The Eastern Today wishes everyone Happy Vishwakarma Puja. The next issue will be published on September 20. –Editor
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Dibrugarh, Friday, September 18, 2015
Ø Other important decisions include repair and upgradation of PMGSY roads (Rs 1000 lakh), construction of critical roads (Rs 1500 lakh), construction of 2 lakh litre capacity overhead RCC tank at Naharlagun (Rs 36.51 lakh) and renovation of government quarters (Rs 1500 lakh)
ØFurther, in villages with five or less households or there is no grid line, solar and wind energy generation would be taken up.
ØAnother new initiative of the government approved is the Chief Minister's Mission Mode project for renovation of township roads with an allocation of Rs 500 crore for the next five years.
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Miliki Barua’s dream comes true, says son A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Sep 17
Miliki Barua, mother of Commander-in-chief of ULFA (I) Paresh Barua has been suffering from age old alignment from some days and was once hospitalized in a private nursing home in Dibrugarh a few month ago.
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ØThe government also resolved to take up micro hydro schemes (MHS) in areas where there is an existing 20 grid line.
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ØThis would be carried forward by including more villages in a phased manner in coming years. An allotment of Rs 500 lakh has been earmarked for this first ever project in the state.
ØUnder the Swachch Bharat Mission, the government has kept a target of constructing 90200 individual household latrines (IHHL) in rural areas
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ØThe Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (APEDA) has been directed to study the feasibility of using solar rechargeable batteries for schools to run computers and other related equipment.
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Preparation all set for Biswakarma Puja
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ter scoring the 55 percent as per the criteria laid down by the centre. “To be selected under the Smart City Mission, it has to go two stages of competition. first, cities are shortlisted by the State government on condition precedent and scoring criteria”, said Urban Affairs Minister. Stating that shortlisted cities are forwarded by the state government to the centre,
Shillong Sept 17
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IANS New Delhi, Sep 17
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Peoples across the state are busy preparing for Biswakarma Puja. In Dibrugarh, people are thronging to the market place from morning to bring the essential commodities which are used during the Puja. Like every year Biswakarma Puja will be celebrated in Dibrugarh with pomp and gaiety. The peoples are in a festive mood and very much busy for the preparation. Preparation for Biswakarma Puja has been going on in full swing in the tea city and some stalls are running a brisk business during the festive season. In Dibrugarh market all the essential items used in Puja are being sold in high prices. All the puja pandals has been decorated beautifully with lights and the whole Dibrugarh has geared up for the festival. “The prices of coconut has been on a rise compared to the previous year, with one coconut costing Rs 40. Every essential commodity used in the puja are being sold at a high price in this year,’’ said Dwijen Gogoi, a resident of Dibrugarh.
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Nagaland`s political and social arena said the faction deserved opportunities to be allowed to "negotiate" and not be banned. They said it was important for each and every factions of NSCN-K and other stake holders to be part of the negotia-
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Meghalaya urban Affairs minister Smt Ampareen Lyngdoh informed today in the autumen session that the Shillong has been selected to benefit from Smart City Mission from the government of India. Replying to query raised by HSPDP legislator Mr Ardent M Basaiawmoit, Smt Lyngdoh said that Shillong managed to get this centrally mission af-
A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Sep 17
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Naga political, social leaders shocked over ban on NSCN-K
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DC Roing visits flood ravaged villages under Paglam Circle
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Expressing shock over the ban of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) by the central government, leaders from ○
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tion, without which reaching out a political solution for the Naga conflict was incomplete. "This is a shock to us, can`t say why the government has done this specially after Contd. on Page 4 ○
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Gogoi terms Centre’s decision to discontinue postage stamps of Indira and Rajiv as an insult
Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said the decision of the Modiled NDA Government at the Centre to discontinue the postage stamps on former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi as a great disre-
spect and dishonour to them. In a statement here today, Chief Minister Gogoi said that the decision of the Central Government to discontinue the postage stamps on the two former Prime Ministers is an insult to history and to belittle their contributions to make modern India. Contd. on Page 3
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ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 17
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According to sources, there is an unofficial demand simmering among the people for a high level departmental inquiry into the charges of anomalies in the implementation of the Rs 100 crore Greater Titabor Piped Water
Supply Scheme (GTPWSS). This particular scheme is under Jorhat Public Health Engineering (PHC) division wherein shocking irregularities and flouting of every possible norm including financial, technical and administrative are said to have been detected.
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Bijoy S. Handique Jorhat, Sep 17
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posal for shifting of the village people to a feasible and higher ground after consultation with the villagers as desired by the state govt. He said, “Only shifting of the villagers to an elevated and acceptable place will provide a permanent solution. Contd. on Page 3
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To take stock of the relief and restoration works at flood affected areas, Ravi Dhawan, IAS Deputy Commissioner of Lower Dibang Valley District accompanied by D Wange, DMO, A Perme, DDMO and
M Dirchi, DPO visited the flood ravaged villages, Anpum and Loklung under Paglam Circle in Lower Dibang Valley District yesterday. While interacting with the flood affected people, Deputy Commissioner directed the Circle Officer of Paglam to prepare a Comprehensive Pro-
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Roing, Sep 17
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Titabor's alleged 100 crore water project scam
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Shillong gets Smart City Mission, says minister
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20% hike for ATCL workers Guwahati, Sep 17: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today announced Durga Puja bonus at the rate of 20 per cent for the workers of Stateowned Assam Tea Corporation Limited (ATCL). The ATCL has 15 gardens across the State with over 15,000 workers. Chief Minister Gogoi, who holds the finance portfolio, gave the necessary orders to this effect. (Correspondent)
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Golaghat, Sep 17: Today Ganesh Chaturthi was observed at various places of the town. At Hindi School Road, a programme in this connection was organised by Sri Sri Kali Mandir Sewa Samiti while at the market area, the occasion was observed by the business community of Chowk Bazaar. Also, events was organised near Agarwal Medical, at Tapannagar by Nav Yuwa Shakti and Sakhi Saheli. People went to seek blessings at the puja pandals.(Correspondent)
Alleged corruption involving BJP MLA of 40 MariyangGeku constituency, Olom Panyang and former Executive Engineer Mariyang PWD division, Tapi Darang has been a cause for public anger at Mariyang. This matter was brought to light by Thomas Borang, a resident of Mariyang. According to Borang, money worth Rs. 7 Crores which was meant for six projects; (i) construction and development of
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Ganesh Chaturti observed
ET Correspondent Itanagar, Sep 17
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Golaghat, Sep 17: At a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the police force to be smart, the opposite picture is being witnessed in Golaghat. A cop fully in drunken condition was seen at the heart of Golaghat town on Wednesday. The inebriated policeman when he saw the reporters hid his name plate and told the reporters that he was not drunk although he was totally imbalanced. (Correspondent)
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Drunken policeman
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BJP MLA allegedly siphons off Rs. 7 Cr from development fund
ET CAPSULES
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Ø The Power department has been directed to collect the actual data of un-electrified villages in the state irrespective of the 2011 census figures
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state government has decided to adopt 10 villages across the state this year and develop as a pilot project by equipping these villages with all basic infrastructure and civic amenities including garbage and solid waste management.
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ØIn a major decision the SDC also approved installation of 10 KWP solar power plants for blood banks in all the district hospitals so that these remain functional all the time.
Ø In a novel initiative the
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ØGovernment has decided to constitute a technical committee under chairmanship of Hydro Power Parliamentary Secretary to verify projects which remain incomplete despite allotment of funds.
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ØAlso the government's focus would be on upgradation of existing roads based on road driving experience for which Rs 30 crore has been approved
Mukul Hazarika at his Kasarigaon Puranigudam residence in central Assam's Nagaon district. Additional Superintendent, NIA, Guwahati, Subhasish Borooah had served the summon dated September 7 through Samoguri police station to the banned ULFA(I) supremo to present himself at NIA Guwahati office within September 30. Abhijit was summoned in connection
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Ø The State Development Council (SDC) has fixed Rs 12.5 crore for developmental and welfare activities in this financial year covering all the 57 government departments.
e-mail sent to The Eastern Today . "We make it clear that Dr Abhijit Asom is the chairman of our United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent)," Asom said. "Along with the people of Assam, we know that Dr Mukul Hazarika works for protection of human rights with an organisation called 'Assam Watch'," he said. Earlier, reports had stated that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had issued a summon to ULFA (Independent) chairman Dr Abhijit Asom alias Dr
ULFA (Independent) today claimed that Dr Abhijit Asom was their chairman and not Dr Mukul Hazarika as reported in a section of media. "It has come to our notice that a confusion has been created in a section of media in Assam about the identity of our chairman," said ULFA(I) publicity wing assistant secretary 'Captain' Arunudoy Asom said in an
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The State Development Council (SDC) under the chairmanship of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has fixed Rs 12.5 crore for developmental and welfare activities in this financial year covering all the 57 government departments. While addressing the final day of the SDC meeting yesterday, Tuki expressed satisfaction over the deliberations and hoped that the exercise would prove to be the springboard of development for the state, a report from the CMO said here today. He, however, reminded that the challenge now remains in implementation of the projects approved by SDC and called upon all the departments to strictly adhere to the guidelines in implementing projects. "Every single penny approved for developmental projects should reach the ben-
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A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Sep 17
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eficiary at the lowest level and no compromise will be made in judicious utilization of the funds," Tuki asserted, while emphasizing on strict monitoring of all projects during implementation. In a novel initiative the state government has decided to adopt 10 villages across the state this year and develop as a pilot project by equipping these villages with all basic infrastructure and civic amenities including garbage and solid waste management. According to the Chief Minister this would be carried forward by including more villages in a phased manner in coming years. An allotment of Rs 500 lakh has been earmarked for this first ever project in the state. Another new initiative of the government approved is the Chief Minister's Mission Mode project for renovation of township roads with an allocation of Rs 500 crore for the next five years.
FOR THE CAUSE OF STATE DEVELOPMENT
5.00
Every Thursday & Sunday
ULFA(I) claims Dr Abhijit Asom as its chairman
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Issue 107
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Vol. 1
Arunachal SDC fixes Rs 12.5 crore for welfare activities of the State Agencies Itanagar, Sep 17
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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Eco-friendly idols mark Ganesh Chaturthi New Delhi, Sep 17: Eco friendly idols are the most sought item this Ganesh Chaturthi. The Ganpati idol fashioned from 'Chadu clay' which is taken directly from the river is seeing an increased demand this festival season, according to shopkeepers."People demand for the eco-friendly idols and we have made the idols from 'Chadu Clay' or the river clay as it dissolves in water within 10-15 minutes. Other larger Effigies of PM Modi and V.K Singh been burnt by AASU after the Union minister made a statement regarding the agitation going on in Assam against the decision of the Govt. to let Non-Muslims of Bangladesh and Pakistan stay in the country. Pic - Nekib Ahmed
India's big-ticket 36 Rafale deal New Delhi, Sep 17: Five months after India announced the deal to purchase 36 Rafale fighter jets "off the shelf" from France, much of the expectations from the big-ticket deal appears to have evaporated due to protracted negotiations that look set to continue for some more months. While voices from both sides say there is hope for the deal being concluded by December this year, on the French side there is some frustration at the long-winded nature of the negotiations. The deal for purchase of the 36 Rafale jets, by Dassault Aviation, was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris in April. India decided to purchase the 36 jets from Paris in a flyaway condition in a government-to-government agreement. The Indian Air Force, which badly needs to replace its aging fleet of Soviet MIG aircraft, was looking forward to the new planes. However, the offsets clause that requires 50 percent of indigenous content in big-ticket defence contracts is believed to be a stumbling block, as also the pricing. The deal is estimated at $8 billion. While India and France are still involved in the sticky negotiations, Egypt has already welcomed three Rafale jets into the country in July - five months after inking a deal for 24 of the French jets. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah alSisi inked the contract for 24 Rafales in Cairo in February, in an estimated $5.6 billion deal. Qatar also inked a deal in March this year for purchase of 24 Rafale jets. According to reports, three twinseat variant of the jet were delivered in Cairo on July 21. Egypt inked a deal to acquire 16 two-seaters and eight single-seaters Rafale fighters. France is also training Egyptian pilots to fly the Rafale. French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian visited Cairo a few days after France delivered the jets. He was to visit India on August 31 during which the deal was expected to be inked. Le Drian was in Malaysia to hardsell the Rafale and the Mistral warship. However, he flew straight on to Europe after it
Modi's dynamism appreciated abroad: President
became known that the negotiations were not likely to be concluded soon. The Indian defence ministry had at the time refused to confirm his visit. According to French envoy Francois Richier, the defence minister had to fly to Europe to attend a EU defence ministers meeting. Richier said France is hopeful of concluding the negotiations soon. The progress in negotiations was reviewed by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the top acquisition body of the defence ministry, chaired by Minister Manohar Parrikar on September 1. Sources said the progress in talks between both sides was "satisfactory". "The negotiations are on the right track. The DAC was briefed about it, and they gave the go ahead," an official told IANS, not wanting to be identified. According to informed sources, France is reported to be unhappy over the offset clause that requires it to invest 50 percent of the value of the contract in India. This clause was present in the original deal for 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Rafale jets. According to sources, the French may be given a "concession" in the clause and talks are on. However, a final decision is yet to be taken -- one of the reasons for the delay in the deal. Another factor is that India has asked for two air bases for the 36 jets, which France is reported to be unhappy about as it would lead to cost escalation, sources said. The French side is believed to be of the view that the Rafale should not be cheaper priced for India, as compared to the deals inked with Egypt and Qatar. The Indian Air Force is expected to be down to 32 squadrons by the end of this year - 576 fighter jets short of the 750-strong fleet required as per the IAF vision document, in case of a two-front war with Pakistan and China. At least three squadrons of the vintage Soviet Union-origin MiG-21 and MiG-27 single engine aircraft are scheduled to be phased out, officially by the year-end. The IAF currently has 33 combat squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 39.5, which is sought to be raised to 42.
the most selling item at the shop. "In Mumbai we can get all kinds of idols, including the one seen in a recent movie. But for Delhi, the favourites are the Lalbaugcha Raja and Dagduseth. Others like Ashtivinayak and Titwala can also be bought," says Shinde. The idols with prices ranging from Rs.600 to Rs.11,000 can as tall as 2 feet. The dresses for the idol, also known as 'Pitambar' are available along with the idol. But one has to
List Of Phone Numbers Of Nursing Homes Tinsukia City Hospital & Research Centre Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Gnb Road Near Bujhuri-786125, Assam Pin Code :786125, Phone Number :0374-2333349, Fax :0374-2350026/2339974
Dr.Bawaris Nursing Home Jeevan Jyoti Nursing Home Category: General Hospital Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Parvathiya Road Hospital Address: Parbatia,Opp Hindi Girls High School-786125, Assam Tinsukia-786125, Assam Pin Code :786125 Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :(0374)2339756 Phone Number :0374-2336319 Fax :0374-2335334 Fax :0374-2350131
Pinewood Hospital Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Subothoni Road Moniam Dewan Nagra-786125 Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :0374-2300730 Fax :0374-2339730
Help-Line APST BUS SERVICE Ph: 0360-2212338, 0360-2351490 NIGHT SERVICES Name of Routes Departure Distance(km) Bus Fare 1) Itanagar- Shillong ( Daily service) 5:00 pm 510 460/2) Itanagar-Nyapin(Mon, Thu, Sat) 2:00 pm 325 400/3) Itanagar- Aalo (Daily service) 2:30 pm 325 350/4) Itanagar-Daporijo (Daily service from Nlg)12:00 noon 432 470/5) Itanagar - Yingkiong (Alternate day) 01.00 pm 436 550/6) Itanagar - Seppa (Alternate day) 12:00 noon 385 420/7) Itanagar - Khonsa (Sun, mon, wed, thur) 1:00 pm 677 620/8) Itanagar - Namsai (Daily service) 1:00 pm 655 580/9) Itanagar - Koloriang (Alternate day) 2.30 pm 334 400/DAY SERVICE 10) Itanagar - Guwahati (Daily service) 6.00 am 395 350/11) Itanagar - Pasighat (Daily service) 6.00 am 270 250/12) Itanagar - Tirbin (Mon, thu & sat) 5.30 am 328 330/13) Itanagar - Bomdila (Daily except Fri) 6.00 am 346 320/14) Itanagar - Aalo (Daily service) 5.30 am 325 350/15) Itanagar - Sagalee (Sun, Tues & Thur ) 7.30 am 121 135/16) Itanagar - Pakke Kessang (Mon, Wed & Fri)7.00 am 160 200/17) Itanagar-Mengio (sun, tue &Thur) 6.00 am 198 230/18)Itanagar-Kimin/ H-Camp (Daily except Sat)12.00 noon 94 80/19) Itanagar-Gerukhamukh (Daily except Fri)12.00 noon 134 120/20) Itanagar- Balijan (Daily except Sun) 12.30 pm 105 105/21) Itanagar - Sonajuly (Daily except Sun) 01.00 pm 70 80/22) Itanagar - Jote (Daily except Sun) 07.00 am & 01.00 pm 22 30/23) Itanagar- Lakhimpur (Daily Service) 3.30 pm 64 70/-
Bordoloi Avenue, Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2302219, 2302225
G M Hospital
Shrishti Hospital & Research Centre Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2300024, 2302099
Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital
Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital
Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2302100, 2302099
Assam Medical College
Marwari Arogya Bhawan Hospital Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2302872, 2302051
Graham Bazar, A.T. Road Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2322547
Jalan Nagar, Dibrugarh - 786 002 List of Phones numbers: Emergency Room : 0373 - 2300627 Labour Room: 0373 - 2300022 Drug Deaddiction Centre: 0373 - 2302952 Community Medicine: 0373 - 2302994 RIA Centre: 0373 - 2302093
Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital
Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic
Aastha Hospital
Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2303448, 2303458, 2301904
Sankardev Hospital Mancotta Road, Chowkidinghee Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2327717, 2327715, 2326960
Maharashtra cadre. "We have invited all the MPs and IAS and IPS officers of Maharashtra. Also the events are open to all. We have organized Bhajans, Lavanis (folk dance of Maharashtra). The Ganpati would be established today at the Sadan," says Dayanand Kamble, Deputy Director, Maharashtra Information Centre. The Ganpati idol to be established at the state house is brought from Maharashtra. Alongside a
'Mahaprasad' comprising of modak, puranpoili and other authentic Maharashtrian dishes is being organised on the 8th day for all those visiting the Sadan. "Stalls of Maharashtrian delicacies including vadapav, bhel, puran poli are set up by the Maharashtrians at the Sadan," Kamble adds. Artists from Maharashtra will showcase the traditional art from Maharashtra accompanied by a Zhanj path scheduled on Septmber 26.
ASTRO FOR YOU If you get a chance to display your presentation skills, don’t lose it. Your eloquence may receive wide acclaim. Your children too may give you reason to be proud. Do remember to take time out for the elderly in your family. This day you are likely be prone to daydreaming and fantasizing. You will, by sheer force of your tenacity and determination ensure that things work out in the end. In spite of an initial lack of focus, you will be able to sort out your affairs and find that everything turns out in your favour. Today, your enthusiasm for sports and outdoor activities is palpable. According to you, variety is the spice of life. You will keep on jumping from one venture to another. You will establish a good rapport with your bosses and colleagues. It’s time to taste success in your immediate and interim objectives. People will be stunned at the swift pace of your work. All your pending tasks and projects will fructify. But do not do any-thing haphazardly or in any careless manner. Forget the weather. Today, the only thing shining bright are your chances of spending some quality time with your near and dear ones. So, make the most of this lucky day. Chances are that you shall make new friends, who might turn out to be very supportive in the future. Business acumen is natural to you. Your management skills are immaculate. Move with imagination, innovation and motivation to further your enterprise. Feel free to express and exercise your sense of judgement. Do not take stress about small issues or matters. To avoid tension and to gain mental peace it is advised you perform yoga or meditation. There will be pressure put on you regarding certain matters at the work-front. You should take decisions regarding critical matters only after carefully weighing the pros and cons. Your family and friends top your priority list today. Life looks hunky dory on personal as well as professional front. Apart from business developments, romantic relations are on the bloom. And this is evident from your blushing cheeks. Creative indulgences may give a new dimension to your life! You feel like going back to carefree, childhood days. You even practice that by taking an impromptu pleasure trip, in the outskirts of the city. And bumping into an old pal, reliving your past is like an icing on the cake. It may seem to be an unusual combination, but you will experience pain and pleasure in equal measure today. The errands you may have to run for at home will leave you exhausted, so conserve some energy for the rest of the day. Your wit can get you whatever you want, but it’s important that you use it in the right way and not just to meet your selfish interests. If the Almighty loads you with pain, He will also bless you with pleasure. You will begin the day with a long list of things to be done, but luckily you will be able finish them off one by one. It will drain you out, so later on the day take a hot water bath, sit back and relax.
PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)
AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005
Near Indian AirLines City Office Paltan Bazar Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2303476
buy Puja Thali and Puja Samagri individually from the shop. "We have idols in the range of Rs.600 to Rs.11,000 and our main customers are non-Maharashtrians," says Shinde. While the shops are all geared up, the state house or Maharashtra Sadan in the national capital is all set to host the 10 day extravaganza. Invitations have been rolled out to all the MPs from Maharashtra and all the IPS and IAS officers of the
You will be able to come up trumps against the competition today. You should be wary of hidden enemies, for they might be involved in slandering you. It is best to reach out to others and make friends before they take it upon themselves to hinder your progress. Apart from this, no other significant event is indicated today.
List of hospitals in Dibrugarh with contact details & phone numbers, Assam Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals
Agencies New Delhi, Sep 17: President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday greeted Narendra Modi on his birthday and said the prime minister's dynamism has received wide appreciation abroad. "Please accept my warm greetings and good wishes on your 65th birthday," the president said according to a statement here. "This special day comes as you complete more than 15 months as the prime minister of our great nation. The last year has been an important period filled with significant achievements for you personally and our country," Mukherjee said. "Your hard work, dynamism and out-of-the-box thinking has received wide appreciation in the country and abroad," he added. The president also said: "I compliment you on your accomplishments and wish you the very best for the coming years. May the Almighty bless you with good health, happiness and many more years of dedicated service to the nation."
idols take a little more time to dissolve in the water," says Mandar Shinde, curator of the idols at Maharashtra Emporio here. Beginning on Thursday, the 10-day long festival, which is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi, marks the birth of Lord Ganesh, the elephantheaded God in Hindu mythology. Although the authentic idols are not available in the national capital, idols resembling Lalbaugcha Raja and Dagduseth Halwai have been
Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh
Dr Damani's Nursing Home Near Circuit House, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2300928, 2302873
Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 18-9-15 (FRIDAY)
5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan (Students' Broadcast) 6-50 A.M-Zikir 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara(Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Live Phone-In Surar Satsori 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishimi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Chah-Shramikar Aasor (Tea-Garden Programme) 10-00 P.M-"Satriya Naat Samarooh"-Bhaona-"Shri Krishnar Dwraka Leela".Presented by "Dibrugarh Sanmilita Shilpi Samaj".Producer-Rupjyoti Dowerah Sd-/H.O.P
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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
MPCYD organizes awareness campaign on drugs and alcohol
Arunachal SDC fixes Rs 12.5 crore for welfare activities of the State Contd. from Page 1
Special Correspondent Pasighat, Sept 17: In an effort to minimise growing cases of drugs and alcohol addiction among the youths, the Mebo Pastorate Circle Youth Department (MPCYD) organized a daylong awareness programme on ill effect of drugs and alcohol at Mebo Baptist Church (MBC), Darne today which was attended by Dr. Kabit Ratan from Ruksin as resource person and Principal Govt.
Hr. Sec. School Mebo Apak Megu as Guest of honour. Nearly 500 people, including youths and senior citizen most of which were students attended the awareness programme besides good number of participation from 8 other Churches across Mebo Sub-Division, informed Domek Koyu Secretary MBC. Students from GHSS Mebo also strongly took participation and quietly followed the speech of resource person
Dr. Ratan who delightfully made the students aware about the medical and other social life haphazard associated with the drugs and alcoholism. As a part of public awareness in the 2nd session of campaign during the afternoon, Dr. Ratan said that shipment of IMFL in East Siang is nearly 30 trucks every month which is a matter of concern. He also emphasized on restriction of selling timing of IMFL by licensee from 2 to
6 PM only and putting blanket ban on selling of IMFL by any vendor without license. A similar such awareness cum medical camp was also organized by Mebo Pastorate Church on 8th September last at Raling Village where several patients were checked and treated by doctors led by Dr. Ratan, informed Tokmin Borang, a member from the Church to this correspondent.
MP Ering visits ADiSUESDU appeals for immediate mainflood affected tenance of road at Taromatak to Anpum villages under Special Correspondent maintannce of the said relief materials to the flood Dambuk Sub- Pasighat, Sept 17: Rais- stress of road for easy ship- affected areas are facing ing deep concern over the ment of relief materials to hardship at this juncture of Division bad road condition be- flood hit regions. In a let- natural calamity where evRoing, Sep 17:Ninong Ering, MP (Lok Sabha East) visited flood ravaged villages, Anpum and Loklung under Dambuk Sub-Division in Lower Dibang Valley District for the second time today. He said that the flood affected villages at Loklung and Anpum is returning to normalcy though slowly and steadily as the restoration work will take time due to extensive damaged caused by the flood. He is on whirlwind tour of Lok Sabha East Constituency to take stock of damages by the recent flood under his constituency. He will be visiting flood affected sites at Sunpura Circle under Lohit District on his way to Tezu. (DIPRO)
tween Tarotamak river, under Namsing Circle to flood ravaged Anpum village, under Paglam Circle which occurred due to recent flood, the Adi Students’ Union East Siang District Unit (ADiSUESDU) has deeply appealed the authority concern to do immediate
ter to DC Pasighat on 15th September 2015, the ADiSUESDU had drawn the attention of the administration over the poor road which needs immediate maintenance. The union said that the commuters, medics, organizations and relief agencies working selflessly for providing of
eryone need to stand together on humanitarian ground. They urged the state government to expedite maintenance of road at those sides of the affected zone so that even relief team could reach on time to help them. The union expects a positive and prompt action on the issue.
Suspected Islamist fundamentalists apprehende ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 17: In a important breakthrough for the Assam police, security forces on Wednesday apprehended three suspected Islamist fundamentalists from Assam’s Chirang district. BTAD IGP Dr LR Bisnoi said that, following a tip-off, the police had
launched operation and nabbed the fundamentalists and they were identified as Minarul Islam, Johrul Haque and Badiur Zamal Sheikh. Minarul was undergoing training along with nine others from lower Assam districts Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Baska, Nalbari and Kokrajhar and
the training was conducted in Daukhanagar area under Dhaligaon police station in Chirang district from September 7. The main organizer was a person named Ashiq alias Bura Bhai of Howly area in Barpeta district, Dr Bisnoi said. Police had recovered some training equipments from them.
CM Gogoi says the state would not be allowed to be overburdened! ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 17: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the State of Assam would not be allowed to be overburdened with people from across the border. Reacting strongly to the statement of Minister of State for External Affairs, VK Singh that Assam would only have to bear the burden of minority immigrants from Bangladesh and Paki-
stan, Gogoi said that the attitude and approach of the Central Government to impose things from the top is contrary to the spirit of cooperative federalism. “The manner in which the present dispensation at the Centre is trying to impose things from the top undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism. It seems as if the States have no say at all,” Gogoi said, adding
that the State Government would not allow the identity of the Assamese people to be put at stake. The Chief Minister said barring those who have been staying in the State for a long time due to religious and other persecution, the State would not be allowed to be overburdened. “People of Assam know how to fight it out and to preserve their iden-
tity. Our Government is for safeguarding their identity,” he added. Gogoi said that the State Government has been all along urging the Centre to strengthen barbed wire fencing, intensifying riverine patrolling, floodlighting, increasing of BoPs, improving border roads and other measures to stop illegal influx from across the border.
Paul jibs at HDR Lyngdoh for double standard role Dmuising Khongjirem Shillong Sept 17: UDP legislator from West Shillong Paul Lyngdoh expressed shocking over the stand of the District Council Affairs (DCA) minister who was also the Member of District Council (MDC) Mr HDR Lyngdoh for his double standard role as far as issue of traditional institution is concerned. “When he is in the cabinet he supported the government to frame law on traditional institution. But when he was in
the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) he raised strong objection against the state government”, said Mr Lyngdoh while tabling the motion on the role of the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and the Autonomous District Council (ADCs) as far as building bye-laws is concerned during the autumn session today. “I don’t know what kind of logic the minister applies”, said Mr Lyngdoh adding that it was
ridiculous to notice that the Congress is fighting against the Congress. “In the KHADC and in the state the same party ruled but the tug of war between them, will cause the public to suffer”, UDP legislator jibbed. According to Mr Lyngdoh, the tussle between these two ruled powers bring in confusion among the general public and thus, it is important for both of them (Govt and KHADC) to come clear on this issue to remove the
confusion of the people. It may be noted that the DCA minister along with the Chief Executive Member of the KHADC Mr Pynshngain N Syiem had recently met the Governor of the State to implore upon him for speedy assent of Village Administration Bill passed by the KHADC to empower the traditional heads. In the meantime, the state cabinet had meted out on the need to come up with its own legislation to empower traditional heads in the State.
Gogoi terms Centre’s decision to discontinue postage stamps of Indira and Rajiv as an insult Contd. from Page 1
“The decision of the Central Government exposes its narrow and vindictive attitude towards the two towering personalities who contributed a lot in making of India and in sacrificing their lives for the nation’s unity and integrity. It’s a
mean and rude way to rewrite history by belittling the contribution of the two great personalities,” he added. “Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s contributions in making the country attain self sufficiency on the food front, ameliorating the condition of the poor and downtrodden, nationalisation of banks, making India a
nuclear power and her sacrifice for the country’s unity and integrity will be remembered for generations to come. So also former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s contributions in empowering women and youth by lowering the voting age, strengthening democracy through the threetier panchayati raj system, revolutionising Commu-
nications and Information Technology on which PM Modi’s ‘Digital India’ hinges, and his sacrifice for the country’s unity and integrity. Despite the present Central Government’s attempt to relegate their contributions, the people will always fondly remember them for what they have done for the country.”
PWD and RWD would jointly prepare a master plan for rural, urban and interstate roads to avoid duplicity and lapses. Also the government's focus would be on upgradation of existing roads based on road driving experience for which Rs 30 crore has been approved. In a major decision the SDC also approved installation of 10 KWP solar power plants for blood banks in all the district hospitals so that these remain functional all the time. A sum of Rs 450 lakh has been earmarked for it while Rs 2000 lakh has been kept for harnessing solar and wind energy in the state. The Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development
Agency (APEDA) has been directed to study the feasibility of using solar rechargeable batteries for schools to run computers and other related equipment. Further, in villages with five or less households or there is no grid line, solar and wind energy generation would be taken up. The government also resolved to take up micro hydro schemes (MHS) in areas where there is an existing 20 grid line. Expressing concern over incomplete MHS in various parts of the state, the government has decided to constitute a technical committee under chairmanship of Hydro Power Parliamentary Secretary to verify such projects remaining incomplete despite allotment of funds. The Power department has been directed to col-
lect the actual data of unelectrified villages in the state irrespective of the 2011 census figures, the report said. Under the Swachch Bharat Mission, the government has kept a target of constructing 90200 individual household latrines (IHHL) in rural areas. Other important decisions include repair and upgradation of PMGSY roads (Rs 1000 lakh), construction of critical roads (Rs 1500 lakh), construction of 2 lakh litre capacity overhead RCC tank at Naharlagun (Rs 36.51 lakh) and renovation of government quarters (Rs 1500 lakh). Unlike the erstwhile State Planning Board, the SDC provided ample time and space to the departments to place and advocate their proposals by
increasing the number of days for the meetings. The departments made presentations before the council with brief description of proposed schemes and projects while informing about the desired target in both physical and financial terms. In the first phase of meetings held in August last, 32 departments were covered while in the second phase that concluded today budget allocations were fixed for 25 departments. Earlier, the State Planning Board met for one day to complete the exercise while the SDC went minutely into the proposals of the departments that took 10 days, more than 60 hours of extensive discussion for final approval, the report added.
BJP MLA allegedly siphons off Rs. 7 Cr from development fund Contd. from Page 1
playground, rostrum, gallery at Mariyang for Rs. 2 Crore; (ii) construction of road from YingkionPasighat, Siyat turning point to Moisitang at Yamme, Sikko-Bine to Sibuk village, Adi pasi for Rs. 1 Crore; (iii) road from Padu to Katan Administration Circle via Parak bridge for Rs. 1 Crore; (iv) road from Geku to Komkar village via Ligong Agriculture field and road from Katan PMGSY road to Bogne agriculture field at Sumsing village for Rs. 1 Crore; (v) road from Katan-Mrg PWD road to Bogang river via Vyu Millong Agriculture field and road from Jeru to Pongging village for Rs. 1 Crore; (vi) road from Dalbing to Millang village for Rs .1 Crore under the
SPA scheme 2013-14 was withdrawn by three firms in the knowledge of the MLA, 11 days after the work order had been issued. The names of the firms include M/S Pamong Construction, M/S Tani Takar Enterprise, and M/ S M. M. Enterprise. Borang said all these firms have direct links with the BJP MLA and the Executive Engineer. It is surprising to know that the tender was issued on 24 February 2015, acceptance of tender was submitted on 3 March 2015, construction work order issued was on 4 March 2015, the measurement work was held on 20 March 2015 while the total amount of the money worth Rs. 7 Crore, allocated for the six projects was withdrawn on 31 March 2015. According to Borang the process of tendering the contract was
manipulated and none of the six projects exist in the areas as mentioned in the official documents. Armed with documents, Borang has issued a legal notice to the EE PWD Mariyang division on 4 August 2015 asking the department to re-tender the said projects and to collect back the paid amount to the concerned firms. Borang had also called a public meeting cum anti-corruption movement on 10 September 2015 at Mariyang. In the meeting the public of Mariyang town adopted three resolutions that include cancellation of tender under SPA scheme 2013-14 and investigation by SIT, blacklisting the firms and conduct an enquiry. They also want that all officials involved in the matter be suspended as long as the investigation is n. According to the state-
ment in the resolution paper, it was mentioned that all the works under the SPA scheme 2013-14 have been awarded to the MLA Panyang. “The work on the retention wall of the first project is started after the public meeting was held, and with regard to the road construction project, some earth cutting is taking place now,” said Borang. He revealed that BJP leader has issued a statement saying that the money was withdrawn on 31 March, 2015 to avoid lapses in this scheme meant for a particular duration and for safety, it was deposited in the MLA bank account. According to Centrally Sponsored Schemes guidelines, all unspent amount of a particular project, meant for a particular period must be deposited in the civil deposit under the Govt. treasury dept.
DC Roing visits flood ravaged villages under Paglam Circle Contd. from Page 1
Diversion of the Dibang River may provide a temporary respite from the flood but as the course of river is very unpredictable in the low lying areas it may change its course again after some years”. However, he cautioned that the place for shifting should be compatible and acceptable for both the shifted people and the already residing people in the area. Enquiring about the availability of basic needs like food and medicines to the flood victims, Dhawan said, “all relief materials like food and medicines will be provided sufficiently and in case of any shortage, it must be informed immediately through the Circle Officer, Paglam”. He informed that the report of actual assessment has already been taken from various departments and the priority lists of restoration works from departments have also been obtained which shall be forwarded to the govt. in a day or two. He further informed that the Department of Water Resource Development is already preparing a proposal for diversion of Dibang River to its main course.
Bimol Perme, ZPM Paglam-Loklung Anchal Block speaking on behalf of the flood affected people placed a three point memorandum in front of the Deputy Commissioner, Roing. They are Immediate Diversion of Dibangriver to its main course, re-establishment of Loklung Primary School which was completely washed away and construction of a new link road between Anpum to Loklung Village. He informed that the Primary School Building and teacher’s quarter at Loklung Village were completely submerged by the flood water and the classes are temporarily suspended till date. He also informed that the newly realigned village link road between Anpum to Loklung was again eroded by the river water in the preceding night itself bringging hurdle for the flood affected people as well as the outside visitors to the flood affected village besides hampering in transportation of relief materials and restoration works. When asked about the availability of basic needs like food provided by the administration, “there is no shortage of it till date”, replied Perme. He also sought
the help of administration in the management in case of shifting. The flood waters had caused massive damaged to cultivated agricultural fields right from Bizari to Paglam besides washing away residential buildings, Loklung Primary school building and govt quarters, 1.5 lacs litres capacity of PHED water tank along with two pump house and house tube wells, electric poles, Power Towers, roads etc. It also caused loss of many livestock and many private and govt properties were inundated. Many villagers have vacated their house and many were dismantled and the dismantled house materials could be seen lying all around the villages. About 9 teacher quarters at Anpumwere also vacated for fear of washing away as the river water is flowing just 10-15 metres away from it and still eroding towards its bank. The Deputy Commissioner and the DMO inspected the Karuna Trust run PHC and Govt Middle School at Anpum Village besides visiting the flood affected sites. It was found that the classes were resumed in the Middle School at Anpum for the last two days and some of the
medical staffs and teachers who left the station due to flood were directed to call back immediately. Though the flood water has receded to some extent but the erosion was still continuing. Another vacated residential house at Loklung Village was washed away in the eyes of the visiting team on the day itself. Tatling Pertin, CO Paglam informed that in total 9 families are temporarily residing in three relief camps at Loklung village and 6 families in relief camp at New Forest Camp. Most of the flood victims at Loklung and Anpum Villages have shifted to the house of their relatives, he added. The District Administration handed over 8 Nos Life Jacket, 50 Nos Tarpaulins, 5 Nos water Filter and 100 NosPlastic Bucket to Circle Officer, Paglam to be used and distributed as per the need. Atul Tayeng, ADC Dambuk, Moba Riba Anchal Chairperson, Paglam, Monitong Milli, ASM Anpum, Oiboram Payeng, Ex-ZPM, Starson Saring, ZPM Bukkong, Tom Gamno, President DASU were present among many others. (DIPRO)
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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Jorhat girl selected for prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship ET Correspondent Jorhat, Sep 17: 22 year old Sneha Khaund, who graduated from St. Stephen's College, Delhi in English (Hon) recently has been selected for the prestigious Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) for the year 2015-16 for pursuing Masters degree in London University. She was one among the 22 Indian students selected for the scholarship this year. She is the eldest daughter of Devajeet and Krishna Khaund of Club Road,
Jorhat in Upper Assam. She will enroll in SOAS, University of London for Master Level Course in Comparative Literature (Africabased) as her area of study interest is to focus on Indian Writing in English. The CSC, a body established by Act of Parliament, is responsible for managing Britain’s Constitution to the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). The CSFP is an international programme under which member governments offer scholarships
and fellowships to citizens of other Commonwealth countries. The CSC supports scholarship for postgraduate study as well as academic and professional fellowships. These awards are funded by the Department of International Development (for developing countries) and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and Scottish Government in conjunction with UK Universities. Under the terms of the award, on behalf of the CSC, the association of Common-
wealth Universities pays monthly stipend, all approved tuition and academic fees for the scholar, the return flight to and from the UK, an arrival allowance, study travel costs and other agreed allowances for the tenure (1 year) of the award.Sneha felt that there are many brilliant students like her in NE States who could apply for various scholarships abroad, but because of our ignorance and lack of awareness many are deprived of this opportunity.
PCPD Central Committee strike at Sivasagar for Bangladesi issue wrong decision by central Govement. Pic - Firiz Ahmed
Tripura facing scarcity of essentials due to damaged highway
US Ambassador calls on Governor
said: "The state government is in touch with the union road transport and highways ministry as well as the Assam government to ensure plying of goods laden trucks and oil tankers." Bandopadhayay added that the Assam government has assured to take steps to repair the parts of damaged highway that fall in its territory. Tripura Chief Secretary Y.P. Singh was in contact with the union road transport and highways ministry to restore normal traffic. Truckers and drivers of small vehicles intermittently organise road blockades, demanding that the condition of the highway should be improved.
Agencies Guwahati, Sep 17: US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma and Consul General of USA, Kolkata Craig L. Hall called on PB Acharya, Governor of Assam & Nagaland at Raj Bhavan, Guwahati. Richard Verma was the first Indian origin American to become the Ambassador of US to India and for the first time in the history of North East India the Ambassador himself visited Assam. He called on the Governor and had a long discussion for about 50 minutes about the socio-economic situation and how both can be partners in the development of the area. The Governor PB Acharya, who is also the Governor of Nagaland, invited Richard Verma to visit Nagaland also. During their meeting, the Governor emphasized on three important sectors - education, electricity and organic agricultural products. He said that industries should be based on solar energy, hydro, coal and other natural resources which are in plenty in NE as well as IT industries, cooperation, healthcare sectors can be a purposeful participation and partnership. Insurgency, terrorism also came up in the discussion, and the Governor said that the present Government at the Centre under the leadership of Modi has the political will to solve the very difficult problem of insurgency without any trust deficiency. The recent peace agreement with NSCN-IM, the oldest insurgent group in the North East, is a honest beginning for permanent peace by the Central Government, he said. The Government as well as the people of Nagaland is fully confident that all the other Naga groups will understand the need of the hour and will join and strengthen the peace efforts, the Governor added.
PTI Agartala, Sep 17: Tripura is facing a severe shortage of essentials and transport fuel as the Assam-Agartala national highway, the only surface link between Tripura and the rest of country has been damaged following incessant rainfall. According to state government officials, the highway has been badly damaged and consequently oil tankers and goods-laden trucks have been stranded. The road has turned muddy in different areas due to heavy rainfall over the past three weeks. Food and Civil Supplies Department Director and Special Secretary Soumitra Bandopadhayay
Bandopadhayay sent an SOS to North Tripura district magistrate asking him to talk to the deputy commissioner of Assam`s Karimganj district to take steps to push over a 100 stranded oil tankers to Tripura immediately. Tripura is depended on other states for essentials, food grains, transport fuel and cooking gas. As the rail service has been stopped since October last year due to gauge conversion works in southern Assam, surface transport is the only mode to carry the essentials. Tripura shares a 53-km-long border with Assam, 109 km with Mizoram and a 856 km border with Bangladesh.
Despite reduced in number, Dr Roy to remain as Opposition Leader Dmuising Khongjirem Shillong Sep 17: Despite two members withdrew from the opposition forum, the Meghalaya People Front (MPF), Dr Donkupar Roy would remain and continue as leader of opposition (LO) in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. On Tuesday, two members of MPF include Mr John Leslee K Sangma and Mr Saleng Sangma had tendered their resignation from the MPF. They alleged that they have decided to withdraw from MPF since it fails to function as coalition. Leslee and Saleng submitted their letters of withdrawal to the Leader of Opposition Dr Donkupar Roy and the Assembly Speaker AT Mondal on Tuesday. With the withdrawal of support, the MPF is now left with just 10 members, 8 UDP and 2 NPP legislators. HSPDP having four legislators refused to work under MPF and had chosen to stay alone as opposition. However, UDP legislator Mr Titosstarwel Chyne said that Dr Roy will remain as LO in the Assembly as the MPF still enjoy the required number to claim as opposition inside the House. “He will be our leader. It does not matter if we are reduced our quantity in term of membership as MPF will keep up to raise issues concerning the
State and the interest of the general public”, said Mr Chyne. Meanwhile, Mr Leslee and Mr Saleng said that they would not join the ruling side but remain in opposition as individual legislators. According to them, they decided to quit MPF after three years due to failure of the Opposition Chief whip Mr James K Sangma and its leader Dr Roy for not taking members into confidence on many occasions. “Front leaders of the MPF interested only on local issues forgetting the major issues of the State”, claimed Mr Leslee. However, James refuted the allegation saying that It would have been better for all as constructive Opposition to work together for the interest of the state. The Speaker today announces the letter submitted by Mr Leslee and Mr Saleng and separate seats were arranged for them. Megalaya Assembly pays homage to departed souls Shillong Sept 16: Members from both the treasury benches and opposition side convey their condolences to the departed souls of public leaders during the first day of the ongoing autumn session of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly which starts today. Leader of the House, Meghalaya chief minister Dr Mukul Sangma took the lead
to express his tribute to former union minister late Patty Riple Kyndiah and the People’s Presdeint Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Paying tribute to Dr. Kalam, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said the passing away of Dr. Kalam has left a vacuum throughout the globe which would be hard to fill. “The loss of our dear President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam is a great loss for the Nation and the entire globe,” Mr. Sangma said. In the meantime, Dr Sangma recalled the late Kyndiah as an adviser, mentor to guid. “His demise is great lost for the State and the country”, said the Chief Minister. Late Kyndiah was not only a public leader but also a great author who had penned nine books. “I have the opportunity to read his books, and from the book I understand his deep thinking and maturity for which we have to remember”, said Dr Sangma. The former Lok Sabha MP from Shillong was the Governor of Mizoram before he became the Union Minister during UPA Government led by Congress at the centre under the prime ministership of Dr Manmohan Singh. In the meantime, Dr Sangma recalls the great personality of People’s President Dr APL Abdul Kalam who breathed his last at Shillong recently. “He was the most astonishing personality befitting to call
him People’s President. He was always connected to people irrespective of any level”, said the Chief Minister adding that his lost is rereparable in this present time. Members of the house including from opposition also expressed deepest sentiment over the deaths of these great public leaders who immensely contributed to the State and the country as a whole. Opposition memeber Mr Paul Lyngdoh from UDP, while taking part in the condolence, expresses unhappy over the declaration of state holiday by the state government on the demise of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. According to Mr Lyngdoh, instead of declaring holiday, the state government should organize official programme to honour the People’ president. “The President himself (Dr APJ Abdul Kalam) had even said when he dies, don’t declare holiday but work more”, said Mr Lyngdoh. Other took part including former Chief ministers DD Lapang, Salseng C Marak, former Speaker MM Danngo besides other.Earlier, the Assembly laid several important notifications, including one relating to an Ordinance. Deputy Chief Minister in-charge law, Rowell Lyngdoh laid the notification relating to the Meghalaya Local Administration (Empowerment of Traditional Institutions, Traditional Bodies and Headmen in Gov-
ernance and Public Delivery System) ordinance, 2015. However, Opposition Leader from the UDP, Dr. Donkupar Roy sought clarification whether the ordinance, for which the notification was laid on the floor of the House, would lapse as it was not brought in the form of a Bill. Clarifying the issue, the Chief Minister said, the Government is seeking the opinion of all political parties on the issue of empowering the traditional Institutions and headman. The Government is in the process to frame a draft Bill in which opinions of all the political parties is being sought so that the Traditional Institutions and headmen are empowered accordingly. The Assembly also passed the Government resolution for approval of the notification to bring the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council under the Administrator’s Rule. District Council Affairs Minister, Mr. HDR Lyngdoh laid the notification on the floor of the House for approval. The Council would be under the Administrator’s Rule from September 18th to October 10th as the elections to the Council would be held on October. Moreover, the Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma, who holds the finance portfolio, laid the notification relating to the Meghalaya Prize Chits and Money Circulation Scheme (Banning) Rules, 2015.
Titabor's alleged 100 crore water project scam Contd. from Page 1
Sources further informed that it all started when the water quality study for ground water sources in rural areas of the state was carried initially with Rapid Assessment Programme followed by 3-level/tire Arsenic screening and surveillance in different districts. Thus Arsenic concentration levels beyond permissible limits were detected in some parts of the 18 districts of Assam with Jorhat district found to be adversely affected. It is said that anomalies include right from selection of incompetent contractors whose credentials did not meet the set standards to insufficient number of tenders to absence of quality control measures at the site, and abnormally highly revised estimates on various heads. For example, the revised estimate (Zone-II) on the
head raw water pumping main, the revised estimate was Rs 3,52,36,215 against the original amount of Rs 12,05,000 indicating an increase of Rs 2,824,18 per cent. Similarly, on railway bridge, culvert, road crossing, the revised estimate (Zone-I) was Rs 2,00,13,800 which is 1,509.99 per cent higher than the original amount of Rs 12, 43,100. Ironically, while the revised estimate was unjustifiably high, the targets in the revised estimate were reduced to a great extent. In Zone-I, the covered population was reduced to 96,300 from 1,26,303, the covered inhabitation reduced to 227 from 266, covered gaon panchayats (GP’s) reduced to 32 from 41, constituent schemes reduced to 32 from 41, renovation of old schemes reduced to 4 from 16, and
length of C/W pumping main reduced to 110.5 km from 145.48 km. In ZoneI, the cost increased by about Rs 16 crore, with the per capita cost rising from Rs 2,813.47 to Rs 5,352.96 which is an increase of 90.26 per cent. In Zone-II, the cost increased by about Rs 23 crore, with the per capita coast rising from Rs 2,537.71 crore to Rs 3,776.38 crore, an increase of 48.81 per cent. It has also been noted that no calculation of quality estimation on the basis of the survey report and layout diagram of the pipe network was found in support of the procurements made involving crores of rupees. Despite repeated requests, the Jorhat PHC division did not submit any records regarding drawing, survey report to justify the procurement the purchase of pipes for C/W pumping
main was made before accordance of T/S which violates Assam Financial Rules, it has further been noted. In addition, the estimates that were submitted for technical sanction were checked for arithmetic calculation only and aspects of technical soundness and economic effectiveness was ignored at all levels. It has been noted that hiring charge of diesel-driven centrifugal pumps at Rs 4000 effectively works out to Rs 2.68 lakh for the 67 schemes, which can very well take care of purchasing a few new pumps and corresponding fuel cost for trial run process for all the schemes and creating further assets to the department. Even the selection of the intake point for tapping raw water from the river Doyang river was not apt owing to the rivers' ten-
dency to widen as per seasonal variation of course up to the extent of one km. In Zone-I, the cost was increased by about Rs 16 crore, with the per capita cost rising from Rs 2,813.47 to Rs 5,352.96 an increase of 90.26 per cent. In Zone-II, the cost increased by about Rs 23 crore, with the per capita cost rising from Rs 2,537.71 crore to Rs 3,776.38 crore an increase of 48.81 per cent. The depth of pipeline trenches was also found to have violated the relevant specifications throughout the stretch. No work programme, bar, chart, etc. were observed at work site, indicating the absence of planning to meet deadlines. No lay out diagram of raw water pumping main and clear water pumping main was found.
ULFA(I) claims Dr Abhijit Asom as its chairman Contd. from Page 1
with the illegal and anti-national activities of the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA(I). Dr Abhijit Asom had become the chief of ULFA(I) in 2012 as declared by the insurgent outfit after its founding chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa was expelled following his
failure to return to the underground group. Rajkhowa was arrested in November 2009 and thereafter has engaged himself along with other top ULFA leaders in peace talks with the Centre. An alumnus of RKB Higher Secondary School, Puranigudam, and Gauhati Medical College, Dr Abhijit is reported to be a practising
physician in England. According to various reports, Asom, close to ULFA(I) 'commander-inchief' Paresh Baruah, had established a human rights organisation 'Assam Watch' in 1994 through which he highlighted in UN meetings alleged human rights violation by security forces during anti-insurgency operations in Assam.
Miliki Barua’s dream comes true, says son Contd. from Page 1
On Wednesday Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi announced Rs 1 lakh for the treatment of Miliki Barua. Today, in a press meet Bipul Barua and Bimal Barua both the sons of Miliki Barua rejected the offer of Tarun Gogoi and said that Rs 1 lakh would be given to the flood victims. They said that we need nothing from the government because the dream of our mother has come true. Both the sons told the media that Tarun Gogoi led congress government is try-
ing to play politics. Miliki Baruah, 88, who has not seen her youngest son for nearly 20 years now, was admitted to a private nursing home in Dibrugarh on Tuesday after she complained of palpitation and breathing trouble. The doctors at the hospital said she was suffering from acute joint pain, low blood pressure and chronic cough. Miliki Baruah lives with one of her sons at her home at Chabua in Dibrugarh. Paresh Barua, 58, who headed the ULFA’s armed wing since its inception in 1979, had two years ago declared his
faction as ULFA (Independent) after the original group headed by chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa entered into a ceasefire agreement with the government. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday said his government will consider on humanitarian grounds if Paresh Baruah, the chief of ULFA's anti-talk faction, desires to see his ailing mother Miliki Baruah. It has been clear that the Tarun Gogoi government has been trying some political ball game which will help them in 2016 election.
Shillong gets Smart City Mission, says minister Contd. from Page 1
Smt Lyngdoh said that this is an intra-state stage and cities scoring highest score are shortlisted by the state to be forwarded to the ministry of the Urban Affairs government of India
for consideration. In the second stage, each of the potential Smart Cities prepare their proposal for participation in the City Challenge to compete each other. According to minister, the ministry of urban affairs will evaluate and
decide the first round of challenge. “Winning cities will start implementing the Smart City Plan while other cities will be given opportunity to improve their city plan for consideration in the second round.
Naga political, social leaders shocked... Contd. from Page 1
giving the clearance to us to hold talks with NSCNK leaders in Myanmar. We are not happy with the government`s decision," Chuba Ozukum, president of apex Naga civil society group Naga Hoho said. He said Naga civil societies, indulged into the task of persuading all the factions to jointly accept the Naga Peace accord, was not able to understand the way central government was dealing with the Naga issue. The ban of NSCN-K came after a series of exchange of fire between security forces and the militant group in the last couple of weeks, causing death of 15 cadres of the militant
group. The ban was also a clear indication that the government was not going to indulge in any more talks with the NSCN-K specially after the later had involved into a series of attacks on the security forces after abrogating the 14-year-old ceasefire on March 27. Khekiho Zhimomi, lone Rajya Sabha member from Nagaland, said: "To my view this decision by the Indian government is too early. NSCN-K should have been given more space for dialogues, so that they could have entered into the ceasefire once again." He said the government`s decision to ban the NSCN-K was contradictory to what it had said earlier regarding persuading NSCN-K to rejoin the peace process by
coming into ceasefire . The government had tasked the Naga civil societies to persuade the NSCN-K to rejoin the ceasefire. The decision to ban NSCN-K under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act came after the union cabinet met in the national capital. Recently, the central government had declared a bounty of Rs.17 lakh to anyone giving information about the location of NSCN-K chief S.S. Khaplang and its military chief Niki Sumi. Speaking on the issue, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said, "This decision has been taken by the government so, I cannot say anything about it. I will speak on the issue later."
30,000 more jobs to be cut by HP San Francisco, Sep 17: Hewlett-Packard Co, which is splitting into two listed companies later this year, said it expects to cut another 25,000 to 30,000 jobs in its enterprise business as the tech pioneer adjusts to falling demand. The latest cuts, on top of layoffs of 55,000 workers previously announced under Chief Executive Officer Meg Whitman, notably will be in the company’s faster-growing corporate hardware and services operations, to be
spun off as Hewlett Packard Enterprise, or HPE, on Nov. 1. The latest job cuts indicate a reduction of the company’s total workforce by at least 10 per cent, based on the company’s most recent number of more than 300,000 employees as of Oct. 31, 2014, and reflecting the previously announced reduction of 55,000. The company indicated the cuts will be global, but provided no specifics. Under the split into two companies, the other company, HP Inc., will com-
prise the computer and printer businesses, which have been hit hard by a relentless decline in sales of personal computers. “We’ve done a significant amount of work over the past few years to take costs out and simplify processes and these final actions will eliminate the need for any future corporate restructuring,” Mr. Whitman said. The job cuts, aimed at saving $2.7 billion a year, will result in a charge of about $2.7 billion, beginning Q4, HP said. (Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
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REGION
Invalidation of the 3 bills by tribal conclave calls for spl assembly session Lamka, Sep 17: A tribal conclave that had a threadbare discussion on the anti-tribal policies and Bills of the State Government has today called for a special session of the State Assembly to pass another Bill for exclusion of areas under Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) jurisdiction from the three contentious Bills. The conclave attended by various tribal Inpis (councils), Church leaders, intellectuals, social workers, women organisations, philanthropic organisations, academicians, lawyers etc outrightly rejected the Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill, 2015; the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015; and the Manipur Shops and Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015. They in the course of their discus-
6 UPLF cadres apprehended Dimapur, Sep 17:Dimapur Police arrested six persons belonging to the United Peoples Liberation Front (UPLF) from Dimapur on Wednesday. Acting on specific inputs about the presence of persons belonging to UPLF, a Dimasa militant group based in Assam, the police launched an operation leading to the arrest of the six persons, Assam Times report stated. Police identified the six asAbinon Phonglo 'ss' lance corporal, Mubarak Hasnu 'ss' lance corporal, Repench Garlasa 'ss' corporal, David Nunisa 'ss' corporal, Sonu Rabha 'ss' corporal and Maifrang Jigdung 'ss' pvt. Various incriminating documents of UPLF was seized from their possession. A case has been registered at East Police Station and the matter is under investigation. (Agencies)
Relief distribution team flagged off Chandel, Sep 17: In response to the recent landslide and flood in 12 villages of the district, a relief distribution team for landslide affected villagers of Khengjoy subdivision was flagged off today from the office of the Centre for Women and Girls (CWG), Lhunnajang village, Chandel district, our correspondent reports. Md Nazimuddin, Block Development Officer (BDO) Khangbarol flagged off the relief distribution team in the presence of Hechin Haokip, secretary CWG, Doumang Haokip, president, KSO Chandel and Thokhothang Haokip, chief of Lhunnajang village. The team started off at Khengjoy sub-division with a truck fully loaded with relief materials including baby food, rice, salt, milk, sugar, pulses, blankets, sanitary pads, torches, washing powders, pressure cookers, umbrellas, tents, buckets, clothes, candles etc. Speaking to media persons, Hechin Haokip, secretary CWG said the relief materials were donated by GOONJ, a Kolkata based NGO and the Centre for Women and Girls (CWG). (Agencies)
THE CANCELLATION OF THE BILLS Ø Adoption of several resolutions including outright rejection of the said Bills and decided that the Bills should not be enforced in all the areas managed and administered by the ADCs in Manipur. ØA tribal conclave that had a threadbare discussion on the anti-tribal policies and Bills of the State Government has today called for a special session of the State Assembly to pass another Bill for exclusion of areas under Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) jurisdiction from the three contentious Bills.
ØThey have also decided to submit a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur as well as to the President of India at the earliest. Presenting a paper, Dr R Sanga made a detailed argument on the points that are considered repressive or directed towards the State tribals.
sion adopted several resolutions including outright rejection of the said Bills and decided that the Bills should
not be enforced in all the areas managed and administered by the ADCs in Manipur. Accordingly, they
ØAccordingly, they have
resolved that the Government of Manipur should convene a Special Assembly Session on or before September 30, 2015 and pass another Bill for the exclusion of areas under ADCs jurisdiction in Manipur.
have resolved that the Government of Manipur should convene a Special Assembly Session on or before Septem-
ber 30, 2015 and pass another Bill for the exclusion of areas under ADCs jurisdiction in Manipur. The JAC, it was also affirmed in the meeting, should continue its movement until and unless the Government of Manipur takes up satisfactory steps towards the resolutions adopted at the conclave. They have also decided to submit a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur as well as to the President of India at the earliest. Presenting a paper, Dr R Sanga made a detailed argument on the points that are considered repressive or directed towards the State tribals. Despite the tall claims made by the Government, whether it is from the CM's office or the Deputy Chief Minister, the MLR & LR Act even before its latest amendment had already been discreetly ex-
ploited and utilised to extend the Act to hill areas in violation of the principal Act. Addressing the conclave, president of Hmar Inpui, John Pulamte questioned if the Bills' objective of maintaining peace and order as stated are valid with what was witnessed after the Bills were passed by the Assembly. The entire proceeding of the conclave was telecast live by several cable operators in the town. ATSUM representative Muan Tombing, several scholars and lawyer besides public leaders and the Joint Philanthropic Organisation (JPO) also shared their thoughts at the conclave. They claimed to have improvised a method to preserve the dead bodies and declared their readiness to even take them to Delhi any time if the people so wish. (Agencies)
Over Rs 34 lakh cash, 11,580 litre of illegal liquor seized in poll bound Bihar Patna, Sep 17: As part of the special drive ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, unaccounted cash of over Rs 34 lakh was seized from across the state today in addition to 11,580 litres of illegal liquor. Briefing reporters about the outcome of the drive during the day, Additional Chief Electoral Officer (ACEO) R Lakshamanan said Rs 29,50,000 cash was seized in Patna district itself during the operation. Rest of the cash were seized during hectic search of vehicles in Madhubani, Nawada and
Rohtas districts, he said. The ACEO said 11,580 litres of illegal liquor was seized in raids across Bihar. Lakshamanan said 122 cases have been registered under Defacement in Public Property (wall writing, posters, banners), 35 for misuse of vehicle, 5 for violation of Loudspeaker Act and 2 of illegal meeting/speech. On the law and order front, four arms/weapons and 30 cartridges were seized, he said. A total of 734 non-bailable warrants were executed, Lakshamanan said. (Agencies)
This Pujo no animal slaughter urges Mamata Banerjee
Bihar polls: Pappu Yadav unsettled of contesting polls New Delhi, Sep 17: Springing a surprise, expelled RJD MP Pappu Yadav on Wednesday indicated that his party may not contest the Bihar Assembly polls, saying he was ready to take "difficult" decisions to "save" the state from the alliance of Nitish Kumar and Lalu
Prasad. He told reporters that the parliamentary board of his Jan Adhikar Party will meet tomorrow in Patna to decide "whether to contest all 243 seats, 100 seats or not contest at all". Sources said Yadav had been looking at some tacit alliance with BJPled NDA which has not
materialised. He, however, insisted that no final decision has been taken yet. There is also a possibility of his party joining hands with Samajwadi Party and NCP alliance. "Bihar has lagged behind in terms of development during the tenure of Nitish and Lalu, has become
equivalent to abuse (in other states). Our priority is to save it from Nitish and Lalu. My party is ready to take whatever tough decision we are required to take. Whether to contest polls on all the 243 seats or not at all," he said. Yadav was severe in his criticism of the Kumar-led grand
alliance but refrained from attacking the NDA. Terming the state chief minister and Prasad as "most corrupt" leaders, Yadav accused them of "betraying" Muslims. He said he found nothing objectionable if Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM contested the polls. (Agencies)
Hill leaders invites at Didi's anytime to discuss their greivances Kolkata, Sep 17: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said her doors are always open to Darjeeling Hill leaders if ever they want to talk to her about grievances and problems. "But if they close their doors, my brothers and sisters will suffer from lack of development," she said, she attended a programme organised at Mela Ground in Kalimpong by the Lepcha Development Board that marked its foundation day on Thursday. Banerjee said that she is willing to do everything "constitutionally possible" for the development of the Darjeeling Hills, but "will not part with my heart, the Darjeeling Hills." Likely referring to the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha's recent announcement of resuming the Gorkhaland agitation in a democratic way, the chief minister said that
she had observed during the previous agitation that all societal and business industries of Darjeeling, including education, were badly affected and hit the hill people. "As such, just
Anti Tribal Bills protest results in 48 hour NH 102 bandh Imphal, Sep 17: In protest against the passing of 3 "anti tribal bills", ADC Chairman Re-election and forming exile ADC Chandel at Imphal, the Maring Uparup Assembly (MUA) has called 48-hours total bandh on Imphal-Moreh National Highway (NH-102) from midnight of 15th September 2015 to 18th September 2015. The Maring body further said that further forms of agitation will be taken up if the Government continues to discriminate the people of Chandel District. The MUA appealed the state Government to cancel the re-elected Chairman of ADC Chandel which is based at Imphal. MUA also condemned the Darshingso, CEO ADC Chandel and DC Chandel who are responsible for creating confusion in Chandel. "The two officers will held responsible for any towards incidence arising out of ADC Chandel MUA patiently observing their activities since they assumed the office and hence this time MUA will not tolerate their insincerity towards
Maring." While condemning the functioning of ADC, Chandel from Imphal, it also reiterated its stand of recognising Mathew Maring as Chairman of ADC Chandel, who was elected on 9th September 2015. The body also objected the 3 government Bills passed by Manipur Legislative Assembly on 31st August 2015 and termed it as anti tribal Bills. Meanwhile, the government's clarification on the Bills seems to remain futile as hill base Civil Society organisations stick to their agenda of separating the Hill area from the valley area. The government clarified that there is the Bills does not override the jurisdiction of the tribal people. Even as the government invited hill based civil society organisations to come out for a talk, a tribal people conclave was held on Wednesday at YPA Hall, Hiangtam Lamka, Churachandpur. It resolved the passing of the three Bills as anti-tribal move. It also reiterated that the HAC was deliberately skipped while introducing the Bills. (Agencies)
for political benefits, people should not be made to suffer," she said. Banerjee also announced a separate development board for the Mangar community. During her last visit to Darjeeling,
the CM had announced the Bhutia development board on 25 August. Notably, she had then said that there will be no further development boards as it was not possible, but she would make
arrangements for the development of some hill communities. Following Wednesday's announcement, five development boards have been formed for communities residing in Darjeeling Hills- Lepcha, Tamang, Sherpa, Bhutia and Mangar. The CM said that several communities have been approaching her for similar development boards, but it is not possible to form such boards for all the communities. She said that her announcement on Wednesday was made after considering several aspects. Sources said that the Lepcha development board had requested the CM for the Mangar board. Banerjee is in Darjeeling Hills since 14 September. She will be leaving for Kolkata on Thursday. (Agencies)
Kolkata, Sep 17: Hindu Sansad has urged chief minister Mamata Banerjee to ban cow slaughter and selling of beef during Durga puja. In a letter submitted to Banerjee on Wednesday, the organisation has requested the state government to impose the ban across the state during the festive season which is from 19 October to 22 October "so that religious sentiments of Hindu do not get hurt". It has drawn the government's attention to the standards for setting up slaughter houses mentioned under the West Ben-
gal Animal Slaughter (Control) Act, 1950. Applauding the government's past initiatives to honour religious communities, the organisation has stated that last year the date of immersion was altered as it coincided with Id and route of ISKCON Rath Yatra was altered as it coincided with Muharram. The organisation has requested the government to implement its proposal immediately to "avoid any miscommunication among concerned communities which may jeopardise communal fabric of our state". (Agencies)
Jute geotextiles, a potential market included in Schedule of Rates (SoR) Shillong, Sep 17: During the one-day technical workshop on 'Applications of Jute Geo textiles in Meghalaya' held on September 11 at Hotel Polo Towers, Additional Chief Secretary, Y. Tsering said that Meghalaya has considered jute geotextile as a potential material and has already included it in the Schedule of Rates (SoR) as the State government was committed to promote jute geotextiles. Jute Commissioner, Union Ministry of Textiles, Subrata Gupta said that Jute geotextile has got enormous potential for solving geotechnical problems like hill slope stabilization, rural
road construction and river bank protection from soil erosion. Presentation on various aspects of jute geotextiles, design intervention, case studies on jute geotextile applications etc were presented by eminent speakers at the workshop. The workshop was organized by Indian Jute Industries' Research Association (IJIRA), Kolkata in collaboration with the Office of Textile Commissioner, Union Ministry of Textiles, National Jute Board, Union Ministry of Textiles and Meghalaya Infrastructure Development & Finance Corporation Ltd. (MIFDC). (Agencies)
Feasible alignment of railways will ensure good connectivity with SEcountries Kohima, Sep 17: Nagaland chief minister T.R. Zeliang, who met the Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi on Wednesday, suggested that to have proper rail connectivity with the Southeast Asian countries the alignment of the rail should be from Dhansiripar (Nagaland) to Korang (Manipur) via Peren district and then to Moreh via Imphal. In a press release, Media Cell, CMO said Zeliang told the union minister that this alignment was found to be technically feasible and was accordingly approved and budgeted in 1997. "But owing to political considerations on the part of Manipur Government and the then UPA Government at the Centre, realignment was made bypassing Nagaland with the idea of connecting the
"But owing to political considerations on the part of Manipur Government and the then UPA Government at the Centre, realignment was made by-passing Nagaland with the idea of connecting the Southeast nations from Silchar to Tepul and works have started," Zeliang said. Nagaland chief minister, however, said the present route was circuitous as it passed through impossible mountain terrains, adding that it would not be feasible geographically to connect Imphal with Tepul (Manipur). Southeast nations from Silchar to Tepul and works have started," Zeliang said. Nagaland chief minister, however, said the present route was circuitous as it passed through impossible mountain terrains, adding that it would not be feasible geographically to connect Imphal with Tepul (Manipur). Zeliang said that since the Railway
Ministry experts had approved of the route from Dhasiripar to Karong, the then Railway Minister Nitish Kumar had laid the foundation stone for the project at Karong. With regard to this, the Union Railway Minister directed his officials present at the meeting to take up the matter urgently with the regional office at Guwahati (Malegaon) and
to co-ordinate with the Government of Nagaland. On Dimapur-Zubza railway line, the Union Minister assured the chief minister that funds were already made available and said the works would start very soon. On bring to his notice the need and importance of the proposed Dimapur-Tizit railway line by Zeliang, the Union Minister consulted
his officials and said that the project would be cleared very soon along with other proposals pending with the Ministry. Prabhu also assured Zeliang that since they were old friends and having worked closely on several occasions in the past, he would ensure that proposals and projects for the State of Nagaland would be cleared at the earliest. (Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Congress says wake up Kejriwal to stop rising dengue cases ANI New Delhi, Sep17: The Congress workers staged a protest outside Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence here on Thursday to draw his attention to the rising cases of dengue in the national capital. Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) chief Ajay Maken and Congress spokesperson P.C. Chacko led the protest. They raised slogans such as 'Kejriwal hosh mein aao' and 'Kejriwal sharam karo'. They also carried banners and posters
with messages such as 'Dilli mein dengue ki maar, so rahi hai Dilli sarkar'. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court today asked the Centre and AAP Government as to what steps were being taken to prevent the spread of dengue in the national capital. The High Court directed them to file affidavits explaining the same within two weeks. The High Court also sought responses from the NDMC and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on the steps being taken for the prevention of dengue.
Dharamsala: US national files rape case
Odisha resident kidnapped in Libya
ANI Dharamsala, Sep17: A 46year-old United States (US) national filed a case at the Mahila Police Station here on Thursday, alleging that she was gang-raped by two unidentified men. "I had gone to shop at a market on September 14 when two people attacked me from behind," said the woman, who had come from California a week ago. A case under Section 376 in the Indian Penal Code has been registered. "Spot inspection and medical examination of complainant has been done. The matter is being investigated," said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Renu Sharma.
PM Modi wishes nation on Ganesh Chaturthi ANI New Delhi, Sep 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modion Thursday wished the nation on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The Prime Minister took to his Twitter page to write: "Ganapati Bappa Morya! Greetings on Ganesh Chaturthi. May Lord Ganesha bless us with abundant happiness & prosperity." Ganesha Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha. It is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi.
ANI Gajapati, Sep17: A worker from Odisha identified as Pravash Ranjan Samal is among the two Indians kidnapped from Sirte in Libya, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. "The Indian mission in Tripoli has learnt that Pravash Ranjan Samal of Odishaand Ramamurthy Kosanam of Andhra Pradesh have apparently been taken from Ibn-e-Sina in Sirte where they had been working and detained," said
MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup . "All efforts are being made to ensure the well-being and secure early
release of our nationals. The Indian mission in Tripoli is making further inquiries for confirmation of the incidents and is in touch with the local people, who can help in securing release of the two Indian nationals. The matter has also been taken up at the diplomatic level," he added. Four Indians had earlier been detained near the Libyan coastal city of Sirte, an area that is under the control of Islamic State militants.
Agriculture Ministry says weak monsoon will reduce Kharif output by 1.78 percent ANI New Delhi, Sep 17: The Ministry of Agriculture has said that deficient monsoon rains this year will result in a 1.78 percent decline in the country's Kharif food grain production. It said that 124.05 million tons of foodgrain could be expected as opposed to
126.31 million tons during the last Kharif season. Releasing the first advance estimates for Kharif crops, the ministry said cumulative rainfall during the current monsoon season has been deficient by 15 percent. As per the first estimate, rice output is projected to decline to 90.61 million tons
in the 2015-16 Kharif season against 90.86 million tons in the same season of previous year. The pulses output is also estimated to decline to 5.56 million tons from 5.63 million tons. Oilseed production is likely to increase to 19.89 million tons compared to 18.32 million tons last year.
Giving immunity to a rape accused is regrettable, says Brinda Karat ANI New Delhi, Sep17: Communist Party of India (Marxist) polit bureau member Brinda Karat on Thursday said that the Saudi Arabian Embassy had played a very unfortunate role by giving immunity from arrest to its accused diplomat. "I think the Saudi Arabian embassy here has played an extremely unfortunate role. It is highly regrettable. The government should have taken strong action," Karat told. Karat
yesterday sent Sameer Gaikwad, the fifth accused in the murder case, to sevenday police custody. Gaikwad was earlier detained by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the Sangli region of Kohlapur
District. Pansare's family had earlier sought an SIT probe, alleging that Maharashtra Police had failed to make any progress in the investigation of the late CPI leader's murder. Pansare and his wife were
ANI New Delhi, Sep17: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday said that the Gandhi family and the Congress Party must give up its old sycophantic sayings. "This family must forget old sycophantic sayings of the Congress Party such as 'India is Indira and Indira is India'. Their party is worried about only one family and they can't think beyond five or six individuals, "BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao told. "They want to stamp out every other stalwart in the country. They want to occupy all the space for their family members," he added.
who worked as his domestic help. "There are good relations between Government of Saudi, India and Nepal. So diplomatically also, if there has been a crime, the criminal should be punished," said Upadhyay. He also said that he hoped the Saudi government would take necessary ac-
tion. "It depends on Saudi Government's decision. I hope the government will definitely think about delivering justice, if the case is established," he added. The Saudi diplomat Majed Hassan Ashoor, who was accused of confining and raping two Nepali women who worked as his domes-
ANI Nasik, Sep17: The third Shahi Snan of the Simhastha Kumbha Mela will take place here on Friday. The event will take place only on Ramkunda.
severely injured after unknown assailants fired upon while they were out for their morning walk in the Sagarmala area of Kolhapur city. Pansare succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
tic help, left India on Wednesday. The First Secretary being a diplomat is governed by the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, according to which diplomats enjoy immunity from arrest, criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits in the countries where they are posted.
Devotees swarm 'Siddhivinayak Temple' on Ganesh Chaturthi ANI Mumbai, Sep17: Thousands of devotees thronged Siddhivinayak Temple here on Thursday to take part in the 'Aarti' on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. The traditional festival of Maharashtra is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and devotion with puja rituals being performed in decorated pandals all across the state. Authorities have made stringent security arrangement across the city to prevent any untoward incident. The police have also cancelled
Rao also said commemorative stamps in the name of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had been issued for four to five times in the past. "The names of leaders in-
cluded in the current list of definitive stamps are the true stalwarts of the country," he added. Postage stamps introduced in 2008 featuring Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi have been discontinued. The government is planning to introduce stamps featuring Deendayal Upadhyaya, Jayaprakash Narayan, Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Ram Manohar Lohia in the coming months. It was revealed by a RTI query. The stamps featuring Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, were discontinued from July 2015 onwards. They were the only people who featured on Rs.5 stamps.
Nasik to host third Shahi Snan
Gurgaon rape case: Nepal Ambassador hopes Saudi delivers justice ANI New Delhi, Sep17: Nepal Ambassador Deep Upadhyay on Thursday hoped that the Saudi Government would deliver justice to the victims of the Guragaon Rape case, in which a Saudi diplomat was accused of confining and raping two Nepali women
further said that in such cases diplomatic immunity should not be used as a shield to protect the people accused of rape
and that to on economic vulnerable women who were domestic help in their (diplomats) house. Saudi diplomat Majed Hassan Ashoor, who was accused of confining and raping two Nepali women who worked as his domestic help, left India on Wednesday. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations gives diplomats immunity from arrest, criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits in the countries where they are posted.
Congress must forget India is Indira and Indira is India, says BJP
Sangli Police detain four more persons for Pansare's murder ANI Kohlapur, Sep 17: Sangli Police on Thursday detained four more persons for their role in the murder of former Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Govind Pansare. A local court had
PAGE 6
leaves of its personnel, with around 35,000-plus men in khaki being put on duties from today. Personnel of the Quick Response Team, Rapid Action Force, and State Reserve Police Force have also been deployed for security. They will also be assisted by volunteers from National Cadet Corps, Scout and Guide, and NGOs. Ganesha Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Lord Ganesha. It is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi.
Earlier this week, the Bombay High Court had given a directive to the Maharashtra Government to reconsider its decision to release water for this Snan after hearing a PIL that chal-
lenged the release of water. Nasik Police Commissioner S. Jagnnath said that the movement of pilgrims will be regulated in such a way that nobody will have to walk for more than two kilometers.
India ready to give befitting reply if Pakistan inflicts damage, says Akbar ANI New Delhi, Sep17: BJP spokesman M J Akbar on Thursday said India will give a befitting reply to Pakistan if it continues to inflict damage. "It is not healthy for the environment if Pakistan continues its provocative attitude towards our nation," Akbar told. Fresh ceasefire violations by Pakistan were reported in Balakote and Hamirpur sectors of Poonch. Pakistan fired at Indian posts in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday morning just days after Director Generals of both border forces met in New Delhi to discuss ways to maintain peace in the area. No causality has been reported so far, but residents, especially children, were left scared. Schools were also shut for the day.
Senior Rajasthan IAS officer, five others arrested on bribery charge ANI Jaipur, Sep 17: The AntiCorruption Bureau of Rajasthan has confirmed the arrest of senior IAS officer Ashok Singhvi and five others in connection with alleged 2 crore and 50 lakh rupee bribery case. Apart from Singhvi, the others arrested include Pankaj Gehlot, Additional Director for Mines in Udaipur, Pushkar Raj Amte, senior Mining Engineer in Bhilwara district, and middlemen Sanjay Sethi, Rashid Khan and Shyam Singh Singhvi. Singhvi was the state's Secretary for Mines. The Anti Corruption Bureau said that it has recovered over four crore rupees after a search operation.
Massive fire at power house workshop in Hapur ANI Hapur, Sep 17: A massive fire broke out at a power house workshop in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur area on Thursday. A short circuit is said to have been the reason behind the fire. "A workshop near Modinagar road caught fight due to short circuit, there was a lot of smoke... Around Rs. 4050 lakhs worth of goods might have been gutted," said an eye-witness.No casualities have been reported so far.
Opposition in panic mode, claims BJP's Giriraj Singh ANI New Delhi, Sep17: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Giriraj Singh on Thursday said that opposition parties being led by the Congress Party appeared to be in a state of panic ahead of the assembly polls in Bihar. He said their demand for a ban of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' seemed to suggest
that they had no other issue to discuss or highlight in the nation's interest. "Congress has no other issue to raise. And, from day the PM has started the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, it has become the "Dil ki Baat' of the nation, and the Congress is panicking. And, it has nothing to do with the Bihar elections. It is just their restlessness,"
Singh said. The Congress Party had approached the Election Commission on Wednesday with a demand for imposing a ban on the broadcast of the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme this Sunday, citing the Model Code of Conduct that is presently in place for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, as the reason.
Congress accuses Govt. of compromising on women security ANI New Delhi, Sep17: The Congress Party on Thursday criticized the NDA Government for permitting Majed Hassan Ashoor, the Saudi Arabian diplomat allegedly accused of sexual assault on two Nepali maids, to depart 'silently', saying it has compromised on women security. "This is a very unfortunate incident. The government may give various reasons for this, but this incident questions their claim that any law won't
deter womens' safety and security in the country," Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit told. "The allegations on the accused diplomat should have been investigated first; only then something should have been done," he added. He further asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NSA Ajit Doval about the action they would have taken had this incident taken place under THE Congress rule. "Why did they compromise national interests? What is
the deal that they did with Saudi Arabia? Why is it that justice to these women has been compromised by the Indian Government?" he further asked. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) yesterday said that Saudi Embassy First Secretary, Ashoor had left India. "The First Secretary, being a diplomat, is governed by the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," said MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup.
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NEIGHBOURS
China graft agency investi- US needs to be strong against China, gates stock regulator say Republican candidates Beijing, Sep 17: China's main anti-corruption agency is investigating the deputy head of the country's securities market regulator following the collapse of a stock price boom. Zhang Yujun, deputy chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, is suspected of "severe violations of discipline," according to the Communist Party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. The onesentence announcement late Wednesday gave no details but that term usually
refers to corruption. Chinese authorities have launched investigations of brokerages, government employees and a reporter for a prominent business magazine following the collapse in prices that began in early June. Those moves suggested the ruling party might be trying to deflect blame for the decline, which prompted a multibillion-dollar government intervention.On Tuesday, the police ministry announced executives of China's biggest stock bro-
kerage, state-owned Citic Securities Ltd., were suspected of insider trading and leaking sensitive information. They include the firm's general manager Cheng Boming, chief operating officer Yu Xinli and deputy manager of its information technology center, Wang Jinling.In August, the official Xinhua News Agency said eight Citic employees and one current and one former employee of the market regulator were suspected of illegal stock trading. The police ministry announced July 12 it suspected securities firms of "illegally manipulating securities and futures exchanges."The market benchmark soared more than 150 percent beginning late last year before hitting a peak June 12 and plunging. The downturn triggered complaints politically favored insiders profited at the expense of small investors. Beijing responded by barring large shareholders from selling and ordering executives to buy back any recently sold stock in their own companies. (Agencies)
Pakistan arrests former air force pilot linked to al-Qaida
Karachi, Sep 17: Pakistani police have arrested a former air force pilot who allegedly helped finance alQaida's newly formed South Asian affiliate, officials said . Counter-terrorism official Naveed Khawaja announced the arrest in Karachi. He didn't say when the man, identified as Syed Sheaba Ahmad, was detained in the southern port city. Police initially announced a name that sounded very different dur-
ing a press conference, before releasing a copy of the man's ID with the correct spelling. Khawaja described Ahmad as a businessman with two chemical companies in Karachi and neighboring Iran. He said the suspect made large donations to the Afghan Taliban and another extremist group before supporting al-Qaida's South Asian affiliate. Police are investigating the suspect's possible links to the Islamic
State group, which has recently made some inroads in Pakistan and Afghanistan. ``We have seized his computers, which have Daesh messages,'' Khawaja said, using an Arabic acronym for the IS group. Ahmad served as a Pakistani air force pilot until 1998, said another counterterrorism official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information. Al-Qaida's senior leadership is widely believed to be based in the rugged tribal regions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where a number of senior operatives have been killed in recent years by US drone strikes and Pakistani military operations. Khawaja said Ahmad used to deliver sermons in an upscale mosque in Karachi, and said he had provided financial support to militants who killed 50 members of Pakistan's Ismaili Shiite minority in May. (Agencies)
Missing key witness in graft cases against Zardari now available to testify Karachi, Sep 17: Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that a key witness who had been missing in two corruption references against former president Asif Ali Zardari was now available to testify in the cases.According to The Dawn, additional deputy prosecutor general (ADPG) of NAB, Chaudhry Riaz while arguing in an appeal filed against the acquittal of Mr Zardari in ARY gold and Ursus tractors corruption references told the court that former joint secretary Ehtesab Cell, Hassan Waseem Afzal, was un-
traceable during the last government of thePakistan People's Party (PPP).Afzal was summoned a number of times but he neither responded nor turned up to the court, Riaz said during the court proceedings against co-accused in the
corruption references, adding that the whereabouts of the witness were also not known at that time.The prosecution had to drop him from the witnesses list due to his unavailability, according to Riaz. (ANI)
Myanmar Leader Seeks to Capitalize on Anti-Muslim Sentiment Yangon, Sep 17: With an eye on Nov. 8 polls, Myanmar's president has ticked off a list of accomplishments during his five-year term - noting with apparent pride a number of antiMuslim policies that he hopes will help him win re-election. During his term, Thein Sein has steadfastly denied
the existence of Rohingya Muslims and passed contentious laws on race and religion. Thein Sein also said he prevented the Organization of Islamic Cooperation from opening an office in the predominantly Buddhist nation. His video message posted on Facebook this week
appeared aimed at tapping into hatred of Muslims.The U.S. and other countries have expressed concern that religious tensions could tarnish the general election, which many hope will be relatively free and fair following decades of military rule. (Agencies)
Washington, Sep 17: Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit, top Republican presidential candidates today lashed out at President Barack Obama for going soft on China, saying the US needs to have a strong policy against the communist nation. "We need to be strong against China. We should use offensive tactics as it relates to cyber security. There should be super sanctions in what President Obama
has proposed," Jeb Bush, a leading presidential candidate said during a debate in California. However, he was against canceling the State Dinner for Xi, hosted by Obama at the White House on September 25. But his other presidential colleague Scott Walker expressed his opposition to the State Dinner. "When it comes to China, why would we be giving an official state visit to a country that's been involved in a massive cyber-
attack against the United States? That's not just a visit, that's a 21 gun salute on the South Lawn of the White House," Walker said. Donalf trump reiterated that there is no respect for the US today because of the policies of Obama. "They have to respect you. He has absolutely no respect for President Obama. "I would talk to him (Russian President Vladimir Putin). I would get along with him. I may be wrong, in which case I'd
probably have to take a different path, but I would get along with a lot of the world leaders that this country is not getting along with," Trump said. "Having met Vladimir Putin, I wouldn't talk to him at all. What I would do, immediately, is begin rebuilding the Sixth Fleet, I would begin rebuilding the missile defense program in Poland, I would conduct regular, aggressive military exercises in the Baltic states," Carly Fiorina said who favoured a more aggressive approach against Russia. "I'd probably send a few thousand more troops into Germany. Vladimir Putin would get the message. "Russia is a bad actor, but Vladimir Putin is someone we should not talk to, because the only way he will stop is to sense strength and resolve on the other side, and we have all of that within our control," she said. "We do need to be engaged with Russia. It doesn't mean we give them a free pass, or China a free pass, but, to be engaged, to continue to talk. We did throughout the Cold War, and it would be a big mistake not to do it here," Rand Paul said who favoured engagement with both Russia and China. (Agencies)
Teachers reject pay scale reform under Muhith Dhaka, Sep 17: The government has reformed the cabinet committee to review the recently approved Eighth National Pay Scale for public university teachers, with Finance Minister AMA Muhith as its convener. A gazette notification was issued in this regard yesterday, which said the committee would also sit with the teachers to go over their complaints in order to find solutions. However, the Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers' Association (FBUTA) has rejected the reformed committee because of keeping Muhith in it.Prof Farid Uddin Ahmed, president of the association, said the teachers had been demanding that the government drop Muhith from the review committee as his remark on the teachers' movement upset them."We will not get proper justice if the finance minister is a part of the committee," he told the media yesterday. "We will not sit in a meeting with the committee if he is still in the committee."Meanwhile, Muhith said the cabinet committee will start its work in October."I am leaving Dhaka for the US on September 22 to attend the
Karachi, Sep. 17: At least four people have been killed and dozens injured in a Taliban suicide car bomb attack on the outskirts of Kabul, said police. According to The News International, police spokesman Ebadullah Karimi said that 41 people, mostly civilians, were injured in the attack that was targeted at the local district administration compound in the town of Paghman. Karimi said that the suicide bomber detonated his explosivespacked car around 10:30 in the morning today next to the Paghman district headquarters. Two civilians and two police officers were killed in the attack, he added. The account was confirmed by the interior ministry deputy spokesman Najib Danish. (ANI)
UN report on Sri Lanka to be listed before UNHRC in Geneva Colombo, Sep 17 : The UN report mandated investigation carried out by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) into the alleged war crimes committed during the war in Sri Lanka will be listed at the UN Human Rights Council today in Geneva. According to Lanka Page, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said that the report will be released on Wednesday. Hussein's statement came during his opening remarks at the 30th Session of UNHRC on Monday. A copy of the report was handed over to the Government of Sri Lanka last week. (ANI)
Nepal Constituent Assembly approves new constitution World Bank-International Monetary Fund annual meetings. I will come back on October 16, and then the committee will start its work," he told reporters at his Secretariat office yesterday. According the gazette notification, other members of the reformed committee are ministers of industries, commerce, education and law, minister or state minister of public administration, and state ministers of finance and planning ministries .The Cabinet secretary, principal secretary to the prime minister, senior secretaries of the Finance Division and the Ministry of
Public Administration, and senior secretaries, secretaries or acting secretaries to ministries or divisions concerned will assist the committee. The Finance Division will provide administrative assistance to the committee. This committee will make recommendations after reviewing unresolved issues and allegations of discrimination in the pay scale.The government formed the original committee shortly after it cleared the eighth pay scale on Sept 7, which prompted public university teachers to launch their protest demonstration around the country. Teachers of 37 public univer-
sities across the country have been enforcing strike at all public universities, pressing for their demands including review of the new pay scale. They have been protesting since May 14, advocating a four-point charter of demands that includes the formation of a commission to initiate an independent pay scale for them .Not only the public university teachers, but a number of government employees including primary and secondary school teachers have been protesting the new pay scale as well.Teachers to resume work abstention today. (Agencies)
Karunanidhi slams US on Lanka resolution Colombo, Sep 17: CPI (M) floor leader A. Soundararajan said the Centre should demand an independent inquiry by a panel of international jurists to close the escape routes for the perpetrators of war crimes. K. Pandiarajan, an MLA from the splinter group of the DMDK, said the resolution strengthened the voice of Tamils in northern Sri Lanka and pointed out that India has a greater leverage with the United States than Sri Lanka. Both concurred in their view that the U.S. could be acting on geo-political interests.M.H. Jawahirullah of MMK said the U.S. government was against the Rajapaksa government in Sri Lanka as it had close ties with China.Now that the U.S. has a friendly government with the rulers in Sri Lanka
Four killed in Taliban suicide car bombing near Kabul
favourable, it might scuttle an international inquiry. "Internal inquiry is unacceptable," he said.PMK MLA Ganesh Kumar, Puthiya Tamizhagam leader K. Krishnasamy, CPI floor leader M. Arumugam and Congress MLA J.G. Prince spoke in favour of the resolution.Welcoming the
resolution moved by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa urging the Centre to take the lead for an international probe into war crimes in Sri Lanka, political parties in the State raised apprehensions that the United States could be acting on geo-political interests (in the South Asian region).DMK leader
M. Karunaniadhi also urged the Centre to move a resolution in the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for an international probe. He recalled his remarks condemning the U.S. government's decision to support a local inquiry into the war crimes. "America's stand on the issue will cover up the genocide," he said. During the debate on the resolution in the Assembly on Wednesday, DMK deputy leader Durai Murugan termed it as a " t i m e l y resolution."Recalling the efforts taken by his party for an international probe, he said the Union government should be steadfast in its demand for international probe. "Tamil Nadu's stand should be India's stand," he said. (Agencies)
New York, Sep. 17: Nepal's Constituent Assembly has approved a new constitution on after years of hindrances because of disagreements among major political parties. According to The New York Times, several smaller party members in the assembly opposed the vote while it was approved by 507 of 601 lawmakers. The process leading up to Wednesday's vote met with a wall of protest from Nepal's southern plains where people objected to the drawing of seven provinces, one of the most contentious issues surrounding the charter. Nepal has had an interim Constitution since 2007. Its new Constitution is scheduled to be formally put into effect by President Ram Baran Yadav on Sunday. (ANI)
Bangladesh PM calls country an example of religious harmony Dhaka, Sept. 17: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that the country is an example of religious harmony, as people have the right to perform their religious rituals freely and nobody can hurt the religious sentiments of others. According to media, Hasina's statement came when she met Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at her office. The recent Iran nuclear deal was discussed between the two leaders. Zarif said that economic cooperation between Dhaka and Tehran will get a boost once the problems are removed. (ANI)
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Dengue Crisis Delhi Hospitals May Lose Licence For Turning Away Patients With more than 1,800 cases and five deaths reported till September 12, Delhi-NCR is witnessing the worst outbreak of dengue since 2010., However the worst is yet to come. As many as 1,872 cases and five deaths have been reported in the national capital region so far, threatening to touch the high numbers of 2010 when mismanagement by civic authorities during Commonwealth Games pushed the death toll to eight with 6,259 infections reported. Of these, 1,933 cases were reported in the corresponding period, which means more than 4,300 people were infected in the peak October season. This year though Centre blamed the weather pattern, saying it was difficult to eliminate the disease as dengue mosquitoes get active with an increase in humidity.The "preparatory activities", however, seem ineffective as infections have been rising steadily with 613 reported last week compared to 428 the week before and 301 in the end of August. This year's figures are also considerably higher than last year when 55 cases were reported till the second week of September. Amid outrage over the death of two children from dengue fever after they were allegedly refused treatment, the Delhi government has threatened to cancel the licenses of private hospitals that turn away patients. Authorities have also ordered surprise inspections at private hospitals to ensure they comply with an order not to turn away dengue patients. Doctors' leave has been cancelled to help cope with the influx of sick people. More than 1,800 dengue cases have been recorded in the city this year - the highest number since 2010, when more than 6,000 were reported. 1,000 extra beds have to be made available in state-run hospitals to treat dengue patients. Dengue cases generally peak in October, after the end of the monsoon rains. Symptoms include a sudden fever, headache, muscle and joint pains. The disease is also known as "break-bone fever" for the intense pain victims can suffer. Cases have also been reported in other parts of the country. In Punjab, there have been two deaths and 900 cases. Two persons have also died in Haryana, where there have been 300 cases. Both governments may want to take inspiration from China which went beyond preventive measures to control the disease. In an unusual move, the Chinese city of Guangzhou, which houses the world's largest mosquito factory, released one million sterilised mosquitoes last month to dilute mosquito population with insects that don't carry infection. Field trials showed the population of dengue-carrying mosquitoes came down by 90%.
Biasness still prevails in NE Is Indian Media bias against North-Eastern States? Some seven years ago, there was this huge Bollywood blockbuster - Chak de! India. The Shah Rukh Khan starrer showcased Mary Ralte (Kimi Laldawla) from Mizoram and Molly Zimik (Masochon Zimik) from Manipur who are both treated as 'foreigners' in the Indian women's hockey team. It's a different thing that the team in reality has two or three players from the Northeast, which is also true for the women's football team. So is it true? That the Northeast alienation is not only by the rest of the country but by media also? Is it true that the Northeast, with merely 20+ members in Parliament; more than a 100 millionaires, most of whom are hoarders or criminals; less than a billion in revenue generated; most of the people have such distinct different features than the rest of the country; with a high rate of drug and alcohol abuse among the youngsters, are rarely considered worth the mention by the national media. The Northeastern part of the country is getting negligible space and time in national newspapers and on television channels. The reason for such an attitude can be found in the book, 'Manufacturing Consent' by Herman and Noam Chomsky in which it has been described how "money and power are able to filter out the news fit to print''. Northeast India is a part of the country where there are at least 200 ethnic minority groups. These groups have nothing to do with the commodities produced by multinational corporates which advertise in such media. Naturally, these ethnic groups are of little significance to our national media. It's only when there is a huge chaos in the Northeast that media gives its minute focus to the region." What has added to the lack of interest in the media of the Northeastern regions is that for a long time there was nothing else but insurgency to write about, for industrialisation suffered irreparably. In our media sphere we see and read news related to almost every state but most of the times news from the North-Eastern States are not included or rather ignored in the bulletins and newspapers. One cannot deny the fact that the Northeastern states are neglected by the national media. And there are statistics to prove that, indeed, such is the situation. Sometime early in 2012, the North East India Image Managers (NEIim), a group of media and communications professionals hailing from the Northeast and working in metros, revealed that a staggering 87 per cent of professionals couldn't name all the Northeast states among respondents in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. The survey further found that 93 per cent of the respondents wanted to know more about the region, while 56 per cent felt that government should run special awareness campaigns using various media vehicles at national level to educate people about Northeast. About 43 per cent suggest that school/college curriculum should include more information pertaining to history, geography, culture and economy of the region. Interestingly, about 52 per cent of the respondents have a 'negative' perception about this region with their immediate recall of it as "a region riddled with insurgency and most unsafe place in the country" or "people with mongoloid features and weird food habits and an alien culture". There is a need of change in the approach of our India Media. It should cater each and every part of our nation. People of North-eastern States are citizens of India and they should be given the rights that are meant to be theirs.
Smuggling India's Antiquities Existing measures to protect India’s rich heritage have proven to be woefully inadequate. Indian Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma’s recent admission in parliament that eight cases of antiquities theft were reported from State-protected monuments and museums across three states over the last year, has yet again brought to the fore the fraught issue of pilferage and smuggling of art treasures from Indian shores. According to Global Financial Integrity, a Washington-based advocacy group, illegal trade in paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts is one of the world’s most lucrative criminal enterprises, estimated at $6 billion a year. And India, with its redoubtable cultural heritage, bureaucratic apathy, and tardy implementation of antiquities protection laws, offers pilferers fertile ground to plunder the past and spirit away booty worth billions for sale in the international bazaar. This exploitation continues unabated despite the existence of The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 whose aim is to protect “antiquities,” an omnibus term that includes, among other items, sculptures in stone, shrines, terracotta, metals, jewelry, ivory, paintings in paper, wood, cloth, skin, and manuscripts over a hundred years old. The Antiquities Act also mandates that owners of such art pieces register them with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the nodal agency responsible for archaeological excavations, conservation of monuments, and protection of heritage sites. The law also prohibits export of antiquities while permitting their sale within the country only under a license. Failure to com-
ply with these rules can result in jail sentences of up to three years, a fine, or both. In what is seen as a blatantly unfair clause, the Act also empowers the State to compulsorily acquire an art object from its owner without any reliable assessment of a fair price. Yet despite the punitive nature of law, Indian antiquities worth billions continue to be smuggled out of the country or hoarded in private collections sans documentation. Among the most audacious of Indian smugglers has been Subhash Kapoor, currently on trial in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. In 2011, Kapoor, owner of the “Art of the Past” gallery in Manhattan, was nabbed in Germany and subsequently extradited to India. Among other activities, he is alleged to have sold the 900--year--old bronze Nataraja for $5 million to the National Gallery of Australia in 2008 and a 1,100 -year-old stone sculpture of Shiva to the Art Gallery of New South Wales in 2004. American authorities – who confiscated 2,622 items worth $107.6 million from Kapoor’s storerooms in Manhattan and Queens – have described him as the most ambitious antiquities smuggler in American history. In June this year, the ASI unearthed a trove of Indian antiquities in Singapore, also allegedly procured from Kapoor. The lot included 30 objects, including idols and paintings whose provenance could be traced to the 10th century. Most of these were sold by Kapoor’s gallery between 2007 and 2012 to Singapore. On his April sojourn to Canada this year,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given the “Parrot Lady,” a 900-year-old sculpture from Khajuraho under the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property. The $10 million piece had been smuggled from India. A few American museums, located in Massachusetts and Hawaii, also claim to possess eight rare antiquities pilfered from India. Even though India is a signatory to the 1970 UNESCO treaty, experts say it is extremely tough to retrieve antiquities that have left the country. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, between 208 and 2012 a total of 4,408 items were stolen from 3,676 ASI--protected monuments across the country, but only 1,493 could be intercepted by police. Overall, around 2,913 items are feared to have been shipped to dealers and auction houses worldwide. Indian antiquities also regularly feature in scams involving the world’s two largest auction houses – Sotheby’s and Christie’s. Employees of these organizations have been known to work in connivance with Indian smugglers in the past to peddle stolen artifacts at auctions. Even websites like eBay claim to be selling Indian antiquities. Dr. Satish Pandey, Assistant Professor, National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology, New Delhi, opines that the Indian government’s lackadaisical approach is primarily responsible for the current mess. “To date, India has documented only a few of its monu-
ments; many are not even under State protection. Hundreds of buildings – like the stunning gompas (monasteries) of Ladakh and scores of temples in central and southern India – lie unprotected. The problem is made worse by flaws in the existing laws due to which most of the thefts do not come to light or go unreported.” According to the National Mission for Monument and Antiquities, there are approximately 7 million antiquities in India. But by March this year, only 1.3 million had been documented. A report by the Comptroller and Audit General stated in 2013 that the ASI had never participated or collected information on Indian antiquities put on sale at Sotheby’s and Christie’s as there was no clear provision in the Antiquities Act, 1972 for doing so. According to Naman P. Ahuja, Associate Professor at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, art also gets smuggled abroad rather than being kept at home because the present laws are drafted in a way that deters people from building private collections. “We have far too many antiquities for the government to be held responsible for safeguarding them. So if Indians aren’t going to build collections, and if our government institutions cannot cope with the plenitude, where is it all going to go? Abroad, obviously,” says Ahuja. Since 1987, different governments have been trying to amend the flawed legislation. Unfortunately, after two committees and several consultations, the law still remains unmodified, entirely out of sync with the current needs for
heritage protection in the country or the changed dynamic of the Indian art market. “Heritage continues to be the least priority for most governments. Museums and the ASI remain gravely shortstaffed with an inadequate number of licensing and registering officers. Worse, a combination of bureaucratic paperwork and staff crunch scupper the implementation of the Act,” explains a senior official at ASI. Registering antiquities is also a cumbersome process, say insiders, which discourages art lovers and hobbles their documentation by the State. Experts have suggested electronic registration of antiquities as a less tedious alternative. They also point out that laws in the U.K. and Canada allow citizens to place their art for sale on the international market with the State given the chance to match the highest bid, unlike India where any antiquity can be impounded by a government agency without fair compensation to its owner. “Having fair provisions in the act will balance the owners’ right to their property as well as the nation’s investment in important cultural objects,” explains Ahuja. The historian adds that smuggled Indian artifacts abroad raise important issues about the preservation and protection of Indian heritage. “Catching one person every eight to ten years is reflective not of the success, but of the failure of the present laws. Although the authorities have managed to arrest few of the smugglers, thousands of art works have actually left India’s shores. So the larger question to ask is not how we can increase
policing of our borders, but on why so many Indian art treasures continue to leave the country?” Ahuja also recommends building larger cadres of art historians, conservators and archaeologists to man important sites and museums to safeguard and maintain heritage. Sindhu Garg, a Delhi-based art gallery owner, is of the view that incentivizing art fairs, auctions, and art dealers will help solve the problem by creating a thriving domestic market. “India,” he explains, “is poised for exponential growth in the art market due to an unprecedented interest among buyers. If the market is regulated better, it will attract more buyers, sellers and artists and organically snuff out illicit trade.” To plug some of the loopholes, the government is launching a National Mission on Monuments and Antiquities, tasked with documenting the antiquities and preparing a national database. The mission will also help establish provenance in the retrieval of smuggled antiquities, in addition to promoting public awareness and participation in the safeguarding of antiquarian wealth. A committee has also been set up to review museum security requirements for a comprehensive security policy. Though these measures augur well for the future of Indian heritage, experts say there is an urgent need for more proactive measures, factoring in the needs of all stakeholders. As Ahuja explains, “Thieves may smuggle Indian heritage, but the inaction of policymakers can destroy it forever.”(Agencies)
Humanitarian Crisis from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and some African countries flee their motherland in search of a safer refuge. As the destinations of the refugees are the different countries of Europe, the problem of sheltering them is assuming an alarming proportion in the countries concerned. Certain illegal trafficking groups carry out the works of ferrying them in narrow rubber boats. These groups take hefty amount to ferry the refugees little caring for the safety of their lives. Since in small rubber boats several hundreds refuges are crammed, many persons meet their watery graves en route as some boats ferrying them turn topy-turvy being unable to bear the brunt of the weight of so many people. But drowning of Aylan Kurdi and subsequently his dead body in the Turkish shore shocked the entire world. Humanitarian crisis in certain parts of the world is a matter of grave concern for the peace loving people. Meanwhile, Germany installs temporary check gates to prevent the refugees from entering saying that it cannot bear the burden of more refugees. Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh Sir, The attention of the entire world was focused on a shocking, heartrending scene in which a three-year-old toddler Aylan Kurdi who drowned in the deep Aegean sea along with his brother and parents while fleeing in a rubber boat. The body of the toddler was swept to the Turkish Shore. Due to the unrest and anarchism let loose by some fundamentalist dictatorial groups, the refugees
National media ignore the North-East Sir, The current flood has badly affected several parts of Assam. More than 10 lakh people are affected. Many of them are currently living in 200 relief camps whereas more than 40 people have died, neither the Central Gov-
ernment nor National Media had highlighted this issue in the National Forum . Presently, National Media gave more emphasise on Sheena Bora murder case rather than the burning issue ,like ,flood ,of Assam as well as North-East region. As we all know ,in 2012 ,the horrible Damini Gang Rape case was highlighted by the National Media in a befitting manner and as result justice was done by the court. Whereas the recent Margherita gang rapemurder case was not even highlighted by the National Media up to that level it deserved importance .If the same case would have taken place in Delhi or Mumbai and issue would have been discussed for a longer period of time Yours faithfully, Indrajit Sarma Dibrugarh
Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing. Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
OP-ED
Vishwakarma - Lord of Architecture The Divine Draftsman: Vishwakarma is the presiding deity of all craftsmen and architects. Son of Brahma, he is the divine draftsman of the whole universe, and the official builder of all the gods' palaces. Vishwakarma is also the designer of all the flying chariots of the gods, and all their weapons. The Mahabharata describes him as "The lord of the arts, executor of a thousand handicrafts, the carpenter of the gods, the most eminent of artisans, the fashioner of all ornaments . and a great and immortal god." He has four hands, wears a crown, loads of gold jewelry, and holds a waterpot, a book, a noose and craftsman's tools in his hands. Vishwakarma Puja: Hindus widely regard Vishwakarma as the god of architecture and engineering, and September 17 or 18 every year is celebrated as Vishwakarma Puja - a resolution time for workers and craftsmen to increase productivity and gain divine inspiration for creating novel products. This ritual usually takes place within the factory premises or shop floor, and the otherwise mundane workshops come alive with fiesta. Vishwakarma Puja is also associated with the buoyant custom of flying kites. This occasion in a way also marks the start of the festive season that culminates in Diwali. Vishwakarma's Architectural Wonders: Hindu mythology is full of Vishwakarma's many architectural wonders. Through the four 'yugas', he had built several towns and palaces for the gods. In "Satya yuga", he built the Swarg Loke, or heaven, the abode of the gods and demigods where Lord Indra rules. Vishwakarma then built the 'Sone ki Lanka' in "Treta yuga", the city of Dwarka in "Dwapar yuga", and Hastinapur and Indraprastha in the "Kali yuga". 'Sone Ki Lanka' or Golden Lanka: According to Hindu mythology, 'Sone ki Lanka' or Golden Lanka was the place where the demon king Ravana dwelled in the "Treta yuga." As we read in the epic story Ramayana, this was also the place where Ravana kept Sita, Lord Ram's wife as a hostage. There is also a story behind
the construction of Golden Lanka. When Lord Shiva married Parvati, he asked Vishwakarma to build a beautiful palace for them to reside. Vishwakarma put up a palace made of gold! For the housewarming ceremony, Shiva invited the wise Ravana to perform the "Grihapravesh" ritual. After the sacred ceremony when Shiva asked Ravana to ask anything in return as "Dakshina", Ravana, overwhelmed with the beauty and grandeur of the palace, asked Shiva for the golden palace itself! Shiva was obliged to accede to Ravana's wish, and the Golden Lanka became Ravana's palace. Dwarka: Among the many mythical towns Viswakarma built is Dwarka, the capital of Lord Krishna. During the time of the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna is said to have lived in Dwarka, and made it his "Karma Bhoomi" or center of operation. That is why this place in nothern India has become a well known
In
Singing and smiling in their happiness life, but still I am struggling for my survive. Pleasure is possessing every day and night, but still I am in hope of being my a day of happy life. Being constant to reach the high, but for them, its no matter why do I cry? Losing the harmony love moving to selfish loves, but how much we starve and in pain, they never see to us. Have satisfied even they desire to trade, but still I am crying for long time to a piece of bread. They completely busy in paramount level, but still I am in hope of help by a sharing-noble. Composed by Manauwar Alam Wangcha Rajkumar Government college Deomali Tirap, Arunachal Pradesh (This poem is composed on behalf of slum area and shows the difference between rich people and slum area.)
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pilgrimage for the Hindus. Hastinapur: In the present "Kali Yuga", Vishwakarma is said to have built the town of Hastinapur, the capital of Kauravas and Pandavas, the
warring families of the Mahabharata. After winning the battle of Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna installed Dharmaraj Yudhisthir as the ruler of Hastinapur.
Indraprastha: Vishwakarma also built the town of Indraprastha for the Pandavas. The Mahabharata has it that King Dhritrashtra offered a piece of land called 'Khaandavprastha' to the Pandavas for living. Yudhishtir obeyed his uncle's order and went to live in Khaandavprastha with the Pandava brothers. Later, Lord Krishna invited Vishwakarma to build a capital for the Pandavas on this land, which he renamed 'Indraprastha'. Legends tell us about the architectural marvel and beauty of Indraprastha. Floors of the palace were so well done that they had a reflection like that of water, and the pools and ponds inside the palace gave the illusion of a flat surface with no water in them. After the palace was built, the Pandavas invited the Kauravas, and Duryodhan and his brothers went to visit Indraprastha. Not knowing the wonders of the palace, Duryodhan was flummoxed by the floors and the pools, and fell into one of the ponds. The Pandava wife Draupadi, who witnessed this scene, had a good laugh! She retorted, hinting at Duryodhan's father (the blind king Dhritrashtra) "the son of a blind man is bound to be blind." This remark of Draupadi annoyed Duryodhan so much that later on it became a major cause for the great war of Kurukshetra described in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita.
Couples Arrested, Books Banned: Is Moral Policing In India A Cause For Worry? Uzma Shamim We often cringe when we see couples kissing or showing affection on the roads. We often tend to get uncomfortable seeing such sights in parks or theatres, or any other kind of public space. Many of us are not comfortable with showing affection even towards our loved ones in public. However, does your averseness for public display of love give you the right to accuse them of indecent behaviour, mar their image and put them behind bars? Moral policing, as we all know has become too common and predominant to neglect, and the manifold increase in arrests of couples, involved in a show of physical love, is just one aspect of it. In April this year, a youth in Thrissur district of Kerala was beaten to death by an agitated mob for just being found in the house of a woman he knew well. Those who support moral policing often state that the so called modern approach and western influences has made moral policing an obligation, for those who wish to preserve the tradition and culture of India. However, if we trace the history of such incidents, it goes as back as the early 1990's. Right from Muslim vigilante groups that threatened women to cover their faces, to when members of Shiv Sena barged in a pub in Mangalore and beat up a group of men and women, the trend over the years has just worsened. The most shocking manifestation being the one in August 2015, when the Mumbai Police raided hotels and guest houses near Aksa Beach and Madh Island, and detained about 40 couples.
However, the legal back up for the idea of moral policing stands on very unstable grounds. The couples arrested on the charge of moral policing are booked under Section 110 (indecent behaviour in public) of the Bombay Police Act. However nowhere has it been specified what constitutes indecent behaviour in public. This gives certain police authorities and even right wing groups leeway to impose their opinion on society. Moral policing exists also in the domain of cinema, with certain films being denounced as prejudiced in favour of a particular religion or philosophy by groups which do not propagate similar ones. There have been many movies which have gained political acclaim but haven't seen the light of day in India like Anurag Kashyap's Black Friday, Deepa Mehta's Fire and many more. Filmmakers have also accused the Cinematograph Act of 1952 being utilised in a wrongful way to curb the creative freedom of filmmakers with just one body, namely the Censor Board, unilaterally taking all decisions in the name of protecting 'public good'. There was recent trouble in this area, in February this year, with the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) bringing out a list of words which were henceforth banned from being used in films. The practice has made its presence felt in the literary world too. So called morality enforcement groups also keep a tab on literary activity in the nation with regular demands for books to be banned, and threats to the
authors and publishing houses. This includes books like The Ramayana as told by Aubrey Menen or Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim. Contrary to popular opinion, moral policing is not just the restraint placed by the authorities on the display of love in the public space. It is the curtailment of any kind of action, individual or collective based on the ground of moral principles. The seriousness of the issue has been augmenting because the idea of moral policing has become so ingrained in the minds of the public that even without realising, we impose it on ourselves. We are often apprehensive about expressing ourselves in public because of the fear of being judged, based on our moral standards, by the society. This is because we know that the moment we digress a bit from the conventionally held norms, we shall be labelled as heretics. What's wrong with moral policing, is that it goes against the most basic premise of a democracy, that is, personal autonomy and freedom. Who has the right to decide which actions are decent or obscene for the public? Why such hullabaloo against sex within confined doors, when consensual sex even without marriage is not a crime in India? Isn't it sheer hypocrisy and sexism to classify drinking in the public for men to be appropriate while women are defamed for the same? Why the need to superimpose one's opinions on the other? What constitutes morality and who has the authority to impose it are two questions we, as an independent nation, need to urgently address.
Damning Report Reveals 333 Cases Of Disappearances, Sexual Violence And Worse In Kashmir Abhishek Jha In a staggeringly huge report, two civil society organisations- International Peoples' Tribunal On Human Rights And Justice In Indian-Administered Kashmir (IPTK) and Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) - have detailed the structural manner in which violence is perpetrated by the state and state-controlled gunmen in Kashmir. Distributed over four chapters and 800 pages, the report details the structure of the armed forces, their strength, tries to identify the flaws in the trials, and presents 333 case studies of enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, sexual violence, and torture using previous documentation. "While the demand of IPTK and APDP is for independent and impartial investigations on each of these crimes, and there is no pronouncement on the guilt of the 'alleged perpetrators', prima facie evidence [from official record and testimonies] is provided that warrants further investigations," the report says before listing 972 names of alleged perpetrators, including personnel of the army, military and paramilitary forces, J&K police, and government gunmen and associates. The Structure The strength of armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir is always contested. The report details the structure of the armed forces to estimate the actual strength at 7,50,981. Using the 2011 census of the state, one can calculate that there are about 17 armed personnel for each person in the state. Detailing the material and ideological effect of heavy militarization, the report says, "A curious feature of this occupation of land, noticed in the two case studies in
Islamabad and Pattan, was the occupation of properties which once belonged to Kashmiri Pandits. The Palhallan army camp, studied closely in this report, was created by occupying a cluster of predominantly Kashmiri Pandit houses. Therefore for a period of 5-6 years the army [and other forces] controlled Palhallan and neighboring villages from civilian homes. The effect was not only material-the complete destruction of the buildings and the trees on the property-but also ideological: the villagers of Palhallan could not but associate these Pandit houses with the army and its violent presence. In the case of Islamabad town too, the CRPF and BSF camps, as well as the camps out of which government gunmen [Ikhwan mainly] operated, were/are all located in what were once Pandit homes and temples." Presenting case studies from two brigade level formations- Khanabal and Tapper camp- the report
examines the culpability of the Brigade level officers and their superiors in the alleged crimes. In a summary introduction to the chapters, the report says, "Finally, and this requires further investigation, there is evidence to suggest that beyond command responsibility, individual criminal responsibility for the actual commission of crimes would also rest at the Brigade level. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that the knowledge, responsibility and control on the ground went beyond the Brigade level, for example in the Islamabad study, even up to the Victor Force Headquarters in Awantipora [Division level formation], which is controlled by a Major General ranking officer." Detailed testimonies present chilling accounts of torture ranging from water-boarding (called "Paani Parade") to electric shocks to the penis and other parts of the body. Structural Violence This information about the structure is then used to
explain "mass violence as a strategic tool of political control" using five case studies. These include the mass rape and torture at Kunan and Poshpora (1991), themassacre at Sopore (1993), the massacre at Sanderkoot-Bala (1996), the massacres at Sailan and Mohra Bachai (1998,1999), and the massacres at Chattsinghpora, Pathribal and Brakpora (2000). The report tried to establish through the case studies that these incidents are not "an 'indiscriminate' act of 'madness' perpetrated by 'violent beasts'" but a result of the structure. "The sheer intensity and scale of violence in each case mandates some element of prior planning inherent to militarism, what also emerges is a perverse yet almost scientific logic where 'militant' is constructed as a body that can be subjected to punishment with impunity, and without accountability, legal or political. Such a conception is able to suck into it not only the militants them-
selves but also accommodate a variety of other persons and political opinions," the report says. Therefore, the name of the chapter: 'Theatres of Violence'. Impunity Due To Structure Chapter three describes the flaws in the judicial process leading to impunity. It is interesting to note that life sentence for 6 army personnel in the 2010 Machil fake encounter case, which was awarded through court martial, was recently confirmed. However, the report identifies court-martial as "a mechanism that specifically supports the military structure of violence" and "as a tool for the armed forces to protect their own". Quoting the JKCCS (of which IPTK and APDP are members) press release at the time of Machil court-martial conviction, the report says: "the Macchil conviction is a political decision. The conviction was reportedly done two months ago but has only now been
made public, on the eve of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Further, the conviction is now to be confirmed by the Northern Army Commander. Besides, the fact that to begin with a courtmartial was held, and not a trial in a civilian court, it is clear that the courtmartial system is conscious of and guided by larger political interests. Therefore, while the Pathribal case is covered up, the Macchil case is not. In the case of Pathribal, there was institutional support and approval, manifested by the visit of L.K. Advani, then Deputy PM, of the BJP led government, to congratulate the Pathribal perpetrators." It is then that the report presents 333 case studies to explain the sheer enormity of the scale of violence. The case studies identify 972 individual perpetrators that include 464 army personnel, 161 paramilitary personnel, 158 J&K police personnel, and 189 government gunmen. The alleged perpetrators include personnel from across ranks, from Major General to Lt. Colonels to Captains and more. In a press release, IPTK and APDP have made three key recommendations on the basis of the report. It has appealed to UNHRC to appoint a Special Rapporteur to investigate the crimes, asked the UN Security Council to refer the situation in J&K to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, and urged foreign governments, their embassies/ mission in India, as well as the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations to record information regarding the alleged perpetrators, deny them entry into their territory or into the UN peacekeeping operations. It has also appealed to the foreign governments to prosecute them under universal jurisdiction, where applicable.
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
BUSINESS
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Pole position in Indian PC Output of kharif crop likely to hit by poor monsoon market targeted by Lenovo Chandigarh, Sep 17: Declining for the fourth consecutive year, India's foodgrain production is projected to drop by 1.78% to 124.05 million tonnes in the 2015-16 kharif season due to poor monsoon and drought-like situation in some states like Karnataka. Foodgrain output was 126.31 million tonnes (MT) in the kharif (sum-
mer) season of the 2014-15 crop year (July-June). The country had achieved a record 131.27 MT foodgrain production in 2011-12. Releasing the first advance estimates for the 2015-16 kharif crops, the Agriculture Ministry said, "The cumulative rainfall during the current monsoon season has been deficient by 15%, i.e. higher
than rainfall deficit of 12% in 2014-15." As a result, the kharif production of rice, coarse cereals and pulses, which are part of foodgrain basket, is likely to decline this year as compared to the fourth advance estimate of kharif foodgrain output for 2014-15. The Ministry, however, said that these are preliminary estimates and would undergo revision
DEFICIT OUTPUT Mumbai, Sep 17: Lenovo India Pvt. is eyeing the top position in the Indian PC market by March, its Marketing Director - India & South Asia, Bhaskar Choudhuri said. The company also aims to grab the number three spot in the smartphone segment, he said. The Chinese computer maker is currently ranked third in the Indian PC market with a share of about 18 per cent, which it wants to increase to 20 per cent. It is fifth-largest in smartphones with a share of about 7 per cent. "Lot of work needs to be done to get there‌it is a stiff target," he said. The company
"needs to fundamentally rethink the categories and take bold steps to reach there." Lenovo entered the Indian smartphone market a little over two years ago. "We plan to build a portfolio in 4G-enabled phones," he said, declining to reveal more details of his strategies. Mr. Choudhuri said that Lenovo has already started initiatives to boost computer penetration in India, which at 10 per cent, is lowest among developing countries. The programme aims at educating the youth on PC use while providing financial support through Bajaj Fin Serv. This initiative is now being launched
in West Bengal after successful pilots in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Punjab and Maharashtra. The computer sales market is flat and Lenovo is targeting the tier two markets, he said. "In terms of growth, India is among the most important markets for Lenovo. It is among the top-10 countries by turnover," he said, adding that India could also become Lenovo's export-hub. "However some clarity is needed on taxes and duties." The company has two production facilities in India at Puducherry (for PCs) and the other near Chennai (for smartphones). (Agencies)
Declining for the fourth consecutive year, India's foodgrain production is projected to drop by 1.78% to 124.05 million tonnes in the 2015-16 kharif season due to poor monsoon and drought-like situation in some states like Karnataka. Foodgrain output was 126.31 million tonnes (MT) in the kharif (summer) season of the 2014-15 crop year (July-June). The country had achieved a record 131.27 MT foodgrain production in 2011-12. The cumulative rainfall during the current monsoon season has been deficient by 15%, i.e. higher than rainfall deficit of 12% in 2014-15. Rice output is projected to decline to 90.61 MT in the 2015-16 kharif season against 90.86 MT in the same season previous year. Coarse cereals production is likely to drop to 27.88 MT from 29.82 MT, while the pulses output is projected to fall to 5.56 MT from 5.63 MT in the said period. Among pulses, production of tur is estimated to decline to 2.61 MT in the 2015-16 kharif season from 2.71 MT, but urad production is projected to increase to 1.37 MT from 1.27 MT in the period under review. Oilseeds production is likely to increase to 19.89 MT in 2015-16 kharif season from 18.32 MT in the year-ago period.
based on feedback from the states. It releases four estimates before the final one. As per the first estimate, rice output is projected to decline to 90.61 MT in the 2015-16 kharif season against 90.86 MT in the same season previous year. Similarly, coarse cereals production is likely to drop to 27.88 MT from 29.82 MT, while the pulses output is projected to fall to 5.56 MT from 5.63 MT in the said period. Among pulses, production of tur is estimated to decline to 2.61 MT in the 2015-16 kharif
season from 2.71 MT, but urad production is projected to increase to 1.37 MT from 1.27 MT in the period under review. "In last few days, monsoon rains have revived in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana that will improve the prospects of pulses production," said Agriculture Secretary Siraj Hussain. Interestingly, oilseeds production is likely to increase to 19.89 MT in 2015-16 kharif season from 18.32 MT in the year-ago period. (Agencies)
Gold hold gains on soft U.S. Sony to join hands Up to Rs.1,500 cr to be invested inflation data; all eyes on Fed with BBC to set up Sony BBC Earth by Paytm for payment bank
New Delhi, Sep 17: Mobile commerce firm Paytm, which is backed by China's Alibaba Group, plans to invest up to Rs.1,500 crore in the next two years for rolling out its payment bank services. A new unit Paytm Payment Bank Ltd. - will handle all of the company's payments businesses, including wallet services, while the e-com-
merce business will remain under the parent firm, One97 Communications. Amit Lakhotia, Vice President (Payments) at Paytm said, "While as per RBI guidelines, the minimum paid-up equity capital for payments banks should be Rs.100 crore, from our point of view, the number will be higher‌It would be anywhere between Rs.700
crore to Rs.1,500 crore to be invested over the period of next two years." The funds will mainly be used to set up the new company, roll out services, migrate consumers from wallet to payment bank platform and for building the merchant infrastructure, Mr. Lakhotia added. The new entity will have a separate leadership team and plans are to hire about 2,0002,500 people for the unit. The search for a chief executive officer to run the payments subsidiary is underway. Last month, Paytm, along with 10 other entities, including Reliance Industries, India Post, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone, got the Reserve Bank's nod to set up non-lending payments banks as part of the financial inclusion drive. Mr. Lakhotia said the company is also exploring tie ups with multiple banks to expand services and the product portfolio. (Agencies)
Intelenet bought by Blackstone for Rs 2,500 crore Bangalore, Sep 17: The world's largest PE firm Blackstone has acquired the Indian and most of the offshore business process outsourcing (BPO) operations of London-headquartered Serco Plc - formerly Intelenet - for Rs 2,558 crore, or $383 million. This marks Blackstone's biggest deal in India till date, and a rare instance of a PE fund buying back an asset. Blackstone had sold Intelenet to Serco four years ago. Blackstone clinched the deal for India's third largest BPO weeks after a rival bid from CVC Capital Partners, which was the preferred bidder selected by Serco, ran into trouble due to resistance from the
Intelenet management. The PE major will acquire Serco's BPO operations through a combination of $340 million in cash and $43 million as a loan note and the deal is expected to close by this year-end. The business will be rebranded as Intelenet Global Services. Susir Kumar, the current CEO of Serco Global Solutions, will continue to be the CEO of the new entity. The business has expected annual revenues of approximately 235 million pounds (Rs 2,405 crore) for this year. Amit Dixit, senior managing director and co-head of private equity in India at Blackstone, said, "We are embarking on the Intelenet 2.0 journey and
delighted to once again partner with the company's management team. With a market-leading position in the offshore banking and travel and hospitality verticals, Intelenet has the core platform to capitalize on future growth opportunities." The company has 51,000 full-time employees across 67 centres in eight countries. Serco is selling the international private offshore BPO operations, comprising of erstwhile Intelenet business that provided a range of middle and back office services, primarily to reduce debts. Susir Kumar, who built Intelenet along with Blackstone, said the present management team and almost all of its clients continues to stay with the company. "This deal happened because of a change in Serco's strategy," Kumar added. Blackstone's bid to buy back always carried heft as Kumar and his team scaled up Intelenet revenues by winning work from Blackstone's portfolio companies like Hilton Hotels and Travelport. These clients still account for 15-20% of the current revenue. (Agencies)
Singapore, Sep 17: Gold retained overnight gains from its biggest jump in nearly a month on Thursday as sluggish U.S. inflation data eased fears the Federal Reserve would hike interest rates later this session. Spot gold was holding steady at $1,119.40 an ounce at 0045 GMT, near a one-week high of $1,124.30 reached in the previous session. The metal gained 1.3 percent on Wednesday, its biggest daily jump since Aug. 20. U.S. gold also held firm at $1,119.30, following a 1.5percent gain overnight. Bullion got a boost as data on Wednesday showed U.S. consumer prices unexpectedly fell in August, pointing to tame inflation that complicates the Fed's decision whether to hike interest rates. Signs of a
disinflationary trend reasserting itself are in stark contrast with a fairly healthy economy and a rapidly tightening labour market, and highlight the dilemma Fed officials face as they contemplate raising interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade. The U.S. central bank kicked off a two-day policy meeting on Wednesday,
GREAT LEAP Spot gold was holding steady at $1,119.40 an ounce at 0045 GMT, near a one-week high of $1,124.30 reached in the previous session. The metal gained 1.3 percent on Wednesday, its biggest daily jump since Aug. 20. U.S. gold also held firm at $1,119.30, following a 1.5-percent gain overnight. Among other precious metals, silver was holding firm at $14.88, following a 3.5-percent jump in the previous session, its biggest one-day jump since May. Platinum edged higher for a third straight session.
with a decision on interest rates expected at 1800 GMT Thursday. Expectations that the Fed would hike rates at this week's meeting had already been lowered due to recent concerns over slowing economic growth in China and volatility in financial markets. The uncertainty over the timing of a rate hike has weighed on gold all year, sending it down over 6 percent. Higher rates could curb demand for non-interest-paying bullion. Softness in the dollar, following the inflation data, also supported gold prices. Among other precious metals, silver was holding firm at $14.88, following a 3.5-percent jump in the previous session, its biggest one-day jump since May. Platinum edged higher for a third straight session. (Agencies)
Pune, Sep 17: Multi Screen Media Private Ltd, part of Sony Corporation, entered into a joint venture with BBC Worldwide to set up Sony BBC Earth, a new premium factual channel in India. Sony BBC Earth will combine information and entertainment in real surroundings and would cater to Indian audiences looking for thrill and adventure of exploring natural environments. BBC Earth is home to the BBC's award-winning factual programmes and the work of some of the world's foremost factual A joint venture film makers. "Sony BBC Earth is a joint venture (JV) between Multi Screen Media (MSM) and BBC Worldwide, with MSM owning the majority stake," MSM CEO, N.P. Singh, said in a statement. "This partnership with BBC Worldwide gives us an unparalleled edge in distributing factual programming to viewers across MSM's network in India and to sharing with them, some of the best television content ever," Singh added. MSM, which runs the Sony network of television channels in the country, is putting together a whole new team to scale up this joint venture with BBC Worldwide. "This team will handle the programming, marketing operations as well as sales and distribution of the channel," Singh said. The channel, which would broadcast in HD will be available in Tamil, English and Hindi across India. "By working with a respected local partner of the calibre of MSM, we can bring BBC Earth's world class content to a new audience, who we know have a huge appetite for premium factual programming," BBC Worldwide president (global markets), Paul Dempsey, said. MSM comprises of Sony Entertainment Television, Sony MAX, SAB, Sony Pix and AXN, among others. (Agencies)
MoUs worth Rs 3,900 crore inked between Guangdong, Gujarat Ahmedabad, Sep 17: As many as 15 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for projects worth $590 million (approximately Rs 3,900 crore) were signed between Gujarat and the Guangdong province of China on Wednesday at the China (Guangdong)-India (Gujarat) Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference-2015 held in Ahmedabad. The deals inked covered important sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, information technology, electronics and pharmaceuticals. A Chinese delegation led by Guangdong province governor Zhu Xiaodan was on a
two-day visit to Gujarat. "Guangdong will increase import of advantageous products from Gujarat. Qualified enterprises will be encouraged from Guangdong to participate in the construction of SEZ and industrial parks in India. India should also participate in Guangdong's Pilot Free Trade Zone," said Governor Zhu Xiaodan. The conference was organised in continuation of the consensus reached during exchange visits byPrime Minister Narendra Modi to China in May and China president Xi Jinping's India tour in September 2014. The Governor further said that there was
need to expand cooperation in automobile, medical and pharmaceutical and information technology industries and to continuously deepen cooperation in tourism industry. Guangdong is the province in China with the largest number of outbound tourists. The feasibility of a direct flight between Guangdong and Ahmedabad is also being looked into actively. "Gujarat has been unique among Indian states in its treatment of foreign affairs. Guangdong is also an industry powerhouse and we share an affinity with it to forge global collaborations," said Gujarat chief secretary Ganga Ram Aloria. (Agencies)
Hinduja Ventures to endows Rs 5,000 crore in digital space Chennai, Sep 17: Hinduja Ventures Ltd will invest at least Rs 5,000 crore over the next one-and-a-half years to set up infrastructure for its innovative broadcasting platform 'NXT DIGITAL'. Hinduja-HITS (Headendin-the-Sky) Network, under the brand name 'NXT Digital', will serve Multi System Operators (MSOs) as well as Local Cable Operators (LCOs) and aims to tap the transition from analog to digital mode of cable TV services under the government's digitisation drive. The Hinduja Group firm said it will focus on the phase III and phase IV digitisation markets. The government has set a deadline of December 31, 2015 for
phase III and December 31, 2015 for phase IV digitisation. "We will focus on phase III and phase IV of digitisation markets. We aim to garner 25-30% of market share in the phase III of digitisation. We plan to invest at least Rs 5,000 crore to set up infrastructure to roll out our services and for COPE (Cable Operators Premise Equipment.) Investment will go up depending on the response we get," Hinduja Group India Chairman Ashok P Hinduja told reporters. Hinduja said the company will also look at tapping synergies between its group companies for financing of COPE and expansion. (Agencies)
MoU signed between AP and Ola; commits Rs. 150 cr. investment Bengaluru, Sep 17: App-based taxi services provider Ola has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. As per the MoU, Ola will enable technology to bring support to over 50,000 vehicles in the State within the next three years. The taxi aggregator will also work towards the State government's vision of transforming Andhra Pradesh into a smart-tourism hub. "Tourists visiting Andhra Pradesh will be able to avail the benefits of Ola's technology and best-in-class service to visit some of the most prominent tourist destinations across the State, with a single tap on their smartphones," the company said in a release. Commenting on the MoU, N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, said, "Our vision is to create a smart and modern Andhra Pradesh and technology advancement is going to be extremely important to make this possible. Transportation is one of the most important areas where technology can make a big difference." Apart from the MoU, the taxi aggregator also said it will invest around Rs. 150 crore in the State. The proposed investment will be made over three years and is a bid to encourage driver entrepreneurship and to create employment opportunities in the State. Currently Ola has over 10,000 vehicles on its platform in Andhra Pradesh and it plans to increase this number to 50,000 in the next three years. The company will also roll out a free skill development program for drivers. (Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Features
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TRAVEL & TOURISM Udit Bhanu Barthakur Dig-Boy-Dig, the common phrase which is believed to be the origin of the name of the beautiful Upper Assam city of Digboi where the liquid gold, the crude oil was first discovered in the country and the first ever Oil Refinery of India was commissioned in 1901. Digboi is surrounded by Upper Dehing Reserve Forest which forms the part of the Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Patkai range. I and my wife Poppy were planning to visit this stunning place for a very long time. But last winter we had a reason to visit Digboi and ended up falling in love with the place after coming here. Being a Tour Operator by profession, a British couple Janet and Bryan Cupples whose ancestors were associated with oil & tea industry in Assam will be visiting Digboi with me in September this year. So, it was sort of an inspection tour to the tourist spots of Digboi. After a very long drive from Nagaon, we reached Digboi Centenary Museum 1901-2001. The first museum of this kind in India is brilliantly maintained by Digboi Refinery. The exhibits both indoor and outdoor having many shining vintage equipments and machineries, present one an idea about the evolution and development of the oil industry in Assam from late 19th c. The historic Well No. 1 or the Discovery well, the first ever commercially vi-
Discovering Digboi
able well in India which was successfully drilled in September 1889 is also present in the museum premises. T.C. Lahan who was in charge of the museum then was a very helpful official. After a brief introduction and knowing the reason behind our visit, he was kind enough to accompany me to show the museum. Our next destination was 10 minutes away, the Digboi War Cemetery maintained by Common Wealth War Grave Commission. The War Cemetery of World War II (1939-45) tells us the story of many young soldiers of various nationalities who laid their life during the course of the
war. Assam was an operational area of the Burma Campaign at the time of the war and Digboi being close to the Burmese border was on the line of communication. The middleaged incharge of the cemetery complained me about the lack of visitors to his "territory" and thanked me and my wife for the visit. He was even happier when I told him about the visit of the British couple in September. The peaceful atmosphere, the bird calls and the green ambience in and around the cemetery gives one a heavenly feel. Digboi refinery originally a part of the Assam Oil Company came under the umbrella of the Indian Oil
in 1981 and now it has the capacity to process 0.65 million tons of crude oil. Since 1901, Digboi has become home to many people coming from various parts of the country to work here, providing Digboi a new identity. "Little Indiaas it shows unity in diversity". Digboi township has some amazing guest houses located in between nature. We were lucky enough to spend a romantic evening in one of such guest houses "Hornbill Villa". It is known as Hornbill Villa because a patient look will give one an eye candy view of Great Indian Hornbill in the nearby jungle from this property. The mesmeriz-
ing lush green hilly landscape around the Villa attracts many migratory, semi-migratory and local bird lives. Some of such birds are like Bar-headed Geese, Open Bill Stork, Saras Crane, Pond Heron, Large Egret, Cuckoo, Parrot, Orial, Swift, Kingfisher etc. What a pleasure to wake up in the morning with the sweet musical rhythm of the bird calls! I again have to thank T.C. Lahan and A.K. Nath, two Digboi Refinery Officials for allowing us to spend a night in this nicest ever colonial bunglow type guest house. It was undoubtedly a refreshing and enthralling visit for us in Digboi, our pride, the pride of Assam, the pride of the country. An email from the British couple to me explains their excitement about their coming visit to the place where their ancestors worked, "Dear Udit, the number of days is getting shorter and shorter of our visit. Really feeling thrilled that we are going to visit Assam again and most importantly Digboi, the beautiful oil city where our forefathers spent some years working for the oil and tea industry. I am sure all these are going to be fun and of course Durga Puja. You must be very proud to have your home in such a land of variety. See you soon." Udit Bhanu Barthakur is director, Eastern Iconic tours and t r a v e l s (www.easterniconictours.com) www.thethumbprintmag.com
Top 5 places to visit when in Digboi Anwesha Roy Choudhury Digboi is one among the significant towns of Assam. It is referred to as the 'Oil Town', as the country's first ever oil refinery was established here. The existence of Dibgoi dates back to 18th century, when oil was first discovered here. The first traces of oil were found in the year 1867. It is believed that when the railway tracks were being laid the workers found traces of oily soil while digging, rest remains still history. This town must be well known for its oil refinery but there are various other interesting features re-
lated to the same. This town has some of the best handicrafts, dolls made from wax are very popular, and the traditional textile here reflects the culture of the land. The oil land still has strong traces of British colonialism in its golf courses and clubs. Tourists from all over the world visit the town to witness the attractions in and around the place. There are comfortable guesthouses to accommodate tourists and provide a congenial space. A look at the five must visit tourist spots in Digboi: Digboi Oil Refinery
Digboi Oil Refinery is the first ever oil refinery established in Asia. It ranks amongst the world's oldest oil refineries, which was established in the year 1901. Over 100 years of age, the refinery generates approximately 65 million metric tonnes oil per annum. The oil refinery stays current by possessing modern technology to produce a wide range of petroleum products namely wax, fuel, bitumen etc. Golf Course British rule in India presented India with several golf courses. Assam possesses many golf courses which date back to the
British Era; Digboi's golf course is one among them and is considered the best in Assam. This eighteen (18) hole golf course has seen many tournaments played here. Margherita Margherita, a town 14 km away from Digboi in Assam, unfolds for your vision, with its lush green tea gardens and one cannot help but think of tea. The town, named after Italy queen "Collieries", was established in 19th century. The European architecture is amongst the chief attractions of the place along with the newly opened Heritage Coal Museum & Park. It is also re-
nowned for plywood factories. Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary It is located some 60 km away from Digboi. The 650-sq.km sanctuary is Assam's largest wildlife park on the bank of mighty river Brahmaputra. The sanctuary attracts migratory birds in great numbers. Some of the wild animals seen here include Indian Elephant, Leopard, Royal Bengal tiger, wild buffalo and many more. Some of the migratory birds found here include Bengal florican, whitewinged wood duck and spotted billed pelican. With over 300 species of birds including migratory birds, the sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers. In the year 1999, the sanctuary gained the status of National Park. It also ranks amongst the 19 biodiversity hot spots throughout the world. War Cemetry In the War Cemetry, rest the souls of warriors who lost their lives during Second World War braving the attack of Japanese. It is situated some 1.5 kms away from the main Digboi town. The Cemetry was initially on hill top and subsequent to an earthquake that destructed the Cemetry, it was shifted to the present location. Digboi is different from the regular tourist destinations, it is a strange mixture of serene nature, wild life, lush green tea gardens, traces of British era almost everywhere and also stores the sad memories of the II World War.
Huge Scope of Tourism at Sutarkandi, Assam Moharana Choudhury Recently, I have visited the place name as "Sutarkandi" near to the Karimganj town and found the place having a great potential and scope in respect of tourism. The Sutarkandi is the place 14 Kilometre from the Karimganj town, which is situated in the district of Karimganj, Assam having Indo-Bangla border that, contained a principal custom check post through which border trade flows to Bangladesh from Assam, India. The National Highway 151(old) or 37 (New) roads is passing through Sutarkandi which is 45 km from border to the Sylhet town of Bangladesh. The Stutarkandi is directly connected to Karimganj Town of Assam as well as with the entire North Eastern states and rest of the country. Major share of exports passes through Sutarkandi land customs check point regularly. In that connection the ,Government has declared the place as international trade centre and started the 1st phase of work for Sutarkandi trade centre project in 20th November 2002 which, has been approved by Government of India on 7th January year 2000, under the Critical Infrastructure Balance scheme at a project worth of Rs 8.16 Crores, to provide appropriate infrastructural facilities to the exporters and importers of the region who are
already engaged in import/ export trade business with the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. The 1st phase of trade centre having an area of 13000 Squire Metter with common facilities as cubicles for exporter/importer, Bank, Post office, Conference hall, Telecom office, Transhipment Plat-form, Ware house, Workshop, Canteen, Weigh Bridge etc. Thus the place can be used as "lowering of the flags ceremony or beating retreat ceremony" same like as "Wagah Border at Indo-Pakistan in Amritsar, Punjab" which can change the socio-economic and tourism scenario of south Assam and the region. If such retreat ceremony can start at Sutarkandi (Karimganj) area by both the country then, large number of tourists will visit the place to enjoy such event that will improve the economic condition of the locality and the Karimganj town as well the Assam also. As the event is interna-
tional thus, visitors will come all around the India as well as the globe. The broad gauge railway project expansion also is likely to complete shortly, so people from other parts of India can easily come to the place for such event and tour, which will lead boast up of socio-economic and tourism scenario of karimganj and Barak valley also and increase the importance of karimganj town in the region. Such event is helpful for employment generation in State. Many earning sources will generate in region if such event can start by government. (Agencies) How to reach Sutarkandi: Nearest Airport: Kumbhirgram airport (Silchar), 94 Kilometre. Nearest Railway Station: Karimganj town railway station, 14 Kilometre. Road Link: NH-151 directly passing through the Sutarkandi from Karimganj town, Assam.
New Trekking Route to Dzukou Valley
A new trekking route to famous Dzukou valley located between the Manipur and Nagaland border was inaugurated with a simple function along the Hibure range of Emefiithumai under Mao in Manipur's Senapati district.The small but meaningful formal opening function of the new trekking route to Dzukou from Manipur side was attended by Public Relations Officer Lt Col Ajay K u m a r , ADC(autonomous district council)member Tadubi P Kaiso, Chairman Pungdong village N. Saheni and Chairman Emefithumei village Kahrii and President of Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association(MMTA) Dr. Leishangthem Surjit Singh. With the opening of the
new route, the intending trekkers can look out for the new track if they've dreamed of walking through valleys and plains with exotic flowers, encompassed by emerald green hills, lost in the murmur of streams flowing by and enchanted by lush forests of Dzukou valley which is situated at an altitude of 245New Trekking Route to Dzukou Valley0 metres (8000 ft) above sea level behind the Japfu peak. "This route will take only 5 hours trek from the base camp of the MMTA at Mt Isii to Dzukou valley,"says MMTA sources said. The new route was opened during the 2nd leg of the 73rd combined adventure course of the association. This magical valley looks like a mown lawn from a distance watered by two
meandering streams, the Dzukou and the Japfu Rivers. This picturesque valley and its vast meadows popularly known as the 'valley of flowers of the north east' would treat as a nature's paradise for any nature lover. Earlier people mostly trekkers used to land at Viswema village in Nagaland to visit Dzukou. Thus it took two days to visit the wonderful valley. On the first day, one needs to walk for about 5-6 hours to cover an approximate distance of about 17km in the hilly terrain.On the second day, they might need 3-4 hours to return to Zakhama(Nagaland border village) covering a distance of about 15 km. It is said that the best season to visit Dzukou is late June till July and September (except monsoon). (Agencies)
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"Following the tests carried out on Gareth Bale today ... the player has been diagnosed with a soleus muscle injury in his left leg."
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
–Real Madrid
RNIASSENG00425/TC
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Thansen Wangchadong: A symbol of woman empowerment ndowed with all the queenly atE tributes, Thansen Wangchadong, affectionately addressed as 'Rani Maa' or 'Borduria Rani' by the Noctes of Tirap district is synonymous with woman empowerment in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. At a time when even the men living in the inaccessible and hostile Tirap district during the pre-independence era hesitated to venture out of their villages, Thansen Wangchadong efficiently managed the administration of all the villages under the Borduria group of villages. She had to interact with the Officers coming from outside which was not an easy task those days when language was a great hindrance. But the 'Raani' could manage it without much fuss. The erstwhile NEFA administration was totally dependent on the chiefs of Borduria and Namsang for smooth administration because the chiefs exerted great influence over the Noctes then and they com-
manded great respect in their respective areas. The Noctes are broadly divided into two major groups; Borduria group and Namsang group each having a number of villages paying allegiance to both of them. In fact, even to this day, all the traditional systems revolve around the two chiefs. Born in the chief's family of Khela village in the year 1933, Thansen Wangchadong married late Towang Lowangdong (Chopha), paramount chief of Borduria. After the untimely demise of her husband Towang Lowangdong in the year 1964, Thansen Wangchadong took up the onus of running not only the village administration of Borduria but of the whole Borduria area. She willingly accepted the daunting challenges and started showing her administrative acumen. Soon she became very popular amongst the people. She was a strong lady who was generous but at the same time dignified and strict in dealing with the affairs of
the villages. She was affectionate and took great care of the poor and the needy during those difficult days when modern amenities were as good as non-existent. She even took up some welfare schemes like Bharat Seva Mission under the aegis of the Merbil Chaliha Bare Ghar Satra in Assam. She was also instrumental in starting new schools in her area. Thansen Wangchadong took the reins during the turbulent period when there used to be frequent feuds between the villages over land, river and forest and so on and so forth. But her inherent acumen and resolve enabled her to weather the storms and the darkest tempest with élan. Thansen Wangchadong successfully carried forward the welfare schemes initiated by her husband late Towang Lowangdong for the overall development of Borduria area in particular and of the Noctes in general. She was closely involved in the functioning of the famous NamsangBorduria Fund Trust
(NBF) founded by the produce the popular former chiefs of Borduria Assamese feature film and Namsang. During the 'RASHMI REKHA' in time when Thansen which the most popular Wangchadong was holding Assamese actor of those the helms of affairs of the days Biju Phukan played people, the district admin- the lead role and the legistration was vaguely run endary singers Dr. Bhupen Hazarika with no Police a n d –Denhang Bosai and a very Khogen Mahanta few staff. So, she had to play a piv- rendered the ever melodiotal role to help the admin- ous Assamese songs. This istration in dealing with film used to be screened all various issues confronting over the state by the field the society. In the process publicity department. She she became an undisputed was probably the first film symbol of woman empow- producer in the state. The erment and woman's film produced in 1973 was emancipation during 60s based on a love story beand 70s, the formative tween a Nocte boy and an years of transition from the Assamese girl. Thansen old and archaic systems to Wangchadong passed an age of modern era. She away after a prolonged illwas a strong propagator of ness on the 4th Februarythe rich Nocte cultural 2005 at her village heritage and actively par- Borduria but not before she ticipated in all the age-old had created a niche for hertraditional rituals, festivals self. As the first woman and other social events per- village administrator and taining to the Noctes. She the 'Rani' of Borduria, her was also keen to show-case name will be inscribed in the rich and varied Nocte golden letters. It is needless to say that traditional systems outside her society. This strong the Thansen Wangchadong urge in her enabled her to Memorial Football Tourna-
Bayern see off Olympiakos; Roma hold Barca Chelsea register first win of the season, Arsenal surprised ! game. Luis Suarez had headed Barcelona in front 10 minutes earlier as they began the defence of their title. Lionel Messi, making his 100th Champions League appearance, and
Chelsea's third after 58 minutes with Cesc Fabregas finishing off a breakaway for the fourth after 78. Dinamo Zagreb made a dream start to their Champions League campaign af-
Champions League
R o m e / P i r a e u s : Tw o goals from Thomas Mueller and one from substitute Mario Goetze helped Bayern Munich kick off their Champions League campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over Olympiakos Piraeus at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium. Bayern controlled possession for long spells in an entertaining Group F encounter with Robert Lewandowski a constant threat before Mueller beat Olympiakos goalkeeper Roberto with what looked like an intended cross from out on the right flank after 52 minutes. Olympiakos battled manfully in front of their frenzied supporters with Nigerian striker Ideye Brown going close on a couple of occasions. But Marco Silva's side could not find an equaliser and it was Bayern who struck again with two goals in quick succession in the closing stages
from Goetze and a Mueller penalty as the hosts ran out of steam. The win means Pep Guardiola's Bayern maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a sixth win in all competitions. Alessandro Florenzi scored an extraordinary goal from a seemingly impossible position on the right touchline, nearly 50 metres from goal, to give AS Roma a 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the Champions League. Florenzi raced down the touchline and was just inside the Barcelona half when he spotted MarcAndre ter Stegen off his line and unleashed a looping effort which flew over the Barca goalkeeper's head and into the net off the far post. Ter Stegen ran back desperately, then appeared to stop thinking that the ball would go out only to see it land in the goal in the 31st minute of the Group E
Suarez both had early chances before Barcelona prised open the Roma defence in the 21st minute. Jeremy Mathieu floated a long ball over the defence which set Ivan Rakitic clear on the right and the Croat's cross was headed in by Suarez at point-blank range. Barcelona were threatening to over-run the hosts when Roma right-back Florenzi brought the house down with his spectacular effort. Chelsea forgot their Premier League woes and got their Champions League campaign off to a flying start with a 4-0 thrashing of Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv in their opening Group G match at Stamford Bridge. Despite Eden Hazard blazing an early penalty high over the bar, Chelsea scored twice in the first half with Willian finding the net with a 30-metre free kick after 15 minutes and Oscar scoring from their second penalty with the last kick of the opening 45 minutes. Diego Costa, who replaced Willian after the Brazilian was injured after 20 minutes, brilliantly volleyed in
ter a goal in each half gave them a 2-1 home win over 10-man Arsenal in their Group F match. An Alex
tempts, Dinamo produced a morale-boosting performance in the Maksimir stadium. Organised defending aided by a packed midfield frustrated a disjointed Arsenal and the home side always looked dangerous on the break, with Algeria striker El Hilal Arabi Soudani at the heart of all their moves. In other matches, Vitaliy Buyalskyi came off the bench to score a late equaliser and earn Dynamo Kiev a 2-2 draw with Porto. Valencia's hopes of a winning Champions League return
Oxlade-Chamberlain own goal followed by a Junior Fernandes header put Dinamo in the driving seat before Theo Walcott pulled one back for the Premier League side, who had striker Olivier Giroud sent off in the first half. Having failed to advance past the group stage of Europe's elite club competition in their previous four at-
Manpreet shatters national record, qualifies for Rio Olympics Kolkata: Shot putter Manpreet Kaur smashed an 18-year-old national record to win gold and qualify for next year's Olympics as Railways dominated the show on the opening day of the 55th National Open Athletics Championships in Kolkata. The 25year-old Railways girl, who had the previous best of 16.39 at last year's Delhi National Open, threw the iron ball to 17.96m in her second attempt to shatter Harbans Kaur's earlier national record of 17.43m that stood since 1997. This was Manpreet's hat-trick of gold medals at the National Open and sixth overall as she also got past the Olympics qualification mark of 17.80m.
Ace long distance runner OP Jaisha, also from Railways, who has already booked an Olympic berth in marathon, set a meet record in the 5000m in the very first event of the day. Jaisha clocked 15:31.73 to better Preeja Sreedharan's eight-year old meet record of 15:45.96 as Railways made a clean sweep in the women's 5000m. Sarita Singh bagged Railways the third gold of the day when she threw 58.97m in the hammer throw, while Sonam of LIC and Gunjan Singh of Railways bagged silver and bronze respectively. The day also marked the return of Odisha sprinter Dutee Chand who represented Railways as she blazed the track
in the 100m dash semi-finals. Dutee, who had won 100m and 200m double in National Open 2013, was banned last year under IAAF's hyperandrogenism policy after tests revealed that her body produced natural levels of testosterone above per-
missible range. But the Court of Arbitration for Sport, in its July verdict, suspended the "hyperandrogenism" rules, which will be scrapped if the IAAF, the world body of the sport, cannot provide new evidence. (Agencies)
after a two-year absence were dashed when Hulk struck twice for Zenit St Petersburg in a 3-2 victory for the Russian champions in their Group H opener. Olympique Lyonnais and Ghent drew 11 in Belgium. Bayern Leverkusen defeated BATE Borisov 4-1. (Agencies)
ment is but a fitting tribute to the great Rani. The tournament with the highest cash prizes at Khonsa is being sponsored by Wanglin Lowangdong, Minister for WCD, Social Justice and his family in loving memory of Thansen Wangchadong. The muchhyped running football tournament is being conducted with the aim of popularizing football among the youth of the district and to wean away the restive youth from going astray. When contacted, the main sponsor and the chief patron of the tournament Wanglin Lowangdong said, "There are many ways of contributing our mite towards the development of our society. I sincerely feel that organizing sporting events like the Thansen Wangchadong Memorial Football Tournament at Khonsa will enthuse the young people to love games and sports and hone their skills. It will also inculcate the spirit of sportsmanship in our youth. Our state government has a clear policy of
reserving seats in different categories of jobs for the accomplished sportspersons of the state. So, I wish that our youths avail this opportunity by shining in the sports and games events t. I am more than sure that this tournament will go a long way to identify local talents who will represent our district in the bigger tournaments outside. I am eternally grateful to the Hon'ble Lok Sabha MP and former Union Minister of State Sri Ninong Ering and my younger brother and Hon'ble Parliamentary Secretary Sri Gabriel Denwang Wangsu who have kindly consented to grace the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest and the guest of honour respectively. I am also profoundly indebted to the district administration, Police, Assam Rifles, Members of the Advisory Board, Committee Members and the organizing team for their sincere efforts in conducting the tournament in a befitting manner." Truly, the old Hindi adage 'padoge likhoge banoge nawaab, kheloge kudoge
banoge kharaab' has become a thing of the distant past. Today many youths are taking up games and sports as a career. In fact, many of the sportspersons in the country and the world are the wealthiest and the most popular today. They are not only the sporting icons for the youths but render a yeoman's service through various charity works. The Northeast has a great potential in sports and the state of Manipur is known for producing national and international sportspersons. The youths in Arunachal Pradesh are also beginning to show results through sheer hardwork and practice, especially in weight lifting, badminton, football and martial arts. The organizing committee is grateful to the media partner of the mega football tournament; THE EASTERN TODAY which will highlight the day-to-day proceedings of the tournament in print media. So, let the game begin! (The writer is DIPRO, Tirap and can be reached at denhangbosai @yahoo.co.in)
HIL auction: Germany's Fuerste wins highest bid; poor return for Sardar New Delhi: India captain Sardar Singh fetched a poor return of US $58,000 while Germany's Moritz Fuerste drew the highest ever bid in the history of the Hockey India League auction, bought by Kalinga Lancers for a whopping US $1,05,000, in Delhi, on Thursday. Other Germans to attract the attention of the franchises were striker Florian Fuchs, picked by Dabang Mumbai for US $96,000 against his base price of US $20,000, and midfielder Tobias Hauke, purchased by Uttar Pradesh Wizards for US $96,000 against his base price of US $25,000. Indian drag flicker Rupinder Pal Singh and striker Dharanvir Singh were more in demand than Sardar, bagging US $68,000 and US $60,000 respectively from Delhi Waveriders and Kalinga Lancers against their base prices of US $20,000 each. After a rather slow start to the auction that saw only two players, Vikramjeet Singh (US $4,500 Ranchi Rays) and Australian Kieron Govers (US $36,000 Dabang Mumbai) from Lot One being picked, Sardar's name, the first in Lot Two created a buzz among the franchises. Uttar Pradesh Wizards and Punjab Warriors went headto-head for the 29-year-old star midfielder. With a base price of US $20,000, he was eventually bought by Warriors for only US $58,000. It turned out to be much less than the amount he garnered in the inaugural edition, when he was sold for US $78,000 to Delhi Waveriders in 2012. The franchise released him this year. The highlight of the
second lot was 23-year-old FIH 'Young Player of the Year' Fuchs, regarded as one of the sport's most lethal strikers. He was on the radar of every franchise and quickly went past Sardar's price, with UP Wizards, Mumbai and the Lancers bidding vigorously for the young German. In the end, Mumbai picked him up for a hefty price of US $96,000. But it was Fuchs's Germany team-mate Fuerste, an Olympic gold medallist, who bagged the highest price, purchased for US $1,05,00 against his base price of US $30,000. Initially, it was a three-way fight between Delhi Waveriders, UP Wizards and Dabang Mumbai for his services, but, in the end, Lancers pulled off a late heist with their record bid. During the 2012 auctions, Fuerste was acquired by Ranchi Rhinos for US $75,000 and went on to captain the team. Another German player, Hauke, was also high in demand as Wizards, Waveriders and Mumbai bid vigorously for
him. Ultimately, the Wizards availed his services by shelling out US $96,000 against his base price of US $25,000. Australian midfielder Matthew Swann also got a good price, sold to Dabang Mumbai for US $75,000 against his base price of US $20,000. It was the turn of goalkeepers in the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth lots of the auction and Dutchman Nicolas Jacobi and Devon Manchester of New Zealand fetched the highest price of US $27,000 each against their base prices of US $20,000 and US $15,000, respectively. While Jacobi was bought by Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Manchester went to the Waveriders. The Waveriders also picked Harjot Singh as the second goalkeeper for his base price of US $20,000. In the 10th and last lot before the lunch break, young Indian striker Mandeep Singh fetched US $70,000 from Waveriders in a two-race with Ranchi Rays. His base price was US $20,000. (Agencies)
Pedro and Willian Bale sidelined by out of Arsenal clash calf muscle injury London: Chelsea will be without Pedro and Willian in Saturday's Premier League clash with Arsenal, manager Jose Mourinho has said. Mourinho's team have made a stuttering start to their Premier League title defence, managing four points from their five games that leave them fourth from bottom in the league table. Opponents Arsenal have recovered from their opening day shock defeat to West Ham United to collect 10 points from five games and sit fourth in the table.
Willian, who scored the opener in Chelsea's 4-0 Champions League win against Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, was forced off in the 23rd minute and Pedro didn't feature in the win. Pedro and Willian have contributed four of the seven league goals Chelsea have scored and they will be sorely missed as the Blues prepare to take on an Arsenal side who have kept three successive clean sheets in the league. (Agencies)
Madrid: Real Madrid midfielder Gareth Bale damaged a calf muscle in his left leg during Tuesday's 4-0 Champions League Group A victory at home to Shakhtar Donetsk, tests confirmed on Thursday. The Wales international had to come off in the first half and was replaced by Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic. "Following the tests carried out on
Gareth Bale today ... the player has been diagnosed with a soleus muscle injury in his left leg," Real said on their website. "His condition will be evaluated." Real have La Liga games against Granada, Athletic Bilbao and Malaga before they play at Swedish side Malmo in their second Champions League match of the campaign at the end of the month. (Agencies)
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