating 'Dhol', a typical kind of drums or playing games.

Magh Bihu is celebrated at a season when winter is about to go. It is believed that the fire of Meji burns the winter out.

The next day is the main Magh Bihu. In the very early morning, people take bath and burn the main 'Meji'. People gather around the 'Meji' and throw 'Pithas' (rice

cakes) and betel nuts to the fire while burning it at the same time. They offer their prayers to the God of Fire and mark the end of the harvesting year. Next day is followed with community celebrations all across with rice cakes being distributed to all. People visit relatives and friends to convey and exchange Bihu greetings. Ladies of the society prepare for this Bihu for many days. They cook various snacks, sweets, for this day. On the Bhogali Bihu day, they carry their food items to the auspicious Meji spot. Various types of Jolpan and pitha are served to everyone. Like all other Bihu, Magh Bihu also has the ritual of showing respect the the elder one with Gamosa.

A peculiarity of this festival is that in some parts of the state the traditional "Buffalo Fight" is organized to make the festival more interesting. Different types of sports like Eggfight, Cockfight, Nightingale fight etc. are held throughout the day. There are other conventional festivals observed by various "enthno-cultural" groups. Medammephi, Aliayeligang, Porag, Garja, Hapsa Hatarnai, Kherai are few among them. The koch celebrates this bihu as pushna.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

Tiny Warriors of The Northeast In the end of September the young birds are trapped and caught for raring. Regular vigil by the trainers plays a predominant role to make the birds a good fighter. They feed only one variety of wild bananas with seeds, Keep the bird in a bamboo stand after tying the left leg by a cotton thread.

To safe guard any injury they rap the leg with a thin cotton pad then tie the thread.

They are bathed everyday. The birds become accustomed to only that food to eat and develop a visual instinct that this is the only food and such identical pieces of banana are used during fight. I met quite a Bulbul is a popular and common widely few people raring fighting birds. I am shardistributed wild bird in many countries of ing their words to the readers of the blog. the globe. In India they are protected by The birds are fed a mixture of some mediciIndian wild life protection act but in many nal plant seeds on the day of the fight. countries they are rared as a good pet. Bul- About 12 hours before the contest by a bul has got about 100 small bamboo spoon sub species in different forcefully they feed and Aashim Chatterjee colors. Assam and north there after no food only eastern region of India water is provided beis their very old home and they attracted cause of severe dryness of mouth is nothe eyes of Ahom King since the early sev- ticed in the birds. According to a lady of 80 enteenth century. The king brought them years, because of the effect of that stimufrom the flying sky to fighting arena for his lating paste, birds may die if proper attenrecreation in an auspicious day of a festi- tion is not given and plenty of water not val named Bhogali Bihu, the harvest festi- fed. val of Assam. The kings gave a religious The fights took place in front of huge value to the Bulbul fight and made it a cul- crowd, press and electronic Media. Direct ture of Assameese. What I feel is by giving telecast was arranged by the local chanthis value to bulbul sufficed a cause of two nels because all over the region it is a very folds. First to preserve them in nature and popular game. There were 2 sects particito set an example that for survival you are pating in this event namely Sonaritola and to fight/struggle. And the winner was al- Bhoralitola.A bird watcher can clearly noways rewarded as the wining bulbul gets tice the intoxicated state of the birds. Birds the reward. keep themselves fearless and quite in this Place of the fight was selected accord- huge croud.They do not try to run away ingly in the front of their god Haragrib from the crowd rather they pose in such a Madhabdeva temple. Situated close to Hajo fashion as though they have come to the just 45 Kms away from Guwahati. The old ground for a specific job. One to one fight temple is a rich example of sculpture and progress. The owner bring the hungry and constructional development of the kings. CNS toxin influenced bird in the ring and The huge pile of steps to climb at temple is tempt them by showing the same piece of a unique and methodical job done so far wild banana in the ring when they try to eat back in time. It was made in such a way that the ring master removes the food and the even in old age a man or lady can climb up both the bird think as if the other bird took to the temple eventually. The way I climbed. away its food and starts fighting. They fight In the walls of the temple sculptures of El- till out of two one become tired and thirsty ephant and lord Bisnu was predominant and gives up. The bird that persists long which indicate they use to give the el- he is the winner. There is limited cruelty as ephant the door of God. Assam has faced compared to cock fights or Bull fight. Loosmany earth quakes but the temple bears no ing bird are kept by the owner for few days mark of any destruction. The place of fight and thereafter makes them free in the sky. I was also well chosen, being surrounded saw one loosing bird to escape and fly by trees on all sides. away.

Because of Bulbul fights the local popuWhole day the fight goes on till the last lation has come to love the bird. It is be- pair in the ring. I have seen the economical cause they know and see every year that status of the average people is poor. Peron the day of Bihu, people from all over the centage of literacy is low and to get a recountry come with press and electronic ward, the people keep themselves busy for media to highlight the place, people and 3 months with birds. Every year a large tradition. Some garner income by putting number of birds are taken out of their natuvarious stalls. Everybody will spend money. ral habitat. Will they not face extinction?

The Bulbul fight is organized by the Even though the natives claim that after Temple committee. The chief guest for the fight they release the birds, I have every occasion was the local MLA this year and doubt that the birds survive after taking head man of the village was the anchor. the toxic herbal stimulant before 12/ Ring master were selected by the anchor. 16hours of fight. Other reason for death He was to run the fight one after another may be selected food habit for a long peand declare the winner and loser. A board riod of time. Even after release, in nature comprising of temple committee members where will they get the special variety of was to observer as a neutral jury. banana ready in front of their mouth? In From morning the fight starts under sun nature Bulbul is omnivorous. Fight for food after due inauguration by the chief guest. is universal instinct for everybody. But as Every bird prepared by their respective a whole it is surely a cruelty to our flying owners and made fearless to fight in that feather friends. huge crowd.

Courtesy: The Aashim Chatterjee Blog

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

Bhogali Bihu Preparation Grips Community in Nalbari District

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With a festive atmosphere of Magh bihu it gripped the community of the rural areas in Nalbari district.The community are very busy for the preperation of Bihu.It was witnessed that meji and bhelaghar are erected almost all the villages of the district. In some places the young people are still busy in collecting paddy straws, dry banana leafs and bamboo to make meji and bhelaghar. In some villages of the district the youth constructed attractive bhelaghars with paddy straw, bamboo and banana leaf as the replica of various items.

The villagers of Dhekiabari constructed a large tortoise shape bhelaghar with a capacity to accommodate 50 children at a time. Similarly, the youths of Madhupur village of the district constructed a pure Assamese village with chora ghar, nangala, dheki, tatshal, dhol, pepa, dhaba among others.All are made of paddy straw and bamboo. The Belbari youths of the district also constructed a bhelaghar as the replica of two storied building. After all the youths of the district are in competition to make the bhelaghar more attractive. Worse still, in some villages the elders are taking this responsibility as the young generation are not interested to make meji and bhelaghar. Some people also get contract to make meji and bhelaghar. The community gave them an amount from Rs 1500 to Rs 2500 for the making of the meji. This is the actual scenario of most of the villages. Earlier the young boys of each of the village areas erect the meji and bhelaghar collecting paddy straw from one month ahead of Bhogali bihu. Now most of the young generation of the village areas are

also no more interested in engaging themselves to such community works.

On the other hand the hike in prices of all essential commodities in the markets has failed to dampen the Bhogali bihu spirit among the people in Nalbari district. The state Government's act in releasing monthly salary to its employees and teachers at the earliest has helped the people in making Bihu preperations in advance.

In some places, the villager have planned to arrange Uruka party in Bhelaghar unitedly with the neighbourhood. Despite the cold wave the women folk of the rural areas are busy in cleaning up their homes and preparing Bihu items. The rural women have already prepared different traditional pithas with rice powder viz til pitha, ghila pitha, chunga pitha, sandah to offer to their near and dear ones during Bihu. They have also prepare narikalar laddo, tilar laddo, mithair ladu etc.

Ramen Kalita

The sound of dheki still continues in the rural areas of Nalbari district and one can hear till midnight. However, the prices of essential commodities in the markets of Nalbari are also going up. In Nalbari, the shopkeepers are selling Joha rice at Rs 60 per kg,Bora rice at Rs 50 per kg, coconut at Rs 90 for a pair, till and mah at Rs 120 and Rs 80 per kg respectively. Worse still, the meat and fish prices are going up and it is expected the prices of these two items will go out of control during the day of Uruka as the district administration has not taken any step to fix its prices.

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

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Mouth watering dishes to try this Bihu

Eggless Almond and Cashew Cake

Beauty Lekharu Saikia

Ingredients 1/2 cup maida 1/4 cup cashew powder (grind cashews in a mixer) 1/4 cup almond powder 1/4 cup sugar 3 tsp ghee A pinch of cardamom powder 1/2 cup milk A pinch of grated coconut (dry) 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder Method Preheat the oven to 350 degree F.

Grease the baking pan and apply some ghee. Use parchment or wax paper to cover the bottom and sides of the pan and keep it aside.

Take a bowl and mix cashew powder, almond powder,maida, baking soda, baking powder and cardamom powder.

In another bowl, add ghee and whisk till its

fluffy (should take less than a minute).

Add sugar and blend again.

Mix the contents of the two bowls and transfer them to a pan. Add a pinch of maida to grated coconut and and sprinkle it on top.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes and broil for less than a minute.

Thai Duck Curry Ingredients Duck Meat( without skin) - 1 kilo Oil 2 tbsp Coconut Milk 800gm Spring Onion 3 2 Chillies Garlic 3 pods Ginger ½ inch 4 Lemon Leaf Lemon grass Coriander leaf ½ bundle Cumin Powder 1 tbsp Coriander Powder 1 tbsp Basil leaf Sugar Fish Sauce 2 tbsp Method: Make a paste of using spring onion, garlic, ginger, lemon leaf,lemon grass,coriander leaf, coriander powder and cumin powder.

Bhogali Treat

sugar and fish sauce to it and heat it for 10 mins. After this add the duck meat and fry for another 10 minutes Heat oil in a pan and fry the paste till till the meat cooks. Now serve the oil oozes out of it.Next add the coco- curry in a bowl by garnishing it with nut milk and bring it to boil. Also add basil and coriander leaf.

Joy of Rongali, Scarcity of Kongali, feast of Bhogali We the Assamese, enjoy them heartily All are special, no questions on racial Every Assamese understand their importance Whether the festival or any of its customs social.

Speciality of Bhogali, binds every man The whole village folk, unity they show All the young and old, the whole men folk Work day and night to build up bhelaghar Of different designs, variety of shapes and sizes Which would accommodate all to have a great feast time.

Sweet harvest, stored in the granaries Ready to spread their exuberance By filling every appetite and killing every strife Result of toiling effort, their regular summer life Lady of the house, become the queen of kitchen Show the magic of her hands with pithas that sweeten The life of every man Lighting of the Meiji, to burn out every evil To brighten every life and sacred belief to reveal The entry of Bhogali is an welcoming indication to Rongali Which sets an alarm, to wake us up for that charm Never to forget but ever to celebrate With heart and soul, until we breathe till death

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

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The fighting bird bulbul Game hunting or game fighting, be it birds or animals is not new to Assam. The tradition, especially on eve of festivals ,has been in vogue since the days of the Ahom kings.

Cock fight and buffalo fights were held during Magh Bihu. At the Ranghar premises at Sivasagar for the entertainment of the Ahom monarchs. The Swargadeu himself took pleasure to reward the owner of the animals and birds. Cock fighting later spread to other parts

The Bulbul or pai canonotus ketare is a small and beautiful bird. Although the origin of this unique and popular item of folk culture is hard to trace it is believed that the Koch king Maharaj Naranarayan started the tradition. But no authentic documents are available to support this.Others have it that the Doloi of the Haigriva Madhav temple of Hajo one day saw two bulbuls fighting in the temple premises which inspired him to start such fights solely for entertainment which in course of time has become a popular sport. Great enthusiasm prevails among the village folks a month ahead of Magh bihu. About 10 to 15 days of training is needed to prepare the birds

Assam celebrates Magh Bihu - The harvest festival Jahnabi Pachani

Ramen Kalita of the state.Like Sivasagar,the small town Hajo in Kamrup district too has its own tradition.Not very far from the capital Guwahati, Hajo is famous for its religious and cultural harmony.However,it is for a very different reason that pulls the crowd to Hajo during festivities. Bulbli Charair jooz, as is commonly known, draws thousands to this otherwise sleepy town during Magh Bihu.

Villagers took delight in holding fights of common Indian bulbous, a tradition Hajo is proud of. Crowds throng to Hajo to witness the unique bulbuli fight traditionally held on the day of Magh Bihu.

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for the fight. Villagers converge on the nearby Manikut hill,Garurachal hill and Suryapahar area in the wee hours to trap the birds. 'We use three kinds of traps which are locally called chak phand,guri phand and gas phand to catch the birds. The small birds are the easy prey', one Rubul Nayak said. The guri phand is more effective to catch the birds,he added. Nayak further stated that a family catch about 20 to 30 birds. However,all bulbul are not capable to fight.

The weaker are released immediately.' We thoroughly observe the birds during the training and find out the fighter birds among them. 'The woman folks of the village take care the fighter birds offering ripe banana,milk,sweet regularly.

Their children also love them very much.'' My daughter was so grief stricken she refused to take food for a couple of days when they released the birds after fight'' a woman of Bharalitola supa lamented.

The Bulbul fight is held at the premises of Haigriva Madhav temple between two groups Bharalitola and Sonaritola.In the morning the

members of both the groups after burning the meji take the fighters to the temple premises.

A small stage is erected to show the traditional fight of bulbuls.It should be noted here that, on the night of Uruka a special bhog is prepared by the leaders of the both groups desperately mixing intoxicant and offer the bhog to the birds. The intoxicant make the birds hungry and furious. A ripe banana is keep at the centre of the stage during the fight.When the birds start to eat the banana, on of the leaders pick it up. The hungry birds become more furious losing their food and started to attack each other. The bird which defeat more birds become the winner.However after the game is over they released all the captive birds without any harm. Following the judgment of the Gauhati High Court the bulbul fight of Hajo has been stopped since last year. The final judgment in this regard will be delivered by the High Court on January 20 next as the Haigriv Madha temple committee appealed the Court allowing to continue the tradition

Celebrations for Bhogali Bihu or Magh Bihu, the harvest festival, have begun today with community feasts and prayers. People begin celebrations by erecting hut-like 'Mejis' or 'Bhelaghars' with bamboo, hay and dry leaves. As the name 'Bhogali' suggests feasting, this Bihu is a celebration of food after a good harvest and a variety of sweets are prepared from rice, coconut and til. On the 'Uruka' night, community feasts are arranged by people preparing local delicacies with fish and meat inside the 'Mejis'. The Magh Bihu festival marks the end of the harvest season. This is the time when the hard working farmers of the State sit down to reap the benefits of their labour. On the day after the 'Uruka', 'Mejis' are set ablaze at the crack of dawn amid prayers appealing to the fire god not to cause destruction during the coming summer months. After the burning of 'Mejis', people sit down to enjoy their fill of traditional Assamese food. In the villages, people also witness bullfights and bird fights. Amid the enchanting notes of flutes and buffalo horns, the youths sing the Bihu songs with lyrics of a good harvest. The spirit of the Bihu festivities and celebrations has gripped the State a week ahead of the occasion with people going to their native places to celebrate it with their near and dear ones. Respects are paid to the elders with gamochas and greetings exchanged among relatives and friends. The Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu festival is an occasion when all differences are forgotten and people unite to celebrate the occasion in a pompous manner.

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

Maghar Domahi Bihu exponent.

Amarjyoti Borah

The festival is marked by feasts and bonfires.

Young people erect makeshift huts, known as meji, from bamboo, leaves and thatch, in which they eat the food prepared for the feast, and then burn the huts the next morning. The celebrations also feature traditional Assamese games such as tekeli bhonga (pot-breaking) and buffalo fighting.

With multiple tribes and sub-tribes spicing up the potpourri that is Magh or Bhogali Bihu, the harvest festival has long been a sociologists' delight. Each community within the state has its own rituals, songs, dances, cuisines and offerings to mark the event. They even have their own traditional alcoholic beverages to get drunk on.

Bihu goes by the name Bishu or Harali among the Dimasas of Dima Hasao district. It is a confluence of both the harvest and the spring versions of Bihu. Traditionally, Bishu would be celebrated for seven days and seven nights and the traditional 'meji' or 'bhela ghar' would represent seven houses.

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The men play the flute and women dance with traditional plates during the harvest festival. Dimasas consume 'jumai' or traditional rice beer and consume fish and meat, especially pork, to celebrate, said Upen Rabha Hakacham, professor of Assamese at Gauhati University and a

"This is uniform among all communities residing in lower Assam, be it the Assamese, the Bodos, the Rabhas or the Rajbongshis," Hakacham added. The number of rituals and their diversity is often mind-boggling. While the Karbi plains community, like the Rabhas, offers pigs and roosters as sacrifice during Bhogali Bihu, the Tiwas consider the traditional ox or buffalo fight to be intrinsic to their Bihu celebrations. The Rajbongshis, Rabhas and the Dimasas regard the burning of the meji as the funeral pyre of the legendary Bheesma.

"Magh Bihu symbolizes harvest for tribal and non-tribal communities in Assam. The approach to the festivities differs from one community to another and contributes to its appeal," explained cultural exponent Anil Saikia. Though this festival is primarily observed in the rural areas, Bhogali Bihu is also celebrated in the urban areas with community feasts at different localities and also ’mejis’ in some open places and on river banks.

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The spirit of the Bihu festivities and celebrations grips the state a week ahead of the occasion with people going to their native places to celebrate Bihu with their near and dear ones.

The capital city, Guwahati, wears a deserted look with a large floating population making the journey homeward to the districts to celebrate Bihu.

Very Happy Magh Bihu

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Magh Bihu, also called Bhogali Bihu (Bihu of enjoyment) or Maghar Domahi is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam, India, which marks the end of harvesting season in the month of Maagha (January–February). It is the Assam celebration of Sankranthi, with feasting lasting for a week.

Cut to lower Assam, and Bihu celebrations take on a different hue. Here, Bihu is called Dumahi, Dumasi, Dumsi and Pushna by the Rabha, Bodo, Rajbongshi and Hajong communities, respectively, and the focus is on the ritual worship of cows. Cattle is smeared with 'ghimsu', a special concoction comprising extracts of the 'ekora' tree and the oil and ash collected from the burning meji.

The cows are then let loose for three months.