20 July, 2016, Wednesday

Vol. II

Issue 32

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Film making workshop Golaghat, July 19: Film Faternity of Golaghat in association with Film Faternity of Assam is organising a Filmmaking workshop from 24th July from 9 am to 3 pm at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya.

It will deal in direction, editing, screenplay writing, acting, cinematography, dance and choreography.

Interested participants can join the same.

(Correspondent) Classifieds at Rs. 10/- per word

Call Ashok - 09706289816 For your copy of

The Eastern Today

Call Pranjal08471896580

Delivering his discourse from the Dhamma-cakkap-

A Staff Reporter Namsai, July 19

Low lying areas of entire Namsai District are still submerged by flood water.

Noa-dihing River along with other rivers and its tributaries have diverted from the mainstream andflood water entered in several new villages in Namsai, Lekang and Piyong Circles.

NRDF team, till the filing of this news was engaged in the operation to shift the people from all endangered area of New Silatoo and MahadevpurIV villages.

So far 56 stranded people of New Silatoo and 6 people from Mahadevpur-IV have been evacuated by the NDRF team.

Large numbers of affected people have been shifted to relief camps at Silatoo, Mahadevpur-I, MahadevpurIII, Mahadevpur-IV and Dirak Miri villages under Lekang Circle where all essential commodities provided from the District Administration.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister, Pema Khandu has assured Chowna Mein for all possible help in rescue and relief of flood affected people and assistance to deal with the crises when he was informed

by DCM Chowna Mein about the flood situation in Namsai district and sought government’s support in

NRDF team, shifting stranded people from all endangered area of New Silatoo and Mahadevpur-IV villages in Namsai today. extending necessary assistance to tackle the flood situation.

DCM Mein who is personally monitoring the flood situation following heavy rainfall in the last few days has spoken to Deputy Commissioner Namsai R.K.Sharma to take stock of the situation arising out of the floods in Namsai district.

Mein has directed district administration to gear up man and materials for carrying out rescue and relief operations for the flood affected people and to set up temporary relief camps in affected areas and deploy NDRF teams for rescue and relief operation in the

Buddhist monks during Varsavas

Every year, the Vassa begins on the day of full-moon of Asalha month (July-August)

cmyk

“State govt will host the Senior Ranking National Badminton Championship from 20th to 25th September’ 2016”, said Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh today to the delight of the Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA), which

has been assigned the onerous task to organize the top event at Itanagar by the Badminton Association of India (BAI).

Emphasizing on the importance of wholesome development of the state in all fronts including games and sports, the Chief Minister gave the nod to host the prestigious National Level Senior Ranking

Free treatment will be made available to all cancer patients in all the civil hospitals from January 1. This was disclosed by the Health Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on the second day of the ongoing

PTI New Delhi, Jul 19

district.

During the telephonic conversation, DC Sharma has briefed the Deputy Chief Minister about the prevailing situation and the steps taken to give succor to the marooned people in the district.

Earlier on the day, Local MLA Namsai Chow Zingnu Namchoom also called on Chief Minister Pema Khandu to apprise him of the flood situation in Namsai district.

Fresh reports of massive soil erosion along with losses of public and private properties are being received from various parts of the district.

and it concludes in October or November with the pavarana ceremony, in which every monk, irrespective of rank or seniority, agrees willingly to receive instructions from any other monk in the monastery, if he acts improperly. The lively `Kathina Civara Dana' (robe offering ceremony), Contd. on Page 3

Hectors of cultivated land especially paddy field, fish pond are inundated. Actual loss could be ascertained on recede of flood water.

All contingencies plan already been activated by the district administration. Strict vigils are being kept on the situation.

Meanwhile, Namchoom is in constant touch with district administration to make assessment about the flood situation and coordinate with the state government.

Namchoom has informed the district administration that necessary mechanism has been put in place by the government for dealing with the flood situation.

AAMYP (S) takes out protest rally against ISIS, privatization of oil fields etc in Margherita ET Correspondent Margherita, July 19

pavattana Sutta (the Wheel of Law), the abbot of Theravada Buddha Vihara Venerable Ratnadeepa dwelt in length on the supreme teachings of Lord Buddha and asked the laypeople to restrain and practice Dhamma for harmony and peace.

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, July 19

budget session of the Assam assembly.

OPDs with two doctors will be set up in all the civil hospitals for this purpose.

Separate 100 bed cancer hospitals will be set up in Dibrugarh, Barpeta, Tezpur and Silchar Medical College and Hospitals which would be

made functional from January 1.

Adding to this, from the current year onwards every November month would be observed as Cancer Awareness Month. On the other hand the Health Minister also stated that a 200 bedded cancer hospital would be inaugurated at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital on October 2.

Cong rakes up Arunachal issue in LS

Activists of All Assam Muslim Yuba Parishad (S) took out a protest rally from Margherita Central field to Margherita Sub Divisional Office (C) in protest against the growing Jehadi and ISIS threat in Assam, against the Central Government's decision to auction at least 12 oil fields of Assam to private companies and against the growing price inflation in Assam.

The activists of All Assam Muslim Yuba Parishad (S) shouted various slogans against both the central and state government. Moinur Haque Talukdar, Vice President of All Assam Muslim Yuba Parishad (S) Central Committee and Munna Ansari, President of All Assam Muslim Yuba Parishad (S)

Margherita Town Regional Committee said that Jehadi and ISIS have no religion and they have no place in Islam religion.

We feel that some anti- national elements wants to create turmoil in the region by the name of Jehadi and ISIS threat so to malign the Islam religion and we demand to provide tight security in the border areas of Assam so that infiltrators cannot enter Assam said Moinur Haque Talukdar. Again we also demand to cancel the central government's decision to auction at least 12 Oil fields of Assam to private companies and also to control price inflation which general people of Assam are suffering a lot said Moinur Haque Talukdar and Munna Ansari. A memorandum was given to central government and state government through the Margherita Sub Divisional officer(C).

Arunachal Pradesh to Host Senior Ranking National Badminton Tournament ET Bureau Itanagar, July 19

CRISTIANO RONALDO VOWS TO COME BACK STRONGER AFTER INJURY, SEE VIDEO

Page - 12

Deputy CM Chowna Mein and MLA Zingnu Namchoom appraised the CM and sought Government Supports

Ven Nanda Priyo Itanagar, July 19

At Itanagar, the day was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety at Theravada Buddha Vihara.

Along with lay people the function was also graced by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, MLA Chongkham C.T.Mein and MLA Namsai Chow Zingnu Namchoom.

PAGE 6

Pages- 12

Assam Government Flood situation continues to announces free treatment be grim in Namsai District to all cancer patients

Theravada Buddhist celebrates Varsavas, the annual three-month rains retreat across Arunachal Sitang Khao-wa the annual rains retreat popularly known as Varsavas was celebrated by Theravada Buddhist in various parts of State today. Khao-wa which begun from today is an annual three-month monastic retreat practiced especially in the Theravada Buddhist tradition and is observed for 3 months which begins from today, the 19th of July.

5.00

Page - 6

Page - 11

Golaghat, July 19: In the premises of Golaghat Sri Sathya Guru Deep Ashram, Guru Purnima was held today in a grand manner. On this occasion, the devotees worshiped their Guru and many ceremonial rituals were organised. After this a grand prasad was organised in which people participated in large number. Last night too a ceremonial Kirtan was o r g a n i s e d .

(Correspondent)

Price -

CURFEW REMAINS IN FORCE IN KASHMIR, DEATH TOLL CLIMBS TO 42

TUBEROSE PLANTING GUIDE

Guru Purnima held

For business, mail at: md.easterntoday@gmail.com

ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 7

ET CAPSULES

@easterntoday

cmyk

facebook.com/easterntoday

Badminton Championship in the state wherein more than 600 leading players from across the country will participate. The National Mega event will be organized by ASBA and supported by the state govt. Chief Minister also suggested roping in sponsorship from private companies for such mega events.

He further said that his govt will take forward the sports activities and look into the infrastructure need to encourage and to provide facilities for promising young talents of the state in sports.

Meanwhile, Pema assured to take up other demands of ASBA in the State Cabinet

after its formation which include construction of National Badminton Academy having eight courts at 6 km between Itanagar-Naharlagun to be named after Late Dorjee Khandu and taking over of the Dorjee Khandu State Open Badminton Championship by the state government.

Contd. on Page 3

Buoyed by the Supreme Court verdict on Arunachal Pradesh, Congress today slammed the government in the Lok Sabha, accusing it of "destabilising" its governments in states, a charge rejected by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Congress members also staged a walkout even as Singh said "internal crisis" of Congress was responsible for the controversial developments in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and that "a boat is bound to sink if it has a hole".

The issue was raised by Leader of Congress in the House Mallikarjun Kharge who said that on the one hand, the Modi government was celebrating the 125th birthday of B R Ambedkar and on the other hand, it was "murdering" democracy by toppling popular governments.

"You have decided to execute your 'Congress-mukt' (Congressfree) slogan by any means.

Wherever you get a chance, you destabilise governments and work to replace them with yours.

You did so in Uttarakhand and

Arunachal and tried in Manipur and Himachal Pradesh too. This is good for niether public nor Constitution," he said.

"We thank the Supreme Court for upholding the Constitution.

Its order is historic and will be written in golden letters. You don't have numbers but you want to grab power by the back door.

It has become your nature.

Democracy is being repressed, murdered," he said during the Zero Hour.

"The Supreme Court has slapped you and, hopefully, you will not do such things again," Kharge said referring to the recent verdict of the apex court to restore the Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh which had been dismissed by the Centre months back.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had restored the Congress government in Uttarakhand also after it was dismissed by the Centre.

Responding to the charge, the Home Minister said the Congress governments in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh fell due to the opposition by its own MLAs.

He, however, made no mention of the Supreme Court orders which had led to the restoration of Congress dispensations, dealing a blow to the Centre.

BJP had nothing to do with what happened in the two states, Singh said, adding "if any party has this very old habit of toppling popular governments, then it is Congress".

While attacking Congress, he said its governments at the centre had toppled governments in states 105 times.

He said crisis in the two states was "unfortunate" and destabilisation of popularlyelected governments was not good for healthy democracy.

"BJP had nothing to do with it. It was an outcome of your (Congress) internal crisis. Nine Congress MLAs opposed their own government on the floor of the Uttarakhand assembly.

In Arunachal, over two/thirds of them defected. If your boat has a hole, then it is bound to sink if you put it in water.

Why blame water for it," he said.

Three arms dealer arrested in Tinsukia, one pistol recovered

Arms dealers busted at Digboi.

Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, July 19

A joint team of Makum police and troops of 15 Kumao regiment of Indian army on Tuesday busted a racket dealing in arms and arrested three persons with a 7.65 mm pistol from their possession.

was laid by Makum police station officer-in-charge, Bhaskar Saikia, almost a month back and the mission failed on last two occasion before finally succeeding this Tuesday.

The arrested persons has been identified a Rahul Bora, Ponkit Sonowal and Kalyan Konwar. The first two are a resident of Lakhipathar in Tinsukia district while the other belongs from Borbil under Digboi police station in Tinsukia district.

Makum police station officer-in-charge Bhaskar Saikia said, acting on a tip-off Makum police had planted a purchaser and set up him against the arms dealer to purchase weapons. On Tuesday around 3:30 in the noon, police set up a check naka on national highway 38 near fauzi dhaba after the deal was finalized, he added.

Police has also seized one Tata safari car, two motorcycles and four mobile phones with SIM card. It is worth mentioning that the foundation of this operation

He said, two motorcycle (bearing registration number AS 23 P 9642 and AS 23 C 7854) borne persons did not stop at check naka after police asked them to stop and instead

they fled away towards Digboi.

However, the police was alert and nabbed them few metres ahead near NRL petrol pump.

Bhaskar said that during interrogation their boss, one Kalyan Konwar, who was waiting in his Tata safari car at Digboi market to collect cash from them called one of the arrested person on his cellphone. We secured his location and picked him from Digboi market and seized his vehicle bearing registration number AS 23 F 6899, he added.

We have seized one 7.65 mm pistol, one magazine, one Tata safari, two motorcycles and four mobile phones with sim card, added Bhaskar. “We were trying to catch them since last one month and failed on two occasion”, added Bhaskar.

cmyk

cmyk

www.eastern-today.com

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You will be indecisive today, which is not usually the case with you. This could lead you to indulge in speculation, which is not so bad unless you risk all your money in it. Besides, when it comes to matters of the heart, you must exercise a great deal of caution.

Taurus Impulsive action kicks in as you work and interact today. Do not let the pressure and strain cloud your thoughts, and instead focus on acting on the things at hand. If you find things spiralling out of control, take a break and listen to some music that soothes your heart.

Gemini Today, you will decide to become a bit more conscious about your health. You may or may not join a gym or measure your calories, but you will definitely sit up and take notice of your lifestyle and unhealthy food habits. A new job is also likely, which will open a completely new chapter in your life.

Cancer Today, you will put your heart and soul into whatever task you take up. And, that's a great thing to do. Don't lose heart though, if despite the best efforts, the results of your efforts are not too forthcoming. Feeling dejected is only going to hamper your progress. Remember that you'll receive your due sooner or later. Spend some time with your loved ones to revive yourself. Alternatively, a quiet evening tucked in the bed with a nice book is also a great idea.

Leo If one were to put an earnest spirit and a frank attitude together, the result would be a Leo; it's like your hallmark. And with qualities like these in your kitty, don't be surprised if you happen to reach a milestone or two today. Will it be marital bliss or career success? No matter what the area is, be assured that your societal standing shall get a heady boost today.

Just don't let the success go to your head.

Virgo The booster rockets of your ambitions and spirit to work will kick in at the maximum today. Seek recreation after a hard day's work and look to relax at private parties, socialdos and even weddings.

Libra "Every man has specific natural abilities", said Aristotle. This seems to be true for you today. Your natural talents will be acknowledged and documented at work. This might prompt your equals to hold you up above the rest, and for your seniors to positively encourage you to scale greater heights. But as always, be careful to make sure that success does not make you heady with arrogance. Keep yourself firmly grounded, and remember that, 'pride cometh before the fall'.

Scorpio You will find yourself thinking with your heart rather than your head today. You may not be able to repress your feelings, and you should not even try. But you should be careful about how you express them, particularly in public as people may judge you wrongly on the basis of it.

Sagittarius Today, your superiors at work are going to trust you with many complicated assignments.

But, after exerting yourself, you are sure to come out with flying colors and have your work appreciated. Do not be surprised if cash incentives come your way. Such may indeed be your fortune.

Capricorn You will be a live wire, today. With amazing exuberance you have completed mammoth tasks and have spread the energy around. It will give you tremendous job-satisfaction.

Everything seems well and good the personal front, too. Spending some quality time your spouse will relax your mind and keep you in an upbeat mood.

Aquarius For a moment, it seems that you're swamped with problems. But you are brave enough to deal with any ugly issue that crops up suddenly. A romantic evening, which may just be time together in a jacuzzi, or simply preparing a meal together. Pure ecstasy!

Pisces You are fond of traveling and are always looking for an excuse to set off. Hence it comes as no surprise if you pack your bags and decide to embark upon a journey on a whim today.

It is a much needed break too, from the daily stresses of earning a livelihood. While you are seeking solitude, you will take your friends and relatives along with you on the trip.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 20-7-16 (WEDNESDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Hindi Language Lesson 6-30 A.M-Vidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori (Request Programme of Assamese Songs) 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 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan 7-15 P.M-Karpumpuli 7-35 P.M-Ujjwal Bhabishyat 9-16 P.M-Barerahaniya 9-30 P.M- Kramasha (Serial Novel Reading)-"Theng Phakhri Tahsiladaror Taamor Tarowaal", Written by Mamoni Sd-/H.O.P Roysam Goswami,Read by Tribeni Das Gogoi, Music-Hiren Gohain, DirectionLohit Deka, Production-Jayantajit Das (Part-4)

PAGE 2

Assam government proposes to reduce the service charge for cinema halls in the state A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 19: Finally some good news for the Assam film industry and the state’s cultural world, as in a bid to give a boost to the local film industry, the Assam government today proposed to reduce the service charge for cinema halls in the state.

At the same time it proposed to raise the entertainment tax on cinema tickets by up to 10 percentage points which may make a dent on cinema goers' pockets.

Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced The Assam Amusements and Betting Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2016 on the first

day of the Budget Session.

The new Bill proposed to fix the service charge at maximum of Rs 12 per ticket, which is Rs 40 at present.

The government proposed to make service charge Rs 8 per ticket for the halls without air conditioning and Rs 12 for halls with air conditioning and back-up generator.

However, there will be no service charge at all if the payment for admission is Rs 5 or less and no entertainment tax either.

The Bill also said the entertainment tax will be 30 per cent compared to 20 per

4 poachers camp at Karbi Anglong, 2 at Burahpahar busted ET Correspondent Jorhat, July 19: A joint operation team of Assam Police and Special Task Force led by Deben Borah, OC Jokholabondha Police Station recovered arms and ammunition and busted four camps at Karbi Anglong and two at Burahpahar area on Monday last, informed Manoranjan Barman, an official from KNP here today.

Official sources said that, police and Special Task Force after getting specific information again managed to recover a 3not3 rifle, point22 rifle with 26 rounds of ammunition in-

cluding two silencer meant for both the rifle which was kept hidden beside the granary of the resident of Adhon Borah from Kandhulimari, a village near KNP under Bokakhat Police Station.

According to police sources, till date Jokholabondha police team under the leadership of Deben Borah so far recovered cash amount of 28 lakh from poachers, a 230 numbers of ammunitions, two AK-47 and 22 numbers of 3not3 rifles, 15 silencers etc. from a total of 16 poachers and linkmen including three females in past two months.

ATLU demands check on child labour in tea factories ET Correspondent Margherita, July 19: Madhab Das, circle secretary of Assam Tea Labour Union Margherita have shown concern over the growing child labour at the bought leaf factories and work places of Margherita region.

Madhab Das said that under Labour Law Act below 18 years old one is not allowed to work at Factories and other work places but in Margherita region many child labourers are found working which is total violation of the Labour Law Act. Child labour mainly be-

longs to tea garden areas which they are brought to work at bought leaf factories and other work places of Margherita region alleged Madhab Das. The Child labour are given to work more than 8 hours at bought leaf factories and other working places while the Labour Department of Assam is in deep sleep alleged Madhab Das. I appeal Margherita Administration and Labour Department to take stern action against those who Violate the Labour Law Act, he said.

cent now in case the admission charge is more than Rs Later addressing a press 30. conference at the central hall of the Assembly, Sarma The Bill also raised the gov- said the government has acernment tax to 30 per cent cepted the recommendation on service charge from the by the expert committee of existing 20 per cent and pro- film makers on service posed to increase the enter- charge. tainment tax to 20 per cent from 15 per cent for entry "We are also thinking to charges between Rs 5 and make it mandatory for cinRs 20 per ticket. ema halls to run a minimum number of shows for Besides, a cess at Re 1 will Assamese films. However, be levied on each ticket for we will have to be cautious creating a welfare fund for about the quality of the film and theatre sectors films. named 'Silpee Aru Kalakushali Kalyan Nidhi'. "So we are thinking to set The government plans to up a committee to evaluate mop up Rs 2-2.5 crore ev- films - if they are good and ery year for the welfare have a minimum standard," fund. he added.

A Correspondent Bajali, July 19: At least ten CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) commandos belonging to its elite COBRA battalion were killed and 5 other injured in a Naxal IED blast in Aurangabad district of Bihar.

Subsequent to the IED blast an encounter started between the two sides, resulting in killing of three Naxals by late night. The incident occurred at ChakarbandaDumarinala forests.

The jawans 205th COBRA battalion were deployed in the state for conducting anti-Naxal operations.

Sivasagar DC visits Kareng Milk Project ET Correspondent Sivasagar, July 19: After two days of taking charge as the Deputy Commissioner of Sivasagar, Mr. Narayan Konwar along with the SDO (c) of Nazira, visited the popular Kareng Milk Project of Sundar Pukhuri Milk Co-operative Society on last 16th July.

It may be mentioned that the Kareng Dairy produced 1400 Litres milk daily and a large numbers of youths are engaged themselves in the milk production and dis-

tribution system of this project.

DC Narayan Kunwar appreciated the project and

appealed to all concerned persons to work hard for the greater interest of the society.

State government announces free treatment to all cancer patients A Correspondent Bajali, July 19: Free treatment will be made available to all cancer patients in all the civil hospitals from January 1. This was disclosed by the health minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, on the second day of the ongoing budget session of the Assam assembly.

Students' body seizes 20 sacks of molasses in Margherita

OPDs with two doctors will be set up in all the civil hospitals for this purpose.

Separate 100 bed cancer hospitals will be set up in Dibrugarh, Barpeta, Tezpur and Silchar Medical College and Hospitals which would be made functional from January 1.

Adding to this, from the current year onwards every November month would be observed as Cancer Awareness Month. On the other hand the health minister also stated that a 200 bedded cancer hospital would be inaugurated at the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital on October 2.

Assam Nagara Naam Sangha submits memorandum to CM Sonowal ET Correspondent Nalbari, July 19: The Sodou Assam Nagara Naam Sangha demanded the state government to recognize the Pathak and Pathika of Nagara Naam, a popular art form of the state.

A delegates of the Sangha on Monday submitted a memorandum to the chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Cultural Minister, Naba Doley to redress the grievance of the artists of the Nagara Naam of the

state.

Earlier, the Sangha also met the Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Speaker of Assam Assembly, Ranjit Das, Ministers Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chandra Mohan Patowary, regarding their problems.

It may be mentioned here that, the Sadou Assam Nagara Naam Sangha has been trying to unite the Nagara Naam artists, scattered over the state, to fight for their needs.

Govt. formulates criteria for Visa to Indian Origin Students Photo seen Activists of All Gorkha Students Union along with the Seized Molasses Sacks at Bangaon Powai. Pic - Mithun Baruah

Artist performed bhowna "RAM BIJOY " banner under Bedanta Kala Kendra at Sivasagar Saring. Pic - Firuz Ahmed

IED blast by Naxals: 10 CRPF cobra commandos killed in Bihar

ET Correspondent Margherita, July 19: Activists of All Assam Gorkha Students Union Ketetong-Powai regional committee under Margherita sub division today seized near about 20 Sacks of molasses from a four wheeler vehicle at Bangaon Powai which was reportedly meant for making hooch and illicit local made liquor at Margherita region. Chandan Tamang, General Secretary of All

Assam Gorkha Students Union Tinsukia District Committee said that molasses which are used for making hooch is rampantly supplied at Margherita region from the traders of Tinsukia Chamber road.

"In many rural areas of Margherita region hooch and illicit local made liquor is rampantly sold right under the nose of the Margherita civil ad-

ministration and the police", Tamang alleged.

We appeal to the Margherita administration and police to take strict action against these molasses traders who supply at Margherita Region for making hooch and illicit local made liquor, he said. After that activists of All Assam Gorkha Students Union handed the seized molasses to Margherita Police Station.

ET Bureau Guwahati, July 19: The Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division), Government of India has formulated certain criteria for category of visa to be issued to Indian origin students (who don’t possess OCI card) for internship in India under the India Corporate Internship Programme being implemented by the Overseas Investment Felicitation Centre (OIFC).

A student of Indian origin may be granted multiple entries ‘X’ visa for a period of six months. The visa sticker will have to specifically endorse the name of the company and the location for internship under the India Corporate Internship Programme. This visa will be non-extendable and nonconvertible. The student

should attach internship offer letter from the company and letter from OIFC along with their visa application form to be submitted to the Indian Missions Concerned.

The letter from OIFC should clearly indicate the purpose and duration of the internship.

Moreover, all such Indian Origin Students applying for Internship under this programme will be advised to apply for registration as OCI cardholder.

An official statement sent

by The Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division), Government of India has instructed all authorities concerned to strictly comply with the above mentioned guidelines with immediate effect.

(Janasanyog)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

PAGE 3

AACWA hopes under Khandu state developmental works will expedite ET Bureau Itanagar, July 19 : The All Arunachal Contractor’s Welfare Association (AACWA) congratulates Pema Khandu for being appointed as the 9th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh and hopes that under his leadership, developmental works of state will occur in speed without discrimination to any of Assembly constituencies of the state.

Due to the regular change of guard for individual interest of few legislators, several

developmental works are left pending in various departments as their approval files were on various tables for the cabinet’s approval, stated AACWA. That, once a legislator is elected for 5 years from a constituency, he should work for the entire state creating a good atmosphere among the entire elected but in our state few legislators disturb the atmosphere for their personal interest, added AACWA. The four lane ItanagarBanderdewa highway,

being only 34 kilometer in length is not yet ready even after several years due to constant change of Chief Minister and Govt. There are several similar projects such as the state medical colleges, film institute at Jote and engineering college at Toru which are still pending.

AACWA also appeal to the opposition party, BJP that they should work on their party policies so that they may gain party polarity at grass root level in the state. That, they should put

good uses of their central leadership through MoS kiren Rijiju.

As opposition party they should monitor the judicious uses of centre funds for developmental activities in state but they failed to perform as opposition party and jump into formation of govt. by bringing MLAs from their principle opposition party.

State BJP leaders should know the feeling of voters and accordingly they should work for voter’s betterment, state AACWA.

Chief Minister, Khandu inspects the Central Civil Secretariat in Itanagar ET Bureau Itanagar, July 19: Chief Minister Pema Khandu stressed for proper security system for the Arunachal Civil Secretariat Building during his inspection today.

He advised that the security system be devised in such a manner so that it does not intimidate the visitors but be fool-proof.

He thoroughly inspected the new Chief Minister’s Office Chamber, Conference Halls, Dining Halls, and Kitchen and also inspected the Deputy Chief Minister’s Office in Block 2 Building.

Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin briefed the Chief Minister and his colleagues on the progress of the works which is being carried out rapidly. She informed that the Arunachal Civil Secretariat will have a full proof security system with Door Frame Metal Detectors, XRay Scanning Machines, etc in all the entrance gates and will also provide secu-

rity system separately in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat Building.

She also informed that all the staffs working in the Civil Secretariat building will be provided with Radio Frequency Cards and attendance will be taken through Biometric System in all the blocks. She also apprised that separate cards will be issued for the visitors in the main entrance.

She further informed that the building which was earlier funded by the Ministry of DONER, is presently declared as state project and 95% of physical work has been achieved and said that the Chief Minister Secretariat Building will be ready for inauguration by 15th August 2016.

The Arunachal Civil Secretariat will also have MultiLevel Parking Building, Compound Wall with RCC

Moran alias Lothian.

According to security forces, Lakhyojit is involved in demanding extortions in the name of senior Ulfa, Drishti Rajkhowa. He has demanded money from big tea groups including Mc Leod Russel group and has de-

manded upto 50 lakhs of rupees.

Police have not yet got any record of Lakhyojit pointing his links with the Ulfa.

Considering the quantum of amounts demanded, security forces is also suspecting that this cannot be one man handiwork.

Retaining Wall with solar fencing and fancy lights, Sanitary Ventilation System, High-Mast Light, Recreation & Day Care Centre and Connecting Bridges in between the buildings, informed Chief Secretary.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, MLAs Kumar Waii, Lombo Tayeng, Phosum Khimhun, Thangwang Wangham among others.

PIB to organize media workshop for information dissemination in rural areas ET Bureau Itanagar, July 19: The press information Bureau (PIB) Government of India, Ministry of Information’s and Broadcasting, Guwahati in collaboration with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, organizing one day “Rural Media Workshop For Information, Dissemination In Rural Areas (Vartalap) on 30th July, 20165 from 10 am onwards at the Administration Training Institute, Naharlagun.

Workshop for Hindi and Sanskrit language teaching she read out for the audience.

Vaishali Sharma also spoke about her experiences.

Ayanlu Kri and Jeenami Tayang requested Swamini Geetananda and Ashish Sinha to revisit and render more assistance.

ET Bureau Itanaga, July 19 : Month long workshop for Hindi and Sanskrit language learning and teaching was conducted by Swamini Geetananda and Ashish Sinha. The Separate sessions for students and teachers were planned and conducted for improving their language skills. Emphasis was laid on proper pronunciation of Sanskrit and

Bishnu Rana Tezu, July 19: ‘Loss of Faith is lost of culture and loss of culture is loss of identity’, the old adage has been deeply felt by the Mishmi community who under the umbrella of the Mishmi Faith Promotion Society (MFPS) observed its 4th foundation anniversary here at the Tafragam village today.

The MFPS an indigenous follower of Mishmi totally a socio – cultural, Literary and Religious organization that vows to promote, protect, preserve the age old culture and religious faith of the Mishmi.

Concern over invasion of foreign faith, Amoso Khamlai GS MFPS said that the MFPS has a clear vision to gather all the indigenous faith believer of the Mishmi tribe under the banner of TANCHOW KUMYA (a place of worship for the Amik Mitai Ringya Jawmallu) to practice prayer. “This platform is developed to promote Mishmi actual faith which was practiced by our forefather and was on the verge

of lost we need to continue this practice to uphold our indigenous faith”, he pleads.

posterity. Jabralum Chaitom VC CALSOM also added light to the indigenous faith and stress its preservation.

Highlighting the essence of indigenous faith, Badamso Tayang President MFPS said we have inherited age old faith and promoting for gen-next to carry forward the true faith. He urged the community to realize its actual faith and contribute their little to promote for

Soblom Pul GS All Lohit District Priest Association was also felicitated in the programme.

Colorful cultural programme both modern and traditional were displayed by the youth from Tafragam, Changliang, Loiliang and Pomeliang vil-

lage.

Earlier a mass prayer was also held inside the TANCHOW KUMYA in the celebration.

Hundreds of member irrespective of age group from Tezu, Tafragam, Changliang, Loiliang and Pomeliang village flocked together at the venue despite rainy weather condition to mark the foundation day.

Arunachal CM & DCM express condolence and announce ex-gratia reliefs

Suspected ulfa arrested from Tinsukia Spl correspondent.

Tinsukia, July 19: In a joint operation, Tinsukia police and 7 Madras regiment of Indian army on Tuesday arrested a youth under charges of demanding money in the name of Ulfa. The arrested youth has been identified as Lakhyojit

MFPS attempts to promote fading indigenous faith

Hindi words. Various activities including songs and poems were included to achieve better results in the workshop.

The rural children expressed their gratitude by presenting songs and dances. They thanked the resource persons for assisting their learning with lot of love and patience. Behelti Ama of New Pukhuri

daughter of Anchosi and Sojun Ama thanked Ashish Sinha for cultivating love for the languages in their heart. I have started to love Sanskrit and I have learnt to maintain my notes and books in neat and tidy manner claims Behelti confidently. Sanskrit which appeared a difficult subject is dear to her heart now she added. She expressed her appreciation with a poem

Swamini Geetananda guided saying that an educational institution will succeed in imparting knowledge if there is an atmosphere of love and mutual trust. She advised students to respect teachers and elders and learn steadily by accepting the guidance of teachers for their growth.

She also appreciated the teachers for maintaining a cordial atmosphere. Ashish Sinha rendered her feedback to the school managements and thanked His Holiness Swami Sri Sri Anubhavananda for choosing her to serve rural Arunachal.

ET Bureau Itanagar, July 19: Both Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein deeply condole the death of the driver Amit Lama, who was washed away in a mudslide at Hoj-Potin highway on Saturday last and termed the incident very unfortunate.

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family members, CM prayed to almighty to give them enough strength to bear with the irreparable loss and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

CM announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 4 lacs to the next of kin of the deceased and instructed the Deputy Commissioner, Ziro to immediately disburse the relief amount to the victim’s fam-

ily.

Even the Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein today said that he was deeply saddened by news of the death.

“It is with a heavy heart that I offer my condolences to the bereaved family members of Late Lama. May the Almighty give them forbearance and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. I pray that the departed soul may rest in eternal peace.”

He said.

Chief Minister also announced immediate relief of Rs 1,00,900 for each household for the fire victims at Khonsa and Namsai as per the relief norms. It was reported that 5 houses in Khonsa and about 20 shops at Namsai were destroyed by fire on July 14 last.

He instructed the Deputy

Army Chief to visit Kashmir to review situation Srinagar, Jul 19 (PTI) Army Chief General Dalbir Singh will be on a day-long visit tomorrow to review the security situation in Kashmir valley and along the Line of Control.

"The Chief of Army Staff will review the security situation in Kashmir during meetings with the Corps Commander of China Corp and other officers," a defence source said here.

Gen Singh, who is scheduled to arrive at Army's Badamibagh Cantonment area in the morning, will be briefed about the situation in the valley and the counter-infil-

tration operations along the LoC. Gen Singh's visit to the curfew-bound Valley comes in the backdrop of violent mobs attacking army camps and installations in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8.

Three persons, including two women, were killed in firing by army personnel yesterday at Qazigund in Anantnag district when their vehicle came under stone pelting.

Army has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Commissioners of the districts to immediately release the relief amount from the existing relief fund provided in the districts and extend all possible support to the victims.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister has expressed deep concern on frequent fire accidents occurring in various parts of State. He informed that he is saddened to hear the extent of loss caused during the recent fire accident at Namsai and also Khonsa. He also have instructed the Deputy Commissioner to provide necessary assistance and extend all possible support to the fire victims, Mein appealed all to take extra precautions.

He has also asked the DC to immediately release the relief amount from the ex-

isting relief fund provided in the district as immediate support to the fire victims.

Noting that fire accidents is frequently occurring in the state, Chief Minister appealed to the people of the state to take extra precautions while handling with fire and to adopt fire safety measures.

As it was reported that one person was killed and many others were injured when a Dumper Truck met with in an accident at Kelekthang village under Jemithang circle in Tawang District today.

Chief Minister conveyed his condolence to the bereaved family of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured persons in the accident.

Theravada Buddhist celebrates Varsavas, the annual three-month rains retreat across Arunachal Contd. from Page 1 in which groups of laymen present gifts to the monks, takes place during the first month, following the conclusion of Vassa.

During the Vassa, Buddhist monks remain in one place, typically in a vihara or a monastery and leave its grounds only when necessary.

The Theravada Buddhist laypeople (Upasakas & Upasikas) show their devotion and appreciation by supporting their monks with food and other necessities.

Twenty-five centuries ago, there had long been a tradition of wandering mendicant, the Buddhist monks who took shelter in forests. Most of the time, Buddha and his disciples followed this tradition. They traveled in groups from village

to village, offering teachings, receiving alms, and sleeping beneath the boughs of trees.

But, much of India had monsoon season then, just as it has today. Usually, the rains begin sometime in June or July and continue till September or October. The incessant downpour didn't just make travel difficult for Buddha and his monks, but small animals that came out in the rains leeches, snails, worms, frogs, would also get crushed underfoot. And occasionally, the monks travelling in the rains also damaged the newly planted rice paddies.

Varsavas is also celebrated in grand manner at Namsai, Chongkham, Tezu and also in Diyun and Innao in Changlang District and Deomali in Tirap district. Prayer for world peace was offered during the day long celebration. (With inputs from IPR)

Arunachal Pradesh to Host Senior Ranking National Badminton Tournament Contd. from Page 1

Ratu Techi, President and Bamang Tago, Secretary ASBA while placing their grievances before the Chief Minister apprised that the good numbers of renowned badminton players of the state have brought laurels to the state in various

national and international tournaments; however they lamented that the state lacks proper infrastructure and coaching facilities to nurture young talents.

They also informed that the Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Open B a d m i n t o n

Championship 2016 will be played from 10th to 13th August 2016 for three categories viz., Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 for both boys and girls. As this tournament was being sponsored by the family of Late Dorjee Khandu for the last three years, they requested the state

govt to take over the tournament as per the agreement between the state govt and ASBA during inception of the tournament.

They expressed happiness and gratitude to the Chief Minister for giving an opportunity to meet them within a very short period.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

PAGE 4

New timings for Assam assembly; to start from 9-30 in the morning A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 19 : The Assam Assembly today unanimously decided to commence the House proceedings from 9.30 AM, in place of the present practice of 9 AM, from tomorrow.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary laid the Rules Committee's proposal for the new timings at the Assembly.

As per the procedure, he gave the House sevenday time for the amendment. However, all the members, including opposition Congress and AIUDF,

readily agreed to the proposal.

"As everyone has agreed to the proposal, we can start the new timing from tomorrow," Patowary said.

Speaker Ranjit Kumar Das then announced acceptance of the new timings by the House and said from now on the Assembly will commence from 9.30 AM from tomorrow instead of 9 AM, and conclude at 2 PM against 1.30 PM. For Friday, the morning session of the House will be from 9.30 AM to 11.30 AM and the

CRPF observes Guru Purnima

NRL to construct 'Swahid Bedi' as per trilateral decision

ET Correspondent Golaghat, July 19: In the premises of CRPF 142 BN Golaghat Junakinagar Guru Purnima was held today in a grand manner .

On this occasion, the Officers, Staffs and Jawans worshipped their lords and many ceremonial rituals were organised.

After this a grand prasad was organised in which unit participated in large number. In the ceremony Second in Command Vikram Singh, Deputy Commandant Achla Ram and F.A Bagrawat were present.

ET Correspondent Golaghat, July 19: Numaligarh Refinery Limited or the NRL was established in Golaghat after the sacrifice of 855 martyrs .

But from the time of establishment allegations were raised against the NRL authorities of giving proper honour to the martyrs .

There was a prolonged demand for setting up a ' Swahid Bedi' in front of the main entrance of the NRL .

But the authorities could not pay attention to the demand . Again raising to fulfill the demand All Assam Students Union Golaghat District Unit on July 14 staged a protest in front of the NRL

evening session will be from 3 PM to 5 PM. Yesterday, Das had said the employees of the Assembly were finding it difficult to complete their domestic duties like dropping children to schools and so it was decided to slightly change the time.

"Moreover, the deadline to receive Zero Hour notice is 8 PM, leaving very less time for preparation by ministers.

So now the new timing will give 30 minutes more to them as the deadline remains the same," Das said.

and demanded to set up a ' Swahid Bedi' . Finally today a trilateral meeting was held among AASU , NRL Authorities and Golaghat District Administration at the DC office in Golaghat . In the meeting the NRL authorities gave assurance to the AASU and District Administration to set up a ' Swahid Bedi' in front of the NRL and also announced to offer a scholarship to hundred meritorious students who have shown their merit in the HSLC and HS Final Results . Golaghat DC Varnali Deka appealed the NRL authorities to complete the tasks as early as possible as per their assurance .

Assam University observes foundation day Sushanta Roy Diphu July 19: The Assam University Diphu Campus observed its 10th foundation Day yesterday. The celebration began with the flag hoisting by the Vice Chancellor, Assam University Prof Dilip C. Nath followed by ceremonial tree plantation by the dignitaries at the Library Compound. Welcome address was given by Prof. Dr. Amalesh Bhowel.

D Uphing Masslai executive member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in his address mentioned that the people of this region should get the benefit of higher education, though the district has only one Govt. College and cen-

tral university campus.

The meeting was attended by scholars, students, staff, teachers and distinguished personalities. Assam University, Diphu campus Students Union (AUDCS) submitted a memorandum to Prof Dilip C Nath, after the meeting.

The students highlighted various demands including reservation of 50 % seats for scheduled tribes, induction of new departments in Diphu Campus such as Education, Economics, sociology, Chemistry, MSW, Mathematics, Linguistics, Management, Agriculture, Bio-Technology, Environmental Science and Profes-

sional Integrated Courses, Centre for Tribal Studies, early construction of hostels for boys and girls, early construction of permanent auditorium hall, increase in the number of permanent university buses, installation of water supply and treatment systems in the campus, up gradation of Health Centre, early and full completion of playground inside the Campus,increase in the number of faculties in all the existing departments, construction of permanent academic building ,improvement of the infrastructure of the canteen inside the campus with proper facilities, early appointment of permanent Pro Vice Chancellor in Diphu Campus.

Student body demands preference for locals ET Correspondent Diphu July 19: The all India students’ association (AISA) and Revolutionary Youth Association (RYA), Diphu district Committee submitted a memorandum to Nirab Kr. Sharma, Principal, Diphu Government College, demanding admission for all local candidates

in all streams at the College and solution of the problems and grievances faced by the students.

They have demanded that as 90% of the students seeking admission in the College are from poor background, that’s why it is hard for them to seek

admission elsewhere. The organizations also pleaded with the principal to allow students to wear traditional dresses in spite of introduction of uniforms in the College, with the argument that Karbis have still not advanced in preserving their tradition and culture.

BTC Legislative Assembly resolves to send allparty delegation team to meet CM Sonowal ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 19: BTC Legislative Assembly has resolved to send an allparty delegation team to meet Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal within few days to appraise about various issues and grievances including fund enhancement, receive of revenue taxes, implementation of project and schemes in the council in the ongoing Budget Session.

Meanwhile, opposition members’ demanded clarity expressing displeasure about budgets presented yesterday to run the council involving all kinds of plan and non-plan receives from governments.

The BTC budget session enters today second day with Tridiv Daimary, Speaker of BTC Legislative Assembly in the chair.

Members both from ruling and opposition join hands

on the general discussion on the budget presented yesterday by BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary, who is also finance in-charge. The discussion lasted nearly one and half hour on the budget figuring properly indication and implementation of budgets tabled to meet healthy running in the council.

Opposition MCLA and UPP leader Rwngwra Narzary initiated his first participation on the discussion, raised question on the presented budget allocation which had tabled only 462.66 crores for the financial year of 2016-17 for BTC yesterday. The presented budget was to be 2182.95 crores indicating plan and non-plan allocations from the governments. He has suggested that the budget should be presented on clarity with indicating over all receive and expenditures flowing from governments.

Narzary expressed displeasure over the presented budgets for council because the budget could not go detailed with proper indication of audacity.

“There is no word of satisfied or dissatisfied on the budget because the presented BTC budget was not in detailed manner”, Narzary said adding that the ruling council should take bold step to clarify and correct about tabled budget pattern. He said that opposition members also extended support to join hands in an all-party delegation to be led by council leaders to meet CM Sonowal to apprise about fund enhances as well several developmental projects in the council area”, Rwngwra said.

More opposition members from UPP, included Maoti Brahma Hazoary, Nirmal

Flood situation of Lakhimpur remains unchanged ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; July 19: The flood situation of Lakhimpur District has been still unchanged. On the contrary, he district is feared to fall under a wide spread flood in the coming days with a view to heavy rain fall. It is to be noted that the sky of entire North Assam along with the State of Arunachal has been remaining cloudy and heavy rainfall is feared in the area on the coming days. In such

circumstances the possibility of wide spread flash flood is high as the major rivers in the district viz.

Subansiri, Bogonadi, Ranganadi, Shingara, Gabharu, Dikrong, Dropang, Pichala Chesa etc are flowing alarmingly. At present, plenty of villages under Subansiri, Nowboicha, Narayanpur and Bihpuriya Revenue Circle(RC)s have been still submerged by flood.

Meleki, Deeghali, NC

Mohbal Hatigarh and Lazuwa Under Subansiri RC, Bharaluwa, Pandhowa, Moh Ghuli, Barsala under Nowboicha RC; Banhgara Pathar, Purani Banhgara, Dhunabari, Dharmapur, Fatehpur, Ahmedpur Under Bihpuriya RC are being inundated still now. As per information found from District Administration 423.30 hector crops land, 16,580 families were affected by recent flood in the district.

Social organization comes forward to take responsibility of elderly person Spl Correspondent Sivasagar, July 19: Ramen Bhattachartya (95), a religious brahmin, hailing from Hahchara in Sivasagar district left his house for being irritated by the continuous ill behaviours of his son and daughter in law on Tuesday and somehow reached Sivasagar.

He was determined to go to Dibrugarh with an intension to visit Doctor Narayan

longed ill health.

But a few conscious people had marked the poor person at the bus station in Sivasagar and handed him over to the members of "Shape" a NGO of Sivasagar town.

Upadhay and get treated by him and become healthy so that he would not have to be treated badly by his son and daughter in law for his pro-

The authorities of the NGO took the responsibilities of the aged person and decided to hand him back to his family in the near future.

No respite for people in Guwahati from urban floods A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 19: There seems to be no end to the urban flooding woes in Guwahati and the people of Guwahati.

Today again after a short spell of rain, large areas of Guwahati were waterlogged by flash floods following heavy rains that disrupted normal life on Tuesday.

Incessant heavy downpour since this

morning caused knee to waist deep waterlogging in Lachit Nagar, Anil Nagar, Tarun Nagar, Nabin Nagar, Panjabari, Rajgarh, Bhetapara, R G Baruah Road, GS Road among other areas.

Water has entered the houses in those areas.

Students, office goers and others had difficulty in reaching their destinations wading through the water that

prevented movement of vehicles.

However speaking to reporters, Assam finance minister who also holds the Guwahati D e v e l o p m e n t Department (GDD), said that he has instructed the officials of the department to look into these issue, and also ensured that steps will be taken for a permanent solution on the subject.

Glimpses from the third day's programme of the week long Summer Children Camp organised by Pathikrit Gosthi in Sonari. The children participants along with their guardians were taken to the Maibella army camp and apart from a sit and draw competition held among various groups the children and guardians also got a rare opportunity to interact with the army personnel. The army also displayed modern weapons and equipment as part of 'Know your Army' programme. The organisers had expressed their gratitude towards the army for organisation of the programme. Lunch was also served to all the participants and their guardians. Pic & Text : Mritunjoy Das.

Chandra Brahma, Jiran Basumatary, Jyotirindra Brahma were also participated on the discussion and urged the ruling party to be clarity while preparing budgets for the council.

BTC chief Mohilary, deputy chief Kampa Borgoyary replied questions raised from opposition members in the house.

Mohilary said that the BTC has received only limited funds to run council from governments, which was tabled in the budget speech. He has opined to go an all-party delegation team from the council to meet CM to seek proper implementation and healthy fund enhancement.

He said that the council is getting Bineswar Brahma Engineering College, a full-fledged college in the ongoing budget session of the state, besides medical College, which is also getting minimum budgets to

gain educational packages in the region.

He said, “we do hope BJP led alliance government will fulfill peoples’ expectation and aspirations through giving priority of funding pattern”.

“An all-party delegation party will be proceeding to meet Chief Minister immediately to appraise about the developmental funds’ enhancement, scheme implementations.

We have various issue and problems, these will be highlighted during meeting, which including revenue, taxes receives. We have yet to implement various project and schemes which were under taken by us due to none receive of proper funds from governments.

We would put pressure government to engaged local youths in BRPL and NTPC, Salakati in the region”, Mohilary said.

Communities join hands to create rail awareness in Dibrugarh district A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, July 19: The Dibrugarh district committee of the Assam Rail Passengers’ Association, an organization working for facilitating development of railway services and infrastructure in Assam by way pointing out necessities as well as lacunae in planning and execution of rail services and projects, has today conducted a massive mass awareness campaign at four railway stations in the district, viz., Dibrugarh Town, Moranhat, Naharkatia and Namrup aiming at creating awareness about duties and responsibilities of the rail passengers at large. In Namrup station the campaign was led by organizing secretary of the committee Sobhakaran Kohain while in Naharkatia station, the activity was spearheaded by local activist Manjit Singh. In Moranhat, the campaign got underway with active participation of youths led by Ravi Ranjan Rathore. In the historic Dibrugarh Town station, besides the committee members headed by its president Ramen Sengupta, members of the All Assam Students’ Union, All Assam Bhojpuri Parishad led by central organizing secretary Dayananda Singh, All Assam Bengali Yuba Chatra Federation led by its central publicity secretary Bapi Sarkar and Dibrugarh Punjabi Samaj led

by Amardip Singh who is also the coordinator of Shri Guru Singh Sabha Management Society actively participated in the event making it a grand success on its maiden venture itself. Dibruarh MLA Prasanta Phukan, social activist

Chandra Kanta Baruah and Lahowal MLA Rituparna Baruah also extended their cooperation in the successful conduct of the campaign, said a press release.

The awareness campaign was conducted with a five point pledge in first person beginning with a strong ‘NO’ for ticketless train travel, then voicing alertness on the part of the rail passengers about cleanliness and security inside train and also station premises, then compassion and courteousness towards copassengers particularly women, patient and the elderly and finally about the duty of a rail passenger for informing concerned authorities about lacunae if any in punctuality and also other parameters for train services.

Hailing this passenger awareness campaign, Principal of second institute of higher education in science in Assam, the Silapathar Science College, Dr Ranjit Saikia has underlined the need for awareness about the rights and the duties of the train passengers particularly in a less privileged district like Dhemaji in Assam. He said, ‘The Saraighat bridge has been reduced to a bottle-neck owing to a single BG track and the Murkongselek Kamakhya intercity express takes 2 hours 15 minutes to travel a distance of 41 km between Rangia and Kamakhya.’ Saika urged the newly appointed minister of state for railways, Rajen Gohain to take steps for a twin BG track railway bridge near the Saraighat bridge on a priority basis for improving train connectivity in entire Assam.

More than one thousand litres of illicit country liquor damaged

ET Correspondent Mangaldai, July 19: The Darrang Excise Department, on Tuesday achieved yet another success when its team of operation managed to seize and destroy over one thousand litres of illicit country liquors in different locations under Mangaldai Excise Circle.

Talking to this correspondent, Pallabi Sharma Choudhury, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Superintendent of Excise, Darrang said that based on secret inputs team of excise staff, led by Excise Inspector Ranjit Baisya and Assistant Excise Inspector, carried out operations in Bongalagarh, Bhakatpara, Gadhiyapara and Ojagaon and seized a total of around 12,00 litres of illicit country liquor while being carried in bicycles and car to different places for sale. In this connection six persons including an owner of a road side dhaba at Shaktola were arrested.

A car bearing registration no AS-O1U-7328 along with three bicycles used for carry-

ing the bags with illicit liquor were also recovered, the source added.

Moreover, in another few raids on the nights of July 14 and 15 last, excise officials of Sipajhar and Mangaldai circle reportedly seized illegally stored IMFL of around 12 litres and 5.5 litres respectively besides about 90 litres of illicit country liquor. Six persons were arrested in this regard.

REGION

PAGE 5

Families refute Govt submission to SC No compensation paid: Family members

13-hour shutdown in Manipur

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

Imphal, Jul 19 : Despite the State Government, through its counsel, informing the Supreme Court of India on July 13 that compensation of Rs 1,54,00,000 to the next of kins of 28 victims have been paid, members of 11 such families on Monday alleged that they have not received any money so far.

Speaking to newsmen at the residence of one Khumbongmayum Lata at Keishampat Jailor Leirak today, members of 11 such families contended that despite the submission of the State Government to the Supreme Court they are yet to receive any compensation so far.

This is despite the fact that the family members have all submitted the required documents along with photo copies of bank pass books where the compensation can be transferred. The family members said that they have checked the bank pass books and account statements and they have come to know that no compensation has been made till date.

The Supreme Court had on April 22 this year ordered that compensation of Rs 1,54,00,000 should be paid to 28 victims which works out to Rs 5,50,000 per family. This also includes an additional amount of Rs 50,000 to be paid for not giving the compensation earlier.

During the hearing on April 22, 2016, the counsel for the State of Manipur had pleaded with the Supreme Court to give four weeks time to pay the compensa-

tion.

Following the appeal of the counsel, the Supreme Court issued an order that the compensation should be paid within four weeks time (counting from April 22).

The Court further made it clear that it will not extend the time after the four weeks period since the order to pay the compensation was passed on December 8,

2015.

Following the strict instructions of the Supreme Court, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) of the State Government, Dr J Suresh Babu issued an order on June 9 this year that in compliance with the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission and in compliance with the writ petition (criminal) No. 129/2012 of the Supreme Court order dated April 22, 2016, the Government of Manipur has sanctioned Rs 1,54,00,000 for payment of compensation (Rs 5,50,000

each) to the next of kin of 28 victims.

However despite the submission of the State Government to the Supreme Court on July 13 that compensation has been paid, members of the 11 families contended that they have not received any money till date.

The family members further

said that they went to the Secretariat today to meet Dr J Suresh Babu to highlight that they have not received the compensation but could not meet him at the office.(Agencies) Caption: 28 victims have been paid, members of 11 such families on Monday alleged that they have not received any money so far HSA and KSO held a joint meeting on July 17 on issues concerning the district of Churachandpur Imphal, Jul 19: The Hmar Students' Association (HSA), Joint Hqtrs

Churachandpur and Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur have said that they are not for a prolonged agitation on an issue which is no longer relevant and added that imposing a social boycott on MLAs by a movement which no longer enjoys popular appeal is nothing but a malicious design to serve the interest of a

few.

HSA and KSO held a joint meeting on July 17 to deliberate a host of issues concerning the district of Churachandpur, informed a joint statement. "The KSOCcpur & HSA-CCpur fail to understand the logic behind the social boycott imposed

by JACAATB on the incumbent MLAs when the contentious Bills had already been returned by the President of India and the Government of Manipur has given the assurance that a new Bill

will be drafted only and after prior consultation with all the stakeholders concerned.

The HSA and KSO find the decision to still impose a social boycott on the elected MLAs inhuman, vindictive and completely bereft of logic when the three Bills have not seen the light of the day. The raison d'etre of the JACAATB is no longer there, with the President of India refusing to give his assent and returning the Bills," the joint statement said.

At the same time, the KSO and HSA feeling the hardship faced by hundreds of commuters on the slush filled and pot-holed ridden dirt-roads linking the district with adjacent districts specially ChurachandpurSugnu road should be repaired by the authority concerned without any further delay; since the road has been repaired by local residents at their own cost.

The HSA and KSO also said that the educational insitutions in the district - private or Government, should be free from any disturbances from State or Non-State actors; they should be allowed to function as an "oasis of learning' without any hindrances whatsoever from any quarters.

The two student bodies affirmed to work in tandem and keep a close vigil on the implementation of schemes and projects in the Government run schools of the district, and will not be lying low if any element of corruption or nepotism of any sort is found or detected.(Agencies)

State working to increase fish productivity Imphal, Jul 19: Manipur has a total water area of 56,461.04 ha and only 19,500 ha is used for fish farming thus producing 32,000 MT of fish . If all the water bodies are used properly, the State can produce 53,000 MT of fish, said David K Shimray, Director Fishery during a press conference organized by the DIPR at its Moirangkhom premises here on Tuesday.

The annual requirement is 42,000 MT hence the rest is imported from other parts of the country and neighbouring country Myanmar. The production has been gradually improving, according to E Sulochana, Addl Director.

The department is trying to enhance the rate of fish production to 3,500 kgs/ha/ year with the implementation of various developmental plan schemes The total seed production in the State is 219 million fingerlings against the requirement of 300 millions. The department also provides one year certificate course in Inland Fisheries Development and Administration at IFTC, Lamphel run by the Department.

Students from Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland are also undergoing training in the State.

During the XII Plan period, a total of 132 students have

been trained.

The department is trying to attain self sufficiency in table fish production which may be around 65,000 tonnes per annum by the end of ten years. It is also trying to produce good quality, fast growing fish seeds by constructing fish seed hatcheries. Renovation of the existing old ponds/ tanks is also helping fish production.

It is not possible to do fish farm in huge areas of water body hence establishment of Fishery estates of unit ponds of 1.0 ha in peripheral areas of lakes/beels has been taken up. There are large numbers of reservoirs, hill streams and riverines where fish farming can also be taken up and the department is trying to create 10,000 ha. of new fish ponds/tanks. Indigenous fishes are given importance and production of Pengba and other fishes has increased. There are many agricultural lands in hill areas where there are water permanently and development of Paddy-cumPisciculture is taken up in those areas.

Development of Pen and Cage Culture in open water needs to be done on large scale along with creation of cold chain to make fish available in good and hygienic condition to the con-

sumers. The department is also planning to generate self-employment for 10,000 fresh educated youths of the state and set up Fish Disease Detection and Controlling Laboratory.

Extension of both financial and technical assistance to fish farmers, women fish vendors, fisher-folks is a must to help the farmers.

Under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), training halls have been constructed in all the districts. Lime has also been distributed to a total of 8186 fish farmers Under this programme, erection of 48 Cages and 35 Pens in Takmu Fish Farm have also been done on experimental basis with great result.

Demonstration programmes involving 117 fish farmers in four valley districts has also been undertaken successfully along with 30 fish farmers benefited under Jhora Fed Fish culture in five hill districts. Under the programme, six Circular Fish Seed Hatcheries have been constructed in the Govt. fish farms. Two fish landing jetties at Thanga Khunjao and Karang were constructed.

The Department of Fisheries has taken up Pisciculture development programmes with financial assistance from National Fisheries Development Board,

Hyderabad. A Wholesale Fish Market at Moirang was constructed at a cost of Rs. 206.316 lakh. Two units of hatcheries were constructed and 343 nos. of Ngayok Marups benefited apart from taking up Paddy-cumPisciculture programmes in Ukhrul district covering 744 farmers for development of 333.0 ha.

50 lakh of fish fingerlings and another 25 lakh of fish seeds were liberated at Loktak Lake under the programme. Another 40 Tricycles with Insulated Fish Boxes will be distributed to 40 beneficiaries under NFDB programme. Another 160 fish farmers benefited under Exposure Visit and 950 fish farmers have been imparted training on fisheries. Renovation works of Fish Hatcheries and Govt. farm ponds will be takenup. Development of 200 ha. of new ponds/tanks involving 754 nos. of fish farmers will be taken up.

Under North-Eastern Council (NEC), development of 37 nos. of 1 hectare unit ponds were taken up at Khullakpat (Imphal West) and Paddy-cum- Pisciculture over 265 ha in five hill districts.

Under Central Government Financial Assistance (CSS), construction of 150 ha of new ponds, reclamation of 125 ha., development of

100 ha. of waterlogged areas, 75 ha. of reservoir/river under Inland Capture Fisheries, 200 ha. of ponds/ tanks were taken up under Coldwater fisheries and Aquaculture.

Under Group Insurance Scheme, so far 10,200 nos. of fishermen have been insured. Out of these, a total of 150 cases of death claims could be settled.

The insurance coverage has been enhanced from Rs 75,000 to Rs 2,00,000 for death claims and Rs 1,00,000 for permanently disabled fishermen. The annual premium of Rs. 20.34 is shared by Govt of India and State Govt at the ratio of 75:25.

Under Fishermen Welfare Scheme, a total of 1021 nos. of low-cost houses were constructed along with construction of 43 community tanks, 2 community halls and establishment of one Credit Co-operative Society. During the year, another 300 houses, 12 community tanks will be constructed in 12 villages of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts of Manipur. There are 34 Pisciculture Co-op. Societies in the State. H. Biramani, Jt. Director, M Gouro, Dy Secy and L Gojen, Project Officer also attended the press conference. (Agencies)

A man who substituted a staff of RIMS was pulled up Imphal , Jul 19: A man who substituted a staff of RIMS who was given duty at the Casualty counter was pulled up today by the Head of the Department of Casualty Dr Lekhachandra and handed over to RIMS police picket.The man pulled up today has been identified as Heisnam Yaiphaba (28) s/o Kumar of Naoremthong Laishram Leikai. He was used as a substitute by some staff of RIMS Casualty

counter whenever they had personal works during office hours.

Budhi had personal works.

For this, he was given Rs 100 per day.

Heisnam Yaiphaba told The Sangai Express that he was issuing tickets to patients on behalf of one Budhi when he was pulled by Dr Lekhachandra at around 2.30 pm today. Between 2 pm and 2.30 pm, Yaiphaba issued around eight tickets.

He used to work at the Casualty counter whenever

Disclosing that he used to substitute other staff posted at the Casualty counter, Yaiphaba said that he has been working as a substitute staff for over one year.

He said that he worked as a substitute for Md Salam, currently posted at Casualty counter and also for one

Bheigyabati who has been posted elsewhere now.

For working on their behalf, Md Salam and Bheigyabati gave Yaiphaba Rs 300 to Rs 400 per day.

Earlier, Yaiphaba used to work as runner of a pharmacy before he substituted RIMS staff posted at the Casualty counter and he sat at the counter till 7 pm. Sometimes, he was called through telephone

as and when they required him to take their places.

He took Budhi's position today as Budhi's son was leaving for Mizoram today.

Nonetheless, Yaiphaba pledged that he would not do any such substitution works in future. RIMS MS Prof M Amuba said that befitting action would be initiated against all those who assign their duties to third persons.(Agencies)

The outlawed Kangleipak Communist Party-Poirei Meitei Lup (KCP- PML) on Tuesday announced a 13-hour statewide shutdown beginning from 5 am of July 20 Imphal, July 19: The outlawed Kangleipak Communist Party-Poirei Meitei Lup (KCP- PML) on Tuesday announced a 13-hour statewide shutdown beginning from 5 am of July 20 in Manipur.

The shutdown was called to protest against several anomalies in regularization of two professors in the state-run Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS).

The director of JNIMS has failed to come out with a white paper on the regularization process of professors, according to a state-

ment issued by the KCPPML publicity secretary Malemnganba Meetei.

Earlier, Y Mohen, Professor of Pathology Department, JNIMS, clarified that the services of Prof L Deben, now director of JNIMS, and Prof M Angouba were regularized by the JNIMS Governing Council, as they fulfilled the criteria laid down by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

Mohen said that they were regularized as per the resolution number 10 of the 21st Governing Council meeting held on February 15, 2015.

However, the KCP rejected the statement.

The outfit, however, said media, religious activities, electricity, water supply and emergency and medical services will be exempted from the proposed shutdown.

Normal life in Thoubal district was paralyzed by the 48-hour shutdown called by a joint action committee, demanding the government to bring all culprits to book and ensure speedy delivery of justice over the death of a local youth Md Abdul alias Rahaman.

Rahaman succumbed to death after he was allegedly assaulted by unidentified people on June 30.(Agencies)

Education scam: Verdict delayed Shillong, July 19: The much-awaited verdict on the criminal aspect of education scam was delayed further with the Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari on Monday fixing the hearing of the case again on August 8. As per the order, the senior counsel, VK Jindal appearing for the CBI on the matter was said to be not available on Monday.

"In view of the report submitted by the Superintendent of Police, a response appears requisite from the CBI as regards the documents said to be available with them", the Court said.

The order also said that it has also been indicated that the matter pending before the Supreme Court in SLP No. 5991 of 2014 is likely to come up for consideration on August 1 .

"Having regard to the circumstances, this matter stands adjourned today. Be listed on 08.08.2016", the order said.

However, the petitioner Agnes Kharshiing said that to her surprise, the case was heard for the first time by the Chief Justice on Monday when it was earlier

heard on a few occasions by Justice SR Sen. Earlier, the progress report submitted to the court by the police had nothing new to offer as the investigating officer had failed to get the relevant papers seized by the CBI due to the delay in filing a petition in the High Court.

According to Kharshiing, the civil case pending with the Supreme Court after the services of some teachers were terminated by the state government following the education scam is different from the criminal case filed against those involved in the education scam through many FIRs in Laitumkhrah police station Earlier, in her petition filed before the High Court, the petitioner had said that the case at present is languishing with the state police and it seems that there is no intention on the part of the state agency to bring the investigation to an end, "because of the reason that the high profile politicians including the then education minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and the other officials are involved in the

commission of the crime as indicated in the enquiry report of the CBI".

The petitioner also stated in the petition that the Court and the police are looked with immense respect as instruments to provide justice in the society and if the strong and powerful are allowed to let go, then the day will not be far that the people will have no hope and trust from the justice delivery system.

Later, in the affidavit filed before the High Court, the petitioner said that a free and fair investigation cannot be expected from state police due to political and administrative compulsion and as such the inquiry by the police cannot be relied upon as it is evident from the manner how the investigation was carried out by the state agency for the last many years.

The petitioner hence sought the intervention of the High Court to hand over the Laitumkhrah P.S. Case No.62(7)2011 to CBI with a direction to complete the entire investigation within a period as stipulated by the Court.(Agencies)

My party alternative to NEDA, Cong: Ardent Shillong, July 19: The Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) has reiterated its decision to go it alone in the 2018 Assembly polls.

Speaking to media persons after a meeting of the party's central executive committee held here on Monday, the party president Ardent Basaiawmoit, however, indicated that the party would have no problem as far as post-poll alliance is concerned.

The HSPDP's decision has played a spoilsport in BJP's plan of forming a grand alliance under the banner of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) to take on Congress in the upcoming polls in Meghalaya.

The HSPDP also rejected the idea to be a part of

NEDA and instead pointed out that the regional parties of the North East need a separate and strong forum minus BJP and Congress.

the party leaders.

Uranium issue: Meanwhile, the party has also reiterated its opposition to uranium mining in South West Khasi Hills.

According to Basaiawmoit, politics in Assam and Meghalaya is different and the Assam model of a pre-poll alliance might not work in Meghalaya.

"People might see HSPDP as an alternative to NEDA and the Congress," he said.

He is hopeful of his party putting up a good show in the 2018 Assembly elections.

Meanwhile, the party vice president KP Pangniang denied media reports that Ardent Basaiawmoit never discussed the issue of pre-poll alliance with

Stating that the party is not against "development", Ardent Basaiawmoit said that the proposed two-lane road projects in the uranium-mining belt should not be linked to the mining of the mineral.

The issue was discussed in the central executive committee meeting of the party held on Monday.

The HSPDP also opposed the state government's alteration of the policy not to give preference to bonded nursing students.

(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

PM expresses grief over killing of CRPF men in Naxal attack Ten commandos belonging to the elite CoBRA battalion of CRPF were killed and five others injured after a group of 200 Naxals ambushed them and blew off 22 IEDs in the jungles of Bihar's Aurangabad district yesterday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi New Delhi, July 19 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed grief over the killing of 10 CRPF commandos in an IED blast carried out by Naxals in Bihar and extended condolences to the families of the martyred personnel.

expressed grief on the loss of lives of CRPF personnel in Bihar. He prays for a speedy recovery of the injured," the PMO said. "PM @narendramodi extends his condolences to the families of the martyred CRPF personnel in this hour of sadness," the PMO said in a tweet.

"The Prime Minister has

"While eight personnel were killed on the spot, two others succumbed to their injuries when they were being evacuated," a senior official said.

The IED blast was followed by an encounter between security forces and Naxals in which three extremists were killed.

This is one of the biggest casualties of the elite COBRA unit which was raised by the CRPF in 2008 for undertaking special jungle/ guerrilla warfare operations.(PTI)

Nitish exceeding jurisdiction, claims Sushil Patna, Jul 19 : Observing that the Governor's post is a constitutional arrangement, senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi today lambasted Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for exceeding his jurisdiction by demanding scrapping of the post.

"The Governor's post is enshrined in the constitution and any move to do away with it, will require constitutional amendment," he told reporters on the sidelines of Janata Durbar at his official residence.

Disapproving the Bihar Chief Minister's demand for scrapping the Governor's post, Modi said that Kumar has no jurisdiction to say so given his stature as a leader of a party which has little or no influence across the country.

It may be mentioned that Kumar had demanded scrapping of the Governor's post at the Inter-State Council Meeting at New Delhi recently.

The senior BJP leader also mourned the death of ten CRPF jawans in combat with the Maoists in Bihar's

Two Indian Navy patrol boats catch fire in dockyard, sink Mumbai, July 19: Two Indian Navy security patrol boats caught fire in the Naval Dockyard here early on Tuesday and sank in the harbour waters, official sources said.

The blaze was reported around 1.30 a.m. on one of the two boats anchored beside each other. The fire quickly spread to the second boat, apparently owing to the strong wind.

Even as naval and dockyard firemen battled the blaze to save the vessels, the boats sustained huge damage and heavy ingress of water.

By around 8 a.m. when the conflagration was controlled, the two boats -- both made of fibre-glass -- had sunk in the shallow harbour waters.

There were no human casualties in the incident. A Board of Inquiry has been ordered.

Efforts are underway to salvage the two boats -- the make and type of which has not been disclosed yet -- and after examining them, a decision would be taken whether they are still service-worthy.

An official assured that barring the two boats which were used for security patrols in the high seas, there was no damage to any other defence assets.(Agencies)

Aurangabad district yesterday and charged the RJD with patronising naxal elements in the state.

districts of Bihar. Wild boars have been placed in Schedule V in 13 districts of Uttarkhand for a year.

"The RJD supports naxal outfits and provides political patronage to such elements for votebank politics," Modi said. (PTI) "Not allowed culling of boars, nilgais and monkeys" New Delhi, Jul 19 : The Centre today said it has not allowed culling of any species posing a threat to farmers, but said wild boar, nilgai and monkeys have been placed in Schedule V of the Wild Life Protection Act that allows people to drive them away in specific areas.

The order was issued in December 2015 for Bihar and in February 2016 for Uttarakhand.

Responding to a question in Lok Sabha, his first as a Minister of State for Environment and Forest, Anil Dave said Bihar, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh had requested to include "problematic wild animals" in schedule V in accordance with section 62 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972.

Accordingly, nilgai has been placed in the category in 31 and wild boar in 10

A similar order was issued for Shimla in Himachal Pradesh in March this year for a period of six months where in a species of monkey (Rhesus Maccaque) was placed in the category.

A similar order was extended in 10 districts of the state on May 24 for a year.

"I want to clarify that the Centre has not given any order to cull animals, nor has any state government has asked permission for it," Dave said.

With certain animals brought in Schedule V, this, the minister said, gives them the right "to drive the animal with a stick".

After the issue of compensation and man-animal conflict was raised, Minister said the matter could be given a thought with sensitivity.(PTI)

CRPF ambush: 10 commandos martyred in Bihar

Patna, July 19: Ten Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commandos of the elite COBRA battalion were martyred and five others were injured in a Maoist IED blast in Bihar's Aurangabad district, officials said on Tuesday.

While eight personnel were killed on the spot, two others succumbed to their injuries when they were being taken to the hospital, a senior officer said.

The incident was reported from ChakarbandaDumarinala forests of the said district, bordering Gaya.

Some arms and ammunition, including an AK-47

rifle, INSAS rifle and under barrel grenade launcher were also recovered from the site.

Officials said five other personnel were critically injured in the fierce gun battle that ensued after the IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blast.

The jawans belonged to the 205th COBRA battalion and were deployed in the state for conducting antinaxal operations.

This is one of the biggest casualties of the elite COBRA unit which has been raised by the CRPF for undertaking special jungle w a r f a r e operations.(Agencies)

PAGE 6

CPI for abolition of Governor's post Hyderabad, Jul 19 : The Communist Party of India (CPI) has sought abolition of the post of state governors, calling it an outdated system wherein people holding the position misuse office and overstep their limits.

"Post of Governors should go. Sometimes it (the post of Governors) is for retired officers. Now, all sorts of funny fellows are becoming Governors. The people who should be put in museums by RSS are being put in Raj Bhavans. That's the problem," CPI General

Secretary S Sudhakar Reddy said.

"Now, it's high time to think about it. The system itself should be abolished.

It's very much misused these days," he told PTI.

Court judgement, Governor Tathagata Roy had the "audacity to ask the Chief Minister to prove his majority within 48 hours", and termed his action as "idiotic".

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had also last week pitched for abolition of Governor's post, saying the existing federal democratic structure did not warrant its continuance.

He alleged Governors have become like a "counter-check" on the democratically elected government in various states and most of them do not understand their limitations.

Speaking on the Arunachal Pradesh issue, Reddy said even after the Supreme

The Governor's office is a "lavish, useless extravaganza" (financial burden)

on state governments.

"It is an outdated system which the British had introduced. In some places, they become so controversial that they try to replace elected Chief Ministers," he said.

"In recent period, some of them are talking nonsense also...RSS people. Even during earlier Congress regimes, we were of the opinion the Governor's post was more ornamental," the CPI leader said.

Reddy suggested some

Curfew remains in force in Kashmir, death toll climbs to 42 Srinagar, July 19: A woman injured in clashes between security forces and protestors in South Kashmir succumbed at a hospital, taking the death toll in the ongoing unrest to 42, even as curfew remained in force in the Valley on Tuesday.

Neelofar was injured in retaliatory firing yesterday after the protestors pelted stones at an Army vehicle in Qazigund.

Two other persons, including a woman, were killed and seven others injured in the incident.

A police spokesman, giving details of the incident, said an army mobile domination patrol party while moving towards Devsar tried to clear a road blockade erected by some persons at Churaht Qazigund.

"The security force party while removing the obstructions came under heavy stone pelting by the miscreants from two sides. The

sonnel have been deployed in strength across the Valley for strict implementation of the prohibitory orders, the official said.

He said there were no reports of fresh violence from anywhere in the Valley so far.

Curfew remains in force in Kashmir, death toll climbs to 42

Army party warned the mob to maintain distance but it did not relent.

"Some miscreants tried to snatch weapons from them and tried to set ablaze the vehicles. Despite repeated warnings the mob did not disperse and army fired in self defence in an effort to move out from the spot," the spokesman said, adding six persons were injured in the incident out of which two had succumbed last night.

Curfew, meanwhile, remained in force across the 10 districts of the Valley as there was no sign of deadly clashes between protestors and security forces ending.

The clashes began soon after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

Police and paramilitary per-

Normal life also remained paralysed for the 11th day today due to separatist sponsored strike, which has now been extended till July 22.

In a joint statement, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik yesterday said the shutdown in the Valley will continue till July 22. However, they have announced a relaxation of half day from 2.00 PM onwards on July 21.

Mobile telehony and mobile Internet services also remained shut while newspapers failed to hit stands for the fourth day.(PTI)

mechanism to replace the post of Governor.

"Government should come out with some sort of proposal and we can discuss about it," he said.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "I am all for having a transparent system of Governors. I am all for having a system of Governors through a broader consultative process, involving may be the Vice-President or the President and Prime Minister, and Leader of Opposition.(PTI)

Guru Purnima celebrated at ISKCON in Mayapur Kolkata, Jul 19 : Guru Purnima Mahotsav was today celebrated at Geeta Bhavan complex of ISKCON in Mayapur, with a large number of devotees and dignitaries attending the programme.

Devotees decked up the complex at the ISKCON headquarters in Mayapur of Nadia district with flowers and oil lamps while kirtans in praise of the Guru were played.

The objective of the Mahotsav is to spread the message of Chaitanya Maha Prabhu, who believed that the practice of Sanatan Dharma could be a harbinger of universal brotherhood and make the world a better place.

As many as 300 distinguished people of the district attended the programme. Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, Governing Body Commission (GBC) of the ISKCON and one of the spiritual masters, graced the occasion. Sri Madhava Gouranga was also present.(PTI)

Donald Trump a threat to Mehbooba asks officials to reach out democracy: Clinton to people, mitigate their sufferings

Hillary Clinton Cleveland (US), Jul 19 : Donald Trump is unfit to become the US president as he "demeans" women, plays coy with "white supremacists" and is a "threat" to American democracy, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has alleged.

Addressing the NAACP National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, the State which is hosting the Republican convention, Clinton said the Republican party, which once was a party of Abraham Lincoln, has become a Trump entity.

"This man is the nominee of the Party of Lincoln. And we are watching it become the Party of Trump. And that's not just a huge loss to our democracy it is a threat to our democracy. By now, we've heard a lot of troubling things about Donald Trump but that one's shocking," Clinton, 68, said.

"It all adds up to an undeniable conclusion: I don't care if you're a Democrat, a Republican, an Independent Donald Trump cannot become President of the United States. And that's why we've got to work together to get out the vote this fall," she said yesterday.

The four-day Republican convention kicked off yesterday and Trump would formally be coroneted as the party's presidential nominee on Thursday.

Clinton used the occasion to slam Trump for his divisive policies and rhetoric.

"Donald Trump led the movement to de-legitimize our first black president, trumpeting the so-called 'birther' movement.

Donald Trump plays coy with white supremacists," Clinton said.

"Donald insults Mexican immigrants, even an American judge born of Mexican heritage. Donald Trump demeans women. Donald Trump wants to ban an entire religion from entering our country," she alleged.

Noting that Trump loves to talk to the press, Clinton said the first time the billionaire tycoon was quoted in 'The New York Times' was in 1973 when the Justice Department went after his company for refusing to rent apartments to African Americans.

"It was one of the largest federal cases of its kind at the time.

And when federal investigators spoke with Trump's employees, they said they were instructed to mark rental applications from black people with a 'C'. A 'C' for colored," she said.

Clinton also forcefully condemned the recent police shootings.

She reiterated the pressing need to support law enforcement officers, reform criminal justice system and pass common sense gun laws to keep communities and police officers safe.

Describing this as a critical election for the nation, Clinton urged her supporters to come out and vote in the November general elections.

She also announced a nationwide voter mobilisation goal to register and commit to vote more than 3 million voters to be a part of this campaign.

In the kickoff week alone, 'Hillary for America' and the state Democratic coordinated campaigns will host more than 500 registration or commit to vote events across the country.(PTI)

Srinagar, July 19: Calling for a collective effort to get Jammu and Kashmir back on course, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday asked the administration to reach out to the people to mitigate their sufferings.

The Government is taking various measures to restore calm and it needs support of every section of the society to normalise the situation to end the miseries of the people, the Chief Minister said while speaking at a high-level meeting of the Administrative Secretaries convened here on Monday to review the situation on the governance front.

The Chief Minister said besides loss of precious human lives and injuries to scores, the local economy, especially the tourism sector and education have taken a big hit because of the prevailing law and order situation and it is the responsibility of every section of the society including the political leaders, media, the religious heads, the business community, the prominent citizens and especially the emancipated youth to rise to the occasion and help the government in restoring peace and normalcy in the Kashmir.

Mehbooba said the Ministers and other Government functionaries have been asked to reach out to the people and work with the local civil society groups for speedy restoration of peace and normalcy in the affected areas so that the public don't face any hardships.

Asking officers to lead from the front in reaching out to the people and mitigating their problems, the Chief Minister stressed the need for infusing new life in the institutions at the cutting edge level to address the developmental concerns of the

public.

She said unemployment is a matter of grave concern and every section of the society including individuals, institutions and organizations, have to be brought together in a spirit of creative enterprise to widen the economic and employment space for the state's youth and channelise their energies productively.

Mehbooba said the Government is responsive to the peoples needs and concerned about their problems and is working judiciously and in a transparent manner to fulfil their aspirations and expectations.

She made it clear that her priority is the people and not politics or power.

"As long as I am here I would spend every day in mitigating the sufferings of the people," she said and added that she would like her officers to become partners in this enterprise of hope so that the people get to feel the real change.

Emphasising upon strict implementation of the rule of law, the Chief Minister called for keeping a strict vigil on the activities of the anti-social elements who in the garb of law and order situation indulge in encroachments and misuse of state s resources.

The Principal Secretary Home briefed the meeting about the overall law and order situation and the steps being taken to restore normalcy in the Valley.

He said the situation has stabilised in most of the districts and except for some sporadic incidents of protests and stone-pelting the overall law and order scenario has improved substantially.

While reviewing the condition of injured and availability of medicines and other equipment in hospitals, the Chief Minister was

informed by the Commissioner Secretary Health and Medical Education Department that out of the 2115 people injured during the prevailing law and order situation, 1924 have been discharged from the hospitals while 191 are still undergoing treatment including 70 people with eye injuries.

The meeting was informed that there are adequate quantities of blood, medicines and other requisite facilities available for the injured in all the hospitals and no patient needs to be shifted outside the state for treatment.

The Chief Minister directed that besides providing free medicines and other requisites to the patients, the attendants should be also given free food by the Government.

Regarding the education sector, the Chief Minister was informed that the Government will review the decision on the reopening of the educational institutions with the stabilisation of the situation.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the stock and supply position, sanitation, dredging of river Jhelum, transportation of fruit, power and drinking water supply position.

Mehbooba asked the Secretary Horticulture and Secretary Transport to ensure hassle-free movement of trucks for exporting fruit to various markets outside the State.

The Chief Minister said that there should be no let up in the pace of development in the areas where the situation is normal, especially in Jammu region.

She also called for submitting proposals for Rs 80000 crore PM's Developmental Package for Jammu and Kashmir.(Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Turkey detains 6,000 in purge after failed coup Istanbul, July 19: Turkish authorities pressed on Sunday with a ruthless crackdown against suspects in the failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with 6,000 people detained as he vowed to stamp out the "virus" of the putschists.

Erdogan also said Turkey could consider reinstating the death penalty following the putsch bid, despite concerns in the international community. World leaders including US President Barack Obama have strongly condemned Friday's attempted takeover by an army faction, but there is also alarm over the retaliatory purges, especially after pictures emerged showing the rough treatment of some suspects.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag said around 6,000 people had been detained in "clean-up operations" and warned that the number would rise.

They include senior army commanders, top judges, prosecutors and a military aide to Erdogan. A resurgent Erdogan raised the prospect of bringing back capital punishment, which was abolished in 2004 as the country sought to improve its chances of joining the EU.

GOP platform adopts tough posture against China

Turkish authorities pressed on Sunday with a ruthless crackdown against suspects in the failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan "In democracies, decisions are made based on what the people say. I think our government will speak with the opposition and come to a decision," he said, reacting to crowds in Istanbul calling for the death penalty.

"We cannot delay this anymore because in this country, those who launch a coup will have to pay the price for it," he told supporters.

Earlier he told a crowd of thousands at a funeral for the victims in Istanbul there would be no let-up in the fight against his sworn enemy Fethullah Gulen, the US-based Islamic preacher he accuses of mastermind-

ing shots at rebel troops who later surrendered, a Turkish official told AFP. Turkish authorities have made clear they will show no mercy in the wake of the coup, which sparked fears of chaos in the strategic NATO country of 80 million people.

It was the biggest challenge to Erdogan's rule in his 13 years as prime minister and president.

The group behind the putsch, which called itself the Council for Peace in the Homeland, said it was necessary to stop the increasingly authoritarian president from undermining Turkish

and Anadolu said warrants have been issued for 2,745 judges and prosecutors.

Turkey shut down airspace around Incirlik after the coup, forcing the US to halt its strikes in Syria. But Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said on Sunday that operations against the Islamic State group had resumed from the base.

The putsch added to the turmoil in Turkey after a wave of deadly bombings blamed on IS jihadists and Kurdish rebels. Erdogan has long accused Gulen of running a "parallel state" in Turkey, and called on Obama to extradite the reclusive preacher from the United States to face justice. Labour Minister Suleyman Soylu went even further, saying "the United States is behind the coup" and adding it had to hand over Gulen.

The 75-year-old preacher has categorically denied any involvement in the plot and suggested it could have been staged by Erdogan himself. Obama meanwhile told Turkey there is a "vital need" for all parties to "act within the rule of law".

And French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned Erdogan against using the failed putsch as a "blank cheque" to silence his opponents.(Agencies)

China announces SCS military exercises

Cleveland, July 19: Adopting a tough posture against China, the Republican party has said it can't allow Beijing to continue with its policies on several fronts, including currency manipulation, offenses against intellectual property and aggressive behaviour in SouthChina Sea. "China's behaviour has negated the optimistic language of our last platform concerning our future relations with the country," the Republican platform expressed yesterday at the Republican national convention. (Agencies)

Beijing, July 19: China on Monday said it is closing off a part of the South China Sea for military exercises this week, days after an international tribunal ruled against Beijing's claim to ownership of virtually the entire strategic waterway.

Hainan's maritime administration said an area southeast of the island province would be closed from Monday to Thursday, but gave no details about the nature of the exercises. The navy and Defence Ministry had no immediate comment.

The announcement came in the middle of a three-day visit to China by the US

College teacher close to Dhaka cafe attacker arrested

4 killed in attacks in Kazakhstan

Dhaka, July 19: A college teacher, said to be close to one of the Islamist militants who carried out Bangladesh' worst terror attack at a cafe here, has been arrested.

Kazakhstan, July 19: Three police officers and one civilian were killed on Monday following armed attacks on a police station and a security service office in Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty, the interior ministry said.

Parts of the city were in lockdown following the incident with one suspect in custody and a manhunt underway for an accomplice still at large, the interior ministry said in a statement.

The detained man is accused of killing a local resident during a carjacking and attacking a police station at around 11 am (local time), shooting a police officer and taking his gun, said the statement. The suspect then shot two officers as they gave chase before being arrested.

"According to preliminary information, the detained man is a 27-year-old man with previous convictions," the ministry said, adding that he is "suspected of murdering a woman at the weekend".

Milon Hossain, a teacher in Piyar Ali School and College who was close to Gulshan cafe attacker Shafiqul Islam Ujjal, was held on Saturday night at Ashulia here, police said.

Milon, who earlier worked at Madbar Memorial School in Ashulia, had helped Ujjal get a job as a teacher of the school, a police official was quoted as saying by the bdnews. He was produced before a court that granted police five days to grill him in custody.

Ujjal, a madrassa student from Bogra, was among the five militants whose photographs were published by the Islamic State, which claimed the responsibility for July 1 attack that left at least 20 hostages, including an Indian, and two policemen dead.

Ujjal had told them that he would go to Tabligh Jamaat's 'Chilla', a 40-day travel from one mosque to another to attend lectures and call people to prayers.

(PTI)

ing the coup plot.

"We will continue to clean the virus from all state bodies because this virus has spread.

Unfortunately like a cancer, this virus has enveloped the state," he said. A total of 265 people were killed during the coup bid, including 161 civilians and regular troops and 104 coup plotters, according to government and military figures. Clashes erupted at an air base in the central city of Konya between security forces and putschists trying to evade arrest, while at Istanbul's second airport Sabiha Gokcen, police fired warn-

democracy. Critics at home and abroad had voiced mounting concern over the state of democracy and freedom of speech under Erdogan.

But the 62-year-old leader successfully mobilised supporters into the streets to face down the plotters.

Thousands again responded on late Saturday to Erdogan's call to pour into the streets and celebrate the "victory of democracy", with mass rallies of flagwaving Turks in cities including Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir.

"They may have tanks but we have our faith. We will not leave the squares‌ but we will continue defiantly," said Erdogan. Turkish television has shown images of captured suspects forced to lie face down on the tarmac after their arrest while AFP photographers have seen suspects roughly led away, pursued by angry mobs.

NTV television said 34 generals of various grades had been detained so far. Air force brigadier general Bekir Ercan Van was also detained at the key Incirlik air base used by US forces for raids in Syria, along with a dozen lower-ranked officers.

But the crackdown is not restricted to the military,

It said that police are now searching for the gunman's "partner in crime." Local media reported that at least seven police are being treated in hospital. The country's anti-terror service has issued a red alert threat warning following the attacks and police have called on residents of the city to stay in their homes. (PTI)

Navy's top admiral to discuss the South China Sea dispute and ways to increase interactions between the two militaries. Chief of Naval Operations Adm John Richardson is meeting with China's navy commander, Adm Wu Shengli, during his trip to Beijing and the port city of Qingdao that began on Sunday. He is also scheduled to visit the navy's submarine academy, tour china's first aircraft carrier and discuss ongoing Rim of the Pacific military drills.

China rejected last Tuesday's ruling by the Hague-based Permanent

Court of Arbitration in a case initiated by the Philippines, and refused to take part in the arbitration. It has responded by asserting that islands in the South China Sea are "China's inherent territory," and says it could declare an air defence identification zone over the waters if it felt threatened. In a further show of defiance, Beijing followed the ruling by landing two civilian aircraft on new airstrips on disputed Mischief and Subi reefs and dispatched its coast guard to block a Philippine fishing boat from reaching a contested shoal.

Dennis Blair, a former com-

mander of US forces in the Pacific, told a congressional hearing on Wednesday that the United States should be willing to use military force to oppose Chinese aggression at a disputed reef off the coast of the Philippines.

Blair said the objective of such an action was not to pick a fight with China at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, but to set a limit on its military coercion.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who said before the ruling that he wanted to start talks with China on the issue, has not commented on the tribunal's

decision, but described the territorial disputes as a complicated issue that may affect the country's economy as well as ties with treaty ally the United States.

Duterte has been more reconciliatory with China compared to his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, who filed the arbitration complaint against Beijing. The tribunal ruled that China violated international maritime law by building up artificial islands in the South China Sea that destroyed coral reefs, and by disrupting fishing and oil exploration. (Agencies)

3 get death penalty, 5 jailed for life over B'desh war crimes

3 get death penalty, 5 jailed for life over B'desh war crimes

Dhaka, July 19: Three Islamists were handed down death penalty while five others jailed until death by a special tribunal in Bangladesh for committing crimes against humanity during the 1971 liberation war with Pakistan.

A three-member panel of judges of Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) led by Justice Anwarul Haque pronounced the judgement as two of the convicts appeared on the dock while six others were tried in absentia as they were on the run to evade justice.

The verdict came as the prosecution accused all the eight of five charges relating to crimes like mass murders, abductions, tortures and lootings.

Prosecution lawyers said six of the convicts were members of infamous Al-badr auxiliary force of the Pakistani troops during the war and carried out atrocities in northern Jamalpur district.

The two others belonged to Razakar, another Bengalimanned armed group raised

by Pakistanis during the war.

Manned by activists of fundamentalist Jamaat-eIslami, which was opposed to Bangladesh's 1971 independence from Pakistan, the Al-Badr appeared as an extremely notorious force by carrying out ruthless atrocities siding with Pakistani troops.

The verdict came amid a nationwide tension following the recent two back-toback Islamist terror attacks in the country following which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hinted that Jamaat could be behind the assaults.

Bangladesh has so far executed four war crimes convicts since the process began to try the top Bengali perpetrators of 1971 atrocities in line with the electoral commitment of Prime Minister Hasina in 2008. (PTI)

Hand-painted Islamic State flag found in room of German train attacker

Former black Marine kills 3 policemen in ambush-style shooting Houston, July 19: A black US Marine veteran killed three police officers in Baton Rouge before being shot dead, nearly two weeks after the fatal police shooting of a black man in the city that sparked country-wide protests and led to the massacre of five law enforcement officers.

The African-American gunman, identified by the media as 29-year-old Gavin Eugene Long, dressed in black and armed with a rifle, shot the police officers in an "ambush-style" attack on Sunday.

The motive of the shooting was not known but comes amid spiralling tensions

across the city and the country between the black community and police amid the ambush on Dallas police officers where a sniper killed five officers.

Officials confirmed that three law enforcement officers died while three others were wounded during the shooting on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, over a kilometre away from police headquarters.

The gunman, a decorated former Marine sergeant who served in Iraq, was shot dead minutes later in the gunfight with police. The shooter appeared to have attacked police officers on

his birthday, police said.

Authorities initially believed that two other assailants might be at large, but hours later said that no other active shooters were in the city.

"The dead suspect in the Baton Rouge shooting was wearing all black and a mask," Baton Rouge Police Department Sgt Don Coppola said. A witness told WBRZ-TV that a man, dressed in black with his face covered, was shooting indiscriminately when he walked out between a convenience store and car wash.

Police received a call of "suspicious person walking down Airline Highway with

an assault rifle," a source said, adding that when police arrived, the man opened fire. President Barack Obama condemned the shooting as "cowardly" assault and called for national unity, urging Americans and political leaders to avoid inflammatory words and focus on "uniting the country rather than dividing it".

"It is so important that everyone regardless of race or political party or profession, regardless of what organisations you are a part of, everyone right now focus on words and actions that can unite this country rather than divide it further," Obama said. (PTI)

3 Sufi Muslims attacked in Bangladesh; critical Dhaka, July 19: Three elderly Sufi Muslims, including two women, were on Sunday attacked in their sleep by unidentified machete-wielding men in western Bangladesh's border town with India and suffered critical injuries in the latest in a spate of deadly attacks on religious minorities in the Muslimmajority nation. Eight to 10 assailants attacked several 'bauls' (mystic singers) around midnight with sharp weapons and iron rods at their 'Akhra' (residing place) at Ektarpur vil-

lage, some 240 kms from here, local media reported.

Rashida Khatun, 60, Abdur Rahim, 65, and his wife Bulu Begum, 50, were injured and are now undergoing treatment at a local health complex.

All the three injured are in critical state, The Daily Star quoted Dr Anisur Rahman, a doctor of Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, as saying.

The other Bauls, however, managed to flee the spot, said Mukul Hossein, landlord of the Akhra.

"It could not be known

who or why they attacked the Bauls," Hossein said.

Jibannagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir confirmed the facts. The couple hails from Kushtia, while the woman from Jhenaidah.

They had come to the village to join a congregation of Bauls. Victim Bulu Begum told reporters that seven to eight men barged into the Akhra and started beating them with iron rods.

"Bauls from different areas come to this Akhra.

We also went there."

She said only three of them were there during the attack, and that they could not identify the attackers. The locals heard them scream and rushed them to the hospital.

All of them sustained injuries inflicted by iron rods, doctor Masud Rana was quoted as saying.

"We have found some slash wounds on Rahim's head," he said, adding Rashida has injuries on the face and leg, and the third victim had been referred to Rajshahi as her leg injuries seemed critical. (PTI)

US to raise concerns at United Nations over North Korea missile tests Bavaria, July 19: "A handpainted flag of the Islamic State group has been found among the belongings of the 17-year-old Afghan refugee who attacked train passengers with an axe and a knife", the interior minister of the southern state of Bavaria told German television on Tuesday. The flag was found in the room of the man who seriously wounded four people and injured several others on a regional train in the city of Wuerzburg, the minister, Joachim Herrmann, said on ZDF public television. The teenager was shot dead by police as he tried to flee.(Agencies) Caption: Hand-painted Islamic State flag found in room of German train attacker Turkey holds 26 generals, including ex-air chief, over coup Turkey, July 19: A Turkish court has remanded in custody 26 senior generals on charges of playing a role in the failed coup aimed at toppling President Recep

Tayyip Erdogan, state media said on Tuesday. The 26 placed under arrest by the Ankara court include former Turkish air force chief General Akin Ozturk, who some Turkish media have painted as the mastermind of the plot although he has denied this accusation.(Agencies) Caption: Turkey holds 26 generals, including ex-air chief, over coup US to raise concerns at United Nations over North Korea missile tests Korea, July 19: The United States warned Monday it would raise concerns at the United Nations over the latest North Korean missile tests carried out in violation of Security Council resolutions. US Strategic Command said it detected and tracked three North Korean missile launches at 2044 GMT, 2058 GMT and 2135 GMT, just over a week after Pyongyang issued threats to respond to the planned deployment of a US anti-missile system in South Korea.'(Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

Air Pollution Causing massive trouble to several countries

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and World Health Pranjal Bezborah

Air Pollution has been causing massive trouble to several countries in the world. However, India and China have been the top contributors when it comes to high pollution levels. And last year, India left its counterpart China behind in being more polluted. Also India, since the year 2011, when China had its most polluted year, conditions have significantly improved. At the same time, India has suffered a setback regarding pollution levels. According to the World Health Organisation, India is home to 13 out of 20 most polluted cities in the world with air pollution levels deteriorating during the past decade. China still has more deaths per day from air pollution 2,700 in 2013 compared to 1,800 in India. But air quality in Beijing has improved over the last two years despite the city's first smog red-alert during the winter, when a blanket of air pollution shrouded the capital for more than three weeks.

Meanwhile, new research shows that air pollution has even wider health implications than previous thought, as it may lead to childhood obesity A Greenpeace study showed that last year was the first year on record that the average Indian was exposed to more air pollution than the average

Chinese. As per the report levels of the most harmful fine particulates, PM2.5 (short for "Particulate Matter up to 2.5 micrometres in size"), have fallen by 17 per cent in China between 2010 and 2015, while in India they have expanded by 13 per cent. By comparison, in the United States they have fallen 15 per cent, and in the EU by 20 per cent in the period 20052013. Greenpeace analysis of satellite-based particulate matter measurements over the past decade shows that China's systematic efforts to combat air pollution have achieved an impressive improvement in average air quality in the country in the past few years -although pollution levels remain alarmingly high, Greenpeace India said in a report, Clean Air Action Plan: The Way Forward. Greenpeace said the reduced levels were testimony to government efforts on a national level to tackle air pollution in China, including setting targets for air quality and for clean energy. In contrast, air pollution levels in India, and in particular North India, have risen rapidly, with 2015 being the most polluted year on record. Like China, India also needs to come up with a full-proof action plan to curb pollution levels in the country. Or else, that day won't be far away, when a mask would become a necessity for every Indian citizen.

Right to Information Awareness is the solution to any problem By enacting the Right to Information Act India has moved from an opaque and arbitrary system of government to the beginning of an era where there will be greater transparency and to a system where the citizen will be empowered and the true center of power.

Only by empowering the ordinary citizen can any nation progress towards greatness and by enacting the Right to Information Act 2005 India has taken a small but significant step towards that goal. In India, RTI Act was introduced in 2005 and since then this law has proved to be a strong weapon in the hands of people, for ensuring transparency in government departments and containing corruption. By 2010, more than 85 countries have national-level RTI laws or regulations in force including the major developing countries like China and India. In Asia so far almost 20 nations have adopted FOI laws including Kazakhstan (FOI Act, 1993), South Korea (Act on Disclosure of Information by Public Agencies, 1996 adopted in 1998 and amended in 2004), Japan (Law concerning Access to information, 1999 came into power in 2001 and amended in 2003), China (Open Government Information Regulation, 2008 which came into effect in 2009) and Indonesia (FOI Law, 2008 which came into force in 2010).

In South Asia, countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka, have not adopted any related legislations.

Only Nepal (2007), Bangladesh (2009), Pakistan (2002) and India

(2005) have such laws. Although the Act of Right to Information have been criticized on several grounds. It provides for information on demand, so to speak, but does not sufficiently stress information on matters related to food, water, environment and other survival needs that must be given pro-actively, or suo moto, by public authorities. The Act does not emphasize active intervention in educating people about their right to access information -- vital in a country with high levels of illiteracy and poverty -- or the promotion of a culture of openness within official structures. Without widespread education and awareness about the possibilities under the new Act, it could just remain on paper. The Act also reinforces the controlling role of the government official, who retains wide discretionary powers to withhold information. The most scathing indictment of the Bill has come from critics who focus on the sweeping exemptions it permits. Restrictions on information relating to security, foreign policy, defence, law enforcement and public safety are standard. But the Right to Information Act also excludes Cabinet papers, including records of the council of ministers, secretaries and other officials, this effectively shields the whole process of decision-making from mandatory disclosure. The real Swaraj will come not by the acquisition of authority by a few but by the acquisition of capacity by all to resist authority when abused. Thus with the enactment of this Act India has taken a small step towards achieving real Swaraj.

The UN General Assembly adopted the new development agenda "Transforming our world: the 2030 agenda for sustainable development" on September 25 2015. The agenda was based on the outcome document of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, which took place in June 2012 and led to the establishment of the Open Working Group on SDGs. The Open Working Group proposal was welcomed by the UN General Assembly in September 2014 and became the principal guideline for integrating SDGs into the post 2015 development agenda.

The 17 goals of the new development agenda integrate all three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental) around the themes of people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. The SDGs seek to continue to prioritize the fight against poverty and hunger, while also focusing on human rights for all, and the empowerment of women and girls as part of the push to achieve gender equality.

They also build upon, and extend, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in order to tackle the unfinished business of the MDG era. The SDGs recognize

that eradicating poverty and inequality, creating inclusive economic growth and preserving the planet are inextricably linked, not only to each other, but also to population health; and that the relationships between each of these elements are dynamic and reciprocal. For example, with regard to health, a fundamental assumption of the SDGs is that health is a major contributor and beneficiary of sustainable development policies.

The SDGs aim to be universal, integrated and interrelated in nature. In order to take on such a wide range of cross-cutting issues, it will be necessary to achieve far greater inter-sectoral coherence, integration and coordination of efforts than that has hitherto been in evidence. A revitalized global partnership for sustainable development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, informed by a readiness to reach across sectors and guided by clear and measurable objectives will be critical for the mobilization of the means required to implement the SDG agenda, focused particularly on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable.

The paragraph 26 of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development addresses health as follows: "To promote physical and mental

UN Sustainable Development Goals logo. (Photo: disrupt-and-innovate) health and well-being and to extend life expectancy for all, we must achieve universal health coverage and access to quality healthcare.

No one must be left behind.

We commit to accelerating the progress made to date in reducing newborn, child and maternal mortality by ending all such preventable deaths before 2030. We are committed to ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including for family planning, information and education. We will equally accelerate the pace of progress made in fighting malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuber-

culosis, hepatitis, Ebola and other communicable diseases and epidemics, including by addressing growing antimicrobial resistance and the problem of unattended diseases affecting developing countries. We are committed to the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases, including behavioral, developmental and neurological disorders, which constitute a major challenge for sustainable development." One of the 17 goals has been devoted specifically to health, and is framed in deliberately broad terms that are relevant to all countries and all popula-

tions: "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages."

Health is linked to many of the non-health goals, reflecting the fact that health affects, and is in turn affected by many economic, social and environmental determinants. Progress in health is dependent on economic, social and environmental progress. Well over a dozen targets in other goals can be considered health related and should be given special attention in strategies, policies and plans to achieve the health goal and in monitoring progress.

One of the strength of the SDGs is the breadth of their embrace, which seeks to encompass communicable diseases, NCDs and injuries as well as determinants of health such as increasing urbanization, pollution and climate change. The SDG agenda emphasizes the close links between health and sustainable development and poverty reduction if people have access t the information and services they need to promote and protect their health and are protected from catastrophic expenditure when they fall ill.

Sustainable development, in turn, limits the adverse impacts of environmental degradation and climate change, which have the highest relative impact on the poorest countries and the least healthy and poorest groups within countries.

Policies made in all sectors can have a profound effect on population health and health equity. The health of thee people is not solely a health sector responsibility; it is also impacted by issues such as transport, agriculture, housing, trade and foreign policy. To address the multisectoral nature of health determinants requires the political will to engage the whole of government in health. (Pranjal Bezborah is a Professor in the Department of Commerce, Dibrugarh University. He can be reached at pranjalbezborah@yahoo.com)

South China Sea Ruling: Can This be India's Moment in the Indo-Pacific?

Harsh V. Pant It was widely anticipated.

Yet when it came, it seemed like a shock. Dealing a major blow to Beijing's insistence that it has special rights to South China Sea and in a victory for the Philippines, an international tribunal of judges decided last week that China's claims to the critical waterway are without legal merit.

The ruling, handed down by a tribunal based at the Hague's Permanent Court of Arbitration, came in response to complaints made by the Philippines after the seizure of Scarborough Shoal by China in 2012. It has now set the stage for more tension in one of the world's foremost flash points. It will radically alter not only China's relationships with its Asian neighbors, but with other major regional and global players such as the United States, Japan, Australia and India.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea, but its

claims are fiercely contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

China has long refused to recognize the tribunal and has repeatedly said that it will ignore the decision, which is binding and not subject to appeal. And Beijing reacted quickly to the tribunal's decision with China's defense ministry suggesting that its troops would "unswervingly safeguard state sovereignty, security, maritime rights and interests." Defying the tribunal's ruling, Beijing insisted that it had sovereignty over the South China Sea. China was "the first to have discovered, named, and explored and exploited" the islands of the South China Sea islands and their waters, and had "continuously, peacefully and effectively exercised sovereignty and jurisdiction over them," Beijing said in a white paper on settling disputes with the Philippines. And now Beijing has decided to close off a part of the South China

Sea for military exercises this week and its officials are warning freedom of navigation patrols carried out by foreign navies in the South China Sea could end "in disaster."

Within hours of the tribunal's ruling, India's external affairs ministry issued a statement that, without naming China, called on all stakeholders to resolve disputes peacefully and to show respect for the UNCLOS. This was a position on principles not on China or Philippines and important for India, which is looking for a role a regional security provider.

For many in India, this moment presents an important opportunity to underscore the country's credentials as a responsible global power. China, which was talking about global norms to block India's bid at the Nuclear Supplier's Group (NSG) last month, now seems prepared to flout international law with impunity. But India managed to resolve its maritime dispute

its maritime boundary dispute with Bangladesh by implementing the award of a similar tribunal at the PCA. The PCA tribunal awarded Bangladesh 19,467 square kilometers of the 25,602 square kilometers of sea area in the Bay of Bengal in the dispute regarding the delimitation of the maritime boundary between the two countries in 2014, which the two sides have since implemented.

The South China Sea ruling against China presents an immense opportunity for India (Photo: thediplomat) with Bangladesh using the arbitration route.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia

Abraham Denmark alluded to this when he suggested that China should follow India's example of resolving

Artificial Floods

Artificial flood at Anil Nagar, Guwahati (Photo: nelive)

Sir, Alongwith Guwahati all other towns of Assam experience tough days in summer's rainy season most of the areas remaining inundated. But one must concede that Guwahati is the worst sufferer. Causes behind the artificial floods are many, the main being the irresponsibility of the forest department, corrupt municipality corporation and the high-rises built out of black-money, illegal construction of structures, occupying deep areas by filling earth like Deepor Beel, Silsaku etc. Dibrugarh, too is not lagging behind in respect of being affected. Some areas like Graham Bazar, Santipara, Kalibari, Milon Nagar, Khalihamari (Jail Road, Police Reserve) Boiragimoth to name a few are affected most. While the state government quite logically tries to bring the menace in Guwahati leav-

ing no stone unturned under control the same government turns a blind eye to this tedious problems confronting the people of Dibrugarh and other towns of Assam. We appeal to our Chief-minister, through your esteemed daily, to pay his attention taking appropriate steps to mitigate the sufferings of the affected people of all other towns of Assam before long.

New Delhi would like to use this strategic opportunity to shore up its profile in the larger Indo-Pacific as the region comes to terms with China's assertiveness.

With burgeoning strategic ties with Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Philippines, and Indonesia, the stage is set for a more robust Indian presence in the region.

There has always been a demand for a greater Indian role in the region. After China's reaction to the tribunal's ruling, this is only likely to increase.

Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing.

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786001 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Yours etc Email : Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

5 Tips From My Swiss Alps Trip That Every Solo Traveller Should Keep In Mind

Image for representational purpose (Photo: timeslive)

Vanya Rakesh As a 20-something girl bitten by travel bug and heavily inspired by books and movies, I always imagined going to some far-off city alone, having my share of adventure in life and explore a new country.

But this summer when I got an invite to attend a Summer School in Geneva for 2 weeks, for some strange reason, it took me a lifetime to convince my mind - Will it really be worth it? Would the course really add any intellectual value?

How will it help my career?

Where will I arrange for the tuition fee which would cost me a bomb? And most importantly, how will I manage my life in another country alone? Even having lived away from home for 5 years (though in the same country), the fear was never this big. Still, my anxiety just refused to die. Reasons: unknown.

So finally when I (or I should say the guarding angels in my Life) convinced myself to not let go of the opportunity and just give it a shot, instead of preparing for the course, a substantial part of planning started revolving around 'places to see, visit and must-do'. Who knows when life will give me another chance to explore the Swiss Alps all by myself!

With everything sorted (read the finances, plans to buy a super-saver Swiss pass and my anxious-yet-excited heart), I set off on my first solo foreign trip! And the exhilarating experience is what makes me write this account of things I learnt in those glorious 2 weeks.

1. Back Your Will While you plan a trip, zillion things will cross your mind. And many of those may shake your will to take the plunge and explore the place all by yourself. At that moment, the only thing that can help you brush off the anxiety bug, is your will to go. Yes, I will go, yes I will travel alone, Yes I can do it.

Stay strong-headed and be

sure about your ideas, plans and decisions. No one will be more proud of you than yourself.

2. Be Fearless No, I am not campaigning for any sports brand but stating something that gave me the strength to travel to 6 cities alone. We read multiple things happening around which is the biggest cause of our worry when it comes to safety. However, do we stop living? No. So do not stress over it because the Universe has got your back.

3. Do Your Research Well Once you decide the place you want to visit, make sure you burn the midnight oil and do a thorough research about the city, its transportation, the weather, the people, distances, food, local currency - everything you can think of. A well-read traveller is always prepared for what is coming and generates the confidence to step out on those unexplored paths. Though falling back on experiences of people who have visited the place before helps, the research you do to make your trip a success is totally another story. And it helps, a lot!

4. Being Responsible And Patient Solo travel is a teacher in itself and leaves you with valuable qualities that you as an individual bring back home with you. With great power comes great responsibility, and the same comes with freedom. Travel responsibly and be aware of your surroundings. Patience is another virtue you inevitably imbibe, thanks to long layovers, a missed flight, delays, and a lot many things. So instead of unnecessarily worrying, remember to enjoy that moment. Go buy that yummy chocofilled croissant with a vanilla cappuccino and live in that moment. Because things will be ok and turn to be fine. Even if that means waiting endlessly for a train, bus or flight.

5. Be Open In a new city, in the middle of a pool of strangers speak-

ing a language you don't understand, talking to someone may become quite a task. Well, sometimes. But here, you do not have to hesitate. Not even once.

Unabashedly talk to people, ask for directions. Start a conversation with people you sit next to in the train you take. Trust me, the stories that you weave at that point of time are priceless.

It helped me meet a Mauritian, who, on simply being asked for directions, took the responsibility to take me around Lausanne because we both were South-Asians.

On my way to Lucerne, I spent 30 minutes with an American who co-incidentally is a regular visitor to India, but never got an opportunity to explore the country as a tourist. And not to forget the bus driver in Interlaken who was elated to find an Indian lost at the bus stand (me) and suddenly started talking in Punjabi. What an experience! These small instances will always occupy a portion in my happy memory bank.

Go out and try that famous local cuisine, drink like a fish (but responsibly) with people you do not know.

Spend some time in the local park under the sun and observe people. Spend some time in a Museum and Souvenir shops (even if you end up buying nothing). Trust me; the experience will be something that no other trip can probably ever match in your entire lifetime.

Go ahead and just make that one solo backpacking tour to another country in your life to learn new things about yourself and bring home a 'new you'. If nothing else, making friends from different countries and travelling alone will definitely give you answers that you were looking for before booking the tickets to visit that place from your bucket list. Follow your heart and it will lead you to places.

Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz

p O This is the story of Akash, a school dropout who, in 2009, came to Mumbai from Manpur (a small village in Uttarakhand) at the tender age of 13, in search of opportunities.

Like any other rural teenager, new in Mumbai, he took time to adjust to the city's chaos and hustle. He did odd jobs for money, for survival. From on-ground marketing for cigarette companies, to playing guitar at pubs to working at a call centre in Malad to finally, as destiny would beckon, a cook at the house of 4 IITB coders.

A couple of years ago, while getting dinner for us he asked Buxy (Housing Co-founder) as to what he was doing.

"Tu jo Facebook, whatsapp use karta hai na?

Waise websites, apps pe coding hoti hai. Computer ko sikhaana padta hai. Hum woh karte hai" (You use Facebook, WhatsApp right? Such websites and apps are coded. We teach computers what to do. We

July 22, 2016 - for many, this date would be a 'self-declared' national holiday. 'Cause it's the day when their very own superstar, from the south of the Vindhyas, has a movie release - "Kabali".

If you think you have

experienced fanaticism, wait until you have seen a 'First Day First Show' of a Rajini movie. Not long ago, in a popular theatre in Egmore in Chennai, I experienced this unique fanaticism. As early as 4.00 a.m. in the morning, fans gathered

This 13-Year-Old School Dropout Was Working As A Cook, He's A Coder Today

ImpactRun. He is busy coding our iOS app as I write this piece down. His advice for all, in six words, "Ek cheez pakdo.

Aur ghuss jao" (Pick something you like. And commit yourself to it.)

Life is merely a set of experiences, where learning and opportunities are available, every moment. We merely have to grab on to

Ishan Nadkarni program websites similar to these) was the answer.

Fascinated, he claimed, "Wow. Mujhe bhi karna hai!" (I want to code too!)

And thus began the 15month long learning journey of daily night-outs, writing software. Akash's life revolved around cooking food in the morning, cleaning up the house and sleeping for 6 hours during the day. Once we were back from office, he used to begin learning and writing codes on any of our free computers, through the

Ayushi Khandelwal Getting up early in the morning is usually not my thing but last Thursday, I had to get up and leave home by 8:30. No, it wasn't for college as I am past that stage now. Just like any other graduate student, I had an interview scheduled for me.

No, I didn't go in formals as I am again past that stage now where more than focusing on my dress or my hair-do or my footwear, I rather choose to focus on my confidence level. But the question is, is my confidence level enough to be able to match the unrealistic demands of the corporate sector?

Welcome to the world of the corporate sector and trust me it is nothing like the comfortable and fun college life. This was my third interview. Previously, I had appeared for two interviews but was rejected. Well, like others, I considered myself as highly incompetent to have been rejected mercilessly by two companies and I accept that, yes, something is surely missing in me. But what is it? Is it confidence, talent or both? Sitting for the interviews has definitely made me realise my shortcomings but the same has also enlightened me to the scary or the ugly face of the corporate sector.

In the present scenario

"Kabali", set to release this Friday, Rajinikanth plays the role of an ageing don based in Malaysia.

(Photo: tamilwire.net)

around the life-sized cutout of the actor to perform paal abhisekam (a holy bath with milk). It is a tradition that has been there for years now, for every new movie of Rajinikanth. As fans

ed

night. Starting with frontend lectures on Coursera, he quickly picked up the basics. Within a year of focused learning he could do front-end, back-end and database handling.

His doubts started changing from being very basic, to algorithm specific, to now being Machine learning and NLP related.

Three of us chipped in to get him a MacBook Air soon after that. Now he's our in-house genius (frontend and iOS coder). From a school dropout to cook to a

Image for representational purpose (Photo: pixabay) software developer, Akash's story is truly inspirationalfor all of us at

some of them to create our own lives, one choice at a time. Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz

From An 'Average' Person To The Unrealistic Corporate Sector - I'm Sorry

This Friday Will Be A 'SelfDeclared' National Holiday For Many Indians Ramya Abhinand

Page 9

hooted inside the movie hall in a feverish pitch, I noticed the currency notes and coins that were flung into the air - a few landing on me. The frenzied fans danced, clapped and shed tears as their

of cut throat competition, only those people can survive who are incredibly talented or outstandingly intelligent. Yes, you read it right, the present world is no home for 'av-

skills","good experience" makes up half of the paragraph and this is where the problem lies. The saddest thing is that every company wants the best in their employees and yet no one wants to teach or guide you to achieve

not even mentioning those who barely manage to pass or don't). In schools and colleges, it is just about marks. Similarly, in the corporate sector, it is just about profits and money. Consider yourself lucky if you are born tal-

Image for representational purpose (Photo: t firstpost)

erage' people. I accept the fact that I am mediocre with an average intellect. I am 'average' in everything - in maths, language, science, logical reasoning, everything.

And if you have gone through the job descriptions of the companies, you will easily know my level of incompetence.

The words like "extremely talented", "outstanding communication

that.

'Thaliava' rendered punch lines after punch lines on the big screen in front of them. He was their living god! In a country obsessed with films, no other actor enjoys this kind of fan following. His appeal reaches far and wide, touching both the masses and the elite.

dian cinema. Having worked in over 150 films under the stage name of Rajinikanth, his commercial stardom has been unmatched. His style, idiosyncrasies on screen, and punchline dialogues gripped the psyche of the people. His movies carried tailor made dialogues, with a message for every common man. No wonder, despite a couple of commercial setbacks, even at the age of 65 years, Rajinikanth movies still garner enthusiasm, making him a phenomenon of sorts.

But what makes Rajinikanth the phenomenon that he is?

When a humble Shivaji Rao Gaekwad took to acting way back in the seventies, little did he (or the world) know that he would become one of the biggest stars of south In-

This is not just limited to the corporate sector but other institutions as well specifically the current education system which seems to be all about marks rather than knowledge. The higher you score the brighter your future will be and, again, the average scorers remain at the periphery (and note that I am

In his latest movie "Kabali", set to release this

ented or if you have inherited a sharp mind from your parents because this world actually gives a chance to no one to polish their skills or refine their minds. They all want machines, robots from whom the companies can profit. No one wants to teach or truly guide anyone. We all are expected to be just 'perfect' with all the superhuman traits.

Friday, Rajinikanth plays the role of an ageing don based in Malaysia. His fans understandably are excited to see what the film brings.

And cashing in on this Kabali Mania are big brands, groups and corporates with "Kabali" merchandise and special screenings.

From keychains, coffee mugs and phone covers to silver coins and credit cards embossed with the image of the actor, the merchandise are flying off the shelves. Recently a fan in Malaysia took his Lamborghini Gallardo that sported "Kabali" posters

Yet, being the 'average' person, I am an optimist as I know that we all have the potential to achieve whatever we want. We have some exceptional examples of people who rose from the ashes and are now on cloud nine because of their strong determination and hard work. These are the people who fought against all odds, who didn't let rejections crush their spirit. It would be wrong to say that only institutions could lead you to the path of greatness.

No, it's not true. It is us who need to look inside ourselves, polish our minds and achieve what we deem is best for us.

The unrealistic demands of the corporate sector and educational institutions with an absence of proper guidance or learning mechanisms has made the 'average' person like me to believe that we are no good to this present world. We are extremely sorry that we are born as humans and not as super humans who already, right from birth, have the capability to achieve the best. We, the 'average' people apologise deeply that we are looking for an institution which truly prioritises knowledge and learning (not rote learning) and not just blabber about competition.

Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz

for a spin.

On a bigger scale, the official airline partner for "Kabali", Air Asia, unveiled an aircraft with images of the star and the movie. The airline has also planned a special flight from Bengaluru to Chennai for fans to watch the first-day-first-show of the movie.

For many of Rajini's fans, it is a sort of obligation, to watch his movie 'first day first show'. And this is the sort of magic Rajini weaves for his viewers.

Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

JBM Auto forms JV with Poland's Solaris for electric buses ANI New Delhi, Jul 19: Auto component manufacturer JBM Auto announced a joint venture with Poland's Solaris Bus and Coach SA for manufacturing electric and hybrid buses in a BSE ling on Saturday. The company entered into a joint venture agreement on July 14, 2016, with Solaris Bus and Coach SA, Poland, JBM Auto. Earlier this year in February at the Auto Expo, JBM Auto had unveiled a fully electric bus 'Ecolife' which was developed in partnership Solaris Bus and Coach. The Ecolife will be manufactured in India using Solaris's technology. The vehicle will be powered by lithium batteries and run 150-200 km in 1015 hrs of city bus operation.

Once it gets into commercial production, Ecolife will be the second indigenous mass public transport product from JBM Group, the company had said. Solaris Bus and Coach is one of the major producers of city, intercity and special-purpose buses as well as low-room trams in Europe. It started production in 1996 and has sold over 14,000 vehicles across 30 countries. It has a factory at Bolechowo near Poznan.

Reliance Jio to roll out 4G in all circles except four ANI New Delhi, Jul 19: Speculations came to an end with the announcement of Reliance Industries much-awaited commercial launch of the Reliance Jio Infocomm to start offering its 4G services, barring four circles where it could take four to six more weeks to prepare the network. The announcement was made during the first-quarter earnings bring of Reliance Industries. Head of strategy and planning at Reliance Jio Anshuman Thakur, said: "We had thought that we would launch once our 850 MHz network was integrated, because we don't want to be working on the network after the launch. But apart from that, our overall readiness is really high."

He said the company received the last of the required approvals from the telecom department on July 7 in the four circles of Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

"So it will take four-six weeks to deploy the network there. In all other circles our readiness is high," added Thakur.

BUSINESS

Rs 9,700 cr invested in capital markets by FPIs in two weeks New Delhi, Jul 19: Foreign investors have brought in over Rs 9,700 crore into the Indian capital markets in the first two weeks of this month on improving prospects for the economy and hopes of better corporate earnings. Interestingly, most of the incoming investments are in the debt markets during the period under review. The investment in July is followed by an outflow of Rs 4,373 crore in the preceding two months (April-May). The pull out was mainly due to outflow in debt markets. According to the depositors' data, the net investment of foreign portfolio investors (FPI) stood at Rs 4,464 crore in the stock market during July 1-15, while it Rs 5,304

BIG INVESTMENT ØThe pull out was mainly

Ø Foreign investors have ØInterestingly, most of the brought in over Rs 9,700 crore into the Indian capital markets in the first two weeks of this month on improving prospects for the economy and hopes of better corporate earnings.

incoming investments are in the debt markets during the period under review. The investment in July is followed by an outflow of Rs 4,373 crore in the preceding two months (April-May).

due to outflow in debt markets. According to the depositors' data, the net investment of foreign portfolio investors (FPI) stood at Rs 4,464 crore in the stock market during July 1-15, while it Rs 5,304 crore in the debt markets during the same period taking the total inflow to Rs 9,768 crore ($1.45 billion).

ØSo far this year, FPIs have

invested Rs 23,630 crore in equities, while withdrawing Rs 6,265 crore from the debt market. This resulted in a net flow of Rs 17,365 crore.

crore in the debt markets during the same period taking the total inflow to Rs 9,768 crore ($1.45 billion). A slew of steps taken by the government to turn around the economy including relaxing FDI rules, approval of new mineral exploration policy as well as model law on shops and establishments. All this cheered investors, market experts said.

Besides, there was good news on the monsoon front and experts are hoping for better corporate earnings numbers for the quarter, which helped in boosting investors' sentiments. So far this year, FPIs have invested Rs 23,630 crore in equities, while withdrawing Rs 6,265 crore from the debt market.

This resulted in a net flow of Rs 17,365 crore. (Agencies)

Fuel retail of RIL recreated; clubs petrol pumps with retail arm Mumbai, Jul 19: Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries (RIL) has rejigged its fuel retail business to hive off the fuel retail outlets owned by the company and merge them with its organised retail arm as part of its strategy to develop retail offerings at these petrol pumps. RIL has merged its 361 'company owned-company operated' fuel retail pumps with its organised retail business, which thus far included its digital, fashion and lifestyle businesses. "It is no longer simply a petrol pump. Today, what you can do with fuel retail outlets by virtue of the synergies make it a more consumer facing business, that is why we are clubbing it with retail," said V Srikanth, joint chief financial officer at RIL. Private sector energy companies

like RIL and Essar Oil have started expanding their fuel retail business after the government deregulated diesel prices in October 2014. RIL, which was earlier targeting to restart its 1,500 fuel retail outlets by March 2016, will see these outlets restarting by the end of the current fiscal. The fuel retail business has seen intense business since the reentry of private companies, with the latter attracting customers with discounts to acquire part of the market share from the dominant state-run oil marketing companies. The increase in number of pumps has resulted in lower average volume at filling stations and left fuel retailing companies such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) struggling to find

real estate at these fuel retail outlets with stores offering non-fuel consumer products.

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: thebusinessline) new dealers. BPCL has said it is looking to develop nonfuel retail business at its outlets to maximise revenue.

"RIL plans to expand its retail presence through these

petrol pumps. It will add 'square feet' to its retail business and increase the revenue of petrol pumps too," a source in the know said.

RIL plans to develop the

The company, through its chain Reliance Retail, operates 3,383 stores across 679 cities with an area of over 13 million square feet. The organised retail business, which accounts for less than 10% of the conglomerate's turnover, clocked revenue of Rs 6,666 crore in the quarter ended June. In the US and Europe, clubbing non-fuel retail stores with petrol pumps is a widely used and lucrative format. In India, this format has not done very well in the past but companies feel it may be a good time to relaunch the format, especially on highways and smaller towns that do not have malls like the cities. (Agencies)

ICICI Pru Life files for India's biggest IPO in six years Kolkata, Jul 19: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co Ltd has filed for an initial public offering of shares, which sources have said could raise about $745 million in the biggest local IPO in six years. Top Indian private sector lender ICICI Bank, which owns nearly 68 percent of the insurer, is selling up to 181.34 million shares in the IPO - the first ever for an Indian insurance company - according to a draft prospectus released recently. The proceeds from the sale will go to the bank. The insurer, expected to be listed later this year, is not selling new shares in

the IPO. Britain's Prudential PLC, with nearly 26 percent of ICICI Pru Life, is not selling any of its stake, the document showed. Primary share sales worth about $6 billion, including a record up to $2.5 billion IPO by Vodafone Group Plc's Indian unit, are being planned to hit the market in the second half of 2016, according to investment banking sources. IPO activity in the first half jumped nearly 80 percent to $1.04 billion, Thomson Reuters data showed this month, with the market on track for its best year in six as investors bet on quickening pace

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: applyipo) of economic growth. Easing of foreign holding rules in insurance companies earlier this year paved the way for IPOs in that sector, although experts say it will be only the bigger players which will look at a listing.

ICICI Pru Life's rival HDFC

Life, a joint venture between India's Housing Development Finance Corp and Britain's Standard Life Plc, had also planned an IPO that sources had said could raise as much as $500 million. The IPO plans, however, were put on hold

as HDFC Life last month began talks to acquire smaller rival Max Life Insurance and its listed parent Max Financial Services, which if successful will make HDFC Life a listed company. SBI Life, a venture of State Bank of India and BNP Paribas Cardif SA, by March could announce its intention to go public, its chief executive told Reuters in May, although an actual listing would be two years away.

ICICI Pru Life's IPO is the biggest in rupee terms since state-run Coal India Ltd's market debut in 2010.

(Agencies)

PAGE 10

SPARC and Sun Pharma signs MoU for epilepsy drug

SPARC CEO, Anil Raghavan. (Photo: thehindubusinessline) Pune, Jul 19: Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company (SPARC) and its parent Sun Pharma have entered into a licensing arrangement for its Elepsia tablets, used in the treatment of epilepsy, in the US market for an up-front payment of USD 10 million. "As per the agreement, SPARC will license Elepsia XRTM (Levetiracetam Extended Release tablets) to a whollyowned subsidiary of Sun Pharma for the US market.

SPARC will receive an upfront payment of USD 10 million from Sun Pharma," SPARC said in a BSE filing.

It is also eligible for certain additional milestone payments and defined royalties linked to any future sales of Elepsia XRTM, the company added. Elepsia XRTM was approved by the USFDA in March 2015.

However, in September,

SPARC received a complete response letter (CRL) from the USFDA rescinding its earlier approval, citing that the compliance status of the manufacturing facility at Halol of Sun Pharma was not acceptable on the date of approval.

"The licensing of Elepsia XRTM is a step ahead in our desire to make it available for thousands of epilepsy patients taking multiple pills of Levetiracetam every day...If and when the USFDA reapproves the epilepsy XRTM application, Sun Pharma's significant US presence will help SPARC in commercialising this important product for patients in the US market," SPARC CEO Anil Raghavan said.

Shares of SPARC were trading 5.11 per cent higher at Rs 367.50 apiece on BSE. (Agencies)

Gurgaon IT-SEZ of M3M group sold to Tata Realty for Rs 500 cr Pune, Jul 19: Real estate firm M3M India has entered into an agreement with Tata Realty and Infrastructure to sell its proposed IT-SEZ at Gurgaon for about Rs 500 crore. M3M India's subsidiary Mikado Realtors Pvt Ltd had got a formal approval from the Commerce Ministry to develop a 25 acre SEZ for electronic hardware, IT/ ITES in Gurgaon with a developable area of 3-3.5 million sq ft. According to sources, M3M group has signed an agreement to transfer its shares in the proposed SEZ to Tata group firm Tata Realty and Infrastructure along with Standard Chartered Private Equity. The deal size is around Rs 500 crore, they added.

Tata Realty and Infrastructure Ltd (TRIL) is a 100 per cent subsidiary of Tata Sons to serve as a real estate and infrastructure development arm. It has projects in Nagpur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi and Amritsar among others.

M3M group has a land bank of around 2,000 acres

in the national capital region. It is developing 16 projects, of which about 10 projects are residential. In December 2014, M3M India bought 185 acres of land in Gurgaon from Sahara group for Rs 1,211 crore. M3M India had in April this year paid the last installment of over Rs 700 crore to Sahara, thereby completing the land deal. The 185-acre land in Gurgaon, with 12 million square feet built-up area, would be used for mix-use development and has sales revenue potential of Rs 12,000 crore, M3M India had said while announcing the deal. M3M group had in March pledged to invest Rs 45,365 crore in Haryana over the next 5-10 years in different projects such as smart city, low-cost homes, IT Park, SEZ and others. The company had signed three MoUs (memorandum of understanding) with the Haryana government at the 'Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit'. (Agencies)

Sourcing hurdle found too high to cross by MNC's Washington, Jul 19: American retailing giant Walmart getting a notice from the service tax department in the finance ministry is the latest example of multinationals finding it tough to cope with the sourcing rules here. Carrefour, IKEA and Apple are among the others to have come up against the rules in this regard, and their interpretation. Walmart's could be a technical matter, to be sorted by its accounting and taxation department.

That said, foreign companies have often found sourcing from India an

obstacle in their business, say analysts and consultants. Also decision-making is stretched due to differences in views between ministries. Sourcing of goods from India is compelled to some extent by the government to promote small and medium industries. And, now, to push the current government's Make In India programme. Thirty per cent sourcing from India is mandatory for companies in the retail business and with foreign direct investment (FDI).

On the latest case, the service tax department

has sent a notice to the Bengaluru sourcing office of Walmart Stores, the US parent, asking why it should not pay tax for services provided to the multinational.

The Bengaluru sourcing entity is separate from Walmart India, which operates a wholesaling or cash-and- carry business.

Responding to the Rs 18crore notice, a company spokesperson said they were in the process of responding to it. "Our sourcing office in Bengaluru sources local products from India and

the region for our markets around the world." The $482-billion corporation has found itself in a spot before, too, on sourcing.

In 2013, Walmart split with its India joint venture partner, Bharti Enterprises, over regulatory and policy issues. This was after finding it difficult to start multi-brand retailing, the very business for which it had entered the country. Among other conditions, the 30 per cent mandatory sourcing from small and medium industries was seen as a hurdle. When Scott Price, then Asia head of

Walmart, had said, "FDI policy has passed…'' he hinted at the delay in decision-making at the government level on tough conditions like mandatory sourcing.

Ministries holding different views on how much sourcing should be made mandatory and for how long had prolonged policy making. French retailing group Carrefour also left India after it found difficult to do business here.

Carrefour operated only cash-and-carry stores in India, as 100 per cent FDI was allowed in that

segment. Its ambition was to set up multi-brand outlets, like it has elsewhere. In the latter segment, up to 51 per cent FDI is permitted but Carrefour failed to find an Indian partner and mandatory sourcing came in the way. It left India after the current government took charge in 2014, on a poll stance of opposition to multi-brand retailing.

IKEA of Sweden took about 18 months, said a source, to get its proposal cleared at the Foreign Investment Promotion Board. IKEA's 1.5-billion application in 2012 has

been the biggest FDI proposal in retailing so far.

A source said various government departments and ministries had different thoughts on the sourcing issue and it took that much longer for clearance. IKEA had told the government it was not possible to source 30 per cent from Indian small and medium enterprises, after which the condition was changed to read the mandatory 30 per cent sourcing from India would be "preferably from small and medium enterprises''.

More recently, Apple Inc was also in a sourcing battle. The department of industrial policy and promotion had recommended a special exemption, as Apple made cutting-edge products and local sourcing would be tough. However, the finance ministry said such an exemption could not be given before policy clarity on what was cutting-edge. This definition is still in the making and Apple is yet to decide on filing its application again for starting fully-owned stores in India. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

Features

PAGE 11

HORTICULTURE Polianthes tuberosa, the tuberose, is a perennial plant related to the agaves, extracts of which are used as a note in perfumery.

The common name derives from the Latin tuberosa, meaning swollen or tuberous in reference to its root system.

Polianthes means "many flowers" in Greek. In Mexican Spanish, the flower is called nardo or vara de San JosĂŠ, which means "St. Joseph's staff".

This plant is called as Rajanigandha in India, which means 'fragrant at night'. It is called kupaloke in Hawaiian.

If you're a gardener who loves scent, you'll flip for tuberose. This bulb produces tall flower spikes with numerous tubular blooms and a fragrance that is rich, sultry and seductive. With Mexican origins it's not hard to understand how this plant is ideally suited to warm weather gardening, but northern gardeners with a warm sunny site can grow tuberose, too. Give your lots of tuberose sun, heat and time. You'll get back beautiful blooms with fragrance fit for the gods.

Choose a location where the soil drains well.

If there are still water puddles 5-6 hours after a

hard rain, scout out another site. Or amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 2-3 inches to improve the drainage. Peat moss, compost, ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and are widely available. Tuberose will not thrive in waterlogged soil.

Site your tuberose where they'll they'll receive full sun. In very sunny, hot areas light shade is also fine. The tuberose bulbs we sell are actually nice clumps of multiple bulbs. Plant the entire clump with 2-3" of soil above the top. Place clumps 8-10" apart.

After planting, water your tuberose generously to settle the soil around the bulbs. Roots and top growth will form within a few weeks. Water regularly during the growing season if rain does not occur regularly; 1-1.5" of total water per week is a good general rule of thumb. Tuberose plants are heavy feeders and appreciate applications of 88-8 fertilizer while they are actively growing.

Water periodically during the growing season if rain does not occur, keeping in mind that weekly deep waterings are better

Tuberose Planting Guide

Feast to the senses: Rajnigandha Photo: blogspot.

than lighter drinks every day or two. Total water (rain and irrigation) of about 1" per week is a good general rule of thumb.

Tuberose flower in mid to late summer, typically 90-120 days after planting. When in bloom, feel free to clip stems for bouquets. This will not hurt the plants and will provide a supply of extraordinarily fragrant flowers.

Feel free to cut flower stems for summer bouquets. This won't hurt your plants and often helps keep them producing new flower spikes.

After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year's show. Water as needed. Leaves may be removed late in the season, when they yellow. (In zones 8 and cooler; to save your tuberose for next year, dig the bulbs carefully after the first frost. Let them air dry for several days. Then store in a cool, dry location in paper bags or boxes filled with peat moss.)

Your tuberose will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.

Pots, Barrels, Tubs & Urns Fill your containers with good quality, well-drained soil. Almost any commercially available potting medium will work fine.

Make sure there are adequate drainage holes; tuberose must not sit in waterlogged soil.

Site your tuberose where they'll they'll receive full sun. In very sunny, hot areas light shade is also fine.

The tuberose bulbs we sell are actually nice clumps of multiple bulbs.

Plant the entire clump with 2-3" of soil above the top.

Place clumps 8-10" apart.

After planting, water your tuberose generously to settle the soil around the bulbs. Roots and top growth will form within a few weeks. Water regularly during the growing season if rain does not occur regularly; 1-1.5" of total water per week is a good general rule of thumb. Tuberose plants are heavy feeders and appreciate periodic applications of 8-8-8 fertilizer while they are actively growing.

Water regularly during the growing season if rain does not occur, keeping in mind that weekly deep waterings are better than lighter drinks every day or

two. Total water (rain and irrigation) of about 1" per week is a good general rule of thumb.

Tuberose flower in mid to late summer, typically 90-120 days after planting. When in bloom, feel free to clip stems for bouquets. This will not hurt the plants and will provide a supply of extraordinarily fragrant flowers.

Feel free to cut flower stems for summer bouquets. This won't hurt your plants and often helps keep them producing new flower spikes.

After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year's show. Water as needed. Foliage may be removed late in the season, when it yellows. (In zones 8 and cooler; to save your tuberose for next year, dig the bulbs carefully after the first frost. Let them air dry for several days. Then store in a cool, dry location in paper bags or boxes filled with peat moss.)

Your tuberose will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle in the spring.

C o u r t e s y : easytogrowbulbs

Contemplating growing Are you sneezing a your own super fresh garlic? lot in your yard?

Garlic can be planted in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked, but fall planting is recommended for most gardeners.

Plant in the fall and you'll find that your bulbs are bigger and more flavorful when you harvest the next summer. In areas that get a hard frost, plant garlic 6 to 8 weeks before that frost. In southern areas, February or March is a better time to plant.

Break apart cloves from bulb a few days before planting, but keep the papery husk on each individual clove. Plant cloves about one month before the ground freezes. Do not plant cloves from the grocery store. They may be unsuited varieties for your area, and most are treated to make their shelf life longer, making them harder to grow. Instead, get cloves from a mail order seed company or a local nursery.

Ensure soil is welldrained with plenty of organic matter. Select a sunny spot. Place cloves 4 inches apart and 2 inches deep, in their upright position (the wide root side facing down and pointed end facing up).

In the spring, as warmer temperatures come, shoots will emerge through the ground.

CARE Northern gardeners should mulch heavily with straw for overwintering.

Mulch should be removed in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. (Young shoots can't survive in temps below 20°F on their own. Keep them under cover.)

Cut off any flower shoots that emerge in spring. These may decrease bulb size.

Weeds should not be a problem until the spring.

Weed as needed.

Garlic requires adequate levels of nitrogen. Fertilize accordingly, especially if you see yellowing leaves.

Water every 3 to 5 days during bulbing (mid-May through June).

A note on garlic scapes: Some folks love cooking the scapes (the tops of hardneck

A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat.

Photo: almanac garlic). Whether you trim the scapes or let them keep growing is your preference.

We like to stir fry scapes the way we cook green beanssimilar with a spicy kick!

PESTS/DISEASES Garlic has very few problems with pests in the garden (in fact, its a natural pest repellent!), and also very few problems with the diseases that plague other veggies. White Rot is one concern, but you should also keep an eye out for the same pests that plague onions.

White Rot is a fungus that may attack garlic in cool weather. Not much can be done to control or prevent that problem except rotating your crops and cleaning up the area after harvesting.

The spores can live in the soil for many years. The fungus affects the base of the leaves and roots.

HARVEST/STORAGE Harvest time depends on when you plant, but the clue is to look for yellow tops.

Harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over, before they are completely dry.

In Northern climates, harvesting will probably be in late July or August. In Southern climates, it will depend on your planting date.

Check the bulb size and

wrapper quality; you don't want the wrapper to disintegrate. Dig too early and the bulb will be immature.

Discontinue watering.

To harvest, carefully lift the bulbs with a spade or garden fork. Pull the plants, carefully brush off the soil, and let them cure in an airy, shady spot for two weeks.

We hang them upside down on a string in bunches of 4 to 6. Make sure all sides get good air circulation.

The bulbs are cured and ready to store when the wrappers are dry and papery and the roots are dry. The root crown should be hard, and the cloves can be cracked apart easily.

Once the garlic bulbs are dry, you can store them.

Remove any dirt and trim off any roots or leaves.

Keep the wrappers on-but remove the dirtiest wrappers.

Garlic bulbs may be stored individually with the tops removed, or the dried tops may be braided together to make a garlic braid to hang in the kitchen or storage room.

Bulbs should be stored in a cool (40 degrees F), dark, dry place, and can be kept in the same way for several months. Don't store in your basement if it's moist!

The flavor will increase as the bulbs are dried.

If you plan on planting garlic again next season,

save some of your largest, best-formed bulbs to plant again in the fall.

RECOMMENDED VARIETIES There are three types of varieties of garlic: Softneck, Stiffneck, and Great-headed (Elephant). Most types are about 90 days to harvest.

Softneck varieties, like their name suggests, have necks that stay soft after harvest, and therefore are the types that you see braided. Especially recommended for those in warmer climes, as it is less winterhardy than other types.

Strong, intense flavor. Recommended varieties: 'Persian Star', 'Mother of Pearl' Stiffneck varieties grow one ring of cloves around a stem, there is not a layer of cloves as there are in softneck varieties. They are extremely cold hardy, but do not store as well or long as other varieties. Flavor is more mild than softnecks.

Recommended Variety: 'Carpathian' Great-headed varieties are not recommended. They are less hardy, and more closely related to leeks than other varieties. Their flavor is more like onion than traditional garlic. Bulbs and cloves are large, with about 4 cloves to a bulb.

Courtesy: almanac

If you're sneezing a lot in your yard, check to see if you have any of these allergy-causing culprits. Fall means cooler temperatures, more abundant rainfall, fewer pests and gorgeous leaf colors; on the other hand, fall is a time when the air is filled with all sorts of things that cause allergies. Major culprits are pollen, mold spores and, if rainfall has been sparse, dust. Master gardener Paul James shares the reasons certain plants cause allergic reactions as well as some natural methods of allergy control.

Only male plants produce pollen, which means that only male plants can produce the symptoms associated with pollen allergies. It's not always easy to identify male and female plants, and in many cases there's no real way of knowing what sex your plant/tree is, since gender is rarely indicated on nursery tags. To further complicate the matter, you can't always tell the sex of a plant just by looking. Here are a few general guidelines to help you sort it out: Within the world of gardening there are male plants, female plants and plants that are both male and female.

1. Monoecious plants have separate male and female flowers on the same plant-examples include oak trees (figure A) and corn. The male tassels at the top of the corn plant (figure B) contain the pollen that floats down to pollinate the female ears of corn. Because monoecious plants often rely on the wind to move pollen from the male portion of the plant to the female portion, they are notorious for causing allergies.

2. Dioecious plantsplants that are either all male or all female-also rely on wind to transfer pollen from a male plant to a fe-

male plant.

3. Many plants, such as roses (figure C), have what's called perfect flowers, which means they contain both male and female parts; as a result, the pollen doesn't have to travel far-this means that these plants rarely cause allergies.

The only way to know the sex of a given plant is to consult references, but there are clues to look for that will give you an idea about whether or not a plant is likely to cause allergies.

1. Small flowers with little color tend to cause more allergies than large, brightly-colored flowers.

2. Off-white and greenish-colored flowers cause more allergies than all the other flower colors combined (figure D).

3. Trumpet-shaped flowers (figure E) seldom cause allergies because their pollen is held deep within the flower.

4. Fragrant plants-as a rule-don't produce as many pollen allergies, but they may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to certain odors.

You don't have to plant female plants exclusively if you suffer from pollen allergies-that might result in a pretty boring landscape, and female trees can produce all sorts of messy seeds and fruit. Instead, follow these few rules to cut back on your allergy suffering: 1. Avoid planting the most notorious pollen producers, like goldenrod (figure F) (see list below).

2. Create as much diversity in the garden as possible.

3. Stay out of the garden on windy days.

4. Avoid planting pollenproducing plants near areas where you spend a lot of time or near windows that you like to open on nice days.

5. If you're allergic to grass pollen, cut the grass and weeds before they have time to flower.

Mold is another cause of allergies, and you can usually find plenty of it in the garden. The good news is that mold can be somewhat controlled by making sure that your landscape gets plenty of sunlight and good air circulation. The bad news is that one of the key features of any good garden-the compost pile-is also a notorious source of mold. Molds are beneficial catalysts in the decomposition process, so have someone else turn your pile and spread your compost if you're allergic to mold.

Spring Pollen Allergies Late winter and early spring is tree allergy season. Some trees start releasing their pollen as early as January, while others continue their onslaught into summer. Thankfully, only about 100 of the Most people with allergies are only allergic to one type of tree, but it's possible to experience an allergic reaction as a result of a cross-reaction. A cross-reaction happens when the proteins in one allergen (usually a pollen) are very similar to the proteins in another (usually a food).

One common example of a cross-reaction is birch pollen and apples. Talk to your doctor if you notice allergy symptoms that develop when you're exposed to certain pollens or foods.

You may experience itching or tingling of the mouth when eating a particular food. An allergy test can confirm a cross-reaction.

Grass Pollen Allergies Grass allergy season starts in late spring and summer. There are thousands of species of grass in North America, but only a handful cause serious allergic reactions.

People with grass allergies must take extra care

when doing yard work - especially when mowing the lawn. Wear a mask when doing yard work. Keep your grass cut short, or replace your grass with a ground cover that produces less pollen. Ground covers include bunch, dichondra, and Irish moss.

Also, don't wear outdoor clothes that may have collected pollen inside the house, and avoid drying clothes outside. You should replace your home air filters often to avoid collection of pollen. Grass is easily tracked indoors, so vacuuming may also help relieve symptoms. Timothy grass Weed Pollen Allergies: Late summer and fall is the season for weed allergies, with pollen levels usually peaking in mid-September.

Pollen counts for weeds are highest in the morning, usually between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Weed pollens are the most prolific allergens of all. A single ragweed plant, for instance, can produce a billion pollen grains in a season. Wind-carried grains can also travel for hundreds of miles.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology publishes pollen counts for individual cities in America.

You can take extra precautions when you know that counts for your allergen are high, such as limiting your time outdoors.

Avoiding allergy triggers and using over the counter medications can help you manage your allergy symptoms. Call your doctor if you can't avoid your allergy triggers, or if over the counter medications aren't working for you. Your doctor can refer you to an allergy specialist who will help identify your allergy triggers and create a suitable treatment plan for you.

Courtesy: healthline

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, JULY 20

PAGE 12

Indian hockey team lose 2-3 to USA in Tour Opener PTI Manheim (US), July 19 : It was a disappointing start to the USA tour for the Indian Women hockey team as they suffered a narrow 23 loss to the Champions Trophy bronze medalists in their opening match, here today.

For India, Preeti Dubey (33rd minute) and Deepika (38th) scored a couple of goals in the third quarter, while Kathleen Sharkey (6th), Katie Bam (31st) and Kelsey Kolojejchick (48th) sounded the board for US. Both the teams tried to play cautious hockey and avoid defeat. The game's tone was set, with both looking to hold fort and react through counter attacks.

In the 6th minute of the match, USA took the lead via Kathleen Sharkey. In an otherwise timid first half, India's Vandana Katariya's attempt at goal was unsuccessful as the ball hit the post.

India came back tougher in the second quarter and started making inroads into the USA defence. They soon started playing strategically compact hockey, denying USA the ball in scoring areas. The two teams went into the half

AITA chief hopeful of medal in tennis at Rio Olympics

time break with USA leading 1-0.

The third quarter was a hard fought battle as India looking to get back into the game started pushing forward in numbers. USA, defending deep and working on the counter, were lucky when Katie Bam scored a second in the 31st minute via a pelanty corner.

India countered quickly and capitalised on their advantage as Preeti Dubey scored the first goal for India in the 33rd minute.

Immediately, in the 38th minute Deepika scored the equaliser with both teams entering the final quarter as 2-2. However, the final quarter saw USA take the lead with Kelsey Kolojejchick scoring the third goal for USA in the 48th minute.

Speaking after the match, Chief Coach Neil Hawgood said, "These matches are extremely crucial as our final preparations for Rio Olympics. We had a neckneck fight today, the girls played well. We are going to analyse the loopholes and better on in our subsequent matches."

India's next match with USA is on 21st July at 04:00hrs IST.

New Delhi, July 19: Boosted by Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna's clinical performance in the Asia/ Oceania Group I against South Korea, AITA chief Anil Khanna says Indian men stand a chance of winning a medal at the Rio Olympics, though mixed doubles remains the country's best bet.

to outclass the Korean pair of Seong Chan Hong and Hong Chung in straight sets at the grass courts of Chandigarh Club last weekend.

Paes and Bopanna kept their off-court differences aside

Asked about medal prospects, the veteran adminis-

Zonal Camps were conducted from April 22 to May 21 at Dharamsala, Baroda, Jaipur, Hubli and Ranchi.

A total of 25 players participated from each zone.

15 players from each zone were selected for the interzonal tournament held at Hubli, Belgaum from May 24 to June 6.

Australia vs Sri Lanka: Steve O’Keefe’s five-wicket haul raises hopes of Test selection Melbourne, July 19 : Leftarm spinner Steve O’Keefe took 5-43 at the P Sara Oval in Colombo as Australia dominated the opening day of their sole practice match before the series opener in Pallekele next week.

Lyon went wicketless for 72 runs against the Sri Lanka Board XI but is unlikely to be dropped for the threeTest series which is expected to feature drier wickets.

O’Keefe, who made his Test debut away against Pakistan in 2014, played only his second match in January, teaming up with Lyon at the spinfriendly Sydney Cricket Ground against West Indies.

Sponsored: Pay 5% on booking & 1% per month till possession for semi-furnished homes @ Godrej Prana, Undri in Pune.

The pair took three wickets

apiece in the first innings of the rain-hit match.

O’Keefe returned marginally better figures than Lyon in both his Test appearances but said he was still very much the 28-year-old’s understudy.

“He’s a bit of a role model of mine and a bit of a mentor when it comes to spin bowling,” the Malaysiaborn 31-year-old said.

“I’ve always looked up to him in his career and how he’s gone about his business.”

“He’s verging on a couple of hundred Test wickets now so there’s a truck load of experience and knowledge that I try to get out of him and when the big occasions come up he’s always stood up to the challenge.”

“He’s in a good place and I feel extremely privileged to bowl with him at the other

connected a pass of Suhil Bag from the left flank and scored the goal.

Down 0-1, Milan Jyoti Sangha tried to regroup and despite having struck a greater number of shots at the goal, lack of direction and power deprived them of an equalizer. In last match, Milan Jyoti Sangha defeated Jalan Nagar Tea estate Football Club 1-0.

Milan Jyoti Sangha have played three matches so far and bagged four points.

Tomorrow, Dibrugarh railway Divisional Sports Club will play Dibrugarh Football Coaching Centre.

Sania Mirza, Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna (File|Agencies)

"It came at the right time.

Both Leander and Rohan played really well and it bodes well for them ahead of Olympics," Khanna said.

trator said it should not be a surprise if India finish on the podium.

"My view is that we have a chance in mixed doubles and men's doubles. Though the world's best will be competing at the Olympics - be it Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak (Djokovic), Andy Murray and all," the president of All India Tennis Association said.

Last Saturday, the Indian

pair of Paes and Bopanna dished out a dominating performance to trounce the visitors 6-3 6-4 6-4 in just one hour and 41 minutes to guide India into the World Group Play-offs.

The reluctant partners for the Rio Olympics did not face any competition from the Koreans in what was their only competitive match together before the Games.

Cristiano Ronaldo vows to come back stronger after injury, see video

zonal camps leading to inter-zonal tournament from which the final cricketers are send for the NCA camp.

Bangalore.

The month-long camp, which started on Monday, will host 25 selected players who have been handpicked via a meticulous process that starts with

Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, July 19: Singlijan Green club beat Milan Jyoti Sangha 1-0 in the league encounter of the ongoing first Monuj Patra and Boga Das senior division football tournament organized by Dibrugarh District Sports Association at the DDSA stadium here today.

In the first half, both the teams got scoring opportunities but failed to deliver in the last moment.

Singlijan Green club opened their account through Pluntus Khaka in the 55th minute. Pluntus

UPCA ‘senior citizens’ on their way out after Supreme Court verdict

25 junior cricketers join NCA camp in Bangalore

PTI Bangalore, July 19 : Twenty five junior cricketers selected from five zones have joined the annual U-16 camp of the National Cricket Academy in

Singlijan Green club win

end.”

O’Keefe added that Lyon had been “battling a little bit of sickness” but was bowling “beautifully”.

Australia have hired former Sri Lanka spin great Muttiah Muralitharan as a coaching consultant in a key to unlock the hosts on their own pitches and O’Keefe said he was relishing the 44year-old’s advice.

“The beauty of Murali (is) he’s always got something to say to you,” he said.

“He’ll come up after each session and spell, and give you hints whether it be about the field or how they might play.”

“So he’s been a massive help … and you can’t underestimate what it’s like having a guy like that who’s played a majority of his career in these conditions.”

The former Ranji cricketers are delighted with the verdict as now they will get an opportunity to be a part of UPCA.(Source: UPCA)

PTI Kanpur, July 19: With the Supreme Court upholding major recommendations of the R M Lodha Committee, the severe brunt of the clean-up will be faced by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) as all five of its “70 plus” directors and the treasurer will have to relinquish their positions.

According to information from reliable sources, all UPCA director’s are above 70 years.

This includes Shuaib Ahmed (78), Prem Dhar Pathak (83), Madan Mohan Mishra(83), Satish Kumar Agarwal (79), and Jyoti Bajpai (80).

Moreover, UPCA treasurer KN Tandon (80) is also above the age bar.

After suffering the initial injury, Ronaldo tried to play on but had to be replaced in the 25th minute. (Source: Reuters) PTI, July 19 : Cristiano Ronaldo said that he intends to come back stronger for the upcoming season despite the injury he sustained while playing for Portugal in their victorious Euro 2016 final.

The Real Madrid striker,

who played a key part in leading his country to a maiden major title, limped off in tears with a knee injury in the first half of the final against hosts France earlier this month. The 31year-old has a sprained ligament in his left knee, and

Spanish sports daily Marca reported that he is unlikely to return to action before Real’s third game of the domestic La Liga season.

“Hi everyone! I just wanted to thank all my fans,” Ronaldo said in a video on his Instagram account.

The Supreme Court on Monday accepted major suggestions of the Lodha panel, including a bar on ministers and civil servants and those above 70 from becoming BCCI’s members.

The apex court also ruled that one person should hold just one post, which will force UPCA CEO Dipak

Sharma and senior selection committee member Gyanendra Pandey to forego their position under “Conflict of Interest”.

This comes into effect as Sharma’s son plays for the U-19 team.

The scope of ‘Conflict of interest’ will also cover IPL chairman and UPCA Secretary Rajeev Shukla as he presently holds these two positions.

However, according to the UPCA officials, Shukla does not comes under the ambit of committee’s recommendations as according to them the post of IPL chairman is not directly under the BCCI. The former Ranji cricketers are delighted with the verdict as now they will get an opportunity to be a part of UPCA. A former UP Ranji player said that the implementation of the recommendations of Lodha Committee will provide them a chance to work in UPCA. He added, until now the association was ruled by those who have never held a bat and the players were forced to accept their decisions.

Mario Goetze speculated to return to Borussia Dortmund after failing to star in Bayern Munich PTI, July 19 : Borussia Dortmund have started transfer talks with Bayern Munich over attacking midfielder Mario Goetze’s possible return to Westfalenstadion, according to a media report.

Goetze won two Bundesliga titles with Dortmund before joining Bayern in 2013 but failed to secure a starting place in three seasons under coach Pep Guardiola, who has since joined Premier League side Manchester City.

The 24-year-old has also been linked in British media with a move to former

Dortmund boss Juergen Klopp at Liverpool.

Sponsored: Pay 5% on booking & 1% per month till possession for semi-furnished homes @ Godrej Prana, Undri in Pune.

“I can confirm that talks with Borussia Dortmund have taken place. There have also been talks with his agent, but the deal is not done just yet.

Both clubs will have to reach an agreement over a transfer fee first,” Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Sport1.

The Germany international scored three goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances last

season having only returned to fitness in February following a five-month injury break after suffering an adductor muscle injury in October.

“Goetze has been at Bayern for three years and it did not work out for him. I am not surprised that Goetze wants to leave. He is 24 years old and needs to play regularly,” Rummenigge added.

Goetze, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, played four times for Germany at the European Championship in France, where they were eliminated by the hosts in the semi-finals.

Printed, Published and Owned by NIKH KHOPI and Printed at PEE GEE(India) Ltd., C/O Asomiya Khabar Pulibor, Jorhat-785006 and Published from T.C Borah Building, 1st Floor, Next to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee Dibrugarh-786001, Assam. Email: editor.easterntoday@gmail.com. For advertisement: advt.easterntoday@gmail.com

Editorial Adviser: Subir Bhaumik

Editor: Ripunjoy Das

cmyk

cmyk

Tele : Dibrugarh, 0373-2328944, for circulation contact: 8471896580, Telephone & Fax: 0373-2328944.