facebook.com/easterntoday
@easterntoday
For business, mail at: md.easterntoday@gmail.com
cmyk
cmyk
www.eastern-today.com For your copy of The Eastern Today in Khonsa please contact: Dalam Studio Near parking stand Khonsa Ph. No.-08471896580/ 07085295635
ASSENG/2015/64205
Vol. 1
GST: What is in store for Transportation and Logistics Industry in India? Page 8
Issue 193
Dibrugarh, Friday, December 18, 2015
Price -
5.00
If Prohibition Is Not The Answer To India's Rising Drug Problem, What Is?
More investment in India by Google
Page 9
Page 10
Pages- 12
CPI (M) flays Haryana CM over naming Chandigarh Airport after RSS ideologue
Page 6
Arunachal PCC demands Governor's resignation as Gauhati HC stays assembly proceedings till Feb 1 A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 17
TheGauhati High Court on Thursday kept in abeyance on all decisions taken by the Arunachal Pradesh assembly on Wednesday, in which it removed Speaker Nabam Rebia. Hearing a writ petition filed by the Speaker, Justice Hrishikesh Roy passed this order. Rebia has filed a petition challenging the notification issued by the Governor on advancing the state assembly session. The next hearing will be held on February 1. Issuing notice, Justice Roy kept in abeyance the impugned decisions, including the notification issued by the Deputy Speaker restoring the membership of 14 suspended MLAs. The Judge also put a stay on the holding of the Arunachal Pradesh session at a new place and also to remove the Speaker. Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) had welcomed the decision of the Gauhati High Court to stay the orders of the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh issued on 9th December , 2015 summoning a Special Session for Re-
ET CAPSULES
Ripe paddy lost to fire Margherita, Dec 17: In the daytime today, more than 500 ‘mon’ ripe paddy got burnt at Ledo Mulang Pather, Margherita under Tinsukia District. The ripe paddy belonged to one Chittranjan Das of Ledo Maulang Pather who is now in a traumatized state. Fire tender arrived at the spot but could not prevent the ripe paddy from getting burnt. Meanwhile, Police have started investigation into the matter, said a source.( Correspondent)
moval of Speaker thereby preponing the session earlier fixed from 14th to 18th January,2015. "The order vindicates the position of APCC which had maintained that the decision of the Governor was unconstitutional and guided by interests outside the ambit of his gubernatorial duties", a statement issued by APCC President Padi Richo said. The statement further stated that now that the Court has taken a stand, the APCC further appeals to the Governor with respect to the following - That, the people of Arunachal Pradesh are peace loving people who inspite of their different political affiliations believe in the values of a democratic setup. Therefore, the constitutional head should not exceed his brief to please any particular political party. That, the people of Arunachal Pradesh have duly exercised their franchise and elected a majority Congress Government. The Congress Government is carrying out its development and governance duties in the right earnest and in the full interests of the people of the state. Contd. on Page 3
NES vows revolt against Arunachal Governor A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 17
People vent their anger against Governor J.P.Rajkhowa by burning tyres in the streets of Itanagar. Pic - ET Photo
BJP declares Kalikho Pul as next Chief Ministerial candidate ANI Itanagar, Dec.17
In an interesting turn of events in the Arunachal Pradesh political upheaval, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday declared Kalikho Pul as their Chief Minister candidate. "The sitting chief minister has to prove his majority against the person we are proposing. We are projecting the name of Kaliko Pul for the post of Chief Minister," leader of the Opposition Tamiyo Taga said. "The next step is to vacate the chief minister post. I
have submitted one no confidence motion to be taken up tomorrow in the assembly. There would be a composite floor test for the government. Everything is same but the name is different composite floor test, it is not exactly a no confidence motion," he added. Today, a 'no confidence' motion by 11 BJP MLAs and two Independent members was 'adopted' with deputy speaker T Norbu Thongdok, who is also a rebel Congressman, in the chair. Contd. on Page 3
My Govt stable, crisis created by Governor, claims Arunachal CM ANI Itanagar/New Delhi, Dec. 17
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki on Thursday said "his popularly elected government is stable", and alleged that the crisis was created by Governor J.P. Rajkhowa "It's a popularly elected government. There is no crisis from our side, it is created by the Governor," he told ANI. A no confidence motion was moved by 11 BJP MLAs and two Independents on Thursday, which was adopted by Deputy Speaker T. Norbu Thongdok, a "rebel Congressman" in the Chair. As many as 33 members of the
60-member House, including 20 Congress dissidents, later elected Kalikho Pul, another Congressman dissident, as the new Chief Minister. Chief Minister Tuki and 26 MLAs supporting him boycotted the proceedings, dubbing as "illegal and unconstitutional". "The 14 dissidents are not rebels, as they have already lost membership of the party. They don't attend party's meet, and are directly going to the media. They were found attending BJP meets, hence disqualified. At present, the assembly has just 44 members, of them 11 are from the BJP and two Independents," Tuki said, while buttressing his
claims. He said he had written to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and appealed to them to save democracy. "I believe in the judiciary, and the Assam High Court has stayed the orders of the Governor till February1. The composite floor test is illegal, since the assembly session is not called, and the matter is sub judice," he added. Meanwhile, the Congress on Thursday said there could be no business in the Rajya Sabha, because of the recent political developments in Arunachal Pradesh. Contd. on Page 3
Parliament adjourned till 2pm over Arunachal crisis, other issues ANI New Delhi, Dec.17
An outer view of the Parliament.
Contd. on Page 3
Smoke, flash of fire in Dibrugarh-New Delhi Rajdhani Express ET Correspondent Cooch Behar/Guwahati, dec 17
The Lok Sabha continued to witness frequent disruptions during Question Hour on Thursday, as Congress members rushed to the well of the house to register their protest on several issues, including political developments in Arunachal Pradesh. The Rajya Sabha too witnessed frequent adjournments over several issues, including Arunachal Pradesh. Contd. on Page 4
In the wake of “the unconstitutional and unprecedented murky political events in the state”, the Nyishi Elite Society (NES) has decided to revolt against the powerful antiNyishi forces particularly, Governor JP Rajkhowa. “NES has decided to revolt against the Governor who has been exercising extra-constitutional authority and communal hatred against the Nyishis in the Greenfield Airport and current socio-political turmoil. We are convinced that the entire episode has been orchestrated by the Union Home Ministry manned by our own representative, MoS for Home Kiren Rijiju,” a statement from NES President Bengia Tolum said. Alleging the governor of con-
ducting the highest eviction drive and encroachment of Arunachal territory by the Assam Forest and Police forces under his direct supervision when he was the chief secretary of Assam, Tolum added that he is again here as the Governor to accomplish his pro-Assam mission. Redigging the viral audio clippings of former minister Kalikho Pul that appeared in the social media and instant messages wherein Pul had allegedly expressed his hatred toward the Nishi community, the society informed that they shall launch vigorous democratic movements against him. “The house decided that democratic movements shall be called immediately to protest the
A flash of fire and smoke were noticed on the roof of an AC 2-tier bogie of the Dibrugarh-New Delhi Rajdhani Express following which it was halted at New Cooch Behar railway station for over 90 minutes on Thursday. As soon as the train entered New Cooch Behar station at 11.30 AM, 52 panic-stricken passengers got down from the compartment quickly, two fire tenders from Cooch Behar Fire
Station were rushed to the spot which doused the flames. The train left for New Delhi at 1.08 pm after a thorough checking of the airconditioning system, railway sources said. The smoke and the flash of fire was noticed on the roof of the 13th bogie from the engine, before its arrival at New Cooch Behar in West Bengal from Dibrugarh, a Northeast Frontier Railway official said in Guwahati. The NF Railway official said the incident probably occurred due to a brake jam.
'India building top secret nuclear Charaideo AGP to facility in Karnataka, seeking to oppose alliance with Congress or BJP upgrade weapons to unsettle Pakistan' Agencies New Delhi, Dec 17
ET Correspondent Sonari, Dec 17
With only two months remaining for the Assam legislative assembly constituency polls, the regional party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) too has started its preparations for the polls in the two upper Assam constituencies – Sonari and Mahmora – following the poll preparedness of the Congress and the BJP. Under the strong leadership of former minister Hiranya Konwar and youth leader Prasun Rajkonwar the
AGP is trying its level best to impress and win the Mahmora LAC which is under the Congress for the last 15 years. On the other hand, the party is also trying its best in Sonari, although the organizational activity of the party is very much weak in the constituency. In order to finalise its poll plan in the two constituencies, the Charaideo district committee of the party held an urgent executive committee meeting in Sonari recently. Contd. on Page 4
India is building a top-secret facility in southern Karnataka to improve its nuclear power for civilian use, according to a report in an international magazine Foreign Policy. As per the magazine, India is also looking to increase and upgrade its weapons that could 'unsettle' its neighbours.Quoting the magazine, Hindustan Times reported that the work on the project began early in 2012. The report quoted 'Foreign Policy' as such - "Tribal
pastureland was blocked off with a barbed-wire fence at Challakere for a project that experts say will be the subcontinent’s largest military-run complex of nuclear centrifuges, atomic-research laboratories, and weapons and aircraft-testing facilities when it’s completed, probably sometime in 2017." “But another, more controversial ambition, according to retired Indian government officials and independent experts in London and Washington, is to give India an extra stockpile of enriched uranium fuel that could be used in new hydrogen bombs,
also known as thermonuclear weapons, substantially increasing the explosive force of those in its existing nuclear arsenal,” as per the magazine. Further, Foreign Policy lists expansion of government’s nuclear research, production of fuel for India’s nuclear reactors and helping country’s fleet of new submarines project's primary aims. The magazine adds - “Experts say they might respond by ratcheting up their own nuclear firepower.
Contd. on Page 4
MotorCongress delegation No concern, care for sacred Langkuri Doul Hero meets with Rajnath Singh Guest house at Charaideo on the verge of extinct even before its inauguration cycles show room creates
cmyk
A team of Congress leaders of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao led by Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Tuliram Ronghang met with the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his official chambers yesterday in New Delhi to place the stipulation for creation of a separate state by curving out the two autonomous hill districts of Assam created under the 6th Schedule of Indian Constitution. According to
party sources, Rajnath Singh has assured the Congress delegation with regard to looking into the matter of granting separate statehood encompassing Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao autonomous districts. The delegation submitted a memorandum to the union minister mentioning the size of the proposed state which will be much bigger than other states like Sikkim or Goa if it comes about. Meanwhile,
Contd. on Page 4
Mritunjoy Das Sonari, Dec 17
Langkuri Deosal in Charaideo is one of the important historical monuments related to the glorious Ahom dynasty in upper Assam’s Sivasagar district. The remains of the deosal is evident in Charaideo. It may be mentioned that the Ahom rulers too had their own gods whom they worshipped; and among them Langkuri god was prominent. During the Ahom dynasty and even after that Langkuri god
A view of the deserted Guest House at Dolebagan. Pic - Mritunjoy Das
was worshipped during the fifth, tenth and twelfth month of the year. The egg-shaped remnants of the deosal are still evident in a high hillock of Charaideo. And besides the pyramid shaped maidam of Chowlung Siukapha was discovered recently. Given the historical importance of the entire Charaideo area every year thousands of visitors throng the place which also include foreign tourists and researchers. In order to provide firsthand lodging facilities the state government in
association with the state archeology had constructed a guest house at Dolebagan a few years back. The guest house constructed spending lakhs of money from the public exchequer consists of four small houses. However, due to reasons best known to the authorities concerned the guest house still awaits inauguration. Gradually, the newly constructed guest house which is under Nazira Contd. on Page 4
controversy Mayukh Goswami Mangaldai, Dec 17
Controversy has allegedly been brewing among the conscientious circles and motor cycle customers here following opening up of an authorised Show Room cum sale centre of Hero Motorcycles here on Wednesday at Bhebarghat but not selling any vehicle to customers even after two days of opening it. Contd. on Page 4
cmyk
Sushanta Roy Diphu, Dec 17
PAGE 2
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
BPF gears up for Assembly election ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Dec 17: With the Assam Assembly poll bound early next year, the ruling BPF party in BTAD gets a fresh lease of life when more than 800 BJP and PCDR members joined the party on Thursday in Kokrajhar. Former minister and Kokrajhar east MLA Pramila Rani Brahma, Kokrajhar west MLA Pradip Kumar Brahma, former BTC executive member and
Kokrajhar district BPF president Derhasat Basumatary, party leader Rajendra Nath Brahma felicitated and welcomed newly joined members from BJP, PCDR, common public under Kokrajhar west LAC segment with traditional Aronai and offered party membership forms formally at a function held at Serfanguri ME School ground on Thursday in Kokrajhar district. Over 800 leaders, member and
2 vehicle thieves nabbed Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Dec 17: After busting a gang of robbers, Makum Police on Wednesday night arrested two persons involved in vehicle theft cases. The duo has been identified as Maunj Hazarika and Sarif Ahmed. Talking to The Eastern Today correspondent, Makum police station officer-in charge Bhaskar Saikia said that after arresting two persons involved in the at-
tempted State Bank of India dacoity case they set out in search of the two other accomplices. “In the meantime, we got our hands on the duo who were involved in separate robbery cases, one pertaining to Phillobari Bolero pick-up theft case while the other involved in Bolero theft case registered with Tengakhat PS,” he said. More persons are likely to be arrested, he added.
23 years on, still awaiting government job to become permanent Rishu Kalantri Tinsukia, Dec 17; Twentythree years on and still awaiting his government job that of a peon to become permanent. This is the plight of a common man 68 years past Independence. This story is of none other than Bolin Moran, head of a poor family residing at Rangajan village in Tinsukia district. Bolin Moran has been working as a peon on temporary basis in the Rangajan gaon panchayat under Kakopathar development block since twenty three years with an expectation that someday government will recognize his work and make his job permanent. But, alas government has no time for a com-
mon man. According to sources, Bolin Moran met with the minister of panchayat and rural development several times. On their advise, he followed the proper process by applying for permanent job through Tinsukia Zila Parishad but nothing changed for him as he is ageing except his living conditions and running his family has become even more complex for him. Thanks to the price rise which his low salary is not able to cope up with. When will the government focus on such people and help them by recognizing their service, is a serious question that the government needs to answer.
activists from BJP, PCDR from various VCDCs like Serfanguri, Nepalpara, Sialmari, Ramfalbil, Gosainichina and Habrubari under Dotma block of Kokrajhar west LAC segment of Kokrajhar district. Most of the newly joined members are from BJP and PCDR. Former minister Brahma hailed the newly joined members in BPF party, said her party has been working on the social
development of the peoples since its inception in the party line. She said her party has been stressing citizen's welfare and equal distribution among society. She has urged party activists to be dedicated. MLA Pradip Kumar Brahma said that his party has eyed peace and unity and working for all round development and welfare of the common public’s social change in the region. He expressed optimism and
said his party is gaining its strength as irrespective of caste and creed, common public are stepping in to support BPF party in the region. The meeting was chaired by Sangkharlal Brahma, president Dotma block BPF. Among others, Simsan Mushahary, secretary Kokrajhar district committee of BPF, Jamuna Rani Brahma, president of BPF women wing and senior party leaders were present.
INLD welcomes Haryana Lokayoukta recommendations Sachin Sehrawat Sonepat, Dec 17: The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) today welcomed the recommendation of Haryana Lokayoukta to Haryana government for registering a case against five former Congress MLAs in CLU related cases. While talking to media persons here in party office, party’s district president, Padam Singh Dahiya, former MLA, said that if the cases were investigated impartially, even the senior Congress leaders would also be behind bars. He pointed out t h a t t h e party had already handed over memorandum to Haryana Governor and Chief Minister about all the CLU related scams with proofs during the 10 year rule of Bhupinder
Social Welfare Minister D C Marak cutting the Christmas Cake during the pre Christmas Celebration at U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong . Pic - UB Photos
ASTRO FOR YOU Success will be yours today, and you gain it by the dint of your merit, without any help from anyone. Whatever discipline you may be studying, you will come out with flying colours because of your profound understanding of the subject. You may decide to go in for further studies. You will be getting saddled with worries and anxieties, stress and confusion right from the start of the day. Before getting overwhelmed, try to go to the root of the problems. Earnest reflection will show you past events are the basic cause of whatever you are facing today. You should, once and for all, delve deep into the past and identify all issues that that been mishandled and therefore need to be resolved. Though you are always open to advice, you need to take your own, independent decision today. You may spend the afternoon putting things in order. In the evening, you will possibly have a romantic dinner with your sweetheart and may even want to propose marriage. You must get ready yourself to handle a few usual situations in an unusual way. You will probably learn a few lessons in public psychology during the afternoon. Before arriving at any crucial decision, weigh the pros and cons with an unbiased mind.
INLD’s district president, Padam Singh Dahiya (second from left) talks to media persons at Sonepat on Thursday.
Singh Hooda’s government in the state; but the BJP government in the state was not taking any action on the report. Dahiya alleged that around 85,000 acres of land was covered under CLU and
You will spend an enjoyable day with your family members today. Even at the work-place you will be thinking of ways to be with your family. You will take time out for some self-improvement projects. It is necessary to bring about some changes in life.
the Congress government crossed all limits of corruption. “Even the former Congress ministers have also started leveling allegations of corruption and of land scams,” he added.
Anger will run riot today. You will probably blow hotter than a volcano. During the afternoon, you could draw out the plans for a big business project. You will gain the support of your colleagues. But Ganesha advises that during the evening try to do some meditation so that you can soothe those frayed nerves.
One-day consultation workshop on child rights
You may come across unexpected monetary gains today. You are likely to be tagged as a ‘reliable’ employee of the company and you may be entitled for many other benefits that your company has to offer. This may increase your energy and enthusiasm towards work.
ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Dec 17: The Nedan Foundation, Kokrajhar based child rights institution has organized jointly with BTC a one-day consultation workshop with all duty bearers from BTC administration and other CSOs for the holistic development of underprivileged children at Central Institute of Technology (CIT) in Kokrajhar on Thursday. The Nedan Foundation has been strengthening mutual collaboration with stakeholders also collaborative partnership on the proper implementation of ICPS in Kokrajhar district. The consultation was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the invited chief guest Girim Bhuiya (CHD) social welfare, Birdao Narzary (SSA coordinator), Amarsing Brahma (BEEO
Kachugaon), Swmdwn Narzary (BEEO Kokrajhar) and core members of CPC from various locations. Digambar Narzary, chairman of Nedan put forward the objective of the consultation. Narzary highlighted the mechanism and maintenance of child protection and challenges that today’s children are facing. He also added that this BTC consultation isn’t for blaming each other instead it is for jointly working out ways and means for sustainability and empowerment of society. Bhuiya also talked about schemes related to children's welfare and sustainability. He added that the schemes like ICDS should function well and effectively for the children. “The demand should come from public regarding the issues faced
by children and community”, said Amarsing Brahma, BEEOKachugaon). Schools’ equipment and infrastructure should be made available in respective schools also should provide protective and learning environment. The tribal people and other backward classes were not aware of how maintenance could be, he added. Swmdwn Narzary, BEEO Kokrajhar talked about the challenges faced in implementation of RTE Act. He also added that people are the government so it is the time to initiate and seek forward children’s development and their entitlement rights. The Convention defined a 'child' as a person below the age of 18, unless the laws of a particular country set the legal age for adulthood younger. The Convention
applied to all children, whatever their race, religion or abilities. “Child Protection is about protecting children from or against any risk to their life and their childhood. It is about reducing their vulnerability to any kind of harm and ensuring that no child falls out of the protective and social safety net and that those who do, receive necessary care, protection and support so as to bring them back into the safety net. Countless children are being exploited, trafficked, molested, abducted and neglected and also abused.” A release said. On the one day consultation on many things have been covered/discussed with various stakeholders from BTC administration Social welfare BTC, education Department BTC, Child
protection unit from Kokrajhar in attendance. The discussion took place on various issues related to children's development and wellbeing such as exploitation, trafficking, violation of rights, abduction, child labour, abuse, child marriages and other forms of issues, besides discussing about the mechanism issues in BTC related to RTE Act implementation in forest encroachment villages like Ultapani, Saralpara and Lungsung. The SMC roles and functions were also discussed in detail. This one day BTC consultation brought out some recommendation such as training for SMS on RTE Act., life skill training for adolescents peer groups and child protection policy for BTC etc.
Sports
Scouting camp Sonari College enters
second round Snapshot from the Scouting camp at Tinsukia. Pic - ET Photo
Sports Correspondent Dibrugarh, Dec17: A scouting camp of the All India Football Federation for the National Team for the Under-17 Word Cup’ 2017 was held today under Tinsukia District Sports
Association. The Scouting camp was attended by Kishore Tied and Dipankar Choudhury, officials of All India Football Federation. 77 players of Sadiya, Margherita and Dibrugarh DSA attended the camp.
ET Correspondent with a 51 run knock run short of their target Sonari, Dec 17: Sonari while Raktim Borthakur in their allotted 25 College defeated Nazira got 25 runs and Kiron overs scoring 110 runs College by 5 runs while losing 9 to enter the next wickets in the proround in Group – DU Inter College Cricket cess. Arindam C of the Chetia scored 23 Dibrugarh Uniruns while Jitu versity Inter College Hazarika made 15. Saikia and Biswajit Cricket Tournament Zerifur Rahman picked Lahon got 18 each. For which is currently un- up 3 wickets for Nazira Sonari, Surajit derway at the Sonari while Zahid Shah, Rajkonwar captured 4 public playground. Bat- Pranjal Dey and wickets while Bharat ting first Sonari College Biswajit Lahon cap- Phukon got 3. Tomorscored 115 in their 25 tured a couple of wick- row, Sivasagar College overs. Surajit ets each. In reply, will play against Sonari Rajkonwar top scored Nazira College fell 5 Commerce College.
You will find happiness and enhanced vigor today. You will make plans to go with your friends or family members for a short trip or excursion. You will be confused about something in the day which will drive you to seek answers in religious or philosophical discourses.
While most of them try hard not to mix business or work with pleasure, you enjoy doing that! And you soon realise that it is working well. Today, your actions will speak louder than words. All in all, a constructive day in store for you. Love is a sensitive issue for you, and today you will enter into a new phase of your life. If you are already in a relationship, you will strengthen the emotional bond with your sweetheart. Such expression of love will not be one-sided. Your affection will be reciprocated by equal amount of love by your beloved. Friends – the pillars of your life are going to be your constant companions for the day. You will need to come out of your shell and tread new paths. Bring the vibrant side of your personality to the fore and see the difference you make in every one’s life. You will be busy dealing with minor conflicts throughout the day. You will need time to come out of these conflicts even after they have been resolved. You need to guard against your mood swings if you wish to make progress on the work-front. The later half of the day should see your worries melt away and everything will fall into place.
PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights
18-12-15 (FRIDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti 6-15 A.M-Gandhi Prarthana 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan (Students' Broadcast) 6-50 A.M-Zikir 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-Live Phone-In Surar Satsori 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishimi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Chah Shramikar Aasor-1. Jhumur by Tishirani Hembrom & Party, 2.Talk by Rekha Tasa 8-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Brahmaputra Swasthya Sewa" (Sponsored by Brahmaputra Diagnostics and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd.) 9-30 P.M-North East Collage 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P
PAGE 3
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
Arunachal CM writes to PM, President; seeks Governor to appeal against the stay order of the summoning intervention in ongoing political crisis ANI New Delhi, Dec.17: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki on Wednesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee, asking for their intervention in ongoing political crisis in the state. In his letters, Tuki informed them of the "unilateral decision taken by Governor J.P. Rajkhowa by summoning the Assembly session without consulting the democratically-elected government. "As per the provisions of Article 174
of Constitution, the Governor can summon session of the Legislative Assembly only on the aid and advice of the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers. On the contrary, the Governor, on the strength of Article 175(2) issues a message for summoning a session," Tuki said in his letters. He said that both the President and the Prime Minister are aware that message under Article 175(2) is only for a Bill and not any resolution of the members of the House. "Furthermore, the Governor, not stopping by
issuing this illegal order, also issues the agenda of the business to be transacted by selectively taking up pending business of removal of the Speaker to be chaired by the Deputy Speaker whereas the notice for removal of Deputy Speaker was submitted earlier to the Assembly secretariat," he said. The Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister further added that he, along with his council of ministers, called on the Governor on December 15 but despite registering protest and requests urging him
to reconsider his illegal order, he refused to heed to their pleadings. "In utter violation of all norms and laid down procedures, the Deputy Speaker, who stands disqualified along with some legislators convenes the illegal session with the permission of the Governor, in a badminton court and passes resolution for removal of the Speaker," the letters said. "This is unprecedented murder of democracy and bypass of a democratically-elected government and in contravention to the provisions
and ideals of the Constitution. I seek your support and timely intervention on the issue in the larger interest of the nation and to uphold the ideals as enshrined in the Constitution," the letters added. The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet on Monday had endorsed the opinions of Advocate General and other legal experts on the constitutionality of the December 12 order of State Governor J.P. Rajkhowa to prepone the assembly session from January 14 next to December 16.
People savour ‘Na-Khowa Utsav’ celebrations ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 17: The Assamese, the people of Assam, whose life is virtually dependent on cultivation, know how to celebrate the joy defeating the sorrows and preventing the ‘sighs of life’. The festivals they celebrate throughout the year justify this temperament of these people. Such a festival is the "Na Khowa Utsav", that is the tradition of the maiden usage of rice after the harvesting of paddy. The Assamese people of a local area celebrated this
festival unitedly in the month of Aghon, the 8th month of Assamese year, which fills the cultivator's granary with the golden seeds of paddy. Following the tradition every where the people of Assam observe the festival and savour the taste of celebrated feasts. The people of Lakhimpur, too are not exception to this. At least a thousand people of Jalbhari area under Dhakuakhona Sub-Division of the district took this taste of the festival celebrating it tra-
People assemble for 'Na-Khowa Utsav in Dhakuakhana. Pic - Ranjit Kakoty
ditionally on the bank of the river Korha. The villagers of the 10/12 villages wor-
shipped 'Gantiyal', the god of the paddy fields arranging his worshipping ritual 'Gantiyal
Sabah' with the primary purpose of attaining peace and wealth throughout the year. Then they dined with contentment. From children to old men, girls to women, people of the surrounding area, irrespective their caste and creed participated in the feast in the hospitality of the Ujani Jalbhari Field Management Committee. They entertained themselves with Bihu expressing the essence of unity and bliss of solidarity.
Arunachal PCC demands Governor's resignation as Gauhati HC stays assembly proceedings till Feb 1 Contd. from Page 1
Therefore, the constitutional head should not indulge in excessive interference in executive affairs , which is again outside the ambit of his defined duties. That, in view of his conduct in office so far, it is evident that the Governor has considerably lowered the dignity of the high office. His absence of due diligence in dealing with sensitive issues that too with ones like constitutionally con-
vening a State Assembly is suggestive of his incompetence to remain at the helm of affairs. His conduct or rather misconduct has been raised at the highest levels including that of the President of India , Prime Minister of India and also on the floor of the Parliament - the temple of Indian Democracy. Therefore, APCC seeks his immediate resignation on moral grounds for failing to protect the interests of the people of the State and also for show-
BJP declares Kalikho Pul as next Chief Ministerial candidate Contd. from Page 1
33 MLAs said yes to no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and no MLA from the Chief Minister faction was present. Meanwhile, the Congress earlier today said there could be no business in the Rajya Sabha, because of the recent political developments in Arunachal Pradesh. Briefing media in New Delhi, leader of oppo-
sition in the Upper House Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Central government is using the Governor, who is upholder of the Constitution, for political gains. He alleged that the Centre is trying to destabilise Arunchal Pradesh government. In reply to a query, another spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala clarified that the Congress Party has not called any of its state leaders to Delhi on December19.
My Govt stable, crisis created by Governor, claims Arunachal CM Contd. from Page 1
Briefing media in New Delhi, leader of opposition in the Upper House Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Central government is using the Governor, who is upholder of the Constitution, for political gains. He alleged
that the Centre is trying to destabilise Arunchal Pradesh government. In reply to a query, another spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala clarified that the Congress Party has not called any of its state leaders to Delhi on December19.
ing disregard to the sanctity of the Constitution of India , to which we remain committed as citizens of India. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha continued to witness noisy scenes during the question hour on Thursday as Congress members rushed into the well, protesting against several issues, including political de-
velopments in Arunachal Pradesh. Proceedings in the Rajya Sabha continue to be disrupted as well over the political developments in Arunachal Pradesh. The House has been adjourned till 3 PM. In the morning session the House was adjourned for 30 minutes after 12 Noon and then till 2 PM.
Congress members rushed to the well protesting against the Arunachal Pradesh Governor summoning the State Assembly. However, Chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari conducted the Question Hour briefly amidst noisy scenes. Thereafter he adjourned the house till 2 PM.
National Herald case: All Congress MPs, CMs to march with Sonia, Rahul Gandhi to court on Dec 19? Agencies New Delhi, Dec 17: After raising slogans against Modi government in both the Houses ofParliament leaving them stalled for many days, it seems Congress is leaving no stone unturned to project the National Herald issue as an example of 'vendetta politics'. In all likelihood, all the Congress MPs, chief ministers and state
unit presidents will march to court with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi on December 19 when they will appear before magistrate in National Herald case. According to a report in DNA, Congress is planning a grand show on Saturday, when Sonia Gandhi, Rahul and five other leaders will appear before court. It would be a show of strength to express soli-
darity with the party leadership and register protest. Reportedly, Congress has summoned all its chief ministers, state unit presidents and MPs to remain present at Congress headquarters on Saturday. Earlier, Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul Gandhi and others were directed to appear in person on December 19 by a Delhi court in connection with National Herald case.
Itanagar, Dec 17: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri J P Rajkhowa is extremely surprised to know from TV channels of Guwahati that a Single Judge Bench Of Guwahati High Court Justice Hrishikesh Roy had issued a Stay Order staying the Order of the Governor dated 9th December 2015 preponing the summoning of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 14th January 2016 to 16th December 2015 under Art. 174(1) of the Constitution of India and also other proceedings including removal of speaker Shri Nabam Rebia by a resolution of 33 MLAs and asking for maintaining status quo ante, while the proceedings had already taken place much earlier and no confidence motion
against Council of Ministers led by Shri Nabam Tuki also passed well ahead of the Order passed by the Single Judge Bench, which reportedly took place much later on 17th December 2015. The Governor is also surprised to know from the reports carried by the TV channels that Hon`ble Justice H Roy had also cast aspersion on the Governor, of allegedly having taken side of a party, without going through records and materials available in the Governor`s secretariat. While the Governor has the highest regards for the independence of the judiciary, he is however pained to observe that no notice or opportunity was given to the Governor/ Governor`s secretariat of the writ petition filed in the Hon`ble Court, report-
edly on behalf of the removed Speaker Shri Nabam Rebia. That way, the Governor feels that to defend his orders, as the order was issued by Hon`ble Single Judge is ex-parte in nature. In view of the above, the Governor has decided to appeal against the Order for which legal options are under examination. The same will be done very shortly, after obtaining all relevant documents including the Writ petition filed and the copy of the Order of the Single Judge Bench etc. In absence of the copy of the Order of Hon`ble High Court and absence of copy of the writ petition filed by Shri Nabam Rebia etc. the Governor is not in a position to make any further comments. (Press Release issued by PRO to Governor)
NES vows revolt against Arunachal Governor Contd. from Page 1
attempt of unceremonious entry of ‘former MLA’ Kalikho Pul into the state leadership by spitting venom against the Nyishi community and MoS Home Kiren Rijiju for stage managing the political turmoil and social unrest in the state,” informed Tolum. “Series of democratic movement
against the anti-Nyishi Governor J P Rajkhowa and Kalikho Pul shall be announced in due course. Till the recall of the Governor and arrest and trial of Kalikho Pul does not take place, a rigorous social movement of the community shall be reinforced,” he added. NES further added that due to mishandling of the political situation by the governor
and Pul both of them shall be squarely held responsible in case of any untoward incident and law and order problem that may be arise due to the political drama in the state orchestrated by them. “As we cannot be a silent spectator to the happenings in the state, we would be forced to take social action,” the statement added.
Three held for smuggling tiger skin in Nainital Nainital, Dec. 17 (ANI): Forest police on Wednesday arrested three men for smuggling a tiger skin in Nainital, Uttarakhand. Divisional Forest Officer ( DFO),Parag Madhukar Dhakate, said police were keeping a close watch on activities in the area ever since intelligence inputs had come in. "In the evening around 6 p.m. we stopped a motorbike with three riders. The man seated in the middle was holding a gunny bag. When we checked the bag we found the tiger skin inside. All the three men belong to the 'van (forest) Gujjar' tribe," said Dhakate. The three men have been booked under Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and other relevant laws. The accused told forest police that a deal worth rupees 0.22 million had been fixed
for the seized tiger skin and it was one of their accomplice only who had killed the tiger. The smugglers would call the clients to their home to pick up their orders. During interrogation, the three men also told forest police that this wasn't the first time they weresmuggling tiger skin. India was home to an estimated 40,000 ti-
gers at the turn of the last century, but poaching and the loss of habitat brought them to the brink to extinction. However, the 2014 Status of Tigers in India report said that tiger numbers rose by 30.5 percent in four years, up from 1,706 tracked in the 2010 tiger census and just 1,411 animals four years previously.
PM Modi to visit Kutch to attend DGPS' conference New Delhi, Dec. 17 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on an official visit to Kutch district of Gujarat from December 18-20. The Prime Minister will arrive in Bhuj. He will hand over to Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel the certificate of posthumous reinstatement of
Shyamji Krishna Varma to the bar by London's Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. The Prime Minister had received this certificate in London during his visit in November. The Prime Minister will then proceed to Dhordo, where he will attend the Conference of Directors General of Police.
9 injured as metro escalator malfunctions in Kolkata Kolkata, Dec.17 (ANI): At least nine people were injured at a metro station when an escalator malfunctioned here on Thursday. The accident took place when the escalator in the northern end of the Girish Park metro station, moving in
upward direction, suddenly started moving downwards. Out of the injured, three have been rushed to the hospital while others were giving first aid at the station itself. Meanwhile, a probe has been ordered to find the cause of the incident.
Sikha Borthakur., NHM official delivers speech at Media Workshop organized by Health Society, Darrang District in Mangaldai. Pic - UB Photos
PAGE 4
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
AAU to stress on Integrated Farming throughout the country: VC Bijoy Handique Jorhat, Dec 17: A threeday national workshop on Integrated Farming system is underway at the Dr. MC Das memorial auditorium at Assam Agricultural University (AAU) Jorhat campus here today. The three-day national group meeting was inaugurated by the chairman of the group meeting Dr. Kamal Mallav Buzarbaruah, the vice chancellor of AAU. During his inaugural address the VC lauded the importance of such a meeting and congratulated the organizers and the delegates coming
from different centres located in different states including the Union territories. The vice chancellor said, with multidimensional practices AAU has developed several types of rice varieties for which the university bagged Sardar Patel outstanding ICAR institutional award 2014. AAU boosts to have contributed towards development that has taken place in almost all the 23 KVKs throughout the state of Assam monitored and run by the AAU research scientists and experts. On the other hand the vice chancellor said
VC, AAU delivering his speech. AAU has developed a model Integrated Framing system. Research on Integrated Farming system, group meetings, fu-
Another jumbo enters town ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 17: Golaghat district has been recently at the receiving end of elephant terror with the adjoining areas of Murphulani, Thoramukh, Falongani, Rungajan, etc. also being affected. A herd comprising 35 to 40 elephants has entered human habitations since a month now damaging houses and properties of many labourers. Meanwhile, a group comprising 6-7 elephants reached Ward no. 1 of Golaghat town yesterday wreaking havoc till morning during which the elephants de-
The elephant which created havoc. Pic - Amit Nagori
stroyed houses of Babu Gogoi, Linkai Das, Junaki Das and Kripal Sahu. The people informed the matter to the Forest Department and soon forest staff arrived and tried to bring the situation under control. They
lighted crackers and even blank fired to frighten the herd. However, people are of the view that if this incident has occurred yesterday than it can happen in the future too. The people are worried.
Parliament adjourned till 2pm over Arunachal crisis, other issues Contd. from Page 1
Congress lawmakers trooped into the Well and shouted slogans like "stop the murder of the Constitution in Arunachal Pradesh and dismiss Arunachal Governor." As the House met for the day, Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan rejected several adjournment motions moved by Congress, TMC, AAP, and others on different issues. After their rejection, the Congress members trooped into the well and started shouting
slogans over Arunachal Pradesh governor issue and rise in excise duties on petroleum products. However, the House conducted Question Hour amid noisy scenes. AAP Members showed placards in reference to Chandigarh Airport renaming as disrespect to Bhagat Singh. YSR congress MPs also displayed placards demanding special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Parliament has been adjourned till 2 p.m. The Winter Session of the Parliament have seen fre-
quent disruption over several issues, even as legislations on Goods and Services Tax bill, Real Estate bill, SC/ST bill, among other important Bills are pending. The Rajya Sabha has been the worst hit in terms of deliberations, losing several days to disruptions over union minister V K Singh's Dalit comment, the National Herald case, corruption cases like the Madhya Pradesh Vyapam scam and the alleged atrocities against Dalits in Punjab.
ture work plan and development of methods for the purpose of R&D will be also sorted out, said Dr. Ajit Baishya, the
chief Agronomist. Dr. JP Singh, director of Indian Institute of Farming System detailed about the integrated farming system and group meeting said that with integrated farming system the country would develop in a big way. Among other resource persons who were present in the national workshop were Dr. DN Hazarika-Director research AAU, Dr, NP Singh-director ICAR, Dr. Ajit Baishya, Chief Agronomist, Dr N Ravi Shankar, programme facilitator, Manipuram University.
7 injured in road mishap ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 17: Seven workers were injured in an accident that took place at Khumtai of Golaghat district today. As per reports, a TATA A/C bearing number ASO5C 3868 was ferrying 15 labourers from Khumtai to Pulibar when it's spring broke and suddenly fell on the road in running condition. As such 7 labourers were injured
who were taken to KK Civil Hospital. Among injured were Bharati Nayak, Rakhi Tanti, Juli Tanti, Anjana Tanti, Manju Tiri and Buttu Tiri. However, the conscientious class people have alleged that it is the result of violating traffic rules and carrying 15 passengers in a congested manner and as a result such the accident of breakdown occurred.
NCC academy for NE in Jorhat Bijoy Handique Jorhat, Dec 17:The National Cadet Corps Academy, the first of its kind in NorthEast is all set to come up in Jorhat, as land and fund has been transferred to the NCC Authorities by the government of Assam, which was earlier allotted for construction of Women University presently allotted space at the AAU campus, informed Solanki Vishal Vasant, DC Jorhat. Talking to this correspondent, Brigader PM Rathi, the Group Commander of NCC Group Headquarters, said that the entire north east will be highly benefitted in its wake. He said having a permanent academy with necessary infrastructure is useful for imparting training as not only a large number of cadets can be given training during a session but also the problem of shifting material under the present system for organizing of training camps could be done away with. Brig Rathi said, under the present system, the eight NCC group headquarters spread across the North East (five in Assam) under the Shillong based NCC directorate, organize several training camps
across the year. He said each group headquarters, supported by their respective battalion headquarters, annually organizes about 10 to 12 training sessions within areas under their jurisdiction with about 100 cadets attending each camp. The duration of the camp organized in school/college campuses and sometimes in army cantonments is around ten days. Brig Rathi said, for this purpose the NCC units have to shift a large quantity of physical training equipment from one place to another and get it installed and arrange for accommodation and lodging of the cadets at the temporary venues. “A permanent training academy will help to overcome these problems. Over 350 cadets could participate in one centralized training session,” Brig Rathi said. He added that national integration camps, where cadets from other parts of the country can take part, could be also conducted at this academy. The director said the process for construction of buildings for lodging, accommodation and other physical training infrastructure (drill ground with mul-
tiple obstacles) and a firing range will start soon. “We are carrying out readjustment according to our requirement from some infrastructure earlier constructed for the Women Universities”, Brig Rathi said. He said according to the plan, a sports facility having volleyball, basketball and football ground will be set up in the academy and a Rs. 3 crore proposal was submitted to the Assam Sports and Youth Affair Department last month for setting up of the infrastructure. The Commander Brig. PM Rathi, while appreciating the state government for providing the plot for the academy which was most essential hoped other North Eastern states too would come forward such a purpose, as the cadets from the north east perform outstandingly. The NCC functions in the region with office headquarters and clerical staff provided and funded by the respective state governments while the training programmes are funded by the Centre. The NCC officers are from Army, Air Force and Navy, who come on deputation as per requirement, informed senior official here.
Inactivated Polio-virus Vaccine launched in Lakhimpur ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 17: Along with the other districts of Assam, the ambitious Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccination program was inaugurated on December 16 in Lakhimpur District at Nowboicha Block Primary Health Center. The meeting, which was held on the occasion chaired by Abdul Chattar, the Joint Director of the District Health Services, began with a Borgeet at 10.30 am. Dr Gunin Kumar Gogoi, the District Immunisation Officer explained the purpose of the meeting. Thereafter, in an earthenlamp illuminated environment blending with the notes of an IPV welcoming chorus, the vaccine was formally launched by ADC
Mouchumi Baruah and Nowboicha MLA cum Parliamentary Scretary Sanjay Raj Subba, simultaneously vaccinating several babies by ANMs. Both of them delivered inspiring lectures expecting the success of the vaccination program. The Joint Director elaborated the code of conduct on the part of the Medical Practitioners, Health Workers, Community Leaders, Social Activists, parents and guardians, media etc in case of attaining success of the program. CDPO Neelima Pathak, CO of Nowboicha Revenue Circle Ajit Kumar Sarmah, advocate Haren Sarmah also spoke a few words on the occasion. Additional Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Jogananda Das,
Nowboicha Block Congress President Amuch Dhan along with a host of eminent personalities were present in the program. SDMO Dr Kiran Chetia who composed the IPV welcoming chorus offered the vote of thanks. It is noteworthy that the Government of Assam, under the aegis of the Health Dept. introduced this Inactivated Polio-virus Vaccine (IPV), a vaccine in injectable form, with the primary purpose of providing immunity against polio virus and reduce the risk of Vaccine associated Paralytic Poliomyelitis (VAPP). This program will be continued together with the ongoing Routine Immunization Program that is Oral Polio-virus Vac-
cine (OPV). As per the instruction of the State Health Department, one dose of IPV will be administered intramuscularly in the anterolateral aspect of right mid-thigh using an AD syringe to fourteen weeks old babies on the same day when he or she will be administered the third dose of OPV. It is to be noted that Poliomyelites, widely known as polio, is one of the most contagious and fatal diseases. It not only paralyses the human resource infecting during the childhood but also affects the national economics and social life. Though India was declared Polio-free country on 27 March, 2014 by virtue of Routine Immunization Pro-
grams, there are still cases of Polio in the African country Nigeria and the neighbouring country Pakistan and Afganistan. In such circumstances, there was a fear of the re-emergence of polio in India in the coming days till the time even one case of Polio exists in the world. Therefore the introduction of IPV has been taken up nationwide. The IPV vaccine further strengthens the immune system and provides protection by preparing children's bodies to fight against the polio-virus. IPV is highly expensive. Under routine immunization program, IPV along with all other vaccines are provided free of cost to the beneficiaries by the Government.
Hero Motorcycles show room Charaideo AGP to Congress delegation creates controversy oppose alliance with meets with Rajnath Singh is a gross violation of the Kumaris at a ceremonial Motor Act and Rules. On function in the presence Congress or BJP the Congress is doing Autonomous Council It has been alleged that the other hand although of the officials of HMCL Contd. from Page 1
Contd. from Page 1
the business establishment titled as “Shree Sai Hero” owned by a senior leader of the state BJP was debarred from selling new vehicle by the district transport authority for not obtaining their requisite Trade Certificate and Trade License from them. Meanwhile on being approached by a section of media persons, the District Transport Officer (DTO), Darang, Pabitra Baishya on Thursday afternoon confirmed the allegation against the said business establishment clarifying his stand that he has verbally instructed the authority of the establishment to stop themselves from selling any new vehicle and also not to function the workshop until and unless they obtain the TC and TL which
Bijay Gupta the owner of the business establishment was not available for comments his close circle on being asked over phone replied over that the show room and the sale centre of the Hero Motorcycle was opened only but it has not started its sale. Interestingly knowing the gravity of the situation the authority of the business establishment has rushed to the District Transport Authority only on Thursday afternoon and submitted application for necessary certificates and license to run the business. It may be mentioned here that the authorised dealer of Hero Motor Corp Limited (HMCL) was formally inaugurated by BK Sheela Bahen of the Prajapita Brahma
and Secretary of Assam State Committee of BJP cum owner of the unit Bijoy Gupta among others. According to Bijoy Gupta the automated workshop will be a eco friendly workshop with latest technology using re cycling of waters used in it. This show room and the workshop will offer employment opportunity to about fifty unemployed youth of Darrang district. Many distinguished guests including BJP MP Ramen Deka, Deputy Commissioner, Darrang Manoj Kumar and other senior officials of the District Administration and District Transport Authority were invited to the function but none of them reportedly attended the function anticipating that controversy.
No concern, care for sacred Langkuri Doul Contd. from Page 1
LAC is being destroyed by anti-social elements. Had the guest
house being inaugurated it would have been of immense help for the visitors and researchers. The so-called conscious
section of the society has too kept mum adding to the misery of the place and the monuments.
Contd. from Page 1
A resolution was adopted to work united in the two constituencies of the district and also to properly activate all the frontal wings of the party. Adopting an important resolution, the meeting also decided that it would oppose any kind of move of alliance with either the Congress or the BJP. The meeting also decided
that if required the party might consider alliance with smaller regional parties. The meeting also decided to hold two massive party rallies in the two constituencies in presence of the top central leadership of the party in the month of January. It may be mentioned that two leaders of the party has sought ticket from Mahmora while five have sought ticket from Sonari.
'India building top secret nuclear facility in Karnataka, seeking to upgrade weapons to unsettle Pakistan' Contd. from Page 1
Pakistan, in particular, considers itself a military rival, having engaged in four major conflicts with India, as well as frequent border skirmishes. However, West-
ern knowledge about how India’s weapons are stored, transported, and protected, and how the radiological and fissile material that fuels them is guarded and warehoused — the chain of custody — remains rudimentary."
the delegation is trying to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the same issue, but due to the ongoing session of the parliament, failed to meet with the Prime Minister today. According to party sources, the Home Minister appreciated the functioning of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. Moreover, the Home Minister also assured the delegation of all kinds of help in management of the council administration efficiently. It may be mentioned that Kiren Rijiju, the minister of State for Home, has been instrumental in arranging the meeting with Rajnath Singh at a time when both houses of parliament were witnessing opposition obstruction to preceedings. The whole endeavour of the Congress has been ridiculed by both BJP and HSDC. “This is their annual exercise of hog washing the people of the hills which
since the last decade to dope the common people; if this party is really sincere on this issue why they didn’t grant statehood when they were in power in Delhi, Dispur and Diphu? Even today Congress Chief Minister of Assam is dead against creation of tribal state; no viable proposal has been forwarded to Delhi by Congress ruled Assam Government till today even after 30 years of movement. Why the same delegation do not meet with Tarun Gogoi and Rahul Gandhi and convince them to sit for demonstration in Delhi demanding creation of state curving out tribal autonomous zone of the state?” told a HDSP leader on condition of anonymity. Dr. Man Singh Rongpi. MLA and parliamentary Secretary, Govt of Assam, Mongol Sing Timung, DU Maslai both EMS of KAAC, Nirmal Langthasa and Mahendra Kemprai, MACs, Dima Hasao
and Surya Rongphar, Dy. Chairman, KAAC were also part of the delegation which called on the Home Minister. About 1750 Congress workers who arrived at Delhi by a special train from Guwahati to take part in the demonstration at Jantar Mantar on December 14 have left Delhi for their journey home. The workers were seen off by CEM Tuliram Ronghang, EMs Mangal Sing Timung and D Uphing Maslai at Delhi railway station. According to sources, this was considered to be the biggest ever demonstration from Assam held ever at Jantar Mantar. Even at the height of the Autonomous State movement or other issues relating to Assam or the hills districts such a massive demonstration was never held. Despite the MoU in 1995 and the MoS with the UPDS in 2011, the condition of the hills districts remained unchanged.
Vijay Diwas observed in Mizoram
Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla Aizawl, Dec 17: Mizoram Governor Lt General (retd) Nirbhay Sharma and Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla on Wednesday laid wreaths at the War Memorial to commemorate the Vijay Diwas marking India's victory in the 1971 IndoPak war, in Treasury Square here. Parliamentary Secretary for Home Lt Col (retd) Z S Zuala, Chief Secretary
Lalmalsawma, Director General of Police Thianghlima Pachuau and senior armed forces officials also laid wreaths at the memorial. Vijay Diwas is observed to commemorate Indian armed forces' victory in the 1971 IndoPak war which resulted in liberation of the East Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh as an indep e n d e n t nation.(Agencies)
40 cartons of smuggled cigarettes worth over Rs 15 lakh seized Dimapur, Dec 17: Continuing its drive against smuggled foreign cigarettes, the officers of Customs Headquarters, Preventive Unit, Shillong have seized 40 cartons of "Ruili River" brand filter cigarettes worth Rs 15.97 lakh, manufactured by Myanmar Cigarette Factory from the Booking Counter of Kamakhya Railway Station, Guwahati on December 14. The consignment was mis-declared as "damaged tobacco product". The consignor is from Dimapur and it was destined for Howrah. Initial investigation indicates that these cigarettes have been smuggled from the Manipur sector of IndoMyanmar border. The smugglers of foreign cigarettes use courier agencies, railways and passenger buses to transport such contraband to different parts of the country. "No one has been arrested in the instant case although investigation is going on", I.R. Kharkongor Deputy Commissioner Customs (Headquarters Preventive) said. Earlier on December 1, the customs sleuths had detected a consignment of 1397 cartons of GE Classic Golden Elephant Brand and WIN Brand ciga-
rettes of Myanmar origin probably smuggled from Dimapur. The cigarettes valued at Rs 9.38 lakh was detected at Guwahati from a courier agency which was meant to be smuggled to Meghalaya. Though Bangladesh used to be the source of illegal smuggling of cigarettes in the past, Myanmar has now become the hub of such activities. As per an earlier report, Assam and Meghalaya were incurring revenue losses to the tune of Rs 700 crore every year due to illegal trade of cigarettes, which are manufactured locally as well as smuggled from neighboring countries. Besides, it was reported that almost 23 crore illegal tax-evaded cigarette sticks are sold in these two states every month. Since there is high VAT rate on cigarettes in Assam and Meghalaya compared to other states, this has resulted in a thriving illegal market of tobacco, sources said. The danger is that the smuggled cigarettes very often do not carry the graphical health warnings mandated by Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), thereby endangering the tobacco control policy of the government. (Agencies)
Former CPI-M MP Nurul Huda is dead
MP Nurul Huda died on Thursday Kolkata, Dec 17: Former Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) MP Nurul Huda died here on Thursday, family sources said. He was 86. Huda suffered a massive heart attack on Tuesday and slipped into coma. He had been admitted to the Ruby Hospital with bronchitis about a week ago. A central committee member of the CPI-M, Huda is survived by his
wife Chobi. He was a leader of the All India Kisan Sabha and hailed from Assam. Huda was jailed during the Emergency period of 1975-77, party activists said. Huda was a member of Assam assembly from 1978 to 1983. He was elected from Silchar, defeating then Janata Party candidate Kabindra Purkayastha, currently a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader. (Agencies)
PAGE 5
REGION
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
CSC exam rescheduled for 26 Dec Kolkata, Dec 17: State Education Minister Partha Chatterjee on Wednesday said that they have postponed the examination of College Service Commission (CSC) from 1 December to 26 December. Parttime teachers are also eligible to apply for the examination. According to Chatterjee, part-time and contractual teachers can also apply in CSC and the state government has already increased the stipend of the part-time and contractual teachers teaching in staterun col-
leges. Chatterjee also added that while the parttime and the contractual teachers were appointed during the Left front regime, the TMC government took steps to increase their stipend. While replying to a question of Congress MLA, Asit Mitra, regarding the number of vacancies in state run colleges, Chatterjee said that there are 3,300 vacancies in state-run colleges and the state government has filled up 12,890 posts till date. Last Friday, Chatterjee
State Education Minister Partha Chatterjee announced 25 per cent increase in the salary of
the part-time teachers and 10 per cent increase
CBI probe into cop's 'murder' case likely Shillong, Dec 17: The High Court of Meghalaya has reserved the judgment on the controversial P.J. Marbaniang 'murder' case even as the Court, during the hearing on Wednesday, indicated that it was a fit case to be handed over to the CBI. The High Court was hearing the PIL filed by the mother of late Marbaniang who had sought a CBI probe into the matter doubting the credibility of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) which had arrived at a conclusion that it was a case of suicide. Earlier on November 24, the High Court had asked both the petitioner and the police to file separate affidavits regarding the death of Marbaniang, the former officer in charge of Patharkhmah police station. Marbaniang's body was found with bullet injuries on his head on January 25 at his official quarter, a day after he had detained 32 coal laden trucks. As per the affidavit filed by the mother of the deceased police officer, there was no immediate action on the part of the police as the FIR was filed only on January 27. The affidavit pointed out that no proper procedure was
followed under section 174 CrPC (immediate intimation to Executive Magistrate for inquest) and also regarding preservation of place of occurrence for FSL examination. The petitioner
late Marbaniang, which according to the petitioner must be the result of a scuffle. Another discrepancy is that though the gun was lying on the left hand of late Marbaniang, no finger
dences were found, no conclusion could be made as to the manner in which the deceased would have been shot and the petitioner also doubted the nature of blood stain traces in the
P.J. Marbaniang also said that the senior health and medical officer, Patharkhmah, had re-affirmed that the entry wound was from the back of the head. Moreover, there are discrepancies with regard to the size of the wound on the forehead and the back of the head and also on the time and date of death of the police officer. The affidavit quoting the postmortem report of NEIGRIHMS pointed out that there were bruises on the left eye of
print could be detected from the gun and moreover, the police officer was a right handed person. As per the report of the Forensic Laboratory, Shillong, no gunshot residues were detected from the hands of the police officer. The Assistant Director, Chemistry Division Forensic Laboratory, Shillong, had pointed out that the entire room where the police officer was found dead had been washed. Since no physical evi-
room. The petitioner pointed out that the death of her son was following the detention of 32 trucks and there was no reason for him to commit suicide. The petitioner sought the CBI inquiry by stating that the SIT headed by police personnel would not be impartial while probing the death of a police officer since there is also involvement of police personnel in the case related to transportation of coal. (Agencies)
HC blow to State Govt, KHADC, headmen Shillong, Dec 17: In a serious setback to the State government, the KHADC and the traditional heads, the High Court of Meghalaya on Wednesday extended the jurisdiction of the MUDA Building Bye Laws beyond the Municipal areas after hearing a PIL seeking the implementation of the building bye laws in the entire Shillong Master Plan areas. The Division Bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice Uma Nath Singh and Justice T.N.K. Singh has stayed the November 5 order of the Secretary, Meghalaya Urban Development Authority, which had excluded nonurban areas from the purview of the MUDA Building Bye Laws. It was under pressure from traditional heads under the banner of Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep on November 5 last, that the State government had issued a notification and assured the headmen's body that no building bye laws will apply to scheduled areas. During the hearing on the PIL filed by one Tirot Sing Syiemlieh, counsel for the petitioner, N. Syngkon, informed the Court that the Meghalaya Building Bye
Laws, 2011 which provides guidelines for construction of buildings as well as grant of permission to construct such buildings has been withdrawn by MUDA without any valid reason. The petitioner said that Meghalaya is at Zone 5 which is the highest level of seismic activity and the area can experience earthquakes which can be as high as 8/9 on the Richter Scale. While, the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2011 apply to all the Master Plan areas and scheme areas notified or to be notified from time to time within the State, the MUDA Secretary, through a notification on November 5, had withdrawn the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2011 from its operation in the Shillong Master Plan without citing any reason, the petitioner said. "If the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority is not capable to regulate, supervise, monitor, and implement the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2011 in Shillong Master Plan areas, where multistoried and high rise buildings are constructed rapidly, the government should have notified any other government department or established or notified
any other agency to implement the same. Such withdrawal indicated that the government is not concerned about the security and safety of the general public of the State," the PIL said. Besides, the involvement of officers, builders and others held to have carried out illegal construction is also being scrutinized by the Central Bureau of Investigation, and that matter is pending in the Court, the Division Bench observed. On the other hand, the counsel for the State, Khalid Khan, contended that the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2011 has only been kept in abeyance and not withdrawn. "Keeping in abeyance inter alia also means suspension of operation of bye laws, which was very much in force till the Secretary, MUDA, issued the impugned order in November 2015. In that view of the matter, the order of Secretary, Meghalaya Urban Development Authority dated 5.11.2015 is hereby stayed, and consequently, the Meghalaya Building Bye Laws shall remain in operation during the pendency of this petition," the High Court said. The respondents can file
their affidavit-in-opposition within four weeks and the matter will come up for hearing on March 2 next year. Before the notification of MUDA Secretary on November 5, following a public meeting organized by HSPDP leader Ardent Basaiawmo it, the Government through a notification on August 21 last had included 10 census towns and two statutory towns - Shillong Municipality and Shillong Cantonment - under the purview of MUDA Building Bye Laws. In fact, the government was modifying an earlier notification issued on January 5 this year regarding the applicability of MUDA Building Bye Laws in several areas which are outskirts of the city. There was also an attempt on the part of the State government to frame separate building bye laws for the rural areas of the State after the MUDA Building Bye Laws were made applicable only to urban areas and census towns. However, with the order of the High Court on Wednesday, the MUDA Building Bye Laws will now be applicable to all the Master Plan areas, which will practically include the whole State. (Agencies)
in the salary of the contractual teachers. The order will come into effect from 1 January 2016. At the same time, Chatterjee announced that the parttime teachers will have to take extra five classes per day apart from their scheduled 10 classes. Presently, the part-time teachers, who are working for less than 10 years are paid Rs.11, 340,while the part-time teachers who are working for more than 10 years, are paid Rs.15,593. Chatterjee
said the part-time teachers have been demanding for an increase in salary for a long time and thus the government has taken the initiative to raise their salary. The part-time teachers, however, claimed that they are not happy since the state government made it mandatory that they have to take 15 classes per week after increasing their salary. Presently, the contractual teachers are paid Rs.23,400 as a consolidated salary. (Agencies)
Queenie Rynjah breathed her last at her residence Shillong, Dec 17: Prominent educationist of the State Padmashree Queenie Rynjah breathed her last at her residence on Wednesday at Laban Harisabha (Dunn hill). She was 96. Born to an Anglo-Indian father and a Jaintia mother, she was the fourth among nine siblings. A former Principal of Pinemount School, Shillong, she preferred to work in silence and was ever ready to help people in distress, especially rural women. She was looked upon as a lady with a unique personality who chose to lend a helping hand without raising any hue and cry. She was awarded the Padmashree in the field of social service in 2004. She was former president of three social organizations - Ka Seng Teilang Kynthei, Synjuk Kynthei and the larger Ka Lympung Ki Seng Kynthei. It was not only issues of women empowerment that she lived and worked for but also environment, education and afforestation. She worked tirelessly to ensure the well being of the people and funds for her
State Padmashree Queenie Rynjah social work were raised through fetes and sale of products that helped her raise additional funds of around Rs.50,000Rs.60,000 every year, although she once stated that the Meghalaya Advisory Board provided some assistance, although the amount was meager. The underprivileged residents of Laban will remember her for her initiative to set up vocational training centres in crafts, tailoring and embroidery through Ka Seng Teilang Kynthei at Laban, which initiated her into social work over two decades back. She will be laid to rest at the Laban Presbyterian Church Cemetery at Lawsohtun on Friday at 2 pm. (Agencies)
Kolkata air worse than Delhi's Kolkata, Dec 17 : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned sale of luxury diesel cars in the National Capital Region to combat air pollution.But Kolkata's air is more toxic than that of Delhi. Data from the air monitoring done by the American consulate in Indian Metros reveal that air in the heart of Kolkata recorded Particulate Matter of 2.5 microns (PM2.5) count of 200-plus, while it was 151in Delhi and 179 in Mumbai. PM2.5 is one of the most dangerous elements in auto emission. Only Hyderabad and Chennai recorded moderate PM2.5 count (77 and 37). Particulate matter is a component of diesel engine emission. In emission, smal ler the particulate matter, the more dangerous it is. "PM2.5 is smaller than PM10. It travels directly to the lung and causes multiple problems, from congestion to cancer, says Dr Debasish Basu, a preventive health expert. However, unlike Delhi, it is difficult to enforce the NGT order in Kolkata as the city has no alternative fuel that is cleaner. LPG can be used as a substitute for petrol, but not diesel. The entire public transport system, except Metro and tram servi ces, runs on diesel. On the other hand, Delhi's diesel ve hicles can fall back on CNG. The diesel vehicular po pulation in the city is also hu ge. Apart from 7,000 buse and 35,000 taxis, around lakh four-wheelers ply in greater Kolkata. While 20% of the registered four-whee lers are commercial, nearly all of which are diesel, a sec tion of private vehicles also use diesel.
Even though diesel vehi cles can use the less harmfu bio-diesel, oil marketing companies have put numero us roadblocks on its use.CNG in the form of coal bed methane (CBM) is available only 200km away in Asansol, but lack of government initiative for leasing out the existing pipeline to the CBM exploring company has meant that the alternative fuel is still not available in Kolkata. "Kolkata is the country's lung cancer capital. A study by Chittaranjan National Cancer Research Institute (CNCRI) had exposed how dangerous the ambient air of the city was. It hasn't changed. In fact, it has turned wor se," says Somendra Mohan Ghosh, an automobile emission expert. Kolkata's situation has turned complicated because of the high density of vehicular population on limited road space. Kolkata has 6% road space, struggling with 20 lakh vehicles. Delhi on the other hand has 26% road space and 5% elevated road to accomodate 70 lakh vehicles. The emission also stays stuck in Kolkata's ambient air longer as the city has only 1% open space, compared to 7% in New Delhi, says Ghosh. Open space is required for fuel atomization, which facilitates its complete combustion. Whereas unburnt fuel leads to emission. Emission experts said that SUVs and modern cars are designed to get highest combustion of fuel when the car is travelling at 60-90km per hour. However, the low average speed in Kolkata (at less than 20km per hour) means poor combustion and hence, more pollution.
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
PAGE 6
CPI (M) flays Haryana CM over naming Chandigarh Airport after RSS ideologue New Delhi, Dec. 17: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Thursday flayed the Centre and the Haryana Government for naming Chandigarh International Airport after RSS ideologue Mangal Sen instead of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. "The Punjab and Haryana Governments had earlier agreed that they would be naming the Chandigarh Airport after freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. But the BJP gov-
ernment of Haryana has taken a step backward and now they want to name the airport after Mangal Sen, who is a RSS ideologue" CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury told the media here. "Now, the Centre says that there is a difference of opinion between both the state governments, and hence, they haven't renamed the Chandigarh Airport yet. This is an injustice
China offered aid for Tamil Nadu flood victims Chennai, Dec.17: The Embassy of China in New Delhi and the Red Cross Society of China recently offered the Government of Tamil Nadu Pradesh aid in cash for flood victims. While the
tims and to the survivors. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also sent a message of consolation to his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj. In a message, the Chinese Embassy
The embassy of China donated Rs.5 lakhs in cash for flood victims of Tamil Nadu
embassy donated Rs.5 lakhs, the Red Cross Society of China donated USD 50,000 to help the state government overcome the after effects of the disaster. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang forwarded a message of consolation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and condolences to the families of the dead vic-
said, "It is a friendly tradition for the Governments and peoples of China and India to help each other when disaster falls. Chinese people feel the suffering of the Indian people and stand together with them. We believe the disaster-affected people will be able to overcome the difficulties and get back to normal life soon." (ANI)
US to raise H1B, L1 visa fee for Indian IT firms Washington, Dec.17: In a move which would have a big impact on Indian IT companies in United States, American lawmakers in an attempt to restrict visas for skilled foreign workers has imposed a special fee of up to USD 4,500 on the H1B and L1 visas popular among Indian IT companies. Congress leaders, while agreeing on the USD 1.1 trillion spending bill, on Wednesday decided to impose a special fee of USD 4,000 on certain categories of H1B visas and USD 4,500 on L1 visas. The US House of Representative
will vote on Friday on the USD 1.1 trillion spending bill. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday raised the issue relating to H1B and L1 visas with US President Barack Obama when the latter thanked him in his telephonic conversation for his leadership role on achieving the historic agreement on climate change in Paris on December 12. "PM shared with @POTUS concerns of Indian IT industry & professionals on proposed legislation in U.S. Congress relating to H1B & L1 visas," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.(ANI)
DGCA orders probe into killing of Air India technician Mumbai, Dec. 17: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a probe into the death of an Air India technician on Wednesday night. The technician was killed after he was sucked into a plane engine at Mumbai Airport. The incident took place at around 9.30 p.m. at Bay Number 28, when the technician, who was apparently standing
close to the MumbaiHyderabad AI 619 flight, got sucked inside the engine and died instantly. Air India's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani has said the technician died in a mishap during a pushback of flight AI 619, and added that the incident will be investigated. He said Air India was deeply saddened by the tragic incident. (ANI)
CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury
to the country and its freedom fighters," he added. Yechury also said that the move was a great insult to the country and its freedom struggle. "This insult has come from the government who has got no role to play in the freedom struggle o f t h e c o u n t r y, " h e added. Several CPI (M) MPs also raised slogans against the move of Harayana Government outside
the Parliament. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal K h a t tar had earlier withdrawn the decision of his predecessor Bhupender Singh Hooda to name Chandigarh International Airport after Bhagat Singh. He has instead proposed that the airport should be named after RSS pracharak Mangal Sen and not as Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport. (ANI)
No interview for junior posts in Central Government from Jan 1 New Delhi, Dec.17: Government of India has decided that there will be no interview for appointment to junior posts in the Central Government from 1st January, next year. Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha today, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh stated that by December 31 this year, Government will dispense with and discontinue interviews for all Group C and Non-Gazetted Group B category posts in Central Government. However, if some
department considers interview absolutely necessary for appointment to any specific post, then in that case, clearance will have to be sought from the Department of Personnel and Training (DOPT), he added. Dr Jitendra Singh further stated that the State Governments had also been requested on 4th September and again on 29th September to undertake a similar exercise in their respective States in consultation with the State Public Service Commissions or other recruitment agencies to identify such junior level posts where the interviews can be discontinued. In addition, he recalled that the issue was discussed during a
meeting held on 8th September 2015 with representatives of State Governments and later, a one-day workshop was organised on 16th November in which Secretaries of General Administration Department (GAD)/Personnel from different States participated. Pertinent to mention that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, during his Independence Day address from the ramparts of Red Fort, suggested that interviews should be abolished for appointment to such posts where it was not required. Taking the cue, the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) immediately followed it up and Dr Jitendra Singh also
wrote personal DO letters to Chief Ministers of all the States requesting them to take a lead in carrying forward this initiative. DoPT was of the opinion that in Central Government as well as in State Government departments, interview should be forthrightly abolished for appointment to such posts where it was not required as this would help in overcoming the inconvenience and harassment faced by several young aspirants. In addition, this move will also provide a level playing field for all aspirants, regardless of their socio-economic status or background which, in turn, would ensure equality and transparency in the process of appointments. (ANI)
NHRC issues notice to defence ministry on undiffused ammunition in Jabalpur New Delhi, Dec. 17: The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Defence after taking suo motu cognizance of a media report that there is a huge security risk to the city of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh due to danger of spontaneous combustion of thousands of unexploded and rejected bombs, which are buried and awaiting disposal at the Ordinance Factory, Khamaria (OFK). The factory is located in a densely populated area. Giving two weeks' time to the Defence Secretary to respond with a factual report, Justice D. Murugesan has observed that the contents of the
NHRC has issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Defence press report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of right to life and right to health of the workers and local residents. According to the media report, Jabalpur city also happens to be
quake prone and the danger can be huge given reports of sporadic explosions in the premises in the last few years. The latest was on the 11th December, 2015 night when two employees were injured.
Besides, explosives from 1999 Kargil War, a stockpile of unexploded and rejected bombs is also awaiting disposal at the Ordinance Factory. While referring to the variety of mortars, shells and explosives stored, the report also mentions that the detonators have corroded to the point where it is dangerous to defuse them and there was a risk of spontaneous combustion due to rapid deterioration of the duds. The report also quotes a Member of Joint Consultation Machinery at Khamaria, under Union Ministry of Defence, that the issue was taken up with authorities several times, but nobody was willing to take the risk. (ANI)
No more Maoist activities in Satkosia sanctuary Angul, Dec 17: Satkosia wild life sanctuary which witnessed its first ever exchange of fire between police and Maoists on Sunday is now free of ultras as they have fled the place, claimed reliable sources here on Wednesday. According to source, about 25 ultras of the S a m b a l p u r DeogarhSundergarh (SDS) division who sneaked into the sanctuary area last week had a face-off with the special operation group on Sunday. They fled after half an hour firing with the police and had found no base in the sanctuary area since then. Later they desperately crossed over to Nayagarh district, the source added. Meanwhile, police is combing the
sanctuary area to sanitize the forest region and to fully ensure the exit of the Maoists. Satkosia's dense forest cover had prompted the Maoists who were using the Thakurgarh forest area of the district as their transit route to operate from the sanctuary and create a new corridor. But the encounter which took place all on a sudden at Chutkei caught them off guard forcing them flee. The group had since left the sanctuary, it is confirmed by source. Ever since the red rebels appeared in Satkosia three years ago, police is on its toes. The ultras had even tried to gain the support of the sanctuary village people as they are aggrieved on state government for some restric-
AAP accusing 'honest' to protect 'corrupt': BJP
BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur New Delhi, Dec. 17: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI) Secretary Anurag Thakur on Thursday alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government in Delhi is accusing an honest person (Arun Jaitley) to protect a corrupt official (Rajendra Kumar). "The bankruptcy of the Aam Aadmi Party can be seen through this that by putting baseless allegations, they want to play foul politics. They are trying to allege an honest person to protect a corrupt official," Thakur told the media here. "When Kejriwal ji could not help the people after becoming the Chief Minister, he is trying to grab DDCA from back door. Earlier allegations during the Congress tenure also
proved baseless. There is no strength in the false allegations. It is the habit of Kejriwal ji and his party to lie. I believe telling lie cannot mislead the nation," he added. The AAP had earlier hit out hard at Finance Minister Jaitley over alleged corruption during his tenure as DDCA President. Addressing the media, AAP leaders Kumar Vishwas, Ashutosh, Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh collectively stated, "The main objective of CBI raid at Delhi Secretariat and taking control of ACB was to prevent alleged graft in DDCA during Arun Jaitley's tenure coming to light." They added that the scam included siphoning off money by creating fake companies between 1999 and 2013. (ANI)
Winter Assembly curtailed by 10 days, adjourned sine die Bhubaneswar, Dec 17: The winter session of the Odisha Assembly was curtain led by 10 days and adjourned sine die on Wdednesday with the government chief whip moving a motion to this effect in the absence of the entire Opposition. Since Tuesday, the Congress and BJP members have boycotted the House demanding withdrawal of the suspension of MLA Nabakishore Das. The MLA had been suspended for a week on the charge that he was watching obscene video clippings on his mobile phone inside the House. The Opposition had pointed out that an allegation made by one MLA against another should be inquired before any action is initiated. Demanding withdrawal of the suspension pending inquiry, the Opposition had walked out of the House Tuesday saying they will not return. Speaker Niranjan Pujari convened an all
Odisha Assembly party meeting to try and resolve the issue, but no decision was taken and on Wednesday the House transacted business in the absence of the Opposition. On Tuesday the House moved a motion on Biju Patnaik's legendary deeds and passed the Odisha District Planning Committees ( Amendment) Bill to provide 50 per cent reservation for women. After the passage of the Bill, ruling BJ D members suggested that the House adjourn sine die. The government chief whip moved a motion curtailing the number of days of the session and the House was adjourned. As per original schedule the winter session was to continue till 26 December.
Travel firm offers bizarre tour to 'ISIS frontlines' in Syria
Maoists fled after half an hour firing with the police. tions imposed on their entry and use of the forests. The Maoists had held several meetings with the locals to try and gain them over. Source also pointed out that on later part of September last there were some movements of
Maoists in the sanctuary area but they left due to combing operations of the security forces. Again Last week one of their groups led by rebel leader Kunu Dehuri surfaced and an encounter with police took place.
London, Dec. 17: A Russian company is reportedly in talks with hotels and transport firms in Syria to offer terror tours to the frontlines of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Russian firm Megapolis hopes to start "Assad Tours" next year, named after Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. The tour package is priced at 1,000 dollars per person. The package is meant for individuals or small groups and lasts four or five days. The suspect package would include a trip to the frontline where
ISIS is crucifying, beheading or torturing its enemies and selling female captives as sex slaves. Megapolis insists there are always people willing to risk everything to see world events first hand. Company president said that there are people who are willing to cognitive goals with the opportunity to see natural disasters or visit the places located near the warzones. The Russian Federal Tourism Agency said it was yet to receive an application for any tour. (ANI)
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
PAGE 7
NEIGHBOURS
US Asks Pak to Restrain Nuclear and Missile Programmes Washington ,Dec 17:Voicing concern over Pakistan's nuclear and missile programmes, the US has asked it to restrain them and avoid any developments that might lead to increased risk to nuclear safety and strategic stability."I wanted to say that we do share your concerns particularly about the development of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. We're concerned most by the pace and the scope of the Pakistan's missile program, including its pursuit of nuclear systems," Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Olson told lawmakers during a hearing on Pakistan convened by
House Foreign Affairs Committee."We are concerned that a conventional conflict in Southwest Asia could escalate to include nuclear use as well as the increase security challenges that accompany growing stockpiles. We have had a very active dialogue at the highest levels with the Pakistanis in which we have made clear the nature of our very specific concerns," Olson said yesterday in response to a question from Congressman Brian Higgins.He said the US has asked Pakistan to restrain its nuclear and missile programmes."As with all nuclear-capable states, we have urged
Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and US President Barack Obama
Pakistan to restrain its nuclear weapons and missile development and stressed the importance of avoiding any developments that might invite increased risk to nuclear safety, security, or strategic stability," he said."We are not negotiating a 123
agreement with Pakistan," he said.His remarks came after US lawmakers asked the American government to be tough on Islamabad as it does not seem to be sincere in improving ties with India and has accelerated the pace of arse-
nals' production.Higgins during the hearing alleged that Pakistan is not sincere in improving its relationship with India."Pakistan is involved in an arms race against what it believes is its existential threat with India. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Pakistan could have 350 nuclear warheads in the next decade, becoming the world's third biggest nuclear power, outpacing India, France, China, and the UK," he said."There is no positive sign of any improved relations with India because Pakistan justifies its nuclear proliferation as a deterrent
against aggression from the outside. So the US has to get tougher with Pakistan. We have to call them out on this double game they have been playing, not this year, not last year, not five years but for the past 15 years," Higgins said"It's a big country, about 180 million people, it has a lot of Islamic extremists, and it has nuclear weapons. And to have Islamic extremists with nuclear weapons is a primary goal of al-Qaeda and it would be major victory for them and the outgrowth of al-Qaeda, the Islamic state and a major defeat for us, the US," Higgins added. (Agencies)
Government withdraws Myanmar still behind ASEAN peers in UN report amendment to Penal Yangon ,Dec 17: The for Myanmar, said during won't be hard - perception of safety report - titled Work for the launch that the posi- Myanmar's national pub- (81pc) and volunteered Code Human Development - tive growth is expected to lic health expenditure, as time (50pc), all aspects in Colombo, Dec 17: The Government has decided to withdraw the proposed amendment to the Penal Code following opposition raised by some Parliamentarians .Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament today that as a result of the concerns raised the Government will not take the Bill for discussion next month. Apart from the Parliamentarians who raised concerns over the Penal Code, local civil societies were also not happy.In a joint statement issued yesterday civil society expressed deep concerns about two Bills tabled in Parliament last Friday ostensibly to criminalize hate speech and the instigation of communal violence and disharmony.One such Bill tabled is an amendment to the Penal Code which creates the new offence of "causing of or instigating acts of violence, hostility." which is punishable by imprisonment of up to two years. The other Bill is an amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure
which provides for the conditions necessary for the initiation of prosecutions for the new offence.The new offence under the Penal Code is particularly problematic as it is a near verbatim reproduction of the language in Section 2(1) (h) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).The joint statement notes that the offence as provided in the Bill is overbroad and general, and is not a permissible restriction in relation to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution and by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Furthermore, the proposed amendment, if enacted, could lead to a culture of self-censorship and perpetuate a chilling effect on free speech.The joint statement by the civil society organisations note that Section 2(1) (h) of the PTA was previously used to convict journalist J. S. Tissainayagam for his journalistic writing on alleged war crimes committed by government forces. (Agencies)
Jamiatul Mujahideen Bangladesh terrorist becoming active again, Dhaka tells India
The JMB operatives who were earlier based in West Bengal's Burdawan are said to have shifted base to Bangladesh along the border with India.
New Delhi, Dec 17: India has appraised Dhaka of the outlawed terror group Jamiatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) once again becoming active in certain parts of Bangladesh and this may adversely impact security situation in the region. An Indian delegation recently held a meeting with local police authorities in Dhaka on renewed threats from JMB, particularly in the Northern provinces of Bangladesh, sources in Bangladesh government told ET. After being chased from West Bengal, JMB is trying to establish bases across Bagura, Shylet, Rajshahi and Kustia areas of Bangladesh, according to information shared by the Indian team with B a n g l a d e s h
officials.There are reports that JMB may also plan terror strikes in Bangladesh and local security agencies are coordinating with their Indian counterparts to prevent such incidents, sources from Dhaka informed. The JMB operatives who were earlier based in West Bengal's Burdawan are said to have shifted base to Bangladesh along the border with India. It is also understood that these operatives may be in touch with their counterparts still hiding in India and mobile tracking may be necessary to identify these extremists, Bangla government sources said. The National Investigation Agency has handed over names of 100 JMB operatives to Bangladesh s e c u r i t y establishment.There are fears that JMB operatives may stage an incident in Bangladesh on the lines of Burdawan attack. Bangladesh police are also keeping a close watch on JMB cadres who were recently released from jails there as they claim that the group was earlier planning to stake massive terror strikes to oust the Sheikh Hasina government.
ranks Myanmar 148th out of 188 countries, with a human development index (HDI) of .536. The score's components come from national averages for life expectancy, education and gross national income per capita.The numbers are an improvement from 2014, when Myanmar scored .524 on the index and listed as number 150. But the country is still dead last in the ASEAN region, trailing Cambodia (143), Laos (141) and Indonesia (110).Renata Dessallien, UNDP resident representative and humanitarian coordinator
continue. She said Myanmar could leap from "low human development" to "medium human development" within a few years."I think the indicators that it needs to tackle to get out of leastdeveloped status are better health and better education," she said. "More investment in health and education is needed."Myanmar's life expectancy at birth is just shy of 66 years, and the average time spent in school is 4.1 years, but the incoming NLD government has pledged to put more money into education and healthcare.It
a percentage of its GDP, was just 1.8 percent in 2013, the lowest of all 188 countries in the report and not even half of the average for its fellow countries in the "low human development" category.Public expenditure on education is even worse. At 0.8pc of GDP, Myanmar's rate of education spending over the last decade was less than any other country - except South Sudan, which spent 0.7pc.But despite minimal government spending in years past, Myanmar remains a positive outlier in areas of adult literacy (92.6pc, highest in group),
which the country is number one against its fellow "low human development" peers."The report is much bigger than just jobs, or just income," Ms Dessalien said. "It also includes creative work and voluntary work. Myanmar is a society where volunteerism is v e r y widespread."Myanmar has seen steady improvement since 1990, when the first UNDP Human Development Report gave it a .352 HDI. One driving aspect has been a steady rise in gross national income per capita. (Agencies)
War with Pakistan not an option, talks only way to end terror: Swaraj New Delhi, Dec 17: Declaring that "war is not an option", India said it has decided to hold dialogue with Pakistan, as it is the only way to remove "the shadow of terrorism".External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in Lok Sabha that India and Pakistan have decided to hold talks on terror when the prime ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif met in Ufa, Russia, in July and then in Paris recently. "We said we can talk so that terrorism comes to an end. So talks between NSAs took place in Bangkok where we discussed about terrorism. But one meeting will not bring a solution to all the problems. So we will continue the dialogue," she said during question hour.When BJP member Ganesh Singh asked whether India was exploring options like the
US did to hunt down terrorists like Osama Bin Laden, Swaraj said India is talking to Pakistan "on the terrorist camps existing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)" as "war is not an option". "We have decided that through talks we will resolve the issue of terrorism as talks is the way forward so that the shadow of terror is removed. But we want to make it clear our prime minister has made it clear that talks and terror can't go together. Dialogue is drowned by the sound of explosion," she said. Swaraj was speaking against the backdrop of recent decision to re-start the "comprehensive" dialogue with Pakistan under which various subjects, including terrorism and Jammu and Kashmir, will be discussed. The external affairs minister said Modi had said there was
War with Pakistan not an option, talks only way to end terror
a need for talks to resolve the issue of terrorism. "The prime minister said let's talk on terror. For talks we will have to put in faith. There is no third party. Through talks, both the countries are trying to resolve the issue of terrorism," she said. Swaraj said following Modi's conversation with Nawaz in Paris on November 30 on the sidelines of climate change summit and in line with the Ufa understanding between the two lead-
ers, the national security advisers of the two countries met in Bangkok on December 6. "They held candid and constructive discussions. During my recent visit to Pakistan on December 8-9, the two sides decided that the NSAs will continue to address all issues connected to terrorism. The Indian side was assured of the steps being taken to expedite the early conclusion of the Mumbai trial," she said. (Agencies)
Myanmar's second five-year plan to target economy Nay Pyi Taw, Dec 17 : Myanmar is drafting its second five-year plan (2016-17 to 2020-2021) aiming to boost economic growth by encouraging investment in the public and private sectors through the process of industrialization, officials said today.The second five-year plan is to be implemented in the tenure of the new government which is expected to start in April, the next fiscal year 2016-17.President U Thein Sein suggested at
the Myanmar Project Commission (MPC) meeting in Nay Pyi Taw the realisation of publicprivate partnership in reaching sustainable development goals in key areas of health, education and electricity provision.The second five-year national plan and the 20-year longterm National Comprehensive Development plan (NCDP) from 2011 to 2031 should serve as a framework for future projects, said U Thein Sein, who is also the
chairman of the MPC.In the first five-year plan from 2011-12 to 201516, the MPC prioritised the basic need of food, clothing and shelter for the public in line with the changing trend of the country, he recalled stressing the need to implement matters in the remaining three months before the close of the first five-year plan at the end of 2015-16 when the current government term is to expire and a new government is to assume office in accordance
with the Nov. 8 election result.Myanmar's 20year NCDP was framed by the current government in partnership with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).The NCDP is aimed at increasing the country's GDP to $180 billion in 2030-31 and its per capita GDP to $3,000, the report added. (Agencies)
UN chief notes changes in Sri Lanka this year
Ban Ki-moon Colombo, Dec 17:As 2015 draws to a close, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Kimoon noted that among the highlights of this year was the changes which took place in Sri Lanka.Despite the "daunting" situations, Ban said that political progress and smooth transfers of power over the past year, including in Sri Lanka and Nigeria is encouraging.Speaking at his year-end press conference, Ban summed up the "pivotal year" in
which the UN marked its 70th anniversary by highlighting landmark steps taken to advance sustainable development, climate action, conflict resolution and provision of humanitarian assistance.Ban said that 2015 has brought "breakthrough and horror", and added that the UN will continue to strengthen itself, including through wide-ranging assessments of peace operations, peacebuilding and our future role and capacities. (Agencies)
Reconstruction Bill passed unopposed Kathmandu, Dec 17: The Legislature-Parliament endorsed the Reconstruction Authority Bill on Wednesday, almost eight months after the devastating April 25 earthquake, paving the way for the formation of the National Reconstruction Authority to carry out post-earthquake reconstruction in 31 affected districts. The bill on Wednesday was endorsed unopposed even though eight Madhes-based parties on Tuesday had protested against the government move of tabling it along with the Constitution Amendment Bill. Marshals had confined the lawmakers from the agitating Madhes-based parties to a corner of Parliament to facilitate the government to table the bills on Tuesday.All the lawmakers present in the House voted in favour of the bill while three lawmakers from Nepal Sadbhawana Party, Tharuhat Tarai Party and Rastriya Madhes Samajbadi Party stayed neutral. The Sushil Koirala-led government in August had formed the National Reconstruction Authority through an ordinance. However, it was dissolved after the government failed to present a replacement bill in Parliament by September 20. There will be a three-tier structure under the reconstruction body-Directive Committee, Advisory Council and Executive Committee to govern the Authority, according to the Re-
construction Authority Act.The Directive Committee and Advisory Council will be led by the PM, while leader of the main opposition will be vice-chairman. The Advisory Council will also have representation of 14 lawmakers, one each from 14 worst affected districts. Similarly, a monitoring team comprising lawmakers also will be formed to oversee the activities of the Authority.The Executive Committee will be led by Chief Executive Officer. Both the ruling and opposition parties have been at odds, seeking to place their candidate at the helm of the authority. The reconstruction body can mobilise Rs 91 billion from the state coffers and Rs 400 billion pledged by the donor community. After discussing for more than two months, the Legislation Committee of Parliament on December 10 had endorsed the bill with a note of dissent from the main opposition NC.Nearly 9,000 people were killed and 20,000 were injured in the devastating April 25 earthquake, which also destroyed tens of thousands of houses. More than 8,000 people are still living in temporary shelters. But in the absence of the Reconstruction Authority, not a penny was spent from the $4.1 billion fund pledged by the donors during a donor conference that was held in June. (Agencies)
Lawmakers raise their hands in support of the Reconstruction Authority Bill during a meeting of the Legislature-Parliament in Kathmandu
PAGE 8
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
Raid at Kejriwal's place
GST: What is in store for Transportation and Logistics Industry in India?
Will the AAP CM survive the attack? CBI raided Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's office and sealed it following allegations against the Principal Secretary Rajinder Kumar. Sources said that the raid took place as the Anti-Corruption Branch has registered a case against Kejriwal's Principal Secretary Rajender Kumar. The case is of criminal misconduct against Rajender and other private people. Some Delhi government officials had taken voluntary retirement scheme and floated software company and Rajender Kumar was favouring them from many years in getting them contract. Raids were carried out at four other places too. Kumar's office is situated on the same floor as Kejriwal's in the Delhi Secretariat. After the raid the CBI sealed the entire floor which saw the AAP launching a no holds barred attack on the Centre and CBI. CBI may seek custodial interrogation of the accused IAS official Rajender Kumar because he is "not co-operating." The case has been registered under Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 13(2) (criminal misconduct) read with Section 13(1)(d) (abuse of official position) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Mr. Kumar, a 1989-batch IAS official and Principal Secretary to the Delhi Chief Minister, has been named an accused. CBI sources have alleged that between 2007 to 2014, the IAS official helped Endeavour Systems bag contracts worth about Rs. 9.5 crore. CBI team also found 14 bottles of liquor - two bottles of Blue Label, three bottles of Black Label, five bottles of Chivas Regal, a bottle each of Glenfiddich and Black Dog and two bottles of Teacher's during the raid. According to the rules of the Delhi Excise Act, anyone can keep bottles of liquor up to 9 litres. What was recovered was above the permissible limit. The knives are out, sharper and angrier. We all know that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's political career rests on his self-professed crusade against corruption. So, to find a colleague - rather than himself, as he insists by invoking a strange version of the royal plural - being investigated for financial impropriety by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) can be overtly vexing for him. But for Kejriwal, in all his righteousness, to erupt against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the CBI raiding senior bureaucrat and the chief minister's secretary Rajender Kumar's office for allegedly favouring private firms in state tenders has more than a maniacal ring to it. Politics is no longer a college union debate. Ironically, it is the last arena where we expect to hear parliamentary language being exchanged. But a chief minister calling the prime minister a "coward" and a "psychopath" brings us to a new low in Indian politics. The government is rightly surprised by the chief minister's response - more by its tone than by its content. Will every question, critique or investigation invite the churlish flailing about that we witnessed from the Delhi chief minister? Being holier-than-thou is a virtue to aspire to. It isn't a condition to describe oneself as. Kejriwal is only confirming his critics' charge that the Delhi CM is a man who is incapable of dealing with criticism - except in the most crass, most infantile of ways.
Moral Policing Each is more horrifying than the other Women activists say nothing much has changed when it comes to safety of women in the national capital since the tragic December 16 gangrape case three years ago which shook the nation and led to a massive public outcry, forcing Parliament to enact a new anti-rape law. The nation is yet to see the 'hanging' of the convicts and to believe the fact that the ones contributing to violence against women will be severely punished and the situation 'changed VS not changed' will continue till strong examples are set that the accused will not be spared. In yet another horrific incident of moral policing, a girl was attacked by a group of men in Guwahati. She was attacked while coming out of the popular Crystal Bar in Zoo Road Tiniali of the city at around 10 pm on Tuesday. A group of men stopped the girl near the bar, slapped at her face and pulled her hair. They also touched the girl in an inappropriate way. According to eye witness, the girl was in search of a taxi to return while the hooligans spotted her and prevented her from getting into an auto standing nearby. Later police arrived at the place and took the girl to the police station along with another female friend of her. A case has been registered against the incident and the CID of Assam police is currently investigating the whole incident. Notably, a similar incident happened in 2012 in Guwahati when a girl was stripped, and molested by a group of men. The incident had drawn nationwide condemnation. As on 9 July 2012, two women were exiting a bar and became involved in a physical struggle with a group of men standing outside. A journalist from a local news channel of Guwahati who was nearby, phoned his office asking for camera and crew to shoot the brawl. Although the girl tried breaking away and asking for help, she was dragged back twice into the mob and abused further. The case caused uproar in the national and local media right after the video was aired by the news channel going viral on YouTube and provoking debates about the safety of women and human rights in India The number of violent crimes on women being reported in the media has risen exponentially. Each is more horrifying than the other. In an environment like this, when it is essential for the system to protect one half of the population from the other, the system has failed miserably in the very first judgement. What is now there to deter criminals? They have nothing to fear. They never did. And this judgement has proved they never will.
@-Pranjal Kumar Phukan India is all set to usher in a game-changing tax reform-the goods and services tax (GST). Apart from creating a unified market across India, GST will help make India's manufacturing competitive by cutting high logistics and warehousing costs. The regulatory reforms proposed in the GST presents a golden opportunity to revisit, rationalize and re-engineer transportation and logistics networks, given the inherent inefficiencies with taxes based on the crossing of administrative boundaries or border checkpoints. Taxation at a national level, rather than by each state, will result in more efficient cross-state transportation, streamlining paperwork for road transporters and bringing down logistics costs. Currently, each of India's 29 states taxes goods that move across their borders at different rates. As a result, freight that moves across the country is taxed multiple times.
Worse, there are long delays at inter-state checkpoints, as state authorities review and examine freight and apply the relevant taxes and other levies. Truck delays average five-to-seven hours at inter-state checkpoints. This, combined with other delays, keep trucks from moving during 60% of the entire transit time. As much as 65% of India's freight moves by road, a fact which leads logistics experts to see GST as critical for India. High variability and unpredictability in shipments add to logistics costs in the form of higher-than-optimal buffer stocks and lost sales, pushing logistics costs in India to two-to three time's global benchmarks, according to the World Bank. The planned GST system seeks to replace around 15 state and federal taxes and tariffs for a single tax at the point of sale. The prevailing complicated tax structure in India meant
that logistics decisions, including the choice of setting up inventory and distribution centres, are taken based on the tax regime such as central sales tax and state value-added tax (VAT) rates, rather than on operational efficiency. GST will unleash a new era of developing logistics infrastructure and take investments to the next level. Given that the inefficient and longer supply chains with warehouses in almost every state is fiscally preferred in the existing regime, it is now time to overhaul and compress the entire logistics set-up. Last week, the Indian cabinet approved for introduction in Parliament a constitutional amendment Bill to implement the much-awaited GST that seeks to unify India into a common market by replacing levies imposed by states and the centre. In fact, networks and infrastructure associated with warehousing and logistics hubs are expected to be the most affected in the entire supply chain when GST takes effect. Network and infrastructure related businesses would get drastically realigned, ensuring proximity to manufacturing locations or consumption centres and ultimately resulting in hub-and-spoke models. From the infrastructure perspective, the new sce-
nario would reduce the number of warehouses but will increase their sizes, leading to a consolidation of the currently widely spread warehouses across states. This would translate into expansion of some of the existing warehouses, development of new ones and shutting down of several existing set-ups. LSPs and their end-users both would need to re-engineer their supply chains, focusing on optimal locations for warehouses and logistics centres. GST will score over the existing regime in the transportation and logistics industry, where a tendency is seen to engage with the unorganized players for tax considerations. The GST regime will see the emergence of the organized ser-
vice providers since taxes will no longer be added costs for the businesses. Given the highly fragmented nature of the Indian transportation and logistics industry (the leading 10 listed firms command less than 5% of the overall market), implementation of GST is expected to unleash a plethora of opportunities for companies in the organized sector. Further, the firms in the unorganized sectors, too, would be expected to improve their service levels if they intend to successfully grow in the likely shape up or shape-out competitive landscape, says KPMG. The post-GST regime is, in fact, likely to offer many more unseen opportunities for unorganized entities to tie up or collabo-
rate with established companies. This could ultimately result in a win-win scenario for both the collaborating parties and the industry at large. GST, combined with the dismantling of inter-state check posts, is the most crucial reform since the economic liberalization in 1991 that can significantly improve domestic and global competitiveness of Indian manufacturing firms. (Author is recipient of prestigious Peter F Drucker award for outstanding achievement in management from University of Swahili- A fully chartered Government University. He can be contacted at pranjal_xlri@yahoo.com)
A Miracle on the Indus River? The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has the potential to transform Pakistan's economy. Ahmad Rashid Malik The Indus River is known as the lifeblood of Pakistan's economy. Great ancient civilizations were formed along the Indus River, including the Gandhara and Mohenjodaro. Pakistan's economy will continue to rely on the River Indus but a new dimension has been added. Now the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is bringing a sharp transformation. It is offering the tantalizing prospect of an Indus River miracle to match those on the Yellow River (China) and Han River (South Korea). Pakistan can also learn much from Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia. The government has its sights on becoming the 25th largest economy in the world. The CPEC project has become a full spectrum project. Learn-
ing from the Asian miracle economies by sharing experiences is essential if a prosperous new Indus River civilization is to emerge. First, the flagship project, the CPEC itself, will be the pilot project of China's massive One Belt, One Road (OBOR) vision initiated by President Xi Jinping in 2013, which will build 21st century maritime and land routes across Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This is a milestone in global connectivity, building the physical infrastructure for sustainable economic development, encouraging trade and investment and contributing to a more peaceful world. The vision behind the OBOR is admirable. A number of practical
measures for the CPEC are already underway. During his visit to Pakistan Premier Li Keqiang in May 2013 disclosed the CPEC plan. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in July 2013 after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited Beijing. Xi paid an historic visit to Pakistan in April this year where heannounced $46 billion in investment for the numerous projects of the CPEC, signing as many as 51 MoU with priority given to energy projects which received $30 billion - and transportation projects. A CPEC Unit was then created within the Prime Minister's office and the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Reforms was given the daunting task of rapidly executing CPEC projects in collaboration with its Chinese counterpart, the National Development and Reform Commission. The Frontier Works Organization (FWO) has built
850 km of road in Balochistan, part of the 3000 km CPEC, to connect Gwadar Port via the Western Route to Kashgar. Other routes will be the Central and Eastern Routes. In November, Pakistan's government allocated more than 2000 acres of land on a 43-year lease to the Oversees Ports Holding Company Ltd (COPHCL) of China to build a state-of-art airport - which will be Pakistan's largest - at Gwadar along with an industrial zone. In another historic move, China has made the CPEC part of its 13th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development for the period 2016-2020. Unfortunately, widespread corruption in Pakistan makes it hard for ordinary Pakistanis to benefit from development. The country has a justified reputation as a "graveyard for projects." Pakistani law enforcement is investigating cases in-
volving massive corruption. China has been trying to ensure that its $46 billion investment is not misappropriated. Beijing is committed to making the CPEC flag ship pilot project a symbol of transparency and good governance, as proclaimed by Liu Jianchao, Vice Minister of China's National Bureau of Corruption Prevention. This will be an important component of any economic rebirth. China is running its own anti-graft campaign, which has been comprehensive, to say the least: More than 100,000 people have been indicted for corruption, including many senior officials. The Chinese government has also successfully brought back to China corrupt officials who had fled abroad. Liu insists the that any complaint of misappro-
priation of funds relating to the CPEC will be investigated. The Chinese National Bureau of Corruption Prevention is making arrangements with its Pakistani counterpart the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The two countries are set to sign an anti-corruption accord that will have zero tolerance for corruption. That sends a strong message to all government departments and officials and their contractors who might be involved in the CPEC projects. If we can assume rapid action on the CPEC allied with transparency and good governance, then the miracle on the Indus River might just come about. Dr Ahmad Rashid Malik is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad. He writes on East Asian affairs.
Indigenous Minority And The State Congress
Sir, We, people of Assam remain stupefied at the comment of our Chief-minister that there is not a single
Bangladeshi in Assam. He further asked the people to show him any Bangladeshi living in Assam. Our Chiefminister is, it seems, biased to the Bangladeshi nationals. It is unfortunate that our indigenous Muslims are never given proper status in the congress. While the congress is leaving no stone unturned to placate the Bangladeshi nationals only for using them as vot bank. The indigeneous minorities are conspicuously sidelined. For instance, we can cite the case of Mehdi Alam Borah, among lot of others. Why a dynamic person and a leader with a gift of the gab had to remain sitting in the side bench to play in the main eleven we do not understand. His main fault is, he is an indigenous minority whose population is much less than those crossing over to India from Bangladesh and astute politician like Tarun Gogoi knows of his side where his brend is buttered. Perhaps, this is the reason why the itinerary of Rahul Gandhi has been chalked out in such a way that it should mostly confine to the 'Char' areas of Borpeta. Of course, there are such 'Char' areas where inhabitants came earlier than 1971, but what is of paramount concern is the incessant infiltration from Bangladesh and we are of firm conviction that time is not far, we, all the indigenous people of
Assam will soon be overtaken as both BJP and congress maintain a 'look to the other side' policy. It also pains us very much to note that good chunk of Xatra's lands are illegally grabbed by dubious citizens. Now, Majuli, the Vaishnavite cultural centre, too, under the grip of such illegal infiltrators. 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
Op
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
Page 9
ed Washington State, Washington D.C., Alaska and Oregon have all legalised recreational marijuana while 20 states have legalised medical marijuana. Since then, U.S. Border Control has been seizing steadily smaller quantities of marijuana, from 2.5 million
criminalization, Portugal also shifted drug control from the Justice Department to the Ministry of Health and also instituted a public health model for treating hard drug addiction. So far, the results have been very encouraging indeed. According to Transform Drug Policy Foundation, the proportion of the population that reported using drugs at some point increased initially after decriminalization, and then steadily declined. Drug use
In an interview, then-president Jose Mujica said, "There has always been a conservative and reactive opinion that fears change." The law's main intention, Mujica said, was not to encourage the smoking of weed, but to seize an already existing market from illegal drug dealers. For Mujica, this is not an experiment in freedom and personal choice. It's a health and public safety issue that requires government action. Prohibition is not the an-
pounds in 2011 to 1.9 million pounds in 2014. Mexico's army has noted a drop of 32% compared to the year before. The legal marijuana industry grew 74% in 2014 to $2.7 billion and will top $4 billion by 2016. This includes revenues from both medical and recreational marijuana. This means less resources for Mexican cartels to buy guns, bribe police and pay assassins. Coinciding with legalization, violence has decreased in Mexico. In 2001, Portugal decriminalized possession and use of drugs. Alongside de-
has declined overall among the 15-24 year demographic. There has also been a decline in the population who first experimented with drugs and then continued to use them. Drug-induced deaths have decreased steeply, as have HIV infection rates. After decriminalization, the number of people imprisoned on drugrelated charges decreased and the number of visits to addiction clinics increased greatly. On December 10, 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to completely legalize marijuana.
swer to tackling the drug problem. The answer lies in either legalizing or decriminalising drugs, and in regulating and monetizing the market. This must be in conjunction with a comprehensive health policy that is aimed at rehabilitating drug abusers. With revenues of $500 billion, the drug trade is the third biggest industry in the world, behind the Oil and Arms Industries. Such an industry can provide great employment and tourism opportunities for a country like India, which sorely needs them.
If Prohibition Is Not The Answer To India's Rising Drug Problem, What Is?
It is a commonly accepted fact that drug abuse is on the rise in India. However, the true extent of the proliferation of drugs in this country will surprise many. According to estimates, there are approximately 70 million drug abusers in India. Data on drugs seizure by the Narcotics Control Bureau shows that consumption and smuggling of synthetic drugs, which are much more dangerous and addictive than natural ones, has been steadily increasing while that of natural drugs has been decreasing. Between 2009 and 2012, smuggling and consumption of cocaine and ephedrine increased by over 250% and that of morphine increased by over 500% while among natural extracts, only opium saw an increase over the same period, that too only because opium is used to manufacture heroin. Rise Of Synthetic Drugs The most disturbing trend, however, is that drug use, particularly synthetic drug use is skyrocketing among children. According to a study commissioned by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), conducted in 27 states by AIIMS, heroin use among children was the highest in
Meghalaya at 27.3%, followed by Punjab at 19.3%. Less than 15% children from Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Odisha abuse this drug while in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal the usage stood at 9-10%. 88.6% children from Mizoram, 25% in Meghalaya and Rajasthan, 23.5% in Maharashtra and 13 % children in Punjab abuse injectable drugs. Abuse of other drugs such as opium, inhalants and alcohol is also extremely high. The increasing use of injectable drugs also exposes abusers to a much greater risk of contracting diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis. After reading the statistics, it is fair to say that our drug policy has not worked as well as it was intended to. In some cases, it has led to other problems, such as overcrowding of prisons. Prisons in Punjab, which have an official capacity of 19,000, house a total of 26,000 prisoners, of which 45% are convicts and under-trials jailed under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Instinct would lead us to crack down harder on drugs. But perhaps we should first study the consequences of drug prohibi-
tion before we make any such decision. Failure Of The War On Drugs The 'War on Drugs', started by Richard Nixon, has been an unmitigated disaster. Today, the USA imprisons more people than any other country in the history of the world, a significant percentage of whom are drug offenders. Due to the notorious 'three strike laws', many non-violent drug offenders are given mandatory prison sentences in excess of 25 years. The criminalization of drug offenders has led to many people being caught up in a vicious cycle of poverty because it is almost impossible for them to get jobs after being convicted. This also leads to very high recidivism rates. The war on drugs has also led to the militarization of the police force in the USA which has led to the police committing acts of violence on their own citizens. Arguably, the war on drugs has had an even more devastating impact on Central and Latin America because of the creation of gangs involved in the highly lucrative illegal drug trade. This has led to extreme amounts of gang violence across the continent, with 60,000 people dying of cartel violence since 2006 in Mexico alone. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has also acknowledged the many 'unintended negative consequences' of the drug war. The costs result not from the drug use itself, but
from choosing a punitive less deadly than alcohol. enforcement-led approach Even today, it is still listed that by its very nature, by the United States as a places control of the trade Schedule 1 drug, alongside in the hands of organized drugs like meth, heroin and crime and criminalizes cocaine. It has been labeled many users. as a 'gateway drug' and has Another consequence of been stigmatized by society the drug war is the vilifica- in general. It has also been tion of drugs such as mari- portrayed as a drug that juana. Genc a u s e s erations to Angad Bachhar people have grown become up with proviolent. Bepaganda against marijuana cause of this, people have which clubbed it in the same been deprived of the many category as heroin and co- medicinal properties of cancaine. Yet,studies have nabis, such as pain relief. shown that cannabis is less By using a natural subaddictive than alcohol, to- stance such as cannabis for bacco and even caffeine. 4- pain relief, people can also 9% of regular cannabis us- avoid using synthetic, ers are likely to become de- opium-based painkillers pendent on it as compared that have greatly increased to over 20% of regular al- the number of people decohol users. According to pendent on drugs. Note the the Centre for Disease Con- irony of a supposed 'gatetrol and Prevention (CDC), way drug' saving people there are roughly 88,000 from using a real gateway deaths attributable to alco- drug. hol use in the United States Prohibition of any kind, each year. In over 10,000 be it drugs or alcohol, only years of cannabis use, there leads to more problems, has not been a single docu- such as organized crime, mented death caused by an while rarely solving any of overdose. Just 10 times the the already existing ones. It recommended serving of retards development and alcohol can lead to death, leads to diversion of govwhereas a marijuana user ernment funds from social would have to consume welfare programs into inter40,000 times the amount of est groups such as the arms THC in a joint in order to industry. It also makes overdose, according to a criminals out of the very 1988 ruling by the Drug En- people it seeks to protect. In forcement Administration contrast, countries like the (DEA). The journal 'Addic- Netherlands, Portugal, Urutive Behaviors' noted that guay and even some parts "cannabis reduces the like- of the United States have lihood of violence during adopted different policies. intoxication". According to Success of Alternative a study by Scientific Re- Policies ports, cannabis is 114 times In the USA, Colorado,
Beggary in India
Associated with the problems of poverty and unemployment is the problem of beggary which is a social problem of great magnitude and grave concern in developing countries. Begging is a problem for society in as much as a large number of beggars means non utilization of available human resources and drag upon the existing resources of the society. According to a recent survey by Delhi School of Social Work there has been a phenomenal increase in the numbers of beggars in India. In a decade since 1991 their number has gone up by a lakh.There are some 60,000 beggars in Delhi, over 3, 00,000 in Mumbai according to a 2004 Action Aid report; nearly 75000 in Kolkata says the Beggar Research Institute; 56000 in Bangalore according to police records. In Hyderabad one in every 354 people is engaged in begging according to Council of Human Welfare in 2005. It is common to find beggars at rubbish dumbs, road sides, and traffic lights and under flyovers. The frail, crippled and mentally ill share space
with children, women and able bodied men. The line that separates beggars from the casual poor is getting slimmer in a country where one in every four goes to bed hungry every night and 78 million are homeless. Over 71% of Delhi's beggars are driven by poverty. More than 66% beggars are able -bodied. The survey reveals that begging as a livelihood wins over casual labour. For 96% the average daily income is Rs 80 more than what daily wage earners can make. Spending patterns also reveals a unique pattern: 27% beggars spend Rs 50100 a day. Mumbai is home to majority of beggars. According to the Maharashtra Government they are worth Rs. 180 crore a year with daily income ranging between Rs 20-80.Almost every survey profiles beggars as a largely contented lot unwilling to take up honest labour. Nearly 26% in the DSSW survey claimed they were happy.81% claimed that they do not face any problem during begging and only 15% mentioned humiliation from public and police. A survey done in
2004 by the Social Development Centre of Mumbai revealed similar attitude. The majority of beggars see it as a profitable and viable profession. However study published in the International Journal of Psychological Rehabilitation by Dr Yogesh Thakker reveals that 39% of the 49 beggars surveyed in Gujarat's Baroda district by a group of medicos suffer from one or other psychiatric illness. Nearly 74% of them had a history of addiction, psychiatric illness in the family and poor attitude of family members towards them. Over 68% admitted to feeling of shame and losing self-esteem, 25% to guilt, 4% to suicidal tendencies and 8% to anti-social activities. There is no proper enumeration of beggars in the country. Moreover the number of women and children is ever increasing. The 1931 census mentioned just 16% women beggars. The figure shot up to 49% in 2001.There are 10 million street children many among who beg for livelihood. The biggest problem lies in the changing atti-
tude towards beggars. According to Mr Upendra Baxi former vice-chancellor traditionally begging has been an accepted way of life in India. Giving alms to the needy was built into the social fabric. That changed with the colonial rule. To the Victorians beggary embodied laziness and moral degeneration. Colonial laws held a beggar punishable for his condition. The newly independent nation imbibed this attitude towards poverty. In the new millennium the Government doesn't want them lying around middle class regards them as a nuisance. India's beggary laws are a throwback to the centuries old European vagrancy laws which instead of addressing the socioeconomic issues make the poor criminally responsible for their position. The definition of beggar in law states as anyone who appears poor. The anti-beggar legislation is aimed at removing the poor from the face of the city. The beggars who have spent years on the street find it very difficult to live in confined space. There are provisions for vocational training in the government run beggar homes. But these are worse than the third rate jails where convicts can spend up to 10 years. India as a nation needs to think for its begging population. With the nation aspiring to achieve world standards in every field socio-economic measures are needed to curb the begging problem in India. The solution calls for a comprehensive programme and reorientation of the existing programmes. Philanthropic approach to beggar problem should be replaced by therapeutic and rehabilitative work.
Crime against Women in India Over 32000 murders, 19,000 rapes, 7500 dowry deaths and 36500 molestation cases are the violent crimes reported in India in 2006 against women. There are many instances of crime especially against women go unreported in India. These are figures released by the National Crime Records Bureau recently. While Madhya Pradesh is worst off among the states, the national capital New Delhi continues to hold on to its reputation of being the most unsafe city in India. Delhi takes the top slot for crimes ranging from murders and rapes to dowry deaths and abductions. It reflects country's law and order situation when its capital is a cauldron of crime. Instead of leading the way in tackling crime, Delhi only seems to do worse year after year. For instance while the national crime rate declined negligibly by .02 % in 2006; Delhi's rate grew to
357.2more than double the national average of 167.7. Rape is the fastest growing crime in the country today and as many as 18 women are assaulted in some form or the other every hour across India. Over the last few months cases of rapes and assault have made it to the headlines with alarming frequency. Mumbai watched with shame as an ugly mob attacked women on New Year's Eve. In Latur a 14 year old was raped and killed by four young men. In Konark four men were charged with dragging a woman out of a bus and gang raping her. It is an ordeal simply to file a police report and the investigations thereafter have been stories of apathy and down right humiliation meted out to the victims. Where convicted, punishments have ranged from capital punishments to a day in jail. Equally horrific are news reports of foreign
tourists being sexually assaulted. Recently an American was molested in Pushkar, a British journalist raped in Goa, Canadian girls attacked in Kumarakom to list the few instances. It looks like that India as a nation has ceased to know how to treat women as human beings who have a right to dignity and safety. The crime against tourists is against our culture of "atithi devo bhava' Government has decided to
meet and discuss with the state government the safety of women tourists as a reaction from the fear that such incidents will impact India's image. Despite the trauma women across all classes are reporting crimes such as rape and assault and do not feel helpless or abandoned by family or society as was the prevalent case before. Society is changing and government is forced to take action as it has run out of excuses such as society's mindset or class divide.
Lack of Humanity: Is the youth even concerned? Anshul Tewari What the hell is happening to this country, whenever i read the news or watch the channels all i see is a death here, people killing each other for no reason, i recently saw a few police men taking in custody a few scavengers for no reason, and the worst part is that the police took away whatever they had. Now this is the biggest crime, making the poor even more poor and the rich even more rich day by day. I seriously feel a need for a serious change, but who will be the change, the youth? I dont think so, cause I've realised that only 10% of the youth actually mean it when they say that "we will
stand for what is right", others think that why should we even bother, but what they don't understand is that if they do not take part, then there can't be a single change. We must realise that this is our world and our time, I know its hard to realise, even I have many friends who talk of inhumane behaviour of people and standing against them for what they THINK IS RIGHT, but none of them even try to take the initiative……….. TALKING BIG is easy, but working towards it is very tough, but if we don't then there is no point in calling ourselves a true citizen…….. Some say that everyone is corrupt so they won't be able to make a
change, did they even try? Be honest, how many of you have stood for what is right? Just for instance, How many of you call 100 emergency when you see a road accident, maybe 1 or 2 of you. Why dont you call 100, just because of the thinking that why should we interfere, just because of the thinking that maybe the Police might take us in. Tell me something, why would the police take you in for dialing emergency when you see 10 people dying in front of you? why? They don't even ask your address or sometimes even name when you call them. I have done it a million times and nothing happened………. I am no different, even i used to think that why should i take the initiative, but i just
realised that if the youth will not then who will, certainly not those who have suffered for no reason. Come on people, think about it, please, take the initiative, it can be major or minor, as long as you do it, its good. Be proud of your country, and BE THE CHANGE.
BUSINESS More investment in India by Google
PAGE 10
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
Hyderabad, Dec 17: Google is ramping up investments in India for development of more local products, building engineering capabilities and setting up a new campus in the country as it aims to bring all Indians online. India as one of the most important markets, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said, "Our focus is on bringing Internet access to everyone, making sure our products are working for them in a meaningful way and then ensure our platform allows them to add their voice to the Internet." Google plans to ramp up engineering operations in the country by hiring more people at its Bengaluru and Hyderabad centres, said Mr. Pichai, who is on his first official visit to India since taking the top job in
August.. A new campus will also come up in Hyderabad, he said. Google has four offices in India with over 1,500 people working on building products, of the 14,000 people globally. The company will install 100 railway stations across the country with WiFi, by December 2016 with Mumbai Central station being the first to go live in January, Pichai said. It is a part of the plan to provide free WiFi access at railway stations in the country as announced during Prime Minister's visit to the headquarters of the search engine giant in September. India will have the largest user base for Android devices by next year, overtaking the United States, though just a quarter of the In-
dian telecom user base has smart-phones, Pichai said. India ranks second, after the U.S. in terms of search volumes from mobile phones. It already sees higher volumes of search traffic from India on mobile devices than those from desktops. To foster developers and content developers, Mr Pichai said Google is announcing a programme to train 2 million developers in the country for which it will partner with 30 universities across India and National Skill Development Corporation. The Indian-born CEO also shared plans to expand Google's rural internet programme for women from pilot to full-scale programme to cover three lakh villages in three years. (Agencies)
INDIA...AN IDEAL PLACE TO INVESTS Google is ramping up investments in India for development of more local products, building engineering capabilities and setting up a new campus in the country as it aims to bring all Indians online. Indian-born CEO, Mr.Pichai also shared plans to expand Google's rural internet programme for women from pilot to full-scale programme to cover three lakh villages in three years.
Google has four offices in India with over 1,500 people working on building products, of the 14,000 people globally. Google will now install 100 railway stations across the country with WiFi, by December 2016 with Mumbai Central station being the first to go live in January. Google is announcing a programme to train 2 million developers in the country for which it will partner with 30 universities across India and National Skill Development Corporation.
Google CEO, Sundar Pichai. Source: www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
Google plans to ramp up engineering operations in the country by hiring more people at its Bengaluru and Hyderabad centres. A new campus will also come up in Hyderabad.
Cabinet approves model text for BIT New Delhi, Dec 17: With the recent approval by the cabinet, the revised model text for the Indian Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), which will replace the existing Indian Model BIT, a move which is expected to provide protection to both Indian and foreign investors. A BIT increases the comfort level and boosts the confidence of investors by assuring a level playing field and non-discrimination in all matters, while providing an independent forum for dispute settlement through arbitration. BITs help project India
as a preferred FDI destination as well as protect outbound Indian FDI. The measure comes at a time when there has been criticism about the pace of reforms in the country and certainty of policies. The revised model of BIT will be used for re-negotiation of existing BITs and negotiations of future BITs and investment chapters in Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreements, Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and FTAs, according to a government statement. (Agencies)
Wipro Q3 earnings Swachh Bharat gets $1.5-bn loan to be hit by from World Bank Ahmedabad, Dec 17: the poor and vulnerable, Chennai rains especially those in rural To help India ensure that
A man struggling with his cycle in a flooded area of Chennai. Chennai, Dec 17: The Chennai flood has impacted the revenue of the Indian information technology majors such as TCS, Wipro, Cognizant and others for the third quarter. India's third largest IT services company Wipro said the Chennai floods will have "material impact" on the company's financial performance for the October-December quarter. The Bengalurubased IT major employs around 22,000 people in Chennai and has set up got multiple facilities in the capital of Tamil Nadu state. The recent downpour has impacted the regular business operations of IT majors and these companies had to close their Chennai facility during the period. The companies also had shifted work to various other location to provide continuity of business. "For the quarter ending December 31, 2015, the
incident is expected to have a material impact on the revenues and will result in higher one-time cost incurred towards deployment of our business continuity plan. Both these factors will impact our operating margins for the quarter," according to filing by Wipro on BSE. For the third quarter ending December 31, 2015, the company had given a revenue guidance of $1,841 million to $1,878 million. However, with the current scenario the company expects its revenues to be in the lower half of the guidance range. Traditionally, the third quarter of the financial year is a weak quarter for Indian IT companies as the business is impacted due to low volume growth and holidays including Christmas and New Year. Last week, Tata Consultancy Services had also issued a similar warning citing the Chennai rains. (Agencies)
Oil price hike defended by Jaitley Mumbai, Dec 17: The Union government, which increased the excise duty on petrol by 30 paise a litre and on diesel by Rs. 1.17 a litre on Wednesday, sought to counter criticism that consumers have not benefited from the recordlow prices of crude. As the Rajya Sabha met for the day, the Congress and other Opposition parties raised the issue
over an item on the supplementary agenda regarding the increase in the excise duty. Responding to the Opposition's charge, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the drop was being passed on to consumers as the petrol price had been reduced 20 times and that of diesel 16 times. Of the excise duty raised on the sale of fuel, he said 42 per cent of it went to the States. (Agencies)
Union Finance Minister of India, Arun Jaitley.Source: static.dnaindia.com
all its citizens in rural areas have access to improved sanitation to end open defecation by 2019, the World Bank has approved a $1.5-billion loan for a support operation project of Swachh Bharat, a sanitation campaign launched by the Union government. This will support SBMGramin, the rural component of the campaign, over five years with a programme which links funds to the results. World Bank data show that of the 2.4 billion people who lack access to improved sanitation worldwide, over 750 million live in India, 80 per cent of them in rural areas. More than 500 million of India's rural population continue to defecate in the open,
Onno Ruhl, World Bank's country director for India. Source: www.thehindu.com suffering from preventable deaths, illness, stunting, harassment and economic losses. "One in every 10 deaths in India is linked to poor sanitation. And studies show low-in-
come households bear the brunt of poor sanitation. This project, aimed at strengthening the implementation of Swachh Bharat, will result in significant health benefits for
areas," said Onno Ruhl, World Bank's country director for India. "Incentivising good performance by the States and the focus on behavioural changes are important components of this project," he said. SBM-Gramin focuses on ensuring the use of toilets, besides their construction. The States and their implementing agencies will be given incentives for meeting performance standards: reducing open defecation, sustaining their open defecation-free status and improving solid and liquid waste management in rural areas. The World Bank will also provide a $25-million technical assistance for building the capacity of select State governments. (Agencies)
Patalganga to get PLI plant at Rs 335 cr Mumbai, Dec 17: Petronas Lubricants International (PLI), the global lubricants manufacturing and marketing arm of the national oil corporation of Malaysia, Petronas, has decided to set-up a lubricant blending plant at the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Patalganga, about 75 km from Mumbai, at a cost of Rs 335 crore ($50 million). The plant, to be constructed on 25 acres of industrial land and will have an estimated production output of 110 million litres of lubricants, is expected to commence operations by end-2017, said a company statement. It added
that PLI Group CEO Amir Hamzah Azizan, inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new plant along with Giuseppe Pedretti, PLI regional head of Asia, and MP Singh, Petronas Lubricants (India) (PLIPL) CEO. "PLI has very aggressive ambitions to be amongst the world's top lubricants player by 2019." "India is without exception a very important market for us here in Asia and we are confident of the potential ahead of us. Keeping this in mind, we have embarked on a solid growth plan to accelerate our business in India, starting with investments into the new plant which is equipped with world
Rs.1,000 cr to be raised by NHAI by via bonds Kolkata, Dec 17: The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) plans to raise funds up to Rs.1,000 crore through public issue of tax-free, secured redeemable non-convertible bonds. The issue will be open today and is scheduled to close on December 31, 2015, with an option of early closure, it said in a statement. "The funds raised through this issue will be utilised to part finance various ongoing projects under the NHDP., it added. The bonds will have a face value of Rs.1,000 each. The company has an option to retain oversubscription of up to additional Rs.9,000 crore aggregating up to a total of Rs. 10,000 crore.
The coupon rate for Category I, Category II and Category III investors Qualified Institutional Buyers, Corporates and High Net worth Individuals - will be 7.14 per cent and 7.35 per cent for tenures of 10 years and 15 years in series IA and series IIA respectively. The coupon rate for Category IV investors - Retail Individual Investors - will be 7.39 per cent in series IB and 7.60 per cent in series IIB for tenures of 10 years and 15 years, respectively, it added. NHAI said the retail individual investors are being offered 0.25 per cent more than other category of investors for bonds of corresponding tenure. (Agencies)
class lubricants blending facilities and equipment, highly automated production line, and increased storage tanks. "We have also embarked on a new route-to-market approach that will see us transform the way we do business with our distributors and retailers in the high-street business," said Mr Pedretti, commenting on the new plant. Mr Singh believes that in India, the growing economy and emerging middle class will continue to contribute to a robust automotive market growth. "With a market size of 2.5 billion litres and lubricants demand projected to grow at 2.3 per cent CAGR, India is the world's third
PLI Group CEO, Amir Hamzah Azizan.Source: www.pli-petronas.eu
largest lubricant market behind the US and China." "PLIPL is now entering the next wave of growth in line with our aspiration. We need to be innovative, differentiated and focussed in increasing our market share, especially in the highly competitive high street market." (Agencies)
Image for representational purposes only.
PE investments worth $17.5 bn achieved by India in 2015: PwC Pune, Dec 17: Private equity investments in India touched a record high of $17.5 billion in 2015 across 685 deals, breaching the previous high of $14.7 billion recorded in 2007, a PwC report says. According to the report, PE investments (excluding real estate deals) till December 14, this year stood at $17.5 billion, registering a jump of 34 per cent over calendar year 2014, which saw $13 billion invested across 560 deals. The surge in PE investments this year was largely owed to the ecommerce sector, which saw deals worth $5.3 billion across 290 deals. The other sectors, which outperformed this year were, financial services and healthcare, which contributed deals worth $2.4 billion and $1.58 billion, respectively. "Year 2015 has been a good year for PE all around and seems to be carrying momentum into the next year," PwC India leader - Private Equity, Sanjeev Krishan, said in the report. Mr. Krishan further said an enabling
regulatory regime and a facilitating business environment would help both the seekers and providers of capital. "The government of the day appears to realise and is keen to provide the platform. This would hopefully spur investments into India in a bigger way then 2015 and hopefully they would create another record year for themselves in 2016," he added. The report noted the government's focus on making it easier for foreign investors to do business in India would help from a perception stand-point and needs to be backed by real reform. "The silver lining for India is that the rest of the BRIC's are not doing too well at the moment and India's macros are looking good, with the current account and fiscal deficit at acceptable levels, relatively stable rupee, inflation at sub 5 per cent and most importantly in a declining interest rate regime, which should encourage private investment as demand picks up," the report added. (Agencies)
TECHNOLOGY 32 (80cm) R562C BRAVIA Internet LED TV Price: Rs. 31,900/Features " Full HD Picture Quality " Clear Resolution Enhancer for detailed TV pictures with less noise " Built-in woofer for powerful bass sound with Slim Design " Wireless LAN built-in to enjoy Youtube and Opera Apps " Screen mirroring & MHL to see your smartphone's contents on a big screen of BRAVIA " Photo Sharing Plus for sharing your personal photo & music with your friends and family Model Screen Size- 32 (80 cm), 16:9 TV System- 1 (Analoge): B/G, D/K, I, M Colour System- PAL, SECAM, NTSC 3.58, NTSC 4.43 Video Signal- 1080/24p (HDMI only), 1080/60i, 1080/ 60p (HDMI / Component), 1080/50i, 1080/50p (HDMI / Component), 480/60i, 480/60p, 576/50i, 576/50p, 720/60p, 576/50p, 1080/30p (HDMI only), 720/30p (HDMI only), 720/24p (HDMI only) Audio Built-in Woofer- Yes Speaker Type- Built-in Subwoofer
Sound Mode- Standard, Music, Cinema, Game, Sports Audio Output Power8W+8W+14W Speaker Configuration2.1ch, Full Range(40x100mm)x2, Subwoofer(65mm)x1 Other Features USB Play- MPEG1/
MPEG2PS/ MPEG2TS/ AVCHD/ MP4Part10/ MP4Part2/ AVI(XVID)/ AV I ( M o t i o n J p e g ) / WMV9/ MKV/ WEBM/ WAV/ MP3/ WMA/ JPEG Parental Control- Yes Weight with StandApprox. 6.8 Kg Weight without StandApprox. 6.3 Kg
Features
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
Page 11
TRAVEL & TOURISM Exploring Picturesque Kitam bird Sanctuary- Sikkim Located amidst subtropical vegetation in Southern part of Sikkim, Kitam Bird Sanctuary is a haven for watching diverse avian species amidst lush greenery. The altitudinal variation in the region has resulted in amazing diversity of vegetation in the region. Home to over 2000 species of birds, Kitam is also known for several beautiful butterfly species. The rangit river and sal chir pine forest add to the visual beauty. The nearby Kitam and Sumbuk villages have enthralling greenery and natural view also appeal to the visitors.
When and how to visit While you can visit this sanctuary anytime- winter is deemed as the best season. It is after October that several migratory bird species start arriving in the sanctuary. Kitam bird sanctuary can be reached from Siliguri and some visitors also hire a cab from the NJP Rail station. There are a few accommodation options in and around Kitam including a hotel and few home based setups. Exploring the Birds and natural splendor
Exploring the myriads of birds at the Kitam bird sanctuary can be a mesmerizing experience for anyone and avid birdwatchers will find everyt h i n g they want! The bird species found in this sanctuary include Grey-crowned Prinia, Yellow-vented Warbler, Rufous-necked Hornbill and Chestnutbreasted Partridge and many others. Peacocks are found roaming in abundance. There are a few watch towers and viewpoints in
Arnab Ghosh
this sanctuary that are ideal for bird watching. You may have to explore the stretches of stone paths inside the greenery and along river side to find exotic birds flying, chirping and roaming around. There are a few bird watching trails in the region and some of them extend up to the river banks. Other attractions for visitors While seeing the wonderful and exotic birds in their natural habitat is an enthralling experience, you can also indulge in other activities while visiting this sanctuary.
Maha Raas - The Aura of Manipuri Raas Leela Kangleipak as fondly named during the ancient times, Manipur is one of the eight North-Eastern state of India bordering Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram and Myanmar. Blessed with rich flora and fauna and nestled between valleys, Manipur is a treat for nature and tranquility lovers. It doesn't end with this, because round the year Manipur celebrate festivals with varied colour and traditions. Home to thirty-five different communities, including Meities and other tribal groups, one can experience this cultural fiesta in their annual program of 'Sangai Festival'. '"This is my third time performing as one of the 'Gopi', and it has to be an odd number", Niroda quips. Niroda, a postgraduate student of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipuri Dance Academy is practicing hard for the most grandeur and scintillating festival of all, The Maha-Raas. With the advent of Vaishnavism in Manipur during the late 1470s, worshiping Vishnu slowly and steadily became Manipur's principal tradition. But Manipuri Raas-Leela only came into existence during the reign of the powerful and illustrious king of Manipur, Rajarshri Bhagyachandra. It's been said that Bhagyachandra had revelation from Lord Krishna himself on worshiping Govinda as the prime belief and instituting Raas-Leela dance. Accordingly on 1779, on the full moon day of Hiyangei (November) Manipur celebrated the first Raas-Leela after King Bhagyachandra consulted with numerous gurujis and scholars. King's pious daughter Bimbavati or popularly
Prabir Kumar Talukdar all other Raas- celebrated in different parts of India. There is no negativity and violence over here. With the celebration of the first Raas, Rajarshi Bhagyachandra went on to
Sankirtana' is an extension of 'Lila Kirtana' of Thakur Narottama Das with brilliant uses of alaps and ragas. It's a composite version of music, tala and dance combined to
Source: Wikipedia.org create three Raas-Leela namely, Maha Raas, Basant Raas and Kunja Raas. Later King Chandrakirti created Nitya Raas after modifications and Diva Raas was created by King Churachand. 'Maha Raas' is the epitome of all the Raas. It was first celebrated at Langthabal where Lord Govindajee was consecrated by King Bhagyachandra with all grandeur. King's wife Hiramati performed as the lead Gopi popularly known as Makokchingbi and daughter, Bimbavati as Radha. King himself played as the lead drum player. 'Maha Raas' used to be played only at Shree Shree Govindajee temple during older days but now it's performed at local temples though the first offerings should have been
form a magical atmosphere of devotion and worship. RaasLeela and Nat Sankirtana is way to connecting and merging our soul to the Supreme soul. Niroda and several other women and girls started to dress-up with the beautiful 'Manipuri Potloi'. As Niroda describes that many women and little girls try to take part in the Maha Raas because they believe by doing 'pure devotion' to Lord Krishna as a Gopi, their sins will be washed away. One tries to maintain an odd number of participation which means the first time of participation will be counted as 'Birth'. The second time of participation as Gopi will be counted as 'Death' and then the third time as 'Birth' again. There is
Source: e-pao.net known as Shija Laioibi performed as the Radha of the first Raas-Leela. Bimbavati's undying love for Lord Krishna is often compared with Meera of Rajasthan, another ardent admirer of the Lord. N. Tiken Singh, Manipur's illustrious singer fondly called as Guruji said, ''Without Rasa (Taste) there is no Raas (Aesthetic) and Manipuri Raas-Leela is completely based on Bhakti Rasa''. Bhakti Rasa or Pure devotion is what makes Manipur Raas different from
which is called as Kumin. Every other Gopi except the Makokchingbi or the lead Gopi will wear green color on the top and red color kumin on the bottom. Rest everyone is expected to wear pure white top and lower. White in Manipuri reflects
made to Govindajee temple only. At the first instance of Shree Shree Govindajee temple, one will notice brilliant white marvelous structure and a beautiful mandap in the centre. The mandap is bounded by 12 pillars. Inside the Mandap, there will be a 'chakrapith'. It's a round table which revolves with the idol of Sri Krishna and Radha on it. It is to be noted here that 'Maha Raas' should be preceded by 'Nat Sankirtana' which is an indispensable part of Raas-Leela. 'Nat
a peculiarity of dressing sense one will observe during Maha Raas. The idol of Govindajee when it was inside the temple will be dressed as white but when it's brought down to Chakrapith, he will be dressed up with Manipuri Potloi which is known as 'Natvavesh'. The design and colors of the 'Natvarvesh' of Shree Govindajee reflects the unity of the communities of Manipur. Radha's potloi will have red color on the top with Koktumbi over the head and green color on the bottom
purity and clean soul. Manipuri Classical dance is one of the two most outstanding and scintillating evolution of Manipuri tradition which forms the base of Raas-Leela. Once the Gopis enter the mandap arena their each move along with the Srimad Bhagvatam (Ras Panchadhyaya) slokas reveal the true story of Sri Krishna who remembered his promise to the Gopis upon seeing the full moon night of Kartika masa. He decided to play his magical flute and upon hearing the captivating sound of it, Gopi came forth and danced with him. Maha Raas main theme is to show 'Eko Gopi Eko Shyam' which means Krishna's promise to the Gopis that each one of them will have him as their universal husband through the beautiful vocals of 'Sutradhari', Conch PlayerMoibung Khongba, Rasdhari and orchestra. As W. Lokendrajit Singh, Manipuri's famous choreographer puts that the moves of the Gopis are laced with grace and humility with almost serpentine movement and shyness in their eyes. Their face has to remain absolutely expressionless with brilliant but slow movement of hand and feet. 'Maha Raas' is all about Bhakti Rasa without the embodiment of any types of desire. Every year, women and girls will wait anxiously to the full moon night of Kartik Purnima so that they can wear the absolutely beautiful Manipuri potloi and worship the Lord Krishna. Their moves and the devotional slokas heighten the grandeur and devotional fervor which lifts the audience and participants into a world where only pure love exists. ( Prabir Kumar Talukdar is a freelance journalist. He travels around the country to capture stories. He can be reached at prabir008@gmail.com ) Courtesy: nezine.com
Adventure loving tourists can resort to rafting and angling in River Rangit. Enjoying walks along the banks of Rangit and Manpur river can soothe your eyes and mind! There are a number of ancient temples nearby the sanctuary which are worth a visit. The Alley Khet- a paddock offering stunning and panoramic view of hills is also thronged by visitors. From Kitam- you can also head to notable tourist spots in Sikkim such as Temi Tea Garden and Ravangla. Source: trekking-in-sikkim.com
Courtesy: nelive.in
Pilgrimage to Nature If nature pilgrimage is the agenda, don't look far from Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya, writes Anindita Das Come forth into the light of things, Let nature be your teacher." What with religious intolerance on a high in the country, it's time we turned to the most secular and true religion of all - that of the love of nature. Believe it or not, a pilgrimage into the nature will bring you the kind of peace and tranquility no other religious pilgrimage can. If nature pilgrimage is the agenda, don't look far from Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya, one of the rainiest places in the world. This gem of a place, besides being home to several waterfalls, tropical rain forests and a climate to die for is the home to the Double Decker Root Bridge. As we know all pilgrimages involve some amount of difficulty, this pilgrimage too comes with its challenges. The 140 year old living root bridge, grown by the bio engineering of the ingenious local people of the village of Nongriat requires a five-six hour long arduous trek consisting of steep downhill stairs. While that may not be very difficult for frequent trekkers, for people who do not walk on a regular basis, this will be nothing less than an once-in-alifetime adventure. Those who have the energy and enthusiasm to make it more difficult can continue to walk ahead for 3 kms to the beautiful Rainbow Waterfall. The trek ahead is challenging and consists of concrete steps for a while followed by a difficult stone pathways. How to prepare? Carry some good walking shoes, really good. It will sufficiently lessen the pressure on your knees and you will be thankful for it at every step. Start early. The trek is a long one and you will
want to spend a lot of time with you, dip your feet in warm water for half an once you reach there. Listen to your guide. hour. It will work like They have done it several magic. How to enjoy? times in their lives and Like all treks, it is about they have good to reason to believe in what they do. the journey rather than Trek light. Do not carry the destination. Savour anything you don't need. each moment of this trek Carry only the amount of through the tropical fordrinking water you need ests connecting with nafor the first one hour. You ture. By the end of the can buy fresh water trip, you will realize it is bottles later on the way. not the place that is new, it is Don't you try to haswho William Wordsworth i s t e n new. your Don't be disheartened progress. Taking quicker steps will only result in by the wrong numbers inmore pain the next day. dicated on the steps. I An excellent tip given by guess someone had intentionally written incorrect my guide, Welsley. Wear comfortable loose numbers to motivate trek-
room at the Serene Homestay or camp outdoors. However, it is advisable to carry your camping gear from the nearby Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort rather than trying to find them at the village. Pay your homage to nature under the open sky. Connect with the flora and fauna surrounding you and rediscover yourself. Take a dip in the purest of water under the steel rope bridge. Don't forget to carry a change of clothes. Alternatively, you can rent towels from the village. Go for angling under the root bridge. Learn patience by watching little local boys concentrate,
Source: www.thethumbprintmag.com fitted clothes appropriate for trekking. Dab on as much sunscreen as you can and don't forget to protect those peepers with a pair of good shades. Keep muscle pain relievers or move ready for the post trek pain. If you don't have any of these
kers. Decide on small targets, like the next twenty steps. This will make the whole journey of 3000 + steps so much simpler and the sense of accomplishment in the end that much sweeter. You can also plan on staying the night at the Nongriat village. Book a
Source: www.thethumbprintmag.com
each time they throw in their bait. Learn perseverance by seeing little girls carry bags of rocks to lay on the steps of the village path they consider their own. See how time slows down to catch a breath and wanders away in a lazy stroll. And after you have said your prayers to the nature, it will be time to savour a pure and healthy organic meal cooked by the Khasi people of the village. (Anindita is an award winning advertising copywriter but feels she is capable of doing just about anything else. She also claims to be an arm chair philosopher, a Bollywood junkie, a part-time back packer, a full-time dreamer, an amateur photographer, a wannabe chef and an on & off blogger. She is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and a diploma holder in Bharatnatyam.) Courtesy: www.thethumbprintmag.com
cmyk
cmyk
"I've been a big fan of the work Graphic India has been doing in the country to create new Indian superheroes. The idea to collaborate with them to launch India's first cricket based superhero comic made perfect sense." Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
PAGE 12
India team for tour of Australia to Tinsukia Railway to face Lingerijan be picked on Saturday TE in the final Agencies Mumbai: The selection committee of the Cricket Board (BCCI) will meet in New Delhi on Saturday to pick the Indian team for the upcoming limited-overs
tour of Australia, starting January 12. "The All-India Senior Selection Committee of the BCCI will meet on Saturday at 5:00 PM, 19th December, 2015 at the Hotel ITC Maurya,
Delhi, to select the Indian team for the forthcoming tour of Australia," a BCCI release said. India's short threeweek tour of Australia will have five ODIs and three T20 Internationals
starting on January 12 and ending on January 31. During the tour, India will play matches at all major venues like MCG, SCG, WACA, Adelaide Oval and Gabba in Brisbane.
SCHEDULE ODI series: January 12 - India vs Australia, WACA Ground, Perth January 15 - India vs Australia, Gabba, Brisbane January 17 - India vs Australia, Melbourne January 20 - India vs Australia, Manuka Oval, Canberra January 23 - India vs Australia, Sydney T20 Internationals: January 26 - India vs Australia, Adelaide Oval January 29 - India vs Australia, Melbourne Cricket Ground India's limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli January 31 - India vs Australia, Sydney and Team Director Ravi Shastri during a training session.
Janamukh FC defeat Tinsukia A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 17: Janamukh Football Club today beat Tinsukia Town Club 2-0 in the 4th Swargadeo Sarbananda Singh Invitation Prize-money Football Championship organised by All-Assam Muttock Yuba Chatra
Sanmilan Central Committee at Janamukh Rajiv Gandhi Sports Stadium in Tinsukia district. Janamukh FC opened their account in the 6th minute through Striker Dula Bora. Dula snatched the ball from the clutches of opponents’ defender
and slotted home. Right winger Paple Hazarika scored his team’s second in the 32nd minute making it 2-0 before the lemon break. Tomorrow, KTFC, Manipur will lock horns with Dibrugarh Football Coaching Centre.
David de Gea quashes talk of unrest in Man U's dressing room ANI London: Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has rubbished talks of unrest within the club, saying that the dressing room is still `united` despite their recent below-par performances in the Premier League. According to reports, United's players had openly questioned manager Louis van Gaal's tactics following their 1-2 defeat to Bournemouth last week. The 25-year-old insisted that a great atmosphere exists in the dressing room, which is very important to achieve success in the club. Labeling United as a `young` side, De
David De Gea of Manchester United Gea believes that the young player who are coming into the team are fitting really well and that they could turn out to be the future of the club. The Spaniard said that his side were working really hard so
that they get through December well-placed near the top of the league. United are currently fourth in the league standings and will next lock horns with Norwhich City on December 19.
Messi ruled out of FIFA Club WC semifinal ANI Barcelona: Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi has been ruled out of the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal clash against Guangzhou Evergrande on Thursday with renal colic. The La Liga giants, which have won the competition twice in 2009 and 2011, will have to proceed without the services of the four-time Ballon d'Or winner. "Leo Messi, last-minute absentee from the Club World Cup semi-final. The player has renal colic," the club confirmed on Twitter.
Avik Chakraborty Dibrugarh, Dec 17: Defending champions Tinsukia Railway Divisional Sports Club beat Belogoni Tea Estate 9-8 via sudden-death in the first semifinal and booked their berth in the final encounter of the 12th Jintu Gogoi Football Tournament, organised by Dao Division of the Army in association with Dibrugarh District Sports Association at Chowkidinghee ground. Earlier, the regulation time ended in a 33 draw. Tinsukia Railway opened their account through striker Nobin Chawra in the 15th minute with Anil Sabor of Belogoni Tea Estate equalizing in the 22nd minute. Nobin Chawra of Tinsukia Railway scored the second goal for his team in the 35th minute. Sarandeep Chetia of Tinsukia then made it 31 in the 80th minute. After conceded two consecutive goals Belogoni
TE came back into the kicks while Santosh game strongly and scored Gogoi, Karna Karmarkar, their Sahadev secMura, ond Jintu Gogoi Football Tourney Binod goal Rajuwar, through Amar Rajuwar in Sanjay Urang scored for the 82nd minute while Anil Belogoni TE with Amar
Lingrijan TE (white) and Barekuri FCC (Black) players seen in action during their semi-final clash. Pic - Monuj Panday
Sabor tied the score in the 86th minute. In the suddendeath, for Tinsukia Railway, Santosh Chetia, Satayajit Gogoi, Sarandeep Chetia, Nobin Chawra, Durlov Gogoi and Bhaskar Gogoi converted their spot
Rajuwar missing the target. In another semifinal match, Lingerijan Tea Estate, Naharkatiya defeated Barekuri Football Coaching Centre, Tinsukia 3-2. Lingerijan TE first scored through
Striker Kaston Topno in the 31st minute. Kaston converted a pass of James Topno from the midfield. James Topno of Lingerijan TE scored the second goal in the 53rd minute. Poriton Khuman of Barekuri FCC then pulled one back in the 54thminute. Lingerijan TE scored their third goal in the 70th minute through Kanai Soner while Barekuri FCC scored their second goal in the 73rd minute through Shankar Bagh. Meanwhile, Poriton Khuman of Barekuri FCC was shown the red card. With this win, Lingerijan TE booked their place for the final. On Saturday, Lingerijan Tea Estate, Naharkatiya will lock horns with defending champions Tinsukia Railway Divisional Sports Club. Tomorrow, Barekuri Football Coaching Centre, Tinsukia will play Belogoni Tea Estate for the third place.
Shoaib Malik backs tainted Amir's return
Williamson nursing finger injury ahead of second Test
ANI Karachi: Pakistan allrounder Shoaib Malik has said that he has no problem with Mohammad Amir's return to the international cricket, saying that the disgraced fast bowler has served his punishment. The 33-year-old, who recently took retirement from Test cricket after making a comeback to the format after a gap of five years, revealed that he was really fond of Amir and described the left-hander as a `good` boy. Malik, however, admitted that what Amir had done was wrong, but added that authorities have given him the necessary punishment.
ANI Wellington: New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson has admitted that he is nursing a finger injury in the built up to the second Test against Sri Lanka, which starts on Friday in Hamilton. The 25year-old prolific batsman struggled with the injury during the first Test in Dunedin last week, which saw him being changed from his regular fielding position in gully. Williamson, the world number three Test batsman, described the injury as quite sore, and admitted that some-
Kane Williamson of New Zealand stretches during a team training session.
times it gives him discomfort while batting but added that he feels normal when it settles a bit. The batsman, who scored a pivotal 88 and 71 in the first Test, said that such things need to be managed by
himself, adding that it was just the nature of professional sport. New Zealand took an unassailable 1-0 in the series after comprehensively defeating Sri Lanka by 122 runs in Dunedin.
38th All Assam Amateur Invitational Golf Championship ET Bureau Dibrugarh, Dec 17: The 38th All Assam Amateur Invitational Golf Championship is scheduled to be held in the last weekend of January, i.e., on the 29th, 30th and 31st January 2016. This annual event held under the aegis of the Upper Assam Golf Association attracts more than 250 amateur golfers from the North Eastern States and from all over the country. Held over 3 days, the Assam Open, as it is popularly called, is meant to encourage golfing talent and over the years has witnessed highly competitive golf. Started in 1977, the Assam Open is organized by the Upper
Assam Golf Association (UAGA). This Association is a non-profit organization having about 200 members from all the 9 affiliated clubs of Upper Assam namely Assam Oil Company, Digboi, Planters’ Clubs at Margherita, Naharkatia, Tingri, Doomdooma, Panitola, Dibrugarh, and Moran, and Oil India Ltd ie Zaloni Club. The Association has the sole objective of promoting golfing activities in the region and organizes tournaments in the various affiliated clubs for 42 Sundays in a year at club level and has been active for more than 40 years. The venue of the Assam Open is the Digboi Golf Club. This
course is a Golfers’ paradise and being a natural course, abundantly blessed with Nature’s beauty, offers unique challenges to be cherished for life. Hence the Assam Open is tailor made to bring out the best in all Amateur Golfers. The event is played over 3 days. The first day is for 1930 handicaps and ladies, from whom the best 5 cards are chosen, to play in the next day. The next 2 days are for handicappers 0-9 and 10-18. There are 54 prizes to be won in different categories and various formats, and one is almost sure of taking a silverware home. Interested golfers are requested to visit www.uaga.co.in for details.
Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks on
"His future availability will depend on the outcome of further medical tests," the club stated on their website. Barcelona, which won the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del this year, are aiming to round off their spectacular season with a bang in the Club World Cup.
JayBee Auto Agencies Pvt. Ltd. Chiring Chapori, T.R. Phukan Road P.O. Dibrugarh- 786001, Assam Duliajan- 786602
An ISO 9001 : 2008 Company Ph - +919954748962/ +918811098573 Email : jbaapl_dib@jaybee.biz
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
cmyk
cmyk
Tele : Dibrugarh, 0373-2328944, for circulation contact: 8471896580, Telephone & Fax: 0373-2328944.