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ASSENG/2015/64205
Vol. 1
Issue 251
LIFE SKILLS AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT Page 8
ET CAPSULES
Indian Army, Chowkham Battalion organized Free Medical Camp at Innao
One died of Encephalitis Jorhat, Feb 16: A 16 year girl identified to be Phulkanti Kumari (16) died of encephalitis at the Jorhat Medical College Hospital here today, informed Dr. Mubidor Rehman, the joint director of health services of Jorhat district here today. When she was admitted at the hospital she was tested positive with acute Encephalitis syndromes and her treatment was undergoing here but suddenly her health condition deteriorated and she passed away early this morning today, said the joint director of health Dr. Rehman. (Correspondent)
WANCHOS OF ARUNACHAL CELEBRATES ORIAH FESTIVAL WITH THE GOVERNOR Page 3
The Supreme Court today refused to pass an interim order on a plea of Congress leaders that Arunchal Pradesh Governor JP Rakhowa be restrained from swearing in a new government in the politically-fragile state which is now under President's rule. The five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice JS Khehar also declined the prayer of Congress leaders that status quo be maintained in the crisis-hit state and no new government formation be permitted. "We have heard your arguments on injunction. We don't propose to pass any order and we will hear the matter on merits," the bench, also comprising justices Dipak Misra, MB Lokur, PC Ghose and NV
Ramana, said. Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, who rushed to the court after coming to know that Congress leaders were seeking status quo on possible political developments in the state, said the courts cannot "preempt" a constitutional authority from taking any decision. "The decision of the constitutional authority can be annulled by the court, but this application is totally misconceived. Either today, or tomorrow, President's Rule has to be revoked and the government has to be formed," he said while opposing the application in which Congress leaders have expressed apprehension that the proclamation of central rule is likely to be withdrawn. President's Rule is yet to be affirmed by Parliament and
"Whatever is the verdict of the court, the only answer will be floor test and the ultimate answer will be the floor test. Whether 'A' becomes the Chief Minister or 'B' becomes Chief Minister, it will be decided on the floor of the House." whatever is the verdict of this court, the only answer will be the floor test, Mr Rohatgi replied. "Whatever is the verdict of the court, the only answer will be floor test and the ultimate answer will be the floor test.
Former Finance Minister Kalikho Pul and his team of MLAs today affirmed that they would form a Congress Government as and when the President of India decides to revoke the President’s Rule in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Speaking to reporters today evening, Pul denied reports that he and his team would shift loyalties to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) if and when
THUS THEY HAVE SAID Pul: “Me and my team will P D Sona: Pul-led Gov-
not shift loyalties to the BJP if and when we come to power”
“I will stay in the Congress party and form a Congress Government in the state” “We have 32 members with us and we can form the government, but Tuki cannot with his 26 members”.
ernment would function without a principle opposition party, as there can be a collective democracy as well”
W. Lowangdong: BJP withdrawing their support after formation of the government cannot be predicted now, but they are currently giving us unconditional support”.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi ended his twoday visit to the State by projecting himself as a people’s leader. He met different sections of the people during his visit here. From the intellectu-
als to students of a madrassa to holding an interactive session with the local traders, Rahul ensured that he spoke to different sections of the community.
Rahul took part in a ‘Padyatra’ from the historic Ranghar, where he mingled with the crowd and danced with a Bihu troupe to the rhythmic tunes of Bihu songs today.
After holding a discussion with twenty-five non-political intellectuals of upper Assam,
Contd. on Page 4
Pages- 12
Page 10
Page 6
JAWARHARLAL NEHRU UNIVERSITY ROW
Whether 'A' becomes the Chief Minister or 'B' becomes Chief Minister, it will be decided on the floor of the House," he said. The bench then told senior lawyers Fali S Nariman and Kapil Sibal, appearing for Arunachal Pradesh Congress leaders, that the only order, which it had deemed fit at this juncture, has been suggested and if these leaders do not accept it, then they should argue on merits. During the hearing, Mr Sibal cited a purported press note, issued on behalf of the Governor and said, how can the Governor swear- in a person as the Chief Minister, a rebel Congress leader who has been disqualified from the House. Mr Sibal sought an order to ensure that no new government is sworn-in in the state till the Supreme Court decides on the petitions.
they come to power. “I could have shifted to another party when I was dropped from the Council of Ministers and subsequently expelled from the party. I did not shift my loyalty even when I was fighting three court cases against accusations of anti-party activities. I will stay in the Congress party and form a Congress Government in the state”, Pul reverberated.
Contd. on Page 3
Rahul embarks on ‘Padyatra’ to kick off Cong Poll Campaign ET Correspondent Sivasagar, Feb 16
5.00
DELHI HC REJECTS PLEA FOR NIA PROBE OF ALLEGED JNU ANTI-NATIONAL FRACAS
Kalikho Pul affirms to form a Congress Govt in Arunachal A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Feb 16
Price -
NEW ONLINE TICKETING RULES OF RAILWAYS COME INTO EFFECT
Court Refuses To Restrain Arunachal Governor From Swearing In New Chief Minister PTI New Delhi, Feb 16
Innao, Feb 16: A medical camp was organized by Chowkham battalion under the aegis of Indian army at Innao Secondary School for civilians. Villagers from Innao, Diyun, Dumpather and nearby villages flocked to avail the service at the camp. A special medical team comprising of a special doctor by the army was available for treating the civilians by providing necessary treatment. Along with the medical camp, awareness camp for the students were also organized to help them know their army better. In the sequence of lecture an information talk on the various questions to join the Indian army was also held which was a big hit amongst the students. This kind of organized events help to bridge a healthy relation between the army and the local people, stated the communique from the Army Camp at Dumba. (A Staff Reporter)
Dibrugarh, Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Sibsagar. Pic - UB Photos
Police stop demonstrators during a protest against the students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) outside the university campus in Delhi (REUTERS)
Students' protest escalate at JNU, cries grow louder for Kanhaiya Kumar's release ANI New Delhi, Feb 16
The students of the Jawarharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Tuesday continued with their protest over a demand for the release of students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar, who has been booked on charges of sedition.
Intellectuals and JNU row echoes at academicians from meeting of political Assam join protest parties convened by PM ET Bureau Guwahati, Feb 16
Thousands of students joined protests, effectively paralysing the prestigious JNU, after Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested on Friday following a demonstration that authorities have called as 'anti-Indian'. Meanwhile, journalists from different organisations today marched to the Supreme Court in protest against the mob violence outside the Patiala House court where lawyers and politicians were seen beating up scribes and students. Marching from the Press Club here, the journalists chanted slogans against Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi. Journalists and students bore the brunt of the violence yesterday outside the Patiala House court as attacks began when JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar was to be produced before Metropolitan Magistrate Loveleen.
The intellectuals and academicians of the state have lent vocal support to the students demanding the release of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar.
Contd. on Page 6
Contd. on Page 4
They also wanted dropping of sedition charges against students for their alleged antinational sloganeering at a meeting on the JNU campus, to mark the anniversary of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru's execution. Students, activists and intellectuals took out a protest rally in Guwahati on Monday, under the aegis of All India Students' Federation (AISF) and Students' Federation of India (SFI), chanting slogans to stop stifling democratic voices in educational institutions.
PTI New Delhi, Feb 16
The escalating row over the JNU issue today found an echo at a meeting of political parties called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with opposition leaders speaking against the sedition case slapped on the arrested student leader and government asserting that slogans raised by students were "highly objectionable". The government said it is open to debating the JNU row in Parliament during the upcoming Budget Session starting February 23 with Modi saying that it will address the concerns raised by the opposition. Modi said during the meeting as opposition parties raised a host of issues that he was Prime minister not only of BJP but the entire country, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu told the media after the over two-hour meeting. Contd. on Page 6
4 millitants killed in fierce encounter with security forces in Bordumsa
TRADITIONAL DANCERS AT ORIAH FESTIVAL
Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Feb 16
In a major jolt to militants organizations, a joint team of Tinsukia Police, 38 SSB and 7 Madras Regiment of Indian army led by Tinsukia superintendent of police Mugdha Jyoti Mahanta four militants were killed in a fierce encounter that took place at around 5:30 in the wee hours at Wathoi village bordering Assam-Arunachal
border in Tinsukia district today. Three out of the four militants killed belong to NSCN outfit while one belong to Ulfa (I). According to sources huge cache of arms and ammunitions have been recovered from the spot. These include 1 AK56, 3 magazines, 82 rounds of live amminitions, Contd. on Page 4
Security forces with the recoveries after the operation. Pic - Arjun Mishra
Techi Hanyir makes Arunachal Proud
Techi Hanyir: First Woman DSP from Arunachal Wanchos of Arunachal celebrates Oriah Festival with the Governor
cmyk
News on Page 3
Techi Hanyir has done Arunachal Pradesh proud. She is the first woman deputy superintendent of police (DSP) from the state, having graduated yesterday from the picturesque North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA) at Umsaw.
Techi Hanyir
Hanyir was among the 135 trainees (49 DSP probationers, one inspector trainee, 83 cadet sub-inspectors and two cadet assistant sub-inspectors) from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Sikkim who comprised the 39th batch of officers to pass out from the region’s premier training institute.
The lady officer, whose childhood dream was to don khaki, was also one of those who received a gold medal for proficiency in criminology. “Since my childhood I was interested in this. My ambition was to become a police officer and I kept waiting for that,” Hanyir said after the passing out parade.
cmyk
A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Feb 16
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
PAGE 2
ASTRO FOR YOU Aries Love and business will thrive today. Expect profits and loans to come through. If you’re in love, look forward to a mushy evening, where you will pour your heart out to your beloved. Taurus There are chances that it will be an enormously idealistic and unrealistic day for you. It is an auspicious day to get your hair groomed. You will possibly begin some beauty treatment and make changes in the way you look today afternoon. Special attention awaits your beloved. Gemini You may or may not be too open about it, but you love those around you. You can easily sacrifice your ego to ensure that the sentiments of the ones you love are not hurt. But this can take its toll. You are probably planning a trip today — business or pleasure, whatever the excuse may be, the idea is to take a break. Cancer You have a gift. You come across as a very approachable and dependable person. It’s this attribute that makes people want to work with you and trust you. But today is another day, and you may want a break from helping people fight their daily battles and spending some quality time with your family members. You may even plan a trip with your family members. Leo Lady Luck and the goddess of wealth both seem to favour you on this very unique and dynamic day. So, it should come as no surprise when you gain both — money and power — on the business front. The latter half of the day might find you splurging a bit on jewellery for your sweetheart. Remember, diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Guard against your funds being swindled. It always pays to take an active interest in your monetary dealings. Virgo There are chances that today, you will turn to your family for happiness. Of course, you may have to spend a small fortune to please them. Later in the day, you may pen the first chapter of a long-term platonic relationship. Libra Today promises to be a joy ride for your hidden corpulent side. Relish what you eat, as today you shall take a keen interest in the same. Career wise, you may find yourself standing at crossroads. But the good part about that is there are many paths to choose from. The latter half of the day promises to bring some monetary gain. It may be something that you have been looking forward to help enhance your future prospects. Whatever it is, it’s sure heading your way! Scorpio The company of like-minded people will keep you in cheery spirit throughout the day. The day promises to be lively and vibrant as you will engage in one activity after another. Being over enthusiastic may be detrimental to your health. You energy level will be at an all-time high as you enjoy soaring to new heights in the company of loved ones. Sagittarius You are inclined to be overprotective of your personal belongings. Sensational love affairs are plotting to hold you ransom. All the work you have been pushing off to do later will be completed reasonably on time. Capricorn It’s a day of great expectations! You will expect a lot from people around you, even yourself, and the result may not be as expected. The need for careful planning and smart execution of ideas will be pressing, and this should explain why you’ll be thrifty in dealing with money matters later in the day. Aquarius Straighten your tie and pull in your tummy, it’s time to make an impression! And that’s not all; you need to be sharp as important decisions await you. Haste will not do, as these decisions may have a long-term impact. Pisces Your energy levels will be at their peak today, and that, coupled with your extraordinary enthusiasm, will give you the momentum you need to implement your plans. However, major decisions are still likely to be delayed for some reason or the other.
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 17-2-16 (WEDNESDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Songs) 8-30 A.M-North East News Bulletin in English 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori (Request Programme of Assamese Songs) 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 1-50 P.M-Adhunik Geet 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M- Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M- Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M- Ganya Raijor Anusthan (Rural Programme) 7-15 P.M-Karpumpuli (Mishing Language News) 10.00 P.M-Classical Music Sd-/H.O.P
ITE project launched in fifty lower schools of Assam Ramen Kalita Nalbari, Feb 16 : In order to popularize the concept of integrated approach of technology in education, the leading NGO, Gramya Vikash Mancha (GVM) with the support of Tata Education Trust, sponsored by Jamsetji Tata Trust in Mumbai implementing a project in 50 secondary schools of Nalbari, Kamrup and Baksa districts of Assam. The project targeted at least 15000 students from selected high and higher secondary schools of all three districts. The schools were selected in consultation with the district level authority and preferences
Sattradhikar passes away at Titabor ET Correspondent Jorhat, Feb 16: Prabhat Chandra Mahanta, (Sattradhikar) a head priest from Bor Elengi Satra Prabhat Chandra Mahanta (87) passed away at the satra at Bor Elengi near Titabor under Jorhat district here today. He was suffering from heart complicacy for past two days but this morning he fell ill and faced serious problem for breathing and died when he was about to be taken to the hospital.
Sepoy Mutiny War Memorial in Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, Feb 16: India's first war against the British rule was the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857. On 10 May in 1857 the Sepoy Mutiny first evoked in Meerut which is at present in the state of Uttar Pradesh. In the same year on 29 August the revolt of the sepoys in the North Eastern region first started at Nogora in Golaghat for which the place is recognized as a Veerbhumi or the land of the brave. Nogora's history came into light in the year 1979. Then local people came forward to erect a war monument in the campus of the camp of Sepoys, which is near Nogora High School. With the help of local people and the district administration, the foundation stone of a war monument was laid by the then minister Prithvi Majhi. Tomorrow the Sepoy Mutiny memorial monument will be unveiled by state PWD Minister Ajanta Neog.
were given to those schools in which Rajiv Gandhi Computer Literacy Programme are implemented. The director of the Gramya Vikash Mancha, Prithi Bhushan Deka told the correspondent that initially the project is launched for a period of three year. Deka said that, for smooth implementation of the Integrated Technology in Education (ITE) project a total of a hundred teachers from those schools were trained up to act as ITE resource teachers and to facilitate ITE concept in each school within the three year time. Besides that, the selected
schools will be promoted as ITE resource center in the state. It will help to strengthen linkage between community and schools, increase enrollment and regular attendance in the targeted schools, he added. According to him under the project the selected schools will be facilitated with modern technology support such as laptop, LCD, digital camera, printers, scanner, need based furniture and safety measures, support for internet connectivity to each and every school. In this connection an aware-
ness meeting among the selected teachers for the ITE project was held on Sunday at GVM premise of Barbari village. Attending the programme, the Deputy Commissioner of Nalbari, Dr. Om Prakash formally inaugurated an internet connectivity center at Dharanidhar Vidyapith pressing button from the GVM campus. The Deputy Commissioner said that now the use of internet is become more important for the students to acquire knowledge. He called upon the teachers to change their mindsets to accept the use of technolo-
gies. The meeting conducted by Prithi Bhushan Deka was addressed among others by Krishna Baruah, official of Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhijan (RMSA), Ramen Das, state programme officer of RMSA, Amina Charania of Tata Education Trust, Panchali Tamuli of Tata Trust. It may be mentioned here that to implement the ITE project the Tata Education Trust and GVM signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhijan.
Certificates distributed for computer and knitting courses in Doomdooma ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Feb 16: The certificates of three months long computer and knitting courses imparted in the Jogendranath Raj Medhi institute of skill development and training set up by the Doomdooma branch of Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) to its first
batch of trainees were distributed in a meeting held at ACMS auditorium here.
eas of Doomdooma circle would be benefitted besides becoming self-dependent.
Addressing the meeting Manoj Dutta, an assistant professor of Doomdooma college expressed the hope that through this skill development institute the youth of tea garden and rural ar-
He also thanked the Doomdooma branch ACMS for setting up the institute. Doomdooma branch ACMS Secretary, Rupesh
Gowala also spoke in the meeting attended by Tinsukia Zila Parishad member Julie Purty and the office bearers of ACMS. Total 31 youths received certificates in the computer course while 60, trainees received certificates in the knitting and cutting course.
NH-31 blocked by CPIM activist
2 NDFB (S) militant gunned down by army
ET Correspondent Rangia Feb 16: The activist of CPIM blocked the NH-31 at Chepty near Rangia on Tuesday. According to Ananta Deka the ExMLA of Rangia that they have organized the protest program alleging scandal at Food Security Act at Rangia area. According to him CM inaugurated the act for the
ET Correspondent Rangia Feb 16: Based on specific information, the Indian army and Kokrajhar Police launched an operation in the area of Auzarguri in Kokrajhar, in the early hours of 14 February. The joint team got the information of movement of some NDFB(S) terrorists. They reacted swiftly and laid ambushes in the suspected area. In the early hours, a group of people came towards the party and were challenged. The terrorists opened indiscriminate fire which was returned in a controlled manner by the team. Two terrorists were killed in the exchange of fire. They were rushed to the hospital in Dotma, where they were declared dead.
poor. But they were deprived from the scheme. He also alleged that the department provided the benefit of Food security scheme to the rich and to the government service holders which is totally illegal. He demanded an impartial
enquiry of the scheme. Hundreds of member blocked the NH-31, and resulted into a great traffic. A protest meeting was held on the spot where ward commissioner Sarat Kalita was on the chair. Biren Sarma, Lalit kalita, Parveez Arif, Bibekanda Adhikary and Bhupen Sarma also spoke on the meeting.
GNRC Ambulance Service in Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, Feb 16: Now-adays people are suffering from cardiac problems which have increased. But many people die due to not getting first aid care on due time. In Assam the GNRC Hospitals in Guwahati is a premier health care centre for cardiological and neurological treatment. But when a person suffers from cardiac arrest in Golaghat and such other parts in upper Assam, it is seen in most cases that the person lost his life on the way to Guwahati because of far distance. Keeping this view the
Golaghat District Journalist Association had made a request and appealed to the MD of GNRC Hospital Dr Numal Chandra Bora to provide an Ambulance for cardiac patients. Dr Bora very humbly accepted the request and agreed to provide a well equipped Ambulance for the people of Golaghat. On February 21 this Ambulance service will be launched in Golaghat. A launching ceremony will be held at Golaghat District Journalist Association office premises where state minister and local MLA Ajanta Neog will inaugurate the service.
In the ceremony Dr Numal Chandra Bora will be present as Chief Guest and Chief Adviser of GDJA Radhika Ballav Goswami, Golaghat Deputy Commisioner Anarul Haque, Joint Director of Health Service Dr Pranab Sagar Dihingiya, noted columnist Dr Ajit Baruah will also grace the occasion as distinguished guests. Golaghat District Journalist Association President Apurba Ballav Goswami, General Secretary Rohit Gogoi has appealed all to attend the same.
Heap of blanket- thread at Barpeta handloom office Juthika Das Barpeta, Feb 16: The CM Tarun Gogoi who is leading the Congress Government in Assam seems continuing his politics by distributing blankets and yarns despite having several criticism from the opponent party. In spite of the supreme court order the department of Handloom and Textile brought two trucks blankets
and thread in Barpeta office and stocked it with a view to distribute it during the election of 2016. It was disclosed by one of the officials of the department. This time too, the Congress government will try to allure the voters by the politics of blanket distribution. Barpeta AASU and Khilanjiya Suraksha Bahini,
Asom enraged at this and demanded to take action against those who disobeyed the order of Supreme Court. AASU president, Krishnakanta Das and Gobinda Gayan, khilanjiya Suraksha Bahini Asom, demanded that an immediate action should be taken against those who had disobeyed the order of Supreme Court.
The terrorists have been identified as SanjibBasumatary@ Khardes and JangswrangBasumatary @ Ladai. Ladai is wanted by the NIA in the Adivasi massacre of December 14 and for kidnapping Hindi speaking people in January 14. Khardes is also a wanted terrorist involved in subversive acts. Two 7.65mm Pistols, some ammunition and hand Grenades have been recovered from the terrorists. It is pertinent to mention that due to the relentless and unceasing pressure on the group by SF’s, the incidents of extortion and kidnapping have greatly come down in the area, giving the innocent people a chance to live in peace.
Five day emergency management exercise programme began at Mangaldai
ZIkir being performed at Azan Peer Dargah in Sivasagar on the ocassion of its annual conference. Pic - Nekib Ahmed
ET Correspondent Mangaldai Feb 16 : Awakened by the recent series of jerks from few earth quakes of moderate magnitude in the state and keeping in mind possibilities of more such disasters in near future , the Darrang District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in collaboration with its parent body State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has organized a district level five day emergency management exercise programme to aware and train people of different section of the society to enable them to face any possible situation
with confidence. Ranjit Kalita , District Development Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer , Darrang today formally launched the event in a ceremonial function here at the district library auditorium in presence of government officials and staff , police personnels , doctors , paramedical staff, members of the non government organizations , teachers , students and other stake holders . Speaking on the occasion as the distinguished guest Ashimjyoti Chetia, Chief Executive Officer , SDMA, Guwahati highlighted the im-
portance of such programmes as a part of preparedness to try minimize the loss in any kind of possible disaster and concluded " The success of the programme will depend only on the active response from the people of the district." Earlier in his address Bidyut Bikash Bhagawati, Additional Deputy Commissioner , Darrang in charge of DDMA observed that all the stake holders of the society have different roles during a disaster , following it and even before it and everyone should be careful about it. The inaugu-
ral function was also attended by senior officials of the local civil and police administration including Rahul Das , Election Officer , Mangaldai , Prasanta Borkakoty, Circle Officer , Mangaldai Revenue Circle and Deboranjan Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of Police , Darrang (HQ) among others. It may be mentioned here the five day programme which will come to an end on Feb 20 next with a field drill in Kachari Maidan, Mangaldai will also feature eight training tracks for relevant stake holders and table top exercise.
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
PAGE 3
TAMLA – DU celebrated with much spirit & enthusiasm in Lohit Bishnu Rana Tezu, Feb 16: Tamla- DU a predominantly an agriculture based festival of Mishmi tribe was celebrated with much enthusiasm and merry making here at the traditional festival ground yesterday. The tribe irrespective of ages young, adult and old clad in their rich traditional attire thronged the festival ground to showcase and jealously preserve their age – old cultural heritage to the inviting guests on the occasion. Best ethnic foods including local wine were served that added the aroma in the festivity. Skits presentation from student of Sunpura highlighting adverse effect of opium and stressing on girl education were well showcased during the celebration. Participation of youths in colourful cultural items, little children sharing traditional fashion show altogether mesmerized the guests participated in the celebration. Tamiyo Tatak, Deputy Commissioner of Lohit district was chaired as a chief guest appreciated the youth wholehearted for involvement in the entire celebration and promoting the rich traditional culture of the tribe which has been carried forward since time immemorial. “We should be proud to have exceptional traditional & culture, dialogue, folk songs & dances, foods and crafts, belief system and rituals which need documentation and never dilute against any foreign cultural
A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Feb 16: Wancho community of Itanagar along with public representatives of Tirap, Changlang and Longding celebrated their main festival, Oriah at Itanagar today at Mopin Solung Ground. A colourful cultural programme including, famed bamboo dance of the Wancho, war dance, fashion show and remix of traditional and gymnastic dance were presented on the occasion. The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa and First Lady of the State Smt Rita Rajkhowa graced the Oriah Festival celebration. TAMLA – DU celebrated with much spirit & enthusiasm in Lohit invasion or westernization”, plead the DC. He empathically supported the complete restriction of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in the festival and advised to promote traditional local wine which has least harmful effects. He further motivated a concept of unification of Mishmi under ‘Mishmi Welfare Society’ to promote brotherhood, its rich culture, ethnic food, handloom & handicraft and which has already procured land at Jollang in Itanagar for posterity. Sunil Mow, advocate was the guest of honour in the function and unanimously appealed everyone includ-
ing elected representatives, the district administration, HoDs and general public to give complete shape in the form of requisite infrastructure planned to build up. “We have set up stall here also and everyone is showing much zest to contribute. S Manyu DFO and Dr. S Chai Pul, DMO of Lohit contributing Rs 25000 and 10000 respectively is a welcome gesture for the cause”, he appreciates.
promote the MWS for largest interest of Mishmi tribe. Citing Tamla – DU a complete agro – based festival, Nakul Chai former Minister said that after bumper harvest the Tamla – DU is celebrated every year to appease god & goddesses Timya Tamlaya & Amik Mitai that ward off evil spirits which are believed to be the cause for diseases, accidents, natural calamities and crimes in the society.
The DC along with VP Surya, SP of Lohit, S Mow, HoDs also paid visit at the traditional ritual performing site and unfurled the Tamla – DU flag to mark the celebration. The DC also assured to contribute cash to
“Tamla - DU celebration also mark an advent of new year of the tribe”, he adds further. Bafenso Tayang and Sokhep Kri also enthralled the guests in their local taste adding colour in the festival.
Police seizes illegal timber at Bhalukpong Bomdila, Feb 16: Another achievement from the police force. A team of police personnels seized a truck load of illegal timber last night at Bhalukpong in the district. The truck bearing registration NO.AS 01BC 6583 loaded with sawn timbers was seized during night patrolling at Bhalukpong. The truck was driving by Mohan Rai and was intercepted in between Bhalukpong and Suppari camp while the truck was speeding towards neighboring Assam- said DIPRO. He further added that a case has been registered at
Initiating the commencement of the festival by performing of ‘Zangwan Wan Tong Shom’ i.e.r offering to God, the First couple offered prayers for well being of the people, bounty harvest and communal harmony. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor appreciated the organisers for carrying forward the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Wancho tribe by celebrating the Oriah festival in Itanagar. He exhorted the people to preserve the age-
Police seizes illegal timber at Bhalukpong
Bhalukpong Police Station vide NO.05/16 U/S 379 IPC R/W Section 25(d) AFR Act and the investigation is on.
The Superintendent of Police, Dr. A Koan has congratulated the team led by OC of Bhalukpong Police station, S.I SK Sanghera, NK H.S Rai, L/
NK D.R Ramchary and Ct. driver T Wanghap for the commendable job done and assured that the team would be suitably rewarded. (DIPRO)
Lomham Tangha Changlang, Feb 16: The Baily Bridge in Changlang District connecting Khimyang EAC Headquarter from the rest of the world is more than 40 years old. The Bridge was constructed during erstwhile undivided Tirap district over Tirap River during the time when T. Ngemu was the MLA of the constituency who reigned on the coveted MLA seat for nearly twenty years.
glected region a happy abode for poor people who are force to come to Changlang town to get their officials work done by spending their hard earned money.
Baily Bridge over Tirap River in Changlang requires immediate replacement ments of Khimyang EAC Headquater excuses themselves of militant threats and bad road communications thereby navigating their officials work from Changlang Headquarter.
the government quarters meant for Changlang official staffs. How can the government be so unaware and neglected to such self style governance? A local tribal questioned.
Half of the government officials of Khimyang EAC Headquaters are residing at Changlang town occupying
The people of the area says that the Governor should streamline this EAC Headquarter and make the ne-
The Baily can withstand only 10 matric tonnes as engineering guidelines but sometimes there are times the heavy vehicles loaded with more than the specified bounds transport across especially for construction buildings that poses great threats. It has been learnt that the proposal for RCC Bridge had been sent already but it is yet to be approved. The much needed schemes of such kind should be given priority for the welfare of the trouble torn area if the development is to be evolved. Reputed firms like BIPL, GREF and BRO should be awarded with the road construction so that lifeline of the poor people inhabiting the circle is firmly established.
Wanchos of Arunachal celebrates Oriah Festival with the Governor old cultural values and traditions as loss of culture is loss of identity. The Governor emphasised that the indigenous communities must preserve their dialogue, language and heritage. He advised the people to go for documentation and at the same time efforts should be there to develop their own script. The Governor on the occasion called for communal harmony in the State and strengthening the spirit of ‘Unity in Diversity’. He said
that major tribes must ensure the ground so that minor tribes can carry forward their identity. That will ensure peace and tranquillity in the State and also go a long way to facilitate in having democratically Government in the State. Recalling the age-old relationship between Ahom King and a Wancho Princess, the Governor called for amity amongst the two neighbouring States, thereby restoring the ageold ties. Impressed by the agility of
dancers performing gymnastics in dance numbers, the Governor assured them in providing guidance and assistance to hone their skill in gymnastics, games and sports. Earlier, Gabriel Wangsu, President of 14th Oriah Festival celebration at Itanagar said that every tribe of the State observes festivals which are diverge in colours and rituals but ethos and ingredients are same for all the indigenous festivals of the State. He urged upon the people to celebrate the commonness in the culture and traditions.
Kalikho Pul affirms to form a Congress Govt in Arunachal Contd. from Page 1
Reduced to a 58-member House now, Pul said that to form the government one camp has to have at least 30 members on its side. The Pul camp has 32 MLAs, 19 Congress, 11 BJP and two independent. “We still have 32 members with us and we can form the government, but Tuki cannot with his 26 members”.
Baily Bridge over Tirap River in Changlang requires immediate replacement
After T.Ngemu, three more politicians represented the constituency namely, Late W.Pongte, a former Minister and T.Taiju, another former Minister and now Phoshum Khimhun, the present MLA of this Khimyang constituency and now Tesam Pongte as a present representative of the Changlang North constituency. In spite of the many politicians having ruled the area, the lone Bridge which is the only life lines for thousands of citizens for both the constituencies are still left unattended. The Head of the depart-
Wanchos of Arunachal celebrates Oriah Festival with the Governor
On questions arising on how the Pul-led Government would function without a principle opposition party, the former finance minister clarified that it was not always necessary to have an opposition party in the house. “There can be a collective democracy as well”, added MLA P D Sona. The legislators informed that the BJP has assured un-
conditional support to the Pul camp in written. However, on odds of the BJP withdrawing their support after formation of the government, MLA Wangling Lowangdong said that “it cannot be predicted now, but they are currently giving us unconditional support”. On the positive response and appreciation towards the President’s Rule in the state for bringing in fastpaced development, Lowangdong said, “President’s Rule is not a long-term solution in a democracy, and is only a shortterm solution”. However, taking a jibe at former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, he said that “for all the development the President’s Rule has bought in, Nabam Tuki should be thanked.
“It was because of the Tuki-led Government’s lawlessness, financial irregularities, and vast mis-governance that the President’s Rule has been imposed.” Reposing his faith in Pul, Lowangdong said that the democratically-elected government is duty-bound to serve the people in various forms of development and maintain law and order, which he reiterated would be brought by Pul. We should be grateful that the central government intervened on time to restore peace and law and order, and is correcting the derailed system of the state. The future government will also continue on the lines of the same system, Pul assured. The team also informed that there are no plans of mid-term polls as alleged by
Tuki, and alleged that it is in fact Tuki who is holding talks of mid-term polls. “I assure that when my government is formed, all development works, salaries and employee grievances, stipend of students, payment of contractual workers will be regular”, Pul added. According to the Gauhati High Court judgment of January 13 last, the Assembly Session of 17 December, 2015 is valid, and Pul reiterated that he can still establish the government because the Supreme Court has not put a stay on the Gauhati High Court judgment. Reportedly, the Tuki camp had asked for a stay on the Gauhati High Court order five times and statusquo three times, which were all denied by the apex court.
East Kameng DC held JKA meeting and reviewed SPA works ET Corresspondent Seppa, Feb 16: The DC of East Kameng, Shri Deepak Shinde today conducted two back-to-back meetings separately on Jal Kranti Abhiyan (JKA) and SPA works. In the JKA meeting, he reviewed about the total proposals submitted so far with the WRD, Seppa Division. He suggested for considering utility, coverage area, population coverage, rationality and equity before selecting any proposals. He directed the EE, WRD to constitute teams and asses the proposed sites and submit feasibility reports in the next meeting for final selection of proposals. Shri Pai Dawe, EE (WRD) highlighted about the JKA and its objectives, and briefed the house about all proposals. Smti M. Cheda, ZPC, DHO, DAO, ADI, and DRDA and Health representatives were also present and took part in the threadbare discussion. In another separate meeting,
East Kameng DC held JKA meeting and reviewed SPA works DC of East Kameng reviewed about the projects so far undertaken by various executing (engineering) departments under SPA. He enquired about the adoption of e-tendering process by the departments. He advised the departments to submit UC on time. Appreciating the overall progress, he directed the departments to conceptualize a target plan and accordingly, follow the
timeline strictly as the working season is limited. He suggested for conduct of monthly progress or review meetings. He directed the departments to present their status of works through power point presentation along with photographs in next meetings.
to the house to extend his wholehearted support and cooperation in the development of the district. He cautioned against any misappropriation and mismanagement. Several EEs of PWD, WRD, PHED, RWD, Power and HPD were present and highlighted about the status of their conHe also enquired about the cerned works. Shri T. land dispute and encroach- Perme, DPO was also ment. He made an assurance present in the meeting.
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
PAGE 4
Barpeta BJP opposed Marijuana weighting 19.2 Kg the alliance with AGP seized from Bijari, L/Dibang Valley ET Correspondent Barpeta, Feb 16: The news of alliance of BJP with AGP enraged the grass-root BJP workers at Barpeta. The BJP members and workers of Barpeta vehemently opposed the news of alliance with AGP and also the news of leaving Barpeta and Chenga constituency to
AGP. Barpeta BJP warned their party leaders that they will not let the AGP to take over the seats at any cost. Today the enraged BJP workers met the BJP leaders of Barpeta at BJP district office and expressed their own opinion, they warned that, they would not
let AGP to take their seats. Even the president of Barpeta district BJP, Sankar Das and the Demander of Barpeta BJP, Goutam Pathak also opposed this matter very strongly. The upset workers of BJP also locked the BJP office today.
Snappy CEM expose bogus allegation Sushanta Roy Diphu Feb 16: Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council’s Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang went out of his way to prove an individual allegation wrong at a time when hundreds of media claimed reports of corruption and sordid details are not receiving fare response from the KAAC authority. Charge of misappropriation of Rs. 865.20 lakhs against ongoing Wallingdisa Irrigation scheme located at Dhansiri around 30 kilometres from Diphu made by one Sumit Timung a resident of Diphu few days back irritated the CEM terribly yesterday morning who went out of his way to prove that the allegation is
bogus. The snappy Ronghang while visiting the work site along with departmental officials and KAAC Principal Secretary Mrs. Jayasree Daulagapu also acquired the Superintendent of Police Karbi Anglong Debojit Deury, Diphu Town Committee Chairman Mohan Tisso and a group of reporters working for local news dailies of Diphu. At Langthailung where the scheme is progressing the CEM claimed before the visiting officials and public representatives like the local Member of Autonomous Council Pradip Diphusa that 90% work has been done and bill worth of Rs. 2.4 crores has been cleared. “Action according to law will be taken against Sumit
Timung for making unfounded allegation. We need to have cooperation in order to carryout development. I invited Timung to come with me to see the work done by the Irrigation department but he has not come; such allegations are a nuisance, just waste of time government and public” the fuming CEM said. “Probably the sharp reaction of the young leader is just to set a case in point before his executive committee colleagues and the bureaucrats, just how one should deal with false accusation but what about the real mega scale corruptions about which he has not responded till now ?” said Mohan Rongpi senior leader of district BJP.
Teenager found murdered in Tinsukia Debojeet Thaosen re-elected as CEM of NCHAC
Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Feb 16 : A minor boy was on Tuesday found murdered at an old a bond one building at Nauphukri in Tinsukia town. According to sources, deceased identified as Shamsher Alam was working at a mobile shop opposite the famous Santoshi Hotel. He used to stay with his maternal uncle at Masjid Patty and it is only when he did not turn home last night his family and friends started searching him and finally found his body at a nearby building.
Sources claim that the abondoned building has become a reason of worry among residents of the area as it is being used by all sorts of people from gambling to beggars and has turned into a place of illegal activity Despite requesting Dibrugarh - based owner to keep the entry - exit gate locaked and guard the building so that it cannot be used for illegal activities it hasn't given any fruitful results, alleged a nearby resident.
Statehood Day Badminton Tournament kicks off at Tezu Tezu, 16 Feb: Quoting Sport & Games as a way to promote brotherhood in this vicinity, Statehood Badminton Tournament has been kicked off by Tamiyo Tatak DC Lohit here today at the Khoroliang Indoor Badminton Club amidst colourful cultural show. The tournament is first of its kind to mark the statehood day. Overall 4 (four) districts are participating in the three days of tournament including Lower Dibang Valley, Namsai, Anjaw and Lohit. Several veterans, senior and open to all groups are taking part in the tournament. In the first match in the men’s double DC duo with Dr T Taloh Principal IGG College and VP Surya SP Lohit duo with W Inoabi Singh 2nd Command 25th BN ITBP played the opening match. Where later crushed former in straight games. Tamiyo Tatak DC Lohit as a chief guest in his encouraging
speech termed games & sports as a panacea for good health. “We should play any sorts of games regularly to keep ourselves fit and strong at the same time organising such kind of tournament would promote brotherhood and improve the performance of the players to compete at state and national level”, anticipates the DC. He also advised the committee to organise tournament of this kind regularly to hunt talent in these districts to compete them at state and national level. S Manyu DFO Lohit as a guest of honour appreciated the Kholariang Badminton Committee in maintaining good indoor facilities for badminton to encourage budding youth toward this event. He also told the players a play in true spirit of sportsmanship. Meanwhile, the final match will be played on 19th of February next to mark the 29th statehood day celebration.
ET Correspondent Haflong Feb 16: Though there have been demands for Governor' notice and also terming the today's session invalid by the BJP MACs, Sri Debojeet Thatosen reelected as the Chief Executive Member of N C Hills Autonomous Council as was declared by the Chairman, NCHAC, Sri Ngamrothang Hmar on Tuesday. During the session, the BJP MACs were demanding the notification of Governor based on which the today's session was held to elect the CEM of NCHAC. They also alleged that the Chairman was not neutral. BJP MACs like Niranjan Hojai, Prakanta Warisa, Samuel Changsan etc. while talking to the media expressed their concern over the biased activities of the Chairman, who according to them did not follow the rules properly. The newly declared CEM of NCHAC Sri Debojeet Thaosen claimed that the chairman has followed the rules as directed by the Governor of Assam. We respect our Governor and there we follow his direction in letter and spirit. The Chairman, Ngamrothang Hmar in a press meet in his office chamber justified his act in the process of election to CEM of NCHAC as per Governor's direction.
Maksam Tayeng Pasighat, Feb 16: While continuing their crusade against drugs and other illicit substance menace in the district and its vicinity, the Women Against Social Evil (WASE) activists which has been on limelight for good reason fighting against all social evils has again shown its determination to reach deep down the root of the menace by seizing 19.2 Kgs of marijuana (bhang) from a village, named Bijari under Dambuk Sub-Division in Lower Dibang Valley. The team of WASE first caught three boys taking marijuana at Sibo Korong river side on 13th February last who on enquiry revealed the sources from where they bought the contraband items. On being confirmed that the items were supplied by a woman from Bijari, under Dambuk Sub-Division in Lower Dibang Valley, the team WASE with their 20 member strong activists landed at Bijari by covering an approximate distance of 80 KMs from here and met Head Gaon Bura and Anchal Samity Members who on their part cooper-
Marijuana weighting 19.2 Kg seized from Bijari, L/Dibang Valley ated the team and zeroed upon the supplier. The team WASE immediately informed the ADC Dambuk Atul Tayeng about the huge availability of marijuana who in turn directed CO Dambuk Eving Yirang and Dambuk police team led by ASI Oling Moyong to rush to the village and take appropriate action. The items were seized and a case has been registered with no. 01/ 2016 U/S 20(B) of NDPS Act 1985. Informing about
their effort, Joya Tasung Moyong and Omem Ering, Secretary and President WASE respectively said that, the more villages from where marijuana and opium are supplied will be crushed as these banned drugs has been damaging the lives of many youths today. Such efforts of WASE is indeed praiseworthy and government need to supports such NGOs by recognizing them in every possible man-
ners as good Samaritans to fight against social evils like them are seldom seen/found in today’s days. Even concern government departments or agencies are failing in controlling such menaces as several risk factors are involved in doing so which is also known to people sitting on power. There are many sections of people in the society who criticizes such good effort NGOs and feels these substances are being sold by
some people to earn a livelihood or to send their wards to school. But question is how far it is fair to feed or send their children to school while destroying many other children from their items? There are many other ways to earn money as livelihood or to send their children to schools, the greed to earn easy money but illegal ways of earning will lend them into trouble which will never go unpunished.
JB College students stage protest for JNU student arrest ET Correspondent Jorhat, Feb 16: In pursuant to JNU student arrest, the students of Jaganath Barooah Col-
lege, Jorhat College in Jorhat along with the other educational institutions, universities, colleges throughout the
country, took out a protest rally throughout the main thoroughfare of the Jorhat city demanding unconditional release of
the Students’ Union president of JNU Kanhaiya Kumar. The students from the
college boycotted classes and demanded for the release of the student union president as early as possible.
Intellectuals and academicians from Assam join protest Contd. from Page 1
Condemning the arrest of Kanhaiya Kumar, who is associated with CPI-affiliated AISF, noted intellectual Hiren Gohain said the arrest of the student leader was the Centre's attack on the JUN students' freedom of expressing opinions and their right to discuss various so-
cial issues. Academician Apurba Kumar Baruah termed the arrest as a conspiracy to spread the tentacles of RSS and BJP on the JNU premises, where the two organizations do not enjoy ample support. Writer and activist Manoram Gogoi said police action on the varsity campus was an attack on freedom of speech and democratic values of the country.
It was an attack on the nerve centre of India from where ideas emanate and flourish to transform the society, the CM said. Criticizing the Centre for targeting the young students, the former principal of B Borooah College, Dinesh Baishya, said the right to protest had been curtailed in the country since the last one year. There should be a bigger protest against the action on protesting students, he said.
The secretary of the Assam state committee of AISF, Madhujya Barua, said BJP and RSS leaders had no right to call the Left as anti-national. Left parties have played a much bigger role than RSS in the freedom movement of the country. They should remember, said Barua.
The SFI, too, said the Left-leaning student organizations had always been suffering to unite the country. "The arrest of Kanhaiya Kumar is totally undemocratic. This a planned conspiracy of the state machinery to to destroy the autonomy and democratic environment of a premier educational institution in the country," said Nirangkush Nath, secretary of the state committee of SFI.
Rahul embarks on ‘Padyatra’ to kick off Cong Poll Campaign Contd. from Page 1
The choice of Ranghar as the starting point of the rally could symbolise the importance the congress party laids to the Ahom community, the majority group in Sivasagar district. The imposing red structure at Joysagar, about 3 kms from Sivasagar town, is one of the most important structures built during the Ahom era. The 250-year old monument is arguably the oldest amphitheatre in Asia built by Ahom King (Swargadeo) Pramatta Singha (AD 17441750) for watching various games by the royal families. This is also the monument that gave birth to the United Liberation Front of Assam (Ulfa) in 1979. A sea of humanity joined
the ‘Padyatra’, making some bystanders utter that they have never seen such a huge rush in the town before. The six-kilometre rally covered the areas of Na-ali, Amaolapatty, Temple road and Babupatty, which are inhabited primarily by the minority and non-Assamese communities. Rahul made a half-anhour halt at the Dwini Madrassa situated at Na-ali during the rally and interacted with the students there. He also interacted with the local trader’s community at Bir Lachit Barphukan Park here and paid his obeisance to the great general of the Ahom era. All along the way, he mingled with the crowd and later paid his respects at the statue of the legendary Assamese singer Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. He also
visited the historic Shiva Dole (temple) and offered his prayers there. Rahul, however, gave a normal speech at a ‘Jana Jagaran Samaroh’ at the Durbar field. The venue also hosted Narendra Modi in 2014 prior to the parliamentary elections. In his speech, Rahul recalled the grim state of affairs of the State when Congress came to power fifteen years back. He acclaimed the ruling congress government under Tarun Gogoi for taking different steps for development of Assam. He was highly critical of Modi and said that he has failed to deliver the commitments made prior to the 2014 parliamentary elections. “Modi has already failed to fulfil the promises he made to the people of the
State. Rather than fulfilling the promises, he has withdrawn the special status enjoyed by Assam when the UPA was in power at the centre. He will come again prior to the assembly elections with a new set of commitments,” Rahul said. Rahul also lashed out at the NDA government for its failure to control inflation. “Modi spoke about controlling price-rise before he came to power. He announced that he would deposit Rs. 15 lakhs in the bank account of everyone. Leave aside the Rs. 15 lakhs, price of dal has now reached Rs. 200 per kilogram. People have not got the Rs. 15 lakhs committed by Modi, but he definitely wears a suit worth that amount,” Rahul said. The crowd had expected a much better speech from
the congress leader rather than a stereotyped one as one of them said, “I don’t belong to any political party and have come here only to see Rahul Gandhi. He has projected himself as a people’s leader by mingling with the crowd and interacting with different sections of the community. However, he has failed to charm the crowd the way Modi does,” he said. Another participant at the meeting, however, was of the opinion that by meeting and mingling with different sections of the people, Rahul has already done what was needed for the State congress. “The huge rush of people at the Rahul Gandhi programmes here definitely symbolises peoples renewed faith in the party. Rahul has compensated with his deeds what he failed in his words,” he said.
4 millitants killed in fierce encounter with security forces in Bordumsa Contd. from Page 1
2 pistols (1 US-made & other of Italy origin), 2 magazines, 25 rounds of live ammunitions, 6 mobile sets, 2 sets camouflage dress, 1 pouch, 2 solar plate, 2 solar light and 13,500 Kyat (Myanmarese currency). Two militants has been identified as Corporal
Rupanta of Ulfa (I) and Usha Ranjan Chakma of NSCN (K) while others were yet to be identified added another source. Speaking to The Eastern Today over phone, Superintendent of Tinsukia police Mugdha Jyoti Mahanta said, based on a specific input we had cordoned a village along AssamArunachal
boarder at around 3 am in the wee hours. The forces waited for the first light and immediately a house to house search was initiated, he added. He said, sensing movement of security forces.the militants tried to flee by firing upon the force and we're killed in return fire. Several weapons includ-
ing a AK -56, 2 pistols, ammunitions and others were recovered from the encounter spot, added SP Mahanto. It is important to mention here that with Tuesdays encounter relation between Ulfa (I) and NSCN (k) has once again surface. In April last year, several militant organiza-
tions of North East had joined hands and declared a comman platform. This followed with a spate of attack on security forces from Manipur to Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. Presence of NSCN (K) cadres in Tinsukia district is a cause of worry for the people of Assam who had already seen militancy since last 2 decades.
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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Nitish coalition loses Centre asks scientists to develop organic agriculture tech Harlakhi Assembly bypoll Shillong, Feb 16: The Centre on Tuesday exhorted government agriculture scientists to develop technologies and resources for organic agriculture in the North Eastern Region.
Nitish Kumar Madhubani, Feb 16: Nearly three months after its stupendous victory, the Grand Secular Alliance in Bihar today suffered a setback losing Harlakhi Assembly bypoll to BJP ally Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP) candidate by 18,650 votes. Union Minister Upendra Kushwaha led RLSP candidate Sudhansu Sekhar, riding on a sympathy wave, defeated his Congress rival Mohammad Shabir by a margin of 18,650 votes. Upendra's father Basant Kushwaha had died a day before oath taking in November last year. Returning Officer Bishnudeo Mandal said
while RLSP nominee polled 62,434 votes, the Congress candidate bagged 43,784 votes and CPI Ram Naresh Pandey 19,835. The victory margin of the RLSP candidate is almost five times more than his father, who had defeated the same Congress candidate Mohammad Shabir in October-November poll by about 3,600 votes. With today's victory, the tally of RLSP goes up to two in the 16th Bihar Assembly while that of NDA to 58 in the 243member House. BJP has 53 MLAs, LJP 2, RLSP 2 and Hindustani Awam Morcha of Jitan Ram Manjhi 1. (PTI)
Body of missing man exhumed Jowai, Feb, 16: The body of one Riki Phawa of Kyndongtuber, who has been reportedly missing since August, 2015, was exhumed from a graveyard at Lumshnong village on Monday. According to police, Phawa had committed suicide. His highly decomposed body was found hanging on a tree at Lumshnong village on September 2 last year. Police buried the body next day after postmortem. The exhumation was done after family mem-
bers of the deceased lodged a missing complaint on Saturday at Pramer Traffic cell. Police later informed the complainants that about the recovery of a body of a similar looking man. On being informed, family members went to Lumshnong to verify the cloths of the deceased preserved by police and also the photographs and confirmed the identity of the deceased. The body was later taken to his native village for the last right.(Agencies)
CPI(M) wins Assembly bypoll in Tripura Agartala, Feb 16: Ruling CPI-M won the Birganj Assembly on Tuesday by-election in Tripura's Gomati district, with party candidate Parimal Debnath trouncing his nearest rival BJP candidate by a margin of 10,597 votes. While Debnath secured 20,355 votes, BJP's Ranjit Das polled 9,758 votes. Congress candidate Chanchal De got only 1,231 votes and his deposit was forfeited, Returning Officer Debapriya
Bardhan told reporters. The by-poll was held on February 13. The seat had fallen vacant following the resignation of the Manoranjan Acharjee from the Assembly on December 10 last after he was expelled from CPI(M) on charges of moral turpitude. Acharjee had allegedly molested an eight-yearold girl inside the party office at Amarpur subdivision late last year as per an FIR lodged against him, police said. (PTI)
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Radha Mohan Singh on Tuesday met the scientists of Central Agricultural University and Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) in this connection. Emphasis should be given on production of farm manure from all or-
ganic waste, Singh said after inaugurating the Academic Block of College of Post Graduate Studies, Central Agricultural University, Imphal. He also laid the foundation stone for the new College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya at the College of Post Graduate Studies, Umiam (Barapani) in Meghalaya and then inspected the ICAR Complex, Umiam, in Ri Bhoi District. Later, at an awareness programme on 'Sustainable Hill Agriculture' at ICAR Complex, in Ri
The Centre on Tuesday exhorted government agriculture scientists to develop technologies and resources for organic agriculture in the North Eastern Region
Bhoi district, Singh encouraged the farmers to use organic manure and also spoke at length on emarketing, where the farmers could sell their
agricultural production in other parts of the country. About Central Agricultural University, the Union minister termed it
a unique agricultural institution in the country, which takes care of the agricultural education, research and extension needs of the six North Eastern Hill states. The University has played a pivotal role in the overall development of the states under its jurisdiction, he said. In view of the huge agricultural potential and human resources development that the North Eastern Region could offer, six new colleges under the jurisdiction of the Central Agricultural Uni-
SC empowers dist councils to regulate headmen Shillong, Feb 16: The Supreme Court has stressed that the persons occupying the posts of headmen may continue to function subject to various instructions framed by the District Council as per the Sixth Schedule to the Indian Constitution. The order of the Supreme Court was made available to the media on Monday by KHADC CEM PN Syiem. A portion of the order said, "Until further orders, the persons occupying the post of headmen may continue to function subject to the various instruction framed by the Autonomous District Council as per law under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India". However, the Apex
Court has asked the counsel of the State Government to submit a proposal as to what parts of the January 13 High Court order/ directions will be implemented by the State Government to ensure that "Fundamental rights of the of the citizens particularly, the right to reside freely in any place of their choice is not adversely affected by the action of any statutory authority including headmen." Earlier, the January 13 order of the High Court had recommended a series of measures to be imitated by the State Government including framing rules for the functioning of headmen. The Apex Court, while issuing notices to concerned parties, has de-
cided to hear the matter after six weeks. Meanwhile speaking to reporters, the KHADC chief Syiem expressed relief and said that the headmen can now function as per rules and regulations framed by the District Council. ("A notification will be issued to all the Sordars, Syiems, and Headmen specifying that traditional heads can now exercise their duties as per the Supreme Court order until the final verdict arrives," Syiem said. Syiem further stated that the traditional institutions of the State have the backing of the Indian Constitution envisaged under the Sixth Schedule where the headmen can function as per the rules and regulations laid down by the District
Council as per the law under the Sixth Schedule. He said, "Different departments and institutions within the jurisdiction of the District Council should respond positively to any orders issued by the headmen as per the rules and regulations laid down by the District Council as per the Sixth Schedule and should accept the certificates of the headmen." Asserting that confusions over headmen continuing in the posts and issuing certificates has now subsided, the KHADC chief said that headmen can resume their functions as empowered by the District Council. In connection with the Supreme Court order, he expressed gratitude to the
MDCs and officials involved in filing the Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court after the District Council was aggrieved over the High Court ruling that has stripped headmen off their powers. The Supreme Court, however, has stayed the portion of the High Court order to pay Rs 2 lakh by way of compensation to the villagers who were excommunicated by the headmen in East Jaintia Hills. The High Court had pulled up the SP, Additional District Magistrate, the Headmen and members of Village Defence Party for the plight of villagers after they married nontribals.(Agencies)
President Pranab sacks Visva Bharati Vice Chancellor Sushanta Dattagupta Kolkata, Feb 16: President Pranab Mukherjee dismissed Visva Bharati Vice Chancellor Sushanta Dattagupta, who is facing allegations of financial and administrative irregularities. The President gave his nod for the removal of Dattagupta after the HRD Ministry sent back the file recommending dismissal of Visva Bharati VVto Pranab Mukherjee after the Law Ministry and Attorney General backed its view
in the matter. The President's office had in November last year sent back the file pertaining to Dattagupta asking whether denying the VC a "hearing in person" on allegations levelled against him was legally tenable, it is learnt. Charges against Duttagupta include drawing salary from Visva Bharati and pension from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) simultaneously in alleged violation of the
Visva Bharati Vice Chancellor Sushanta Dattagupta
law. Under the law, he was required to have got his pension amount de-
ducted from the pay he received from Visva Bharati.
Besides this, Duttagupta was charged with making irregular appointments, including that of the Controller of Examinations despite having no powers, and sanctioning key posts in violation of the Visva Bharati Act. Dattagupta, who was appointed in 2011, has over one year of his tenure left. He had also challenged the legality of the ministry's fact-finding committee but his petition was dismissed by the Calcutta High Court.(Agencies)
To tackle Mamata, Congress, Left likely to forge alliance for 2016 West Bengal polls Kolkata, Feb 16: With the high voltage 2016 West Bengal Assembly Elections just months away, the Congress and the Left are expected to forge an alliance to take on the Mamata Banerjeeled Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is desperately trying to make inroads into the state. During the last Assembly polls, the Trinamool created a history by ousting the Left, which had ruled
the state for more than three decades. According to reports, the Congress which suffered a humiliating defeat in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, wants to align with the Left as it has no other option left. The West Bengal Congress has vehemently pitched for the alliance; however, the party high command is yet to take a call on the matter. It may be noted that TMC has openly supported the GST Bill, which somewhere gives the indication
that the ruling party might side with the Modi-led NDA after the Assembly polls. Well at the same time Congress can be rest assured about Left that it won't go with the BJP. Notably, pitching for an alliance with Congress in the coming elections in Bengal, CPI(M) leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee last week said people want such a tie-up to oust Trinamool from power. "... Lots of people are talking about the alliance.
You need to understand why people are talking about the alliance, because they are demanding that all of us fight together to oust TMC from power," he said. "There may be differences - differences between people but there is a single point which is to defeat TMC. We all have to fight together," Bhattacharjee said. The CPI-M in Kerala will certainly face the heat if the CPI-M in West Bengal goes forward with an al-
liance with its arch rivals here - the Congress party. Kerala and West Bengal go to the polls at the same time and the BJP is certain to rake up the issue of this new found alliance to its maximum, if the CPI-M decides to have a tie-up in Bengal. The grand old party, which is going through a very bad phase, on Saturday sealed an alliance with Karunanidhi-led DMK for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.(Agencies)
Manipur: High Court gets four judges
Ruling CPI-M won the Birganj Assembly on Tuesday byelection in Tripura's Gomati district
Manipur, Feb 16: The High Court of Manipur which started functioning with only two judges at the initial stage has now four judges. Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad was Monday sworn in as the fourth judge of the court. Chief justice Lakshmi Kanta
Mahapatra administered the oath of office to the new judge in a simple ceremony held at the conference hall of the High Court of Manipur complex, Imphal Justice Prasad, a judge of the Jharkhand High Court was recently transferred as a Judge of the
High Court of Manipur. With Prasad assuming his office, the state high court has now four judges including the Chief Justice. The High Court of Manipur which started functioning with only two judges at the initial stage has now four judges.
Other two sitting judges were Justice N Koteshwor and Justice Kh Nobin Singh. The
High Court was formally inaugurated on March 25, 2013 by the then Chief Justice of India Justice Altamas Kabir in the presence of State Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, then Union minister of law and Justice Dr.Ashwani Kumar and others. (Agencies)
versity have been planned, he said. Of these, 4 new colleges have already started their first academic session, Singh said, adding that the other 2 colleges in Nagaland and Mizoram will be functioning soon. "To empower the unemployed rural youths, the university has planned 6 vocational training centres and six multi-technology testing centers," Singh said and hoped these centers will make rural youth employment generators rather than employment seekers. (PTI)
Molestation victim demands punishment against accused Imphal, Feb 16: A motherin-law of the victim has demanded fitting punishment against a 30 years old for molesting her daughter-inlaw on the night of February 12. Speaking to the news reporters, the victim's motherin-law stated that they have been working at a brick field located at Hiyangthang Poula Loukhol owned by one Pukhrambam Nando of Langthabal Thong Ahanbi. The victim's family, along with other fellow workers, live in a workers' makeshift quarters near the brick field since the past few months. On February 12 at around 7 pm, her son returned from work and was served dinner by his wife. After having his dinner, he went inside the bedroom to take rest, the victim's mother-in-law said. At that time, the accused person identified as Saikhom Sunil (30) s/o Ahtek of Mayang Imphal bazar Thana Manak went inside their living room. The accused person, on seeing the victim's son having his dinner, sent him to get some eggs from the shop. The boy went out to buy the eggs. Taking advantage of the absence of other family members, the accused sneaked into the bedroom of the victim. He took out a knife and threatened her to remain silent or else face the consequence and started molesting her. The boy, who went to buy eggs from the shop, returned when the man was trying to rape her. The accused was caught red handed when her daughter-in-law alerted the family. Later, they informed about the incident to the owner of the brick field. The owner filed a complaint at Singjamei PS the same day. Subsequently, the accused person was taken by Singjamei Police team the same day. The mother -in-law demanded fitting action against the accused. (Agencies)
Maoists torch BSNL mobile tower in Bihar Patna, Feb 16: Maoist guerrillas torched a mobile tower in Bihar`s Jamui district on Tuesday, the second day of a two-day state-wide shutdown, police said. The Maoists had called the shutdown to protest the killing of one of their top-ranking leaders in a police shootout earlier this month. Nearly 40 armed guerrillas attacked the BSNL mobile tower at Mudwaro village and set it ablaze. "The BSNL mobile tower was badly damaged," a police official said.(Agencies)Maoists torch BSNL mobile tower in Bihar Patna, Feb 16: Maoist guerrillas torched a mobile tower in Bihar`s Jamui district on Tuesday, the second day of a twoday state-wide shutdown, police said. The Maoists had called the shutdown to protest the killing of one of their top-ranking leaders in a police shootout earlier this month. Nearly 40 armed guerrillas attacked the BSNL mobile tower at Mudwaro village and set it ablaze. "The BSNL mobile tower was badly damaged," a police official said.(Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
JNU row echoes at meeting of political parties convened by PM
PM Narendra Modi was asked by opposition leaders to intervene in the crisis at JNU (Press Trust of India photo) Contd. from Page 1
Today's parleys were the first-ever meeting of political parties convened by Modi ahead of a Parliament session. "We will respond to the issues raised by the opposition and address them... I hope the congenial mood here will be translated into action in Parliament," Modi told the meeting. Naidu said there was a
general consensus that Parliament should run smoothly. With BJP targeting Congress over its support to "anti-nationals" in the JNU row, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said his party "disassociates" with all such students who shouted slogans attacking India's unity and Constitution but insisted that there was no proof of sedition against Kanhaiya Kumar, the arrested JNU Student
Union president. "There is no proof of sedition against him," he said. He also hit out at BJP leaders for "defaming" the party leadership with their "anti-national" jibe and said the government should restrain them. Azad told the media that the atmosphere in the country has been vitiated since the BJP came to power and its government has taken no action against people responsible for it.
Students' protest escalate at JNU, cries grow louder for Kanhaiya Kumar's release Contd. from Page 1 Meanwhile, BJP MLA O.P. Sharma, who was yesterday seen thrashing Communist Party of India (CPI) minority wing leader Ameeq Jamei outside a Delhi court, stirred a fresh controversy on Tuesday
and said that all those who have no respect for the nation and are 'anti-national' can go and live in Pakistan. A Delhi court on Monday extended Kanhaiya's custody for two more days. The JNU
SC asks RBI to submit list of defaulters of bank loans
student union leader was arrested last week on charges of sedition for allegedly participating in an event on the campus to mark the anniversary of the execution of 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, in which anti-India slogans were raised.
Delhi HC rejects plea for NIA probe of alleged JNU anti-national fracas New Delhi, Feb.16: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday rejected a plea that sought a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe of alleged anti-national activities on the Jawaharlal Nehru University's campus. Justice Manmohan termed the plea filed by advocate Ranjana Agnihotri as "premature" and said that there was no need for a NIA probe when the matter is already being investigated by the police. Agnihotri had on Monday alleged that Delhi Police was not investigating the case properly and that the matter should be transferred to the NIA.
"Justice Manmohan termed the plea filed by advocate Ranjana Agnihotri as "premature" and said that there was no need for a NIA probe when the matter is already being investigated by the police"
Telangana: TRS wrests Narayankhed seat from Cong Hyderabad, Feb 16 :Continuing its winning streak, the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) on Tuesday wrested the Narayankhed Assembly seat in Medak district from Congress with its candidate Bhupal Reddy winning the seat by a margin of 53,625 votes. Congress candidate P Sanjeeva Reddy polled 39,451 votes while M Vijaypal Reddy of TDP got 14,787 votes in the constituency, considered a Congress bastion. The by-poll was necessitated following the
death of Sanjeeva Reddy's father P Kishta Reddy. The result came as a further boost to the TRS, led by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, as the party had scored a landslide win in the recent Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation polls, bagging 99 seats of the 150-member civic body. It had also won the Warangala Lok Sabha by-poll with a massive margin. The TRS candidate maintained his lead from the first round of counting till the last.(PTI)
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday rejected a plea that sought a National Investigation Agency "The incident took place only on February 9. This court is confident that Delhi Police will investigate all the aspects. The petitioner approached the
Cong, Left prodding students: Giriraj Singh Mathura, Feb 16: Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday accused Congress and left parties of trying to cover the mistakes of the students involved in the JNU row and provoking them to commit anti-national activities. "Congress, communist and other opposition parties are
not only provoking the students of JNU but also creating unrest in the country," the Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) said while addressing a rally at Naujheel town here. He accused the rival parties of taking advantage of
their majority in Rajya Sabha, thus creating instability in the country. "Congress and other opposition parties are taking advantage of their majority in Rajya Sabha which would not reap any results except for creating instability in the country," Singh said.(PTI)
Govt. ready to accommodate all views in Budget Session: Naidu
New Delhi, Feb. 16: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday described the meeting called by Prime MinisterNarendra Modi ahead of the Budget Session as 'successful' and said that the government would accommodate all the suggestions The Supreme Court on Tuesday took suo moto cognizance put forth by the opposi- Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu of newspaper report on bad loans tion parties in the ParNew Delhi, Feb.16: The public sector banks. The liament. should all say that the that an inquiry is on and Supreme Court on Tues- financial performance of Parliament must func- let the inquiry be comday took suo moto cog- state-owned banks has a Naidu said the leaders tion. The Congress has pleted. Secondly, these nizance of newspaper re- shadow over them due to of various political par- also endorsed it. Some slogans and posters are port on bad loans and has, mounting bad loans. ties, who attended the people have raised the is- highly objectionable that therefore, directed the meeting, spoke from the sue of JNU, to which the has been made clear," he Reserve Bank of India The country's largest bottom of their heart. (RBI) to give it the list of lender, SBI, has reported He said that all parties Finance Minister listed said. a sharp decline in net reached a consensus on the slogans raised in the biggest defaulters. profit. Another major the proper functioning JNU. Then, some people "As far as the issues of talked about how sedi- criticism, calling names The apex court asked the lender is the Bank of In- of the Parliament. tion charges can be made. is concerned; such things RBI to share its record dia which recently posted about cases where loans losses for the third quar- "With all sincerity, we With regard to this, the should be avoided by one government's stand was and all. And I also as a of Rs. 500 crore or more ter of current fiscal. have been written off by (ANI)
"The apex court asked the RBI to share its record about cases where loans of Rs. 500 crore or more have been written off by public sector banks."
PAGE 6
Parliamentary Affairs Minister have said politely that usage of words like 'Hitler', 'fascist', 'communal' for the Prime Minister should be avoided," he added. Naidu also said that the government was ready to accommodate the views of the opposition parties. "The Prime Minister also said that the government is willing to walk an extra mile to accommodate the views of the opposition parties and take up discussion on each and every issue," he said. Naidu is likely to hold one more all-party meeting on February 22 where he hopes to convince the Opposition parties on the need to push reforms such as the landmark GST Bill. (ANI)
Prithvi-II missile test fired Balasore , Feb 16 : India test-fired its indigenously developed Prithvi-II missile on Tuesday, which is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1000 kg of warheads, as part of a user trial by the army from a test range at Chandipur. The missile test was carried out from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at about 1000 hrs, defence officials said. With a strike range of 350 km, the surface-tosurface Prithvi-II is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads and is thrusted by liquid propulsion twin engines. It uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target.
on board the ship deployed near the designated impact point in the Bay of Bengal monitored the terminal events and splashdown, they said.
India test-fired its indigenously developed Prithvi-II missile on Tuesday The trial data of the missile trial conducted by the specially formed Strategic Force Command (SFC) were being analysed, they said. The missile was randomly chosen from the production stock and the entire launch activities were carried out by the SFC and monitored by the scientists of Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of training exercise, a defence scientist said. The missile trajectory was tracked by DRDO radars, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry stations located along the coast of Odisha. The downrange teams
Inducted into India's armed forces in 2003, Prithvi II, the first missile to be developed by DRDO under India's prestigious IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development Program) is now a proven technology, they said. Such training launches clearly indicate India's operational readiness to meet any eventuality and also establishes the reliability of this deterrent component of India's Strategic arsenal, they said. The last user trial of Prithvi-II was successfully conducted on November 26, 2015 from the same test range in Odisha.(PTI)
court without making any representation to any government authorities. The petition is premature. I am not interfering at this stage. Let the
Delhi Police investigate it. It's too early," JUstice Manmohan said, while dismissing the plea. Earlier, the Centre's counsel Anil Soni and Delhi Police's counsel Rahul Mehra told the court that anti-national slogans were shouted on campus and that police are investigating who instigated the protests and who were behind it. Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested in a sedition case on February 12 after an event held on the university campus against the hanging of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. (ANI)
Four year sentence to suspended official, husband Madurai, Feb 16: A CBI court here today awarded four years sentence to an official of the Regional Passport Office here, now under suspension, and her husband in a disproportionate wealth case filed in 2010. CBI court judge Basheer Ahamed also slapped a fine of Rs one lakh each on Assistant Passport officer Geetha Bai and her husband Narasimha Bai for amassing wealth to the tune of several crores. The judge also ordered "nationalisation" of the properties, which she had allegedly earned through disproportionate to her income. The prosecution submitted that Geetha Bai
had misused her position as Assistant Regional Passport Officer and earned properties and cash to the tune of several crores over a period of time and invested them in her name as well as her husband as movable and immovable assets. The CBI submitted that their investments were monitored closely following complaints against the official and they found that she had allegedly invested several crores of rupees over a period of time. The CBI said they raided her house in 2010 and recovered various documents regarding their investment.(PTI)
Krishan Bedi must talk responsibly: Capt. Abhimanyu Chandigarh, Feb. 16: Haryana Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyuon Tuesday asked his Cabinet colleague Krishan Kumar Bedi, who was caught on camera abusing an official, to talk in a responsible manner. "Anyone, who is holding a responsible position in the society as well as in the state, must talk responsibly. I expect everybody, including my colleague in the Cabinet, to be more responsible with what we speak," Abhimanyu told. Bedi, who is Haryana's Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, stoked a controversy by publically abusing an official during a meeting in Yamunanagar on Monday. His act was caught on camera. The minister was discussing the issue of en-
Haryana Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu
croachment of parks during a grievance committee meeting when he asked an official about his qualification. The official answered that he is a diploma holder. In response to this, Bedi uttered a highly offensive abuse and then continued his tirade. Bedi had courted controversy even earlier when he had made a derogatory remark about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the cleanliness drive. (ANI)
"Anyone, who is holding a responsible position in the society as well as in the state, must talk responsibly. I expect everybody, including my colleague in the Cabinet, to be more responsible with what we speak," Says- Abhimanyu .
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
PAGE 7
NEIGHBOURS
Thousands displaced in Myanmar rebel clashes: UN Yangon, Feb 16: More than 3,000 people have fled their homes in northern Myanmar following clashes between two ethnic rebel groups; the United Nations said today raising fears the government's fragile peace efforts could be fracturing. Heavy fighting in the northern state of Shan broke out last week between the Restoration Council for Shan State (RCSS) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).It is a rare instance of the country's ethnic armed groups turning on each other and comes during a complicated transition from an army-backed government to Aung San Suu Kyi's pro-democracy party. "We are receiving reports
Minor boy found dead 2 days after abduction Dhaka, Feb 16:Police have recovered the body of a four-year-old boy from Kashimpur Surabari area two days after his abduction from Gazipur.Solaiman, son of Mokarram Hossain Akmat of Bhenuarchar area, went missing on Saturday.Later, his body was recovered from a jungle in Kashimpur Surabari area around 8am Monday. Chakraborty police outpost In-Charge SI Saiful Islam said: "On information from the locals, we went to the spot and recovered the body from the jungle in Kashimpur Surabari area and sent it to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy." He said Solaiman's family members went to the morgue and identified his body at night.The SI said: "He might have been suffocated to death. Several injury marks have been found on his body."Deceased's father Mokarram said: "Solaiman came of home for my shop around 5pm Saturday and since then he remained missing. Someone called me over the mobile phone seeking for a ransom of Tk1.5 lakh at that night to buy freedom of my son."Mokarrom said he had filed a case with Joydebpur police station regarding the matter on Sunday. (Agencies)
Myanmar-China bilateral trade hits $9.4 billion in first ten months Yangon, Feb 16:Bilateral trade between Myanmar and China hit over $9.4 billion in the first ten months (AprilJanuary) of 2015-16 fiscal year, IANS reported on 15 February quoting sources from the Ministry of Commerce. Myanmar mainly exports oil and gas and agricultural products to China while imports from China include industrial products and commodities. According to official statistics, bilateral trade between Myanmar and China amounted to over $10 billion in the 201415 fiscal year. (Agencies)
that more than 3,000 people have been displaced in the past week," said Mark Cutts, country head of the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.He said most of the newlydisplaced were being housed in monasteries in the town of Kyaukme and receiving assistance from local groups and the Myanmar Red Cross.Kyaukme's lowerhouse MP Sai Tun Aung said locals have told him of teachers and students fleeing on foot to escape arrests, killings and arson attacks being carried out by "an armed group moving around the region".He did not specify which rebel group was responsible. Myanmar's government has tried in recent years
Thousands displaced in Myanmar rebel clashes to end decades-long civil wars between the military and numerous ethnic armed groups battling for greater autonomy.The outgoing government signed a peace deal with a handful of major groups, including the RCSS, late last year.But its efforts to sign a nationwide peace deal
foundered after the government baulked at including several groups locked in ongoing conflict with the military, including the TNLA. It is unclear what sparked the recent fighting between the RCSS and TNLA. But the lack of full participation in the
peace deal has raised concerns that rebel groups could begin vying with each other to control territory. The peace talks with ethnic armed groups have been steered by the quasi-civilian government that replaced outright military rule in 2011. It was trounced in November elections by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy.Last month ethnic minority groups
applauded the outgoing government's peace efforts at a conference in the capital Nay Pyi Taw, but said the difficult task of implementing the agreement lies with Suu Kyi's party, which will form a government in April.Significant hurdles lie ahead, including ongoing fighting and Suu Kyi's strained relationship with the still hugely powerful military, which holds the key to lasting peace. (Agencies)
More than 3,000 people have fled their homes in northern Myanmar following clashes between two ethnic rebel groups; the United Nations said today raising fears the government's fragile peace efforts could be fracturing.
Sindh to become 1st Pak province to adopt Hindu Marriage Bill Sindh,Feb 16: In a groundbreaking verdict in Hindu marriage law in Pakistan, the Sindh Assembly passed the Hindu Marriage Bill 2015, becoming the first provincial legislature in Pakistan to formalize the recognition of Hindu, Sikh and Jain minorities. This fulfills the long-awaited demands of the Hindus to register their marriages, said Pakistan Hindu Council (PHC) general
secretary Deepak Kumar Bhagchandani. The bill was passed after a long debate by the Sindh law minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro. He said,"Since the creation of Pakistan, it is the first time that such a law is being passed. The decision has been taken to provide a mechanism for formally registering Hindu marriages in Sindh." Justifying the passing of the bill, Hindu
leaders said that the bill also allows a woman to get a divorce and get protection. "There is no room and concept of divorce in Hinduism but this law legitimises and preserves the rights of women if and when it happens," said a community member Pooja Rajput. She further added,"It ensures the conservation of women's matrimonial rights, such as pension for widows,
share in husband's property and the minimum marriage age of 18 years. This requirement will play its part in the muchneeded renunciation of the Hindu community's old customs and tradition of child marriages. " This would also help couples in getting jobs in foreign countries, which had been impossible till now as immigration was not possible in the ab-
sence of a legal marriage certificate. However, there are conditions that one has to adhere to. The bride and groom have to be older than 18 years, both the families should be giving their consent to the marriage, and the marriage should be solemnised in the presence of two witnesses. Also, couples who fail to register their marriages will have to pay a fine of Rs 1,000. (Agencies)
Nepal to import 80MW electricity from tomorrow Kathmandu,Feb 16: Nepal is all set to start importing an additional 80MW electricity from India from Wednesday through the newly-completed 400kV DhalkebarMuzaffarpur cross-border transmission line.Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will import the power for the next four and half months.With NEA and India's NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam settling the price for the electricity to be imported, the two sides on Monday signed a temporary power supply agreement. The agreement, signed by NEA Managing Director Mukesh Kafle and NTPC General Manager AK Maggu-will expire in June-end, subject to potential extension. After signing the agreement, Kafle said the import of additional power from India would give some relief to the people facing extended power
Nepal to import 80MW electricity outage hours."It could help reduce load shedding by two hours," said Kafle. "But we cannot be sure about it as water levels in rivers and Kulekhani Reservoir are decreasing."He, however, confirmed the long shedding hours would not increase further. NEA will test-distribute the imported electricity for a week, which will give a clear picture of whether load shedding
hours would reduce, NEA officials said. The country is currently facing 13 hours of power outage every day.The country's power demand stands at 1325MW in peak hour, but only 500MW electricity is currently available (300MW domestic production and 200MW imported from India.NEA will pay Rs5.5 per unit (IRs3.44 per unit) to NTPC for the electricity to be imported. Earlier,
NTPC had demanded Rs8.8 per unit. "This is the cheapest rate Nepal will be paying after 70 million units of free power the country has been receiving from India from Tanakpur as per the Mahakali Treaty," said Sher Singh Bhat, deputy managing director of NEA.He said Nepal would have to pay around Rs300 million to the Indian company for importing 80MW In 2014-15, Nepal paid around Rs10 billion to India for importing electricity, according to NEA statistics.As the price maintained now is for the next four and half months, the rate may vary after that period if the agreement is extended."The price will be determined by the de-
mand and supply situation at that time. But we will try our best to offer best possible price to Nepal," said NTPC's Maggu. He expressed hope new relations established between NEA and NTPC would grow. "We are committed providing more support to Nepal as we are 45,000MW generating company," he said. Energy Secretary Suman Sharma said India arranged the export of 80MW power to Nepal by installing higher capacity substation in Muzaffarpur. "We have taken it as a good gesture ahead of the planned visit of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to India on February 19," he said. (Agencies)
NEA will test-distribute the imported electricity for a week to ascertain whether load shedding hours would reduce
Australia to ask China if others will get access to reclaimed South China Sea islands Beijing,Feb 16 :Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said on Tuesday she will seek clarification from China about how it intends to use reclaimed islands in the South China Sea, including whether Beijing intends to grant access to other countries.China claims much of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have rival claims."In the past (Chi-
nese) Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said they will be public goods, so I am seeking more detail as to how other nations could access these public goods," Bishop said of the islands."Depending upon the answer he gives, we will look at the situation," she told reporters in Tokyo, where she met Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. Bishop, who will fly to Beijing later on Tuesday for talks with Wang and other Chinese officials, would not say whether
Australia would seek access to the islands.Beijing has asserted its claim in the region with island building projects that have reclaimed more than 2,900 acres (1,170 hectares) of land since 2013, according to the Pentagon.It tested for the first time last month the 3,000-metre runway built on a reclamation on Fiery Cross Reef by landing several civilian airliners from Hainan island.China has accused Washington of seeking maritime hege-
Arrest warrant issued against Adabor SI Ratan
Arrest warrant against Adabor SI Ratan Dhaka,Feb 16:A Dhaka court has issued an arrest warrant against Adabor SI Ratan Kumar Howlader in a case filed for sexually harassing a female student of a private university.Dhaka Woman and Child Repression Prevention Tribunal 4 Judge Saleh Uddin Ahmed passed the order after taking the probe report of the case into cognisance on Tuesday morning.Bench Assistant Forkan Miah said police officials concerned have been asked to submit a report regarding the status of the arrest warrant on March 16.
China warns U.S. of "serious consequences" over Washington plaza name Beijing, Feb 16 :China's Foreign Ministry warned the United States on Tuesday there would be "serious consequences" if a plaza in front of the Chinese embassy in Washington was named after a pro-democracy dissident and Nobel Peace Prize winner.By unanimous voice vote, the U.S. Senate on Friday backed a plan to name the plaza after Liu Xiaobo, jailed for 11 years in 2009 on subversion charges for organising a petition urging an end to one-party rule.China views Liu as a criminal. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said the move ran "contrary to the basic norms of international relations" and China was resolutely opposed to it."If the relevant bill is passed into law it will cause serious consequences. We
mony in the name of freedom of navigation after a U.S. Navy destroyer sailed within 12 nautical
miles of a disputed island in the Paracel chain of the South China Sea in late January. (Agencies)
demand the U.S. Senate stop promoting the bill and hope the U.S. executive authorities put an end to this political farce," Hong told a daily news briefing, without elaborating."The U.S. has been at its wits' end in dealing with China as it is reluctant to employ military threats or economic sanctions that may backfire. The only option for Washington seems to be petty actions that disturb China," it said in an editorial. The bill had been introduced by Senator Ted Cruz, a leading contender for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.A White House spokesman has said President Barack Obama's senior advisers would recommend that he veto the bill and it was not an effective way to secure Liu's release. (Agencies)
Indian fishermen 'plundering' Sri Lanka's fishing resources: JVP
Indian fishermen 'plundering' Sri Lanka's fishing resources Colombo, Feb 16: Indian fishermen are "plundering" Sri Lanka's natural fishing resources and violating its sovereignty by poaching into the country's waters, the Marxist JVP has alleged. JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the continuous poaching by Indian fishermen was a violation of Sri Lanka's sovereignty. "When we speak of sovereignty we only speak about the land. Our seas are being violated and our fishing resources are being plundered day in and day out by Indian fishermen," Dissanayake said during an address to a fisheries conference in the southern Dondra village yesterday. He claimed poaching by Indian fishermen have now gone up to the extent that only three days of fishing was available to Sri Lankans, while
Australia To Ask China If Others Will Get Access To Reclaimed South China Sea Islands
Earlier, the allegation of sexual harassment raised against SI Ratan was found true in the judicial probe report.The investigation report said SI Ratan Kumar Howlader took ASA University student into a shop in capital's Japan Garden City in Shekerteck and opened her jacket and handbag.He ordered the shop owner to leave following shuttering down his shop and he sexually harassed her in the name of searching yaba tablets.The incident took place on January 31 and the following day, the case was filed with the tribunal. (Agencies)
Indians indulge in illegal fishing rest of the week.Not only Sri Lankan fishermen are being denied their livelihoods, Indian fishermen were plundering a natural resource belonging to Sri Lanka, Dissanayake said. Dissanayake's comments came as trade unions and professionals have stepped up their opposition to the proposed Indo-Lanka Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA). There were street demonstrations last week against the proposed pact, which the government says will replace the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The government says the pact is yet to be formalised and it will only be done after proper consultations. (Agencies)
Indian fishermen are "plundering" Sri Lanka's natural fishing resources and violating its sovereignty by poaching into the country's waters, the Marxist JVP has alleged.
PAGE 8
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Life Skills and Youth Empowerment Make in India Govt plans major boost to the campaign
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched his ambitious "Make in India" program last September, pledging to lower barriers to doing business and promote foreign investment. He is hoping to transform Asia's third-largest economy into a manufacturing powerhouse like China. For many years, India has harboured hopes of chasing down China to the forefront of economic growth but its attempts kept faltering as unwieldy coalition governments held back much-needed reforms for nearly 25 years. The Indian economy, which grew at a nearly doubledigit rate in the middle of the last decade, slowed down 5.08% in 2012 before recovering to 7.2% in 2014. The contribution of manufacturing in India's GDP growth has come under fresh scrutiny after factory output dipped for the second consecutive month in December. The ministry of statistics reported that the index of industrial production shrank by 1.3% in December compared to the previous year. Cumulative factory output for the nine months to December 31, 2015, grew just 3.1% over
the previous corresponding period. The data stood at odds with the GDP numbers of the same period that showed manufacturing growing at 12.6% during October-December 2015. Also the government wants to focus on domestic companies to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. It will converge multiple initiatives such as Start-Up India, Skill India and Digital India to boost manufacturing. The longest wait, however, has been for tax reforms which can improve the country's competitiveness. But first, the government has to break political logjams to get crucial enabling legislation through Parliament. The main aim of Make in India Campaign is to increase the GDP and tax revenues in the country by manufacturing products, with high quality standards and minimising the impact on the environment. Besides fostering innovation, protecting intellectual property, and enhancing skill development. And focus on areas under the policy: New initiatives -- for ease of doing business; FDI-government has allowed 100 percent FDI in all sectors except space, defence and news media; Intellectual Property Rights-to protect the rights of the innovator; National manufacturing-to increase manufacturing sector's growth and job creation.
Life skills generally con- ations, can find a ray of note the abilities necessary hope and opportunities to to apply the conceptual find solutions. thinking and reflection in Life skill approach deconcrete situation. They scribes a dynamic multiimply capacities to be in- dimensional process, volved in effective inter- ready to evolve and enaction with the environ- compass new aspects of ment and provide an ap- our understanding of hupropriate motivational at- man development. The titude. It also involves four pillars in life skill appsychoproach logical are- bePranjal Bezborah prerequiing, livsites for ing tosuccessful performance gether, knowing and dosuch as problem solving ing. Life skill education is capacities, self confi- a series of self-developdence, and skill for criti- mental sessions. Basic cal thinking. The generic skills are taught in these understanding of life skills sessions including comfrom the dual angle of per- munication skills, self consonal fulfillment and real- fidence, dealing with peer ization of social responsi- pressure and learning to bility includes both em- resist negative peer prespowerment and self fulfill- sure, assertive skills, ment and the capacity to learning to have relationbe a part of a heteroge- ship with others, underneous group and strive for standing other people with common goals. They can regard to cultural values, also imply success in per- concern for others, applysonal and professional life. ing creative thinking to UNICEF has defined life problem solving, handling skills as psychosocial and stress, managing anger interpersonal skill that is and making informed degenerally considered im- cision in every aspect of portant. It is the interrela- their life. tions between the skills that produce powerful Thus, life skills include behavioural outcomes, psychosocial competenespecially where this ap- cies and interpersonal proach is supported by skills that help people other strategies such as make informed decisions, media, policies and health solve problems, think services. World Health critically and creatively, Organization defines life communicate effectively, skills as the abilities for build healthy relationships, adaptive and positive empathize with others, behaviour that enable in- and cope with managing dividuals to deal effec- their lives in a healthy and tively with the demands productive manner. Esand challenges of every- sentially, there are two day life. 'Adaptive' means kinds of skills - those rethat a person is flexible in lated to thinking termed as approach and is able to 'thinking skills'; and skills adjust in different circum- related to dealing with othstances. 'Positive ers termed as 'social skills'. behaviour' implies that a While thinking skills relate person is forward looking to reflection at a personal and even in difficult situ- level, social skills include
interpersonal skills and do not necessarily depend on logical thinking. It is the combination of these two types of skills that are needed for achieving assertive behavior and negotiating effectively. India being a vast and diverse country, the Indian youth is slowly undergoing a cultural transition in their outlook due to globalization, communication and media. However, the Indian Education System has been facing many issues at present, especially with the advent of globalization. The issues of financing, management, equity and relevance, reorientation of programmes for laying emphasis on values and ethics and quality of higher education, all are of severe concern at the present situation. With globalization, higher education in India has also integrated its degrees with the rest in the world. The mobility of skilled manpower increased with globalization and Indian education system also evolved into knowledge based society. Demands of contemporary life, under privileged parenting, changing family structure, dysfunctional relation, new perception of young people's needs, speedy socio-cultural changes all make it crucial for a Life Skill Education. Life Skill Programmes are carried out with the basic skill building activities, participative interactions of role play, case study, group work, team building exercise, discussions and presentation to actively engage young people in their self development process. These
Source: ghmission basic skills will help young people in coping with difficulties they face in their personal, emotional and social development. It has been observed that most people learn the skills to certain extent, but they often lack abilities to use the correct skill at the appropriate place, time and extent. Life skill teaches one to develop communication and interpersonal skill and help them in proper implementation. Life skills also teach the importance of understanding emotions. Without emotional understanding, behaviours would be misleading. Since life skill education is very much necessary and the present day employers are also looking for life skills apart from the technical skills, it needs to be included in the higher education curriculum. WHO has laid down ten skills as core life skills
which are - self-awareness, empathy, critical thinking, creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, effective communication, interpersonal relationship, coping with stress and coping with emotion. These life skills are essentially those abilities that help promote overall wellbeing and competence in young people as they face the realities of life. These skills are the beginning of wisdom which focuses on behavior change or developmental approach designed to address a balance of three areas knowledge, attitude and skills. Life skills enable individuals to translate knowledge, attitude and values into actual abilities, i.e. what to do and how to do it, given the scope and opportunity to do so. However, life skills are not a panacea of "how to do abilities" as they are not
only factors that affect behavior. There are many factors such as social support, culture and environment that affect motivation and ability to behave in positive ways. Effective acquisition and application of life skills can influence the way one feels about others, ourselves and will equally influence the way we are perceived by others. It contributes to perception of self confidence, self esteem and ultimate success in life. Thus, our young people need to be empowered with life skills along with technical and livelihood skills in our higher educational institutions so that they become contributing members of the society. Pranjal Bezborah is a professor in the Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University. Email Id: pranjalbezborah@yahoo.com
Tradition of Metal Manufacturing Can China Really Save Central Asian Economies?
Improve the strategies for modernization and growth
Assam has its own tradition of metal manufacturing. Brass-smithy is one of the major traditional cottage industries in the State of Assam, India. Since the activities in the industry are carried on by the artisans rather than by well organized dynamic and risk taking entrepreneurs, so the brass-smithy as found in the state cannot strictly be called an industry in the modern sense. Hence, often the industry is called a craft. Bell metal industry is another customary cottage industry of Assam having known records in history from the 7th century A.D. This industry is also found to be concentrated in certain areas of the state. Historically the most renowned centers are Sarthebari in Barpeta district, Raha, Kamrup and Hojai in Nagaon district and Titabar in Jorhat district. Due to the lack of proper marketing strategy, exports of bell and brass metal articles to other states of our country are almost absent. Only some amount of products have been exported to countries like Nepal, Bhutan, China and Myanmar. On the other hand, comparatively highly finished and low-priced hand and machines made bell and brass metal articles from Moradabad, Kolkata, Punjab, Haryana, etc are gradually intruding the domestic market. Under such circumstances, artisans of bell metal industry of Raha (Nagaon District), Titabar (Jorhat District) and Dhekiajuli (Sonitpur District) had already given up this traditional craft and engaged in other business. The poor economic condition compelled the artisans to produce brass metal articles under the control of money lenders. From the brass metal industry of Hajo it is found that the artisans engaged in this industry are producing variety of brass metal articles as such- household utensils, religious items, musical instruments, decorative items along with image of deer, elephants, horses, bullock, parrot, eagle, lion, rhinoceros, peacock, tiger etc. However, the articles produced by human drudgery are costly and less beautiful than machine made products. The bell metal industry has identified the problems associated with the industry are supply of raw materials, lack of finance, indifference attitude of government, lack of marketing information etc. along with unhygienic condition of work shed of bell and brass metal industries. The success of brass and bell metal- industry is associated with forward looking strategy for modernization and growth. Modernization is a continuous effort to improve the productivity and efficiency and cut down their operating costs with a view to improve their viability and competitiveness in the market. Even though the state government took some initiative for the upliftment of the artisans but these seem to be useless as the time has passed.
Beijing may not, after all, provide the economic deus ex machina Central Asian governments have hoped for. Casey Michel Ever since the Eurasian recession began in earnest - or, predating that, when it was clear that Russia's economic engine would stall under Vladimir Putin's third term - there has nonetheless been a source of hope for Central Asia's economies: China. On the backs of China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) platform, Beijing has stepped in to provide Central Asian economies with the necessary trade, transport, and internal investment to offset a reeling Russia and sinking hydrocarbon prices. For the past few years, China has stood as the region's economic trump card - a rising Chinese tide would, as the regional governments assumed, raise their fortunes as well. Despite China's recent economic troubles, there was little outward sign
that this prognostication would change anytime soon. The OBOR's schematics proceeded as planned, and the recent rail transit from China to Iran further illustrated the potential integration Beijing can provide. But even as Beijing denies any external ramifications from its current economic slowdown, a bit of news may call into question the notion that China can serve as an economic out for Central Asia. As Raffaello Pantucci, the director of International Security Studies at the Royal United Services Institute, wrote this week, "softening domestic gas needs have led to the suspension of the Line D gas line bringing hydrocarbons from Turkmenistan to China through Uzbekistan." The suspension appears to stem, in part, from a decision out of Tashkent, withInterfax reporting that Uzbek officials said
"technical reasons" necessitated the postponement. The news would have been easy enough to brush aside, on both sides of the border. Not only does China currently have a trio of other pipelines with which it can transit Central Asian gas, but, as the Ministry of Commerce recently shared, the construction of Line D's continuation through Tajikistan has already be-
gun, and presumably continues. Indeed, Line D continues to represent China's largest single investment in Tajikistan, as Carnegie's Paul Stronski noted, and Beijing has given no indication that that will shift in the foreseeable future. Still, the announcement of Line D's postponement will likely shake some of the confidence within regional governments. Not that China won't help off-
Municipality And Cleanliness
QUOTES We know what we are, but know not what we may be. William Shakespeare Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. Steve Jobs
Source: d35udc6x0xtv0z
set Russia's fiscal slump, per se, but that Beijing may not provide the economic deus ex machina it once presented. Furthermore, the pipeline - running about 1,000 km, and with the Uzbek section costing some $800 million - would have transited 30 billion cubic meters of Turkmen gas through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan to waiting Chinese customers, offering a form of regional economic cooperation largely unknown. Bishkek and Dushanbe, likewise, were set to receive significant transit fees, with the former looking at approximately $1 billion in annual intake. The pipeline would have also allowed Turkmenistan to bump its total exports to China to 65 bcm annually. While Ashgabat may have no desire to further tether itself to China - indeed, it's shown every indication
Source: dps.edu.pk
Sir, Apart from what is received from the state government by way of Grant-In-Aid, the municipality boards should find out more ways and means to maximize their respective coffers. Taxes collected from the citizens are not enough to cope with the ever increasing expenses. It is often observed that public places like Parks, the surrounding of Bibhah Bhawan, the precincts of schools, colleges are often seen being littered with garbages. After a party, it is often seen the revelers stew the place with discarded plastic, thermocol plates, glasses and other waste materials. Our people, we know it for certain, will not do anything to change their habits unless a penalty is imposed on them. STATE Police force may play a vital role in checking such nuisances. The amount of fine imposed will be a potential source of income for the municipal-
ity. Almost each and every municipality is confronted with the problem that some people urinate by the side of the footh path and a very nauseating smell emanates therefrom. We suggest our municipalities would do well to construct good number of toilets across the city-town so that many people can avail themselves of the chance. Construction of more such toilets, needless to add, would enrich the coffers of the municipality. It seems, even Narendra Modi's 'Swachch Bharat Abhiyan' fails to impact the Dibrugarh Municipality dominated by BJP. Our local body should learn the maxim, 'Cleanliness is next to godliness'. Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
that it's casting about for non-Chinese patrons - the government, rocked by bottomed-out energy prices, will take all the clientele it can at the moment. Any pause in Line D's construction will only send further shudders through Ashgabat. All things considered, the postponement of the Uzbek section may be but a blip on the radar. Construction could, theoretically, start up again relatively easily. But the image of China as the region's economic savior has now dimmed, ever so much. As Pantucci added, "For China, it may be too early to predict over-reach, but certainly the slowdown at home is having ramifications abroad." And those ramifications, to the Central Asian governments currently floundering in economic issues, couldn't come at a worse time for the region.
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Both Einstein and Rohith Vemula would be happy with the discovery science just made I woke up on the morn- Einstein exactly a century ing of the 12th of Febru- ago! This is also imporary to what is probably the tant as it will make it posbiggest news I have sible to see the very early heard in a long time. The parts of the Universe. I research of think it can thus LIGO (Laser In- Viswesh be agreed that terferometer this is a momenGravitational-Wave Ob- tous discovery. servatory) had led to the However, this is not observation of the warp- merely an important dising of space-time gener- covery in Physics but is ated by the collision of much more. It will be usetwo black holes more than ful at this point to take a a billion light-years from look at the person who Earth. formulated these theoThis is a significant con- ries. Albert Einstein was tribution to the world of one of the greatest minds physics. This is the first in human history. A mind direct detection of black par excellence, Einstein holes (those elusive 'ob- had a keen ability to be jects' from whose gravi- able to look into the futational pull even light can- ture. These are the things not escape) and is the that we know rather well most important confirma- about Einstein. But tion of the General Einstein was more. He Theory of Relativity and was one of the most comthe predictions made by mitted pacifists of his
time. He was well aware of the dangers that science posed in human hands, particularly at the time he lived in. More importantly, Einstein was the ultimate humanist. His concern for the wellbeing of humanity shone through in all of his life's works including his science. Science has moved a long way since Einstein died. Unfortunately, it has also moved away from the ideals that Einstein espoused, as a force for good. The tragic and untimely death of Rohith Vemula has shocked us in India. His 'institutional murder' is conclusive proof of the systemic oppression that most people in India still deal with on a daily basis. However, that isn't what I wish to address.
Why any attempt to demilitarise Siachen will be a serious security threat to India The recent Siachen trag- ics want Siachen to be edy which swallowed up converted into a mountain nine brave martyrs (the of peace and are concondition of the tenth is stantly trying to push their critical) is a thorn pierced ideologies down the deep into our heavy throat of the government hearts. Braving unbear- and civilians alike. ably hostile conditions and At this Juncture, it befreezcomes i n g J Jaykris Gurucharan i m peratemperatures, unfriendly ter- tive to seriously examine rains at a jaw-dropping the intellectual fallacies of 19,600 feet above sea these idealists and the level keeps every Indian media's selective journalsoldier sleepless for ism of preaching peace. nights worrying about Have these critics forgotboth Pakistan and the ten our bitter past. After harsh environment as the 1948-49 operations, well. Such is the courage the Karachi Agreement shown by our soldiers and was signed where the army personnel and that boundaries were demartoo with just about 10% cated between Pakistan of the normal oxygen sup- and India in Kashmir valply required to survive. ley. There have been reports of pulmonary tumours, There was a point demarloss of appetite, sleep- cated as NJ9842 beyond lessness and a wide range which, it was declared of health complications. A that, no human being soldier can't hold the trig- could navigate. The same ger of his gun continu- got reiterated after the ously for more than a few 1971 war. The line demarseconds and can end up cating territory in this re-
its tributaries. After such an herculean task being carried out and countless sacrifices being made, there is pressure to withdraw from the region. But many have failed to realise that controlling such heights are a huge tactical advantage and this the simple reason why Pakistan insists that the Indian forces withdraw from the Siachen glacier. But any moves to demilitarise the region can lead to negative consequences as we cannot rule out treachery on the part of our neighbours. Any withdrawal from the region will open up the Karakoram Pass through which the China-Pakistan highway passes and further increase China's access to Leh which is where we have the maximum deployment in the Ladakh region. Thus, it is clear that any attempts to demilitarise
Indian army trekking their way amidst the Siachen Glacier. Source: ninefinestuff even losing an arm if adequate precautions are not taken. Unfortunately, these sacrifices have not been done justice to. The Siachen issue is extensively politicised and some critiques have started questioning the government and forcing it to demilatarise Siachen, thereby completely undermining its strategic importance. Several crit-
gion is called the Line of Actual Control (LOC). Pakistan started navigating the hostile areas beyond NJ9842 and started issuing passes, in effect claiming that they were the owners. Thanks to the efforts of Colonel Narendra Kumar, the mountaineer, we were successfully able to identify Pakistani intrusion in Siachen and
Siachen will in turn pose serious security threats to India and politicising an issue of extreme strategic significance is a very narrow minded approach. It can prove to extremely disastrous. The efforts taken by Modi to visit an ailing soldier in an army hospital is a welcome gesture. It demands appreciation instead of political rhetoric and blindfolded criticism.
Image for graphical representation only. Source: youthkiawaaz Anybody who has read Rohith's suicide letter would be aware of his dream of becoming a science writer. I only wish Rohith were alive today to see the massive jump science has made. It would be lovely to read
what he had to say about this momentous occasion. It would only be a fitting tribute to Rohith to mention his name alongside Albert Einstein. Rohith was as much a humanist as Einstein was. He opposed the death penalty
and identified as an Ambedkarite. His life was a testament to his commitment to the welfare of humanity. He also shared Einstein's tremendous capability to look beyond and into the future. Rohith, I hope wher-
ever you are, amidst the stardust, that you heard the chirping of black holes colliding as well as we did here on earth. It is one of the most beautiful sounds you will ever hear. Both these men, separated by more than a century, shared the same ideals. They both believed in the power of science to create a better world. The discovery opens up a lot of new frontiers in science and physics research. There is much to look forward to in the coming days and years as science tries and pushes forward. But let us hope that this discovery takes us on the path espoused by Einstein and Rohith. A path where science plays a positive role in the development of humanity, a role where it helps in
questioning and dismantling power structures and a role where it helps the voiceless speak and empowers those that resist and dissent. It is time that we revisited what Einstein and Rohith stood for. In the country today, there is so much we are plagued by. At this juncture, the message of these two people shines through and through. It is an appeal to us. An appeal to revisit the power structures which are damaging us, an appeal to question and dismantle authority, an appeal to curb bigotry and intolerance, an appeal to spread more love than hate. Most importantly, they appeal to us to revisit what it means to be human. Viva Einstein! Viva Rohith!
How our dangerous 'addiction' to online shopping is messing with the environment I entered the world of young man, and if you online shopping, as one want to get through a day enters most things, while without acidity, you need in the midst of an existen- 'ghar ka khana'. As a retial crisis. I was in Pune sult, you must learn to studying law which I cook. didn't want to and spend- There is no time to go ing time with people I shopping in the local didn't really 'bhaaji' like. Long markets. ago, I had Aakash Karkare Nor do read books like The you know what most inStranger and The Trial, gredients look like; how is books that told me what I toor dal different from was feeling was normal. urad dal? You don't have But now I needed some- the will to bargain and thing more in tune with my consequently you always situation. On the internet, feel cheated. So from the I looked for "best existen- safety and comfort of tial books" or, "top 10 your bedroom, you order books about loneliness" or, groceries from various "top 10 books of the hyper local online delivery year." Not a single book startups. You can doubleon those lists was avail- check and triple-check able in either of the chain with pictures on Google book stores in Mumbai or and buy from two-three Pune. I was sure that I different sources to get wouldn't find any answers the best deals. You beto life, the universe and come so addicted to everything else in John online shopping that you Grisham and Maeve order everything from Binchy books. Perhaps, I dustpans and brooms to would be doomed to the scented candles and cuts fate of most adults, with of pomfret. Slowly but nothing to help explain the steadily, you become an gamut of emotions I was adult and are finally able feeling in my adolescent to feed yourself. years. I would give up No one taught you to books altogether. It was completely scrape off around this time that your pots, pans and plates online book stores entered before dumping them in Indian shores, and with the sink. So your pipes cash-on-delivery, mean- clog and water leaks out ing that I didn't need a everywhere. While soakdebit/credit card, which ing up the puddles of wameant that purchases ter that slowly spread didn't have to be mediated over the house, you wonthrough parental chan- der why you went to nels. I began ordering school after all. Why books with a vengeance. couldn't they teach you That was 2009. In 2015, important things, the with a constant stream of things that really mattered short visual media and my - like the proper way to attention span reduced, soak up water in the my book buying has shortest possible time. slowed down consider- You don't know any ably. Around this time, I plumbers so you look for began living alone. The them on the internet. first problem that strikes Since Facebook stalks you when you live alone you constantly, you are is the problem of feeding given recommendations yourself. Where I live, the for online housekeeping only options that used to services on your timeline. be available were the lo- It all sounds very profescal fast food places where sional, as if robots will you can have dosas, pav come to your house and bhaji and the ubiquitous magically fix everything, dal khichadi. The food so you choose one of the becomes repetitive so, for services. variety, you move on to When the man finally arfast food chains. Even rives, the air becomes that gets boring so you thick with uncertainty and begin relying on new start dread. No one know he up food delivery services. is here or where he came Their USP is food in im- from. After he's done, he peccable packaging that asks you if you have anytastes like packaging. thing else for him to fix. Meanwhile, you realise When you say no, he asks that you are no longer a if he should take a look
around the house and look for broken things. His smile seems too creepy, he has realised you are living alone, or maybe you are a little too paranoid, but you decline his offer. You must pay the 'champion' whatever you wish. You don't mind paying it but you went online to avoid the messiness of offline interactions. You would have liked it if the the company had actually sent robots. For reputable plumbers, you would have been better off asking the building watchman or god forbid, one of your
how much does the world generate? The horror of what you have been doing slowly dawns on you. Every single thing you order comes with cheap packaging that occupies landfills for millennia. You can do nothing with the French fries' containers or with pizza boxes. At least, the round plastic containers that the Udipis send can be reused as lunch boxes. The plastic boxes that electrical appliances come in are of no use to anyone. Not even the rag pickers - the
you could trust the corporations unconditionally. In our imperfect world, you question them unceasingly. In the depths of Mumbai's never-ending summer, you relax with a glass of sugarcane juice and observe a multitude of tempos go by. They are packed with all the products you'd ordered. All the products the whole city had ordered. Shipped in from different parts of the world. You see the exhaust pipe release fumes into the atmosphere. It goes into your eyes and
Image for graphical representation only. Source: blogspot neighbours. The sink unclogged, you return to cooking with gusto. But something starts to claw at you. You live alone at home so you do everything. You unpack all your groceries and tear them out from layers of plastic. You remove all the cardboard and bubble wrap from the books you order. You collect in a cheap black plastic bag and leave it outside every night. You remember a documentary you saw long ago, in which the Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Zizek stands in a dump, pontificating on the nature of garbage, "part of our daily perception is that trash disappears from the world." The perception has shattered for you because you can quantify the amount of trash you generate. You can feel the trash in your hands, you feel it everywhere. If you generate so much,
green collar workers, who are the only people who seem to recycle in this country. When you buy furniture online, just before you pay the bill, you are asked if you would like to plant a tree. While you happily pay the extra fee, something about the transaction is unsettling, so you return to the world of Zizek and watch The Pervert's Guide to Ideology, in which he talks about the ingenuity of this type of sales tactic, "In the old days of pure consumerism, you bought a product and then you felt bad. You had to do something to counteract your pure destructive consumerism." With packaging that says it is recyclable or soaps that contribute to the education of children, this bad feeling is taken away without you having to do anything about it. In an ideal world, everything would work perfectly and
nose and you cough. Later that night, you switch on the air conditioner to full blast. It has become impossible to sleep without it. It gets hotter and hotter outside while you make it cooler and cooler inside, which makes it hotter and hotter outside. You try to reduce your consumption but like a junkie going back to get one last fix, you keep making "one last purchase." You feel guiltier and guiltier so you began watching stand up to cheer yourself up. Just as you are about to relax and enjoy a good laugh, Bill Burr predicts your future, "Everything you ever used is out there somewhere. New phone can't fit the old charger? You gotta throw it out and it ends up around some octopus' neck. Six months later, you go out for sushi, you think you are being healthy - you're eating your own rollerblades."
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
BUSINESS
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New online ticketing rules of railways come into effect Scope to revive 600 MW Maharashtra Kolkata, Feb 16: From for the online booking on from booking tickets last Monday, rail passen- its website like only two from 8 AM to 8.30 AM gers can book train tick- tickets can be booked by for general bookings, e t s from 10 online Limited to only 6 e-tickets per user per month AM to only 10.30 six times a month instead an individual using his or AM and 11 AM to 11.30 of existing 10 on Indian her user-id in a day for AM for Tatkal booking Railways' e-ticketing advance reservation in AC and non-AC booking from 8 AM to 10 classes respectively. website IRCTC. AM. Booking is not allowed This has been done to prethrough e-wallet and vent any possible misuse Individuals are allowed to cash cards from 8 AM of online booking facility book only two tickets per to 12 noon. as it has been felt that a user-id in a day for Tatkal genuine passenger does booking from 10 AM to There is only one booknot require to book tick- 12 noon. Quick Book ing in one user login sesets online for more than option also remains dis- sion except for return/ six times in a month. The abled from 8 AM to 12 onward journey beIRCTC has already put noon. All ticketing tween 8 AM to 12 noon. in place various checks agents have been barred (Agencies)
Paytm works on brick-&mortar avenues before bank kicks off ANI Bengaluru, Feb 16: Ahead of the launch of its payments bank after June, digital wallet service provider Paytm is now getting into supermarkets, mass rapid transport and toll roads, among a wide range of brick-and-mortar avenues. At present, the company's wallet is an established currency for instant payments for taxi rides, mobile phone recharges, direct-to-home television subscription renewals, money transfers, and transactions at small mom-and-pop stores. Many schools, colleges and petrol pumps are also joining the payment platform. Aiming for a convergence between its wallet service and payments bank, the Vijay Shekhar Sharma-led company, backed by China's Alibaba group, is looking to expand its customer base from the present 120 million to 500 million by 2020. One97 Communications, which runs Paytm, is learnt to be working on a number of tie-ups, including those with Metro services in Delhi and Mumbai. This means the Paytm app on your mobile phone will serve as your ticket to avail of the Metro service, doing away with the need to carry an access card. (Agencies)
From last Monday, rail passengers can book train tickets online only six times a month instead of existing 10 on Indian Railways' e-ticketing website IRCTC. The IRCTC has already put in place various checks for the online booking on its website like only two tickets can be booked by an individual using his or her user-id in a day for advance reservation booking from 8 AM to 10 AM.
Individuals are allowed to book only two tickets per user-id in a day for Tatkal booking from 10 AM to 12 noon. Booking is not allowed through e-wallet and cash cards from 8 AM to 12 noon. All ticketing agents have been barred from booking tickets from 8 AM to 8.30 AM for general bookings, from 10 AM to 10.30 AM and 11 AM to 11.30 AM for Tatkal booking in AC and non-AC classes respectively.
Reduction of 20% excise demanded by auto sector on large cars New Delhi, Feb 16: Automobile industry body SIAM wants the government to reduce excise duty on large cars and SUVs to 20 per cent from the current rates of up to 30 per cent in the upcoming Budget. Besides, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has also asked Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for an incentive scheme for scrapping of old vehicles in the Budget. "We have asked for 20 percent excise duty on vehicles that currently have excise duties of 24, 27 and 30 percent," said SIAM Director General Vishnu Mathur. Explaining the rationale behind the demand, he said, "From 12.5 to 30 percent, the differential in excise
SIAM Director General Vishnu Mathur. Source: truckingnewsindia duty has grown over the years. We are asking for two rates -- one for small cars and one for large vehicles." Currently, small cars that are less than four meters in length attract excise duty of 12.5 per cent, while cars with more than four meters length but with engine of less than 1,500
cc capacity attract a duty of 24 percent. Further, vehicles with engine capacity of more than 1,500 cc are charged an excise duty of 27 per cent and while those with ground clearance of more than 170 mm attract an excise duty of 30 per cent. The demand for excise duty cut is among the main
proposals that SIAM has put before the finance minister ahead of the Budget. "The second thing which we are asking is incentive scheme for scrapping of old vehicles," Mathur said. Elaborating on the scheme, Mathur said the move would help reduce air pollution. "We want this vehicle scrapping scheme to be incentive based and not a mandatory one. Even if 15-20 percent old vehicles go off the road, it will make a huge difference. Besides, the scheme would be revenue positive for the government," Mathur said. The government will present the Union Budget for 201617 on February 29. (Agencies)
Half of world's luxury products is being bought by China Beijing, Feb 16: Chinese consumers spent some 1 trillion yuan (USD 184 billion) overseas in 2015 and purchased almost half of the world`s luxury products, the media reported on Monday. Chinese people spent a total of USD 116.8 billion on luxury products last year, accounting for 46 percent of the world`s luxury sales, Fortune Character a luxury product consulting firm - estimated based on revenues of over 20,000 brands. About USD 91 billion of Chinese consumers` luxury prod-
Image for representational purpose only. Source: financialexpress uct purchases took place overseas, accounting for 78 percent of total Chinese luxury purchases, The Global Times reported citing the firm as saying. Price difference is the
Control over Wholesale Price Inflation in January New Delhi, Feb 16: Reversing four months of rising trend, WPI inflation fell to (-)0.9 per cent in January as food articles, mainly vegetables and pulses, turned cheaper. The Wholesale Price Index-based inflation was ()0.73 per cent in December. In January 2015, it was (-) 0.95 per cent. This is the 15th straight month since November 2014 that deflationary pressure persisted and wholesale inflation has remained in the negative zone. Food inflation stood at 6.02 per cent in January as against 8.17 per cent in December, showed official data which were released today. Inflation in pulses and onion eased to 44.91 per cent and 5.51 per cent, respectively. The rate of price rise in the case of vegetables was 12.52 per cent in January and for fruits, it stood at (-)2.32 per cent. Price growth in potato was (-)17.08 per
unit seen by CESC
NEW SYSTEM
TA C K L I N G PRICE RISE WPI inflation fell to (-)0.9 per cent in January as food articles, mainly vegetables and pulses, turned cheaper. The Wholesale Price Index-based inflation was (-)0.73 per cent in December. In January 2015, it was (-) 0.95 per cent. This is the 15th straight month since November 2014 that deflationary pressure persisted and wholesale inflation has remained in the negative zone. Food inflation stood at 6.02 per cent in January as against 8.17 per cent in December, showed official data which were released today. Inflation in pulses and onion eased to 44.91 per cent and 5.51 per cent, respectively.
cent while that of egg, meat and fish came in at 5.69 per cent. The inflation print in the fuel and power segment was ()9.21 per cent and for manufactured products, it read (-)1.17 per cent in January. The November inflation has been revised to (-)2.04 per cent from the provisional estimate of (-)1.99 per cent. Last week, data showed that retail inflation has been rising for six straight months and stood at nearly one and a half-year high of 5.69 per cent in January. The Central Bank looks into mainly retail inflation data while firming up its monetary policy stance. RBI also takes into account industrial production numbers. As per latest data, IIP contracted 1.3 per cent in December as against a decline of 3.4 per cent in November. (Agencies)
major reason why Chinese people shop overseas. According to the report, the price differences for products such as premium alcohol and wristwatches could reach 80 percent. Price differences for clothes, perfumes and cosmetics were usually below 30 percent. Statistics from ymatou.com, a Chinese e-commerce platform, showed in an earlier report that Chinese people who preferred to shop overseas were usually aged between 25 to 40. People age 25 to 30 preferred to shop for
shoes, clothes and cosmetics; people aged 30 to 35 preferred bags and electronic gadgets; and people aged 35 to 40 focused their spending on health products and jewellery. China's economy saw 6.9 percent growth in 2015, the slowest annual expansion in a quarter century, but consumption has emerged as the new growth driver. Last year, consumption contributed to 66.4 percent of China's gross domestic product, up 15.4 percentage points from 2014. (Agencies)
TECHNOLOGY Lenovo K4 Note open sale kicks off in India
Image for representational purpose only. Source: fonearena
Pune, Feb 16: Lenovo's recently launched K4 Note smartphone is now available in India without any registrations. Lenovo K4 Note was launched on Amazon India on January 5 and the first flash sale was held on January 19. The company claims to have received over 1.1 million unique registrations for the device and AntVR bundle. The company also claims that it has sold 1,80,000 units since the launch in India. Priced at Rs 11,999, the K3 Note successor comes with 3GB RAM and 16GB storage further expandable up to 128GB via microSD card slot. On the camera front, there is a 13-
megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front camera. (Agencies) LENOVO K4 NOTE'S SPECIALITIES -Fingerprint sensor -Octa-core processor -3 GB RAM -5.5-inch display with virtual reality support -5.5-inch Full HD (1080x1920p) display -Gorilla Glass 3 protection -16 GB internal storage (expandable up to 128 GB via microSD card) -64-bit octa-core Mediatek 6753 chipset. -3MP rear camera -5MP front shutter -3,300mAh battery
Mumbai, Feb 16: RPSanjiv Goenka Group company, Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC), has got approvals from a government panel for coal linkages from Coal India to help commission its idle unit in Maharashtra, Chairman of the Group Sanjiv Goenka said. "The Standing Linkage Committee for coal has now extended necessary approvals and the linkages are set to come from Coal India" Mr.Goenka said. The unit located in Chandrapur near Nagpur, in Maharashtra, which was acquired from Manikchand Group in June 2010, can be commissioned as soon as the coal linkages are finalised, he said. The 600 MW plant has been lying idle
Chairman of the Group RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, Sanjiv Goenka. Source: thehindubusinessline
for an year now. The group commissioned the Chandrapur project at a cost of Rs.3,800 crore in August 2014 and problems arose over a technical issue regarding a name-change and its coal linkage from Coal India South Eastern Coalfields got cancelled, although
long-term power purchase agreements were in place. The setback was a major one for CESC although it got down to resolving the issue even as the plant idled. The losses of the group company Dhariwal Infrastructure were estimated at Rs.457 crore in 2014-15. (Agencies)
Rs.1,651 cr pact shattered by Parsvnath with Indian Railways
Image for representational purpose only. Source: travelkhana
Chennai, Feb 16: Parsvnath Developers has terminated its development agreement with the Railways Land Development Authority (RLDA) due to a title dispute related to a 38-acre land stretch that the company had bought for Rs.1,651 crore. Parsvnath Rail Land Project Private Ltd (PRLPPL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV) created to develop this
project, has gone into the arbitration process to settle the issue. Parsvnath through an auction had bought this piece of land located at Sarai Rohilla-Kishanganj in the national capital from RLDA in 2010 for Rs.1,651 crore. The company has already paid about Rs.1,200 crore against the purchase of this land parcel, sources said. "The development agreement with the Rail
Land Development Authority (RLDA) for implementation of the project at Sarai RohillaKishanganj, New Delhi, through its Associate Company, Parsvnath Rail Land Project Private Ltd stands terminated due to certain disputes between RLDA and PRLPPL and the disputes arising under the development agreement are pending adjudication before tribunals," the company said in a regulatory filing. According to sources, the dispute with RLDA is due to some issues over a land title. In May 2013, a development agreement was executed between RLDA and Parsvnath Rail Land Project, the SPV that was also incorporated to implement the project. Delhi-based Parsvnath Developers has till date completed 57 projects. (Agencies)
Engineering exports to be affected largely by minimum import price: Industrialists Jamshedpur, Feb 16: Chamber of Industrial and commercial undertakings (CICU) has once again condemned centre's decision to impose minimum import price (MIP). Avtar Singh President CICU, in a statement released said," Govt's decision to impose Minimum Import Price (MIP) on 173 Steel products ranging between US$ 341 to US$ 752 per ton is proving to be a disaster for micro small and medium industry of Ludhiana. As rates of all the steel raw material have shot up and this is having a serious impact on engi-
neering exports which have already declined by 15% in the first nine months of the current fiscal". Meanwhile Upkar Singh Ahuja, General Secretary of CICU said," MIP on Steel Products will protect hefty margins of Indian Steel Makers such as JSW Steel, Tata Steel Ltd, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd, Essar Steel India and Kalyani Steel. This measure will raise the cost of raw materials for engineering products by about 6-10 percent. Segments like Auto & Auto Parts, Cycle & Cycle Parts, Industrial & Electrical Machinery and
other products of MSME Sector, which are operating on low margins and are facing cut throat competition will face sudden escalation in raw material price, giving a further jolt to the exporters. This move would also have an inflammatory impact on the entire manufacturing sector" The industrialists have strongly appealed and urged upon prime minister Narendra Modi, and union Steel Minister to roll back implementation of MIP on Steel Products for survival of Micro, Small & Medium engineering industry. (Agencies)
E-commerce player Snapdeal valued at $6.5 billion New Delhi, Feb 16: India's second largest ecommerce firm Snapdeal has raised USD 200 million in a fresh funding round led by Canada's Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, the company said. The latest fund-raising follows USD 500 million raised last August in a round led by Alibaba Group Holding, SoftBank Group Corp and Foxconn. With the latest round of funding, the company has been valued above USD 6.5 billion. This makes it the second most valued ecommerce company after Flipkart,
Image for representational purpose only. Source: financialexpress
which has been valued around USD 15 billion. The e-commerce market in India is expected to grow to USD 220 billion in the value of goods
sold by 2025, from an expected USD 11 billion this year, Bank of America Merrill Lynch said in a recent report. (Agencies)
Features
DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
PAGE 11
ART AND CULTURE Assam's brass and bell metal industries not in sound health The tinkling from every legend point to the while eating on bell metal house in Sarthebari was industry's existence since plates is considered once the music of pros- the Mauryan period (321- healthy. Items commonly perity. Today, it conveys 185 BC). Written docu- made are cymbals, a metallic message: ments, on the other hand, bhogjhora, dugdugi, Assam's brass and bell trace its existence to 7th pikdani, bankahi, banbati, metal industries are not in century AD when Buddhist taal used for insound health. Kumar Bhaskar Barman, cantations, and dofola Factory-made replicas of king of Kamrupa, pre- bati used by some tribal their painstakingly- sented a Kangshapatra (a communities for marriage crafted wares and haz- bell metal item) to king ceremony. a r d o u s The bell metal w o r k i n g Dr Roli Misra and Parvin Sultana industry has conditions been facing Harshavardhan of north myriad problems for two are two of the reasons. About 95 km from India. It is believed that a decades now. Kohiram Guwahati, Sarthebari is well-known artisan from Das, a master craftsman, situated in the eastern- Sarthebari made the foresaw this in 1933 and most part of Barpeta dis- Kangshapatra. History formed the Assam Cooptrict. It is one of two main does not support erative Bell Metal Utenclusters - the other is at Sarthebari's link with the sils Manufacturing SociHajo - of brass and bell Kangshapatra. ety Limited to safeguard metal industry in Assam. The family trees of local the interests of the workEvery house here has an bell metal artisans indi- ers. informal workshop or cate that people started to Brass and bell metal garshal where a group of live in Sarthebari from products demand both workmen called kohars 14th century onwards. physical strength and arbeat bell metal into aes- Their forefathers brought tistic skill. Each worker thetic utilitarian products fame to the area by re- specializes in a particular that are an integral part ceiving awards from the piece of work and makes kings during the Ahom only one part of a prodof Assamese culture Brass and bell metal regime, and later from uct. Workers feel that products are an important the British rulers and gov- these items, adorned with traditional craft form in ernments in post-inde- intricate designs, cannot Assam. But there is no pendence India. be made by machines, authentic documentary Bell metal items have thus limiting the scope for evidence regarding the utilitarian and aesthetic mechanization. genesis of the state's bell value in Assam; they are Scarcity of charcoal and metal industry. Some his- de rigueur in marriages broken bell metal prodtorical events and local and religious functions ucts - much of it without
the right copper-zinc proportion - is hitting the industry hard. The cooperative society helps source the raw materials but the government plays a negligible role. Difficult working conditions take a toll on the workers' health. If informal setups in the households affect work during the rainy season, long periods of inhaling toxic gases from burning charcoal have make the workers vulnerable to chest pain, respiratory disorders and, in some cases, premature graying of hair. Long hours of beating metal have also lead to posturerelated disorders. The physical strain invariably cuts the artisans' careers short and pushes them into abject poverty. The history of the brass industry too has no documentary proof. But it is believed to have been born when the Maria Muslims settled in Assam after the war at Koliabar between General Turbak and Ahom soldiers in 1532 AD. The standout brass products are the traditional xorai and pan bota (for
even if it is not profitable. The newer generations take it up as the last option because of unemployment or lack of better opportunities, and are thus disinclined to learn the intricacies. But this internationally famous handicraft can be made a viable livelihood option with government intervention in the form of steady supply of raw material, easy loans, minimum health insurance and proper marketing facilities. Initiatives should also be taken to provide training and capacitybuilding measures to the artisans. A larger role of the cooperatives can go Artisans making brass items. Source: farm4.staticflickr a long way in safeguardserving betel nut to sence of a strong union ish, are cheaper and are ing the artisans' interests guests) besides memen- like that of the bell metal thus preferred as gift too. ( Dr Roli Misra teaches tos and figurative art- workers. Brass workers items. works. The xorai, in vari- depend on local dealers Workers of both the in- Economics in D.B.S ous sizes and designs, is for raw materials; they dustries fear duplication College, Kanpur, Uttar used for offerings in are at the mercy of the of their work. Customers Pradesh. Her interest Naamghars (Vaishnav mahajans who set the fail to differentiate be- areas are Gender and prayer halls) as well as in prices according to their tween the originals and Migration. Parvin Sulvarious public and private convenience. If that replicas and often take tana is an Assistant functions. were not enough, the products that retailers pro- Professor in B.N ColDespite being an impor- workers are facing stiff cure from outside the lege, Dhubri of Assam. tant part of Assamese competition from ma- state for a higher margin. Her research interest tradition and culture, the chine-made products In the case of both brass includes Muslims in brass industry is facing a made outside Assam. and bell metal, the profes- Assam, Development number of challenges These machine-made sion is passed on from and the Northeast, compounded by the ab- products have better pol- one generation to another Gender etc.)
HORTICULTURE
Organic Basmati Rice Cultivation Introduction of Basmati Rice: - These days, farming technology involved using of agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides in greater extent for higher yield in most of the crops. However using these chemicals are impacting the environment and causing health problems. One should come out of chemical intensive agriculture and start thinking of organic cultivation of crops. Organic farming or cultivation basically focus on at achieving agro-eco system which are socially acceptable and ecologically sustainable. Organic cultivation uses ecological principles for crop management. As Basmati rice production is concerned, India is the number 1 producer and
exporter of basmati rice in the world. In India, Basmati rice is usually used in biryani due their texture/shape and fragrance. This rice has huge demand in international markets as well. In this article we try to brief about organic basmati rice farming or cultivation practices.
1. Out of all these improved varieties, Pusa Basmati-1 yields more and HBC-19 yields less (Traditional variety). Pusa-1121 has better aroma and yields almost same as Pusa basmati-1. Climate Required for Basmati Rice Farming:Basmati rice crop requires evenly distributed rainfall throughout its growth and ideal temperature for its cultivation is 20 to 38. It also requires clear sky during day and low night temperatures.
Organic Basmati Rice Cultivating States in India:- Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are the major basmati rice cultiSoil Requirement for vating states in India. Basmati Rice FarmVarieties of Basmati ing:- Basmati rice can be Rice in India:- Basmati grown in all kinds of soils. 370 & Taraori Basmati However, heavy neutral are the two mainly culti- soils like clay loam, clay vated Basmati varieties in and loamy are excellent India. Other improved for its cultivation. These varieties are Pusa-1121, soils have the property of CSR-30, Pusa Basmati- holding water for longer
Aromatic Basmati Rice. Source: supportbiz
period. The ideal pH range of soil for its better yield is 5.0 to 8.5. Alkaline or Saline soils are not suitable for its cultivation. Seed Selection and Seed Rate in Basmati Rice Farming:- Selecting good quality and genetically good seeds are very important in basmati crop cultivation. Farmers should buy the seeds from the trusted sources. Seed rate in basmati rice farming is about 6 to 8 kg /acre of land.
ploughed 2 to 3 weeks before plantation. After ploughing, the field should be submerged with 5 cm - 10 cm standing water. Incorporate 10 to 12 tonnes of organic manure/compost or 10 to 25 tonnes of green manure. The field should be levelled properly after applying the organic matter.
Normally land preparation for rice crop cultivation is 1 time ploughing & 1 time puddling. Make sure the field is flooded at least 3 Seed Treatment in to 4 days before transBasmati Rice Farm- planting the seedlings. ing:- Once seeds are selected, they should be Propagation and Planttreated properly. Take ing Method in Basmati 1kg of salt and dilute in Rice Farming:- Rice is 10 liters of water .Soon cultivated by growing in after this, 8-10 kg of nursery and transplanting seeds should be poured in of seedlings. this solution to sort out the quality seeds. The qual- Ideal Time of Transplanity seeds will reach the tation - First week to secbottom where as waste ond week of July. 3 to 4 seeds float in the solution. weeks of seedlings should Throw the waste seeds be transplanted in the and take out quality seeds main field . Spacing beand soak them with fresh tween the two plants water for couple of time should be 15 cm to 20 cm. to wash away the salt. Spacing between the Then these seeds should rows should be 20 cm to be kept in the solution of 25 cm. 10 liters of water, 5 grams Emison & 2.5 Manures in Basmati grams of Agromycin (or) Rice Farming:- Apply 1 gram of streptomycin Farm Yard Manureat5 to tonnes/ha & for 1 day. After 1 day, the 4 rice seeds should be Vermicompost (http:// spread in a place with a g r i f a r m i n g . i n / t a g / wet sacks on the seeds. vermicompost)at5 to 6 Then sacks should be tonnes/ha. waters continuously or at frequent intervals for ger- Irrigation in Basmati mination process to start. Rice Farming:- Basmati Land Preparation and rice crop requires 2 to 4 Transplanting in Basmati cm of water in the field Rice Farming:- The main throughout the growing field should be dry season. Sometimes it re-
Organic Basmati Rice Farming. Source: farmingquest
quires timely irrigation but low quantity of water during specific period of growth. Weed Control in Basmati Rice Farming:- In rice cultivation, weed growth is minimal due to the fact that this crop is cultivated under submerged condition of water. Hand weeding should be carried 3 to 4 timesat3 weeks interval starting from 3 weeks after planting. Pruning in Basmati Rice Farming: - To reduce the plant height and prevent it from lodging, should cut the flag leaf at about 10 cm from upper most leaf collar without affecting the yield. Top Dressing in Basmati Rice Farming:- Usually ,basmati crop varieties require low
fertilizer quantity. Especially, it requires low quantity of nitrogen to avoid excessive vegetative growth of the crop. Pests and Diseases in Basmati Rice Farming:Pests and diseases are main threats in basmati rice farming. Neck blast disease, Sheath blight are the main diseases in basmati crop. Sheath rot & false smut, yellow stem borer, gall midge and brown plant hopper are the main pest found. These pests and diseases can be reduced substantially by applying effective bioagents like "Trichogramma japonicum" & T. chilonis. Water Drying Before Harvesting in Rice Farming:- Drying the field /Removing the water from the field 2 weeks before the harvesting is mandatory for getting good yield and quality of
seed. Harvesting of Basmati Rice:- This crop will be ready for harvesting when crop turns to golden colour. To get maximum yield, crop should be harvestedat20 % of moistureat35 - 38 days after 50% of flowering. Usually the crop will be ready for harvesting depends on the variety cultivated. The crop should be harvested 25 to 30 days after flowering in early & medium duration varieties. In ate varieties, harvesting should be done 35 - 40 days after the flowering. Yield of Basmati Rice: - In Organic Farming, yield reduces in the conversion period as chemical fertilizers are withdrawn. The crop yield stabilizes and reaches 95% normal yield rate in 4th year of cultivation.
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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
PAGE 12
KKR back spinner Sunil Narine AGENCIES Port of Spain, Feb 16: Sunil Narine's Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders has thrown its full backing behind the embattled off-spinner, following his abrupt withdrawal from the West Indies Twenty20 World Cup squad. Despite being banned from bowling in international cricket last November, the Trinidadian was named in a 15-man squad for the tournament starting in India next month, pending a test on his action at the ICC-accredited Loughborough University in England this month, reports CMC . Last Friday, however, Narine pulled out of the squad citing the need for more time to work on his action. Venky Mysore, the CEO of Knight Riders, said they were back-
Kiwi coach wants greener pitch for swing bowling attack ANI Melbourne, Feb 16 : With an aim to expose Australia’s batting vulnerabilities against swing bowling conditions, New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has called for a greener pitch for the second Test match in Christchurch. Australia took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after thumping New Zealand by an innings and 52 runs inside four days in Wellington on Monday. Mike Hesson believes that the tourists were successful in exposing some of his side’s techniques after winning the toss on the opening morning of the first Test due to an unfair advantage, News.com.au reported. According to him, the greener pitch should hold its seaming ability for at least two days as there would still be benefits for pace spearheads Trent Boult and Tim Southee even if the hosts lose the toss again. The second Test of the series will start on Saturday.
tions. Since then, he has been undergoing rehabilitation on his action with the help of English bowling coach Carl Crowe and Mysore said good progress had been already made. "He has been working very, very hard. We have been supporting Sunil in all ways possible. Sunil Narine ing Narine to make a successful return to international cricket despite the latest setback. "We don't have any such concerns because he is a champion," Mysore said on Monday. "His action is one of its kind in the world and what tends to happen is that in a match situation when umpires look at him, it is an unusual action which is what makes him so effective." Narine has battled with the legality of his
India will take on West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 10 before clashing against South Africa two days later at Wankhede Sta-
I spoke with Carl Crowe and he is not at all concerned about Sunil going for testing and coming out well," the official pointed out. "It is about how quickly the modifications he is doing becomes second nature and he can actually go and practice that in match situations, so we have no concerns at all. "We are happy to have him. I have no doubts he will perform well for us … the best of Sunil is going to be seen shortly."
Blame players, not coach van Gaal for poor form: Rooney
Wayne Rooney AGENCIES London, Feb. 16: English football giants Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney insists that it is the players who should be blamed for the club's nightmare season and not manager Louis van Gaal. The Dutchman has been widely criticised for the club's fortunes this season after United failed to make it out of their Champions League group and fell behind in the race for the top four in the English Premier League. Six points separate fifth-placed United
India to play warm-up games against Windies, SA in World T20 ANI Dubai, Feb 16 : India will play against the West Indies and South Africa in their warm-up matches for next month’s World Twenty20 as the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the match timings and warm-up schedule of the T20 pinnacle event.
action in recent times. He was twice called in the Champions League Twenty20 two years ago and then was forced to undergo an Indian Cricket Board (BCCI)approved test before he could play in last year's IPL. Narine was again called while representing the West Indies in Sri Lanka and subsequent test showed his action exceeded the legal requirements under ICC regula-
dium in Mumbai. The men’s afternoon matches will take place from 15h00-18h10, while the evening matches will be played from 19h30-22h40. The semi-finals and the final will be held from 19h0022h10. Teams taking part in the first round will play their warm-up matches in Dharamsala and Mohali from 3-6 March, while sides featuring in the second round will play warm-up matches in Kolkata and Mumbai from 10-15 March.
from local rivals Manchester City in the final Champions League place - a gap that would have been just three had United managed to beat relegation-threatened Sunderland on Saturday rather than suffering a 21 defeat. But Rooney believes the players have simply under performed. "It's a very good group of players. At times it's been frustrating for us as we've under-performed. And actually the manager has taken a lot of stick for some performances. It's down to us, we're players and we have to perform,"
Rooney was quoted as saying by goal.com on Monday. "At times this season we haven't done that. In terms of that, we've probably got off quite lightly and the manager has taken a lot of it. But we're going on the pitch. We have to create chances and win games and we haven't done that enough this season," the England national team skipper said. Despite the club's struggles, Rooney believes United should focus on winning silverware this season, with the club still alive in the FA Cup and Europa League. "The important thing now, I feel, is to win trophies again this season. It's been a few years since we won a trophy. This is more or less a new team so for ourselves, as a team, we need to win something. The fans want to see us win something again," he said. "Obviously the Champions League is massive for this club and it was disappointing to go out of it. We'll keep going in the league, keep trying. But our main aim has to be to make sure we can get in that top four," Rooney said.
Dynamic Club beat CCD, Dibrugarh City Cricket Win Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Feb. 16: Dynamic Club today defeated Cricket Club of Dibrugarh(Green) by 64 runs in the Rajanu Bora BDivision cricket tournament organized by Dibrugarh District Sports Association at DDSA stadium. Opting to bat first, Dynamic Club scored 167 for loss of 6 in 20 overs. Akthar Ahmed top scored with 65 off 63 balls(7x4, 6x2) and Rishikant Sharma hammered 44 off 26 deliveries(5x4, 6x1). Mukib Khan chipped in with 38 off 32 balls(4x4, 6x1). For CCD(Green), Gagan Kalita picked up two for 26 in 2 overs. Pankaj Saikia and Rituraj Gogoi took one wickets each respectively. In reply, CCD(Green) were bowled out for 113 in 16
overs. Rituraj Gogoi scored 27 off 24 balls(4x4) and Diganta Talukdar contributed 27 runs. For Dynamic Club, Ajay Kumar hauled four for 19 in 4 overs and K. Ahmed took three wickets. In another match, Dibrugarh City Cricket Coaching Centre won by 90
runs against JCB. Electing to bat, DCCCC scored 138 for 7 in 20 overs. Rajdeep Phangshu scored 37 off 36 balls(4x4) and Abhinav Baruah contributed 18 off 19 balls(4x3). Ranjit Singh and Izaz Ahmed picked up two wickets each conceding 14 and 16 runs respectively.
JCB were bundled out for a meager 48 runs in 14.1 overs. Abhilash Baruah and Sunny Urang scored 10 runs each respectively. For DCCCC, Izzba Rhman scalped three for 16 in 4 overs and Swagat Gogoi took two for 6 in 3 overs.
Lumding Railway Division sails to Final and Mrigen Talukdar took three wickets each by giving away 24 and 44 runs respectively.
An action moment from the match at TDSA stadium in Tinsukia on Tudesday.
Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Feb. Lumding Railway Division beat Tinsukia Railway Division by four wickets in the first semifinal match of the Inter Divisional Cricket Tournament organized by
Tinsukia Railway Divisional Sports Club at TDSA stadium in Tinsukia today. Put into bat, TRD scored 170 in 39.5 overs before being bowled out. Samarajit Nath scored 46
off 64 balls with six boundaries to the fence and B.M Rao contributed 30 off 45 balls, hitting three boundaries. Arlen Konwar chipped in with 28 off 22 balls. For LRD, Utpal Gayari
In reply, LRD scored 173 losing 6 wickets in 36.1 overs. Mrigen Talukdar remained unbeaten on 66 off 63 balls with the help of six sixes and three fours. Siba Prasad Deb scored 42 off 47 balls with five boundaries. Arlen Konwar took two for 25 in 8 overs. Tomorrow, NF Railway Headquarter will take on NF Railway Construction(BG) in the second semifinal.
Tengapukhuri High School annexes title in Babul Phukon memorial soccer ET Correspondent Sonari, Feb 16: Tengapukhuri High School defeated Lakwa Tantia High School 2-0 to annex the title of the Babul Phukon memorial inter school football tournament organized by the Maibela army camp at the Lakwa Thermal Power Station playground. The first goal was scored by Abhijeet Gogoi of Tengakhat in the 20th minute of the match. The second goal was also scored by Abhijeet through a solo effort just two minutes into the second half. The final match was
officiated by Dipak Mullick. The Champions trophy and a cash prize money of Rs. 10,000/- was given away to the winners Tengapukhuri by Col. Rajeev Ranjan, Commanding Officer, Maibela army camp while the runner up trophy along with a cash prize of Rs. 5000/- was given away to the runner up team Lakwa Tantia High School by Arindam Choudhury, General Manager of LTPS. Abhijeet Gogoi of Tengapukhuri High School was adjudged as the player of the tournament.
Tengapukhuri High School annexes title in Babul Phukon memorial soccer
SAG: Perfect 10 for boxers as Mary, Sarita strike PTI Shillong, Feb. 16: MC Mary Kom and Pooja Rani knocked out their respective opponents while L Sarita Devi survived a scare as India grabbed all the three gold medals on offer in women's boxing for an overall clean-sweep of top honours in the 12th South Asian Games on Tuesday. On a comeback trail after recovering from a shoulder injury, London Olympics bronze-medallist Mary Kom (51kg) packed a powerful punch against her seasoned Sri Lankan rival Anusha Kodituwakku Dilrukshi to be adjudged winner via Technical Knockout
(TKO) in a bout lasting less than 90 seconds.With Mary landing some powerful blows, Anusha lost her balance and injured her right knee. This forced her to take a medical break before attempting a comeback. However, a booming jab from the five-time world champion sent her almost out of the ring before the referee intervened.The injury to Anusha will take about two-three months to heal."Anusha has sustained medical collateral ligament tear which would take about two three months to recover," the Sri Lankan team doctor said.The atmosphere was electrifying at the North Eastern Hill University in
Mary Kom the outskirts of the city with the SAI Complex, which has a seating capacity of only 500, filled up to the brim and spectators queued up since morning.The event got off to a 40-minute delayed start owing to some
technical issues.Anusha, the first woman boxer from her country to win a gold in the 2003 Asian Championship, had thrown a challenge to Mary Kom before the bout but the Lankan was left crying on the
podium.Asked about her opponent who had challenged her, Mary Kom said: "I'm so happy when anyone challenges me, I don't comment before the bout. But deep inside, I was very positive.""After children, the comeback is not easy. I still do training to motivate myself. I'm thankful to my entire team," she said. After the rousing start given by Mary, Incheon Asian Games bronze-medallist Pooja Rani Devi signed off the campaign in style in the 75kg when she overwhelmed Nilanthi Andaraweer by a TKO in a bout lasting only one round. The only scare India endured was when Sarita Devi, returning to
competitive ring after her one-year ban following the infamous Asian Games meltdown, faced a stiff challenge from another Lankan opponent in M Vidushika Prabadhi. The Incheon bronzemedallist overwhelmed the Lankan in the first two rounds but her opponent came back strongly in the third round with some powerful blows leading to Sarita falling twice before the Indian won by a narrow 39-36 margin to be adjudged unanimous winner 30.The pugilists thus finished their campaign with all the 10 gold medals in boxing after the men's team clinched the top honour on Monday.
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