17th septe

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Vol. 1

Issue 106

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Dibrugarh, Thursday, September 17, 2015

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Ø Thangso Baite, MP from Manipur, says that creation of two union territories out of Manipur definitely can be a possible solution; however, the sequence of events happening in the states needs to be observed a bit more closely before making the final decision

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ØThe parliamentarians have also stated that if the governor gives the assent to the three landmark bills passed by the state government, then the clashes that Manipur will witness will be far more extreme than what it has witnessed in recent times.

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Bishnu Rana Tezu, Sep 16

Both civil societies and denizens jointly expressed strong resentment over the dilly dallying approach of the

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Public Works Department with regard to the completion of VIP suite adjoining the circuit house. It is suspected that there is something fishy going on about the whole thing. The VIP suite being built was sup-

of untoward incidents in and around the refinery located at the heart of the Oil city Digboi.

According to some top brass of the AOD management, the organisation has received an official intelligence input from the Home Ministry stating that there is a risk of disruptive activities primarily concerning the refinery especially targeting gatherings with the view to take advantage of social, political, religious or cultural events.

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In the wake of an intelligence input received with regard to threats on the Britishbuilt and one of the oldest re-

AOD management intensifies security arrangements

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fineries at Digboi, the AOD management is all geared up and has intensified its security preparations to avert any kind ○

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work including tiles fitting, water and electricity on top of pending liabilities pertaining to the project.

The central government on Wednesday banned Naga rebel group National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) for five years.

The decision to declare NSCN (K) an unlawful organisation was taken in a cabinet meeting today, Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad informed after the meeting of the union cabinet. The organisation has been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

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posed to have been completed by 2013; however, it is still incomplete in 2015.

According to department sources, approximately 63 lakh rupees is required to complete the remaining pending

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VV Giri Institute hands over report on child labour in Jaintia Hills

Govt bans Naga rebel group NSCN(K) for five years

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The V. V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI), Noida, which has conducted survey on child labour in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya had handed over the report to the ○

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VK Singh rubbishes Assam protests over immigrants issue ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 16

Union Minister VK Singh, who last year termed the 'floods in Assam', as nothing new despite over 70 people losing their lives, has done it again today. This time the

Assam CM to consider plea for free passage to Paresh Barua ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 16

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that if Paresh Baruah desires to see his ailing mother in his native place, Government would consider it on humanitarian ground. Meanwhile Miliki Baruah an octogenarian social worker has been ailing for some days and the Chief Minister wished her a speedy recovery. Gogoi also gave Rs. 1 lakh from CM’s Relief Fund for the treatment of Miliki Baruah.

UBI ATM machine stolen at Digboi

Meghalaya government on Tuesday.

V. V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI), Noida under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India The Institute had conducted study on the Contd. on Page 4

Dmuising Khongjirem Shillong, Sep 16

PTI New Delhi, Sep 16

In an bid to save the Iron Bridge over Kundil River from erosion, villagers of Kabang attempted reconstruction of the approach road through collective effort. The Iron Bridge over Kundil River, near Kabang village is on the verge of being eroded, Contd. on Page 3 ○

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Laxman Sharma Digboi, Sep 16

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Jiko Linggi Kabang, Sep 16

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Digboi refinery under threat

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Denizens construct approach road on their own to save bridge

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Arunachal Guv Rajkhowa during his aerial survey of the flood affected areas. Pic - DIPR Contd. on Page 3

Completion of VIP suite long past its due date, sanctioned funds exhausted

cmyk

by the everyday bandhs refused to comply, leading to an altercation. Soon a large number of shopkeepers and local residents came out and sensing imminent trouble, the bandh supporters fled from the spot leaving one of the motorcycles behind.

Contd. on Page 4

Minister of State for External Affairs termed the ongoing agitation in Assam against the Centre's decision to regularize stay of non-Muslim immigrants in India as "not normal" and "total misconception".

Contd. on Page 4

ET Correspondent Digboi, Sep 16

Unidentified miscreants broke into the ATM counter and stole the cash box from the Golai-based Dehing branch of United Bank of India under Digboi Police Station on Monday late night.

With the dilapidated machine counter and other apparatus lying at sixes and seven, it is being assumed that the miscreants broke into the counter using sophisticated tools thereby damaging the machine and carrying away the cash box.

Team Digboi Police headed by Inspector Chandan Milli rushed to the spot, took circumstantial evidence and Contd. on Page 4

cmyk

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Irked by frequent bandhs, a section of public set on fire a motorcycle of a bandh supporter in the Cole Road area of Dibrugarh town on Wednesday. The incident occurred during the 12-hour Assam

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The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa made an aerial survey of the flood affected Districts of the State on 16th September 2015.

The Governor was accompanied by Minister, Food and Civil Supplies and Water Resource Development, Shri Kamlung Mossang, MLA Miao, Parliamentary Secretary WRD, Smt Gum Tayeng, MLA Dambuk, and Parliamentary Secretary, Horticulture, Shri Mutchu Mithi, MLA Roing,

Guwahati, Sep 16: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi directed the Urban Development Department to enforce the building laws and bi-laws in latter and spirit in the State and bring all violations in the ambit of laws to deal with the aberrations appropriately.

Chief Minister Gogoi said, “Government continues to show its commitment to quality construction activities and safety of all concerned and any breach of laws and bilaws to be dealt with sternly”. (Correspondent) ○

bandh called by a section of the Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Assam (TAYPA). According to information, around 6-7 bandh supporters arrived at Cole Road area on motorcycles and forcefully tried to shut down the shops in the area with threats and intimidation. The shopkeepers already harassed

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ET Bureau Itanagar, Sep 16

Gogoi directs UD dept. to enforce building laws

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A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Sep 16

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Diphu, Sep 16: Dhansari police arrested five car lifters yesterday evening while they were trying to sneak inside Dimapur city of Nagaland through Dhansari border with a stolen Bolero pick up van bearing No. AS02 AC5887. The place of occurrence is around 35 kilometers from Diphu and is close to Assam-Nagaland border. The five arrested persons including an woman have confessed before police that the vehicle was stolen from Nagaon by them with an intention of selling it.

Police has identified the arrested persons as Jubal Ahmed, Nripan Sangma, Kirotoli Sumi, Wath Sumi and Kitoba Sumi. The arrested persons have been remanded to police custody by Diphu court. (Correspondent)

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Five car lifters arrested

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Concerted effort needed to address flood: Arunachal Governor

ET CAPSULES

Policemen carry the charred motorcycle of a bandh supporter in Dibrugarh. Pic - UB Photos

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ØIf the governor gives the assent for the bills that have been passed, the tribals, including Kukis, Hmars and Nagas, will start revolting, which will be far more extreme than what Churachandpur has witnessed recently.

ØTribal communities and the Meiteis being compelled to stay together would be an artificial solution.

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ØHowever, if the government doesn`t give the assent for the bills, then the Meiteis will go on hunger strike and commit suicide. So, it`s a complete deadlock for the government.

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Ø Tribal parliamentarians from the Northeast have suggested that the "creation of two union territories" out of existing Manipur is the only solution for the prevailing impasse.

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ØKhekiho Zhimomi, 70-yearold leader who has fought for the cause of the Naga tribes residing in the northeastern states, has asserted that by creating two union territories out of Manipur the central government can look after both the territories directly.

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ØIt is believed that the tribals and the Meiteis of Manipur cannot co-exist peacefully in the same state

As Manipur continues to simmer over the passing of three landmark bills by the state government in a special Assembly called by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, tribal parliamentarians from the Northeast have suggested that the "creation of two union territories" out of existing Manipur is the only solution for the prevailing impasse that has claimed the lives of eight civilians in the recent clash.

The parliamentarians, who are considered to be veteran tribal leaders of the Northeast, have also stated that if the governor gives the assent to the bills, then the clashes that Manipur will witness will be far more extreme than what it has witnessed in recent times.

"It has been proven that the tribals and the Meiteis of Manipur cannot co-exist

Aggrieved businessmen set bandh supporter’s motorcycle on fire

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peacefully in the same state.

If the governor gives the assent for the bills that have been passed, the tribals, including Kukis, Hmars and Nagas, will start revolting, which will be far more extreme than what Churachandpur has witnessed recently. However, if the government doesn`t give the assent for the bills, then the Meiteis will go on hunger strike and commit suicide. So, it`s a complete deadlock for the government," Khekiho Zhimomi, veteran Naga leader and the lone Rajya Sabha member from Nagaland said. The 70-yearold leader who has fought for the cause of the Naga tribes residing in the northeastern states has asserted that by creating two union territories out of Manipur the central government can look after both the territories directly.

PROPOSED SOLUTION TO MANIPUR IMPASSE

Public anger spill on to road against frequent bandhs in Dibrugarh

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IANS New Delhi, Sep 16

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Divide Manipur into two union territories, say MPs from Northeast

5.00

Every Thursday & Sunday

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

ACSM Awareness Camp at VKV Jirdin Aalo, Sep 16 : The District Health Society (RNTCP) has conducted ACSMAwareness program on prevention and control of Tuberculosis at VKV, Jirdin on 14 September last. A large number of students and teachers took part in the awareness program. Dr. Karmar Dirchi DTO highlighted the objectives of the day long program through

power point presentation, he also explain the cause and remedy of Tuberculosis. The Principal VKV Jirdin in her welcome speech, extended her thanks to the DTO and his team for organizing the awareness camp at Jirdin and Quiz competition among the students and prizes to the winner were distributed on the day.

DIPRO

Election unacceptable, claim Maring bodies Imphal, Sep 16: Several Maring bodies - Maring Uparup Assembly (MUA), Maring Students' Union (MSU) and Maring Napuiya Yinglam (MNY) have said that the re-election of chairman of ADC Chandel on Sept 14 at Imphal was 'undemocratic' and 'unacceptable.' In a joint statement, the Maring bodies strongly condemned the alleged step-motherly treatment meted out to Chandel district. The Maring bodies said they only recognise the election of KSM Mathew Maring as the ADC chairman on Sept 9 at Chandel. It accused the

State Govt of resorting to delaying tactics in the formation of Chandel ADC so that the Congress party may form the council. They also demanded the resignation of Tengnoupal AC MLA, DK Korungthang from his post for his alleged involvement in the plot.

MUA, MSU and MNY will not tolerate running of ADC office from Imphal like in the previous term, the statement said while urging the three ADC members from Maring tribe to understand the political aspirations of the people of Chandel district. (agencies)

Congress may approach EC to demand ban on PM's 'Mann Ki Baat' program ANI New Delhi, Sep16: The Congress Party is likely to approach the Election Commission of India seeking a ban on the broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' program, which is scheduled to be aired on Sunday. According to reports, the Congress is citing the Model Code of Con-

duct, which is presently in place for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, as the reason for opposing the 'Mann Ki Baat' program. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to share his thoughts with the nation during the 12th edition of his ' Mann Ki Baat' program, which will be broadcast on All India Radio on September 20.

Three killed after car falls into gorge in Uttarakhand

List Of Phone Numbers Of Nursing Homes Tinsukia City Hospital & Research Centre Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Gnb Road Near Bujhuri-786125, Assam Pin Code :786125, Phone Number :0374-2333349, Fax :0374-2350026/2339974

Dr.Bawaris Nursing Home Jeevan Jyoti Nursing Home Category: General Hospital Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Parvathiya Road Hospital Address: Parbatia,Opp Hindi Girls High School-786125, Assam Tinsukia-786125, Assam Pin Code :786125 Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :(0374)2339756 Phone Number :0374-2336319 Fax :0374-2335334 Fax :0374-2350131

Pinewood Hospital

ASTRO FOR YOU All eyes may be on you today for your looks, skills, or even your funky bag!

Make hay while the sun shines, and charge your batteries with all that attention. You can get some decent work done with that energy.

Spontaneity yet sincerity will be the ruling emotions of the day. Keep your eyes and ears open, as trouble might be headed your way. Make it a point to read the print well before you sign any legal contract today. Prevention is better than cure.

You will meet someone special who is here to stay for good. Your kind and considerate nature will benefit others. You need to understand that it’s okay to spend a little on comforts and entertainment. Be ready for a busy, yet cheerful, day ahead.

Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Subothoni Road Moniam Dewan Nagra-786125 Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :0374-2300730 Fax :0374-2339730

Sometimes acting a little eccentric and adopting an approach that you will usually not helps you redefine your style. Go ahead and do that today! Although you will be open to adapt and bring in some revolutionary changes, you will make sure to follow a proper pattern. Thinking out-of-the-box will allow you give an impetus to your current projects. As the day descends, head back home to calm down and refresh yourself.

Help-Line

One way to assure success is by believing in oneself and one’s abilities. Let this confidence and your high spirits take you to newer heights today. Remain cheerful all day long, and you will see your hardships disappear as you tackle them with consummate skill.

APST BUS SERVICE Ph: 0360-2212338, 0360-2351490 NIGHT SERVICES Name of Routes Departure Distance(km) Bus Fare 1) Itanagar- Shillong ( Daily service) 5:00 pm 510 460/2) Itanagar-Nyapin(Mon, Thu, Sat) 2:00 pm 325 400/3) Itanagar- Aalo (Daily service) 2:30 pm 325 350/4) Itanagar-Daporijo (Daily service from Nlg)12:00 noon 432 470/5) Itanagar - Yingkiong (Alternate day) 01.00 pm 436 550/6) Itanagar - Seppa (Alternate day) 12:00 noon 385 420/7) Itanagar - Khonsa (Sun, mon, wed, thur) 1:00 pm 677 620/8) Itanagar - Namsai (Daily service) 1:00 pm 655 580/9) Itanagar - Koloriang (Alternate day) 2.30 pm 334 400/DAY SERVICE 10) Itanagar - Guwahati (Daily service) 6.00 am 395 350/11) Itanagar - Pasighat (Daily service) 6.00 am 270 250/12) Itanagar - Tirbin (Mon, thu & sat) 5.30 am 328 330/13) Itanagar - Bomdila (Daily except Fri) 6.00 am 346 320/14) Itanagar - Aalo (Daily service) 5.30 am 325 350/15) Itanagar - Sagalee (Sun, Tues & Thur ) 7.30 am 121 135/16) Itanagar - Pakke Kessang (Mon, Wed & Fri)7.00 am 160 200/17) Itanagar-Mengio (sun, tue &Thur) 6.00 am 198 230/18)Itanagar-Kimin/ H-Camp (Daily except Sat)12.00 noon 94 80/19) Itanagar-Gerukhamukh (Daily except Fri)12.00 noon 134 120/20) Itanagar- Balijan (Daily except Sun) 12.30 pm 105 105/21) Itanagar - Sonajuly (Daily except Sun) 01.00 pm 70 80/22) Itanagar - Jote (Daily except Sun) 07.00 am & 01.00 pm 22 30/23) Itanagar- Lakhimpur (Daily Service) 3.30 pm 64 70/-

A medley of good and bad awaits you today. Emotional people will find you immature and inconsistent. But your bag o’ jokes is never empty, and you remain the jester as always. Meditate and engage in spiritually rich activities to channel and focus all your talents.

The whole point of being a Libran is that you always have the tendency to be two separate things put together on a pair of scales that somehow balance.

Today, you’ll bring to the scales the stability of being your own master and servant. It’s a fine balance to maintain. But only you are capable of doing that, thanks to your extremely high-power status today.

Retail therapy with your loved ones is a perfect recipe to have a good time! You will be more than willing to buy things of their choice. Haggling will be a trait you have closeted today as you go about being lavish in your expenses.

You may have women swooning over you today; such is your charm and way with them. But friends are highly valuable to you, and you shall spend much time with them cherishing their company and reliving amazing times spent together.

Everything you do today will be driven by the desire to meet the expectations of your family members. For those of you pursuing studies, pending projects will finally get completed, and you will look forward to taking up new assignments.

Giving free reign to your imagination will help you excel in areas of your interest, but don’t go overboard or else you may lose touch with reality.

Your will will finally end today and you will enjoy the fruits of your hard-work.

You are very good considering all the pros and cones of every situation/project, drawing a plan on paper and distribution of responsibilities, however, execution of those plans is a problem area for you. Be practical to be successful.

A day filled with socialising awaits you. You will likely make contact with near and dear ones you haven’t met in a while. New associations and friendships could also occur. It is a pleasant and joyous day, so make the most of it.

ANI Dehradun, Sep16: At least three people were killed and three others injured when a car caught fire after falling into a gorge in Thano Road near Raipur in

LOST

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)

Uttarakhand's Dehradun district on Wednesday morning. The local police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel have rushed to the spot to provide relief.

List of hospitals in Dibrugarh with contact details & phone numbers, Assam

I have lost my BA Final (2+1)marksheet bearing Roll-A and No. 4499 for the year 1990.

Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Monjula Kakoti Sonari.

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

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

LOST Lost LIC Policy bond of Mr. Arindam Swami, bearing policy no.

444581495 On way from dibrugarh to Agartala.

If found please contact Mr Arindam Swami on 7085051769 (M)

Bordoloi Avenue, Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2302219, 2302225

G M Hospital

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

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

Assam Medical College

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

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

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

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic

Aastha Hospital

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

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

Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

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

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 17-9-15 (THURSDAY)

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 6-50 A.M-Dihanaam 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara(Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Bhajan , Artist-Nantu Das 12-30 P.M-Ghar Jeuti (Women's Programme)-Eri Oha Dinor Soowaran by Shanti Gogoi.

3-30 P.M-Mishing Geet by Debaranjan Medok and Party 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Yuvavni-"Prerona"-A Phone-in Programme on Skill Development 8-00 P.M-Gyanmalini (Sponsored Programme of Directorate of Distance Education, D.U) 9-30 P.M-"Satriya Naat Samarooh". Bhaona-"Ram Bijoy".Presented by Majuli Kendriya Sangeet Mahabidyalay.

Producer-Biswajit Das Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Nercormp conducts training on financial management, monitoring, evaluationtion Khonsa, Sep 16 : One day training on 'Financial Management and Monitoring and Evaluation' was organized by NERCORMPTirap for the DST and the partner NGOs staff on 14th September 2015 in the Circuit House, Khonsa. D. Nath, Director, Finance and Adrian Marbaniang, Director, Monitoring and Evaluation from Regional Society, Shillong were the resource persons for the training. Lily Rose Jajo, Project Manager NERCORMP-Tirap in her wecome address highlighted the objective and importance of the training.

Speaking during the training, Director, Finance shared on the financial regulations and the modalities on the implementation of project activities through Natural Resource Management Groups (NaRMG)

Newly appointed Parliamentary secretaries take oath of office ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 16: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday administered the oath of office to the 12-newly appointed Parliamentary Secretaries. The 13-members of the Assam Legislative Assembly were appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries to the ministers of Government of Assam for smooth functioning of the government. The 12-Parliamentary Secretaries who were administered the oath of office and secrecy are Sushanta Borgohain of Thowra, Monika Bora of Gohpur, Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha of Karimganj North, Jamaluddin Ahmed of Bodorpur, Dr. Rumi Nath of Barkhala, Hemanta Talukdar of Guwahati West, Ghanashyam Kalita of Rangia, Habul Chakraborty of Dhekiajuli, Rupjyoti Kurmi of Mariani, Sanjay Raj Subba of Naoboicha, Sib Charan Basumatary of Dudhnoi and Aroti Hazarika Kachari of Dergaon LAC. Though Arun Phukan has also been appointed as Parliamentary Secretary, he could not take oath as he was away on a Privilege Committee meeting.

and Self Help Groups (SHGs). He also mentioned about the importance of keeping proper records and registers in order to track the records and maintain accountability and transparency in financial management by the two Community Institutions (NaRMG and SHG) promoted by the project. He highlighted on different components which can be implemented under NERCORMP and the importance of PRA charts for beneficiary selection and implementation of project activities in the villages.

While sharing his views Adrian Marbaniang, Director (Monitoring and Evaluation) also mentioned about the importance of quarterly, annual, target and achievement reports for smooth functioning of the project. He mentioned

many success stories of NERCORMP which were achieved by other NERCORMP districts and states in the Northeast. The two Directors also shared about the observations and findings from their field visit to Old Paniduria, Noksa and Old Tupi villages in Tirap district. They particularly stressed on the maintenance of records regularly. They also opined that the meeting of both NaRMGs and SHGs should not be only about financial matters but they should also discuss issues for the betterment of their villages.

On the same day the 1st board meeting of Tirap Community Resource Management Society was held at DC's conference hall. In his welcome address Tirap Deputy Commissioner who is also the Chairman of the board told

the participants that all the projects proposed by the board had been approved adding that the 1st board meeting of TCRMS was more for familiarization and course correction wherever required. During the meeting the Project Manager of NERCORMP threw light on the journey of NERCORMP in Tirap and Longding which had a humble beginning and elaborated the main thrust and activities of NERCORMP in various states and districts of the Northeast. She said that altogether ten districts are covered under the livelihood mission NERCORMP in different states of the Northeast.

The members of the board and representatives of NGOs actively participated in the discussion.

Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad calls 12-hour bandh ET Correspondent Margherita, Sep 16: The 12-hour Assam bandh called by Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad today witnessed banks, business enterprises which remained closed at Margherita. The picketers also burnt tyres at NH 38 road Margherita. The Assam bandh was called as a mark of protest against the recent Union Home Ministry's notification with regard to regularizing the entry and stay of minority migrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan. Mintu Deodhai Phukan, General Secretary of Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad, Assam Central Committee said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP Government at the Centre has meted out step-motherly treatment to the people of Assam. "Prime Minister

Contd. from Page 1

A view of Margherita during the Bandh.

Pic - Hrishikesh Borgohain Narendra Modi is a big liar and an agent of the corporates," said Mintu Deodhai Phukan. Since people who have migrated to Assam before March 24, 1971 shall be accepted, the Central Government has handed another huge burden to the

people of Assam, said Mintu Deodhai Phukan. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP Government does not take back this decision within one month than Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad shall intensify the agitation, said Mintu Deodhai Phukan.

times in an encircled march round the Governor’s Residence to convey strong message on the need to make the VAB into an act. “We have organized the silent march encircled the Governor’s Residence as mark of conveying message to the Governor for immediate assent of the VAB”, said KSKNSBUH chairman Dr Werlok Kharshiing while talking to media persons after the march.“If the VAB is not approved at the earliest, we will be compelled to organize another agitation in near future”, Dr Kharshiing warned.

The prolong assent of the Governor to give his approval on the passed Bill had created big impasse as headmen could not function due to the Meghalaya High Court’s order. The Meghalaya High Court on December 10 last year had passed a verdict that traditional heads were not empowered to give certificates as they were not

empowered by written law and their duties was only to look after the welfare of the society.According to Dr Kharshiing, the headmen want the revocation of the ordinance promulgated by the State government, and the non-interference of State in matters of traditional institutions. “We want the state government should not interfere with matters of traditional institutions as it is under the purview of the Autonomous District Council (ADCs). The State government has many subjects to look after be it healthcare, road, agriculture and many others”, said the KSKNSBUH chairman.They also opposed the extension of Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA)’s Building Bye-Laws outside the Shillong Municipality area as it had created adverse impact on common people to procure building permission to construct houses.

Completion of VIP suite long past its due date, sanctioned funds exhausted Contd. from Page 1

The sources also disclosed that already Rs 1 crore has been used up making the situation even more difficult.

When asked about the state of affairs, Tania Raje Executive Engineer who recently joined said that he is also in a awkward situation as everything had happened much earlier. He said, "I m still trying to find alternatives to get the work done at the earliest while maintaining the reputation of the department."

Laxman Sharma Digboi, Sep 16: Meeting the expectations of the recently flood-hit people of Namsai, Chowna Mein, Minister, Agriculture, Horticulture, AHV & DD visited various flood affected villages in Namsai district and assessed the loss and damages caused to public and private properties during the recent devastating flood.

Mr. Mein observed that the flood protection measures already taken by WRD department have been able to protect a vast area and habitation from inundation in New Silatoo, Deobeel and Dharampur villages.

However, there were extensive damages to these flood protection structures which needs immediate restoration to prevent large scale ravaging impact of the furious flood further.

Meanwhile, interacting with the affected people the Minister expressed deep concern over repeated occurrence of flood that rendered many families homeless and damages to standing crop be-

Photograph showing Mr.mein accompanied by officials taking stock of the flood hit areas along the bank of river Nao Dihing in Namsai District on Wednesday afternoon. Pic - laxman sharma sides loss of livestock in huge numbers. The Minister appreciated District Administration headed by Rajendra Kumar Sharma the Deputy Commissioner Namsai for taking prompt measure for relief and rehabilitation of flood affected people. He also instructed the concerned department to immediately

prepare plan and schemes for short term and long term flood control measures in the flood prone areas.

He especially instructed WRD department to prepare schemes for protection of land erosion along the bank of river Nao-dihing so that life and property of people can be saved.

The Minister was accompanied by Namsai MLA, Chau Zingnu Namchoom, R. K. Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Namsai District, District Heads of Departments, Administrative Officers, Zilla Praished Chairperson, ZPMs, Anchal Samity Chairperson and other public leaders of the area.

Divide Manipur into two union territories, say MPs from Northeast

Headmen took out silent march at Governor’s Residence Dmuising Khongjirem Shillong Sept 16: Around 335 headmen from different localities of Shillong city and its outskirt took out today a silent march surrounding the Governor’s Residence Raj Bhavan at Shillong demanding immediate assent of the Village Administration Bill (VAB) passed by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autnomous District Council (JHADC) to empower traditional institutions in Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

The headmen under an umbrella of Ka Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (KSKNSBUH) a conglomeration of headmen, took this path of agitation as mark of protest on the delay of the Governor to give his assent to the crucial important Bills for the last many months.

With banners and placards in hands, headmen marched three

Minister visits flood affected villages in Namsai district

"In the form of good neighborhood the three laws can be appreciated or else the three bills will become the bone of contention in case the two communities are asked to stay together. This is for the satisfaction of both the groups.

The solution needs to be balanced and concrete," Zhimomi said, and added that the tribal communities and the Meiteis being compelled to stay together would be an artificial solution. The tribal belts of Manipur comprising five districts -- Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong, Chandel and Churachandpur - constitute 75 percent of the state`s

area and have a population of 500,000 to 600,000, while the valley part of the state dominated by the Meiteis has a population of more than 1.4 million and an area of only 5.5 sq km.

The rift between the Tribals and the Meiteis has existed for decades. However, it intensified on August 30 after the Congress-led Manipur Government passed three bills -- Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015, Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Bill, 2015, and Manipur Shops and Establishments Bill, 2015 - of which the tribal population has taken exception to the Manipur Land Reforms Bill which ostensibly brings all land under the Manipur government and makes sale to out-

siders difficult. Even if the dominant Meitei community of Manipur has been demanding the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to restrict the entry of outsiders or "mainland Indians", the tribal population of the state has not been a part of this agitation considering that the ILP agitation is a Meitie ploy to gain Scheduled Tribes status, setting the already marginalised tribal population back further.

The fear is also that the land will be taken away by the state, that the chieftain`s power (the custodian of tribal land) will be eroded and made redundant, and that the tribal population will be pushed out and marginalised further.

Speaking over the issue,

Thangso Baite, MP from Manipur, said: "Creation of two union territories out of Manipur definitely can be a possible solution; however, the sequence of events happening in the states needs to be observed a bit more closely before making the final decision. I will take up the issue with the central government very soon and let`s see what the central government has to say about it. Commenting on all this at such an initial stage might be problematic for the state, but let`s see how things can be taken up." Baite, who happens to be a Kuki, became a victim of the recent violence when his house in Churachandpur was burnt by the protesters after the three bills were passed.

Concerted effort needed to address flood: Arunachal Governor Contd. from Page 1

along with Secretary Disaster Management Shri T.T. Gamdik and Chief Engineer Water Resource Development Er. Likar Angu.

The Governor saw the impact of recent floods in Kimin, Likabali, Jipu, low lying areas of Koyu, Korang, Takilalung, Pasighat, Mebo, Anpum, Dambuk, Roing, Tezu, Chowkham, Namsai and some places in Changlang District. The representatives appraised the Governor of the ground situation in their respective areas, while the Chief Engineer of Water Resource Development Department also briefed on the impact.

The Governor said that there has been major improvement in the situation and commended the efforts of the State Government and District Administrations. He expressed his deep appreciation to Smt Gum Tayeng for reaching out to the affected people of her constituency, during the floods even facing great risk to her life.

The Governor advised that concerted efforts must

be made by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister and Minister Disaster Management in particular to mitigate the perennial challenges of flood in eight districts of the State, namely East Kameng, Papum Pare, West Siang, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Namsai and Changlang. He appealed to the civil society, PSUs and other corporates, including Banks and other financial institutions, business organisations and associations and NGOs for extending assistance to the flood affected people in addition to the relief provided by the State Government. He cautioned against misappropriation and misuse of the relief fund, relief items etc. and said the media has a big role to build up strong public opinion against any antipeople activities.

The Governor stressed that Government of Arunachal Pradesh must go for a long term planning and time bound action for working out permanent solution to the problem. He also suggested that relocating low lying villages must be done with care. The State

Government must ensure proper housing, water supply, electricity, education and health facilities and other basic amenities, including source of livelihood before rehabilitating the villagers by shifting to new flood free areas.

At Pasighat, Member of Parliament Shri Ninong Ering, Deputy Commissioner Ms Isha Khosla and District officials briefed the Governor during the brief stopover. The Deputy Commissioner informed that more than 5000 people were affected with huge losses, including damages to bridges, school buildings, 650 hectares of standing crops and land, residential houses and loss of cattle. The Governor was also informed that so far Rs. 25 lakh had been sanctioned for the East Siang District, of which Rs. 10 lakh is placed with the DC and Rs. 5 lakhs each with the three ADCs. It was also informed that assessment of damages done to Agriculture crops and Horticulture plants and produce were being done for sending to the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, shortly.

The Governor was in-

formed by the Chief Engineer, Water Resource and also Parliamentary Secretary Smt Gum Tayeng, Member of Parliament Shri Ninong Ering and others that the two breaches caused by the Dibang River would have to be plugged on priority basis, otherwise come next monsoon, the region would face severe flood. It would be necessary to submit DPR for the works urgently and get funding from Government of India or NLCPR and NEC, as the Government of Arunachal Pradesh does not have the required fund, said the Chief Engineer.

The Governor asked him to submit a copy of the proposal to him for taking up with Government of India.

Earlier, as the Governor stated, he volunteered to intervene with the Centre, provided the Government of Arunachal Pradesh submits copies of the proposals sent to the Centre in restoration of assets damaged or destroyed by floods.

While returning, the Governor also noted the progress of the Bogibeel Bridge, which he has been emphasising for its early completion.

Denizens construct approach road on their own to save bridge Contd. from Page 1 already a large chunk of the approach road to the bridge has been washed away. The erosion took place in the current flood.

"Unless, measures to protect the bridge are undertaken at the earliest, the fate of the bridge

will be sealed in the ensuing rain, snapping off road connectivity between Iduli and Kabang", said the Anchal Chairperson of 04-Iduli Anchal Block. The chairperson, who too is part of the reconstruction team claimed that for the past many years the river has been eroding the banks of the river.

And after every erosion the villagers have put in their own effort to save the iron bridge, which connects the neighboring village of Iduli. Along with the chairperson, ASM, EmuliKabang, Ravi Mihu and Nasik Pertin coordinated the efforts of the reconstruction team. The work continued for three con-

tinuous days, and was completed on the third day. "Repeated attempts to draw the attention of the concerned authorities failed to elicit response, however, when it proved futile, we decided to take the matters in our own hands," said the chairman.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Career awareness programme at Sadiya Govt Model Higher Secondary School

Samarjyoti Gogoi Sadiya, Sep 16: Indira Priyadarshini Career Awareness programme was organised by state level advisory committee for students and youth welfare, Assam government at

Sadiya Govt Model Higher Secondary school auditorium. The main objective of the awareness camp was to create awareness and disseminate information about career options in different fields among the students of

class IX to class XII. The programme was inaugurated by Shiva Baruah, Principal of Sadiya Govt Model Higher Secondary School in the presence of other dignitaries including Rintu Boro, circle officer,

Sadiya, Gunin Chutia, Sailen Kalita, advisory member, state level advisory committee for students and youth welfare, Assam Govt, Mintu Kalita, Raang coordinotor agency, Rupam Pathak, coordinator, Raang. Ranjan Kumar Baruah, the resource person delivered speech on various competitive level examinations and encouraged the students to give their best while they sit for the examinations with a total of two hundred and fifty students being present. The students expressed that they were benefited by the awareness camp and acquired various information about different professions.

Advisories to stop corruption in MG-NREGA submitted by KMSS ET Correspondent Sonari, Sep 16: The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samity has expressed its concern over the alleged large scale corruption going on in implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi – National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme across Charaideo sub division in upper Assam’s Sivasagar district. The matter was appraised before the DC, Sivasagar by the Charaideo

Tata AC apprehended, two persons arrested ET Correspondent Demow, Sep 16: One illegal cow carrying Tata AC bearing number AS 04 AC 6852 was apprehended and two persons were arrested in this connection who were handed over to Demow police by the workers of Bisha Hindu Parishad Demow committee. The Tata AC was travelling from Dekhari to Sivasagar carrying six cows; the driver Prbulla Boruah along with Babuti Ali was arrested by Demow Police.

But the persons were not able to submit legal document before police till filing of this report.

Golaghat Press Club office inaugurated ET Correspondent Golaghat, Sep 16: The permanent office of Golaghat Press Club was today formally inaugurated at VIP Road. The Chief Adviser of Golaghat Press Club Dwipen Dutta, President Apurba Ballav Goswami along with other members of Golaghat Press Club were present at the inaugural ceremony. Traditional Naam Prasanga and several other events were held on this occasion.

sub division committee of KMSS during which a set of advisories were also submitted to check corruption.

Accordingly, in order to bring transparency in the accounting system in the road construction projects under the scheme advisories were placed before the DC, Sivasagar on Feb.5, 2014 and to the Project Director, DRDA on Aug. 28, 2014. A booklet consisting advisories to check corruption in the accounting sys-

tem was submitted to the DC as enclosure with the letter. According to the advisories in case of construction of roads under the project the Monitoring Samity should be headed by non-political and sincere people. KMSS has also advised that comparison of the accounts prepared by the samity following the guidelines of the booklet and the accounts prepared by the concerning development block must be made

mandatory. It is only because of the flaws in the existing accounting system of the schemes that corrupted contractors are ‘looting public money like anything’, the KMSS said. The letter also mentioned about the corruption in the construction of two roads and appealed before the DC to adopt the KMSS model to check corruption in implementation of the schemes so that the tax payers and the poor villagers can actually reap benefit from the scheme.

Solung celebrated with religious fervour at Jonai under AMBK

"It is a total misconception. When you politicise an issue too much, you get various polarisation. It is not normal," General Singh said at a press conference in Guwahati.

He was responding to a query on the series of agitations launched in Assam after the Centre issued an official release on September 7 informing its decision to regularise entry and stay of minority community nationals from Bangladesh and Pakistan in India.

"There should be no controversy. It is a pan-India notification. It should not be taken into consideration in respect to one particular

"In recent times, a lot of explosions and ambushes have been carried out by the

ernment at the Centre immediately after coming to power has put the North East Industrial Investment and Promotion Policy in suspended animation which has stopped the inflow of investments in the State. Moreover, withdrawal of Special Category status and delinking of several welfare schemes from the Central assistance has again put a spanner on the ‘ease of doing businesses’ in the region. “The abolition of many schemes and pattern of funding by the Centre are responsible for

not so impressive growth of the State in the last one year,” he said. The Ministry of DoNER which has been set up to expedite the fledging development process in the remote and land-locked North-East has fallen flat as the Centre failed to allocate required funds for the region, Gogoi added. “NorthEast is geographically and economically backward and unless the Centre accords special importance, the region will continue to be lagging behind”, Gogoi said while urging the Centre to

formulate policies conducive to large-scale investments and reducing regional disparities. “I have been all along pressing the demand for a special status for the North East in NITIAayog and other similar fora, but yielded no results till now”, Gogoi lamented. The Chief Minister requested the Centre to pay special treatment to the North East by not merely paying lip sympathy but by rendering concrete action to fulfil its promise and help North East catch up with other developed parts of the country.

MUDA serves show cause notice to legislator’s wife Dmuising Khongjirem Shillong, Sep 16: The Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) had served a show cause notice to wife of South Shillong legislator Mr Sanbor Shullai.

MUDA authority sent a show cause notice to Smt Polly Rabon for “illegally”

constructing additional floors with procuring permission from MUDA at Kench Trace, Laban in Shillong city. The MUDA directed Smt Rabon to reply to the show cause notice before October 15, otherwise her house would be sealed.

MUDA had in fact given permission for construction

of a building (ground + three floors) on October 6, 2009, however, on July 20, 2011 she again seeks permission for construction two additional floors on top, which was rejected by the MUDA as there is no provision in the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws 2001 to allow for the same. Despite

rejection, Smt Rabon went ahead to illegally construct three more additional floors.

In the meantime, MUDA had also served show cause notice to building of the general secretary of the Raid Laban Sports, Social and Cultural Organisation (RLSSCO) situated at Kench’s Trace.

Public anger spill on to road against frequent bandhs in Dibrugarh Contd. from Page 1

The enraged crowd giving vent to their anger set the motorcycle on fire.

Later the police arrived and took away the damaged bike. Wednesday’s bandh however barely made an impact in Dibrugarh as banks, offices, business and educa-

Contd. from Page 1

Special Correspondent Pasighat, Sep 16: While continuing their effort for greater unification of Adis of Arunachal and Misings of Assam as per earlier meeting held at Namsing, under Mebo Sub-Division, the Solung festival of Adis was celebrated with much traditional fervour at Mising Cultural Complex (Sirki Naane Lotta), Jonai, Assam’s today under the banner of Adi-Mising Baane kebang (AMBK). It was the first ever Solung festival celebration in Mising populated area in Assam, which has drawn massive response from the community people there, as their genealogical relations in terms of identical language, culture etc brings them more closer and sense of belongingness. Due to Assam bandh at certain places in

Assam, several invitees couldn’t attend the programme which was postponed from 12th Sept to 16th September.

Adi Baane Kebang President Kangir Jamoh and Secretary General Bodong Yirang also couldn’t turn up in the celebration due to bandh problem and so was the case of MLA Tatung Jamoh. Hence, AMBK President Raju Medak was made Cheif Guest and the main programme started with TakuTabat (offering made to God).

AMBK General Secretary, Okom Yosung reiterated the genetic relation between Adis and Mishings existing from the time immemorial. He said the community members today well aware of the fact that Adi and Mishing belong to a single tribal community, who were politically separated after Assam-Arunachal demarca-

tion. He feels that the unity and integrity after re-union of the community people should not be diminished under any circumstance. Discussing on Solung mythology and evolution of Adi-Mising civilization, Adi Cultural Literary Society Secretary Kaling Borang spoke at length about the myths and traditional ethos pertaining to agriculture based festivals like Solung which is common among the tribal belonging to Tani group. Among others, ABK executive Mojit Pao, Mising Autonomous Council Councilor Mula Kt Pegu, DR GK Lagachu and Raju Medok also spoke in favour of Adi-Mising unity. The colorful cultural dannces (Ponung party) from the Adi and Mising communities performed and displayed showcasing their myths and traditional practices.

state," the union minister and former army chief said.

He explained that it is natural that when people migrate, they always go to the nearby places and so the burden has automatically fallen on Assam's shoulder after 1971 war.

When asked if the Centre may consider withdrawing the notification considering the intense agitation in Assam, he said, "I do not know. It is not under my department."

Since last week, over a dozen organisations, including AASU and AJYCP, have hit the roads with a series of protests against the Centre's decision.

On Saturday, the 12-hour Assam Bandh called by Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva

Chhatra Parishad evoked near complete response against the sensitive issue.

On September 7, an official release informed that the issue of regularisation of entry and stay of Bangladeshi and Pakistani minority community nationals in India has been under consideration of the central government.

The government said a number of Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals belonging to minority communities were compelled to seek shelter in India due to religious persecution or fear of religious persecution.

They entered into India either without any valid document including passport and other travel documents or with valid docu-

ments but the validity of such documents have expired, the release mentioned.

Accordingly, the central government decided on humanitarian considerations to exempt Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals belonging to minority communities, who entered into India on or before December 31, 2014, from the relevant provisions of rules and order made under the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and the Foreigners Act, 1946. This has been sharply criticized by civil society groups in Assam, and KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi, has said that the KMSS will never let it happen.

Govt bans Naga rebel group NSCN(K) for five years Contd. from Page 1

ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 16: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi attributed Centre’s retrogressive policies for the sluggish development in the North East Region. Referring to a report of the World Bank and the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion on Wednesday where Assam has been clubbed in the ‘jump start’ category, Gogoi said the new NDA dispensation’s policy is mainly responsible for the lopsided industrial development in the region.

Gogoi said the NDA Gov-

tional institutions mostly remained open. Vehicles plied on the road as usual.

Only a few shops were seen remaining closed.

The bandh was called in protest against the Centre’s decision to grant exemptions in entry and stay rights to non-Muslims from Bangladesh and Pakistan. Significantly, this was the third bandh in

Dibrugarh in the last 24 days. Apart from the bandhs, shopkeepers and businessmen here were already a harassed lot as shops and business establishments had remained closed for nearly a week during the recent flood in Dibrugarh town. Meanwhile, the TAYPA, Dibrugarh district committee has criticized the

culprits who attacked its supporters today. In a press release the organization has demanded that those involved in the case must be arrested within 24 hours and legal proceedings must be initiated against them. Representatives of various other state organizations too have supported the demand made by TAYPA.

Digboi refinery under threat

VK Singh rubbishes Assam protests over immigrants issue Contd. from Page 1

Gogoi blames Centre’s retrogressive policies for the sluggish development in the NE region

organisation. The government of India, after elaborate consideration, has decided to declare NSCN(K) an unlawful organisation for five years," Prasad said.

S.S. Khaplang heads the NSCN (Khaplang) faction while Sumi, a resident of Zhunehboto in Nagaland, holds charge of the armed wing of the group. In 1988,

the NSCN split into two factions -- the NSCN(K) led by Khaplang and NSCN(IM) led jointly by Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah.

Talking to The Eastern Today this morning in his official chamber, a highly placed AOD official categorically said that the management in no way is prepared to compromise with the existence of the refinery and the lives of the people of Digboi and as such security arrangements have been beefed up for the safety of both.

When asked about the measures adopted to combat the menace of the threat by anti-social elements, the official sources said that parking of the tankers and other vehicles near the entry-exit points of the refinery has been streamlined, continuous armed patrol-

ling around the refinery has been ensured, any kind of mass gathering in and around the refinery has been forbidden, any event of sports, social, religious, political or cultural in nature would not be allowed to be organised at the refinery playground which shares a common wall within a range of just one hundred meters or so, uninterrupted CCTV surveillance has been ensured and continuous monitoring of human mobilisation in and around the industry is being carried out without being lenient on anyone including the officials, employees and visitors, entry into the refinery without valid documents and identity has been disallowed while physical verification

of the employees or non employees of the organisation through detectors and other computerised devises is being carried out.

M e a n w h i l e , organisations like Ramlila Sanchalika Samity and others have been aggrieved at not getting permission from the AOD management for organising the Ramlila this year in the moth of October which the Samity claims to have held the same at that location for the last fifty-five years on the occasion of Durga Puja.

When asked about the feasibility of organising the said event in the wake of a possible threat to the refinery, a competent AOD official said, "Except for restricting the refinery field that too for the common

safety and for the sake of Digboi Refinery, the management is ready to assist the Samity with the other three available playgrounds of the AOD apart from ensuring other necessary provisions for the smooth conduct of the programme."

According to the AOD authority, no leniency would be made and no chance would be taken particularly when it is a question of threat to the refinery and the lives of the common people. In the meantime, an official at AOD urged the people of Digboi to remain vigilant throughout the festive seasons and also to stand by the cause of the refinery.

VV Giri Institute hands over report on child labour in Jaintia Hills Contd. from Page 1

“Dynamics of Employment of Children and Socio-Economic Reality: A Study of Children in Hazardous Occupation in West and East Jaintia Hills Districts of Meghalaya”.

The study aimed at examining the prevalence of child labour in the villages of East and West Jaintia Hills Districts of Meghalaya where coal mining is predominant. A total of 100 villages across East and West Jaintia Hills were selected for the study.

The selection of the villages for the study was based on the Vulnerability Mapping Survey in rural areas, conducted by the Government of Meghalaya during the year 2013.

The survey was an attempt to locate the number of villages where the occupations and processes prohibited for children under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986 were prevalent.

A household survey of these selected villages was conducted during November 2013 to January 2014 with 544 field investigators. The field investigators were drawn from the government officials, teachers and educated villagers from the East and West Jaintia Hills Districts. The field investigators were imparted training on the method of data collection.

A total of 22,191 households were covered with a total population of 1,32,636 of which 66,931 males (50.5%) and 65,680 fe-

males (49.5%) were recorded. The survey coverage extended to the households, workplace, labour camps and coalmine site/ depot. Of the total sampled population of 1,32,636, the total children in the surveyed population were 66,921. The incidence of working children identified through the survey was 3041 of which 2242 i.e.

3.3% were identified as full-time working children (only working children (OW)); 59 children i.e., 0.1% who were attending school and were also working (ASW) and 740 children, i.e, 1.2% were reported to be neither at school nor at work (NSNW).

Labour force participation across the surveyed villages was recorded at 36.79

% of the total population – 22.95 % males and 13.83 % females. Unemployment rate was recorded at 2.43 %. Further, the extent of employment is concentrated in casual labour (51.28 %) and self employment (21.95 %). Based on the survey conducted, out of 22,191 respondents, 1951 (8.8%) were migrants of which 507 (2.3%) were from other villages of Meghalaya (intra-state migrants), 1286 (5.8%) were from other states of India (inter-state migrants) and 149 (0.7%) from Nepal (international migrants).

The Report was presented to Shri P. B. O. Warjri, Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya on the 14th September, 2015 by the Project Director, Dr. Helen R. Sekar.

UBI ATM machine stolen at Digboi Contd. from Page 1

initiated investigations to nab the perpetrators involved in the act after no

clue emerged from the said evidence and CCTV footage.

Meanwhile, the higher officials of the bank also reached the spot and were trying to ascertain the

amount stolen after evaluating the day's transactions on the machines. However, according to sources, an amount more than five lakh rupees was stolen from the cash box.

Expert teams from District Police and Digboi Police were also engaged to this end. However, no arrest in this regard has been made till the time of filing this report.(Correspondent)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

REGION

NH-44 in a pathetic condition, truck drivers calls for a road blockade

Agartala, Sep 16: The awful condition of National Highways of the state which is the only road connectivity that links mainland India has remained a harrowing experience for helpless commuters for a long time now. The Truck drivers has staged protest on Monday and called for road blockade demanding to renovate the road at Churraibari, after few hours the police visited the spot and withdrawn the protest.

The frequent disruption of vehicular movement due to seasonal landslides, rain and knee level mud on the high way and made the daily transport terrible. This situation has become daily routine for the drivers and the commuters of both the sides. Despite of so much of problems faced by the travels, the responsible authorities could not manage

Bihar polls: BJP may announce second list of candidates on Sept. 19 New Delhi, Sep 16: The BJP's Central Election Committee will meet here on September 19 during which a decision is likely to be taken on the second list of candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls. The BJP had after the first meeting of the CEC yesterday announced the list of 43 candidates. Elections for the 243-member Bihar Assembly will be held in five phases between October 12 and November 5.

Counting of votes will take place on November 8. The term of the current Bihar Assembly comes to an end on November 29.

(ANI)

EC to issue notification for first phase of Bihar polls New Delhi, Sep 16: The Election Commission of India (ECI) will issue a notification for the first phase of assembly elections in Bihar today.

Forty nine assembly constituencies will go to polls during the first phase of elections on October 12.

The last date for the filing of nominations for this phase is September 23.

Scrutiny will be held on September 24 and candidates can withdraw their nominations by September 26. Elections for the 243-member Bihar Assembly will be held in five phases between October 12 and November 5. The counting of votes will take place on November 8. The term of the current Bihar State Assembly expires on November 29. (ANI)

Explosives recovered Garwah (Jharkhand), Sep 16: The security forces today recovered explosives during an anti-naxal operation in Sanya village of Garwah district, police said. The forces seized four wires of RDX, detonators and bomb making materials during the operation, said Superintendent of Police, Priyadarshi Alok.

(Agencies)

their valuable time to look over the matter of the National Highways. Recently, the commuters of the Assam-Agartala National Highway have been facing tough time due to the launched protest and the falling of huge tree over the road. Reportedly, the road remained blocked for several hours after an old huge tree fallen over on Saturday mid-night. Interestingly, after informing about the situation no officials from the Forest Department arrived for many hours to look into the matter. Therefore, waiting for hours the locals took the initiative to chop down the tree and to make space for the commuters to pass through. At present road has turned from its original shape into a muddy, despite of rainy or sunny having no other option the commuters had to travel through the

PAGE 5

Jumpy-bumpy road which is full of potholes. Besides, the oil tanker drivers have gone for an indefinite strike in demand of immediate repair of the road on September 12 at the Assam-Agartala road demanding to improve and upgrade the poor condition of the road. The oil tanker drivers started their strike from Saturday morning which leads the strand of hundreds of vehicles.

Thousands of vehicles stranded at Assam's Lowerpoah area as the Assam-Agartala national highway virtually turned into paddy field due to heavy monsoon since April. However, the strikes called by the drivers may lead to fuel crisis throughout the state. Reportedly, the drivers will continue with the strike till the road is not renovated. (agencies)

Manipur Governor approached by JCILPS to approve assembly's bill Imphal, Sep 16: Delegates of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) led by its convener incharge Ratan Khomdram met the Governor of Manipur Dr Syed Ahmed in his bungalow today and urged him to give his assent to the three Bills passed by the State Assembly on Aug 31. Manipur State Assembly passed the Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill 2015, the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reform (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Manipur Shops and Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 after the JCILPS pressed the State Government hard to bring out a mechanism to

save the indigenous people of the State. The JCILPS delegates submitted a memorandum to the Governor stating that due to some misunderstanding and misjudgment on the nature and scope of the Bills, the

State has been reeling under serious tension which the JCILPS presumed are the result of 'outside influence.' Further, the memorandum said that the JCILPS has no intention of hurting the sentiments of the hill

Village head murdered brutally after abduction in Bijapur Raipur, Sep 16: A former village sarpanch who was abducted by Maoists, was found killed today in the Maoist stronghold of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, the police said here. The body of Somlu Tati, the former sarpanch of Todka village panchayat, was found lying in a pool of blood on a road near his native place Todka under Gangaloor police station limits, Bijapur Addi-

tional Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elesela told the media.

The incident came to light this afternoon when some villagers informed the police that Tati's body was lying on the road on the outskirts of Todka, located around 450 km away from the state capital, the police official said. Tati was reportedly abducted by Maoists last week from his village, after he was suspected to be a police

of seats allotted to them," he added. Punia also said

the number of resignations and the verbal volleys be-

tween the NDA allies shows that the alliance in Bihar is on the verge of breaking. "It seems that they (NDA) have faltered well before the start of the elections," he added. Punia further criticised the NDA alliance for not declaring their chief ministerial candidate, saying that they don't have a face for the Bihar elections, because Prime Minister Narendra Modi is that face. "Their fate in Bihar elections is sealed. They would be defeated and the Janata Pariwar would form the next government" he added. The BJP yesterday

FIR against Lal Thanzara in Mizoram Aizawl, Sep 16: Opposition Mizo National Front on Tuesday lodged a police complaint against Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla's brother, who is a former minister, alleging that he indulged in corruption and misused his office. MNF Legal Board Chairman J Lalremruata Hmar lodged the complaint with Superintendent of Police, Anti Corruption Bureau, John Zothansanga.

Lal Thanzara, against whom the FIR was lodged, said he is ready to face investigation. According to the FIR, former Minister of State for Health, Lal Thanzara, had 21.6 per cent shares in Sunshine

Overseas construction company which bagged big contracts under the state PWD, which was under the chief minister, during 2008-2013 when

he was a parliamentary secretary. Lal Thanzara resigned from the council of ministers and also as member of the Assembly on August 18 over allegations of holding 'office of profit.'

Hmar also alleged that Lal Thanzara, owner of the H.P. Food Industry, supplied cores of rupees worth high protein biscuits to the state Social Welfare Department during his tenure as Parliamentary Secretary and Minister of State. Talking to reporters, the MNF Legal Board Chairman demanded that the chief minister, who holds vigilance portfolio, give green signal to the anti-corruption bu-

NABARD observes Hindi fortnight Gangtok, Sep 16: National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD), Gangtok celebrated Hindi Fortnight from September 1 to September 14. The closing ceremony was graced by Gangtok All India Radio assistant director Vinay Raj Tiwari as chief guest. In his speech, Tiwari appreciated the efforts being made by the NABARD to celebrate Hindi Fortnight in a big way and highlighted the role of films and media in popularizing Hindi in the society.

Sharing his experiences, Tiwari said Sikkim had made tremendous progress in popularization of Hindi language as compared to other States and noted that mass media has played an important role in it. He said organizations like Hindi Prachar Sabha and Rashtra Bhasha Prachar Samity should be established in Sikkim and also in other Northeastern States. Speaking on this occasion, NABARD general manager Anjana Lama informed that the NABARD is putting all efforts to increase the official work in Hindi. Enthusiastic participation of staff members in Hindi competition is an example for this, she shared. Prizes were distributed by the chief guest to the winners of different competitions held during the fortnight. (agencies)

reau for launching a probe into the allegation as he had earlier said his brother resigned 'so that he could face fair investigation and inquiry'.

Meanwhile, Lal Thanzara said he was ready to face investigation into all the allegations levelled against him. Addressing a function here, he expressed hope that with the investigation by the anti-corruption bureau, speculations by opposition party leaders would end. Lal Thanzara said he resigned as a minister and a legislator as he thought allegations against him would embarrass the ruling Congress and the government. (Agencies)

Seminar on utilisation of neem for farming held in Tripura

informer, the police official said. Soon after receiving news of the incident, security forces were rushed to the spot, the ASP said. Prima facie it appears that he was killed with sharp edged weapons, he said, adding that only a post mortem would ascertain the exact cause of his death. A search has been launched to nab the attackers, the police official said. (agencies)

NDA a divided and sulking house in Bihar, says Congress New Delhi, Sep 16: The Congress Party on Wednesday described the National Democratic Alliances (NDA) a divided and sulking house in Bihar.

"The NDA is totally divided in Bihar. Earlier, it boasted that that they have reached a settlement with their allies over seat sharing, but now, no one seems to be happy," Congress leader P L Punia told ANI here. "Whether it is Jitan Ram Manjhi, Upendra Kushwaha or Ram Vilas Paswan, all three are upset in this alliance. The NDA allies are sulking over the number

people of Manipur and has no intention of alienating 'our ethnic brothers and sisters of the hill region.' After meeting the Governor, convener in-charge of JCILPS, Ratan informed media persons that JCILPS is taking

up steps to mend people to people relations in order to bring the multi-ethnic, multicultural, multi-religious and multi-linguistic societies of Manipur together. "We are hopeful that the Governor will give his 'assent' to the Bills passed by the State Assembly so that they become Acts," he added. Further, he said that the Bills were passed after a number of CSOs, both from the hills and valley areas, have had seminars, discussions and talks. The State Assembly passed the Bills without any obstruction from any of the MLAs. The chaos and tension creeping in today is the handi-works of some external forces, he maintained. (Agencies)

declared a list of the 43 candidates, who would contest the Bihar polls.Of them, 19 are for the seats going to polls in the first phase, 15 for the second phase and nine for the third phase. The names were finalised at a meeting of BJP's Central Election Committee yesterday evening. The BJP will contest 160 of the 243 seats in Bihar, Paswan's Lok Jan Shakti Party will contest 40, Upendra Kushwaha's RLSP will contest 23 seats while Jitan Ram Manhji's Hindustani Awaam Morcha (HAM) party will contest 20 seats. (Agencies)

Agartala, Sep 16: The Directorate of Biotechnology of Tripura in collaboration with Pesticide Formulation Technology of government of India organised a workshop on 'Neem as a bio-pesticide and bio fertilizer for sustainable development' for sensitization of farmers, faculty, media and research personals. The one day workshop was organised at the Agartala Press Club. It was inaugurated by the state's science, technology and environment minister Bijita Nath in presence of other dignitaries.

Various speakers at the workshop stressed on neem which is indigenous to India and have been in use for cen-

turies in the Indian agriculture as best natural bio-pesticide and plant fertiliser. They also highlighted on the need for adopting organic farming by including bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers which are very much necessary to not only save our future generation from the hazards due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides but also to save the soil health to get better yield. Attempts were made to identify the technologies that farmers were using for pest control with neem based extracts before chemical agriculture came into the picture and bring back the lost confidence in their age-old methods. (ANI)

I'll destroy my life but will not let the hills separated from Bengal: Mamata

Darjeeling, Sep 16: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said that she is ready to have her life "destroyed" in Darjeeling, but will not leave the Hills or have them separated from Bengal. Addressing a function of the Tamang Development and Cultural Board organised to mark its foundation day at Dr

Graham's Homes School in Kalimpong on Tuesday, the chief minister said that she is not here with political motifs, but instead due to her love for the hills and "to do something for Darjeeling, which has hardly seen any development so far. She said that for building houses, she had earlier sanctioned

Rs.10 crore to the Tamang Development Board and on Tuesday too she announced another Rs.10 crore for constructing 10,000 more houses. She also announced Rs.3.75 crore for the Sherpa Development Board. She distributed ex-gratia cheques of Rs.6 lakh each to 12 family members of landslide victims in Kalimpong. Besides, she also distributed cheques of Rs.2 Lakh to 20 persons of the Tamang Development Council. In her speech, she said that in Tuesday's programme in Kalimpong, she will make a special announcement for the Mangar community. The Manger community is also demanding a separate development board. (Agencies)

NSUC conducts freshers' daycum-literary, career guidance Kohima, Sep 16: Naga Students' Union Chennai (NSUC) observed its 37th freshers' day-cumliterary and career guidance on September 12 at Zion Hall, Purusaiwalkam High Road, Chennai. The event was graced by former chief secretary, government of Nagaland C.J.Ponraj IAS (Rtd) as

chief guest.

Speaking on the theme, "focus", Ponraj said that we focused only on solutions and not on the root cause of the problems. He explained how hard work, being focused and commitment to God help in unlocking any confined setting.

Ponraj also lauded the students for making a

right choice to study in Chennai, as it contributes second highest in terms of GDP and one of the best for health care, higher education and career opportunities.

C.J.Ponraj and Yaruingam Ningshen (Founder and Director of Rimei Consultants Pvt. Ltd.) were also the resource persons in the

second session. Other highlights of the programme, included displayed of colourful and rich heritage by student's community of Maram, Poumai and Tangkhul tribes. The programme was attended by the students, working professionals and Naga families from different walks of life.(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

BJP calls banning of PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' laughable ANI New Delhi, Sep16 : Calling the Congress' demand to temporarily stop 'Mann ki Baat' "laughable", Bharatiya Janata Party leader and lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi today said that the programme was non-political and inspires people to work on

issues such as road accidents and dengue "I find it laughable for the simple reason that Mann ki Baat is a non political exchange of ideas and especially the PM has used that platform to share ideas where he wants people to be inspired and work on certain issues like road acci-

President, Vice President greet nation on Ganesh Chaturthi ANI New Delhi, Sep16: President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari on Wednesday greeted the nation on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. "On the joyous occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I extend warm greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens in India and abroad,"," the President said in a statement issued here. "The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the God of wisdom and good fortune.

Let us on this auspicious occasion; re-affirm our faith in all that is good, noble and virtuous. May Lord Ganesha bestow his blessings on all so that obstacles in the path of our progress are removed and peace, happiness as well as prosperity abound in our country," he added. The Vice President said, "I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our

dents and dengue," Lekhi told . Lekhi also added that Prime Minister Modi has never engaged himself in any kind of political statement on that particular programme. The Congress Party is likely to approach the Election Commission seeking a ban on the broadcast of Prime

country on the auspicious occasion of 'Ganesh Chaturthi' marking the birth of Lord Ganesh." He further said, "Lord Ganesh is revered as embodiment of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. To invoke Lord Ganesh before the start of any good work is a common practise in India.

May this festival bring peace, harmony and prosperity in our lives?"

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival which marks the birth of Lord Ganesh.

Kohlapur district in connection with this case.

Pansare's family had earlier sought a SIT probe, alleging that the Maharashtra Police had failed to make any progress in the investigation of the CPI leader's murder. Pansare and his wife were severely injured after unknown assailants

Sri Lankan PM meets Jaitley

Minister Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, which is scheduled to be aired on Sunday. According to reports, the Congress is citing the Model Code of Conduct, which is presently in place for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, as the reason for opposing the programme.

Pansare's murder case: Sameer Gaikwad sent to seven-day police custody ANI Mumbai, Sep16: A local court on Wednesday sent Sameer Gaikwad, an accused in Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Govind Pansare's murder case, to seven-day police custody. Gaikwad was earlier detained by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Sangli region of

PAGE 6

fired on the couple while they were out for their morning walk at Sagarmala area of Kolhapur city.

Pansare later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The attack had elicited strong condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum who demanded a special team to look into the case.

ANI New Delhi, Sep16: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here on Wednesday, during which both leaders reportedly discussed issues of mutual interest.

Wickremesinghe earlier met President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had yesterday welcomed his Sri Lankan counterpart and said that he had an excellent discussion with him on a number of prominent issues concerning both countries.

Wickremesinghe met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan, Power Minister Piyush Goyal and Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, along with several other prominent leaders and dignitaries, at Taj Hotel here on Tuesday. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister is presently in India on a three-day bilateral visit.

This is Wickremesinghe's first official international visit after assuming the Prime Minister's office last month.

Chennai-based YTNM protests against Lankan PM's India visit ANI Chennai, Sep16: Members of the Young Tamil Nadu Movement (YTNM) staged a protest here on Wednesday against Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to India. Supporters of the Chennai-based group showed banners and raised

slogans against Wickremesinghe. One of the protestors demanded that the Indian Government should snap all economic, political and cultural ties with Sri Lanka.

"We strongly condemn the reception given to Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

For the past six years after the Mullivaikal massacre, all Tamils across the world have been demanding all states to boycott Sri Lanka in all terms. The Indian Government should end its economic, political and cultural ties with them," he said. "The Tamil Nadu Assembly has also

passed a resolution demanding the Indian Government to cut its economic ties with Sri Lanka.

The Indian Government is ignoring our demands for the last six years," he added. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Assembly has adopted a resolution seeking international probe

against the Sri Lankan Government on alleged war crimes against the Tamils.

Wickremesinghe arrived in the national capital earlier on Monday on a three-day bilateral visit. This is Wickremesinghe's first official international visit after assuming the Prime Minister's office last month. (ANI)

India wants peace on BJP's Delhi unit accuses AAP of failing the border, says Rijiju to educate public on dengue prevention

ANI Nagpur, Sep16: Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday asserted that India wants peace on the border and the

BJP may announce second list of Bihar poll candidates on Sept. 19 ANI New Delhi, Sep16: The BJP's Central Election Committee will meet here on September 19 during which a decision is likely to be taken on the second list of candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls. The BJP had after the first meeting of the CEC yesterday announced a list of 43 candidates. Elections for the 243-member Bihar Assembly will be held in five phases between October 12 and November 5. Counting of votes will take place on November 8. The term of the current Bihar Assembly comes to an end on November 29.

safety of civilians is the government's priority.

He expressed his concern over the latest ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in the Krishna Ghati Sector in

Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir this morning. "We want peace in the border and the safety of the civilians is our priority and it will be maintained," Rijiju told media here.

"There are many reasons for firing. If there is unprovoked firing, we give appropriate response. Both the DGs had their meeting in Delhi and met me and the Home Minister.

They had signed some protocol. We hope that the protocol is followed," he added. Indian troops guarding the border retaliated effectively to the unprovoked firing by Pakistani troops. No casualty has been reported as of now. 3

ANI New Delhi, Sep16: Delhi BJP leader Satish Upadhyay on Wednesday asked Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as to why his government had not spent money on educating the public about ways to prevent the spread of dengue. "The AAP Govern-

added. Replying to a question on what action has been taken by the Delhi Government over the death of dengue patients, he said, "We will take action, but let's be optimistic and hope that there will be no such death of patients due to lack of infrastructure in hospitals." Sixyear-old Aman, died on

in building his image only.

It is a very sad and terrible situation in government hospitals. Chief Minister Kejriwal visits hospitals only for photo ops."

"It is the strategy of the Aam Aadmi Party, if it fails, immediately the blame will be transferred to others," he added. Ear-

lier, the Delhi Government had launched a helpline number 011-23307145 to assist dengue patients. The Centre has asked the Delhi Government to increase bed strength in hospitals and to initiate action against private hospitals that were overcharging patients.

ANI New Delhi, Sep16: Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Wednesday said the Election Commission should take a final call on whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' should be banned till the Bihar assembly polls are on. "During the election campaign, when the Code of Conduct is in operation, there are restrictions on everybody else. But whether that applies to the Prime Minister or not, it is for the Election Commission to take a final call," Yechury told here."If this medium is used for election propaganda then it will definitely be a violation," Yechury added. Prime Minister Modi has urged people to record voice messages for his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme. The next edition of the programme will be broadcast this Sunday.

One person arrested for providing explosives for Jhabua blast ANI Jhabua, Sep16: Madhya Pradesh Police on Wednesday arrested one person from the Badnawar of the state's Dhar District for allegedly providing explosives to Rajendra Kasawa, the main accused in the explosion which took place in the Petlawad area of Jhabua District on Saturday. The arrested person has been identified as Dharmendra Rathore.

Earlier, Kasawa's wife, son and daughter were released by the police after being interrogated in connection with the Jhabua blast incident.

Explosives were found in a godown owned by Kasawa, who is absconding since the explosion. The Government of Madhya Pradesh has appointed a one-member commission to probe the Petlawad incident. At least 89 people were killed and nearly 100 injured in the explosion.

Lipika calls me 'sweetheart' but files attempt to murder case: Somnath Bharti ANI New Delhi, Sep 16: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Somnath Bharti on Wednesday rubbished the domestic violence case filed against him by his wife Lipika Mitra, saying he has audio and documentary evidence that would

Private hospitals told not to refuse serious patients' admission, says Delhi Govt.

ANI New Delhi, Sep16: The Delhi Government on Wednesday said that it has instructed all private hospitals not to refuse serious patients' admission. "Private hospitals have been given clear instructions to not refuse admission of serious patients. And if they don't have adequate infrastructure, then the hospital needs to stabilize the patient before sending the patient to another hospital," Delhi's Health Minister Satyendra Jain told here. "We have observed a genuine problem common in all the hospitals that they do not have adequate capacity to admit patients, so we have increased the number of beds in the hospitals. Total around 50,000 beds are now available in the hospitals in Delhi," Jain

ment failed to do any work. Instead of doing work, he (Kejriwal) blames others to save his image," Upadhyay claimed. Upadhyay told, "The Delhi CM did not spend a single penny on educating people about the preventions taken on dengue. He has spent money

EC will take call on banning PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat',says CPI(M)

Sunday, after allegedly being denied admission by various hospitals including the governmentrun Safdarjung Hospital.

This is the second case in less then a week after seven-year-old Avinash died of dengue after his desperate parents went from hospital to hospital for his treatment.

reveal the actual truth.

"The allegation of attempt to murder has been put on me by the lady, who says "sweet heart when you will come home, I will take care of you" in an SMS. This SMS was sent to me by her (Lipika Mitra) on February 25, 2015.

Can you imagine a wife calling her husband in such a way who is trying to murder her?" asked Bharti. "I have audio and documentary evidence which will bring out the truth and prove that all the allegations against me are false," he added. Bharti

further said that he was not hiding and was only attempting to save himself from a Delhi Police that was acting on the orders of the Centre.

"The police, interrogating my legal clients and supporters, have even admitted that they have come on the orders of

Interlinking of Godavari and Krishna rivers to take place today ANI Vijayawada, Sep16: The interlinking of the Rivers Godavari and Krishna will take place today in Andhra Pradesh.

According to reports, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will release the waters of the River Godavari into the waters of the River Krishna at Ibrahimpatnam village, which is located about 20-kilometers from Vijayawada. A prayer and the inauguration of a pylon are scheduled to be held before the waters of the two rivers are joined. About 80 TMCs of water from the River Godavari would flow into the River Krishna. Naidu

will also address farmers at a public meeting on the occasion. The Andhra Pradesh Government plans to divert the waters to the drought-prone Rayalaseema region through the Srisailam

has said that following the interlinking of the two rivers, it plans to speed up construction-related work on the Polavaram Dam works and has set March 2018 as the deadline for achieving this goal. It has said that the point where

reservoir that is located on the River Krishna.

The state government

the two rivers join would be developed into a spiritual and tourism centre.

the Union Home Ministry.

I even heard that the ATS (Anti-Terrorist Squad) came looking for me. Do you think I am a terrorist? "Bharti added. The AAP MLA has been served with a non-bailable warrant for domestic violence and an attempt to murder by his wife.

US Democrats reject second bid to stop nuclear accord deal with Iran ANI London, Sep 16: US Democrats have rejected a second bid to stop PresidentBarack Obama's nuclear accord with Iran, paving the way for its implementation, while Republicans refused to end the debate on the issue. Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell called the Iran nuclear deal "one of the most consequential foreign policy issues of our time."

Last week, the Republicans fell two votes shy of reaching the required count and were hopeful on Tuesday that the two Democrats would change their votes under pressure from constituents opposed to the deal. The landmark accord was struck between the US, Iran and five world powers in July.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

NEIGHBOURS

Ansari underlines need for exploiting potential of Indo-Cambodian trade (ANI) Phnom Penh, Sep 16: Vice-President Hamid Ansari has lauded the friendship between India and Cambodia, while underlining the vast potential for both economic and defence cooperation between them.

Stating that the glorious past and shared cultural ties between both the countries creates a strong platform for cooperation in the future, Ansari pointed out that despite extremely cordial political relations and diverse areas of cooperation, bilateral trade and investments between the two Asian nations remained much below potential. He, however, hailed Cambodia for maintaining a growth of seven per cent over the past few years. "As a part of our initiatives, India has recently set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to attract Indian investments to Cambodia and other CLMV (Cambodia-LaosMyanmar-Vietnam) countries. We hope to launch this new initiative soon, and I am confident, that in the near future, more Indian companies will explore the investment opportunities here," said Ansari, while addressing the Cambodian Council of Ministers here. Hailing India's partnership with Cambodia in capacity building as well as several train-

Sharif announces Rs. 341 bn relief package for Pakistan farmers (ANI) Karachi, Sep16: Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced a relief package of Rs. 341 billion to revive the nation's farm sector amid unfavorable weather conditions and falling incomes of farmers. The package provides a direct benefit of Rs. 147 billion to small farmers across the country whereas an additional loan of Rs. 194 billion will be available to the agriculture sector.

The package provides a direct benefit of Rs. 147 billion to small farmers across the country whereas an additional loan of Rs. 194 billion will be available to the agriculture sector. Sharif said, addressing a farmers' convention at the Jinnah Convention Centre that the government had decided to provide a cash support of Rs. 5,000 with immediate effect to the growers of cotton and rice as a direct relief.

Afghan Taliban claims end of post Mullah Omar succession dispute (ANI) Karachi, Sep 16: Afghan Taliban has finally put an end to the succession dispute after the family of their former chief Mullah Omar, pledged allegiance to the new supremo Mullah Akhtar Mansour.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced the development that shows Mullah Mansour has consolidated his status as the group's chief. The end to the succession dispute also paves way for reconciliation talks between the Afghan Government and the Taliban that had been stalled since July.

Analysts said that it was a coincidence that the announcement came on a day when both British and American special envoys for Afghanistan and Pakistan were here to discuss the Afghan peace process.

ing and educational programmes, Ansari said both nations on Thursday had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance tourism and to give a boost to tourists' exchange. He also conveyed to Prime Minister Hun Sen, India's decision to support several projects under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation programme targeting the health sector, agriculture and women's empowerment for the benefit of local com-

PAGE 7

munities and improvement of public welfare. Ansari also pointed to India's enhanced engagement in the East, while highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Act East Policy' - a shift from earlier 'Look East Policy'. "The current economic relationship between India and ASEAN countries presents a multitude of industrial, commercial, and investment opportunities.

India has welcomed ASEAN's plans to establish

economic and political relationships with neighbouring nations, while India and ASEAN have increasingly supported bilateral trade, promoted foreign investment, and strengthened diplomatic relations," he said, adding the CLMV countries are of particular interest to India as these countries include some of the fastest growing economies in the region and are primarily agrarian, and have enjoyed certain degree of

macroeconomic stability in recent years, with vast potential for future development. Highlighting that there is a good scope for sharing experiences for mutual benefit between the two countries, Ansari said agriculture and agro processing sector, mining, oil and gas and small and medium enterprises offered opportunities for trade and investment

by Indian business houses and India's endeavor would be to encourage various companies and businesses to explore the emerging opportunities in these areas.

"For this, we look forward to support not only from Government of Cambodia but businesses here," he added. Stating that the spreading tide of extremism and terrorism is a threat that both countries face, Ansari said successfully dealing with such threats required strong cooperation among like-minded partners and that both nations had taken some steps to institutionalise cooperation in the area and would continue to pursue more regular exchanges between their security personnel.

"We look forward to Cambodia's strong support in building bridges and deepening of our relationship with the entire region," he said.

India, Cambodia ink two pacts to boost bilateral cooperation in tourism, healthcare and agriculture

(ANI) Cambodia, Sep16: India and Cambodia on Wednesday inked two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to boost bilateral cooperation in tourism, healthcare, agriculture and women empowerment (through information and communication technology) under the Quick Impact Projects Initiative. The agreements were signed at the Peace Palace in the presence of Indian Vice President M.Hamid Ansari and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Aka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. Vice President Ansari received a ceremonial reception at the Peace Palace.

Ansari and Hun Sen also

held bilateral talks on issues of mutual interest to India and Cambodia. Addressing the Cambodian Council of Ministers later in the day along with Deputy Prime Minister Sok An, Vice President Ansari said, "We have enhanced our cooperation with Cambodia under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Initiative". "In the meeting on Wednesday with Prime Minister Hun Sen, I have conveyed the decision of the Government of India to support several projects under Mekong-Ganga Cooperation programme targeting the health sector, agriculture and women's empowerment. We hope that these projects would

benefit local communities, and contribute to improvement of public welfare," he added. Deputy Prime Minister Sok An said the people of Cambodia can visit the various Buddhist sites inIndia.

Vice President Ansari will also visit the famous Angkor Wat Temple on Thursday. Ansari said, "The temples of Angkor are a reflection of our shared cultural heritage. We are very proud of our association in the restoration of the historical heritage of Angkor Wat temple complex as well as other sites. We have recently completed a major restoration project at Ta Prohm Temples and look forward to starting a new phase of restoration there soon."

Chinese archaeologists found more than 1,800 ancient cliff paintings

Police in Nepal fired rubber bullets killing four people including a four-year-old boy

Beijing, Sep 16: Chinese archaeologists have found more than 1,800 ancient cliff paintings in northeast China's Heilongjiang province. The works, the first of which was discovered in 2012, were painted by primitive hunters who inhabited Dahinggan Mountains at least thousands of years ago, Xinhua news agency quoted Zhang Wei, director of the provincial institute of cultural relics and archaeology as saying on Tuesday. The paintings are scattered across 31 sites spread out over 167,000 square kms. They include images of humans and animals. The humans are shown on their own or in groups, with some wearing feather head dresses. Among the depicted animals are wolves, dogs, horses, boars, deer, tigers and birds, as well as an s-shaped creature with four horns, which the researchers speculated may be a dragon. It is believed the hunters drew the patterns with their bare hands, using mixed pigments, in the warm season. The researchers said the findings will help with studies of the culture of early humans.(Agencies)

Nepal, Sep 16: Police in Nepal fired rubber bullets into a crowd of demonstrators killing four people including a four-year-old boy, officials said on Wednesday, the latest in a series of clashes over a plan to set up a federal system. More than 40 people, most of them protesters, have been killed since a draft of a new constitution was presented in August, with members of minority groups in the southern plains rejecting the plan that would divide their homeland. Proponents of the long-awaited charter, which could be made into law as early as Sunday, say it will bring much-needed political and economic stability to a nation recovering from years of civil war and, more recently, two devastating earthquakes. But fierce opposition continues to the plan, which would set up a federal system that would break up a belt of the southern plains, known as the

Terai, and merge it into larger provinces with other ethnic groups. Protesters in the southern district of Rupandehi threw stones and petrol bombs at a convoy of trucks being escorted by police on

Tuesday evening, said chief district officer Bishnu Prasad Dhakal.

"The police fired tear gas to try and disperse the crowd, but were unsuccessful. Then they resorted to rubber bullets,"

said Dhakal. He said no live bullets were used. A four year old boy was killed in the clash and three protesters later died of their injuries, he said.

Five protesters and 20 police were injured. An offi-

cial at Universal Medical College, who declined to be identified, confirmed five civilians were undergoing treatment for bullet wounds in the hospital, but declined to say whether the wounds were inflicted by live or rubber bullets. The United States and India have both called for security forces to exercise restraint in responding to the protests. This week, lawmakers have met in the capital, Kathmandu, to vote on each clause of the draft constitution, including one that was rejected on Monday that proposed to make Nepal a Hindu state. If the document is endorsed by a two-thirds majority of the legislature, the president could enact the constitution as early as Sunday. The government invited protest leaders from the Terai to Kathmandu for talks last week, but the agitating groups have rejected the overtures.

Malaysia's ruling party supporters ral- Pak Senate chief warns against another military takeover lied to support the embattled government Kuala Lumpur, Sep 16: Thousands of Malaysia's ruling party supporters rallied on Wednesday to support the embattled government of Prime Minister Najib Razak following calls for the resignation of the premier over a USD 700 million scandal. The rally carried out by supporters of United Malay National Organisation or UMNO. UMNO is a compo-

nent of the ruling Barisan coalition party. The other two main components are Malaysian Chinese Association and the ethnic Indian Malaysian Indian Congress. UMNO is the majority party comprising Malays who are all Muslims.

The rally was organized by members of UMNO in response to a two-day massive anti-government gath-

ering last month calling for Najib's resignation over the financial scandal. The rally was organised by a band of NGOs under the banner Bersih which means 'Clean'.

Police has declared that this rally is legal but said a few areas dominated by Chinese business interests were off limit. Najib, 61, had said that he would not stop UMNO members from attending the

rally. The rally has come under critics from opposition parties, a few UMNO members and former premier Mahathir Mohammad. Hundreds of young ethnic Malay men wearing UMNO red tee-shirts marched the streets with some carrying banners and shouting slogans such as "Long live the Malays". UMNO has governed multi-ethnic Malaysia since its independence 58 years, reserving economic and other advantages for Muslim Malays, much to the dismay ethnic Chinese and Indian minorities living here. The demonstrators have promised that the rally would be peaceful. The antigovernment rally last month was held after a foreign publication released documents showing that USD 700 million had been deposited in premier Najib's accounts from a state fund.

Najib has denied the charges and the country's anti-graft body has cleared him of the charges. His government has called them "political donations" from Middle Eastern sources but has refused to give details.

(Agencies)

Islamabad, Sep 16: Pakistan's Senate chief has warned that constitutional checks to prevent yet another military takeover have become redundant in the country which has seen army rule for nearly half of its 68 years of independence. Raza Rabbani was winding up the debate in the upper house to commemorate the International Day of Democracy on Tuesday.

Opposition leaders had raised fears of increasing disconnect between the powerful military and the government. In the past, the army had toppled the civilian government four times to directly rule the country and the military interventions continued despite Article 6 of the 1973 constitution which criminalises the abrogation of the constitution by declaring it as "high treason", which is punishable with death."I believe that Article 6 has become redundant. Our weaknesses have made it redundant.

In my eyes, no constitutional clause can protect democracy," Rabbani

said. He said that only people of the country can stop the army from seizing power."Only the people can protect democracy provided they are given ownership of the system," he observed adding that Pakistan could not afford another military intervention. "No system other than democracy can keep the federation intact keeping in view the country's internal and

external situation," he said. The last military ruler Pervez Musharraf took over in 1999 but was forced to resign in 2008. A case of high treason was filed against him in 2013 but due to pressure from the army, it has been effectively abandoned though the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has refused to allow Musharraf to go abroad. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Modernise Indian Railways Japan and Google to Revamp Indian railways The Indian railway is all set for a complete transformation over the next five years. Japan the country known for its immense technological strides has set the ball rolling for revamping the Indian Railways network with a whooping 140 billion dollar investment to improvise the existing infrastructure. Nearly 400 stations have been listed in the modernisation project of the Indian public transporter network. Japan will also provide its expertise in solving problems of sanitation including the development of waterless, odourless toilets in trains and stations. They have also agreed to assist Indian Railways in the zero-accident mission and development of a legal and regulatory framework on high speed railway.

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu visited Japan to discuss the modernisation and technology upgrade project with the Japanese Prime Miniter Shinzo Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso. Prabhu and had also held meetings with heads of leading financial institutions to highlight the investment prospects in railways in the coming years. Whereas Japanese delegation will soon visit India to study the opportunities for industries in the railway station development. Railways research wing - Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO), will sign an MoU with Railway Technical Research Institute of Japan to carry out research work on acquiring modern technology for the public transporter, as per the finalisation of the action plan. Railways has chalked out a plan to investment $140 billion in infrastructure upgradation in the next five years.

The tech giant Google also decided to partner with the Indian Railways for 'Project Nilgiri' and is set to bring in free Wifi access across 400 stations in India.

For this service Google Fiber will too be making its way to India. The Google Fiber is popularly known to provide fast broadband in the USA. The services aims at providing seamless network connectivity in select railway Stations across India. In the first phase of the project WiFi hotspots will be set up across India over a span of 4 months. Passengers will be able to access the WiFi after a mobile verification and a one-time password sent over SMS. There will be 34 minutes of uninterrupted service after which the speed will reduce but the connectivity will remain. The future of the Indian railways infrastructure looks rosy with the current plans of technological advancement. For any of this to be a reality we need to be more conscious about indiscriminately littering railway tracks and stations.

Assam records best Assam recorded the lowest number of deaths caused by potholes Hundreds of lives are lost every year across the country due to accidents caused by unmarked open manholes. Neither the metropolitan cities nor the small towns or suburban areas are spared from this.

Despite the increase in death toll little has been done by the concerned authorities to prevent such mishaps. Unmarked open drains and manholes have become a major worry for pedestrians and car drivers. In Kanpur for instance, several such incidents have occurred but the Kanpur Nagar Nigam is left unfazed. As it is failing to learn from these mistakes, manholes continue to remain uncovered and unmarked and precious lives continue to be lost. A survey has revealed the existence of several unmarked open manholes around the city. While the authorities shrug off their responsibility, it is the locals who take the initiative to place some kind of signs like a bamboo stick to alert road users. Such open manholes have been found in areas like Jarib Chowki, Gwaltoli, Govind Nagar, Lal Bangla, Shivkatra to name a few. If they are dangerous during the morning hours, they can be deadly as night sets in, especially when a car or two-wheeler travels at speed. In Mumbai, civic authorities claim that manhole covers get stolen frequently. Often these thefts go unnoticed and accidents occur because they are left unmarked. Efforts to prevent such thefts have been in vain. In the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials often leave the manholes partly open to allow rain water to recede to prevent water logging. This is despite the fact that opening manholes for purposes other than sewerage work is unauthorised. Indeed during the monsoon season, unmarked manholes guarantee accidents. Due to water logging, the open manholes cannot be detected and the unsuspecting pedestrians fall into them. In 2011, Maharashtra recorded the highest number of deaths with 451 caused by falling into open and unmarked pits or manholes. Similar accidents were reported from most states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi, with the exception of the north-eastern states of Manipur, Sikkim, Tripura and Nagaland. As per the reports of the National Crime records Bureau (NCRB), in 2011, 1843 lives were lost due to falls into unmarked open manholes. The figures reveal the severity of the situation.

But luckily our Assam recorded the lowest number of deaths caused by potholes, speed breakers and humps on roads among all states in India in 2014.

Citing the "Road Accident Report 2014" published by the union ministry of road transport and highways, the state government statement said Assam recorded only 43 deaths caused by potholes, speed breakers and humps on roads. Karnataka (970), Madhya Pradesh (915), Bihar (867), Tamil Nadu (636), West Bengal (375), Maharashtra (368), Gujarat (280) and Andhra Pradesh (216) recorded a high number of deaths on these counts, according to the report. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said in the statement that the improvement in surface communication, road safety measures and streamlining of traffic management have led to a steep fall in the number of fatalities on roadsThe report has established the fact that Assam's roads are in better condition compared to big states. Our emphasis has been all along on building the road infrastructure as the roads constitute the lifelines of the state and help in economic transformation. But at the same time especially NH 37 from Nagaon to Dibrugarh, continue to give a harrowing experience to a commuter owing to potholes.

Assam on the Boil Again, this Time Over Hindu Migrants from Bangladesh- Part II ? ......Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty

The political angle Counter-intuitively, some political experts see the latest move by the Modi government as a strategy to better the prospects of BJP in Assam. In recent years, the party's popularity has steadily risen in the state, culminating in it winning of seven of the 14 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, and the sweeping of the civic polls held this February. However, it still has to keep an eye on the poll mathematics in view of next year's Assam elections.

A post-Lok Sabha poll survey in Assam showed that the BJP commanded 63% of votes from Assamese Hindus through its stand against Bangladeshi (Muslim) migrants. The survey also revealed that 62%of Bengalispeaking Hindus also voted for the BJP in that election.

With Assembly polls on the anvil, the party has two apparent fears. One, that organisations representing the DBH community have already threatened the party that if it doesn't solve the issue of Bangladeshi Hindu immigrants - some of whom are in detention camps after being identified as undocumented - the community will not vote for it in the 2016 elections.

Two, the BJP fears that many from its Bengali Hindu voter base of 2014

might not be able to vote in 2016, because the recently carried out update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) 1951 might have declared them 'D-voter'-doubtful voter - in the absence of their ability to produce one of the 14 documents needed to prove citizenship. The notification can allay both the fears at one go.

However, AASU's Bhattacharya terms the notification "a betrayal of the hopes of Assamese people" by the Prime Minister himself. He further warns, "People voted for BJP in the last Lok Sabha elections because Modi promised to flush out illegal Bangladeshis during his campaign trail in Assam. If the BJP now decides to tweak the core clause of the Accord to grant citizenship to the Hindu Bangladeshis living in Assam, those votes by the ethnic Assamese to the party will vanish as quickly as they came."

'No place to go back' Das, whose organisation represents the DBHs, says that they tried to convey the community's fear of religious persecution if pushed backed to Bangladesh to the AASU leaders quite a few times but they refused to budge from their position. He also alleges that during the NRC update many bona fide Bengali Hindus resid-

Bandha supporters stage protest by burning tyres during 12 hours Assam Bandh called by AJYCP with other local organizations protesting against Union Government’s decision to grant entry and stay rights to Hindu migrants who have fled from Bangladesh and Pakistan owing to religious persecution in Nalbari. Pic - UB Photos ing in the state from be- family's name is there in daughters are in the fore March, 1971 were the 1969 list, has never- Kokrajhar jail." classified as illegal immi- theless been declared an Bhattacharjee refutes grants. illegal Bangladeshi and the allegation of harassHe says, "There is a has been kept in the ment meted out to Bengali lot of harassment going Kokrajhar jail. So is Dilip Hindus during the NRC on. I can name some Biswas, a former MLA update. "This harassment people who have been kept from Morigaon district, story is baseless. It is bein detention camps. One and his family. While he ing made by those who Bengali Hindu, Namita is in the Goalpara jail, his don't have any document Chaudhury, whose wife and two young to prove their Indian citizenship and want to enter the updated NRC somehow. The NRC lists 14 documents to prove that you came to Assam before March 1, 1971. A person has to show only one of the 14 documents. If you don't have any one of them, then obviously you are a 'Doubtful Voter'." Explaining the process of identifying undocumented migrants further, he says, "There is a two-tier judicial system in place to stop harassment of genuine people. Once the police detect a suspected illegal Bangladeshi, the case is placed before one of the tribunals. If that tribunal, after checking the documents, and hearing the person, also declares him/her a foreigner, he/she can approach the Guwahati High Court. So there are enough checks and balances."

Das, an advocate at the Guwahati High Court who has been fighting cases of Bengali Hindus declared D-voters by the tribunals, counters this, saying, "There are many Bengali-speaking Hindus who were poor then, also not very aware that they Security personnel deployed on the street during 12 hours Assam Bandh called by AJYCP with other local should include their organizations protesting against Union Government’s decision to grant entry and stay rights to Hindu migrants names in the voters' list who have fled from Bangladesh and Pakistan owing to religious persecution in Jorhat. Pic - UB Photos even though they came to

Assam before 1971. There should be a provision to verify the existence of such families with their neighbours."

On August 22, Das's organisation held a press meet in Guwahati stating a plan to soon file a petition in the SC to seek changes in the NRC guidelines. This March, AASU and the 26 organisations representing different ethnic groups of Assam decided to oppose any bid by Bangladeshi migrants both Hindus and Muslims to enter their names in the NRC without producing one of the 14 documents.

Confrontation ahead While AASU and other bodies are planning to up the ante on their protests, the NBBUSS and organisations representing Displaced Bengali Hindus are themselves planning to take to the streets. According to Das, they met BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav during his visit to Assam this August and conveyed to him that they want changes in four Acts - the Immigrants Expulsions from Assam Act, 1950, the Passport Act, the Foreigner's Rules, 1964, and the Foreigners Act, 1946, so that Hindus from Bangladesh can become Indian citizens.

"We want an Ordinance to be brought in this regard; he has assured us that it will be done." Das says if the ruling BJP doesn't bring in an Ordinance as per its promise within a month's time, "we will take out mass rallies in Guwahati and New Delhi."

Their threats seem to have had some effect, as evident from Ram Madhav's commentwhich followed the notification that the Tarun Gogoi government should now set free all the Bengali-speaking Hindus kept in the State's detention camps (held there because India has no extradition treaty with Bangladesh).

Naturally, this has further provoked organisation such as AASU. Their leader Bhattacharya states, "We are planning bigger protests across Assam against the notification and will be joined by all the ethnic organisations." The movement has received a fillip after Asom Gana Parishad leader Prafulla Mahanta, a signatory of the Assam Accord, stated at a press meet on September 10 to soon meet all those involved in Assam agitation "to draw a road map for the future course of action." Any way you look at it, Assam's cauldron of ethnic strife is set to boil over again.

End

Hapless Consumers of Electricity Sir, In our early days in the High school, an examinee in the H.S.L.C examination fell unconscious after seeing the question paper of a particular subject. Similar phenomenon is about to befall on the hapless consumers of electricity. So adroitly, the Assam power Distribution company Ltd. (Erstwhile ASEB) is preparing the bills, increasing amount by degrees that an expert committee may find out the mystery behind. The bills of the last month ending September 2, on a perusal, will speak volume of the grievances of most of the consumers. The date on while, I made the payment, all the customers thronging to make payment in the office were unanimous that some wrongs or mystery must have been there. I even went to the S.D.O. in charge of H.S. Road office, Dibrugarh.

The officer noted my address and assured me that he would soon send experts to verify the 'Meter-Box'.

But till this date, nobody turns up. If the trend of gradual increase in the bill keeps galloping, time is

not far, the fate of some consumers will be similar to that examinee, who may fall down unconscious after seeing the amount of the bill. Will the said company clarify why the bill-amount is galloping?

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing.

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Page 9

Job & Career

Faculty posts vacant at Janata College, Kokrajhar, BTAD, (Assam)

Asst. Professor posts vacant at P.B. College, Gauripur, Dhubri, Assam

Applications with all testimonials duly attested by the competent authority from HSLC or other equivalent examinations onwards are invited for the following vacant Sanctioned Posts at Janata College, Serfanguri from the intending qualified candidates having the latest UGC norms with NET/SLET/SET and Ph.D Degree in accordance with the UGC standards and procedure for Award of Ph.D Degree Regulation, 2009 in lieu of NET/SLET/SET in the UGC scale of pay and other allowances as per rule as admissible from time to time. Candidates having M.Phil Degree on or before 10.07.2009 can also apply.

The upper age limit of the candidates should not be more than 38 years as on 01/01/2015 and relaxable up to 5 (five) years for SC/ST candidates.

Candidates having M.Phil/Ph.D Degree from off Campus need not apply. Candidates having the knowledge of local language and from the BTAD area would be considered preferable.

The complete set of application accompanied by a Demand Draft of Rs. 1000/ - One thousand) only drawn in favour of the Principal, Janata College, Serfanguri payable at SBI, Kokrajhar Main Branch, Kokrajhar must reach the following signed address within 15 daysfrom the date of this advertisement.

1) Assistant Professor. Assamese -1 (One) post. B - Group (Language) Un Reserved as per Roster Point No. 23.

2) Assistant Professor : Bodo -1 (One) Post. Preferably language Group. - Un Reserved as per Roster Point.-24.

Application with all testimonials from HSLC onwards accompanied by Bank Draft of Rs. 1500/- drawn in favour of Principal i/c & Secretary, P.B. College, Gauripur payable at UCO Bank, Gauripur are invited for the following post from Candidates having UGC norms with NET/SLET/SET (Candidates obtaining M. Phil Degree on or before 10.07.2009 may also apply) Ph.D. Degree in accordance with the UGC standards and procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degree Regulation, 2009 in lieu of NET/SLET/SET in UGC Scale of Pay and other allowances within 3 days of this advertisement.

Age of candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01-01-2015 and relaxable upto 5 years for SC/ST candidates.

Candidates having M.Phil/ Ph.D degree from off campus centre need not apply.

The candidates must have a Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) and must know local languages.

1. Assistant Professor - Political Science - 01 (one) Post, Un-Reserved (As per Roster Point No. 38)

Sd/- Dr. S. Basumatary Principal/Secretary, Janata College, Serfanguri P.O.- Serfanguri, Kokrajhar, BTAD, (Assam).

Required one Director in JSS Kamrup. Ratnagiri Path, Bamunimaidam, Guwahati (Assam) We are leading Voluntary Agency Sponsored by Ministry of Human Resource Development of School Education & Literacy, Govt. Of India working in the field of literacy linked vocational skill Development training to non literate, neoliterate & rudimentary level of education.

We are looking for a dynamic person as head of the organization as Director.

Essential: 1. Minimum Second class Master Degree from a recognized University/Institution or Equivalent.

2. 7 Year experience in a supervisory capacity preferably, but not necessarily in the field of Education of Social Science.

3. Working knowledge in the local Language.

Desirable: 1. Experience in administration/ Management.

2. Experience in leading a team.

3. Experience in heading an organization.

4. Experience in guiding, Conducting of research or evaluation.

Age: Not exceeding 55 years on the last date of receipt of application.

Emoluments: Consolidated Emolument of Rs. 25, 000/ per month.

Contract: The position shall be field on contract of transfer or deputation for period ordinals not exceeding 5 years out of which first year will be the probation period.

Interested person may send their complete application to undersign within 20 days after the date of appearance of the advertisement.

Sd/- (G.K. Das) Principal i/c P.B. College, Gauripur P.O. Gauripur, PIN: 783331 Dist: Dhubri, Assam

Rangia Municipal Recruitment for the post of Junior Engineer & Accountant, Assam Rangia Municipal Recruitment 2015, Junior Engineer & Accountant No. E/II/29/2015-16/4486 Dated: 25.08.15 Rangia Municipal Board invites applications from citizen of India for engagement on contractual basis for the post of Junior Engineer and Accountant for a period of initial six months which may be extended from time to time.

1. Junior Engineer (Civil): 01 No. (Retired Person) Qualification: Candidates must have 3 years Diploma in Civil Engineering degree from a recognized University or Institute approved by AICTE & should be a retired employee of any Govt. or semi Govt. organization. Remuneration: Rs. 8,000.00 (Eight Thousand) per Month.

2. Accountant (B.Com in Accountancy): 01 No. Qualification: Candidates must have 50% marks from HSLC/HSSLC upto Bachelor Degree in Commerce with major in Accountancy from the SEBA/Board/ Recognised University; Also Candidates must have minimum 1 years experience in accounts and finance related works.

Additional Qualification: Computer Knowledge in Tally.

Remuneration: Rs. 10,000.00 (Ten Thousand) per Month.

Age: 21 years to 38ears as on 01.01.2015.

The upper age is relexable by 5 years in case of SC/ST candidates.

How to apply: Interested and eligible candidates may apply in prescribed Assam Gazette (Part IX) Standard Form of application along with all the attested copies of Certificates,Marks-sheets etc. should reach office of the undersigned within the stipulated time.

Terms & Condition: 1. No application will be accepted after the last date of receipt of application.

2. Candidates who are already working and having the requisite qualification can apply through proper channel.

The Chairperson.

JSS Kamrup. Ratnagiri Path.

Bamunimaidam.

Guwahati-21

Applications are invited for various job posts at Lakhimpur PGT College, Lakhimpur, Assam Applications with all testimonials from HSLC onwards along with bank draft of Rs. 500/- drawn in favour of the Principal, Lakhimpur Post Graduate Training College, payable at North Lakhimpur are invited for the following posts from candidates having NCTE Norms 2014. State Govt. scale of pay shall be applicable for all the posts.

Applications will be received within 10 days from the date of publication of the advertisement.

Post: Asstt. Professor/ Lecturer Education - 03 English - 01 Physical Science - 01 Social Science - 01 Health and Physical Education - 01 Performing Art - 01 Post : Librarian - 01 Post : Lab. Asstt. - 01 Post : Grade IV - 01 Sd/- (Rukma Gohain Baruah) Principal Lakhimpur PGT College Lakhimpur, Assam

Appointment for various teaching positions at A.D.P. College, Nagaon (Assam) Application with all testimonials from HSLC onwards accompanied by Bank Draft of Rs. 700/- for ST(P)/ OBC/ MOBC and Rs. 1000/- for General drawn in favour of Principal ADP College, at Nagaon are invited for following posts from candidates having UGC norms with NET/SLET/SET (Candidates obtaining M.Phil. Degree on or before 10.07.2009 may also apply) Ph.D. Degree in accordance with the UGC minimum standards and procedure for Award of Ph.D. Degree Regulation, 2009 in lieu of NET/SLET/ SET in UGC scale of pay and other allowances.

Age of candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01-01-2015 and relax able upto 5 years for ST candidates.

Candidates having M.Phil/Ph.D. Degree from off campus centre need not apply.

Applications will be received within 10 days from the date of the advertisement.

Post : Assistant Professor Subject : Botany. No. of post: One post.

Category : Reserved for ST(P).

Date of Interview : 30.09.2015 at 10.00 am.

Post : Assistant Professor Subject : Physics.

No. of post: One post.

Category : Reserved for OBC/MOBC. Date of Interview: 30.09.2015 at 2.00 pm.

Post : Assistant Professor Subject : Arabic.

No. of post: One post.

Category :Unreserved.

Date of Interview : 01.10.2015.

Sd/- Dr. S.U. Ahmed, Principal, A.D.P. College, Nagaon.

Sd/- Executive Officer Rangia Municipal Board

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

1).Which of the following sport activity has been planned to host at Beijing in 2022?

Answer: Winter Olympics, Paralympics 2).World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed on_________.

Answer: July 30 3).Himalayan Peak 5260 has been renamed after mountaineer _________.

Answer: Nalini Sengupta 4).What is the capital of Republic of Guinea?

Answer: Conakry 5).Creta is a car which was launched by_______.

Answer: Hyundai 6).Central Government has planned to put ______ more as capital infusion in public sector banks.

Answer: Rs. 25,000 crore 7).Bibek Debroy Committee is related to which of the following sector?

Answer: Restructuring of Indian Railways 8).Which of the following state has announced the Youth Award in the name of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam?

Answer: Tamil nadu 9).Maharashtra government has announced has planned to construct express way between Nagpur and Mumbai which is has the total distance of _______.

Answer: 800 km 10).Indra Dhanush is a military exercise which was conducted between _________.

Answer: India and England 11).Which among the following country has decided to renovate the temples that destroyed in Nepal Earthquake Answer: Sri Lanka 12).Joshna Chinna is related to which of the following sports?

Answer: Squash 13)."Right To Be Forgotten" is related to which of the following company?

Answer: Google 14).Which of the following has designed the India's first Harbor Defense System commissioned in Kochi?

Answer: Israel Aerospace Industries 15).What is the name of the boundary line between Europe and Asia?

Answer: Bosphorus Strait 16).India is set to deploy its first world-class RIS. Here RIS stands for- Radiology ________ System.

Answer: Information 17).Consumer Protection Bill, 2015 will replace Consumer Protection Bill_______.

Answer: 1986 18).Rosneft is an Oil company which has is origin from ________.

Answer: Russia 19).Rajat Chauhan is related to which of the following sports?

Answer: Archery 20).Which of the following automobile company has bagged high mobility vehicle (LMV) contract of Rs. 914 crore from the Indian Army?

Answer: Tata Motors 21).Which of the following state has launched- "Thari Pension Thare Pass" project?

Answer: Haryana 22).For the first time National Bank of ______ socks has plunged nearly 30%.

Answer: Greece 23).India has recently won a patent war against _______ for the use turmeric, pine bark and tea.

Answer: Pangaea Laboratories 24).Dipa Karmakar is related to which of the follow-

ing sports?

Answer: Gymnastics 25).India is hosting the second edition meeting of FIPIC on 21st August. Here FIPIC stands for- Forum for India-__________ Islands Cooperation.

Answer: Pacific 26).Lynn Anderson was a famous American ______ has passed away recently.

Answer: Singer 27).Which of the following country has banned some newspapers as they criticized its nuclear deal?

Answer: Iran 28).Who is the Union Minister of Labour and Employment?

Answer: Bandaru Dattatreya 29).Which among the following company has acquired YTS Solutions?

Answer: Airtel 30).Which of the following country has grounded its fleet of Anti-Armor Attack Helicopter Mi 28?

Answer: Russia 31). First Indo-UK Air Exercise Indradhanush was conducted in which year?

Answer: 2007 32). Which of the following country has recently joined as the member of The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)?

Answer: Pakistan 33). Bharat Mala project is related to which of the following sectors?

Answer: Road Network 34). Aadi Perukku festival is celebrated in which of the following state?

Answer: Tamil Nadu 35). Project Insight is related to which of the following departments?

Answer: Finance Ministry 36). Indian Government has signed a peace accord with which of the following or-

ganization?

Answer: National Socialist Council of Nagaland 37). World Archery Championship has being held at________.

Answer: Copenhagen 38). Who among the following has won India's firstever individual medal in the World Archery Championship?

Answer: Rajat Chauhan 39). Who is the winner of Gold Medal at the Special Olympics World Games?

Answer: Ranveer Singh Saini 40). 2nd Forum for India Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) will be hosed at________.

Answer: India 41). Multi-Application Solar Telescope (MAST) is the Asia's Biggest Telescope which was recently inaugurated at__________.

Answer: Rajasthan 42).Name the Mathematician who won the Ramanujan Prize 2015?

Answer: Dr. Amalendu Krishna 43)."Thari Pension" and "Thari Pass Project" are the two schemes which was recently launched in __________.

Answer: Chandigarh 44)."SAMVAY" is a web portal which was recently launched by_________.

Answer: Ministry of Rural Development 45).Who is the winner of Bharat Bharti Literary Award for the year 2014?

Answer: Kashinath Singh 46).US Government has extended the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for Indian Exporters for 3500 products till_________.

Answer: 2017 47).Patratu Power Plant is located at________.

Answer: Jharkhand 48).Which of the following bank is launching Green Bonds in India?

Answer: HSBC 49).Who is the director of the Enforcement Directorate?

Answer: Rajan S Katoch 50).Who is the National Security Advisor of India?

Answer: Ajit Doval 51).Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to sign an agreement with which of the following organization for the establishment of a centre for World Natural Heritage Management and Training for Asia-Pacific region?

Answer: UNESCO 52).What is the name of the mobile application which was launched by Visa Inc. which helps to transfer money and micro payments through mobile?

Answer: mVisa 53).Which of the following e-Commerce Company has launched a new website name as Findmystyle.in to help customers to pick products?

Answer: Snapdeal 54).India has signed a MoU with which of the following country to boost the relationship in Renewable Energy Sector?

Answer: Mozambique 55).Airtel has launched its first high-speed 4G services in which of the following city in India?

Answer: Kolkata 56).70th Anniversary of Hiroshima Atomic Bombing was observed on________.

Answer: 6th August 57).EPFO stands for- Employment __________ Fund Organization.

Answer: Provident 58).Which of the following

country has placed in No. 1 position in FIFA World Ranking which was published on 6th August 2015?

Answer: Argentina 59).Uttar Pradesh Government has decided to rename which of the following as Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University?

Answer: UPTU 60).Which of the following country has setting up online police stations for internet security?

Answer: China 61).India has extended the Anti-Dumping Duty on imports of all forms & grades of Vitamin C from ________.

Answer: China 62).Suez Canal links which of the following two seas?

Answer: Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea 63).DBTS stands for- Direct _______ Transfer Schemes?

Answer: Benefit 64).PM Narendra Modi has announced ______ as the first National Handloom Day. Answer: 7th August 65).The Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill 2015 has been passed in Lok Sabha which amends the Negotiable Instruments Act, __________.

Answer: 1881 66).Resurgent Rajasthan Partnership Summit 2015 will be hosted at _________.

Answer: Jaipur 67).Atul Keshap has been appointed as the new US Ambassador to _________.

Answer: Sri Lanka 68).Who is the Chief Minister of Rajasthan?

Answer: Vasundhara Raje 69).What is the name of the Satellite which was proposed under UN frame work

to be dedicated to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam?

Answer: UN Kalam GlobalSat 70).Who is the winner of Poland's Solidarity Prize 2015?

Answer: Zhanna Nemtsova 71). Tendong Lho Rum Faat festival is related to which of the following states?

Answer: Sikkim 72).Which of the following state government has signed a MoU with Taiwan's largest electronics manufacturing company "Foxconn" to start its unit in the state?

Answer: Maharashtra 73).Ram Nath Kovind was appointed as the New Governor of _______.

Answer: Bihar 74).Which of the following Indian City has placed top in Swachh Bharat Rankings?

Answer: Mysore 75).Maharashtra Government has declared Thane Creek area as_________.

Answer: Flamingo Sanctuary 76).Which of the following state legislative assembly has passed a resolution against death penalty?

Answer: Tripura 77).Name the new Medicine which was launched by Defence Minister Mahohar Parrikar for defence proposes?

Answer: Lukoskin 78).Who among the following has been appointed as

the new Managing Director of Accenture in India?

Answer: Anindya Basu 79).International Cat Day is observed on _________.

Answer: 8th August 80).Rekha Menon has been appointed as the new Chairman of _______.

Answer: Accenture India 81).Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station is located at________.

Answer: Madhya Pradesh 82).Which of the following Political Party is associated with Parivartan Rally?

Answer: BJP 83).Who is the Union Minister of Urban Development?

Answer: Venkaiah Naidu 84).Which of the following state has grated revenue village status to 196 forest villages?

Answer: Gujarat 85).Indian Government has decided to allow Aadhaar enrollment of_________.

Answer: NRIs, PIOs, OICs 86).DFC stands for- Dedicated ________ Corridor.

Answer: Freight 87).48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting was held at ________.

Answer: Malaysia 88). India has signed as agreement to centre of excellence in Software Development Training with_________.

Answer: Myanmar 89).George Cole who died recently was a famous_______.

Answer: Actor

BUSINESS

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

Drop in export by more than 20 % New Delhi, Sep 16: India's merchandise exports shrank more than 20 per cent in August to $21.27 billion, the ninth straight monthly decline.

Imports fell 9.95 percent from a year earlier to $33.74 billion, on the back of both declining global commodity prices and weak domestic demand, according to official data released on Tuesday. Gold imports, however, shot up by more than 140 per cent to $4.95 billion from $ 2.06 billion in August 2014. The trade deficit marginally narrowed to $12.5 billion from $12.8 billion in July, mainly due to lower oil imports. The deficit was $10.6 billion in August 2014. Sharp declines in exports were reported by sectors including petroleum (48 per cent), engineering (29 per cent), carpets (22 per cent), marine products (21 per cent) and leather and leather goods (13 per cent). Oil imports were almost 43 per

DROPPING TROUBLE India's merchandise exports shrank more than 20 per cent in August to $21.27 billion, the ninth straight monthly decline.

Imports fell 9.95 percent from a year earlier to $33.74 billion, on the back of both declining global commodity prices and weak domestic demand.

Gold imports, however, shot up by more than 140 per cent to $4.95 billion from $ 2.06 billion in August 2014.

The trade deficit marginally narrowed to $12.5 billion from $12.8 billion in July, mainly due to lower oil imports.

The deficit was $10.6 billion in August 2014. Sharp declines in exports were reported by sectors including petroleum (48 per cent), engineering (29 per cent), carpets (22 per cent), marine products (21 per cent) and leather and leather goods (13 per cent).

Oil imports were almost 43 per cent lower at $7.36 billion.

During the first five months of the current financial year, imports have shrunk 11.6 per cent to $ 168.6 billion and exports have declined 16.2 percent to $ 111.1 billion.

The trade deficit for the period stands at $57.5 billion. In 2014-15, India's exports at $310 billion had fallen short of the government's target of $340 billion. cent lower at $7.36 billion.

The government needs to intervene at the highest level to address the contraction in exports, Federation of Indian Export Organisations President S C Ralhan said in a statement. "The trade data released today for August shows that the fall in exports is becoming sharper

month-on-month, signalling worsening of the global market conditions," Engineering Export Promotion Council of India Chairman Anupam Shah said in a statement. "The situation has deteriorated further" due to the troubles in China. During the first five months of the current financial year, imports

have shrunk 11.6 per cent to $ 168.6 billion and exports have declined 16.2 percent to $ 111.1 billion.

The trade deficit for the period stands at $57.5 billion. In 2014-15, India's exports at $310 billion had fallen short of the government's target of $340 billion. All eyes are now on Reserve Bank

Governor Raghuram Rajan, who has lowered policy rates by 75 basis points since January, and is widely expected to announce further cuts at the policy review scheduled for September 29 after official data released on Monday showed wholesale price inflation at a record low. (Agencies)

Growth in 4 models drive car sales of August Chennai, Sep 16: The passenger vehicle industry may have reported 5% sales growth in August, but it is almost entirely due to four new models. Between the Honda Jazz, Ford Aspire, Hyundai Creta and Maruti S Cross, the debutantes have totted up over 22,600 units. Take this segment out and the industry has actually shown a 5.6% drop in sales. Vehicle marketers are, therefore, looking for ways to tap new markets with their existing products, including rural markets and taxi segments. The passenger vehicle market clocked 2,23,502 units in August 2015, up 4.9% over the year-ago period. But this tally includes an impressive performance by the star debutantes.

Hyundai Creta topped with 7,437 units, followed by 5,400 units clocked by the Honda Jazz, 5,176 by the Ford Aspire and 4,602 units by the Suzuki S Cross, say industry sources. Said Vyomesh Kapasi, CEO, Kotak Mahindra Prime:

Investment in mobile startup to be done by Nilekani Bengaluru, Sep 16: Infosys co-founder and billionaire Nandan Nilekani, who spearheaded the country's massive unique identification project, has invested an undisclosed amount in Mubble, a mobile technology startup. Founded in 2013 by IITians Ashwin Ramaswamy, Pranav Jha and Raghvendra Varma, Mubble helps smartphone users track and control their telecom spends and their mobile data usage. It will use the funds to hire talent.

"Mubble brings unprecedented transparency and empowerment to the smartphone user, by democratizing technology and solving key problems of smartphone adopters across India," said Mr.Nilekani who has a net worth of $1.63 billion (Rs 10,826 crore). He said providing support and funding to this initiative was a part of his ethos and inherent belief about the power of a digital India. The Mubble app has clocked over half a million downloads in less than six months. The app is designed to work offline, thereby conserving precious mobile data balances of its users. The app is available in multiple Indian languages and almost half of the users access it in their mother tongue, the company said.

"Mubble is not only made in India, it is truly made for India," said Mr.Ramaswamy of Mubble. "We are thrilled to have Mr. Nilekani, with us as our mentor and strategy coach. His investment is a very powerful validation of our product." (Agencies)

"After a long time, in JulyAugust three-four exciting new models got launched.

So they attracted many customers, but overall demand is nowhere close to expectations, especially from a festive season. Things are better compared to last year - growth is up from 3.4% to 6% - but the preference for new launches is at the cost of existing models."

Understandably, car marketers are looking at new growth opportunities for their existing models. "Tata Motors is aggressively expanding into rural markets where we grew 20% in August," said Mayank Pareek, president, passenger vehicles business unit, Tata Motors. "India has 7,986 towns with more than 75,000 population and we

want to target all of them."

Others like Hyundai are looking at fleet customers.

Said Rakesh Srivastava, senior VP (sales and marketing), Hyundai Motor India: "In a slowdown, existing segments actually face challenges, so the way to gain or hold volumes is by way of newer markets. We are focusing on fleet sales for the i10 for example, and

GROWTH STATISTICS The passenger vehicle industry may have reported 5% sales growth in August, but it is almost entirely due to four new models.

Between the Honda Jazz, Ford Aspire, Hyundai Creta and Maruti S Cross, the debutantes have totted up over 22,600 units.

Take this segment out and the industry has actually shown a 5.6% drop in sales.

The passenger vehicle market clocked 2,23,502 units in August 2015, up 4.9% over the year-ago period.

But this tally includes an impressive performance by the star debutantes. Hyundai Creta topped with 7,437 units, followed by 5,400 units clocked by the Honda Jazz, 5,176 by the Ford Aspire and 4,602 units by the Suzuki S Cross.

Tata Motors is aggressively expanding into rural markets where we grew 20% in August.

we are targeting rural markets with the Eon, i10 and Grand." Auto experts say the trend shows that the turnaround in the industry is merely new-launch driven. Actual sentiment remains depressed. Said Kumar Kandaswami, senior director, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India: "This has been the pattern for several years now with numbers aggregating around new product launches. It shows that this is not secular growth but contains a lot of replacement demand. First time buyers are probably buying used cars because that segment has grown quite a bit," he added. The new-launch-driven growth is expected in a slowdown situation say experts. "During a slowdown, volumes largely go to new models as some customers upgrade for better value proposition or novelty," said Srivastava.

"Otherwise, established brands score as customers are more confident of a model that is already successful." (Agencies)

App for Hindustani, Carnatic music pioneered by Saregama Mumbai, Sep 16: Making classical music easily accessible to a large smartphone user base, Saragama India Ltd., an RPG group enterprise, has introduced an exclusive app that opens up a treasure trove of more than 8000 recordings of about 400 stalwarts of Hindustani classical, Carnatic, and fusion music for music lovers. A galaxy of musicians including Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pandit Jasraj, Dr Balamuralikrishna, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Ajay Pohankar and poet-

lyricist-film-maker Gulzar were present at the introduction of the app "Saregama Classical" at a suburban Mumbai hotel on Tuesday. The app will be available across 172 countries on iOS and Android platforms. The app boasts of an enviable portfolio of musical compositions from virtually who's who of classical music. It will feature the works of over 70 Carnatic classical musicians including MS Subbulakshmi, Dr M Balamuralikrishna, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, DK Jayaraman,

Lalgudi Jayaraman, MS Gopalakrishnan, Madurai Mani Iyer, Bombay Jayashree to name just a few.

Similarly in Hindustani classical music, the app will make it easy for smartphone users to download the works of four generations of musicians dating back to the era of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Zohra Bai, Hirabai Baodekar, Pandit DV Paluskar, Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, Ustad Amir Khan, Pandit VG Jog to Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Ustad Alla

Rakha, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, Pandit Basavraj Rajguru, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and younger musicians like Ronu Majumdar, Ustad Rashid Khan. The third category of fusion music will include the compositions of Amaan Ali and Ayaan Ali Khan, Bickram Ghosh, Rahul Sharma and Pandit Ajay Pohankar among others. The app will allow users access to over 50 specially curated radio stations and also allow them to download offline their favourite compositions to their mobile phone to enable them to listen to music without mobile data charges. Music lovers can download the app free with a 7-day trial period after which they will have to choose from a monthly, semi-annual and annual subscription offers. "Unlike Carnatic music which has a mass following in Southern India, there is a perception that Hindustani classical music is an elitist thing to do. So, we want to break that stereotype, and take it to masses. We also consciously decided that we did not want the app to be free.

If it is given free, the euphoria over it dies down in a few months. If it is paid, then royalties will go to musicians and there will be reinvestment," said Vikram Mehra, Managing Director, Saregama India. (Agencies)

PAGE 10

Despite China drop Jaguar Land Rover sales will rise in 2015 Taiwan, Sep 16: Luxury carmarker Jaguar Land Rover (TAMO.NS) expects sales this year to exceed those in 2014, with Britain, Europe and the United States compensating for a sharp decline in the Chinese market, its chief executive said. Jaguar Land Rover sales are down 1 percent so far this year due to a 29 percent fall in China, the world's largest car market, where an economic slowdown, stock market slump and currency devaluation have hit demand for cars. But CEO Ralf Speth said that sales will rise this year compared to the 462,678 models the firm sold in 2014, with other regions able to compensate for the fall. "Other markets can neutralize... (such as) the UK, Europe and the U.S," he told journalists at the Frankfurt Motor Show. "We expect that sales are definitely bigger in 2015 than 2014...but

it would be too early to give you the exact number." China was Jaguar Land Rover's fastest growing market last year, with sales up 28 percent, but volumes have fallen this year, driving global sales so far this year down 1 percent to 301,778 cars. Speth said that Jaguar Land Rover would benefit from ramping up production in the country but that the "new normal" of slower growth in the Chinese market had come faster

than anyone had predicted.

"The time of the two-digit growth is over. We will see a normalized figure of, let's say, in between 4 and 7 percent, that depends on who is calculating it," he said. Recently, Jaguar launched its first crossover sports utility vehicle, the latest part of a major expansion of its model range and volumes as it enters an area that has become increasingly popular among women and families.

(Agencies)

Baleno unveiled by Suzuki to take on Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz

Frankfurt, Sep 16: Suzuki's Indiabound 'Baleno' premium hatchback was unveiled at the opening day of the Frankfurt Motor Show and the car, which is set to be launched late next month, will take on Hyundai's i20 and Honda's newlylaunched Jazz. The Baleno will be the second car to be retailed through Maruti Suzuki's upscale `Nexa' outlets -after the SCross crossover -and the Japanese company will hope to get a bigger pie of the premium buyers through the model.

(Incidentally, Maruti used to sell a mid-size car with the same name earlier, but this model had been unsuccessful). While finer details of the product are yet to be made public, sources indicated that it may be priced

over Rs 1 lakh more than the Swift, which has an entry price of Rs 4.7 lakh in petrol and Rs 5.8 lakh in diesel (ex-showroom Delhi). The Baleno will come strapped with Maruti Suzuki's long-trusted 1.3 litre diesel engine and 1.2 litre petrol engine. Sources

said that Maruti will, for the first time, launch a continuous variable trans mission (CVT) option in its vehicles with the Baleno and the model will also offer 'Apple CarPlay' for the first time in the country .

"We will invest in 20 new models over five years worldwide, including, as promised, more than one new model a year for Europe," Suzuki Moe tor Corporation's newly-apt pointed president Suzuki h said while unveiling the new Baleno. Maruti is looking to 7 sell two million cars by 2020 h and new launches -apart from strengthening its focus on existing models are going to be critical, the company's India MD Kenichi Ayul kawa said. (Agencies)

TOUGH COMPETITORS Sources indicated that Baleno may be priced over Rs 1 lakh more than the Swift, which has an entry price of Rs 4.7 lakh in petrol and Rs 5.8 lakh in diesel (ex-showroom Delhi).

The Baleno will come strapped with Maruti Suzuki's long-trusted 1.3 litre diesel engine and 1.2 litre petrol engine.

Sources said that Maruti will, for the first time, launch a continuous variable trans mission (CVT) option in its vehicles with the Baleno and the model will also offer 'Apple CarPlay' for the first time in the country.

Maruti is looking to 7 sell two million cars by 2020 h and new launches -apart from strengthening its focus e on existing models -are going to be critical.

Rs.3000 crore capital infusion planned by Syndicate Bank Pune, Sep 16: Syndicate Bank plans a capital infusion of about Rs.3000 crore through a combination of bonds and sale of shares to large institutional investors this year to strengthen its operations. "To strengthen the bank and support further growth, we need to mobilise capital," T.K.Srivasatava, Executive Director of the Manipal-based bank said.

"We are quite hopeful that this year we will be raising about Rs.1500 crore in Tier 1 capital and similar amount in Tier 2 capital."

The mid-sized PSU bank with more than 3500 branches expects lower growth this fiscal year. The bank would look to raise

Rs.500-Rs.1000 crore through Tier 2 bonds and for Tier 1 capital, it may look at the QIP (qualified institutional placement) route for infusing at least about Rs.500 crore over the next two quarters. The proposed additional capital is expected to take care of its requirements for the next two years. Syndicate Bank received Rs.490 crore from the government last year.

It is hopeful of getting at least about Rs.500 crore in the second tranche of capital infusion the government will be making to the PSU banks this fiscal. In the first tranche, six banks received capital. Mr. Srivastava said the bank was working on

GREAT PLANS The bank would look to raise Rs.500-Rs.1000 crore through Tier 2 bonds and for Tier 1 capital, it may look at the QIP (qualified institutional placement) route for infusing at least about Rs.500 crore over the next two quarters.

Syndicate Bank received Rs.490 crore from the government last year.

The bank actually reported higher slippages at Rs.1990 crore in the first quarter compared with Rs.831 crore in the preceding quarter.

Overall business growth for the bank this year may be below 15 per cent.

During this fiscal, the bank plans to add 300 new branches and hire about 4000 people across categories.

improving asset quality and there would not be any big surprises during the second quarter. The bank actually reported higher slippages at Rs.1990 crore in the first quarter compared with Rs.831 crore in the preceding quarter. Retail loans would continue to be the key focus area for the present fiscal and the segment was expected to maintain growth of about 25 per cent, he said. However, overall business growth for the bank this year may be below 15 per cent. During this fiscal, the bank plans to add 300 new branches and hire about 4000 people across categories. (Agencies)

"I watched Senna as a child and it would be an honour to match him. Now I'm just one win away but I hope to do even better."

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

PAGE 11

Lewis Hamilton

Manchester clubs go down; Ronaldo surpasses Messi

Amstersdam: PSV Shaw to leave the pitch, Moreno's poor challenge, Eindhoven's Luciano equalised before a swift which went unpunished. The Narsingh struck a second- breakaway set up the 57th- match was halted for eight half winner as they fought minute winner. United took minutes as medics put Shaw back to claim a 2-1 victory the game to PSV with the 21- on a stretcher and took him against a Manchester United year-old Depay, warmly wel- off the pitch. Depay's goal side who lost Luke Shaw to comed back by the home sup- was a breathtaking display of a double leg fracture in the porters, and newly-signed footwork, set up by fellow Champions League fixture. former AS Monaco forward Dutchman Daley Blind, who Left back Shaw was taken off Anthony Martial looking was jeered throughout the on a stretcher with an oxygen dangerous in a two-pronged game because of his previous mask strapped to his face af- attack. Depay's pass set up connection to Ajax ter suffering the inAmsterdam. As the jury to his right leg match went into a in the early stages lengthy period of of the Group B CHAMPIONS LEAGUE stoppage time at the game. The match end of the first half, looked to be headMoreno rose to ing United's way and their Martial, the world's most ex- head home a corner, with close-season signing from pensive teenager, for what Blind helping the ball into his PSV, Memphis Depay, re- should have been a tap-in own net. United dominated minded fans at the Philips from close range after seven the exchanges in the second Stadium of his prowess with minutes but the French half but were caught out by a a superb 41st-minute opener. youngster failed to put sucker punch early on as they The hosts, however, caught enough force into the effort. pressed high up the pitch. A United napping at a corner in Shaw's injury came after 15 searching pass from Andres first-half stoppage time as minutes when a burst of ac- Guardado in midfield found Hector Moreno, whose celeration put him through on Maxime Lestienne out on the crunching tackle had forced goal before he was halted by left and his perfect cross

eluded the visiting defence to allow Narsingh to stoop and head home. Juan Mata should have equalised for United just after the hour mark but let a brilliant lofted pass from Bastian Schweinsteiger slip under his foot with the goal begging.

Juventus came from behind to hand Manchester City their first defeat this season as Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata gave the Italian champions an opening 21 win in Group D. Premier League leaders City were for-

in a high cross from the left.

It was the first goal City had conceded after five domestic league wins so far this term but worse followed when Morata scored with a 20metre left-foot curler in the 81st minute. City's Wilfried Bony should have done better midway through the first half when he got clear of the defence before slicing wide.

Fernandinho then went close for the hosts with a fierce shot that flew over the bar but Juve otherwise looked com-

tunate to go ahead after 57 minutes when Vincent Kompany, climbing all over Giorgio Chiellini, saw the defender head an own goal as the home skipper wheeled away to celebrate instead of being punished for a foul.

But Juve pulled level in the 70th minute when Mandzukic touched the ball in off the post after midfielder Paul Pogba sent

fortable and managed to snatch all the three points.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo surged three goals clear of Lionel Messi as the all-time Champions League top scorer with a hat-trick in a 4-0 drubbing of 10-man Shakhtar Donetsk in their Group A opener. Portugal captain Ronaldo scored twice from the penalty spot in the second half and added a

header nine minutes from time to take his tally in Europe's elite club competition to 80 goals, three more than Barcelona forward Messi. A howler from Shakhtar keeper Andriy Pyatov let in Karim Benzema for the opener on the halfhour before the visitors were reduced to 10 men five minutes after the break when Taras Stepanenko hacked down Sergio Ramos and was shown a second yellow card.

Real doubled their lead after Ronaldo's shot hit Shakhtar captain Darijo Srna on the back in the 54th and the referee inexplicably gave a penalty and the Portuguese netted another spot kick nine minutes later after Marcio Azevedo handled. Ronaldo, who put five past Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday, completed his hat-trick at the Bernabeu when he followed up a saved Marcelo effort to set a Spanish record of 33 trebles, one more than Messi. The victory gave new Real coach Rafa Benitez a winning debut for the capital club in the competition but came at a cost as their Wales winger Gareth Bale limped off midway through the first half with a calf problem. Centre backs Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos were also substituted with knocks and Benitez said the trio would have tests to determine the seriousness of the injuries.

In other matches, Wolfsburg got the better of CSKA Moscow 1-0, Benefica defeated Astana 20, Paris SG overcame Malmo 2-0, Seville thrashed Monchengladbach 3-0 and Athletico Madrid blanked Galatasaray 2-0.

(Agencies)

Hamilton 'pushing for hat-trick' with Senna's record in sight

Singapore: Lewis Hamilton has always regarded Ayrton Senna as his Formula One idol and the reigning world champion has a golden opportunity to match the late Brazilian's 41 race wins at this week's Singapore Grand Prix. Should the Briton drive his dominant Mercedes to victory in his 161st start on Sunday, not only will he achieve the feat in exactly the same number of races, he will strengthen his bid for a Senna-equalling third world title. "I watched Senna as a child and it would be an honour to match him. Now I'm just one win away but I hope to do even better," the 30year-old said in a recent interview. "But we must not forget that if he were alive, he would have won a lot more," he added of the driver who tragically lost his life following a crash at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

Hamilton holds a 53point lead over nearest challenger Nico Rosberg going into the 13th round of the season and it was

at this race a year ago where the Briton ripped the momentum away from his German teammate. Last season, the title race ended up going all the way to the final round in Abu Dhabi as Hamilton's reliability issues allowed Rosberg to remain within striking distance. This year, however, Hamilton has secured 11 pole positions in 12 rounds, finished every single race and claimed his seventh victory of the season in Monza last time out as a late engine failure left Rosberg pointless.

Hamilton knows what it takes to win in Singapore, having twice taken the chequered flag under the floodlights after 61 concentration-sapping laps around the Marina Bay Street Circuit, and the Briton is geared up for another tough race. "I've won there twice now, both times from pole, which shows you how important qualifying is too," he said.

"It won't be easy to make it three... far from it. But I'm riding high right now and I'll be pushing for that hat-trick." (Agencies)

World Cup Chess: Sethuraman Kashyap crashes out in first round of Korea Open knocks out Harikrishna Baku: Grandmaster and National champion S P Sethuraman clicked when it mattered and defeated world number 21 and compatriot P Harikrishna to enter the third round of World Cup of chess in Baku, Azerbaijan. After a tentative start in the two games mini-match where he had to suffer a worse endgame for a long time in the first game, Sethuraman came out with a positive mind-set and scored a big upset in the second round.

The Indian will now meet the winner of the match between Shakhriyar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan and World top rated woman Yifan Hou of China which is stretched to the tiebreak stage. It was a Berlin defense by Harikrishna who played black in the return game.

Sethuraman could only get a minimal edge with white pieces and started his play on

the king side in copy book style typical of the queen-less middle game. As it happened, Harikrishna allowed complications when a knight invaded his camp and the higher-ranked player blundered under pressure on move 37 after losing a pawn.

Sethuraman emerged with an extra piece soon after and wrapped the issue in 46 moves. This was a rare loss for Harikrishna. After losing the first game, Grandmaster Russian Sergey Karjakin became even against Alexander Onischuk of United States with a finely crafted victory.

The two will now move in to the tiebreak games to decide the winner. The hero of the first round, Cristobal Villagra Henriquez of Chile was shown the exit door by senior Julio Granda Zuniga of Peru.

After beating former world championship challenger Boris Gelfand of Israel,

Henriquez lost both games against Juniga. Amongst the stars, top seed Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria and Vladimir Kramnik of Russia made it to the third round without any hiccups. It was an identical 1.5-0.5 victory for both at the expense of Sergei Zhigalko of Belarus and Bruzon Lazaro of Cuba. Liren Ding of China got a draw against Ernesto Inarkiev of Russia after a crushing victory in the first game to move to the second round. Liren's compatriot Shanglei Lu continued with his remarkable run and defeated another Chinese Wang Hao 2-0 to also proceed to the last 32 stage. The world cup started with 128 players qualified through various processes. It's a knockout event with $1.6m as prize money.

There are two games in each round followed by games of shorter duration till a winner is established. (Agencies)

Hangzhou to host 2022 Asian Games Ashgabat: The Chinese city of Hangzhou was confirmed on Wednesday as the host of the 2022 Asian Games, the Olympic Council of Asia announced at its General Assembly in Ashgabat. The capital of China's Zhejiang province, Hangzhou, was the sole bidder to stage the 19th edition of Asia's biggest multi-

sports event. China has hosted the Asian Games twice before, at Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010, and has already been awarded the Winter Olympics in 2022.

Held every four years, the next Asian Games will take place in Jakarta in 2018. The OCA had wanted to switch the Asian Games to an odd-num-

ber year to avoid clashing with the Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup but reverted back to the same time slot after Hanoi, Vietnam withdrew as the 2019 host. Jakarta stepped in as the replacement but asked for the Games to be moved forward to 2018 because the Indonesian presidential elections are slated for 2019. (Agencies)

Seoul: Top Indian shuttler P V Sindhu started her campaign at the US$ 600,000 Korea Open with a hard-fought win over Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon, but it was curtains for Parupalli Kashyap in men's singles event at the Super Series tournament in Seoul. Two-time bronze medallist at World Championship, Sindhu eked out a 21-19, 21-23, 21-13 win over the former World champion in a women's singles match that lasted one hour and nine minutes. Commonwealth Games champion Kashyap, however, could not cross the opening round hurdle after his battle ended with a narrow 21-17, 1621, 18-21 loss against Wei Nan of Hong Kong in an hour-long match. It was also curtains for Pradnya Gadre and Sikki Reddy in the women's doubles

competition as they suffered a 24-26, 9-21 loss to the Japanese pair of Shizuka Matsuo and Mami Naito at the SK Handball stadium.

Sindhu, who came into the match with a 0-3 record against the World No. 5 Intanon, showed her mettle till the end to emerge victories against an opponent who had beaten her in straight-games in all the three matches they played in 2013.

The two players engaged in a tooth and nail fight from the start as after Sindhu opened up a narrow 4-2 lead in the opening game early on, Intanon turned the tables and moved to a 9-6 advantage. The Indian reeled off four straight points to wrest back control but after that it turned out a rollercoaster ride as lead changed hands too

frequently before Sindhu broke off at 18-18 to close the first game in her favour. In the second game, Sindhu fought back from 4-7 and 8-12 to jump to 20-15 lead and with a chance to seal the match but Intanon produced six straight points to

first topple the Indian and then roared back into the contest. In the decider, Intanon quickly grabbed a 7-3 lead but the a gritty Sindhu soon clawed back and started dominating the proceedings as she continued to extend the gap which the Thai

girl could not bridge.

In the men's singles match, World No.8 Kashyap was up against an opponent he had beaten in China Open last year. The Indian started off well to take an early lead against Wen. In fact, Kashyap had a 13-10 lead at one stage in the second game but the Hong Kong shuttler scored five straight points to grab the lead and then at 1716, produced another four points on the trot to bounce back into the contest. The second game seemed to boost his confidence as Wen didn't look back after that. He opened up a 7-4 lead and held on to the advantage even though Kashyap kept breathing down his neck coming as close as 17-18 at one stage.

(Agencies)

Barcelona begin title defence against apprehensive Roma Rome: AS Roma supporters may be looking ahead to Barcelona's Champions League visit with some trepidation and coach Rudi Garcia certainly does not seem to be bursting with optimism. Roma have finished second in Serie A for the last two seasons but still there is still a clear gap between themselves and Europe's top clubs, despite the addition of Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah.

Barcelona's visit to the Stadio Olimpico, which kicks off their Champions League title defence, comes just under a year after Roma lost 7-1 at home to Bayern Munich in the same competition. The Bavarians sliced through the Roma defence almost at will as they scored five goals in a bewildering half hour spell in the

first half. Roma went on to finish third in the group after taking one point in two games off Manchester City while domestically they have come up short in matches against Juventus, with three defeats in their last four league meetings, With that in mind, Garcia has already made it clear that he would be happy to finish second in a group that also includes Champions League regulars Bayer Leverkusen and Belarus champions BATE Borisov. "The target in the Champions League is to get past the group stage and to the round of 16," Garcia said in an interview last week. "Behind Barcelona, it is an open group."

The match takes Barcelona coach Luis Enrique back to the club where he spent an unimpressive season in

2011/12, when Roma were clearly in transition. The two sides last met 13 years ago, again in the Champions League second group stage, when they drew 1-1 in Barcelona and Roma won the return 3-0 with Luis Enrique in the Barcelona side. Incredibly, there is one playing survivor from those games, Roma playmaker Francesco Totti who will 39 at the end of the month. "I want to win at least one title with my captain, Francesco Totti," said Garcia. "I don't know if Totti or the Pope are more important in Rome, but I can certainly say that for Francesco, the Roma shirt is like a second stint.

He's an extraordinary player, on and off the field, and we are just pacing him in training, but he never asks for any special favours." (Agencies)

Good chance for Chelsea to pull out of slump London: Out-of-sorts Chelsea have a golden opportunity to restore battered self-confidence when they face Maccabi Tel Aviv in their opening Champions League Group G match. The Premier League champions slumped to their fourth defeat in six games when they lost 3-1 at Everton on Saturday. Manager Jose Mourinho said he was under no pressure after the

match but, according to media reports, he swore at Everton counterpart Roberto Martinez after being made to wait for his post-match news conference. Earlier, Mourinho admitted the poor run of results were the worst of his career but added he was the man to lead Chelsea out of their hole. The Portuguese has also fallen out with club doctor Eva Carneiro and had another

public spat with old adversary Arsene Wenger after losing to his Arsenal side in the Community Shield season curtain-raiser at Wembley. Chelsea take on the Israeli double winners having lost their last two league matches. The Londoners will again be without injured keeper Thibaut Courtois who was outstanding when they won the Premier League last season.

Maccabi are back in the competition for the first time since 2004-05 after coming through the qualifying rounds, thanks almost entirely to forward Eran Zahavi who has scored 12 goals in total this season.

Although 2012 European champions Chelsea and Maccabi have never met, visiting coach Slavisa Jokanovic and defender Tal Ben Haim know all about

the Stamford Bridge club.

Jokanovic, who was manager when Watford were promoted to the Premier League last season, had a two-year playing spell at Chelsea. He made 53 appearances in midfield, playing in the same side as a young John Terry, while Ben Haim also had a stint at the Bridge, featuring 23 times for the Blues. Although Chelsea are vastly more ex-

perienced than Maccabi and should win, seasoned campaigner Gal Alberman says his team are not coming to London simply to make up the numbers. "We are fully aware of the difference in levels between us and Chelsea but we are not going there to surrender with our hands up," said Alberman. "We will do all we can to get a good result."

(Agencies)

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DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

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Page 12

FASCINATING FACTS

Birth of Lord Ganesh

Lord Ganesh is the son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvathi. The story of creation of ganesh is a very fascinating one.

Long time ago when Lord Shiva, was away fighting for the gods, the lady of the house, goddess Parvathi was alone at home. On one occasion, she needed someone to guard the house when she was going

for a bath. Unable to think of an alternative, she used her powers to create a son, Ganesh. She instructed Ganesh to keep strict vigil on the entrance to the house and not to allow anyone into the house. Ganesh agreed and stayed on the strictest of strict vigils.

In the meantime Lord Shiva returned happy after a glorious victory for the

ABRA CA DABRA

gods, only to be stopped at the entrance by Ganesh.

Ganesh, acting on Parvathi's orders verbatim, did not allow Shiva to enter the house. Lord Shiva was enraged beyond control and in a fit of rage slashed the head of Ganesh. In the meantime Parvathi came out from her bath and was aghast at the scene. She was very angry

at her lordship for what had happened and explained him the situation.

Lord Shiva wanted to make it up to Parvathi very badly and agreed to put life back into Ganesha by putting the head of the first sleeping living creature that came in sight which was sleeping with its head to the north. He sent his soldiers to go in search of the creature. The first creature which came in sight was an elephant. So Lord Shiva re-created his son with the head of the elephant. Hence the trunk of Lord Ganesha.

Parvathi was still not totally happy with the deal and wanted more. Then Shiva granted Ganesha a boon that before beginning of any undertaking or task people would worship Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganesh has to power to remove any obstacles that come in the way of all true devotees. So before starting any new project or work it is good to pray to Lord Ganesh with all shradha and bhakthi for the successful completion of the task undertaken.

People used to think the Manatee was a mermaid.

Some fish have eyes that are the same size as their stomach!

A female seahorse lets her husband store her babies inside his stomach!

There are as many hairs per square inch on your body as a chimpanzee. You don't see all of them because most are too fine and light to be noticed.

The bee frog of

CRAFTY CRAFTS Ganesha Car hanging - CD Craft This craft class was Ganesh Chaturti Special and we made this easy CD car hanging.

To make you will need 1.An old CD 2.Red handmade paper 3.Printout of a Ganesha 4.Crayons 5.Glue 6.scissors 7.sequin stickers 8.Stapler 9.Golden lace Steps 1.Trace the Cd on the red paper.

2.Cut out 2 circles 3.Staple a golden lace on one of the circles 4.Stick the 2 circles on each side of the CD 5.Colour the ganesha cutouts in various colours 6.Stick on each side of the CD 7. Embellish with sequin stickers.

8.Hang in your car.

LAUGH OUT LOUD Santa: I am a Proud Sardar, My son is in Medical College.

Africa is no bigger than a bee.

An okapi's tongue can grow to be 17 inches long.

Cows have four-chambered stomachs.

Fish have gelslime on their bodies that protects them from parasites.

An owl's eyes are bigger than its brain.

The faster kangaroos hop, the less energy they use.

Santa standing on platform suddenly jumps on the railway track.

WHAT AM I ???

Banta: Santa you will die.

Banta: Really, what is he studying.

Santa: No he is not studying, they are Studying him.

Santa: No, you will die because have not u heard train is coming on platform?

RIDDLES Invisible string What You Need: o A magnet o A paperclip o Thin cardboard Instructions: Tell your friends that you have a magical piece of string. It's magical because it's invisible!

1. Place a paper clip on a thin sheet of cardboard.

2. Hold a magnet under the cardboard so that it "grabs" on to the paperclip.

3. Pretend that there's a string attached to the paper clip and "pull" it across the cardboard. While pulling, move the magnet to make it look like the paper clip is being pulled.

4. Your friends will wonder where the string is!

Readers can send articles, poems, sketches, stories, travel experiences, achievements etc to editor.easterntoday@gmail.com or can post to The Eastern Today. T.C Borah Building, First Floor, Near to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee.

Dibrugarh, 786001 Assam.

Q: What force and strength cannot get through, I with a gentle touch can do, and many in the streets would stand, were I not as a friend in hand.

A: Key

PLAY WITH CRAYONS

Q: I am around long before dawn.

But by lunch I am usually gone.

You can see me summer, fall, and spring.

I like to get on everything.

But when winter winds start to blow; Burr, then it's time for me to go!

What am I? A: Dew

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

Editorial Adviser: Subir Bhaumik

Editor: Ripunjoy Das

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