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ASSENG/2015/64205
Vol. 1
Issue 190
India's North-east: Time to really 'Act East'
Dibrugarh, Tuesday, December 15, 2015
The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet on Monday endorsed the opinions of Advocate General and other legal experts on the constitutionality of the December 12 order of State Governor J.P. Rajkhowa to prepone the assembly session from January 14 next to December 16. The Cabinet resolved to advise Governor Rajkhowa to recall his Decem-
ET CAPSULES
Bike Stolen Golaghat, Dec 14: A bike was stolen today from just outside of SBI Golaghat Branch situated at the Municipal Market Complex Premises. The bike bearing the number AS-05F-0419 belonged to one Pulin Dowerah. Though a car lifter was killed in an encounter with the police a few days ago, it seems to have had little impact on the car lifters. (Correspondent)
Rajya Sabha faces repeated adjournment as Congress protests over law and order in Punjab
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Three Injured in Buffalo Attack Golaghat, Dec 14: A wild buffalo created havoc today and injured three persons in Golaghat. According to reports, a wild buffalo in Moinapara area of Golaghat injured three persons severely. The injured were identified as Sanjay Pandey, Rafiq Ali and Zakir Ali and they were taken to KK Civil Hospital. (Correspondent)
General meeting to be held Golaghat, Dec 14: A general meeting of Marwari Yuwa Manch, Golaghat branch will be held on 17th December 2015 (Thursday) at 7.30 PM for some important discussions and decisions at Bazar Shiv Mandir, Golaghat. Binay Todi and Bikash Ladia, the president and secretary have requested all to attend the meeting. (Correspondent)
the high court has fixed the hearing of the case of resignation of two MLAs from the assembly on December 16, state government spokesman Bamang Felix said in a release.The also resolved to endorse a copy each of this resolution and legal advice of the AG to the Assembly speaker, the release added. Meanwhile, Speaker Nabam Rebia, in an official communication to the governor today, said that the latter had created a constitutional crisis through his preponing order and for
Extended office bearer meeting of BJP, Arunachal discuss current political situation in state ET Bureau Itanagar, Dec 14
An extended office bearer meeting of the Bharatiya Janata party, Arunachal Pradesh was held today at state party HQ, Office under the chairmanship of Shri Tai Tagak, president BJP. The meeting was attended among the office bearer, Ex- MLA”s and Ministers Mohila Morcha, Yuva Morcha and ST Morcha. The meeting while taking the stock of present political situ-
ation faced by the ruling congress government in the state under the Chief Ministership of Nabum Tuki opined that it is nothing but the long misgovernance, indulgences of deep rooted corruption, coupled with mismanagement of state exchequer at the cost of the state and its people. The promulgation message convening Assembly session by his Excellency, Contd. on Page 3
Based on the fresh and confirmed inputs regarding the movement of suspected ULFA cadres lashed with sophisticated arms in and around millitants infected PengareeBordumsa belt including Gurung basti near Dibrujan and Talpather in Bordumsa, the
ongoing search operation in the entire belt has been intensified with Additional Superintendent of Police Tinsukia L. Dungal himself taking the lead. Jai Sankar Warry, Officer in charge, Pengree police station who has earlier accomplished various militant operations, said that the cadres of the banned ULFA militants recently dreaded the garden
Sushma Swaraj during her visit to Pakistan. Pic - ANI ANI New Delhi, Dec. 14
Defending her decision to speak flawless Urdu during her recent Pakistan visit, External
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said there was nothing wrong in speaking Urdu as it is one of the Indian languages. Earlier, some leaders in Parliament had
Two poachers shot dead in Karizanga ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 14:
Kaziranga National Park security forces at the tip off managed to gun down two dreaded poachers after getting specific information that a group of four-five members entered the park from Kanchanjuri from the Karbi Anglong side. The security forces cordoned off the main exit routes and searched for the group.
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Contd. on Page 4
Spl Correspondent Pasighat, Dec 14
Appealing the Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla for her immediate intervention in stopping and shifting of construction of fair at Ecological Park just beside Gandhi Chawk in main market, sister of late Onyok Moyong, martyr of All Bogong Students’ Union and ABSU (E) has said that it’s an act of disrespect and disregard to martyr Moyong by any party or organization to conduct fair at the site where his mortal remains rest. In the let-
workers not to work in their respective garden till the owner comply with the monetary demand of the Paresh Baruah led ULFA militant organizations. Meanwhile, the said anti-social elements have also been reported to have accelerated their monetary drive to meet their basic Contd. on Page 4
questioned her decision to speak in Urdu during her meeting with leaders in Pakistan and on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia conference. “Aalochna karne wale ajeeb ajeeb aalochna karte hain, saree ka rang hara kyun tha? Urdu kyun boli? (People criticise for strange reasons, (like) why was the colour of your saree green? Why did you speak in Urdu?),” the External Affairs Minister said while speaking in Lok Sabha. “Some people say why I spoke in Urdu there. What shouldn’t I speak? Urdu is language of my nation as well.” she added. Even Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had reportedly praised Swaraj’s Urdu during their 40-minute conversation and said, “Your (Swaraj’s) Urdu is better than mine.”
ter, Yate Moyong Jamoh has stated that, it’s an act of disrespect to late Moyong to conduct a fair at the site on profit motive where late Moyong’s mortal remains rest and hence I on behalf of bereaved family strongly appeal the DC to let the fair be shifted to some other place in the township. And she also strongly objected to the effort by some organization misusing the name of late Moyong for their personal monetary benefits. On the part of ABSU (E), Contd. on Page 3
Anup Chetia seeks forgiveness for ULFA's past mistakes, favours peace talks A Staff Reporter, Guwahati, Dec.14
United Liberation Front for Asom (ULFA) leader Anup Chetia, who was recently repatriated from Bangladesh on the basis of a bilateral extradition arrangement, has reportedly sought forgiveness for the past mistakes of the Assam-based militant outfit, and added that he is all in favour of having peace talks with the Indian Government. Chetia plea for forgiveness came three weeks after he was sent to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with a 1998 murder case. Chetia was earlier sent to five days custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation. Contd. on Page 4
Himanta demands apology from Rahul and CM Gogoi Rahul's Barpeta satra entry row A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec.14
Even as Congress VicePresident Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that he was prevented from entering the Barpeta Satra – a 16th century vaishnavite monastery – dur-
Former AGP minister Joynath Sarma joins Congress A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec.14
In a major boost for the ruling Congress in Assam, after dozens of its leaders deserted the party, former AGP minister and influential leader, Joynath Sarma today joined the party. The function which was held today at the Rarjv Bhawan at Guwahati, was attended by Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, APCC president Anjan Dutta and several senior Congress leaders. Sarma, a known strategist and minister in the AGP cabinet
Anup Chetia in the court premises. Pic - UB Photos
headed by Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, has a string hold in the Darrang district and was was elected to the state assembly for four times. Sarma lost in 2006 to Congress's Binanda Saikia, and in 2011 he was denied a party ticket by the AGP. "I think I have taken a right decision, and the Congress will surely come into power in the 2016," said Sarma. Speaking on the occasion, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi said that Sarma's entry into the Congress will be a big boost to the party ahead of the assembly election in the 2016.
ing his two-day Assam visit last Saturday, Basistha Sarma, the burha-satriya or head of the monastery said it was he who had waited for over four hours to receive the Congress leader, until he (Gandhi) by-passed the place and took a different route. “I clearly deny there was
Master Maurice Yengkhom from Manipur has been chosen for a bravery award for showing exemplary courage in saving the life of his cousin. A student of Shishu Nishtha Niketan School, Maurice is among the 24 children from the country, who have been nominated for the National Bravery Awards
any opposition or demonstration to prevent Rahul Gandhi as alleged. On the contrary, I was at the satra gate for nearly four hours, waiting to receive.
Contd. on Page 4
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika memorial park ready to be inaugurated. Shambhu Boro, Tezpur, December 14
The dream of bond among the seven sisters of the North East region by legendary bard Dr. Bhupen Hazarika is being tried to be reflected through the Bhupen Hazarika Kolabhumi to be inaugurated here on December 16 by state chief minister Tarun Gogoi. The big budget project that has been completed at the District museum complex here with an expenditure of about Rs. 60 lacs collected from various sources including different or-
ganizations, business agencies has a park, an open theatre and a fountain. It will facilitate the people for cultural practices of the region. Cultural activist, Santonu Mahanta who has designed the overall project while talking to this correspondent said “We still need to know each other. Dr. Bhupen Hazarika tried to strengthen the bond among us through culture and today we are trying to turn the sudhakantha’s dream into reality through this effort.” Contd. on Page 4
Massive scam alleged in Welfare Plain Tribe Department ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Dec 14
Michael Learns to Rock (also known as MLTR) is a Danish pop/soft rock band that performed at Sarusajai Stadium Guwahati. Pic - UB Photos
Manipur boy to get bravery award for exemplary courage ANI Imphal, Dec. 14
One of the poachers killed during the encounter. Pic - UB Photos
The Cabinet resolved to advise Governor Rajkhowa to recall his December 9 order and allow the session to be held from January 14, 2016 as originally scheduled.
Martyrs’ sister pleads DC to shift fair
Nothing wrong in speaking in Urdu in Pak : EAM Swaraj in Lok Sabha
Tihar Sanmilan Doomdooma , 14 : The Saikhowa unit of All Assam Gorkha Students Union and the people organized "Tihar Sanmilan " here today . Organizing committee president Ghanshyam Aaley and Gorkha Students Union regional committee president Pawan Chetri hoisted the flags . Bholanath Goutam of Saikhowa Uchtar Madhyamik School addressed the cultural procession.(Correspondent)
demanding the removal of the speaker. By reproducing the Cabinet decision and quoting various constitutional provisions, the speaker said that the “constitutional scheme was not being religiously adhered to, resulting in lowering of the esteem of the high offices of the governor, the chief minister and the speaker. He urged the governor that as the custodian of the Constitution, he should let the house function as per its original schedule without any undue interference.
Search operation intensifies to nab ULFA militants ET Correspondent Digboi Dec, 14
Pages- 12
Rs 200cr tax notice over export failure faced by Nissan-Leyland
Arunachal Cabinet advises Governor to recall December 9 order ber 9 order and allow the session to be held from January 14, 2016 as originally scheduled. The Cabinet decision said that the Governor’s December 9 order was in contradiction to Article 174 read with Article 163 of the Constitution and Rules 3 and 3A of the Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. Similarly, it said that the message is contrary to Article 175 of the Constitution read with Rule 245 of the said Rules. Moreover, it said that
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West Bengal Is Becoming A 'Terror Hotspot' And This Is Why The Government Needs To Act Now
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ANI Itanagar, Dec.14:
Price -
2015. The award will be given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. “I saved my cousin brother from electrocution on 8 March 2015. We were playing on a terrace and High Tension power line was close. We were playing with water balloons on Holi and all of a sudden my cousin was standing very close to wires. I got the strained feeling inside
me and I hit him hard in order to save him,” said Yengkhom.Since childhood, Maurice has been an intelligent and brave child. Everyone loved him for his simplicity and innocence. “My sister told me on phone that Maurice has been selected for the Bravery Award 2015. After that I got messages from my friends congratulating me for Maurice Bravery Award. I was
very happy and I shared my happiness with my family and relatives also,” said Yengkhom Junu Singh, father of Maurice Yengkhom. Chongtham Kuber Meitei from Tera Loukrakpam Leikai is another child from Manipur to be honoured with National Children Bravery Award. The Award is annually conferred to children between 6-18 years for saving other lives.
The All Assam Tribal Student Union today in a press conference alleged that there has been a massive scam in the Welfare Plain Tribe Department (WPTD). The organisation alleged that the department has been deriving the students belonging to the ST community of the constitutional right bu not releasing their scholarship funds during the last fifteen years. It has hindered the poor students in case they want to pursue higher education. They demanded the State and the Union Governments to allott the funds as soon as possible. The organisation even threatened that it would initiate strong programs of agitation against the former ministers of WPTD, MPs, MLAs and the bureaucrats who were allegedly involved in the scam. They have demanded a high level enquiry into the WPTD and asked for the intervention of the Governor, the CM of Assam and the PM of India.
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Dalam Studio Near parking stand Khonsa
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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
Northeast keen to empower women entrepreneurs for economic expansion. A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec. 14 : In today’s globalized and competitive world, women constitute a major workforce in any industry. In the northeast, women have traditionally played a major role in bringing about social and economic changes. Efforts are being made to bring women entrepreneurs to the mainstream. Be it weaving or crafting, a commodity market or a production unit… women in the Northeast have always proved their mettle as entrepreneurs. To encourage women from the region, the first ever North-East CM’s Conclave on Economic Empowerment of Women was organised by
the Federation of International Chambers of Commerce of India (FICCI) Ladies’ Organization in Guwahati. The event was graced by Chief Ministers of Assam and Meghalaya, who promised to empower women entrepreneurs through financial inclusion. “Unless women are empowered, how a country can be described as a developed country,” said Tarun Gogoi, Assam Chief Minister. “The fact that this conclave has been hosted here for the first time is itself a positive thing. It opens up lots of opportunities for further engagement and dialogue. And also explore the possibilities of partnering with all these potential re-
sourceful partners who have converged to this part of the country,” said Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Recently, the DoNER ministry also launched `Swayam’, an initiative of FICCI’s women’s wing, to invite women entrepreneurs from across the country to invest in the Northeast region and take a lead in developing the region as an industrial hub. Women entrepreneurs constitute only about 10 percent of the total number of entrepreneurs in the country. However, in Northeast region, the average is high as a large number of women are engaged in small businesses like weaving and
hand crafting. Some of them also showcased their products at an exhibition in the conclave. “Northeast is a place where women have always been economically active and status wise also they have a higher status than women from other parts of India. Other thing is that Northeast is very beautiful and it has so much beautiful craft. So we thought it will be very good if members from all over the country come here,” said Archana Gupta, President, FICCI Ladies’ Organization “Women shouldn’t be dependent on someone. Our members have come from all over the country and they are liking the market.
We will promote them and it will give them very good business,” said Alka Aggarwal, Member, FICCI Ladies’ Organization The government of India has also taken new initiatives to promote business, industry and create job avenues in the region.Women entrepreneurs can now look forward to sectors like organic farming and healthcare. States like Meghalaya are planning initiatives like “preferential purchase policy” for the products made by women entrepreneurs. Such measures will not only empower women, but help increase economic prosperity in the region. (ANI)
‘Bihu troupe’ bring laurels to the state
APCU convention held at Mirza
Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Dec 14: The Senairam Higher Secondary School Bihu team brought laurels to the state of Assam after securing the 1st position in the folk dance category at Dance Kala Utsav - 2015, a national level cultural folk competition organized by the Central Government at New Delhi. The winning team comprised of Pinku Konwar, Ronit Das, Suneswar Borah, Anuj Pathak, Malobika Bora, Ritumoni Chetia, Anamika Neog, Hemi Borpatra Gohain, Krishtina Baruah,
Tapas Samaddar Rangia Dec 14: The biannual district convention of All Assam Press Correspondent Union (APCU) was organized at Mirza under Kamrup district on Sunday. In connection with the convention, a day long program was organised at PWD Inspection Bungalow in Mirza. The convention started with the hoisting of the flag by Samin Kalita president of the district committee. Mausam Jyoti Baishya, central working president and Ratan Kalita, treasurer of the central committee
Puja Hazarika, guided by Nivedita Baruah. The team received a cash prize of 1,25,000/-It needs to be mentioned that Senairam Higher Secondary School is one of the oldest schools situated at the heart of Tinsukia. However, due to lack of government attention, the school has not been upgraded to the level that it should have had. The school is gearing for the golden jubilee celebrations and the news of the school’s success at the National level competition has thrilled every denizen of the district. Chao Sailen
Gogoi, an ex-student of Senairam Higher Secondary School said that it is a moment of glory not just for Tinsukia but the entire state of Assam as the ‘Bihu troupe’ has made the symbolic dance of Assam famous at the National Level. He added that the achievement proves the calibre of the students of the school and that the district administration as well as the state government needs to pay attention to develop the school and boost the morale of such enthusiastic and talented youths.
were also present as observers. Various issues like monthly payment & job security of the correspondents, implementation of Board's recommendation were discussed in the open session. The convention also praised the Assam Govt. for implementing 'Kamala Saikia' award and medical reimbursement for the scribes and their dependents. Abul Kalam Azad of Nagarbera and Niren Mali of Mirza were nominated unanimously as the president and secretary respectively for the next two years.
Sports Sivasagar district weightlifting competition concludes
Naranarayan Nath, SDO (C), Charaideo inaugurating the compition. Pic- Mritunjoy Das
ET Correspondent Sonari, Dec 14: The day long undivided Sivasagar district weightlifting competition held at Sonari concluded successfully on Sunday. The competition was organized by Charaideo District Weightlifting Association at the sports organizer Late Altab Hussain memorial stage. The meet was inaugurated by
Naranarayan Nath, SDO (C), Charaideo and floral tributes towards the portrait of Late Hussain was paid by his elder son and advocate Zakir Hussain. Results: Women (48 kg) Bornali Bora, Nabanita Bharali and Purobi Saikia; Women (53 kg) Popi Hazarika and Rikumoni Dutta; Women (69 kg) Dimpy Dutta; Women (75 kg)
Madhumita Baruah and Women (above 75 kg) Geetanjali Gohain. Men (50 kg) Hemanta Baruah and Bhadra Krishna Gogoi; Men – Junior (56 kg) Anup Gogoi and Anil Gogoi; Men – Senior (56 kg) Tridiv Baruah and Mridupawan Chetia; Men – Senior (62 kg) Amiyo Gogoi and Dhurbajyoti Mahanta; Men – Junior (62 kg) Ritupon Likson and Pankaj Gogoi; Men – Senior (69 kg) Juganta Konwar and Rajib Pradhan; Men – Junior (77 kg) Juganta Gogoi and Ranju Pradhan; Men – Senior (77 kg) Prabir Neog and Afzal Hussain; Men – Senior (85 kg) Simanta Baruah; Men (105 kg) Champak Dutta; Men (above 105 kg) Deepjyoti Barman.
Jorhat lad bags 7 points Rafique Uddin Ahmed Duliajan, Dec 14: All Assam Chess Competition organised by Duliajan Chess Player's Parent's Association at Oil and Gas Employees Unions auditorium here today, in the open category, Tralokya Nanda of Jorhat bagged seven points,
while Monuj Barua of Duliajan, Jaky Singh of Cachar and Madhab Sharma of Mangaldoi bagged four points each. The tournament was started on Saturday and it will end on Tuesday. Above 100 players from all over Assam participated in the tournament.
achieved thus far by countryman Jeev Milkha Singh and Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand. The Bengaluru lad described lifting the coveted trophy as ‘really special’ as he reset his goals to winning in America and becoming a Major champion in the near future. “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to win,” said Lahiri, who finished third and second on the Merit list in 2013 and 2014 respectively. As he savoured the rewards, Lahiri said he was honoured to join Asian golf legends such as Thongchai Jaidee and Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand and countrymen Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun Atwal and Jyoti Randhawa as Asia’s number one golfer. “I feel really happy and it makes me really proud to be in the same league of players like Thongchai, Jeev, Arjun, Thaworn and Jyoti as they are all
legends of the game and have won the Order of Merit. It’s nice to be in the same bracket and have something in common. It’s something that is really special.” It has been a season of monumental achievements for the big-hitting Lahiri. The European Tour rookie notched up two wins within a span of three weeks at the European Tour & Asian Tour co-sanctioned Maybank Malaysian Open and Indian Open to make his way up to a career-high 33 in the world rankings. “Winning in Malaysia and then the Hero Indian Open will always be my cherished moments. To do it in a year which I’ve had is fantastic. Those wins got me into the Masters and playing The Open at St Andrews for the first time, it’s been a year filled with highlights for sure,” said Anirban, who had a tied 30th finish at the British Open 2015.
ASTRO FOR YOU Today is just another busy day. You may remain hassled sorting out problems at office and then at home. Your bosses may allow you certain concessions and this will ease things to some extent. You will gain valuable guidance from elderly people. This is a great day for showcasing your administrative and organizing abilities. Go all out and put in all you have, at your workplace or in your business. You can be sure of impressing your colleagues and superiors, partners and competitors and gaining their admiration and support. Just one thing. Do not over do any thing. Do not take up anything that is beyond your means and capabilities. That could make things backfire. A fantastic day to enter into all kinds of partnerships. A day to bond with your close friends, open joint accounts, strike deals, and make plans for a bright future. You will be at the top of your game in almost everything you do. Some of you, who want to go for further studies, may take a well-informed decision today. You may discuss certain serious issues with your beloved today. Your time till afternoon will be spent in discussions and deliberations about the issue. However, this issue may not be enough in letting you off the hook on the work front. Think twice before you act. Maybe it is the weather, or just one of those days, but today, you are extremely prone to wild mood swings. You must remember that nothing is permanent, except change. So go with the flow and do not get caught in the undercurrent of the changes that are taking place all around you. Take it as a warning that works to your advantage. All the worrying and sorting out done, do not forget to sit back and relax— you deserve it more than anybody. Mundane, everyday routine will get on your nerves today. Don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill. All said and done, you won’t let anything affect your zest for work. You will break new ground to win the hearts of others. Love is in the air, and passion lurks right around the corner. So keep your eyes and ears open, because you may soon find yourself entrapped in a passionate love episode. But the price of new love is always steep, and your beloved may burn a hole in your pocket. Still, with someone like that, you are always assured of getting good value for your money! So bring on the champagne and the caviar! Free you mind from negative thoughts. You need to be in high spirits to work with your team and delegate equal responsibilities to your team mates. Know their calibre and designate accordingly. Trust them with their work and the rest would fall in place. The morning seems to begin on a lazy note today, as your energy level is equal to zero. Thus, you may try to decentralise your activities and divide it between your co-workers. But make sure the responsibilities are delegated in the right hands or you may have to regret your decision. Drag yourself out of the house, do some shopping, or better still, appoint an interior designer. You are very likely to move into a new house very soon. This, of course, may also eat into your savings and force you to be thrifty by the end of the day, but you won’t regret this once-in-a-while extravagant outing. It’s all for a reason, after all. You are good with words and with the art of eloquence you manage to get through any situation. Today, thanks to your communication skills, you will be able to crack important deals and make people follow your vision. You, however, need to respects opinions of others’ as well. You will experience mixed feelings today. On one hand tension and stress about how to set a deteriorating situation right will keep you worried, and on the other hand you will be in a mood to accept things for what they are. What you learn now will be very vital in your development, and will help you progress and become a better person in the future.
Players in action. Pic- Rafique Uddin Ahmed
Anirban Lahiri crowned with Asian Tour Order of Merit title, 2015 Laxman Sharma Digboi, Dec 14: Anirban Lahiri has become the fourth Indian today to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit title. He was today declared as the new Asian No. 1 for 2015 as he enjoyed an unassailable lead of over US$ 600,000 in the money list with just one event remaining in the season. Lahiri has followed in the footsteps of Jyoti Randhawa (2002), Arjun Atwal (2003) and Jeev Milkha Singh (2006 & 2008), the three Indians to have previously lifted the Asian Tour Order of Merit crown. The 28-year-old Anirban amassed record earnings of US$1,139,084 during the 2015 Asian Tour season to set the stage for his ascendancy to the status of Asia No. 1 for the first time. He thus became only the third player in Asian Tour history to surpass the US$ 1 million earnings barrier in a single season,
Vishal Basant Solanki, DC, Jorhat laying the foundation stone of the installation of statue of Gana Silpi Moghai Ojha in Jorhat. The programme is initiated by AJYCP, Jorhat. Pic - Nekib Ahmed
The Indian star went on to bag five more top-10 finishes around the globe which included a sensational tied fifth place at the PGA Championship which happened to be the best result by an Indian at the Majors. He set another record by becoming only the second Indian after Jeev Milkha Singh to play all four Majors in the same year. “Coming in joint fifth at the PGA Championship, it’s been fantastic. There was so much that I took away from the week. The confidence and self-belief that I gained and earning the respect of the best players in the world ... that’s not easily done,” added Lahiri, who also finished an impressive 20th in the European Tour Race to Dubai. The last quarter of the year saw the eloquent Indian golfer add two more pages to his growing list of achievements as he became the first Indian to play for the International Team at the
Presidents Cup and then also earned his PGA Tour card for the following season. Lahiri, who is now looking forward to making an impact in the United States next season, attributes his steady growth to the years spent on the Asian Tour where he got his first exposure to international competition at the professional level. “The Asian Tour has been instrumental. It has a rewarding structure. If you can keep your card and break into the top-30, you can play in the best events around Asia,” said Lahiri, who is a seven-time Asian Tour winner. “Obviously now, I’m looking onwards and upwards. Hopefully, playing on PGA Tour, I’d love to get a win in America. Ultimately, I want to try and win a Major. I can’t put a timeline on that goal, but if I can put myself in contention at least once next year, that would be a great start. The long term goal is to win a Major.”
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
15-12-15 (TUESDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-50 A.M-Tokari Geet 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 Song) 12-15 P.M-Teachers' Broadcast 12-45 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Ei Path Hoise Bikashor" 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 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-Chah Shramikar Aasor 8-00 P.M-Krira Jagat (Sports Magazine Programme) 9-30 P.M-Sahitya Kanan (Literary Magazine Programme)-1.Talk by Dr. Pranjit Bora, 2.Self Composed Poem Recitation bt Pahar Phukan, 3.Short Story by Dr. Kalyan Bhuyan 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P
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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
NSS unit of DEMGHSS conducted Chilled morning...... 3 days long social service Spl Correspondent Pasighat, Dec 14: The NSS unit of Daying Ering Memorial Govt. Hr. Sec. School Pasighat organized a 3 days Special Camping at Tekang village, some 12 KM away from from here. The volunteers camped at the village from 10th to 12th December 2015 which was supervised by Programme Officer, Boyem Jerang. As many as 110 volunteers consisting of 68 girls and 42 boys actively participated in the 3 long day social service, where maintenance of the dilapidated village road and drainage system due to erosion caused by rain water was done. During her visit to the NSS volunteers at work site along with other teaching staff, Mrs. Aroty Padung Pada,
Vice-Principal, appreciated and admired the volunteers by seeing their devotion and dedication in such manual work. At the same time, she advised them to behave discipline, respect elders and teachers. She advised the girls to be particular about health and hygiene wherever they stay, like cleaning of utensil which they uses,
not to throw pads or other here and there because ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’. She advised the volunteers to always keep their place of camping clean so as to become example to others wherever they go. Despite long day manual work, the volunteers without any sign of tiredness, displayed good numbers of cultural programme to
entertain the villagers for two consecutive nights. Taking the advantage of the camping, Shri: Tanyo Jerang, the newly appointed Gaon Burah of the village advised the youth and students to refrain from activities like using drugs and alcohol as the future of the nation totally depends on the sound mind and good health of the youth.
Extended office bearer meeting of BJP, Arunachal discuss current political situation in state Contd. from Page 1
the governor Arunachal Pradesh for impeachment against the sitting speaker is within the ambit of the constitutional provisions. Thus, the meeting observed that the ruling congress under the present leadership shall resorting desperate attempt to stall the proceedings of impeachment of the present sitting speaker. The party also sees no reason to
create hue and cries and communalizes issues by the community based organization in the state. Impeachment of the speaker is a apolitical issues, which needs to be resolved politically, no community based organization is above the rule of law, rather they should honors and welcome the message of his Excellency as a law abiding citizens to ends the unending dissidences among the ruling congress legislatures in the state. The meeting
strongly condemned the un- called and concocted, fabricated unleashing the Raj Bhavan and His Excellency Governor as BJP and RSS Headquarter by the Ruling congress government and the APCC. Rampant mudslinging of the His Excellency governor and Raj Bhavan is not fair and just as he and it upholds the highest constitutional duty and prerogative power enshrined in the constitution of India. The meeting also apprehends se-
rious break down of law and order in the ensuing sixth legislative Assembly session, which needs adequate security to safe guard the life and properties of BJP legislators as well as party leaders and workers. The meeting call upon the law enforcing authority to deploy pool proof security to avert any untoward incidents which cannot be ruled at this stage, and the state congress government and AICC shall be responsible for any such mis-adventure.
Tripura to have passport office by Jan 2016: MEA Agartala, Dec. 14 : The Passport Office at Agartala is likely to be operationalise by early next year said an senior official of the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday. “Towards the end of this month or in the early week of January itself so is going to be operationalise very soon,” said A K Sobti, Director, Passport Seva Project (PSP). The PSP will be a great benefit for those from the state wishing to get a passport and
for which they had to wait for several months as passports were being issued from Kolkata. Moreover, recently hundreds of handwritten passports became invalid after internationally from November 24 last they were not being accepted anymore and were to be replaced by machine readable zone passport. “Handwritten passport has been banned as per the requirement of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organiza-
tion). Now they will not be accepting internationally manual passport anywhere across the world. So it is in the interest of the applicant or the citizens that they should go for MRZ (machine readable zone) passports so that they are not put to any harassment.” Sobti added. Sobti along with V K Jain, another official of the MEA, arrived here today to review the work of the mini Passport Seva Kendra prior its inaugu-
ration. The mini Passport Seva Kendra is being set up in Agartala to facilitate delivery of passports. The Tripura government has written a letter requesting the Centre to set up a Passport office in Agartala. In the entire northeastern region, there is only one passport office in Guwahati and one Passport Seva Kendra in Manipur. The Kolkata Regional Passport office controls the Tripura Passport Seva. (ANI)
Motorcyclist heading along fog engulfed road during a winter morning in Agartala . Pic - UB Photos
Absence of civilian enclave in ALG, Pasighat irks common denizen Maksam Tayeng, Pasighat, Dec 14: Much to the setback of people of Pasighat in particular and Siang Valley in general, the civilian enclave in the ongoing construction of Advance Landing Ground here which was to facilitate domestic airline passengers is nonexistent, whereas the project is nearing to its completion. In a letter to Project Manager today, the Adi Baane Kebang East Siang Unit led by President Okom Yosung has appealed the authority concern to furnish detail regarding the civilian enclave within a week failing which a democratic movement from local citizen is warned. In the letter, ABK East Siang has raised the absence of civilian terminal where infrastructures like lounge, toilets etc are required besides questioning the narrow entry gate and approaching road from Highway to ALG as inconvenient. ABK East Siang strongly appealed the state government to look into the matter on priority basis as absence of civilian terminal would deprive people of this region from using
the ALG for domestic connectivity for which the people has been eagerly waiting for. When this scribe wanted to take the version of Project
state government and the government of India whether the initial talk and agreement of developing the ALG, Pasighat for both domestic and
been erected. And it is surely going to hurt the sentiments of many as hope and expectation of people that, Pasighat will directly get connected
Manager on the absence of civilian enclave, Col. Ravi declined to comment anything saying he is restricted from higher up to interact anything with media. A Chief Engineer from the Army HQ came and inspected the ALG today, but refused to talk to media saying he is also restricted to comment anything. When asked for her statement on the subject, DC Isha Khosla said that, she is pursuing the matter with state government. Now it is a big question on the part of
defence purposes was just a lie to the people of the region. During the initial days when this ALG was on proposal to be developed jointly by Indian Air Force and Airport Authority of India, this scribe had covered the news of visit of the then Air-Chief-Marshal some three years ago where there was a talk of developing the ALG for both domestic and defense uses. The absence of civilian terminal is indeed shocking whereas the terminal for defence purposes has already
with Guwahati, Delhi and other part of the country is now seen shattering. ALG Pasighat, being bigger than other ALGs like that of Tezu and Ziro with its 2.1 KM runway is capable of taking the load of both domestic and defence planes, as inputs received from sources. At the time when Pasighat is included under Smart City Project, the need of air connectivity will rise manifold and Ministry of Civil Aviation need to look at the mess immediately. .
RKM Alumni all set to First UBU People's Convention for Early Celebrate Golden Year of Alma Mater: Functioning of Kodum Circle:
Aalo Dec. 14: The first ever congregatation of People's Convention of Ubu Bango comprising Taba Sora, Dasi, Nikte, Yigikaum, Kunuyami and Humoli at Nikte Kodum Circle for the maiden visit of Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home on his maiden visit came as a spoilspirit due to inclement weather on 12th Dec. last. The people had to stroll all along one and half km to and fro from
the road end to Nikte kodum circle where a big and elaborate arrangements was made due to bad road condition. Addressing the meeting that went on under the chairmanship of Miss Hoksum Ori, West Siang ADC Shri Tamik Talom exhorted people not to loose heart as the MOS could not turn despite his best effort due to inclement weather and messages and grievances of the Bango people will be
sent to the Minister for redessal from adminitration side. Shri Kito Sora Ex. MLA, Miss Hoksum Ori Chairman UBU People's Convention, Secy Shri Gomo Sora, Shri Gedo Ori Dy. Director Tourism, CHGB and Circle Inspector O. Tamuk and others in detail about plight of the circle and decided to apprise govt. on series of problem that confront the functioning of the circle in mitigat-
ing the will of the people. It may be mentioned that Nikte Kodum Circle has been declared as circle and till no infrastructures have been created to make it functional inspite serious effort of the people to donate vast area of land for its establishment and serious effort on self help basis for the last three years. only one unmanned thatched house exist there. ( DIPRO)
Sarv Karamchari Sangh allege Govt. of false promises B.S.Malik Sonepat, Dec 14: “The BJP government in the state is backtracking from its promise of giving Haryana government employees pay scales equal to the employees of Punjab government and the employees will not tolerate it,” stated Subhash Lamba, the State General Secretary
of Sarv Karamchari Sangh (SKS), while addressing a meeting of the district executive committee of the SKS here today. District president Ram Mehar Sharma presided over the meeting and the members of the state executive committee, Sheelak Ram Malik and Vijender Chahal were also present in the
meeting. While giving details of their meeting with Haryana Chief minister, Manohar Lal Khattar on December 10, he said that the government appeared to be noncommittal on the demands like giving Punjab government pay scale, minimum wages at Rs 15,000, regularizing of adhoc and temporary em-
ployees, abolition of outsourcing and contract system and removal of pay anomalies. There was consensus on some of the demands during the meeting with CM, he said and added that a meeting of the state executive committee would be convened soon to deliberate on the outcome of the meeting with CM.
Aalo Dec.14: The Ramakrishna Mission School Aalo Alumni Association is all set to celebrate the Golden Jubilee Year of its Alma Mater in a befitting manner from 17th to 20th December next. The alumni scattered over different parts of the country, and teachers who had rendered yeomen services to the school up to their retirements are likely to arrive on 16th and 17th Dec to take keen part in the four daylong celebrations. The Day one will be Alumni Day, followed by Day two, Golden Jubilee
day. The President RMSAAA Shri Jarsa Gamlin, Organizing Chairman Shri Nyali Ete, Secretary, Batch Coordinators and all in-charges have finalized all schedules in a final get together at hotel Toshi Palace yesterday. Shri Boken Ete, who is a pioneer and instrumental in bringing this premier institution will also be felicitated on the auspicious occasion. Counseling to students, games and sports, cultural program, felicitation to teachers and picnic will form part of the celebrations.
Martyrs’ sister pleads DC to shift fair Contd. from Page 1
President Lungkang Ering has strongly condemned the conduction of fair at the martyr’s burial site (Ecological Park) saying that location is holy to ABSU and Bogong in general. Re-
minding the DC of driving out same such attempts some 6-7 months ago by the then DC Nidhi Srivastava on the appeal of ABSU (E), Ering strongly appealed DC Isha Khosla to let the fair be shifted. While on the part of DC, she has assured to do the needful.
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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
Assam House makes treatment of emergency patients mandatory A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 14: Assam Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution to adopt the Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act 2010, making it mandatory to treat anyone with "emergency m e d i c a l condition".Health and Family Welfare Minister Nazrul Islam introduced the resolution in the House and it was accepted unanimously.
Nazrul Islam
"The House do now resolve and adopt this resolution for adoption of Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act 2010 in the state of Assam under Article 252 of the Constitution of India," he said. The Minister informed the House that the erstwhile Assam Health Establishment Act 1993 and Rules 1995 has thereof been already repealed. The new Act was enacted by the Parliament for
Himanta demands apology from Rahul and CM Gogoi Contd. from Page 1
Former chief minister Bhumidhar Barman and several other senior Congress leaders were also chatting with me waiting for Rahul Gandhi on Saturday,” burha-satriya Sarma said. Rahul Gandhi was on Monday quoted as having told reporters outside Parliament that he was prevented by the RSS from entering the Barpeta monastery when he took out a seven-km padayatra from Barpeta town to Medhirtari and addressed a rally at the end of it. “It is a totally baseless allegation. There can be no question of not letting him enter the satra. I was personally waiting to bless him. The satra would have benefitted from his visit. I have seen a similar statement being made by chief minister Tarun Gogoi too. Bhumidhar Barman and other senior Congress leaders should tell him about how we waited for nearly four hours until we were told that Rahul Gandhi had
taken a different route bypassing the Barpeta satra,” the burha-satriya said. The burha-satriya also said that while about 1,000 people gather for the morning naam-prasanga (prayers) at the satra every day, the numbers were more on Saturday because Rahul Gandhi was supposed to visit the satra. The Barpeta Satra was established in 1583 by Madhavadeva, who, along with Srimanta Sankaradeva, the 16th century saint-reformer of Assam. “In fact the people, most of whom were our own bhakats and devotees, were very disappointed after Rahul Gandhi took a different route and by-passed the historic satra. While women do not enter the satra, many had gathered and were chanting naam from the kirtana while waiting for Rahul Gandhi,” burha-satriya Sarma said. The reality, the burha-satriya said, was that the Congress vice-president actually visited the satra after completing his padayatra. “I was told by a satra managing com-
Dr. Bhupen Hazarika memorial park ready to be inaugurated. Contd. from Page 1
Outlining the two daylong event the noted cultural activist said that there would be a panel discussion among the guests of seven sisters tomorrow evening so that a solution could be found to bridge the gaps among the people of the region. A cultural
programme will also be held in the evening. The second day’s highlight includes a welcome procession, opening of Bhupen Hazarika Kalabhumi gate, unveiling of the statue of Bhupen Hazarika, tribute to the cultural icon, lighting of lamps and cultural programmes. All concerned are urged to extend cooperation to make the event a grand success.
mittee official that Rahul Gandhi visited the satra around 3:30 PM that day after completing his padayatra. Chief minister Tarun Gogoi and Pradesh Congress president Anjan Dutta had also accompanied him,” he said. Interestingly, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi too had on Sunday alleged that the RSS was planning to create a situation if Rahul Gandhi had visited the Barpeta satra. He said the RSS had “infiltrated” religious places in the state and that RSS workers were on Saturday planning to create a situation of confrontation if Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had visited the Barpeta Satra before the start of his padayatra. Gogoi also said that some people within the Satra governing body were opposed to Rahul Gandhi’s plan to visit it. “I have asked the Barpeta deputy commissioner to verify the facts,” Gogoi said. Attacking the Congress vice president and Congress in Assam, BJP leader Himanta Biswa
Sarma said that Gandhi and Gogoi must apologies before the people of Assam. 'They have maligned the image of Assam, and for this they must knell down before the Barpeta satra and seek forgiveness from the people of Assam," said Sarma. Meanwhile, the RSS on Monday not only vehemently denied Rahul Gandhi’s allegation as “totally baseless”, but also said it was chief minister Tarun Gogoi who was trying to cook up a story with the forthcoming assembly elections in Assam. “Why should the RSS oppose or prevent his (Gandhi’s) entry to a satra. We don’t run or control the satra institutions. The Barpeta Satra has its own elected satradhikar and a managing committee. Moreover, didn’t Rahul Gandhi visit the satra after his padayatra? It was an afterthought on the part of chief minister Gogoi,” a senior RSS functionary at Keshav Dham, the state RSS headquarters here said.
societies of Sadar Hills including Kuki Inpi, KSO and Kuki Women Union. They are demanding urgent repair of the highway. Though the blockade was later lifted, it has caused huge loss to the exchequer. “It will lose lot of exchequer to the treasury of the government at least 2 to 3 crore per day. It has gone down one third. It will be around 50 lakhs nowadays,” said Md. WahirUd-Din, Inspector, Taxation Department, Hengbung, Government of Manipur. “Drivers are facing lot of problem. In Manipur, we are being
ET Correspondent Doomdooma , 14 : A Christmas rally was taken out by the Believers Church which march a parade from Sukriting no 8 in the leadership of Father Kurian Thomas , Father Sunil Munda and
Ritu Tamang .The rally ended at the church after walking almost all the main roads of Doomdooma Town . Hundreds of people participated in the rally . During this men in the costume of Santa Claus distributed chocolates among
children. In the rally pamphlets were distributed where it was described that divine grace is necessary to attain pleasure and salvation, through this the church has extended its Xmas and New Year greeting to all and sundry.
5-day Inspire Internship Science Anup Chetia seeks Camp begins“Indians are forgiveness for ULFA's past known for their hard work, mistakes, favours peace talks sincerity, honesty and integrity” Contd. from Page 1
Earlier, on November 17,Chetia was brought to Guwahati by the CBI on a transit remand and produced before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate amid tight security. Chetia was charged with illegally entering Bangladesh using a forged passport, possession of illegal foreign
currency from 16 different countries and illegal possession of arms. He was also wanted by the Assam Police for various cases, including killing, kidnapping and extortion. Chetia, who has been in Bangladesh since his arrest by the country's police in 1997, was handed over to India on November 11 following which he was arrested by the CBI in Delhi. (ANI)
Search operation intensifies to nab ULFA militants requirements at any cost with the dawn of chill winter and diminishing yield from the tea garden with the outbreak of lean season for the tea growers. Mr Warry however claimed that the garden works continued in the entire belt unabetted and the security forces
have been constantly trying to bring the desired outputs without disturbing the peace among the people in the said belt. Sources added that the search operation is being carried out at various vulnerable pockets of different locations on all sides including the AssamArunachal border including Borsumsa.
ET Bureau New Delhi, Dec. 14: The Lok Sabha on Monday passed by voice vote the Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill2015, which seeks to amend the existing legislation to overcome difficulties in setting up of new nuclear projects and enhancement of nuclear power generation. It allows the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited ( NPCIL) to have joint ventures with other Public Sector Undertakings for establish-
ing nuclear power plants. The bill also intends to enable the Government to issue licence to such joint-venture companies to set up nuclear power plants, take measures for safe operation and safe disposal of fissile material. It also provides for cancellation of licence in case the licensee ceases to be a government company. Replying to a debate, Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh said: "The country's
Contd. from Page 1
-- Ram Bilas Sharma ET Correspondent Sonepat, Dec 14: Haryana Education Minister, Ram Bilas Sharma today said that the Indians were known for their hard work, sincerity, honesty and integrity all over the world and their demand from other countries had continued to increase. “It has been proved by the surveys conducted in China and Turkey in the recent past,” he said and claimed that India was set to become the World Guru in the coming period as it was one of the youngest countries in the world. He was addressing the inaugural function of the 5-day Inspire Internship Science Camp, organized under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology of the Central government by SRM University at its premises in Rajiv Gandhi Education City (RGEC) at Rai in the district. Paying rich tributes to the former President of India, late
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, he said that Dr Kalam should be the role model for the young generation. “Dr Kalam entered the Rashtrapati Bhawan with a suitcase and books and left it with the same articles,” he said University’s founding Chancellor, Dr T.R.Pari Vendhar said that the quality in education was a must and it was necessary to have commitment to bring quality. Vice Chancellor, Dr S.Raja Rajan said that as many as 154 students of different schools from Sonepat, Panipat, Jind, Jhajjar and Rohtak district were attending this Camp and 20 science experts from different fields would interact with the students during these days. Photo Caption – Haryana Education Minister, Ram Bilas Sharma addresses the participants of 5-day Science Camp at RGEC at Rai on Monday.
Two poachers shot dead in Karizanga LS clears Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill 2015 Contd. from Page 1
As the security forces were on a patrol near Ajar Katonee camp, the poachers group started firing at them and tried to fled in the cover of darkness. In retaliatory fire, two poachers were killed whose bodies were found today. A 0.303 rifle, a silencer, tree mo-
bile handsets, some food items and ammunitions were recovered from the duo’s body bag, informed Mahendra Dawara, Sr Conservator of forest, Karizanga National Park. Both the bodies has been sent for post mortem to Nagoan Civil Hospital. Till date, the poachers killed by KNP security has moved up to 24 in Karizanga alone.
Economic blockades in Manipur cause substantial loss to the state ANI Imphal, Dec. 14 :Frequent economic blockades called by various organizations in Manipur have been causing huge economic loss to the state. The obstruction also causes problem for local commuters besides affecting the supply of essential commodities. Vehicular movement on ImphalDimapur highway was obstructed and over 200 trucks carrying essential commodities remained stranded for many days. The blockade which came into force on December 2 midnight was called by several civil
better and uniform system of registration and regulation of clinical establishments, Islam said. One of the salient features of the new Act is that it will be obligatory for clinical establishments to provide treatment and stabilise anyone coming or is brought in an "emergency medical condition". The Act is applicable to all clinical establishments belonging to any recognised system of medicine as well as single doctor units with or without beds. A clinical establishment means a hospital, maternity home, nursing home, dispensary, clinic, sanatorium, etc.
Santa Claus Distributed Chocolates among Children at Doomdooma
involved into small issues. We are supplying daily commodities to the people. If we can’t serve people then how will they get essential commodities? What do they think about drivers? There should not be a blockade on small issues instead the issues should be sorted out with the government,” said Bishworjit Singh, truck driver. In another strike called by Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO), protesters blocked NH 102 and burnt tyres causing severe problem for commuters. They were pro-
testing against alleged “inhumane conduct” by security forces in Sadar Hill district. Commuters were forced to walk on foot from Senapati headquarters to Matbung village of Sadar hills because of the bandh. “Blockades should not be imposed. The issues should be resolved through dialogue with the government. They should not hassle the public,” said Sosho Singh, commuter. The hill districts of Manipur have witnessed frequent blockades resulting in huge economic loss and inconvenience to public.
Union minister Jitendra Singh
nuclear programme is dedicated to peaceful purpose, and the government has set a target of generating thirteen thousand mega watts by 2020 through nuclear energy." Allaying apprehension about dis-
posing of the fissile materials, the minister said the radioactive materials are disposed of in a scientific manner, adding that both units of the Kudankulam project will be functional by next year.
Link between terrorists in Assam joining ranks with Pakistan-sponsored groups exposed: Report ET Bureau New Delhi, Dec 14: In what could be a major embarrassment to Pakistan, phone call details of an alleged jihadi in Assam has been accessed who is boasting of a 100strong team. As per a CNN IBN report, the call intercepts exposes how militants in Assam are joining ranks with Pakistan-sponsored terror groups. The report also says that the alleged
jihadi in his conversation is claiming that he can carry out attacks anywhere in Maharashtra, especially Mumbai. The jihadi also reportedly claims that was trained with ULFA militants in Bhutan. Meanwhile, six Jamaat ul Mujaheedin (JuM) militants, including one allegedly close to the Burdwan blast kingpin, were arrested on December 05 from different places of
Lower Assam and huge quantities of arms and ammunition seized, police said. The police arrested the 'jehadis' from Baksa, Chirang, Goalpara and Kokrajhar districts and the prize catch was Monirul Islam alias Burabhai who was absconding since the police busted a jehadi camp in September last, IGP (BTAD) LR Bishnoi had told PTI. Islam had
allegedly visited Burdwan before the blasts last year and was also attempting to set up training camps for jehadis in Barpeta districts and along the Assam-Meghalaya border, he had added. The arrest of the six 'jehadis' was a major breakthrough after the September 15 busting of a camp in Chirang district and the arrest of ten 'jehadi' cadre, the IGP added.
Church funded, fuelled militancy in India, says former CPI-M MP Agartala, Dec. 14: A senior CPI-M leader and former Member of Parliament of India has said the church has been used by various external agencies for the pumping in of funds for organizing militancy and separatist movements in Tripura. Khagen Das was speaking with reference to the militant ac-
his statement he said that from the declaration made in the court by Kim Davy, who is wanted in the famous arms dropping case in Puralia of West Bengal it is clear that church has been used for funding and arms support to militants especially in Northeast India. Das added, "The man (Kim Davy,
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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
12-hour bandh at NH 29: NCSU Kohima, Dec 14: A 12hour bandh has been called by the Nagaland Contractors' and Suppliers' Union (NCSU) on December 15 along Dimapur-Kohima road to protest the alleged "nonfulfillment" of promises by Union minister Nitin Gadkari. NCSU President Pele Khezhie and General Secretary John Kath on Sunday said that the bandh has been called from 6 AM to 6 PM at National Highway 29 against the "non-fulfillment of promises" by Road Transport Highway and Shipping minister Nitin Gadkari. Naga Hoho, the apex body of
the Nagas, had earlier welcomed the construction of four-lane Dimapur-Kohima Road and requested Gadkari to ensure that the grievances of local contractors must be addressed. But despite several requests by the NCSU to enable local contractors' participation in the construction of four-lane road, the promises were not fulfilled by the Union minister, NCSU said in a statement here. "On 30th June to 1st July during the highway meet at Guwahati, the Union minister assured in presence of Kiren Rijiju and Union minister of State Youths
A 12-hour bandh has been called by the Nagaland Contractors' and Suppliers'
and Sports Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, all PWD Ministers of North Eastern States, technocrats and contractors to accommodate the local contractors by breaking up
project into smaller packages in the Northeastern region," NCSU said. During the foundation-stone laying ceremony for the construction of the road, Gadkari had publicly announced
on November 3 to accommodate the local contractors, they said. Naga Hoho President P Chuba Ozukum and General Secretary Mutsikhoyo Yhobu said in a letter to the Union Ministry on Saturday that "the good roads constructed would take the region forward to prosperity and the development would be inclusive if the locals participate as this would generate employment and other avenues." However, the Hoho said that as the processes for e-procurement and tendering were initiated for the construction, the local contractors' participation became diffi-
cult. It said that the NCSU and the state Chief Minister had written to (Nitin Gadkari) for relaxation of norms and procedure to enable the local contractors' meaningful participation for the construction. The rules have not been relaxed as envisaged, they said. In this backdrop, the NCSU have proposed for agitation and bandhs defying established rules and procedure which would be detrimental to the people and its quest for development, the Hoho said and requested the Union minister to address the grievances of local contractors. (Agencies)
Pak army and Govt. supporting Hafiz Tractor-trolley collides with train, 1 bogey Saeed: Defence Expert The church has been used by various external agencies for the pumping in of funds for organizing militancy and separatist movements in Tripura
tivities and the ongoing demand for a separate tribal land within Tripura by a newly float tribal party Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT). "During the communal riots of 1980 and during the extremist activities for 30 years, it is on record that apart of church, they were involved. Money was being in flown to India by church to extremist," said Das. Das said that a section of the church has been actively supporting and fuelling tribal insurgency in not only the state but also the region. However, he denied mentioning any specifically name or details about what step his government had taken against that section of the church but in support of
Peter Bleach and his team) who dropped arms in West Bengal's Puralia, was in the dock in his country and making a statement that I was not only dropping arms in Puralia, in 1995 and 1996 I had supplied arms to the northeast extremist particularly to Tripura extremist." He thanked the people of Tripura for not supporting such militant activities and brings the Left Front in power in various elections including the just concluded civic poll. According to his the landslide victory of the Left Front is a message to the BJP government in Delhi that Tripura is showing a new path for the nation. (ANI)
HSPDP 'staring' at rebellion in Nongstoin Nongstoin, Dec 14: All is not well within the HSPDP, the oldest regional party in the State. The face-off between party chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit and Nongstoin MDC L.G. Nongsiej seems to blow out of proportions with a sizeable number of party supporters backing the latter while accusing the former of washing dirty linen in public. The spat between Basaiawmoit and Nongsiej came to the fore during the declaration of the result of the Nongstoin by poll when the party chief publicly termed Nongsiej a traitor and announced that he was no longer a member of the HSPDP as he had not supported party candidate Diosstarness Jyndiang in the by election. Nongsiej confided to The Shillong Times that he had no intention of turning his back on his own party and recalled that after the announcement of the name of the candidate he had attended and spoke at several public meeting to drum up support for Jyndiang. "Ardent might be upset over my absence in some meetings
but my daughter was admitted at the hospital and I had to attend to her," Nongsiej clarified. The MDC however, lamented that the 'selfstyled party president' had insulted and mocked him in public which has affected him and his family. To a query on whether he was still in the HSPDP, Nongsiej said he had not received any official letter but was quick to mention that no letter was needed since the president had already kicked him out of the party in public. Incidentally, the development has not gone down well with the primary units of the HSPDP in Nongstoin who have accused the party president of highhandedness and have threatened to leave the party if Ardent did not apologize to Nongsiej for his 'mistake'. Members of the primary units of the party have also claimed that Ardent lacked the capacity to lead the party since as a leader he should have tabled his grievances against Nongsiej during the executive meeting and not in public. (Agencies)
Bhopal, Dec. 14: Following the statement of Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed that India cannot prove his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, defence expert S.R. Sinho on Monday said his statement reveals support from the army organization and government of Pakistan. "The statement given by Hafiz Saeed reveals the fact that he is receiving support from the army organization and government of Pakistan. After all these high-level talks, Pakistan has fired a nuclear missile, whose range is up to Chennai. Even this is something which needs to be considered," Sinho told. "America has issued a red alert on Hafiz Saeed and they consider him to be an international terrorist. Pakistan allows
Defence expert S.R. Sinho him to organise rallies which shows it is an indication for India that it will continue with infiltration and attacks," he added. Sinho asserted that bilateral talks with Pakistan won't solve the terror issue unless and until people of both the nation talk and interact with each other. "There
should be contact between the people of the two nations, building measures, cricket series, and artists coming in. If it happens then there will be less pressure on the Kashmir PDP Government," he said. Days after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Pakistan, Jamaat-ud-
Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed has dared India to prove his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. According to a video posted on his Twitter account, Saeed is seen saying, "Our government remained silent, but let me respond to Sushma. It's been seven years but they could not prove who was behind the Mumbai attacks and Insha Allah (if Allah wills it) they will never be able to prove it until eternity." "India has failed to provide any evidence of Mumbai attacks, while on the other hand Modi has confessed for worst terrorism of #1971," Saeed's statement comes after India was assured of steps being taken to expedite the early conclusion of 26/11 Mumbai trial, after Swaraj visited Pakistan last week. (ANI)
EC to send name of nominated member directly to Governor Shillong, Dec 14: In a decision that could further widen the chasm between the State government and the KHADC, the name of a new nominated member will be recommended by the council directly to Governor V. Shanmuganathan for his approval after the adoption of a resolution to this effect during the special session to be held on Monday. Selection of new nominated MDC was necessitated after the Executive Committee led by KHADC CEM P.N. Syiem declined to re-nominate Gabriel Wahlang who had re-
signed as MDC to unsuccessfully contest the Nongstoin by poll. On the eve of the special session, the KHADC chief informed that EC will recommend the name of the new member directly to the Governor for his approval. According to Syiem, the new name will be finalized only on Monday morning prior to the start of the special session. "I will decide from among three to four names on Monday morning before the start of the session at 11 AM," said Syiem who will be tabling the resolution recommending the name of the
new nominated member in the House. Sources said the names doing the rounds include that of a former KHADC Judge, UDP leader Bindo Lanong, three persons proposed by KHNAM including its president, general secretary and Fenela L Nonglait and a prominent supporter of the CEM from Mawsynram. However, the CEM refused to divulge the name to be selected by him from among the available names. Asked why the name will not be forwarded to the District Council Affairs department, Syiem said
as per the Sixth Schedule, the DCA or the government has no role to play as the matter will be decided by the Governor. "We are not under the DCA or the State government but under the Sixth Schedule; hence we will recommend the name to the Governor and it is up to him to accept or reject the same," Syiem asserted. The CEM's stand is likely to worsen the stand-off between him and the chief minister who had recently asserted that the State government will take a final decision on the issue of the nominated member of the KHADC. (Agencies)
Chief justice conciliation to settle tea disputes
the court will try to bring about some sort of an early settlement in 'stressed' tea plantations through mediation and conciliation
Siliguri, Dec 14: Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court Manjula Chellur on Sunday said the court will try to bring about some sort of an early settlement in 'stressed' tea plantations through
mediation and conciliation, and if needed,with the help of retired judges. Talking to reporters here, Justice Chellur said: "It is not an industrial dispute. It is related to the Plantation Act. So we want
to talk to the planters, owners and then the employees and unions and try to bring some sort of early settlement through mediation, conciliation." The Darjeeling District Legal Aid Forum has recently filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Calcutta High Court over the issue of serial deaths of tea workers in abandoned, stressed and closed tea plantations in north Bengal's tea belt. Addressing a programme here, Chellur also pointed out that Lok Adalat,a system of alternative dispute resolution, would be organised here for the victims in tea plantations. Following the serial deaths and the
present crisis in the tea belt in north Bengal, the state government has identified at least 43 tea gardens, which are either closed, abandoned or otherwise 'stressed'. A total of 15 tea plantations owned by Duncans Industries Limited in four districts and another five plantations owned by the KD Singh-led Alchemist Group in Darjeeling Hills are not functioning well and workers, who are virtually jobless, are not getting wages since early this financial year.The state government has taken some legal steps against Duncan Industries Limited over non-payment of workers'wages and other benefits, including provident fund. (Agencies)
derails
Bihar, Dec 14: A coach of Barmer-Guwahati Express derailed on Sunday after the train rammed into a tractor- trolley near Kamarpur Halt in Buxar district. No casualty was reported and none has been injured in the incident, an official said. The mishap took place as the tractor-trolley had got stuck on the track which was being levelled with soil, Danapur Division's DRM R K Jha said. The B-1 coach of the train jumped the tracks, he said, adding that there was no no casualty or injuries to anyone in the in-
cident, he said. There was nobody in the tractor-trolly. The train service in DanapurMughalsarai route has been disrupted and several trains on up and down lines remained stranded for hours, Jha said. While the train service on down line has been resumed, efforts were on to restore traffic on up line. Buxar DM Ramam Kumar and Santosh Kumar Nirala, a state minister, went to the spot to supervise r e s t o r a t i o n works, he said. (Agencies)
One-day winter session of Nagaland Assembly held Kohima, Dec 14: The first opposition-free oneday winter session of the 12th Nagaland Assembly was held on Monday. With the defection of 8 Congress MLAs into the ruling Naga People s Front (NPF)-led DAN government on November 20 last, the 60-member house does not have any opposition. The present composition of the Assembly is NPF 48,
BJP 4 and Independent 8. BJP is a pre-poll alliance of NPF while the Independent MLAs are also extending support to the government. Speaker Chotisuh Sazo adjourned the house sine die in less than an hour after completion of obituary references, presentation of governor s assent to three bills and laying of government reports and rules. (Agencies)
one-day winter session of the 12th Nagaland Assembly was held on Monday
Constable Khomraj Bhattarai's body handed over to the relatives on Sunday Shillong, Dec 14: The body of havildar Khomraj Bhattarai was handed over to the relatives on Sunday, a day after the decomposed body was recovered from a shallow grave near Tapa Darengchi area in North Garo Hills. A parade to express grief over the demise of the havildar from the 6th MLP Battalion was held in North Garo Hills on Sunday. The body was brought to Shillong on Sunday evening and a guard of honour has been scheduled on Monday at the Police Reserve here. Khomraj was taken captive along with another person in Songsak area while he was returning to duty after availing home leave. Armed GNLA militants under the command of 'area commander' Pilliport D Shira stopped the commercial winger vehicle in which the havildar was travelling
and took him and the handyman of the vehicle away on November 5. After 20 days of captivity the militants released the handyman who had been separated from Bhattarai soon after the abduction. A police official asserted that the abduction and killing of the havildar was the handiwork of GNLA. The official also added that the GNLA militants had asked two villagers at gun point to dig the grave to bury the body of the havildar. One of the villagers, Village Employment Secretary Walison N Sangma was arrested by the police. On the motive of the crime, police said the militants had kidnapped the two non Garos with a purpose to demand ransom but after finding that one of the abducted persons was a havildar they eliminated him. (Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
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Rajya Sabha faces repeated adjournment as Congress protests over law and order in Punjab New Delhi, Dec.14: Amid repeated disruptions by Congress members who trooped into the Well of the House and raised slogans, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 p.m. on Monday with the Congress Party insisting on the dismissal of the SAD-led government in Punjab for its inability in maintaining law and order. Earlier, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned thrice till 12.30 p.m., as the BSP and the Congress demanded the dismissal of the coalition government in Punjab. As soon as the House met for the day, BSP members trooped into well raising slogans against
the state government. They said that the chopping of the hands and legs of two Dalits by the henchmen of a businessman close to the Badal family was unpardonable. Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad described the action of the Akali leader as the worst case of terrorism. He also highlighted the case of a 12-year-old girl being run over by a truck. Azad demanded that the state government should be dismissed immediately. BSP leader and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati endorsed the demand for the dismissal of the Punjab government. Min-
Delhi slum demolition: AAP, TMC to protest outside Parliament New Delhi, Dec. 14: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday gave an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha over the Shakur Basti demolition issue and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sought an appointment with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. AAP MPs will also be protesting at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside the Parliament and they will be joined by the Trinamool Congress (TMC). "Trinamool gives notice in RS to bring up ShakurBasti demolition in parliament Will also join @AamAadmiParty outside Parliament at 10.30," TMC leader Derek O'Brien tweeted on Monday. Meanwhile, the Delhi Government has ordered magisterial enquiries into the demolition and also the death of a six month-old child. Separate probes will be conducted
AAP on Monday gave an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha
into demolition drive and the child's death. More than 500 slums were demolished in an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Indian Railways in Shakur Basti on Saturday. Slum residents created uproar after a child was found dead. They alleged that then child had died in the antiencroachment drive. The Railways have, however, denied the allegations saying that the death of the child occurred in one of the slums around 10 am and had nothing to do with the removal of encroachments. (ANI)
India should come out with proof against Hafiz Saeed: NCP
NCP leader Majeed Memon
New Delhi, Dec. 14: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday said India must come out with proof of Hafiz Saeed's involvement in the26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. "If a person like Hafiz Saeed can dare and say this, then Sushma Swaraj, her ministry and the Home Ministry should come forward and place the proof in front of the nation. Revealing the truth is very important. I don't think there's any wrong if he is asking for proof...we should prove it," NCP leader Majeed Memon told. Hafiz Saeed has dared India to prove his involvement in the 26/ 11 Mumbai attacks. According to a video posted on his Twitter account,
Saeed is seen saying, "Our government remained silent, but let me respond to Sushma. It's been seven years but they could not prove who was behind the Mumbai attacks and Insha Allah (if Allah wills it) they will never be able to prove it until eternity." "India has failed to provide any evidence of Mumbai attacks, while on the other hand Modi has confessed for worst terrorism of 1971,".Saeed's statement comes after India was assured of steps being taken to expedite the early conclusion of 26/11 Mumbai trial, after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Pakistan last week. (ANI)
Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 2 p.m on Monday
ister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the state government is taking action against the people responsible. Meanwhile, the Congress, TMC and Left
members staged a walk out from the Lok Sabha against the 'exclusion' of Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy from a function in Kollam to be attended by Prime Minister Modi tomorrow.
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu defended his ministry's decision to demolish a slum settlement in Delhi and said in Parliament that the encroachers had been served multiple notices to vacate the area. "I will meet with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal later today to discuss encroachments in other areas of Delhi and how to tackle it," Prabhu said. Senior BJP MP and Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu urged Prabhu to ensure that such demolition drives do not take place during winter. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also made a statement in the
Rajya Sabha today on her recent visit to Islamabad and on developments related to bilateral relations between India and Pakistan amidst loud protests from the opposition benches. In her statement, which was largely inaudible because of the opposition repeatedly calling for a stop to the proceedings in the house, Swaraj detailed the circumstances under which her visit was organised and what took place in Islamabad with the Pakistani leadership. She said that it has always been the Indian Government's endeavour to maintain relations with neighbouring countries, including Pakistan. (ANI)
I won't let them break your homes again: Rahul to Shakur Basti dwellers New Delhi, Dec. 14: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Monday visited the razed Shakur Basti where the Indian Railways had conducted a demolition drive, uprooting around 500 jhuggis and promised the homeless slum dwellers that they would be provided aid at the earliest. Flanked by security and chanting Congress supporters, Rahul inspected the slum area and also interacted with affected families who told him of their woes, while a massive crowd followed him. While
speaking to the slum dwellers, Rahul promised them that he would extend every help possible to alleviate them of their problems. "Call me if they try to break your homes again and I promise I won't let it happen. I will help you in every way possible. You know we are not in power, its Modi ji and Kejriwal ji who are at power. You're fight is our fight," Rahul told a slum dweller. Speaking to the media later, he accused the Delhi government and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centre for the
razing of the slum and asserted that the law had been clearly broken during the demolition. "There is a way of doing these things and the law has clearly been broken here. The Modi Government and the Delhi Government are involved here and now they are engaged in a blame game. What they should be doing is help the hungry and the people in pain. They need to ensure rehabilitation and provide them shelter," Rahul said. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hit out at Rahul for ques-
tioning the Aam Aadmi Party's protest against the demolition, saying that he was still a 'child' in politics. "Rahul Gandhi is still a child. I don't think his party has told him that that Indian Railways comes the Centre and not the Delhi Government," Kejriwal tweeted. Rahul had demanded to know the reason behind AAP's 'dharna' since they were the ruling power in Delhi. AAP joined by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) protested outside the Parliament against the slum demilition. (ANI)
Railways should not have conducted demolition drive in winter: Naidu New Delhi, Dec.14: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Monday said that the Railways should not have conducted the demolition drive in Shakur Basti area at the height of winter. "The Congress regime under chief minister Sheila Dikshit, in 2007 had proposed to build a railway terminal in Shakur Basti, and since then, efforts were on to do so," Naidu told reporters. "There should be no politics in this case. It should be seen from a humanitarian angle and this demolition drive should not have been conducted in winter," he added. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Monday reiterated his stand that the six-month-old child had died before the demolition drive had begun in Shakur Basti and not during the drive. Prabhu made his statement in the Lok Sabha on the encroach-
ment drives, where around 500 jhuggis were razed to the ground. "The child has died much before the demolition drive began and the encroachers did not vacate the place despite repeated notices. Such encroachments are the main source of garbage and safety hazard. Will meet Delhi Chief Minister on Monday to discuss tackling encroachment in other areas too," Prabhu said in his statement. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had earlier demanded that a murder case be registered against the officers who were responsible for the demolition which caused the child's death. "Railways have demolished 500 shanties in this extreme cold. One child has died. God will never forgive them. Had instructed the local SDM to arrange for food and shelter. They did not arrange the same, so
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu
have suspended them," an enraged Kejriwal said in a series of tweets. Meanwhile, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi visited the demolition site today and held the Delhi Government and the Prime Minister Narendra Modiled Centre responsible for razing of the slum, while assuring the homeless slum dwellers that they would be provided aid at the earliest. "Call me if they try to break your homes again and I promise I
won't let it happen. I will help you in every way possible. You know we are not in power, it is Modi ji and Kejriwal ji who are at power. Your fight is our fight," Rahul told the slum dwellers. "There is a way of doing these things and the law has clearly been broken here. The Modi Government and the Delhi Government are involved here and now they are engaged in a blame game. What they should be doing is help the hungry and the people in pain. They need to ensure rehabilitation and provide them shelter," he added. Kejriwal had earlier hit out at Rahul for accusing the Delhi Government for the demolition and called him a 'child'. "Rahul Gandhi is still a child. I don't think his party has told him that that Indian Railways reports to the Centre and not to the Delhi Government," Kejriwal tweeted. (ANI)
Delhi Health Minister smells 'conspiracy' in slum demolition tragedy New Delhi, Dec.14: Asserting that there was a 'conspiracy' angle behind the Shakur Basti slum demolition, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on Monday rejected the claims made by Railways of an 'urgent project' being the reason for the demolition. "The Railways have demolished the slums, saying that they are bringing in an urgent project. I have received the information that the plan of the project has not been passed, neither by FIR nor by the MCD," Jain told. "Even if you visit this place after six months, you will not find anything. It is just a conspiracy done to demolish the slums," he added. A day after the Railways demolished more than 500 slums in the Shakur Basti area in the national capital, the dwellers are now
Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain
being forced to live in freezing conditions and are battling the extreme cold. Talking about the facilities being provided for the dwellers, the PWD Minister said that proper medical facilities are being provided, "medical camps have been set up. The ill are being treated in the hospitals." Meanwhile, the Delhi Government had yesterday or-
dered magisterial enquiries into the Shakur Basti demolition and the death of the six month-old child. Separate probes will be conducted into demolition drive and the child's death. More than 500 slums were demolished in an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Indian Railways in Shakur Basti on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Aam
Aadmi Party (AAP) has also given an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha over the Shakur Basti demolition issue and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has sought an appointment with Prabhu. AAP MPs are also protesting at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi outside the Parliament and they will be joined by the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The Delhi Government yesterday ordered magisterial enquiries into the demolition and also the death of a six month-old child. Separate probes will be conducted into demolition drive and the child's death. More than 500 slums were demolished in an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the IndianRailways in Shakur Basti on Saturday. (ANI)
RSS used women to stop me from entering temple: Rahul Gandhi
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi New Delhi, Dec.14: In a fresh salvo at BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre, Congress vicepresident Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak (RSS) stopped him from entering a temple in Assam by using women as a blockade. "I had gone to Assam and I wanted to visit a temple in Barpeta. At the temple, the RSS people stopped me from entering. They had the women standing at the entrance and said that I cannot enter," Rahul Gandhi told media. "This is the way BJP operates. Who are they to stop me from entering the temple?" he said. Rahul Gandhi asserted that the recent incidents of stopping the Kerala Chief Minister from going to the function, stopping him (Rahul Gandhi) from entering a
temple and beating the dalits in Punjab, only show the thinking of Prime Minister Modi. "In Kerala, they stop our Chief Minister from going to the function. In Assam they stop me from entering into a temple and in Punjab, they beat the Dalits. This is the way Narendra Modi ji thinks. We are not going to accept this. They (BJP) need to change their way of functioning," he said. In his twoday visit to Assam, the Congress vice-president had addressed a rally in Barpeta District after a seven kilometre 'padhyatra' that began from a temple and ended at a mosque. Hitting at Prime Minister Modi, Rahul Gandhi had said that people of Assam will reject the BJP like Bihar as the Prime Minister did not fulfill his Lok Sabha promises. (ANI)
"I had gone to Assam and I wanted to visit a temple in Barpeta. At the temple, the RSS people stopped me from entering. They had the women standing at the entrance and said that I cannot enter," Says - Rahul Gandhi
BSP says Punjab Govt. a meek spectator to Dalit atrocities New Delhi, Dec.14: Condemning the brutal murder of Dalit in Punjab's Abohar constituency, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Monday said the state government is guilty of being a meek spectator to atrocities conducted on the backward community. "Ever since the BJP-Akali Dal coalition government has been formed in Punjab, atrocities on Dalits have increased. There is no law and order in the state and it seems that there is rule of drug dealers," BSP Supremo Mayawati told media. "The Punjab Government is just being a meek spectator and is not taking any action against the atrocities conducted towards the dalits," she added. She also said that then recent Abohar incident shows that there is conspiracy going on in
BSP Supremo Mayawati
Punjab. "We demand the Centre to take cognizance of the incident and action should be taken against the guilty. The victims should be given justice. Unless and until the Centre interferes in this issue, nothing is going to take place in Punjab," she said. One person was brutally murdered, while another critically injured at the farm house of liquor contractor and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) supporter Shiv Lal Doda alias Sholly in Fazilka's Abohar constituency on Friday afternoon. (ANI)
Madras HC orders halt of transfer of NIC women employees New Delhi, Dec 14: The Madras High Court Bench has directed the National Insurance Company (NIC) to adhere to a circular issued by the Union Ministry of Finance on September 23. The notice issued by the ministry states that public sector insurance companies such as the National Insurance Company should accommodate woman employees in branches situated close to stations where their husbands or par-
ents are residing. Justice D. Hariparanthaman passed the order on a petition filed by V. Ponnusamy, the general secretary of All India Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe General Insurance Employees Welfare Association, in which it was alleged that the NIC is yet to frame a scheme with respect to both married as well as unmarried women employees even after a year since the circular was issued. (ANI)
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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
NEIGHBOURS 700,000 flee as powerful typhoon slams Philippines Manila, Dec 14: More than 700,000 people in the central Philippines fled to safer areas for fear of giant waves, floods or landslides as Typhoon Melor slammed into the archipelago nation today, officials said. Melor brushed the northern tip of Samar, a farming island of 1.5 million people, early Monday with winds gusting up to 185 kilometres (115 miles) per hour, the state weather bureau said. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.Samar was among areas devastated in 2013 by Typhoon
Haiyan, when giant waves wiped out entire communities and left 7,350 people dead or missing.Authorities warned that Melor's powerful winds had the potential to whip up fourmetre-high (13-feet) waves, blow off tin roofs and uproot trees. They said heavy rain within its 300-kilometre diameter could trigger floods and landslides.In Albay province in the southeast of Luzon Island, almost 600,000 people were evacuated due to fears that heavy rain could cause mudslides on the slopes of nearby Mayon
Bangladesh observes Martyred Intellectuals Day
Martyred Intellectuals day observed Bangladesh
Dhaka, Dec. 14 :Bangladesh is observing theMartyred Intellectuals Daytoday, paying tribute to the intellectuals who were killed in the Liberation War of 1971. According to The Daily Star, renowned academics, engineers, doctors, journalists and other famous personalities were killed systematically by the Pakistan occupation army and their local collaborators on the day in
1971.Their bodies were later dumped at Rayerbazar, Mirpur and some other killing fields in the Dhaka.The government has made detailed plans to observe the day to pay tribute to the martyred intellectuals.While paying tribute to them, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed wreaths at the Memorial at Mirpur. (ANI)
Myanmar's Suu Kyi leads countrywide cleanup drive Yangin, Dec 14: Myanmar's Nobel peace laureate who led her opposition party to victory in last month's election joined her campaign to clean up garbage across the country Sunday. Aung San Suu Kyi participated in the "Environmental Beautification Campaign" alongside around 100 residents of her constituency of Kawhmu, a township of Yangon.Than Hla, a 74year-old local, told The Irrawaddy news service, "I have never witnessed this kind of scene in my life. We have had many leaders, but she has given excellent advice to us, to start the change with this activity."Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) is set to form Myanmar's new government in early 2016 following a landslide win in the Nov. 8 election. In its journal, D-Wave, the party earlier this month had
called on lawmakers, its members and the public to participate in the cleaning drive set to launch on Dec. 13.NLD member Zin Mar Aung, who is due to assume the Lower House seat for Yangon's Yankin township, said that officials from the local government and fire station had joined Red Cross members and residents in the program."We plan to do it regularly," she told the media. "We are not just picking up trash, we would like to be able to change behavior over the long term by raising awareness among the public."While Suu Kyi is barred from the presidency by a constitutional clause saying that no one with foreign relatives can take the job - believed to have been written with her two sons in mind - she vowed to be "above" the president, after her party secured a parliamentary majority. (Agencies)
Aung San Suu Kyi
Philippines evacuates 700,000 ahead of powerful typhoon
Volcano, according to the national disaster monitoring office.Residents carrying bags of clothes and water jugs clambered onto army trucks in
Albay's Legazpi City as authorities sounded an evacuation alarm.Huge waves crashed into the city's deserted boulevard as palm trees swayed.
Albay, a province of 1.2 million people, has become a model for disaster preparedness. It recorded zero casualties from Typhoon Hagupit last year due to prompt evacuations.An additional 130,000 people were evacuated in Sorsogon province south of Albay.The typhoon is expected to cut across the central heartlands in the early hours of Tuesday before heading out to the South China Sea in the west.Stormy weather has forced the cancellation of 40 domestic flights and halted 625 passenger and cargo
ferry trips, the disaster monitoring agency said.The government had prepared more than 200,000 food packs and other emergency items before the storm's landfall, social welfare secretary Corazon Soliman told DZMM radio.The Philippines is battered by an average of 20 typ h o o n s a n n u a l l y . Ty p h o o n Koppu, the last deadly storm to hit the country, killed 54 people and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes after it pummelled the north in October. (Agencies)
Prime accused of Tapos Sarker murder yet to be arrested Dhaka, Dec 14: Investigation into the murder of Chittagong University's first year student and Chhatra League activist Tapos Sarker is at the final stage, but the police are yet to arrest the prime accused though one year has passed since the killing.Eight of the 30 accused were arrested by Hathazari police while the Police Bureau of Investigation officials arrested another recently. PIB took the charge of the case in August."The investigation is nearly complete. We have sent the Memo of Evidence report to the Police Headquarters seeking permission to press charges in the case," Chittagong PBI In-
spector Mia Jahid Hossain told the media.Key accused Ashrafuzzaman Asha, the former deputy cultural affair secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra League's CU unit, is still on the run.Inspector Jahid said that they were conducting operations to arrest Asha, "but he is changing location frequently. He has recently gone to the capital from Jessore."Police said Asha had shot the bullet that killed Tapos during a clash on the campus between two groups of Chhatra League ensued over placing wreaths on the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day on December 14 last year. He was a first year student
of Sangskrit department.According to the autopsy report, Tapos was killed in a bullet that hit his chest. It was fired from a 0.32 bore pistol.Following the clash, police had raided Shahjalal Hall and recovered one light gun and four rounds of pistol bullets, and arrested 30 Chhatra League members.Later police filed an arms case mentioning the names of five Chhatra League men while a classmate of Tapos filed the murder case accusing 30 leaders and activists of the rival group including Asha on December 16.Family members of the victim are frustrated over the pace of investigation.
His elder brother Ashish Sarker demanded capital punishment of the killers.On the other hand, the university authorities are yet to disclose the findings of an investigation report prepared by a fivemember probe body formed after the murder.Prof Khan Tawhid Osman, head of probe committee, told media that they had submitted the report to then vice-chancellor Prof Anwarul Azim Arif in May this year.The submission contains video clips, TV reports and interviews, newspaper clippings, and a number of recommendations to avert student violence. (Agencies)
Indian fishermen concerned over arrests in Lanka Colombo, Dec 14:Expressing deep concern over the continued arrest and harassment of fishermen at the hands of Sri Lankan navy, the Federation of Fishermen Rights in India urged the Indian Government to protect their rights and provide compensation and livelihood to the families of those who lost their breadwinners.The federation, in its fifth State conference adopted a resolution pointing out that a large number of families lost their livelihood after their boats were confiscated and detained by the Sri Lankan authorities.A large number of fishermen families in the coastal districts struggled to make both ends meet after their breadwinners were incarcerated in Sri Lankan prisons.Fishermen who hailed from Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai, Nagapattinam and Karaikal regions faced
huge threats to their livelihood as they were often arrested by the Lankan navy on charges of poaching, it said.The livelihood of those arrested virtually came to a standstill as the Lankan authorities refused to release their boats. If this was the plight of fishermen, families, which lost their breadwinners, faced the worst situation in the absence of any support from the government, the federation said in another resolution.There was no guarantee to the rights and properties of the fishermen and they were forced to protect themselves, the federation said. There would be no guarantee to the livelihood of fishermen unless the government stepped in and work out a lasting solution to their problems, it said.In another resolution, it urged the Centre to bring the fishing community under the scheduled tribe category and extend the
Expressing deep concern over the continued arrest and harassment of fishermen at the hands of Sri Lankan navy benefits of reservation in jobs and education presently available to the scheduled tribes.It also urged the Centre to create a separate ministry for fisheries and ensure that the benefits and employment opportunities reached the traditional fishermen. The conference was chaired by C.J. Rajan, State coordinator of the federation, and pre-
sided over by V. Arulraj, secretary.Swamy Pravanandar of Vivekananda Kudil, A. Clement Raja, correspondent, St. Joseph Higher secondary School, Parish Priest Jerry, Patrick, president of Pamban Panchayat, and U. Arulanandam, president, Alliance for Release of Innocent Fishermen (ARIF), addressed the conference.
Chinese police scuffle with protesters at lawyer's trial Beijing, Dec 14:Police scuffled with protesters and journalists at a Beijing courthouse today as a prominent rights lawyer stood trial on charges of provoking trouble and stirring ethnic hatred with online commentary critical of the ruling Communist Party.Chinese protesters and foreign rights groups said Pu Zhiqiang's trial at the No. 2 Beijing Intermediate Court amounted to political persecution, and foreign governments including the U.S. called for his release. Pu denied the charges and the trial concluded about midday, with Pu's lawyer Shang Baojun saying a verdict and sentence would be delivered at a later date."Pu Zhiqiang is a lawyer with a conscience," activist Yang Qiuyu said in a brief interview outside the courthouse while a policeman tried to grab him. "This is why he is now under arrest. We support him, and that means that we are also defending our own rights."Pu was active in defending free speech and represented dissident art-
ist Ai Weiwei in a tax evasion case that Ai's supporters said was politically motivated. He also was instrumental in pushing for the eventual abolishment of the labor camp system, which allowed police to lock up people for up to four years without a trial.About 50 protesters had gathered at the courthouse along with two dozen journalists and about a dozen Western diplomats, but all of them were denied entrance. In noisy scuffles, police and plainclothes security officers wearing yellow smiley-face stickers pushed journalists and protesters away from the court entrance area. They threw one of the protesters to the ground and took away several others.At least one foreign journalist also was slammed to the ground, the Foreign Correspondents Club of China said in an open letter of complaint about the rough treatment.The charges against Pu relate to a number of posts on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo that questioned the party's policies toward the Tibetan and
Uighur (pronounced WEEgur) ethnic minorities in the Tibet and Xinjiang regions, and mocked political figures.Mo Shaoping, another defense lawyer, said that Pu pleaded not guilty, and that prosecutors had not demonstrated that any of Pu's postings had provoked troubles or incited ethnic tensions."This is really a case of freedom of expression, in which no harm to anyone has been proven," Mo said in an interview after the trial.Pu's lawyers asked for bail, arguing that he was no danger to the public and had medical ailments that needed attention.The court did not answer phone calls, and prosecutors could not immediately be reached for comment.Since coming to power in 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping has spearheaded crackdowns on civil activists, rights lawyers and online freedom of expression, in moves aimed at snuffing out any potential threats to the Communist Party's grip on power.Pu was detained shortly after attending a May 2014 meeting to dis-
cuss commemorating 25 years since the Tiananmen Square massacre, at a time when authorities were keeping a lid on any public commemorations of the event. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of protesters were killed in the crackdown, and the topic remains taboo in China.Rights groups have said Pu faces up to eight years in prison.Dan Biers, a diplomat with the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, told reporters outside the courthouse that the U.S. urges Chinese authorities to release Pu and uphold China's constitution."Lawyers and civil society leaders such as Mr. Pu should not be subject to continued repression but should be allowed to contribute to the building of a prosperous and stable society," Biers said, reading from a statement.Amnesty International says there have been "repeated procedural irregularities" in his prosecution, including a prolonged pre-trial detention, denial of adequate medical care and prosecutors refusing to disclose evidence against him to his defense lawyers. (Agencies)
Four dead, 10 missing in Indonesian boat sinking
Four dead, 10 missing in Indonesian boat sinking
Jakarta, Dec 14: Four people, including a baby, were killed and 10 others left missing after a speedboat sank in a river on the Indonesian part of Borneo island, a rescue official said today. The boat was carrying 53 people up the Kapuas River Sunday when it hit a log and sank, Slamet Riyadi, the head of the local search and rescue office told media. As well as the baby, three women were killed. "We have been searching the river for the 10 missing people since yesterday
but so far we have not found anything," Riyadi said. Among the missing were three children, aged five and six. Riyadi said a dozen boats had been deployed to search the river near the site of the accident, but murky water, currents and floating logs had hampered rescue efforts. Indonesia relies heavily on boats to connect its more than 17,000 islands, but has a poor maritime safety record. Borneo, the world's third-largest island, is shared between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. (Agencies)
Sindh leads in `Terrorist execution` Karachi, Dec 14. : Pakistan's Sindh province, over the past five years has led in executing terrorists in the country, according to the latest statistics collected by the Ministry of Interior.The ministry's figures depicts that the Pakistan People's Party (PPP)ruled province has more terrorists awaiting executions than the rest of the country.Death sentences were carried out in 106 cases in Sindh until the last week of November this year.There was an unannounced period of prohibition on the death penalty, during the PPP govern-
ment at the centre (from 2008 to 2013).Most of the 106 executions have been carried out after the terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar in December last year.The number of terrorists facing death penalty is likely to go up in the coming days as the 21st Amendment in January this year has set up 11 military courts. Out of 142 cases of terrorism heard by these military courts, 55 had been finalized and 87 are in process.The death warrants of four terrorists was signed by Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on December 8(ANI)
Colombo Municipal Council celebrates 150-years Colombo , Dec 14:The Colombo Municipal Council, the pioneer local council in Sri Lanka, celebrates its 150th jubilee, which is an historical and significant landmark of the Council, today.CMC commenced its Jubilee celebrations on Dec.10 with the opening of a photographic exhibition at the Public Library, the government news portal reported.Main event with a cultural show under the distinguished patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena and the Prime Minister, Ranil Wickramasinghe will be held at the Town Hall premises on Dec.14.Councilors who
have achieved higher status in political scenario will be felicitated at the main event. Councilors who have become Heads of state , Governors, Cabinet Ministers and the Past Mayors will be honored.A commemorative silver coin and a commemorative stamp too will be issued.Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is the largest Local Authority in Sri Lanka and one of the oldest in South Asia. Established in 1865, it has grown into a large organization catering to the needs of a resident population of 647,100 (2001 census) and a floating population of nearly 500,000 estimated. (Agencies)
Pak market blast: 23 killed, LeJ claims responsibility Karachi, Dec. 14 : Terror group Lashkar-eJhangvi (LeJ) has claimed responsibility for the blast at Parachinar clothes market in Pakistan that killed at least 23 people on Sunday.According to media, Ali Bin Sufiyan, the alleged spokesperson for the group stated that the blast was in response to the Shia support of Iran and Syrian President Bashar al-
Assad.Sufiyan warned Shias to refrain from participating in Assad's war and said that they would carry out more such attacks if they did not stop it.The Kurram tribal district where the attack took place is known for sectarian clashes between Sunnis and Shia. Shias make up roughly 20 percent of Pakistan's population of 200 million. (ANI)
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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
India's North-east: Time to really 'Act East' Proposal Approved Aizawl as a Smart City Being included among 1100 Smart Cities in the country, the proposal to make Aizawl a Smart City under the Centre's Smart City Mission has been approved by State Level high Powered Steering Committee led by State Chief Secretary. The Smart City proposal, as has been approved, will first be submitted to Ministry Of Urban Development on 15 December, 2015 after which, subject to the further approval of, Ministry Of Urban Development, Aizawl would now be included among the first 20 Smart Cities. The Smart City proposal that has been approved was prepared by Arkitechno Consultants Pvt. Ltd. after holding several occasions of Public Consultation. The main objective of Smart City Mission being to renovate the existing cities into a more standard one and enhancing the daily needs of the people living in city. Cities are engines of growth for the economy of every nation, including India. Nearly 31% of India's current population lives in urban areas and contributes 63% of India's GDP (Census 2011). With increasing urbanization, urban areas are expected to house 40% of India's population and contribute 75% of India's GDP by 2030. This requires comprehensive development of physical, institutional, social and economic infrastructure. All are important in improving the quality of life and attracting people and investments to the City, setting in motion a virtuous cycle of growth and development. Development of Smart Cities is a step in that direction. Accordingly, the purpose of the Smart Cities Mission is to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people by enabling local area development and harnessing technology, especially technology that leads to Smart outcomes. Area-based development will transform existing areas (retrofit and redevelop), including slums, into better planned ones, thereby improving liveability of the whole City. New areas (greenfield) will be developed around cities in order to accommodate the expanding population in urban areas. Application of Smart Solutions will enable cities to use technology, information and data to improve infrastructure and services. Comprehensive development in this way will improve quality of life, create employment and enhance incomes for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged, leading to inclusive Cities.The Government had so far have not prescribe any particular model to be adopted by the Smart Cities. The approach is not 'one-size-fits-all'; each city has to formulate its own concept, vision, mission and plan (proposal) for a Smart City that is appropriate to its local context, resources and levels of ambition. For this, cities will prepare their Smart City Proposal (SCP) containing the vision, plan for mobilisation of resources and intended outcomes in terms of infrastructure up-gradation and smart applications.
Ahead of the 2016 state assembly election A package for the development of the minority people In a major development for the Congress party in Assam ahead of the 2016 state assembly election, the Assam Congress unit launched its formal campaign for the ensuing Assembly elections, scheduled next year, in Barpeta in the presence of AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi. Later, addressing a rally Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi announced a package of Rs 1,000 crore for the development of the minority people of the State. And assured that it would be implemented very soon. Stating that the uplift of the poor is the 'raj dharma', Gogoi said that he is committed to the all-round development of the State in spite of all the odds. The Chief Minister also accused the BJP, RSS and Bajrang Dal of spreading the message of hatred among the people, and warned that their game plan to win the forthcoming election through communalism would not be allowed to succeed. Stating that all religions are equal in the eyes of the Congress. And that he wants to work for the poor people as a whole and not for a particular community. And criticised the Modi Government for his failure to visit the State during the last floods. And also added that this indifference of the present Central Government would receive a befitting reply in the ensuing Assembly elections. This very meeting can be termed as the first Congress campaign for the polls to be held next year and thereby the Gogoi Government requested the people of Barpeta to help his party. Following the footsteps of Ambedkar his government is giving emphasis to gender equality by empowering women through education and formation of Self Help Groups to bring about economic transformation. And advocating for continuation of reservation for backward communities Assam Government will oppose the decision of the Centre to review the policy of reservation on the ground that these communities are still trailing behind and need support to be on par with other advanced communities. But can the BJP, which won only 5 seats in the 2011 Assembly elections, really do it? The Congress, which has won three consecutive Assembly elections since 2001, thinks the BJP cannot The BJP defeated the Congress soundly in 2014 even though the people had chosen the latter in the Assembly polls three years earlier. Two, and more importantly, the BJP has dented Gogoi severely by taking away his once most-trusted lieutenant and former Health and Education Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma. As Sarma has in turn taken away hundreds of Congress workers across the state over the last couple of months. At least 9 MLAs from the Congress met BJP president Amit Shah in September.
@-Pranjal Kumar Phukan What has changed 70 years after the British set up the first Naga autonomous council? What have years of exile, election boycotts, failed plebiscites, armed rebellion and ceasefires, and peace talks yielded? When you try to answer such questions, it is like struggling out of sleep only to fall back into the same nightmare. Many things have changed in India's North-east; much has changed for the worse. Although the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is a menacing presence, the Army or paramilitary forces do not blanket a region once riven by insurgencies. Over the past three decades, India has moved away from attacking North-east rebels militarily to tackling them politically and economically. Yet, there are at least 128 armed groups in seven North-eastern states. Gurbachan Jagat, a former director-general of the Border Security Force and senior intelligence officer who was Governor of Manipur from 2008 to 2013, says that state's 400-km border with Myanmar is very poorly guarded and an open conduit for drugs and guns. Connectivity has improved somewhat - I used to travel ten hours by rickety buses from Silchar to Aizawl in the early 1980s; you can now fly to the Mizoram capital. But the roads are not much better, and the Seven Sisters are still tethered to India by the very slim 26-km long Siliguri Corridor. (Sikkim became a part of the North-eastern region in 2002). The region is still one of India's poorest, and heavily dependent on central dole-outs. Udayon Misra, a social scientist in Guwahati, says infrastructure has been neglected throughout the North-east. "When you talk about a Look East policy, you want to connect more to Southeast Asia, but there is no connectivity within the North-east." Not one of the eight Northeastern chief ministers belongs to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. Most of them have held office for a long time - Assam's Tarun Gogoi (14 years), Sikkim's Pawan Chamling (21 years), Manipur's Okram Ibobi Singh (13 years) and Mizoram's Lal Thanawla, who has held office cumulatively for over 20 years. The consensus is that the most popular and successful of them all is Tripura's Marxist chief minister Manik Sarkar. A straighttalking and fiercely honest
man, Sarkar has been in power for 17 years but gets by on a monthly party salary of Rs 5,000. "Tripura has built up a tradition of accountability," Misra says. Outside of Tripura, and despite thousands of crores of rupees in central budgetary support and multilateral funding, corruption is corroding everything that moves. Jagat says secretaries in the central ministries that are pumping money into Manipur never bothered to visit the state to monitor their projects. Manipur rebel groups extort money under the guise of 'taxes' from every business. Tolls are levied on every truck coming in from Assam or Nagaland. Manipur has 90,000 government employees, and they have to pay a small 'income tax' to the militants. At the slightest pretext, the rebels blockade the lifeline highways. "Everybody was happy: the militants got their cut; the security forces were happy: they got their cut; and the politicians were happy they got their money from corruption and cases, plus off the budget. Hardly any project was completed except for three buildings like the high court and the secretariat," the former governor said. The Khuga dam, whose foundation stone Manmohan Singh laid when he was a member of the Planning Commission in 1981, rocketed 2,500 per cent in cost and was inaugurated in 2010 when Singh was prime minister. Jagat notes that Manipur's capital Imphal still lacks a sewage system. Nor have the guns fallen altogether silent. Twenty soldiers died in a well-planned ambush this June on a hilly road in Manipur, not far from where 20 soldiers died in a nearly identical ambush 33 years ago. This time the attackers were from the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) Khaplang faction. In 1982 they were from the NSCN's rival Isak-Muivah faction. The NSCN (IM) is now top dog and signed a Framework Agreement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in August. The NSCN (K) has repudiated the IM faction's 1997 ceasefire and is hiding in camps in Myanmar, which the Indian government claimed to have attacked in a "surgical" cross-border strike after the June ambush. Ravindra Narayan Ravi, the soft-spoken Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee and Modi's chief in-
terlocutor with the Nagas, crafted the framework deal with the NSCN's leader Thuingaleng Muivah. It is what it says: a framework that will lead to a full accord when all the stakeholders have bought into it. It is true that the 1997 ceasefire has held longer than the 1964 ceasefire did, but how will a new peace pact be different from the 1975 Shillong Accord which fell apart? Ravi says it is because the Modi government has decided to pursue conflict resolution. His predecessors tried conflict management. "Our belief all these years was that the North-east is far too complex and it is better to manage it. You can't resolve the issue. So it was episodic intervention," he told me during a long chat in his office. "When you engage one particular outfit, you wish to pacify it. In the process of managing one entity, you create some other problems. All these societies are extremely heterogeneous. You have 'n' number of onion layers. If you pursue ethnonationalistic politics, you are opening a Pandora's box." The onion layers can make your eyes water. The Naga rebels are split into seven groups. The NSCN (IM), which elder Naga peace activist Niketu Iralu describes as the "most ruthless, the most well-funded, the most well-armed", wanted to talk with the Indian government on the principle that the Nagas are sovereign and any settlement must integrate Naga-inhabited areas across the North-east. The rebels forced Iralu to shut down his Reconciliation Commission. "They want to be with India but not within India," says Ravi. Even if it were to happen, a Greater Nagaland would be a messy jigsaw puzzle. About four million Nagas straddle India and Myanmar; they are split into about 70 tribes, each speaking its own dialect. "Not as bad as Papua New Guinea 600 islands and 1,000 tribes," Iralu laughs. "Crazy world. Why Almighty God should allow so many tribes to increase I don't know. God must have made a mistake in making so many Naga tribes. He made a second mistake - to give them the desire of being one people." An erudite man, Iralu compares the Nagas variously to the Kurds in the Middle East and the Tibetans, who are fighting the mighty Chinese. He also speaks of the history packed into Nagaland. If peace endures, will Nagaland's economy change? Not very likely. Rich forest, mineral and tourist potential lie untapped with the government so heavily subsidized. So everybody has a stake in stoking the fires of unrest. Development takes a back seat. "The heaviest toll is on
accountability. So long as you have a disturbed situation, people tend to blame every unfinished task on the unrest," Ravi says. Last month, a World Bank report painted a dark picture of the 'remote' North-east's economy. More than 80 per cent of the region's population lives in rural areas, subsisting on low-value agriculture (lush Manipur, for instance, has only one paddy crop). The Bank said 32 per cent of North-easterners live below the poverty line, compared with the national average of 21.9 per cent. The World Bank noted that a third of electricity in the North-east was lost due to old and inefficient infrastructure. "Today, the annual per capita power consumption (of about 290 kWh) in the North East is less than one-third of the national average. The peak demand for power in the region (2,528 MW in 2015) is just over one-fourth the peak demand in the state of Haryana, which has about half the population," the report said. More than half the households in the region do not have electricity. It would help if the region could truly move away from its blood-soaked past. Between 1980 and 1983 I watched the Assam agitation against illegal migrants from Bangladesh, spearheaded by the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) slide into a frenzy of communal savagery which peaked with the slaughter of more than 2,000 Muslim men, women and children in Nellie in February 1983. The Congress party won a Pyrrhic victory in the 1983 state assembly election, capturing 91 of 109 seats. Just over two years later, the Assam Accord paved the way for an AGP government to take power. The Assam Accord recognized migrants who had entered Assam prior to January 1, 1966. It disenfranchised all those who had entered the state between that date and March 24, 1971, and said all those who had entered Assam after this date would be "de-
tected and expelled". But, 30 years after that accord, ethnic tension is again starting to climb in the same pattern. Last month, a Supreme Court lawyer, Upamanyu Hazarika, completed an investigation of border areas in Assam that looked at security, cattle smuggling and illegal migration. Hazarika had been tasked by the court to carry out his inquiry in the matter of 'Assam Sanmilita Mahasangha vs Union of India'. Besides recommending steps to reduce cattle smuggling, Hazarika also cited eminent civil engineer Indrajit Barua, who he said had investigated voter records in several polling booths in the Boko assembly constituency. "He has also undertaken a statistical analysis of the change in demographic pattern and by extrapolating population growth figures has arrived at the finding that indigenous population will become a minority by 2047," Hazarika wrote in his report to the court. The Hazarika report has had predictable consequences. Already, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has asked for a debate on the findings, and AASU is stirring from its slumber. Appeasing different ethnic groups has a long history in Assam. When the British left, the state had only two ethnicity-based autonomous councils. Today it has 24. In 1995, on the eve of the 1996 elections, the then state government created five new councils. In 2005, on the eve of the 2006 elections, 12 new councils were created. Identities have even been manufactured, Ravi says. "In 2005 the Assam government created the Thengal Kachari Autonomous Council. The Thengal Kacharis do not even exist in the Census list of tribes and number fewer than 20,000. But this was a potential vote bank." So is there a silver lining? Yes, if you look at Tripura. There, the once-majority tribal now number just 31 per cent of the population. In June 1980 I travelled to Tripura to report on the massacre of Bengali Hindus by tribal militants in Mandai village. Today, Chief
Minister Manik Sarkar told me, economic development has brought peace and progress even though about 18 militant camps still exist across the border in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Tripura's Marxist governments have pushed decentralisation and development. Sarkar said the state has 1,800 cooperative societies. The panchayat system is working well. Before he took office in 1998 his predecessor Dasarath Deb introduced the Jana Shiksha Andolan (people's education movement). Sarkar aims to make Tripura self-sufficient in food grain in the next three years, and electricity-surplus sooner. Tripura is giving Kerala a run for its money. It is now India's most literate state at 94.65 per cent, and the country's second-biggest rubber producer. Hemmed in on three sides by Bangladesh, Sarkar says he is pushing for a link to Chittagong port in Bangladesh. "That would make Tripura the gateway to Bangladesh and Southeast Asia," he says. Most promising of all, gas has been discovered in Tripura and neighboring Mizoram. Despite the numbers, Sarkar does not sound satisfied with progress so far. "Much more needs to be done," he says. Despite the violence and venality, Manipur is home to Mary Kom and novelist, poet, playwright and National School of Drama Chairman Ratan Thiyam. Every morning hundreds of young people play and exercise in the Khuman Lampak stadium in Imphal. The Meira Paibi movement has enlisted nearly every adult Meetei woman and is a powerful counter to alcoholism, drug addiction and corruption. There is hope. This report appeared in India Today's 40th Anniversary special edition.
(Author is recipient of prestigious Peter F Drucker award for his outstanding contribution in management from University of Swahili -A fully chartered University by the Government), Panama. He can be contacted at pranjal_xlri@yahoo.com)
Exploited Majuli Sir, There are deluge of promises, both from the central as well as the state government, but everything ends in a fiasco. That is what is experienced by the people of Majuli, very gullible and innocent. Successive governments in the centre and the state always have been cheating the people of Majuli. There is none on whom these hapless people rely. The present M.L.A, Rajib Lochan Pegu, an erstwhile minister of water-resources fails miserably in his duties to the people of Majuli. What is more, for hobnobbing tacitly with some contractor, Sri Pegu has been dropped from the ministry. It is now for the people of Majuli to decide if they would reelect Sri Pegu. The Political leaders, foreign tourists or other celebrities visiting Majuli can have the real and candid taste of hospitality. The people offer this hospitality without any selfish notion. Successive governments fail to give the tag of the 'Heritage site' to Majuli. When Majuli is inundated by the devastating floods, plight of the flood - marooned reaches such an extent that they are heard crying 'give us either food or death'. How long these gullible, innocent people will be cheated? 'Brahmaputra Board' is a defunct Board. The Board proves to be a white elephant, spending crores of rupees to protect Majuli from floods
but in Practice result is a big 'Zero'. We remember, how an ex-chairman of the Board was caught redhanded while accepting bribe of Rs. 1 Lakh. From all sides, people of Majuli are exploited, but can all these negative aspects dim the aura of the Vaishnavite culture of Majuli?
Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing. Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com
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d e West Bengal Is Becoming A 'Terror Hotspot' And This Is Why The Government Needs To Act Now
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
In less than a month, six time and resources in people have been ar- containing the Maoist rested from different threats to the near neglect parts of Kolkata by the of the need to monitoring Special terror Task force a Annesha Ghosh of (STF) of differt h e e n t Kolkata police in con- kind, has resulted in the nection with an Inter Ser- steady proliferation of vices Intelligence (ISI)- sleeper cells across the module operating out of state over the years. West Bengal. In fact, Bengal's intelliGiven the impenetrabil- gence gathering mechaity of the anti-national nism has often proved schemes the six accused flawed, to say the least. are known to have par- The ammonium nitrate taken in while living at for the IEDs that killed the very heart of Bengal's 20 people in the 2006 capital city, the slew of Varanasi twin explosions arrests have sent alarm was purchased from bells ringing across the Burrabazar market in corridors of power in Kolkata. Yaseen Bhatkal Bengal and has yet again was let off in 2009 by lent irrefutable currency Kolkata Police after he to the state's long-estab- was arrested for carrying lished infamy as a safe fake currency. Reports haven for militant ele- also suggest that the raw ments. material for explosives For anybody even re- that rocked Pune's Germotely conversant with man Bakery in 2010 was Bengal's enduring tryst handed over to Bhatkal in with terror, these devel- Kolkata by an IM operaopments may not come tive native to the border as a surprise after all. Be district of Nadia. it Amir Reza Khan, the If observations made by alleged mastermind be- the STF of the Kolkata hind the 2002 American Police are to be believed, Centre attacks attacks, or that parts of Kolkata and Lashkar-e-Taiba's eastern border districts of Bengal operation head Abdul have for long been in use Karim Tunda or Indian as hideouts by terrorists, Mujahideen's Yaseen is no more mere conjecBhatkal, the uncomfort- ture. Districts like Malda, able reality of militants North and South deriving succour from Dinajpur and the state have resurfaced Murshidabad serve as time and again. routes to smuggle arms As often the blame and explosives along games may have panned with counterfeit curout, the collective impru- rency. dence of central and state Early in 2014, the Naintelligence agencies in tional Intelligence having invested greater Agency (NIA) had laid
Source: Reuters/Danish Siddiqui bare the ugly truth of Kolkata being leveraged as an important hub for activities of the IM. According to the NIA, Yaseen Bhatkal's trusted aide, Asadullah Akhtar,had revealed that Aftab Ansari had started the IM in 1999-2000 with the help of Asif Reza Khan, a resident of Kolkata. Tracing The Roots Of Terror In Bengal One of the many reasons that have steadily abetted Bengal's emergence as a terror hotspot is the porous and almost unguarded 2,200km border with Bangladesh that makes it a convenient passage into India for militants associated with several organizations. Spread across 232,752 km², this state on the eastern bottleneck of India has been the preferred transit point for militants to facilitate a logistic
supply of subversive activities from Bangladesh. The prevailing socioeconomic inequities in certain minority-dominated belts in the state help terror elements successfully spread their networks, capitalizing on factors such as illiteracy and large-scale unemployment among the youth. Moreover, the presence of two key railway stations - Howrah and Sealdah - is known to provide easy connectivity to immigrant militants with the rest of the country. This has been further compounded by the relaxed stance of the incumbent Mamata Banerjee government towards illegal immigration into the state from its eastern neighbour. The lackadaisical attitude of Bengal's ruling party on this issue has often been
perceived by the political fraternity as an indefatigable means to consolidate the chief minister's minority support base in the state. The Hawala-Terror Nexus: Since the onset of the new millennium, most terror activities in the West Bengal have been known to be linked with the unaccounted crores of currency routed through hawala networks transcending international boundaries. On september 26 this year, a hawala crackdown in Kolkata and Siliguri had led to the confiscation of nearly 80 crore in cash. The preferred hawala route to move money out of West Bengal to Pakistan and UAE has always been Bangladesh. An interstate illegal lottery racket is also known to be in operation between in
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, whereby the money generated is eventually route into West Bengal, facilitated by large pool of Bangladeshi and Pakistan-based operatives. The Lurking IS Threat: In August, following a meeting with DGPs of 12 states where West Bengal police chief GMP Reddy was also present, the Ministry of Home Affairs had asked the West Bengal government to form a team of cyber experts to monitor social networking sites for any suspicious activities. However, even after 4 months, the state government has failed to form a team. Recent reports released by central agencies portend troublesome days ahead for Bengal. According to a surveyby the cyber cell of the Intelligence Bureau, Howrah is the fourth city after Srinagar, Guwahati and Chinchwad (a suburb of Pune) where youths aged between 16 to 30 years have shown online interest in joining the IS. What's been even more worrying is the recovery of 147 IS posters over the past two months, from 17 villages in the bordering districts of Nadia and Murshidabad. The content of the posters promise a Mughalstan (or Mughalistan) - an independent homeland proposed for the Muslims of India. In October 2014, the accidental blasts at a safe
house in Burdawan's Khagragarh, which allegedly housed a Trinamool Congress (TMC) office, had blown the lid off a noxious terror network traversing several districts of West Bengal. Although party general secretary Mukul Roy had denied the allegation, complaints of central agencies about the 'non-cooperation' received from TMC officials and the state police, had led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) charge Trinamool with having direct links with the blast. The investigation into the Khagragarh case had thrown up cues on how the Jamaat-utMujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), a banned Bangladeshi terror outfit, has been facilitating movement of Islamic State sympathizers-including women-from Hyderabad and Maharashtra to Bangladesh through the Bengal-Bangladesh border. After the JMB was beaten down significantly by the Bangladeshi government in 2006, the group has reinstated substantially itself in the country and has also managed to establish a pervasive presence in at least 4 districts of West Bengal. Furthermore, in a series of intriguing developments, the NIA had exposed how several "illegal madrasas"
in Bengal and Assam were being used by Islamist terrorist outfits to train new recruits including women. In fact, the NIA probe revealed that one of the terror masterminds in the state, Mohammad Yusuf, who had gone to a madrasa at Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh as a teenager to study, had returned after 14 years in 2014 to set up a large unrecognized madrasa at Shimulia in Bardhaman district. In this regard, the state government's inability to uproot the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), running several illegal madrasas in remote corners of the western fringes of Bengal is to be squarely blamed. Time For The TMC Government To Bite The Bullet? Be it the arrest of the ISI agents, the rising incidence of JMB-sponsored activities or the IS eyeing the state as a potential reservoir for recruits-all of these unnerving realities point to a very palpable danger: West Bengal is a ticking time bomb. Seemingly oblivious to the threats posed by such flaccid disposition towards curbing terror activities in her backyard, a resistance to change in tack on the part of the Mamata Banerjee government will only aggrandize the chances of the Bengal chief minster's becoming more captive to recalcitrant forces that are inimical to national interests.
Is The Money Philanthropists Give 'Generous', This Amendment Could End Caste Atrocities, Then Why Hasn't The Or Tainted With Capitalism? Parliament Passed It Yet?
I have always admired carefully argues that a Bill Gates and his phil- just system is a system anthropic work via the that gives resources to Gates Foundation. I al- the poorest in a state ways rather thought, Kudrat Dutta Chaudhary than what leta pious idea of wanting ting them be at the disto share your wealth posal of the rich, in all with the needy and the forms and ways. Andistressed. In fact I stuck other way of upliftment to the same grip when I of the poor is to have a was asked by a newspa- progressive tax regime, per to voice my opinion which thankfully India on Mark Zuckerberg has. But it has been wanting to donate 99% struggling to use it to of his stocks to charity. bridge the gap between As I basked in the glory the existing economic of writing about people distinctions and classes. who genuinely cared I believe that the proband talked about deriv- lem with philanthropy ing inspiration from and its structure is that them, my developed self that offering to give exposed me to an idea one's share in service of which most of us stay the poor leads to the acunaware about. ceptability of two It is the less talked, less phenomenas in a sociunderstood, darker side ety: of philanthropy which I The first, recognising would like to discuss to- that inequality exists, day. I have, for ages, rampantly; brow-beaten myself for The second that the desbeing a critic than an ap- titute are in such a posipreciator, but for the first tion, not because of the time I was happy with fact that there is inequalmy analysis and finding ity, but because of the about the other side of truth that they lack re'philanthropism'. sources and hence that What Is Philanthro- should be tackled by doCapitalism? nating to them, whatever The answer is simple, one can. according to the young Such a practice shifts philanthropist Uday our focus from underKhemka. Philanthropy standing the problem to in today's world is like a implementing the solumini capitalist economy, tion, hence the more we where philanthropists accept philanthropy as a see themselves as social midas touch by the investors. They see the hands of the rich, the areas where they'd want more we give the rich to invest as potential the power to control. We markets which would, in need to realise that the some way, lead them to main aim of governeither enjoy influence ments and of societies over them, refurbish should be to ensure that their image or convert they are the ones who black money into white. bring parity between its If you study John Rawl's citizens and members theory of justice, he and not members them-
source:wordpress.org selves. Lets take the example of The Gates Foundation about which I myself weaved strings of praises in the past. But on careful examination of the same, one can find out about the workings of it, that show trends directly opposite to what would help the distressed. First of all, The Gates Foundation was initially started with an idea to overcome the market failure which as we can see succeeded in reaching its goal. Secondly, the foundation has been seen closely working with the World Health Organisation (WHO), where it happens to be the largest funds contributor to the same, superseding the United States of America's con-
tributions as well, creating the foundation to become a silent pressure group that most of us do not realise. In fact many such foundations generally keep their workings extremely secretive and rarely share their failure stories with the world, if any. Thirdly, when such phil a n t h r o p i s t organisations invest their private funds in public services like schools etc. and other resources thereof, they create a parallel system with the system set up by the government. By offering more quality, they deteriorate the system already in place. I believe that we, as the citizens of a legitimate government have claims over the money allocated by it for ensuring its citizens social secu-
rity. But we wouldn't be able to do anything if ever such a philanthropic organisation one day abruptly decides to stop its funding. Fourthly, accepting philanthropy from businessmen who made money via corrupt practices and misused the unequal economic situation to their advantage, sort of goes on to validate their practices. Philanthropy by such businessmen takes the blame away from their heads and portrays them to be the messengers of God who exist to help. But thats when I'd like to introduce Immanuel Kant's ideology, "You are just, if you do the right thing for the right reason." Hence, we all need to think twice before we can label philanthropy completely as a boon for the poor.
The amendment to The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 was first promulgated as an ordinance on March 4, 2014. Surprisingly, it was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 16 2014, just two days before the ordinance was to lapse. It was then sent to the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in September, which submitted its recommendations by December. After great delay, it was finally passed by the Lok Sabha in August this year. Although included in the list of business of the Rajya Sabha for the winter session, it has not yet been moved in the Upper House of the parliament. The National Coalition for Strengthening SCs & STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which is a coalition "of about 500 Dalit and Adivasi organizations from all over the country," is now appealing "on behalf of more than 30 crores of Dalits and Adivasis of the country to the BJP-led NDA Government to move the Bill at the earliest in the week commencing from 14th December in the Rajya Sabha for consideration and passing in this session." In a press note, they have also urged "the Congress, the left Parties and all other respected national and regional parties to actively cooperate and help in getting this legislation passed in Rajya Sabha, irrespective of their other differences."
The appeal extends to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who have been asked to "help and ensure this (consideration and passage of the Bill)," and to the media, who have been asked "to take seriously this issue" and to "continuously highlight this." The note also says that it is the passage of the Bill that "will be a proper and concrete way of showing respect to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in his 125th Birth Anniversary Year - a respect which all Parties profess and symbolically celebrate." The Amendment Bill is significantly important as it introduces aspects of caste atrocities that were not present in the existing Act and strengthens other clauses of the Act. For instance, garlanding with footwear, abusing SCs or STs by caste name in public, social or economic boycott (definitions provided in the Bill), entering an education or health institution or any place of worship, using common property resources, etc will be tried as caste atrocities in addition to other laws
and the Indian Penal Code. Since manual scavenging too is included as an offence under the Bill, it will be possible to try cases relating to it in Exclusive Special Courts, which are a replacement in the Bill for Special Courts mandated by the 1989 Act. The Bill also strengthens the Act's provision for punishing sexual harassment of SC/ ST women by making intentional touching or using "words, acts, or gestures of a sexual nature" also punishable. Similarly, the somewhat vague provisions for trying public servants for failing in their duty towards SCs and STs have been made specific. A whole new chapter dedicated to the rights of victims and witnesses of caste atrocities is another major highlight of the bill. However, whether the enactment of the Bill, for which the Coalition and the SCs and STs have been waiting for "with bated breath," happens in this session remains to be seen, as the parliament has been in a logjam since the National Herald case.
BUSINESS Rs 200cr tax notice over export failure
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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
faced by Nissan-Leyland Pune, Dec 14: The beleaguered joint venture between Japanese auto major Nissan and Hinduja group flagship Ashok Leyland for small trucks has hit a tax bump over non-fulfillment of export obligations. The directorate of customs and intelligence has slapped a Rs 202-crore tax demand on the venture and has threatened to seize factory machines of RenaultNissan's plant-which imported them for the JVin Oragadam. The customs department has sent out a demand notice to Renault Nissan Automotive India, which imported tools, robots and jigs for the joint venture. The import of these items were under Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG)-a scheme which gives tax incentives for exports. Since
no vehicles were exported, the customs department issued the notice. It is learnt that the Renault-Nissan alliance has sought two months' time from the customs authorities to pay up. Attempts to get a response from Ashok Leyland turned futile. In 2008, Nissan Motor Co. of Japan and Ashok Leyland signed three joint ventures for small trucks or the light commercial vehicles business. Ashok Leyland has a 51% stake in the JV Ashok Leyland Nissan Vehicles and the remaining 49% is held by Nissan. In Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain, Nissan has a 51% holding, while 49% is owned by Ashok Leyland. In the third JV, Nissan Ashok Leyland Technologies the two partners have an equal 50:50
52 models of LED lights with thousand day warranty launched
Belagavi, Dec 14: Online Instruments India Private Limited, a distribution company in telecommunication and office automation products launched LED lights in 52 models in seven ranges in Belagavi recently. On the eve of launching, Shivanand Mahashetti, CEO and MD of the company said first time in the lighting industry; company is providing warranty of 1,000 days on its products. Products have been launched in the name of 'Orange Plus LED'. Portfolio of lighting products consist of all high demand products like bulbs, tubes, down lights, spot lights, panel lights,
street lights, flood lights etc. All these products are available for both premium and economic usage and specifically targeted to provide energy-efficient lighting systems for commercial, architecture, hospitality, healthcare, education and residential applicati o n s . M a h a s h e t t i said "we are going to start manufacturing unit in Bengaluru, early next financial year to meet the concept of Make In India, that can initially generate employment for around 300-400 people. Joint managing director Mahesh Bellad was present. (Agencies)
stake. The JV's first launch 'Dost' for Ashok Leyand was an instant hit, but has since been tottering. Its second launch- a van Evalia badged by Nissan and Stile by Ashok Leyland failed to make a mark in the market. Poor sales forced stoppage of production of the vehicles. Besides, mounting losses has forced JV companies to write off losses leading to rising tension between the partners. Already one of the three, the technology JV, has knocked the doors of the Bureau for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) after its accumulated losses swept away its net worth. When announced in 2008, the JV threated to storm the small trucks market with complementing skills of the joint venture partners. The global recession of
A SHOT IN THE ARM
Ashok Leyland has a 51% stake in the JV Ashok Leyland Nissan Vehicles and the remaining 49% is held by Nissan.
The directorate of customs and intelligence has slapped a Rs 202crore tax demand on the venture and has threatened to seize factory machines of RenaultNissan's plant-which imported them for the JV-in Oragadam. In 2008, Nissan Motor Co. of Japan and Ashok Leyland signed three joint ventures for small trucks or the light commercial vehicles business.
In Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain, Nissan has a 51% holding, while 49% is owned by Ashok Leyland. In the third JV, Nissan Ashok Leyland Technologies the two partners have an equal 50:50 stake. The customs department has sent out a demand notice to Renault Nissan Automotive India, which imported tools, robots and jigs for the joint venture.
2008 after the Lehman collapse was the first jolt for the partners who decided to freeze investments into the JV companies until market recovered. The fragile recovery in the market saw the launch of Nissan Evalia (Or Ashok Leyland Stile), both
bombed in the market leaving the JV partners flummoxed. The problems were compounded when the growth in the market shifted away from the small truck segment, forcing the partners to redraw business strategies. In an announcement last week, Ashok
Leyland said it was evaluating whether to continue with some partnerships - the first with Nissan and the second with John Deere for construction equipment. The company has now decided to write off nearly Rs 382 crore in the two ventures. (Agencies)
The beleaguered joint venture between Japanese auto major Nissan and Hinduja group flagship Ashok Leyland for small trucks has hit a tax bump over non-fulfillment of export obligations.
Google Cap in talks to fund CarDekho Pune, Dec 14: Auto classifieds major CarDekho is close to receiving a fresh round of funds led by growth-stage investor Google Capital, which has so far taken selective bets on Indian startups, people familiar with the matter said. The size of the round is likely to be in the range of Rs 150-200 crore and will see the portal's existing investors also participate. An investor in Lending Club and Survey Monkey, Google Capital, which set up an office in Bangalore earlier this year - its only outpost away from Silicon Valley has backed Freshdesk, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) startup, CommonFloor, a realty portal, and Practo, a health tech venture in India. CarDekho was valued at $300 million when it received $50 million in its previous financing round led by China's Hillhouse Capital, Tybourne Capital and its existing investor venture fund Sequoia Capital. Ratan Tata and HDFC Bank, India's second largest private bank by assets, have also picked up minority stakes in the Jaipur-based company.
When contacted, Amit Jain, co-founder, Girnar Soft, which runs CarDekho, did not comment on the fund-raise, while an email sent to Google Capital did not elicit a response till the time of going to press. There has been a spate of consolidation in the crowded online classifieds space this year with multiple mergers and acquisitions. Last month, Warburg Pincus and Tiger Global backed-CarTrade acquired rival CarWale from German media conglomerate Axel Springer for around $90 million, making it a two-horse race between the combined en-
GREAT LOSS Over 12,000 diesel cars would have been sold in National Capital Region (NCR) between last Friday, when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) passed order banning registration of such cars, till January 6, 2016, the next date of hearing of the issue.
Diesel car majors including Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hyundai, Toyota, Renault would be hit most by the NGT decision. Image for representational purposes.
The lost sales include the already booked ones.
The NGT move came as second jolt to car makers after Delhi government's proposal to ration road use by allowing odd and even-numbered cars number on alternate days to tackle rising pollution in the national capital.
without consulting us. The Delhi pollution is largely due to city climatic conditions and very less due to diesel engines." Diesel car majors including Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hyundai, Toyota, Renault would be hit most by the NGT decision. Industry sources said the car manufacturer would not be able to sell
a single diesel vehicle till the next hearing. DelhiNCR contributes nearly 12% to passenger vehicle sales in India, of which diesel vehicles accounts for 30% of the total sales in the city, according to SIAM data. Pawan Goenka, executive director of M&M, said in a conference call, "This is injustice for the entire sec-
Automakers are opposing the NGT directive, alleging they were not taken into confidence before the order was passed.
Chennai, Dec 14: Farida group, one of the country's largest exporters of footwear, will start manufacturing shoes at a new factory in West Bengal. The unit set up at an investment of Rs.5 crore is located outside Kalyani and will make 3,000 pairs a day. Farida group Chairman M. Rafeeque Ahmed said: "We decided to set foot in West Bengal as good quality raw material is available close to our factory. The building is ready and we will start imparting training from January end. Thereafter, operations will begin by April." Mr. Ahmed also said they recently acquired a tannery in West Bengal with a capacity to produce 8,00,000 sq.ft. of leather. It would start feeding the shoe factory. The footwear plant would contribute about Rs.15 crore to Rs.20 crore per annum to the company's sales. The Rs.1,300 crore Farida group has eight plants in Tamil Nadu, with two in
Chennai and the rest in Ambur. The plants make 25,000 pairs of shoes a day, of which 95 per cent are exported. The company makes leather footwear for 10 leading international brands in more than 40 countries globally. Having established a tannery in Ethiopia about 18-months ago, the group is also planning to set up a footwear factory in the country, as it comes under least developed countries and offers favourable tariff for exports. "The tariff to the U.S. is zero duty and to China is 50 per cent. We can take advantage of differential tariff," he said. Mr. Ahmed said as footwear manufacturing was becoming more expensive in China, shoe manufacturers had started focusing on Africa. "Over the next five to ten years, Ethiopia would turn into a footwear hub. By that time, we would also have established a strong foothold there," Mr. Ahmed said. (Agencies)
Micromax to invest Rs 300 crore to set up three manufacturing units in India tity and CarDekho, which has been acquisitive over the past year. Girnar Soft bought out Zigwheels, an auto portal run by Times Internet, part of the Times Group which publishes this newspaper, after having acquired Naspersowned Gaadi.com last year to strengthen its used car business. Online classifieds major Quikr, which launched verticals like jobs, local services, homes and automobiles, has also emerged a formidable competitor to the specialized players this year. Besides, introducing separate verticals, Quikr
12,000 diesel car sales lost by auto companies NGT order New Delhi, Dec 14: Over 12,000 diesel cars would have been sold in National Capital Region (NCR) between last Friday, when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) passed order banning registration of such cars, till January 6, 2016, the next date of hearing of the issue, industry sources said. The lost sales include the already booked ones, they said. Automakers are opposing the NGT directive, alleging they were not taken into confidence before the order was passed. The NGT move came as second jolt to car makers after Delhi government's proposal to ration road use by allowing odd and evennumbered cars number on alternate days to tackle rising pollution in the national capital. Vishnu Mathur, director general, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), said, "It's not correct to blame only diesel cars for environment reasons. The decision should be holistic. This is a sudden order which has been made
West Bengal to get manufacturing unit of Farida group
Delhi- NCR contributes nearly 12% to passenger vehicle sales in India, of which diesel vehicles accounts for 30% of the total sales in the city. Industry sources said the car manufacturer would not be able to sell a single diesel vehicle till the next hearing. tor. What is the logic of banning vehicles compliant with BS-IV norms, which were made mandatory in October in certain states." NGT has directed that no new diesel vehicles would be registered in Delhi, and vehicles older than 10 years should be phased out completely. The diesel car maker view this as a major challenges
ahead for consumer who are clueless on delivery of their booked vehicle. Rakesh Srivasatva, senior vice-president for sales and marketing at Hyundai Motor India, told dna, "This sudden judicial directive has created concerns among buyers towards delivery of their vehicles, for which payment has already made. The government also needs to look at the diesel inventory at dealerships, which raise concerns towards the cost of inventory and its future." "We reserve our comments as the decision is pending with the government and the courts. However, the government should give serious view to create a robust roadmap for the automobile industry. The industry has already made plans to invest in diesel technology as per BS-V norms to be implemented by 2019, and such decisions can negatively impact the sector," he said. As per a transport ministry notification, the BS-IV norms would be mandatory for four-wheeler vehicles manufactured on or after April 1, 2017. (Agencies)
is also close to finalizing a deal with CommonFloor, which is likely to bolster its presence in the realty listings space. Girnar Soft, which owns and operates CarDekh.com, BikeDekho.com and PriceDekho.com, claims to be registering 33 million combined monthly visitors, inclusive of the traffic it generates from Gaadi.com. The portal's used car business has seen an uptick post Gaadi coming into its fold. The second hand car market, which is largely unorganized, is as ig as the new car business in terms of volumes. So there is huge potential to take those businesses online. The cash burns incurred by these players compared to typical horizontal e-commerce companies is lesser so investors can expect good returns in a relatively shorter time, said Harish V, partner at consultancy firm Grant Thornton. (Agencies)
New Delhi, Dec 14: Handset maker Micromax will invest Rs 300 crore over the next few months as it sets up three new manufacturing units in India to ramp up domestic production and reduce dependence on imports from China. The new plants will be set up in Rajasthan, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and will become operational over the course of next year. "We have been allotted 20 acres land in Telangana and the civil structure is almost ready. Similarly, in Rajasthan, we have got 25 acres land and construction will start in a few days. Tirupati will also start soon," Micromax cofounder Rajesh Agarwal said. He said once all the units are functional, the company will have a capacity of about 4 million units. "We will be able to provide employment to some 3,0003,500 people in each factory... This is more than 'Make in India', it's about making India a hub for electronic manufacturing as our electronics (import) bills will overshoot our crude bills in the next few years given the heavy demand," he said. Agarwal said Micromax will invest about Rs 100 crore on each of the new projects.
Currently, the company has an assembly unit in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand that produces about one million units. This accounts for about 30-35% of its requirement and the remaining are imported from China. "The intent is to manufacture in India. We see that, as an industry, by 2017 we will start making batteries and other components here in India. It will only mature in the future and I am sure we can export to other markets from India as well," he said. Global handset makers like Samsung and domestic players like Spice have assembly units in India. International players like Xiaomi, Gionee and Asus have announced assembly units in partnership with electronics major Foxconn in Andhra Pradesh. According to research firm IDC, smartphone shipments in India grew 21.4% in the July-September 2015 quarter to 28.3 million units, buoyed by a threefold jump in demand for 4Genabled devices. Samsung was the largest player with 24% share of the smartphone market, followed by Micromax (16.7%), Intex (10.8%), Lenovo Group (Lenovo and Motorola at 9.5%) and Lava (4.7%.) (Agencies)
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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
Features
Page 11
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Prevent cancer with Indian spices Not every battle is struck by a wave of violence and not every fight culminates in bloodshed. When the opposition in question is an adamant disease like cancer, our armoury should be packed with a lifestyle of regular health check-ups and a diet including foods that double as anti-cancer agents. Our grandmothers would in no time prepare us a glass of warm milk with saffron sprinkled on top when we went crying to her with bruise on our knee or wound on the elbow. The herbal turmeric paste soothed minor cuts and healed all skin rashes. These age-old kitchen tricks are little more than mere quick-fix tactics. Spices like turmeric and saffron are in-
herent with medicinal properties that, when incorporated to our diet from an early stage strengthens our bodies against invasion of toxins, bacteria and virus. 1. Tu r m e r i c / Curcumin: This is the king of spices when it comes to dealing with cancerdiseases, besides it adding a zesty colour to our food on the platter. Turmeric contains the powerful polyphenol Curcumin that has been clinically proven to retard the growth of cancer cells causing prostrate cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, brain tumour, pancreatic cancer and leukemia amongst a host
Source: rowhanisaffron.com
of others. Curcumin promotes 'Apoptosis'- (programmed cell death/cell suicide) that safely eliminates cancer breeding cells without posing a threat to the development of other healthy cells. In cases of conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the surrounding cells too become a target in addition to the cancer cells. Therefore, the sideeffects are imminent. 2. Fennel: Armed with phyto-nutrients and antioxidants, cancer cells have nothing but to accept defeat when the spice is fennel. 'Anethole', a major constituent of fennel resists and restricts the adhesive and invasive activities of cancer cells. It suppresses the enzymatic regulated activities behind cancer cell multiplication. A tomato-fennel soup with garlic or fresh salads with fennel bulbs make for an ideal entree prior to an elaborate course meal. Roasted fennel with parmesan can be another star pick. 3. Saffron: A natu-
ral carotenoid dicarboxylic acid called 'Crocetin' is the primary cancerfighting element that saffron contains. It not only inhibits the progression of the disease but also decreases the size of the tumour by half, guaranteeing a complete goodbye to cancer. Though it is the most expensive spice in the world for it is derived from around 250,000 flower stigmas (saffron crocus) that make just about half a kilo, a few saffron threads come loaded with benefits you won't regret paying for. Saffron threads can be used in various ways: 4. Cumin: Yes, it aids digestion and probably that is why we like chewing a handful of cumin seeds at the end of every meal. However, its health benefits go beyond. A portent herb with anti-oxidant characteristics, cumin seeds contain a compound called 'Thymoquinone' that checks proliferation of cells responsible for prostate cancer. So, in-
Foods for easy digestion Overeating is a part of the festivities and help your digestive system work better you can include some of the following foods to your daily diet... The festive season is about to being and there are innumerable delectable and mouth-watering offers in most of the eateries in the city. The fact is that overeating is a part of the festivities and to combat the sideeffects of this, you can try to include some of the following foods to your daily diet. Consuming these along with the festival fare, can help your digestive system work better. Chew on mint leaves: This is an age-old nuskha or remedy often suggested by our grandmoms. Having
pudina can ease your digestive problems and help irritable bowel syndrome. Experts say that mint oil appears to be able to smooth and relax bowel movements. Have citric juices: Juices of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, pineapple and apple cider vinegar is known to promote digestion. When this is consumed around 20 to 30 minutes before your meal. Indigestion is sometimes caused by a lack of stomach acidity, and the natural acids in oranges may be a fix. If you're drinking orange juice to calm an upset stomach, drink it before eating and do not drink it alongside carbohydrates - this could lead to more gas and discomfort. Do not eat raw food:
Source: blog.culintro.com
stead of loading your usual snack options with calories and oil, add this seasoning to your bread, fried beans or sauce and make the dish rich in flavour and high on health. You can rediscover the magic of cumin in your regular bowl of tadka dal and rice too! 5. Cinnamon: It takes not more than a half teaspoon of cinnamon powder every day to keep cancer risk away. A natural food preservative, cinnamon is a source of iron and calcium. Useful in reducing tumour growth, it blocks the formation of new vessels in the human body. Some of the effective ways of including cinnamon in your diet are: -Start your day with a cup of cinnamon tea (in leaf or sachet) -Make your breakfast meal a super healthy one; just add this wonder spice to your morning oatmeal and you are going well! -A fruity delight comprising chopped apples, a few walnuts and your
Raw food is harder to digest and should be eaten only when your digestive system is at its best. If you have stomach ailments, avoid raw salads and sandwiches. These have cellulose and are fibrous, so they are harder to break down. Opt instead for cooked vegetables, khichdi and soups. These will not put a strain on your stomach. Have a bowl of curd:
Probiotic curd, fresh yoghurt have live bacteria that help in digestion say gastroenterologists. Studies have found that people who suffer from chronic constipation benefited if they had probiotic supplements every day. Opt for rice instead of rotis and naans: Rice is considered lighter and easier to digest than rotis. It is low in fibre and your system does not have to work too hard on it. Plain steamed white rice is bland and good if you have when you are suffering from digestion problems. Have bananas: Considered one of the easiest to digest fruits, a banana is ideal when you are a victim of overeating. This sweet, pulpy fruit that has soluble fibres that is known to reduce diarrhoea. Rich in potassium, these fruits help the digestive system to function in a smooth manner. Avoid too much salt: Dieticians and experts say that excessive salt is not too good for your health. It causes water retention and is the reason for your bloated feeling. Avoid having salted potato wafers and finger fries that are processed and have a high salt content. If you are looking for snacks have some unsalted almonds.
magic potion cinnamon -Honey and cinnamon in your glass of milk before going to bed; no cancer nightmares assured! 6. Oregano: More than a pizza or pasta topping, oregano confirms its worth as a potential agent against prostate cancer. Consisting of anti-microbial compounds, just one teaspoon of oregano has the power of two cups of red grapes! Phyto-chemical 'Quercetin' present in oregano restricts growth of malignant cells in the body and acts like a drug against cancer-centric diseases. 7. Cayenne Pep-
per/Capsaicin (Chilli peppers): A promising spice with anti-cancer properties, an overdose of chilli peppers however should be restrained. Capsaicin induces the process of apoptosis that destroys potential cancer cells and reduces the size of leukemia tumour cells considerably. It can be concluded that apart from setting our tongues on fire, chilli peppers can scare cancer pathogens off too. 8. Ginger: This humble spice boasts of medicinal qualities that help lowering cholesterol, boost metabolism and kill
cancer cells. Easily added to vegetable dishes, fish preparations and salads, ginger enhances the flavour in cooking. Chew on fresh parsley if the odour bothers you. Others: Cloves, anise, basil, garlic, caraway, fenugreek, mustard, mint leaves, rosemary, Limonin (fresh lemon), virgin olive, vinegar and avocado are other cancerfighting diet components. Cancer patients: Do not load your diet with turmeric o r C u r c u m i n supplements without doctor's consult or prescribed dosage. (Agencies)
Top Fermented Food Recipes of the Northeast Arnab Ghosh
Source: blogfirstcry.com
Source: entheology.com
The cuisine of North Eastern states of India is absolutely fascinating. The fiery and spicy dishes made in Assam, Nagaland and adjoining states make the tourists craving for more. However, the cuisine of these hilly states is not restricted to spice and animal meat based dishes alone. On the contrary, Northeastern culinary tradition boasts of the ancient culinary technique- namely fermentation! Fermentation allows various foods to get a unique flavor and texture. The fermented foods of the North East are really delicious and they can be prepared without difficulty, as it is Top fermented dishes of North East India Below listed are a few popular fermented recipes of North east India: Akhuni Chutney This is one of the top and widely used fermented recipes in Nagaland. It is also known as Dzacie aakhone. While a lot of Naga tribes prepare it using fermented soybeans, this dish is made the most by the Sema tribe. Akhuni is used as pickle and also as ingredient in other Naga dishes, including those made with pork. The ingredients required are chilies, salt, ginger,
garlic and Akhuni. Akhuni is made by boiling soyabeans and draining them post which they are put in sun for fermentation. The fermentation is completed within a week or less, depending on the weather. To make Akhuni chutney, you will need to roast the chilis and make a paste with salt. Then add the ginger and garlic to the mix. Next, roast the akhuni in kadai and mix it with the paste. Baanhgajor Lagot Gahori This is one famous Assamese dish which is made with fermented bamboo and pork belly. It is quite spicy in taste. You will need ingredients like boneless and skinless pork belly, mustard oil, green Thai chiles, sliced red onion, ginger garlic paste, ground turmeric, and kosher salt. You will also need minced fermented bamboo shoots. After heating oil, cook the cubed pork belly pieces on medium heat. Cook for 10 minutes and discard the majority of fat. Stir fry the onion and chili. After a few minutes add ginger garlic paste and keep on stirring. Next, add salt and turmeric and pour some water. Cook until pork becomes tender and then add the bamboo shoots. Cook for a few more minutes and the dish
should be ready. Baanhgajor logot kukura This is one delicious Assamese chicken dish cooked with fermented bamboo shoot juice. You will need ingredients like a few chicken legs, onion and ginger and garlic paste, Fermented bamboo
legs in oil. Set the fried legs aside and eat up oil to fry dry chilies and fenugreek. Add the chicken pieces and bamboo shoot juice. Stir fry on high heat till it gets dry. Dried Fish Chutney with green Chilies This is one dish prepared by Naga Tribes exten-
shoot, Corn flour, green chilies and oil. Other ingredients include dry chili, salt and fenugreek seeds. After cleaning and draining the chicken legs, you need to marinate it in onion juice and green chilly. Now, add salt, corn flour and ginger paste to it. Marinate for some time and then fry the chicken
sively. You will need ingredients like a few Fermented fish, whole green chilies, garlic pods, salt and spring onion. At first, you will need to roast the fermented fish on perforated metal heated on flame. Roast the green chilies in same way. Now, mix everything together and pestle it to make a paste. Garnish with spring onion and serve the chutney with rice and other dishes. Kinema Curry Kinema curry is Sikkim's version of Akhuni. You will need to use ingredients like fermented soybean or kinema, chopped sliced onion, sliced tomato, Green chilies, salt and turmeric powder. At first, heat oil and stir fry the chopped onions in a pan. Then add turmeric powder and tomatoes. Then add the kinema and fry the mix for two minutes. Add all other ingredients. After a few minutes, add some water to make a thick curry. It is served with warm rice. Courtesy: www.nelive.in
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"The assessment revealed that Samuels' elbow extension exceeded 15 degrees while bowling and, thus, he employed an illegal bowling action. As this report constitutes the player's second suspension within a two-year period, he is now automatically suspended from bowling in international cricket for a 12-month period."
DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
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ICC statement
Atletico Madrid draw level with Belogoni in Semifinal, DFCC Win leaders Barca, Real lose Agencies Madrid: Atletico Madrid turned up the heat on champions Barcelona when they fought back to secure a 2-1 win at home to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga as Real Madrid slipped off the pace with a 1-0 loss at Villarreal. Atletico's battling victory put them level at the top on 35 points with Barca, who surrendered a 2-0 advantage and were held 22 at home by Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, their second consecutive draw after last weekend's 1-1 stalemate at Valencia. Barca are ahead on goal difference, while Real are five points adrift in third after Roberto Soldado scored against his former club to give Villarreal, who are a point off fourth spot with 27, the spoils at
2nd Assam Police Battalion win A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 14: 2nd Assam Police Battalion, Makum defeated Barekuri Football Coaching Centre via sudden-death in the Fourth Annual Swargadeo Sarbananda Singh Memorial invitation prize money football championship , 2015 organized All Assam Muttock Yuba Chatra Sanmilan, central committee at Janamukh Rajiv Gandhi Sports project in Tinsukia. Altogether, 17 teams participated in the tournament. The match ended 3-3 at the end of regulation time. For 2nd Assam Police Battalion, Harish Milli accounted for all the goals. For Barekuri Football Coaching Centre Lokesh Singh, Bainan Singh and Shankar Bagh scored a goal each. With the match ending in a draw, the teams took part in a penalty shootout. However, there too a winner could not be determined as both sides were locked in a stalemate. Finally, 2nd Assam police battalion emerged as the winners courtesy sudden death. Tomorrow, Gargoan Football Coaching centre, Sivasagar will lock horns with Duliajan Football Academy.
Antoine Greizmann of Club Atletico de Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's opening goal against Espanyol.
the Madrigal. Real fielded their famous attacking trident of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema but could not make a host of chances count and the defeat heaps more pressure on under-fire coach Rafa Benitez. Bilbao took a 27th-minute lead at a
typically boisterous Calderon stadium when defender Aymeric Laporte netted at a corner before Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez levelled with a header from a corner at the other end on the stroke of halftime. A closelyfought encounter appeared destined for a
draw until the ball broke kindly for Antoine Griezmann in the 67th minute and the France forward curled a superb shot into the corner of the net from just outside the penalty area. At Villarreal, midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos had already hit a post before Soldado, a graduate of Real's youth academy, struck to put the home side ahead in the eighth minute. Real laid siege to the Villarreal goal in the second half but despite a string of efforts they only managed one on target and slipped to a third league defeat of the season. They were a shadow of the side that demolished Malmo 8-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Ronaldo and Benzema particularly wayward.
Kiwis thrash Sri Lanka by 122 runs to win first Test ANI Dunedin: New Zealand have secured an unassailable 1-0 lead in the twomatch series after comprehensively defeating Sri Lanka by 122 runs on the fifth day of the first Test in Dunedin on Monday. Chasing a daunting target of 405, the tourists were bundled out for 282 in their second innings, thanks to paceman Trent Boult's two quick scalps after lunch. Resuming at their overnight score of 109-3, Dinesh Chandimal (58) and skipper Angelo Mathews (25) looked comfortable on the benign pitch before both were dismissed in quick succession. Subsequently, Kithuruwan Vithanage made a run-a-
Martin Guptill(centre) being congratulated by his skipper Brendon McCullum after he was named man of the match in the first Test against Sri Lanka.
ball 38 before he was trapped lbw by pace spearhead Tim Southee, who was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts, bagging 3-52. Opener Martin Guptill was adjudged as the
Man of the Match for making a brilliant 156 in the first innings and a second-innings 46. The second match will start at Seddon Park in Hamilton on 18 December.
APGCL, HQ, Guwahati beat NTPS 2-0 to clinch title 1st Intra Power Generation Unit Football Tournament concludes successfully at Maibella ET Correspondent Sonari, Dec 14: Assam Power Generation Company Limited, HQ, Guwahati defeated Namrup Thermal Power Station 2-0 to clinch the title of the 1st Intra Power Generation Unit Football Tournament which concluded successfully at Maibella on Sunday. The first goal was scored by Pabitra Longchung in the 21st minute of the highly competitive match. A couple of minute later, striker Mintu Sonowal made it 2-0 for the champion side. Both the teams tried to score in the second half as well, but could not succeed. The match was conducted by Rupjyoti Mohan and he was assisted by Rahul Mullick,
A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 14: Belogoni Tea Estate trashed B Division XI (DDSA) 4-0 in a match of the 12th edition of the Jintu Gogoi football tournament 2015 organized by Dao Division of the Army in association with Dibrugarh District Sports Association here today at Chowkidinghee playground. Belogoni Tea estate opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Pappu Tanti. Pappu deflected the ball into the goal after a Amar Rajuwar pass found him in space from the right flank. The second goal came through the boot of Anil Sobor in the 19th minute. In the 24th minute, Belogoni striker Amar Rajuwar made it 30 when he scored from the left flank. The score became 4-0 in the 29th
minute when Jagat Rajuwar hurled in a powerful right-footer in the topmost corner of the
day, Dibrugarh Football Coaching Centre beat Dibrugarh Railway Divisional Sports club 1-0. In
tary goal of the match in the 63rd minute. Tomorrow, Lingerijan Tea estate will play Rupjyoti
Action moments of today’s match from Jintu Gogoi Soccer . Pic: ET Photo
goal. In the second half, Belogoni created numerous oppurtunities but were unable to find the back of the net. In the first match of the
the first half, both the teams tried their best but failed to open the scoring. Dipam Sonowal of Dibrugarh Football Coaching centre scored the soli-
Sangha, Jokai while in another match Tinsukia Railway Divisional Sports Club will lock horns with Gorgaon Coaching Centre, Sivasagar.
Dhoni, McCullum and Jadeja up for grabs Agencies Mumbai: India's limitedovers captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, along with his teammates Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina and Ravichandran Ashwin, among others, will be up for grabs for the two new IPL teams in the draft to be held in Mumbai. Sanjeev Goenka's New Rising won the bid for the Pune franchise while Intex won the bid for Rajkot after a reverse bidding process held in Delhi on Decmber 8 to replace suspended teams Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for the next two editions to be held in 2016 and 2017. Also available for picking by the Twenty20 League's two new franchises are other top international stars such as New Zealander Brendon McCullum, Australia's Shane Watson, now retired from international cricket, and current captain Steven Smith, and West Indian all-rounder
Dwayne Bravo from a total of 50 cricketers, who played for suspended IPL teams CSK and RR in the last edition earlier this year. The bidding process for the two new franchises was necessitated by the suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for the involvement of some of their officials and coowners in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal, which was probed by the Supreme Court-appointed Justice (retd) R M Lodha committee. The cricketers from the two suspended franchises will be divided into two groups of capped and uncapped and the top names will be sold through the draft system. The two new teams will have a minimum of Rs 40 crore and a maximum of Rs 66 crore to buy players. "The two new franchises have the option to pick a maximum of five players from the draft. Those players who are unsold will be put up for being chosen at
MS Dhoni and Brendon McCullum of the Chennai Super Kings during an Indian Premier League match.
the players' auction to be held in next February," a BCCI source said ahead of the draft. "The trading window (for buying players left free by other franchises) also commences on December 15 and ends on December 31," the source added. It would be interesting to see whether India's T20 and World Cup winning skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni still commands the sort of appeal that he generated when CSK gunned for him and won with a stunning million-dollar bid,
unheard of in cricket then, in the first-ever players' auction held in eight years ago. As per the tender for the two new teams, the first capped player would be paid 12.5 crore while the remaining four capped players are to get Rs 9.5 crore, Rs 7.5 crore, Rs 5.5 crore, and Rs 4 crore respectively. Uncapped players can be picked for a stipulated fee of Rs 4 crore. The ninth edition of the IPL is scheduled to be played from April 9 to May 29, 2016.
APGCL, HQ, Guwahati Champion. pic: Mritunjoy Das
Ritumoni Borgohain and Ghana Bora as assistant referees. The tournament was organized by Lakwa Thermal Power Station and Lakwa Thermal Club at Maibella LTPS playground. Earlier, the players were introduced with Arindam Choudhury, GM, LTPS, Bimal Chandra Bordoloi,
GM, NTPS,Harikur Rahman, member of Assam Football Association and Bombeswar Baruah, former DSO, Sivasagar before the final match. Habibur Rahman, NTPS was adjudged as the player of the tournament while Kamakhaya Basumatary was adjudged as the player of the final.
Tinsukia Town club emerge champions Avik Chakraborty Dibrugarh, Dec 14: Tinsukia Town Club defeated Cosmo Club by eight wickets to emerge as the Champions of the 1st ever Chandra Dutta Memorial Cricket Tournament organized by Tinsukia District Sports Association (TDSA) at TDSA stadium. Opting to bat after winning the toss, Cosmo Club were bowled out for a meagre
total of 67 runs in 23.3 overs. Abhijit Roy Choudhury scored a runa-ball 18, hitting two boundaries w h i l e Dutta Mithu Das contributed 11 runs off 31 balls. For Tinsukia Town Club, Abhilash Gogoi bagged four wickets giving away eight runs while Sunil Bhargav took three for 11. In reply, Tinsukia Town Club
eased to the target losing two wickets in 13.2 overs. Pappu Mahato scored an unbeaten 34 runs off balls Cricket 19 with the help of two boundaries and two maximums. Rupam Dutta chipped in with 13 runs. For Cosmo Club, Naryan Giri and Wasim Akbar shared a wicket each. The champions team were
awarded a trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 15,000 while the runners up walked away with a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 8,000. Sushil Prasad of Cosmo Club was adjudged as the best player of the tournament. Pappu Mahato and Abhilash Gogoi of Tinsukia Town Club were awarded with the best batsmen and the best bowler of the tournament awards.
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