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ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 6

Vol. 1

Issue 339

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Price -

5.00

Pages- 12

PAGE 12

Senior BJP worker allegedly assaulted by SP of Tirap, Home Minister orders immediate transfer of the SP Lankham Wangsu, reportedly a senior worker of Arunachal BJP in Khonsa was allegedly assaulted by Jasmeet Singh, Superintendent of police, Khonsa, Tirap District in his office premises on Monday.

Lankham Wangsu, who was undergoing medical treatment at a private hospital in Dibrugarh, informed this staff reporter of The Eastern Today that he was physically assaulted by Jasmeet Singh for at least 30 minutes in his office when he went him to meet him for some official purposes. He alleged that he has waited to meet the SP for two hours without any response and finally after two hours he was informed by a staff to come on May 18. “ While I was explaining to the staff that I have come so many times to meet the SP and in spite of that he is giving me this treatment, the SP have probably heard me saying as he suddenly came out of his office chamber and started assaulting me physically, Wangsu said.

“He(SP) ordered some of his staff to take me to the police station and at same police station Jasmeet Singh again started assaulted me in front of his police personnel,’’ Wangsu said. “He also ordered his police personnel to shot me

ET CAPSULES

KLO cadre arrested Kokrajhar, May 17: Security forces belonging to police, army and cobra arrested a cadre of Kamatapur Liberation Organization (KLO) from Bajugaon area under Gossaigaon PS yesterday night in Kokrajhar district.

The cadre was apprehended at a joint operation of the security forces and has been identified as Vikram Barman (22) of Bajugaon village. He was involved with money extortion, logistic supports to the militant outfit organization. A country made riffle and a live bullet was recovered from him.

(Correspondent)

CISF Jwan commits suicide Tezpur, May 17: A CISF jawan suicide with his service gun today in the morning at Salonibari Airport, Tezpur.

The Jawan identified as G. Rama Koch Anna (26) was engaged in the security of the airport. Police informed that the reason behind the incident is yet to come to light as the CISF officials are tight lipped in providing information about the incident. (Correspondent)

HSLC Exam results expected to be declared by May 27

cmyk

Guwahati, May 17: The Directorate of Elementary Education, Assam is likely to declare the results of Class 10 HSLC exam by May 27. The candidates can check the results through the official websitewww.resultsassam.nic.in.

The exam was conducted in the state of Assam between February 19 and March 12. Last year, the result was declared on June 2.

In order to check the results, all the candidates need to visit the official website and click on the relevant link. After the link opens, all the candidates need to enter the required details like roll number, date of birth and other details. After the results are displayed, the candidates need to take a print out of the same for future reference.

and he took out his service revolver and put me on my head and repeatedly assaulted me by kicking on my back,’’ He further informed.

The state Bharatiya Janata Party today in a letter addressed to Deputy Chief Minister Kameng Dolo demanded suspension of Tirap district Superintendent of Police Jasmeet Singh.

Meanwhile, the state Bharatiya Janata Party today in a letter addressed to Deputy Chief Minister Kameng Dolo demanded suspension of Tirap district Superintendent of Police Jasmeet Singh.

The party alleged that the Superintendent of Police manhandled senior BJP worker and executive member of Tirap BJP unit, Lankham Wangsu without any provocation at his office chamber on May 16 last.

Condemning the “brutal act” of the SP, the BJP said that his action is a matter of serious concern. “The beating and manhandling of an innocent party worker by a senior IPS official, that too the rank of the Superintendent of Police is uncalled for”, the party added.

However, the SP has clarified the whole incident. In a telephonic conversation, SP Singh briefed on the events of the day. At around 1.30pm, the SP was holding discussions on operational matters at his office chambers, when his orderly came in to inform that Wangsu wanted a meeting with him.

Singh asked his orderly to inform Wangsu to reschedule his meeting for some other day since he was already in an

State Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister Home Kameng Dolo has ordered the transfer of Tirap SP Singh (IPS).

Lankham Wangsu : “He also ordered his police personnel to shot me and he took out his service revolver and put me on my head and repeatedly assaulted me by kicking on my back,’’ SP, Jasmeet Singh: Wangsu suddenly barged into his office and started shouting and coming closer towards his table. On noticing that Wangsu had a blue-colour bag in his hands, Singh suspected that the bag could hold a weapon and confronted him on his unruly behaviour.

However, Wangsu made a dash out the door and ran behind the office area towards the WT room as the officials went after him.

“It was drizzling at that time and Wangsu slipped and probably hit his ear on a drainage line nearby”, Singh said. “It was a case of mistaken identity, but when one works at a place which is an insurgency-prone area, one has to be alert and careful at all times. There are certain dos and don’ts to an insurgencyprone area”, the SP added.

important meeting.

According to SP Singh, Wangsu suddenly barged into his office and started shouting and coming closer towards his table. On noticing that Wangsu had a blue-colour bag in his

hands, Singh suspected that the bag could hold a weapon and confronted him on his unruly behaviour.

However, Wangsu made a dash out the door and ran behind the office area towards the WT room as the officials

Informing this to the visiting delegation team of BJP, Arunachal Pradesh Unit led by its vice president Techi Necha, who called on him here today, Deputy Chief Minister Dolo regretted that it was unbecoming and unwarranted action on the part of a law keeper.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 17

Tirap district Zilla Parishad Chairperson Chawang Lowang challenged the order of Motion of No Confidence issued by Member Secretary 15- Tirap Zilla Parishad against him dated 10.05.2016 under Article 226 of the Constitution of India before Hon’ble Justice (Mrs ) Indira Shah yesterday alleging that the aforesaid notice has issued in violation of section 63 (I) of the Arunachal

Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1997. After hearing from the both the parties and gone through the facts and prima facie, the Hon’ble High Court has stayed the operation of the impugned No Confidential Motion notice dated 10.05.2016 for two weeks.

The aforesaid No Confidence Motion was in Balatant violation of Arunachal Pradesh local authority of prohibition of defection Action 2003 and Arunachal Pradesh Panchayat Raj act 1997.

The Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden has been recently struggling in many aspects which include availability of much needed field necessities, in a timely manner.

The guards and animal keepers have to work in challenging conditions and the lack of basic amenities like proper shoes makes the task at hand more difficult. To provide some much needed relief to the staff of Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati based NGO Aaranyak distributed 178 pairs of shoes and boots in an event held on 16th May 2016 at the Herbarium Meeting Hall, Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden,

Later, the SP questioned him on who he was and why he behaved in an unruly manner when the area is known for insurgent outfits. The BJP member then said that he had arrived for the land encroachment issue of Deomali Police Station.

went after him.

“He exaggerated the issue and several public leaders came to accuse me of manhandling him”, Singh said, and informed that he has already been transferred and has reported to Itanagar Police Headquarters after the incident.

“It was a case of mistaken identity, but when one works at a place which is an insurgency-prone area, one has to be alert and careful at all times. There are certain dos and don’ts to an insurgencyprone area”, the SP added.

On the demand of his suspension by the state BJP, the SP said that he has not received any official communication on it.

“It was drizzling at that time and Wangsu slipped and probably hit his ear on a drainage line nearby”, Singh said.

Simultaneously, Singh had

Wife of the Wangsu, Chalik Wangsu has informed that an FIR was lodged at Khonsa Tirap District police station against the SP. She further informed this Daily that the

Expressing gratitude to the deputy chief minister for his prompt action on the matter, BJP National Council Member Tame Phassang said taking law into one’s own hand by a public servant is a matter of great concern.

High Court stayed Operation of Assam States Zoo is No confidence Motion against in apathetic condition Tirap ZPC Chawang Lowang A staff reporter Guwahati, May 17

picked up a small branch from the ground and hit Wangsu on his arm. When he saw Wangsu was bleeding probably from the fall, he called on the OC to take him to the hospital for treatment.

Deputy Commissioner of Tirap District, Ravi Jha have enquired about the health of Wangsu from her.

“My husband went to meet the SP to discuss about one of our relatives case but he assaulted him for no reason, however, he came to us and apologies for his behavior after the incident,’’ said Chalik Wangshu, wife of the victim.

His wife alleged that the CCTV footage was damaged by the SP after the incident.

“We demand action against the SP because for no reason he assaulted my husband,’’ Chalik told this Staff Reporter.

Meanwhile, in a later communiqué, state Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister Home Kameng Dolo has ordered the transfer of Tirap SP Singh (IPS) for his alleged manhandling of district unit BJP, executive member, Lankham Wangsu.

Informing this to the visiting delegation team of BJP, Arunachal Pradesh Unit led by its vice president Techi Necha, who called on him here today, Deputy Chief Minister Dolo regretted that it was unbecoming and unwarranted action on the part of a law keeper.

Urging men in uniform to deal public issues and grievances with humane touch, Dolo informed the delegation

team that the state government is very concerned about the people’s security and safety, which would not be allowed to compromise at any cost.

Upon taking cognizance of the compliant, Deputy Chief Minister, Dolo condemned the wilful police brutality meted out to innocent public. He said, there will be no excuse whatsoever for the police violence and assured the team that the state government would ensure to restraint in the state police who have been brutalising the innocent public.

Expressing gratitude to the deputy chief minister for his prompt action on the matter, BJP National Council Member Tame Phassang said taking law into one’s own hand by a public servant is a matter of great concern. He informed that Wangsu had received grievous injuries on his head and other vital parts of the body.

Registering strong protest with the DCM in the representation, the visiting team said the unbecoming, unwarranted and despicable act of the SP had sparked great amount of resentment and agitation amongst the peace loving and law abiding public of Tirap district. “The innocent people have started casting doubts on the efficiency of police to protect the people’s life and property”, the representation added.

PICTURES DON'T LIE, DO THEY?

Guwahati.

The shoes which were sponsored by Aaranyak and Katie Adamson Conservation Fund (USA), in association with Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, were distributed among 178 staff that included officials, guards, animal keepers and all supporting staff of Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden. Mr. Swapan Kumar Seal Sarma, DFOAssam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden, stated, “The Zoo authority has limited access to necessary materials such as field shoes/boots, raincoats etc. needed for smooth functioning of our daily task. We appreciate this initiative by Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Contd. on Page 4

Pictures don't lie do they? A sample of work quality in Tinsukia - the construction of one part of this road, at the posh Manav Kalyan Namghar Road in the heart of Tinsukia town, was completed almost 15-20 days before the first phase of assembly elections while the second part of the road - brick type, was opened just a day before the election ie April 3. Within a month one part of the road has had potholes all over while "dhallai" on the other part of the road has come out like a piece of cake. So, doesn't it points towards a large scale corruption in the name of development in the heart of Tinsukia. The question that is being asked to the district administration by locals is that will the contractor and officials of the department will be punished for siphoning off tax payers money? Pic - Rishu Kalantri

First Joint meeting of Assam Arunachal Pradesh Cultural Coordination Mission held Arunachal Governor calls for strengthening the age-old traditional, historical and cultural ties between people of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam through cultural exchange programmes ET Bureau Itanagar, May 17

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa called for strengthening the age-old traditional, historical and cultural ties between people of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. While addressing the first Joint meeting of Assam Arunachal Pradesh Cultural Coordination Mission (AAPCCM), which has been initiated by him to promote amity amongst the people of the two neighbours, at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 17th May 2016, the Governor suggested

of October last, emphasised that sharing of each other’s cultural richness, exchange of thoughts and person to person interaction will cement the age-old relationship and communal harmony, which at times is disturbed by unpleasant incidences. He wished that there will be involvement of larger numbers of school children, youth and general public to send strong message of goodwill amongst them.

for cultural exchange programme presentations at different locations of the State, starting from Itanagar, Pasighat and other places. He also suggested for joint training on dances, singing and musical instruments, while involving renowned cultural personalities like Bengia Hemanto and many others.

The Governor advised for exchange of traditional cuisines during such events for the artists and others and involvement of various cultural organizations, including Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR),

Arunchal Governor with the delegates of Assam Arunachal Cultural Cordination Mission Regional Office, Guwahati.

The Governor, who

initiated ‘Sampriti’, a cultural presentation of Arunachal

Pradesh and Assam by the ICCR, Guwahati in the month

The Assam Team of the AAPCCM, led by Uma Kanta Borah, Chief Coordinator of Sanskritik Maha Sabha, Assam accompanied by its Convener Debeswar Kalita,

and members Pabitra Kr. Sarma, Pradeep Kr. Borah and Binod Kr Borah and the Arunachal Pradesh Team led

by Sonam Chombay, Secretary, Art & Culture and Director in-charge Art & Culture Jomnya Siram were present in the meeting.

As advised by the Governor, the details were worked out by the members and it was decided to conduct the event in the month of November with various cultural items of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and also fusion of dances, songs and musical instruments participated by cultural troupes from both the States.

cmyk

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh/Itanagar, May 17

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries If you’re looking to get married, buy the ring today. But before you take the leap, weigh all the pros and cons carefully. All in all, this may be a day filled with activities related to your relationship and by the time the day ends, you may be on cloud nine!

Taurus You will be feeling listless, lazy and out of sorts today, and will tend to ignore and neglect important tasks scheduled for the day. Guard against this tendency as you could miss out on opportunities that others could then benefit from. That way, you will surely lose out professionally, particularly if you are in business. This aside, the day promises to be an eventful and fruitful one.

Gemini While today will be a day filled with a lot of festivity, you still need to guard against getting carried away. You will spend the day socialising with friends and family. You might end up neglecting your household duties in organizing some function or picnic.

Cancer You are known for your ability to set the ball rolling. Once you set your mind to do something, it is generally considered done by your peers. Today, you are eyeing a few accomplishments on the monetary front. Most part of your day will go in dealing with financial transactions, and importing and exporting goods.

Leo Guides help other people choose the right path in life and to select the correct alternatives.

It is a good day for those who are in the teaching or coaching professions. It is also a progressive day for those working in MNC’s.

Virgo You will start off on a long, arduous path to success. Some tough work will play a vital role in your progress. Don’t cut corners, and your labours will pay rich dividends and you will reap due rewards. Some opportunities are best left alone as they involve too much risk.

Libra Today will be a lucky day for you. You may receive some financial gain. There will be some good news about your children’s progress. This is the right time to invest in business.

For financial investors and share brokers this period is beneficial, so make the most of it.

Scorpio Your energy levels are high as you as you gear up for new events. However, there are chances that these events may not meet your expectations. But, don’t lose hope and get disappointed. Keep your spirits high. Implement the first lesson learnt in school: try & try till you succeed!

Sagittarius Lady luck is all smiles for you today. Suddenly, you feel like multi-tasking and becoming a jack of all. This is likely to keep you busy, almost throughout the day. If need be, your colleagues and peers will lend a helping hand.

Capricorn You are in hot water, but do not lose hope during these turbulent times. Maintain a calm head over your shoulders and deal with the problems. Also, do not jump to conclusions or be argumentative with the people around you, as you may end up being at the losing end.

Aquarius You have already fulfilled your short-term objectives. But you are ambitious, and straightaway begin setting your long-term goals. But all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Leisure time with family will rejuvenate and prepare you for a better stint at work.

Pisces A day of mixed fortunes awaits you, where taking risks could prove to be your undoing, or provide you with handsome returns. This is because you could come out on top by treading cautiously, but uncalculated risks will probably throw your calculations out of gear. Your success rate is unlikely to be too high; hence it may be a tough day for you. However, it will end on a promising note.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Hindi Language Lesson 6-30 A.M-Vidyarthir Anusthan 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 Assamese Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori (Request Programme of Assamese Songs) 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan 7-15 P.M-Karpumpuli 8-00 P.M-Parikrama 9-30 P.M- Kramasha-"Jangam",Written by Debendra Nath Acharya Sd-/H.O.P

Affidavit I, Nikky Agarwal, daughter of Rajesh Agarwal, resident of Development Chaliha Nagar Opp. PNT Quarter, Tinsukia do declare by an affidavit before Notary Public, Tinsukia on 14.03.16 that Rajesh Agarwal and Rajesh Kumar Agarwal are the names of same, single and identical person that of my father.

ET Correspondent Haflong May 17: Haflong, the district HQ of Dima Hasao is cut off from the entire country as both the Rail and road communications are disrupted by landslides in many locations due to unprecedented and incessant rain since few days in Dima Hasao.

The rail communication disrupted as landslides occurred at several locations in between PhaidingMahur, Migrengdisa- New Haflong, Jatinga Lampur -New Harangajao etc. railway stations. The officials from railway rushed to the spot and started the restoration work. In the mean time

Miyunkro, Harangajao etc.

In between Haflong -Mahur -Maibang (NH 54 E) there were landslides near Mahur, Jatinga etc.

On Diyungmukh-DehangiHaflong road there were landslides near Lower Haflong.

Around Haflong, heavy landslide happened during last 24 hours at Synod turning, Sarkari Bangan, Lower Haflong Kali Bari turn, near Lungkhok village disrupted the communication to and fro Haflong, the district HQ. The road communication disrupted in between Haflong-Silchar due to heavy landslides at many locations near Durbin Tila,

The PWD has engaged machineries to restore the communication in places where the road is blocked due to landslides. It is also reported that sever houses of Arda village of Diyungbra area were damaged due to storm yesterday, the villagers have taken shelter in a nearby school, and there was no casualty.

ET Correspondent Nalbari, May 17: The Nalbari district administration under section 144 of IPC has restricted the victory rally at Nalbari district on the counting day. However the political parties and the candidates may took out such rally with prior permission from the district administration. The District Election Officer Dr. Om Prakash said, "We have beefed up the security arrangements in the entire district to check all type of political violence to be arriesed after declaring the

ET Correspondent Golaghat, May 17: Renowned writer who won the prestigious Munin Borkotoky Award in the year 2014 Tulika Saikia's write up of her soon to be launched novel was stolen by thieves on Sunday night from her residence in Golaghat. Tulika Saikia in these days was busy in writing her novel on one of the lead characters of historical Moamoriya Rebellion

Ragha Moran. She she suffered from critimade all the draft in her cal illness. Finally it was laptop. diagnosed that her both kidneys got damaged.

But on Sunday night But Tulika Saikia havthieves stole her laptop ing a strong will power and her husband Tanuj again started to write.

Tamuli's mobile phone. Meanwhile she had The writer after all her lodged a complaint at hard work lost seeing no Golaghat Police Station ray of hope. Tulika and police investigation Saikia who won the is on. It is to be known Munin Borkotoky that Tulika Saikia's husAward for her first book band Tanuj Tamuli is the "Charixal Guxhanir brother in law of popular Tej" in the year 2014. RTI Activist and Peasant Later in the year 2015 Leader Akhil Gogoi.

Preparations completes for counting in Kokrajhar ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, May 17: The Kokrajhar district administration is all prepared for peaceful counting of votes scheduled on May 19 for three constituencies in the district, besides security tightened for peaceful counting. There are three constituencies in Kokrajhar district i.e-30-Kokrajhar east, 29-Kokrajhar west and 28-Gossaigaon where 23 candidates are in fray and counting of votes would be held on May 19 at Basic Training Centre for Kokrajhar east LAC, Gossaigaon sub-divisional headquarters for Kokrajhar west and Gossaigaon LACs. Six candidates' fate have been sealed in EVM for Kokrajhar east LAC, 10 candidates in fray for Kokrajhar west LAC and seven in Gossaigaon LAC respectively. Madhav Prasad Sarma, Kokrajhar DC said over 150 counting personnel had already been appointed and imparted

ET Correspondent, Morigaon, May 17: All preparations were completed in Morigaon district for smooth counting of votes of three assembly seats of the district namely- Jagiroad, Morigaon and Lahorighat to be held on May 19 at Morigaon College. Addressing a press conference, Deputy Commissioner as well as Returning Officer, Morigaon said that the Counting of votes will be started at 8 am on 120 numbers of tables in three different counting halls of Morigaon College.

Altogether 100 counting officials along with 59 micro observers will be detailed in counting process.

Victory rally prohibited in Nalbari district

the railway has cancelled the running of all the trains in between Lumding and Silchar. As the rain continues, the restoration work is also hampered and there is no certainty to get the communication restored immediately.

training as per the guideline of the ECI. He said adequate security arrangement included three tier security deployment have been made to thwart any untoward incidents during the counting day. He said army has been kept stand by in case of emergency. Election Observers for the counting have reported and 144 CRPC has also clamped in the district to meet healthy situation in the district. 'Preparations have so far completed in the district for the counting of EVM. The counting would take place in three centers, included Basic Training Centre for Kokrajhar east LAC and two at Gossaigaon sub-divisional headquarters office premises for Kokrajhar west and Gossaigaon. The counting would begin from 8 am in the morning and necessary measures have been completed so far to the purpose', Sarma said.

Morigaon district is ready for counting

18-5-16 (WEDNESDAY)

Advt.

Unprecedented and incessant rain disrupts communication in Dima Hasao

Three Election Commission's Observers will observe the entire counting process said DC, Morigaon Rakesh Kumar.

On May 19, the district administration declared Dry day prohibiting selling of wine.

Moreover, uses of crackers were also banned under the provision Section 144 CRPC. Addressing the press conference, Nilesh Savarkare, SP, Morigaon said that three layer security was imposed in the district in view of the counting of votes. Extra Para-military forces will be deployed to maintain general Law and Order after the Counting of votes.

result of votes." The district administration considered the Dharmapur and Mukalmua constituencies as more vulnerable and intensified the security arrangements. The local police station and the police outposts have been alerted due to the counting of votes.

Similarly the selling and bursting crackers are completely banned in the district due to the counting of votes.

On the other hand the district administration also prohibited the selling of wine in the district on the counting day.

Renowned writer Tulika Saikia 's write up stolen

Free Travelling Pass to Jr. Netaji ET Correspondent Golaghat, May 17: A resident of Letekujan of Golaghat district R. K. Karki ( Chetri ) alias Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose has been propagating and promoting India's Ancient Culture and Tradition Atithi Debo Bhava through his

extensive travel for last 25 years across the country . He has been reviving Hindustan Glorious History and Heritage which is strongest base to accelerate Global Fraternity Tranquility and National Security. He teaches Transcendental Meditation, Laughing Art,

Weeping Art Therapy to relieve Global disease and disaster. All Golaghat District Public Winger Association (AGDPWOA) has patronized Jr Netaji Mr. Chetri for carrying out Global Peace Project by sponsoring Free Travel Pass recently.

Padumoni Health Sub-Center under Kowang Primary Health Center lying in a dilapidated state near about 15 km from Demow in Dibrugarh on 17-05-16. Pix by UB Photos

Present your scientific idea to the world through Tech Expo at IIT Guwahati A staff reporter Guwahati; May 17: As a part of its annual techno-management festival Techniche, IIT Guwahati will host Tech Expo - a national science competition which helps students explore their vision and curiosity through science. It has been initiated with the cardinal aim of bringing to light

the technological advancements made by the youth of this country and provide an opportunity to showcase their innovations on a larger platform. The winners will be awarded with a total cash prize of INR 3, 00,000.00

phases- Phase I will include abstract submission along with a short video giving a brief introduction of the project. The deadline for submission of the projects is 20th May 2016. The entries of Phase I will be rigorously evaluated by the judging panel which inThe competition will be cludes IIT Technical conducted in two Board Chairman, Pro-

fessors. The top 100 contestants will qualify for Phase II of the competition which will be held at IIT Guwahati during Techniche. The top seven projects will be selected as the final winners.

TechExpo will provide a platform for the participants to showcase the projects undertaken

by them in front of a mass multitude of people which includes, but isn't restricted to, Professors from various fields, notable personage including Nobel laureates, leading business tycoons, venture capitalists, professors from IITs and students from across the nation.

The teams will also get a chance to witness one

of the most amazing and enthralling lectures, competitions, exhibitions and cultural nights which will be conducted from September 1st to4th.

Such events are a rarity in the present day scenario and a technology student is highly encouraged to participate and learn to streamline

his abilities with the modern day gadgets.

The registration for the event is totally free and can be done by logging o n t o www.techniche.org/ techexpo.

For any further queries, please contact the organizers of TechExpo at (+91)-7576918640 or (+91)-9531126269

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

PAGE 3

International tourism meet in AACWA did apologise to state govt, Hina misquoted: Padu Meghalaya for marketing northeast A Staff Reporter Itanagar, May 17: A day after the All Arunachal Contractors’ Welfare Association (AACWA) members, led by its general secretary Nabam Akin Hina said that it had not apologised to the state government and rather regretted the bandh call of May 2 last, AACWA president Takam Padu claimed that Hina was

misquoted.

Padu said that the AACWA did apologise to the state government and also regretted the inconvenience caused to the citizens because of the 12hour bandh call.

The president thanked Deputy Chief Minister Kameng Dolo for his gesture of sensibly understanding the situation by letting off all the

detained central AACWA executive members by revoking all charges, especially under the Arunachal Pradesh Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 2014.

jail.

It was also informed that any grievances in the future shall be taken up with authorities by means of peaceful democratic means such as hunger strike.

The AACWA also thanked Tame Phassang, Gora Lotak and Tana Tage PRO to DCM for their kind and voluntary gesture in assisting their release from

The AACWA also extend gratitude to the state government for the timely lifting of government payment from banks holding and treasuries.

Dr. Jitendra inaugurates first ever Northeast stall at Dilli Haat ET Bureau NEW DELHI, May 17: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today inaugurated the first-ever “permanent” Northeast stall called “Purbashree stall” at Dilli Haat.

Speaking to media persons after going around various sections of the stall, Dr Jitendra Singh said, it is significant that, in the past, temporary Northeast stalls were set up at Dilli Haat for a few days from time to time, but there was never a “permanent” Northeast destination at this venue. Therefore, he said, the opening of this permanent Dilli Haat stall devoted to Northeast is a reiteration of Modi Government’s commitment

extent, the stall inaugurated here will serve as a permanent Northeast showcase for people from far and wide who visit the union capital of India, he added.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh going around various sections of the first – ever permanent Northeast stall at Dilli Haat after formally inaugurating it, at New Delhi on Monday. to the promotion of Northeast and the formal launching of the stall has taken place at a time when, just about ten days from today, the Modi Government will complete its two years in office.

Expressing the hope that this permanent regional display of traditional collections in

the heart of New Delhi will help in promoting original handicraft/ garment culture and art of Northeast before the rest of the countrymen, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, in the times to come, this will also become a source of income and revenue for the benefit of the region. There is much to learn about the embroidery and garment skills and to that

Looking back at one and a half years of his tenure in the Ministry of DoNER, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, he has made a humble effort to bring the rest of the country closer to Northeast and to make them realize what all distinctive trades endow the region but remain inadequately explored. He also referred to the success of “DoNER at Door step” experiment started by him wherein Camp Secretariat of DoNER Ministry is set up by rotation in each of the eight States.

Similarly, the frequent tours of Union Ministers and fast track expansion of rail network, roads and waterways has opened a new chapter of development for the people of the region.

Shillong, May 17: Research scholars, policy makers and industry practitioners have come together at an international conference at Shillong in Meghalaya to highlight the tourism resources of north east India and explore marketing strategies in an eco-friendly and sustainable way, the organisers said on Tuesday.

The International Conference on Advancements in Tourism and Hospitality Marketing (ATHMCON 2016) organised by the De-

Guwahati as per information received from Sailendra Pandey, PRO, Excise Commissionerate,

Assam , here today. The meeting which held in connection with Assam Public Financial Management

Medical Camps at Namsai by Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti

strengthening project and discuss on RFP , study tour and introduction of e-governance system in Excise

Delhi, May 17 (PTI) India today reacted strongly to Pakistan seeking UN intervention on the Indian draft bill on map, saying it was an "entirely internal legislative matter" and Pakistan or any other party has no locus standi on it.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said India "firmly rejects" repeated and increasing attempts

by Pakistan to impose on the international community matters that it has always been open to address bilaterally with it.

"The proposed Bill is an entirely internal legislative matter of India, since the whole of the state of J&K is an integral part of India. Pakistan or any other party has no locus standi in the matter.

ET Bureau Namsai, May 17: Vivekananda Kendra Arun Jyoti organized some Free Medical Camps in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh from 10th May to 14th May 2016. Three camps were organized at Mahadevpur IV, Dharampur and Dirak Miri villages of Lekang circle and two camps were organized at Monhofai and Joona

kachari villages of Namsai circle. A total 860 patients were treated in these camps by the Mobile Medical Team of Vivekananda Kendra and free medicines were distributed.

It is to be mentioned that all the three villages under Lekang circle were flood affected and the recent flood created havoc in these areas.

So, the medical camps

bought relief to the ailing patients, most of them were elderly and children. Volunteers of Vivekananda Kendra, Namsai Nagar and Mahadevpur area, All Lekang Youth and Student Union (ALYSU), Adi Students Union of Lekang block joined hands with our medical team for the camps.

The villagers appreciated the service provided at their doorsteps.

In technical session Shri Jarny Yomcha, ADO (PP) dealt in details about methods and uses of chemical pesticides and its ill effect on human and soil health. The advantages of Vemi-Compost for organic agriculture and its method of preparation were also dealt in detail by him.

Shri A.K. Singh, HDO

Dixit said the aim is to create a platform for academi-

Members of the scientific committee include experts from India, the US, Israel, Ireland, Germany, Mauritius, South Africa and

from several other nations.

Some of the themes include information systems and marketing, marketing of tourism and hospitality education, sustainable/ green/renewable marketing, emerging technologies, social media and etourism, marketing for special interest tourism products, marketing strategies of third world and developing nations, social and ethical concerns of marketing as well as future trends. IANS

laterally with Pakistan," Swarup said in response to a question on Pakistan Foreign Office press release on India's Geospatial Bill.

Earlier, in Islamabad, Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) issued a statement saying it has expressed "serious concern" to the UN over a draft bill in the Indian Parliament over the map of Kashmir and has asked the world body to uphold its resolutions and urge India to stop

such acts which are in "violation of international law".

"Pakistan has expressed serious concern to the United Nations Secretary General and the President of the UN Security Council, through letters by our Permanent Representative in New York, with regard to the Indian government's efforts to introduce a controversial 'Geospatial Information Regulation Bill' in the Indian Parliament," it said.

It further said that "in violation

of UNSC resolutions, the official map of India has been depicting the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India which is factually incorrect and legally untenable".

Wrong depiction of the map of India could land the violators in jail with a maximum term of seven years and impose a fine up to Rs 100 crore, according to the draft 'Geospatial Information Regulation Bill 2016'.

Two day awareness- cum- health camp held at Kurung Kumey

"The Government firmly rejects Pakistan's repeated and increasing attempts to impose on the international community matters that India has always been open to address bi-

Commissionerate also witnessed Commissioner of Excise , Sing stressing the need of early solution to the inconvenience of age old manual permit system for IMFL business and transforming it to online system with the application of information technology to make the entire process hassle free, prompt and transparent , thereby minimizing the possible loss of revenue. Thus he targeting for an increase of 20% revenue in comparison to that collected in the last financial year. The source further added that the government has managed to collect excise revenue amounting approximately Rs 12,000 crore including VAT.

Training Programme on use of Pesticides and Weedicides at Tadin Village Aalo May 17: A team of officers from the Agriculture and Horticulture Department organised an awareness training programme at Tadin village on the â•œuse of Pesticides and Weedicides in Crop field and its ill effect on environment and organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultureâ• on 14th may last.

"During the conference different themes will be deliberated upon, including eco and sustainable ways of tourism marketing and development," Saurabh Kumar Dixit, Conference Chair and Head, at the department, told IANS.

cians, research scholars, policy makers, industry practitioners and the budding tourism/hospitality professionals to exchange views, discuss and present research findings related to the marketing of tourism/ hospitality products/services in general and for the tourism sector in northeast India in particular.

Pak has no locus standi on map issue: India

Introduction of e-governance system for excise permits in the state ET Correspondent Mangaldai, May 17: In a bid to streamline the process of earning excise revenue and also root out the inconvenience in procuring excise permits by the IMFL sellers, the Excise Commissionerate of the state is shortly going to introduce e-governance system. This was decided in a three day long discussion between a team of delegates from the World Bank mission and Commissioner of Excise, Govt. of Assam, Shamsher Sing, IAS in presence of Commissioner of Taxes, Govt. of Assam , Anurag Goel , IAS concluded recently in the excise commissionerate ,

partment of Tourism and Hotel Management, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, spans Tuesday and Wednesday.

gave knowledge on proper application of chemical pesticides on horticulture crops while Shri Yompe Ado ADO (HQ) shared his knowledge on organic farming for sustainable agriculture and for conservation of natural resource.

During feedback session the farmers informed that application of chemical pesticides reduce the tillering of paddy. One of the farmers also informed that this year uses of weedicides and chemical pesticides is almost nil in Hill areas of WRC field of Tadin village. Shri Teyom Payum, ASM Tadin agreed to use pesticides and insecticides judiciously for the conservation of the environment.

Two day awareness- cum- health camp held at Kurung Kumey ET Bureau Kurung Kumey , May 17: Two day awareness- cumhealth camp was organized from 14th to 15th May 2016 at remote circle head quarter, Parsi parlo of Kurung Kumey District, Arunachal Pradesh under the aegis of District Health Society in collaboration with M/S Kenge Construction Co.Itanagar.

The medical team was headed by Dr.Takam Sakter Medical Officer PHC Parsi Parlo and Dr.Tailang Nime.

Dr. Sakter while briefing the need of such programmes requested the participants to reciprocate to such camps for their well being and ready one self for the upcoming monsoon season to minimize water borne and

vector diseases; and advocated for other medical alternative care in the case of medical emergencies.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner; Patuk Shri C. Chukhu while addressing the gathering lauded district medical team's effort and asked to carry out such programme apart from normal duties for the benefit of people of the interior sub division, thereby bring health facility at the door step of common people in line with the government policies.

The Zilla Parishad Chairperson, Kurung Kumey Shri Sangha Tagik speaking on the occasion thanked District Health Society medical team for timely organizing

health and awareness camp and hoped similar camps would be organized at remote circle head quarters of the district, specially for eye and liver diseases as these kind of diseases are reported to be a higher prevalence in the district.

Further he assured to help out such programmes if organized in future and asked all participants to reap the benefits ; and not only the medicine but also knowledge and practicality at their level.

A total of around 500 patients of Parsi Parlo block attended and were treated in the two day health camp.

HIV counseling was done to the youths and newly married couples by Dr. Nime and Hibu Tatung.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

PAGE 4

Exit polls: Likely loss in Assam a cause of worry for Congress in North-East Guwahati, May 17: If exit polls are anything to go by then the biggest loser in these high stakes Assembly polls, is likely to be the Grand Old party, the Congress. The party is slated to lose incumbent state governments in Kerala and Assam, leaving it with only one big state Karnataka in its kitty. Although the party is attempting to keep a straight face and brush it off as “anti-incumbency effect”, the long term repercussions of these highly anticipated results is not lost on Congressmen.

The receding national footprint of the Congress would therefore coincide with the increasing footprint of BJP- predicted as it is to unseat the Tarun Gogoi government inAssam and open its account in Kerala. “What such a result means for the Congress is extremely detrimental,” confesses a Congress insider from the north east. “This will have a shake up effect on other north eastern states. Till

there’s not much to it.”

Nationally, the impact of BJP gaining a toehold into Kerala at the expense of the Congress, (the LDF is predicted to win the state) has far reaching ramifications.

The three cornered contest will also mean that the alternate terms in power that the LDF and UDF regimes had got accustomed to, will soon be a thing of the past.

Silchar: Voters stand in queue at a polling booth to caste their vote during the first phase of the Assam assembly polls in Silchar on Monday. PTI Photo

now BJP was the untouchable especially among the tribals and the Christians but if BJP comes to power in Assam it means that it will gain an acceptability among these sections and therefore gain an acceptability and entry into other NE states as well,” added the Congressman.

This spells bad news for the Congress which is in

power in Meghalaya, Mizoram and Manipur.

The Congress leader concedes that the loss of Himanta Biswa Sarma to the BJP dealt a body blow to the Congress in the north east. The party recently lost its government in Arunachal Pradesh due to the “machinations” of the BJP. AICC denizens, however believe it will be a frac-

tured mandate in Assam.

As senior leader and General Secretary BK Hariprasad speaking to Business Standard said, “In 1977, we were down to just Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and then we were in power in only Andhra, but thereafter we bounced back; in 1980 we won several states.” Adding, “So these ups and downs keep happening,

The only glimmer of hope at presents seems to be the Tamil Nadu exit polls, where DMK is slated to win with Congress as junior partner. A likely return of the Congress government in Pondicherry (it has a 30 member assembly), also appears to bolster the low morale of Congressman.

Incidentally, the Congress is not too perturbed about Bengal, where a return of TMC and mamata Banerjee is a blow for the Left but an increase of seat share for the Congress is on the cards in alliance with the Left.

While political pundits raise obvious questions about the receding national footprint of the party and the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, who is slated to take over the reigns of the party from Congress President Sonia Gandhi; Congressmen dismiss these speculations outright. “If a win of a state would be credited to the CM or Congress leader in that state, why should a loss be ascribed to Rahul Gandhi.

After all these state governments in Kerala and Assam are going to polls based on their governance and achievements,” says Congress MP and spokesperson Sushmita Dev. A BJP government in Assam, is certain to boost the morale of the government at the Centre and while the government could be more emboldened especially in the Rajya Sabha, but whether the Congress would fight shy of being the belligerent Opposition that it has been in the upper house is open to conjecture. (agencies)

Sivasagar is ready for assembly Election counting ET Correspondent Sivasagar, May 17: A counting preparation press meet was held at Sukapha Bhawan of Deputy Commissioners office, here at Sivasagar at about 5 pm today , with a view to apprise the media personals about the counting process of Assembly Election, which will held on 19th of this May. The meet was chaired

by Deputy commissioner Birendra Mittal , where election officer and Superintendent of Police, Anand Prakash Tiwari were also addressed to media and seek support in entire counting.

Deputy Commissioner also said that tuff security arrangements have been made at Sivasagar Government Boys HS & MP School for a free and fair counting as the counting will commence from 8:00 am.

The Deputy Commissioner further informed that counting personnel and counting agents already had been trained for Counting process. And Apart from on duty officers, staff, police, journalist with authority letter, candidates and counting agents, no one will be allowed to enter into the counting centre, he added.

Dry Day declared in Darrang on counting day Rangia preparation of counting of votes is on 19th May ET Correspondent Mangaldai May 17: The District Magistrate, Darrang exercising his power conferred upon him today has declared May 19 next as the “Dry Day” in the entire dis-

trict on account of ensuing counting process for the last assembly polls as per the Assam Excise rules. The declaration will remain effective till the counting process is all over and hence dur-

ing this period all sorts of sale , distribution, transportation , procuring and consuming of alcohol will be strictly prohibited and all bonded warehouses, IMFL retail off and

shops , including club, hotel and country spirit shops will remained closed. The order also carries strict warning of necessary legal action for violation of the announcement.

Classes' suspended for rainstormy affected school building ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, May 17: All kinds of classes for the day were suspended at Chechapani ME School on Tuesday, hardly one and half kilometer adjacent to Kokrajhar district administration following school roof and building ruined by rain-stormy on Monday, besides guardian and teachers expressed resented over insincerity from district administration into situation. On the other hand, district administration told that concern authority has been taking serious note about the incident. Students of the school were deprived from classes following classes were suspended, which was totally lashed out by rain stormy. The incident took place yesterday around 11 am at Chechapani ME School where around 100 students are studying under Kokrajhar block elementary education. The school building roof and barandhas were ruined due to heavy rain and stormy when the teachers teaching the school children inside the class room. The rain-storm totally lashed out CIC sheet roof and barandhas of the school, damaged with wet several properties included official document, books, ceiling fan etc.

However, students were safe unhurt taking shelter nearby LP school building.

Local resident, social organization and students expressed resented over the insincerity attitude towards restoration of school building that was lashed out by stormy, although the school authority intimated to the higher authority about incident 24 hours ago. Najrul Islam, ABMSU leader said that the roof of school and materials were totally ruined yesterday for heavy rain and stormed that created resented in the area. 'It is a grave concern matter that district administration and education department are not initiating to restore the incident. The classes in the school were suspended following ruined of building

roof and damages of school materials', Islam adding demanded district administration should take stern step to repair school infrastructure. 'We were deprived from classes today following school building was disrupted for rain and stormed yesterday', said a student in the school. Monowar Hussain, head teacher of the school said he had intimated to the concern district education authority just after the incident yesterday, but yet no any measure was seeing till today. The classes have been suspended for the day due to building affected by rain and stormy, he said.

'We intimated to the higher authority about incident yesterday, yet no measures were seeing so far to the school. Several important

document, books and infrastructural were damaged in the rain. We hope the district administration and education department will look after the affected school building', Hussain said. Madhav Prasad Sarma, Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner said that district administration has instructed education department to take measure to restoration of classes in the school. 'We have been taking measure to restoration of classes from the district administration so that the students could not face with crisis in the school. The disruption of school building roof by rain-stormy would be restored immediately and the classes would be continued from tomorrow', Sarma said.

Assam States Zoo is in apathetic condition Contd. from Page 1

Secretary General of Aaranyak to provide 178 pairs of field shoe/boots for regular duty use by the officials, guards and animal keepers of our Zoo.” The event was also attended by Mr. Om Prakash Pandey,

PCCF (Wildlife), Mr. PradiptaBaruah, ACF, Mr. MukulTamuli, Ranger and Mr. R. Das, Deputy Ranger.

Mr. Jimut Prasad Sarma, Mr. Manas Bhattacharjyaand Mr. Zakir Islam Bora represented Aaranyak at the distribution event.

Om Prakash Pandey,

PCCF (Wildlife) commented, “This is a great initiative by Aaranyak. I thank them for their generous support towards our staff at our Zoo. I pledge you all, the officials, guards, animal keepers and all supporting staff of our Zoo will make right use of the boots given by Aaranyak .” Aaranyak shall

continue to offer such field equipment to wildlife areas in Assam and adjoining states of NE India whenever needed in consultation with concerned officials to support and compliment the conservation initiatives of forest department. This was stated in a press release of Aaranyak.

ET Correspondent Rangia, May 17: Only one day left for the counting of votes for the recently held state assembly elections, with other 5 states, the Kamrup district administration is making brisk preparations for the process covering four LAC's under Kamrup Election district and 2 LAC's under Rangia election district namely Hajo, Palashbari, Chhaygaon, Bako, Rangia and Kamalpur. According to the DC and DEO (District Election Officer) of Kamrup Vinod Seshan and DEO cum SDO civil Rangia Kailash Karthik and the counting process will start at 8 am on May 19. The strong Room will open at 7.30 in presence of the candidates and their counting agents. Firstly the postal ballot will be counted till 8.30 and then EVM votes will be counted till the completion. A total of 88 tables for 4 constituencies at Amingaon and 26 tables for 2 constituencies at Rangia have been arranged for smooth counting of votes.

For each table one election agent for each candidate,

Security personnel being deployed while worker engaged in preparing pandal at the election counting centre of Jorhat Govt. Boys High School in Jorhat on 17-05-16. Pix by UB Photos

one observer, one counting assistant one Micro observer and one Assistant returning officer will appointed. For smooth conduct of the counting process, special training has been imparted to the concerned officials. More over meeting with the representative of the political parties organised where DC cum

RO Vinod Seshan and SDO civil cum RO Rangia Kailash Karthik reviewed the norms of the Election Commission for the counting process.

Meanwhile, the District Administration has imposed restriction on bringing mobile phone, packet food, bag etc inside the counting hall and bringing out any victory

rally or procession in the district without prior permission, sale and bursting of crackers have also been banned in the district. Adequate security arrangements have been made inside and outside the counting hall to prevent any untoward incident that may arise after the election results.

Two days workshop on Sustainable Development Goals on Technology platform concludes A staff reporter Guwahati, May 17: Two days workshop on Sustainable Development Goals on Technology platform was organised by the Information Technology Department, Govt. of Assam on 16th and 17th May, 2016 at Assam Administrative Staff College has concluded today.

Chief Secretary, Vinod Kumar Pipersenia inaugurated the workshop in his speech, stressed at length on the necessity to support and generate momentum and commitment to achieve the Vision Assam 2030 through Sustainable Development Goals. Additional Chief Secretary Information Technology Department V. S. Bhaskar on welcoming the participants gave a brief description of the workshop. Former Secretary, Govt. of India, Anurag Goel also present on the occasion shared his expertise on the subject.

J. Satyanarayan a, IAS (Retd.) of Andhra Pradesh delivering in a Workshop on sustainable Development Goals on Technology Platform at Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati on 17th May, 2016.

Advisor to the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, J. Satyanarayana, IAS(Retd) graced the occasion as Chief guest and shared his experience through power point presentations on the essential parameters for achieving sustainable Development Goals in Andhra Pradesh and how the same can be replicated in Assam.

Advisor of Sustainable Development Goal(SDG) Dr. Siladitya Chatterjee also took part in the meeting.

Earlier presentations were also given by experts from Oracle Corporation and INTEL Corporation.

Additional Chief Secretary, Planning and Development K.V. Eapen, Commissioner Panchayat and Rural Devel-

opment, Dr. K.K. Dwivedi, Commissioner and Secretary, Information and Public Relations, Home and Political Lovely Sweety Changsan along with many other Senior officers participated in the interactive session of the workshop. Commissioner and Secretary, Govt. of Assam, Information Technology,M.C.Sahu offered the vote of thanks.

REGION

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

Onaatah bags three awards at Prag Cine Awards Shillong, May 17: National Award winning film Onaatah which is running to a packed house at Bijou and Anjalee cinemas here, also bagged three awards at the Prag Cine Awards at Tezpur on Sunday. The best actor (female) went to Sweety Pala who shared the award with Tonthoi from Manipur.

The best director award went to Pradip Kurbah and best film to Onaatah.

Arvind Goenka, owner of Anjalee Cinema says he is happy to see a Khasi film playing to a packed hall and hopes that Onaatah sets the benchmark for ambitious film makers of the State. On Sunday there was an overflow of cine goers at Bijou Cinema, many of whom could not get tickets for the show.

Onaatah is filmed in the lush green rural settings of Meghalaya with excellent cinematography by Pradip Daimary.

It is for the first time that a Khasi film has used the Nongkrem dialect to convey a subtle message of the simplicity and innocence of village life and its therapeutic effects on a rape survi-

Justice Vaiphei sworn in as Tripura HC chief justice

Justice Vaiphei sworn in as Tripura HC chief justice Agartala (Tripura), May 17: Justice Tinlianthang Vaiphei of Gauhati High Courtwas sworn in as acting chief justice of Tripura High Courtin a ceremony at Raj Bhawanhere on Monday.

Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy administered the oath of office during a swearing-in-ceremony programme held at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan here.

Chief Minister Manik

Meghalaya village transforms by Manipur tribals brewing tea in place of liquor to protest at Jantar Mantar the co-operative's tea processing factory in the village where the labourers produce finished tea and do the packaging.

vor (Onaatah). The role of the village rustic Duh played by Merlvin Mukhim created ripples of laughter in the hall.

Said a cine goer, "Onaatah portrays the virgin landscapes of Meghalaya hauntingly, and brings a rare freshness with the unhurried narrative of simple village folks. Superb cinematography, and effortlessly acted by both Mervin Mukhim (Duh) and Sweety Pala (Onaatah) to a beautifully drawn out storyline that pits the cunning and soulless city against the innocence and eternal hope that the countryside holds out."

Delhi based journalist Ninglun Hanghal who watched the film at the India Habitat Centre on Sunday remarked, "It is commendable that the cast and most importantly the central character is devoid of make-up. This is a laudable attempt in making a 'different kind of cinema' in the era of highly stereotyped 'entertainment'. Making a woman-centric film was a risky venture but Pradip Kurbah made it!"(Agencies)

Sarkar along some of his cabinet colleagues, other justices of the High Court, top administrative and security officials of the state government were present in the swearing-in-ceremony.

It may be recalled here that the first chief justice of the High Court of Tripura, Deepak Kumar Gupta left the state on May 12 last and is supposed to take charge today as chief justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court.

(ANI)

PAGE 5

Their white tea, in particular, is the most rewarding one which is sold at Rs.11,000 a kg in the retail market. Nongspung said as a result the economic condition of the village folks have improved which is reflected in the improvement in village infrastructure.

Mawlyngot , May 17: A village which was once notorious for drunken brawls with brewing country liquor common in houses has now turned into a model village by brewing tea. The brainchild of former school teacher and village headman DL Nongspung, the Mawlyngot Tea Grower's Society has 20 farmers who have transformed the village with a cooperative model to produce over 3000 kgs of organic green tea leaves annually in 50 hectares of land.

Since the last two years they are even exporting green tea to Australia.

A decade ago, Mawlyngot, located about 45 km from Shillong, was infamous for alcoholism. The women produced a brand of rice

and millet liquor known as "Pyrsi" in the local Khasi language.

Now the same women have switched over to brewing the delicate flavours of green, white and orthodox black tea, branded as "Urlong" which means "Dreams come true" in their language.

A mother of nine children, 46-year-old Mortabon Umsong is one such woman. "As young girls we were frightened to step out due to drunkards roaming around. The situation was more acute during the weekly markets," she said.

With initial funding from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, tea saplings were planted in 2003 and after

four years plucking of leaves began. Later on, they found support from World Vision India (WVI) for setting up a tea processing unit.

"One of the most significant impacts that we have seen with the shifting of occupation from liquor to tea plantation is that alcoholism, conflict, broken family and other social evils prevailing in this village have reduced tremendously over these years," WVI officials said.

Out of the 20 tea farmers, 11 are women.

Indashisha Suting says she and her husband both toil hard on their two hectare plot of land from morning till evening to produce the tea crop. After plucking, the leaves are then brought to

Making it tough for liquor addicts, Mawlyngot village's tribal chief has already restricted brewing and selling of alcohol in the area.

Locals say that alcohol consumption, as a result, has decreased tremendously in the village as tea is now the favourite beverage.

The success of the project is such that seven villages in the East Khasi Hills district have now approached the cooperative society to help them replicate their model.

World Vision has already distributed 60,000 tea saplings in Umtong village alone where labourers are clearing uncultivated and fallow land along the slopes.

Phiwtinoris Nongrum, 36, who used to grow potatoes and broomsticks, says seeing the success of tea crop in the neighbouring village they are now switching over to tea plantation.(Agencies)

Manipur tribals to protest at Jantar Mantar Imphal, May 17: Angered by the state government's "disrespect to nine tribal martyrs", a group of Manipuri tribals will on Tuesday protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.

The Manipur Tribals' Forum Delhi (MTFD) has called upon all tribal groups in and around Delhi to join the protest march against the death of nine people, who were killed last year during police action.

The protesters were demanding the scrapping of three bills passed by the state assembly that allegedly deprive the tribals of their land rights.

"We are all aware (of) the long history of discrimination of the hill tribes in Manipur by successive governments (which) has reached unacceptable pro-

portions. In both covert and overt manipulations, the state has been making numerous attempts to marginalise us, trample on our rights and take away our lands," the MTFD said.

"Last year, we lost nine of our brothers in defending our rights and land. We will hold a mass rally in the national capital on Tuesday in support of the total shutdown call of the Joint Action Committee Against Anti-tribal Bills," the statement stated.

An all-party delegation from Manipur will be camping in New Delhi this coming week to mount pressure on the government to get President's assent for the three bills. The MTFD termed the move as "blatant show of disrespect to our 9 martyrs and disdain towards our tribal rights movement".(Agencies)

Police ready to thwart No respite to Himachal hnlc threat: Kharkrang as mercury further soars Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), May 17: Temperature in Himachal Pradesh continued to rise on Tuesday as the mercury went up by four-five degree Celsius from normal.

Shimla recorded 28.4 degree Celsius on Monday, four notches above average.

On Sunday, the day temperature inShimla recorded was 27.2 degrees. The local MeT office predicted dry weather over the next five days. (ANI) Caption: Temperature in Himachal Pradesh continued to rise on Tuesday Sikkim to confer two farmers with highest civilian award Gangtok, May 17: Two former politicians, a bureaucrat and two progressive farmers have been selected by the state government to confer with the State Civilian Award.

State's highest civilian award, Sikkim Sewa Ratna will be conferred on two former politicians and a bureaucrat. Dil Kumari Bhandari, former MP and wife of former chief minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, R. C Paudyal, former minister and Khorlo Bhutia,secretary, Horticulture & Cash Crop Development, will be recognised for their contribution towards the Sikkimese society with Sikkim Sewa Ratna on 16 May, when Sikkim celebrates State Day. Besides, two progressive farmers Karma Dichen Bhutia of Sajong, Rumtek and Dwarika Nath Sapkota of Chota Singtam will be recognised with Sikkim Sewa Samman for their exemplary work in Organic Farming.

The Sikkim State Civilian Awards have been instituted by the State in recognition of the sterling contribution and achievements made by individuals in various fields of activities. The objective behind instituting these awards is to felicitate those people who have worked relentlessly for the cause of their community in their individual capacities so that they are encouraged to rededicate themselves with renewed vigor and in turn serve as an example for others to follow.

The Sikkim Sewa Ratna Award carries a citation, a cash award of Rs 2 lakh, a gold plated silver medal, a memento and a shawl. The Sikkim Sewa Samman Award carries a citation, a cash award of Rs 1 lakh, a silver medal, a memento and a shawl. (Agencies)

Shillong, May 17: With the arrest of three HNLC cadres along with one ULFA-I militant with arms and explosives and the subsequent threat from HNLC, the East Khasi Hills police said that they are committed to thwart any attempt of the militants to make their presence felt in Shillong. "We are not taking HNLC lightly, but at the same time, we are taking precautionary measures to ensure that peace prevails in Shillong", East Khasi Hills district police chief M. Kharkrang told reporters on Monday.

Police had on Friday arrested three HNLC cad-

res identified as Nobleson Rynjah, Phrankor Rynjah and Kyrseiboklang Lyngdoh along with a senior ULFA-I militant Bikhat Ahom. The lower court had initially sent them to judicial custody for 14 days. Police later sought their custody and subsequently, the court on Sunday granted four-day police custody to ULFAI cadre. After the arrest of the cadres, the HNLC had revealed that the arrested cadres had a plan to bomb High Court of Meghalaya and Secretariat.

Vivek Syiem, SP (City), said that security audit of the government building

is a regular exercise and the police will ensure further security audit of government buildings.

He also urged the city residents to report to the police about the presence of any suspicious objects.

Syiem said that regular mock drills will be carried out to ensure that the citizens are alert.

HNLC's tie up with ULFA (I) is a worrying factor for the police.

However, police said that there is a need to ascertain whether the arrested ULFA cadre has been in touch with the proscribed HNLC on his personal capacity or as per the direction from the ULFA leadership. (Agencies)

Poll panel censures Dikkanchi Shillong, May 17: The Election Commission of India has censured Congress candidate for Tura by-poll Dikkanchi D Shira for her speech with a communal tone during the campaign. It was after the Election Commission was not satisfied with the reply of the candidate and her election agent that the Election Commission censured and cautioned Dikkanchi.

to shield the Christians in the Parliament?"

The Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Kharkongor said on Monday that after the complaints came to the fore, the Returning Officer had also lodged an FIR with the police for further probe into the matter.

BJP had also petitioned the Returning Officer to take action against the Congress candidate.

The Election Commission had gone through the translated version of statements made by Dikkanchi during the public meeting at Dadenggre in West Garo Hills district on May 2 which read as "Today He fought for the Christians, He shielded the Christians, but now his son has joined hands with those who are persecuting Christians. Will he be able

However, the order of SB Joshi, Secretary to the Election Commission issued on May 12 said that the reply of the election agent of Dikkanchi G. Arengh on May 7 was not satisfactory regarding the public speech delivered by her at Dadenggre.

Later, a reply addressed to the Returning Officer by Dikkanchi on May 10 was also not found satisfactory

to the Election Commission.

"Whereas, the Commission is also of the considered opinion that you have violated the above provisions of the Model Code of Conduct; now, therefore, the Commission hereby censures you for the violation of the Model Code of Conduct and cautions you to be more careful while making public speeches during election campaigns in future", the Election Commission said.(Agencies) KHADC moves High Court Shillong, May 17: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has filed a petition on Monday in the High Court of Meghalaya for the delay on the part of the Government in ap-

pointing MDC Donkupar Sumer as Executive Committee (EC) member. The case will come up for hearing on May 18.

Sources said on Monday that the KHADC filed the petition as there was undue delay on the part of the Governor and the Government in appointing Sumer though the KHADC Chief Executive Member P N Syiem had forwarded the name to the Governor for his nod long back. According to sources, as per the AssamMeghalaya District Council Rule no. 19 sub rule 1 and Rule 20 sub rule 1, the Governor will appoint the EC member based on the advice of the CEM. As per norm, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) and 10 MDCs constitute the EC. Earlier, based on the Assam-

Meghalaya District Council rule, the CEM had constituted the EC with nine MDCs including the Deputy CEM after getting nod from the Governor without any delay. Later on June 17 last year the name of Arbinus Lyngdoh was forwarded to be included in EC and after six days on June 23, the nod for his appointment came from the Governor. Later, after Donevan Wahlang MDC resigned, it was accepted by the Governor and for the remaining vacant seat, the CEM on March 3 this year sent the name of Sumer for the approval of the Governor ,and a reminder was also sent on April 22, but in vain. Sources said that since the government has allegedly violated the legal rights of KHADC, the intervention of the Court was sought.(Agencies)

The Tangla to Dewor PWD road lying in a dilapidated state at Tangla town as seen on 17-05-16. Pix by UB Photos

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

Bihar Govt. a mute spectator to crime in the state: Prem Kumar Patna (Bihar), May 17: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Prem Kumar on Tuesday attacked chief minister Nitish Kumar on deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar and said the state government is a mute spectator to crime incidents in the state.

Kumar said the delegation met Bihar Governor, Ram Nath Kovind, over rising crime in Bihar and over government failing to nab the criminals. "Bihar government is sleeping and the criminals are roaming free.

Government is doing eye wash. Bihar Govt a mute spectator to crime incidents in the state, criminals fearless of the law," he said.

"Crime is increasing in Bihar and people are in fear.

The recent incidents have somewhere pointed to government helping the culprits escape," he added while terming the state of affairs in Bihar as 'Maha Jungle Raj'. Coming out of slumber after the murder of senior journalist Rajdeo

Ranjan in Siwan, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had earlier pledged that he won't rest until the culprits were punished.

"Some incidents had happened in Bihar over which we all are very concerned and saddened," said Nitish in apparent reference to the road rage murder of teenager Aditya Sachdeva in Gaya involving expelled JD(U) MLC Manorama Devi's son Rocky Yadav and the murder of journalist Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan.

"Until we bring the guilty to the book, we won't take rest," said Nitish, while addressing a public meeting on liquor ban in Lucknow.

With Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar giving his consent for a CBI probe in the murder case of journalist Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan district, Director General of Police (DGP) P.K. Thakur had yesterday the state police would continue its investigation till the top investigating agency takes up the case. (ANI)

Aman Pawar slams AAP for failing to address MCD workers' concerns New Delhi, May 17: Advocate Aman Pawar, legal affairs in-charge of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee, on Monday asked the Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) government to file its response as to how does the party has money for self glorification when they cannot pay for the concerns of the people.

"In our Right to Information we asked four questionsmoney AAP's spent on TV, radio, hoardings and newspaper advertisements in the last three months. We have the answer on newspaper advertisement that Rs.14.5 crore has been spent by AAP in last three months.

How do they have money for self glorification when they cannot pay for cleanliness, MCD workers, widow pension etc," Pawar told here.

"We have got to know that in 90 days they have mostly made expenditure on press.

They are expending money in other states also that is not benefiting Delhi people," he added.

The Delhi government has spent Rs 14.5 crore on just advertisements, published in newspapers between February 10 and May 10, reveals an RTI filed by the Congress. The AAP government came under attack from the opposition Congress on Sunday for its advertising campaigns.

"On one hand we don't have money to pay to safai karamcharis for salary, on one hand we don't have money even to pay for pension but on the other they are spending huge amounts(for advertisments) for self publicity," Congress Leader Ajay Maken said.

Meanwhile, AAP had yesterday alleged that 'somebody had lied' about the government having spent crores on advertisements.

(ANI)

No 'jungle raj' in Bihar" JD(U) after Manorama Devi arrest New Delhi, May 17: After suspended MLC Manorama Devi surrendered in front of the Bihar police, the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U) on Tuesday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) allegations of a return of 'Jungle Raj' in the state and said that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government is taking strict action against wrong doers.

JD(U) spokesperson Ali Anwar told, "We took the matter of road rage incident which took place in Gaya very seriously. We ordered a strict and stringent probe in the matter both mother and son have been arrested, both surrendered in front of the police."

"The government did not leave any stone unturned in procecuting the accused, we did not show leniency at all.

The BJP is levelling false allegations, they cannot say there is jungle raj in the state as we did not let go our

MLC. Our government does justice," he added.

Suspended Janata Dal (United) MLC Manorama Devi, who is accused of violating prohibition law, was sent to 14-day judicial custody on Tuesday.

She surrendered before the Gaya Court. An arrest warrant was issued by the Bihar Government against her over liquor prohibition.

A court in Gaya would hear the anticipatory bail plea of Manorama Devi on May 19.

Devi filed an anticipatory bail in the court on May 13 after an arrest warrant was issued against her. The Gaya Police had last week sealed the house of the suspended JD (U) MLC. Devi's son Rakesh Ranjan Yadav alias Rocky and her husband Bindi Yadav are already in jail over the killing of Aditya Sachdeva, a businessman's son, in a case of road rage last week.

(ANI)

PAGE 6

Pathankot attack: Fresh Red Corner notice against Masood Azhar New Delhi, May 17: Signalling a major development in the Pathankot case, the Interpol on Tuesday issued a fresh Red Corner notice against Jaish-eMohammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar and his brother Abdul Rauf for their alleged involvement in the attack on the Indian Air Force Base.

According to NIA sources, JeM suspect Shahid Latif is the main handler in the Pathankot attack and that his location at the moment should probably be in Pakistan. Latif was first arrested in 1994, convicted in 1995 and his jail term was over in 2010. After that he deported to Pakistan

main culprits into the deadly attack on the Indian Air Force base.

Earlier, the NIA had also secured non-bailable arrest warrants against the four JeM terrorists. The special court issued the arrest warrants after weighing the evidence presented by the NIA.

Fresh Red Corner notice against Masood Azhar through the Atari Border.

Sources added that besides a notice on Masood and Rauf, the Interpol is also in the process of issuing a Red

Corner notice against Latif and JeM suspect Shahid Latif. Masood Azhar, his brother Abdul Rauf, Jan and Latif are being touted as the

During the meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on April 18 in Moscow, India is likely to take up the issue of China blocking its call to ban Masood Azhar at the United Nations.

"India is in constant touch

with China on the matter.

The issue has already been taken up at high level. There cannot be two sets of rules for judging terrorists," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup earlier.

China stopped the UN sanctions committee from designating Masood Azhar as a terrorist, stating that the case did not meet requirements of the Security Council.

China maintains that designation of any individual as terrorist by the UN is a serious issue, and, therefore, there was a need for more evidence from India for better understanding to ban the JeM chief. (ANI)

J'khand scribe murder: PM Modi to undertake two-day visit to Iran Three arrested, mastermind from May 22 remain absconding lice are on a manhunt to nab him. Meanwhile, in the case of the murder of senior journalist Rajdeo Ranjan in Siwan district the case is most likely to be handed over to the CBI as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar that he was for the transfer of the case.

Chatra (Jharkhand), May 17: Three people have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a journalist working with the local Hindi television news channel in Chatra district on May 12.

ist for contract work that he was doing in Rajpur police station area, which could have been the cause for the assault. Three people have been arrested and three mobile phones and an Apache bike have been recovered Chatra Superintendent from them. of Police Anjani Kumar Jha told the media here The alleged mastermind that TPC Naxals had of the murder, Mukesh been demanding seven Ganjhu remains to be lakhs from the journal- absconding and the po-

The Chief Minister said he has given his approval for a CBI probe in view of the demand of the slain journalist's relatives. The slain journalist's wife Asha yesterday demanded a CBI probe into his murder to ensure that the culprits get stringent punishment.

"I demand from the government a CBI probe and a secured future for my children and me.

The culprit must be given stringent punishment," she said. 42year-old Ranjan was allegedly shot dead by criminals near the Siwan railway station earlier on Friday. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi, May 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Iran from May 22 to 23 is expected to provide a timely thrust to the ongoing efforts of the two countries and their business entities to expand bilateral cooperation and mutually benefit from new opportunities in the wake of lifting of secondary sanctions against Iran earlier this year.

The Prime Minister is visiting Tehran at the invitation of that country's President, Dr. Hassan Rouhani.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will call on the Supreme Leader of Iran and will hold talks on a wide range of subjects of mutual interest with Presi-

dent Dr. Rouhani.

According to a Ministry of External Affairs release, India and Iran share longstanding civilisational ties. Iran is situated in India's extended neighbourhood and the two countries have significant overlap in their economic and security space.

The visit of Prime Minister to Iran will seek to build on these commonalities by focussing on specific cooperation in regional connectivity and infrastructure, developing energy partnership, boosting bilateral trade, facilitating people-to-people interaction in various spheres and promoting peace and stability in the region. (ANI)

President urges ICCR to continue to support Tagore scholars across world New Delhi, May 17: President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday received the first copies of books 'Tagore's Vision of the Contemporary World' and 'Tagore and Russia' today at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan and urged Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to continue to support Tagore scholars across the world in the coming days.

The President received the two books from Prof.

Lokesh Chandra, President, ICCR who formally released them.

Speaking on the occasion, President Mukherjee said that he was happy to receive the first copies of these two books containing proceedings of seminars organized in 2011 by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations

President Pranab Mukherjee (ICCR). He complimented the ICCR on the initiative and for its support for Tagore Studies over the years.

"Tagore travelled widely within India and abroad.

Russia had a special place in Tagore's heart. Tagore was attracted to the Soviet

Union having heard of the success of its programmes of rural education," he said.

President Mukherjee said Tagore wrote "They are busy with three things. Education, agriculture and machinery. Along these three roads, the whole nation pursues the task of giving full-

ness of the mind, body and creative energy".

He said that the question of mass education was closely allied with the issue of cooperatives, a key ingredient of Rabindranath's Sriniketan experiment at that point of time.

Recollecting his efforts at Patisar and Bolpur, Rabindranath wrote "My object was to strengthen the peasant in self-reliance . agriculture will never improve unless land can be collectively cultivated by co-operative methods . when we had our cooperative organization at Bolpur under the management of the Visva-Bharati, I thought the opportunity had at last come".

President Mukherjee said that Tagore admitted that differences in cultures and

customs need to be respected. Tagore said "Differences can never be wiped away, and life would be so much the poorer without them. Let all human races keep their own personalities, and yet come together, not in a uniformity that is dead, but in a unity that is living".

"Tagore's idea of global order of harmony, co-existence and cooperation of individuals and civilizations is best expressed in his own words in the Gitanjali," he added.

The books "Tagore's Vision of the Contemporary World" and 'Tagore and Russia" have been edited by Prof. Indra Nath Choudhuri and Dr. Reba Som respectively. (ANI)

Sheena Bora case: Judicial custody of all accused extended till June 6

Sheena Bora

Mumbai, May 17: The judicial custody of all accused in the Sheena Bora murder case was on Tuesday extended till June 6.

Earlier today, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sought time to file a reply on driver Shyamvar Rai's application to be approver in a Special CBI court in Mumbai. The hearing in the Special CBI court has been deferred till June 6.

Shyamvar Rai, the former driver of Indrani Mukerjea and Peter Mukherjee on May 11 told a special CBI court in Mumbai that he wants to turn approver and disclose certain truths about the commission of the offence.

Rai had last week written a two-page letter to the court, stating that he wants to reveal the truth and had sought pardon in the case. The driver also told the court that he was under no pressure, threat or coercion to reveal the facts in the case and added that he was repentant for his act.

The court had extended the judicial custody of Indrani, Peter, Rai and Sanjeev Khanna till Tuesday.

Indrani along with her husband Peter, former husband Khanna and former driver Shyamvar Rai is an accused in the murder case of her daughter Sheena Bora in 2012.

While former media baron Peter was arrested in November 2015 for hiding and destroying evidences in the murder case, Indrani and two others were arrested by the police in August 2015 and continue to be in custody since.

Media magnate Peter Mukerjea, a co-accused in the case, had earlier in March moved a fresh bail plea before a special CBI court, calling the allegations levelled against him as "false, baseless and unbelievable". He also put the onus on his wife Indrani, saying that she was highly ambitious and was willing to go to any length for that.

In the bail application, Peter claimed it was not him, but Indrani, who objected to Rahul and Sheena's relationship.

He had also denied the allegation of being informed by Indrani about the murder and stated that the said calls were made by Indrani to her daughter Vidhie.

The media honcho was arrested on November 19 last year for his alleged role in the murderconspiracy in which his wife Indrani Mukerjea is the prime accused. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Taliban insurgents Christians, other minorities in Pakistan 20killed in Kunduz drone strike Punjab battling severe discrimination Lahore, May 17: Safeguarding of human rights in Pakistan, or more specifically in its largest Punjab province, is complex, given the nation's demographic diversity, huge population and a democracy that is an admixture of both Islamic and secular laws.

Pakistan's Constitution like any other provides for fundamental rights, but whether they are guaranteed is debatable because, every now and then, we hear of cases of religious discrimination against Christians, Hindus and non-Sunni Muslims, targeted terror-related sectarian and communal violence, caste discrimination in the corridors of power and electoral restrictions.

Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah wanted a Pakistan to be a moderate secular state blended with Islamic values and principles, but what we have seen over the past 69 years, is a nation amending its Constitution several times to give the Islamic fundamental element a dominant say in politics and society.

The government claims to have launched several initiatives to promote religious pluralism and curb rising sectarian and religious violence, but factually, religious violence, particularly against the minorities, be they Ahmadiyyas, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and Zoroastrians, is common throughout Pakistan. They face violence, intimidation, periodic charges of blasphemy, which in Pakistan, carries a death penalty.

Extremism and terrorism have become political weapons against Christians, Hindus, Ahmadiyyas, Shia,

Sufi and Sikh communities, especially in Punjab. These attacks are usually blamed on religious extremists, but certain laws in the Pakistan Criminal Code (PCC) and government inaction have allowed attackers to surge higher. Sunni militant groups are known operate with impunity against minorities, and it is quite common to see law enforcement turning a blind eye or appearing helpless to prevent such attacks.

Pakistan, in fact, is turning into a human rights graveyard. Experts say that using extremists and terrorists, and by default, the armed forces or even the ISI, as instruments of societal suppression is aimed at facilitating and ensuring the dominance of the Punjabi lobby over others.

Pakistan's Christian community, which forms approximately 1.5 percent of the country's population, has often been accused of blas-

Federal Alliance intensifies protest outside PM Oli's residence

Kathmandu, May 17: The Federal Alliance or Sanghiya Gathbandhan formed by the Madhesi and Janajati forces on Tuesday intensified their Kathmandu-centric agitation as they protested outside Prime Minister K.P Sharma Oli official residence in Baluwatar.

Tension ran high in Baluwatar after a clash broke out between cadres of the Federal Alliance and police personnel, reports. The clash on the third day of its Kathmandu-centric protests broke out after the cadres of Alliance tried to enter the prohibited zone. After protesting outside Singha Durbar, two consecutive days on Sunday and Monday, the Alliance had yesterday decided to picket the Oli's official residence in Baluwatar.

The alliance comprising of 27 political parties, including seven Madhesi forces, which have formed the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) had announced protest to exert pressure on the government to address their longstanding demands.

The disgruntled Madhesi parties demand redrawing provincial boundaries and amending some provisions of the Constitution. Meanwhile, normal life and Traffic in Baluwatar and surrounding areas have been disrupted due to the ongoing protest.

Prime Minister Oli had yesterday expressed his intense dissatisfaction over what he

called 'drama' being staged by the Federal Alliance.

"Why this show-business on the road without any reason?" If you are really into politics to work for the people, come and join our hands to volunteer in the reconstruction of earthquakeravaged regions," Kathmandu Post quoted him as saying.

Oli remarked that the Gathabandhan has now come to Kathmandu after people stopped supporting it following extreme hardships they had to suffer during the months-long Tarai banda and blockade, while speaking at a programme organised by his party CPN-UML in the Capital.

He also warned of resorting to strict legal measures to discourage violence in the alliance's protest. "I urge concerned stakeholders to stage peaceful demonstration. Do not resort to vandalism," he said, "I have sensed that leaders are trying to adopt violet paths. There is law in our country and government is committed to implementing it when necessary, " he said.

Oli asserted that there is terrible conspiracy hidden behind the alliance's demand to rewrite the constitution. He reiterated that he would work for the interest of people and his intentions were well manifested by the policy and programme and the upcoming budget would further clear them.(ANI)

pheming the Quran and Prophet Mohammad.

Some notable incidents involving blasphemy accusations were as follows: On October 28, 2001, in Lahore, Islamic militants killed 15 Christians inside a church. On September 25, 2002, two terrorists entered the "Peace and Justice Institute", Karachi, where they separated Muslims from the Christians, and then executed eight Christians by shooting them in the head.

In November 2005, 3,000 militant Islamists attacked Christians in Sangla Hill in Pakistan and destroyed Roman Catholic, Salvation Army and United Presbyterian churches. The attack was over allegations of violation of blasphemy laws by a Pakistani Christian named Yousaf Masih. In August 2006, a church and Christian homes were attacked in a village outside Lahore.

Three Christians were seriously injured and one miss-

ing after some 35 Muslims burned buildings, desecrated Bibles and attacked Christians.

On August 1, 2009, nearly 40 houses and a church in Gojra were torched on the suspicion that Quran had been burnt there. While police watched, 8 victims were burned alive, 4 of them women, one aged 7. Eighteen more were injured. In April 2014, a Christian couple from Gojra, Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, received death sentences.

On March 27, 2016, during Easter Sunday celebrations in Lahore's Gulshan Iqbal Park, a suicide bomber killed 80 Christians and wounded another 340.

Ashiq Masih, the padre of the Lahore Church, then said, "The government is responsible for this incident.

It is for the government to ensure that these bad people do not carry out malicious acts against Christians."

Ikram Arif, a witness to the

tragedy, said, "I saw bodies without heads, legs; I saw bodies with intestines falling out, many injured men, women and children. I even picked up the blown off leg of an infant who must have been about six months old."

Christ Church Vicar Irshad Ashnaz said then, "Terrorists were not so focused on our community as they are now - They would have thought more people would gather at Easter. Perhaps, it is time for the government to turn their attention towards us also."

An aggrieved Pope Francis was so taken aback by the tragedy that he issued a statement from the Vatican condemning it in the strongest possible terms, and demanded immediate remedial action by the Pakistan government. Pakistan civil society also condemned the incident and laid the blame for at the government's doorstep Farrukh Haideri, a lawyer, said, "The government has failed to provide protection to the people."

Pakistani Christians are convinced that they are becoming increasingly victimised since the launch of the US-led international war on terror in October 2001. Churches and Christian residential colonies have almost always been targeted on false blasphemy charges. Salamat Gill, the Bishop of Lahore, has said, "There has never been any brutality from our side.

Whenever there has been violence, it has been from the other side. I demand that religious scholars take action against this; the government should take action, the army chief should take action. How are we going to

suffer like this?"

Human rights violations against the minority Ahmadiyya community have been systematic and allegedly state-sponsored to gain the support of Islamic fundamentalists in Pakistan.

In 1984, the martial law-run government promulgated the anti-Ahmadiyya Ordinance XX that added Sections 298-B and 298-C in Pakistan Criminal Code.

These draconian sections relate to the misuse of epithets, descriptions and titles etc.reserved for certain holy personages or places, and are punishable by imprisonment that may extend to three years, and also be liable to pay a fine. Through this ordinance, Ahmadiyya Muslims were deprived of most of their basic human rights and their freedom of faith.

There has also been severe persecution of Hindus by Muslims in Pakistan since its formation in 1947. Increasing Islamisation has caused many Hindus to leave Hinduism and seek emancipation by converting to other faiths such as Buddhism and Christianity. The Hindu population in Pakistan is estimated to be around 1.5 percent of the total population from a high of 23 percent in 1947.

Pakistan's citizens have had serious Shia-Sunni discord as well. Some see the April 1979 execution of deposed President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on questionable charges as the precursor of Pakistani Shia-Sunni strife.

Attacks on minorities are generally attributed to banned militant organizations of Deobandi or Ahl-eHadith (Salafi) backgrounds. (ANI)

Kabul wants Quadrilateral Coordination Group to label Taliban 'irreconcilable' Islamabad, May 17: Afghan ambassador in Islamabad, Omar Zakhilwal, has said that Kabul wants the Taliban to be declared 'irreconcilable' as they have publicly refused to engage in talks.

"We expect the QCG meeting to agree on implementation of the roadmap the group had agreed upon in its meeting on February 6," the Express Tribune quoted him, as saying while referring to the quartet call for the Taliban to shun violence and join direct talks by the first week of March.

"The roadmap is precisely about the steps the QCG members were to take in their respective domains both during peace talks, if they commenced, as well as if the Taliban refused to join talks. Now since the Taliban have publicly refused to join talks and opted for more violence the second sce-

Afghan ambassador in Islamabad, Omar Zakhilwal nario is applicable," he added. Zakhilwal's comments comes ahead of a key meeting of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) which has been pushing for a political solution towards insurgency in the country.

"They must be declared 'irreconcilable' and action taken against them as was agreed in the roadmap," he said. The quartet, made up of Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the United States, is scheduled to meet on May

18 in Islamabad, reports.

Special envoys of the four countries are likely to attend the meeting, according to reports. Afghanistan at present is still debating on whether or not Kabul should take part in the meeting as some government officials have little hope from the quartet process.

The Quadrilateral Coordination Group efforts received a serious blow after the insurgent group refused to engage in 'direct talks'

with Afghan government officials and instead announced its annual 'spring offensive'. Ambassador Zakhiwal had travelled to Kabul following his meeting with Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif where they agreed to reopen the Torkham border crossing.

On being asked if Kabul still wanted to pursue dialogue, Zakhilwal said that his country had never shut doors on peace negotiation.

Zakhilwal pressed that he still believed Islamabad could play an important and constructive role in support of peace in Afghanistan.

"I also believe Pakistan's civilian and military leadership genuinely desires to move forward in that direction, and hope that institutions downward are in line with that thinking and supportive of those positions," he said. (ANI)

Army undertakes rescue operations in flood-hit Sri Lanka Colombo, May 17: Hundreds of Sri Lanka Army soldiers have been deployed to carry out rescue and relief operations after floods and landslides resulted from torrential rains over most parts in the country claimed at least six lives and displaced thousands of people.

The army troops were deployed on the directions of the Commander of the Army and the Ministry of

Defense, reports. The Lankan Army carried out rescue operations at Dennis Worth Estate, in Deraniyagala where several line houses of an estate were washed away in a landslide.

At least three people were missing in the landslide yesterday morning and two bodies were later recovered. More than 60 Army personnel are still engaged

in rescue and relief operations with the assistance of residents in the area.

Meanwhile, troops have been sent to Diyawanna Oya area as the rising water levels threatened to inundate the Parliament complex. President Maithripala Sirisena had yesterday instructed the tri-forces and police to act immediately to provide relief to people affected by the island wide floods, earth slips and gusty

winds.

According to the Disaster Management Center (DMC) on Monday evening six people were confirmed dead, two missing and nine others injured.

According to reports, people displaced by the floods and landslides reached 31,851, while over 89,000 people were affected by the adverse weather. (ANI)

At least 20 Taliban insurgents were killed in adrone strike in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz Kabul, May 17: At least 20 Taliban insurgents were killed in adrone strike in Afghanistan's northern Kunduz province on Tuesday. The airstrike was carried out earlier today in Dasht-e-Archi district targeting two vehicles of the Taliban insurgents, reports.

Hejratullah Akbari, provincial police spokesman, said that two vehicles were targeted around 10:00 a.m. local time in Mullah Quli

area. Akbari said that preliminary reports suggested a number of Taliban commanders were also among those killed in the airstrike.

Kunduz is among the relatively volatile provinces in the region were anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating. In a bid to capture key parts of Kunduz province, the Taliban militants launched a major offensive during the recent weeks.

(ANI)

Consensus must among parties to implement Constitution: Pokharel

Consensus must among parties to implement Constitution

Pokhara (Nepal), May 17: Communist Party of Nepal- Unified MarxistLeninist (CPN-UML) general secretary Ishwor Pokharel on Tuesday said that there should be consensus among all the political parties for the implementation of Constitution.

Speaking at a press conference in Pokhara, Pokharel claimed that his party was always in favour of forging consensus among all the political parties.

Asserting that the incumbent government was formed amid problems, the UML leader said that the government was moving ahead sorting out such problems. Amid political tensions prevailing in the country with Madhesis also engaged in Kathmandu centric-protests, Pokharel said that national consensus government was essential for the effective implementation of constitution.

(ANI)

Concerned by India's move to 'violate' UN resolutions on Kashmir: Pak to UN Islamabad, May 17: Pakistan has expressed serious concern to the United Nations Secretary General and the President of the UN Security Council, with regard to the Indian government's efforts to introduce a "Geospatial Information Regulation Bill" in the Parliament.

According to a statement by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Permanent Representative in New York Maleeha Lodhi has written to the UN to garner attention from the body towards the matter. "In violation of UNSC resolutions, the official map of India has been depicting the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India which is factually incorrect and legally untenable. Through the passage of this Bill, the Indian government would penalize the individuals and organizations who depict Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions," the statement says.

Lodhi in her letter has called upon the United Nations to uphold the UNSC resolutions and urge India 'to stop such acts which are in violation of international law'. Pakistan said that it has urged the in-

ternational community and the United Nations to fulfill their commitment with the people of Jammu and Kashmir by holding an independent and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices.

The Geospatial Information Regulation Bill proposes that any creation or addition of geospatial information will be needing government permission. In its present state the Bill would be affecting every Smartphone user potentially in violation, especially applications like Ola, Zomato, Oyo, Twitter, Facebook and many others.

Any addition or creation of anything that has to do with any geospatial information or location - within the territory of India will need the permission of the government or, in this case, a Security Vetting Authority. Anybody involved in the illegal acquisition of geospatial information could be fined Rs one crore to 100 crores or an punishment of seven years whereas illegal dissemination of geospatial information could be fined Rs 10 lakhs to 100 crores or an punishment of seven years and the same punishment for using of geospatial information of India outside India. (ANI)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

Whither Doctoral Research in Universities Least Polluted Assam hitting the headlines

It's Assam hitting the headlines yet again! According to a report published by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Tezpur in Assam stands first among the least polluted cities in India.A total of 122 cities across India were considered by WHO for analysing air pollution levels. After Tezpur, Pathanamthitta in Kerela stands second followed by Hassan in Karnataka as third. Altogether, WHO tested pollution levels around the world. Onitsa in Nigeria and Zabol in Iran are listed as the most polluted cities in the world!

The study was conducted in 2,973 cities across the globe in 103 countries, including 122 in India. According to this report, among 20 most polluted cities in the world, 10 are from India and Indian cities account for one third of the100 most polluted cities in the world.

According to the study, Delhi is no more the world's most polluted city. Gwalior, Allahabad, Patna and Raipur have overtaken Delhi in the latest WHO

report released. Topping the list of polluted cities is Zabol in Iran.

It may be noted that the number of Indian cities in the list of the world's 20 most polluted cities had come down to 10 from 13 in 2014. All over the world there are many cities with most pollution.

But among them half of the world`s 20 most polluted cities are in India said a World Health Organization in the report indicating industrial and vehicular exhaust were choking. Delhi the capital city is not the part of the polluted cities dropping to 11th position with smaller towns. Using the data till 2010 the report from WHO stated that Delhi is the most polluted place in India. The annual average concentration of particulate matter is considered in the report which is about 2.5 PM in 3,000 cities from 103 countries.

For last 15 years in the smaller cities such as Gwalior, Allahabad, Kanpur which are out paced in big cities according to India`s pollution watchdog data. In India most deaths are caused due to air pollution and stands as sixth biggest cause according to WHO categories. Thirty four Indian cities figured in the list of the 100 most polluted ones, and 22 Indian cities found their names among the top 50 most polluted in the world. Importantly, a majority of the most polluted cities in India are from the western and northern states. There is not a single city from the four southern states in the list.

Simhastha Kumbh Mela One of the greatest Pilgrimages in the World Kumbh Mela ('Kumbh' means pitcher and 'Mela' means fair in Hindi) is hosted in four cities Ujjain, Allahabad, Haridwar and Nasik and held every third year at one of the four places by rotation. According to Hindu legend, during samudra manthan (churning sea to separate nectar and poison), Gods and demons were having fight over the nectar and then Lord Vishnu flew away with the pot of nectar spilling drops of nectar at four different places; where we celebrate Kumbh Melas. It is considered as one of the largest religious gathering where millions of people arrive and bathe in the sacred rivers - The Ganges (Ganga) at Haridwar, the confluence (Triveni Sangam) of the Ganges and the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati at Allahabad, the Godavari at Nasik and the Shipra at Ujjain.

Millions of Hindu pilgrims come either in groups or individually and celebrate the event with great enthusiasm.

Bathing in these rivers during the Kumbha Mela is considered an endeavor of great merit, cleansing both body and spirit. The Allahabad and Hardwar festivals are routinely attended by five million or more pilgrims (13 million visited Allahabad in 1977, 18 million in 1989, and nearly 24 million in 2001) thus the Kumbha Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world. It also one of the

oldest.

This year around 5.5 crore devotees have so far taken a holy dip in the Kshipra river, where Simhastha Kumbh mela started late last month The mega festival, which commenced on April 22, will go on till May 21.

More than 3,600 crore rupees have been spent on making preparations for the gigantic religious event. According to our estimate, around 5.50 crore faithful have taken a holy dip in the Kshipra river so far. Ujjain is among the four cities where the Maha Kumbh is celebrated every 12 years, drawing millions of pilgrims for a holy dip.

The other three are Haridwar, Allahabad and Nashik. As per reports the response till now has exceeded expectations.

The government had estimated that 5 crore people will take part in the month-long mela.

But the target has been surpassed and going by the influx of devotees, 7 crore people are likely to take a holy dip by May 21. The pilgrims were thronging the mela in large numbers despite inclement weather causing disruptions at the site.Hailstorm, rainfall and squall have twice hit the Kumbh this month, leaving seven dead and more than 40 injured. The state government has spent more than Rs 3,600 crore on making preparations for the gigantic religious event. A part of this amount came from the Centre.

Research as a component of university education was introduced only in the early parts of the 19th century.

Research is undertaken in most of the Indian universities for M. Phil and Ph.D. degrees. This article attempts to highlight the deficiencies, ailments ad loopholes from which Ph.D. research in most of the Indian universities is suffering.

In the university system, a Ph.D. research proposal since its inception to the award of the degree is routed through various statutory committees and bodies such as Doctoral Committee, Departmental Research Committee, Research Council, Executive Council, etc. Though the chain appears to be long, all these committees and bodies involved in Ph.D. work take it as a routine matter without making any rigorous exercise to judge the research ability and originality of thought in the research work. An important aspect of Ph.D. programme is evaluation, which requires special attention.

Poor evaluation of the doctoral thesis is a cause of degradation of the research work.

guide ensures that the thesis is sent to his friend, colleague or contemporary for evaluation. He always looks for a safe or convenient examiner. There appears to be mutual obligations among examiners to approve the thesis n reciprocal basis.

Basically, the policy is "you scratch my back, I will scratch yours". Therefore, same set of experts is repeatedly appointed on the panel of examiners for years together without caring for their suitability, expertise and professional competency. Cases where examiners agree to examine thesis in areas, which are not their specializations are not difficult to be found. Can one expect fair and objective evaluation on the part of a teacher examining a thesis for the highest university degree in which he lacks understanding? Even those examiners who are serious in evaluation and also comment the thesis in negative light do not reject it, as rejection of the doctoral thesis in India has become a rarity these days. The entirely negative report ends on a happy and positive note saying 'however, the degree may be awarded'. Thus, the way the doctoral thesis is evaluated is seriously defective ad resulting in degradation of higher education.

In most of the cases, the selection of examiners to evaluate the doctoral thesis is as per convenience and not as per competence. The

It is heartening to note that the brightest students do not continue with doctoral programme which has been responsible for the de-

Pranjal Bezborah

research problem. As such, topics are intellectually poor and socially irrelevant.

Image for representational purpose Photo: vitae.ac cline in the number of brilliant students who want to join Ph.D. programme. Because, the salary that a fresh master's degree holder with bright academic record can get, is substantially higher than the Ph. D. scholarship.

This difference has been widening over the years.

Also in terms of opportunity costs, it is impossible to recoup lost earning during the period the (bright) candidate has been away from the job market while earning his doctoral degree. Uncertainty of proper employment after earning a doctorate degree also does not attract many brilliant students to research.

Ideally registration of re-

search topic should be strictly in accordance with teacher's expertise and specialization and not otherwise. The current trend is that any teacher can be engaged as supervisor for research topic though it may not even be distantly related to his field. On the other hand there are supervisors whose research activity coterminates wih the submission of their own doctoral research. These supervisors due to lack of up to date and adequate research knowledge, allot to their scholars research topics which are duplicate ones, with slight alterations in the objectives of the study and cosmetic changes in the title of the

Frankly speaking, to guide Ph.D. scholars, the guide himself should be serious researcher in the first instance; instead, many are those who do not feel their obligation to update themselves to the latest developments and information available on the subject of their interest. As a result most pathetic situation arises when a supervisor's role falls below what is expected of him in terms of both the quality and the extent of supervision. As such doctoral research theses are often seen devoid of innovation and methodological sophistication due to the lack of relevant, up to date knowledge on the part of the supervisor.

In our country, every university department has automatically a right to undertake Ph.D. programme. Alternatively stated, research is accepted as being a necessary university function. It does not matter whether the necessary facilities in terms of qualified staff, adequate library, and modern equipment exist or not. For doctoral research, support system consists of both physical and intellectual nature.

Viewed from this stand point, many universities are ill-equipped in terms of facilities of both kinds for teaching purposes, not to speak of research purposes.

Despite lack of adequate

facilities the universities continue to enroll and produce a number of doctorate degree holders, majority of poor standards.

Besides, the quality of research depends on university administrators specially the Vice Chancellor, the Dean, Academic Affairs and the Registrar. The recent trend, particularly in some state universities to appoint non-academicians on these posts is a matter of serious concern. Such university administrators don not feel themselves as part of the community of scholars and cannot appreciate the problems or achievements of the researchers in the right perspective. Hence they give less priority to the needs of the researchers. The researchers face further harassment on account of the centrally managed affairs in the universities, the financial management of which resembles government offices. Accounts are maintained centrally, orders have to be placed centrally, and various permissions have to be obtained from a central office. Often the 'control minded' officers do not appreciate the urgency of the requirements of the research scholars. Therefore, the woes of the researchers need to be addressed at the earliest by the authorities that be.

Pranjal Bezborah is a Professor in the Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University.

Email id: pranjalbezborah@yahoo.com

Bundelkhand's goats dying due to mysterious disease Goats, which are the only hope for Bundelkhand's droughtstricken small farmers, are under threat. In the region's worst droughtaffected district, Mahoba, hundreds of goats have been dying due to a mysterious disease that is causing huge economic losses for the poor.

"I have lost 159 goats in the last three months.

Now, I am left with just nine goats and a buffalo and a cow. I don't know what will be my future and that of my livestock," says 75-year-old Bhawani Deen Yadav, a drought-stricken small farmer from Karhara village of Mahoba district, who took up goat rearing after four continuous failures of 2-acre crops.

Yadav noticed that his goats were getting infected in the mouth and developing running noses. The symptoms made them stop eating for a few days. They, then, developed dysen-

tery and died.

Yadav has two sons, both of whom have migrated to cities. He and his often-ill wife live alone. He is now contemplating selling his remaining livestock before it dies.

"I am thinking of selling off my livestock to take care of my wife.

Right now, goats are the only security of my old age," says Yadav sitting on the bank of a dried rivulet, the Chandrawal.

Yadav and other livestock owners say that local government veterinary doctors were clueless about the mysterious disease affecting their goats.

"We have spent a lot on veterinary services to treat our goats. But none could be revived even after ingesting costly medicines," says another farmer, Suresh Pal, of Raipur Khurla village who lost all five of his goats.

"The doctor's fee was quite high and the medi-

cines were expensive.

Jitendra And despite them, none of my goats could be saved. Hence, I have decided not to follow the doctor's prescriptions," says Sonari Devi of Supa village.

According to villagers, Supa had the highest number of causalities.

Meanwhile, the Chief Veterinary Official (CVO) of Mahoba district is unaware of any such developments.

Sadique Ansari, CVO, Mahoba, says that there were no such cases reported so far.

"It could possibly be Foot-and-Mouth disease.

We vaccinated 1.80 lakh goats last year in Mahoba district. Possibly, some areas have been left out and are yet to be covered.

I will check out with local officials to confirm which disease is infecting goats," says Ansari.

But when spoken to, villagers deny the CVO's statements.

"The doctors charge us heavily. They never visit

Bhawani Deen Yadav of Mahoba district, who has lost most of his goats. (Photo Credit: Vikas Choudhary

the village to vaccinate animals or provide free medicine," says Suresh Pal. The disease which infected the goats has not yet been identified.

According to another veterinarian of the district, Gyan S Rajput, the disease could be Conta-

gious Caprine Pleuro Pneumonia (CCPP), which affects goats.

"Mahoba has no medicine for this disease. I have gone through some cases and recommended medicines, which were not available in the district," he says.

Ansari agrees that there

Augusta Westland Chopper Deal

Image for representational purpose Photo:nav.ind

Sir, In Augusta west land helicopter deal, an allegation is often heard, those who gave the bribe have been punished and those who accepted it still roam about scot-free. There has already been much hullabaloo over the issue. A.K.Antony, erstwhile defence minister commented in the Rajya sabha conceding that there was no doubt that bribe was given in the Augusta Westland chopper deal payoff and it is for the ruling dispensation in the centre to find out the real culprits and punish them. So, a cabinet minister of the stature of A.K.Antony himself conceded in no uncertain term that there had been corruption in the deal. The way BJP Rajya Sabha M.P. Subramonium Swami attacked some congress leaders not sparing Sonia Gandhi, A.K. Antony was prompted to defend. Mr. Antony was right when he observed that instead of beating about

is no availability of medicine for the treatment of CCPP in Mahoba.

"There is a remote chance of CCPP being present in our district. In case of its presence, we will arrange medicines for it," he says. Courtesy: Down to earth

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.

the bush, it would do well for the ruling dispensation to find out the real persons and punish them. It is a fact that corruption of big magnitude costs U.P.A. dearly in the next Lok Sabha Polls when it was dethroned. People understood well that the U.P.A leaders by resorting to frequent corruption let Letters to the the people down who put the UPA in the throne earlier. The people believed editor and articles that they had been hit below the belt. should be sent to : The excuse proffered by the congress The Eastern Toleaders, about why August Westland day could not be black listed, was shallow Chowkidingee, and devoid of reasons.

Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Yours etc.

Web :

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

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ed Tagore's universal relevance has never been properly estimated or appropriated. True, he is always remembered as our first Nobel Laureate but there have been many doubts about the quality of his poetry in English. The truth is that he wrote the "Gitanjali" originally in Bengali, and the English translations were his. Perhaps the translations could not do justice to the original.

The Pride of Assam Shristi Khati The Pride of Assam will no longer be called so, if the poaching activities are not checked on a serious basis.

One horned rhinos are the rarest mammal on earth and is currently surviving in the northeast corner of Assam, India. Kaziranga National Park, Manas national Park and Orang National Park are homes to almost 95% of the one horned rhinos in the world. And surprisingly most of the rhino poaching are heavily carried out in these areas only.

The horn of the rhinos is a symbol of strength and power; and it is also one of the major reasons for their threatened extinction. The horn and other parts like the skin, nails have a very high demand in the Asian traditional medicine market. The horn is considered to be the strongest aphrodisiac in China; and along with that

it is also considered by the Vietnamese as a treatment for cancer, as a party drug and also as a symbol of status. Over the centuries rhino horns have been often converted as ceremonial cups, buttons, hair pins, belt buckles and paper weights.

In the early days sport hunting was common from the late 1800s to early 1900s.

The Indian rhinos were killed consistently. According to the reports from the middle of the 19th century, some military officers in Assam individually shot more than 200 rhinos. In the early 1900s, the species had declined to near extinction.

The number of rhinos killed by poachers in the Kaziranga National Park alone since January has gone up to 15 numbers till now. According to the 2012 census, the Kaziranga National Park has 2,186 rhinos out of a total population of

Tagore: the creative phenomenon

One horned rhino, (Photo: thehindu) 2,505 in Assam. A total of 524 rhinos have been killed for their horns between 1986 and 2011.

The unprecedented aggression shown by poachers in killing the precious one-horned rhinos defy the much vaunted protection measures has raised apprehensions about involvement of extremist elements in the inter-state poachers net-

work.

Earlier, the poachers used to shoot down rhinos in the interior areas of the park and cut off their horns. However, recently due to the floods in Kaziranga, the poachers were sawing off the horns even when they were alive and leave them behind to bleed to death. It is surely a very inhumane behaviour shown by the

poachers.

The incidents have shown the lack of protection measures taken by the authorities and the poor administration to safeguard flood hit animals in the national park, which is also a World Heritage site.

There is a serious need to crack down on the rhino horn trade network between states and outside and also

the Forest department and the local people should work in cohesion for rhino protection and conservation.

People from all over the world come to see the precious one horned rhino, but if the poaching activities are not checked then there will be a time when one horned rhinos will not be found in the state. The pride of Assam will be lost forever.

Dear Aunty Feminist, Is It Fair That Single Women Face The Brunt Of Maternity Leave?

Meenakshi Reddy Madhavan P asked: P asked: Ever since I joined the company I work at, women keep leaving to have babies. I'm a single woman, and have no babies in my future just yet, and I don't think it's fair that I have to work hard and destroy stereotypes about "hiring women" just so that they can go off and have their kids. Is maternity leave fair? And how do I-a single womanalso claim my months off with pay, short of having a child?

Dear P, Back in the day, I used to work for a leading national newspaper. Now, I was on the features or "soft news" team, one that was comprised solely of women. Some were mothers. I was in my early twenties then, so I worked hard and partied harder.

Some mornings I'd get into work with my previous night's kajal still smeared around my eyes, looking like a panda. And because I could usually churn out a story faster than my colleagues, I also chafed at the bit at having to stay late when they seemed to be able to get out of there at the drop of a hat just by using their kid as an excuse.

"You don't have responsibilities," one of them once said to me sneeringly, and I felt so outraged at this, I even blogged about it, a bit of which I will quote here, to show you my twentysomething state of mind:"Another ex-colleague said something once about how we (the single girls) had no excuses for not getting more stories. After all, we had no responsibilities. And, sadly, though I looked daggers, though she took it back etc, I'm sure she still thinks that. Oh, look at her breezing in at noon, all

perfumed and low waisted jeans and hungover and oh look at her leaving, all excited about some night out when I have to go home to kids and husband and responsibilities. […] As for not having responsibilities, I may not be dealing with family type shit, or parenting, but I do do stuff. I make sure, for instance, that the maid cooks in the morning. I make sure she doesn't make anything the other two don't like. I keep an eye on the groceries and see when we're low on stocks. I check how much water we have in the fridge and always make sure our reserves are okay, when we run out of boiled water. And so on. […] We look out for each other, my flatmates and I, and we may not be married or have given birth to each other, but still, we're, you know, family. And in a single person's world, family is important."

Anyway, all this to say, I totally get you. I've been the woman picking up the slack when other women took off to have babies and disappeared for what seemed like a thousand years. I've been the woman who casually sideeyed any professional woman who told me they were pregnant, and wanted to keep working after the baby, because yeah right, as if their workload would ever be the same as mine. Arguments I have also made are: a) if they can have three months off to have a baby, why can't I have three months off to write a book or go sail around the world or something? b) It's their own personal choice to have a child, and I don't see why I have to support their biological clock.

Maternity leave came about so that people could have their children and

then return to be part of the workforce instead of dropping out of it. It makes sense, if you think about it, less pressure financially on a family, and babies who benefit from having their mothers around for the first few months of their lives. The fact is that we need babies. Even now when population rates are soaring-we still need people to have babies-even if it is for their own selfish reasons, because the fact of the matter is, P, if you and I never have children, and eventually we'll be old, it's those kids who are going to be part of the economy that pays for our pensions.

(Well, not my pension, because no one pensions a work-from-home author, but you get what I mean.) In China, thanks to their one-child policy, they have a population that is rapidly ageing and no new people coming to take their place. Germany and Japan both have abysmally low birth rates, which means the workforce is set to

shrink by a good 12% in the coming years. Which means not such a great economy. So you see, they may be having their children as their own personal, selfish choice etc

but it's actually helping us in the long run.

Here's something else: maternity leave in India is actually one of the top 16 longest paid leaves in the world. Isn't that nice?

That means that if you have a baby-and mind you, I'm not saying you have to - you're entitled to a nice long chunk of time staying at home, getting to know this brand new human. This was a recent amendment to the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961, and means women can now take 26 weeks instead of 12, when they have a child. If your colleague, a smart, strong woman, can come back to work after her child, and be also happy with the amount of time she's been able to spend with her child, that's all the better for your company. You won't have to invest in new people, and this highly skilled worker is not just going to slip through the cracks. (By the way, the law also allows you to take time off for a pregnancy termination or a miscarriage.)

However, things aren't perfect. If we're demanding equality for single women in the workplace,

gion of Man". Anyone who chooses to read this book will be delighted by a compendium of philosophy and religion, and in his essays on Internationalism a blend of political maturity, wisdom and philosophy. In fact, Tagore saw in nationalism limitations of the soul, because nationalism was in direct opposition to the oneness of humanity.

This was his perplexing and much misunderstood

let's take a moment to think about the fathers.

Paternity leave rates are usually very low, with men pressured to go back to work as soon as they can. This is not great for families, and also for feelings in the workplace, where I imagine men grumble about having to pick up the slack while women have babies. We need gender neutral laws!

As for when you can take your soul-searching time off, I think there's an argument to be made there also. Any company should encourage happy, fulfilled employees. There are sabbaticals you can take, but I don't think most of them are paid. I encourage you to speak to your HR team about this, and also to your fellow colleagues, so you all feel equally valued. Also, another important tip before I close: practise saying, "That's not my job."

So if your colleague gets time off for her kid's emergency, it's your company's problem, not yours. You'll feel a lot less resentful for it.

With love, Aunty Feminist Courtesy:youthkiawaaz

Rabindra Nath Tagore (Photo: upload.wikimedia)

Ananya S Guha William Radice's translations later in the eighties were an eye opener to his poems, the dark colours inside and not simply a liturgy of the Divine as some made his poetry out to be. Yet in the "Gitanjali" Tagore worked out the manwoman relationship subtly with the man, nature and the man-god relationship. This has also been overlooked. Tagore saw in relationships, a complex artefact: man, nature, god and love.

Love being a primal concern from eternity to eternity sublimated in the Man-God relationship.

But the symbols of nature and darkness pervaded his poetry, lending it with mystical insights.

There is always the premonition of something, someone, somewhere.

The recurring motif of a woman, a lady pummelled his lines into the mysticism of love, not logic. Tagore's "Gitanjali" has an indefinable quality a total surrender to the infinite and the god head. It is not a religious text, but it's depth of spirituality is quintessential in the context of his poetry. As the term denotes, these were soulful song renderings, as the poet saw a harmonic relationship between poetry and song.

Tagore saw in poetry a condition aspiring towards music, as Gerard Manley Hopkins also saw in 'inscape' and 'instress'.

The Nobel Prize is simply an iota of his recognition. In fact, this that is his recognition, should be for his overall contribution to literary genres, poetry, short fiction, drama, fiction, dance drama, painting and music. And then what about his superb writings in English, his essays on "Internationalism", and the Hibbert lectures later published into a book by Unwin publishers: "Reli-

world order.

In fact, his essays on Internationalism should be prescribed as texts for college and university students in the world. In English prose, Tagore was not prolix, but the language flowed like poetry.

It is surprising therefore that the translations in "Gitanjali" wavered. Perhaps he aimed at too literal a translation of the work and did not deviate into what P. Lal would call 'transcreation'. The metaphysical transcendence that Tagore had in his thoughts is reflected in his songs and creative writing. The dance drama "Tasher Desh" for example symbolically looks at a new civilization or humanity. Perhaps that was his dream- a world of transfiguration. The short stories have an underlying pathos which very few writers can touch or make inroads into. Post Master for example is one such rendering of silences in relationships, in this case between a young rustic girl and a Post Master who had come to the village on duty."

Kabuliwallah" is another example of love beyond barriers. That, many of his stories have been adapted into films by people like Satyajit Ray and Tapan Sinha is a testimony to the universal quality of his short stories, which the late Khushwant Singh once dubbed (in Shillong) as 'bad' like his poetry!

The range of creativity that Tagore possessed was phenomenal. And it is this phenomenal aspect of his creativity that must be underscored, revered and highlighted - not simply as someone receiving an award. The genius of Tagore lay in his versatility as poet, novelist, song writer/ musician, dramatist and painter. He was indeed the later Renaissance figure, born in India, not Europe.

Courtesy: thethumbprintmag

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

BUSINESS

Moto G 4th Gen launched in India today

Pune, May 17: Motorola launched its fourth generation of the popular Moto G series in India on today (May 17). Almost a year after ending its exclusivity with Flipkart, handset maker Motorola will finally launch its new smartphone with Amazon India.

This will be Motorola's first device to be launched on an e-commerce platform other than Flipkart since its re-entry into the Indian market in February 2014.

Previously, Motorola has launched all its smartphones and smartwatches with Flipkart. In September

Askme to expand online grocery to 40 more cities Noida, May 17: After the recent soft launch of its perishable grocery marketplace AskmeFresh, Askme Grocery is going the whole hog in the fresh products vertical. The company has tied up with Mother Dairy in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) to offer a wide range of organic food products of the dairy chain, from breakfast to dinner, on its portal. From the tie-up with 25-30 Mother Dairy outlets in Delhi NCR, the company is looking to add 30-40 cities to its existing 200 hubs in the country. Mother Dairy's products include Safal Frozen, Safal Ambient, Safal Fresh fruits and vegetables, Safal pulses and Dhara edible oils. Ankit Jain, co-founder, AskMe Grocery, said his company's focus would be on fresh fruits and vegetables. He said the grocery aggregator chose Mother Dairy as a partner in the fresh vertical because of its credibility in the natural product segment and competitive pricing. "Our main focus is on their (Mother Diary's) fresh vertical. Everyone knows that prices of their fruits and vegetable are among the lowest in the market," said Jain. Askme Grocery will follow the marketplace model, wherein it has entered into a contract with Mother Dairy for placing their products on its platform and delivering them to the consumers.

"They will be our stock keeping units (SKUs). We will not stock anything in our hubs. They will vouch for the quality and price and we will take care of their delivery. So, it's a perfect marriage," said co-founder on Askme Grocery. Besides Mother Dairy, Askme Grocery has partnered with another 20-odd non-branded vegetable and fruit shops in the Delhi-NCR region. The online grocery is looking to enter other domestic markets once it's streamlined its strategy in the fresh foods vertical in Delhi NCR. "We'll be starting in other cities soon. After tying up with Mother Dairy, we will be replicating this model across all cities.

It will also help us to expand outside Delhi-NCR through the strategic tie-ups of its holding company National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in Rajasthan, Punjab and other markets," he said. Askme Grocery is part of the local search service company AskMe.com, which is owned by Getit Infomedia. It also operates other platforms like AskmeFurniture, AskmeBazaar and AskmePay. (Agencies)

FINALLY REVEALED Ø Motorola launched its

fourth generation of the popular Moto G series in India on today (May 17).

Almost a year after ending its exclusivity with Flipkart, handset maker Motorola will finally launch its new smartphone with Amazon India. This will be Motorola's first device to be launched on an e-commerce platform other than Flipkart since its re-entry into the Indian market in February 2014.

ØThe Moto G4 handset is

expected to come with new features like NFC, finger-

print scanner and a better battery life. It is also expected to be the first device to come with the 'Moto

by Lenovo' branding.

Ø Lenovo, which had

bought Motorola from Google in 2014, had earlier this year said it will overhaul the brand to 'Moto by Lenovo'. At the end of December 2015, Lenovo (including Motorola) was the thirdlargest player with a market share of 11.6 per cent in India, following Samsung and Micromax, as per research firm IDC.

last year, Motorola had ended its exclusivity arrangement with Flipkart and said the Moto range of devices (like Moto G, Moto E and Moto X) will be available through select Airtel stores and e-commerce portals like Snapdeal and Amazon.In. Motorola had also partnered with Brightstar India to offer its smartphones through a wider range of offline and online retailers. The Moto G4 handset is expected to come with new features like NFC, fingerprint scanner and a better battery life. It is also expected to be the first device to come with the 'Moto by

Lenovo' branding.

Lenovo, which had bought Motorola from Google in 2014, had earlier this year said it will overhaul the brand to 'Moto by Lenovo'.

At the end of December 2015, Lenovo (including Motorola) was the thirdlargest player with a market share of 11.6 per cent in India, following Samsung and Micromax, as per research firm IDC. Some 25.6 million smartphones were shipped in India in October-December of 2015, up 15.4 per cent from the year-ago period, it added.

(Agencies)

April-June quarter of manufacturing sector likely to witness slow growth New Delhi, May 17: Growth of India's manufacturing sector may decelerate during June quarter due to factors like bleak export outlook, poor demand and high cost of borrowing, a FICCI survey has said. The hiring outlook for the sector also looks unpromising as over 80 percent survey respondents said they are unlikely to hire in the said quarter, the industry body's survey said. The outlook for export continues its downward trajectory in the first quarter of 2016-17 with the proportion of respondents, expecting higher exports in the quarter, falling. The proportion of respondents expecting higher exports in Q1 2016-17 is 36 percent which is much lower than 41 percent in Q4 2015-16, the survey noted. Besides, only 38 percent respondents have reported higher order books for the April-June quarter

which is less than that of previous quarter (44 percent). In terms of investment, for Q1 2016-17, 75 percent respondents as against 68 in previous quarter reported that they don't have any plans for capacity additions for the next six months implying slack in the private sector investments in manufacturing to continue. It added that "inter-

est rate paid by the manufacturers seems to have moderated in the last few months, however it still remains high. The interest rate ranges from 6 percent to 15 percent with average rates being around 11.4 percent per annum compared to 11.8 percent in the previous survey." Capacity utilisation has improved in cement, food, capital goods and

electronics sector. On the other hand, in chemicals, textiles machinery and tyres it (capacity utilisation) has remained same.

The quarterly survey gauges expectations of manufacturers for AprilJune for thirteen major sectors namely textiles, capital goods, metals, chemicals, cement and ceramics, electronics, auto, leather and footwear, machine tools, food, tyre, paper and textiles machinery. Responses have been drawn from 308 manufacturing units from both large and SME segments with a combined annual turnover of over Rs 4 lakh crore. The sector has not done well in 2015-16 as it grew at meager rate of 2 percent against 2.3 percent in previous year. The survey had also indicated revival in the manufacturing activity during the March quarter.

(Agencies)

20% in branded apparel to be sold by Raymond Limited Mumbai, May 17: Raymond Ltd is in talks with overseas private equity funds KKR & Co and Blackstone to sell 20% in its branded apparel business to fund expansion, people familiar with the matter. India's largest woollen suitings maker has appointed Citibank as investment banker for the deal, people said on condition of anonymity. Raymond Ltd CEO Sanjay Behl confirmed the company's plan to join hands with PE funds for growth capital but did not divulge any more details. KKR and Blackstone declined to comment. The minority stake sale will help expand the apparel business which faces stiff competition from Aditya Birla Group's Madura Fashion and Arvind Lifestyle, leading apparel makers in India.

Raymond has been in textile manufacturing and retailing business since 1925 but despite being one of the early entrants in branded apparel retail, it has grown slower than the competition. Behl has taken several steps to resuscitate the apparel business since he joined Raymond in 2010.

This business was dwarfed by

April's e-filing of tax returns jumps 68.5%

the company's suiting business until 2000, when the apparel market shifted to ready-towear garments. Raymond was earlier known more for its fabrics than ready-to-wear apparel. "Until now we have gone for renovation rather than expansion. It has been a cleaning and efficiency exercise. It is now a lot more nimble and future ready operation," said Behl. The company has taken several steps in the past two years to reduce working capital, rationalise its product portfolio and revamp stores to improve the consumers' shopping experience. Its apparel

brands are Raymond, Park Avenue, ColorPlus and Parx. In addition, the company has sharpened its brand positioning in apparel business and done away with the overlaps in the positioning of its different brands. Raymond brand is now positioned as classic premium, Park Avenue as contemporary premium, ColorPlus as smart casuals and Parx as economy casuals. The branded apparel business clocked in a revenue growth of 18% in 201516 while the company's operating profit margin was negative at -0.6%. It is expected to become more profitable as it

gains scale, according to Antique Stock Broking. "We believe that with renewed focus on brand building, focused retail expansion and revamping the whole consumer shopping experience would help it garner a higher share of the branded apparel market," said the broking firm's analysts Sreekanth PVS and Amit Rustagi. The branded garments segment is expected to have 48% share of overall readymade garments segment in 2019, up from 35% in 2014, as per a report released by Edelweiss Broking last year. India's readymade garments market is estimated at $45 billion, with the branded apparel industry estimated at $10 billion and growing at 10-12% per annum, the report said. PE funds have been investing in apparel makers over the past few years.

Aditya Birla Private Equity bought minority stake in Creative Lifestyle, owner of women's apparel brands 109F, Fusion Beats and O2xygen, in September 2015, while Everstone Capital had picked a minority stake in fashion label Ritu Kumar in 2014 by investing $16.6 million (about Rs 100 crore). (Agencies)

New Delhi, May 17: Efiling of tax returns witnessed a jump of 68.5% in the first month of the current fiscal year with over 8.32 lakh assesses filing ITRs electronically.

The number of e-filed returns recorded in April 2015-16 stood at 4.94 lakh. In all, 4.33 crore returns were electronically filed last fiscal. As per the data of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), a total of 8,32,499

assessees have filed returns in April 2016. Unlike previous year, the CBDT had operationalised all the nine types of Income Tax Returns (ITRs) filed by different types of assesses from this fiscal. Over the years, the e-filing process has been simplified and assessees can file returns even from the comfort of their homes. As per the CBDT, there were over 5.25 crore registered users (on April 30, 2016) and

about 49.54% of the returns were received outside office hours. Also, 35.27% of assesses used the utility provided by the department. An online 'tax calculator' for filers is meant to help taxpayers assess tax liability. Divya Baweja, Partner, Deloitte Haskins and Sells LLP said during the initial years, e-filing was considered to be an onerous task, but now the process has become a "simple af-

PAGE 10

Decline in exports 'at the end of the worst'

New Delhi, May 17: India's shrinking exports is not a cause for alarm and the decline may be "at the end of the worst," Rita Teaotia, Commerce Secretary, said.

India's exports slid for the 17th month in a row in April to $20.5 billion and it was in line with what was happening in the rest of the world, she said. "Exports have been declining and this is a part of the global slowdown in trade. We are very much part of that. If the slowdown in India is different from what is happening in the rest of the world then we would have been alarmed," Ms. Teaotia said. She said India's trade has been largely dependent on what happens with oil and the devaluation

Rita Teaotia, Commerce Secretary.

(Photo: thehindubusinessline)

of currencies. This has affected India's export earnings. "Our imports have gone down and similarly exports have also gone down.

This is mirroring what is happening with the petroleum prices." "There have been a lot of currency fluctuations in many of our markets. The

Indian Railways to introduce new ways of ordering online food

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: indiarailonline)

Kolkata, May 17: It seems that getting food on trains is getting easy and cheaper too! If you book food online through the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation website, you can even get 50 percent cashback on the food ordered above Rs 300 in a single order. The scheme is offered on meals booked in a pre-paid mode and ordered through IRCTC's e-catering website www. ecatering.irctc.co.in or "Food on Track" mobile application. The IRCTC has tied up with close to 40 vendors for delivering food online in the running trains.

The food once paid in a prepaid order is delivered at the berth when the train stops at the nearest station. As per the IRCTC, there are a few

key points to remember in order to avail the offer. The payment mode used for booking the meal should be prepaid mode i.e. using the payment gateway (HDFC PG or Paytm) to avail the Cash Back Offer. The offer is not valid if the order is partially or fully cancelled and the booking amount is reduced to less than Rs 300.

The cashback would be processed only after the delivery date. The cash back would be paid into the same account through which the payment was made for the meal booking. The customer would be intimated once the cash back is processed by IRCTC. For any queries one could drop a word at customercare.ecatering@irctc.com or call at toll free number 1323. (Agencies)

currencies have been devalued which has affected the competitiveness of Indian products. Thus exporters have chosen in some cases to sell at low margins. So while volumes have remained the same, realization has gone down," Ms. Teaotia, who was in Mumbai to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Indian Institute of Packaging said. The Commerce Secretary said that the rate of decline in exports has started slowing. "This is why I feel that perhaps the worst is over and slowly the world is coming out of slowdown." It will still take a couple of years. There is no magic bullet on this," she added. (Agencies)

Direct flight from New Delhi to Dubai started by Air India Express Abu Dhabi, May 17: Air India Express has started direct services from the national capital to the Gulf, with the first flight to Dubai taking off. The airline would begin direct Delhi-Abu Dhabi flight from. The entry of Air India's international budget arm into New Delhi is likely to intensify competition in the lucrative Gulf routes from the national capital since other Indian carriers have recently increased their frequencies. SpiceJet, IndiGo and Jet Airways have flights on Gulf routes. Air India Express will operate the two direct flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi daily. New Boeing 737800 aircraft with capacity to carry 189 passengers are being deployed. "The inaugural flight to Dubai, IX 141, took off with 166 passengers from New Delhi at 9.05 am on Sunday." Air India Express said in a release.

Headquartered in Kochi, Air India Express flies from 13 places across the country to as many destinations in the Middle-East and South-East Asia.

(Agencies)

Maruti' market share drove to 50% by Vitara Brezza, Baleno Pune, May 17: Maruti Suzuki India inched closer to controlling half of the domestic passenger vehicle market after grabbing over 48 per cent share in April, driven by sales of premium models such as Vitara Brezza, Baleno, Ciaz and SCross. The country's largest carmaker, which closed last fiscal with a seven-year high market share of 46.8 per cent, saw its four models accounting for over 25 per cent share of the company's total domestic sales in April. "Our growth from new models has been 17 per cent more than what we received with new models in same period last year," said MSI Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, R S Kalsi. New premium offerings, Ciaz, Baleno, Vitara Brezza and S Cross have been the primary growth drivers, he added. The company's entry into new segments has brought in additional sales volume with the leading four sellers from the

company's stable -- Alto, DZire, Swift and WagonR -continuing to hold top positions, he added. Last month, the four premium models -Vitara Brezza, Baleno, Ciaz and S-Cross -- sold 25,603 units accounting for 25.42 per cent share in the company's total domestic sales of 1,00,709 units. In April, the company's utility vehicle sales including models like, Gypsy, Ertiga, SCross, Vitara Brezza surged 260 per cent to 16,044 units compared with 4,452 a year ago. The compact sedan segment sales grew 8 per cent last month to 45,700 units mainly driven by Baleno, which outpaced rival Hyundai's i20 by selling 9,562 units. While the mid-segment sedan Ciaz sold 5,702 units in April, just 91 units short of segment leader Honda City. "The sales growth of 16.2 per cent in April and market share of over 48 per cent in the domestic passenger

fair". "In recent years, tax department has made a conscious effort to ease the e-filing procedure by simplifying the tax return forms and introducing tax utilities which automatically picks data from previous year's tax return/tax credit statement, thereby making it much easier for a common individual to file his or her tax return," she said. The CBDT had notified the new forms on March 30, and ITRs can

be filed till the stipulated deadline of July 31. The data further said during April, the maximum returns were filed from Maharashtra followed by Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. People with an income of more than Rs 50 lakh per annum and who own luxury items like yacht, aircraft or valuable jewellery will have to disclose these expensive assets with the IT department in the new

segment is in line with our overall target of achieving doubledigit growth in the current fiscal," Kalsi said.

"Bookings for Vitara Brezza have crossed 55,000 mark while Baleno continues to excel in its segment," he said adding that the S-Cross sales continue to be in the region of 2,500 units a month. In comparison, sales of the mini segment cars like Alto and WagonR declined 9.9 per cent to 31,906 units in April compared with 35,403 units in year ago period. The company had sold a total of 1,17,045 units in domestic market last month, up 16.2 per cent from 1,00,709 units in the year ago period. For the 2015-16 fiscal, MSI had posted its best-ever annual sales of 14,29,248 units, a growth of 10.6 per cent. This comprised highest ever domestic sales of 13,05,351 units and 1,23,897 units of exports.

(Agencies)

ITRs. Last year, the e-filing commenced on July 1 following the controversy over a 14-page form requiring assessees to disclose bank account and foreign travel details.

Later, the form was simplified and the number of pages was reduced to three. RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan yesterday said he finds it easier to file his tax returns in India, as compared to in the US. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

Features

PAGE 11

HORTICULTURE Fruits of success

Three young men took the risk of growing papayas, only to become path-breakers for many farmers in Assam's Kamrup district Kishore Talukdar Thirty-seven-year-old Krishna Boro could be easily called the pioneer. The young farmer, in 2010, switched over to cultivating papaya in a small portion of his land, replacing other vegetables that he had been growing. The results were thrilling...a return of Rs 80,000 in two years from a piece of land that was just a quarter of an acre.

Two other farmers, 36year-old Rajkumar Rabha and 30-year-old Rajib Boro, joined in to reap the benefits. As Krishna Boro looked to expanding his papaya cultivation, the other two also helped out in looking for land.

Today, the trio grow the fruit in an eight-acre plot at Bhogdabari near Boko in Assam's Kamrup district.

They have so far earned Rs 10 lakh from the sales of papaya from two and half acres of their leased land.

"We expect to get Rs 3 lakh more within three months from the same two and a half acre plot," says Krishna Boro. Their profit margin will be Rs 8 lakh after excluding the input costs of Rs 4 lakh. Their bank accounts will grow even more once they start growing papaya on the remaining four and a half acres of land in NovemberDecember this year.

The farmers plant around 400 saplings in each half acre of land using scientific methods. The results that the three adventurous farmers got has inspired at least 100 more growers in the region. "We are happy with the yield and its returns. But we are much happier that we have motivated other farmers in Boko," says Boro.

There's good reason farmers are turning to growing papaya. The high breed varieties of the papaya they cultivate are the Red Lady (Taiwanese) and Swapna. A single plant of these varieties produces 20 to 40 kg and they sell a kilo of ripe papaya for Rs 40.

Upbeat over the produce, the farmers have decided to extend the area of papaya farming to more than 12 bigha (6.7 bigha equals one hectare). They say that the demand for the fruit is so much that farmers are having a difficult time meeting the requirements. In quick turn, they are now preparing the seed beds and readying it to plant saplings.

So high the demand is that they don't even need not go to the market to sell their produce. They claim bulk buyers, including women from Guwahati, are coming in hordes to their farms.

Buyers from various parts of Lower Assam, are arriving to procure the fruit.

"Our farming camp has virtually become a marketing hub. We are sorry many had to return empty handed," says Rabha.

The rising demand for papaya is good for farmers.

Despite being perishable in nature, they hardly suffer any post harvesting loss because of the timely arrival of the buyers. If there is one negative aspect, it is that buyers are unwilling to believe that the fruit for sale is naturally ripen. They are suspicious chemicals were used to ripen the papaya.

They prefer selling the fruits at the ripening stage to raw fruits because of the price factor. One kg of raw fruits fetches them Rs 10

while the same amount of ripe fruits get them Rs 40.

But that's the flip side of the success story. For the farmers of Boko, papaya is bringing them their first riches since the year 2000.

They tried their hands at other fruits and vegetables, like strawberry, broccoli, cauliflower, pumpkin and even banana of the famous Malbhog variety but it was papaya farming that has worked out the best for them.

A visit to the cultivation area shows that the farmers have learnt the technique to get the best results from papaya cultivation. Poly sheets are used to maintain the moisture content of the

soil. They, however, urgently need drip irrigation facility for uniform distribution of water to every planted material during the lean season. Water is not a problem but between December and February, there is scarcity, they say. So they pumped out water to tide over the crisis.

The State Government too is now helping out.

Nawab Indad Ali, District Agriculture Officer of Kamrup, says a proposal for drip irrigation has already been submitted. The department is also trying to establish marketing linkages.

Farmers in Kamrup will soon be linked to the Farmers Producer Organisation.

Three Farmers Producers Organisations have already been set up -- for pineapple at Boko, orange at Sonapur and for flowers at Hazo.

"Now, with the extension of area under papaya cultivation to three villages, the FPO for papaya will be set up at Boko," says Ali. The FPOs, an initiative of the Union Ministry of Agriculture to promote and strengthen member-based institution of farmers, help in supply of inputs like seed, fertiliser, machinery and training, networking, financial and technical advice.

It's only going to get better for the farmers of Kamrup. For people like Dhananjay Rajkumar Rabha, who tried for six years to get a government job, papaya cultivation has come as a boon. There are many more like Rabha who have benefited.

Christopher Columbus called papaya "the fruit of angles." It surely has become "the fruit of success" for the farmers of Kamrup.

Caption: Image for representational purpose. (Photo: Kishore Talukdar) (Kishore Talukdar is an independent journalist based in Guwahati. His areas of interest include Development journalism and Environment journalism.

He can be contacted at tdrkishore@gmail.com )

Flower Alley of Guwahati Luther Burbank said, "Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul." And for Guwahati, the Gateway of the Northeast, in wedding nuptials, Valentine's Day, pujas and other important occasions are incomplete without the beautiful flowers brought from the flower alley in the city.

Trusted by customers from decades, the flower alley located in the Fancy Bazaar area of the city has always been the go-to place whenever one needs flowers. The place brims everyday with fresh flowers brought from various parts of the country, making it a pleasant sight to seep in.

From orchid blooms to fresh marigolds, the shops

around Rs 2000-3000."

Giving us an insight into the flower business in Guwhati, Malakar further adds, "Around Rs 5 lakhs of flowers are transported from Calcutta and Bangalore every day. It's a huge business. Compared to the past, the price of flowers has increased now."

in this alley are abundantly heaped with a variety of colorful flowers.

Bharat Malakar, who owns a small shop in this alley, says, "The flower shops in this alley have been conducting business for over 30 years now.

There are more than 40 shops here and the flow-

ers available here are being brought from Calcutta and Bangalore. Besides, flowers such as hibiscus, lotus, basil leaf and marigold are locally transported and brought from Hajo."

Talking about the costs of decoration of vehicles

during marriages, Malakar says, "Decorations involving Orchids are the most expensive of all, costing around Rs 10,000 and above. On the other hand, decorations done in simple bouquet form using ferns and roses are the lowest in the range and come for

Sharing her memories about the flower alley of Fancy Bazar, Trishna Baishya, a resident of Guwahati exclaims, "The flower alley of Fancy Bazar is the only place that comes to my mind, whenever I have to buy flowers for any occasion.

During Saraswati Puja every year, I used to buy flowers from there. Of the flowers available there, roses and orchid has always been my favourites."

Cheap Banarasi imposter harming Sualkuchi's Assam silk

Dr Roli Misra and Parvin Sultana Pure Assam silk does not come cheap - unless the one you have bought for a song happens to be a pretender from Varanasi or Surat.

The silk industry of Sualkuchi, an expansive village 35 km west of Guwahati, once inspired songs. One of them sung by Narayan Chandra Das in the 1950s runs thus: Khat khat khat khatasalare xabda pran mor nite nochuwai (the click-clack sound of the loom makes the soul of passersby dance).

But the rhythmic rattle of the shuttle flying through the threads of the warp is no longer music to the ears of Sualkuchi's weavers. Reasons: cheaper fakes passing off as original Assam silk; skyrocketing prices of middlemen-controlled raw materials such as silk yarn and cocoons; and steep decline in the number of skilled weavers.

The weavers could not foresee this triple trouble less than a decade ago.

Theirs, after all, was a profession with cultural and spiritual undertones for the Assamese who believe weaving brings the mind closer to god. And a history of excellence was expected to make their hub Sualkuchi overcome the challenges.

Situated on the north bank of river Brahmaputra, Sualkuchi is often referred to as the Manchester of Assam. But this silk village known for its unique golden muga silk, the ivory white pat and the light beige eri or endi predates Manchester. The industry here became organised in the medieval period when Momai Tamuli Barbaruah, a minister of Ahom king Pratap Singha, made spinning mandatory. Patronage of the Ahom kings and queens made the silk industry flourish; muga fabrics were exported to Bhutan, Tibet and China where it found a lot of appreciation.

During his visit to Sualkuchi in 1921, Mahatma Gandhi observed that every young woman was an expert in the art of weaving.

The Assamese people, he said, could transform their destiny through weaving.

Not surprisingly, handloom became one of the largest economic activities in Assam after agriculture with farm workers finding employment in traditional sericulture and weaving during non-agricultural season.

Assam is the most ideal place on earth for the cul-

ture and cultivation of eri, muga, mulberry and tussar silk. Items made from traditional silk material include mekhela chador, sarees and jainsem (Khasi women's attire) besides modern additions such as jackets, shirts and neck tie.

The woven motifs on these apparels are inspired by the state's flora and fauna lorded over by the onehorned rhino. Another motif is the jaapi or traditional Assamese bamboo-andstraw hat. The muga and pat items are an integral part of Assamese tradition and festivals such as Bihu.

Sualkuchi's silk products are popular at home and are being exported too. But the demand has not translated into prosperity for the weavers owing primarily to cheaper duplicate material procured by traders from Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Surat (Gujarat). People unable to differentiate invariably take the cheaper fakes home. This has forced the weavers to cut down the price of their original products to a point of unviability.

Steep hike in prices of silk yarn and cocoons coupled with fall in Assam's silk production has added to the weavers' problems. "There is no steady supply of raw material. The pricing mechanism is at the mercy of mahajans (middlemen) who collect ready silk from us," says Kalpana Kalita, a silkworm rearer in Siliguri area of Sualkuchi.

These two factors have impacted the industry to an extent that women are shifting to alternative employment opportunities that pay more. This has made skilled weavers an endangered species. Lack of proper training, access to easy loans and government support in marketing and promotion are not making things easier.

And the control of mahajans on the trade is coming in the way of forming self-help groups and cooperative societies. "I had to sell off a handloom machine due to lack of skilled weavers," Meenu Kakoti, a weaver, says.

Paresh Rajbongshi, a boutique owner at Sualkuchi, points out how production of raw material has been monopolised by entrepreneurs from outside the state, thus pushing the prices higher. Take the case of pat silk thread that needs to be twisted before being woven into cloth. Since the weavers cannot afford twisting machines, the thread is twisted in Bengaluru and sold in the state for a premium. This impacts the

price of the finished products that could be sold profitably elsewhere in India if a proper display and marketing channel existed.

Assam's Department of Sericulture did initiate the 'cluster plantation' schemes in 2005-06. Sericulture-rich pockets in the state were divided into clusters and given financial, technical and training support to increase the production of silk. The department also fixed the sale price of cocoons to shiled weavers from middlemen. The effort has hardly yielded any result.

The crisis in the industry led to outbreaks of riots in Sualkuchi in March 2013.

The weavers destroyed silk products brought from Varanasi, giving vent their anger against manipulation of prices of raw material, distress sale of finished goods, monopoly of middlemen, hired weavers, etc. They also resented the role of unscrupulous traders and challenges from big producers.

The weavers' association subsequently demanded 50% subsidy on raw material, GI (geographical indication) tag for Sualkuchi products to check duplication, increased production of muga cocoons in Assam, technological upgrade and setting up of a mugacocoon depot at Sualkuchi.

Post-riots, a State Level Committee was formed in April 2013 to find out ways of protecting the designs and products of Sualkuchi.

A sub-committee was formed in July 2013 and given the responsibility to secure the GI rights for the state's handloom products.

But the GI drive has been slow and the problems of the weavers continue to persist.

Despite the crisis, the silk industry opened up employment avenues for the inhabitants of char (sandbar) areas. Often affected by floods and erosion, the people of Sialmari Char and neighbouring Kurihamari Char have taken up weaving. Though weaving was not their tradition, the char inhabitants bought handlooms from Sualkuchi and mostly trained school dropouts. ( Dr Roli Misra teaches Economics in D.B.S College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Her interest areas are Gender and Migration.

Parvin Sultana is an Assistant Professor in B.N College, Dhubri of Assam. Her research interest includes Muslims in Assam, Development and the Northeast, Gender etc.)

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

PAGE 12

Claudio Ranieri wins LMA, Premier League Manager of the Year gongs London, May 17 (ANI): Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has been named League Managers Association's ( LMA) Manager of the Year after he guided his side to their first ever Premier League title in the club's 132year history.

Leicester lifted their maiden Premier League title with a thrilling 3-1 win over Everton at the King Power Stadium, thus finishing the season ten points clear at the top.

became only the second nonBritish manager to clinch the accolade after Frenchman Arsene Wenger, who won it with Arsenal in 2002 and 2004.

Ranieri's efforts of leading Leicester from relegation candidates to champions in his first season at the club also won him ' Premier League Manager of the Year' award, goal.com reported.

With the win, the 64-year-old

Leicester, who escaped relegation last season and started the current season as 5000-1 outsiders, also overcame their underdogs tag by winning the title in what could be termed as one of the most remarkable seasons of the football history. (ANI)

Kohli breaks Gayle's record of most runs in single IPL season

Johannesburg, May 17 (ANI): Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli has surpassed team-mate Chris Gayle's record to become the highest run-getter in a single Indian Premier League ( IPL) season.

The Indian prolific batsman smashed an unbeaten 75 off 51 balls to break Gayle's record of 733 runs during his side's ninewicket win against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens last evening.

Kohli has notched up 752 runs in the 12 matches so far, including three centuries and five half-centuries in contrast to Gayle's record from 15 matches,Sport24 reported.

Kohli, who remained unbeaten at 75, also shared a huge 115-

run partnership with AB de Villiers (unbeaten at 59) for the second wicket to help Challengers chased down the huge target of 184 runs with eight balls to spare.

Reflecting on the same, Gayle compared the duo with superheroes like Batman and Superman and said that they are in the form of their life.

Du Plessis relishes opportunity to captain Patriots in CPL St. Lucia, May.17 (ANI): South Africa star batsman Faf du Plessis is relishing the opportunity to play in the West Indies this summer and believes that the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) can open up a new and exciting chapter in his career when he leads the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots this summer.

Pretoria born du Plessis, 31, will feature in the Proteas squad for their forthcoming tour of the Caribbean and will then captain the Patriots in the fourth edition of the CPL, which is scheduled to take place between 29 June to 7 August.

Speaking exclusively to www.cplt20.com, du Plessis said that he was excited by the chance to play in the Caribbean for the first time in his career.

"When you look at the amount of international Test, ODI and T20 cricket that's being played around the world, it's funny to think that this will be the first time that I will get to play in the West Indies.

I've been fortunate to play for my country for the last five years, but for whatever reason it hasn't come to pass. I guess you could say that it has been a long time coming, but I'm really excited to finally be playing in the Caribbean.

"I've heard nothing but good things about the

ers such as Lendl Simmons and Samuel Badree, coupled with emerging Under-19 talent such as the Patriots' own Alzarri Joseph, there's a strong crop there and it's obvious that the system of developing players is working.

CPL. Off the field, the Caribbean people are great fans and provide an incredible atmosphere, which I have yet to fully experience. And this year, on it, I think the competition is going to grow from strength to strength with a really high calibre of players across each of the six teams. It will undoubtedly be a step into the unknown because I'm not familiar with the conditions, but that's the kind of challenge you live for as a cricketer.

"After my (finger) injury I'm feeling fresh and ready to get out there and try and be a positive influence for the Proteas and then the Patriots. I just can't wait to get started!"

Having previously featured in other T20 franchise tournaments across the world including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Big Bash, du Plessis, who enjoys a career T20 career average of 37.68 in 35 games to date at an impressive strike rate of 132.64, is excited to

now get the chance to sample the unique challenges of CPL. "Any tournament who can attract top class 'marquee' players is obviously one that's on the rise, and when you look across all six CPL squads, there's a heck of a lot of talent there", he said.

"South African players play the game hard. We chase balls to the wall and we run our hearts out. It's what our fans expect and we don't know any different. Australians and New Zealanders are the same.

The West Indies culture is different but no less passionate, I'm sure, and it's one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to come and play here. I've had a small taste of the Big Bash, and this is the next chapter in my career.

"What impresses me the most, though, is the depth of talent outside of the international players. With the local West Indies play-

"I have played with Badree at Chennai Super Kings and to see him progress to become the number one T20 bowler in the world has been incredible. I'm also looking forward to playing with Brad Hodge, who has a lot of experience in T20 cricket, while Thisara Perera is a hugely experienced and exciting talent from Sri Lanka.

"Playing in CPL will personally help me develop my captaincy by learning off others and I know I'll be coming in cold to an extent. But hopefully the players will understand my style of play and we can try and grow together quickly.

"It's always exciting to get to know new players.

And, as captain, I know that I'll have to hit the ground running. On paper we're a strong squad, but names written on paper mean nothing. We want to first and foremost become a consistent team who are building over the next two years to be a real force for the future. And on the outset of this year's CPL, I'm very happy where we are."

(ANI)

Olympics Quota row: Delhi HC issues notice to WFI on Sushil Kumar's plea New Delhi, May 17 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the Sports Ministry to conduct selection trials in response to the plea made by ace Indian wrestler Sushil Kumar over the selection for the upcoming Rio Olympics.

The two-time Olympic medallist yesterday moved the Delhi High Court seeking a trial with compatriot Narsingh Yadav for his inclusion in the list of probables to be sent to Rio Olympics in the 74-kg men's wrestling category.

Earlier, Narsingh Yadav had insisted that going to the Brazilian capital is his right as he secured the quota in the 74-kg category with a bronze medal finish in last year's World Championships, while Sushil Kumar, who won gold in the same category at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, called for trials to be conducted to determine who should go to Rio. WIF vice-president Raj Singh said the federation will take a call in this regard in the meeting most probably to be held tomorrow, adding the incumbent president Brijbhushan Sharan Singh has come into wrestling for betterment of the game and to ensure that the nation wins maximum medals.

"As far as Sushil's matter is concerned, it is altogether a different matter.

The government should have conducted the trial.

Now, that the court has put the ball in our court, our federation will definitely take a call on the same," he

said.

Singh said Narsingh Yadav has come after qualification.

"He has not been selected, he has come after qualification.

Sushil was injured when the qualification was taking place otherwise the trial would have been done earlier.A decision in this regard will be taken in the meeting tomorrow and thereafter the court will decide," he added.

The WIF vice-president further said that whoever is better of the two will be sent to Rio. "We cannot say that. This will depend on the trial as to who is better. Sushil Kumar is definitely better. If Narsingh a can get bronze then Sushil can get gold medal to the country," he said.

Sushil, who clinched bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and silver winner at London Games four year later, was earlier dropped from the WFI's Rio preparatory camp that is to begin in Sonepat on Wednesday.

Last week, the WFI had found itself in an unwanted territory after picking Narsingh over Sushil in the list of probables sent to the Indian Olympic Association.

WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh had expressed it has been a tradition to send the quota-place winning wrestlers to the Olympics in India, although a quota belongs to the country.

So far, seven grapplers have secured their berths for Rio Games, the most for India in the sport at any Olympics.

(ANI)

Earlier, Kohli (109) and De Villiers (129) also recorded the highest partnership (229) in Twenty20 cricket history during their whooping 144-run win over Gujarat Lions on Saturday.

The duo also bettered their previous partnership record of unbeaten 215 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium last year. (ANI)

Boying FC wins 22nd Etor Giidii Football tourney, Yagrung

Spl Correspondent Pasighat, May 16: While playing in the final of 22nd Etor Giidii Football Tournament 2016 at Yagrung village under Pasighat Circle today, the promising Boying FC hammered host team Yagrung FC by 4-0 which was attended by Kaling Moyong, MLA 38th Pasighat East as Chief Guest, DSO (Sport) Nada Apa, Councilor PMC, Denong Tamuk, HoD of PWD, PHED, BJP Mandal President, Obit Tamuk and President, District Football Association, General Jamoh as invittees.

The first goal came from one Onyok Pajing in the 20th minute followed by 2nd goal in 36th minute by Rokom Tasung. The other 3rd and 4th goals came in the

second half which was netted by Nanung Nonang in the 52nd minute and by Narmi Tapak in the 75th minute. As informed by DFA President General Jamoh, the best player award went to one Gumin Pangkeng and highest scorer was Rokom Tasung.

While speaking on the occasion, Kaling Moyong, as Chief Guest appreciated the effort of organizing committee for organizing such a fair tournament during a festive season of Solung Etor which adds more festivity to the festivals as all section of people enjoys watching football. He also urged budding players to maintain sportsmanship spirit while on ground as winning and losing is a part of every game.

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