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ASSENG/2015/64205
Vol. 1
BHUTAN SHOULD COME CLEAN ON HYDROPOWER MEGA PLAN
Issue 253
Dibrugarh, Friday, February 19, 2016
AFTER A STUNNING VICTORY IN BIHAR, CAN NITISH KUMAR PERFORM THE SAME MIRACLE IN U.P.? Page 9
Price -
5.00
Pages- 12
GOVT LIKELY TO INCREASE FOREIGN INVESTMENT LIMIT
PEOPLE CAN RAP GOVT, NOT ABUSE THE NATION: RIJIJU
Page 10
Page 6
It is Kalikho Pul’s Government in Arunachal as SC lifted Status Quo
Assam Pradesh BJP slams Tarun Gogoi government
Page 8
ET Bureau New Delhi, Feb 18:
After months of infighting within the Congress Party, Arunachal Pradesh is likely to have a new government as early as tomorrow. The Supreme Court today said that a government can be formed in the North Eastern state, where President's Rule was introduced last month amid protests by the Congress. The oath ceremony could be held tomorrow morning around 9.30 and the President's approval is expected tonight, said advocate Satyapal Jain who is representing the state Governor. The Supreme Court on Thursday vacated the status quo order of maintaining President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh, thereby giving its nod to government formation in the state. After going through High Court and assembly records,
ET CAPSULES
Fire broke out near Tinsukia town Tinsukia, Feb 18. In a major fire that broke out on Thursday at Ram Krishna Nagar in Nauphukri area of Tinsukia town, 9 houses burned to ashes destroying goods worth lakhs of rupees. However, no casualties has been reported. According to sources, the fire caught due to cylinder blast at one Prem Gupta and spread to other houses. The houses was belonged to Silanath Shah who had rented them keeping one for self which also got gutted in the fire. (Correspondent)
Gogoi announces 1 lakh Rupees to artist Papori Choudhury Guwahati, Feb 18: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi announced Rs 1 lakh from his relief fund to ailing artist Papori Choudhury of Abhyapuri of Bongaigaon district. Papori who has been ailing for some time will undergo a major transplantation of her affected kidneys. Chief Minister Gogoi hoped that the ailing artist would make a speedy recovery from her ailment and lead a long and vigorous life. “Keep thinking positive. My prayers are with you. I wish you a speedy recovery and a long and vigorous life,” he said. (Staff Reporter)
the Supreme Court decided that it doesn’t see any reason to interfere with HC order at this stage. Lawyer Satyapal Singh said the bench has transferred the case regarding disqualification of the 14 legislators from the single judge to the division bench of the high court and asked it to expeditiously decide the matter within two weeks. The bench, however, made it clear that any further action taken will be subject to the outcome of the matter pending before it. Lifting its status quo order passed on Wednesday, the Bench said the High Court should hear the cases on the legality of their disqualification expeditiously. The MLAs, it said, would be bound by whatever decision the HC takes. The Congress party had sought the apex court to restrain Governor Rajkhowa from swearing in a new government till the court decides
WAY FOR A NEW GOVT President Approval is expected tonight Pul and his team could swear-in at 9:30 on Friday SC prima facie satisfied with the High Court order of staying disqualification of the 14 Rebel MLAs The case is transferred from the single judge to the division bench of the Guwahati High Court SC asked the High Court to decide the matter within two weeks
Supreme Court made it clear that any further action taken will be subject to the outcome of the matter pending before it.
Supreme Court could later on “annul everything” if it struck down the proclamation of emergency as unconstitutional.
the constitutionality of the President's rule imposed on January 26. The Bench had on Tuesday refused to pass any order on the Congress plea even as the Centre gave a strong indication that it wanted withdrawal of the President's rule to swear in a new government under Mr. Pul who claims to have a majority of 32 MLAs, including 13 other Congress rebels. The Centre had said that a constitutional vacuum and a state of “dormancy” cannot prevail in Arunachal Pradesh because the Supreme Court is testing the legality of the proclamation of emergency. Attorney-General Mukul Rohatgi had assured the Bench that even if a new government was formed, the Supreme Court could later on “annul everything” if it struck down the proclamation of emergency as unconstitutional. Contd. on Page 4
A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Feb. 18
The Assam Pradesh BJP on Thursday came down heavily on the Congress government accusing it of betraying the people's trust during its 15-year rule in the state. Dr Dayananda Borgohain, the newly appointed media panelist of the Assam Pradesh BJP told mediapersons here, “If people take the wrong decision in the forthcoming election by voting congress to power, it will spell disaster for them. In the last 15 years, they have done nothing apart from beating their own drum." Borgohain alleged that Tarun Gogoi in one hand asks who is Badruddin Ajmal and on the other maintains a cordial relationship with the
AIUDF chief. “Our Chief Minister has two faces, and with his two faces he has ruled Assam for last 15 years. The Chief Minister has neglected the BPL families in his own constituency but speaks about all round about development in the state,’’ he said. Borgohain also countered the comment of APCC president Anjan Dutta who in a press meet at Sivasagar on Thursday had branded BJP's chief ministerial candidate and Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal as Lalukhola Phukan and comparing PM Narendra Modi to Aurangzeb. Terming it a baseless statement, Borgohain said that Dutta has no knowledge of history. Contd. on Page 4
Rijiju to review infrastructure projects in Arunachal frastructure development works at the District Commissioner ’s Office at Bomdila in West Kameng district tomorrow. He will also inaugurate the Sector Headquarters of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at Bomdila.
ANI Bhalukpong, Feb 18
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju began a two-day visit to Arunachal Pradesh today to review the roads and other infrastructure projects in the border state. Immediately upon his arrival at Bhalukpong, Rijiju travelled by road to Tenga Valley in West Kameng district on a treacherous two-hour journey during which he made an on-the-spot assessment of the vitally stra-
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju
The union minister will also attend various public programmes at Bomdila and Pedung in West Kameng district before returning to New Delhi.
tegic highway. Rijiju will hold a meeting to review the progress of the in-
Rijiju is accompanied by Director General, SSB Archana Ramasundaram.
Mingkhi of East Siang makes Arunachal proud Pasighat, Feb 18
Mingkhi Talom of East Siang District representing Arunachal Pradesh has won a doubles Championship, in an under-18 tournament organized recently by All India Tennis Association and Uttrakhand Tennis Association at Shanti Tennis Academy, Dalanwala, Dehradun. In the final, Mingkhi Talom and Chauhan Chinmay Dev beat Maitreya Bhagat and Deswal Pradeep with scores of 6-3, 4-6, 10-4. Contd. on Page 4
Mingkhi Talom representing Arunachal won a doubles Championship, in an under-18 tournament
PM Modi appreciates 12th South Asian Games as the best staged event, Gogoi gives credits to the government officials Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said the appreciation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the 12th South Asian Games 2016 as the best staged ever in the annals of the Games has come as encouraging news for the officials of the Government of Assam who worked hard to make the event a resounding success.
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In a statement here today, Chief Minister Gogoi said that the Government of Assam pulled out all the stops to make the Games a grand success. “Right from day one, our offi-
cials worked day in and day out and left no stone unturned to make the Games a great success. Security, accommodation, transportation, food and other logistic support were arranged for the players and delegates. Credit for the Games success also goes in equal measure to the people of Assam, the sports organisations and hundreds of volunteers and their families,” he said. The Chief Minister said that though the Games were jointly hosted by Assam and Meghalaya, majority of the events were held in Assam. “The successful conduct of the prestigious mega sports event
has proved that Assam has the technical expertise and resources at its disposal. Like the 33rd National Games in 2007, the South Asian Games have brought laurels to the State and the country as a whole. The appreciation from the Prime Minister is an acknowledgement of this,” he said. Gogoi said the 2007 National Games staged during the second tenure of the present Government brought about a sea-change in the sports firmament in the State. “The National Games in Guwahati brought about a major transportation in the sports infra-
structure in the State. Several state-of-the-art stadiums that came up during the National Games have enabled the State to host prestigious events like the just-concluded South Asian Games,” he said. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Gogoi pleaded with the Prime Minister for a special package for Rs 1000 crore for development of rural sports infrastructure in all the 219 development blocks. “I request the Prime Minister for a special package for Rs 1000 crore for development of sports infrastructure in the development blocks. Our Government will also provide the remaining funds,” he added.
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A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 18
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
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ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You are an imaginative and enterprising person, and today you may taste success. You are ambitious but warns you not to take on more work than you can handle. You are positive about your capabilities, so work sincerely and have faith in God. Taurus You can expect a pleasant, comfortable day at the office, today. You will be carrying out your work cheerfully and effortlessly. You could, later in the evening, have a strong urge to go out for dinner with your family and friends. If that does happen, you are certain to go for an after dinner movie, or an ice cream treat. The day promises you lots of fun and amusement. Gemini You are extremely competitive. And it does not matter how far behind the competition is. So today, you will continue your usual quest for getting better. You will not have it any other way as you despise mediocrity. You will find yourself in the company of like-minded people who will inspire you to study new subjects. Cancer A restless or irritating mood is indicated. Keep you cool and be calm even in adverse circumstances. If you do so, you will always succeed in life. It is difficult to wriggle out of adversity, if you have hot temper. Leo You will seek the opinion of others in a lot of matters today. You need to patiently listen to others and keep your lips sealed during the course of conversations today. Your self-confidence may take a beating today, hence do not take any important decisions. It is time for a major change in your work or field of work. Virgo Professionalism will be overshadowed by personal preoccupations. Drill your way out of problems today by meeting them head-on. Do not get stuck up on the emotional front, especially in the evening. Libra It sure is tiring to run with the herd. You may feel the desire to get away from the rat race at work today. Maybe it is the monotonous and stressful environment in office that is pushing you to your limits. But you may seek a new direction and lifestyle, one that is less taxing. Sometimes, it becomes imperative to make a few changes. Scorpio Work pressure will keep on mounting today. But you shall handle it with great style, all thanks to your patience. But keep a watch on the radar and learn how to spot stress early and then act on it as quickly as you can. Sagittarius You are caught in a whirlpool of emotions. You may come across many ups and downs today. However, nothing seems to deter you from your determination and dedication towards work. Capricorn Forced to some backbreaking work today, you will feel exhausted by the end of the day. It is a cut-throat competition when it comes to the business world. Your arch rivals are looking out for one small opportunity to damage your business and reputation. But, you are no less. You understand their moves. You will be ready with the equally strong counter attack and fight back. Aquarius You are talented, hard working, confident and down to earth. These four characteristics are the pillars of success. Now, it is time build the building. Your curiosity and desire to achieve your goals will help you with it. In order to succeed, you may skip a ‘quality check’ of your output. Pisces Today just might be the day when you invent a better mousetrap. However, your ideas have a propensity to wane and wax at the same speed. Hence, keep a notebook handy to jot down all your earth-shattering revolutionary ideas.
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 19-2-16 (FRIDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Songs) 8-30 A.M-North East News Bulletin in English 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori (Live Phone in Request Song Programme) 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 (Rural Programme) 7-15 P.M-Chah Sramikar Asor (Tea Garden Programme Programme) 8-00 P.M-Jibanar Dighbani (Radio Autobiography) 10.15 P.M-Classical Music Sd-/H.O.P
Flood Preparedness EXAM TIME... Meeting held at DC office ET Correspondent Golaghat, Feb 18: A meeting was held at the office of the Deputy Commissioner Golaghat today for preparedness for flood and storm in the district. The meeting was presided over by the District Disaster Management chief and the DC, Anarul Haque. In the meeting many officials of Health Department, PWD, Education, Social Welfare, Municipal Board, Veterinary, Water Resource, and Soil Conservation Departments were present. In the meeting Deputy Commissioner, Anarul Haque ordered to take necessary steps and special care to pregnant women and children during flood and storm situations and also orders were given to all concerned departments to submit flood management projects before 27th of February.
Abusive Drug seized at Dhubri ET Correspondent Dhubri, Feb 18: The Dhubri Police conducted Operation Stern on the basis of confidention report against abusive drug smuggler at Khililpur kala Bagan on thursday night and seized huge number of abusive drug. By the leading of Dhubri Town O/C. Pradip Kr. Das along with security personals suddenly raided Sukumar Das’s residental place at night and seized 2453 number of illegal abusive drugs along with fifty two thousand and one hundred in cash at the spot. During the operation, drug smuggler Sukumar Das tried to flee away but the Police chased behind him and apprehended Das. He was taken under Police custody for further interrogation. It is noted that the abusive drugs were bought from Cooch behar (W.B) and was ready for supply to various places of Lower Assam.
Students of attend 1st day of High School Leaving Certificate Exam (HSLC) examination at a centre in Demow. Pic - UB photos
Indian Army conducted free Veterinary Aid camp at Digboi Laxman Sharma Digboi, Feb 18: Under the aegis of Laipuli Brigade, Digboi Battalion and Field Veterinary Hospital of DAO Division has jointly organized a free Veterinary camp here this morning at no. 1 of Naloni village, Digboi in Tinsukia District. Meanwhile, a team of Veterinary Doctors and Veterinary Nursing Assistant from
Field Veterinary Hospital of DAO Division examined the domestic animals and provided necessary treatment, de-worming and vaccination to the needy and ailing livestock present. However, an awareness lecture was also conducted during the camp so as to enhance the existing knowledge of the locals that would help them raising their live-
stock effectively and extensively to become self-reliant. It may be added here that a similar camp was also carried out earlier at Lakhipather in Digboi with a similar goal oriented objectives. Again under the same banner a different free health and eye checkup camp was
organized here at Pengaree followed by dental checkup where beside awareness talk, free medicines were distributed among the ailing and needy people of the remote location. The camps which were carried out at various rural locations of the District effectively under the scheme of Operation Sadbhavana of the Indain Army.
“There is no contribution of Modi in freedom movement” alleged Ripun Borah ET Correspondent Rangia, Feb 18: APCC has organized a Gandhi Sava at Rangia Hindi vidyapith Higher Secondary School on thursday where Abdul Hannan, AICC Secretary and Ex-Minister, Ripun Borah criticized Prime Minister. They told that “there is no contribution of Narendra Modi and his party in the Indian Freedom movement”. The meeting was presided by Tariful Islam, President of Rangia block congress committee. AICC Secretary, Abdul Hannan, APCC spoke person and Ex-minister Ripun Borah, Kisor Bhatta, Dimbeswar Gupta and other leaders of congress were present in the meeting. The meeting was inaugurated by Ghanashyam Kalita, Local MLA and Parliamentary Sec, Assam. He requested
APCC Vice-president Ripun Bora addresses the Rangia LAC workers meeting held at Rangia Hindi HS play ground. Pic - UB Photos all the members to be unite. He told that the meeting was organized in order to train the grass root level workers.
If congress cannot fight against the British Modi, they could not be the Prime Minister of India, Ripun
Borah said. They urged the congress workers to go door to door with schemes of State Government.
3rd day of the 42nd Karbi Youth Festival celebrated in Diphu Sushanta Roy Diphu, Feb 18: Nimso Kerung, One of the many Karbi traditional dances performed marvellously by different groups of Karbi Cultural Society zones, boys and girls in time honoured outfit synchronized with the rhythm of the traditional drum in the 3rd day of the 42nd Karbi
SAFRON PROTEST....!!
Youth Festival. Their Rhythmic stance stepping in resonance of the beats, plodding spin in the direction of the core mesmerize the crowd who gathered round the open amphitheatre to see the contest of the traditional dance staged in the 3rd day of the 42nd Karbi Youth Festival.
were given a new dimension by the composers who tried to make it pertinent. Viewers sow with fascination the Sok Tok Chingdi which means traditional rice pounding competition, it was quite unmanageable for a newcomer that rice pounding could be shaped in the vein of a ballet.
BJP organised rally at Diphu Sushanta Roy Diphu, Feb 18: The BJP of Karbi Anglong district has organized a rally with its party workers at Diphu. The party source has informed that in the rally the Central Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Sarbananda Sonwal, Central Minister of Home, Kiren Rijiju, Human Resource Minister, Mrs Smriti Irani and stalwart BJP leader of Assam, Hamenta Biswa Sharma attended the rally.
District unit Hindu Jagran Manch burning the effigy of AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi at Thana Chariali in Dibrugarh on Wednesday. Pic- ET Photo
It is said that the heartbeat of Assam is felt in the Karbi Youth Festival. Karbi traditional sports, Hambi Kepathu and Soktot Shingdi was held yesterday where hundreds of participants took part. Kathi Keplang Alun, Kum Lieng, Boret Alun and various conventional karbi songs
Disclosing the details of the rally BJP president, Lonki Phangso told the media that, through this rally his party
wants to facilitate people of Karbi Anglong living in various directions to attend the 42nd Karbi Youth Festival. “Tomorrow our rally will last for maximum 2 hours and after that thousands of our party workers who are kin to attend the festival will be able to enjoy the event for a long time before they return” said Lonki Phangso. “People of the hills are fed up with the dishonest and deceitful rule of Congress and they want a change in political order. Develop-
ment has come to a halt since last 15 years, not to speak of economic growth, we do not even have a shelter to refuge and proviso to find a descent square meal for our family. We hope people will oust the present crooked rule and usher a new era of progress and growth, our party is committed for the cause of statehood and shall work sincerely for it if elected to power” said Roton Engti, senior leader of BJP and MAC (Member of Autonomous Council) of Duarbagori who was present in the press meet told the media.
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
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Filmmaker Jahnu Barua advocates use of technology to dub Arunachal films in 4-5 languages Day one of Film, NorthEast, 2016 in Itanagar Itanagar, Feb18: The day one of Film, North East 2016 here began today at Annexe Lawns, IG Park, and here. In one of the events, Directors Speak- Filmmaker Jahnu Barua interacted with people from various walks including Sahitya Akademi Awardee Y.D. Thongchi, actors Hage D Appa and Dosam Beyong among others at Pavilion -1. The Filmmaker said that Arunachal Pradesh has so many assets than other places and we have so much diversity. Responding on the challenges faced by the filmmakers of the state in reaching a wider audience as films made in local dialects reach a limited audience and affect their commercial viability, he said that it is a huge opportunity if we can solve this problem. “It is a unique problem for AP and we need to solve the problem” he said. He also advocated in taking help of technology in terms of dubbing by identifying four-five languages- in which entire Arunachal Pradesh can be covered. He emphasized that the Film fraternity of Arunachal need continued all out support from the Government in overcoming the various challenges. The Filmmaker also stressed that” We must have our own identity-Create your own identity with the assets you have.” Speaking on the process of filmmaking, he advocated for never compromising with the essence of our story/subject. “Without compromising on sanctity of the subject, present the film to the entire world. When Arunachalee Filmmaker, D.K. Thungon urged him to share tips in creating cinematic magic, he said that” What you make is really what you want to make”. I come from a rural village- I spent my childhood there” adding that “My Whole life is a course”. Technical course can only guide you. However, he added that we need to upgrade with latest technological changes in filmmaking. Further, speaking on his passion for filmmaking, he shared that “Cinema keeps me happy, struggles doesn’t deter me. Every time I make a film, it gives me so much energy.” When a young theatre artiste from the state, wanted to know that how people from NE can find space in Film Industries like Bollywood, the Filmmaker said that we need to explore options of creating films and stories in this regard. Referring to films like – “To Sir, with Love”, where black people also were
casted in prominent roles, he said “U have to take the initiative, they created films where blacks and whites were together”. On the occasion, the Filmmaker was also felicitated by Sahitya Akademi Awardee, Y.D. Thongchi. Assistant Professor, Dept of Sound Recording and Design, from Satyajit Ray Film
& Television Institute, Abhimanyu Deb, also conducted a workshop on Sound Design. Veteran Filmmaker Aribam Syam Sharma whose works – Imagi Ningtam and young Arunachalee Filmaker Duyu Tabyo were also felicitated before the screenings of their respective films.
Make films on Arunachali Society in Arunachal Pradesh: Governor to Barua
Governor asks his advisor for an immediate inquiry on Security Personnel ET Bureau Itanagar, Feb 18: Taking cognizance of to the news report, published in a local paper today reporting that theatre personality and 3 were abused by the SSB, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has asked BD Sharma,
The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa invited eminent Film Producer and Director Jahnu Barua to make films on Arunachali Society in the State. Interacting with Barua over a breakfast meeting at Raj Bhavan on 18th February 2016, the Governor said that Arunachal Pradesh is a treasure trove of cultural diversity and traditions. Each tribe being unique provides magnificent bulk of stories and subjects. In a way, every day there is a festival, reflecting vibrant culture of the State, he added. The Governor informed him that the subject of opium cultivation is a live area, which needs to be highlighted among the masses. Message should go to the people of its ill effects and he should script story on this disturbing subject. He said for the interest of the people of the State, Raj Bhavan will facilitate all kinds of supports including logistic for such projects. Injecting her observation, the First Lady Smt Rita Rajkhowa suggested films based on social issues and fairer gender to sensitize and motivate the women to stand up for their rights and wellbeing. Acknowledging and appreciating the budding film producers and directors of the State, the Governor pointed that it is heartening, through films they are questioning evil practices systems in society. The Governor also sug-
gested Barua for making film of communal relevance involving artists from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. He said that such initiative will strengthen the age-old relations and messages of goodwill and amity will reach to every nook and corner of the State, region and nation. The Governor, who had never missed a film by Barua suggested him for organizing a workshop to train the budding artists and at the same time advise the upcoming film producers. He said that the young people of Arunachal Pradesh have tremendous inborn talents in acting, singing and music that too without any assistance from the Government or any theatre institute. With little direction they will surely shine in all fields of cinematography. While declaring his service in harnessing the potentials in the field of cinematography in Arunachal Pradesh, Barua said that Arunachal Pradesh is a virgin in film world and that is an advantage for it. There are lots of subjects to tell and express. The youth of the State should take this responsibility in the world of creativity and send message to the world through good films. I will be always there for you to guide and mentor you, he reassured. As a goodwill gesture, on behalf of the people of the State, the Governor presented a ‘Team Arunachal’ label pin and an Apatani Jacket to Barua.
havior. Expressing his extreme displeasure, the Governor pointed that it is an extremely serious matter and in spite of the instructions and directions issued by him, Advisor, DGP and SP, Capital Complex, some such atrocious incidents
have been taking place. The Governor in a communique from Raj Bhawan reiterated that under no circumstances, except in self-defense, no police or other Security Personnel on Law and Order and Naka duties would resort to any third degree method. If
was held on 17th February 2016 at ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang Altogether 25 numbers of participants including committee members and KVK technical staffs attended the meeting which main objective is to place the annual report and highlight the achievements of the current year and also to present
share their difficulties and constraints faced by them.
Arunachal Pradesh placed the annual report and highlighted the achievement of the year in the 6th SAC meeting held yesterday at ICAR-NRC on Yak Action Plan for the upcoming year for better formulation, applicability and execution in the district. Dr. N. D. Singh, Programme Coordinator, KVK, while welcoming all the present 25 numbers of participants including committee members and KVK technical staffs discussed about the know-how technologies of the new agricultural and horticultural tools and implements to assess and
disseminate to the farmers. He concluded highlighting about OFT, FLD and its role in improving Agriculture System in the district. Co-Chairman, Nini Pertin, State Nodal Officer, KVK Cell, Dept. of Agriculture, stressed on importance of Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting and requested the learned scientist, officers of allied departments and practicing farmers to actively
participate in the SAC meeting for bringing out a better Action Plan for KVK. Chairman, Dr. S. M. Deb, Director, ICAR - NRC on Yak, extended his warm regards by acknowledging the various activities of KVK carried out in different regions of the district, while briefly stating about the Kendra, he also emphasized on farming community to come forward in adopting latest technologies through KVK and also to
A Staff Reporter Changlang, Feb 18: A District Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee (DLVMC) of Changlang District Health Society (DHS) today monitored the progress of implementation of National Health Mission (NHM) in the district. Dr. Tope Yomcha explaining on the NHM activities in the district apprised the achievement with respect to Routine Immunization (RI), Mission Indradhanush (MI), JSY, JSSK, Adolescent Health Programme, IPPI, WIFS and observance of National Deworming Day. The District Health Action Plan have been devised for five blocks namely,
Khimiyang, Changlang, Jairampur-ManmaoNampong, Miao-Khagam and Bordumsa- Diyun blocks in the meeting held at the DC’s Conference Hall, Changlang. The Dept. of Health has further placed proposals for similar plans for two more blocks i.e Diyun and Nampong before the Govt. along with proposals for RI vehicles, setting up of District De-addiction Centre and New born Stabilization Centre, placements of specialists in the fields of Pediatrics, Gynecology and an anesthetist In the District Hospital. Dr Karrik Basar DMO
Changlang, lamented on the dismal performance of MI Phase III and IV and Pentavalent Vaccine in some PHCs despite providing all logistics including extensive training to ASHAs and Anganwadi workers. He exhorted the MOs to strive for harder and better performance next time. He also requested the dept. of ICDS to observe the Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND) in the Anganwadi centres mandatorily in the presence of ANMs. He informed the house that the district faced shortage of a whopping 30 allopathic medical officers. In fact, three PHCs are currently being manned by Ayurvedic doctors.
Smti Marina Kenglang, ZPC cum Co- Chairperson DHs requested the MOs to effectively track the maternal- child health through compulsory issue of Immunization Cards and motivate the ASHAs to perform better in their field activities as well as monthly reports. Wayong Khimhun, Deputy Commissioner and also the Chairperson of DHS urged the Dept. to make all necessary arrangements for 48 hour medical stay for new mothers by ensuring nutritious diet and proper sanitation as per funds provided under JSSK to encourage institutional births and stay.
In a memorandum submitted to the PWD Chief Engineer (Highways, Western Zone) on Thursday, AAPTF led by its president Dubing Sonam and general secretary Gyamar Talik apprised the CE that the quality of
daytime.
“The thickness of blacktopping is below two inches at many stretches which is not up to the standard. Due to this there is every possibility that the road would not be able to sustain the downpour of the upcoming monsoon,” the federation wrote in its letter.
Further condemning the incident of assault on the labourers working on the NH 415 by an Alto car and a motorcycle on February 15 and 16 last respectively, the AAPPTF has also appealed to the people to be careful while driving their vehicles during night to avoid such accidents.
Requesting the PWD to immediately improve the quality of the work, AAPPTF also appealed to the department to carry out its work during the night (as it is do-
Meanwhile, the PWD Chief Engineer has assured to look in to the demands of the federation on utmost priority.
He further asked the DMO to furnish the overall performance report of various NGOs running medical centers in the district on PPP mode to review their feat. Stating that the Annual Operation Plan of DHS must be placed before the chair well in advance so that the committee may ensure strict adherence to terms and reference, prudent fiscal norms, inter sectorial convergence, community participation and effective monitoring. “A doctor’s profession is more of a calling, being next to God I implore you to be true to your calling despite obvious constraints”, Khimhun urged.
Cleanliness campaign held at Pasighat
AAPPTF welcomes initiatives of recarpeting and renovating of roads work.
P. Sora, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bomdila who was the Chief Guest of the Meeting praised the role of KVK West Kameng in improving and improvising the traditional farming system of the local area so far. He also stressed on popularizing those new technologies which are cost-efficient, reliable and easily accessible to the practicing farmers and farm women of the district. During the technical Session, firstly general review of Annual Report for 2015-16 and Action Plan for 2016-17, was presented by P. C. KVK, which was followed by SMS (Agronomy), SMS (Agri. Extension), SMS (Fisheries), SMS (Home Science), and SMS (Horticulture) on their respective report and formulated action plan for the coming year 2016-17.
Vigilance and Monitoring Committee of District Health Society devises Health Action Plan for Changlang District
ET Bureau Pasighat, Feb 18: Maintain cleanliness to prevent vector borne diseases like malaria, dengue etc,” said DC In-charge Rahul Singh while attending an awareness campaign held at Banskota Dere (Community Hall), Municipal Ward-8 this morning , organized by health department in association with PMC Itanagar, Feb 18: The All work is being compromised ing now) taking into considCouncilor DC In-Charge gave away 1072 Insecticide-treated bed nets to 357 families. Arunachal Pradesh Public by the concerned authority eration the traffic conges- Chief Transport Federation which is implementing the tion which occurs during the Denong Tamuk. (AAPPTF), welcoming the initiatives of the Public Works Department (PWD) for re-carpeting and renovating the roads in and around the capital complex has at the same time expressed resentment over the quality of work being implemented.
anybody is found violating the Law, including Prohibitory Orders under 144 Cr PC or driving in drunken condition, such persons must be taken to the nearest Police Station or handed over to Civil Police for necessary action under the Law.
Scientific Advisory Committee presents Action Plans for Krishi Vigyan Kendra in West Kameng Dirang, Feb 18: Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of Krishi Vigyan Kendra West Kameng, Dirang Arunachal Pradesh placed the annual report and highlighted the achievement of the year in the 6th SAC meeting held yesterday at ICARNRC on Yak, Dirang under the chairmanship of Dr. S. M. Deb, Director, ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang. The Committee also presented the Action Plans for the next year for better formulation, applicability and execution in the district.
Filmmaker Barua after a breakfast meeting at Raj Bhavan with the Governor
Advisor to Governor (H&P) to institute an immediate inquiry in to the reported incident and ensure taking necessary disciplinary and other actions by the competent authority against the Security Personnel responsible for the alleged savage be-
Singh told the gathering that maintaining cleanliness in surroundings was of utmost importance in tackling chikungunya, malaria and dengue diseases. Everyone should ensure that there was no water stagnation around homes but municipal body alone with limited strengths cannot do this job. There must be a collective responsibility to
tackle the diseases, he added. Singh, who is also Municipal Executive Officer, urged the residents to stay safe had informed that cleaning of drains and removing of waste would be taken up by the civic body on priority.
for curbing the dengue epidemic and the role of councilors and PRIs in this campaign. He instructed the DMO to ensure timely DDT spray, fogging as a source reduction measures and to equip Pasighat general hospital and all health centers with malaria and The DC In-charge dengue treatment kits spoke on the efforts of in advance. the health department and municipal council Under Swachch Bharat
Mission, all households would get sanitary toilets replacing cachcha toilets in the township soon. He gave away 1072 Insecticidetreated bed nets to 357 families. DMO Dr. M Perme threw lights on importance of Insecticide mosquito nets while informing that 45,000 Insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) would be
distributed in the district. ITNs remain a highly effective tool in the fight against malaria and dengue. In general, awareness surrounding malaria and dengue is problematic and so community level educational components are necessary to address these deficits. Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk who is also local councilor of the area stated that better environmental management strategies, may offer improved potential for combating all vector-borne disease. Earlier this morning, he had conducted a massive cleanliness drive in the area and cleaned few roadside drains. He sought supports and cooperation from the denizens to make the township clean, beautiful and disease-free.
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
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Global tea workshop on pest ABVP, Bajrang Dal protest at Dibrugarh University management held at Tocklai ET Correspondent Jorhat, Feb 18: Global workshop on sustainable tea production a non-chemical approach to pest management was jointly organized by Tocklai Tea Research Institute and Centre for Agriculture and Bio-Science International (CABI), a leading international research organization here at the Tocklai Tea Research Institute auditorium here today. The global workshop was inaugurated by Prabhat Bezbaruah the vice-chairman of the Tocklai Tea Research Institute cum prominent tea planter Mr.
Bidyanand Borkakoty, adviser to NETA cum vice chairman, Tea Board of India attended as the guest of honour among the global tea expert and scientist. The workshop was attended by many leading scientists of India and abroad and scientists from CABI, scientists from TRA, eminent tea planters from Assam, Bengal, Doors, Tehrai, Himachal, Nilgiris etc. During the workshop, experts have focused and shared about sustainable issues on tea management, tea production and various ap-
proaches for pest management at this hour of global warming and different pattern on weather condition, which is one of the burning topic in recent days. Topics discussed on ecological farming practices, non-chemical methods of pest management by tea experts, researchers, scholars, planters, tea executives and other growers. During the workshop, experts discussed collectively to reduce the load of toxic pesticide and use of organic compose, vermin compose and vermin wash for boosting tea production in a different way.
A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Feb. 18: Members of Bajrang Dal and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad today organized a protest in front of Dibrugarh University in protest against the anti-national slogan used at JNU campus in New Delhi. The organization demanded stringent punishment against the JNU students who engaged in anti-national activities. The activists holding tri-colour Activist of Bajrang Dal protesting infront of DU demading stringent chanted ‘Bharat Mati Ki punishment ananist JNU students. Pic- Manoj Pandey Jai’ and Vanda Mataram. According to sources, wanted to organized a of Kanhaiya Kumar. Im- and Bajrang Dal activists today a rumored was protest rally at the DU mediately, after hearing organized a tri-colour spread that some students campus against the arrest the incident, the ABVP march in protest against
PPA to boycott Arunachal Statehood Day Celebration Itanagar, Feb 18 : Highlighting of lacunae within the provisions of the Statehood Act of Arunachal Pradesh, also known as the Constitution (Fifty-Fifth Amendment) Act, 1986 and in that, the insertion of Article 371 (H) in particular, People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) announced of boycotting the Statehood Day celebration on February 20 next. Addressing the media persons at Press Club today, the executive members of the lone regional party of the state maintained that successive government at the centre had treated the state of Arunachal Pradesh with a stepmotherly attitude by inserting Article 371 (H) giving special powers to the governor and thereby undermining the role of the elected representatives and its people. PPA members were par-
PPA party at a press Conference
ticularly critical of the Statehood Act not having constitutional safeguard or special protection with respect to religious and social practices, customary laws and rights to ownership and transfer of land for the tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh compared to its counterpart in Nagaland and Mizoram. Accordingly, Kameng Ringu, the party chairman stressed that the prevailing President’s Rule in the state is an
off-shoot of the existing lacunae in the Statehood Act itself. Asserting that “The problem lies in the Constitutional provision itself and therefore, the governor cannot be blamed in totality for exploiting it,” Ringu went on to add that, “As long as Article 371 (H) of the Indian Constitution with regards to Arunachal Pradesh exists, the centre will always find a way to undermine the powers of the elected representatives of the state.”
Raj Bhavan Visit restarts
Adding further on this, the PPA President, Kahfa Bengia lashed out on the subsequent Congress Government, both at the centre and in the state for failing to address the issue. He categorically stated that, “the blame for the fall of former Congress Government under the leadership of Nabam Tuki subsequent upon governor’s intervention, lies with the Congress party itself by virtue of enacting a faulty statehood Act.” Meanwhile, Kaling Jerang, Secretary General of PPA while urging on the general masses to understand the impact of the Act in its entirety, which he reiterated, deprives the people of all the ownership rights of the land, also called on the people to boycott the statehood Day celebration before adding that, “A Constitutional Amendment is possible if the people will it.”
A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Feb 18: On the festive occasion of 30th Statehood Day, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa has announced the restarting of Raj Bhavan Visit from the coming Sunday, 21st February 2016. As it is Spring time, the Raj Bhavan is adorned in its grand splendor with rows and rows of blooming flowers in different hues and varieties. Apart from the flora, one can keep an eye on the greenery of mini golf course and innovative projects like Hornbill cottage, Orchid Houses, Water Harvesting cum Fish Pond, Dairy, Poultry Farm,
Agriculture and Horticulture gardens and Solar electric plants. Forest Range Officer Shri Taba Teni informed that there are 75 varieties of flowers in 25 species, with additions of new varieties every coming year. It is our endeavour to present new flowers to the people, like double cutting dahlias etc. Flowers include varieties of roses and blooming colourful petals of antirrhinum, dianthus, marigold inca, French marigold, poppy, pansy, petunia, phlox, salvia, gerbera, nasturtium, zinnia and dahlia along with gladiolus beau-
tify the compound. The Raj Bhawan Orchid houses have 45 varieties of orchids in fifty different colours. It is significant to note that unlike other Raj Bhavans, Raj Bhavan, Itanagar is open to public every Sunday. It was discontinued temporarily due to some construction works inside the compound. The Raj Bhavan Visit is being organized in the line of Mughal Garden of Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi. It is open to public every Sunday from 1 to 3 pm. Nestled in nature’s grandeur, Raj Bhavan is one of the most sought after place for the visitors in the past.
Dibrugarh district Hindu Jagran Manch have also organized a similar protest at Thana Charialia and burnt effigy of AICC Vice President Rahul Ganghi for politicizing the JNU incident. Hundreds of members of National Students' Union of India (NSUI) staged a two-hour sit-in protest in front of Dibrugarh University (DU) on Wednesday in protest against the Kumar arrest. The District administration has came into action and deployed CRPF personnel at the DU.
It is Kalikho Pul’s Government in Arunachal as SC lifted Status Quo Contd. from Page 1
Mr. Sibal had countered that when the President’s rule is withdrawn, the government earlier in power automatically revives. Arunachal Pradesh has 58 seats. The Congress, which had 47 members, has virtually split down the middle after months of infighting;
20 rebels have teamed up with the BJP, the main opposition party in the state, and a pair of independents. The Congress alleges that the BJP has used its power at the Centre to destabilise the Arunachal government of Nabam Tuki. To form the government, the claimant must have 28 seats.
The key to who forms the government lies in whether the Gauhati High Court finds that 14 Congress dissidents were wrongly declared disqualified from the legislature in December by the Speaker. The Supreme Court today refused to weigh in, saying the decision lies entirely with the High Court.
The Congress rebels have united under the leadership of former Finance Minister Kalikho Pul, who was expelled from the Congress last year. Yesterday, he told Governor JP Rajkohwa that with the BJP and two independents, he has 32 legislators on his side. (With Inputs from PTI)
Assam Pradesh BJP slams Tarun Gogoi government Contd. from Page 1
Former AASU general Secretary Tapan Gogoi, who recently joined the saffron party said that Sarbananda Sonowal have been working tirelessly for the development of Assam after being inducted in the
Modi cabinet. Subhash Dutta, in-charge of Media cell, Assam Pradesh BJP said Sarbananda Sonowal has proved his mettle by successfully hosting the SAG games in Guwahati and Shillong.
Borgohain said, “Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee introduce a development project called Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana for the development of road infrastructure of the country but after the releasing of the funds for the development of roads
the congress government of Assam misused the funds ’’. He said the Moran constituency which has poor roads but the government didn’t develop the roads and siphoned off the funds which were released by the New Delhi BJP.
Mingkhi of East Siang makes Arunachal proud Contd. from Page 1
In singles Mingkhi went down in semi-final to Subham Mahalotra 46, 5-7.
DC Isha Khosla, Loksabha MP Ninong Ering and Pasighat MLA Kaling Moyong congratulated Mingkhi. In their messages, all expressed hope that he will continue
to win laurels for the State. Meanwhile, East Siang District Tennis Association also congratulated Mingkhi and appreciated
Talom family for enthusiasm and appealed to the Director of Sports, Government of Arunachal Pradesh to release appropriate pending incentives to Mingkhi.
NABL grants accreditation to several orgs A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Feb 18: National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has granted accreditation to Quality Testing Laboratory, Coconut Development Board, CDB Institute of Technology, S Vazhakulam, Aluva, Kerala. Accreditation is granted in the disciplines of Chemical and Biological Testing w.e.f. 05.02.2016.
The Quality Testing Laboratory is equipped with advanced analytical instruments and testing facilities to carry out tests for Chemical and Microbiological parameters of Coconut based products and other food products. Chemical testing facility includes quality testing and nutritional analysis of products like Coconut oil/vegetable oil, Desiccated Coconut, Copra, oil cake, Vinegar, co-
conut based value added food products, Neera and neera based products, Coconut milk & milk based products etc. as per BIS, AOAC, AOCS standards. Microbiological testing facility includes quality testing of all Coconut based foods, Desiccated Coconut, Coconut milk, Coconut milk powder, Jam, Squash, softdrinks etc. and also other foods. Testing param-
Nagas celebrate seed sowing festival 'Lui-Ngai-Ni' with enthusiasm Raj Bhawan in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
the group of students.
Manipur, Feb.18 (ANI): A festive mood prevailed in Manipur's Ukhrul District as people wearing exotic headgears, traditional costumes and ethnic ornaments celebrated the Lui-Ngai-Ni festival.
create a new tourist destination."
have the feeling of oneness."
Naga folk dances like the war dance, weaving dance and the seed-sowing dance were also organized.
In Nagaland, the Lui-Ngai- Ni festival was celebrated with equal passion.
“Sowing in tears, reaping in joy” was the theme of the two-day seed sowing festival organized by the United Naga Council, Manipur.
Various Naga tribes, including Anal, Mao, Maram, Zeliangrong and Monsang presented spectacular folk dances and songs.
On the occasion, the God of crops is invoked to shower his blessing on seeds so that farmers get a bumper harvest.
Various Naga tribes including Anal, Mao, Maram, Zeliangrong ,Monsang, Poumai, Lamkang, Poumai, Inpui and many others showcased their spectacular folk dances and songs. Vania Chawang, a singer from Tamenglong, mesmerized the audience with her melodious voice.
People showcased traditional folk dances and music and enjoyed indigenous games. A fashion show was also organised on the occasion. Another attraction of the event was blowing of horns by elders. Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang inaugurated the event. He said, "We need to protect and preserve our rich culture heritage which should not only uphold our Naga identity but this itself will
Weapon Zimik, President, Tangkhul Naga Long, said, "It is seed sowing. It promotes togetherness, sharing and sacrifice spirit. It is also a festival of giving, eating, drinking and meeting with each other." Soli, a participant, said, "I like this festival because it brings all NAGA people together. And we
The event was organised by the Tangkhul Union Dimapur, Nagaland. During the event, young boys and girls sang folk songs and also performed a “seed sowing dance”. Later, they also demonstrated indigenous games like tug of war, wrestling and many others. Reverend Candid Sareo, another participant, said, "These days youngster have forgotten our rich culture because they are staying away from home for studies so, organising such festival will help them to know about our culture and tradition." The Lui-Ngai-Ni festival is celebrated annually to promote peace, harmony and prosperity and to uphold Nagas' cultural identity. (ANI)
eters includes Total Plate count(TPC), Yeast and Mold, Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus Aureus as per USFDA (BAM) and BIS standards. NABL accredited laboratory in India follows the same guidelines as any other accredited laboratory in the world. NABL accredit recognition of the technical competence of a testing for a specific task
following ISO/IEC 17025:2005, Standards. It is associated with Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Corporation (APLAC), Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA), International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) These are especially valuable for International recognition and mutual acceptance of test results. In short accreditation has worldwide acceptance.
Manipur emerging as a backpackers' paradise Imphal, Feb 18 : Backpackers on a shoe-string budget who want to mingle with nature and see rare flora and fauna not found anywhere in the world and those who have emotional attachment or want to learn more about the battles between the Japanese and Allied forces during World War-II have been flocking to Manipur in northeast India like never before. Imphal has daily flights from Guwahati or can be reached from Guwahati and Silchar through the mountainous NHs 2 and 37. There are cheap hotels for backpackers or three-star luxury hotels for those with expense accounts or rich travellers. Those who want to watch the brow-antlered
deer, which is found only in Manipur, head to the Loktak lake where the Keibul Lamjao national park, its natural habitat, is located, about 60 km from Imphal. The tourism department has constructed huts at the Sendra hillock on the shore of the lake, but most of the tourists prefer the private hovels constructed on the floating bio-mass in the lake or in the thatched inns that have been constructed in the recent past. Also available are water sports and canoe riding in the Loktak Lake, the largest fresh water lake in eastern India. Thousands of fishermen and their families have been staying in the floating huts constructed on the biomass. There are no toilets
and the tourists are supposed to answer the call of nature or take bath while on the country canoes, like the fishermen. Apart from the deer, tourists can watch hundreds of varieties of migratory birds coming from several countries. Many backpackers said that they had experienced oneof-a-kind pleasure of mingling with nature once in the lifetime. Other tourists go to the Ukhrul district to study the Shiroy lily which cannot be grown anywhere except high up on the Shiroy moutnain. Attempts to transplant the Shiroy lily in the foothills of the mountain have not been successful. Despite warnings, domestic and foreign tourists clandestinely carry away some
saplings in the hope of growing them in their homes. It was at Moirang in Manipur where the flag of India's independence was first hoisted by the INA forces and it is here that the Indian National Army museum is located, displaying the many objects the soldiers had used, including their personal effects. The INA and the Japanese forces had stayed for four months in Manipur after which they went to Kohima for more battles. Thangjam Dhabali, president of the Manipur Tourism Forum, told IANS that during the battles in Manipur and what is now Nagaland, then a part of Assam, 53,000 Japa-
nese and 15,000 Allied soldiers were killed. The number of civilians killed cannot be ascertained. Because of their identical Mongloid features civilians were mistaken for Japanese soldiers and were probably attacked on sight. "There is an understanding with the Japanese government to construct a war memorial in Manipur," Dhabali said. Till recently, the Japanese government and the relatives of the dead soldiers would come to Imphal to take away the skeletal remains for performing the last rites. There is also a proposal to construct an ultra modern hospital in memory of the dead soldiers but this is stuck in bureaucratic red tape. (Agencies)
Apex court notice to HC
Mamata promises citizenship rights to Bangladeshis
Shillong, Feb 18: The Supreme Court has issued notices to Registrar General of the High Court of Meghalaya on two petitions, one on rejection of RTI application and another on appointment of advocates from outside the state as seniors, filed by the Shillong High Court Bar Association.
If Narendra Modi as the Prime Ministerial candidate, prior to the 2014 general elections, had pledged to push back the infiltrators across the Bengal-Bangladesh border to consolidate the Hindu voters, Mamata Banerjee as chief minister and chief ministerial candidate in 2016 Assembly election has vowed to give citizenship rights to Bangladeshis, who have stayed in Bengal for a minimum of five years
First the member of Bar Association, B. Bhattacharjee filed a Special Leave Petition before the apex court after the High Court refused to give information under RTI Act regarding the appointment of Aman Sinha as senior advocate which led to the apex court issuing notice to the Registrar of High Court. Later, the Bar Association filed another petition against the appointment of three advocates from outside the state Sinha, P.K. Rai and A.K. Singh as seniors following which Supreme Court issued notice to the registry of High Court. Sources said that the petition filed by Bar Association pointed out that the three senior lawyers never practiced in Meghalaya and hence the 'senior' designation given to them by the High Court should be under judicial scrutiny.The Supreme Court has clubbed both the petitions which will be taken up in the next date of hearing.Earlier, though Bhattacharjee filed an application under RTI before the High Court, he was denied information which compelled him to make an appeal before the Appellate Authority. The Appellate Authority too denied information to the applicant, who subsequently approached state Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) for redress.After the C IC issued show cause notice to the High Court, a lawyer was appointed to follow up the case which was objected by the CIC saying that the concerned party should appear before the Commission and not a nominee, sources said. Later, the Registrar of High Court filed a writ petition making Bhattacharjee as a party.Following this, the single bench of the High Court quashed the appeal of Bhattacharjee before C I C . T h o u g h Bhattacharjee appealed before the Division Bench of the High Court, the latter upheld the order of the single bench. This has compelled Bhattacharjee to seek the intervention of the apex court. (Agencies)
Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata,Feb 18: If Narendra Modi as the Prime Ministerial candidate, prior to the 2014 general elections, had pledged to push back the infiltrators across the Bengal-Bangladesh border to consolidate the Hindu voters, Mamata Banerjee as chief minister and chief ministerial candidate in 2016 Assembly election has vowed to give citizenship rights to Bangladeshis, who have stayed in Bengal for a minimum of five
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REGION
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
years. "I will ask the Centre to authorise the district magistrates in granting citizenship cards to people, who have crossed over the border and have been residing here for five or more years," Banerjee said at a press conference after concluding the Cabinet meeting today. According to her, the Centre is now the absolute authority in granting the citizenship card.
Whether Ms Banerjee's sincere plea to the Centre would be heard is a matter of debate and deliberation, but the chief minister has made the right noise prior to the state Assembly election to woo a sizeable section of population, who enjoy all the rights of being a citizen, without holding the valid citizenship card.There is no record as to what would be the size of the population, who would merit to receive the citizenship card, but during every election the areas, close
to the borders, witnesses huge turnout of voters. Incidentally, over decades, immigrants have been casting votes with the help of epic cards and even hold ration cards. Banerjee's desire to give them citizenship card amounts to legitimising their identity and right to exercise their franchise. When Banerjee was asked if she would write to the Centre in this regard, she remained noncommittal. That she had said, she thought, was enough. (Agencies)
PWC deliberates on Naga political issue with Muivah
The Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) of the Nagaland Joint Legislator's Forum Domapur, Feb 18: The Parliamentary Working Committee (PWC) of the Nagaland Joint Legislator's Forum on Naga political issue today met NSCN (IM) General Secretary Th. Muivah and other top functionaries and held a marathon deliberation on the peace initiatives between the group and the Government of India.A press statement from CMO media cell said the 19-member PWC team led by Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang and Speaker Chotisuh Sazo discussed at length the status and progress of the on-going Naga political dialogue between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM). The delegation also offered assistance that they may be of help in facilitating the
peace process. Muivah, who is leading the NSCN (IM) in the peace talks with the GoI shared his views on various issues confronting the Naga people and made several observations on the peace dialogues. Later in the evening, the PWC delegation met the leader of the Shiv Sena's Parliamentary Party in the Lok Sabha, Anand Rap Absul in Nagaland House. According to the CMO release, Absul indicated his party's readiness to support any settlement arrived at by the GoI and the NSCN (IM) which is "honourable and acceptable to all concerned." Shiv Sena, an ally of the NDA has three members in the Rajya Sabha. It
may be noted that even though the BJP commands absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, the NDA does not have command over the Rajya Sabha where parties opposed to the NDA have majority. Therefore, the CMO release maintained, it is important to have the support of various national and regional parties since it is expected the Naga political solution will have to be discussed and passed by both houses of the Parliament.The PWC delegation has already met BJP chief Amit Shah and JDU chief Shared Yadav on Tuesday. The delegation is also scheduled to meet several other national political luminaries in the days to come, the CMO release informed. (Agencies)
Police drops attempt to murder charge Shillong, Feb 18: In a Uturn, Shillong Police has dropped the attempt to murder charge (Section 307 IPC) slapped against Jaskalur Mawdoh, driver of the tourist vehicle which had hit the official vehicle of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on February 11 at Upper Shillong.Informing this here on Wednesday, East Khasi Hills district police chief M Kharkrang, however, said that police have also filed chargesheet against the driver under Section 279/336/427 which related to rash and negligent driving, any acts endangering life and mischief causing damage.Meanwhile, in a late development, the
driver secured bail. "But he has to spend the night in jail as the bailer is yet to come to sign the bail papers," police said. There has been a lot of criticism from several quarters after a case of attempt to murder was registered against the driver for hitting the official vehicle of Sangma.Kharkrang, however, denied that Section 307 was dropped due to pressure.Investigation into the matter conclusively ascertained that the accident had happened due to negligence and rash driving, he said.Kharkrang said that the tourist vehicle ( ML 04 A 3374) was stopped by a traffic constable on duty to
allow the Chief Minister's carcade to move. However, as soon as the Chief Minister's vehicle passed by, the vehicle in question veered to the right and immediately made an unexpected dash against the CM's vehicle from the side he was seated, Kharkrang said. The SP also said that the accused driver was not under the influence of alcohol. While the vehicle of Chief Minister has been released, the vehicle of the accused is still in the custody of police, and Kharkrang said that the vehicle will be released once the owner comes forward to the police. (Agencies)
Tripura Govt. takes steps to Anti-migrant agitation keep tribal traditions alive resumes in Manipur through indigenous fairs fair and am very happy to hear our traditional songs and music. Besides this, indigenous lifestyles, dress, ornaments, household things are being displayed for people to know.
The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) recently organised a three-day-long indigenous literature and cultural fair in Khumlung
Khumlung, Feb. 18 : The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) recently organised a three-daylong indigenous literature and cultural fair in Khumlung in West Tripura District with the aim of keeping tribal traditions and language alive.Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Tribal Welfare Minister Aghor Debbarma and Rural Welfare Minister Manik Dey
were present during the inauguration of the fair.Speaking on the occasion, Sarkar said, "The communities which have very small number of people and who communicate in their own language, special care is being taken to preserve their culture and traditions, because on it, shall depend their future existence and development. In this direction, the Tripura Government, with its limited
resources, is giving equal importance to language, culture and tradition of all communities and is working for preserving and developing them." Visitors were thrilled at being shown traditional activities that have been lost sight of due to the fast and changing lifestyle of t r i b a l communities.Mamata Rupini, a visitor, said, "I have come here to see this
It is a very good initiative for the new generation to know about our tradition and to preserve them.""Be it our language, dress or culture, we are at the verge of losing them. So, the ADC government has organised this fair to preserve them by bring them before to the future generation. These types of fairs should take place more often to create awareness and influence the new generation," said another visitor, Buddha Debbarma.The fair is the brain child of Radhara Charan Debbarma, the new Chief Executive Member (CEM) of TTAADC. "At such a juncture, we are trying to preserve and protect the language and culture of 27 tribes and sub-tribes of Tripura and prevent them from getting lost due to globalization. This is the main reason behind organizing this indigenous culture and heritage fair," he said. (ANI)
Anti-migrant agitation resumes in Manipu Imphal, Feb 18 : An umbrella group demanding an Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Manipur resumed its anti-migrant agitation yesterday, and said workers from outside the state who do not have work permits will be handed over to police."On the first day of resumption of the campaign, we pasted posters in many parts of Imphal town asking people not to sell land to the migrants, hire them for construction and other odd works," said Khomdram Ratan, convener of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS). "Our volunteers have started checking the identity cards of migrant workers. Those who want to work in Manipur should have work permits from the labour department. Those migrants who have not done so shall
be handed over to the nearest police station," he said.Police were present during the campaign, but did not interfere.The JCILPS said it was not happy that the Manipur government has been silent on enacting three bills to Acts since they were passed by the legislative assembly in August last year.The Manipur assembly will have a short session from March 13 to 19, and Ratan said the group would be holding agitations during the session.Tribals in Manipur have been opposing the three bills describing them as "anti-tribal". The government has been maintaining that there is no clause in the bill which is against any c o m m u n i t y. Vi o l e n c e erupted on September 1 last year following the state government's adoption on August 31, 2015 of three landmark bills - Protection
of Manipur Peoples Bill 2015, Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (seventh amendment) Bill 2015, and Manipur Shops and Establishment (second amendment) Bill 2015. The bills are pending with the president.Nine tribal youths were killed in violence in Churachandpur district. Houses and properties of several elected tribal representatives were torched. Ratan on Wednesday said the JCILPS shall hold talks with those against the bills and he was hopeful that an understanding would be reached.Even Nagaland Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang, who had recently come to attend a festival in a hill district in Manipur, described the bills as unconstitutional and anti-tribal. The Inner Line Permit system is currently in place in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. (Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Amnesty calls for release of JNU students' union leader, Geelani
People can rap govt, not abuse the nation: Rijiju New Delhi, Feb 18 : With the JNU row continuing unabated, Union minister Kiren Rijiju today said people are free to criticise the government but cannot abuse the nation. In a Facebook post, Rijiju said a group of people in Jawaharlal Nehru University have taken a "despicable vow to break India into pieces" and declared Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru as their hero. He said a group of politicians have defended the actions of "these anti-national elements". "As an Indian, the foremost requirement is allegiance to the unity and
Amnesty International on Wednesday called on Delhi Police to release JNU students union leader Kanhaiya Kumar and ex-Delhi University lecturer SAR Geelani
London, Feb 18: Amnesty International on Wednesday called on Delhi Police to release JNU students union leader Kanhaiya Kumar and ex-Delhi University lecturer SAR Geelani and drop sedition charges against them, saying the government and police are displaying an "appalling intolerance for dissent." The police must also investigate multiple attacks on journalists, students and teachers who were beaten up by lawyers on February 15 at Kumar's hearing at a Delhi trial court, it said, adding that several eyewitnesses say that police personnel did not intervene, despite repeated requests. "The police failure to protect people from violent attacks inside court premises is mystifying. India's Prime Minister has spoken repeatedly at home and abroad of his government's commit-
ment to the rule of law. Those promises are increasingly ringing hollow," said Tara Rao, Programmes Director at Amnesty International India. "From arresting a student under a colonial-era law to failing to prevent attacks inside courts, the Delhi Police has shown a casual disregard for constitutionally guaranteed rights in recent days. This apparent disdain for the right to freedom of expression is both misguided and dangerous," Rao said. The Delhi Police had arrested Kumar on February 12 for allegedly raising "anti-national" slogans at a peaceful demonstration inside JNU three days earlier. On February 16, the police arrested Geelani for organising an event where "anti-India" slogans were allegedly raised. Both were arrested under Section
'RSS crushing free thought'
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) New Delhi, Feb 18: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday hit out at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying the right-wing body was trying to crush free thought and impose its ideology on students across the nation and vowed that the Congress will not allow it to succeed. Speaking to newspersons after leading a delegation to meet President Pranab Mukherjee over the JNU incident, Gandhi said "The RSS is trying to trample on free thought, and we will not allow it". He said that while journalists were being thrashed in the Patiala House court premises by right-wing sympathisers on Monday, the Delhi Police "stood and watched". "The government has to protect the people and not subjugate students," he said.He said the thrashing of journalists was sending a very bad signal not just across the country but abroad too. "Nationalism is in my blood, I have seen my
124A of the India Penal Code, which makes the offence of sedition punishable with life imprisonment. "Indian courts have ruled that expression can be restricted on grounds of public order only when it involves incitement to imminent violence or disorder. By branding people 'antinational' merely for expressing opposing views, the central government and Delhi police are displaying an appalling intolerance for dissent," Rao said. "The sedition law was used by the British to curb free expression during India's independence struggle. It s unfortunate that the government is using it now to silence and harass those with divergent opinions. In the interests of Indian society, this law must be immediately repealed," she added. (PTI)
PAGE 6
integrity of India. Anyone can criticise the government but don't abuse the nation," he said. The Minister of State for Home said despite massive condemnation from patriotic citizens, they are still proud of their "atrocious act". "These people are so firmly indoctrinated in their ideology that their hatred for India is subsumed in their freedom of expression. I won't succeed in making them patriotic citizens," he said. Rijiju said there is just one solution left to this issue and
altitude for one year or see the conditions of the widows of martyrs who gave their lives for the nation. "That will make them understand what love for motherland means," he said.(PTI)
Kiren Rijiju such "pseudo students and politicians" should live with the soldiers in 16,000 feet
The Bharat 2016 and India 2016 Reference Annual books provide comprehensive information about the country and the states and Union Territories including on functioning of the government and the economy.
family sacrificing again and again and again. If somebody has said anything against the nation they should be punished according to the law. It is not the government's job to destroy our educational institutions". Mumbai, Feb 18: In con-
New Delhi, Feb 18: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) row took an ugly turn with a BJP MLA, saying that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is an anti-national who should be shot and hanged for sympathising with those who raise pro-Pakistan slogans. Yoga guru Ramdev also has, without naming Gandhi, said that associating with anti-nationals is treachery. In controversial comments, Bharatiya Janata Party Rajasthan MLA Kailash Choudhary is quoted as saying that "Rahul Gandhi ko goli se shoot kar dena chahiye." (Rahul Gandhi should be shot with bullets). At a farmer's gathering, the MLA from Baytoo in Barmer district of Rajasthan, said that Gandhi was a "traitor" for siding with those who raised slogans praising Afzal Guru and shouted Pakistan
Zindabad. "If Rahul Gandhi, Congress' Rajkumar's sides with these people, it is treason. Rahul Gandhi is a traitor and such a traitor should be hanged and shot," the BJP MLA is quoted as saying. "If he goes and supports such anti-national people…he should be shot. I am a nationalist and if anyone raises a finger at Bharat Mata, I will not tolerate it," he is quoted as saying. Choudhary made the comments as the Congress vice president met JNU students to join the protests against the police crackdown on students. Priyanka Chaturvedi, national Spokesperson-Congress, in a tweet said: "Open threat to Rahul Gandhi, shoot him is what the BJP MLA is asking for. Where is Vasundhara Raje? Where r the cops?"
"BJP MLA in Rajasthan asking for Rahul Gandhi 's hanging, someone has filed sedition charges against him. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, in an apparent attack on Gandhi for his support to the protesting JNU students, on Thursday said that political leaders should go beyond vote bank politics and not compromise with the nation's sovereignty and unity. "It is necessary to know who raised anti-national slogans. But it is clear that the mass which gathered there was not nationalist. Association with the antinationals is also treachery. Involving in anti-national activities and supporting it has been considered as crime, both legally and spiritually. The political leaders should go beyond vote bank politics and should not compromise with the nation's sover-
Speaking on the occasion Jaitley said the yearbook is a must-read for journalists as well as politicians. He said the year book will be a great asset for every household in India. "I think the kind of detail Information and Broadcastthat India 2016 carries is ing Minister Arun Jaitley a must-read for everyone The books deal with all particularly for journalaspects of development ists and politicians. It is from rural to urban, in- very necessary. Once we dustry to infrastructure, go through the book, you science and technology, would realise how much art and culture, economy, we don't know," he said. health, defence, educa- The books have sections tion and mass communi- on general knowledge, cation. current affairs, sports and
important events. They also provide information on the various schemes and projects of the government and its various departments. The electronic versions of both yearbooks were launched simultaneously with the print version for the first time. The E versions will cost 75 per cent of the print book cost. The yearbook is published annually by the Publications Division, a media unit of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. (Agencies)
Farmers' suicide a 'fashion', 'trend': BJP MP IPS officer
troversial remarks, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Gopal Shetty has attributed farmers' suicides to a "fashion" and "trend" to end lives. The remarks come at a time when Maharashtra is reeling under an agrarian crisis with 124 farmers committing suicide in the state since January this year. "Not all farmers' suicides happen due to unemployment and starvation. A fashion is going on. A trend is on," Shetty, who represents north Mumbai, said after an event held in Borivili here on Wednesday. "If Maharashtra government is giving five lakh rupees as compensation, then some other government in neighbouring state is giving seven lakh," he said. "There's a competition in these people in giving money (compensation) to farmers," the first time MP said.
"Across the country, the RSS is trying to impose its thoughts. This nation will prosper because of its students' imagination, imposing an ideology on them will not benefit the nation. Imposition of RSS's hate ideology on students will not be allowed. The Congress will not allow it," Gandhi said. His comments came as the JNU students rejected an appeal by ViceChancellor M Jagadesh Kumar and decided to march from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar in Delhi at 2 pm on Thursday. The march is in solidarity with JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar who was arrested on sedition charges for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans at an event on Feb- Condemning the comments, ruary 9. (Agencies) Congress said the "insensi-
"Next time, when we will ask the people for vote, the condition of Yamuna will be much better than what it is now," he said after inaugurating Swami Parmanand Vatsalayam in Vatsalya gram Vrindaban . Speaking on the occasion, Saint Vijai Kaushal Maharan highlighted the condition of Yamuna saying, "It's water is not fit even for 'Aachaman' (cleaning of mouth before puja)." (PTI)
BJP's attack on Rahul Gandhi turns ugly
Jaitley releases India 2016 yearbook New Delhi, Feb 18: Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday stressed on the importance of knowing facts as he released the 'India 2016' and 'Bharat 2016 Reference Annual' books at an event here.
It's important to make Yamuna clean: Shah Mathura, Feb 18: BJP President Amit Shah on Wednesday said the cleanliness of Ganga river depends on the cleanliness of Yamuna, so it is important to make the latter free from pollution. "I personally feel that the rivers specially Yamuna should be free from polluion," he said, adding
that the government was serious on checking the discharge of effluents and industrial wastes into the river.
state since January this year.
tive" remarks by Shetty show BJP's "insensitivity" towards farmers. "At a time when Maharashtra is undergoing its worst-ever agrarian crisis, Shetty's remarks show how insensitive he and his party are towards thousands of farmers who have committed suicide due to debt and crop failure," Maharashtra Congress Committee (MRCC) president Sanjay Nirupam said. Notably, the state government had two days back informed the Bombay High Court that 124 farmers have committed suicide in the
The High Court had asked the Centre what kind of assistance it provides to the state to deal with the grim agrarian crisis. Observing that this was a serious issue, a bench headed by Justice Naresh Patil had asked the Additional Solicitor General to inform the High Court whether the Centre can chip in to provide schemes and financial help to the state to tide over the crisis. Advocate General Srihari Aney had informed the bench that 124 farmers have taken their lives in the past one-and-half month, of whom 20 cases were reported from Osmanabad alone. The AG said factors such as crop failure due to scanty rainfall, meagre water supply for drinking and growing crops, insufficient capacity to repay loans and pressure from banks and money lenders were the causes that drove the farmers to commit suicide. (Agencies)
found dead in Chennai
Chennai, Feb 18: A 32-year-old IPS officer was today found dead in the police officer's mess here. The body of Assistant Superintendent of Police N Harish, attached to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, was found in a room of the officer's mess premises at Egmore around noon, police said. Harish was an officer of 2009 batch and had recently been transferred from Madurai to Chennai. The cause of death was being ascertained and investigations were on, police said.(PTI)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi eignty and unity," Ramdev is quoted as saying. The controversial comments against Rahul Gandhi come even as a case has been registered against the Congress vice president in an Allahabad district court for his remark on the JNU incident. The Public Interest Litigation states that Gandhi took 'anti-national' stand by voicing his support for the JNU students. The
matter will be taken up for hearing on March 1. On Monday, Gandhi had condemned the attack on journalists outside the Patiala House Court. He had earlier alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was trying to crush the opinion of the people and that the Congress party would fight against this. Rahul Gandhi is in Lucknow to address a Dalitrelated meet. (Agencies)
Kisan Kalyan Mela: PM Modi to woo farmers at MP rally
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release operational guidelines of the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' on Thursday
New Delhi, Feb 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Thursday release operational guidelines of the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana' as well as distribute crop insurance settlements to some farmers at a mega farmer rally in Madhya Pradesh. In a series of tweets Modi said: "Will be in Madhya Pradesh for a special programme- the Kisan Kalyan Mela, where I will interact with my farmer sisters & brothers." "I look forward to releasing guidelines for operationalization of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the path breaking crop insurance scheme. Will distribute soil health cards & crop insurance settlement claims to some farmers during the programme," he said. Elaborate ecurity arrangements have been made for the event in the state's Sherpur village to
highlight the government's initiatives for the development of the agriculture sector and welfare of the agriculturists. The Prime Minister will also distribute soil health cards to the farmers. The scheme will come into effect from the upcoming Kharif season. It envisages a uniform premium of only 2 per cent to be paid by farmers for Kharif crops, and 1.5 per cent for Rabi crops. The premium for annual commercial and horticultural crops will be 5 per cent. There is no upper limit on government subsidy for this scheme. The provision of capping the premium rate, which existed in earlier schemes, and resulted in low claims being paid to farmers, has been done away with. Farmers will get claims against the full sum insured, without any reduction. (Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Putrajaya signs MoU with Dhaka to recruit 1.5m Bangladeshi workers for all sectors
Putrajaya is facing resistance and criticism from several civil and trade groups over its plan to bring in the foreign workers Kualalumpur, Feb 18 : Human Resources Minister Richard Riot Jaem represented Malaysia in Dhaka today to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to hire 1.5 million Bangladeshis to fill a massive labour shortage across all sectors despite local resistance over their intake.Under the agreement, Bangladeshi recruits will work in all sectors, including construction, manufacturing and the services industry and will be paid a monthly floor wage of between RM800 and RM900.The MoU was signed by Bangladesh's Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Nurul Islam. Malaysia is seen as one of the biggest labour markets for Bangladeshi workers,.It added that some 600,000 Bangladeshis are currently working in Malaysia. Today's agreement is expected to pave the way for
1.5 million Bangladeshis to work in Malaysia following a previous failed government-to-government worker recruitment deal in 2012.Putrajaya is facing resistance and criticism from several civil and trade groups over its plan to bring in the foreign workers that it said was needed for the 3D jobs that Malaysians are purportedly snubbing. Around 50 members from the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) protested outside the government complex housing the Home and Human Resource Ministries this morning condemning the government's move.But Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who has been away in the US this week, gave an assurance today that he will have a talk with his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on the government decision for the new Bangladeshi hire and will safeguard the country's economy. (Agencies)
National Chamber session on bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Egypt on Feb 25 Colombo, Feb 18: The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka has organized a session on the bilateral trade between Sri Lanka and Egypt.Ambassador of Egypt to Sri Lanka Mahmoud Hisham Assran will be the special guest speaker at the session on "Bilateral Trade between Sri Lanka & Egypt".The session will be held on Thursday 25 February 2016 from 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. at the Chamber Auditorium in Colombo. Ambassador Assran, accompanied by the Deputy Head of Mission Mrs. Reham Samir Mahmoud Alfeqi, will speak on "Current business trend, trade
potential, opportunities for export/import/investment and other services available in Egypt".At the session the participants will get an opportunity to interact with the Ambassador and officials of the Embassy of Egypt to clarify issues related to doing business with Egypt. The main Sri Lankan exports to Egypt are coconuts, tea, woven fabrics, and rubber and rubber products, the main Egyptian imports to Sri Lanka are chemicals, machines, appliances, and plastics.Egypt and Sri Lanka first established diplomatic relations, in 1957 and the Egyptian Embassy in Colombo was the first Arab Embassy to be opened in Sri Lanka. (Agencies)
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NEIGHBOURS
Suu Kyi, army chief talk as Myanmar presidency issue looms Yangon, Feb 18: Aung San Suu Kyi met Myanmar's army chief for the third time since her pro-democracy party swept elections, officials said Wednesday, heightening speculation that the military may hold sway over the selection of the next president.Suu Kyi, barred from top office by the junta-era constitution, has exactly one month before her party needs to put forward candidates for a president who will take power in April.Multiple rounds of talks have been held in the capital in recent weeks between the key players in the delicate political transition from army
rule.But the talks have taken place behind closed doors, with Suu Kyi, the outgoing president and the army chief all coy on the hard details of their discussions. Myanmar's army confirmed that the Nobel laureate and military leader Min Aung Hlaing "met and held discussions" at army headquarters in Naypyidaw on Wednesday.It released photographs of Suu Kyi smiling in a post on the Facebook page of the office of the army chief."They discussed the rule of law and the ongoing process to create a lasting peace in a friendly and open way," the Facebook post said. Suu
A handout picture provided by Myanmar Military News shows Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi (2-L) greeting Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (2-R) during their meeting in Naypyitaw, Kyi's doctor Tin Myo Win accompanied her - the second time he has sat in on meetings with the army chief. He is rumoured to be among the NLD's leading candidates for the presidency if Suu Kyi cannot cut a deal with the
army to change the charter.The document excludes her from the role because she married and had children with a foreigner.Noone from the NLD was available to comment on the meeting.
The NLD has stressed the delicacy of the transition to justify its silence on the issue in recent months.Many hope a new NLD government will finally mark the end of the army's grip on the country, spur an economic revival and
Wigneswaran raises objections over Palaly airport expansion Colombo, Feb 18: Northern Province's Chief Minister C V Wigneswaran has raised objections over the renovation of the Palaly airport in the Northern Province, one of the many large infrastructure projects proposed in Sri Lanka with the funding of the Indian Government.He has conveyed his position to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at a meeting early this week in which chairperson of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) and former President Chandrika B a n d a r a n a i k e Kumaratunga, Governor Reginold Cooray and Ministers of the Northern Province took part. The meeting was held to discuss issues concerning the Province. In February 2014, the Northern Provincial Council adopted a resolution,
Nadu or Thiruvanathapuram in Kerala can be operated," he suggested.
Northern Province's Chief Minister C V Wigneswaran demanding the operation of direct flight services from Palaly to destinations in southern States of India.Two weeks ago, at the ninth session of the Joint Commission attended by Foreign Ministers of India and Sri Lanka, Sushma Swaraj and Mangala Samaraweera, the issue of the airport renovation was discussed.On the Chief
Minister's objections, T h a m b y r a j a h Gurukularajah, Education Minister, told media that the Palaly airport expansion might "adversely affect" interests of the fishing community of the nearby Myladdy fishery harbour."Even with the present facilities at Palaly, direct flight services to Madurai or Tiruchi in Tamil
Kandiah Sarveswaran, member of the Provincial Council, has said another issue is that many tracts of private lands in and around the airport are now with the security forces and their owners will like to get them back. These lands should not be disturbed for the renovation project. Gurukularajah and Dr. Sarveswaran have said there are alternative sites in the Province if the Central government wants to set up an international airport.Ahilan Kadirgamar, political economist based in Jaffna, has said the operation of flight services from Palaly to many places in southern India, return of the Myladdy harbour to the local fishing community and
the issue of resettlement of displaced people would have to be viewed together.If the government handles them properly, this will be a major confidence building measure towards reconciliation. D.M. Swaminathan, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Minister and who also participated in the meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, does not view the Chief Minister's position as an obstacle to the project."His position is that the fishermen should not get affected. Fair enough. I am sure that the Indian government too would also take a rational view of the entire matter." Yet, he is confident that the project would fructify. Cooray said the Central government would study the matter further. (Agencies)
a new era of political freedom and accountability.But the party nurses painful memories of its 1990 electoral landslide that was simply ignored by the generals, who went on to renew their repressive rule for a further two decades. Myanmar's outgoing President Thein Sein, who cancelled a high-profile visit to the United States this week to oversee the transition, did not attend the talks on Wednesday. "We know about their meeting but the president does not have a plan to see her (Suu Kyi) in the coming days," the director of the president's office Zaw Htay told media. (Agencies)
550,000 children addicted to drugs in Bangladesh Dhaka, Feb 18: Currently 550,000 children are addicted to drugs in Bangladesh, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Home Affairs Tipu Munshi has said.He made the statement at a programme on narcotic control held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon.He said: "At present there are 550,000 drug addict children in Bangladesh. "Even if 1% of them have an unnatural death due to the addiction; then around 5,500 children will die."Tipu also urged the family members to support their children to come out of the addiction. "All of us have to support the children who have come out of these addiction and are helping other children to do so," Tipu said.Meanwhile, Additional Home Secretary Additional Home Secretary RC Barman suggested holding narcotic drives every four months to prevent the young general from getting involved with drugs. (Agencies)
China confirms 'weapons' on disputed island Beijing, Feb 18: China confirmed that it has weapons on a disputed island in the South China Sea, as US Secretary of State John Kerry slammed Beijing for "militarisation" of the strategically vital region.The US and Taiwan both said China had deployed missiles to Woody Island, part of the Paracels chain, the surface-to-air weapons had arrived there in the past week.Beijing claims all of the Paracels, though Hanoi and Taipei have overlapping claims. China seized several islands from South Vietnam in a brief, bloody battle towards the end of the Vietnam War.
China confirmed that it has weapons on a disputed island in the South China Sea
China's Ministry of Defence confirmed that "China has deployed weapons on the island for a long time", re-
ported the Global Times newspaper, which has close ties to the ruling Communist party.It did not specify
which weapons were on the island.But it attempted to downplay the deployment, saying recent reports were
an example of Western media playing "the same old tune" about a "China threat", the newspaper cited the ministry's news office as saying."China has the fair and legal right to deploy defence facilities within the boundaries of its own territory," the report added. Tensions in the sea - through which one-third of the world's oil passes - have mounted in recent months since China transformed contested reefs in the Spratly islands further south into artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities.Washington says Beijing's actions threaten free passage in a strategi-
cally vital area and has sent warships close to the disputed islands to assert freedom of navigation, raising fears of escalation."There is every evidence , every day, that there has been an increase of militarisation of one kind or another," Kerry told reporters in Washington on Wednesday. Beijing meanwhile has insisted it has the right to build "self-defence" systems in the region.If China has in fact placed surface to air missiles on the island, they might make "jet fighters from the US feel uneasy when making provocative flights in the region. To us, that's a proper result". (Agencies)
Postal Road tops agenda for Oli's New Delhi visit Kathmandu, Feb 18: Nepal and India are set to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of Postal Road in the Tarai during upcoming India visit of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.India had expressed a written commitment to build nearly 1,700km long road a decade ago. Although constructed works began in 2010 after the signing of a bilateral agreement in 2007, the project has failed to make progress due to negligence of the contractors.
"The Postal Road has been prioritised for the development of Tarai/ Madhes by expanding road network," Nepali Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyay told the Post.According to a diplomat, officials from both the countries have been preparing the new MoU keeping in view that the construction of the road will spur development activities in the Tarai. The two countries will reach an agreement during Oli's visit, the diplomat confirmed.
vision which says Nepal will build around 600km road in the first phase under the Indian financial assistance. A bidding process has already been initiated for the construction of 350km road. The construction will be started shortly," Director General of the Department of Roads Madhav Karki told the Post over the phone. He informed that discussion was being held on expand the road to double lane in the new MoU.The cost of the first phase of road construction is esti"The new MoU has mated to increase to been drafted with a pro- IRs9 billion from
project consultant has to be an Indian company. We have informed them [Indian side] about the legal provision that prohibits the appointment of foreign consultant in Nepal. We have decided to keep a joint consultant team in the agreement," said Karki. PM Oli
IRs7billion. The total project cost will also rise from the previous estimate of IRs 29 billion. Around 130 bridges have to built along the highway."The previous MoU has a provision that says the
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is embarking on a state visit of India from 19 to 24 February at the invitation of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, will be staying at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi as a state guest, according to the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa, Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Minister for Home Affairs Shakti Bahadur Basnet, and his chief Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Chief Advisor to PM will be part of the 46-member Nepali delegation. The PM will attend a reception to be hosted by Nepali Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyaya to mark the 66th National Democracy Day at the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi on Friday, the ministry
said in a statement.On Saturday, the PM will attend a ceremonial reception and inspect a Guard of Honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. He will then pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Later in the day, Oli will hold an official meeting on matters of mutual interests with Indian PM Modi at Hyderabad House. Following the meeting, Modi will host a luncheon in honour of PM Oli and the Nepali delegation. While in New Delhi, PM Oli will also call on Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and
Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, the Foreign Ministry statement said, adding that he is scheduled to address the Indian Council of World Affairs at Sapru House and a function of the I n d i a n businesscommunity. He will also attend an interaction programme with prominent Indian media and Nepali community.PM Oli will inspect Tehri Hydropower Project site in Uttarakhand and visit Bhuj in Gujarat where he will observe the postearthquake reconstruction works. (Agencies)
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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Bhutan should come clean on Hydropower mega plan India Ranks Cleanest and Dirtiest Cities Mysore is ranked India's cleanest city, the government said Monday, as it announced the results of a survey to measure the success of a program to improve sanitation in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, or Clean India Mission, in October 2014, with the aim to eradicate open defecation, build 1.1 million toilets and clean up public places, among other things. The list, unveiled by the urban development ministry at a news conference in New Delhi on Monday, includes 73 cities, including 53 with a population of over 1 million people. Mysore, a city in the southern state of Karnataka, was followed in the cleanly list by the northern city of Chandigarh, Tiruchirappalli in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, and the country's notoriously polluted capital, New Delhi. Greater Mumbai, which includes the cities of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane, came 10th. Mr. Modi's home constituency of Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, came 65th out of the 73 cities. The prime minister holds the parliamentary seat for Varanasi but his Bharatiya Janata Party doesn't control the state government. The worst performer was Dhanbad in the eastern state of Jharkhand, which came bottom of the cities surveyed. The city is known as the coal capital of India and is home to some of the country's largest reserves. Coal dust blows across the city from open cast mines that stretch over the surrounding area. The clean India initiative was set up in honor of independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, aims to "create a Clean India" by 2019 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of his birth. It was expected to cost around $10.1 billion over five years. One of its main objectives is to get more people to use toilets. Around half of India's population still goes to the toilet in the open, in part because of a lack of latrines but also because of a cultural preference in some cases for going to the bathroom out of doors. By December 2016, some 400 cities in India will be open defecation free
Black Money India's hurdle to development It is quite surprising and shocking as well to know that most of the black money is growing within the country and needs to be curbed. According to one estimate the quantum of black money in circulation in domestic economy is three times the regular circulated currency. The prevalent system of cash transaction and most of the black money being involved in reality sector and hospitality industry, needs to be brought within the system for tax purposes. Through your columns earlier also suggestions have been made that Government should take action to demonetize the higher currency notes giving a date declaring black money to be deposited in the banks for exchange with new currency notes. A strict restriction on cash transactions is also essential. The worth of the new, stringent law against Indians stashing away unaccounted money in foreign destinations cannot be judged by the quantum of assets disclosed within the compliance window that ended on September 30. Assets worth Rs. 4,147 crore, yielding tax to the tune of Rs.2,488 crore, were disclosed within the deadline. If one believes that fabulous sums lie in safe havens abroad, untouched by Indian law, the amount may seem woefully inadequate. On the other hand, if one believes that much of the black money resides comfortably in India, and undisclosed income in foreign countries represent only a small fraction of the total, it may seem a significant disclosure. In any case, the figure falls short of the Rs. 6,500 crore cited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address. The stage is now set for the provisions of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 to be invoked against defaulters who failed to make use of the compliance window. However, what ought to be of concern to the public is a fact that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has also highlighted: the bulk of the black money is within India. A confidential report by the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy on the true extent of India's parallel economy quantified it in 2013 at 75 per cent of GDP. The black economy is powered mainly by the higher education, real estate and mining sectors. The report had spoken of capitation fees contributing Rs. 5,953 crore to the black money component in a particular year, while real estate transactions could have generated Rs. 5,68,879 crore. In recent times, letting money idle in tax havens, which offer safety and confidentiality but not much by way of interest income, is no more the norm. Assets held abroad find their way back to India as investments in business and participatory notes in the market. The real challenge is in having a regulatory regime that promotes tax compliance and income disclosure. Preventing black money accumulation may be more important than even unearthing it. Prevention is better than the elusive cure. Accumulation of black money should be nipped in the bud. Tax avoidance ,tax evasion etc ably guided and assisted by the financial advisers bulk of whom have the accounting background ,are at the base. They should audit the accounts presented to them and should not be satisfied with the now famous disclaimer and putting the onus on the declaring party. There are numerous other issues one that has dawned is look inwards in addition to the tax havens abroad. There should be an overall purification of all professions, otherwise Bernard Shaw's comment on the professions will reverberate far and wide.
Environmentalists are concerned about the nation's secretive hydropower plans The tiny nation of Bhutan might enjoy world reknown for its environmental record, but it is overlooking concerns being raised by environmentalists over the country's plans to construct large hydropower plants to generate 10,000 megawatts of surplus electricity for export to India. Climate Action Tracker, an independent group, rated Bhutan's pledged contribution to the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris as "sufficient," a rating accorded to just five countries. Soon thereafter, the carbon comparator tool of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit praised Bhutan for being an unparalleled carbon sink, absorbing three times more carbon dioxide emissions than it produces. A nation of about 750,000 people perched between India and China, Bhutan deserves the accolades. It measures national progress in terms of Gross National Happiness, a policy that seeks to balance economic growth and environmental conservation, and not Gross Domestic Product. Bhutan's constitution mandates that its territory be at least 60 percent covered by forest. The world's only Mahayana Buddhist country, Bhutan also has huge tourism potential, but it restricts the number of tourist arrivals by imposing a mandatory tariff of $200 per person per day, a measure to protect its rich culture. Meanwhile, Bhutan aspires to become a world leader in the use of electric vehicles and thereby reduce fossil fuel imports by 70 percent, as well as to make its agricultural system 100 percent organic by 2020. However, 2020 is also the deadline for Bhutan to increase the generation of electricity from its current installed capacity of 1,400 MW to more than 10,000 MW. According to a 2009 protocol to a 2006 BhutanIndia agreement, New Delhi will provide grants and soft loans to Thimphu to produce 10,000 MW by 2020 and import all the surplus electricity. Bhutan, a landlocked country with rugged mountainous terrain that is heavily dependent on India's financial assistance, views its hydropower potential as the backbone of its economy. With its four major river systems, Bhutan has hydropower potential of about 30,000 MW, of which 24,000 MW is techno-economically feasible. Hydropower exports and infrastructure construction already constitute about 50 percent of Bhutan's GDP,according to the Asian Development
Bank. Bhutan claims that all its hydropower plants are clean. All projects in Bhutan are run-of-river and "good for [the] environment," Eco-
Vishal Arora and Chencho Dema mer," he said. "We need to evaluate its entire impact on the ecosystem and commu-
change and melting glaciers on hydropower projects, and the safety risks created
environmental and safety norms remain verifiable, he added. But norms are generally not followed, Dharmadhikari said, point-
A view of one of the Bhutan hydropower projects which is on its way of completion.
nomic Affairs Minister Norbu Wangchuk said. Bhutan's export of electricity to India will make a "big contribution" towards mitigating global warming, he said, suggesting that India would otherwise have to burn fossil fuels. "Presently, Bhutan offsets 4.4 million tons of CO2e through exports of hydroelectricity. In addition, Bhutan can offset up to 22.4 million tons of CO2e per year by 2025 in the region through the export of electricity from our clean hydropower projects," said Bhutan in its pledge to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. "Our rivers are in deep valleys, where minimal human settlements are found. Our hydropower projects are subject to stringent environmental standards," Wangchuk said, claiming that the social and environmental cost of hydropower projects will be low. The construction of a project involves temporary damage, Wangchuk argued, comparing it with "an eyesore." He claimed "the nature returns to a status better than the original" after the construction, as the projects look after the sites on a regular basis. He called hydropower "the flagship project that balances ecology and economy." Environmentalists disagree. "Hydropower projects certainly harm the environment ‌ both during and post construction," Yeshey Dorji, an environmentalist and wildlife photographer in Bhutan, said. Shripad Dharmadhikari, a graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology and formerly a full-time environment activist, agreed with Dorji. "Calling hydropower 'clean' is a misno-
nities." "Hydropower has huge impacts on the riverine ecology, both upstream and downstream, and on local communities," added Dharmadhikari, who is a coordinator of India-based
due to events like glacial lake outburst floods, particularly in the Himalayan region, he said. Even so-called run-ofriver projects generate power using dams and tunnels, which divert the flow
The world's only Mahayana Buddhist country, Bhutan also has huge tourism potential, but it restricts the number of tourist arrivals by imposing a mandatory tariff of $200 per person per day, a measure to protect its rich culture. non-profit group Manthan Adhyayan Kendra, citing the Punatsangchhu project site in Bhutan as an example. The site for two Punatsangchhu projects in Bhutan was one of the habitats of the endangered White Bellied Heron. Only about 200 birds remain globally, Dharmadhikari noted in a recent article. "The construction of the Punatsangchhu projects has further destroyed the habitat of the Heron, and pushed it - and its predators - into a much smaller area, endangering it further." If there are several hydropower projects in a cascade on a river, they can cause lasting damage to the river ecology and communities, he said, pointing out that excessive releases from the Kurichhu project severely impacted the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, a World Heritage Site, downstream in India in 2004. And hydropower is not clean, Dharmadhikari added, explaining that several studies have shown that hydropower can emit greenhouse gases, mainly in the form of methane, which is a much more potent GHG than carbon dioxide, from decaying organic matter. It is also important to recognize the impact of climate
ing out that only one of the existing projects in Bhutan - the Kurichhu plant in Mongar - has a fish ladder, which allows migratory fish to travel to their breeding grounds. Reports of the ladder in operation are also not encouraging. Local populations in Bhutan have already raised concerns, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi admitted in a speech in February 2015 in the Northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. "I know the people of Arunachal Pradesh have certain reservations about some hydel projects. There were similar issues in Bhutan and Nepal, which have as much water resources. We negotiated with them. We are trying to set up power companies there. Through electricity alone, Nepal and Bhutan's economic condition will improve," Modi wasquoted as saying.
of the river and impact the biodiversity of the river downstream, Himanshu Thakkar, the coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People (SANDRP), said. International financial institutions now accept hydropower as "clean" as a result of efforts being made Bhutan's media has also by the hydropower lobby, reported that the planned added Thakkar. 540 MW Amochhu ReserThe Indian government is voir Hydro Electric Project also considering categoriz- would displace the oldest ing hydropower as renew- indigenous community of able energy. In fact, the re- Lhop or Doya people. cent Paris Agreement seems In Bhutan, "hydropower to have accepted all sources of energy that do projects are implemented in not require burning or fos- complete secrecy and with sil fuels as "clean," over- the greatest of opacity," Dorji said. "If there is nothlooking safety concerns. Hydropower can be a vi- ing to hide, there is no need able option, but only if cer- for such clandestine contain conditions are met, ac- duct. There are no proper tivists say. And that's a big EIA (environmental impact assessments) done, there "if." are no environment manAccording to Thakkar, agement plans drawn up, governments and industry there are no basin studies players need to take deci- carried out to determine the sions concerning hydro- carrying capacity of the bapower in a democratic fash- sins and there are no cumuion with the involvement of lative impact assessments local inhabitants, in terms of carried out," he added. "In discussing compensations fact, people believe that for displacement and other even environmental clearimpacts. Transparency is ances are not obtained for equally important so that the projects." projects' compliance with The parliament of Bhutan,
JNU And Sedition Sir, We are proud of a 'Secular India'. By secularism, we never mean one should belittle, deride, despise one's own religion. Of late, it is seen that any word spoken in favour of one's own religion is construed as 'Intolerance'. In JNU, what happens is really a matter of grave concern. The President of the student Union of the most premier university of India, in a show of temerity glorified, eulogized Afzal Guru, one of the masterminds of the attack on Parliament. Thereafter too, Pakistan sponsored terrorists rocked India with attack on Mumbai, killing more than 100 innocent people (26/11). We will not feel surprised, if intellectuals like the president of the student Union along with some teachers and politicians that include among others the 'Yuva Raj' of the Indian
National congress glorify the terrorists of the 26/11 attack. We understand that any national activities glorifying, eulogizing dreaded terrorists are tantamount to sedition. We shudder to think, in the attack on parliament, what happens if anything would have happened to 'Bharat Ratna' A.B. Bajpayeeji (then P.M.) other ministers and members of parliament. Can we afford to forget those security persons who died in saving the lives of our Prime-minister and others? People indulging in 'Sedition' must face the unpleasant music as per provision of the law of the land. Heaven forbids, if a war with Pakistan breaks out, India's greatest enemies will be from within. Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
which became a democratic constitutional monarchy in 2008, is yet to approve a right to information bill, and journalists complain they can't investigate government's claims about hydropower. While Bhutan is known to be among the least corrupt nations in South Asia, the reason for secrecy, some suspect, could be due to the involvement of India and Indian companies in the hydropower projects. Officials in Bhutan do not dare upset their counterparts in India, Bhutan's largest trading partner. About 98 percent of Bhutan's exports and 90 percent of its imports are with India. New Delhi reportedly insists that EIAs be done by WAPCOS, a consulting company under India's Ministry of Water Resources, which has been accused of shoddy work and overcharging Bhutan, according to SANDRP. Bhutan's opposition leader, Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, agreed that "there should have been better rationalization in terms of numbers (of hydropower projects) so that an acceptable compromise could be reached between economic needs and environmental concerns." He called hydropower "a necessary evil" for a "resource-strapped country like Bhutan" to attain selfreliance. However, Bhutan's hydropower projects do not make much sense even economically, as they lead to heavy debt due to the loans that Thimphu needs to take out for their construction. Moreover, they result in mere quantitative growth without producing substantial number of jobs for Bhutanese people. Furthermore, since the electricity is sold exclusively to India, the resultant economic "self-reliance" wouldn't mean much in terms of Bhutan's sense of sovereignty. India's dominance will remain, if not increase. It would perhaps be better for Bhutan to continue developing its soft power by remaining a beacon in efforts to check global warming and in responsible business practices, and instead explore diversification as a way to boost its economy. If Thimphu does choose to go ahead with its hydropower plans, it should do so in a transparent manner, or risk its green reputation. Vishal Arora is a New Delhi-based journalist. He writes, and produces video features, on politics, culture, religion, foreign affairs and human rights in South and Southeast Asia. Chencho Dema is a Bhutan-based journalist.
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OP-ED
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
After A Stunning Victory In Bihar, Can Nitish Kumar Perform The Same Miracle In U.P.? Saurabh Verma After their overwhelming and historic victory in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his allies have their eyes set on the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2017. Nitish and Party President Sharad Yadav-led Janta Dal United (JD(U)) has formed an alliance with Late Choudhary Charan Singh's party Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) with the aim of making a difference in state assembly elections next year. JD(U) in UP
has much to be modest about. But Nitish Kumar has addressed a rally in UP. The politics of Uttar Pradesh revolves around the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Even the Indian National Congress and Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) have not performed too well in the last two elections. In the last Lok Sabha elections of 2014, BJP swept all parliamentary seats except some due to a wave created by the charismatic personality of Narendra Modi. The Modi-led BJP won 72 parliamentary seats out
Shakespeare Once Said 'Love Thy Neighbour', But Here's Why I Beg To Differ Madhavi Jadhav
It was 1989, we didn't have a television at our home so I used to visit my neighbours, the Khan family, just to watch Jungle Book and Alice in Wonderland on their black and white television set. They were amongst the privileged few to have a television set at home. Khan Aunty hailed from Hyderabad and she made amazing dosa, and her chutney was famous in Bhilai. My routine was fixed on Sundays, after watching the cartoons, I used to enjoy the delicacies prepared by Khan Aunty followed by some desserts specially prepared for me. Aunty had two sons so I was treated like a princess in their family. Our families used to go together for shopping, movies and on several jaunts. The Khan family was like an extended family for us, we used to celebrate Eid and Diwali together. Whenever mother used to buy a saree for herself she always bought something for Khan Aunty. I guess gone are the days when neighbours were like extended families. Social media is bringing the world together, however, it is taking next-door neighbours apart. My not so friendly mother wanted to be friends with our neighbours as (unfortunately they are her age), but was shooed by them. Mother had joined yoga classes, one fine morning before going for her regular yoga sessions she met Mr. Singh (our not so friendly neighbour) and informed him about the sessions. He made a furious face and replied, "We get all the updates from the society and you need not to tell us anything, thank you!" and he fled, leaving mother amazed. I have stayed in Mumbai for around 4 years and I know the space crunch there. People literally fight
for every square inch of extra space, and why not? The cost of real estate is very high, especially in Mumbai. Any infraction in the neighbours' space can lead to court cases and in some extreme cases even bloodshed. Once, father had a brawl with our neighbours over parking space. Father had generously let our neighbours use our parking space as we didn't have a car at that time. However, when our car came, our neighbours refused to remove their car form our parking space leading to heated discussions. He even crashed into the back bumper of our car to take revenge. You can't choose your neighbours. They come in all shapes and sizes. From studious students to those involved in rave parties, from loud music lovers to crying babies you can expect anyone living the next door. My friend who was a bachelor, moved to Mumbai, and it was difficult for him to find a flat. So he asked his girlfriend to move in with him, since it also saved some money. They were pretending to be happily married for the flat owner and the neighbours, but unfortunately his neighbour got to know about his arrangement and threatened to inform his parents and the flat owner about his relationship status so he had to get married to his live-in partner. These are the neighbours who steal Wi-Fi and hike up your monthly broadband bill. These are the neighbours who even take away your newspaper if you forget to collect them in time. These are the neighbours who steal water and electricity and make your life hell. Shakespeare once said, love thy neighbours. I would say love them but with a distance. Courtesy: Youth ki awaaz
of 80. Before this, the BJP had not made its presence felt in UP even in the assembly elections of 2012. Congress has also met the same fate as BJP. Congress, too, has been out of the power since 1988. The interesting thing is that the BJP has not been able to win the Awadh for more than a decade. The last CM from BJP was the present Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Then what can JD(U) do in its first attempt? It seems like a rhetorical question. The Mahagathbandhan won tremendously in Bihar. But that formula
did not work out for Mulayam Singh Yadav of the SP who walked out of it on the issue of seat distribution. He was given a measly five seats which forced him to fight the Bihar elections on his own. The Bihar elections had a huge impact on national politics and changed the entire discourse. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal extended their support to Nitish Kumar. That election changed the face of politics as it pitched Modi against the rest. All parties joined hands from Jammu &
Kashmir former CM Farooq Abdullah to Assam CM Tarun Gogoi. They believed that they could fight against Prime Minister Modi together, with a united front that was formed in Bihar. But here the question is, will Nitish be able to influence the elections in UP? If the Nitish-led alliance with RLD contests all 403 seats in UP, what will the impact be? Generally, RLD contests elections in western UP; it won only nine seats out of 46 seats that it had contested. The only reason to cheer was their vote share. The RLD got
20% of the votes polled. So, why is Nitish creating an alliance which wouldn't work? In 2007, when the RLD contested on 254 seats, it got only 10 seats with a vote share of less than six percent. After 2007, RLD confined itself to the western part of UP but was still unable to do much better. Another important thing to remember is that the JD(U) contested 16 seats in 2007 but won only one. In the previous elections, it contested 219 but was unable to win a single seat. From these points, it seems that this alliance
is unlikely to have an impact in the upcoming elections. The only door left open for this alliance is to take the Congress on their side. The Congress has 'traditional voters' there but their vote share in last two elections was 9% and 13%. But if they fight these elections together, it might have some positive results for them. It's very amusing that the condition of Nitish Kumar in Uttar Pradesh is same as the Mulayam Singh Yadav in Bihar. BSP supremo Mayawati is not looking
forward to any of these alliances as it had announced long back that it will fight on its own. And they seem very confident about their decision. Besides, Uttar Pradesh is going to be much tougher than Bihar because it's likely that another face may enter the competition - Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The political slugfest will intensify as the election dates are announced. Many alliances will be formed, and many broken. Courtesy: Youth ki awaaz
When Lawyers Become Lawless: Why The Attacks At Patiala House Are Nothing But 'Shameful' Gayatri Raghunandan On the 15th of February, journalists, senior faculty members and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students, along with many others were threatened, attacked and brutally beaten up inside the Patiala House Court, where JNUSU (JNU Students' Union) President Kanhaiya Kumar was being produced. Dozens of people were injured in this abominable attack, which was led by lawyers in the court premises. As the situation turned violent, videos show these lawyers slapping Kumar's supporters, mostly faculty members and students. After that, they decided to march around the court premises looking for those who resembled the 'anti-national' elements they were fighting against, beating anyone they suspected of belonging to JNU. On the 17th, the Supreme Court of India agreed to hear a petition filed by a social worker and alumnus of JNU seeking immediate intervention of the court in this incident. Acting on the petition filed, the court ordered that only lawyers representing the accused and prosecution shall be allowed inside the courtroom. Justice Chelemeshwar further observed that "moderation seemed to be a forgotten word in today's society
which has become a dangerous trend‌the atmostphere in and around a courtroom cannot be vitiated like this." The petitioner, N.D. Jayaprakash attributes the immediate cause to the physical violence and threat faced by him, many students and teachers who were attacked while attending the judicial proceedings before the court of Shri Loveleen, Metropolitan Magistrate Court complex. Despite police presence, nobody intervened to abate the violence. Journalists, men and women, were precluded from performing their duties and were thus unable to report the events witnessed by them. The petition, therefore, prays that the court take appropriate measures to ensure that proper action is taken against those found to have obstructed the proceedings and engaged in acts of violence. It goes without saying that this group of lawyers has shown gross misconduct, having exploited the privilege that gives them the exclusive right to practise law. It is a pathetic example of a misplaced sense of self-importance that arises from being conferred with the status of a privileged class that made them flout the standard of conduct which
Reuters/Anindito Mukherjee is befitting of this responsibility. While the Advocates Act of 1961 remains silent on a substantial definition of 'misconduct', Chapter V of the Act provides for punishment for professional and "other misconduct." This means that even misconduct which is divorced from their profession can be punished. The Supreme Court has opined that the word 'misconduct' has no precise meaning and its scope and meaning may be construed as contextual and with reference to the subject matter in hand. In this situation these advocates have adorned the garb of self-proclaimed vanquishers of evil 'anti-nationalistic' elements over their black gowns and have
acted in a manner that has embarrassed the administration of justice. This may be considered to amount to misconduct, for which disciplinary action must be initiated. In light of recent judgments, in State of Punjab v. Ram Singh, the Supreme Court held that the term misconduct"may involve moral turpitude, improper or wrong or unlawful behaviour, willful in character, a forbidden act, a transgression of established and definite rule of action or code of conduct. But not mere error of judgement, carelessness or negligence in performance of duty." In Indian Council of Legal Aid and Advice v. Bar Council of India, the SC observed that maintaining
the duty of assisting the court in the administration of justice, never must an advocate "indulge in any activity which may tend to lower the image of the profession in society." It was further observed that "the society has the right to expect of him or her, such ideal behaviour." In another case, Noratanman Courasia v. M. R. Murali, where the main issue was whether an advocate when not acting in that capacity can be served action by the Bar Council. The court held that that a "lawyer is obliged to observe the norms of behaviour expected of him, which make him worthy of the confidence of the community in him as an officer of the
Court. Therefore, in spite of the fact that he was not acting in his capacity as an advocate, his behaviour was unfit for an advocate, and the Bar Council was justified in proceeding with the disciplinary proceedings against him. The term may also include wrongful intention, which is not a mere error of judgement. Therefore, "misconduct", though incapable of a precise definition, acquires its connotation from the context, the delinquency in its performance and its effect on the discipline and the nature of duty." Be it the violent protests of advocates of the Madras court against the helmet rule or the gross misconduct shown by this saffron brigade of lawyers led by BJP MLA O.P. Sharma, one can only wonder whether such shocking misbehaviour arises from a sense of entitlement at being the bearers of law. Such acts only show the executive's control over the courts by using lawyers to further its own partisan interests. This utter disregard for the commandments delineating the duties of an advocate towards the courts, the public, her/his colleagues and most importantly to the self, are now being seen as subservient to their questionable duties towards their sole client - the Executive. Courtesy: Youth ki awaaz
Unless You #RaiseYourVoice, India's Democracy And Right To Dissent Will Be In Grave Danger Majid Hassan Khan of caste biases); and when that suits them. When many pyres burnt, all were silent. When many coffins were laid, all were silent. When division of minds was sown, many justified. But what spurred the pseudo-nationalists into action was an opportunity to implicate a student as antinational, and use it to silence dissent. Dissent has always acted as a feedback in the democratic system and freedom of thought/ speech/expression nurtures an evolving society. When rationalism was attacked (Narendra Dabholkar, Aug 20, 2013; Govind Pansare, Feb 20, 2015; and M. M. Kalburgi, Aug 30 2015 - all shot dead); when casteism raised its ugly head and led to death (Aniket Ambhore of IIT Bombay, Sep 4, 2014; Rohith Vemula of University of Hyderabad, Jan 17, 2016 - both victims
communalism found space in the media (a few 'honorable' ministers had spoken some very objectionable things and we saw 'food fascism' as well), our nation was under attack. Those were the times when one expected spontaneous action from the government. But what we experienced was either a deafening silence from the corridors of power or rhetoric.
These are changing times, and voices are being choked. The media, which lampoons any accused person and even resorts to a public trial, has become a dangerous tool in forming wrong and distorted perceptions. We have seen how the media cherry-picks statements to make situations sensational. This sensationalisation of each and every event has led to a race among different media houses which feed the masses with information
Episodes of media cherry picking statements was seen at the time when 'intolerance' had become a highly intolerable word. Many took this word as a direct attack on our 'National Fabric'. Cunningly chosen phrases were used as news bites without ever looking at the complete story. Then, people who believe themselves to be custodians of our national prestige labelled all those who spoke out as 'anti-nationals' - Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan were the victims then. Such hateful labels have been in the news for many months, and all have one thing in common. Any criticism of the Centre led to this verbal diarrhoea by right-wing sympathizers. The ones who remained fearless in spite of suppression were students. The
walls of our educational institutions were impenetrable. Any educational institute should have the courage to speak fearlessly. If a student can't roar today she/ he will mew tomorrow. No one wants a weak nation tomorrow. Those who are students today would be leaders tomorrow. If they are silenced now, our tomorrow would be hopeless. A nation never evolves by holding on to the past, it moves forward by looking to the future. If student voices are censored in the present, tomorrow they will only stammer in the face of reality. Student voices need their space to discuss, disagree, debate and appreciate differences. This is all the more important in a state like India where we differ in what we eat, wear, the faiths we practice and even in the langauges that we speak. This difference needs space for disagreement and mutual understanding and any attempt to limit this space is
against national interest. Often, a discussion can go beyond the comprehension of the general public, like the philosophical discussions on the concept of violence, the ideas of 'nation' and 'nationalism', the society and its biases vis-a-vis caste and class. Whether or not such discussions dissuade some people, they do not have the authority to label the discussion or its organisers as 'anti-national', extremist or divisive. Situations created to crush student voices for political gain are threats to the future of our nation. Dissent is a need. PS: While we discuss the necessity of dissent, it so happens that there is a major chunk of the student community being conditioned to be robots for their future bosses. Their insensitivity towards things happening around them would leave us shocked. There is a group of people which
believes that by dissenting and resisting they only waste their time. Time which they would rather spend having fun or devoting to academics. They are a hard-hearted bunch of gentle looking students who believe that the Rohith Vemula issue got too extensive coverage. They are the ones for whom the media's verdict is far more important than seeing through the fog of lies. They are the one who trust chest thumping news anchors more than their own mental faculties to see, analyse and understand any piece of news. I personally feel that there is a huge need to cultivate a culture of discussion, agreement, disagreement and dissent in campuses so that none of the issues, whether local or national, go unchecked by the critical eyes of eager young minds. To save dissent, you need to #RaiseYourVoice. Courtesy: Youth ki awaaz
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
BUSINESS
Govt likely to increase foreign investment limit New Delhi, Feb 18: The government is considering to increase the foreign investment limit in public sector banks to 49 percent from 20 percent with a view to attract overseas inflows. The Finance Ministry is looking into the proposal, sources said adding it may be announced in the forthcoming Budget 2016-17. If the government accepts this proposal, it would lead to amendments in various Acts dealing with public sector banks to enable raising foreign invest-
EOI invited by Tea Board for G.P. Goenka tea estate Kolkata, Feb 18: The Tea Board has invited expression of interest from prospective companies and cooperative societies or persons for the Demdima Tea Estate of the G.P. Goenka group, saying that it plans to host a bidders meeting next week. The Board also pointed out that any selection will be subject to the final decision of the Calcutta High Court, where the tea estate owner has filed a writ petition against the move to take over the gardens. The estate is presently administered by group company, Santipara Tea Company. Just days before the Commerce Ministry issued its notification on the group estates, a tripartite agreement had been signed for the revival of the gardens, said Group Chairman G.P. Goenka. The Tea Board however said that its assessment was that the Demdima Tea Estate was not being managed in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Tea Act, 1953 and the Plantation Labour Act, 1951. "It was being run in a manner highly detrimental to the workers and the industry," the industry regulator observed. Wages, gratuity, provident fund and electricity dues had piled up. On January 28 the Union Commerce Ministry authorised the Tea Board to take immediate measures to take over management control of seven estates of the Duncan Group including Demdima in North Bengal. The initial tenure of the management control would be five years. The Tea Board said that the new entrepreneur may avail benefits extended by the Tea Board for the company but it will be under the Board's supervision. This EOI comes after the January 28 notification by the Union Commerce Ministry which authorised the Tea Board to take steps to take over management or control of seven tea estates of BIFRlisted Duncan Industries Ltd in West Bengal. (Agencies)
ment limit. Currently, 20 percent foreign investment is permitted in the PSBs under government approval route. Last year, the government had relaxed the foreign investment norms in private sector banks. It had introduced full fungibility of foreign investment and accordingly FIIs, FPIs, QFIs were permitted to invest up to sectoral limit of 74 percent, provided there is no change of control and management of the investee company.
INCREMENT…IS POSSIBLE Ø The government is considering to increase the foreign investment limit in public sector banks to 49 percent from 20 percent with a view to attract overseas inflows.
vestment and accordingly FIIs, FPIs, QFIs were permitted to invest up to sectoral limit of 74 percent, provided there is no change of control and management of the investee company.
ØCurrently, 20 percent foreign investment is permitted in the PSBs under government approval route.
ØAs per the blueprint, PSU banks will get Rs 25,000 crore this fiscal and also in the next fiscal. Besides, Rs 10,000 crore each would be infused in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Of the Rs 25,000 crore earmarked for 2015-16, the government has pumped in about Rs 20,088 crore in 13 public sector banks so far.
ØLast year, the government had relaxed the foreign investment norms in private sector banks. ØIt had introduced full fungibility of foreign in-
Earlier, portfolio investment was permitted up to 49 percent in private sector banks. The increase in foreign investment would result in flow of capital which public sector banks require urgently. Government can provide limited support to stateowned banks as resources are limited. Last year, the government had announced a revamp plan 'Indradhanush' to infuse Rs 70,000 crore in stateowned banks over four years, while they will
The growth rate is to the tune of 315 percent, the industry body said in its study titled 'Realising eco-
As per the blueprint, PSU banks will get Rs 25,000 crore this fiscal and also in the next fiscal. Besides, Rs 10,000 crore each would be infused in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Of the Rs 25,000 crore earmarked for 2015-16, the government has pumped in about Rs 20,088 crore in 13 public sector banks so far. (Agencies)
Micromax gets entry into top three handset brands in Russia Mumbai, Feb 18: India's home-grown handset brand Micromax has entered the top three brands league in Russia, for the first time ever, according to Counterpoint Research. Micromax, which expanded its operations in Eastern Europe a couple of years ago, is now reaping the benefits of distribution and marketing as it captured the third spot for the first time ever with 9 per cent market share, it said. According to the latest research from Counterpoint's Market Monitor program, in Q4 2015 (Oct-Dec), Russia's mobile phone market grew by 8% annually. The growth in the market resulted in significant shifts in the competitive environment during the quarter, it said. "Russia has over the years been
market share and growing 60% annually. The largest domestic brand in India, Micromax, also moved up the rankings to capture the third spot in Russia for the first time ever, growing more than 350% annually. This is an exciting time for challenger brands such as Micromax and Alcatel OneTouch to strengthen their brands in newer markets, moving up the global rankings," Image for graphical representation only. Tarun Pathak Sr. Analyst at Counterpoint Rea key market for mobile mand was surprisingly devices, filling the de- search said. phone manufacturers, good, up by 8% YoY. This mand gap," Peter The research firm also having a halo effect for uptick was driven by a Richardson, Research said Apple saw demand the performing brands in rise in cheaper feature Director at Counterpoint for its iPhone slow due to other countries within the phone demand during the research said. the weakening economy region. quarter; the smartphone and stronger Ruble, makmarket was flat com- "The rise in demand for ing it quite an expensive While, the Russian pared to last year. affordable phones has offering. However, the economy shrank 3.7%, a been a blessing in disguise Cupertino vendor still sharp dip since the global This is an interesting re- for Asian brands as maintained its position in crisis in 2009 and as the verse trend which signals Alcatel One Touch the top five smartphone Ruble weakened, but the the demand for better and climbed to the number brands in Russia in Q4 overall mobile phone de- more affordable mobile one spot, capturing 12% 2015. (Agencies)
Outsourcing from India of Boeing doubles to $500 million in a year Bengaluru, Feb 18: Boeing has doubled its outsourcing from India to $500 million in the last one year, its country head. "We continue to increase our sourcing from India. If you look at the all the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers), we source from than any of them," said Pratyush Kumar, adding the chunk will only grow. Speaking on the sidelines of the Make In India summit, Kumar said Boeing's top three initiatives with India have been the wire harnesses that TAL Manufacturing Solutions, a Tata Group company; wire harnesses for the fighter jets F15 and F18 with Hindustan Aeronautics and a Bangalore-based SME and a
ground support equipment for the C-17 aircraft. Recently, Boeing signed a framework agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to collaborate in aerospace and defense manufacturing and potential integrated systems development opportunities, including unmanned aerial vehicles. Pratyush Kumar, country head of Boeing.
framework of agreements framework agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited. Boeing works to manufacture critical parts for the Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. Apart from floorbeams, TAL also makes makes
Dynamatic Technologies and Tata Advanced Materials Limited (TAML) have delivered P-8I power and mission equipment cabinets, and TAML is on contract to provide P-8I auxiliary power unit door fairings and composite tailcones for the P-8I. Avantel has delivered the mobile satellite systems for the P-8I. Hyderabadbased Cyient (formerly
Infotech) has supported a number of critical designengineering projects for Boeing airplanes, and currently provides design and stress support on the 747-8 Freighter and the 787-8 and 787-9. HAL has been the singlesource producer of overwing exit doors for the 757 planes. HAL has also manufactured the 777 uplock boxes, F/A-18 gun bay doors, F/A-18 wire harnesses, P-8I weapons bay doors, and P-8I identification transponders. Earlier in the day, defence secretary for production A.K. Gupta said the ministry is looking at about 25 projects that will be opened up for industry participation shortly. (Agencies)
'Growth in investment proposals recorded only in Kerala' Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 18: Kerala is the only state in the country to have recorded growth in receiving industrial entrepreneurs' memorandum (IEM) proposals during 2012-14 as against 200911, according to Assocham.
have to raise a further Rs 1.1 lakh crore from the markets to meet their capital requirements in line with global risk norms Basel III.
nomic growth potential in Kerala'. "Kerala had received industrial entrepreneurs memorandum (IEM) proposals worth over Rs 17,600 crore during 2012-2014, just about one percent of the total IEMs worth about Rs 15 lakh core received across India. "Kerala had attracted outstanding investments
worth about Rs 3 lakh crore accounting for just about two percent of the total outstanding investments worth Rs 157 lakh crore attracted by states across India as of 201415," the study said. Services sector (other than financial) accounted for the largest share of 54.5 percent in total outstanding investments attracted by the state, followed by manufacturing (27.5 per-
cent), real estate and construction (8 percent) and electricity (7.5 percent), Assocham said in a release. "Investments attracted by Kerala have grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 13 percent during the course of past decade i.e, between 2004-05 and 2014-15," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said. Investments at-
tracted by construction and real estate sector have recorded highest CAGR of about 44 percent, followed by mining (20 percent), irrigation (18 percent), manufacturing (15 percent), services (13 percent) and electricity (4 percent). However, about 54 percent of total investments attracted by Kerala have remained non-starters as of 2014-15, the study said. (Agencies)
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'Freedom 251' India's cheapest smartphone launched New Delhi, Feb 18: Domestic handset maker Ringing Bells disrupted the booming handset market in the country by launching India's most affordable smartphone 'Freedom 251' for under Rs 500. The launch is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for "empowering India to the last person, transforming India's growth story", the Noida-based company said. The phone's price has been revealed. It will come at mere Rs 251, something that resembles the phone's name too. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikkar launched the smartphone 'Freedom 251' on February 17. The phone will be popularly priced at under Rs 500. At present, smartphones available in the market are priced around
Rs 1,500. Last year, DataWind had announced that it is teaming up with Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Communications (RCOM) to launch the world's most affordable smartphone, priced at Rs 999. The phone is yet to hit the market. Established last year, Ringing Bells will start with the assembly of handsets in Phase-I and aims at full indigenous development of the feature-rich smartphones, it said. It did not disclose any other details about manufacturing, products and pricing. A new entrant in the Indian mobile phone market, Ringing Bells had launched one of India's cheapest 4G smartphone at Rs 2,999, recently. It has launched two other feature phones in the market. (Agencies)
1,000 employees to be hired by Coal India Limited in 2016
Image for graphical representation only. Lucknow, Feb 18: Stateowned CIL will hire 1,000 people in different streams this year to bolster its workforce, as the Maharatna firm eyes one billion tonne output by 2020. "In this calendar year, we would hire 1,000 people including executives and management trainees," an official said. The hiring would be in various divisions including finance, marketing and sales. Coal India (CIL), which accounts for over 80 percent of the domestic coal produc-
tion, has a workforce of over 3,00,000. Buoyed by the output growth of 9 percent by CIL, the government had earlier asked the world's largest coal miner to ensure that it meets the target of 550 million tonnes (MT) output for the current fiscal. The company had missed the production target for 2014-15 by 3 percent, recording an output of 494.23 MT. The government has set one billion tonne production goal for the company by 2020. (Agencies)
JP Morgan hired by Tech Mahindra for Mphasis Ltd's bid Pune, Feb 18: Tech Mahindra is said to have hired JP Morgan to advise on its bid to acquire IT services company Mphasis Ltd, put on the block by its controlling shareholder Hewlett Packard (HP), according to people directly familiar with the matter. India's fifth largest software services giant Tech Mahindra is seen as a strong suitor for HP's 60.5% stake in Bangalore headquartered Mphasis, valued at over $1 billion. Private equity firms like Blackstone and TPG are seen as other possible contenders as the seller seeks to shortlist bidders soon. Citigroup is advising HP on the sale process. Tech Mahindra and JP Morgan declined to comment on speculation, when contacted. Banking sources said Tech Mahindra mandated JP Morgan given the latter's strong ties with HP. The Wallstreet bellwether is
also a client of Mphasis having set up a dedicated offshore development facility in Makati in the Philippines for application development work. HP has also supported JP Morgan in critical processes for its investment banking business and trading floor for securities services. Specialist banking and asset management group Investec believes Mphasis is the only asset at its size and scale with an onshore-offshore mix that can improve Tech Mahindra's BFSI portfolio from 9.8% to 19% of its revenues. In fact in a recent investor call, Tech Mahindra suggested that it was willing to pay a premium for a strategic asset. "In this scenario Tech Mahindra could also attribute a value to the HP business considering the strategic nature of the asset. This scenario implies a 28% upside on acquisition," the Investec report
said. Former Citibanker Rao founded Mphasis 17 years ago, which became part of HP after the latter's $14-billion buyout of EDS in 2008. HP has embarked on sale process when its contribution to Mphasis revenue is down to 34% from 65% five years back as part of its derisking strategy. The company's nonHP business has grown 20% on a year-on-year basis indicating that the company is increasingly focusing on banking and capital markets and insurance that contributes 41% and 14%, respectively, reflecting the impact of ramp-down in HP business. The company is increasingly focusing on digital, global regulatory and compliance (GRC) as it has outlined to transform into a digital IT company for which it effected some mid-sized acquisitions. (Agencies)
Non-tax revenue e-portal inaugurated by FM New Delhi, Feb 18: With the Prime Minister's Office setting a target to switch at least 90 per cent of all official transactions to paperless mode by the end of 2016, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley launched a new e-platform for non-tax receipts. NTPC made the maiden payment on the portal de-
veloped by the Controller General of Accounts, by remitting Rs.989 crore as an interim dividend to the government. "This has a lot of advantages and will reduce a lot of the manual work now and almost instantly enable the payment at the different categories," Mr. Jaitley said at the inauguration.
The major sources of nontax revenue for the government are from dividends paid by public sector companies, the Reserve Bank of India, etc. During his previous year's Budget speech, Mr.Jaitley had said that one major way to curb black money is to discourage cash transactions in favour of electronic transactions. (Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Features
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TRAVEL & TOURISM Pradesh
Pangong Tso, Jammu & Kashmir It may be called as one of the India's most celebrity high altitude lake. It is also the biggest one with an area of 29345 hectares. Located in upper reaches of Himalayan Mountain range in Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir at a height of about 4,250 m (13,900 ft), it is 134 km long and extends from Ladakh to China. Two thirds of the length of this lake lies in Tibet. The lake is 5 km wide at its broadest point. In winter, the lake surface freezes completely despite being salt water. Undoubtedly lake is exceptionally beautiful. And what more is lovely about this lake is that travelers can go right upto the lake in their vehicles. The first glimpse of the serene, bright blue waters and rocky lakeshore remains etched in the memory of tourists. Tso Moriri, Jammu & Kashmir This one is another gem in Ladakh. One of the most beautiful, calm and sacred (for ladakhis) high altitude lakes in India. Biggest high altitude lake in India in the sense that it is entirely in Indian Territory, unlike Pangong Tso. Picturesquely situated in secluded, breathtakingly
beautiful Rupshu Valley, Tso Moriri Lake is approx 250 kilometers southeast of Leh which is almost a seven hours journey. Travellers can only visit with a permit, that is available at Leh. The beautiful multi shades of blue color offered by this lake along with a picturesque landscape around gives this place an extremely romantic feel and breathtaking feel.
Astounding High Altitude Lakes
Gurudongmar, Sikkim Situated at a staggering height of 17,800 feet, Gurudongmar is considered as one the most sacred lakes by the Buddhists and Hindus alike. Also a place among those where one has to be to believe it. The beautiful and awe inspiring lake (190 kms from Gangtok) remains milky in colour throughout the year. Gurudongmar Lake is among the top 15 highest lakes in the world and is the second highest lake in Sikkim as well as in India, the first being Cholamu lake at a height of 18000 ft, also situated in Sikkim. Being the second highest lake in India, the panoramic and scenic beauty of the place is a sight to behold. Chandertal, Himachal
This is most popular and visited high altitude lake in Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of 4270 metres, this lake can be approached from 'Batal' which is 120 Km from Manali on Manali Kaza State Highway which links Spiti valley with Lahaul valley. Alternatively, one can reach Chandertal via 'Kunjam La' that connects Spiti and Lahul. Situated in the Spiti part of the Lahul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh (India), Chandertal is a popular destination for trekkers and campers. Surajtal, Pradesh
Himachal
Suraj Tal is a well known high altitude lake of this state. It lies just below the Bara-lacha-la pass (4,890m) in the Lahaul and Spiti valley. It is the source of Bhaga River which joins the Chandra River downstream at Tandi to form the Chandrabhaga River and as it enters Jammu and Kashmir it is renamed as the Chenab River. The lake is fed from the glaciers and torrential streams originating from the Bara-lacha-la pass. The pass is 8 km long and called the "Pass with crossroads on summit" since roads from Zanskar, Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul meet at this pass. Since the
Hotspot Beaches of East Coast Digha is West Bengal's most popular sea resort. This beach is considered one of the most romantic spots of the region and is also one of the biggest tourist attractions of West Bengal. Every year thousands of tourists simply flock to the Digha Beach to spend some relaxing time in this beautiful pristine beach. The Degha beach is also one of the oldest beaches of West Bengal. The scenic beauty of this place is charming and alluring. The beach is girdled with Casuarina plantations along the coast enhancing its beauty. These trees apart from beautifying also aid in reducing erosion of the dunes. One can view both sunrise and sunset at the Digha sea beach. The sunset and sunrise reflecting the salty waters of the Bay of Bengal is something straight off an artist's canvas. Getting there: Digha is accessible from Kolkata by road and by train. Bus Service: There is frequent bus service to Digha from Dharmatala bus stand of Kolkata and many other parts of West Bengal. It is almost a five hour journey from Kolkata. Bus service is also available from towns across West Bengal such as Midnapore, Bankura, Asansol, Bardhaman, Howrah, and, also from Orissa via Balasore (Baleswar). Train Service: Train services have started for Digha. There is one DMU service from Santragachhi railway station and there are three trains from Howrah Station too. Travel through train takes almost three and half hours. Kolkata is the nearest Airport. Mandarmani, West Bengal Mandarmani is a large and rapidly developing seaside resort village in the state of
West Bengal, India. It lies in East Midnapore district and at the northern end of the Bay of Bengal. Mandarmani is connected to Kolkata/Howrah by a highway. From Contai this
can be travelled through a place called Chaulkhola. Mandarmani boasts of a 13 km long motorable beach, probably the longest motorable beach road in India. This is a drive-in beach. It is an ideal place to relax, far away from the hustle and bustle of Kolkata. The sunrise and sunset are a treat to the eyes. The peaceful atmosphere brings a sense of relief to one's soul. Chandipur, Odisha With the sea water receding approximately 5 kms during low tide and advancing to the shore during high tide every day, the Chandipur Beach at Odisha (Orissa) offers a truly unique and captivating sight. Easily accessible via train, the beach is merely 16 kms from the Balasore Railway Station on HowrahMadras line of South Eastern Railways. Watching the sea vanish right in front of your eyes and then observing its return is a very rare site. And to add more to this hide and seek of water, the Casuarina trees and creeper
Digha, West Bengal sand dunes seem to be swaying on a melodious
lar among windsurfers and jet skiers. However, it is the
musical note. The bbeach is also in close proximity to certain other places of tourist interest namely Remuna, Panchalingeswar, Aradi and Chandaneswar. The seaside resort of Chandipur, 16 km east of Balasore, is one of Odisha (Orissa)'s finest beaches.
scenic beauty of the beach that lures visitors throughout the year, who come to enjoy spending time amidst greenery, golden sands and azure waters. Getting there: Rushi Konda can be reached by Bus or own hired vehicle and is 8 km from the city of Visakhapatnam.
Getting there: Chandipur beach is easily reachable by auto rickshaw or taxi from Balasore. There are plentiful accommodations at Chandipur for different pockets and needs. Rushi Konda, Andhra Pradesh Located just 8 kilometres from the port city of Visakhapatnam, Rushi Konda Beach is known as the Jewel of the East Coast. The unspoiled beauty of the beach is its main attraction and offers a unique opportunity to relax and enjoy the golden sands and gentle ocean currents. The beach is a haven for water sports lovers and is popu-
Marina Beach, Tamil Nadu One of those few beaches located in the heart of city. It is the longest beach of India and one of the longest in Asia. It comprises of golden sand, good surf and a shimmering clean blue sea. This beach is counted among one of the longest beaches in Asia. Marina beach is located on the eastern side of Chennai, adjoining the Bay of Bengal. Watching the sun set and rise from the beach is a fascinating experience. Getting there: Chennai is international Airport, major railway terminal and a big sea port. It is easily accessible from all
corners of country with direct services. Chennai has all sort of hotels, resorts, guest houses for every requirement and budget. Paradise, Puducherry Puducherry has four main
beaches which are fairly popular with tourists and locals alike. As opposed to the rest of India, the beaches here are relatively clean and not as crowded. Most of the beaches are a little away from the town except for small stretch of sand behind Seagulls restaurant on Goubert Avenue. Located 8 kms from the town, along the Cuddalore Main Road this beach can be accessed from the APTDC's Chunnambar Resort which lies on the Cuddalore Main Road in Puducherry. Flanked by a quiet flowing creek on one side, the beach can only be accessed by boat. Paradise Beach, also known by the name of Plage Paradiso, is mainly created on a small island of sorts, which separates the backwater area from the actual sea. You can take a boat to reach the beach from morning till 3 pm. The boat ride across the backwaters to the beach takes about 15 min and can be a lot of fun. Getting there:
The closest airport is in Chennai, which is around 135 kms from Puducherry (approx. 2 ½ hrs. journey). Chennai has excellent connections with almost all cities in India and direct connection to Europe, USA, Middle East and South East Asia. Trichy airport is 220 kms away. Bangalore (320 kms) and Madurai are the other nearby airports. Though Puducherry is on the rail map journey by train to and from Puducherry is not very popular. Villupuram is the nearest junction, it is fairly well connected to places like Chennai, Madurai and Trichy. Puducherry is well connected to all districts and major towns of various states like Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andra Pradesh via good roads. Chandrabhaga, Odisha Many call it also as Konark beach as it is right close to Sun temple of Konark. Most of the tourists visiting Sun temple mark the end of their day long trip with a sunset view at Chandrabhaga, but it can easily by vice-versa. Few tourists even stay at Konark in night to have a sunrise view at Chandrbhaga. The beach, known for its beauty and solitude, has long served as a counterfoil to the exquisite and intricate sculptures on the Sun Temple, where visitors would let the simple lines of the sea wash away all their worries and refresh them. Getting there: Closest airport is Bhubaneshwar and closest railhead is Puri. Chandrabhaga is 30 kms from Puri on way to Konark. Actually road from Puri to Chandrabhaga is a coastal road along the Bay of Bengal and is often called as marine drive for its sheer beauty.
lake lies on the route from Manali to Leh, therefore it witnesses heavy activity by passersby, who cannot help but stop here to marvel the astounding beauty of the lake and the valley beyond. Gangbal, Jammu & Kashmir A beautiful lake in Kashmir side. Most of the bigger high altitude lakes in India are in the Leh-Ladakh region. Gangbal lake is one of the biggest in rest of Himalayan states- Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachl Pradesh. At an altitude of 3566 metres, this lake is home to many species of fish, including the brown trout. The high trails of Gangbal lake trek takes through lush green meadows dotted with innumerable wild flowers and past colorful highland lakes that team with many varieties of trout. Gangabal is claimed to be the most enchanting trekking destination in the entire Kashmir valley. Tso Kar, Jammu & Kashmir The Tso Kar ('White Lake') is third of the majestic salt water lakes of Ladakh. Though least celebrated of the three, it is located at the highest level at an altitude of 4660m/15280ft in the Changthang region
of South Eastern Ladakh. The reason why it is called the 'White Lake' ('Kar' White, 'Tso' - Lake) is obvious when one visits the lake and sees all the white salt deposits all over the lake shores. Tso Kar is surrounded by marsh lands that host amazing bird life making Tso Kar popular amongst bird watchers. Kedar Tal, Uttarakhand This is one of the most popular of high altitude lakes in Uttarakhand. Kedar Tal is in Uttarkashi district at 4425 m elevation. It is near Gangotri along Kedar Ganga, a tributary of Bhagirathi River. Reflection of Thalay Sagar peak in Kedartal is very enchanting. One can encounter a good variety of high altitude fauna e.g. Bharal (blue sheep), Goral, Himalayan black bear with a great variety of birds. Tsomgo, Sikkim Not so high in altitude as others but very popular among tourists and locals in Sikkim. Tsomgo Lake (also called Changu Lake or Tsongmo Lake) is located at an altitude of 3780 m in the north eastern part of Sikkim. It is oval-shaped, with a length of nearly a kilometer and has an average depth of fifteen meters. This lake has been worshipped as a holy lake by Sikkimese. The lake is also an important tourist destination.
Enticing Tribal Villages near Dimapur Arnab Ghosh Dimapur is a major tourist destination in hilly state Nagaland, located in North Eastern India. The largest city in Nagaland used to be the capital in ancient ages, when the region was ruled by kings of famous Kachari dynasty. Its numerous attractions like ancient dynasty ruins, nearby waterfalls and temples lure thousands of tourists round the year. However, the tribal villages near the city are also worth exploring. By visiting these villages you get an intimate glimpse into heritage and life of Naga people. Reaching Dimapur Dimapur has better connectivity than most places in Nagaland. It is connected via road to Guwahati. It is connected to Guwahati by rail as well and has train connectivity to major cities in India. The Airport in Dimapur is also connected to Kolkata and major Indian cities. From Dimapur you can hire cabs to reach the nearby places including the tribal villages. Villages near Dimapur to explore The tribal villages near Dimapur have something unique about them. These places are inhabited by the Naga tribes who still adhere to their customs, rituals and traditional ways of life. You can observe their ways by visiting these beautiful and serene villages. Diphupar This is among the oldest villages in Nagaland where the residents adhere to simple and traditional life. There are about 16 tribes living here and population is around 14000. You will find tribes like Angami, Lotha, Sangtam and Zeliang in this village. You can get some nice souvenirs here
too. The village is about 7 km from Dimapur. Nichuguard Nichuguard is about 15 km from Dimapur. It is known as Chumukedima nowadays and tourists get amazed at the biodiversity of the place. Located at Diphu-Khukhi mountain's foothills the village has awesome scenic beauty. There are some waterfalls nearby which attract shutterbugs. This is where the first school and hospital in Nagaland were set up. In this place, you will come across Naga tribes like Angami and Khonoma. Kuki Dolong Kuki Dolong village, about 20 km from Dimapur is inhabited mostly by the Kuki tribes. It is quite amazing to experience the lifestyle, customs and rituals of the tribal people living here. The tourists coming to the village get amazed by the bamboo made houses. The bamboo houses made in the village have a unique style-hard to find elsewhere in Nagaland. You should buy some Kuki shawls from this village as souvenirs! Diezephe Crafts Village Located about 13 km away from Dimapur, Diezephe Crafts Village is a major attraction for tourists. It was set up to promote regional art and craft. The village was established by Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited. You can collect some amazing wooden products and items made of cane and bamboo at this village. The wooden toys made by artisans are also enticing. The artisans making these items belong mostly to the Tenyimei community. Courtesy: Nelive
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Ronaldo ends away-goal drought to give Real edge over Roma full-time, the Guardian reported.
London, Feb 18: Cristiano Ronaldo ended his away-goal drought to help Real-Madrid take a firm advantage on their last-16 tie with a 2-0 win over Roma in the Champions League first-leg clash.
Ronaldo had been struggling to find the nets in his last four away games since his goal against Eibar on November 29. However, the star forward shrugged signs of fallibility with his 12th Champions League goal of the season.
Following a goalless firsthalf, the Portuguese superstar put the visitors ahead in the 57th minute with a deflected finish before substitute Jese added the Spanish giants' second goal four minutes from
Both the sides will face against each other in the second-leg tie at the Bernabeu on 8 March. (ANI)
Disheartened Ajmal reveals how Mushtaq instilled bowling confidence Karachi, Feb 18: Pakistan's out-of-favour spinner Saeed Ajmal, who underwent arduous rehabilitation process to work on his remodelled bowling action, has revealed he was so dejected at a point that he was considering retirement until spin bowling legend Saqlain Mushtaq instilled back the confidence in him. "Working along with Saqlain bhai, I changed my action eight times. Initially he would like the action for a while, say for a month, but then he would change it. It reached a stage where one day, I just said I would leave it [bowling]. But Saqlain bhai said, "Himmat na haar." [Don't lose hope.] One day it will come," Ajmal was quoted as saying by ESPN cricinfo. The 38-year-old was ranked as the number one bowler in ODIs and was also as impressive in Test cricket before being suspended for exceed-
ing the 15-degree elbow flex limit set by the International Cricket Council (ICC). The spin maestro then underwent remedial work with Mushtaq and was cleared to bowl again in February last year. However, he couldn't replicate his old form with his remodelled action when he last turned up in Pakistan colours in a Twenty20 match against Bangladesh
in April 2015. He stated that he didn't give up despite facing adverse situation and was relentless in training to get back his confidence. "I kept doing it. Then I started bowling well and gained confidence. I am not saying I have become zabardast [great] once again. But with the matches I am getting to play, the
New Delhi, Feb18 (ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket for Good and the UNICEF have launched the Team Swachh clinics along with the BCCI during the ICC World T20 Host City Tour, which aims at building a social movement for sanitation and toilet use there by leading to an open-defecation-free India.
The ICC WT20 Men's and Women's trophies travelled on the Nissan Trophy Tour float through the streets of national capital New Delhi. Exhilarated fans got the opportunity to photograph themselves with the ICC WT20 Trophies. A specially designed double-decker bus carried the children from a local NGOs and Indian cricket team players. Yuvraj Singh
Lumding Railway Division with the winning trophy at TDSA stadium in Tinsukia on Thursday. Pic - ET Photo Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Feb 18: Lumding Railway Division defeated North Eastern Frontier Railway BG construction by nine wickets in the final of the North Eastern Frontier Railway Inter Divisional cricket Tournament organized by Tinsukia Railway Divisional Sports Club at TDSA stadium in Tinsukia today. Opting to bat, North Eastern Frontier Railway BG constructions were bundled out for 107 in 22 overs. Parag Das top scored with 35 off 16 balls, slamming four fours and two sixes and Chandan Rawat contributed 17 off 27 balls with one boundary and one six. For Lumding Railway Di-
vision, Nandu Mahato picked up four for 14 in 4 overs and Abjijit Chakraborty took three for 38 in 6 overs. In reply, Lumding Railway Division eased past the tar-
NF Railway Inter Divisional Cricket get in 12.5 overs by scoring 108 for 1. Siba Prasad Deb top scored with 43 off 27 balls, hitting eight boundaries and one six. Mani Sankar Singh and Biswajit Choudhury remained unbeaten on 33 and 19 runs. Parag Das took one for NF Railway BG construction. Nandu Mahato was ad-
judged man of the match. Additional Divisional Railway Manager Dinbandhu Singh handed over the Champions trophy to the Winning team while Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer and General Secretary of DRSC Tinsukia Ashit Gupta gives the runners up trophy to the runners up team. Superintendent Tinsukia Railway Division Sanjib Deka, Vice President of Assam Cricket Association Dr. Brojen Gohain, Railway Officials and ex players Manoj Gogoi, Lila Phukan, Anup Biswas, Debarshi Neog, Pradip Chakraborty and other players and officials were present during the presentation ceremony.
Baishathat Club defeat Navyuk, Titan win Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Feb. 18: Baishathat Club beat Navyuk Sangha by 39 runs in the Second division cricket tournament organized by Dibrugarh District Sports Association at DDSA stadium here today. Put into bat, Baishathat Club were bowled out for 103 in 16 overs. Akash Swarup scored off 19 off 19 with two boundaries. Aditiya Das contributed 14 off 12 balls, hitting two boundaries. Riyaz Khan and Sachin Paswan took two wickets each conceding 12 and 16 runs respectively for Navyuk. In reply, Navyuk Sangha bowed out for 64 in 13.3 overs. Rahul Verma scored only double figure mark off 12 off 17 balls. For Baishathat Club, Aditiya Das claimed four for 24 in 4 overs. Akash Swarup and Roopjyoti Sonowal took two wickets each for Baishathat Club. In another match, Titan Club defeated Gold Star club by 57 runs. Electing to bat, Titan scored 139 for loss of nine in 20 overs. Promoth Rajak and Altaf Hussain scored 32 and 32 runs each. For Gold Star, Niraj Ahmed and Chandan Das took two wickets each conceding 18 and 28 runs. Golden star were all out for 75 in 15.2 overs. Abdul Rajak smashed 24 off 20 balls, hitting three fours and one six. Amir Ali contributed 10. For Titan, Rajiv Afzal picked up four for 21 in 4 overs and Promoth Rajak took three for 9 in 2.2 overs.
Messi hits landmark 300th goal in Barca's 3-1 drubbing of Gijon
ICC Cricket for Good, UNICEF launch `Team Swachh clinics` with BCCI
Earlier, ICC has reaffirmed its commitment to the spirit of cricket and bringing about positive social change through the sport by launching Cricket for Good and Team Swachh campaign in partnership with UNICEF and the BCCI .
Lumding Railway Division claim top title
and Pawan Negi, the Indian cricket players interacted with fans as the cavalcade made its way to photograph themselves with the ICC Trophies. Playing cricket-based games with the children along with advocating the use of toilets, Yuvraj and Negi engaged with the children when sharing cricketing tips and discussing the importance of hygiene and sanitation in the specially designed Team Swachh WASH clinic set up inside the Feroze Shah Kotla Cricket stadium. Calling the initiative a 'social movement for sanita-
tion', Caroline Den Dulk, Chief of Communication, UNICEF India said, "The idea of team and team play is at the core of the Team Swachh initiative and it leverages the vast passion of the sport in the country to advocate toilet use and save lives of children." After Dharamshala, Mohali and Delhi, the ICC WT20 Host City Tour will visit each of the venues that will host the ICC WT20 matches. It now travels to Kolkata (February 24) followed by Nagpur (February 27), Chennai (March 1), Bangalore (March 3) and Mumbai (March 6).(ANI)
crowds are coming, I am enjoying bowling under pressure, and one day I will be available to play for Pakistan," Ajmal added. Despite being omitted from the upcoming Asia Cup T20 and World T20 squads, Ajmal believes that his performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) may win back the selectors' confidence. (ANI)
London, Feb.18 (ANI): Lionel Messi scored his 300th La Liga goal as Barcelona extended their lead at the top of the league with a 3-1 drubbing of Sporting Gijon. The Argentine international scored his landmark goal in the 25th minute. He netted again six minutes later after Gijon had briefly levelled matters through
Carlos Castro, the Guardian reported. Subsequently, Luis Suarez curled home a sublime finish in the 67th minute to put a missed penalty behind him. With the win, Barca extended their unbeaten run to 31 games and are six points clear at the top of the league standings. (ANI)
Fit-again Malinga to lead Lanka in Asia Cup, World T20 Colombo, Feb.18 (ANI): Sri Lanka skipper Lasith Malinga, who missed the New Zealand series due to injury, has been named as the skipper of the 15man squad announced for the upcoming Asia Cup and the World Twenty20 in India. Besides Malinga, vicecaptain Angelo Mathews has recovered from groin injury and will feature in both the events alongside veteran left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and seamer Nuwan Kulasekara,ESPNcricinfo reported. Sri Lanka, however, dumped rookie seamer Kasun Rajitha despite his brilliant display during his side's five-
wicket win against India in the opening ODI of the recently-concluded three-match series, which the hosts went on to win by 2-1. The Asia Cup is slated to be held in Bangladesh from February 24 followed by the T20 pinnacle event in
India, starting from Niroshan Dickwella, March 8. Shehan Jayasuriya, Milinda Siriwardana, The Sri Lankan squad Dasun Shanaka, for the Asia Cup and the Chamara Kapugedera, World T20 is as follows: Nuwan Kulasekara, D u s h m a n t h a Lasith Malinga (cap- Chameera, Thisara tain), Angelo Mathews Perera, Sachithra (vice-captain), Dinesh Senanayake, Rangana C h a n d i m a l , Herath, Jeffrey Tillakaratne Dilshan, Vandersay.(ANI)
Ibrahimovic hints at potential Premier League move London, Feb.18 (ANI): Paris Saint-Germain star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hinted that he can make his way to the Premier League this summer by reportedly joining Manchester United for a oneyear contract. The 34-year-old, whose contract with PSG will expire by the end of the season, admitted that he was in shape for the Premier League challenge, the Mirror reported. Ibrahimovic had reportedly agreed to join the new Miami Major League Soccer franchise led by David Beckham which would be launched in 2018, but it was believed that the Swedish star was in search of a club before he moves to the United States. Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who is known to have a good bonding with Ibrahimovic, was believed to be trying to bring the PSG striker to Chelsea for the next term before he was sacked in December. With Mourinho's constant link ups of replacing current United manager Louis Van Gaal, it was expected that Ibrahimovic would join the Old Trafford club in the coming future. The charismatic striker recently netted his 134th goal for PSG during his side's 2-1 Champions League first-leg victory over Chelsea.(ANI)
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