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Road mishap, one killed Golaghat, Mar 19: One person named Kiran Saikia (58) was killed in an accident at Marangi Chari Ali in Golaghat. According to the report, Kiran Saikia work as a Field Assistant in Veterinary Department who was coming to his daughter’s home in Marangi on his scooter bearing no AS-05A/4336. While he was about to enter the premises of his daughter 's home suddenly a Maruti Car bearing no AS-01P/6170 hit him in full speed. Kiran Saikia died on the spot. Later police took his dead body to KK Civil Hospital of Golaghat and recovered the car and started investigating the matter. (Correspondent)

Rs. 27 lakh seized Sonari, Mar 19: A sum of Rs. 27 lakhs was seized from a vehicle in Sonari by a Flying Squad of the Election Commission. The money was recovered from a Bolero (Regn No. NL 04 C 2637) at Towkak tea estate from the Sonari – Namtola. Some people has also been rounded up. Further investigations are on. (Correspondent)

General Election Officer arrives at Margherita Margherita, Mar 19: General Election officer, Rajib Ranjan, arrived Margherita to survey election duty at Margherita sub-division. Anyone who have any query can contact 9957117424 or can meet General Election officer Rajib Ranjan at Dehing Guest House Margherita between 9 am to 10 am (morning). (Correspondent)

27 nominations valid Tinsukia, Mar 19: Barring one nomination of Jugal Majhi (Jan Congress) for Digboi LAC, all 27 nomination filed from the 3 LAC of Tinsukia district - Tinsukia LAC, Digboi LAC and Doomdooma LAC were found valid on Saturday. (Spl Correspondent)

Vol. 1

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Dibrugarh, Sunday, March 20, 2016

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We have come together with the main objective of 1 killed in police keeping the Congress out of power this time : Atul Bora firing in Tinsukia the Congress. However, the party had failed to fulfill the aspirations of the common people of the state. The Congress is power hungry and winning elections out of its Bangladeshi vote bank politics," Sonowal said.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 19

In a show of unity, all the three opposition alliance partners has appealed to all party members to ensure the victory of the BJP, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), and Bodo People's Front (BPF) alliance for the sake of good governance and a corruptionfree Assam. The three have forged an alliance ahead of the forthcoming Assam assembly polls. While the BJP is contesting on 88 seats, the AGP is contesting only 24 seats and the BPF about 14 seats. The alliance between the BJP and AGP, however, led to severe discontent among the workers of both the parties in different parts of the state and even led to splits in the two parties. While the disgruntled workers of the AGP floated a new front christened AGP Regional Forum, the BJP

He said the BJP, AGP and BPF have emerged as a strong alternative to the Congress and it could only bring a stable and transparent government to Assam for overall development. BPF Chief Hagrama Mahilary,BJP Chief Minister candidate Sarbananda sonowal and AGP President Atul Bora addressing the media in Guwahati. Pic - UB Photos

workers unhappy over the alliance have formed a new party, Trinamool BJP. Both the split factions of the BJP and AGP have decided to put up their own candidates in some of the constituencies, which is expected the further divide the AGP and BJP vote banks, giving an edge to other parties like the Congress and AIUDF in particular constituencies. "I accept that there are

some differences among us on some issues. However, we are working on hammering out the differences and I do not feel it is impossible. We have come together with the main objective of keeping the Congress out of power this time," said AGP president Atul Bora while addressing a press conference on Saturday. "The people of Assam want a change and BJP has taken the initiative and we have supported it for the

greater interest to make Assam Congress free." The conference was addressed jointly by AGP president Atul Bora, Assam BJP president Sarbananda Sonowal and BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary. Although the three parties have come together, they are yet to come out with a common minimum programme. "People of Assam have given three opportunities to

BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary said that his party had supported the Congress in the past and was an alliance partner of the Congress at Dispur for 10 years. "However, we have realised that the problems of the Bodos and Bodoland are far from being over in the Congress rule. We believe that development can be brought by the BJP alone and so we have decided to support BJP this time," he said, adding the alliance is sure to form the next government in the state.

Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Mar 19

In a sensational incident, one Bhadrakanta Gogoi (32 yrs) died after he was hit with a bullet on his leg by police on Saturday. The police firing incident, that took place at Laipuli Kharikotiya gaon under Bordubi police station, came after the deceased person caused injury to four person, one in a serious condition admitted to Assam medical college and hospital at Dibrugarh, with a machete and even attacked the police party who had gone to stop him. Superintendent of Tinsukia police Mugdha Jytoi Mahanta said, on receiving reports of several villagers that one person suddenly turned violent and hearing this the police party was rushed to the spot. The deceased challenged and chased police team along with locals, including women, with an intention to cause injury and forced the police to take a shot at his leg, added Mahanta. He said, Bhadrakanta sustained bullet injury in his leg and was admitted to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. A total of three cases has

been registered against the deceased, one by police and two from injured persons, SP added. A police source who had gone to the spit told ET correspondent that in the morning around 6:00 am one person Nasir Qweshi, a businessman dealing in goat, reached the house of Bhadrakanta Gogoi to sell. Bhadrakanto Gagoi asked him to wait outside and suddenly came out with a machete and hit him injuring him severely. The businessman, having a good reputation among locals, went running shouting for help, said source and added that his condition was so serious that he had to be admitted at Dibrugarh. Later, Bhadrakant Gogoi turned to road with a machete in the hand and hitting villagers and injuring them. The villagers could hardly understand what was going on, as the deceased was turning even more violent following which was called for help, said the source. In the meantime, the post mortem reports are being awaited to find out whether the person was mentally retarded or not.

Help resolve differences, Pul appeals 2 Indians among 62 Community Based Organisations killed as jet crashes A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 19

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today appealed the community based organizations (CBO) in the state to work together in building harmony and to generate sense of belongingness. “While the community based organizations are committed to work in the interest

of their own people, they also must help to resolve differences between the communities,” he said.

them to help government in preventing crimes, resolving crisis and in maintaining law and order.

Speaking to the members of Adi Baane Kebang (ABK), who had called on the chief minister here, Pul appealed them to play pro-active role in bringing unity among the people of Arunachal. He specifically appealed

“ABK is a discipline, mature and well organized body, which has always maintained its sanctity,” said the chief minister and appreciated ABK for its high standard of conduct. Contd. on Page 3

in southern Russia AFP Rostov-on-Don ,Mar 19

A flydubai passenger jet crashed in southern Russia early today, killing all 62 people on board, including two Indians, as it tried to land in bad weather in the city of Rostov-on-Don, officials said.

Passengers killed in the crash include 2 Indians, 44 Russians, 8 Ukrainians and one from Uzbekistan. The two Indians killed in the crash were identified as Anju Kathirvel Aiyappan and Mohan Shyam. Contd. on Page 4

2 Indians among 62 killed as jet crashes in southern Russia

SSA teachers demands Security forces nab 2 54 Km Chowkham – Parsuram batch-wise regularization hardcore NSCN (I-M) road soon under double lane - BRO of in-service SSA teachers cadres in Tirap district A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 19

Bishnu Rana Namsai, Mar 19

The Central Executive Committee of the All Arunachal Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Teachers’ Association today called on Education Minister Wanglin Lowangdong and submitted a three-point memorandum in favour of the SSA teachers.

The 54 Km stretches of road from Chowkham in Namsai district to Parsuram Kund in Lohit district is termed as the religious hub both for Buddhist and Hindu. Regrettably, due to sheer negligence from the concerned authorities the road is in sordid state of affair for quite some time now. Contd. on Page 3

ET Correspondent Khonsa, Mar 19

The security forces nabbed two NSCN (I-M) cadres from adjoining Jhoom Kheti of Lothang village in Tirap district. On 17th march 2016 on receiving input about presence of cadres, Assam Rifles force of Khonsa sprung into action and surrounded the complete area. Detailed search of the area was carried out and they were able to apprehend 2 hardcore cadres of NSCN (IM) faction.

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A reliable source informed that initially only 1 ultra was nabbed in adjoining Jhoom kheti area of Lothang and on his tipoff, another accomplice of his was apprehended subse-

quently from jungle area after intense search by security forces. The apprehended cadres were identified as self style sergeant Neytun Nokbi, age of 35 years and self style sergeant Manlang Wangsa, age 18 years of NSCN (I-M) factions. One 7.62mm AK 47, 7.65 mm automatic pistol, grenades, explosives, detonators and huge quantity of ammunitions were recovered from their possession. On anonymity public shared that the Assam Rifles unit deployed in Tirap district has been doing excellent job by apprehending these cadres and they vouched that due to their effort the activities of cadres have been curtailed drastically and extortion in Tirap district has reduced phenomenally in last two years.

The committee also told the education minister that SSA teachers of the state have to wait for four to five months at a time to receive their salaries, which demoralizes the teachers and hence asked him to look into the enhancement of salaries, along with its disbursement on a monthly basis.

NEIFW registered designers to take part in international Fashion Week’s at London, Milan, Paris and Los Angeles Nellie N. Manpoong Itanagar, Mar 19 The endeavor of the designers from northeastern states to showcase and promote their rich fabrics will be continued in the second edition of the North East India Fashion Week 2016 which is scheduled to be held here from June 3 to 5 next. The North East India Fashion Week (NEIFW) is being organized by the Affluent Ray of Light (ARL) which aims to globalize the social and cultural aspects of the different tribes of Northeast India through fashion and also to create a market for it. The event will also focus on promoting the local weavers of the region by providing them networking opportunity and avenues for selling their products.

The first edition of the fashion week which was held on April 2015 had seen confluence of about 37 designers from the Northeastern states and this time around, several upcoming designers are expected to showcase their designs as well, said ARL COO and designer Yana Ngoba, in a press conference held here today at Arunachal Press Club. Speaking on the lack of sufficient buyers for their products, Ngoba said that it is so because such fashion events are wrongly portrayed. Adding that most of the fashion events are projected as entertainment events, Ngoba said that the concept and objective of such fashion events should be taken care of which is to promote and showcase designs. Further dwelling on the issue, Ngoba informed that this time they will use low ramps so that poten-

tial buyers and investors can actually see the fabric and designs. She added that stalls will also be put up for the both designers and weavers from where buyers can directly avail the products. Stating that NEIFW has been made possible through confluence of different designers from the Northeast states under a single umbrella, Ngoba informed that NEIFW also supports its NEIFW registered designers to take part in international Fashion Week’s at London, Milan, Paris, Los Angeles etc. ARL chief advisor Pradeep Kr Behera informed that apart from promoting the work of designers from the region, their objective is also to make fashion industry an alluring industry for weavers to earn their respective livelihood.

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Security forces nabbed two NSCN (I-M) cadres from adjoining Jhoom Kheti of Lothang village in Tirap

Chowkham – Parsuram road soon under double lane

The team, led by its president Tagru Kasha apprised the minister of their grievances and said that the association

demanded batch-wise regularization of in-service SSA teachers by implementing RTE ACT 2010 as per revised norms for teachers.


DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, MARCH 20

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Total 41 candidates filed nomination and found valid in Tezpur ET Correspondent Tezpur, Mar 19 : In Tezpur Election District for five LACs altogether 41 Candidates contesting from different registered political parties and as independent candidates have filed their nomination papers for the five LACs under Tezpur Election District which have been found valid after through scrutiny that concluded today. In 71 Dhekaijuli LAC Habul Chakrabarty (INC), Ashuk Ananad Shingla

(BJP) , Dhaniram Rajwar (AIUDF) Benudhar Nath, Satrughna Chachani, Manuranjan Daimari, Ranjay Basumatary, Mahan Chandra Nag and Jehirul Islam (Independent). In 72 Barchala LAC, Tankabahadur Rai (INC), Ganesh Kumar Limbu (BJP), Bina Daimary (AIUDF), Narayan Sarmah, Numal Chandra Daimary and Bifai Minj (Independent). In 73 Tezpur LAC, Hiranya BHuayn (INC), Brindaban Goswami (AGP), Sokhendra Nath

(AIUDF), Nayanmoni Chowdhury (SUCI), Mahendra BHuyan (NCP), Anupam Baruah, Bijit Saikia, Kulen Saikia, Bhabananda Deka, and Sujit Sarma (Independent). In 74 Ranagapara LAC, Bhimananda Tanti (INC), Bijai Kumar Tiru (AIUDF), Pallab Luchan Das (BJP), Abhijit Hazarika, Royal Chareng , Mithu Malakar, Hitendra Kumar Sharma, Archana Pal chowdhury, Abbash Khan and Christopher Dhanwar (Independent) and in 75

ASTRO FOR YOU Aries Today you will have to give in to your spouse's demands for improving the environment at home. In your own interest it will be advisable. to hasten the measures needed to be taken and stay focussed on them as you are the one who is guilty of neglect. Taurus You are likely to confront a turning point in relationships today, foresees Ganesha. Because you are in need of some compassion and support, you will feel the need to spend time with friends and relatives. Your beloved or better half may bring a change in mood by helping you shed your negative frame of mind. Gemini You may plan to wash your car, clean your yard and arrange your wardrobe. And you don't trust the housemaid with any of the chores, because no one can clean the house better than you. Personal hygiene will also get your full attention. Cancer It is a favourable day to engage in household activities, like gardening, cooking or even washing laundry. In the evening, work will be eclipsed by the pleasures of love. Leo You need to curb down on your expenses. You need to moderate the risks you take on in the share market. It is a good day for financial gains though. You need to understand the value of compromise Virgo Your writing abilities will help you give vent to your emotions without hurting others. You will finish all your incomplete tasks successfully. Ganesha says that you will experience success in everything that you choose to do today. Libra Of late, you have been very concerned about the health of one of your close friends. Take this day to lay your fears to rest by spending time with that friend. Work can wait, as today you must prove to yourself, if not to others, that 'a friend in need is a friend indeed'. Scorpio You may spend a lot of your time brainstorming at your desk. In the evening, however, mental exercises will be substituted for pleasure and fun with friends and family. Sagittarius For you, appreciation and recognition for the efforts you put in may be delayed, but it's not denied. There's is no point losing heart and getting disappointed. This may only affect your work, instead, wait for a better tomorrow, Capricorn At work, you may love to play the leader, but that makes you accountable, for both the good as well as the poor performance of your subordinates. In all likelihood, you may be held responsible for the poor performance of your team members. But all said and done, you will set high standards for yourself, and a perfect example for others to follow. Aquarius Your mood will swing by the hour today! Naturally, you leave your friends stumped. But unpredictability does not mean that you take unnecessary risk. Pisces Just as melting ice caps on faraway mountains can swell the oceans, concerted efforts you make now will have far-reaching beneficial consequences. Do not be disheartened in the face of obstacles and keep soldiering on.

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 20-3-16 (SUNDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Bhajan From Films 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-00 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 9-20 A.M-Seuji Chora (Children Programme)-1.Holi Geet by Ashish Khound and Party,2.Talk on "Rong Aaru Bhatritwar Utsav Phakuwa" by Jadu Chutia 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori (Request Programme of Assamese Songs) 1-10 P.M-Gharjeuti -1. Short Story-"Kanya" by Punya Devio, 2.Self Composed Poem Recitation by Pranati Baruah 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan (Rural Programme) 7-15 P.M-Chah Sramikar Asor (Tea Garden Programme) 7-45 P.M- Juye Pora Son-Interview with Nalini Baruah, Interviewer-Rupjyoti Dowerah (Part-2) 8-00 P.M-Ekalabya (Sponsored Programme of KKHSOU) Sd-/H.O.P

Sootea LAC Padma Hazarika (BJP), Praneswar Basumatary (INC), Mahendra Orang (VPI), Khemraj Chetry (CPIM), Jyoti Subba and Aruna Nath (Independent) have filed their nomination papers. Said Deputy Commissioner cum returning for the Tezpur election District Laya Madduri while briefing the media persons in a press meet held today in the evening at the DC conference Hall. Giving the update of over-

all development of the ensuing poll related activities that is slated on April 4 here the deputy Commissioner further said that act of the scrutiny of two nomination papers of AIUDF adjourned for the day following certain doubtful information which will be completed by Monday afternoon. On the otherhand the voters will be able to meet the general observers engaged for the five LACs for any election related issues everyday after 6 Pm at Circuit house

here. “7134 banners, hoardings, posters, flag etc. have been removed, 3070 liters have been seized, case money about Rs. 33 lacs recovered till date.” She said adding for security measure sufficient security arrangement is done and all the licensed arms have been deposited while illegal arms have been seized from the various parts from within the District. Moreover, she also informed that for making

aware of the people towards the ensuing poll awareness programme has been conducted at various places of the five LACs. As part of the same a street play was presented near Tezpur College. “Special awareness programme will be conducted in the polling stations where less polling percentage was recorded during the last elections.” She maintained further adding randomization of EVM was also done today in front of the observers and the candidates.

6 candidates submits nomination in Margherita Nidan Purty to be the youngest candidate of all ET Correspondent Margherita, Mar 19: At 124 No Margherita LAC Assembly Election where six candidates have submitted their nomination form where the major fight will be held among former Minister and heavyweight Congress candidate Pradyut Bordoloi and BJP Candidate Bhaskar Sharma. But among the six candidates, Nidan Purty (31) of Bharat Bikash Manch is said to be the youngest of all the Candidates. Nidan Purty is an Organising Secretary of Adivashi Suraksha Manch, a non-political organisation of Assam and also State Committee Organising

Secretary of Bharat Bikash Mancha. According to source, at Margherita Constituency, Tea Tribes Community Compromises of 41051 Voters, which is said to be the second highest voters after Assamese Community who comprises 45098 Voters. “After 68 years of India's independence the farmers, workers, tea tribe people and general public of Margherita are being deprived, exploited and cheated in every step from there basis rights. Only during election time these people remember innocent public’s votes but Bharat Bikash Manch’s main agenda is to give

basic facilities and uplift farmers, workers, tea tribe people and general Public in every sphere” said Nidan Purty while talking to the correspondent. Nidan Purty further added that, both the earlier UPA Government and present Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP Government at the Centre have failed in every sector whereas Bharat Bikash Manch is the only party that can solve the problem of farmers and various workers of Margherita constituency. Bharat Bikash Manch have fielded total 18 Candidates in this Assembly Election of Assam.

27 nominations accepted in 3 LAC of Tinsukia, 1 rejected Spl correspondent Tinsukia, Mar 19: Barring one nomination of Jugal Majhi (Jan Congress) for Digboi LAC, all 27 nomination filed from the 3 LAC of Tinsukia district - Tinsukia LAC, Digboi LAC and Doomdooma LAC were found valid on Saturday.

Road mishap ET Correspondent Tezpur, March 19 : Two persons were died on the spot while they were knocked down by a speedy truck at Porwa Chariali under Mahabhairab Police outpost here last night at around 11.30. On the NH 37 (A). The deceased were identified as Idrish Ali (55) and Ikramul Ali (15) of Bhalukjharani Village. The two businessmen were on way to their home by a two wheeler.

Election training in Kokrajhar ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Mar 19: The election training for the presiding and 1st polling officers will be held on March 20 from 10 AM at Kajalgaon High School and Dhaligaon High School. All the presiding and 1st polling officers were directed by the Chirang Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Rupak Kr. Mazumdar to attend the training positively without fail. Altogether, 1,224 Government employees were appointed as presiding officer, 1st polling officer, 2nd polling officer and 3rd polling officer for conduct of smooth election in 31 Sidli (ST) LAC. Presently, 308 Ballot Units and 300 Control Units are available in the district against the total 245 polling stations. In the ensuing Assemby Election, in Sidli constituency total of 1,89,850 (male95,099 and female- 94,751) voters as per the latest updated electoral roll will excise their adult franchise.

Major crack down on illicit liquor supply by Darrang DC ET Correspondent Mangaldai, Mar 19: It is undoubtedly clear that we can't expect the ensuing elections to be peaceful , free and fair until and unless we can put effective barriers on the illicit flow of liquors as consumption of liquor during the election period very much on the card leading to the threat to peace and tranquility of the area. Considering this matter very seriously Deputy Commissioner cum District Election Officer , Darrang Manoj Kumar has formulated a new strategy against the illicit storage , sale and carriage of both country liquor and the India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) by forming a flying squad involving police and excise persons under an Executive Magistrate in which the excise field staff who have been placed in the respective area for more than three years were reportedly left out . The strategy has started working very successfully from the very first

day itself managed to seize a huge quantity of illegally procured IMFL and country liquor from across the district on the basis of definite inputs from different reliable resources including social organizations and local media persons. The dawn to dusk heavy crack down on illicit liquor was led by Assistant Commissioner Antara Gogoi and Circle Officer of Dalgaon Revenue Circle Dr. Ashraful Amin in Dalgaon LAC. In such a drive reportedly launched in road side dhabas and restaurants of Dalgaon and Kharupetia area on Friday evening, several gallons of illicit liquors have been destroyed and big nos of bottles with IMFL were seized. Assistant Commissioner Pallabi Sarma Choudhury led the drive in Kalaigaon area while Circle Officer of Mangaldai Revenue Circle Prasanta Borkakaty and Assistant Commissioner Pinky Borgoyari seized a num-

ber of IMFL from petty paan shops and destroyed more than 500 liters of illicit liquors which were seized from various stipulated locations under Mangaldai LAC including Bongalagarh , Janaramchowka , Ramhari etc. Circle Officer of Sipajhar Revenue Circle Manali Jain too conducted such drive in Sipajhar area. Such series of drives are expected to be continued till the election is over. A team of Mangaldai police station on Friday night rounded up two youths from LNB Road area while they were creating nuisance in public in an intoxicated condition.

All section of the society has appreciated the stern action initiated by the district administration on the eve of the ensuing assembly election to conduct the election in a free and fair atmosphere in the district. It may be mentioned here that practices of illicit liquor have been running unabated almost in every nook and corner of the district allegedly under the patronage of a section of corrupt field staff and officers of the local Excise department who have been blessed to serve in the district for more than four years at a stretch violating officials norms. Those excise per-

sonnel have allegedly made a unholy nexus with the illicit liquor traders to continue their illegal trade more flourishing. The Excise department in the district has been functioning without the Superintendent and the Deputy Superintendent of Excise since quite a long period. The Deputy Superintendent of Excise at Udalguri functioning as the in charge Superintendent has also been entrusted with the additional charge of the Excise Superintendent in Darrang. Meanwhile the Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar after receiving several public complaints is reportedly getting ready to make a reshuffle of the field staff of the Excise department here. Moreover he today reportedly convened a meeting of all the licensee of wine shops and bars of the district where issues relating to illicit trading of liquor and its possible legal actions especially during the ensuing election has been discussed.

NOTICE It is for general information to all contesting candidates/ agents/all political parties and electors of Legislative Assembly Constituency Sadiya (126) that, Mr. Babulal Meena, General Observer, appointed by Election Commission of India has arrived in Sadiya on 1703-2016 and stayed at Room No. 1, Circuit House, Sadiya, Chapakhowa. The General Observer Contact Telephone No. is 03756 – 244021 and Mobile number is 9476566283.


DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, MARCH 20

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Another blow to the insurgency by security forces of Tirap ET Correspondent Khonsa, Mar 19: Delivering yet another blow to the NSCN factions, the security forces conducted a successful operation in Tirap district on 17th March, 2016. Acting upon an input about presence of insurgents in jungles of Borduria, the security forces of Tirap launched an operation in wee hours on 17th march 2016. The operation continued for more than 24 hours and successfully nabbed a deadly insurgent named self styled private Sambam Tangdong of NSCN (U) and recovered a .303 rifle, 16 live rounds and 78 rounds of AK - 47. Talking to our correspon-

Ziro, Mar 19: Saint Claret College, Ziro held its signature Commencement Ceremony for the outgoing Class of 2016, "launching them to life," presided by Prof. Amitava Mitra, Finance Officer, IQAC Coordinator, and Professor in Economics of Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar and witnessed by a host of guests, parents, and other Claretines. The Ceremony also witnessed a slew of scholarships and awards - 88 in number - for the students. The ceremony began with a solemn procession by the Class of 2016, clad in academic cap and sash and accompanied by the officials of dent, the civil population in the ceremony vested in acathe area expressed a sigh of demic regalia. The Principal relief and appreciated the administered the Comdetermined efforts of the security forces for bringing peace and normalcy in the region.

Truck accident due to mechanical failure Jiko Linggi Roing, Mar 19: Despite driving on plain road, a truck met with an accident on NH-52 on Friday, the road leading to Roing township; no one was injured in the accident. According to the driver of the truck, the vehicle's brake were not working and he was driving slowly towards the township, when another technical snag hit the engine of the truck in the midst of the busy road.

"Already the brakes had failed, so I was slowly driving the vehicle, when all of a sudden the gears stopped working and slide into neutral gear. Instead of moving forward, the vehicle started to lurch backward and could not be stopped, until it hit the drain on the roadside", the driver said. He also added that lack of a handyman added to his woes, as there was no one to help him control the truck on the middle of the road.

Lt Gen Suresh Sharma takes stock of Project Brahmank

Pasighat, Mar 19: Lt Gen Suresh Sharma, AVSM, DGBR visited Project Brahmank on March 17 & 18 last. DGBR along with Chief Engineer of the Project Brahmank, Anil Kumar inspected JonaiPasighat road (NH-515) and road Ranaghat-MeboBomjur (NH-13). He also inspected Sesseri Bridge on NH-13. He appreciated the good quality work being executed by the Project. Sharma expressed hope that Chief Minister Kalikho Pul would inaugurate the Tarang-Korong Bridge, completed recently near Mebo. Regarding non-sanction of the approaches on

Saint Claret College hosts commencement 2016

both sides of Sesseri Bridge he said it is seriously affecting the progress of the bridge. DGBR also had an interaction with the district officials and the local army formation. He also interacted with few local people of the area who handed over a representation, requesting that the road stretch RanaghatMebo-Bomjur, which is planned to be handed over to State PWD continue to be retained and developed by Border Roads Organization (BRO). The DGBR assured that all out effort will be made from his side to retain this road with BRO.

mencement Pledge to the Class, and on whose request, Dr. Mitra declared them worthy of graduation and commencement, and gave away the Commencement certificates. In his address, Dr. Mitra congratulated the College for its excellent standards of performance and reminded the Class of 2016 that the real education of life began after the college and the kind of educational experience they received at SCCZ must stand them in good stead. Ms. Tamo Rilla was the Valedictorian for the Class of 2016. The event also witnessed a slew of awards and scholarships. The College gave away 88 scholarships, worth Rs. 3,26,000, which in-

cluded two categories of international scholarship: one by Grace EduCare, USA, for 12 students who received scholarships within the range of Rs.10,000 to 20,000; and the other, the sixth-year running Single Step Foundation (USA) Scholarship for 58 female students as part of the SSF and SCCZ's pledge for

Shri. Yumlam Tana, DDSE; Mrs. Ramar Jokik, DIPRO, and Mrs. Yumlam Yajum Lombi, DTO. In the afternoon, the Junior Claretine Council, together with the Management and the Staff, organized a soulful farewell for the outgoing batch.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 19:The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa has condoled the demise of Shri Khilu Rijiju, younger brother of Shri Khiren Rijiju, Minister of State (Home Affairs). Conveying his heartfelt condolences to Shri Rijiju, MoS over telephone, the Governor expressed deep grief and shock on the sudden demise. Joined by the First Lady Smti Rita Rajkhowa, the Governor prayed to the Almighty God to give the bereaved family enough strength and courage to bear the irreparable loss and for eternal peace of the departed soul.

DC flags off "Consumer Data Dissemination workshop on Census Data held Awareness on Wheel"

Pasighat, Mar 19: East Siang administration has intensified its consumer education initiatives, encouraged by the response of the denizens of Pasighat. Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla yesterday on March-18, formally flagged off a special initiative called "Awareness on Wheel" in her office premises amidst traders, officers and staffs in a bid to create massive awareness amongst the business community and consumers. In this initiative, a specially designed Truck decorated with IEC material on consumer awareness has started street shows and legal rights awareness campaign-cuminteraction at various places like GTC, JNC, Pasighat market and DEM Hr. Sec School ground etc. To make the campaign crowd pulling, finalist of "Voice of East Siang" Raj Sonar has been presenting melodious songs while dances are being performed by Nani Baby and her team under active supervision of Jobomchang Mengu. Product demonstration in-

charge cum Inspector (LM) Lupha Sikhet Taipodia has been explaining on various subjects of consumer interests through practical demonstration on MRP, quality marks, weights and measures, adulteration of food, provisions of Consumer Protection Act, etc during the street shows. In her inaugural address, DC Isha Khosla said, "You should be aware about your rights as a consumer when you are going to purchase any products or avail any services. To protect your rights as a common consumer, awareness is more fruitful than the law". She presented an elaborate idea about the rights entrusted by the Consumer Protection Act to the common consumers. Impressing upon the shopkeepers to be sincere in their dealings and to build up trust with the customers, Khosla opined that fair dealings and decency alone could ensure customers satisfaction and their return and that healthy relationship with customers would create a conducive market environment. She ap-

preciated the Legal Metrology and Consumer Affairs Department for taking pains in working of protection of the consumer rights and advised the common masses to put the knowledge gained from the campaign into use while shopping their day-today requirements and in availing services. Assistant Controller of Legal Metrology, KP Tago spoke at length on Consumers' Rights and Protection Act-1998 and Responsibilities of Consumers while briefing the objective of the campaign. He said that due to ignorance or indifference, consumers of the state do not try to show resistance towards unfair trade practices because of which fraudulent practices. He advised the consumers not to compromise on quality and quantity of goods they purchase in day to day life and they should keep the habit of obtaining information of the products before making the purchase or availing services so that their hard earned money do not go waste. (DIPRO)

ET Correspondent Deomali, Mar 19: A Data Dissemination workshop on Census Data was organized by the Directorate of Census Operations, Arunachal Pradesh at Wangcha Rajkumar Government College,Deomali on 17th March,2016. Mrs. Bharti Chanda, Joint Director, Census Operations, Arunachal Pradesh, Shillong spoke on the objectives,use of Census Data, Legal provisions and relevant Acts related to Census in her power point presentation. She also encouraged the august gathering to spread awareness among people living in the society to transmit correct information during Census works for the betterment of the country. Shri. Utpal Sharma, Assistant Director, Census Operations, Arunachal Pradesh, Shillong gave a valuable

information on Census Info India 2011 Software. Earlier, in his welcome address Shri. Milorai Modi, Principal, Wangcha Rajkumar Government College, Deomali said that sort of programme will serve as a moral boost and encour-

agement to the Students and teaching faculties as the College is very young in terms of infrastrural developments. He also extended his thankfulness to the resource persons for selecting the College for such a wonderful programme like Census Data.

White Water Rafting Expedition Thumbin to Pangin

Help resolve differences, Pul appeals Community Based Organisations Contd. from Page 1

Terming the differences based on clans and communities as the major obstacles in preventing crimes, he said “the state has adequate police force and resources to check crimes. But what we lack is the political will and the will to rise above our differences.” Affirming to stand strong for a united Arunachal, the chief minister appealed vari-

ous organizations and forums in the state not to involve government in creating differences based on religion, regions and tribe-wise. “I have won 16 elections. But I have never won on the basis of clan or community. I have always stood by the ideal of a good leadership and by proving myself to the people,” he said. Also appealing not to patronize the law breakers, the chief minister said “the law breakers should be made to

realize that only place for them is the jail.” “Anjaw district has one of the lowest crime figures. This has been achieved by strictly dealing with the law breakers without any patronage or support for them,” said Pul. “Today the district has only one police station, though it is one of the largest districts in Arunachal with eight administrative centres,” he added.

SBI donates assistive aids to hospital Pasighat, Mar 19: Sothang Haokip, Chief Manager of State Bank of India, Pasighat branch today donated assistive aids to the Pasighat general hospital under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. Haokip handed over five stretchers and five wheel chairs to Isha Khosla, Deputy Commissioner cum Chairman of District Health Society in presence of JDHS (T&R) Dr.

the educational empowerment of women. The other scholarships included SCCZ Academic and Residential Scholarships, Fr. Tomy Award, SCCZ Merit Awards, Edacheriparampil MathewElizabeth Memorial, and Xavier Board of Higher Education Scholarship. The awards were given away by

Governor condolence

Kabang Lego, doctors and staffs of the general hospital and SBI, Pasighat.

SBI donates assistive aids to hospital

DC Khosla appreciated the SBI officials for the noble gesture. She however advised that there should be close coordination with the district administration while finalizing CSR activities so that urgent requirements of the society can fulfilled.

Aalo, 19 Mar: In tune with the endeavor of Indian Army to educate the populace of remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh about Indian Army, its challenges & opportunities, a white water rafting expedition was conducted from Thumbin to Pangin with effect from 18 Mar 2015 to 20 Mar 2015. The expedition team comprising of two Officers and Junior Commissioned Officer & 18 Other Ranks

covered 85 km of treacherous route on Siyom River in three days. The expedition was flagged off by Brig J S Budhwar, SM from Thumbin. It covered a distance of approx 30 km each day with night halts at Kamba & Patum. The team also interacted with local population of the villages on route to spread awareness about the life &

opportunities offered by the Indian Army as well as about the various philanthropic causes undertaken by the Indian Army like disaster relief, medical camps etc. This initiative motivated a visibly exuberant young crowd to join the Indian Army. Such initiatives will go a long way in enhancing civil military relations and augment the altruistic reputation of Indian Army in a substantial way.

54 Km Chowkham – Parsuram road soon under double lane - BRO Contd. from Page 1

"The bad shape of road causes much inconvenient to the commuters and patient who are specially referred to Dibrugarh in Assam) from Wakro and Medu PHC", a local resident alleged. Meanwhile, the class – 9 category of road which was discarded under Trans Arunachal Highway initiated by Ministry of Road

Transport & Highway GoI brought cheer for the districts as resurfacing of the entire road has been sanctioned and Detail Project Report (DPR) for NH double lane road specification is in offing. The road is being given top priority by Ministry of Defence, reveals official from 1444 Jentu Namsai district. “The central government has accorded top priority to this road in order to boost border post, tourism as well as pilgrimage site by upgrading the class – 9 road to NH

double lane road specification”, discloses an official which is not necessary to be named. Chowkham which is famed for abode of Pagoda and hub for Theravada Buddhist relic would prosper radically including the most famous Pilgrimage spot ‘Parsuram Kund’ where tourists, Sadhus and devotees from across India throng on auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti for holy dip if good road is built.


DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, MARCH 20

PAGE 4

A training on live Twenty one candidates file nomination in Charaideo telecast to be held at Barpata during election ET Correspondent Barpeta, Mar 19: A training programme on live telecast for the Assembly election of April 11th was held at Tarun Ram phukan Hall of Barpeta. It may be mentioned that in 60 polling stations of 6 constituencies under Barpeta subdivision, a live telecast on the Election day will be done, and from each polling stations of 10 selected polling stations there will be live telecast

in 6 constituencies of the sub-division. The training was guided by assistant commissioner Anbamuthan MP, IAS and RMS Barpeta coordinator, Bharati Das. In the training, the computer teachers from all the 29 schools under Barpata sub-division will be participating and will work in all the selected polling centers for conducting live telecast.

ET Correspondent Sonari, Mar 19: All together twenty one candidates have filed nomination papers in Charaideo District for the ensuing first phase of Assam Assembly polls which is scheduled on April 4 next. Among them eight candidates have filed papers for 106 No.

Sonari LAC and thirteen candidates have filed papers for 105 No. Mahmora LAC. Prominent among them are Assam Education Minister and five time MLA from Sonari Sarat Borkatoky, former Assam Veterinary Minister and two time MLA from Mahmora Hiranaya Konwar, former general secretary of All Assam Students Union (AASU)

nomination for Mahmora LAC are Suruj Dehingia (Congress) Jugen Mohan (BJP), Nitayananda Gogoi (RCPI), Sunit Kr. Mohan (Jana Cong.), Rajen Gogoi (NCP), Kali Baruah (LDP) and six independent candidates namely Prasun Rajkonwar, Dibayalata Buragohain Gogoi, Hemen Pegu, Girish Phukan, Boldeb Teli and Mohendra Phukan.

and BJP candidate from Sonari Tapan Kr. Gogoi. The other candidates who have filed nomination papers for Sonari

LAC include Monil Bokolial (LDP), Anup Bhowmik (JDU), Tinu Gopal Dutta (Trinomool Cong.), Raimon Kujur

(Jana Congress) and two independent candidates Ratan Hemrom and Bishnu Koya. The candidates who have filed

Scrutiney of nomination papers were done today in Charaideo DC office in presence of representatives of all the candidates and papers were found valid. Any willing candidates may withdraw their nomination papers on or before 21 March.

Election training for Chirang district ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Mar 19: The election training for the presiding and 1st polling officers will be held on March 20 from 10 AM at Kajalgaon High School and Dhaligaon High School. All the presiding and 1st polling officers has been directed by the Chirang Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Rupak Kr. Mazumdar to attend the training positively without fail. Altogether, 1,224 Government employees were appointed as presiding officer, 1st polling officer, 2nd polling officer and 3rd polling officer for conduct of smooth election in 31 Sidli (ST) LAC. Presently, 308 Ballot Units and 300 Control Units are available in the district against the total 245 polling stations. In the ensuing Assembly Election, in Sidli constituency total of 1,89,850 (male95,099 and female- 94,751) voters as per the latest updated electoral roll will excise their adult franchise.

District Election Officer introduces Gogoi welcomes withdrawal DEO Trophy in Morigaon of expenditure observer ET Correspondent Morigaon, Mar 19: District Election Officer (DEO) of Morigaon, Rakesh Kumar with an aim to ensure maximum participation of new voters in the ensuing Assembly Election, 2016, has introduced a DEO Trophy where out of

the nine colleges in the District, the DEO Trophy for the first, second and third position will be awarded to the colleges which will have the maximum voters turnout in terms of percentage. In this connection a meeting was held today with the Principals of various col-

leges of the District under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pranjit Gogoi at his Office Chamber in DC’s Office, Morigaon. The Principals welcomed the initiative wholeheartedly and assured of all possible support in this regard. It may be

mentioned that the total number of new voters in the age group of 18-19 are 16,484 in the election district. Besides others, district Elementary Education Officer and Inspector of Schools (I/C), Morigaon TC Bora also attended the meeting.

Army apprehends a myanmar trained cadre of NDFB(S) at baksa ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 19: Based on specific information on movement of an NDFB (S) cadre, a team of Indian Army and Baksa Police launched a joint operation on March 18 and nabbed a cadre of NDFB (S) mov through village Anand Bazar. The Cadre have been identified as Daithun Boro @ B Dekhreb S/o Gajan Boro R/o - Vill Halongbari PS - Goreswar, Distt - Baksa*. *The cadre had underwent training in the 41st batch in Bhutan and was actively involved in extortion, arms smuggling and other nefarious and anti

national activities. One 7.65mm Pistol along with four live rounds of 7.65mm, one No 36 hand grenade,four live rounds of AK-47 ,eight live rounds of 9mm, two leafs of extortion pads and one mobile phone were recovered from the apprehended cadre.

Army apprehends a myanmar trained cadre of NDFB(S) at baksa

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 19: Congress Legislature party leader Tarun Gogoi has welcomed the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) order of withdrawing its expenditure observer and asking the controlling authority to initiate departmental action against him. In a statement here on Saturday Gogoi said,

“ECI’s order has vindicated our stand that Expenditure Observer’s search in the house of a sitting minister of the present State Government in Assam is a political conspiracy”. Gogoi also lauded ECI’s action, terming it as a fitting response to the spirit of the ECI. Gogoi also urged upon the ECI to maintain a hawk eye on all the po-

The Boeing 737, heading from Dubai to the southern Russian city, was reportedly making its second attempt to land at 0050 GMT when it missed the runway, erupting in a huge fireball as it crashed, leaving debris scattered across a wide area. "My whole house shook. I looked out into the yard and the sky was all red -- it was a shade of red that I have never seen," eyewitness Yana, who lives near the airport, told AFP. Russia's Investigative Com-

Gwshad Basumatary Kokrajhar, Mar19: The bust of the father of Bodos, 'Bodofa' Upendra Nath Brahma was unveiled at the premises of Kokrajhar Science College by the General Secretary of ABSU, Lawrence Islary on Friday. Speaking on the occasion Islary thanked the Principal of the college Dr. R N Sinha for taking the initiative of installing the permanent bust of UN Brahma in the college compound. Addressing the gathering of stu-

dents, faculty and the staff of the college, he recalled the life of UN Brahma and his sacrifices and contributions in the Bodo movement. Earlier the principal and the lecturers too paid floral tributes at his bust. It may be mentioned that it was a long standing demand of the students to install the bust of ‘Bodofa’ at the college campus. The students too expressed their happiness and gratitude to the college authorities for fulfilling their demand.

ET Correspondent Sonari, Mar 19: “I will leave public life if someone proves that I was involved in any corruption during my tenure as general secretary of All Assam Students The apprehension of these Union (AASU)” said Tapan important cadres is signifi- Kr. Gogoi, former general cant towards thwarting the secretary of AASU in a subversive plans of NDFB press meet today. (S) for upcoming elections. The apprehended cadre has He was reacting to an allebeen handed over to Police Station Tamulpur on 18 gation raised by Assam Education Minister and March 2016.

mittee confirmed that all 55 passengers and seven crew members on board were killed and launched a probe into whether technical problems, pilot error or poor weather were behind the crash.

"We do not yet know all the details of the incident but we are working closely with the authorities to establish precisely what happened," the company said.

"On behalf of everyone at flydubai, I would like to express the devastation we all feel in relation to this morning's tragic event in Rostov-onDon," flydubai chairman Ghaith Al Ghaith said in a statement.

The passengers on board flight FZ981, which took off from Dubai at 1820 GMT and was due to land at 2240 GMT, included 44 Russian nationals, eight Ukrainians, two Indians and one Uzbek, the airline said. They comprised 33 women, 18 men and four children.

A no-frills budget carrier which is a sister firm to Emirates Airlines, flydubai is government-owned and was set up in March 2008.

Various sources said the pilot was from Cyprus, while crew members came from Spain and the remaining four

Congress candidate, Sonari Sarat Barkatoky against Gogoi. It is to be mentioned here that Gogoi have stated that he has a property worth 81 lakhs according to the affidavit which he had attached with the nomination paper filed for contesting the election.

Tapan Kr. Gogoi

were from Russia, Colombia, the Seychelles and Kyrgyzstan. Inside the international terminal at Rostov-on-Don airport, local residents laid flowers in front of a list of the victims, as shocked relatives tried to digest the news. "I turned on the news and for some reason thought it was a terrorist attack but it turned out to have been here right at the airport," said relative Alexander Chistyakov. "My brother was fifteen years older than me. He was a successful surgeon in the local hospital. It is such a loss.

Election observer interacts with media person ET Correspondent Sonari, Mar 19: Bhanwarlal Mehra, IAS officer from Rajasthan, who has been appointed as the general observer of Charaideo district for the ensuing assembly polls, today interacted with media persons in the DC conference hall, here. During his interaction he briefed about various steps taken for smooth running of the poll process in the two constituencies of the district. He said that all necessary steps have been taken to enforce Model Code of

Conduct (MCC) for free and fair election. Charaideo DC Monimala Phukan Borthakur, Charaideo Elec-

Government has a tacit role in using Raghavendra Singh the Expenditure observer in settling ‘political scores’. Gogoi also expressed his apprehensions that more leaders from the Congress may also be targeted in the run up to the elections and requested the ECI to maintain a constant vigil in the electioneering in Assam.

I will leave public life if someone proves that I was involved in any corruption during my tenure as general secretary of AASU: Tapan Kr. Gogoi

Bodofa’s bust unveiled at 2 Indians among 62 killed as Kokrajhar Science College jet crashes in southern Russia Contd. from Page 1

litical parties and their candidates in fray in the ensuing Assembly elections in the State. Gogoi also said that the ECI’s directive on Expenditure Observer is an indicative of ‘partisan’ and ‘high-handedness’ of the Expenditure Observer’s discharge of duties. It also reflected that a party at the helm of affairs in the Central

tion Officer Gurnel Singh and Sonari Circle Officer Dhiraj Das also spoke on the occasion. They in-

formed that NGOs will be engaged to help differently abled person cast their votes.

Borkotoky alleged that Tapan Kr. Gogoi had acquired the property through corruption while he was

with AASU. In response to the allegation, Gogoi said that Barkatoky who have won five assembly elections consecutively from Sonari is having sleepless nights since BJP announced his name as candidate for the ensuing elections. Gogoi also claimed that he is going to defeat Borkotoky by a margin of more than twenty thousand votes in the election which is going to be held on 4 April next.

General Observer Babulal Meena, IAS in Sadiya ET Correspondent Sadiya, Mar 19: General Observer Babulal Meena, IAS, (Telephone No. 03756-244021 & Mobile No. 9476566283, Room No. 1) & Expenditure Observer Sri Deo Kumar, ICAS, (Telephone No. 03756-244088 & Mobile No. 9476566281, Room No. 6) are available in Sadiya Circuit House. Any person, Candidate or Political Party may contact them for any complaint against irregularities in ensuing Assembly Election. The said Observers took stock of the poll preparedness measures with the Returning officer, officials of Elections, Expenditure cell, Official of Flying Squad, Static Surveillance & Video Surveil-

lance cell and others. While interacting with the officials the Observers requested all to strictly follow the election guidelines inforce for ensuring free and fare poll. Besides, on 19th March 2016 Satish N, IAS, Awareness Observer interacted with the students and teachers of Sadiya College and he visited Borgorah Miri Govt. LP School, PS – 12, Majuli Janata L.P, Jawaharlal Hindi LPand Sadiya Govt. Higher secondary school, chapakhowa. Further, it may be mentioned here that a meeting with all candidates or with their representatives is scheduled to be held at SDO(C), (RO) Office Chamber on 22nd March 2016 at 3:00 PM in presence of the Election Observers.

Dilip Moran files his nomination ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Mar 19: With a hundred supporters, BJP candidate from Doomdooma, Dilip Moran filed his nomination at Tinsukia DC office. It must be mentioned that Doomdooma had INC majority for the last 58 years but in the last assembly election BJP candidate Dilip Moran have won the seat. After filing the nomination

Moran said that, all across the state an anti-Congress wave is on and the people of Assam wants a political change. This change will be seen when BJP will form his government in the state in the next few days. Assuring his victory he further said that, he will be blessed by the voters. On the other hand Rishikesh Barua, who also a resident of Doomdooma filed his nomination.


REGION Strike affects normal life in Manipur's hill districts

PAGE 5

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, MARCH 20

Youth fest against early marriage in Meghalaya Agencies Shillong, Mar 19: With early marriages becoming a bane in tribal society, a unique two-day youth festival on the theme "Say No to Early Marriage" was organized by the district health and family welfare department at Indoor Stadium, Baghmara, South Garo Hills district. In fact, early marriages have been leading to disastrous consequences, with the number of single mothers, abandoned by their husbands, increasing by the day across Meghalaya. Things have come to such a pass that the state government has initiated welfare programmes for these hapless women.

Agencies Imphal, Mar 19: Normal life was affected on Friday in the hill districts of Manipur on a call for a 15-hour general strike by tribal organisations to commemorate the killing of nine people in police action in the state last year. Life was affected in Churachandpur district, where the killings took place, and in Tamenglong district as government offices, educational institutes, marSpeaking on the concluding kets and other commerday of the function on Fri- cial establishments were day, Saljagring M Marak, district sports officer, Baghmara, dwelt at length on the theme and elaborated on the various issues related to early marriages and also spoke on the growing demand for abusive substances by the youth. Social activist Florence T Sangma spoke on the various side effects of early marriage, which is very much prevalent in Garo society.

Deputy commissioner of South Garo Hills district SN Marak, while highlighting the various programmes and activities initiated by the health and family department, said, "We should never lie or hide anything from parents, doctors and lawyers". She also stressed on a healthy way of living and underscored the need to accord maximum importance to studies.

Strike affects normal life in Manipur's hill districts

shut. In Tamenglong, no traffic was seen along national highway-37 during the strike. Government offices and markets were closed but educational institutes functioned normally. The strike that began from Thursday midnight also disrupted normal life in Chandel. Nine tribals were killed in an alleged police crackdown in Churachandpur district over six months ago during the tribals' protest against three Bills passed in the Manipur assembly on August 31.

Aboriginals to take part in Monolith festAgencies Shillong, Mar 19: A group of aboriginal performing artists from Australia will be the central attraction at the Monolith Festival to be organized by the Khasi Heritage Conservation Forum (KHCF) from March 31 to April 2 at the Khasi heritage village of Mawphlang on the outskirts of the city.

objectives as laid down in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) constituted KHCF, an autonomous body, to document, preserve and promote the rich traditions and cultural diversity of the Khasis and to organize the annual festival," KHADC chief "As part of its prime executive member PN

Tripura HC cancels appt of 34 assistant profs in AGMC

Syiem said here re- the various sub-tribes cently. of the Khasis in a common arena. A replica of the traditional suspenThe organizers will sion bridge seen across aim at a plastic-free almost all rivers and festival. Visitors have streams in rural Khasi been requested to Hills has been built in bring their own or- the heritage village. ganic fibre carry-bags. The festival will showcase indigenous cuisines, dances, handicrafts and textiles, rituals and ceremonies of

"We have invited cultural troupes from the district councils of the Jaintia and Garo Hills," Alan West

Kharkongor, membersecretary, KHCF said. "Stalls offering traditional massage, homemade wine, rice beer and traditional handicrafts will also be set up," he said. "There will also be workshops for schoolchildren on poetry, storytelling and live demonstrations of various indigenous skills and games," poet D e s m o n d Kharmawphlang said.

UNC bandh against 'anti-tribal' bills cripples Manipur hill dists Agencies Imphal, Mar 19: Life was hit in Manipur's Naga-dominated districts in the hills on Friday owing to a shutdown called by the United Naga Council (UNC) in protest against ILP-like bills.

The Tripura high court Agencies Agartala, Mar 19: The Tripura high court on Thursday cancelled the appointment of 34 assistant professors of Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) for alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. In his judgement, justice S C Das maintained that the recruitment process did not follow the subjectwise reservation norms and rules were violated in recruiting people to fill the posts. Considering the service requirement of the medical college, the court has allowed three months' time for fresh recruitment based on the subject and reservation on the basis of specialization. Moni Ranjan Debbarma, who wanted to teach surgery, and Dr Ashis Debbarma, who wanted to be in the biochemistry department, had filed a writ petition in 2012, soon after the filling up of the posts of 34 assistant professors. Their candidatures were denied.

The duo alleged that the state government did not follow the rules, reservation policies and provisions and did not consider the merits of the aspirants. Rather, it acted on its whims and political considerations that has set a bad instance and has deteriorated the quality of services and education in AGMC, they added. However, the AGMC authorities have stated that the court judgment has further complicated the situation ahead of the visit of the Medical Council of India (MCI) next week. According to the MCI team, the college does not have basic infrastructure and has been facing shortage of faculty for the past 10 years. "It is unfortunate that the government is not promoting qualified and eligible faculties. Despite repeated persuasion. Instead, it has appointed some contractual members at a higher level, who come only for three to five days a month," said a senior AGMC official.

On August 31, last year, the Manipur assembly had passed the 'Protection of Manipur Peoples' Bill 2015, Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Bill, Seventh Amendment Bill, 2015, and the Manipur Shops and Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015. The same night, there was a huge violence in the hill districts by the tribals. They termed the statutes as antitribal. However, the Okram Ibobi Singh government has repeatedly said that there was no clause in the bills that hurt the sentiments and interests of the tribal communities. The chief minister even said that the government might amend the bills if any of its

Bomb blast in Manipur border town

Bomb blast in Manipur border town Agencies Imphal, Mar 19: Unidentified miscreants hurled a medium intensity bomb at the border town of Moreh in Manipur's Chandel district bordering Myanmar, a police officer said. No casualties were reported in the blast last night, he said. The officer said the blast

clauses went against the interests of the tribal communities. At least nine tribal protesters were killed, most of them in police action, in Churachandpur district headquarters, while private residences of eight Kuki MLAs and an MP were torched by angry protestors in the Kuki-Chin-MIzo dominated district. Bodies of the nine tribal protestors are still lying at the mortuary of Churachandpur district hospital and Friday marked the 200th day of their death with the people of Churachanpur paying their respect to the 'martyrs'. During the 15-hour UNC

bandh that ended at 3 pm, traffic along the ImphalDimapur and ImphalSilchar highways was thin.

The bandh was supported by the Churachandpurbased Joint Action Committee (JAC).

lenting struggle for justice and our continued fight for our tribal rights over land and identity. We also wanted to pay tribute to the nine tribal martyrs," UNC said. The inordinate delay on the part of the Centre in solving the issue even after 200 days is beyond imagination, a UNC statement said. In another statement issued on Friday evening, the council expressed gratitude to tribal civil bodies, village headmen and the general public for extending their support to the bandh.

"We called the bandh against the three anti-tribal bills and to mark the 200th day of mourning and unre-

Defying the state government's order, a gun salute was also held in honour of the nine martyrs.

Besides paralysing normal activities at the district headquarters and towns in Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Chandel districts, the bandh also crippled national and international projects that are underway in the areas.

He said the town was infamous for various illegal activities, including drug trafficking and gun smuggling. No arrests have been made so far in the incident, he added.

Land hurdles delaying road projects: Mukul could not be acquired, while in some cases people were politicizing the issue.

Chief minister Mukul Sangma

Agencies Shillong, Mar 19: Chief minister Mukul Sangma on Friday said that land acquisition problems and related politics were posing major hurdles in development projects, especially in the road sector, in the state. Speaking in the assembly, he said many road projects have been stalled as land

United Naga Council (UNC)

could be an effort to intimidate the business community into paying extortion money in the tribal dominated town.

The CM told the assembly that the government was prioritizing road sector projects with funds from different agencies. Replying to a discussion over the budget, Mukul said the state government has been able to convince the Centre to connect all NE state capitals with the East West Corridor with a fourlane national highway. He said the Centre has approved funds for a number of road projects with the caveat that 90% of the land should be ready for acquisition. However, due to political hurdles, some of these projects have not see the light of the day, he added.

Army apprehends hardcore Bhutan trained cadre of NDFB(S) Baksa , Mar.19 (ANI): A joint team of Indian Army and police has apprehended a NDFB (S) terrorist from Anand Bazar village in Baksa.

an NDFB (S) cadre, a team of Indian Army and Baksa Police yesterday launched a joint operation and nabbed the cadre.

One 7.65 mm pistol along with four live rounds of 7.65mm, one No 36 hand grenade, four live rounds of AK-47 ,eight live rounds of 9mm, two leafs of extortion pads and one mobile phone were recovered from the apprehended cadre.

The cadre, who has been identified as Daithun Boro, underwent training in the 41st batch in Bhutan. He was actively involved in extortion, arms smuggling and other nefarious anti-national activities.

Based on specific information on movement of

The apprehended cadre has been handed over to police in Tamulpur.

Shillong is not among dirtiest cities: Ampareen Agencies Shillong, Mar 19: Urban and Municipal Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh denied that Shillong was one of the dirtiest cities in the country as claimed by Ardent Basaiawmoit (HSPDP), who had quoted a survey to substantiate his claim during the Question Hour in the Assembly on Friday. The minister, however, admitted that out of the 75 cities selected under the Swachh Bharat Mission, Shillong was ranked 53rd as far as cleanliness is concerned. “Nowhere in the re-

port, there is reference to Shillong being one of the dirtiest cities,” Lyngdoh said. The minister said that the 75 cities were placed under different categories as ranked city, aspiring leaders, acceleration required, and slow movers.

was one of the steps undertaken by the government to ensure cleanliness. She, however, said that there are certain challenges the government faces including the absence of a single governing institution for the entire city to ensure cleanliness.

She said as far as Shillong is concerned, the integrated solid waste management system of the city was highlighted in the first survey. The minister said that public awareness on door to door collection of garbage

The minister also pointed out that there are multiple agencies in the city which add to the problem. Absence of public representatives in urban local bodies and lack of awareness on the part of the citizens coupled

with absence of private investment are other concerns, the minister said. Earlier, raising questions, both Basaiawmoit and K.P. Pangniang (HSPDP) said that Shillong can no longer be called Scotland of the East. The minister, on her part, asserted that the government will try to bring back the lost glory of Shillong. ‘Citizens refusing to adhere to cleanliness rules’ When Opposition legislator Jemino Mawthoh (UDP) raised concerns on the poor waste management mecha-

nism in the city, Lyngdoh informed the Assembly that citizens are refusing to adhere to the rules. Raising a question in the Assembly on disposal of waste management, Mawthoh said no proper system has been adopted by the department for the waste disposal. He also pointed out that the Marten dumping ground at Mawiong where the wastes from the city are regularly dumped has become a ‘waste bomb’ as it can be disastrous one day, if the dumping ground cannot hold wastes any more.

According to Mawthoh, if the wastes are not treated properly, the city is going to suffer from mismanagement of waste disposal. The minister said that the suggestions of the legislator will be followed up and added that there is a need on the part of the citizens to adhere to the rules related to waste disposal. Earlier, the minister said the coloured dustbins (green and blue) and waste disposal trucks have not been provided to areas outside the Shillong Municipality.


NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, MARCH 20

PAGE 6

BJP has murdered Vajpayee's principles: Congress on U'khand crisis D e h r a d u n (Uttarakhand), Mar 19: Continuing its tirade against the Centre, the Congress on Saturday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has murdered the ideology of former prime minister Atal Bihar Vajpayee by trying to stake claim to form the government in Uttarakhand. "Harak Singh Rawat has been associated with many parties. What he has done is incompetent. He has lost confidence of all. The way Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji had passed the bill in the Lok Sabha. the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) murdered

that first in Bihar, then in Arunachal Pradesh and now they have murdered his principles in Uttarakhand," state Congress president Kishore Upadhyay told ANI. "Now, the BJP will have to think whether it will go to the Parliament to re-appeal the law made by Vajpayee ji. This is a huge insult to Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. Narendra Modi ji wants to erase all the memories of Atal ji," he added. Upadhyay further said the Congress has absolute majority and will prove the same in the House of required. The Uttarakhand Congress chief also ex-

Obama congratulates Belgium, France on Paris attack suspect

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and French President Francois Hollande

Washington D.C., Mar 19: US President Barack Obama has congratulated Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and French President Francois Hollande on the arrest of Salah Abdeslam, the prime suspect in the deadly Paris terror attacks. Abdeslam was captured in a police raid in Brussels. Four months on the run as Europe's most wanted man, he was shot in the leg during the raid following which he was captured. He will be thoroughly interrogated by the police as investigations in the case take a strong turn. A statement released by the White House said the President commended the work of Belgian security services and noted that this significant arrest was the result of hard work and close cooperation between Belgian and French law enforcement authorities. Reiterating that the United States stands together with both the countries in shared struggle against the scourge of terrorism, Obama pledged full cooperation and support in degrading and destroying the ISIL. Abdeslam's hideout came as

a surprise as despite one of Europe's biggest manhunts following the Paris attacks, he returned home in Molenbeek, where his parents still live. He managed to stay hidden in the area, which is viewed by the police as a centre of recruitment and planning for jihadi terrorism. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel had in a hastily arranged joint press conference with the French president, Francois Hollande announced that three suspects were detained in total. Hollande said Abdeslam would be quickly extradited to France, adding that the investigation was ongoing because the network was "very large in Belgium, France and other European countries". Meanwhile, the investigators will now have to determine Abdeslam's role in the coordinated attacks that saw suicide bombers blow themselves up near the national stadium, gunmen open fire on bars and restaurants, and gunmen open fire with Kalashnikovs at a rock gig at the Bataclan concert hall. At least 130 people were killed in the deadly Paris attack last November. (ANI)

Paris attack: Police to quiz suspect Abdeslam after dramatic capture in Brussels London, Mar 19: Salah Abdeslam, the prime suspect in the deadly terrorist attacks on Paris was finally captured in a police raid in Brussels after four months on the run as Europe's most wanted man and will be thoroughly interrogated by the police as investigations in the case take a strong turn. According to Guardian, the 26-year-old was shot in the leg during the raid following which he was captured alive. "We got him," the Belgian secretary of state for asylum and migration tweeted after a series of raids were carried out on buildings in Brussels where Abdeslam grew up. His hideout came as a surprise, as despite one of Europe's biggest manhunts following the Paris attacks, Abdeslam returned home in Molenbeek, where his parents still live. He managed to stay hidden in the area, which is viewed by police as a centre of recruitment and planning for jihadi terrorism. Abdeslam was caught alive in a vast but relatively short security operation in Molenbeek, just over an hour after heavy armed police squads descended on several addresses at once. Armed officers in riot gear could be heard shouting

"Come out with your hands up" in front of one building, before grenades appeared to be used and gunfire was heard. Belgian prime minister, Charles Michel in a hastily arranged joint press conference with the French president, FranĂƒ§ois Hollande announced that three suspects were detained in total. Hollande said Abdeslam would be quickly extradited to France, adding that the investigation was ongoing because the network was "very large in Belgium, France and other European countries". He added: "We know there are links which always lead us to Syria, where the Daesh [Isis] extremists planned these attacks." French media reported that Abdeslam had attempted to flee a building on foot and was shot below his knee following which he was taken to hospital for treatment. Investigators will now have to determine Abdeslam's role in the coordinated attakcs that saw suicide bombers blow themselves up near the national stadium, gunmen open fire on bars and restaurants, and gunmen open fire with Kalashnikovs at a rock gig at the Bataclan concert hall. (ANI)

Kishore Upadhyay pressed hope that rebel party MLA Vijay Bahuguna would be back in the party fold. With the Congress Gov-

ernment in Uttarakhand in crisis, Chief Minister Harish Rawat earlier today asserted that the welfare of the state was his

priority and added that he would tender his resignation if he was not able to prove majority. Speaking to the media here, the Chief Minister stated that the rebel MLAs should have spoken to the Speaker or the Governor separately before taking such a colossal step but added that he was ready to give time to the deflecting MLAs to accept their mistake and apologise for their actions. Issuing a challenge to the rebel MLAs, he dared them to prove their majority in the House and not 'run' to New Delhi. As many as 26 BJP

MLAs and nine rebel Congress legislators arrived in the national capital last night in their bid to topple the Harish Rawat-led Congress Government in Uttarakhand. A three-member delegation, comprising senior BJP leader Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Uttarakhand in-charge Shyam Jaju and party general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya met UttarakhandGovernor K. K. Paul last night and demanded the dismissal of the Harish Rawat-led government while stating that it was in a minority. The BJP staked claim to form the government with the support of the rebel Congress MLAs. (ANI)

PM Modi for modernizing agricultural practices New Delhi, Mar 19: Asserting that efforts are being made on ushering a second green revolution, Prime MinisterNarendra Modi on Saturday called for modernizing the agricultural practices. Prime Minister Modi, who inaugurated the 'Krishi Unnati Mela', talked about soil health card initiative and the benefits that the farmers would have through the same. "Transformation in India will come from villages through the farmers. It is important to modernise the agricultural practices and use more technology. This mela is an attempt to help in the same," he said. Prime Minister Modi said efforts are being focused on ushering a second green revolution from the eastern parts of India and to enhance the rural economy. "First green revolution

took place at places with good water supply but the second green revolution has to be powered by technology, modernization. First green revolution was centered around the western and northern parts. Now, the second green revolution has to come from the east. Our efforts are focused on ushering a second green revolution from the eastern parts of India," he added. The Prime Minister further said that purchasing power has to increase which is only possible when the village economy is strengthened. "The Budget this year has been widely appreciated and this is because this is a budget for the poor, the villages and the farmers. By the time we reach 75 years of independence, can we double the income of farmers? If

New Delhi, Mar 19: Punjab suffered huge losses in the decade-long militancy in the 1980s. However, the Khalistan movement appeared to have splintered and eventually faded away by the mid-1990s. Punjab suffered heavy losses both in terms of social and financial means. "Punjab has suffered a lot due to internal terrorism. There was a great loss both in terms of physical and financial. Punjab still has the hundreds of crores of rupees in debt. Along

with the accused, many other innocent people lost their lives," said Col (Retd.) Kuldip Singh, state president, SEWA. The recent terrorist attacks in Dinanagar and Pathankot areas of Punjab indicate help from an insider in carrying out the same. "The two terror strikes at Dinanagar and Pathankot show a strong possibility of some inner hand from Punjab. Especially, terrorists in the Pathankot attack came a night before and they stayed here which

Indian Coast Guard rescued eight crew members from a sinking vessel Kozhikode (Kerala), Mar 19: A major tragedy was averted as the timely and swift action by the Indian Coast Guard, ensured the rescue of eight crew members from a sinking dhow off Beypore in Kerala early Saturday morning. Dhow MSV Selva Matha which was operating between Beypore and Lakshadweep with 8 crew members on board, sunk around 2 am today.

Acting swiftly the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai, immediately diverted tanker MV Hafnia Asia for rescue since it was in the vicinity and also diverted ICGS Abhinav in the area. The crew was successfully rescued and handed over to the ICGS Abhinav at 7 am. All the crew members are safe and healthy and are being brought to Kochi. (ANI)

UNSC condemns North Korea for firing ballistic missiles Prime Minister Narendra Modi we work together we can make it possible," said Prime Minister Modi. Emphasizing on the methods to minimize the use of water, the Prime Minister said initiatives must be taken to save and make optimum use of water through drip irrigation and other mediums to improve our agriculture. "Let us think about how to save water this sum-

mer. Similarly, proper methods of irrigation are vital. Water is god's gift to us. We should not waste even one drop," he added. Appreciating the state of Sikkim for adopting organic farming, he said the time has come to give impetus to value addition and added that food processing would increase the income of farmers. (ANI)

No chance of another Khalistan movement originating in Punjab: Defence Experts

Kuldip Singh

Kerala: Coast guard rescues sinking vessel, all crew members safe

means someone must have given them shelter," he added. Former vice chairperson of National Commission for Minorities Bawa Singh said there is a very small chance of another Khalistan or terrorist movement originating in Punjab. "I do not completely rule out the possibility, but even if it happens, it will be on a very small scale," he added. The Khalistan movement had garnered enough support from the Sikh Diaspora in Britain, the U.S. and Canada. Paramjit Singh Pamma, a Khalistani militant, walked free after remaining in detention for nearly two months after the Portugal Government turned down India's plea to extradite him. Before his arrest by the Portugal Police on December 18, 2015, Pamma was living in the UK after being granted political asy-

lum in 2000. However, experts feel his release would hardly affect the dwindling support for Khalistan. "The release of Paramjit Singh Pamma won't affect Punjab. The reason being the money which he used to give to the organization here does not exist now. The organization needs to be created once again and for that reason he needs to hire people and Pakistan may help him in this. If this will happen then there are chances of any Khalistan movement otherwise no such movement can come again," said Col (Retd.) Kuldip Singh. Khalistan-led militancy that peaked in late 1970s and 1980s claimed hundreds of lives. The increased vigilance by security forces and the confidence building measures adopted by the Sikh community helped in rooting out the Khalistan movement. (ANI)

London, Mar 19: Strongly condemning North Korea for test-firing ballistic missiles, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has ordered Pyongyang to refrain from actions which violate the UN resolutions. The council backed by Pyongyang's ally China in a unanimous statement said that all these launches were unacceptable and constituted a clear violation of UNSC resolutions. The statement in this regard was issued after the United States yesterday called a meeting following North Korea's move to test-fire two mediumrange ballistic missiles. The Security Council had earlier two weeks ago imposed strictest sanctions to North Korea after it carried out its fourth nuclear test in January and fired a rocket in February. Samantha Power, the United States ambassador to the United Nations, said North Korea's latest launches underscore the importance of sanctions imposed which mainly target's Pyongyang's mining, trade and financial

sectors. "If anybody on the council needed a reminder of why that resolution is so important ... the North Korean regime just provided another one," the Guardian quoted Power as saying. North Korea's launches came a day after US President Barack Obama signed an order implementing tougher sanctions unilaterally by Washington outlined in the recent UN sanctions. Obama earlier imposed new sanctions on Pyongyang after its recent 'illicit' nuclear test and satellite launch. Meanwhile, UN secretary-general Ban Kimoon cited that the firing of two missiles were deeply troubling and urged Pyongyang to halt such actions, said his spokesman. Ban also called on North Korea to comply with the UN resolutions. Kim Jong-Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, had earlier this week ordered multiple ballistic missile launches and a nuclear warhead test drawing concerns about the regime's relentless move. (ANI)

Kim Jong-Un

Kejriwal slams 'power hungry' BJP over U'khand 'horse trading' New Delhi, Mar. 19 (ANI): Training his guns on the Centre as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staked their claim to form a new government in Uttarakhand, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that just like Arunachal Pradesh, a brazen horsetrading was rampant in Uttarakhand, adding that 'power hungry' BJP is proving to be the most corrupt

party ever. "Brazen horse trading-first Arunachal now Uttarakhand. BJP proving to be most corrupt, deshdrohi n power hungry party," Kejriwal tweeted. Earlier, the BJP said that it would stake claim for the formation of a government in the state as Chief Minister Harish Rawat-led government was in minority. As many as thirty five

MLAs - including 26 BJP and nine Congress rebelsreached the Raj Bhawan in a bus here late on Friday evening to meet Uttarakhand Governor K.K. Paul and stake their claim to form a government in the state.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

Earlier, a scuffle broke out between Uttarakhand Ministers Harak Singh Rawat and Mantri Prasad Nethani

inside the state assembly over the demand for voice vote on the Finance Bill. In the 70-member Uttarakhand Assembly, the ruling Congress has 36 MLAs, while it has support of three Independents, two Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and one Uttarakhand Kranti Dal MLAs. If the BJP claim is to be believed: after nine rebel MLAs break away from the

Congress, the ruling party will be reduced to 27; and if they join the BJP in its quest, their number will reach 35 - BJP 26 and nine Congress rebels. Besides 26, BJP has two more MLAs - Ganesh Joshi, who has been arrested by police in connection with the attack on a police horse and Bhim Lal Arya, who was suspended. (ANI)


DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, MARCH 20

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Obama congratulates Belgium, France on Paris attack suspect Washington D.C., Mar. 19 : US President Barack Obama has congratulated Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and French President Francois Hollande on the arrest of Salah Abdeslam, the prime suspect in the deadlyParis terror attacks. Abdeslam was captured in a police raid in Brussels. Four months on the run as Europe's most wanted man, he was shot in the leg during the raid following which he was captured. He will be thoroughly interrogated by the police

Khaleda Zia unveils 'Vision 2030 Plan' in Dhaka Dhaka, Mar. 19 : Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia today revealed her party's ' Vision 2030 Plan' aiming to turn the country into a higher middle income nation. Addressing the BNP's sixth national council, Khaleda briefly described the plan and said that her party would take necessary measures to create a bicameral Parliament with the country's experienced professionals, educationalists and intellectuals in the upper chamber. The national anthem, party song and council theme song were also played in the inaugural ceremony, reports Daily Star. Recalling the outstanding contributions of the country's great national leaders Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq, Hossain Shaheed Suhrawardi, Maulana Bhashani and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the BNP chairperson said that they had played a great role in making the country independent. (ANI)

China temple fined with $463 for keeping a lion Beijing, Mar 19: A Buddhist temple in China's Shaanxi province, was fined 3,000 yuan ($463) for the illegal possession of a lion within its premises, the media reported on Saturday. Officials confirmed that the lion has been confiscated and the temple in Xi'an city is under probe, the People's Daily reported. It is reported that the temple was given two sick baby lions in 2010. One of them had died and the other remained in the temple until recently.

Six killed in a landslide in China Beijing, Mar 19 (PTI): At least six workers have been killed after a landslide struck a rubber factory in southwest Chinas Yunnan province. The workers were building a wall yesterday at the foot of a 50-meter tall mound, which was part of the craggy mountains against which the rubber factory compound in Mengla County was built, when the landslide hit the area. The mound collapsed burying seven workers under the debris. The only survivor rescued was still in a coma after brain surgery at a local hospital, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Rescuers searched for survivors throughout the night the bodies of all the victims were retrieved

as investigations in the case take a strong turn. A statement released by the White House said the President commended the work of Belgian security services and noted that this significant arrest was the result of hard work and close cooperation between Belgian and French law enforcement authorities. Reiterating that the United States stands together with both the countries in shared struggle against the scourge of terrorism, Obama pledged full cooperation and support in

He managed to stay hidden in the area, which is viewed by the police as a centre of recruitment and planning for jihadi terrorism.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and French President Francois Hollande degrading and destroying the ISIL. Abdeslam's hideout came as a surprise as despite one of Europe's biggest

manhunts following the Paris attacks, he returned home in Molenbeek, where his parents still live.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel had in a hastily arranged joint press conference with the French president, Francois Hollande announced that three suspects were detained in total. Hollande said Abdeslam would be quickly extradited to France, adding that the investigation was ongoing because the network was "very large in

Belgium, France and other European countries". Meanwhile, the investigators will now have to determine Abdeslam's role in the coordinated attacks that saw suicide bombers blow themselves up near the national stadium, gunmen open fire on bars and restaurants, and gunmen open fire with Kalashnikovs at a rock gig at the Bataclan concert hall. At least 130 people were killed in the deadly Paris attack last November. (ANI)

Lanka to sign Paris Agreement to minimize global warming Colombo, Mar. 19 : Sri Lanka, with the help of community organizations, will launch a program to set up 10,000 environment friendly villages throughout the country by 2020. Sri Lankan Cabinet Ministers has approved a proposal made by President Maithripala Sirisena to sign the Paris Agreement on Climate Change to minimize the emission of greenhouse gases and to formulate laws to establish a commission relating to climate change. Addressing an environ-

ment conference held in Ratnapura on Thursday, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said that the world leaders, who participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference last year, will meet again in New York to sign that charter. Sri Lanka at the 21st session of the United Nations Framework Convention held in the French capital of Paris on Environmental disaster (UNFCCC) from November 30 till December 11 last year agreed to

contribute to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Sri Lanka will launch 10,000 'Green Smart Villages' environment friendly villages throughout the country in collaboration with community organizations to implement the 'Green Environmental Beautiful Sri Lanka' program during the five-year period from 2016 to 2020. At the UNFCCC meeting in Paris, 180 countries agreed to take all possible measures to maintain the global warmth level at least at 1.5 degree

Sri Lanka to set up 10,000 environment friendly villages throughout the country by 2020 Celsius and to prevent it from increasing beyond 2 degree Celsius by 2100. The Paris agreement will come into effect in 2020,

empowering all countries to act to prevent average global temperatures rising above 2 degrees Celsius. (ANI)

Prince Harry arrives on official visit to Nepal

United Kingdom's Prince Harry Kathmandu, Mar. 19 : United Kingdom's Prince Harry today arrived in Kathmandu on a five-day official visit along with a team of 30 delegates, comprising officials, security personnel and journalists. He landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on a Qatar Airways flight at around 2:40 pm, reports The Himalayan Times. Prince Harry will be staying at the Soaltee Crowne Plaza in the capital. Prince Harry will attend a reception hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa this

evening. He will also call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today. Prince Harry is scheduled to meet Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari tomorrow. He will also meet those affected by two devastating earthquakes, which struck Nepal in April and May 2015. On March 21, Prince Harry will travel to Bardiya National Park and Banke National Park. He will also visit the British Gurkha Camp in Pokhara, where he will commend the bravery of soldiers. (ANI)

Pak PM, Army Chief discuss military matters

12 Indians arrested in Bangladesh to induct two submarines into Navy this year Lanka for visa violations

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina C h i t t a g o n g (Bangladesh), Mar. 19 : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that two submarineswould be inducted into the Navy for the first time this year aiming to transform it into a three-dimensional force.

Addressing the commissioning ceremony of three new warships at the Naval Berth of Bangladesh Naval Academy in Chittagong, Hasina said the government has undertaken programmes to construct warships in the country with own technology in

Chittagong Dry-dock. "Our government wants to develop Bangladesh Navy as more powerful force and will provide it with all necessary supports to this end," Daily Star quoted her as saying. Highlighting the huge sea as the workplace of the navy, Hasina said the countrymen with deep respect will always remember the members of naval force working with dedication for the country. She further stressed the need for utilising huge sea resources like fish, mineral oil, natural gas and other valuable resources for the socioeconomic development of the country. (ANI)

Colombo, Mar. 19 : Twelve Indian nationals have been arrested in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province for allegedly abusing visa conditions. The police arrested the 12 Indian nationals, including seven females, in Kattankudy in Batticaloa district as they were engaged in business having arrived on tourist visas, re-

ports Lanka Page. The police said the group was engaged in the trade of medicinal drugs in several areas across the country. Herbal oils and other herbal products were seized from the possession of the arrested Indians. Those arrested will be produced before the Batticaloa Magistrate's Court today. (ANI)

Twelve Indian nationals arrested in Sri Lanka

Pak Hindu marriages bill picks up steam Islamabad, Mar 19: Pakistani parliament's law and justice standing committee approved the much-delayed Hindu Marriage Bill last month, overcoming years of bureaucratic inertia. The legislation is now expected to sail through with ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz lawmakers Ramesh Kumar Vankwani and Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk being its main protagonists. The bill was virtually gathering dust since it was first proposed with the restoration of democracy in 2008. It picked up steam after Pakistan's top court ordered its approval within two weeks in January for immediate passage. A few issues need to be sorted out to make the bill more effective. Vankwani achieved a major success in this regard when he managed to get support of the human rights panel of Pakistani

Senate on February 17 regarding removal of a controversial clause in the bill. The provision says a marriage could be annulled if a spouse converts. Vakwani told the panel the clause could lead to forceful conversion of married women, which remains a major Hindu concern in Pakistan. Senator Farhatullah Babar of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), which rules Sindh where 90% of Pakistani Hindus live, backed Vankwani in annulling the clause calling it "a grave rights violation''. The panel's chairperson, Nasreen Jalil, who belongs to Sindhbased Muttahida Qaumi Movement, called the clause repugnant. The panel's backing is expected to fast-track the legislation that would make it mandatory for Hindu couples to register their marriages. It would address issues like difficulty in transferring

properties and getting travel as well as identity documents, which require proof of marital status. In the absence of legislation, widows are often deprived the properties of their husbands. The bill makes opening bank accounts and obtaining visas easier too. It would allow a wife claim alimony and custody of children if her husband leaves her and check child marriages, which are common in Sindh bordering Rajasthan. Experts are worried about the Hindu community's opposition to the divorce clause in the bill saying there is no such concept in Hinduism. They say it could hurt the effectiveness of the legislation and reeks of patriarchy. Sindh, where the Hindu vote is crucial, consequently has done away with the provision of divorce in its law on Hindu marriages.

Experts have called for replication of legal provisions in India related to divorce and inheritance of property for daughters that overcame pressures from Hindu conservatives. The urgency related to the bill has coincided with a resolution passed in Pakistani parliament on March 8 to declare Diwali and Holi as public holidays. Vankwani moved the resolution saying such holidays were essential for Pakistan's "good image". Earlier in November, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif flew to Karachi to take part in a Diwali function, where Gayatri Mantra was recited along with the Quran. He told Hindus he would support them even if their oppressors are Muslims while underlining he is their prime minister too. Sharif's rival, Imran Khan, promised equal citizenship for minorities at a rally in Hindu-domi-

nated Umerkot amid fireworks a day after Diwali. PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari joined the Hindus for Diwali festivities in Hindu-dominated Mithi in Tharparkar. He cut a cake and enjoyed dandia performance. Many credit steady democratization for the minority outreach besides the importance of Hindu votes in Sindh, where the community is concentrated in Umerkot (49%), Tharparkar (46%) and Mirpurkhas (33%). The Hindu population varies from 8-19% elsewhere in Sindh. Political expediency aside, many believe the outreach is genuine as part of the anti-extremism efforts. It dovetails with the anti-terror National Action Plan formulated after the Peshawar school massacre in December 2014 that includes a pledge to "stop religious extremism and protect minorities''.(ANI)

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Islamabad, Mar. 19 :Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held an important meeting with Army Chief General Raheel Sharif to discuss important issues related to the military. The Prime Minister's Office, however, described that the meeting, which was held yesterday focused on security matters. "Matters related to external and internal security was discussed during the meeting," Dawn quoted a statement as saying by the Prime Minister's Office. The only agenda item specified in the statement was review of progress of the ongoing militaryoperation where it was noted with satis-

faction that the operation has made significant gains, adding that participants reaffirmed their resolve to root out terrorism and extremism from the country. The Chief of Army Staff had at the last Corps Commanders' meeting held earlier this week said the elements of next phase of Zarb-i-Azb, include intensified intelligence-based operations across the country, timely resettlement of displaced persons and control of the border with Afghanistan. Several senior officials, including Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry, were not present in the meeting. (ANI)

Ban Ki-moon to be invited for Buddhist Conference in Nepal Kathmandu, Mar. 19 : Nepal's Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anand Prasad Pokharel shared that UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon had shown interest in the country's peace process. Speaking at a press meet, Pokharel said international dignitaries, including the UN Secretary General, would be invited for the upcoming International Buddhist Conference.

The three-day conference beginning on May 19 is being held on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti, the birthday of Lord Buddha, reports Himalayan Times. He also reminded the assistance that the UN provided during the peace process in Nepal. Earlier, the UN Secretary General had inquired about the development of Lumbini and the Lumbini master plan. (ANI)

Ban Ki-moon to be invited for Buddhist Conference in Nepal


PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, MARCH 20

To Counter ISIS, Bangladesh Needs to Solve Its Homegrown Violence More job opportunites Less unemployment Good news awaits the job market in the year 2016 with the companies expected to add more than 10 lakh employees to their payrolls and dole out hefty salary hikes in the range of (Photo: careerealism) 10-30% for right talent in 2016. Besides, the job market can get a further boost from the entry of new global players including in the manufacturing space and into the sectors that have been opened further for foreign investments. Besides, the salary hikes and bonuses in India are expected to be in the double digit this appraisal financial year. With the government's Digital India and Make in India push, manpower demand is bound to increase in core technology and manufacturing sectors in 2016. In the year 2016, average raise of the salary will go around 12 to 14% wherein the key performer salary hike can hit as good as 25 to 30%. the IT sector is likely to create around 2.7 lakh jobs, while nearly 1.5 lakh jobs can come in e-commerce. Other major areas for job creation include digital marketing (about 1.5 lakh) and banking and finance (about 3 lakh). The retail and automobile sector also have huge job creation potential. Adding truth to all the above available data and a big thanks to the positive economic sentiment, India's employment scenario is set to increase and the country is expected to see the highest rise in hiring process this year in the whole Asia/Australia region, reveals a survey. The ninth annual Global Business and Spending Monitor survey, which was conducted by American Express in partnership with CFO Research, has said that 83% of Indian executives are expecting their companies to hire more and 52% of those surveyed expect that the employment would grow by over 10%. Sustained high level of optimism towards growth will see India as a bright spot for hiring as companies get ready to add to the government's initiative towards improving job-oriented skills in the country. 7 out of 10 Indian executives polled that their companies' performance goal has been impeded by inability to hire requisite positions in sales and marketing. 60% of respondents said that their companies have faced difficulty in hiring more skilled and specialised workers. Not only this, the survey added that around 60% of Indian executives expect to raise wages or salaries so that employees can be retained, while 53% are looking at improving the working environment and rotate key employees for doing so. Moreover, Indians companies are likely to hire more people this year than other counties as business confidence picks up in Asia's third-biggest economy. In comparison, executives across the globe expect their companies' headcount to increase only by 9% on an average in 2016. Even though Indian executives anticipate a greater increase, their challenge lies in finding this talent. 7 out of 10 Indian executives polled agree that their companies' performance goal has been affected by inability to hire talent especially in sales and marketing. Not just that, 60% said their companies have been affected due to the difficulty in finding highly skilled and specialized talent to meet their growth targets. The news of more job opportunities in India has bought in lot of enthusiasm among each educated by yet unemployed Indian youths.

Marital Rape When will the law makers think neutrally? Laws on marital rape cannot be "suitably applied in the Indian context due to various factors like level of education/illiteracy, poverty, myriad social customs and values, religious beliefs, mindset of the society to treat the marriage as a sacrament, etc," Maneka Gandhi wrote to Rajya Sabha responding to a question if the government plans to criminalise marital rape. The government too has refused to include marital rape as a crime under Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code. Marital rape is a criminal offence, it is wrong to say that it is not as per the current law. But surprisingly many of our neighbouring countries do have some serious punishment against marital rape. In the year 1993, USA several years of life in imprisonment without parole for person involved in marital rape. Britain, in the year 2003 declared 5 years prison term to a marital rapist. Women's rights activists, women's organisations and the National Commission for Women have been demanding that marital rape be made a criminal offence as it is against the dignity of women who are forced to suffer the worst form of sexual violence silently within the four walls of their homes. More than 75% of the married women in India were victims of marital rapes and there were no laws in India to deal with the problem. Most committees and commissions have recommended against criminalising marital rape. In its 172nd report submitted to the government in 2000, the law commission opined against it, saying "that may amount to excessive interference with the marital relationship." In February 2015, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a woman's plea to declare marital rape a criminal offence, saying it wasn't possible to order a change in the law for one person. According to UN Women's 2011 Progress of the World's Women: In Pursuit of Justice report, marital rape is a criminal offence in about 52 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Mauritius, Thailand and neighbouring Bhutan. The report said 127 countries did not explicitly criminalise rape within marriage. The position so far has been that nobody has taken a clear position on this issue. To say that the institution of marriage will be threatened by such a law is to either underestimate the very real affections, bonds and negotiations that hold good marriages together, despite deep disagreements and differences, or to accept that sexual abuse and coercion is so common in marriages that no man dares risk such a law. When society makes theft or murder a punishable offence, it does so not because everyone is a potential thief or murderer, but to protect everyone from the few thieves and murderers. Are these laws misused? Of course they are, all of them, and with sickening frequency. But nobody is asking for them to be thrown out, are they?

Combating ISIS in Bangladesh requires understanding and stopping homegrown militant movements.

Recent attacks against (GTD). Such violence tionalist view, while the foreign nationals and tends to peak during elec- BNP and its allies, secular bloggers have tion years,such as during Jamaat-e-Islami, tend to brought unprecedented the 2014 elections, when forward a more conservaattention to terrorism in the opposition party BNP tive, religiously-infused Bangladesh. Yet while boycotted the polls, orga- political position. most of n i z i n g The tensions between Alexandra Stark v i o l e n t these two parties is this recent surge of atstrikes in heightened by accusatention has been focused Dhaka known as hartals. tions of corruption on eion the presence of ISIS Yet of those attacks, only ther side-accusations that (also known as Islamic a handful have been often ring true in a counState), with some, for ex- claimed by internation- try that is continually ample, debating the ex- ally affiliated organiza- ranked one of the most tent of ISIS' ability to re- tions like ISIS, and even corrupt in the world by cruit foreign fighters and fewer have been perpe- international organizacarry out attacks in trated against foreigners- tions like Transparency Bangladesh, less atten- the vast majority of this International. Tensions tion has been paid to un- violence has targeted have ratcheted up further derstanding the historical Bangladeshis them- since 2014, when the Awami League party won and political origins of selves. homegrown militancy in This violence is inti- an election that the BNP the country. Historical mately linked to the refused to participate in, tensions over concep- country's contentious na- and subsequently formed tions of Bangladeshi na- tional politics. In the the International Crimes tionalism, as well as more bloody Liberation War of Tribunal (known as the recent political violence 1971, "Freedom Fight- ICT) to try the leaders of that is rooted in these ten- ers" with a secular vision the 1971 militias-indisions, has generated for Bangladeshi national- viduals who now happen homegrown radical ism and the Bangla lan- to be senior leaders in movements that in turn guage movement fought Jamaat and the BNP, the have played an important for the right to secede Awami League's bitter rirole in building fertile from Pakistan. They vals. The ICT has senground for foreign terror- fought against radical Is- tenced several of these ist organizations like ISIS lamist militias that were leaders to death or life in that are looking to build allied with the Pakistani prison, leading to violent a base of support in military. The atrocities protests by BNP and B a n g l a d e s h . committed during this Jamaat-backed forces, as Policymakers who seek conflict are seared on well as protests by secuto combat ISIS' growing Bangladesh's national lar-leaning groups that influence in Bangladesh consciousness and con- see some life sentences as must therefore be aware tinue to fuel tensions in not going far enough. The of the roots of these homegrown militant This violence is intimately linked to movements. the country's contentious national These radical organizations, including the politics. In the bloody Liberation banned Ansarullah War of 1971, "Freedom Fighters" Bangla Team, have with a secular vision for claimed responsibility for some of the recent atBangladeshi nationalism and the tacks against moderate bloggers, foreign nation- Bangla language movement fought als, and religious minorifor the right to secede from Pakities-and therefore pose a stan. They fought against radical threat not just to Bangladeshis, but also to Islamist militias that were allied regional security. Alwith the Pakistani military. The though recent political atrocities committed during this polarization is certainly partially to blame for this conflict are seared on Bangladesh's violence, tensions benational consciousness and contween those with a leftleaning, secular conceptinue to fuel tensions in the debate tion of nationalism and those with a more reli- over the role of religion in the state. gious, fundamentalist viThese opposing nationalist visions sion stretch back several live on in Bangladeshi politics, with decades, with roots in the 1971 Liberation War. As the current ruling party, the Awami just the latest chapter in League, often seen as the flag these debates over the bearer for the secular nationalist role of religion in the state and society, these view, while the BNP and its allies, attacks against moderate Jamaat-e-Islami, tend to forward a bloggers could have a worrisome numbing efmore conservative, religiously-infect on moderate political fused political position. voices, therefore building fertile ground for ISIS the debate over the role execution of two senior recruitment. of religion in the state. leaders in November Roots of Violence Between March 1986 These opposing national- raised security concerns, and December 2014, ist visions live on in and the government prethere were 1,049 terror- Bangladeshi politics, emptively deployed ist attacks in Bangladesh, with the current ruling policy and paramilitary according to the Univer- party, the Awami League, troops in Dhaka to consity of Maryland's Global often seen as the flag tain protests, although Terrorism Database bearer for the secular na- the violence was fairly

Image for representational purpose (Photo: bp.blogspot) minimal compared to past protests. Human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have raised concerns about "serious flaws" during the ICT trials and appeals process, and have called for an immediate halt in executions of those convicted of war crimes by the ICT. By polarizing the political space and increasing the prevalence of political violence, these tensions provide fertile ground for foreign terrorist groups like ISIS to recruit. One concerning trend of late has been the series of attacks against secular bloggers (the socalled "atheist bloggers"), publishers, and other moderate political voices, including religious minorities. The first of the recent attacks occurred in February 2015, when the wellknown blogger Avijit Roy, an American citizen, was stabbed to death by machete-wielding assailants in Dhaka. Since then, almost every month seems to bring news of another attack. Several bloggers who write for secular and humanist platforms, including Oyasiqur Rhaman, Ananta Bijoy Das, and Niloy Neel, have been hacked to death, with the Islamist extremist group Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) claiming responsibility for many of them. On October 31, publishers of secular and atheist texts at several publishing houses were attacked. Attacks against religious minorities have also been on the uptick. Members of the outlawed terrorist organization Jama'at ul Mujahideen Bangladesh were recently arrested and charged in the murder of a Hindu priest.

Taken together with a recent attack against a Shia mosque, as well as a series of recent threats sent to Christian priests, suggest efforts to further polarize the Bangladeshi public, since religious minorities are often associated with the Awami League party and their secular policies. They also raise the specter of large-scale communal violence against religious minorities, which unfortunately has all too often plagued Bangladesh's politics. Most notably, in 2012 an estimated 25,000 people participated in violence against the small Buddhist community in Ramu upazila, destroying Buddhist monasteries and shrines as well as houses. As AMM Muniruzzaman, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies recently noted, "attacks on Shia and threats against Christians are evidence of efforts to create a sectarian, religious divide in Bangladesh." Possible Solutions In order to curb the influence of organizations like ISIS in Bangladesh, policymakers should focus on preventing the politically motivated violence perpetrated by these outlawed groups. However, in addition to providingincreased protection for atheist bloggers and minority religious groups, the Awami-led government of Bangladesh needs to be pushed to compromise on political issues that have historically set off violent protests and contributed to the polarization of the political space. Specifically, the international community should pressure and provide support to the government in holding free and fair elec-

Of Dynastic Rule

Tarun Gogoi, CM of Assam (Photo: vishwagujarat)

Sir, The need of the hour for the congress is to search for a pragmatic leader from outside the Gandhi family. A leader who possesses the robustness and acumen which is necessary to steer the party to a safer zone. People never want that in democracy monarchy should co-exist. In the last Lok Sabha election people of India rejected the dynastic (Gandhi family) rule reducing the party to minnows in the Lok Sabha. The congress under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi has not shown any intention to revive the party. What she needs is an introspection on what has gone wrong with the party. The corruption that took place during U.P.A regime was not only the biggest ever in terms of magnitude but also it eroded much of the credibility of the congress. We are of firm conviction that if Sonia Gandhi can handover the rein of power to some robust and astute leader outside the Gandhi family, much of the troubles

confronting the party will be over. Taking a cue from the congress High command, in the Assam congress also the trend of dynastic rule starts dominating. In fact, it had already been initiated by Traun Gogoi, now with the declaration of the first list of candidates for the Assam assembly polls the trend of the dynastic rule becomes crystal clear. The APCC President Anjan Dutta's comment on this trend surprises one and all, when he said that a doctor's son would be a doctor and so on. Is the malady an infections one? Bijoya Chakrabortty, the Veteran BJP M.P. from Guwahati got her daughter fielded from Hajo. Now, almost all the political parties of India develop the trend of dynastic rule. We feel as if this trend is befooling and belittling the common people Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

tions that are contested by all parties. The international community should also put pressure on the government to halt the ICT trials and executions, eliminate the death penalty, and ideally redesign the reconciliation process to operate in a less partisan way. As Human Rights Watch's Asia director, Brian Adams, has noted, "Justice and accountability for the terrible crimes committed during Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence are crucial, but trials need to meet international fair trial standards. Unfair trials can't provide real justice, especially when the death penalty is imposed." While these are important correctives, the sad reality is that given the current intransigence of the Bangladesh government, the international community will be hardpressed to get Dhaka to comply. Nevertheless, because of the sizable amount of aid that Bangladesh receives from the United States, European countries, and international organizations, the West has significant untapped leverage that could be used to push the government in the right direction. Finally, the international community can invest in inter-faith peace building measures to prevent violence against religious minorities and build social cohesion. By taking these measures to counter homegrown radical organizations, policymakers can begin to curb the violence and political polarization that provides fertile recruiting ground for organizations like ISIS. Courtesy: The Diplomat

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JOBS & career

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, MARCH 20

Assistant Coordinator in Assam Higher Secondary Education Council Last Date: 5 Days. Applications are invited from intending eligible candidates for filling up of the following post in the office of Assam Higher Secondary Education Council. Name of post: Assistant Coordinator (Academic) No of post: 1 Pay: Rs 12000 Rs 40000, GP=Rs 5900 Educational Qualification: A uniformly good academic career having at least 2nd Class Master r Degree with atleast 50% marks in Arts, Science or Commerce and BEd Degree with 5 years of working experience in Open & Distance Learning (ODL) institutions. Application Fee: Rs 200/ as Bank Draft.

UPSC Assistant Commandant Recruitment, March 2016 [BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB] Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Last Date: 08/04/2016. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will hold a written Examination on 26th June 2016 for recruitment of 270 posts (BSF-28, CRPF-97, ITBP-87, SSB-58) of Assistant Commandants (Group A) in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) viz. Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Name of post: Assistant Commandant (Group A) No of posts: 270 Age : Not less than 20 years and not more than 25 years as on 1st August, 2016. The upper age is relaxable for SC/ ST/ OBC and certain other categories of candidates to the extent specified in the Notice. Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree of any recognised university or an equivalent qualification. Possession of NCC B or C Certificate will be a desirable qualification. The desirable qualifications will be given consideration at the time of Interview/ Personality Test only. Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit according to the Regulations given in notice. Sex : Both male and female candidates are eligible for appointment to BSF, CRPF. However, only male candidates are eligible for appointment in ITBP. Pay Scale : PB-3 Rs.15600-39100 grade pay Rs.5400/Selection Procedure : Selection will be based on the basis of a written examination to be conducted on 26/06/2016 by the UPSC followed by Physical Standards/ Physical Efficiency Test and Medical Standards Test to be conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Personality Test/ Interview to be conducted by UPSC. Fee: Rs.200/- (SC/ST/Women candidates are exempted) to be deposited in Branches of SBI by cash, or by using net banking facility of SBI, State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur/ State Bank of Hyderabad/ State Bank of Mysore / State Bank of Patiala/ State Bank of Travancore or by using Visa/Master Credit/Debit Card. How To Apply: Apply Online at UPSC website http://upsconline.nic.in/ mainmenu2.php from 12/03/2016 to 08/04/2016 only.

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Guwahati Biotech Park recruits Finance Manager in Guwahati Mar 2016 Name of the Organisation: Guwahati Biotech Park Post:: Finance Manager Job Category: Finance Job Job Location: Guwahati Job Description: Experience Candidates with minimum 4 years of experience in Accounts/Finance/Financial Management, Accounting, Book keeping and tax matters in Government/ Autonomous Body/ Public Sector Undertaking/ reputed Private Sector are only asked to apply. Candidates having good experience in Government Purchase and Procurement process, Financial Rules, EOI, NIT, Empanelment etc. would be preferred. Please send your Resumes to:: careers@guwahatibiotechpark.com

Military Engineer Services Tradesman Recruitment, March 2016 [463 posts] Military Engineer Services. Last Date: 26/04/2016. Military Engineer Services has issued notification for the recruitment of following posts of Civil Motor Driver, Chowkidar, Safaiwala, Meter Reader, Caneman, Store Keeper-II and Peon. Name of the Post: Mate (Tradesman) No of Posts: 463 1. Civil Motor Driver (Ordinary Grade): 81 Posts 2. Chowkidar: 85 Posts 3. Safaiwala: 49 Posts 4. Meter Reader: 52 Posts 5. Caneman: 24 Posts 6. Store Keeper-II: 86 Posts 7. Peon: 86 Posts Educational Qualification: Candidates should possess Matriculation or equivalent exam with valid Civil Driving License for post 1, Matriculation or equivalent exam for post 2, 3, 6, 7, (10+2) examination for post 4, Matriculation or equivalent exam or ITI for post 5. Age: Candidates age should be between 18-27 years as on 19-04-2016. Age relaxation is applicable 5 years for SC/ ST, 3 years for OBC, 10 years for PH (OH/ HH), 13 years for PH (OH/ HH)+OBC, 15 years for PH (OH/ HH)+SC/ ST & for others as per Central Govt rules. Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on written examination & skill test. How to Apply: Eligible candidates may send their application on plain paper in the prescribed format along with admit card in duplicate affixing self attested passport size photograph on it, self attested copies of relevant certificates, two self addressed envelope of size 28 cm X 12 cm with postage stamp of Rs. 60/ - affixed on each envelope for CMD, one self addressed envelope of size 28 cm X 12 cm with postage stamp of Rs. 60/- affixed on each envelope for remaining all posts to the concerned address as given in the notification on or before 19-04-2016 by 1700 hrs & 26-04-2016 by 1700 hrs for remote areas. Superscribe the envelope with Name of the post i.e., D'Man, Store Keeper-II, CMD (OG), Peon, Chowkidar, Safaiwala, Meter Reader & Caneman along with Category (UR/ SC/ ST/ OBC/ PH) in BlockCapital letters.

Various Jobs in Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, March 2016 [17 posts] Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) Last Date: 30 days. Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of School Education & Literacy, Govt. of India, invites applications in the prescribed format, from eligible Indian nationals for filling up the following 24 posts for its Hqrs. Office at Noida and Regional Offices located at Bhopal, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Pune and Shillong. 1. Audit Assistant : 03 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 9300-34800 grade pay Rs. 4200/2. Hindi Translator : 05 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 9300-34800 grade pay Rs. 4200/3. Stenographer : 06 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 5200-20200 grade pay Rs. 2400/4. Lower Division Clerk : 03 posts, Pay Scale : Rs. 9300-34800 grade pay Rs. 4200/Application Fee : Rs. 400/- (no fee from Women/ SC/ST/PH/ Women and Ex.- Servicemen candidates) in the form of Bank DD in favour of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti payable at NOIDA. How to Apply: Application in the prescribed format should be send within 30 days (published on 12/03/2016 i.e. last date is 09/04/2016) and 40 days for the candidates from far-flung areas to The Deputy Commissioner (Admn.), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Hqrs., B-15, Institutional Area, Sector-62, Noida - 201307, District Gautam Budha Nagar (UP).

Various Jobs in UNDP eVin Project, March 2016 for Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Last Date: 20/03/2016. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) invites applications for the following Service Contract positions in the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVin) Project in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh : 1. Senior Project Officer : 09 posts 2. Project Officer Capacity Building and M&E : 10 posts 3. Project Officer IT : 09 posts 4. Admin & Finance Assistant : 06 posts 5. Project Officer Operations : 46 posts How to Apply : Get detail and Apply Online at UNDP website on or before 20/03/2016 only

Career in Marine Engineering Marine engineering can be a highly lucrative career for those who are built for a highly challenging job. At international level, import-export of goods takes place mainly via ships and currently more than 80 per cent of goods traffic is dependent on the sea route. With the development of economic and trade activity in India, the shipping industry has also picked up steam. This is why the Marine Engineer's career has become very lucrative. A marine engineer is a professional who is responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of all major mechanical and engineered equipment on board a ship. Ships these days use the most modern technology and equipment that can be understood, maintained and handled only by ma-

rine engineers. This job requires a high degree of discipline and responsibility since the chief marine engineer is in charge of a ship and its cargo which cost millions of dollars. They manage the enormous power of the ship and all its complicated machinery and help it cross the ocean. Marine engineers may have to work on cargo ships, container ships or oil and gas tankers. They have to spend months together at the sea which can get tiresome and they might get homesick. But all the hardship is compensated with the pay, which is obscenely high even at the starting level, with the time off (4-6 months in a year) and with the chance to sail around the world. The demand for marine engineers in public and private shipping compa-

nies has risen sharply, with the increase in international global sea traffic. The construction, operations and maintenance of the engine room are the main obligations of a marine engineer. This means that they deal with the technical area of the ship. In fact, they are the overall in-charge of the engine and its crew. The top rung of the hierarchical ladder is the post of a chief engineer. Marine engineers usually sail for 15-20 years after which they land jobs in shipyards, maritime universities or in management of a shipping company. There are job opportunities in other sectors too like banks, hotels, and power plants. Besides this, marine engineers can work in governments as well as the Indian Navy. A career in Marine Engi-

Image for representational purpose only (Photo: edu.tr)

neering is challenging and rewarding. Marine engineers have complete responsibility of the ship's engine room and range from development and designing of the engines related to ships and propulsion system. Work Marine engineering is related to marine architecture and sciences. Marine engineers are mainly engaged in construction and maintenance of ships and bear the full responsibility of their technical management. Marine engineers work area is vast and full of risks. A marine engineer's work has become somewhat convenient with modern advances in electronics and navigation, but at the same time its scope has also expanded. Eligibility Criteria For doing a bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering or nautical science one should have passed 10 + 2 science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and English. The course is of 4 years duration. After successful completion of the course, degree viz. B E or BTech is awarded to the students. In most institutes candidates are admitted through an entrance examination, which is normally held in the month of May every year at various centres all over India followed by viva-voice and medical examination. Candidates aspiring for a

degree course at TS Chanakya, Mumbai and Marine Engineering Research Institute Kolkata, should qualify the Joint Entrance Examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), which assesses the candidate's knowledge of physics, chemistry and mathematics. The examination is followed by personal interviews/counseling, where the interviewers assess the degree of alertness, and awareness of the external environment in the candidates and their suitability for such a career. Individual Characteristics Marine engineer should be a team player and should have the ability to work under extreme pressure situations. Also, he should be a natural leader with the ability to anticipate future. In addition, a marine engineer should be an excellent communicator. Training Marine Engineering students are provided intensive training on topics like, boiler, boiler chemistry, advanced Hydraulics, Power Plant Operations, Ship operations, management, etc. Emerging areas such as Ocean thermal energy, Magneto Hydro - Dynamics and Nuclear Propulsion Parts have also been recently included in the curriculum.

Image for representational purpose only (Photo: flicker ) Career Prospects After successful completion of BE/BTech in Marine Engineering/nautical science, one can join as fourth engineer or third assistant engineer. Since the job on the ship entails residing on ship for a major part of the year there are other exciting avenues as well. Marine engineers are also employed by engine production firms, ship building firms, research bodies, ship design firms and also in the Indian Navy. The marine engineers can remain within the ambit of the shipping industry and join marine workshops at land i.e. at the ports. Alternatively, the marine engineers can join ship manufacturing companies, which are equally good paymasters. These days the marine engineers are employed in the IT sector in a major way, apart from consultancy companies like Price Waterhouse Coopers and DCL, in construction companies, power sector, steel industry, and electronic industry. Those who want to join Government Service can

consider Directorate General Shipping of India. Those with entrepreneurial skills can also explore the entrepreneurial scope in the field. Those marine engineers who have a passion for academics can pursue post graduation and enter the field of academics where the demand for qualified academicians in this field is growing very fast. Pay Package Starting salary of a fresh marine engineering graduate are usually higher than other engineering branches. It can go even high if the candidate wishes to join an oil tanker. There are various levels from first engineer to fourth engineer culminating in Chief Engineer. Marine jobs are highly paid and enjoyable. The marine engineers get NRI status, which is, taxfree income based on their service at sea, example- India. They also get the opportunity to see the world through sailing as a profession without any extra expense. Luxurious life through lucrative salary comes as a big compensation being away from home.

Challenges Marine engineering work is associated not only with ship building, but is also linked with saving people's lives. Therefore, they have to be extremely cautious in the discharge of their duties. Marine Engineers may have to spend six-seven months on ships away from home. Courses o B.Sc. (Nautical Science) o Four Year B.E. / B.Tech marine engineering o Two Year M.E. marine engineering Marine Engineering Institutes/Universities 1. Training ship Chanakya Karve, Navi Mumbai 2. Marine Engineering and Research Institute, Kolkata and Mumbai 3. International Maritime Institute, New Delhi 4. Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi 5. Indian Institute of Technology, Madras 6. College Of Engineering (Andhra University) Visakhapatnam


DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, MARCH 20

BUSINESS

1st self-lacing shoes launched by Nike, to hit markets by end of 2016 Houston, Mar 19: Innovation gets personal as the world's biggest sportswear firm Nike unveiled its first shoe that ties itself and will go on sale at the end of 2016. Sports lovers are in for an amazing and innovative self- lacing sneakers this holiday season with the HyperAdapt 1.0, confirmed the US sportswear giant at its 'Innovation 2016' event. According to Beers, the laces tighten when your feet hit a sensor built into the shoe. There are two buttons on the side to loosen and tighten them for the perfect fit. "We've entered a new era of personalised performance," said Mark Parker, Nike's president and CEO. "Today, athletes want more than just a dash board. They want a rela-

Consumer appliances segment entered by Eveready Industries Pune, Mar 19: Eveready Industries India Ltd.(EIIL) announced its entry into the small consumer appliances segment tapping a new growth area. "The process of looking beyond batteries has begun and by May-end, EIIL will be in a position to see how it can leverage its brand to enter other growth areas," Aditya Khaitan, Director, EIIL, said. In April, EIIL will go national with 60 products which include fans, food processors, induction cookers, irons, OTGs, water heaters and electric kettles. The products will be unveiled with a grand advertisement campaign coinciding with Diwali. "It will be an asset-light model whereby products designed in-house will be sourced out to Chinese and domestic vendors," said Amritangshu Khaitan, Managing Director, EIIL. . Part of the sales would come through the distribution channels of lighting and flashlight products that EIIL is presently in. "We will fully harness our two core strengths - the brand and the distribution network," Mr. Khaitan said. The segment has a profit margin of about 10 per cent. EIIL, which has forayed into the LED segment (it has a seven per cent market share), is targeting five per cent share in the appliance segment which is projected to grow to Rs.25,000 crore in five years. "The large and overcrowded market, which has no clear leader, is giving us the confidence," he remarked, saying that the differentiation would be through product-performance, design and packaging. To a question on the fate of packet tea, a lesser known product sourced from group company MRIL (the world's largest bulk tea maker) and sold by EIIL, Mr.Aditya Khaitan said that possibilities of leveraging the Eveready brand and striking a JV with a multinational were being explored. Presently, EIIL is the leader in dry cells selling more than 1.2 billion batteries and 25 million flashlights annually. (Agencies)

tionship." The self-lacing shoes have been designed by legendary sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield and Tiffany Beers, Nike's senior innovator, who's worked on the Nike Air Mag and Nike Air Yeezy. HyperAdapt 1.0 is the first performance vehicle for Nike's latest platform breakthrough - adaptive lacing. The shoe translates deep research in digital, electrical and mechanical engineering into a product designed for movement. It challenges traditional understanding of fit, proposing an ultimate solution to individual idiosyncrasies in lacing and tension preference. Beers was tasked with figuring out how to engineer self-lacing sneakers to meet?"Back to the Future's" fictional release

day last year. Nike made one pair of the self-lacing Nike Mag kicks for Michael J Fox - the actor who played Marty McFly in the film - which they are planning to auction to support his non-profit organisation for Parkinson's. The potential of adaptive lacing for the athlete is huge, Hatfield said, adding that it would provide tailored-to-themoment custom fit. "It is amazing to consider a shoe that senses what the body needs in real-time. That eliminates a multitude of distractions, including mental attrition, and thus truly benefits performance," Hatfield said. "Could it take you even tighter than you'd normally go if it senses you really need extra snugness in a quick maneuver? That's where we're

Innovation gets personal as the world's biggest sportswear firm Nike unveiled its first shoe that ties itself and will go on sale at the end of 2016. Sports lovers are in for an amazing and innovative self- lacing sneakers this holiday season with the HyperAdapt 1.0, confirmed the US sportswear giant at its 'Innovation 2016' event. headed. In the future, product will come alive," he added. HyperAdapt 1.0 is the first step into the future of adaptive performance.

Sanjiv Mehta, CEO & MD, HUL. (Photo: hul) brands in 2014-15, that is Rs 51 crore - a discount of 49%. The transaction is subject to fulfilment of certain conditions and the parties will work together to complete this over the

The laces tighten when your feet hit a sensor built into the shoe. There are two buttons on the side to loosen and tighten them for the perfect fit. "We've entered a new era of personalised performance. The self-lacing shoes have been designed by legendary sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield and Tiffany Beers, Nike's senior innovator, who's worked on the Nike Air Mag and Nike Air Yeezy.

HyperAdapt 1.0 is the first performance vehicle for Nike's latest platform breakthrough - adaptive lacing. The shoe translates deep research in digital, electrical and mechanical engineering into a product designed for movement. It challenges traditional understanding of fit, proposing an ultimate solution to individual idiosyncrasies in lacing and tension preference.

It's currently manual (i.E athlete controlled) but it makes feasible the once-fantastic concept of an automated, nearly symbiotic relationship

between the foot and shoe. It will be available only to members of Nike+ beginning Holiday 2016 in three colours. (Agencies)

next few months. Till then, HUL will continue to manage the business. Sanjiv Mehta, CEO & MD, HUL, said, "Over the years, Gold Seal Indus Valley and Rozana have

become household names in the rice category across the overseas markets in which they operate. The brands enjoy strong equity and have been delighting consumers through a range of high quality offerings in Basmati rice. Given the context of our portfolio priorities, we believe that it is in the best interest of the business to sell these brands to a strategic player such as LT Foods, who is capable and well positioned to unlock their full potential." In September last year, HUL sold its iconic Modern Foods to Nimman Foods. Modern Foods was acquired by HUL in 2000 from the government, which was disinvesting its stake in the

loss-making PSU. The FMCG company began exporting premium Basmati rice in 1985 under the brand 'Gold Seal Indus Valley' to various countries in the Middle East and Europe, which was subsequently extended to other brands and geographies. With the business operating across 21 countries, Gold Seal Indus Valley Basmati rice is in the premium segment, while Rozana Basmati rice is in the mid segment. By exiting these businesses, HUL wants to focus on growing the core segments of its packaged foods business, which is of the order of Rs 2,000 crore, including brands like Kissan, Knorr, Kwality Walls and Magnum. (Agencies)

India's domestic aviation market grew at over 20.3% during January-December 2015 Kolkata, Mar 19: With 81 million trips, India's domestic aviation market grew at over 20.3% during January-December 2015, making it the highest growth rate recorded in the world, said a study released by Ficci-KPMG as part of 'India Aviation Report 2016' report. The growth, report claims, has put India well on its way to become the thirdlargest aviation market by 2020 and largest by 2030. The report suggests that aspects such as increasing disposable incomes, fall in prices of Aircraft Turbine Fuel (ATF), increase in tourism, visa reforms, etc. have placed India in this unique posi-

tion. Amber Dubey, partner and India head of aerospace and defence, KPMG, said, "The positive impact of NCAP (National Civil Aviation Policy) 2016, rise in disposable incomes and the fall in ATF prices are likely to help India leapfrog into the top three of the world. One hopes that the government can match domestic ATF prices with global levels for a threeyear experimental period. MRO is likely to see a huge revival if the service tax is zero-rated. Growth of aviation and tourism can create a huge multiplier in terms of GDP growth and jobs." The report sheds light on the astounding

growth of 17.1% in the total passenger for FY16 till January, standing at 184 million. Number of passengers is expected to reach around 370 million by 2020, with domestic traffic constituting around 80% of the total. According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), passenger traffic on international routes showed an increase of 6.5% in 2015 comparison to 2014. In comparison, during April-December 2015, international passengers at Indian airports grew at 7.7%. Middle East continues to lead in the growth of revenue passenger kilometre (RPKM) followed by Asia-Pacific, Latin

Amber Dubey, partner and India head of aerospace and defence, KPMG. (Photo: media.licdn) America and Europe. North America and Africa showed sluggish growth. By 2034, it

11% declination in cotton arrivals in 2015-16 season

Image for graphical representation only. (Photo: delmhorst) Hyderabad, Mar 19: The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has released in its latest data on cotton arrivals in the market for the season which began on October 1, 2015 and claimed that the arrivals this year are about 11% less compared to last year. CAI president Dhiren N Sheth said that the market has received about 345 lakh bales of 170 kg each. The projected balance sheet drawn by the CAI estimated total cotton sup-

ply for the season 201516 at 432.60 lakh bales while the domestic consumption is estimated at 304.00 lakh bales thus leaving an available surplus of 128.60 lakh bales. "The arrivals of cotton during the ongoing 201516 season are not matching with the arrival figures of last year. The arrivals during 2015-16 season up to the end of February 2016 are estimated at 245 lakh bales as against 276.25 lakh bales arrived

Bharat Wire Ropes aims to raise Rs 70 crore

ITS ALL ABOUT TECHNOLOGY

HUL sales business to LT Foods Middle East DMCC as part of renewed strategy Bengaluru, Mar 19: As part of its renewed strategy to exit non-core businesses, FMCG major Hindustan Unilever (HUL) is exiting its rice exports business, which is primarily carried out under brands 'Gold Seal Indus Valley' and 'Rozana'. HUL is selling the business to LT Foods Middle East DMCC, a group company of LT Foods, which is the owner of the popular Basmati rice brand called Daawat - a market leader in India and the US. The deal envisages transfer of the brands and inventory for a consideration of Rs 25 crore, subject to adjustments on closing, which is lower than the annual turnover of the two

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up to the same period last year. This reduction in the arrivals of cotton is an indication of a lower crop. If the trend of arrival does not improve in the coming months, the estimate of cotton crop for the 2015-16 cotton season will have to be lowered further," said Sheth. The 245 lakh bales include 32.50 lakh bales

from the north zone comprising Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana, 134.75 lakh bales from the central zone comprising Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and 73.50 lakh bales from the south zone comprising Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and the remaining came from the rest of the India. (Agencies)

SLOW ARRIVAL The Cotton Association of India (CAI) has released in its latest data on cotton arrivals in the market for the season which began on October 1, 2015 and claimed that the arrivals this year are about 11% less compared to last year. Market has received about 345 lakh bales of 170 kg each. The projected balance sheet drawn by the CAI estimated total cotton supply for the season 2015-16 at 432.60 lakh bales while the domestic consumption is estimated at 304.00 lakh bales thus leaving an available surplus of 128.60 lakh bales.

is expected that Asia-Pacific will be the biggest market for global aviation. (Agencies)

Image for graphical representation only. (Photo: vccircle) Mumbai, Mar 19: Bharat Wire Ropes will hit the capital markets with its Rs 70 crore initial public offering (IPO). The Maharashtra-based specialty wire ropes manufacturer has fixed the price band at Rs 4045 for the IPO. The bidding for the shares would conclude on March 22. As per draft papers, the company is aiming to raise Rs 70 crore through the issue. The offer would include reservation of equity shares worth Rs 3.5 crore for subscription by eligible employees. Proceeds of the issue would be utilised for setting up a

manufacturing plant at Chalisgaon in Maharashtra and for other general corporate purposes. The issue is being managed by Intensive Fiscal Services and BOB Capital Markets. The equity shares of the company are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE. Since the beginning of 2016, three firms -Quick Heal Technologies, TeamLease Services and Precision Camshafts -have hit the Dalal Street. Besides, the public offer of Healthcare Global Enterprises (HCG) is currently underway, while that of Infibeam will open on March 21. (Agencies)

Rs.5,000 cr defence orders targeted by L&T Coimbatore, Mar 19: Engineering and construction major Larsen and Toubro (L&T) expects its defence orders to grow to Rs.50,000 crore in the next three years. "Over the next decade, we see a potential of nearly Rs.4.5 lakh crore worth opportunities addressable by J. D. Patil, senior viceL&T," J. D. Patil, senior president and head of vice-president and head of Defence and Aerospace, L&T. Defence and Aerospace, (Photo: bharatshakti) L&T, told reporters. The areas include warships, India. We are talking to the submarines, communica- government on these," Mr. tions, artillery and missile Patil said. With growth in systems. The 'Make in In- orders, L&T may invest dia' initiative and thrust on between Rs.500 crore indigenisation in the de- and Rs.1,000 crore in its fence sector, have opened defence manufacturing up new avenues for the facilities over the next company, he said. five years, he said. Technology and production L&T's defence exports capacities are in place to are now to the tune of support the Rs.150 crore, he said. indigenisation plans of With the government fa- the Ministry of Defence, cilitating exports, L&T he said. L&T's Precision expects significant Manufacturing and Sysgrowth in export orders tems Complex facility over the coming years and i n C o i m b a t o r e w a s the potential was high in commissioned in 2009the South East Asian re- 2010. The campus will gion. "While we see these get additional facilities opportunities, we also see in its defence segment. challenges in matching fi- H o w e v e r, t h e s e a r e nancial packages offered likely to happen in a few by competing countries years down the line. and high cost of capital in (Agencies)

Amar Abrol appointed as new CEO by AirAsia; Chandilya to go New Delhi: Ending months of speculations, AirAsia India said Amar Abrol will replace Mittu Chandilya as its CEO with effect from next month. Chandilya would continue with the airline until the end of April to ensure a smooth transition of the CEO role. Abrol, who has over 20 years of experience, was most recently the CEO of Tune Money, a startup that aims to deliver low-cost financial products in South East Asia. Chandilya has led AirAsia India from June 1, 2013 and under his leadership, the airline has established a fleet of six aircraft, covering 12 routes and carrying over 1.8 million passengers. In the October-December 2015 quarter of operation, AirAsia India clocked a 134 per cent growth in passenger traffic as it flew over half-a-

New CEO of AirAsia Amar Abrol (Photo: business-standard) million customers, and operated 3,376 flights as compared to 1,444 flights in the same period of 2014. Before joining Tune Money in 2013, Abrol spent 19 years with American Express, leading diverse teams across multiple markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, India and Malaysia. Born and raised in India, Abrol graduated from Delhi University and is a Chartered Accountant from the In-

stitute of Chartered Accountants of India. Commenting on the appointment, AirAsia India Chairman S Ramadorai said, "Mittu Chandilya led the airline team from the front through its launch and establishment in an intensely competitive market. "The Board deeply appreciates his contribution. In Abrol, we have a strong successor, with years of experience in customer delivery, which will be critical to the airlines future. Together with his senior management team, we are confident that Abrol will lead AirAsia India into its next stage of growth." Abrol said: "AirAsia India is poised for strong growth. I look forward to leading the team and together, giving many more Indians the opportunity to access the exciting promise of Indian civil aviation."(Agencies)


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WT20: Pakistan post 119-run target for India to chase in Pak-India thriller The match has been reduced to a 18-overs-a-side after it was delayed by an hour due to a wet outfield in which Pakistan managed to score 118 for a loss of 5 wickets giving India a 119run target. Pakistan made one change in the team which won against Bangladesh . They brought in fast bowler Mohammad Sami in place of left-arm spinner Imad Wasim while India are unchanged. India were unchanged since

their loss to New Zealand on the opening day of the Super 10s. Currently placed fourth in a group of five, they needed to win, or they will have to rely on other results going their way.

Nehra, Jasprit Bumrah. Pakistan: Sharjeel Khan, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi (captain), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Sami, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan.

The toss happened at 8.10 pm, after a ceremony that featured Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Sunil Gavaskar, Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The crowd were happy to indulge though considering the stalwarts who were on the stage. India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni (captain & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Ashish

Indian players celebrate the fall of Shoaib Malik

Nehwal,Prannoy race into semifinals of Swiss Open

Saina Nehwal ANI Basel, Mar.19 : Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has romped into the semi-final of the USD 120,000 Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament after thrashing seventh-seed Sayaka Sato of Japan in the women's singles event here. The Olympic bronze med-

allist outplayed her Japanese opponent 21-15, 21-14 in a contest that lasted for 52 minutes last night. Nehwal, who had bagged the Swiss Open title in 2011 and 2012, will next face third-seed and her fierce rival Wang Yihan for the final-berth. Earlier on Thursday, Saina

dropped three places to sixth in the latest BWF world rankings following a quarter-final loss at the All England Championship. She battled through injuries last year and had to miss out on a few tournaments this season, including the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold and South Asian Games. Meanwhile, compatriot P.V Sindhu knocked out of the tournament after going down 13-21, 15-21 at the hands of HE Bingjiao of China in their quarter-final clash. In the men's singles event, 13th seed H.S Prannoy also produced an imperious form to advance to the next round of the tournament after trouncing Thailand's T a n o n g s a k Saensomboonsuk 21-18, 22-24, 21-9 in a one-hour contest.

Hamilton edges out Rosberg to grab Australian GP pole position

Lewis Hamilton ANI Johannesburg, Mar.19 : Reigning Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton continued his imperious form as he emerged as the quickest driver in the third and final practice session to

seal pole position in the 2016 Australian Grand Prix on Saturday. The British driver, who topped the previous two practice sessions as well, finished the race in one minute 25.624 seconds ahead of

Windies have the calibre to be destructive: Darren Sammy

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PTI Bengaluru, Mar 19 : The contract row back home has cost them a couple of good players in the ongoing ICC World Twenty20 but West Indies captain Darren Sammy today said he is not the least bit concerned as the ones who are in the side have enough calibre to be simply destructive. West Indies annihilated England in their opening World T20 match in Mumbai with swashbuckler Chris Gayle hammering the event's fastest hundred that came off just 47 balls. The comprehensive win has renewed the team's self-belief, which had taken a hit during the payment row with the Cricket Board after which players such as Darren Bravo opted out of the event. "Yes we are missing important players but once we execute our plans then we can be very de-

structive. It's cricket and it's an event that we enjoy playing. So, whatever issues, they are behind us. Our focus is on winning matches and we want to take it step by step," he told reporters on the eve of tomorrow's match against Sri Lanka here. "It the calibre of the players in the squad that I am concerned about," he added. Asked whether it is a revenge match since West Indies lost to Sri Lanka in the semifinals of the previous World T20, Sammy said, "I wouldn't say it is revenge. If this match was the final then we could think on those lines but it is a group game." "We respect them a lot and we have had great games between us. Hope it is a good game tomorrow. We want to keep winning. We want to execute our plans. You saw it against England." .

Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg, who clocked one minute 25.800 seconds for the second place. Meanwhile, four-time world champion S e b a s t i a n Ve t t e l f e l l 0.228 seconds adrift of Hamilton's time to finish third in the final practice session of the seasonopening F1 race,Sport24 reported. Mercedes seem to be well placed for the qualifying round where the new format will see drivers eliminated one by one every minute-and-a-half rather than being dismissed at the end of each session. The Australian Grand Prix will take place in Melbourne on Sunday.

Root delighted by his `special` innings in Proteas' World T20 drubbing

England prolific batsman Joe Root ANI Johannesburg, Mar.19 : England prolific batsman Joe Root has described his innings during the side's two-wicket win over South Africa in World T20 clash as his best ever in the shortest format of the game, adding that it was very special as he achieved it in a world championship. The 25-year-old smashed six fours and four sixes in his 83run knock off just 44 balls as England sensationally chased

down a target of 230 runs with two balls to spare. It was the second-best chase in the history of T20 cricket and also England's highest ever total in the format. Describing his innings as `massive`, Root admitted that England had gained a lot of confidence with the victory, insisting he hopes his side would continue to do well with the bat in the upcoming group stages as well,Sport24 reported. South Africa all-rounder JP Duminy praised Root for his match-winning performance, saying that he had always been an anchor in the team in spite of the format he plays in. With the win, Eoin Morgan's side have gained two points in the Group A table. They will now lock horns with Afghanistan at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Bangladesh's Arafat, Taskin suspended for illegal bowling actions ANI Kolkata, Mar.19 : Bangladesh off-spinner Arafat Sunny and fast bowler Taskin Ahmed have been suspended from bowling in the international cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after an independent assessment found their bowling action to be 'illegal'. The duo underwent assessment in Chennai, where majority of Arafat's deliveries were found to have exceeded the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the regulations, while some of Taskin's deliveries were illegal. As a result of these suspensions, the Bangladesh cricket team is permitted to apply to the ICC World T20 Event Technical Committee for their approval to replace the two bowlers for the remainder of the event. In accordance with Article 6.1 of the ICC Regulations, Arafat's and Taskin's interna-

Gardens today. The afternoon brought with it sunshine and lifted the hopes of cricket fans anxious to see two traditional rivals clash together for what has been deemed a match more important than the Final of the WT20.

Before the toss, former players were honoured with their achievements recognized in the field of cricket. Pakistan's former skippers Imran Khan, Waseem Akram and Waqar Younis were bestowed with bouquets for their services to the game.

As evening dawned, the clouds returned with thunder and lightening and lots of rain. Covers had been put in place on the outfield as a precautionary measure in the afternoon, but with less than three hours for the match to start analysts began discussing possibilities of a six over clash and even the possibility of the match abandoned due to rain.

Heavy rainfall hit Kolkata on Saturday morning ahead of the much anticipated Pakistan-India match in the ICC World Twenty20 championship here at Eden

The official International Cricket Council account on Twitter however remains hopeful that the clouds and rain will hopefully clear up

soon. Pakistan and India facing off, is always viewed by fans as a treat and often one bigger than the final match of the series. Ahead of the fixture off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin termed the match a bigger contest than the traditional rivalry of the Ashes, Shaun Tait told Geo News' Faizan Lakhani that he views a clash between the two teams to be a tight match. Meanwhile, Pakistan coach Waqar Younis sees the rivalry as something the cricketers should be proud off. The ICC account had posted earlier in the afternoon that precautionary measures are in place due to the rain forecast. Geo News' reported on ground in Kolkata also reports clear skies with a forecast of showers and thunder.

Gayle storm alert as WI square off against Sri Lanka PTI Bengaluru, Mar 19 : High on confidence after their emphatic victory over England, the West Indies will once again look for an explosive knock from Chris Gayle to inch closer to a semifinal berth when they take on defending champions Sri Lanka in a World Twenty20 Super 10 Group 1 match here tomorrow. The West Indians showed ominous form in the triumph over England but the Lankans are expected to put up a stronger challenge to them. Gayle could, however, prove to be the trump card for the West Indians after setting the tone with a 47-ball hundred against England -- the fastest ever in World Twenty20. Should his bat roars the way it did against England, the Lankans will find it nearly impossible to stop him from steering West Indies. Both the sides are not short on experience with Angelo Mathews and Tillakaratne Dilshan being the Lankan mainstays. As far as the batting of the West

Chris Gayle Indies is concerned it will revolve around the power-hitting Gayle who hammered 11 sixes against England. Perfect foil for Gayle at the other end would be Marlon Samuels, who would be keen to continue the form which he hit against England in the previous match. Samuels struck eight fours in his 37 before Gayle's brutal strikes took West Indies home.

The West Indies also seem unaffected by the absence of allrounder Kieron Pollard, opener Lendl Simmons and Darren Bravo. Mystery spinner Sunil Narine is not there to trouble the rival batsmen with his unorthodox bowling, but the Caribbeans still have a decent spin trio of Samuel Badree, Sulieman Benn, and Marlon Samuels.

After 15 years, Serena back in final of Indian Wells Taskin Ahmed tional suspensions will also be recognised and enforced by all the members for domestic cricket events played in their own jurisdiction. The two bowlers, however, will be allowed to play in domestic cricket events played in Bangladesh with the consent of their cricket board. Earlier, Arafat and Taskin had been reported for suspect bowling actions during their side's opening match in the T20 format's pinnacle event against the Netherlands in Dharamsala on Wednesday.

Serena Williams ANI Indian Wells, Mar. 19 : World number one Serena Williams progressed through to her first final of the BNP Paribas Open

since 2001 after overcoming third-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska in the women's singles event here. The American veteran rattled

off 11 of the final 12 points to complete a 6-4, 7-6 (7-1) victory over her Poland opponent in the thrilling semi-final contest that lasted for one hour and 35 minutes. Following the win, Williams said that it seemed to be unbelievable to return to the finals of the event after a span of 15 years. Williams has now set up a summit showdown against 13th seed Victoria Azarenka, who outclassed Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic 7 - 6 (1) , 1 - 6 ,6 - 2 for the final-berth. If Williams manages to clinch this year's Indian Wells title then she will become the first player to earn the hat-trick in the tournament.

WI take on Bangladesh in Women's World T20 PTI Chennai, Mar 19 : Their campaign off to a positive start after a hard-fought win over Pakistan, West Indies will look to continue the good run in the ICC Women's World Twenty20 when they take on a struggling Bangladesh in a Group B match here tomorrow. West Indies rallied to eke out a narrow fourrun win over Pakistan in their World T20 opener and they would to look produce a better performance against Bangladesh, who are smarting from consecutive losses against India

and England. On paper, West Indies are the hot favourites against minnows Bangladesh, who qualified for this World T20 like Ireland in the tournament at Thailand last year. However, the Caribbean side has a few issues to sort out. Skipper Stafanie Taylor was only bright spot in West Indies' batting during their last match against Pakistan as they could muster only 1038 and they will have to address their batting woes ahead of the bigger clashes -- England (March 24 at Dharamsala) and India

West Indies Women's cricket team (March 27 at Mohali) -which awaits them in the tournament. The Caribbean side boast off as a balanced side with experience and youth. Captain Stafanie

Taylor has been the highest run-getter for them for the last five years and had also become the first West Indian woman to surpass the 2000 mark in this format.

Similarly, off-spinner Anisa Mohammed have carried the bowling attack on her shoulders. The 27-year-old's haul of 3 for 25 against Pakistan on Wednesday helped her to cross the 100 wickets mark. Besides these two, Shaquana Quintyne, Devendra Dottin, Stacy Ann King and Merissa Agilleira are capable of stitching useful partnerships. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have lost both their matches to India and England, the top two teams in fray, after their batting failed to produce the fire-

works. Bangladesh have a couple of good batswomen in openers Shamin Akhtar, Captain Ayashe Rahman, Rumana Ahmed and Nigar Sultana but they need to combine well to put up sizeable stands. Spinners Fahima Khatun and Rumana Ahmed could be their main strike bowlers considering the slowness of the wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here. Both the spinners have been among wickets during the last two matches and will look to continue their good work tomorrow.

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Kolkata, Mar 19: India captain Mahindra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bowl against Pakistan in the crucial match of the World Twenty20 Super Ten Group Two here at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.


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Kalki is all set to start a new inning 'Kick 2' to roll next year Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin, who has enthralled the audience with her powerful performances, says if she gets a good story she would like to venture into direction. "For me, expressing my thoughts is writing or talking about something which deeply affects me. If something on these lines does come to my mind, then why not," said Kalki. The 32-year-old acclaimed actress said while she feels lucky to have had meaty roles in her filmography, she wishes the industry comes up with stronger stories in future. "The scripts and stories need to be more stronger and that will happen if the writers are also given the liberty to express their creativity and paid better. Having said that I must say I have been lucky to have a free-willing ca-

reer and do meaty roles." On the recent controversies about censor board's role in passing feature films for screening and imposing certain curbs, Kalki said, "We need a strong board of a rating system where it's implemented better. The adults are then free to make a choice of whether or not do they want to watch the film or not." Kalki moved the audience as a cerebral palsy patient in the 2015's coming-of-age film 'Margarita With A Straw'. nThe actress is now looking forward to her forthcoming films 'Waiting', also starring Naseeruddin Shah, and 'Mantra' with her 'Shaitaan' co-star Shiv Pandit. The 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' star recently featured in three online videos dealing with issues like freedom of speech, thinking, privacy,

Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin, who is known for her roles in DevD, Margarita With A Straw and many more. (Photo: bollywoodfashionpolice)

prohibited love and surrogacy. "As an artiste I am

'Beautiful Lives', the new Assamese feature film

'Beautiful Lives' is often cited as a maiden Assamese feature film by Kangkan Deka. (Photo: magicalassam)

Kangkan Deka, whose critically acclaimed short film 'Sita' was showcased in the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival, has recently completed shooting his maiden Assamese feature film 'Beautiful Lives'. The young filmmaker will soon commence work on the film's editing. The film will add a new chapter to the annals of the regional film indus-

try. A former drilling engineer and an alumnus of ZEE Institute of Media Arts, Mumbai, Kangkan's passion for filmmaking kept his creative fire alive. He's particularly interested in subjects that are rooted in reality and have some connection to human lives. He made his directorial debut with a short film titled 'Bhagna Xapun' (Shattered Dream), a touching

Reunited after 15 long years For Gracy Singh, it was a trip down memory lane when she paid a visit to Ahmedabad to promote TV show "Santoshi Maa". The actress reunited with her long lost friend. She went to Ahmedabad last week, and when she went to a radio station for an interview, she chanced upon a radio jockey who turned out to be her friend. "I was really so surprised to meet her. I hadn't imagined at all that I would meet her again. She was so little when I met her and now she's all grown up. It was a really touching meeting,` Gracy said in a statement. According to a source, their acquaintance goes back to the `Lagaan` days when Gracy was shooting in Bhuj and the RJ was just a little girl. She was a fan of Gracy, and she used to hang around with her on the sets and formed a bond. `Unfortunately, after the Bhuj earthquake of 2001, the girl's family moved to Ahmedabad and the two lost touch. So when Gracy met her again af-

story of relationship between a father and his daughter. It was his second short film 'Sita' that received a lot of audience interest and critical attention. This film about a nine-year-old boy who gets emotionally connected with his goat, is a fascinating, visually enticing piece of work. The film has travelled to a number of film festivals in India and abroad. The fact that it was selected to the Cannes Film Festival speaks a great deal of it's worth and quality. Kangkan felt very happy with the way his short films have connected with the audiences. It was expected of him to helm a movie project sooner than later. The shooting of his feature film debut 'Beautiful Lives' took place in an extremely collaborative environment. Kangkan has based his script on an extremely sensitive topic, and has really left nothing to chance. The film features some very wellknown artistes and techncians of the state.

always striving to do something different. The

Alia denies reports of doing 'Ashiqui3'

Alia Bhat, the new generation of the Bhat's family, and who made her debut with the Karan Johar's movie "Student of the Year". (Photo: photos.filmibeat) Alia Bhatt has denied reports claiming that she has been cast opposite superstar Hrithik Roshan for third installment 'Aashiqui'. There were rumours that the 23-year-old actress, who made her debut with Karan Johar's 'Student of the Year', will finally work with his father Mahesh Bhatt's banner in the third instalment of 'Aashiqui' film series. "In my knowledge no 'Aashiqui 3' is happening right now. I am not offered anything like that," Alia told reporters here while promoting her upcoming film "Kapoor & Sons" here. Directed by Shakun Batra, the film also stars Sidharth Malhotra and Fawad Khan. While the original 'Aashiqui' (1990) starred Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal, 'Aashiqui 2' released in 2013 and made stars out of Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor.

Tannishtha Chatterjee 'hugely excited' with award in London Critically acclaimed ac-

For all the fans of the Lagaan girl, the now telecasted serial 'Santoshi Maa' on &Tv is really a great news. (Photo: gobollywood) ter 15 years, they had a great time catching up and brushing up old memories,` said the source.

tress Tannishtha Chatterjee says she is thrilled with an award that she received in London for her contribution to Asian cinema. The 'Brick Lane' actress was at the London Asian Film Festival, presented by Tongues on Fire. Talking about it, she said in a statement: "I am hugely thrilled and honoured by this award, and overwhelmed by all the best wishes that have come in from the industry." After her win, she was applauded by 'Airlift' director Raja Menon, Tabu, Dia Mirza, Satish Kaushik and Onir among others.

Critically applaused actress Tannishtha Chatterjee. (Photo: dumkhum)

issues taken up in these have never been spoken about so freely. I wanted to work with the team to start conversations around - freedom of speech and thought, privacy, and same sex love. "The campaign is totally against surrogacy in liquor advertising and reflects it in the video," she said. Talking about the second video campaign theme "Forbidden love", Kalki said, "It can be of any kind and it is not necessarily related to same sex. My opinion on this issue is simple. As adults we have the right to take decisions for our lives. We also need to address these issues head on and transparently if we wish to see a change." The message is the same, the right to live freely, without restrictions and the right to take decisions for our own lives, Kalki added.

Producer-director Sajid Nadiadwala says they are working on the script of the second installment of Salman Khan-starrer 'Kick'. Sajid Nadiadwala's directorial venture 'Kick' was an official remake of a Telugu movie of the same name. The action film, starring Salman and Jacqueline Fernandez, turned out to be a blockbuster. "We are still writing. It's in scripting stage. It will mostly happen next year. There is a pressure, but we are working hard on the script," said Sajid. In 'Kick', Salman played the role of Devi Lal Singh, a highly intelligent but adventurous man who is always looking for a 'kick' in his life. The 'Dabangg' Khan had announced that 'Kick 2' will have a fresh

Kick 1 was a blockbuster at the boxoffice with Salman in two looks. Sallu Bhai's fan are now eagerly waiting for 'Kick 2'. (Photo: salmankhanbollywood)

pairing, and that Jacqueline won't be a part of the sequel. Actresses Amy Jackson, Sonakshi Sinha and Kriti Sanon are being speculated as the contenders for the leading lady role. But according to Sajid, nothing is finalised about it. Sajid has an in-

teresting slate of films lined-up for release as a producer, like 'Baaghi' starring Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor, John Abraham-Varun Dhawan starrer 'Dishoom', Vishal Bharadwaj's 'Rangoon' and the third installment of comic caper 'Houseful'.

TICKLE YOUR TASTE BUDS

Gulab Phirni Ingredients 1 cup basmati rice, soaked in water for 15-20 minutes 1/2 cup milk 1/4 tsp cardamom powder 2-3 cups milk 3-4 strands saffron 3 Tbsp sugar 1 Tbsp rose petal powder 2 tsp rose water You will also need 3-4 mitti ke kasore (A round earthen shallow bowl easily available at potters in India) In case these are not available you can always set them in glass bowls. Method Wash and soak the kasore in water for 10-15 minutes. In a mixer blend the soaked rice and 1/2 cup milk together. Not into a very fine paste, a little grainy. In a pan add the 2 cups milk and the rice paste. (Adjust the milk quantity according to the consis-

Normal Phirni is what most of us have tasted. But this Holi let us grave ourselves to a bowl of this wonderfully delicious 'Gulab Phirni'. (Photo: whiskaffair)

tency.) Add cardamom powder, saffron, rose petal powder, rose water and sugar. Keep stirring till thick and lump free. Once thickened, pour the phirni mixture into washed kasoraas. Top it with some fresh rose petals. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Swagata Baruah proves as a shining star at Bordoisila Theatre When Assamese celluloid artistes plied their craft on the mobile theatre stage, a large section of the theatre-goers criticized their acting. A few of them have connected with the audiences, while others have failed to make any kind of impact. Someone like Swagata Baruah has proved herself with consistent performances since making her foray in the mobile theatre industry. She has delivered energetic performances in not just one but three different plays at the Bordoisila Theatre this year. Whether it was Stuti of 'Tandov Naach', Snigdha of 'Thikona Bihin Thikona' or Kangkana Baruah of 'No Xajere Xojam Tomak' Swagata's skillful performances have brought her much acclaim and

Swagata Baruah had already proven herself to be a worth praising actress after successfully delivering her part in Bordoisila theatre. (Photo: kothasobi)

appreciation. Quite obviously, Swagata Baruah and her work have been discussed by theatre aficionados all over Assam. Her acting is highly appreciated by the people of Assam who have enjoyed all the three plays of Bordoisila Theatre. The producer of the theatre, Najrul Islam also expressed his view saying that the theatre troupe has got this actress in each and every role as per their requirement, and the appreciation and clapping of people in every show has proven this. Swagata feels elated to receive the love and support of the audiences. She also added that for the upcoming season, people will be able to see her in a new light in an emerging mobile theatre group named 'Rajmukut Theatre', which is being produced by Manas Kalita.

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Editorial Adviser: Subir Bhaumik

Editor: Ripunjoy Das

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