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ASSENG/2015/64205
PAGE 12
Vol. II
Issue 30
THE GREAT INDIAN RIVER TRICK
Dibrugarh, Monday, July 18, 2016
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5.00
MODI GOVT HAS TURNED IT INTO 'INDIA-PAK' SITUATION: KEJRIWAL
RAMPANT OVERCHARGING BY SPTS BUSES, MAXI TAXIS IN CITY
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Pema Khandu sworn in as CM, Chowna Mein as deputy Seeks supports from Tuki and Pul in building a Team Arunachal
Khandu assumes CM office, met top bureaucrats
Soon after sworn-in as the Chief Minister of the state, Pema Khandu said he would build a Team Arunachal, cutting across political parties – to prepare a roadmap for the state’s development. “The two factions of Congress having reunited, I am optimistic about providing a stable government,” Khandu said while seeking support and guidance from predecessors Tuki and Pul. Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Tathagata Roy, standing in for the indisposed JP Rajkhowa, administered the oath of office and secrecy to Khandu in an impressive function in the Darbar Hall, Raj Bhavan at around 12 Noon, today. Chowna Mein, who was a key player in the rebellion against Tuki, was also sworn in as deputy chief minister. He held the same post in Kalikho Pul’s rebel Congress government too. Addressing a press
ET CAPSULES
Budget session from Monday Guwahati, July 17: The budget session in Assam's state assembly will start from Monday.
ET Bureau Itanagar, 17 July
“Team Arunachal will be the core force to bring new strides of development in the state” affirmed Pema Khandu, the new Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh after assuming office today. Pema Khandu becomes youngest CM of country (DIPR PHOTO) conference, Mr. Khandu said that he would try to complete the unfinished work of his father, former chief minister Dorjee Khandu who died in a helicopter crash in April 2011. The work includes 153 big and small hydropower projects, of which many are controversial. Dorjee Khandu ushered in the hydropower era after becoming CM in 2007,
“My father tried his best to develop Arunachal. Many projects initiated during his tenure and later are pending. As a son of a CM, the people expect a lot from me and so my priority will be to implement these projects,” Khandu said at the Chief Minister’s Office
On the exodus of people from villages on the IndiaChina border, Khandu said his government would initiate schemes like the centre’s Border Area Development Programme to stop the migration. Contd. on Page 3
Contd. on Page 3
after his swearing-in at Raj Bhavan.
ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 17
Three hardcore cadres of NDFB (Songbijit faction) were killed at an encounter held between security forces at Kalashi and Ultapani area in Kokrajhar district early this morning.
The Governor has summoned the Assembly to meet at 9 AM on July 18 next in exercise of powers conferred by clause (1) of the Article 174 of the Constitution.(Staff Reporter)
Speaking to the media person LR Bishnoi, ADGP (BTAD) told that, after getting specific information about of NDFB (S) cadre, who are moving with ration and medicines in Khalasi jungle area under Serfanguri PS to deliver the same to the Bidai’s camp in Bhutan, Contd. on Page 4
Guwahati, July 17: Troops of Guwahati Frontier of Border Security Force apprehended one Indian cattle smuggler today from the International Boundary in Dhubri District of Assam. Cattle smuggler who was identified as FaizalHoquei, age 24yrs, S/O BakarJogani, R/O vill- Islamari, PO Pattamari, PS- &DistDhubri (Assam) was apprehended by the troops of BOP Bhogdore, while he was trying to smuggle cattle heads from India to Bangladesh.
attracting developers who paid upfront money to his government.
In his maiden meeting with the top ranking bureaucrats of the state led by Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin, Chief Minister took stock of the Information Technology development in the state. This time the Governments have clear vision and intentions to make Information Technology a driving force for all round development of Arunachal Pradesh.
Search operation would be continued against NDFB(S) till getting of G Bidai: ADGP
The opening day of the session would be addressed by Governor P.B Acharya. Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will present the 2016-2017 state budget on July 26.
Cattle smuggler arrested
Jokholabondha Police Team led by Deben Borah, OC, apprehended two dreaded poachers from National Park (KNP) under Burapahar Range and Kohora Range.
Arms and ammunition recovered from the encounter site.
AIIMS in Assam should be constructed in Nagaon : union minister Rajen Gohain
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“Police after getting specific information reached both the areas and managed to capture both the poachers this morning”, inform KNP sources here.
A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 17
Nagaon MP Rajen Gohain on Sunday visited Raha and took stock of the situation. He also visited the house of police fire victim Mintu Deuri and spoke to his family members. Gohain today said the AIIMS in Assam should be
constructed in Nagaon district.
East in equal manner.
"The AIIMS should be set up at Raha in central Assam viewing all aspects of North Eastern states. I will try my best to do it as a central minister," he said.
On Friday, the locals blocked NH-37 which links upper Assam towns and damaged several vehicles, including the official car of Jagiroad MLA Pijush Hazarika and that of a television crew. They set tyres ablaze on the highway and burnt the effigy of local MP Rajen Gohain.
Gohain said all central projects, including the AIIMS, must serve the people of North
Clear vision and intentions to make Information Technology a driving force for all round development of Arunachal Pradesh Govt will mainly focus on infrastructure, social sectors, maintain transparency and check corruption
New CM and DCM hold meeting with top ranking bureaucrats of the state.
The two most wanted master-minder for frequent rhino poaching, were identified as Amar Gonju, who hails from Nohoru Basti, Burapahar Range while another Binod Kamakar, hails from Silguri under Kohora Range. Both were very active in information regarding movement of rhinos from both the ranges. Police managed to recover two 3not3 rifles, 22 rounds of life cartridges, 4 mobile sets with four
different SIM cards. “It is to be mentioned that in our earlier report, when three poachers were apprehended by Jokholabandha police and was expected for more spicy information, is the follow up of these two dreaded poachers to have been apprehended red handed with arms and ammunition, which is a big blow for the poachers fraternity residing around the Kaziranga National Park, informed KNP sources here.
Emphasis on employment generation of the youths involving private entrepreneurship
5 bags rice, 2 bags dal stolen from relief camp ET Correspondent Dergaon, July 17
The Golaghat and Jorhat villages are being under flood for nearly 15 days. Govt. has supplied relief to those villagers who are being affected by the flood. The govt. through the district administration trying their best to save the flood affective people by supplying relief goods including food and cloth items. But on the other hand, nearly 5 bags rice and 2 bags dal were stolen from the relief centre of Bilotua gaon under Dergaon revenue circle today. This was informed by a special source while speaking to this correspondent.
I want to reassure you that my commitment to service and public good will remain, whether I am in office or not that I will cherish your words of support all my life.
Kalikho Pul
Rajen Gohain during his visit to Raha.
‘Team Arunachal’ will be the core force towards development
Poachers with arms, ammunition held from KNP Bijoy Handique Jorhat, July 17
He has been handed over to local police for further legal action. BSF troops are always alert to the issues of trans-border crimes and illegal infiltration and are making all out efforts to prevent commission such crimes. (Staff Reporter)
Classifieds at Rs. 10/- per word
NEW CM SETS AGENDAS
I am overwhelmed by the extraordinary large number of SMSes, telephone calls and posts on social media that I have received from people in Arunachal and from other states in these last few days, expressing their show of support. This has left a deep impact on me, as has the long run of encouragement that I have been getting on social media in these months, commenting on my work and motivating me. I am humbled by the faith that you have in me and would like to express my deepest gratitude for standing with me in these moments of trial. Though I am not able to respond individually, through this statement I want to reach out to each one of you and say
You have placed great belief in me and in my work and I want to reassure you that my commitment to service and public good will remain, whether I am in office or not. Your words will always resonate in my heart and encourage me and motivate me to work harder and contribute more than what I have. Of that you can be assured. In 4 and ½ months that I have been in office, I have tried to serve the people to the best of my capabilities. With the support of my colleagues in the Cabinet and my MLA friends, I have put in place policies and made administrative decisions that I am confident will ensure people in Arunachal have jobs, get the best of public services, have access to quality education and healthcare and live life with peace and security. I express my thanks to them for having believed in me and I wish to put on record my appreciation for their support. I would also like to thank the
officials in the government, led by the Chief Secretary who have spent long hours to make these initiatives come into place. My appreciation and thanks also go out to the engineers in various departments who have always been there to ensure that public good and public services were delivered, be it in the repair of roads or working through nights to restore road communication. This would also be an opportune moment for me to express my gratitude to the People's Party of Arunachal and its leaders. All said, the installing of a popular government at that juncture was truly a balm to the confusion and sense of insecurity that prevailed and brought back reassurances of democratic traditions. I must not forget to mention and thank the many NGOs and community based organizations and even individuals who, in different capacities and on different occasions have extended their contribution in helping me in the task of leading a geo-
politically strategic state like ours. Now, the recent fire accident at Lower Chinkoi village under Dadam circle, 23 kms away from Khonsa, the devastating fire at Namsai daily market and the loss of life of Amit Tamang in the mudslide near Potin has troubled me much, more because I have not been able to personally go and visit the affected people. I convey my support and condolences to the family of Amit Tamang and to all those who have lost property in the fire. I will appeal to the government to extend the best possible help to the victims at the earliest. I also take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to Shri Pema Khandu and Shri Chowna Mein for being sworn in as the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. Arunachal is poised at a new watermark in its history and today is the time for each one of us to re-dedicate ourselves to the service of this land we call home. It is only with a unified vision and collective efforts that we can truly take Arunachal to new heights.
cmyk
A Staff Reporter Itanagar, July 17
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 18
PAGE 2
ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You will be indecisive today, which is not usually the case with you. This could lead you to indulge in speculation, which is not so bad unless you risk all your money in it. Besides, when it comes to matters of the heart, you must exercise a great deal of caution. Taurus Impulsive action kicks in as you work and interact today. Do not let the pressure and strain cloud your thoughts, and instead focus on acting on the things at hand. If you find things spiralling out of control, take a break and listen to some music that soothes your heart. Gemini Today, you will decide to become a bit more conscious about your health. You may or may not join a gym or measure your calories, but you will definitely sit up and take notice of your lifestyle and unhealthy food habits. A new job is also likely, which will open a completely new chapter in your life. Cancer Today, you will put your heart and soul into whatever task you take up. And, that's a great thing to do. Don't lose heart though, if despite the best efforts, the results of your efforts are not too forthcoming. Feeling dejected is only going to hamper your progress. Remember that you'll receive your due sooner or later. Spend some time with your loved ones to revive yourself. Alternatively, a quiet evening tucked in the bed with a nice book is also a great idea. Leo If one were to put an earnest spirit and a frank attitude together, the result would be a Leo; it's like your hallmark. And with qualities like these in your kitty, don't be surprised if you happen to reach a milestone or two today. Will it be marital bliss or career success? No matter what the area is, be assured that your societal standing shall get a heady boost today. Just don't let the success go to your head. Virgo The booster rockets of your ambitions and spirit to work will kick in at the maximum today. Seek recreation after a hard day's work and look to relax at private parties, socialdos and even weddings. Libra "Every man has specific natural abilities", said Aristotle. This seems to be true for you today. Your natural talents will be acknowledged and documented at work. This might prompt your equals to hold you up above the rest, and for your seniors to positively encourage you to scale greater heights. But as always, be careful to make sure that success does not make you heady with arrogance. Keep yourself firmly grounded, and remember that, 'pride cometh before the fall'. Scorpio You will find yourself thinking with your heart rather than your head today. You may not be able to repress your feelings, and you should not even try. But you should be careful about how you express them, particularly in public as people may judge you wrongly on the basis of it. Sagittarius Today, your superiors at work are going to trust you with many complicated assignments. But, after exerting yourself, you are sure to come out with flying colors and have your work appreciated. Do not be surprised if cash incentives come your way. Such may indeed be your fortune. Capricorn You will be a live wire, today. With amazing exuberance you have completed mammoth tasks and have spread the energy around. It will give you tremendous job-satisfaction. Everything seems well and good the personal front, too. Spending some quality time your spouse will relax your mind and keep you in an upbeat mood. Aquarius For a moment, it seems that you're swamped with problems. But you are brave enough to deal with any ugly issue that crops up suddenly. A romantic evening, which may just be time together in a jacuzzi, or simply preparing a meal together. Pure ecstasy! Pisces You are fond of traveling and are always looking for an excuse to set off. Hence it comes as no surprise if you pack your bags and decide to embark upon a journey on a whim today. It is a much needed break too, from the daily stresses of earning a livelihood. While you are seeking solitude, you will take your friends and relatives along with you on the trip.
PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)
18-7-16 (MONDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Songs) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 2-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Jaagaa Grahak Jaagaa" 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anushthan 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 7-45 P.M-Aadhunik Geet 8-00 P.M-Drama-Khirikiyedi,Written by Ali Haidar 8-30 P.M-Talk in Assamese-"Manuh Aaru Banyapranir Sanghat" by Debojit Phukan 10-00 P.M-Classical Music Sd-/H.O.P
Name Change I Shri Robin Boruah, Vill. Teporguri, P.OChaharikata, P.SMoran, Dibrugarh, have change the name of my son Shri Khiraj Boruah to Shri Pranjal Boruah through an affidavit in the district judicial magistrate Dibrugarh on 12-07-16.
Amit Nagori Golaghat , July 17: It is often said that poverty is a curse . Poverty gives a man or a family only deprives. Now a family in Golaghat has been suffering a lot of this curse of poverty . A young man named Nityananda Phukan of No 1 Tiruwal Village of Furkating in Golaghat was earning as a daily wage worker and working on a very little amount of agricultural land. Nityananda Phukan with his limited earnings had to look after his wife , three children and his aged father . But now the family of Nityananda has to suffer a lot when a few months back Nityananda was diagnosed with critical renal disease . Already he had been suffering from Asthma and the
news of this critical disease was a big jolt to him and his family . Nityananda with some help from his relatives and neighbours went for treatment in Dibrugarh. But now it is almost impossible for him to continue the treatment which is much expensive. And now his both kidneys are getting deteriorated day by day . So he has made an appeal to help him . His aged and ailing father while talking to the media could not resist his emotions and cried and appealed to help for his son's treatment . If any individual or organisation wants to help Nityananda Phukan money can be deposited at his bank account no. 21543041421 of Allahabad Bank. Also can contact him on 9085964667 .
Blood Donation Camp held ET Correspondent Golaghat, July 16: Under the leadership of Auto World 21231 Golaghat and in association with Agarwal Yuva Sabha , Akhil Bhartiya Marwari Mahila Samellan and Akhil B h a r t i y a Vi d y a r t h i Parishad Golaghat organised a joint blood donation camp in Golaghat today at the premises of Auto World . In the camp more than 60 units of blood was donated by the members and local people . In the program Dr J a y a n t a
ET Correspondent Naharkatia, July 17: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a national campaign by the Government of India, covering 4,041 statutory cities and towns, to clean the streets, roads and infrastructure of the country which was officially launched on 2 October 2014 at Rajghat, New Delhi, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi where too an aim of Open-Defecation Free India by 2 October 2019was included. The Dibrugarh district administration and the Public Health Engineering department too had planned several programmes under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and have resolved to convert the district into an open defecation free district within a year. With this mission the Deputy Commissioner MS
Manivannan, who is leading the campaign had spend a night in Naharkatia Sonowal village in Merbill Gaon Panchayat under Joypur Development Block on Saturday where he met the local public and exchanged their views related to the problems faced by the public and also created awareness among the public about open defecation free and on Sunday morning he undertook a door- todoor visit to create awareness and exchange views with the villagers, Anganwadi workers had distributed handbills in the campaign, alongwith the Deputy Commissioner accompanied by S.D.C of Naharkatia Mrs Samprity Goswani and heads of various other departments. The Deputy Commissioner has urged upon all public to play an active role in mak-
ing the programme successful. M.S.Manivannan said he felt that construction of toilets alone would not make the mission complete until the attitude of the masses on the issue change first. As part of the campaign, all the heads of different government departments too spend a night at the villages and worked on the issues to create awareness and mobilize the common villagers on the importance of clean and hygienic environment and to denounce defecation in the open. This year, the district administration has set a target of constructing 31,200 individual household latrines under Swachh Bharat Mission. Local public too welcomed this initiative taken by the administration.
New Nalbari DC assures priority in development works ET Correspondent Nalbari, July 16: The newly joined Deputy Commissioner of Nalbari district Anantalal Gyan, who took charge on Wednesday said that, the maintaining of law and order situation and all round development will be the top priority. In his first press conference cum get together meeting held at deputy commissioner's conference hall here on Saturday Gyani
said that, the solution of the problem of water logging, development of drains and roads will strictly ensure during his tenure. The new deputy commissioner further stated that the unemployment problems of the district will be under his special consideration. In reply to the suggestions given by Ramen Kalita, president of Nalbari district journalists union, the deputy commissioner said that he will
try to do some innovative work to attract the people. The new deputy commissioner in this regard sought the help from media friends in positive way. The press conference was attended by Krishna Baruah, chief executive officer of Nalbari zilla parisad, Nadira Jesmine, additional deputy commissioner, Tez Prasad Bhusal, additional deputy commissioner, Nirala Phangsopi, project director, Nalbari.
LANC with Margherita police rescued elderly women Buragohain , Biju Bora from Kushal Kunwar Civil Blood Bank , Naveen Agarwal president of Agarwal Yuwa Sabha and Anurekha Bakliwal president of Mahila Samellan were also present . It was a successful program.
ET Correspondent Margherita, July 17: An elderly woman, age about 80 years old was today rescued by Margherita Police and Legal Awareness Network Centre, Margherita from the roadside of Thermal Tiniali Margherita.
The elderly woman was found lying near the road with serious condition where immediately Legal Awareness Network Centre, Margherita, informed the Margherita Police and took the elderly woman from the
roadside and admitted her to Margherita Civil Hospital for treatment. Legal Awareness Network Centre, Margherita have requested all the organisations of Margherita to help the elderly woman for her better treatment.
On eve of Parliament session, PM reaches out to opposition
Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights
Advt.
Lone bread earner of ''Open defecation-free''M.S poor family suffers Manivannan shows the way from critical disease
PTI New Delhi, July 17: Reaching out to the opposition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sought its cooperation in the passage of GST bill even as it asserted that government will be targeted over developments in Arunachal Pradesh and Kashmir during Parliament's Monsoon Session starting tomorrow. As sparks are set to fly in Parliament over a range of issues, Modi also urged all the political parties to keep national interests above any other considerations. "We represent both the people and parties and there is a need to keep national interests above anything else".
At an all-party meeting convened by the government a day before Parliament meets, Congress said it will support bills but based on merit but offered no assurance on the GST, saying it can take a stand only after the government gives it a "written draft" over concerns raised by it. Noting that important Bills including the GST will be taken up during the session, Modi expressed the hope that there would be meaningful discussions and outcomes. "The issue is not about which government would get the credit for introduction of GST but what was important is the passage of the Bill," he said.
With the continuing protests in Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani expected to generate heat in Parliament, Modi commended political parties for speaking in "one voice" over the issue. "Various parties have given statements on Kashmir events which benefitted the country. This has sent a right message and I thank all the parties for the same," he said. The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said there should be a discussion in Parliament on the tense situation in Kashmir and that Government should provide an anwser.
The government's unsuccessful NSG bid, floods in some states, agrarian crisis and terrorism were among the other main issues raised by opposition leaders at the meeting. Azad accused the government of using every trick to destabilise states ruled run by other parties and referred to Arunachal developments and various chief ministers targeting the Centre at the Inetr-State Council meeting yesterday. Though he did not refer to GST directly, he said the Congress will offer support to bills on merit. "We have not taken any decision that we have to
stop a bill. We will support on merit. We will support any bill which is in support of people, progress and growth," he said. Another Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said his party can take a stand only after it receives a written response from the government as he played down talks between its leaders and union ministers over the GST. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said the government will talk to all parties to evolve a consensus on the GST. "Our legislative business, including GST, is a priority. We want to see to that we pass the GST bill with consensus. We are going to take every party on board," he said.
ATTSA felicitates meritorious students in Doomdooma ET Correspondent Doomdooma, July 17 : The Beesakopie primary unit (BPU) of ATTSA felicitated at least forty one matriculation and higher secondary students in a programme which was organized at the Beesakopie Staff Club (new) in the afternoon today. As scheduled, flag hoisting programme was done at 10 in the morning by the ATTSA (BPU) President Sanjiv Tanti which
was followed by Smriti Tarpan by Bhubaneswar Bagh. After an interval, the programme started which was presided over by Rupkumar Mahananda and the whole programme was anchored by Bhubaneswar Tanti . The chief guest , Prakash Dutta ; the headmaster of Rupai-Siding High school , vice President of ATTSA ( Doomdooma branch ) Dev Tanti , Akhil Bhartiya Chah Mazdoor
Sangha secretary Jatan Tanti , Bikram Tanti , Nikhil Assam Oriya Mahasabha district President Tuman Tanti , head master of Fatikjan primary school Bhelerian Tirkey , Niten Tanti and many others spoke on the occasion . Among students , Bijay Tanti , Rani Borgohain , Mompi Das interacted with the students . Vice President Binod BAGH of ATTSA ( BPU) and joint Secretary Gabriel Dhanowar gave
much stress to girl education in their speech . Altogether 41 students ( 27 matriculation and 14 higher secondary ) were felicitated with a phulam Gamosa , dictionary , diary and an accolade . While talking with The Eastern Today , the headmaster of Rupai High School Prakash Dutta says ," There should be a good aim in everyone's life basically in student's life and they should leave no stone unturn to achieve it ".
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 18
PAGE 3
Mountaineers Convention 2016
Anshu among Six Women Mountaineers felicitated in Mumbai
Mumbai/Itanagar, July 17 : Mountaineer Anshu Jamsenpa returned back from Mumbai yesterday after attending 15th edition of Girimitra Sammelan 2016. More than thousand delegates representing over 250 mountaineering clubs and groups attended the two day Mountaineers Convention held in MSS Auditorium Mumbai. The theme of this year’s convention was ‘Mountaineering & Women’. Speaking to the jam packed hall as Special Invitee,
Anshu Jamsenpa, the ace mountaineer from Arunachal emphasized on the need to exchange ideas, discuss newer techniques and interact with fellow mountaineers on various adventure & mountaineering issues. She opined that Government of India should formulate mountaineering policy on the lines of neighboring country Nepal, citing several benefits. She also asked the mountaineering fraternity to visit her home state and explore the snow clad
mountain range of Arunachal Himalayas. Chandrashekhar Vaze, President of Maharastra Sewa Sangh during his keynote address said that the idea of bringing together the top women mountaineers under a single platform was to promote the sport of mountaineering in the society through their presentations and deliberations. By witnessing the stories of the famous personalities, the attendees would get a first-
hand experience of the courage, determination and the inspiration to motivate themselves and others. Chief Guest Dr. Rashmi Karandikar, IPS stated that trekking and mountaineering in India has never been in the limelight. But of late it has become a rage as can be observed from the scores of adventure & mountaineering activities taking place throughout the length and breadth of the country. She also said that there is no opportu-
nity, no possibility that has been left un-attempted by today’s women and I salute these fiery women mountaineers who are the role models for a better India. Six women mountaineers Padmashree Chandraprabha Aitwal, Anshu Jamsenpa, Santosh Yadav, Suman Kotiyal, Poorna Malawat and Maya Sherpa were felicitated during the convention for their mountaineering achievements.
Editors Guild condemns Jaipur Pink Panthers beat Puneri 'muzzling' of media by J-K govt Paltan 33-27 Kolkata, Jul 17 (PTI) Jaipur Pink Panthers returned overwhelmed Puneri Paltan 33-27 to return to winning ways in the Pro Kabaddi at the Netaji Indoor Stadium here today. Having lost to home team Bengal Warriors yesterday, the inaugural edition champions looked sharp in their attacks, and were equally smart in tackling to seal their sixth win of the season.
as they regrouped to log 18 points in the final 20 minutes but that proved to be insufficient. The Jaipur franchise broke away from being five-all in the first quarter when captain Singh effected an allout raid to hand them a sizeable 127 lead.
'Best Defender' Amit Hooda and 'Man-of-the Mat' Ran Singh formed the core of their defence, while Jasvir Singh led from the front with his fruitful raids as the Jaipur franchise inflicted two allouts on the Pune outfit.
Singh along with 'Best Raider' Rajesh Narwal did the maximum damage scoring seven points each, followed by Ajay Kumar's five points. Deepak Hooda and Ajay Thakur with nine points each excelled for Puneri Paltan but those were not enough as they were let down by their defenders to suffer their fourth defeat.
It was too big a blow for the Pune franchise who trailed 9-17 at the interval
Jasvir Singh walked away with the Best Moment award for Pink Panthers.
BJP Parliament Party to meet tomorrow New Delhi, Jul 17 (PTI) The BJP Parliamentary Party's executive will meet tomorrow to firm up its strategy for the Monsoon Session of Parliament with the Opposition set to attack the government over a number of issues, including the developments in Arunachal Pradesh. The NDA constituents will also meet after the BJP Parliamentary Party executive meeting in the evening. BJP is bracing for the Opposition assault over its alleged attempts to destabilise governments in states ruled by nonNDA parties.
The recent Supreme Court verdicts on Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have come as a shot in arm for Congress and other Opposition parties. The Opposition has said it will also raise the developments in Kashmir, floods in parts of the country and India's unsuccessful NSG bid among others issues in the Parliament. BJP, on its part, has hinted at raising the issue of alleged corruption in Congress-ruled states and law and order problems in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to hit back.
New Delhi, Jul 17 (PTI) The Editors Guild of India today condemned the Jammu and Kashmir government for "unwarranted muzzling" of media in the state and termed as "unfortunate" the attempts "to shoot the messenger".
"It is extremely unfortunate that the state government, under fire for its poor management of the law and order situation in the Valley, has sought to shoot the messenger," a statement from the Editors Guild said.
It said the police were sent into the offices of the local media in Kashmir in the wee hours today and copies of the newspapers that had just been printed seized and printing presses shut down.
"Reports suggest that the journalists and other staff working in Greater Kashmir and Rising Kashmir were detained, harassed and their mobiles (phones) taken away by the raiding police parties," it said.
"We are also aghast to note that the media censorship will continue for a minimum of three days if not more," it added. The statement said this is a direct assault on the freedom of the press in India and the Guild strongly condemns this unwarranted muzzling of the media. "The Editors Guild of India requests the state government to immediately lift the censorship and refrain from any action to intimidate the press," it said.
Sparks set to fly during Monsoon Session beginning tomorrow New Delhi, Jul 17 (PTI) Sparks are set to fly as Parliament meets for the Monsoon Session beginning tomorrow, with the Opposition, boosted by the Supreme Court verdict on Arunachal Pradesh, seeking to corner the treasury benches on a host of issues, including India's failure to secure NSG membership. Besides the political developments in Arunachal, which saw the installation of a new Congress dispensation in the state, the Modi government's decision to seek a report from the Law Commission on the proposal for introducing a Uniform Civil Code are likely make the session a tempestuous affair. On the other hand, the government is hopeful of a breakthrough on the key GST bill, which it wants passed during the session, following a recent meeting between senior ministers and top Congress leaders. The two sides are likely to meet again during the session. On Friday, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and In-
formation and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu had met Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma to iron out differences on key clauses of the GST bill. The contentious Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, 2014, known as the GST Bill was moved in the Upper House in August last year after being passed by Lok Sabha. The government is hopeful of the passage of the GST bill in this session amid indications that a number of regional parties have broken ranks with Congress on the issue and are willing to extend their support to the crucial economic reform measure. With the opposition set to raise the issue of India's failure to get a berth in the Nuclear Suppliers' Group, the government has said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was ready for discussion on issues including Prime Minister's recent foreign tours. Besides the GST, another
key legislation pending passage is the Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015, which was moved in December last year but the discussion on it had remained inconclusive. In the Budget Session this year, this bill could not be taken up for debate. In the Lok Sabha, important pending bills include the Consumer Protection Bi l l 2 0 1 5 a n d t h e Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, 2015. The last few sessions of Parliament have seen frequent face-offs between the ruling and the opposition benches but the second part of the Budget Session saw a relative improvement as far the completion of government business was concerned. The session comes at a time when the ruling BJP's morale is high after its maiden victory in Assam Assembly polls and its performance in Kerala and West Bengal elections.
Versatile BRO commits to renovate 9 Km of roads Bishnu Rana Tezu, July 17: Committed in its quality of work and development of road in remote areas of Arunachal, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) under Commandant 48 BRTF Dimwe in Lohit district has resolved to re carpeting of 9 (nine) Km of roads which has worn out causing inconvenient to the vehicular movement. The 29 Km of Tezu – Dimbe – Tohamgam roads is in bad shape beyond 21 Km distance from the township towards strategically important Anjaw district. The road also leads to famous pilgrimage site Parsuram Kund and Wakro circle of the district. “The road since from last 5 years has been left unrepaired. Massive rains leading to frequent landslides resulted damages of the road at number of pocket. Though our labourer maintains the road but in front of nature’s fury we failed. The 9 Km of roads has gone bad to worst we are seriously concern
and would take up its repairing work”, assures Shankar Prasad OC 1446 BCC when complaint about its condition. The versatile BRO is commits
to cater better road in such remote areas despite heavy rains and landslides that challenges the organization, the OC vows further.
Congress to attack govt over Arunachal, U'khand PTI New Delhi, Jul 17: Buoyed by the restoration of its governments in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Congress today said it will target the Modi dispensation for "using all tricks" to destabilise opposition ruled states which no longer trusted the Centre. The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad also cited developments in Kashmir and India's failed bid for NSG membership as other issues on which his party will attack the treasury benches in the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning tomorrow. The Congress will extend merit-based support to bills which are pro-people and pro-growth, he told reporters after attending the all-party meeting called by the government. Taking potshots at Modi over his call for cooperation
between the Centre and states at the Inter-State Council meeting yesterday, Azad said even Punjab government in which BJP is junior partner, attacked it for "undermining" states.
cadres. "If government starts giving training to such organisations, then you can understand....where does terrorism begin from," Azad said.
Congress agreed with the Prime Minister's comments that states should share terrorrelated intelligence with the Centre, he said, adding BJP itself did politics over terrorism.
Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia played down the talks between his party and the government to break the impasse over the long-pending GST bill and said they wanted the government to share with them the draft legislation. "We can give a response only after we receive a written draft from the government," he said as he rejected the contention that the Congress was blocking the bill, saying GST was "a baby given birth" by his party. He also referred to the issue of alleged migration of Hindus from Kairana town in Uttar Pradesh, contending it was aimed at stoking communal tension. He said Congress party will take it up during the session.
He also referred to the "abuse" of Governor's office to topple state governments. "All tricks were used. States no longer trust the Centre," he said, referring to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's suggestion for abolishing the post of Governor. He also referred to UP Governor Ram Naik's reported defence of arms training to Hindu right organisation Bajrang Dal's
Pema Khandu sworn in as CM, Chowna Mein as deputy Contd. from Page 1
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein dismissed speculations that seniors like him would find it difficult to work with a young CM like Pema Khandu. He used cricket to convey that capability, not age, mattered. “Parthiv Patel was only 16 when he was chosen as India’s wicketkeeper. That was because he was mature beyond his age and was good to be in the Indian cricket team,” Mein said. The chief minister also said he has sought time from the governor for expansion of his cabinet and that he was ready for a floor test. The governor left for Tripura soon after the swearing-in.
Khandu assumes CM office, met top bureaucrats Contd. from Page 1 He said his govt will mainly focus on infrastructure, social sectors, maintain transparency and check corruption. Unleashing his priorities, Pema said harnessing of rich natural resources of the state including tourism potential, hydro power, agriculture & horticulture sectors would be given top most importance. His govt will also give emphasis on employment generation of the youths involving private entrepreneurship. He said the present team of legislators will work as a team in unison to take forward the state in the path of development and expressed hope that with the support and guidance of senior and experienced leaders, they will try giving a stable govt to the people of the state. While saying that he will go to the details of every department on one to one basis to know about the developmental aspect as well as exact position of the
departments, he called upon the top bureaucrats of the state to extend full cooperation and to work in coordination to take the state to newer heights of development. Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein speaking on people’s speculation of the young age of the chief minister said, “Though he is young but his thoughts are quite mature” and said, “He has a clear vision for the state and its people”. He further said, “Our govt will work with proper planning and ensure financial stability”. He also called upon the Bureaucrats, Technocrats, NGOs and civil societies to support and cooperate with the new govt in its endeavour to bring over all development of the state. Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin briefed the Chief Minister about various developmental aspects of the govt. Among others, MLAs P D Sona, Pani Taram, Mama Natung and senior government officers were present.
NIA frames charges against 30 Khagragarh blast accused Kolkata, Jul 17 (PTI) Nearly two years after Khagragarh blast in Burdwan district, a special court has framed charges against 30 persons in the case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act. The 30 accused, of which 10 are still absconding, have been charged under UAPA and Arms Act by the special court on Saturday, National Investigation Agency counsel Shyamal Ghosh said today.
The charges were framed under the Indian Penal Code sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 125 (offences related to SAARC countries) besides, sections 16 (punishment for terrorist act), 17 (punishment for raising funds for terrorist act), 18 (punishment for conspiracy) and 20 (punishment for being members of terrorist group) of the UAPA Act. Charges were also slapped under Section 5 (punishment for making and possessing explosives) of the Explosive Sub-
stances Act along with the Section 25 (1b) of the Arms Act, he said. The NIA besides filing the the primary chargesheet has also filed three supplementary chargesheets in connection with the Khagragargh blast which took place on October 2, 2014 killing two suspected Indian Mujahideen terrorists and injuring a third. The police had seized 55 improvised explosive devices, RDX, wrist watch dials and SIM cards.
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 18
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High musk flood light pole Kamrup administration instructs GMDA collapses during installation at not to accord building permission unless Tinsukia, no casualties reported obtaining NOC from DDMA
Spl Correspondent. Tinsukia, July 17 : A major incident was averted on Sunday, after the huge pole of a high musk flood light collapsed during installation at Thana Charali here in the town. The incident took place around 7.15 pm. However, no casualties has been reported so far.
A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 17: In a significant move, the Kamrup Metro district administration and the Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has devised strict guidelines, concerning building permission in hilly areas in Guwahati, as well as looking to enhance capacity-building exercises amongst the public to prevent such mishaps from happening again. This came after when three people were killed in separate landslide incidents in Guwahati, recently.
According to eyewitnesses, all of a sudden their was a huge sound following which people started running. A huge part of the pole was seen fallen on the ground while the upper part of the pole was hanging on the crane upside down, added one of the eyewitnesses. The pole was around 100 feets long in total. Immediately, after the incident police blocked roads from all sides and work to clear the road was started. The pole hanging on the
crane was seen bent from the middle after which assumptions of inferior quality of pole was being murmured by people standing
Three held in Kokrajhar ET Correspondent K o k r a j h a r, J u l y 1 7 : Chirang police have arrested three persons in connection with the murder of one Safiour Rehman, 25 of Daukhanagar on July 13 last. The three have been identified as - Md Saibor Ali, 20 of Daukhanagar, Jahar Ali, 22, of Choto Amguri and Md Sahjamal Ali, 23, also of Choto Amguri –all under
Dhaligaon police station in Chirang district. Rehman was murdered and body dumped on the bank of a river at Roumari area on 13 July last. His body was recovered on July 15 last. TTrio have confessed of killing Rehman over some dealings and later dumping the body on the bank of the river at Roumari area. They even tried to give communal colour to the murder.
all - around the Thana Charali. Whether the goods was of inferior quality or it was a technical glitch or lapses on part of the con-
tractor is a part of investigation. Locals were being heard saying that such high risk works shall be given to professionals.
2 drug peddlers arrested in Naharkatia ET Correspondent Naharkatia, July 17: Amidst reports of drug peddling and consumption on the rise in Assam in recent times two youth Sristi Dhekial of Naharkatia and other Shantanu Borsaikia of Tipling area in Duliajan were caught by police
today at Dihing bridge when they were coming from Dibrugarh in a bike bearing number AS-06P-7313. Police recovered 17 pouch of drugs from them.It must be noted that few days back three youth from Namrup was arrested in drug case.
The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) and the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) are instructed by the administration, not to accord building permission, including construction of boundary walls and guard walls, without obtaining NOC from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). “Moreover, GMDA and GMC have been directed to take steps to revaluate the already constructed buildings in the foothills and hill areas in consultation with the Soil Conservation Department. And also adopt preventive measures to avoid incidents of landslides and other disaster related incidents in those areas”, said Dr M Angamuthu,
Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup Metro, who is also the Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).
identified vulnerable sites of the hillocks, hilly areas and foothills in and around Guwahati.
He said that, unplanned and unscientific construction of houses and buildings in the hill areas are not only making these establishments vulnerable to erosion, landslide and other related disasters, but are also creating ecological imbalance in the environment.
The committee comprises the Chief Executive Officer of GMDA, Commissioner of GMC, Divisional Officer of Soil Conservation Department, all Circle Officers of the city, the Deputy Director of Fire and Emergency Services of Guwahati, Additional General Manager of APDCL and Superintending Engineer of PWD (Roads).
The district administration has constituted a committee comprising officers of various departments to immediately conduct a joint survey to re-examine the already existing buildings, guard walls, boundary walls and electricity poles in all the
ABSU appeals govt. Violence, obscenity in films to re-think over oil spoil children: Venkaiah field auction ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 17: The influential All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) demanded BJP led alliance govt. to re-think over the auction of oil field and rising price of essential commodities in Assam. Speaking to the reporters on Sunday at Bodofa house in Kokrajhar, Promod Boro, president of the ABSU said that, the alliance govt. of BJP, BPF and AGP should re-think the matter on auction of oil field in the state. He condemned the state government for playing politics to setup of AIIMS, which was supposed to be established at Raha, Nagaon, but interestingly location has been shifted to Changsari, Guwahati for which, one person was killed for agitating for the setup at Raha. “AIIMS must be established at Raha as because
already location survey had done at Raha in Nagaon, if such not being be done, then should be set up at Chirang district in lower Assam for greater interest of common public”, added Boro. Boro said that, union has decided to celebrate historic and colourful programme of the Golden Jubilee (50 years) of ABSU, which has been stepping towards glorious 50 years, on its foundation by February 15 next (2017) in Kokrajhar. Two committees would be formed to convene the celebration to make it successful. “Lakhs of people will participate the celebration from across the country as well as abroad,” added Boro. He also appealed the NDFB-S militant outfit to joint in main stream along with other ceasefire groups like NDFB (P) and NDFB (R) to meet permanent solution.
Chennai, Jul 17 (PTI) Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkiah Naidu today expressed concern over violence and obscenity "becoming part of certain sections" of Indian cinema and urged filmmakers to come out with more development and peace-oriented scripts.
a self-censor. Because you are doing injustice to the society by showing such scenes and spoiling children," he said to an audience which had some of the top film producers of the four south Indian languages -Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.
be "development-oriented, peace-oriented social harmony oriented." Touching on the issue of freedom of expression, without making any explicit reference, Naidu said it came with 'reasonable restrictions' as "you can't preach hatred against others."
While the music, lyrics and literature in the earlier era films used to be wonderful and beautiful, "slowly standards are coming down," he said at the 'Meet the Minister' programme organised by the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce here.
The 'problem' lies with formula-based productions focusing on crime, violence, vulgarity and obscenity and this was "spoiling the atmosphere," he said.
"You cannot disrespect God and belief of other people. So there has to be certain restriction and that is where (film) certification comes," he said without any pointed references.
"What is happening is slowly, in certain cases, violence, obscenity, vulgarity and vulgar double meaning dialogues... they are also now becoming part of certain sections of cinema which is not a healthy thing. "You cannot have a censor for all, you must have
"Visuals have most enduring experience on human minds and psyche. I don't want to give any lecture to the people in the cinema industry but as a citizen, not as a Minister, the expectation is that the cinema industry has to be more responsive, responsible entertainer," he said. He said messages in films and media should
"Whether we are doing (certification) correctly or not, that is a different thing," Naidu said in the backdrop of the Pahlaj Nihlani-led Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) courting controversy over film certification, including suggesting cuts for Shahid Kapoor-starrer 'Udta Punjab'. Naidu said he will go
through the Shyam Benegal committee recommendations on censor and "take a fresh look". The certification guidelines suggest violence, alcohol and tobacco consumption, drug addiction, molestation of women, sexual violence and child abuse should not be glorified in films and that communal obscurantist and anti-scientific and anti-national attitudes were not presented, Naidu said. Earlier, the Chamber presented a memorandum to the Minister, in which it welcomed the cinema industry being covered under GST but sought panchayat and local body taxes also to be included under the common taxation code.
“In case any residential establishment is found to be vulnerable or unsafe, the departments concerned will ask the residents to take necessary protective and preventive measures immedi-
ately. In case of emergency, the residents of the building will be asked not to reside in the vulnerable structure. In case of any electricity pole or transformer posing threat to life and property, necessary action will be taken by APDCL immediately,” said Dr Angamuthu. Meanwhile, a number of Executive Magistrates have been put in charge for creating awareness amongst the residents of landslide-prone areas. He added that the concerned officers will organise awareness activities for the inhabitants of those areas regarding unscientific earth-cutting activities, unscientific construction and its legal implications.
Search operation would be continued against NDFB(S) till getting of G Bidai: ADGP Contd. from Page 1
an operation was launched on Saturday night where Sudem Borgoyary @ Gorom, of Udangshree, PS Kokrajhar was neutralized in the exchange of fire whereas the other cadres managed to escape. On the same night, another operation was conducted after getting secret information, that a few cadres who have entered into Kokrajhar from Myanmar and taking shelter in the jungle area of Ultapani, where exchange of gun fire was held, which resulted killing of two hardcore NDFB-S cadres, namely Ritu Basumatary (41 Batch) @ B. Rugungsha, of Samabari, Simbwrgaon and Rahul Basumatary (42 Batch) @ B. Rakhao, of Abainyapur, Ultapani of
Kokrajhar district. Four pistol, four grenades, 21 live rounds, one magazine and some foods along with objectionable materials, recovered from them. Bishnoi said that stern operation will be continued till getting of G Bidai, top leader of NDFB(S), who is sheltering inside Bhutan territory with few cadres in poor condition. Bishnoi offered surrender package to Bidai and his team to the main stream and said that they would be given best opportunity as per law of packages. “Three NDFB (S) cadres killed in encounter in Kokrajhar district. Security forces will continue its search operation against G Bidai and his team, who are taking sheltering inside Bhutan territory", said Bishnoi.
Guwahati flooded
It also sought a 50 per cent representation for the industry in Censor panels, besides requesting concessions when single screens are converted as multiplexes.
Glimpses from the Pathikrit Gosthi organised Children Summer Camp which got underway at the BPB MHS School, Sonari from today. Pic - Mritunjoy Das
A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 17: Heavy rain early this morning inundated many vital areas of Guwahati city, creating problems for residents. Zoo Road, GS Road, Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Tarun Nagar and several other localities in the eastern part of the city
went under water. Many by-lanes were inundated and rickshaw pullers were seen charging exorbitant fares from residents, who wanted to go to their workplaces. The rickshaw pullers even charged over Rs 100 to cross a 200-metre stretch.
REGION
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 18
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Two-day ‘Nadi Festival’ concludes at Shillong Rape accused Tripura official sent to 14 days judicial custody
Shillong, July 17: The two-day River Festival, Nadi 2016, organised by the Asian Confluence, Shillong, in collaboration with the state government and the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies came to a close at the Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture here on Saturday. Meghalaya Governor, V Shanmuganathan and Bangladesh Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Rasheed Khan Menon among others witnessed the concluding function. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shanmuganathan highlighted the importance of rivers and the crucial impact they have on the people, who depend on the water bodies for daily
3-day dharna under JACATAM to be held from July 27 Shillong, July 17: To vent their ire against the “adamant” attitude of the powers-that-be towards their various demands, the teachers deficit and adhoc schools under the umbrella of the Joint Action Committee of All Teachers’ Association in Meghalaya (JACATAM) have called a three-day dharna in the state from July 27. Announcing this, the JACTAM chairman ED Nongsiang informed that the decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the organization held here on Saturday. The teachers would stage a zonal level and unit level dharna on July 27 and July 28 respectively followed by a district-level demonstration on July 29, he said. He said that for the last three years the JACATAM has been d e m a n d i n g provicialisation of the services of over 14, 000 teachers working at 4500 government aided schools under ad hoc, deficit system and deficit pattern. “The government has failed to respond to our demands;” he said adding “provincialization will ensure equal pay for equal work”. It is learnt that the proposal for the provincialisation of services of teachers working in the Government-aided schools has been taken up at the Government level. Nongsiang said, “Based on the report of two Action Committees constituted by JACATAM, we have decided to stage the first phase of agitation against the government’s adamant attitude to provincialize the services of the teachers.” Making it clear that the schools will remain open during the days of agitations, he said, “If government fails to invite the teachers for talks, we will be compelled to launch our second phase of agitation.” (Agencies)
economic activities and sustenance. “We all love and respect rivers,” he said while recalling the massive impact and influence that the Kaveri River has on the people of South India, especially those of Thanjavur, his place of birth, which is a delta in the Kaveri. “Rivers worldwide are respected and revered with people wanting to preserve and protect them. Well known poets like Kalidasa and others have penned through poems thoughts about their affection and attachment to rivers,” he further said. The Governor called upon all gathered to provide safe passage to rivers while also urging upon them to “purify, protect and preserve riv-
Meghalaya Governor, V Shanmuganathan ers and water systems” for the greater good of all. Affirming the important role that rivers play, he stated that they provide a vital link from one
place to another and facilitate economic growth, connectivity and friendship amongst people. “Apart from economic benefits, rivers and river
banks have been proven to be the starting point of many a great world civilization, where culture and values evolve thereby influencing the thoughts and worldview of the people. Rivers are a source of spiritual attainment. We can go nearer to God through rivers,” the Meghalaya Governor said. The Governor also used the occasion to appeal to all concerned to be more sympathetic and giving to one another as a river does to all life forms along its course. Tourism and Civil Aviation Minster of Bangladesh, Rasheed Khan Menon, meanwhile, stated that the festival provided a platform for the government, diplomats and all stakeholders to discuss delib-
erate and put forth their views on protection of rivers and the environment surrounding them. He further added that the sharing of rivers imply sharing of soil, borders and culture also urging all gathered to resolve to build a society that benefits people who live besides rivers and to promote environment protection. The two-day festival saw the participation of over 400 dignitaries and participants from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar and a consensus on several key elements on rivers, inland navigation, tourism, expansion of people to people contacts and links from among others was arrived at during the event. (Agencies)
Burglary of gas machinery foiled, accident averted in Tripura Agartala, July 17: At least six thieves were arrested as police and ONGC officials jointly busted a big pilferage and averted a major accident in Tripura, officials said here on Sunday. However, the state owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation incurred a loss of Rs 2.5 crore on Saturday as the thieves damaged machineries at a drilling site at Gabordih, 25 km east of here. "The burglars have tried
to take away huge machineries, valuable parts of important machines and damaged drilling equipments," an ONGC Executive director S.C. Soni said in a statement. Acting on a tip-off, the state police and ONGC officials reached the spot and caught the thieves while they were trying to remove the machinery. "Apart from damaging huge properties of ONGC, the incident delayed the plans to connect the wells with the
gas collecting stations (GCS) by at least a month. Moreover, a major accident could have happened due to possible gas leakage from the site as the miscreants damaged the machineries." Soni, who is also the manager of ONGC's Tripura assets, said there were four wells, including two new, at Gabordih with the new wells having gas potential of 1.5 Lakh cubic metres per day per well. "The new wells are
scheduled to be connected to a GCS of ONGC while the site was scheduled to be used by another rig of ONGC to undertake repair of old wells." The official said the ONGC's intention was not to punish the villagers but to make them aware that it was highly unsafe to do any such activity near any gas well or pipeline. "It is not possible to post security personnel at all the 209 wells drilled by ONGC so far in Tripura
rather the villagers are the best custodians and they should ensure that the national property is not destroyed by any miscreant," the statement said.
Tura, July 17: The jubilant return of a contingent of Garos who went to France to fight for the allied forces during the First World War was observed at a special cenotaph built in their honour and memory at Tura-the very same venue where their families witnessed their return 97 years ago. It was a day of mixed feelings remembering those who had laid down their lives and also a sense of pride for all that close to a century ago as many as 500 young Garo men answered to the call of the allied forces for manpower in its fight
against the Germans. Despite an uncertain future of the road ahead and having to cross continents by sea leaving behind their families, including children, these brave souls answered to the call of the then British government and set sail in 1917 from India bound for the battlefront in France. They were recruited under the 69th Labour Corps and would go on to aid the allied forces in the making of roads and transporting of goods all the way to the front lines during the war. After months of serving
the allies at the battlefront having to endure the harsh winter of Europe and the firing of guns all around and bombs falling from above, the Garo volunteers of the Labour Corps were repatriated to Marseilles on May 25, 1918 for their return to India. Many of them died during the long sea journey after falling sea sick and only 120 of them are said to have reached Tura where their families eagerly awaited them at Babupara. There was jubilation for many families to see their return, but it was
also a day of sorrow for others whose loved ones never made it back. To mark this special occasion, a gun salute and prayers were offered at the cenotaph in Babupara on Saturday during a government programme in which legislator of North Tura and Parliamentary Secretary, Noverfield R Marak recalled from official records the courage and bravery displayed by these men who went to France. Out of the 500 Garo men recruited only 456 reached France the same
year and were stationed at Puisieux. They were subsequently engaged in work for the allied forces at several regions including Brussels. One of the young men recruited in the Labour Corps was the brotherin-law of the chief guest and legislator Noverfield Marak, he mentioned during the celebrations. “It was a privilege for the entire Garo community to witness their own brethren being called to duty and they proved their mettle during the war,” recalled Marak on the occasion. (Agencies)
"They tried to take away the ONGC machineries and sell it to people who purchase old machineries. We are interrogating the men whether they are involved in any ogranised gang," police inspector Dipak Das, who is probing the incident, told IANS.
IANS Agartala, July 17: A local court in Tripura sent, to 14 days judicial custody, a senior state government official arrested on charges of rape. Absconding Tripura Civil Service officer Panna Ahmed, 44, who was arrested from a house in Assam's Karimganj on Tuesday, was presented next day in a local court, which sent him to three days police custody. "After three days police custody and thorough interrogation, police today (Saturday) presented him in the first class judicial magistrate court and the court sent him 14 days judicial custody," West Tripura district police chief Abhijit Saptarshi said. He said that senior police officials would further interrogate Ahmed about the incident and police are also looking for two locals who helped him to flee to Assam. Immediately after the reported crime, the
Tripura government had suspended the civil service official, who was a sub-divisional magistrate in Sonamura subdivision of Sepahijala district. "The state government had recently requested the Union Home Ministry for issuance of a red corner notice to track Ahmed," Saptarshi said. A Muslim woman, mother of two children, filed an FIR with the West Agartala police station here on June 27 that Ahmed called her to his private residence here and raped her. Opposition Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and Trinamool Congress have been holding protest demonstrations at Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar's official residence and other places in the state almost daily since June 27. Ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist's State Secretary Bijan Dhar told the media that the officer should be punished if found guilty. (IANS)
Rampant overcharging by SPTS buses, maxi Brave hearts of Garo Hill remembered taxis in city
Mighty Manipur takes on Haryana Junior nat'l championship Agencies Imphal, July 17: Defending champions Manipur will look forward to lifting the silverware but they have to withstand the resilient girls from Haryana to win the final battle of the Junior National Football Championships at the Barabati Stadium on Sunday. The Manipur girls, under the tutelage of Chaoba Devi, have bamboozled every opponent having inundated them with goals. They possess an intimidating attacking line-up comprising of Ratanbala Devi, Hemolata Devi and Daya Devi -- who have registered not less than 26 goals in the quarterfinal stage and 6 goals against Tamil Nadu in the semi-final. On the other hand, the Haryana girls have
Dhull appeared too ecstatic. “The entire credit goes to the girls. They have shown their character to garner the results,” he said. The final is scheduled to kick-off at 5 pm at the Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.
Mega plantation held Junior nat'l championship: Mighty Manipur takes on Haryana
emphasised on their sharp counter-attacking ability to churn out results – The frontline attackers, Nisha and Renu, have always coordinated well to wreck the rivals. “Although we have performed meticulously till now, the final will be a different ball game altogether. We have to start from
the scratch,” Chaoba Devi sounded pretty cautious ahead of the big day. Referred as ‘Ojha’ the teacher by her wards, Chaoba, a former India captain has already coached her State to two junior titles and a National Games gold medal. “It’s not about feats. It's about representing our State. We
will give our best,” she further said. But she showed huge respect for the opposition. "It’s true that we have scored goals aplenty but Haryana have overwhelmed the home team in the semi-final, an astounding feat indeed. They are a very good Team,” she certified. Having reached the final, Haryana Coach Anil
Shillong, July 17: Adhunik Cement Limited, subsidiary of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited organized a "Mega plantation" on July 16 at its plant premises in Lumshnong, Jowai with the aim to make an entry in the Limca Book of World Records by planting 25,000 saplings in 35 minutes to make the surrounding greener. The plantation drive covered an area of 9,000 sq.m. (Agencies)
Shillong, July 17: Overcharging by government-run SPTS buses and maxi taxis continue to be a daily affair in the city where passengers’ complaints fall on deaf ears more often than not. The fact that neither the concerned State authorities nor the private operators bother to display fare charts only makes it easier for the erring drivers and conductors to run the show according to their whims and fancies. According to several passengers this scribe spoke to, gone were the days when they used to pay Rs 5, Rs 7 and Rs 8 respectively for short distances.
On the other hand, the condition of many of the buses is now no better than their decades old counterparts-the old buses from Iewduh, with lack of maintenance and hygiene being the key issues. Overcrowding in the buses is also a concern according to the passengers.
When contacted, an official said that the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) should take up the matter with the service providers on how to settle issues of overcharging, hostile behavior and issues of cleanliness in the vehicles. The official also under“Rs 10 has now become lined the need to registhe minimum fare by de- ter complaints as many fault,” said a passenger. conductors have been Recently a maxi cab suspended in the past charged Rs 10 from after complaints were some passengers who made against them. travelled from Fire Bri- While urging people to gade to Barik Point. come forward and lodge When it came to SPTS complaints, the official buses, supposed non- said that the MUDA has availability of change is a designated team conveniently used as a which checks the buses tool to “extort a bigger from time to time to enamount” from the pas- sure that the drivers and sengers. Moreover, conductors do not intickets are also not is- dulge in irregular activisued to the travelers. ties. (Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 18
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Modi govt has turned it into 'India-Pak' situation: Kejriwal New Delhi, Jul 17 : In the midst of his bitter fight with the Centre on a range of issues, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today accused the Modi dispensation of turning its ties with Delhi government into an "India-Pakistan" type situation and said absence of obstacles would have helped him achieve four times of what has been done so far in the city. In the first edition of his 'Talk to AK' show, seen as an attempt to increase Aam Aadmi Party's national connect, Kejriwal touched upon a number of contentious issue including appointment of 21 Parliamentary Secretaries, arrest of a top bureaucrat by CBI and transfer of officers even
as he taunted the Prime Minister saying, he was the "only corrupt Chief Minister in the country in the eyes of" Narendra Modi. The Delhi Chief Minister, in the nearly twohour-long programme that began with a monologue followed by a question and answer session, alleged that the Centre was trying to "break" the AAP government and that BJP President Amit Shah was micromanaging CBI, adding, "but every dog has his day and all these will soon come to an end." Kejriwal, the AAP national convenor, indicated that the party may contest the next assembly polls in Gujarat, alleging that an "atmosphere of suppres-
Boris Johnson commits to Gibraltar post-Brexit
New British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson PTI London, July 17: New British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday vowed to defend the country's sovereignty of Gibraltar, whose future was thrown into question after Britain voted to leave the European Union. "The people of Gibraltar have repeatedly and overwhelmingly expressed their wish to remain under British sovereignty and we will respect their wishes," Johnson said following a meeting with Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo. "I reassured him (Picardo) of both our steadfast commitment to Gibraltar, and our intention to fully involve Gibraltar in discussions on our future relationship with the EU." The tiny rocky outcrop on Spain's southern tip has long been the subject of an acrimonious sovereignty row between London and Madrid, which wants Gibraltar back after it was ceded to Brit-
ain in 1713. Immediately following Britain's vote in June to quit the EU, Spain said the "Spanish flag is much closer to the Rock". Many of the 33,000 inhabitants of the Rock are now worried that it will be at the mercy of Madrid without the protection of the EU, which has had to intervene in the past to ease rows between the two, particularly over the flashpoint border crossing. Gibraltar is also concerned about its flourishing economy, which depends in large part on its access to the EU's single market. Johnson pledged that the government "will not enter into any process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content. "We will continue to take whatever action is necessary to safeguard Gibraltar, its people and its economy including maintaining a well-functioning Gibraltar-Spain Border," he said, in a Foreign Office statement.
France attacker visited site with truck twice: Source Nice, Jul 17 : Tunisian attacker Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel visited the Nice promenade with his rented truck on the two days before he rammed the vehicle into a crowd, killing 84, a source close to the investigation said today. The source said police had questioned hundreds of people since Thursday
night's attack, several of whom said LahouaiejBouhlel did show signs of being religious. French authorities have said the attacker became radicalised "very quickly", and some of his family and friends had previously said he smoked, drank and never went to the mosque. (AFP)
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sion" was prevailing there and people wanted to overthrow the BJP regime. Justifying his government's spending on advertisement, he insisted that it spent only Rs 75 crore not 526 crore in the last fiscal and accused the
RSS of spreading rumours on the issue, saying it has no parallel in the world in spreading rumours. "If they would not have made this India-Pakistan situation, then work done by us would have been four times.
"I had told him (PM), forgive me if I have committed any mistake, but please end this irritants. A lot of work has been done. But if not for obstacles, the amount of work would have been four times. "Our Assembly passed 14 bills, including on timebound services delivery, which had the clause of automatic compensation. It's been eight months since this passage of this bill. "Remember the Ramlila version of Jan Lokpal Bill? It's been eight months that we passed it and since then the Centre's approval is awaited," Kejriwal said. Flanked by his deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and music composer Vishal Dadlani -
the moderator for the programme which is seen as Kejriwal's answer to PM's 'Maan Ki Baat' radio address, Kejriwal alleged that Delhi has become the "victim" of Centre's confrontational attitude as AAP MLAs are being arrested on "false charges". "In PM's eyes there is only one corrupt CM in the country. They want to break us. They enter into settings with other parties. "Have FIRs been filed against Robert Vadra or Sonia Gandhi or Shivraj Singh Chouhan? They are not scared of me, they are scared of my honesty. The full police force is after us," he said. (PTI)
Curfew remains in force in Kashmir; normal life paralysed Srinagar, July 17 : Curfew remained in force in Kashmir and normal life paralysed for the ninth day today in the wake of clashes following killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani that left 39 persons dead and over 3100 injured. "All 10 districts of Kashmir valley continue to remain under curfew today as a precautionary measure for maintaining law and order," a police official said. He said the decision to continue the curfew was taken to maintain law and order as one person was killed in fresh violence in Kupwara district yesterday. Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in strength across the Valley for strict implementation of the prohibitory orders, the
official said. He said the situation so far across the Valley was peaceful. "We are watching the situation and hope the day passes off peacefully," he added. While all telephone services to three north Kashmir districts were snapped yesterday, mobile telephone services in the Valley remained suspended to prevent any rumour-mongering. Only BSNL mobiles are working in the remaining seven districts of the valley. Mobile Internet services continued to remain suspended for the seventh day today while trains are also off the tracks in the Valley as a precautionary measure. Violent protests have rocked Kashmir since July 9 following killing of Burhan Wani and two
Curfew remains in force in Kashmir; normal life paralysed
of his associated in an encounter with security forces a day earlier in Kokernag area of Anantnag district. In the ensuing clashes with security forces, 39 persons including a cop have been killed while 3160 persons including 1500 security force personnel have been injured. Normal life has remained paralysed since last Saturday in Kashmir on ac-
count of separatist sponsored-strike and curfewlike restrictions imposed by authorities. The separatists groups -both factions of Hurriyat Conference and JKLF -have been issuing strike calls, a practice reminiscent of 2010 summer agitation. The separatists groups have extended the strike call till Monday evening. (PTI)
Show me how inflation is low: Rajan on 'dialogues' by critics Mumbai, Jul 17 : Taking his critics head-on, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has challenged them to show how inflation is "very low" before accusing him of "being behind the curve" in his focus on containing price rise than on growth and debunked such criticism as mere 'dialogues' Rajan, who has often been seen as being critical of the government and its policies, also said there is "lot of frustration" about the pace of economic recovery, but attributed it to the two successive droughts, weak global economy and external shocks like Brexit Given these constraints, performance of Indian economy has been "quite creditable" and prospects of good monsoon as well as structural reforms and macroeconomic stability will accelerate the growth going forward, he added On GDP growth figures, the outgoing Governor said he has refrained from
RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan "thumping on the table" to put a number on GDP growth, adding people sometimes get "overly fixated with a particular growth number", though figures like 7.6 per cent and 8 per cent are within the same range Speaking to a select group of journalists here on a wide range of issues, Rajan said regarding financial inclusion, it is not possible to have bank
branches in every village because that would be too expensive, but RBI is exploring other options like mobile branches and mini or micro branches Rajan, who has been pilloried by his critics for keeping interest rates high and has also been accused of stifling growth, cited consumer price index (CPI)-based inflation surging for the fourth straight month in
June to 5.77 per cent to defend his record "This discussion (on being behind the curve) keeps going on without any economic basis. You saw the CPI numbers just last week -- 5.8 per cent is the CPI inflation, our policy rate is 6.5 per cent," he said Asserting that he does not "really pay attention to this kind of dialogues", Rajan said those calling him behind the curve should explain how inflation is very low to warrant lower interest rates. One of the biggest criticisms of Rajan's monetary policy has been by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, who accused him of being "mentally not fully Indian" and had sought his dismissal Amid unrelenting personal attacks, Rajan last month announced that he would step down at the end of his three-year tenure on September 4 and return to academia. (PTI)
Merkel urges Erdogan to deal with coup plotters
German Chancellor Angela Merkel PTI Berlin, July 17: German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday condemned "in the strongest terms" the failed coup in Turkey, but called on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to deal with the plotters lawfully. "The treatment of those responsible for the tragic events of last night can and should only be handled according to the rule of law," she said after the coup bid, which left more than 250 people dead. Erdogan, who flew back from the holiday resort of Marmaris to a triumphant welcome from supporters at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, denounced the coup attempt as "treachery".
"They will pay a heavy price for this act of treason," Erdogan said of the putschists. "We will not leave our country to occupiers." Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the plotters were "cowards" who "would get what they deserve." Addressing Erdogan but not mentioning him by name, Merkel said that "democracy, which respects everybody's rights and protects minorities, is the best foundation (for the rule of law)". Germany stands by "all those who, in Turkey, defend democracy and the rule of law," she said, adding that political change should only take place through parliament.
KITA to push for global MICE center in Seoul Seoul, July 17: The Korea International Trade Association plans to establish a new venue for global events and exhibitions in Seoul and foster 500,000 small, promising companies by 2030, the umbrella economic organization said Sunday. “We will push for setting up a global-level complex for MICE -- meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions -- in Jamsil, Seoul,” said Kim In-ho, a chairman of KITA, at an event to mark the 70th anniversary in Seoul. “We also plan to provide
one-stop trading consulting services and upgrade the association’s services,” he added. The association said it will participate in the government-led project to turn Jamsil Sports Complex areas into a global MICE center. The trade organization expects that the Jamsil project will create synergy with its World Trade Center Seoul -- Coex -- in Samseong-dong. KITA said it also plans to foster 500,000 small companies, single entrepreneurs and start-ups by 2030. (PTI)
5.0 magnitude quake shakes Tokyo Tokyo, Jul 17 : A 5.0 magnitude earthquake shook Tokyo and large ares of eastern Japan today, the US Geological Survey said, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The quake hit at 1:24 pm (0954 IST) with its epicentre at a relatively shallow depth of 40 kilometres in Ibaraki, northeast of the capital, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. No damage or injuries were immediately reported as buildings in Tokyo were shaken by the jolt. "Shinkansen" bullet train services were temporarily suspended in the
region, while no abnormality was monitored at nuclear power facilities in Tokai, Ibaraki prefecture, officials and local media said. Japan sits at the junction of four tectonic plates and experiences a number of relatively violent quakes every year, but rigid building codes and strict enforcement mean even powerful tremors frequently do little damage. A massive undersea quake that hit in March 2011 sent a tsunami barrelling into Japan's northeast coast, killing more than 15,000 people and sending three reactors into meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant. (AFP)
Turkey rounds up generals, judges after failed coup Istanbul, Jul 17 : Turkish authorities were today rounding up dozens of generals as well as senior judges and prosecutors accused of supporting a failed military coup aimed at ousting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The government has al-
ready said that almost 3,000 soldiers had been detained on suspicion of involvement in the putsch which began on Friday night but faltered already in the early hours of yesterday. NTV television said that 34 generals of various grades had been detained so far.
They include senior figures like Erdal Ozturk, commander of the third army and commander of the Malatya-based second army Adem Huduti. The authorities have been carrying out raids at military bases across Turkey in search of those suspected of
supporting the coup, which has claimed at least 265 lives. In an operation early today, at the garrison in the western town of Denizli, its commander Ozhan Ozbakir was detained along with 51 other soldiers, the state-run Anatolia news agency said.
The crackdown is however not restricted to the military and Anadolu said that prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for a total of 2,745 judges and prosecutors across Turkey. It was not clear how many had been detained so far but the private Dogan news
agency said 44 judges and prosectors were detained overnight in the central city of Konya and 92 in the southeastern city of Gaziantep. The entire investigation is being led by Ankara prosecutors and those arrested are suspected of belonging
to the group the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen who Turkey accuses of masterminding the coup. Gulen denies the charges. Turkey accuses Gulen of leading a group called the "Fethullahci Terror Organisation (FETO)" that has created a parallel state.
Gulen's supporters say their group which they call Hizmet (Service) is entirely peaceful. US President Barack Obama had warned Turkey there is a "vital need" for all parties to "act within the rule of law" in the aftermath of the coup. (AFP)
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 18
Mirpur landlord held for ‘housing Dhaka attackers’
Mirpur landlord held for ‘housing Dhaka attackers’
Dhaka, July 17: A landlord of Dhaka’s West Shewrapara in Mirpur has been arrested for allegedly sheltering Dhaka attackers and concealing tenant information from police. This is the second time a landlord has been held over the issue of hiding tenant information after Dhaka police introduced the mandatory provision from February. The previous arrest was made last night – a professor of North South University, said to be the institution’s acting pro-vice chancellor,held for sheltering Dhaka attackers. Today police recovered a handmade grenade, a
black outfit – similar to those as used by gunmen during the Dhaka siege, from a flat, said Masudur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. They suspect that the Gulshan attackers, who killed 20 people, mostly foreign nationals, in a 12-hour siege, had rented the flat, according to the police official. The house’s landlord Nurul Islam was arrested as he had not collected information before renting out flats to his tenants and concealed the information from police, DC Masud said.
Air quality of Chinese cities improves in first half of 2016 Beijing, July 17 (Xinhua): The air quality in 338 Chinese cities showed improvements in the first half of this year, said the Ministry of Environmental Protection Sunday. Beijing, Tianjin and 11 main cities in north China's Hebei Province, an industrial zone troubled by air pollution, saw cleaner skies with about 57.4 percent of the January-June period having "good air quality", 11 percentage points higher than the first half of 2015, said Luo Yi, head of the ministry's environment monitoring division. In Beijing, the rate was 58.8 percent, an year-onyear increase of 10.2 percentage points, while the density of PM2.5, fine particulate matter causing smog, stood at 64 micrograms on average, down 17.9 percent year on year. However, six out of the 10 cities with the worst air quality were still in
Hebei. The top 10 cities with the cleanest air were mostly along the southeast coast, except Lhasa in Tibet. The 25 cities along the Yangtze River Delta recorded 72.9 percent of days with good air quality, an year-on-year increase of 3.8 percentage points, while the ratio in nine cities along the Pearl River Delta was 94.7 percent, an increase of 4.1 points. Meanwhile, according to Luo, the country's surface water quality remained stable. The Yangtze and Pearl rivers fell in the clean category while the Yellow River was slightly polluted. Tianjin's Haihe River was heavily polluted. Five of the 106 lakes under monitoring were at a moderate level of eutrophication and 15 were at a light level, which roused concerns of pollution, Luo said.
3 Bauls hacked in Chuadanga Dhaka, July 17: Three veteran Bauls (Sufi singers) were hacked in their sleep in Chuadanga’s Jibannagar upazila in the wee hours of today. Doctor says their condition is critical. Injured Rashida Khatun, 60, Abdur Rahim, 65, and Bulu Begum, 50, are now undergoing treatment at local health complex, our Kushtia correspondent reports. Several Bauls were sleeping at their Akhra (residing place) at Ektarpur village when about eight to ten assailants attacked around midnight with sharp weapons. The other Bauls managed to flee the spot, said Mukul Hossein, landlord
of the Akhra. “It could not be known who or why they attacked the Bauls.” All the three injured are in critical state, Dr Anisur Rahman, a doctor of Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, told The Daily Star. Jibannagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir endorsed the facts and said he had sent forces to investigate into the incident. In the past, militant organisations, wielding the names of Islamic State and al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent murdered several people who belonged to diverse faiths.
PAGE 7
NEIGHBOURS
Bangladesh holds security talks with private universities IANS Dhaka, July 17: The Bangladesh government on Sunday held a meeting with authorities of all private universities in the country against the backdrop of several of their students being linked to militant outfits. The meeting, presided over by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal took place on capital Dhaka, a website reported. Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, University Grants Commission Chair-
man Abdul Mannan, Bangladesh Police chief Shahidul Hoque and other top officials of security forces were present at the meeting. Apart from officials and trustee board members of universities, students, teachers and parents also took part. Ninety-five private universities have the licence to operate across Bangladesh but only 80 function currently. The government and parents have raised security concerns over private university students going missing, as it has emerged that some of
this month. The gunmen also were gunned down during the operation to rescue the hostages in the cafe.
Bangladesh holds security talks with private universities those involved in recent militant attacks were from private universities.
Islamic State reportedly published photos of five gunmen who killed 22 in a Dhaka cafe earlier
their families said. In 2015, an investigation team of the University Grants Commission found jihadi books of banned militant outfit Soon afterwards, a sus- Hizb-ul Tahrir in the pected militant was university library. killed during a gunfight following an attack on Media reports said sevpolice guarding the eral teachers and stuSholakia Eid congrega- dents of the university tion ground on July 7. were expelled for their Of those six youths, links with militancy. four were from English- The government has medium schools. asked the families to inTwo of them were stu- form police if any of dents of the North South their young members University and another has been missing. The of BRAC University. educational institutions They were reported have also been asked to missing for months, inform bout absentees.
Two arrested for putting up banners in Islamabad Islamabad, July 17: Two persons have been arrested in connection with banners displayed in the city that urged the chief of army staff to ‘take over’, by capital and Rawalpindi police. A case was registered against the banners at the Secretariat police station on Thursday under Pakistan Penal Code sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 124-A (sedition), and 505 (statements conducing
to public mischief). Investigators used footage from the Safe City Project’s cameras installed where the banners were hung. Police said a Suzuki pickup was seen being used to transport the banners to various areas, and the vehicle’s registration number was found, issued by the Lahore Excise and Taxation Office. The investigators used details obtained by the ETO to conduct a raid in
Dheri Hassanabad, Rawalpindi, by the Rawalpindi and Islamabad police. The owner of the vehicle said his vehicle was being used by his cousin, Arshad, who was arrested in another raid, an official said. Arshad then identified another man, Fahim, who was also arrested for his involvement. The vehicle in question, as well as more banners, were recovered from their pos-
session. During interrogation, Arshad told the police he received Rs22,000 – given to him by Fahim – to make the banners. Officials said Fahim, in turn, pointed to a man called Ali, who they said had obtained bail from the court and has not yet been arrested. They said another man, Kamran, who is affiliated with the Move On Pakistan party, was behind the making and
hanging of the banners, but he too has obtained bail. Both suspects, Arshad and Fahim, were handed over to the Secretariat police for further legal action. Officials said they were produced in the court of Magistrate Syed Haider Shah where a five-day physical remand for investigation was sought. The magistrate agreed to a threeday physical remand into police custody.
Bangladesh police arrest landlord over cafe terror attack Dhaka, July 17: Bangladesh police have found a house in the capital that was used as a hideout by the attackers who massacred 20 hostages at an upscale cafe on July 1. The landlord of the house in west Shewrapara area in Dhaka has been arrested on charges of not preserving the necessary documents of his tenants who are believed to be accomplices of the Holey Artisan Bakery attackers. Landlord Md Nurul Islam was arrested from his residence. “Police have found handmade grenade, black dresses and some
other equipment from the house,” Deputy Police Commissioner Masudur Rahman told bdnews24.com. Police raided the house on Saturday night. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner (Media) Masudur Rahman confirmed the arrest and said Nurul did not collect any necessary documents from his tenants as per the DMP order and even concealed the information. Hours before the raid, police arrested the acting Pro-Vice Chancellor of North South University Professor M. Gias Uddin Ahsan and two others from Dhaka’s
Bangladesh police arrest landlord over cafe terror attack
Bashundhara Residential Area for sheltering the cafe attackers. The two others held are Ahsan’s nephew Alam
Chowdhury, and Mahbubur Rahman Tuhin, the building manager. Several cartons packed
with sand and the dresses they left behind in the flat were seized. Police suspect the cartons were used to keep the grenades used in the attack that killed 20 hostages and two police officers. Police said a person, suspected to be a member of Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), had rented the flat in May. “The man fled on the day of the Gulshan attack. It appears from the information we initially got that some of the Gulshan cafe attackers had come to this house,” Detective Branch Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam told bdnews24.com. (IANS)
China playing ‘king’ maker in Nepal politics Kathmandu, July 17: A visiting Chinese delegation in Nepal is having hectic negotiations in Kathmandu’s Yak and Yeti hotel, trying to build a consensus behind Prime Minister Oli. China is keen that Oli continues as Prime Minister, at least till the visit of its President Xi Jinping, tentatively in October this year. Nepal’s relations with China have taken major strides under the Prime Ministership of Oli, with major agreements being signed during this period. These have allowed China unprecedented access into Nepal, often at the cost of its southern
Prime Minister Oli neighbour, India. The latest show of Chinese support for Oli is the result messages carried by his emissaries to the Chinese political leadership, reaffirming his loyalty to them
and indicating his willingness to continue doing the Chinese bidding, even if his actions were inimical to India. As a clear signal of his intentions, the first salvo he
fired was to make a few anti-India comments, hoping to please the Chinese interlocuters. Consequently, the Chinese delegation in Nepal is urging the Maoists to maintain their unity, and ensure the continuance in office of Oli. The delegation has held parleys with influential Maoist leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal, President of the Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba, as well as influential leaders of Madhesi parties. Feelers have also been sent out to members of the erstwhile royal family that they too might be
sounded out on any power sharing agreement, if they toe the Chinese line and extend unconditional support to its nominee, Oli. After making claims that, the Prachanda-Deuba alliance that toppled him, had been formed at the behest of ‘neighbours’, Oli is seeking the help of China, to continue in power. Confident that the Chinese delegation will be able to break the opposition unity and cobble together support for him, he has claimed that he would face the vote of no-confidence in Parliament, rather than accept the minority status of his government. (ANI)
Nepal stresses action to lift LDCs out of poverty Kathmandu, July 17: Nepal’s Minister for Commerce Jayanta Chand stressed the need for action to lift Least Developed Countries (LDCs) out of the poverty, hunger and malnutrition, at meeting of the LDCs in Nairobi of Kenya on Saturday.
During the meeting, on behalf of the Government of Nepal, Minister Chand underscored the need for strengthening productive capacity and diversifying the economy and trade to realise the ultimate objectives of the Istanbul Program of Action (IPoA) and the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development
and SDGs. Minister Chand also emphasised for full and faithful implementation of the Doha development agenda, Bali and Nairobi Ministerial declarations keeping the interests of the LDCs at the centre. Similarly, he also attended a meeting of the
Land Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs) held in Nairobi the same day. Recalling the 5th Ministerial meeting of the LLDC held in Geneva last month, Minister Chand expressed his confidence that the meeting would further enhance the solidarity
and unity in advancing the common agenda of the LLDCs. He emphasised the need to overcome the structural constraints and enhance productive capacity of the LLDCs by putting additional efforts in the construction of transport, transit and trade infrastructures.
Pakistani model's brother says he drugged, strangled her Islamabad, July 17: The brother of Pakistani model-cum-actress Qandeel Baloch has confessed that he drugged and strangled his sister to death in the name of "honour". Baloch's brother was arrested by police on Saturday night after she was strangled to death in her house in Multan early in the morning. Her father claimed that she was killed by her younger brother, Waseem, in the name of honour, Dawn online reported. Waseem said "she brought dishonour to the Baloch name" due to risque videos and statements that she posted on social media. "There are other issues as well... Like the maulvi issue," Waseem said, referring to a recent controversy surrounding Baloch's selfies with Mufti Qavi. "I gave her a tablet and then strangled her." A police official in Multan said Waseem fled to "Dera Ghazi Khan with two of his friends" after killing the attractive Qandeel Baloch. He said the police were working on catching his friends, and will only be able to determine their involvement after speaking to them. The model's father, Muhammad Azeem in an FIR said Waseem was against her working in showbiz and had taken this extreme step at the behest of his brother Mohammad Aslam Shaheen. Baloch shot to fame in 2014 through her self-promotion and suggestive "selfies" posted on social media. She had tens of thousands of followers. (IANS)
Bangladesh committed against militancy: PM Dhaka, July 17: Reiterating Bangladesh’s zero tolerance policy towards militancy, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said she urged world leaders to find the root of terrorism and militancy. “I have upheld my firm stance against the terrorism and militancy and urged the world leader to find out the root of such attacks during the ASEM summit,” Hasina said. She was briefing reporters at Gono Bhaban in Dhaka on her recently concluded Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit held in Mongolia where the focus of discussion was the threat of terrorism worldwide.
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 18
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Burhan Wani's Killing Brings Kashmir to a Crossroads India's Cleanest List 3 NE Cities in Top A clean India would be the best tribute India could pay to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150 birth anniversary in 2019, While leading the mass movement for cleanliness, the Prime Minister exhorted people to fulfil (Photo: scout.org) Mahatma Gandhi's dream of a clean and hygienic India. Shri Narendra Modi himself initiated the cleanliness drive at Mandir Marg Police Station. Picking up the broom to clean the dirt, making Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a mass movement across the nation, the Prime Minister said people should neither litter, nor let others litter. He gave the mantra of 'Na gandagi karenge, Na karne denge.' Also by inviting people to participate in the drive, the Swachhta Abhiyan has turned into a National Movement. A sense of responsibility has been evoked among the people through the Clean India Movement. With citizens now becoming active participants in cleanliness activities across the nation, the dream of a 'Clean India' once seen by Mahatma Gandhi has begun to get a shape. Aizawl, Gangtok and Agartala, the capital cities of the three Northeastern states of Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura have found their place among the 10 cleanest cities of the country in a survey conducted by New Delhi-based research and advocacy organization, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).The top three cleanest cities of the country as per the CSE survey are Alappuzha in Kerela, Panaji in Goa and Mysuru in Karnataka. These cities which have a "municipal waste management systems that actually work" is followed by Bobbili in Andhra Pradesh in the fourth place. Mizoram's capital Aizawl was placed in the fifth rank and was followed by Pune, Surat and Suryapet town in Telengana. Gangtok and Agartala occupied the ninth and 10th rank respectively. Also even though Aizawl looks clean, it requires proper waste management systems. Also the first four rank holder cities collects, segregate and processes waste while the 5th to 8th ranking cities only collects and partially segregates but does not treat waste. 9th to 14th ranked cities only collects but does no segregation and processing. A Clean India is of utmost importance for promoting the nation as an ideal destination for tourists from across the world. Images of unclean India often become a matter of embarrassment for Indians therefore it is the right time and opportunity to participate towards Swachh Bharat. This campaign will not only help citizens adopt good habits of cleanliness but also boost our image as a nation, sincerely working towards cleanliness.
Data Reveals Manipur Has Over 7 Lakh Job Seekers Every month, a million Indians become age-eligible to join the workforce, but the increase in jobs has not kept pace with the rising number of aspirants. The result: unemployment has been on the rise, despite India supposedly being one of the brighter spots in a slowing global economy. There is no doubt that India has a jobs crisis. According to India's Labor and Employment Ministry, India's total workforce comprises 485 million people. 93% of these workers are in what is known here as the "informal sector," often a euphemism for off-the-grid work with no real contracts, job security, pensions, or health care.To these mind-numbing numbers you can add one more: every year, between 10 and 12 million more Indians enter the workforce. This number will keep increasing given the fact that the average Indian is a very young 27-years-old.It is a painful truth that India simply isn't creating enough jobs for all these new job-seekers. Another painful truth is that an alarming number of these job-seekers aren't even very good. According to India's National Skill Development Mission, only 4.69% of India's workforce has undergone any formal skill training. Compare that with the U.S. (52%), the UK (68%), Germany (75%), Japan (80%) or South Korea (95%). And as per a report, in a worrying trend, Manipur has over 7 lakh registered job-seekers as per employment exchange data. The number of job seekers registered with all the employment exchanges in the state during the period from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016 is 5927 and the number of jobseekers as per live-register as on March 31 this year is 7,31,313 . Additional Director of Employment, Sh Bijoy highlighted that there are 17 employment exchanges across the state including nine district employment exchanges, one state level special employment exchange for physically handicapped persons, one university employment information and guidance bureau at Manipur University campus and the remaining others at Sub Divisional level at Kangpokpi, Jiribam, Saikul, Sugnu, Moreh and Tamei. Apart from this, the number of registered job-seekers sponsored against the notified vacancies by the employment exchanges in the state during the period from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016 is 3952 including 3054 male and 898 female. Also the employment exchanges collect gender wise reports of employment that are in the pay rolls of the establishment, from the employers irrespective of central government, state government, autonomous body, local body, large private sector, small private sector etc. All together the number of employees as per reports submitted by the employers are 53, 385 males and 20, 275 females. And there is no doubt that India could be one of the drivers of global growth in the 21st century. But it has a long, long way to go, and the road begins with education, skills training, and jobs.
Burhan Muzaffar Wani's death has sparked the Kashmiri tinder box. What happens now? While Indian Prime Min- would be addressed ister Narendra Modi was through peaceful means. on a tour to Africa, Indian "The Secretary-General is troops back in Kashmir closely following the rewere shooting at peaceful cent clashes in Kashmir. demonstrators who were He regrets the reported out on streets after the kill- loss of dozens of lives and ing of a popular rebel the injuries to many othcommander. In five days, ers," a statement issued by 36 civilians have been Moon's spokesperson killed by Indian forces and said. more than 1,500 injured, Wani vehemently used including 100 with eye social media and even injuries. A medical emer- shared video messages to gency has attract local been declared Fahad Shah support for while the new-age miliKashmir Valley remains tancy and to recruit more under curfew. local militants. According Six years after he chose to to the government, around take up arms against the 180 militants are currently state, Burhan Muzaffar operating in Kashmir ValWani, 22, was shot dead ley, a majority of them loby a joint party of Indian cals. Infiltration across the army and police in a brief LOC has also increased in gunfight in South Kash- the recent months, but lomir. Wani was a militant cal militants continue to commander of Hizbul outnumber foreigners. Mujahideen - an indig- Wani's symbolism and enous rebel outfit fighting poster-boy popularity atfor an independent Kash- tracted scores of youth, mir, designated as a terror- mainly in South Kashmir, ist group by the govern- to join him. Even peacement of India, on a list of ful protesters would flash "Other Terrorist Groups" banners containing Wani's by the United States, in gun-wielding pictures. addition to the European Observers have noted that Union. Over time, Wani, with absence of any politiwho had a $1,500 bounty cal steps toward resolving on him, had become the the Kashmir dispute, the face of the new-age militancy that emerged after the 2010 mass uprising, in which 120 civilians were killed by Indian troops. During the uprising, tens of thousands of civilians, mostly young people, were arrested and tortured, which led to the further strengthening of antiIndia sentiment. Like Wani, many other youth chose to become militants without crossing over the de facto border-the Line of Control-to Pakistan-administered Kashmir for arms training. Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was in London for surgery, in a statement expressed shock over Wani's killing. "The Prime Minister of Pakistan has expressed his deep shock at the killing of Kashmiri leader growing anti-India sentiBurhan Wani and many ment has led to a rise in other civilians by the In- new-age militancy. dian military and para- Since Wani's killing, the military forces," Sharif's situation in Kashmir has office said in the state- again turned from perment. "Oppressive mea- ceived normalcy to amplisures such as these cannot fied instability, cracking deter the valiant people of the perception of "peace Jammu and Kashmir from returns" with tens of thoutheir demand of exercis- sands of people endorsing ing their right to self-de- militancy. At Wani's futermination in accordance neral on Saturday, nearly with the UN Security 200,000 people-some Council resolutions." even from remote areas of United Nations chief Ban the Valley-gathered to Ki-moon called for mourn the "hero of the "maximum restraint" to freedom movement." Half avoid further violence and a dozen active militants hoped that all concerns joined the funeral proces-
sion and fired off a 21gun salute. On Saturday, the government imposed a strict curfew, dotting the National Highway that leads to Wani's hometown of Tral, 30 miles south of the state capital, Srinagar, with barricades. Demonstrations and stone throwing have not stopped since the news of his death went viral. Mobile Internet was shut off immediately in all of Kashmir and phone services continue to be shut down in South Kashmir. Without using non-lethal weapons or showing restraint, Indian troops opened fire at civilians, killing 36 within five days. Two hospitals in Srinagar are filled with the injured. At one hospital, more than 100 civilians who have received pellet injuries will possibly lose their eyesight. Condemning the use of force against demonstrators, the South Asia director of Human Rights Watch, Meenakshi Ganguly, said that stone throwing at demonstrations is serious, but does not provide police with a
Wani's symbolism and poster-boy popularity attracted scores of youth, mainly in South Kashmir, to join him. Even peaceful protesters would flash banners containing Wani's gun-wielding pictures. Observers have noted that with absence of any political steps toward resolving the Kashmir dispute, the growing anti-India sentiment has led to a rise in new-age militancy. free pass to use force against protesters. "Indian authorities need to send a clear message that lethal force is only an option when a life is at imminent risk, and those misusing force will be held accountable," Ganguly said. "A major grievance of those protesting in Kashmir is the failure of authorities to respect basic human rights. Ensuring that rights are protected and prosecuting those responsible for abuses would be an important first step." A doctor in the ophthal-
Image for representational purpose. (Photo: thediplomat) mology ward of Srinagar's hospital says that the situation is very grave and resembles the 2010 uprising, when civilians were injured in high numbers. "We have received around 100-120 patients; out of that, 90-plus have been operated on," he said. "We will have to re-operate on them for restoration of vision, it is possible, in a couple of days. This time a high number of patients has arrived within two days." Two dozen ambulances have been attacked by the troops on roads, and the doctors have been instructed not to share any details to the media. But this doctor says that from a human angle it is very painful to see the magnitude of the problem. Outside the SMHS hospital in Srinagar, where patients with eye injuries are treated, hundreds of people wait to receive the injured. People have set up community kitchens at the two major hospitals in Srinagar and volunteers are helping the injured. Reluctantly covering the damage troops caused by firing live bullets and pellets, Indian electronic media is connecting the spontaneous demonstrations with Pakistan-enraging ordinary people on streets of Kashmir. The chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti, called for normalcy in a video message. She appealed to all of Kashmiri society, parents in particular, to help stop the protests, but only after the damage was done. The ruling People's Democratic Party's leader and youth president, Waheed Ur Rehman Para, says that all those who are engaged in this violence are mostly teenagers, so the responsibility for reining them in rests on society.
"We are appealing to the parents to help us save the lives," said Para. "It is not a security problem, but it is much to do with society. And certainly there is a political grievance that needs to be addressed. We should not see everything through prism of security. The only new thing in these protests is that it is youth driven, childrendriven; that is why we are being patient." What has led Kashmir's children to come out on the streets is the state violence and the failure of political engagement. In his death, Wani has become an even more popular leader, whose tempting aura will amplify the people's struggle against India. Wani's death has moved the people of Kashmir far more than his actions in life. The number of people attending his funeral and the spontaneous demonstrations dotting the Valley prove this. These uprisings in Kashmir always have been seen as a law and order problem. But popular sentiment among the people fuels the anti-India rage that erupts in large demonstrations after every significant incident. Wani's killing fanned the rage leading into the current crisis, proving that peace in Kashmir can only return by listening to people's demands to exercise their right to self-determination. "The protests are a manifestation of anger against the state that was simmering for last eight years, since 2008," said Shujaat Bukhari, editor of the Rising Kashmir newspaper in Srinagar. "There has been a change in the dynamics of political protests in absence of any political engagement in Kashmir. Between 2003-2008 there was dialogue between
On 'Paribartan'
Narendra Modi, PM of India (Photo: thehindu)
Sir, 'Paribartan' an oft-repeated word that is heard nowadays. People of Assam had high expectation from BJP and before the assembly election people were cager to find a manifestation to their pent-up anger against congress. But result showed less than two-thirds majority for BJP. However, with the help of alliance, the new government headed by BJP took over charge. People's high expectation prompts them to insist on Paribartan in the twinkling of an eye. The state government as conceded by the Chief-minister could not so far, afford time to enquire into the scams of large sum of money that rocked Assam during congress regime, the latest being- 'Mission Assam, vison Assam', scams of Agriculture department and many others. Government of India's decision to appoint Utpal Borah, as the Chairman cum Managing Director of the Oil India Limited (OIL) averted 'Bandh' for number of days.
New Delhi and Islamabad and it had given hope to people that India and Pakistan are moving towards any resolution. But unfortunately that peace process got derailed ‌ and there is a vacuum. People who believe in violence filled that vacuum. Transition from violence to non-violence was not recognized by New Delhi and no further efforts were made." India's reaction to this uprising and many in past has been to blame Pakistan. A minister of the Indian government accused Pakistan of interfering into India's internal affairs. Kiren Rijiju, the union minister of state for home affairs, said, "[Pakistan] should worry [more] about human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir than Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir is an internal matter of India." Additional troops were also sent to Kashmir, with New Delhi seeing the problem as a law and order issue, and ignoring the deep rooted political aspirations of the people. In the 2010 uprising, the Indian government sent a three-member team to assess the situation, but their report also didn't address the deeper political issues. India's failure to address Kashmir's political problem, while people only resorted to peaceful protests, has led to this new anger. This new generation of youth taking to the streets, different than any in past, will be committed to defying restrictions and facing the Indian soldiers' bullets to make a political statement. Violence begets violence and soon many young boys may be inspired to follow in Wani's path, seeking to lead Kashmir to a new political reality. Courtesy: The diplomat
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.
Nowadays, it has become a regular feature to call 'Bandh' on flimsy ground. Regarding Bandh on Privatization of 12 Oil fields of Oil and ONGCL, as far as we understand, these Oil fields have been lying useless for a pretty long time and steps are now taken to make good use of it for the benefit of Assam. One thing we want our youths to protest vociferously is the Policy of the Central Letters to the government to deprive Assam of its legitimate dues of royalty on Oil, Head editor and articles office of the Assam Tea Board is to be should be sent to : shifted from Kolkata to Guwahati or The Eastern ToDibrugarh. Further, corruption is so day deeply rooted in Assam that to remove Chowkidingee, it root and branch is like cleaning of the Augean stable. 'Paribartan' in the Near Sankardeva true sense of the term is still a distant Hospital Mancotta dream. Road, DibrugarhYours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
786001 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Email : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com
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Not Being Able To Hear Does Not Mean A Child Cannot Learn To Speak, Here's Proof! Watching a boy with hear- with deafness is generally ing impairment speak flu- forced to dumbness.As it ent Bengali might sound as is understood, a child amusing as it left me sur- learns to talk through prised. 10-year-old hearing and if hearing itSamiran Hansda, with self is damaged there can permanent hearing im- be no talking. Dumbness pairment, in a recent is thus taken to be an inmeeting of SAHAS, evitable consequence of stood in deafness. front of Shreya Jakhmola An invisover 50 ible condiparents and their kids, nar- tion that deafness is, it rating an essay in his manifests into lack of mother tongue. His clar- proper speech and comity of speech, volume, in- munication in those born flection, emphasis and ef- with it. It may eventually fective communication develop into poor learning skills reflected in him, a and, hence, reduced intelconfidence that is hard to lect, pushing the child to join find in children afflicted the marginalised section of our society, stamped as with deafness. Based in Durgapur, West 'deaf and dumb'. Bengal, the Speech And Debates on freedom of Hearing Action Society, speech and expression, commonly referred to as today, have marked the SAHAS, was formed in socio-political landscape the year 1998. Engaged of the civil society. with oral rehabilitation of People, everywhere, hearing impaired children, given any issue, talk about the organisation upholds how they are being dethe motto of giving deaf- prived of their right to be ness a voice. A child born heard and express them-
selves. In the case of auditory-impaired children, there is no choice of questioning to have a right to voice their opinion where there, literally, is no 'voice'. SAHAS, thus, makes an effort to endow these children with the ability to speak through early hearing detection and intervention. Assisting over 300 kids with their muteness due to lack of hearing, the institution organises monthly meetings with parents and children. The meetings are held with different agendas aimed at equipping parents with skills to deal with their children helping them to speak and learn. Held on the second Sunday of every month, a workshop was arranged on March 14, 2016, with parents, to teach them methods that could help them prepare their children to take lessons at school. It was headed by Mrs. Madhumita Jajodia
and Payal, parents of deaf kids who have achieved success with their children in learning language to qualify for admission into mainstream education institutions. They shared their knowledge and experience with other parents. During the session, parents were briefed with techniques to brace their children mentally for facilitating learning at school. They were given suggestions about introducing kids with concepts of sounds, numbers and alphabets thus helping them to comfortably adapt to the school's learning environment. The idea behind the workshop was not to encourage parents to replace the teachers' role in their children's lives by up-skilling them with the entire syllabus. It was, rather, to tune the kids' motor and cognitive skills through play crafts such as flash cards, colouring, clay-modelling, puzzles,
Whose Idea Of 'Normalcy' Do We Want In Kashmir - The Government's Or The People's? Despite curfew-like re- keep on happening." The strictions in place, the reference is obviously to death toll has risen ev- the absence of a political ery few hours in clashes solution to the hope that between the security was irrevocably instilled personnel and protesters in the people of Kashmir in Kashmir after the kill- when they were proming of the Hizbul ised a plebiscite, not to Mujahideen commander mention the centuries of Burhan Wani. Operation atrocitiesfaced by the theatres are running non- peasant population that stop. The have made number of Abhishek Jha the desire undead civildeniable. In ians now stands at 29 and this void, such eruptions the number of injured is will continue to happen. over 1000. It's clear then that when As the unrest grew in the the government appeals valley post Burhan's fu- for support to bring norneral, Nayeem Akthar, malcy back, what they the state government are essentially asking is spokesperson,appealed that people be lied to. to all political parties to That they should be told restore normalcy. Ram that the impunity with Madhav- RSS veteran, which rape, torture, and BJP's National General killings have gone on in the Secretary and the man valley for over six dewho is said to have en- cades will finally be tried, gineered the PDP-BJP that the barricades and coalition- also asked for concertina wire, the bunthe same, although only kers at every nook and
Image for representational purpose (Photo: cdn.youthkiawaaz.) a day before, he was tweeting that the government will stand firm, "eruption or no eruption". In Delhi, the PM, back from beating drums in Africa, is chairing a meeting today, 3 days after unrest broke out, for a swift return to normalcy. The Chief Minister of the State, who only recently won a by-election, has barely spoken or acted. But what is the 'normalcy' that they want a return to? As some senior anonymous PDP leader confessed to a newspaper,"What can we do? We can't give people what they want. So such a situation will
corner, the constant frisking and beatings will all end if people stop protesting just this once. But this lie has already been repeated over and over again. And as the adage from Birbal stories go, you can't cook twice in a wooden pot. The tacit understanding however- which one can see in the reports of attacks on even ambulances and hospitals by security personnel - is that such massive protests cannot be allowed to happen on the death of a militant. But the people of Kashmir view these militants very much as part of their
struggle for a dignified existence, for 'normalcy' as they see it. When reports on human rights violations become routine and do not inspire any action, it is only natural that a galvanising force such as Burhan, who had become a household name in Kashmir, will bring huge numbers to the streets. Moreover, right from Maqbool Bhat, who was hanged in '84, to Burhan Wani, Kashmiri militant commanders have maintained a nuance in their messages and speeches - which the Indian media and textbooks can try to paint over with the image of a gun-wielding, hate mongering, naĂŻve jihadi- but which most Kashmiris are aware of. Bhat maintained a conception of an independent state based on socialist principles. Wani, in his video messages, had assured that neither Hindu pilgrims going to Amarnath, nor J&K police will be targeted in any violent attacks. It is difficult then for the Indian establishment to discredit them as people working to the detriment of the interests of Kashmiris. So although there is a discussion in Kashmiri households as well as in academia as to whether armed struggle is the right way forward, once any Kashmiri is killed at the hands of Indian security personnel, a funeral procession or a shutdowndoes not always require exhortation by separatist leaders. It happens on its own because the resentment is simmering just below the surface, and finding an opening, gushes forth. It is also, therefore, irrelevant to ask separatist leaders to intervene now and aid the Center in bringing back 'normalcy'. For one, these leaders have a reason to grouse. They are seldom invited to talks on Kashmir that Indian and Pakistani leaders participate in. Moreover,
they are put under preventive detention every time they call for a protest. The central government in Delhi has hardly ever heard them enough for them to find any incentive in playing along right now. Two, the people of Kashmir respond to leaders that understand them and articulate what they have to say. It is not for no reason that the elected leaders are not popular and elections are boycotted. The people will articulate what they have to, either by taking to the streets or by sending an appropriate response to the leader. The NC was abandoned and the PDP- with which people seemed to have some hope- has lost charmeven faster. If a genuine effort at even ending the ongoing protests is to be attempted, the current method of crowd control- which for some unknown reason has involved attacking ambulances and hospitalsneeds to stop immediately. Every single death and injury is going to further add fuel to the fire. But even the protests stopping for now are no guarantee that everything will be alright thereafter. Each death will be commemorated along with Burhan's, Guru's, and Bhat's. Unless the Indian government creates a space for this mourning, unless the impunity provided to the army under AFSPA is withheld, the cycle of calm and unrest will continue. But the government cannot do this unless it allows Kashmiris to express what they want: Hum Kya Chahte? As long as the answer to that question remains a taboo in India, it will need silencing. And that gag-order, as it comes with the whole paraphernalia of a war-zone, has never been the idea of 'normalcy' for Kashmiris. Courtesy: youth kiawaaz
toys and other games to improve their learning capacity. Not many people believed that language learning can be imparted to a child with hearing impairment. The only choice, thus, left for these kids was to resort to special schools and sign languages. The concept of 'residual hearing', meaning, the ability to hear some sounds despite considerable hearing loss, is little investigated. It is proven that not every child with hearing impairment is born completely deaf and those born with deafness have some usable residual hearing that can be put to productive use with the help of proper aid. Fostering this residual hearing through auditory-verbal therapy can, thus, help these children learn to speak. However, only children under the age limit of 5 years, can be intervened with, to be introduced to sound and lan-
Image for representational purpose (Photo: .ttcwetranslate) guage. Thus, early detection and intervention remains a necessary criterion for treatment of dumbness due to deafness. With over a million children born to deafness in India, the problem leaves them debilitated, thereby, estranging them from a normal life. Being socially distanced, these children are deprived of their right to live, learn and grow. Inability to communicate through spoken
language denies them their wish to dream, let alone, fulfilling them. This forced plight of theirs, owing to the lack of awareness and ignorance in their treatment, reinstates the argument on equality and social justice. Being born unequal does not mean imposing on them, a life of seclusion. These kids have as much right to live and learn as any other so-called 'normal'
child of the society. To gift their dreams a voice, it is therefore important to treat the misnomer, 'deaf and dumb' that they are often labelled with, by spreading across the message of 'deaf, but not dumb'. Communicate with people around you to and let them know how their contribution can make a difference. Courtesy: youth kiawaaz
Why I Will Always Treasure The Time I Used To Go For Hindustani Music Classes My Hindustani vocal mu- this class was different - I have my Hindustani sic book is over ten years the kind and vivacious vocal class only once a old - it is dog-eared, has demeanour of my week, but the amount of sheets falling out, and the teacher led me to open knowledge I retain in a ink of the first few pages up and helped me over- single lesson is undoubtis beginning to fade. Yet, come my shyness. In the edly larger than that reI have never treasured a process, she passed on membered in the numerpassion for ous academic classes I book so much. It occu- her pies a special place on Hindustani music to me, attend. At first, I bemy shelf and in my heart, and I now practice it as lieved it was because of the passion with which I for I have formed an often as I can. In contrast to regard the Hindustani emotional attachment with Richa Gupta her counter- stream of music, but parts, my sing- now I know it is due to the many ragas that have been ing teacher lays empha- the wonderful and enwritten down - but it is sis on the aesthetics and lightening methods emnot as strong as the at- beauty of Hindustani vo- ployed by my teacher. tachment, I have formed cals. Apart from teaching I believe the common with the old lady who has me a new raga every impression that states taught me these musical week, she details the vi- that people work better brant descriptions of the under pressure, is an abpieces. The world is growing more competitive by the day, and I constantly find myself overwhelmed by the amount of studying and homework that needs to be done - which is why I look forward to my singing class more than any other class in the week. The small brickenclosed room with its straw mats spread out, acts as a sort of haven for my exhausted spirits to breathe deeply and recover their strength. Once away from the perpetual pressure to showcase my competence and knowledge, I find respite in the calm, unflustered atmosphere of my Hindustani vocal class, which is taught by a woman who is the reason, I have been learning this art for over ten Image for representational purpose (Photo: years. When I first moved to In- various forms and solute myth. Without the dia, I had joined a myriad thaats,which serve to cloud of tension and of classes in addition to kindle in her students, an strain pushing me to vocals, such as painting, interest in the history, con- success, hanging over drama, tabla and robot- text and underlying mean- me, I'm actually able to ics. I had started learn- ings of the songs. She en- concentrate and deing all with the same courages us to read and velop a tangible love for heart and state of mind, broaden our knowledge what I'm learning. but the only class I con- regarding the famous My teacher places no tinued attending with ar- singers, and sometimes stress on us to take and dor was Hindustani vo- makes us listen to audio pass exams with flying cals. I was initially inter- tapes of the mellifluous colours; rather, she ested in all, but it was the songs in class. With her organises monthly funcdifference in the educa- melodious voice, she tions in which we tional methods of my brings forth the harmo- present the new songs singing teacher that re- nies of northern India to we had learnt for the fused to let my interest our little class in the south. admiration of our audiand zeal diminish. When Being a native of Bengal, ence, which typically I had first joined vocal my teacher also intro- consists of our parents class as a little girl of six, duces us to the lyrics of and other enthusiasts of I was entirely new to In- popular Bengali folk Hindustani music. dian culture, and the un- songs and helps us learn Moreover, my teacher's familiarity rendered me the rather complicated classes revolve around unable to speak in words and match them developing a feel and another's presence. But with their lilting cadences. appreciation for the
sheer beauty that silvers the tunes we learn. To her, there is no such thing as committing lyrics to memory - it is all about singing from the heart. Furthermore, the tranquil ambience of my Hindustani vocal class serves to alleviate the stress that amasses during the week-I let go of it all when I sing the words of the delightful songs in ragas of 'jaunpuri', 'tilang', 'rageshri'‌ the list is endless. And this is all because of the aura of serenity my singing teacher infuses into the air of her
image6.buzzintown) class, and is the reason her lessons are my favourite hours of the week. And now I know - passion is not always inborn, but can also be created, and there is no better person to do so than a splendid teacher whose aim is, not for her students to reflect on her abilities, but to reflect on the magnitude of her enthusiasm and spirits. I have stopped learning Hindustani vocals now, since my teacher had some personal issues and hence had to leave. However, I shall always remember her as the best teacher I've ever had. Courtesy: youth kiawaaz
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 18
BUSINESS
18% climb in RIL Q1 net profit Mumbai, Jul 17: Reliance Industries' net profit rose 18 per cent to Rs.7,113 crore for the first quarter ended June as the company's world's largest refinery complex in Jamnagar made more revenue by processing crude oil. Reliance Jio, the telecommunications arm of Reliance Industries, is testing its fourth-generation wireless network with 1.5 million active consumers and is likely to start its service in the coming months, according to the energy-to-retail conglomerate. RIL, controlled
1.27% growth in exports return after 18 months New Delhi, Jul 17: India's merchandise exports rose 1.27 per cent year-on-year in June to $22.57 billion, reversing a trend that started in December 2014 due to weak global demand and a fall in commodity prices, government data showed. In value terms, this was the highest since March when shipments were worth $22.7 billion, but it had in that month shrunk 5.5 per cent. The lowbase effect has helped this June as exports in June 2015 had shrunk 16 per cent over June 2014. In absolute terms, neither the $22.57 billion worth of exports in June 2016 nor the $22.28 billion in June 2015 was near the $26.47 billion in June 2014. Meanwhile, imports during June 2016 slid 7.33 per cent to $30.69 billion. Gold imports fell 38.5 per cent to $1.2 billion, while oil imports contracted 16.4 per cent to $7.2 billion. A growth in exports combined with a contraction in imports helped narrow the trade deficit in June to $8.1 billion from $10.8 billion in June 2015. However, on a month-onmonth basis, trade deficit has widened in June from $5.8 billion in May. India's goods exports returning to the positive growth territory comes at a time when the World Trade Organisation (WTO) had on July 8 said it introduced a new World Trade Outlook Indicator (WTOI) to provide "real time" information on trends in global trade. "For the current period, the WTOI came in slightly below trend, with a reading of 99.0, and with a downward tendency in the most recent data, signalling that trade growth will continue to be sluggish in July and August‌ At present it (WTOI) suggests that trade growth will remain weak into the third quarter of 2016," the WTO had said. Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had on Wednesday said that the contraction in exports was one of her biggest concerns. However, she added: "We have had extensive consultations with every export sector, and not once have I heard anybody tell me that exports are suffering because of our policies. They have conceded that global situation is bad. Commodity prices are coming down. Currency fluctuation is becoming the order of the day rather than an exception. Exporters are suffering, but they have said that the hand holding that the government is doing has helped." (Agencies)
by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani, posted an eight-year high gross refining margin of $11.50 compared with $10.40 a barrel a year earlier and profits rose despite a 13.4 per cent drop in revenue to Rs.71,451 crore. Refining business alone contributed Rs.6,593 crore or $1 billion to the earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) - a measure of company's profitability, while petrochemicals EBIT grew 25.5 per cent to Rs.2,806 crore. Reliance revenue from organised retail segment grew 45.6 per cent to
CLIMBING THE STEPS OF SUCCESS Reliance Industries' net profit rose 18 per cent to Rs.7,113 crore for the first quarter ended June as the company's world's largest refinery complex in Jamnagar made more revenue by processing crude oil. Reliance revenue from organised retail segment grew 45.6 per cent to Rs.6,666 crore as it brought fuel retail operations under organised retail.
RIL, controlled by India's richest man Mukesh Ambani, posted an eight-year high gross refining margin of $11.50 compared with $10.40 a barrel a year earlier and profits rose despite a 13.4 per cent drop in revenue to Rs.71,451 crore. RIL continued to be India's highest indebted company on gross debt basis as it debts stood at Rs.1,86,692 crore.
Rs.6,666 crore as it brought fuel retail operations under organised retail. RIL continued to be India's highest indebted company on gross debt basis as it debts stood at Rs.1,86,692 crore. Investment advisor S P Tulsian said that a $2-$3 rise in gross refining margins were because of inventory gains. "The company had Rs.47,000 crore of inventory as on March 31, 2016 and crude prices have increased by 30 per cent in the June quarter alone so the additional profits were because of inven-
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Idea slashes Internet rates; now offers upto 45% more on 4G, 3G and 2G Data packs
tory gains." Reliance Jio's test program will be progressively upgraded into commercial operations in coming months, according to a company statement. "At Reliance Jio, we have built an entire ecosystem that will allow Indians to live the digital life to the fullest. This transformational ecosystem consists of broadband connectivity, devices and powerful applications and services which will be available Sashi Shankar, Chief Marketing Officer of to every consumer in Idea Cellular. (Photo: varindia) India," RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani said. ANI data benefit to the cus(Agencies) New Delhi, Jul 17: Idea tomer. Sashi Shankar, Cellular today slashed Chief Marketing Officer mobile internet rates to of Idea Cellular, speaking offer more value to the about the concession said customers on their 4G, 3G internet is one of the maand 2G data packs. With jor drivers of the Indian this new scheme, the Idea economy and Digital Inusers can get up to 45 dia. their MobiKwik wallet, percent more data ben- "We want to ensure that from the comfort of their efits on sachet packs be- benefits of Internet are home or office. Cash Pick low 1 GB. The 2G data reaped conveniently by Up by MobiKwik, literally pack priced at Rs. 19 of- every individual, through brings the bank to the fering 75 MB data for 3 our innovative, user's doorstep, benefiting Days, will now offer 110 customised and affordpeople who do not have MB data for 3 Days - a able products. This will access to bank accounts or 45% more value to the enable the Internet revocredit and debit cards. The customer, for the same lution and its impact to be service allows anywhere price. Similarly, a 4G/3G felt in every part of the from Rs 100 to Rs 10,000 data pack for Rs. 22 country," he added. The to be added to the user's which offers 65 MB data revised data packs are MobiKwik wallet in real for 3 Days will now give available across all time. KYC users can add 90 MB 3G data for 3 circles starting July 15, upto Rs. 100000. Users days, which is 38% more 2016. can then make hassle-free payments across diverse use cases such as recharge, bills, food, travel & cabs, shopping, entertainment, money transfer and more. MobiKwik's cash pick up service is available in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Jaipur and Chennai, Jul 17: Gold vember 2015. India imSurat. imports plunged by ports about 1,000 tonnes 38.54% to $1.2 billion in of gold every year and June while inbound ship- the precious metal is the ments of silver fell by second - highest compomore than a quarter in the nent of the import bill afthe absence of chemical month. Gold imports ter crude oil. An estiplant boosters and the were worth $1.96 billion mated 20,000 tonnes of ageing tea-bushes (some in June 2015. Meanwhile, gold is lying with housealmost 100 years old) the government has an- holds and temples. also result in a lower nounced launch of fourth crop. However, it is cli- tranche of sovereign gold As per the data released mate change, which is bond scheme from July by the Commerce and affecting the fortunes of 18 in a bid to check the Industry Ministry, the silthe Darjeeling tea indus- demand for physical gold. ver imports were retry the most. Unpredict- The Reserve Bank has corded at $249.39 million able weather has af- fixed the issue price of in June as against fected production for the bond at Rs 3,119 per $342.37 million, registerlast five years, Kalyan gram. The rate has been ing a decline of 27.16 per Basu DTA Secretary fixed on the basis of cent year-on-year. Also, simple average of closing shipments of pearls, pregeneral said. price of gold of 999 pu- cious and semi-precious This year, production of rity for the week July 11 stones showed a decline the first-flush teas, to 15, 2016 as published of 13.52% in June. Imcropped between Febru- by the India Bullion and ports of coal, coke and briary and April and among Jewellers Association quettes were $1.07 bilthe priciest, was affected (IBJA). Government has lion, down 12.95%. Imdue to drought-like con- netted 3.1 tonnes of idle ports of fertiliser, petroditions. This was fol- household and temple leum products, and iron under the and steel too witnessed lowed by unprecedented gold monetisation scheme significant decline in rains, which affected the April-June crop. The since its launch in No- June. (Agencies) second flush teas too are much sought-after by LESSENING IMPORT importers. (Agencies) Gold imports plunged by 38.54% to $1.2 billion in June while inbound shipments of silver fell by more than a quarter in the month.
MobiKwik's exclusive cash pick up service completest a million transactions ANI New Delhi, Jul 17: MobiKwik, the largest mobile payments company in India with over 32 million users and a network of 100000 merchants, today announced that its exclusive cash pick up service has completed 1 million transactions. The service was launched in September 2015 to cater to those users who are either unbanked or aren't comfortable using net-banking, credit or debit cards. Speaking on the announcement, Bipin Preet Singh, Founder CEO, MobiKwik, said: "We launched cash loading in MobiKwik last year with cash deposit & cash pick up and have been receiv-
ing exceptional response from the users. Completing 1 million transactions for this service is a milestone for us that further demonstrates how innovations brought to business to solve users' genuine concerns will always yield favourable results." By end of last year, India had 22.74 million credit cards users and 239 million smartphone users. This astonishing difference demonstrates why mobile wallet users are growing at a faster pace than traditional banking users. However, there is still a large mass of Indians who prefer cash as a medium to transact and to cater to those users, MobiKwik launched cash loading, which has been an incred-
Bipin Preet Singh, Founder CEO, MobiKwik. (Photo: media2.intoday) ible success. "The real growth for mobile wallet industry is going to come from unbanked cash users who also want to buy things on their phone but do not have a way of doing so. For example, if a cash user wants to book train tickets
on IRCTC, he needs a digital payment method. It is for such important need based services that users start adopting wallet after loading cash in it." Bipin added. This MobiKwik exclusive service allows users to add cash directly to
Over 38% drop in gold imports drop over 38% in June
Halt to Nepal tea imports requested by Darjeeling growers Darjeeling, Jul 17: Imports of 'deceptively similar-looking' teas from neighbouring Nepal are threatening Darjeeling's tea industry and growers have urged the Centre to take steps to stop low-cost imports. The commodity imported under the Indo-Nepal Free Trade Agreement is sold in the domestic market affecting both demand and the price of Darjeeling tea, which is reeling under the impact of climate change and high labour costs. "Teas, imported from our neighbouring country under the Agreement are sold to unsuspecting Indian customers in the retail markets," chairman of the Darjeeling Tea Association Sheo Shankar Bagaria said. "These teas were low-
Image for representational purpose. (Photo: i1.trekearth) priced as tea is cultivated mostly in the unorganised sector and wages are 50 per cent lower." Almost all the 87 tea estates in Darjeeling reported losses during the last fiscal year, Mr. Bagaria said. The industry wants the government to amend the Indo-Nepal Free Trade Agreement (due
for renewal in 2017) to block the import of orthodox teas. Imports from Nepal stood at 10.5 million kgs in 2013-14, accounting for half of total imports as per latest official statistics. Tea Board officials said that several measures are being put in place to combat this. Mr Bagaria
made an appeal to the President Pranab Mukherjee at DTA's annual general meeting in Darjeeling to curb imports. Tea and tourism act as the backbone of the economy in this region and the estates employ 60,000 workers on a permanent basis and 40,000 seasonally. The plantation area houses over four lakhs which is about half of the hill population, Mr. Bagaria said. Declining crop is another source of concern for the industry. From 14 million kgs in 1991, output fell to 8.7 million kgs in 2015. Pressure from overseas buyers has forced the teagarden owners to shun the use of chemicals and adopt organic farming. About 54 per cent of the crop is now organic. But
Number 3 spot in passenger car segment targeted by Renault-Nissan Pune, Jul 17: The Renault-Nissan alliance is now aiming to build on the strong base (in terms of numbers) it created through the KWID and the redi-GO. The group is eying the third spot in passenger car segment of India by pipping Mahindra & Mahindra, current holder of the third spot. On 14 March 2016, Tata Motors vowed to topple Mahindra to gain the third spot and now the French-Japanese duo has set their eye on the same target. Whoever wins the claim, one thing
is for sure -- the situation of M&M will certainly become tough with these carmakers buckling up for the market share capturing tussle ahead. Renault-Nissan venture is planning to ramp-up the production of its Oragadam facility by 70 per cent, amounting to 3.66 lakh units by 2017, people close to the matter said. With an astonishing booking number of 1.5 lakh (for the KWID) and more than 10,000 for there di-GO, the duo is looking to thrust Chennai facility's production to almost
triple (1.6 lakh units) -from the amount it's currently manufacturing. This will help them in shortening the waiting period and at the same time, place RenaultNissan in a better position to export their cars. The alliance has predicted that with approximate sales of 5.5 million units, they will surely be able to break into the list of top three players in light vehicles by 2020. If the demand sustains, it will be able to roll-out 4.8 lakh units by then, as per internal estimates.
Guillaume Sicard, president, Nissan Motor India and head of the Oragadam plant, said, "The business model is perfect and profitable. We are here to perform on all aspects, be it producing for sister company, producing for exports and also to do well in the domestic market." Gaurav Vangaal, senior analyst for forecasting at IHS Automotive, said, "Carlos Ghosn agrees that India is a complicated market and one has to learn from experience here and he also knows that once
Renault-Nissan is able to crack the Indian market, it will ensure success in Africa, South America and the Middle East." Also, there's an internal word that Carlos believes that India has the biggest potential for growth in future, an official close to the matter said. With growing export demands, the Renault-Nissan alliance has started round -the clock production at the very same facility. Finally, something to cheer for Renault and Nissan. (Agencies)
Meanwhile, the government has announced launch of fourth tranche of sovereign gold bond scheme from July 18 in a bid to check the demand for physical gold. The Reserve Bank has fixed the issue price of bond at Rs 3,119 per gram. India imports about 1,000 tonnes of gold every year and the precious metal is the second - highest component of the import bill after crude oil. An estimated 20,000 tonnes of gold is lying with households and temples. The silver imports were recorded at $249.39 million in June as against $342.37 million, registering a decline of 27.16 per cent year-on-year. Also, shipments of pearls, precious and semiprecious stones showed a decline of 13.52% in June. Imports of coal, coke and briquettes were $1.07 billion, down 12.95%. Imports of fertiliser, petroleum products, and iron and steel too witnessed significant decline in June.
DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, JULY 18
Features
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ENVIRONMENT
The Great Indian River Trick "Shipra is not just a river; it's much more than that. When the gods battled demons over nectar, a drop of it fell in the river. That's why it is eternal and that's why we come here during the Kumbh, to bathe in the river and be closer to the gods." Like his forebears before him, 70-year-old Bhimdev Paliwal was telling a tale of faith and tradition to his grandson and other children in a makeshift tent on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain, an ancient city in central India. Paliwal had led a group of his extended family and neighbours from Dausa in the western state of Rajasthan to take a holy dip during the month-long Kumbh Mela in May. Paliwal -- and so many more like him -- would have been shaken to the core had he known the river that promised everlasting life was itself dying. The water that flowed past placidly had been pumped in from the Narmada, scores of miles away. Decades of neglect and mismanagement, and the recent years of drought, had reduced the Shipra to less a river and more a stinking drain of domestic and industrial waste. It was on life support, fed on Narmada water driven by electric pumps through 50km-long concrete pipes. It is not the first time a river in India has been "resurrected' in this manner. The
Sabarmati in Ahmedabad was magically transformed in 2005 when water from the Narmada meant to irrigate parched farms in northern Gujarat was diverted to its dead channel instead. The cricket matches on the dry riverbed were left behind and a massive riverfront development project is now expected to add gloss to the city. The National Democratic Alliance government in New Delhi has put its weight behind a mammoth river-linking programme that is expected to cost ?5.6 trillion (US$83 billion) at 2002 prices, with an annual outlay of ?1.6 billion to be spent over 35 years. The plan, which seeks to transfer "excess" water from one river basin to another for irrigation, domestic and industrial use and to generate 34,000 MW of hydropower, has been frequently criticized for being hydrologically and environmentally unsound and hugely expensive. The federal government has already announced many such linking projects despite misgivings by experts and affected populations. Politics Of Water The rejuvenation of the Sabarmati in Gujarat and the Shipra in Madhya Pradesh by diverting water from the Narmada are showpiece projects of the linking scheme that pay fat political dividends, provincial administrations have found. "Rejuvenating the
Sabarmati was an opportunistic move. It was not planned," says Somnath Bandyopadhyay, associate professor at the School of Ecology and Environmental Studies at Nalanda University. "The water of Narmada from the Sardar Sarovar dam was made available before the irrigation infrastructure was ready." The diversion of Narmada waters into the Sabarmati channel had at least one major consequence. "The people in Ahmedabad loved the sight of a flowing Sabarmati," says Bandyopadhyay, who worked at Gujarat Ecology Commission for many years. "Public opinion was created and riverfront development became possible." The Sabarmati is a dead river for most practical purposes, he says. "All dams on rivers in north Gujarat are over-designed and hence water in the downstream is extremely rare. This is true for Sabarmati downstream of Dharoi. Circuses and cricket matches were common on the Sabarmati riverbed in Ahmedabad before the Narmada waters filled it." The decision to rejuvenate the Sabarmati was taken by the state government led by Narendra Modi, who was then chief minister of Gujarat. The Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies rode to power in New Delhi with
a huge mandate in 2014. As Prime Minister, Modi has continued to support the interlinking of rivers. The Shipra-Narmada linking project was announced with great fanfare by the Madhya Pradesh government in May 2013 before state assembly elections were held in November later that year. The incumbent BJP led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan won with a comfortable majority. It is possible that the project announcement played a role in BJP's excellent performance in the Malwa region. The flowing Shipra made a happy impression on the gathering of as many as 60 million people in the Kumbh Mela this year. Such diversions of large quantities of water are inevitable if the authorities continue to indulge in short-term populism, experts say. "The politics of water is extremely tense and complicated in India, where expediency often overrides good sense," says Himanshu Thakkar, co-ordinator of South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, an advocacy group. "The basic issue is to depoliticize water management. If it remains political, it will certainly move in the direction of vested interests -- sugarcane farmers in Maharashtra, industries in Kachchh (in Gujarat) or Delhi," says
Bandyopadhyay. "Governments will make allocations for competing uses as per their political considerations unless there is a way to freeze allocations - as a proportion of total water availability in a river, perhaps --and then allow the market to determine its best use." Entitlement Matters Such unplanned diversions are a subversion of people's rights, says Thakkar. "There has been a gradual transfer of water rights to urban and industrial users, away from farms and ecosystems. This is being done in a completely non-transparent manner. This will lead to unrest and volatility in many sections of society." Bandyopadhyay agrees. "Essentially what we are witnessing is a race among states to stake claim on interstate river waters, and the Narmada is no exception. People's traditional rights are extinguished (by present laws) the moment state infrastructure is built." "The law of the land says that states can access river waters as per their need. Need is defined in terms of their capacity to use water, chiefly for irrigation. The Kaveri water dispute is a classic example. Downstream Tamil Nadu built huge a canal network to establish its claims over Kaveri waters and only a fraction has been used," he points out.
The Shipra in Ujjain flows again, fed by the waters of the Narmada. (Photo: huffingtonpost) There is no way to entirely do away with inter-state rivalry over waters of a river basin. As temperatures rise across India due to climate change and water becomes scarcer, this competition has the potential to cause great harm. "The allocation of water of river basins has to be done in an equitable and transparent manner," says Thakkar. "The government needs to involve all stakeholders before it chalks out any plan to redistribute this vital resource." "What is required is the recognition of people's rights on river waters. Once the rights are established, transfers should be allowed in order for the water to flow to its most efficient use, whether agriculture, industry or domestic supplies in cities," says Bandyopadhyay. "California is a good example of this."
Thakkar is worried that the decisions of the government will increasingly be skewed towards business interests. Industries in Pithampur and Dewas near Ujjain, which expect to benefit from the ShipraNarmada link, have already started lobbying the government for increased allocations. "In absence of credible wastewater treatment system and governance, more water for industry would mean more untreated industrial effluents into the Shipra River, worsening the problems for the river and the people," Thakkar wrote in a note in 2014. "Water is now a scarce resource and must be allocated to current users," says Bandyopadhyay. "The government only needs to enforce rights and uphold contracts." Rajendra Singh -- known as India's waterman, and
a winner of the World Water Prize and the Magsaysay Award -- has repeatedly said the right to water should be as fundamental as the right to food, and has demanded that this be enshrined in law. Before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Singh teamed up with other water rights activists to form the Jal Jan Jodo Abhiyaan (Water and People Connect Movement). They drafted a water security bill that seeks to transfer water rights to village councils and municipalities, the smallest unit of democratic government in India. It is perhaps instructive that the proposed legislation got no mention in any political party's manifesto before the polls or in the programme of any central or state government ministry since then. Courtesy: huffingtonpost
Biodiversity falls below Solar panels study reveals 'safe levels' globally impact on Earth Levels of global biodiversity loss may negatively impact on ecosystem function and the sustainability of human societies, according to UCL-led research. "This is the first time we've quantified the effect of habitat loss on biodiversity globally in such detail and we've
tion." The team found that grasslands, savannas and shrublands were most affected by biodiversity loss, followed closely by many of the world's forests and woodlands. They say the ability of biodiversity in these areas to support key ecosystem functions such as growth of living organ-
question the ability of ecosystems to support human societies. The loss is due to changes in land use and puts levels of biodiversity beyond the 'safe limit' recently proposed by the planetary boundaries -- an international framework that defines a safe operating space for humanity.
Levels of global biodiversity loss may negatively impact on ecosystem function and the sustainability of human societies, according to UCL-led research. (Photo: static1) found that across most isms and nutrient cycling "It's worrying that land of the world has become increasingly use has already pushed biodiversity loss is no uncertain. biodiversity below the longer within the safe The study, published to- level proposed as a safe limit suggested by day in Science, led by re- limit," said Professor ecologists" explained searchers from UCL, the Andy Purvis of the lead researcher, Dr Tim Natural History Museum Natural History MuNewbold from UCL and UNEP-WCMC, seum, London, who and previously at found that levels of also worked on the UNEP-WCMC. biodiversity loss are so study. "Decision-mak"We know biodiversity high that if left un- ers worry a lot about loss affects ecosystem checked, they could un- economic recessions, function but how it does dermine efforts towards but an ecological recesthis is not entirely clear. long-term sustainable de- sion could have even What we do know is velopment. worse consequences -that in many parts of the For 58.1% of the world's and the biodiversity world, we are approach- land surface, which is damage we've had ing a situation where home to 71.4% of the means we're at risk of human intervention global population, the that happening. Until might be needed to sus- level of biodiversity loss and unless we can bring tain ecosystem func- is substantial enough to biodiversity back up,
we're playing ecological roulette." The team used data from hundreds of scientists across the globe to analyse 2.38 million records for 39,123 species at 18,659 sites where are captured in the database of the PREDICTS project. The analyses were then applied to estimate how biodiversity in every square kilometre land has changed since before humans modified the habitat. They found that biodiversity hotspots -those that have seen habitat loss in the past but have a lot of species only found in that area - are threatened, showing high levels of biodiversity decline. Other high biodiversity areas, such as Amazonia, which have seen no land use change have higher levels of biodiversity and more scope for proactive conservation. "The greatest changes have happened in those places where most people live, which might affect physical and psychological wellbeing. To address this, we would have to preserve the remaining areas of natural vegetation and restore human-used lands," added Dr Newbold. The team hopes the results will be used to inform conservation policy, nationally and internationally, and to facilitate this, have made the maps from this paper and all of the underlying data publicly available. Coustesy: sciencedaily
Researchers have produced the first detailed study of the impact of solar parks on the environment, opening the door to smarter forms of farming and better land management. Environmental Scientists at Lancaster University and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology monitored a large solar park, near Swindon, for a year. They found that solar parks altered the local climate, measuring cooling of as much as 5 degrees Centigrade under the panels during the summer but the effects varied depending on the time of year and the time of day. As climate controls biological processes, such as plant growth rates, this is really important information and can help understand how best to manage solar parks so they have environmental benefits in addition to supplying low carbon energy. Their paper 'Solar park microclimate and vegetation management effects on grassland carbon cycling' is published in the Journal Environmental Research Letters. Increasing energy demands and the drive towards low carbon energy sources have prompted a rapid increase in groundmounted solar parks across the world. This means a significant
land use change on a global scale and has prompted urgent calls for a detailed understanding of the impacts of solar parks on the fields beneath them. Dr Alona Armstrong, of Lancaster University,
implications for ecosystems and the provision of goods, for example crops, and services, such as soil carbon storage. But until this study we didn't understand how solar parks impacted climate and eco-
knowledge they need to choose which crops to grow and how best to manage the land; there is potential to maximise biodiversity and improve yields. Dr Armstrong added: "This understanding be-
Researchers have produced the first detailed study of the impact of solar parks on the environment, opening the door to smarter forms of farming and better land management. (Photo: phys) said the new study raises some key questions for the future. She said: "Solar parks are appearing in our landscapes but we are uncertain how they will affect the local environment." "This is particularly important as solar parks take up more space per unit of power generated compared with traditional sources. This has
systems." "With policies in dominant economies supporting solar energy, it is important that we understand the environmental impacts to ensure we get more than just low carbon energy from the land they occupy." The authors of the study say understanding the climate effects of solar parks will give farmers and land managers the
comes even more compelling when applied to areas that are very sunny that may also suffer water shortages. The shade under the panels may allow crops to be grown that can't survive in full sun. Also, water losses may be reduced and water could be collected from the large surfaces of the solar panels and used for crop irrigation." Courtesy: sciencedaily
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President, PM congratulate Vijender on clinching Asia title PTI New Delhi, July 17 : President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today congratulated Vijender Singh on clinching the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title, saying that the star boxer has made the country proud with his feat. Vijender scored a dominating win over Welshborn Australian Kerry Hope in a 10-round bout here last night. "Hearty congratulations @boxervijender, you have made whole nation proud with victory in WBO Asia Pacific championship," President Mukherjee wrote on his official twitter handle. PM Modi lauded Vijender for his immense skill, strength and stamina while dismantling his opponent to win
the Asia Pacific title. "Congratulations @boxervijender for a hard fought and well deserved win. It was yet another display of immense skill, strength & stamina," Modi wrote on his personal Twitter handle. Indian cricket limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, star boxer Mary Kom, former India cricketers Virender Sehwag and V V S Laxman, and Haryana and Delhi Chief Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Arvind Kejriwal were among those who congratulated Vijender on his achievement. "Saw a full mch of boxing after yrs. thks @boxervijender for mkg INDIA proud, it's just the start ur hrd wrk, dedication and sacrifice paid off," Dhoni tweeted.
Vijender Singh "Congratulation @boxervijender," tweeted Olympics bronze medallist Mary Kom, who also watched the bout last night. "Congratulations to the talented @boxervijender for winning the WBO
Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title. #Haryana is proud of you!," Haryana CM Khattar tweeted. " C o n g r a t s @boxervijender," wrote Delhi CM Kejriwal. Sehwag, who himself
was present at the Thyagaraj Stadium last night, was effusive in his praise of Vijender. "Many congratulations #VijenderSingh, Thok Daala Tau! Australia ka Hope fuss in front of our Tope @boxervijender," he tweeted. He tweeted earlier, "Mukkon ki dhardhar Barsaat happening by our #RingKaKing @boxervijender." Laxman, said, "Cong r a t u l a t i o n s @boxervijender ??You deserve every bit of the WBO title??Great sporting news for India." IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla, who also watched the bout last night, tweeted, "Great Spirit. @boxervijender once again made India proud. Congrats for winning the WBO Asia Pacific Championship.
Neymar picks Cristiano Ronaldo for Ballon d'Or glory ANI Barcelona, July 17 : Barcelona star striker Neymar believes Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is in a good position to clinch this year's Ballon d'Or trophy following victories in the Champions League and Euro 2016. Neymar is confident that Ronaldo, who settled for second place behind Lionel Messi in the race for the Ballon d'Or last year, would not lose the opportunity this time. The 24-year-old said winning titles plays an important role for Ballon d'Or glory and, therefore, Ronaldo is the frontrunner to lift the prestigious individual trophy. "Ronaldo won the Champions League and now Euro 2016 as well. So I reckon he is in a good position.
Neymar Plus Ronaldo is a great player. I have no qualms in saying that," Neymar was quoted as saying by goal.com. Ronaldo guided Real Madrid to the Champions League glory with a 5-3 win over Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout
before winning Euro 2016 with Portugal following a 1-0 win after extra time against host France. Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or title in 2008, 2013 and 2014 in contrast to Messi's record of victories in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015.
Key Russia findings could cast shadow over Rio Lahiri still hopeful Expecting slow wickets in of final flourish Test matches: Shardul
Anirban Lahiri PTI Troon (Scotland), July 17 : Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri was disappointed but he still hopes for a final flourish after stumbling to a disappointing five-over-par 76 in the third round of The Open here. The reigning Asian Tour number one struggled on the greens on yet another blustery day at Royal Troon yesterday, needing 32 putts which included three putting on three occasions as he fell off the pace in the year's third Major. A double bogey on the second hole set the tone for Lahiri's difficult day. A birdie on four was the Indian's only respite as he dropped three straight bogeys from the 10th hole before missing a short par attempt at the last. "You never want to go out on
a Saturday and shoot a big number," said Lahiri, who now stands at four-over-par 217 and well out of contention. "I guess I've got to work on my putting. I did not hit it that bad, conditions were not easy but it's just that I left so many shots out there on the greens. I'm very disappointed." Lahiri is determined to pick himself up and finish strongly. He knows he must regain his confidence with the flat stick, which he conceded has been a bane all season. "I'm very proud of myself. I don't think I need to feel bad. I'm going through a phase where I'm not making any putts," said the 29-year-old. "It's been the case the whole year. My ball striking stats have been great and I've hit it the best today that I hit it all week. When you don't see a four-footer going into the hole, it's tough. I shot five over and I three putted three times and missed a two footer on the last hole. "When conditions are like this, it's difficult to keep it in play, it's difficult to get it on the greens and I've done all the difficult parts. It's getting the ball into the hole which seems to escape me right now. It's frustrating to a point where I have to find it somewhere," added the Indian, who is making his fourth appearance in the world's oldest Major.
"Golfers skip because no money involved" AP Rio De Janeiro, Jul 17 : The head of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics says the world's top four male golfers have withdrawn from the games because there is no money to be won -not because of the Zika virus. "They tried to blame Zika, but the media have shown that they are not coming because there's no prize money," Rio organizing committee President Carlos Nuzman said yesterday, speaking with the games set to open in just under three weeks. Jordan Spieth withdrew this week from the Olympics, citing Zika. He joined Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, and Rory McIlroy in also saying Zika was the main reason for skipping the first Olympic golf tournament in 112 years. Their absence could be a setback for golf's future in the Olympics. IOC President Thomas Bach has said that golf's future may rest on its ability to get top players to show up. Golf is guaranteed a spot in the Tokyo Olympics in four years, but could be vulnerable after that. "Zika is much worse in Florida than in Brazil, and golfers are playing in Florida," Nuzman said. Male golfers have also cited security worries, and some have complained that Olympic golf has been wedged into an already crowded tour schedule. Rio has myriad Olympic prob-
lems: Zika, security concerns, severe water pollution and sluggish ticket sales. Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes warned in the wake of the attack Thursday in Nice, France, that fans in Rio could face more checks, more roadblocks and more delays. "Probably the security forces are going to demand more blockades, more inconvenient things," Paes said. Nuzman, speaking at a debate sponsored by a local magazine, seemed to be bracing for small crowds at some Olympic venues. Organizers says about 70 percent of tickets have been sold. "I don't think we need too much public," he said, adding that smaller venues could save money. "Television does an extraordinary job, with cameras everywhere," he added. "Nobody can walk a step without a camera filming it." Nuzman also said he expected Rio's suspended drug-testing lab to be ready when the games open Aug. 5. He expected the World Anti-Doping Agency to give its approval in a few days. The suspension has been an embarrassment for local organizers and a headache for the International Olympic Committee, which could be forced to send blood and urine samples abroad for testing if the lab remains closed.
PTI Basseterre (St. Kitts), July 17 : He may have only got a little taste of the Caribbean conditions, but young Indian pacer Shardul Thakur says he expects slower wickets in the Test series against the West Indies beginning on July 21, much like the ones laid out for the two practice games here. The second practice match too ended in a draw on Sunday with West Indies Board President's XI scoring 223/6 and 180 in their two innings, while India made 364 all out in their only essay. "I have sat down with the seniors and as a bowling unit, we have discussed all these things about pitches and conditions. The pitches here for both practice matches were slow and similarly we are also expecting slow wickets in the Test series too," said Shardul after the end of the practice match. "So the bowlers know we have to keep making effort. The slower the wicket, the effort is more. Making an effort is my work and needed in all matches. It does not matter how the pitch is. A fast
Shardul Thakur bowler has to give effort on each delivery," he added. The youngster was included in this 17-man squad after his impressive performances for Mumbai in the recently concluded Ranji season. And he made an impression here in St. Kitts too, troubling the batsmen in both innings with his line and length, using the bouncer as a surprise weapon and picking 1/50 in the 22 overs he bowled in the match. "It was always my dream to be part of the Test team, and being with the
Indian team where other players have gained certain experience, you get to learn a lot from them. I am trying to learn as much as I can, because it will only be good for my progress in the future," said the youngster. "I did bowl a few bouncers and almost got a wicket with one in the second innings. Even in the first innings, the wicket I got was off a bouncer. I use it as a surprise weapon and it is more of a variation in my bowling," he said, talking about his match experience.
AFP Paris, July 17 : The Olympic movement faces division in a critical week ahead of the Rio Games with a report tomorrow to set out whether Russia manipulated doping samples, followed quickly by a sports tribunal verdict on 68 Russian athletes demanding to compete in Rio. A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decision on whether to let the Rio doping laboratory reopen could also hamper International Olympic Committee preparations. "It's an incredibly important week that could crack the unity built up on doping," an international sports federation president who is also a senior IOC member told AFP.
A report by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren has caused divisions before it is even released in Toronto on Monday with the United States and Canada leading calls for a potential complete ban on Russia from the Rio Games which start on August 5. McLaren has carried out
an independent investigation for WADA of allegations made by former Moscow doping laboratory director Grigory Rodchenkov that even Russian secret services took part in an operation to manipulate Russian doping samples at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
The Canadian investigator said in June that the early results of his work had found "credible and verifiable" evidence to back the allegations made to the New York Times by Rodchenkov who is now in hiding in the United States. He is wanted by the Russian authorities who have strongly denied any state role in doping. - Corruption and subversion Paul Melia, president of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, which carries out anti-doping efforts in Canada, said countries must be ready to ban Russia completely from Rio if the McLaren report confirms the Rodchenkov allegations. Melia said in a blog that the report "could paint an
unprecedented picture of state-supported corruption and subversion of the anti-doping system" in Russia. "If Monday's report confirms the Rodchenkov allegations, then the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will have no choice but to ban all Russian athletes from this summer's Olympic Summer Games in Rio," Melia wrote. "And it must be the same consequence for the Russian contingent at the Paralympics in September." European Olympic Committees president Patrick Hickey said he was "shocked", however, by US and Canadian efforts to press for a ban before the McLaren report is even released. Hickey said Beckie Scott, the Canadian chairman of the WADA athletes commission and an IOC member, had sent out an email appeal to back a letter from the US and Canadian antidoping agencies to IOC president Thomas Bach.
Bopanna sets India up for Korean whitewash PTI Chandigarh, July 17 : Playing his first Davis Cup singles match in four years, Rohan Bopanna saved himself from embarrassment as he edged past Hong Chung in the dead fourth rubber to set India up for a Korean whitewash in the Asia/ Oceania Group I tie here today. Asked to take court in place of Saketh Myneni, who is still recovering from his gruelling match on Friday, Bopanna laboured to a 3-6 6-4 6-4 win against Chung, who is ranked as low as 655 in the ATP rankings list. Down by a set and trailing 0-3 in the second set, Bopanna had his back against the wall but found rhythm in time to escape to a victory.
Bopanna last played a singles match in the Davis Cup in 2012 when he won the dead fifth rubber against Uzbekistan's Sarvar Ikramov. It was his 10th singles win in Davis Cup. India now lead Korea 4-0 and need Ramkumar Ramanathan to win the fifth rubber against Seong Chan Hong to make a clean sweep. If Ramkumar wins, it will be India's fifth whitewash since 2005 when it had blanked China 5-0. The last came in 2014 against Chinese Taipei in Indore. Lack of experience of playing singles was evident as Bopanna heavily relied on his 'boom boom' serves but Chung resfused to be intimidated and posed a good challenge to the Indian.
Rohan Bopanna Bopanna peppered Chung with aces, firing 27 in all in the one hour 23-minute match. It was his big serves that rescued him as he struggled with preci-
sion in his ground strokes as he was at the entire court in a match after a long time. Bopanna initially lost all points on his serve on
double faults. His fifth double fault, followed by a backhand to net meant that the Korean had the chance to draw first blood. The crafty left-hander sent down a forehand winner to take the offer, much to the shock of the Indian camp and home fans. Bopanna again failed to put across a volley that crashed on to the net to hand Chung his first set point. Under pressure, Bopanna made a forehand error and the Koreans had smiles on their faces. The Indian, struggling with his ground strokes, was broken early in second set that put Chung ahead 3-0. However, a break in the seventh game brought Bopanna back in the match. Chung sent a forehand to the net to be down 30-
40 but managed to save two breakpoints. Bopanna smashed a crosscourt backhand winner to earn his third chance and converted it with a forehand volley winner. At 4-4, Bopanna again broke Chung in the ninth and served out the set in the next. The tall Indian had a chance to go up early in the third set as he had Chung down at 040 but could convert none of the three chances. Chung took a medical timeout to treat his left shoulder after the third game in the final set. Bopanna broke him in the fifth game and retained the lead to serve out the match in the 10th with an ace.
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