21 July, 2016, Thursday

facebook.com/easterntoday

@easterntoday

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

cmyk

cmyk

www.eastern-today.com

ASSENG/2015/64205

PAGE 6

Vol. II

Issue 33

NADI 2016: CONNECTING WITH INDIA'S NORTHEAST

Dibrugarh, Thursday, July 21, 2016

Woman dies in landslide Guwahati, July 20: In a most unfortunate incident in the city, a woman was killed in a landslide at Mandakini path near Kharghuli in Guwahati on Wednesday following incessant rains. The deceased has been identified as Maloti Das, and the incident took place around 10 am when Das was bathing at her residence. NDRF and police have been engaged in rescue and relief operations.

The city, which is dotted with 18 hills, has become vulnerable to landslides with the onset of the monsoon. Few days ago, two persons were killed in separate landslides in city.

Meanwhile, heavy rain on Wednesday inundated Jorabat and its neighbouring areas, creating problems for residents.

Houses and business establishments in the area suffered damage as water flowed on to the national highway. (Staff Reporter)

Road mishap, 2 killed Naharkatia, July 20: In a tragic incident, two youths died in a road accident on Tuesday night at 11 pm in Naharkatia of Dhadumia area. Two youth, Manash Talukdar (25) of Amulapatty and Prabhat Saikia (29) of Dighala Pather died on the spot when their bike bearing no AR-13-2630 collided with a Bolero bearing no. AS-23-L-8223, going from Naharkatia. It is to be noted that the driver of the Bolero car fled away after the accident, police are in search of the driver. (Correspondent)

ULFA (I) denies reports Dibrugarh, July 20: The ULFA (I) through a press release had denied that there is any member in the name of Babul Dehingia in its ranks. The outfit said that Dehingia is Tinsukia SP Mugdha Jyoti Mahanta's man and it is only to show the outfit in poor light that the SP is trying to portray Dehingia as a Ulfa cadre.

Earlier, it was reported in the media that Babul Dehingia is a hardcore Ulfa member and has been asked to trigger blast in Tinsukia district.

(Staff Reporter)

Classifieds at Rs. 10/- per word

Call Ashok - 09706289816 For your copy of

The Eastern Today

Call Pranjal08471896580

5.00

Pages- 12

PAGE11

PREVIEW: WEST INDIES VS INDIA - 1ST TEST, ANTIGUA

CONG TARGETS RSS-BJP FOR ATTACKS ON DALITS; RAJNATH REFUTES

Page - 12

Page - 6

Page - 8 ET CAPSULES

Price -

Pema Khandu govt CM Sonowal expresses passes floor test concern over Raha incident TN Thongdok elected new Speaker that it is the time for reconciliation, reconstruction and renew of the new era of development.

ET Bureau Naharlagun, July 20

The Sixth Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly today adopted the motion of confidence in the council of ministers moved by Chief Minister Pema Khandu by voice vote.

The one day assembly session which met here today after formation of new government headed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu also adopted the motion for election of Tenzing Norbu Thongdok as Speaker of the Sixth Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

The motion was moved by MLA Bamang Felix and seconded by MLA Pani Taram.

Thongdok was in the post of Deputy Speaker in the assembly.

While moving the motion of confidence on the floor of the house, Chief Minister Pema Khandu called upon the members to work as a team in unison to take forward the state in the path of development and expressed hope that with the support and guidance of all they would be able to provide a stable government to the people of the state. Stating that the state had witnessed a major

Members including Japu Deru, Tanga Byaling, Nabam Rebia, Nikh Kamin, Tage Taki, Kameng Dolo, Dr. Mahesh Chai, Wangki Lowang, Tapang taloh, Wanglin Lowangdong, Lombo Tayeng, Laisam Simai and Tamiyo Taga participated in the deliberation and congratulated the Speaker and the Chief Minister.

TN Thongdok elected new Speaker ( A file photo) political unrest for the last one year which hampered peace and tranquility in the state, the Chief Minister sought cooperation and support from all and work across the party line for the development of the state. Thanking one and all for extending support to him, Khandu assured the members of financial empowerment so that they would work for the betterment of their respective constituencies.

Congratulating Thongdok for his selection to the highest post of Speaker, the Chief Minister expressed his full

faith on him in maintaining the dignity of the house and upholding the democratic values while discharging his duties as the Speaker considering his vast experiences as a technocrat, bureaucrat and political leader.

Former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki in his congratulatory remark to the new Speaker termed him as the most experienced and deserving person. In his deliberation, Tuki called for a united effort to strengthen the government and work for the betterment of the state, adding

Earlier, one of the panels of chairmen, P D Sona informed the house that consequent upon the resignation of Nabam Rebia as Speaker yesterday on July 19, the seat has fallen vacant for which one nomination from TN Thongdok was received for post of Speaker.

While thanking the members, Speaker TN Thongdok assured to uphold the dignity of the house while discharging his duties before adjourning the session sine die.

Earlier, he also announced the names of MLAs- P D Sona, Bamang Felix, Pani Taram and Japu Deru as panel of Chairmen for the session. ( With inputs from IPR)

bility to the new dispensation and the Government will do full justice and serve the people of the State with utmost sincerity.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 20

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed concern over the Raha incident, held discussion with the various organisations of AIIMS Demand Committee and decided to write a letter to the Central Government highlighting the concerns and proposals of the AIIMS demand committees of Raha. Chairing gruelling a meeting with various organisations of AIIMS Demand Committee in the conference room of his office in Assam Secretariat which held in an atmosphere of cordiality this evening, Chief Minister Sonowal expressed his concern and condemned the incident at Raha and said, “the Government will prepare a draft with full participation of the leaders of the AIIMS Demand Committees highlighting their concerns and proposals and send a letter to the Central Government to do the needful”. The decision to write to the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry was taken considering the deep rooted human interests involved in the issue and it is the prerogative of the Centre to take appropriate decision considering all relevant issues.

CM Sarbananda Sonowal It may be mentioned that the decision to set up AIIMS at Jalah on the North Bank of the Brahmaputra was taken by the then Congress Government in the State in February 2016 which was given due approval by the then Chief Minister of Assam. Following the decision, the organisations leading the agitations for setting up of AIIMS like institution in Raha decided to put their agitations on hold. Giving a patient hearing of the concerns and grievances of the demand committees, Sonowal said, “State Government exhibits fullest sensitivity to the concerns of the people of Central Assam and will do the needful for the interests of the people of State”.

He also stated that the people of Assam has given responsi-

Moreover, Sonowal sought the cooperation from all concern and called for ‘Team Assam’ for stimulating the ‘growth trajectory’ of the State.

Condemning the incident that took place in Raha where one person lost his life, Sonowal said, “State Government will show no leniency to anybody found to be guilty in the incident and the Government will take action based on the findings of the one-man inquiry commission headed by the Additional Chief Secretary Rajib Bora”. Chief Minister Sonowal also said that his government paid the ex-gratia amounting to Rs. 5 lakh and handed over an appointment letter giving government job to the wife of deceased within 48 hours. He also called upon the people of the State to extend all support and cooperation for the government to run the State smoothly. Minister for Commerce and Industry, Chandra Mohan Patowary, Minister for Water Resources Keshab Mahanta, MLAs, Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia, few senior government officers along with a 17 member delegation representing AIMMS Demand Committees were present in the meeting.

Former Speaker, Nabam Rebia seeks “Arunachal Cabinet formation review of SC verdict on Speaker's power

to be complete within a week” Any non-performing ministers will be drop, promises CM Khandu ET Bureau Itanagar, July 20

Chief Minister, Pema Khandu said that the formation of cabinet will be completed within a week and any non performing ministers will be dropped. Pointing out the serious gap in the current pace of development, the CM said that earlier under late Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu’s rule, there was enough flow of money in the market despite Rs 2800 crore state budget.

However, today even with the current budget of Rs 12000 crores, the state’s economy has not improved, he observed.

Khandu pointed it to as “serious problem” and called for corrective measures to be taken up.

Signaling that the government is serious in its pursuit for development, the Chief Minister said that all responsibilities will be fixed with the ministers.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has sought support of community based organizations in his government’s effort to accelerate development in the state.

CM Khandu gave the call during a meeting with the community delegates from Adi Baane Kebang (ABK) here today led by its President Kangkir Jamoh, who had called on the Chief Minister.

“I am willing to listen to all.

Consider me as down to earth person and I have no ego.

Don’t think of me as a Chief Minister. Treat me as your own friend or younger brother,” he said welcoming any positive suggestions.

Also promising equal development all over the state, he announced that his government will work cutting

across party lines.

“I will reach out to all legislators including the opposition BJP members, as I am willing to use them to get access to New Delhi,” said CM Khandu.

“The bottom line is that Arunachal should prosper,” he asserted.

Khandu also emphasized on development for hydro power, for which he urged the community bodies to play vital role on the ground in identifying the conflicting issues and for its early resolution.

IANS New Delhi, July 20

Former Arunachal Pradesh assembly Speaker Nabam Rebia on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court seeking review of its verdict saying that it is "constitutionally impermissible" for the Speaker to decide on the plea for disqualification of lawmakers under the anti-defection law when a motion of noconfidence is pending against him.

Rebia resigned on Tuesday to facilitate an impartial conduct of the floor test by Congress Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Telling the bench of Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman that the plea seeking recall of this part of the Constitution bench judgement was moved on Wednesday, senior counsel Kapil Sibal told the court that

it would amount to putting the political process over the constitutional power of the Speaker under the Tenth Schedule, which provides for disqualification of lawmakers due to defection.

Addressing the court, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the court that the position enunciated by the Constitution bench amounted to permitting a "constitutional sin (of defection) and a constitutional sinner (defector) to take advantage of his own wrong (of violating the Tenth Schedule providing disqualification of a legislator on grounds of defection)."

The bench was told this in the course of the hearing of a plea by the disqualified members of the Uttarakhand assembly seeking direction that they may be allowed to participate in the assembly session starting from Thursday.

The three judges -- Justice

Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh and Justice N.V. Ramana -- of the five-judge Constitution Bench and Justice Dipak Misra in his separate but concurring judgement held that so long the notice of resolution for the removal of Speaker was pending he would not act under the Tenth Schedule and disqualify lawmakers under the anti-defection law.

The Constitution Bench judgement was pronounced on July 13, 2016.

The Constitution Bench held that it was "constitutionally impermissible for a Speaker to adjudicate upon disqualification petitions" as it referred to Article 179(C) which said that the Speaker (or Deputy Speaker) may be removed by a resolution passed by the majority of "all the then members of the Assembly".

Contd. on Page 4

Most wanted dreaded Ulfa “Inept in CCE resulted in poor performance of schools in CBSE exams” cadre Babul Dihingia 400 families suffer a lot due Rishu Kalantri.

Tinsukia, July 20

A meeting of DDSEs in the conference hall of the Directorate of Higher & Technical Education (DHTE), Itanagar.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, July 20

cmyk

Director of School Education, Gania Leij expressed concern over the poor performance of some schools in the CBSE exams “due to continuous

comprehensive evaluation (CCE) not having been properly done in spite of availability of teachers and supporting staffs,” he said while also explaining the directorate’s performance.

hope that the academic performance of these schools would improve “and the next academic year will show better results.”

Leij, however, expressed

Contd. on Page 3

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; July 20

In yet another jolt to Ulfa (I), Dibrugarh police and troops of 19 Jat regiment on Wednesday late evening arrested a suspected dreaded Ulfa cadre from surrounding of Oil town Duliajan. According to top reliable sources, the arrested cadre has been identified as Babul Dihingia, one of the most wanted Ulfa cadre by Tinsukia police and believed to be planning to carry out blasts in Tinsukia district. Security forces has recovered one hand grenade from his possession.

Contd. on Page 3

to logging water in Bihpuriya

Babul Dihingia

Almost 400 hundred families under Marnai areaof Bihpuriya have to spend hard days due to logging water since April. These people have suffered a lot for the reason for a long period since the rainy season began this year. The problem has affected their normal life as well as the farming land. the paddy fields and the seed beds of the area are being submerged by standing water at present. As per opinion of the several affected people, the construction of the right hand side embankment of the river

Dikrong appears to be the main factor of the problem because the construction of the embankment blocked the stream which carried out the rainwater accumulated in the Marnai area.

While constructing the embankment, the Water Resource Department did manage nothing to drive out the logging water from the area. As a result of it, the inhabitants of the area have become the victim of artificial flood. Regarding the issue these people submitted a memorandum to the Circle Officer of Bihpuriya Revenue Circle appealing to take nec-

essary steps to tackle the problem.

But the CO was unable to initiate any measure as an answer to the problem and suggested them to move to the office of the District Water Resource Department. Today the affected people submitted a memorandum to the Executive Engineer of the Department.

They demanded him to set up a Sluice Gate on the BihpuriyaLaluk Connecting PWD Road near Bharat Gas Agency so that the logging water could pass through it. More over, they demanded to pump out the logging water as soon as possible.

cmyk

arrested, grenade recovered

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JULY 21

PAGE 2 Advt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KMSS demands high level probe into student leader's death ET Correspondent Golaghat, July 20: The death of the general secretary of Jorhat District Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti Sundeep Bora is still creating reactions in the state. The student leader along with his some associates were travelling to Guwahati on July 13

by train. In the same train another group of former KMSS Leader Kamal Medhi was travelling. Both the groups had a clash in the train and Sundeep Bora and his two associates went missing . After the incident Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti State Executive leader Bidyut

Training on Sericulture concludes in Lakhimpur

Lakhimpur Dist.

Administration to celebrate the I-Day in befitting manner

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, July 20: An eight day long Training Camp on Sericulture held in the Lakhimpur office of United National Rural Selfemployment Training Center concluded yesterday with a grand success. Twenty men and a woman took part in the training. On this occasion a concluding program was organised at the venue.

Sanjeev Kumar Baruah, the DIPRO of Lakhimpur District took part in the program and congratulated the trainees who successfully completed the training. A new agricultural training camp with another 30 trainees was started in the same program which the DIPRO inaugurated.

In his lecture he appealed the trainees to be skilled and to pave way for the employment of another ten unemployeds. Attending the program Dr. Budhin Baruah delivered an inspiring lecture. Director of RST, Suren Hajarika elaborated the purpose of the training program.

He emphasised on bringing up a revolution on the agricultural sector. Gaurav Hajarika and Babul Doley, two brilliant students in the district was felicitated in the program.

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, July 20: Lakhimpur District Administration is going to celebrate the forthcoming Independence Day in befitting manner. On this occasion, a meeting was held in the Conference hall of the DC Office yesterday. It was chaired by Dibakar Doley, the DC-in-Charge of the district. The freedom fighters, senior citizens, representatives of different organisations and institu-

Saikia was arrested by Golaghat Police and later he was sent to jail On July 15 Sundeep Bora's dead body was recovered from Singijan area in Golaghat.

Now Satra Mukti alleged Kamal Medhi Fraction to be involved in Sundeep's murder . Today Krishak Mukti

tions, the District Officers of the governmental departments attended the meeting and put forward different suggestions in case of the celebration of the Day. Doley instructed to tidy the historical and traditional monuments of the district.

"The Administration will reward the Departments who have implemented the governmental schemes successfully"- he expressed in the meting. He prioritized to honour the personalities

Spl Correspondent.

Tinsukia, July 20 : Asom Jatiyatavadi Yuva Chatra Parishad on Wednesday staged a sit-in-protest outside the office of the deputy commissioner against price rise of essential commodities. Members of the student body sat on a 3hour protest. The members alleged that BJP came to power on promise of 'parivartan' but instead of acting on high prices of essential commodities the government is sitting silent, as a result the prices of essential commodities ate soaring.

AJYCP stages dharna in Sivasagar tary, Biswajit Tipomia, join this protest. They also submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister of Assam through DC of Sivasagar, where they urged the government to cancel their discussion of increasing VAT on 127 goods and other essential commodities as well as petroleum products as soon as possible.

ET Correspondent Sivasagar, July 20: Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) Sivasagar district Committee on Tuesday staged a

three hour dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office of Sivasagar against the Government decision of increase the VAT on 127 goods including essential

Sivasagar to host 5th All Assam Ranking Badminton from July 23 Spl Correspondent Sivasagar, July 20: Preparations are underway to host the 5th All Assam Ranking Badminton Tournament at the Chau Lung Syukapha Indoor Stadium at Kalibari in Sivaagar town from 23rd to 26th July, 2016 organized

by Sivasagar Badminton Club under the aegis of Assam Badminton Association. More than 450 shuttlers from all part of the state will take part in the mega tournament which is scheduled to be inaugurated at 5 PM of the opening day of the event

by Narayan Konwar, the

newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Sivasagar.

Omar Rasid, the GS of Assam Badminton Association and other officials of the state body will also attend the tournament. The Sivasagar Sports Association will assist the organizer club in hosting the event along with Chau Lung Syukapha Indoor Stadium Management Committee for which a strong reception committee has been formed by appointing Apurba Kumar Phukan as the president and Rituraj Chetia as the General Secretary.

AJYCP holds sit in demonstration against price hike at Mangaldai ET Correspondent Mangaldai, July 20: The Darrang District Unit of AJYCP today staged a three hour long sit in demonstration at Mangaldai’s LNB road in protest against the price hike of essential commodities.

Many youth organization participated in the demonstration, including its adviser and senior leaders,

Bhabesh Kakati, Kamrul Haque and Himadri Sharma.

The protesters shouted slogans against BJP led state government for its failure to check price hike and demanded immediate control over price hike.

Later a memorandum in this regard was submitted to Chief Minister Sonowal.

1 accused of triple murder case arrested from Silapathar

ET Correspondent Dhemaji, July 20: Jonai police of Dhemaji District today arrested Lalmohan Das allies Lalit Das from Railway colony of Silapathar, of Jonai police station under case number GR - 88 / 2013 number 67/13 us 450/326/302 /307 IPC.

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi 9-05 A.M-Antara 12-30 P.M-Gharjeuti-Play-"Phulor Mukhor Hanhi" 2-30 P.M-Dopahar Samachar 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anushthan 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 7-45 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Ei Poth Hoise Bikashor" 8-00 P.M-Gyanmalini (Sponsored Programme of D.D.E.,Dibrugarh University) 8-30 P.M-Jnan Bijnan 9-16 P.M-Barerahaniya 10-00 P.M- Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P

too, who were involved in turning these endeavours successful. It is to be noted that the Administration is going to make an awareness among the people on the ongoing governmental schemes on August 13 and 14.

The Independence Day will be celebrated in the Revenue Circles, Blocks and GPs and the Administration appealed the common people to take part in the celebration.

I, Nadish Lari, Owner/Proprietor Larco Shoe Centre, New Market, Tinsukia, I lost my Delivery Note/Road Permit bearing book no. AS 215190 and S.l. no. 5379727, in the name of Larco Shoe Centre which is issued by Asst. Commissioner of Dept. of taxes on 13-08-2015 which is reported on Tinsukia P.s. G.D.E. no. 625 Dated 8-72016

AJYCP stages protest against price hike in Tinsukia

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)

21-7-16 (THURSDAY)

Sangram Samiti and Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti staged a two hour sit in demonstration programme near the DC office in Golaghat and demanded a high level probe into the killing of Sundeep Bora and also demanded to release Bidyut Saikia .

Lost

goods like petroleum products.

More than 100 activists of AJYCP across the district including state join secre-

The organization blamed the BJP led state government and said that by increasing VAT on 127 products they have opened the door for price hike of these goods.

Accused Das, son of Dijen Das in the month of April 2013, due to family quarrel, sprayed petrol in the kitchen, in which an 8 years old girl died on the spot and two elder person died in hospital. The incident took place in 2 number ward of Nepali Basti, after which Das was untraceable.

According to the officer in charge of Jonai, Subhan Das, police got information of his hide out at Silapathar where he was living with changed name. After full confirmation, today our team with the help of Silapathar police, managed to arrest the culprit of triple murder, added Subhan Das.

Anti-Medical Terrorism Day observed at Sivasagar

ET Correspondent Sivasagar, July 20: With a demand for better and transparent health services in India, Anti-Medical Terrorism Day was observed at Dolmukh Charali of Sivasagar on 19th of July.

The occasion was arranged throughout the state by Dr. Anamika Ray Memorable Trust, on the first death anniversary of Guwahati University lecturer, late Anamika Ray. To mark the occasion, people gathered and paid candle tribute in front of late

Dr. Anamika Ray's image who was said to be the victim of illegal treatment.

The trustees of foundation described others that how some doctors are spreading terrorism in the name of treatment, for which many peoples had to suffer.

It is to be mentioned that last year on the 19th of July Dr. Anamika Ray had died in a hospital of Delhi due to wrong treatment during her hospitalization.

After that, Ankuran Dutta, the husband of late Ray started this trust and have been working for anti-terrorism in medical treatment , so that no other get suffered.

For the first time, Dr. Anamika Ray Memorable Trust had organized an Anti-medical terrorism day to mark the death of Dr. Ray across the nation.

Many organization and senior citizens of Sivasagar were present during the occasion.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JULY 21

PAGE 3

PPWC resents over erratic power supply, Officials of PHE Dept and CRPF serves 7 days ultimatum to government distribute necessities to the Flood MaksamTayeng Pasighat, July 20: The Pasighat Peoples’ Welfare Committee (PPWC) which has been spearheading the power related problem of East Siang District has called a coordination meeting here today to discuss about the present erratic power supply in Pasighat Township and its adjacent villages.

The meeting was chaired by Okom Yosung, Chairman, PPWC cum ZPM Bogong-II. While briefing this reporter about the outcome of the meeting this evening, Okom Yosung said that, PPWC is serving a 7 days ultimatum to state government to address the erratic power supply of Pasighat and its region, failing which first phase of 12 hours Pasighat bandh will

be declared on 1st August 2016 from 5 am to 5 pm.

Despite the first phase of Pasighat bandh if state government turns mute spectators, next 36 hours East

Siang bandh will be called on 8th – 9th August 2016, added Yosung who feels government is not determined to address the problem of Pasighat.

Meanwhile, it is worth recalling here that, the state government under former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki’s regime at Itanagar and former Educa-

tion Minister Bosiram Siram’s leadership here at Pasighat, adequate funds were allocated to restore alternative power supply for this age old township of the state by even routing connection from Assam side.

The additional crores of funds were also released to timely complete the stringing of 11 KV power line from Aalo to Pasighat which is yet to be completed. The PPWC then had pressed hard to get the government’s attention and state government had also paid due acknowledgment of the needs of the people then by releasing adequate funds. But despite all those huge funds released, the British era township of Pasighat is yet reeling under darkness.

Congress attacks BJP-led Assam Union re-appeals govt. in assembly seeking clarifi- DC to act against cation over special category status illegal building A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 20: The Opposition Congress today sharply attacked the BJP led Assam government and demanded a clarification from Assam government over continuation of Special Category Status to the state following reports of Centre withdrawing the benefit. Congress MLA Rakibul Hussain raised the issue as Point of Order after the Question Hour in the Assembly by showing a local newspaper report quoting Finance Minister Arun Jaitley that Centre has withdrawn the facility from Assam and North East as a whole.

"Yesterday the Finance Minister said in this House that Assam is still getting the benefit after 2014. But here Arun Jaitley says it is withdrawn from Assam. Which

one is correct? We need clarification," Hussain said showing the paper.

Yesterday in reply to a query from Congress MLA Ajanta Neog, Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said the state continued to enjoy the Special Category Status tag even after the NDA government came to power at the Centre in 2014.

During the last two years, the Centre released Rs 58,016.42 crore to the state since 2014-15 financial year, he had informed the House. Neog, however, said, "I asked this question yesterday, but did not get a satisfactory answer. So I demand the state government to come out with a White Paper on this issue and clarify the matter.

On behalf of Sarma, Parliamentary Affairs Minister

Chandra Mohan Patowary said financial questions cannot be answered instantly as these need detailed discussions. "I request the Opposition members to bring the matter through a proper device. We will answer it in detail," he added.

On this, Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed alleged that "it is a matter of privilege because the House was misled by the Finance Minister and so it should be discussed".

This led the ruling party MLAs shouting against the Opposition members and a noisy scene prevailed for a brief period of time.

Patowary, however, said privilege motion cannot be moved on the basis of newspaper reports. Speaker Das said, "You (Ahmed) know there are so many ways to raise a topic in the House".

Spl Correspondent Pasighat, July 20: While showing dismay over district administration’s inordinate delay in demolition of illegal building being constructed purportedly by councilors at main market beside fruit market, the All Bogong Students’ Union (E) in a letter to Dy. Commissioner on Tuesday has re-appealed the administration to demolish the structures at any manner.

The union has said that, the DA had assured them to demolish the said commercial building raised by councilors but later again said that, the structures will be taken over by the government as public property. “Despite such assurance nothing was being initiated by District Administration yet and the said structures to which Estate Officer had confirmed of having stopped was under rapid construction and rentals for the rooms were alrecovery of two more grenades ready been collected, hence have just come in but yet to be we are repeatedly lodging the complains”, said confirmed.

Lungkang Ering, President, It may be mentioned that ABSU (E).

Most wanted dreaded Ulfa cadre Babul Dihingia arrested, grenade recovered Contd. from Page 1 The arrest of Babul comes on a day when Ulfa 's senior leader captain Arunodoy Asom had issued a press release stating that Babul Dihingia is not an Ulfa cadre as alleged by Tinsukia superintendent of police Mugdha Jyoti Mahanto.

According to top reliable sources, their was concrete input regarding sneaking of dreaded ulfa cadre into assam with a plan to carry out subversive activities in the run up of independence day

security forces. Based on secret information Dibrugarh police along with army managed to atleast one of the dreaded ulfa cadre from as village near the Oil town Duliajan, added the reliable source.

However, their is no official confirmation of the identification of the cadre as Babul Dihingia. Neither security agencies are revealing the exact location of arrest as the operation may be on final stages.

Sources added, security forces recovered atleast one hand grenade. Reports of

Babul is a close associate of Arunodoy Dihingia, a top Ulfa leader and was being searched everywhere by police and army in Tinsukia district. It is believed after the same was reported Babul moved to the neighbouring Duliajan town to evade eyes of security forces back in Tinsukia district.

According to sources interrogation of Babul is on and more arrests are likely.

While informing about the matter, the ADC

(HQ), Rahul Singh had told this reporter in an earlier interview that, the structures are located in a place where no JCBs or Dozer can move in to bring down it, and there has risk factors for labourers to manually demolish as the debris may fall over them. Under such circumstances, the only option was to take over the building by the government as public property. But with no such action coming in and the structures being under the verge of completion despite Estate Officer’s claim of work been stopped, now it will be of wait and watch.

The union has said that, when illegal building of one Marngu Kadu, DFDO can be demolished without taking over it by government, how can this structure can be taken over by government when it is privately constructed and invested?

However, when asked about their statement on the alleged illegalities by this reporter some months ago, the concern councilors had said, “the illegalities of others in the same market are not been demolished despite our complaint, so we are also doing the same”.

affected victims in Namsai

CRPF and officials of PHE dept distributed water to the flood affected victims.

ET Correspondent Namsai, July 20: The Officials and Staff of the Public Health Engineering Department Namsai with coordination of 186BN CRPF today distributed potable water and other necessary chemicals like chlorine tablets and alum to flood affected people of Mahadevpur I & IV. Several houses in the area were affected following heavy downpour in recent days which has submerged most of the

water sources.

PHED assistant engineer B. Khamyang said the department has started providing potable water with help of CRPF water tanker and chemicals to relief camps opened for the flood affected people since yesterday. The chemicals will help the people in treating water so as to disinfect the flood water from bacteria, he said.

Stating that the steps

APWWS and Galo Ane comes out vehemently against rapist ET Bureau Aalo, July 18: The Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society, West Siang Unit and Galo Ane have vehemently opposed granting of bail to rapist, Martin Bagra, who has committed the offence for the third time.

A habitual rapist and a criminal cannot be allowed to roam freely in the society to harm other members of the society.

The court and judicial system should take stern

view of such heinous as it will not only encourage him to commit such crimes time and again but encourage other youngsters to commit such crimes. The habitual rapist cannot be shown leniency by the court of law to commit such crime repeatedly, rued women organizations. They have advocated stern action against the rapist for committing the offence for the third time.

(DIPRO)

Road communication between Pangin and Aalo restored ET Bureau Pasighat, July 20: Road communication between Pangin and Aalo was cut off for last two days due to blockade near Sangam point caused by heavy down pour. A massive restoration work was undertaken smoothly by TK Engineering (TKE) personnel today after intervention of Deputy Commissioner Rahul Singh.

Reportedly, restoration work was hampered since yesterday, as the local landowners were demanding compensation and had forced to stop the restoration work.

Singh who was personally monitoring the situation had visited the landslide-hit spot and convinced the protesters.

He along with Supdt of

Police D. Jini while interacting with the locals had appealed them to remain calm, maintain patience and cooperate the administration in such restoration work and assured them to grant genuine and admissible compensation.

All debris have been removed by TKE to facilitate traffic movement be-

tween the neighbouring districts smoothly and the road leading to the district headquarters Pangin has been thrown open for traffic this afternoon. DC Singh while appreciating the tireless efforts of TKE and has asked them to position men and machineries at all vulnerable points that are prone to landslides.

(DIPRO)

are being initiated under the watch of Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, MLA Namsai Chow Zingnu Namchoom and DC R.K.Sharma, he said that department will continue to provide all possible help to the flood affected people.

Comdt. Anil Minz and Assist. Comdt. Y. Shimray also accompanied PHE assistant engineer B. Khamyang at the relief camps.

PAYWA expresses concern on delay in hostel repairing ET Bureau Aalo, July 20: The Paktu Ao Youth Welfare Association has expressed their concern on halt in renovation of hostels of Govt. H.S. School hostel, Aalo in a memorandum submitted to the West Siang Deputy Commissioner. They say that untold problems are being faced by the students of Govt. Hr. Secondary School, Aalo on account of inordinate delay in hostel repairing work since last two months. FA-I examination is knocking at the door and students are residing temporarily outside hostel and appealed district administration to direct the concerned executing department and contractors to complete repairing work urgently without any further delay. (DIPRO)

DC grants CACTVI, JNC to conduct firing practice ET Bureau Pasighat, July 20: East Siang Deputy Commissioner, Isha Khosla, vide order no.J-4338 (PtVol-II)/2016, Dtd 19th July’16 has granted to Officer Commanding CACT-VI, JN College to conduct firing practice on July-21 and 23 (900hrs to 1600hrs) at Raneghat firing range, near Dangoria Baba Mandir, Sille River, Pasighat area.

She has directed the people of Bogong area, head of departments/institutions not to allow cattle, other animals and human being to move within the said firing range area to avoid accident.

(DIPRO)

“Inept in CCE resulted in poor performance of schools in CBSE exams” Contd. from Page 1

He requested the officials to keep the respective deputy commissioners abreast of the activities and performances of the schools.

Jairampur celebrated 67th Vanamahotsava in a befitting way under the aegis of Environment & Forest Department of Nampong Forest Division. Sri Tusham Longri, ZPM has graced the occasion as Chief Guest and led the members present on the spot in large scale tree plantation programme on the both sides of National Highway - 153 from Arunachal Pradesh Police check Gate to Police Station, Jairampur. ADC, Jairampur Sri Kento Riba, PRI leaders and Govt.officials enthusiastically participated in the tree plantation programme.

He was speaking at a meeting of DDSEs in the conference hall of the Directorate of Higher & Technical Education (DHTE) here today where matters related to school

education in Arunachal Pradesh were discussed Officials of the Directorate of Elementary Education, School Education and SSA also participated in it.

The participants discussed issues related to the 2016-17 academic session; the CBSE results of Class X and XII; unauthorized collection of fees by schools; schools with zero enrollment; roles of BEOs, CRCCs and SMCs, and such.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Education Bidol Tayeng said “every work being undertaken should be monitored, photographed and supervised by the authority concerned,” and that reports on the quality of education in the schools should be sent to the directorate.

Lamenting political interference in the matter of transfer and posting of

teachers, Tayeng appealed to the teachers and officials of the education department to carry out their duties sincerely, rather than indulging in such activities.

He added that request by teachers in the Capital Complex to be transferred to other districts would be “considered immediately.”

State Project Director Opek Gao apprised the participants of the activities

of the SSA in the state.

Informing that the performance audit and the general audit would be conducted shortly, he requested all the officials to cooperate with the audit team.

Director Elementary Education Tapi Gao, UnderSecretary Likha Teji, joint directors and other officials also participated in the discussions.

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JULY 21

PAGE 4 BSF seizes large numbers of cattle heads A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 20: Troops of Border Security Force deployed under Guwahati Frontier in Dhubri Distt, (Assam) and Cooch Behar Distt,(West Bengal) have seized large numbers of cattle heads meant for smuggling to Bangladesh on the intervening night of 19th& 20thJuly 2016. 582 cattle heads, worth approximately Rs. 34,34,000/-, were seized from the Indo-Bangladesh border in Dhubri and Cooch Behar. The seized cattle were deposited with concerned Customs authorities for further disposal. In the past 20 days BSF has been able to seize 3683 cattleheads having worth Rs. 2,25,59,700/- and apprehended 05 Indian and 02 BD criminals. BSF troops are always alert to issue of transborder crimes and illegal infiltration and are making all out efforts to prevent commission of illegal crimes.

Signature campaign in Dibrugarh against drug abuse A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jul 20: An awareness-cum-signature campaign was launched in the town here today to create awareness among youth about drug abuse and mobilise support against illicit drug trafficking.

Dibrugarh Additional SP Saurav Jyoti Saikia launched the programme which was organised by Chelenghat Health Club in collaboration with the Assam Press Correspondents' Union and Dibrugarh Police.

Over 800 individuals from various walks of life including school and college students pledged their support for the campaign which was held at the heart of the town at Thana Chariali from 11am to 5pm. Recently, Dibrugarh police have started a crackdown against

members explained them about the ills effects of the drugs in the society and advised them to create awareness about the effects of drugs.

A view of Signature campaign meeting in Dibrugarh against drug abuse.

Pic - Ashok Kalita drug racket in Dibrugarh and arrested eleven drug peddlers from different location of Dibrugarh.

Founder member of the Chelenghat Health Club, Tushar Paul said their aim was to raise awareness in the society about the dangers of drug abuse. With the

mission of creating a drugsfree society, the campaign was first launched in Jorhat on June 14. The drive covered five important areas of the district namely Teok, Lahdoigarh, Titabar, Mariani and Nakachari. He added drug has spoiling the life of the young students’ and they lost hope and as-

piration after addicted to drug. “We have got good response from Dibrugarh police as well as citizen,’’ Pal said.

Many college going students’ assembled in front of the campaigning site and enquired about the campaigning. The organizing

"We are trying to create awareness among the public about the negative mental and physical effects that can be caused by drug abuse. The government and stakeholders of the society must realize the gravity of the situation or else the state will go the Punjab way. The drug problem must be nipped in the bud or it will be beyond grasp" Paul said.

He added that the campaign will be next held in Tinsukia and Sivasagar followed by the rest of the districts. The collected signatures will be sent to the chief minister at the end of the campaign.

MLAs will have to keep a close eye on proper implementation of govt. schemes : Sonowal A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 20 : “The MLAs have to keep a close eye on proper implementation of Government schemes. Acting as sentinels the MLAs have to play pivotal role in augmenting the process of development,” said Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal while interacting with MLAs and officials of Panchayat & Rural Development Department at Assam Administrative Staff College here today.

Chief Minister Sonowal said that people’s representatives must have clear conception of each and every scheme meant for welfare of the people. “To grasp on any scheme or policy proper knowledge is a must,” he said, adding that in today’s highly competitive world, proper knowledge is required to tackle any situation with finesse and dexterity.

Sonowal said that to

translate Mahatma Gandhi’s Ram Rajya into reality the pace of development in the rural areas must be accelerated. “In our State a vast segment of the populace lives in the rural areas.

Assam’s overall development is not possible without the development of rural areas,” he said, adding, “The Panchayat & Rural Development Department has been playing a vital role in the development of rural areas. If the MLAs can acquire proper knowledge of the schemes of the department in proper perspectives, then the pace of development can be geared up, thus benefitting the people immensely.”

Honâ•™ble Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and MLA Hiten Goswami during 3rd day of Budget Session at Assam Legislative Assembly in Guwahati on 20-07-16. Pix by UB Photos

The Chief Minister said that the 126 MLAs have been elected by the people with great hopes and aspirations.

“Each and every MLA is dutybound to work for the welfare

of 3.20 crore people of the State. The MLAs have to weed out corruption and to make hassle free the process of implementation of different people-oriented schemes. They have to monitor the implementation at every stage to ensure accountability and transparency,” he added.

Sonowal said the MLAs generally raise questions during the Assembly but such interactions help them to obtain vital information about the schemes from the officials.

“Our Government’s vision is to make Assam a leading and foremost State of the country.

To make this happen, everyone has to work wholeheartedly for the development of rural areas of the State. The Chief Minister said each and everyone has to work as Team Assam to usher in allround development.

“There will be a sea-change in development with the united and concerted efforts of one

and all,” he said.

Sonowal said the views expressed by the MLAs in course of the interaction are significant and to ensure that it bears fruit everyone has to work in sync with ‘Saabka Saath, Saabka Vikas’.

The Chief Minister said the outcome of such interactions the MLAs would have had with 56 departments would provide the much-needed impetus to the development process. The interactive programme was attended, among others, by Minister for Panchayat & Rural Development, Naba Kumar Doley, Minister for Power, Labour & Employment, Pallab Lochan Das, Chief Secretary, VK Pipersenia, Additional Chief Secretary, Panchayat & Rural Development, VB Pyarelal, Commissioner, Panchayat & Rural Development Department, KK Dwivedi, Director, SIRD, MM Zakir and other senior officials.

SBI officials met BTC authority ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 20: Gautam Battacharjya, General Manager of SBI North Eastern circle, on Wednesday met BTC deputy chief, Kampa Borgoyary and senior officials at BTC Secretariat to discuss about financial services as well enhancement in the region.

Battacharjya along with other senior bank officials from Kokrajhar banks met BTC authority and discussed in detailed about the banking services and its aspects in the region. He said that, SBI interacted with council leaders on the bank-

ing facility as SBI still have 40 branches across the region with dedicated of services for people’ welfare.

“We interacted with BTC leaders about banking facility and its needy matters on detailed. SBI has been operating 40 branches in the region with good dedication”, Gautam said.

“We urged the bank officials to make proper uses of bank branches in their respective locations. We demanded early and suitable services among society to give proper services”, Borgoayry added.

BTC House passes Bodoland Central Selection Board Bill ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 20: The Budget Session of BTC Legislative Assembly was concluded with passing of “Bodoland Central Selection Board (CSB) Bill, 2012” on Wednesday, besides approving and passing of 2182.95 crores budget proposal for the council for 201617 financial year.

The three-day Budget Session was chaired by Tridip Daimary, Speaker of the BTC Legislative Assembly. On the concluding day today, “Bodoland Central Selection Board (CSB) Bill, 2012”,which was tabled

by BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary was approved and passed in the house.

“The session passed-Bodoland Central Selection Board (CSB) Bill, 2012 which will facilitate to recruit of employee and officers in the council in the line of APSC. We discussed thoroughly on various issues and

problems face by the council”, Mohilary said.

Tridip Daimary, Speaker of the assembly, told that the house passed the bill of Bodoland Central Selection Bill, 2012 besides approving of proposed budget for the council. The passed bill has been forwarded to Governor for his ascent.

He also told that an all-party delegation team will meet CM Sonowal within few days to appraise for fund enhance, BTC Accord implementation.

“The house was concluded today with passing of bill like Bodoland Central Selection Board (CSB) Bill, 2012 which has been forwarded for Governors’ ascent and expected that governor will approved it.

An all-party delegation team will meet CM within few days to discuss various issues like fund enhance”, Daimary added.

Ornaments and case looted from Chanmari area ET Correspondent Tezpur, July 20 : Yet in another incident of burglary case a gang of organized burglar managed to rob ornaments of worth Rs. 1.5 lac alongwith Rs. Fifty thousand case money from one Dilip

Deka belonged to Chanmari area under Lalmati Police outpost here this afternoon. The intruders took the chance of absence of the owners of the residence at noon today as they went out for some works.

Former Speaker, Nabam Rebia seeks Inhabitant of Tezpur-Kamarchuburi area urged the district health department to review of SC verdict on Speaker's power take necessary measure for combating vulnerable Japanese encephalitis in the area Contd. from Page 1

The Constitution Bench said that any disqualification of lawmakers after motion for the removal of Speaker has been initiated would negate the effect of the words "all the then members in Article 179 (C)".

To buttress their conclusion, the Constitution Bench referred to the June 6, 1949 constituent assembly debates where suggestion to substitute "all the then members of the Assembly" with "the members of the Assembly present and voting" was not accepted.

Sibal today told the court that during constituent assembly debates held on December 29, 1948, Dr. Ambedkar

had already clarified that words "all the then members of the Assembly" meant "all the members whose seats are not vacant" and the same could not be read to interdict the Speaker from exercising his powers under anti-defection law under tenth schedule of the constitution.

The court was told that the word "all the then members" was present in Article 67, 90, 94, 179 and 183 of the constitution.

The plea for the recall of the observation clamping on the power of the Speaker under Tenth schedule has contended that as explained by the Constituent Assembly the word "the then' is relatable to the composition of the House at the time of voting on the resolution for the removal Speaker and not merely to the

Members who are present and voting.

Describing the observations by the Constitution Bench prohibiting the Speaker to act under the antidefection law after motion for his removal has been moved as being against the "constitutional scheme envisaged by the founding fathers of the constitution", the Arunachal Pradesh assembly Speaker has said that it has created a "Constitutional hiatus/ vacuum for adjudication of Tenth Schedule matters".

The said observations, the review plea says have the "effect of effacing or at least delaying the adjudication of the 'constitutional sin' of defection under the Tenth Schedule.

Members of AJYCP, Golaghat district and Dergaon regional committee stage protest against price rise of essential commodities. Pic - Amit Nagori

Shambhu Boro Tezpur, July 20 : After the water logging problems following incessant rains during the last few days besides other places the inhabitants of the Kamarchuburi and Ghorparachuburi area under the Tezpur Municipality board are in a great threat of suffering from dreaded diseases like Japanese Encephalitis and malaria as according to the people inhibiting in this area the health department here is quite reluctant to this problem. It is to be stated here that the area which was once a vast open field is now a days occupied by the people migrated from across the state as an outcome of increasing of importance of Tezpur town with the focus of Tezpur central university, Napam KVK, Tezpur medical College and Hospital near here etc. However, local aboriginal people having social concern and optimum civic sense want to opine that a section of newly settling down in the area after purchasing their plots from concerned land owners started construction of their residential building haphazardly leaving no any room for adequate drainage to pass out the blocked waters during the rainy season for which in a single shower of rain the area now a days use to suffer from artificial flood problem.

Social worker of the area and noted writer Mahendra Kumar Nath saying the problem of the area one day will be by no means lesser than the problem suffered

by people of Guwahati Anil Nagar today, mentioned that only because of the lack of civic sense the citizens of the greater area comprising more than three thousands families will have to witness a big problem one day.

Meanwhile, though different areas in Sonitpur District starting from Gohpur to Dhekiajuli area have a well experience of suffering from different water borne diseases including JE, Malaria, Diarrhea, Jaundice etc. during the last few years the health department is not seen taking any appropriate measure in this case. The problem which has become a regular incident is normally compounded due to the flood in the summer season. More importantly it is to be mentioned here that the incidence and transmission of Vector Borne Diseases are due to numerous ecological, biological and other factors including rapid and unplanned urbanization, water storage practices, insanitation, vegetation rainfall related issues etc. However, though there was no any major incident of death following Dengue, Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis/Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (JE/AES) has been reported, a sizable case of suffering from the mentioned disease and even few death cases were revealed in the time to time reports provided to the media during the last three years. One of the officials of the district health department here who didn’t want

to be named in this report mentioning the responsibility towards combating the problems by the health department said that heath is a State subject and Government of India supplements the efforts of State Governments by providing technical assistance by way of guidelines, training, additional human resources and guidance during field visits.

In addition, Government also provides commodities like DDT, diagnostic kits, drugs, smoke emitting van in the vulnerable areas of Malaria, Dengue, JE etc. “Government of India has also taken the steps like Developing a Long Term Action Plan and sending it to the States for implementation for prevention and control of Dengue and other water borne diseases, National guidelines for clinical management of cases thereby sending it to the states for circulation in all hospitals, for augmenting diagnostic facilities numbers of Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals (SSHs) with laboratory support has been increased to 394 across the country from 110 and linked with 14 Apex Referral laboratories with advanced diagnostic facilities for back up support for Dengue and Chikungunya across the country.”

The officer said adding Test kits are provided to these institutes through National Institute of Virology, Pune free of cost. He also mentioned that for

effective control of malaria steps like Continuous surveillance for detecting cases and providing radical treatment to positive cases at all level including at community level through ASHA’s, Vector control by carrying out Indoor residual spray and distribution of LLIN in high endemic areas, Community mobilization and inter-sectoral coordination for enlisting their participation, monitoring of situation through IDSP for detection of impeding outbreak, Rapid response team at district level for immediate response in epidemic situation etc. have been taken by the central government. “But due to the mismanagement by certain unscrupulous officials the noble idea of the health department is yet to reach the effected people in the true sense.” He alleged.

Briefing this correspondent the official further mentioned that in view of high burden of JE/AES in 5 states like Assam, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal which contributes around 85 pc of JE/AES burden in the country, a National Programme with a multi-pronged strategy for Prevention and Control of JE/AES in 60 high endemic districts of these States was started in the year 2012-13 involving Ministry of Health & FW, Ministry of Drinking Water Supply & Sanitation, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Rural

Development and Ministry of Housing and Urban poverty alleviation. “Strengthening and expansion of JE vaccination in affected districts, Strengthening of surveillance, vector control, Strengthening of case management by setting 10 bedded paediatric ICU in 60 district hospitals and timely referral of serious and complicated cases, access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities to the target population in affected rural and urban areas, Provision of adequate facilities for physical, medical, neurological and social rehabilitation and Improvement of nutritional status of children at risk of JE/AES, Intensified IEC/BCC activities are the major initiatives to prevent the JE.” He stated. However, echoing the same social worker of the Ghorpara Chuburi area, Mahendra Kumar Nath, lamented that despite having such number of government schemes for combating these diseases, besides many malaria prone areas in Sonitpur district his locality is yet to come to the notice of the Sonitpur district health department.

Urging the people of his locality to be socially oblige while moving on to any kind of their construction works with proper maintenance of drainage system in the area thereby relaxing the area from water logging problem Nath appealed the health department to do the needful to save the area from susceptible water borne disease.

REGION

PAGE 5

Tripura to move SC over order to pay higher DA to employees

Hearing of Ratan's case Court grants one day time to State respondents

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JULY 21

Agartala, July 20: The Tripura government will move the Supreme Court challenging the Tripura High Court verdict that it pay pending 42 per cent dearness allowance (DA) to its 209,000 employees and pension holders, a minister said on Wednesday.

After the latest four per cent release on July 14, the dearness allowance of Tripura government employees and pensioners rose to 83 per cent, while the central government employees are getting the allowance at 125 per cent.

The Tripura High Court recently directed the difference of 42 per cent be paid to the state employees and pensioners.

"We do not have sufficient funds to give the pending DA to the employees and pensioners. The state government would seek intervention of the Supreme Court against the Tripura High Court order to give pending DA," Tripura Finance Minister Bhanulal

Saha said: "With regard to state government employees' payments, the state government had received Rs 500 crore less amount in last financial year (201516) from the Union government despite its obligations, and we apprehend that this financial year (2016-17), we may also get Rs.1,100 crore less funds from the central government."

The Tripura government will move the Supreme Court challenging the Tripura High Court verdict Saha said.

He said: "If we give one more per cent of DA, the government would have to bear Rs. 33 crore, and for 42 per cent, the state government requires Rs. 1,386 crore annually -- which is very difficult for the state government." On a writ pe-

Three killed in Darjeeling landslides

Three killed in Darjeeling landslides Siliguri, July 20: Three members of a family, including a minor, were crushed to death on Wednesday when their house collapsed in a landslide in northern West Bengal's Darjeeling district, an official said.

The incident happened in the early hours of the day in Lodhma in the district.

"Three people, including an eight-year-old, have been killed. They were members of the same family," said Darjeeling District Magistrate Anurag Srivastava.

Heavy rainfall triggered landslides in the area, and large chunks of National Highway 10 connecting Siliguri with Gangtok have caved in disrupting traffic.(Agencies)

Govt sets August deadline Shillong, July 20: The state government will be able to ensure the admission of over 3,000 students who cleared class X examination, to sit in class rooms to pursue studies in Class XI in the government-run educational institutions by August. Several students have applied for admissions for Class XI in various government higher secondary institutions in the state for Arts, Science and Commerce streams.

However, in the absence of required seats, they were left out, but the Education Department has initiated measures to address the concerns of students by taking steps to provide additional class rooms.

Deputy Chief Minister in

charge Education RC Laloo told reporters on Tuesday that interviews for the assistant lecturers and laboratory assistants were going on and the admission seekers will be accommodated in class rooms in August.

Earlier, a high level meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma along with Deputy Chief Minister, in charge Education, was held to discuss the issue.

During the meeting, the state government had decided to earmark additional allocation of Rs. 3.5 crore besides appointing 102 assistant lecturers and 11 laboratory assistants soon on contractual basis to bridge the gap at the +2 level.(Agencies)

tition of an employees' organisation, affiliated to opposition Congress, the Tripura High Court ordered the government to clear the pending DA dues to the government employees subject to availability of funds.

"If the state government clears the pending DA of

the employees and pensioners, all developmental and repairing works would come to a halt. The central government has also sealed the maximum limit (3 per cent of GDP) of borrowing loan for carrying out development works up to Rs.1,570 crore," the minister said.

"As per the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, the Centre has not yet provided the full gap grant fund leading to severe financial crunch of our state," the Finance Minister added. Saha, who is also Information and Cultural Affairs Minister, said that execution of the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission for state government employees would be considered after the central government takes a final decision on the issue.(Agencies)

MeECL gets House panel summon Shillong, July 20: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has summoned the MeECL officials on Thursday for the poor quality of street lights in the state especially in parts of the city.

While several areas in the capital city do not have streetlights, there are areas where streetlights are defective with the authorities not rectifying the problem. "We are summoning the MeECL officials in view of the poor quality of street lights across the state especially in city due to the use of sub standard materials", Chairman of PAC, Paul Lyngdoh said.

Another area of concern is the lack of mobility of linemen who are not able to re-

pair the defects due to the lack of transportation.

Lyngdoh also pointed out that the purchase of sub standard materials resulted in the poor quality of streetlights thereby incurring losses due to the state exchequer. "We are taking suo motu action by summoning the concerned officials based on the complaints from public", Lyngdoh added.

Meanwhile, as the problem of non-functional street lights still exists in the capital city, the State Government has now decided to find a proper solution to the problem.

Officials informed that the MeECL, Urban Affairs and

camp in the Durama Hills in 2013.

Dristi Rajkhowa is one of the staunchest supporters and ally of ULFA chief Paresh Barua, who operates from the jungles of Myanmmar.

Rajkhowa himself shuttles between Chittagong Hill Tracts and Sherpur district of Bangladesh which lies in close proximity to the Garo Hills border, police sources reveal.

It helps the ULFA to maintain a presence in the Bangladesh side of the border with Garo Hills where it has sympathizers and can provide logistics as and when required, it is alleged.

The GNLA chief had played host to Rajkhowa at his main headquarters in the Durama hills in East Garo Hills three years ago.

Subsequently, the ULFA leader had reciprocated the gesture by giving shelter to Sohan Shira when he reportedly crossed over to

The Pine City, which is widely projected as one of the most loved hill station, embraces darkness after sunset every day, thanks to non-functional street lights all across the city, much to the consternation of local residents and tourists. The city outskirts plunge into darkness in the evening hours and anti-social elements have a gala time indulging in their nefarious activities. Though areas like Police Bazar and IGP are well lit, other areas still remains under total darkness.(Agencies)

Bangladesh at the height of operation 'Hill Storm II' launched by Meghalaya police in 2015.

The arrest of two ULFA rebels, Aprai alias Lambu and Sengbat, a couple of months back, is said to have provided further inputs on the close bonding the leaders of the two outfits share.

Both arrested men were part of the team which provided the security cover for the journey by Dristi Rajkhowa, a senior police official revealed.

Meghalaya police are optimistic that with Saltiush in their net more revelations would flow on the working relationship the two rebel groups share.

His arrest would also help security forces to mark out the possible entry and exit points the militants use in the North Garo Hills district which is plagued by rebel infiltration from Assam.

(Agencies)

Abducted in south, released in east Tura, July 20: A pharmacist who was abducted from a weekly market in South Garo Hills more than ten days ago has been released somewhere near Williamnagar in East Garo Hills raising doubts about the role of cross border criminals and turning the radar towards the possible role played by Garo militants in the incident.

Biplop Dhar (40), resident of Chaipani in Dalu, was kidnapped at gunpoint on July 8 while selling his

products at Dumnikura weekly market of south Garo Hills.

His release somewhere near Williamnagar town in East Garo Hills on Sunday has now pushed the finger of suspicion on either the GNLA or ASAK outfit.

He had reportedly been kept blindfolded with his arms tied at a jungle hideout high above a place called Buga Dongram, located between Chokpot and Dumnikura.

Shortly after he was abducted an alarm was raised and security tightened along the international border to cut off the possibility of Bangla criminals trying to take him across.

With no sign of cross border movement in the Southern region police began to extend their investigation into the possible role of rebel groups.

More than a week later, police were surprised to find out that the victim

was released on Sunday and had made his way back to Chaipani. By the time police reached his home to check on him, Dhar had already left the place with family members claiming that he had gone to Assam on medical treatment.

It is suspected that money changed hands for his release.

While the prime suspect has been ASAK outfit which operates exten-

The Court directed the State respondents to submit the relevant documents of the police manual at the next hearing of the case which will commence from 10.30 am tomorrow.

The respondents of the case are Additional Chief Secretary (Home), DGP Manipur, Imphal West SP,

Manipur Police PRO and Singjamei police station OC. During the argument hearing, the petitioner's counsel pleaded the Court to quash the wanted tag on Kh Ratan alleging that mandatory and necessary procedures were not followed while declaring it against the former JCILPS convenor.

The State respondents submitted the relevent press note of Ratan's case and reference documents of other similar cases to the Court.

After hearing the counsels of both the sides, the Division Bench asked the respondents' counsel to show the relevant documents of the police manual regarding declaration of wanted tags.

The counsel pleaded the Court to allow him to sub-

mit these documents tomorrow.

Granting a day's time, the Court asked the State respondents' counsel to submit the documents at the next hearing scheduled to start from 10.30 am tomorrow.

A large number of JCILPS members, JCILPS Women Wing volunteers, JAC members, Ratan's wife and father and mother of Sapam Robinhood were present at the argument hearing.

Imphal West Additional SP (Law and Order) S Ibomcha, Dy SP (Commando) Imphal West S Sachidananda, SDPO Mayang Imphal Rameshor, Lamphel police station OC Doren and Imphal West women police station OC were also present.(Agencies)

Admn building of SHADC inaugurated

Shillong Municipal Board will have joint meeting on July 27 to discuss the problem.

GNLA 'guide' in police net Tura, July 20: A key GNLA figure, instrumental in guiding the militants from the banned ULFA-Independent (ULFA-I) into rebel camps in Garo Hills for training and shelter using secret jungle routes is now in the custody of Meghalaya police following his dramatic arrest along with three ULFA cadres, a week ago in Upper Assam.

He was handed over to the Garo Hills police by Assam a few days back.

The arrested Garo ultra, Saltiush N Marak, who hails from Belabor village of Dalu in West Garo Hills, had been playing a pivotal role in strengthening the bond between the Garo outfit with the Assam rebel group and Meghalaya police have been on his trail ever since intelligence revealed that Saltiush prepared the coordinates for the visit of the high profile and elusive ULFA commander Dristi Rajkhowa to a major GNLA

Imphal, July 20: The Court granted a day's time to the State respondents to submit relevant documents of the police manual which empower the police to declare wanted tag against anybody.

Hearing of the criminal petition case filed by former JCILPS convenor Khomdram Ratan was held before a Division Bench of High Court of Manipur comprising Acting Chief Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad and Justice S Serto on Wednesday.

sively in the South Garo Hills area, police have also stumbled on fresh evidence suggesting the presence of a group of GNLA cadres in the Dumnikura region around the time of the kidnapping incident.

GNLA commander for Chokpot region identified as Kamdat was reportedly spotted with six other heavily armed cadres descending from Chokpot area towards Sibbari.

Dumnikura village is located in the Sibbari area itself. (Agencies)

Admn building of SHADC inaugurated Imphal, July 20: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam on wednesday inaugurated a new administrative building of the Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council at Kangpokpi, which is one of the six Autonomous District Councils in the State.

The new administrative building was constructed at a cost of Rs 4.79 crore under the Special Central Assistance, SCA. Construction of the new building started in 2012 by the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation, MTDC, as the implementing agency. The building was completed in 2015.

The inauguration function was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as chief guest, Ngamthang Haokip, Minister IFCD and Printing & Stationery as functional president; T Manga Vaiphei, Minister, PHED, Science & Technology & Labour as guest of honour.

Speaking at the function, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that inspite of all the disturbing elements, the Autonomous District Councils in the State, including the Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council, are functioning smoothly, and this is only due to the co-operation of the people and the sincerity and hard work of the ADC Members.

Gaikhangam appreciated the ADC Members and the people of the area at large for maintaining a secured, protective and peaceful atmosphere amongst the different communities settled in the area.

He also stressed the need to have mutual love and understanding amongst the different communities to bring peaceful co-existence, which is much required for any form of development.

The Deputy CM further pointed out that though there have been rumours that the present Govern-

ment is neglecting the hills, the Government has done remarkable works for the development of the hill people in almost in every sector, be it in education, sports, healthcare and other essential services and added nthat there have been certain positive changes during the last 10 years, which the people can clearly notice.

He appealed the people not to believe in such rumours in future. The Deputy CM also assured more developments in the hill areas in the days to come.

Other dignitaries present were Haokholal Hangshing, Chairman, Sadar Hills ADC, Thangjakam Misao, Vice Chairman, Sadar Hills ADC, Nemcha Kipgen, MLA Kangpokpi AC, DC Senapati, and Sadar Hills ADC Members among others.

The highlight of today's function was the performance of different cultural dances by the Naga, Kuki and Nepali cultural troupes.(Agencies)

SSA teachers to get revised pay soon Shillong, July 20: The State Education department will soon put before the cabinet the proposal approved by the Project Approval Board of the Ministry of Human Resources Development on enhancement of salary of the teachers working under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).

According to Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Education Roytre C Laloo, the Planning and Finance Departments were examining the 10 per cent allocation of the state's share to be released after the Center cleared its 90 per cent share of the enhanced salary of SSA teachers.

Once the Cabinet approves the proposal, it will benefit

12, 481 SSA teachers.

Laloo informed this to a delegation of the Meghalaya SSA Schools Association (MSSASA) which called on him here on Tuesday.

The Deputy Chief Minister assured the delegation that the enhancement of salary would be effective from Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Aristotle Rymbai, Working President of MSSASA, said, "He (Laloo) informed that the department is still in the process of putting the matter (amount for enhancement) up with the state cabinet."

The minister informed that the entire process will take time, Rymbai said. The MSSASA had been demanding enhancement of salary

from Rs 9,200 to Rs 30,000 for LP teachers and from Rs 9,900 to Rs 35,000 for UP teachers.

The qualification of teachers will have to be as per NCTE norms according to which the minimum qualification for LP teachers is Class XII pass with 45% aggregate plus Diploma in Elementary Education (DL.ED). For upper primary teachers the minimum qualification is degree with 45% aggregate mark plus DL.ED. "We have also urged the government to consider deputing more SSA teachers for diploma in elementary education," Rymbai said adding that 6000 SSA teachers have so far completed the diploma course.(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JULY 21

PAGE 6

Embarrassed BJP sacks UP VP Cong targets RSS-BJP for atfor remarks against Mayawati tacks on Dalits; Rajnath refutes

New Delhi, Jul 20 : BJP on wednesday sacked its Uttar Pradesh vice president Dayashankar Singh from all party posts after his derogatory remarks against BSP chief Mayawati sparked massive uproar and pushed the saffron party in a tight corner.

New Delhi, Jul 20 : Congress today targeted RSS and BJP in Lok Sabha over attacks on some dalit men in Gujarat for skinning a dead cow, saying the Hindutva organisation was working for "dalit-mukt Bharat" which was "sponsored" by BJP to polarise communities ahead of next year's assembly polls there.

UP BJP President Keshav Prasad Maurya told reporters that Singh has been relieved of all posts and said "such language has no place in the party".

BJP has been wooing dalits, a politically crucial community in Uttar Pradesh which goes to the polls early next year, and Singh's comments have the potential to damage its efforts. The party hopes that it will be able to contain the damage by acting swiftly against him.

"He has been relieved of all responsibilities in the party.

There is no place for such language in BJP," Maurya said.

BSP chief Mayawati leader.

As his remarks drew allround flak, even from his own party, Singh tried to do some damage control by apologising and claimed it was a "slip of tongue".

A furious Mayawati, who is a dalit leader, demanded that Singh be expelled and warned the government in the Rajya Sabha that she will not be responsible if people hit the streets. Her party threatened to take legal action against the BJP

She was joined by leaders from other parties, including Congress.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley immediately distanced the BJP from Singh's comments and offered his regret.

"It is not right and I condemn the use of such words.

I express personal regrets.

I associate our dignity with yours and stand with you," Jaitley said.(PTI)

New high-tech museum at Rashtrapati Bhavan

New high-tech museum at Rashtrapati Bhavan

New Delhi, July 20: The history of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, from its construction to the lives of its occupants, will be on display in a high-tech story-telling museum which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week when President Pranab Mukherjee completes four years as the Head of State.

The inauguration of this second phase of museum complex in the 88-yearold Rashtrapati Bhavan marks the completion of the project spread in 10,000 square metres comprising Stables Museum (Phase I inaugurated last year), Garages Museum (to be inaugurated this year) and the Clock Tower, which will be home to the visitors reception centre, cafeteria and souvenir shop.

Modi will inaugurate the museum on July 25, in presence of President Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and other dignitaries, President's Press Secretary Venu Rajamony said.

"This museum will depict the story of the planning and construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan; the British Viceroys who occupied the building till 1947; their reaction towards the tumultuous freedom movement in the country; the transfer of power; the formation of the Republic; the life and work of 13 Presidents of India since 1950; life in Rashtrapati Bhavan; the beauty and environment of the campus, the people working here and important visitors, etc," he said.

The museum developed at

the site of a heritage building, where the garage for Rashtrapati Bhavan vehicles was earlier located will also have an Art Gallery for holding exhibitions.

"The first exhibition will be a collection of paintings by Pratiksha Apurv, to commence from July 25," he said.

A hop-on, hop-off tourist bus will also be flagged off by the president on the occasion of completing four years in office.

Mukherjee will also launch a micro-site on Rashtrapati Bhavan's website which will contain information on the Bhavan as a tourist destination and its three new tourist circuits namely, the main building, museums and the gardens.(PTI)

Events in Kashmir pose danger to country: Sonia

Congress President Sonia Gandhi New Delhi, July 20: Congress President Sonia Gandhi today slammed the Narendra Modi government over the unrest in Kashmir, saying the recent events there pose a "grave danger" to the country.

She said that former Prime

Minister Manmohan Singh's government had done tremendous amount of good work in the Valley but that was "no longer the case".

"Recent events in the Valley are tragic and pose a

grave danger to the country.

There can be no compromise on national security.

Militants must be dealt with firmly.Yet we must ask ourselves, what has driven scores of young people to such levels of violence," she said addressing the first meeting of Congress Parliamentary Party in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament.

"Can we say in all honesty that we have responded with sincerity to their pleas?," Gandhi asked.

Kashmir has witnessed turmoil for the past 11 days after the killing Hizbul commander Burhan Wani with clashes claiming over 40 lives. (PTI)

The opposition party demanded constitution of a joint parliamentary committee to go into the incident but Home Minister Rajnath Singh strongly refuted its charges and cited figures to claim that cases of atrocities against dalits have declined in the state since 2001 when Narendra Modi took over as chief minister, and commended the state government for its "swift and effective" action.

K Suresh (Cong) raised the

issue in Zero Hour during which Congress members remained in the Well during protesting against the incident.

ment under Keshubhai Patel there in 1995 and ruled for most of the period till 2001 when Modi took over.

Singh said crimes against dalits were a "social evil" and all parties should join hands to eradicate it.

Referring to large-scale protests by dalits following the incident and "emergencylike" situation in parts of the BJP-ruled state, he said they have lost faith in the government and attributed the violence to RSS and upper caste lobby, inviting protests from the treasury benches.

Many dalits have tried to commit suicide as they have no faith in the state government, the Congress member alleged.

"Violence is RSS agenda.

RSS is trying for dalit-mukt Bharat. The government totally failed. It was a BJPsponsored attack. What is going on? Is this Gujarat

Home Minister Rajnath Singh model," he said.

Suresh claimed it was the BJP's agenda to polarise communities before the state assembly elections and alleged that the saffron party was doing it in all states ruled by it.

In his reply, Singh termed the incident "very unfortu-

CPI-M leaders meet Rajnath over Kashmir unrest New Delhi, July 20 : A delegation of CPI-M leaders led by its General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Wednesday met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and asked the Centre to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest.

The delegation told the Home Minister that gagging of media in the state was "a sad day for democracy" and also expressed wonder over the confusing statements being issued by the state government.

"We conveyed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should use the floor of Parliament in reaching out to the people of state and assure them of their safety besides expressing grief for loss of several lives in police firing," CPI-M MLA from Kashmir Valley Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami told reporters after the meeting.

"On one hand the Education Minister Naeem Akhther asks the newspaper owners to stop printing for twothree days, on the other Amitabh Mattoo, advisor of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, apologises to the newspaper owners and also states that the Chief Minister was not aware that newspapers were not being published.

Tarigmai, who was part of the delegation that also comprised an MP Mohammed Saleem, said he had urged the government for putting an immediate end to use of pellet guns in controlling the mobs.

"I drew his attention to his speech in Parliament on Monday during which the Home Minister assured that

CPI-M leaders led by its General Secretary Sitaram Yechury security forces had been asked for restraint, the same evening army killed three people in Qazigund," he said and asked whether the assurances given by the Centre are actually translated into action on the ground.

The delegation asked the Home Minister to call for an All party meeting in Delhi which will select a combined delegation to travel to the Valley and talk to various sections of people.

"This is important and the government should treat the situation in the state more seriously," Tarigami said.

"I asked the Home Minister whether he knew who was controlling the affairs in state on day-to-day basis where the Chief Minister was so ignorant," he said.

The unrest in the Valley erupted after the killing of young Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8 and has claimed 42 lives.(PTI)

Tribals dying of hunger Bhubaneswar, July 20: The infant deaths (18 in three months), at Nagada village is a case of chronic hunger of primitive Juang tribals leading to acute malnutrition of their children and subsequent death due to lack of medical treatment. " It reflects a bizarre case of how malnourished children are dying unattended in the chromite ore rich area where mining giants and big companies are minting money and claiming to have undertaken a lot of social activities as part of their corporate social responsibility," observed a team of civil rights activists who returned from Nagada on Tuesday.

Claims of '"inclusive growth', innumerable antipoverty schemes , nutrition programme, free food etc fall flat at Nagada as no officer ever visits the village which remains inaccessible calling for a hardous trek climb the hill, they remarked .

The village still suffers from hunger, malnutrition, drinking water crisis etc. the tribals area leading subhuman life without drinking water, electricity, food and lack of road connectivity.

nate" and said he condemned it in strongest words,after he sought to turn the tables on Congress asserting that the cases of atrocities rose during its rule in Gujarat earlier.

He said dalits had faced lot of atrocities in the state during 1991-99. Incidentally, BJP had formed govern-

The Anandiben Patel government acted swiftly and arrested accused and provided treatment and compensation to the victims, he said, adding that nine persons have been arrested.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the Home Minister's reply, Congress and TMC members staged a walkout.

(PTI) "Violence is RSS agenda.

RSS is trying for dalit-mukt Bharat. The government totally failed. It was a BJPsponsored attack. What is going on? Is this Gujarat model" .

Sudden jump in infiltration bids in J-K: Govt New Delhi, July 20: There has been a sudden jump in infiltration bids by terrorists from across the border in Jammu and Kashmir and 54 such "successful" incidents were reported in the first six months this year, Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said on Wednesday.

"There is an increase in infiltration bids by terrorists from across Indo-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir during this year," he said replying to a written question in Rajya Sabha.

Ahir said there were 90 infiltration attempts till June 30 in comparison to 29 attempts in the corresponding period in 2015. As many as 54 infiltrations have been successful in the first six months this year in comparison to the corresponding period last year.

The minister said though security forces maintain high level alertness during their duties, still terrorist attacks are hard to mark in advance, that too, precisely on ground.

"Intelligence inputs keep

troops vigilant and help them to be in a position to repulse any attack which has been done in the Pampore attack in which both militants were neutralised," he said. Replying to another question, the minister said seven terrorist attacks on CRPF personnel have taken place in Kashmir Valley during the current year till July 14 in which 10 CRPF personnel were martyred and 43 personnel sustained injuries.

Three BSF personnel were killed and seven BSF jawans received injuries in different incidents this year.

Some of the terrorists killed have been identified.

Terrorists identified comprise both local and foreign ones, he said. Ahir said the Standard Operating Procedures have been reviewed

by Central Armed Police Forces concerned and all field formations in Jammu and Kashmir have been sensitised about the latest modus operandi of militants and threat perception to prevent attacks in future, he said. (PTI)

Railways spent Rs 315 cr on cleanliness in 2015-16: Govt

Tribals dying of hunger The government is squarely responsible for failing to provide basic amenities to the tribals. Many families have not been provided ration card under National Food Security Act due to irregularities in survey conducted to identify eligible households.

Secondly, as per guideline of Antodaya Anna Yojana, all Juang families deserve to get each 35 kg rice per month." Most of Juang families have not been covered till date," said the rights activists led by Mr Pradip Pradhan, member of the advisory group of NHRC on right to food, Sudhir Mohanty, advocate, Odisha High Court, Mr Kalandi Mallik, Mr Sanjay Sahu, Mr Debenbdra

Kumar Rout, who formed the fact finding team.

The tribals walk for over 10 km to get any service or benefit under any scheme, they are unable to carry their sick children to hospital for treatment.

They spend one day (Rs.200 labour wage per day) to get Rs.300 pension amount under Old Age Pension Scheme. Almost all development programme and food security programme like ICDS, MDM, PDS, NREGA, Indira Awas Yojana, Biju Pucca Ghara Yojana, forest development programme, agricultural and horticultural programme etc. are not implemented in the area.(Agencies)

New Delhi, Jul 20: Railways has spent about Rs 315 crore on cleanliness and sanitation at all stations, including platforms, circulating area, waiting rooms, toilets and tracks within station limit, during 2015-16, Lok Sabha was informed today.

Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, special cleanliness campaign was launched by Railways on October 2, 2014, Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha said in a written reply.

He said events on cleanliness are planned and organised regularly to improve and maintain cleanliness at rail premises including toilets, platforms and tracks at stations in the mega cities.

On completion of one year of Swachh Bharat Mission, theme-based cleanliness drives have been launched by Railways from September 25, 2015.

He said campaigns for increasing the awareness

and participation from all sections, including railway staff, rail users and social organisations, were organised at many major stations.(Agencies) Pak promoting radicalisation among youth via social media:Govt New Delhi, July 20: Pakistan has formulated a new strategy to promote radicalisation among youths through vested groups and social media to give it the shape of a civil resistance in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

"This year, Pakistan strategy has been to try and promote radicalisation through vested groups and social media so that this can be given the shape of a civil resistance," Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said in a reply to a written question.

The terrorist groups have become desperate and were incited to attack the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.(PTI)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JULY 21

NEIGHBOURS

Sri Lanka, EU discuss steps to repeal anti-terror laws The Joint Commission also welcomed Sri Lanka's application for access to the trade concessions under the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus as a sign of Sri Lanka's renewed commitment to meeting its wider international obligations.

(Agencies)

Colombo, July 20: Sri Lanka and the European Union have held talks on steps to repeal anti-terror laws during a recent meet in Brussels, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The matters were discussed at the 20th meeting of the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission which took place in Brussels. They discussed the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), the release or prosecution of detainees, and the establishment of the transitional mechanisms for truth, reconciliation, justice and reparations. Sri Lanka also provided updates on the process of drawing up the new Constitution, reported.

The meeting provided an

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena

opportunity to exchange views on the state of implementation of the UN Human Rights Council resolution last year, which was co-sponsored by UN Member States and Sri Lanka.

"The parties welcomed the recent lifting of the EU ban on export of fish from Sri Lanka. This was

achieved due to the extensive improvements made by the government of Sri Lanka in fisheries management and control, consistent with its international obligations. It was agreed that the close relationship established on fisheries between the two parties will continue," the Foreign Ministry said.

"The parties welcomed the recent lifting of the EU ban on export of fish from Sri Lanka. This was achieved due to the extensive improvements made by the government of Sri Lanka in fisheries management and control, consistent with its international obligations. It was agreed that the close relationship established on fisheries between the two parties will continue,"

Indonesian police, army banned from playing Pokemon Go Jakarta, July 20: Indonesia on Wednesday banned its armed forces and police personnel from playing Pokemon Go -- the game that has become a global rage -- while on duty. The ban also includes personnel of the presidential palace in Jakarta, where warning signs have been placed that read, "No playing or hunting PokĂŠmon in the palace area", EFE news reported "The palace is the President's office and it is not a playground," said Presidential Office press bureau chief Bey Machmuddin.

The game, which has become a global phenomena following its staggering success in the US and other countries, invites players to explore the length and breadth of the world in search of Pokemon in augmented reality. (Agencies)

Afghan's German train attack was 'revenge' for friend's death Berlin, July 20: An Afghan teenager who attacked passengers on a German train with an axe, badly injuring four people, was out to avenge the death of his friend in Afghanistan, said prosecutors in Germany.

Bavarian regional prosecutor Erik Ohlenschlager said the 17-year-old Afghan was a devout Muslim and on learning about his friend's death he wanted to get revenge on "infidels" who killed him. The youngster even accepted that his own death was a possibility.

The teenager, during the attack on board the train on Monday evening in Wuerzburg, injured four people, two critically, The young man, whose identity is protected by law, arrived in Germany a year ago as an unaccompanied refugee.

He was shot dead by police as he fled.

The Islamic State group (IS) released a video purporting to show the teenager making threats while brandishing an axe. He claimed to be an "IS soldier" preparing

Afghan's German train attack was 'revenge' for friend's death for a suicide mission.

German officials said they later found a hand-painted IS flag in his room.

Ohlenschlager said the attack was "definitely politically motivated". However, Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said there was no indication that the teenager had direct contact with IS. The teenager reportedly shouted the Islamic phrase "Alla-hu-akbar" ("God is great") as he mounted the attack.

A police official said on Tuesday that two of the five

Dhaka court indicts 5 militants for blogger's murder Dhaka, July 20: A Dhaka court on Wednesday charged five activists of a banned militant outfit for the 2015 murder of popular blogger Oyasiqur Rahman Babu, who wrote against the Jamaat-e-Islami and radical Islamists.

An additional metropolitan magistrate court indicted the Ansarullah Bangla Team militants and fixed August 4 for depositions by witnesses, media reported.

Three of the suspects were presented in the court for the hearing, an official said.

The remaining two are absconding and will be tried in absentia, the official added.

On the morning of March 30, 2015, machete-wielding religious fundamentalists hacked Oyasiqur to death near his home in Dhaka's Tejgaon area.

Oyasiqur's attackers targeted his neck and head, similar to previous attacks on bloggers, Ahmed Rajib Haider and Avijit Roy. According to media reports, one of the arrested is a madrassa student from Hathazari area of Chittagong

and the other attends a madrassa situated in Dhaka's Mirpur area.

Locals managed to nab two of the attackers and handed them over to law enforcers while the third suspect was arrested by police later.

According to the, Oyasiqur worked as a travel agency executive and had over 2,600 friends on Facebook. The blogger wrote under pseudonyms on popular blogs. On his Facebook account, Oyasiqur wrote several notes opposing irrational religious beliefs, superstitions and radical Islamists.

He was also an admirer of Avijit Roy, a US-based Bangladeshi -- founder of Mukto Mona, a web forum for South Asian rationalists - who was hacked to death on February 26, 2015.

Oyasiqur wrote against Jamaat-e-Islami and radical Islamist groups. He was also vocal against human rights violations on the religious minorities and indigenous people of the country.

Oyasiqur was member of eight Facebook group pages including Atheist Bangladesh. (Agencies)

PAGE 7

people injured were in a "life-threatening" condition. Inside the carriage, a 62-year-old man, his 58year-old wife, their daughter, 27, and her boyfriend, 27, were attacked, while their 17-year old son was not hurt. They were from Hong Kong.

The father and boyfriend had tried to protect the other members of the group.

Herrmann said there was no indication Chinese citizens had been specifically targeted. Another woman was injured outside the train as the man fled and 14 people

were treated for shock.

A news agency with links to IS said the boy had launched the attack "in answer to the calls to target the countries of the coalition fighting Islamic State".

Herrmann said those who had interacted with the teenager in recent months described him as calm and quiet and they could not understand his actions.

The teenager had gone to the mosque "on special occasions", he said, adding that no-one ever noticed any radical behaviour.

He had a placement in a bakery and was likely to secure paid employment soon.

The Afghan teenager was living with a foster family since moving from a refugee centre in the town two weeks ago.

The axe attack came days after a lorry ploughed into a crowd in Nice in France, killing 84 people. IS claimed that one of its "followers" had carried out the attack.(Agencies)

"17-year-old Afghan was a devout Muslim and on learning about his friend's death he wanted to get revenge on "infidels" who killed him. The youngster even accepted that his own death was a possibility."

India should hold plebiscite in Kashmir: Sharif Islamabad, July 20: Kashmir is not an internal matter of India, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday and asked it to hold a plebiscite there to respect the rights of Kashmiris as Pakistan observed a 'Black Day' to express solidarity with the people of the Valley.

In his message, Sharif said, "Today we are observing Black Day to express solidarity with Kashmiris and are giving a strong message to the world that Pakistanis are with them (Kashmiris) for their struggle to get their rights."

"India cannot suppress the voice of Kashmiris through force as they will eventually get freedom. The United Nations has declared Kashmir a disputed territory and India should hold plebiscite to respect the rights of Kashmiris. Terming Kashmir issue internal matter of India is not justifiable," he said.

All officials of federal and provincial governments were wearing black band on duty to express "political, moral and diplomatic support" to Kashmiris.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Sharif said India was committing human rights violation in the occupied territory which is a matter of great concern for the world community.

The Prime Minister has earlier directed all relevant departments to highlight the Kashmir issue at international fora. To observe the Black Day, rallies and events are being held across the country and Pakistanoccupied Kashmir to draw attention of the world towards the Kashmir issue.

Special prayers will be held for those killed in Kashmir after the death of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani.

On the government's order, Pakistani missions abroad will hold ceremonies there to draw world's attention towards Kashmir.

Mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attack, Hafiz Saeed-led Jammaat-udDawah's 'Kashmir Caravan', which yesterday left for Islamabad from Lahore, will hold a "large" public meeting here.

Saeed on Tuesday vowed to march towards Jammu and Kashmir "till Kashmiris get freedom". Over 40 people have been killed in Kashmir in the clashes since Wani's killing on July 8.(Agencies)

Executions in Saudi reach 99 in 2016 Riyadh, July 20: Saudi authorities on Wednesday carried out the 99th execution of the year in the ultra-conservative Muslim kingdom, putting a man to death for murder. Hassan bin Mubarak al-Amri was convicted of stabbing to death fellow Saudi Jahran al-Issa following a dispute, the interior ministry said in a statement carried by the SPA state news agency.

He was executed in the southwestern coastal city of Qunfudah, it said. Saudi Arabia imposes the death penalty for offences including murder, drug trafficking, armed robbery, rape and apostasy.

Most people executed are beheaded with a sword.

There were no beheadings during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which began in the kingdom on June 6.

However, executions re-

Executions in Saudi reach 99 in 2016 sumed on Sunday when authorities put a Saudi murderer to death. Human rights group Amnesty International says the kingdom carried out at least 158 death sentences last year, making it the third most prolific executioner after Iran and Pakistan.

Amnesty's figures do not include secretive China.

The London-based watchdog says the Saudi rate of executions this year is

"higher than at the same point last year".

Murder and drug trafficking cases account for the majority of Saudi executions, although 47 people were put to death for "terrorism" offences on a single day in January.

They included prominent Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr, whose execution prompted Iranian protesters to torch Saudi diplomatic missions, leading Riyadh to sever relations.(Agencies)

Pakistan facing Five killed in international isolation, China while repairing says Senator drains

Islamabad, July 20: A Pakistani Senator on Wednesday said Islamabad was being gradually isolated on an international level.

Farhatullah Babar was addressing a full house committee session of the Senate where he said new guidelines should be formulated for smoother relations between the civil and military leaderships, reported.

"If the institutions aren't on the same page then how would you implement guidelines for relations with other countries," he wondered.

cently faced while negotiating over the purchase of F16 fighter jets from Washington.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, expressing concern over strained US-Pakistan ties, said that in recent times the demand to "do more" has amplified. He also pointed towards the difficulty that Pakistan re-

A four-member, bipartisan US Senate delegation, led

by US senator John McCain, visited Pakistan earlier this month in a bid to normalise relations between the two countries.(Agencies)

He said the statements given by the US Congressmen have been against the country's sovereignty, national security, and national interest.

A few days ago, some US lawmakers had sought additional measures against Pakistan alleging that the country has failed to take action against terrorist groups.

Beijing, July 20 : Five workers have been killed in China's when they were repairing a sewerage equipment. Liu Yanfei, from Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, was repairing a dysfunctional pump yesterday when he inhaled toxic fumes while working, causing him to faint and fall into water.

Several of his colleagues attempted to save him, but they also fell in water .Two of the workers were later rescued, while five others, including Liu, died.

Rescuers suspect that the fumes were methane. A thorough investigation has been launched into the case, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Many northern cities in China experienced heavy rain resulting in waterlogging.(PTI)

'IAF came close to bombing Pakistani bases in Kargil war' Pak, July 20: Indian Air Force pilots were minutes away from escalating the Kargil war with bombing missions on Pakistani bases but they abandoned the plans for which there is no known official explanation, said on Tuesday.

"In the early hours of June 13, 1999, at the height of the Kargil war, Indian Air Force fighter pilots were minutes away from launching a fullfledged air attack deep inside Pakistan. Targets had been assigned, route maps finalised, personal revolvers to be carried by pilots had been loaded with ammunition and Pakistani currency collected, for use if pilots had to eject on the other side of the Line of Control and orchestrate an escape," the news channel said in a report on its website. It quoted exclusive access to documented plans for the claim.

The close call followed the collapsed talks in Delhi between Jaswant Singh, then Indian foreign minister, and his Pakistani counterpart, Sartaj Aziz.

On a mission to negotiate the

end of the war to Delhi, Mr Aziz had been given clear terms - "withdraw Pakistani intruders from the Kargil mountains, abandon the demand for redrawing the Line of Control or de facto border in Kashmir, urgently restore the status quo by accepting the Line of Control as it had been defined for decades, and punish those who tortured six Indian soldiers, including Captain Saurabh Kalia, whose mutilated body had been returned with the bodies of the jawans he was leading in an operation in north Kashmir when they were captured by Pakistani soldiers," said.

"At 0430 on 13th [June] morning, we reported to the sqn [squadron], ready for war. But it was NO GO EXORs [Execution Orders] had not been received. We stood on standby till morning, then finally stood down at 1230," quoted an official diary as saying.

The TV report said there was no explanation for the change of mind, but stressed that Pakistan's F-16s were not the only danger to the Indian plans. "India's fighter

pilots were acutely aware of the threat posed by Frenchmade Crotale and Chinesemade HQ2B surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) meant to destroy incoming Indian aircraft. With a range of 10km, Crotale SAMs would fly towards the Indian fighters at a speed of more than twice the speed of sound if they locked on to their targets.

"And the Chinese HQ2B was no less a threat. With a large 190kg warhead, the missile could engage targets more than 20km away, flying towards incoming Indian jets at a speed of 1,150 metres per second. If the missile was close to an Indian jet, its "proximity fuse" would go off triggering the warhead which would explode. No Indian fighter would likely survive the blast."

However, at the time of the Kargil war, the Indian Air Force had a distinct advantage. Not only did India have more fighter jets than Pakistan, it was also armed with better weapons to intercept the an attack from the Pakistani side.(Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JULY 21

NADI 2016: Connecting With India's Northeast Flood woes continue

Rivers and cultural links can tie India's northeast to the rest of the country and the region as a whole

No respite in the flood situation Assam has seen no respite in the flood situation with only slight improvement in some areas. Over one-and-ahalf lakh people have been affected by floods in six districts Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Morigaon, Dhemaji, Jorhat and Sivasagar. The Brahmaputra is flowing above the danger mark in Nematighat in Jorhat and in Dhubri. A report of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said in addition to the Brahmaputra, Dhansiri (Numaligarh), Jia Bharali (Sonitpur), Puthimari (Kamrup), Beki (Barpeta), Dikhow (Sivasagar) and Santosh (Dhubri) rivers are flowing above the danger mark at several places.

District authorities have opened 28 relief camps and 10 relief distribution centres in Golaghat, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Sivasagar, in which 5,435 inmates are taking shelter. Golaghat continues to be the worst affected district with around 71,000 people affected. As of Monday, crops in more than 14,000 hectres have been damaged. Landslides occurred in several places in the Kamrup (Metro) district on Monday due to continuous rain. Floods have affected normal life in Tripura with reports from across the state showing thousands of people being affected by flood waters in the state. Around 1075 families of Bishalgarh and Sonamura sub-divisions in Sepahijala district were affected by the flood caused due to incessant rainfall last night. Some portions of AgartalaSabroom national highway have submerged in flood water. As a result, vehicular movement was disrupted at three places in Charilam .

According to official sources, the flood not only affected a large number of people but also damaged huge farm fields with standing crops. Altogether three relief camps were opened at Bishalgarh, Charilam and Durlavnarayan areas by the Sepahijala district administration and a total of 40 flood affected families were given shelter in the relief camps till the last information came in. With heavy rainfall lashing various parts of state during the past 24 hours, water level in major rivers including Gomati, Manu and Howrah continued to rise, putting the concerned authorities on alert. Torrential rains lashing several parts of the state has flooding low-lying areas and disrupted normal life. Streets were under the knee-deep water as the district received heavy rainfall since last night. The Sepahijala district administration was keeping a close watch on the overall situation and all possible assistances were extended to the flood affected people. It is reported that from June 1 to July 18, Kamrup (Metro) district, where Guwahati is located, received 607.3 mm rainfall - an excess of 2% from the usual 594.4 mm. However, Assam as a whole received less than normal rainfall in the same period. The state received 519.3 mm rain against the normal 707.1 mm from June 1 to July 18.

Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) Inscribed as India's First 'Mixed' Site on UNESCO World Heritage List Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), Sikkim has been inscribed as Indias first Mixed World Heritage Site" on UNESCO World Heritage List, by fulfilling the nomination criteria under both natural and cultural heritage.

The 40th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, at a meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, granted approval for the inscription of Indias on the coveted UNESCO World Heritage List. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the two Advisory Bodies of UNESCO had earlier given their positive recommendations to the 21 member UNESCO World Heritage Committee, to inscribe Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP), Sikkim as a 'Mixed World Heritage Site'. This is also the first nomination dossier in which the newly established UNESCO Category 2 Centre on 'World Natural Heritage Management and Training for Asia-Pacific Region' at Wildlife Institute of India had provided professional inputs. For the first time both IUCN and ICOMOS had given a clear and positive recommendation for inscription of a Natural/ Mixed Site from India.

The KNP exhibits one of the widest altitudinal ranges of any protected area worldwide. The Park has an extraordinary vertical sweep of over 7 kilometres (1,220m to 8,586m) within an area of only 178,400 ha and comprises a unique diversity of lowlands, steep-sided valleys and spectacular snow-clad mountains including the worlds third highest peak, Mt. Khangchendzonga. Numerous lakes and glaciers, including the 26 km long Zemu Glacier, dot the barren high altitudes. The KNP lies within the Himalaya global biodiversity hotspot and displays an unsurpassed range of sub-tropical to alpine ecosystems.

The Himalayas are narrowest here, resulting in extremely steep terrain, which magnifies the distinction between the various eco-zones. The KNP is located within a mountain range of global biodiversity conservation significance and covers 25% of the State of Sikkim, acknowledged as one of Indias most significant biodiversity concentrations.

The KNP is home to a significant number of endemic, rare and threatened plant and animal species and has the highest number of plant and mammal species recorded in the Central/High Asian Mountains, except compared to the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, in China; and also has a high number of bird species. The cultural significance of KNP is portrayed by three main different facets: firstly, the notion of beyul or hidden sacred land, which extends to all of Sikkim, but has its heart in the territory of Khangchendzonga National Park, is important in Tibetan Buddhism, not only intrinsic to Sikkim, but in the neighbouring countries and beyond that is to say, KNP is home to a sacred site of one of the world's leading religious traditions; secondly, the multi-layered sacred landscape of Khangchendzonga and the cultural and religious relevance of the hidden land (beyul in Tibetan Buddhism and Mayel Lyang, in Lepcha tradition) is specific to Sikkim and is a unique example of co-existence and exchange between different religious traditions and people; and thirdly, the indigenous religious and cultural practices of the Lepcha with regard to the ecology and the specific properties of local plants, which stand as an outstanding example of traditional knowledge and environmental preservation.

Ibu Sanjeeb Garg In 1981, Joseph Montville coined the phrases "Track One" and "Track Two" diplomacy in an article for Foreign Policy.

Track One referred to the normal discussions that take place between diplomats, while Track Two referred to contacts between professional experts and industry leaders, among others. A Track Two discussion was seen as a way for two sides to understand each other's apprehensions and identify common threads that would help establish a partnership.

Since then, globally Track Two discussions have become an important part of diffusing tensions and creating a conducive atmosphere for building a more meaningful partnership.

The two day Asian Confluence NADI River Festival is one such example. Organized by the Asian Confluence and India, East Asia Center in Shillong, in collaboration with the Meghalaya government and the Maulana Abul Kamal Azad Institute of Asian Studies, the conference ran from July 15-16, 2016.

Noted speakers and experts from Bangaldesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and the northeastern states of India sat together to discuss issues of connectivity and people.

Rivers served as the central theme of discussions, as in addition to serving as a means of transport, rivers have formed as a connective narrative among people for centuries.

The two day conference sought increased connectivity among India's Asian neighbors, which would indeed help India in its own quest as an emerging global

power, and at the same time, giving the northeast a firm footing in India's evolving diplomatic relations. After all, the Indian states of Punjab and Tripura first started power diplomacy with neighboring countries and redefined how foreign relations evolved in India.

Through initiatives such as the NADI festival, the northeastern states can further define diplomacy from a state perspective as well, all while staying on course with the firm ethos underlying India's diplomatic values and direction.

The NADI festival discussed connectivity in various forms. Representatives from Bangladesh sought to increase the number of flights between Bangladesh and India's northeastern region to further people-topeople connectivity. Border haats (border markets) were emphasized as an important form of cross border trade and stress was laid on increasing the number of border haats. Speakers also argued that river basin management should also form a part of the joint initiative.

Speakers from India stressed strengthening the dialogue process, arguing that including all stakeholders would pave the way for effective convergence and "actionable" points in using rivers for mutual benefit and prosperity in the region.

At the bedrock of the NADI festival was a desire to capitalize on rivers, both as a conduit of transportation as well as a people-topeople connector. According to a World Bank study, inland water transport (IWT) far outperforms road and rail connectivity in terms of efficiency. Energy efficiency rates (defined as how much weight one horse-

power of energy can carry) for rail and road are 500 kg and 150 kg respectively; for IWT it is 4,000 kg. Similarly IWT is much more fuel efficient than traditional rail and road connectivity.

While considering other factors such as land needed, capital invested, and air pollution produced, IWT scores favorably over other traditional forms of transport.

In addition to these general benefits, it is important to understand why inland waterways are especially crucial to India. Northeastern India is a completely land locked region connected to the rest of the country by a thin "chicken neck." As such, alternate connectivity to the rest of the country - as well as reverse connectivity between India and its Asian neighbors via the northeast - assumes major significance. It is here that rivers have a major role to play. While China conducts almost 43 percent of its internal trade via waterways, in India that figure stands at only 7 per-

cent. Today experts estimate about 640 rivers criss-cross the region and 54 rivers flow from the northeast to Bangladesh. There is immense potential for developing these rivers as inter- as well as intrastate means of transport.

The India-Bangladesh Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) has been operational since 1972. The PIWTT was later amended to declare Ashuganj in Bangladesh a port of call and transhipment port and it is now used to transport goods to Tripura. This has dramatically cut down on the cost of transporting goods to Tripura. A renewed PIWTT would not only enhance intraregional trade but also open new opportunities for connectivity. The Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, which seeks to connect Kolkata with Sittwe port in Myanmar by sea, can be seen as a natural extension to the ideas envisaged in the NADI festival.

Yet an initiative of connectivity via rivers should

not be seen in terms of transport connectivity alone.

There has to be greater people-to-people interaction; more links between the upstream and downstream inhabitants. A theme of connectivity, centered around such connections, is bound to boost the relationships among nations. On the sidelines of the conference, experts mooted the idea of a Buddhist circuit jointly developed between India and Bangladesh. India, as the birthplace of Buddhism, has a special place among the Buddhists spread across Bangladesh, Myanmar, and other Asian nations. A proposed Buddhist circuit incorporating these dynamics would undoubtedly foster closer people-to-people relations. Another initiative that can work wonders is opening a South Asian University center in the northeast, along the lines of the one established in New Delhi. India's northeast shares racial, cultural, and historical ties with the Asian nations. A common university in the northeast would doubtless be attractive for

21st century diplomacy has moved from the drawing rooms of diplomats to the hands of the people. This is a positive trend that encourages people's participation and makes them stakeholders in their nation's future. As the world order moves toward greater connectivity initiatives such as the NADI festival, it will foster greater people-topeople ties and at the same time help India cement its position as a global leader in a new emerging multilateral world order. Courtesy: The diplomat

India Deploys T-72 Tanks in Ladakh to Counter China's Military Build-up The Indian Army appears to have moved over 100 tanks to its disputed border with China Prakhar Gupta For the second time in its entire history, the Indian Army has moved over 100 tanks to the frontline in Ladakh, a geostrategically important region located along the so-called Line of Actual Control (LOC) in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Almost five decades ago, in a desperate attempt to use tanks against the invading Chinese army, the Indian Mechanized Division had airdropped five tanks in Ladhak, which has witnessed frequent incursion attempts by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in recent years.

A calculated strategic maneuver by the Indian Armed

Forces, the deployment of tanks in the disputed region is aimed at reinforcing the Indian position in the valley overlooking China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

Much to New Delhi's displeasure, China has undertaken massive reconstruction and development projects on its western border with India in the recent years. Also reported by Pentagon, China's aggressive militarization campaign in the region has been a cause of concern for India. "We have noticed an increase in capability and force posture by the Chinese military in areas close to the border with India," U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia Abraham M. Denmark, told reporters during a press brief-

ing after the Pentagon submitted its annual report on "Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China."

Ladakh, located at 14,000 feet above sea level, six to eight months ago. Starting in 2014, two regiments of T-72 tanks have been moved to the valley. The third regiment is scheduled to arrive soon, forming a complete brigade.

As more tanks are expected to arrive, the feasibility of maintaining the combat readiness of mechanized equipment in an area where the temperature drops down to -45 degrees Celsius has been called into question.

In a report published by The Hindu, Lt. Gen. SK Patyal, the general officer commanding the Leh-based 14 Corps, which is in charge of the eastern sector with China and parts of the Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan, was quoted as saying: "We have to defend our borders. So whatever it takes us in terms of infrastructure deWhile the flat terrain of the velopment, in terms of force valley provides for the moveaccretion, we have to do in ment of heavy mechanized the best manner." equipment such as India's formidable T-72 tanks, the If reports in the Indian me- Indian army takes special dia are to be believed, T-72 precautions to maintain these battle tanks of Russian origin sophisticated machines. In a were moved to eastern conversation with NDTV,

Colonel Vijay Dalal, who commands the tanks, noted that the "air is in the region is rarified and temperatures go down to -45 degrees Celsius." The low temperature in the region affects the performance of the tanks. The Indian military, the commander said, uses special lubricants and fuel to keep the tanks running, and added that at least twice every night, the engines are revved up to keep the systems in order.

After a humiliating defeat in territorial scuffles in 1962, and with China's subsequent rise to power in Asia, the Indian government neglected development in the border region in an attempt to promote peace and stability. In view of China's rapid development drive in the disputed

Rise of Student Leaders

CORRIGENDUM We deeply regret for misplacing the two photographs in Page 8 Dated: 20th July, 2016, article titled: "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and World Health" and "South China Sea Ruling: Can This be India’s Moment in the Indo-Pacific?". The photograph should have been in reverse order from the way it got published. We regret the error.

Image for representational purpose (Photo: images.indianexpress)

students from other South Asian nations and increase people-to-people exchanges.

Today, India and her neighbors jointly face new challenges from both conventional and non-conventional threats. As the deadly attack in Gulshan, Dhaka has proved, no country is immune to the threat of global terrorism. At such a crucial juncture, initiatives such as those discussed at NADI would provide a great boost to confidence building measures among nations. At the same time, climate change is a major threat to all nations today, especially low lying ones like Bangladesh.

Experts predict, by the end of this century, a large part of Bangladesh will be under water. This would undoubtedly create pressure on the northeastern Indian states as migration - including crossborder migration - is inevitable. The northeastern states already have a checkered history on the issue of migration from Bangladesh; hence opportunities such as NADI can also be used to discuss the question of livelihoods, cross-border migration, and climate change in the future.

Image for representational purpose (Photo: .northshorechurch)

Sir, Since 1979 the Assam Movement was gradually gaining momentum. Simultaneously, ULFA's rise was also remarkable. The rest is a history now.

By degrees, the number of students Unions keep on galloping. Number of other Unions (miscellaneous) also is increasing astronomically. About the movements spearheaded by these Unions, the less said, the better. We are of firm conviction that time is not far, when Assam is all set to enter the Guinness Book of World Record in respect of number of Unions, be it students or others. Not a single day passes in Assam without a report on movement/agitation from any part of Assam. Akhil Gogoi leads KMSS movement and has been in the news for quite sometime past. People say, most of the leaders at the helm of these Unions are financially very sound. Many people are skeptical

region around Ladakh, the outlook in New Delhi has changed considerably.

An officer posted in the region, as quoted by The Hindu, said, "There is not much accretion by China, but their logistical capability has gone up."

In a bid to match with China's military and infrastructure build-up across the border, India has undertaken the construction of roads to facilitate movement of armored vehicles and heavy equipment as well as the development of existing airstrips and advanced landing grounds to expedite the flow of troops and supplies to the area - unreachable by land for most of the winter. Courtesy: The diplomat

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

about Akhil Gogoi, thinking that he might maintain a double-standard.

Some of his close associates who left him made some startling revelation about him (Akhil Gogoi). Before the assembly election, declaration of properties made by former AASU leaders, Shankar Prasad Rai and Tapan Gogoi made everyone raise his/her eyebrows. What could be the Letters to the sources of income of the AASU lead- editor and articles ers? Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya should be sent to : might be equally rich or even richer.

In to-day's India, unemployment The Eastern Today problem is alarming. Nevertheless all Chowkidingee, the student - leaders, it seems, are quite solvent and lead a life of opu- Near Sankardeva lence. Agitation/Movement also Hospital Mancotta paved their way for politics.

Road, DibrugarhYours etc Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

786001 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Email : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

JOBS & career

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JUNE 21

Mizoram University recruits Technical Assistant/ JRF in Aizawl July 2016 Eligibility : B.Sc, M.Sc Location : Aizawl Last Date : 20 Jul 2016 Hiring Process : Face to Face Interview Job Details Technical Assistant/ JRF in Mizoram University on a purely temporary basis Project : "Online monitoring of radon exhalation and modeling in fault regions of Champhai and Serchhip districts of northern Mizoram" Junior Research Fellow (JRF) No. of Post : 01 Qualification : The candidates having at least 55% marks in M.Sc. in Physics or Geophysics.

Candidates with working experience in the similar/related area will be given preference.

Pay : Rs. 25000/- per month Technical Assistant (TA) No. of Post : 01 Qualification : The candidates having at least 50% marks in B.Sc. with Physics. Candidates with working experience in the similar/related area will be given preference.

Pay : Rs. 12000/- per month How to apply The candidates may submit their applications along with complete bio-data, self attested copies of mark sheets, certificates and other relevant documents to Prof. R. C. Tiwari, Principal Investigator, Department of Physics, Mizoram University, Aizawl-796004 (Mizoram), e-mail id: rctiwari@mzu.edu.in latest by 20th July 2016.

Page 9

North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST) recruits Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors July 2016 North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology (NERIST) (Deemed University) (Under Ministry of HRD, Government of India) Nirjuli (Itanagar) : Arunachal Pradesh : 791109 The Director, NERIST hereby invites applications from the citizens of India and from such other persons declared eligible by MHA, Govt. of India, for the following Teaching posts: 1.

Professor : 24 posts, Pay Scale : Rs.37400-67000/- AGP Rs. 10000/2.

Associate Professor : 29 posts, Pay Scale : Rs.37400-67000/- AGP Rs. 9000/3.

Assistant Professor : 13 posts, Pay Scale : Rs.15600-39100/- AGP Rs. 6000/How to Apply : The completed application in the prescribed format should be send by e-mail to recruitment2016@nerist.ac.in on or before 02/08/2016 only.

For more information and application format, kindly visit https://nerist.ac.in/ link/jobs/

K.K. Handiqui State Open University recruits Assistant Professor History/ Assistant Librarian / Junior Accounts Assistant (10 posts) in Guwahati July 2016 Eligibility : Any Graduate, 10th Std. (HSLC), M Phil / PhD Location : Guwahati Last Date : 22 Jul 2016 Hiring Process : Written-test Job Details Assistant Professor History/ Assistant Librarian /Junior Accounts Assistant recruitment in Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University Assistant Professor in History Qualification: (i) Good academic record with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade in a point scale whenever grading system is followed), at the Master's Degree in the relevant subject from a recognized University. (ii) Qualifying in the National/State Level Eligibility Test (NET/SLET) conducted for the purpose by UGC or any other agency approved by UGC. However, candidates, who are awarded Ph.D. degree in accordance with the "University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. degree) Regulations, 2009", shall be exempted from requirement of the minimum eligibility condition of NET/SLET. Desirable qualification: (i) A degree/diploma in distance education or working experience in distance education institution (ii) Adequate knowledge of Computer (iii) Proficiency in both English and Assamese languages No. of Post : 01 Scale of pay: Rs. 15,600/- to Rs. 39,100/- with grade pay of Rs. 6,000/Maximum age: 43 years on the last date of receipt of the application.

Non Academic Assistant Librarian Essential Qualification : (i) Good academic record with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade in a point scale whenever grading system is followed), at the Master's Degree in Library Science/Information Science from a recognized University. (ii) Qualifying in the National/State Level Eligibility Test (NET/SLET) conducted for the purpose by UGC or any other agency approved by UGC. However, candidates, who are awarded Ph.D. degree in accordance with the "University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D. degree) Regulations, 2009", shall be exempted from requirement of the minimum eligibility condition

Grade-IV positions recruitment in Gauhati High Court (24 vacancies) July 2016 Eligibility : 10th Std. (HSLC) Location : Guwahati Last Date : 22 Jul 2016 Hiring Process : Written-test Job Details Grade-IV job positions in Gauhati High Court Court Attendant Lawn Attendant Darwan Farash Qualification : (a)Candidate must possess the minimum educational qualification of Class-VIII standard.

Those who have passed HSSLC or above shall be ineligible to apply for the said posts. Candidates possessing special skills may be given preference on need basis. (b) Candidate must be a permanent resident of the state of Assam and has to submit document in proof, in the event of selection.

No. of Vacancy : 24 Pay Scale : Rs.4560-15000 Age : 18-38 Yrs Fee : Candidates Can Pay The Fee of Rs. 360 For General/OBC Candidates and Rs. 180 For SC/ST/ PWD. Important Dates : Starting Date For Apply Online : 12/07/2016.

Closing Date For Apply Online : 22/07/2016 up to 05.00 P.M. Closing Date for Payment of : 26/07/2016.

of NET/SLET. Desirable qualification: (i) A degree/diploma in distance education or working experience in distance education institution (ii) Experience in computerization of library (iii) Proficiency in both English and Assamese languages No. of Post : 01 Scale of pay : Rs. 15,600/- to Rs. 39,100/- with grade pay of Rs. 6,000/Junior Assistant Qualification : (i) A bachelor degree in any discipline (ii) Adequate knowledge of computer Desirable qualifications: (i) Working experience in ODL system

North Eastern Hill University recruits Guest Lecturer (Architecture) in Shillong July 2016

No. of Post : 04 Scale of pay : Rs. 5,200/- to Rs. 20,200/- with grade pay of Rs. 2,300/Junior Accounts Assistant Qualification: (i) A bachelor degree in any discipline (ii) Adequate knowledge of computer Desirable qualifications: (i) Working experience in ODL system (ii) 5 years working experience in Accounts Branch of any educational institutions in case of Arts/Science Graduate (iii) 3 years working experience in educational institution in case of Commerce Graduate No. of Post : 02 Scale of pay: Rs. 5,200/- to Rs. 20,200/- with grade pay of Rs. 2,300/Grade IV Qualifications: i) HSLC passed or equivalent Desirable qualifications: i) Working experience in ODL system No. of Post : 02 Scale of pay : Rs. 4,560/- to Rs. 15,000/- with grade pay of Rs. 1,700/Age Limit for Non Teaching : 43 years How to apply The application should be accompanied by a bank draft of Rs. 1000/- for serial No. 1 to 7 andRs. 500/-for serial No. 8 to 11 in favour of KKHSOU to be drawn at Guwahati. The last date for submission of application is 22nd July 2016. Application should be sent to the Registrar , K.K. Handiqui State Open University, Housefed Complex, Guwahati - 6 in an envelope superscribed "Application for the post of ……….. ".

Eligibility : M.Arch, B.Arch Location : Shillong Last Date : 25 Jul 2016 Hiring Process : Face to Face Interview Job Details Guest Lecturer in North Eastern Hill University Qualification : Candidates should posses Master Degree in Architecture/ Master Degree in Planning or equivalent from a recognized University (having passed B.Arch in the U.G Level) and 55% marks in the Master level.

Department : Architecture How to apply Eligible candidates may send their applications along with relevant documents to the Office of Head of Department ,Department of Architecture, School Of Technology, North-Eastern Hill University, Mawlai Umshing, Shillong 793 022 or email their applications to barchnehu@gmail.com on or before25-07-2016 till 04:00 PM. The candidates are requested to bring their original documents during the time of the interview at the stipulated date which will be notified accordingly.

‘The Eastern Today’ has taken an initiative to present Questions & Answers to help the aspirants in their competitive exams (SSC, Banks, Insurance, etc.).

1). Every year July 18th is observed across the world as a) Malala Day b) Nelson Mandela International Day c) World Day for International Justice d) World Hepatitis Day e) None of these

5). The Asian Development Bank (ADB) trimmed its 2016 growth forecasts for developing economies in AsiaPacific region to _______ %. a) 6 b) 7.7 c) 3 d) 5.6 e) 4

9). Art collective team Lab opened a digital art exhibition in a) Tokyo, Japan b) Switzerland c) Beijing, China d) Washington D C, USA e) None of these

ployees who filed sexual h a r a s s m e n t complainantsduring the pendency of the inquiry. a) 125 days b) 90 days c) 80 days d) 60 days e) None of these

Answer: a)

Answer: b)

10). Who was appointed as the UNESCO Artist for Peace by the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova? a) Martin Luther b) Silvester Stalin c) Kudsi Erguner d) David Marithon e) None of these

14). Name the special train for car freight launched by Indian Railways recently. a) Auto Express b) Automobile Express c) Special Express d) Speed Express e) None of these

Answer: c)

15). Which countries government has set up a task force to remove 'incorrect' menu translations? a) South Korea b) North Korea c) USA d) Brazil e) None of these

Answer: b) Answer: d) 2). Structural reforms in BCCI is a committee headed by a) R M Lodha b) TSR Subramanian c) AP Shah d) N R Narayana Murthy e) None of these Answer: a) 3). Name the cricketer who has equalled Ravi Shastri's record for the fastest double-century in first class cricket against Derbyshire. a) Chesney Hughes b) Aneurin Donald c) Tom Taylor d) Will Davis e) None of these Answer: b) 4). Who has won the 73rd Senior National Squash Championship held from 12 July - 17 July 2016 concluded in Mumbai, Maharashtra. a) Joshna Chinappa and Harindrapal Singh Sandhu b) Dipika Pallikal Karthik and SauravGhosal c) Sushil Nadkari and Vidhya Sharma d) Vidhya Sharma and Harindrapal Singh Sandhu e) None of these

6). The Centre, has released ______ crore rupees to states under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. a) Rs.28,022.87 b) Rs.26,022.87 c) Rs.23,022.87 d) Rs.25,022.87 e) Rs.29,022.87 Answer: a) 7). Which state government has launched the free bus pass scheme for school and college students for 201617? a) Maharashtra b) Gujarat c) Tamil Nadu d) Delhi e) Kerala Answer: c) 8). Who among the following has launched an e-portal enabling online interaction with various branches of the Secretariat to reduce paperwork in the day-today functioning of the Parliament? a) Narendra Modi b) Arun Jaitely c) Mohammad Hamid Ansari d) Sumitra Mahajan e) None of these

Answer: b) Answer: d)

11). Commerce Ministry launches e-marketplace for government departments.

Who is the Commerce and Industry Minister? a) NirmalaSitaraman b) SmrtiIrani c) Maneka Sanjay Gandhi d) Santosh Kumar Gangwar e) None of these Answer: a) 12). SwachhBalSenas' to make children the watchdogs of cleanliness and prevent elders from littering is formed by which state/ union territory of India? a) Delhi b) Odisha c) Chandigarh d) Puducherry e) None of these Answer: d) 13). Union government has decided to grant ____ day paid leave for women em-

Answer: a)

Answer: a) 16). PemaKhandu is sworn in as the Chief Minister of which state? a) Assam b) Nagaland c) Arunachal Pradesh d) Mizoram e) None of these Answer: c) 17). Who has been appointed as the International Development Secretary in PM Theresa May's cabinet reshuffle? a) Asha Patel b) Priyanka Das c) Priti Patel d) Sujana Das

e) None of these Answer: c) 18). Terrapin 3 Acquisition Corporation acquires Yatra Online for a) 180 million dollar b) 218 million dollar c) 232 million dollar d) 250 million dollar e) 268 million dollar

c) 5th d) 6th e) 7th Answer: a)

Answer: b)

23). As on 17th June 2016 how many LPG connections released under PMUY? a) Over 15lakh b) Over 16 lakh c) Over 17 lakh d) Over 14 lakh e) None of these

19). What is the strike range of 'Dhanush' an indigenously-developed artillery gun for Indian army? a) 22 km b) 26 km c) 28 km d) 32 km e) 38 km Answer: e)

Answer: d) 24). Which country is the first to open high-band spectrum for 5G network? a) New Zealand b) Australia c) USA d) France e) China Answer: c)

20). Who won the Asia Pacific Super middleweight title? a) Kerry Hope b) Devendro Singh c) Shiva Thapa d) Vijender Singh e) None of these

25). In which state the Ramayana month is celebrated in the month of July and August every year? a) Andhra Pradesh b) Maharashtra c) Uttar Pradesh d) Kerala e) None of these Answer: d)

Answer: d) 21). Which among the following Indian States becomes the first state to approve setting up of Happiness Department? a) Meghalaya b) Madhya Pradesh c) Maharashtra d) Mizoram e) None of these

26). "Courage & Commitment" is an autobiography of a) Surjit Singh Barnala b) Prabha Rau c) Pratiba Patil d) Margaret Alva e) None of these

Answer: b) 22). What is the India's rank in the business optimism index for the April - June Quarter? a) 3rd b) 4th

27). "Lifeline Express" the world's first hospital on a train is launched in a) 1990 b) 1991 c) 1992 d) 1993

Answer: d)

Image for representational purpose (Photo: flckr) e) 1994

e) None of these

Answer: b)

Answer: b)

28). Which Indian university is declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site? a) Nalanda University b) University of Mumbai c) University of Calcutta d) University of Madras e) None of these

31). World Youth Skills Day 2016 observed globally on July 15. The theme for the year 2016 is a) Skills Development to Improve Youth Employment b) Education 2030 Framework for action c) Youth skills for work and life in the post d) Becoming the Tools for change e) None of these Answer: a)

Answer: a) 29). Who is the youngest Cricketer to score 10000 test runs? a) Sunil Gavaskar b) Dilip Vengsarkar c) Alister Cook d) Sachin Tandulkar e) None of these Answer: c) 30). Who has become the first Indian-American actor to receive a nomination for the 'Emmy Award'? a) Kal Penn b) Aziz Ansari c) Arsif Mandvi d) M. Night Shayamalan

32). Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said that Agence Française de Développement, a French public financial institution, will provide over _______ crore for infrastructure development in the union territory. a) Rs.500 crore b) Rs.1000 crore c) Rs.2000 crore d) Rs.4000 crore e) None of these Answer: c)

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JULY 21

Last-minute low airline fares banged

by Vistara's Sanjiv Kapoor Mumbai, Jul 20: Fullservice air carrier Vistara's Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer Sanjiv Kapoor took to social media to slam the "unbelievable" last-minute low fares offered by airlines.

Quoting day-before ticket fares offered by IndiGo, GoAir and Air India for the Delhi-Mumbai flight, he said the low fares on offer were "unsustainable." "No airline can sustain such low, last-minute fares, regardless of business model. Last-minute, low fares are like drugs short-term, false fix, longterm disaster," Mr. Kapoor said on Twitter.

He said the airlines should sell the extra inventory in advance and not use them "to trash last-minute fares." Airlines were offering fares starting from Rs.2,893 for a Delhi-Mumbai flight on Tuesday, a travel portal showed on Monday.

Questioning similar lowfares offered by Vistara on the same route, a senior executive of a lowcost airline accused the full-service carrier of indulging in "predatory pricing." (Agencies)

10% rise in HUL's Q1 net profit Mumbai, Jul 20: Consumer products major Hindustan Unilever's June quarter performance was impacted by a muted growth in the overall FMCG market, largely due to a demand slump in drought affected regions and a general slowdown.

Net profit at Rs.1174 crore, was up 10%, aided by a one-time write back of provision for pension benefits arising from plan amendments.HUL grew ahead of the market with its Domestic Consumer business growth at 4%, with 4% underlying volume growth and operating margin expanded by 70 basis points (one basis point is equal to one-hundredth of a percent). The growth was broad based across the segments. Harish Manwani, Chairman, HUL, said: "In slowing market conditions, the business is tracking ahead of the market with sustained margin improvement. We continue to make progress on our priorities of strengthening the core of our business whilst driving operational efficiencies. While the near term market growth is likely to remain muted, we are optimistic for the medium term and remain focussed on driving competitive and profitable growth. Lower input costs resulted in 100 bps reduction in cost of goods sold Brand investments were maintained at competitive levels across segments.

The financial results for the quarter have been prepared in compliance with the Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS).

(Agencies)

$ 1.4 bn out of $2.56 bn due to Iran payed by MRPL Mangaluru, Jul 20: The Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Ltd., (MRPL) which owed $ 2.56 billion to Iran since 2013 towards import of crude oil has so far paid $1.4 billion.

MRPL MD H. Kumar said that the payment was possible following lifting of the U.S. sanctions against Iran.

As banking channels had opened up, payment was possible. Till sanctions were in place, MRPL used to pay 45% of the dues in Indian currency. While some payments were made through Union Bank of India, now they are also being made through the SBI and Europaeisch-Iranische Handelsbank AG (EIH).

(Agencies)

BUSINESS

PAGE 10

Interest rate for micro loans reduced by Bandhan Kolkata, Jul 20: Bandhan Bank Ltd., new announcement said that it have reduced the lending rate for micro loans by 0.6 per cent or 60 basis points (bps) from July 18, 2016. This means its micro loan rate will be reduced from 20.5 per cent to 19.9 per cent, according to a release. Before commencing operations as a bank, in August last Bandhan, as a microfinance entity, was providing such loans at 22.4 per cent. After its transformation into a bank, it reduced its rate by 1.4 percentage points or 140 bps, making it 21 per cent. The bank further reduced its micro-lending rate by 50 bps in April 2016, making it 20.5 per cent. With the latest round of lending rate reduction, Bandhan Bank has pared is micro loan rate by 2.5 percentage points or 250 bps in three stages in less than 11 months since it started operations as a universal bank. Currently,

REDUCING RATES and Union Territories

Ø After its transformation through a network of 688

into a bank, it reduced its branches, 2,022 Doorstep rate by 1.4 percentage Service Centres (DSCs) and points or 140 bps, making it 237 ATMs. 21 per cent. ØIt has over 87.7 lakh cusØThe bank further reduced tomers, 21,000 employees ØBandhan Bank Ltd., new its micro-lending rate by 50 and a deposit-base of announcement said that it bps in April 2016, making it around Rs.15,000 crore dehave reduced the lending 20.5 per cent. posits. rate for micro loans by 0.6 per cent or 60 basis points ØWith the latest round of Ø Currently, the savings (bps) from July 18, 2016. This lending rate reduction, bank account interest rate is means its micro loan rate will Bandhan Bank has pared is 6 per cent for balance above be reduced from 20.5 per micro loan rate by 2.5 per- Rs.1 lakh and 4.25 per cent cent to 19.9 per cent. centage points or 250 bps balance up to Rs.1 lakh. in three stages in less than ØBefore commencing op- 11 months since it started Ø For term deposits, the erations as a bank, in Au- operations as a universal maximum interest rate ofgust last Bandhan, as a bank. fered is 8.25 per cent for one microfinance entity, was to three years, with an addiproviding such loans at 22.4 ØCurrently, Bandhan Bank tional 0.5 per cent for senior per cent. operates across 29 States citizens.

Bandhan Bank operates across 29 States and Union

Territories through a network of 688 branches, 2,022

Doorstep Service Centres (DSCs) and 237 ATMs. It

has over 87.7 lakh customers, 21,000 employees and a deposit-base of around Rs.15,000 crore deposits.

Bandhan is the first bank to be set up in the eastern part of India post-Independence. This is also the first instance of a micro-finance entity being transformed into a universal bank. The Kolkata-headquartered bank has two divisions micro banking and general banking - offering a suite of retail financial solutions, including a variety of savings and loan products. Currently, the savings bank account interest rate is 6 per cent for balance above Rs.1 lakh and 4.25 per cent balance up to Rs.1 lakh. For term deposits, the maximum interest rate offered is 8.25 per cent for one to three years, with an additional 0.5 per cent for senior citizens.

Bandhan received RBI's 'inprinciple' approval in April 2014 and the final nod on June 17, 2015. (Agencies)

Chip designer ARM bought by SoftBank for $32 bn Tokyo, Jul 20: SoftBank Group Corp has agreed to buy U.K. chip designer ARM Holdings PLC in a 24.3 billion pound ($32.2 billion) deal, the two companies said on Monday, in an ambitious bet on mobile Internet that will transform the Japanese tech group.

ARM, the most valuable tech company listed in London by market value, is a major presence in mobile processing, with its processor and graphics technology used by Samsung, Huawei and Apple in their in-house designed microchips. The Cambridge-based group also stands to be central to the tech industry's shift to the 'internet of things' - a network of devices, vehicles and building sensors that collect and exchange data - a focus for

SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son. Monday's deal, Softbank's largest to date, marks a departure for the Japanese group, whose tech and telecom portfolio ranges from the U.S. carrier Sprint to a stake in Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba - but does not yet include a major presence in the semiconductor industry. Under the all-cash, agreed offer, Softbank will pay 17 pounds for every ARM share - a premium of more than 40 per cent to Friday's close, in line with earlier news reports.

"This is one of the most important acquisitions we have ever made, and I expect ARM to be a key pillar of SoftBank's growth strategy going forward," Mr. Son said in the statement. (Agencies)

HUL net rises 9.8%; Nintendo won race over Sony to set up Assam plant Guwahati, Jul 20: India's biggest consumer products company Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) reported a 9.8 per cent increase in its first quarter net profit to Rs. 1,173.9 crore due to a one-time write back of provision for pension benefits. "In slowing market conditions, the business is tracking ahead of the market with sustained margin improvement," said Harish Manwani, Chairman, HUL. "We continue to make progress on our priorities of strengthening the core of our business whilst driving operational efficiencies," he said. HUL's topline rose 3.4 per cent from the year-ago period to Rs.8,235.8 crore as the company slashed prices across categories to boost sales."HUL is the bellwether of the consumer goods company and the results are an indication of the overall market environment in this space," said Abneesh Roy, Associate Director, Edelweiss Capital. "The number came in line with the estimates but volume growth remains challenging highlighting tapering of demand," he said. The second quarter is expected to be

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: i.ndtvimg) better as price growth will return due to revival of rural demand following good monsoon and rural initiatives, he said. HUL's shares fell after the results as volume growth of 4 per cent was below market expectations of 6 per cent.

Mr.Manwani believed that while the near-term market growth is likely to remain muted, the management is optimistic of the mediumterm. The business continued to track ahead of market with sustained margin improvement, according to a company statement. An-

ticipating better growth in the coming years, HUL decided to invest Rs.1,000 crore in setting up a personal care products factory in Assam which will be operational by FY17. The company also decided to exit its joint venture with Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KCC), which used to manufacture baby and feminine care brands like 'Huggies' and 'Kotex.' This was in line with its objective to focus on its core business, the company said in a filing with the stock exchanges.

(Agencies)

Sub 4-metre Bolero unveiled by Mahindra

Pune, Jul 20: It seems like Mahindra is not satisfied with its own two entries in the sub four-metre SUV segment. After launching the TUV300 and revamping the Quanto as NuvoSport, the Indian SUV maker is now eying a smaller variant of the Bolero. A former bestseller, Bolero's market has been dipping for the past few months. This sub four-metre variant could be aimed at the Bolero name's revival and its image in the market. The wheelbase of the smaller Bolero is expected to remain the same and the reduced 170mm length will be because of reduced overhangs and redesigned bumpers. And much like the TUV and the NuvoSport, the smaller Bolero will also be a seven-

seater with the last two being folding jump seats.

Apart from the reduced length, there will not be any significant change to the body and design; the SUV will remain a doppelganger to the current Bolero. Also, as the current Bolero is powered by a 63PS 2.5-litre diesel engine which won't qualify it in the Government's 'small car' regime. So, Mahindra will most likely equip this SUV with a 1.5-litre mHawk diesel which is currently employed in the TUV300 and the NuvoSport, but will produce around 70PS power.

This will be a welcome change as this engine will have better performance and fuel efficiency, especially considering the reduced kerb weight. As this

car will not be aimed towards the luxury-oriented customers, the standard basic equipment from the Bolero, along with the functional dashboard will be used in the smaller Bolero as well. Seats would be redesigned for space efficiency, but the comfort level is expected to remain same. This SUV will be priced aggressively and will sit below the TUV300 in Mahindra's portfolio. Expected to launch next month, this mini Bolero could very well revive the 'Bolero' name with the same level of sturdiness and toughness which the elder sibling offered. We will soon get one and put it to test to see whether it will really live up to its name or not. (Agencies)

Tokyo, Jul 20: Nintendo shot past Sony in market value after the videogame giant`s stock more than doubled since the release of the wildly popular Pokemon Go game. The Pokemon franchise creator surged nearly 11 percent to end the morning at 30,780 yen (USD 290), up more than 100 percent from its July 6 close.

That put Nintendo`s market capitalisation at 4.36 trillion yen, topping Sony, one of Japan`s best-known companies by 300 billion yen. On Friday, Nintendo set a record for the most shares ever traded daily in Japan.

Since its launch two weeks ago, the game for mobile gadgets has been a surprise hit and sparked a worldwide frenzy among users who have taken to the streets with their smartphones. The free app uses smartphone satellite location, graphics and camera capabilities to overlay cartoon monsters on real world settings, challenging players to capture and train the creatures for battles. Investors are bet-

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: cdn.ndtv) ting its popularity is a good sign for Nintendo`s nascent push into mobile gaming, a major U-turn for a company that long insisted on a consoles-only policy. The Pokemon craze has also boosted other stocks in Tokyo. McDonald`s Japan -which has been struggling to get past a series of food safety scandals -- soared as much as 23 percent in the morning after it started on Friday giving away with Happy meals figurines based on the game`s characters such as Pikachu. It ended the

morning up 9.37 percent at 3,325 yen. "Investors are flocking to Pokemon-related stocks and McDonald`s Japan is one of those benefiting from the boom," said Mitsushige Akino, executive officer at Ichiyoshi Asset Management. "The boom came at a time when McDonald`s business has already started recovering and there`s expectation that the Pokemon toy offering will further increase customer traffic to their shops." The game was first launched in the United States, Australia and

New Zealand. Since the weekend it has been released in more than two dozen more countries, but it has yet to be released in Japan. Nintendo declined to say when the app would be released in its home market, and Niantic -- which developed the game for Nintendo -- did not reply to requests for comment.

Forbes cited Niantic chief executive John Hanke as saying the reason for the delay is that Japan`s server capacity is not powerful enough to keep up with expected demand. (Agencies)

Piaggio's Aprilia SR 150 Taj earned Rs 75 crore will enter India in August revenue in last 3 years

Chennai, Jul 20: Piaggio Group's Aprilia brand will enter the Indian market with crossover product Aprilia SR 150. To be launched in India in August 2016, the SR150 will be priced at an introductory tag of Rs 65,000. Keeping in mind the Aprilia brand heritage, the SR 150 will combine the "feel of a sports bike with the ease of a scooter, making it a crossover vehicle from the brand," said a company statement. "The vehicle has been designed and engineered in Italy and will be manufactured at Piaggio's India plant in Baramati, Maharashtra." For Piaggio the SR150 is an important product in terms of brand building and positioning.

"After the success of the Ape and the positioning of the Vespa in the premium segment of the Indian market, we are further strengthening our offering in the subcontinent with the entry of Aprilia's SR 150 scooter," said Piaggio Group chairman and CEO, Roberto Colaninno. "This vehicle is an excellent expression of the Noale manufacturer's sport expertise and offers technology and style superior to those of its direct competitors in the segment." Stefano Pelle, managing director and CEO, Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited, said: "We have received a favourable response to all our launches in the country and with the launch of the Aprilia SR 150, we aim to increase our footprint across the geo. The

design aesthetics of the SR 150 reflect the sporty character of the Aprilia brand with a light weight engine which creates a new category in India's the scooter segment." The Aprilia SR 150 will be characterised by large 14 inch wheels with five spokes that are similar to the Aprilia racing bikes which are seen on the Moto GP championship circuits. It will have a single cylinder 150cc, 4-stroke engine.

"With the Aprilia SR 150, Piaggio will reach out to the urban youth who are not only dynamic but also embrace international culture and are upwardly mobile," said the statement. The bookings for the Aprilia SR 150 will commence shortly and will be available through Piaggio Group's distributor network across the country. The scooter segment in India is one of the largest in the world, with nearly five million units sold in 2015 and has seen a growth of 20% in the first half of 2016 compared to the same period last year.

Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited (PVPL) is a 100% subsidiary of Piaggio Group, founded in 1884, leader of the European powered two-wheeler market. The group manufactures scooters and motorcycles as well as three and four wheeled commercial vehicles with a portfolio of brands including Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Ape. PVPL commenced its India operations in 1999, with the launch of the Ape. (Agencies)

Agra, Jul 20: The most visited monument of India, Taj Mahal, has earned Rs 75 crore during the last three years in revenues through sale of tickets and other paid services. At the same time Rs 11 crore was spent on its conservation. In a written reply in Lok Sabha, Union tourism and culture minister Mahesh Sharma on Monday said over Rs 11 crore have been spent on conservation, preservation, maintenance and environmental development of Taj Mahal during the last three years, whereas Rs 75.91 crore have been earned from ticket sales and other paid services at the monument during the same period. According to minister's reply, Rs 22.45 crore was earned in 2013-14, Rs 21.26 in 2014-15, Rs 23.88 in 2015-16 and Rs 8.30 crore between April 1, 2016 to June 2016.

Likewise, Rs 3.14 crore spent on its conservation in 2013-14, Rs 4.42 crore in 2014-15, Rs 3.66 crore in 2015-16 and Rs 24.71 lakh between April 1 and June 30 this year. Sharma was answering to a query by Karnataka MP SP Muddahanumegowda who had sought details of revenue earned from Taj Mahal.

Muddahanumegowda also wanted to know whether the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has noticed any discoloration of marble of the monument and what steps are being taken to rectify it. Sharma accepted that yellowing or discoloration of the marble surface has been noticed in certain parts of the monument due to "natural factors". "In order to maintain the original aesthetic appeal of Taj Mahal and to protect its marble surface, sci-

ence branch of Archaeological Survey of India takes up cleaning process in a systematic and phased manner using appropriate conservation materials," the minister further added.

Giving details on another query raised by MPs, Rajeev Shankarrao Satav and Dhananjay Bhimrao Mahadik, over mud pack therapy, tourism minister Sharma said that the mud pack method is considered most appropriate for cleaning of marble surface.

However, contrary to the fact that the therapy has been used many times on Taj between 1985 and 2016, the minister stated that it has not been used frequently. "As once cleaned the surface does not require treatment for about 6-7 years, he added. He informed that Rs 4.43 lakh was spent in 2013-14 towards expenditure incurred for cleaning of marble surface of Taj Mahal, which rose to Rs 8.5 lakh in 2014-15, and Rs 55.18 lakh in 2015-16. The seven time hike in expenses in the previous year was due to ASI took the entire monument for cleaning after the orders of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment. PSC during its visit to Taj in April 2015 had taken exception to yellowing of monument and directed the ASI to take up a comprehensive plan to clean the monument. Answering the question whether frequent use of mud pack therapy is adversely affecting monuments' aesthetic value, the minister said the treatment improves the aesthetic value of the monument by removal of engrained accretionary deposits. (Agencies)

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JULY 21

PAGE 11

PREVIEW: West Indies vs India - 1st Test, Antigua Neymar

Rio 2016: Brazil happy to rely on Neymar for Olympic gold Rio de Janeiro, July 20: Brazil`s Olympic coach admitted on Tuesday that he was relying on Barcelona star forward Neymar to shoot the hosts to a first Games gold in Rio next month.

lowing Brazil`s shock firstround exit from the Copa America.

"I want to be dependent on Neymar," he said, as the squad went through its first training session for the Rio Games.

Antigua, July 20 : A confident India, with a new coach at the helm, will seek to record a third consecutive Test series triumph on the Caribbean soil when the Virat Kohli-led side

clashes with an inexperienced West Indies in the first cricket match, here from Thursday.

team will take the field for the first time under new coach Anil Kumble's guidance.

The Test will herald a new chapter in Indian cricket history as the

More than three weeks have passed since the legendary leg-spinner

Dibrugarh Railway edge past Dibrugarh FCC 3-2 Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, July 20: Dibrugarh Railway Divisional Sports Club defeated Dibrugarh Football Coaching Centre 32 in the league encounter of the ongoing first Monuj Patra and Boga Das senior division football tournament organized by Dibrugarh District Sports Association at the DDSA stadium here today.

In a keenly contested match, Dibrugarh Railway took the lead in the 1st minute when Jintu Saikia dribbled past the rival defender from the right flank to score from close quarters. Dibrugarh FCC equalized the goal in the 3rd minute through assumed charge of the Binod Gogoi. squad. Over this period, he has led the team through a preparatory camp and overseen two practice matches in St. Kitts last week.

Jintu Saikia consolidated the lead in the 23rd minute, through a pass from the left flank.

Dibrugarh Railway led 21 at break.

In the second half, Dibrugarh FCC again came into the through a brilliant shot from Striker Dipankar Sonowal from the corner in the 50th minute.

Bitul Baruah of Dibrugarh Railway scored the final goal in the 77th minute. Bitul received a pass of Jintu Saikia from the left flank and easily found the back of the net.

Tomorrow, Jalan Nagar Tea Estate will lock horn with Arununday Unnayan Samiti.

WWE Draft 2016 results: Complete list of Raw and SmackDown picks Napoli cool Gonzalo Higuain transfer links; no IND vs WI: Four tactical talking points club willing to pay EUR 95 million for the striker as India prepare to take on West Indies The Games start on August 5.

Tite will take over the Selecao after the Olympics.

The 28-year-old joined Napoli for 40 million euros from Real Madrid in 2013 Lombardy, July 20: Napoli have cooled talks of Gonzalo Higuain`s reported move to Juventus after admitting no club wants to pay the 94.7m euros ($105m) buyout clause in the Argentine star`s contract.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta failed to reach any agreement during preliminary talks on the striker on Monday.

And De Laurentiis admitted Tuesday the buyout clause in Higuain`s contract, which expires in 2018, could see last season`s Serie A `Capocannoniere` (top scorer) kick off the new season at the San Paolo stadium.

"No club wants to pay the buyout clause, he will not be going to Juventus and so will remain at Napoli," De Laurentiis told the club`s radio station Kiss Kiss.

"I raised the amount of the clause because I don`t want to sell. He has a long contract and I won`t concede.

"When he (Higuain) returns to (the club`s pre-season training complex) Dimaro on July 25, I will tell him `welcome back`."

He added: "I asked Marotta if he wants to pay the buyout clause. He told me he`s not even thinking about it."

Italian sports media, however, believe Juve`s pursuit of Higuain is far from over -- and could be determined by Paul Pogba`s possible move to Manchester United.

The Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport suggested Juve are waiting to offload star midfielder Pogba, who reports said could join United for

1. Will India be using 5 fulltime bowlers against West Indies or will stick to the 7:4 batsmen to bowlers ratio?

With the slow pitches expected to tire out the bowlers, we might well see Virat Kohli suggest a 5-man bowling lineup.

2. Murli Vijay, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan; all

20-team season, which he achieved in 1950.

At Juventus, Higuain would join up with fellow Argentina international striker Paulo Dybala, forming a formidable duo that would likely strike fear into the hearts of Serie A defences before a ball is kicked in anger.

Dybala finished Serie A`s second-highest scorer on 19.

Dybala also followed Higuain on the social media platform Instagram last weekend, fuelling speculation the Napoli striker is set to quit the southern club two years before his current contract expires.

Davis Cup: India drawn against powerhouse Spain; Rafael Nadal's participation still unclear

cmyk

London, July 20: India were today pitted against European powerhouse Spain as their Davis Cup World Group play-off opponents for the home tie as the International Tennis Federation announced the draw here today.

India had beaten Korea 4-1 in their Asia/Oceania Group I second round tie while Spain defeated Romania with the same margin in their Europe/Africa zonal tie.

India and Spain have locked horns thrice so far in Davis Cup with the European nation leading the head-to-head record 2-1.

The last time India played Spain was as far back as 1965 when they lost the away tie 2-3.

In the absence of injured Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri, India played with debutant

New Delhi, July 20: Under the leadership of Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team is all geared up to take on West Indies in the first Test of the four-match series. While, though are the hosts and understand their pitches better, still find India wearing the favorites tag.

As Jumbo prepares to kick start his new journey, following are some tactical talking points that he looks to finalise ahead of the first test:

125m euros, before making their next move.

Higuain, despite helping Napoli to second place behind Juve last season, is reportedly keen to move to Turin because of the club`s raised profile among Europe`s elite after several years on the sidelines.

The 28-year-old joined Napoli for 40 million euros from Real Madrid in 2013 and has gone on to become one of the most exciting, and most consistent strikers in Italy`s top flight.

He hit a stunning 36 goals last season to break Gunnar Nordahl`s 66-year-old record of 35 goals for AC Milan in a

Ramkumar Ramanathan and Saketh Myneni along with doubles legend Leander Paes and Rohan Bopanna in Chandigarh.

World number 15 Robert Bautista Agut led the Spain's challenge along with world number 21 Feliciano Lopez. Pablo Carreno Busta (world number 56) and Marc Lopez (world number 19 in doubles) were the other members of the side.

India are now in the process of deciding on the surface for the crucial home tie, to be held from September 16-18, with the players likely to convey their choice to AITA by tomorrow.

According to India's Davis Cup coach Zeehan Ali, grass looks the best option since European players will be unbeatable on clay and hard courts.

"They are one of the toughest teams in the world. Anybody out of the World Group is tough. And Spain is a team that has 12 players in top-100. It's even harder," Zeeshan told PTI. "In my opinion, grass is the option but monsoon will end and we have to see if it is possible to play on grass at that time in September. It's actually not the season to play on grass and there is not enough time to prepare. It's not like hard courts. You just can't put grass on courts, it has to grow," he said.

"We are discussing the surface with the players. The time frame is only seven weeks. After the players express their choice, the AITA will speak to local federations, who are willing to host the tie," Zeeshan said. (PTI)

New Delhi, July 20: The 2016 WWE draft was held at the DCU centre in Worcester, Massachusetts during the maiden WWE SmackDown Live episode.

Stephanie McMahon and Daniel Bryan went for Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose respectively as their first picks.

vying for the two opening spots. Will Dhawan be continue to open despite poor performances off late or Rahul will be given his deserved chance, remains to be seen.

3. Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul can all play at the crucial no. 3 spot.

Who will be given this responsibility remains a question to be answered.

4. Two pacers, two spinners; two pacers three spin-

ners; three pacers, two spinners – the search for the best combination will likely take a match or two.

Indian Squad: Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, W Saha, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Stuart Binny, Amit Mishra, R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Shradul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Umesh Yadav.

Star attractions Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal pull out of Toronto Masters Ontario, July 20: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on Tuesday pulled out of next week`s Toronto Masters, joining Wimbledon champion Andy Murray in deciding to skip the event.

Seventeen-time major champion Federer`s last match was his loss to Canadian Milos Raonic in the Wimbledon semi-finals, while Nadal, who has won 14 titles in Grand Slam tournaments, has not played since withdrawing from the French Open in May with a wrist injury.

World number three Federer has won the Toronto event twice in his career, but also missed the tournament last year.

"Toronto is one of my favourite events on the calendar and I am disappointed that I won`t be able to compete in front of the great tennis fans in Canada," the Swiss great told Tennis Canada.

"Looking ahead, it is best for me that I take more time after Wimbledon."

Roger Federer Spain`s Nadal has still not recovered from the problem that forced him to end his campaign at Roland Garros when it was just two matches old.

Reigning Toronto champion Murray announced his decision to skip the tournament on Monday, saying that he too needed more time to recover from winning his third major title.

"I am disappointed to announce I won`t be able to come to Toronto to play this year," said Nadal.

"I only started practising a week ago after my wrist injury and I am not ready to play such an important event."

That leaves Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic, who suffered a shock third-round defeat to American Sam Querrey at Wimbledon, as the only member of tennis` "big four" taking part in Toronto. (AFP)

59 stars in all were drafted to both the brands, with the likes of Finn Balor, American Alpha, Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss, Mojo Rawley and Carmella earning a promotion from NXT.

Rahul Dravid reveals who first coined his nickname 'The Wall' New Delhi, July 20: Former India captain Rahul Dravid was widely regarded as the batsman with the most sound technique and temperament.

The Karnataka batsman's concentration levels were truly brilliant, helping him stay at the crease for long periods.

After his exploits against some of best bowling attacks in the longest format, Rahul, who at the time was called 'Jammy', had a new nickname - The Wall thrust upon him.

The right-hander's father worked at the Kissan factory which made Jams.

This led to Dravid being called ‘Jammy’. He also starred in a TV advert for the brand.

So, who nicknamed him 'The Wall'? Was it a teammate, a fan, a friend or somebody else?

Dravid himself revealed the answer during a chat show 'What The Duck' with Vikram Sathaye.

"I can’t remember exactly the first time but I know where it sort of came out from, where it originated.

I think, it probably came out after one of my long, typically maybe boring innings; when I saw the headline, (it read) ‘The Wall’.

"I think later on, a reflec-

Rahul Dravid

tion after going through my career, I really thought that it was really clever boy or girl sitting on a desk in some newspaper office somewhere.

Actually, (they were) looking into the future and sort of decided, okay, let’s name him ‘The Wall’ today in a really positive sense.

"But also we can flip that around for our future headlines, which could be ‘The Wall’ crumbles or another break in ‘The Wall’, or ‘The Wall’ fell down. As it happened, when I went through a bad patch, later on, I saw those headlines elsewhere in the newspaper.

So I think someone really clever in a newspaper office somewhere sitting there decided you know this is a good one for the future," Dravid told the chat show host.

cmyk

Current under-20s coach Rogerio Micale has been charged with rejuvenating Brazilian football in Rio after Dunga was fired fol-

cmyk

cmyk

DIBRUGARH, THURSDAY, JULY 21

Page 12

FASCINATING FACTS

The story of the Merchant's son Sagardatta was a merchant who had a handsome young son.

One day, he saw that his young son and bought a costly book. But the book contained only one verse, "You get what is destined for you!"

When the merchant realized that his son was a fool to buy a book with so much cost, but only one verse, he grew very angry. He said, "How can you do well in business, when you can buy a book which contains only one verse! Get out of my house, and never show me your face again!"

The young man was utterly dejected for being driven out by his father; he started travelling with only his book along with him. He learnt the verse well, and kept repeating it, all the way.

On his way, he arrived in a village. The villagers asked him his name and he replied from the book, "You get what is destined for you" Thus, the young man became known as 'You-get-whatis-destined-for-you'.

One day, the princess of the country visited a festival and saw a handsome prince, who was also attending the festival.

She fell in love immediately and asked her attendant to find a way to send a message to the handsome prince.

She wrote a note, and gave it to her attendant. The attendant gave the note to the young merchant's son by mistake. He read that she wrote, "I have fallen in love with you, the very moment I have set my eyes on you. Please meet me in the castle. You will find a hope hanging from one of the windows, which will lead you to my room."

He thought, "I will honour the wishes of the princess to meet me in person."

When he climbed up the rope, and entered the princess's room, it was very dark. The princess thought he was the prince at the festival, and received him warmly. She served him food and drink, and entertained him in every manner.

Do your best but leave it to destiny.

She said, "I have deeply fallen in love with you. I shall have no other man as my husband, except for you. Please tell me what you have in your mind."

The merchant's son replied, "You get what is destined for you" She was surprised to hear the prince speak so, and immediately enlightened her room. She got furious when she realized he was not the handsome prince, she thought him to be, and ordered him out of her room.

The young man was sad on treated in such manner without being at fault, and walked to a nearby temple. He decided to spend the night there, and fell asleep.

The temple remained uninhabitated and the night watchman carried out tasks of ill repute during the night. He wanted the young man to leave and said, "This temple is old and broken. You may sleep in my home."

Thus, the young man went to his house. But he made a mistake and got into the wrong room, where the watchman's daughter was waiting for her lover to arrive during his father's absence.

In the darkness of the night, the watchman's daughter mistook him for his lover and exchanged garlands in front of the picture of God. Thus, according to traditions they got married.

The young man said, "You get what is destined for you".

When she heard this, she realized she had done a mistake, and thought, "Such mistake is bound to happen, when you rush into doing something without thinking sufficiently about it!" She cursed him and threw him out of the house.

Saddened by being treated in such manner without being at fault, he was walking slowly, when he saw a marriage procession approaching.

They had magnificent clothes, and wore precious jewels. He followed the groom's procession, which was going to the bride's home, where a lavish ceremony was arranged.

All of a sudden, a mad elephant rushed towards the procession, and everybody ran helter-skelter. The bride stood there in the middle of the turmoil, too afraid to run.

When he saw this, the young man got hold of a huge nail, and jabbed it into the elephant. The elephant got frightened and ran away.

After a while, when the bride's friends and relatives returned, she said, "At the moment when my life was in danger, there was none to help me except for this courageous stranger. I will marry none other than him. This is my firm resolution."

The groom's friends and relatives were offended by these words, and there was a

heated argument.

When the words reached around, the king had to come himself to pacify everybody and stop the argument. Everyone including the princess and the watchman's daughter came to the place.

The king asked the young man, "You were present in the ceremony. You saved the would-be bride and everybody from the elephant, it is said. I ask you to explain the whole thing to me!"

All the young man said was, "You get what is destined for you". The princess and the watchman's daughter were embarrassed to hear the words.

When the king heard this and saw the princess and the watchman's daughter blushing, he demanded to know the truth.

The night watchman's daughter confessed of marrying him by mistake, and said, "It was my destiny, and I do not repent it!"

The princess explained to the king that she had spent time with him by mistake, and said, "It was my destiny, and I do not regret it!"

On hearing them, the bride confronted the king and said, "O King, what destiny has given to me, none can take away from me!"

After hearing everybody and consulting his ministers, the king arranged for a ceremony. He gifted the young merchant's son with a thousand villages, apart from ornaments and golds. He married the young man with his young princess, and made him his heir to the throne.

The bride-in-waiting, and the watchman's daughter were also married to him, by their respective parents, in the same ceremony.

When he built his own castle, he arranged for his parents and relatives to be brought to his place, and they all lived happily ever after.

The wise indeed say: Do your best but leave it to destiny.

LITTLE SCIENTIST

LAUGH OUT LOUD

How to make a CD balloon hovercraft

The new priest was hosting a meeting in the church of the young candidates for First Communion, with their parents.

Now, this church had some magnificent stained glass windows, so his message centered on how each of us is called to help make up the whole picture of life, i.e. the life of the community of the faithful.

Like the pictures in the

You will need * 1 x balloon * 1 x CD * 1 x pop-up water bottle lid * superglue or a hot glue gun Activity * Glue the water bottle lid to the CD, so that the two holes match up - i.e. the opening of the lid should sit over the central hole in the CD. * Now push the pop-up lid to the closed position. * Blow up the balloon. Without letting it deflate (tricky) stretch the opening of the balloon over the top of the pop-up lid - just over the push-up bit. * Find a nice big empty space on the floor (tiles or floorboards, it won't work on carpet) and pull the pop-up lid to the open position. Set the hovercraft on the floor and watch it slide around.

Readers can send articles, poems, sketches, stories, travel experiences, achievements etc to editor.easterntoday@gmail.com or can post to The Eastern Today. T.C Borah Building, First Floor, Near to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee.

Dibrugarh, 786001 Assam.

windows, it takes many little panels of glass to make the whole picture.

And then he said, "You see, each one of you is a little pane," and pointing to each child, he said, "You're a little pane. And you're a little pane. And you're a little pane. And...."

It took a few moments before he realized why all the parents were laughing so hard.

1. Although people have kept dogs as pets for many years, it was only in the 1960's that they became increasingly popular in the West. After the Second World War, there was a big increase in the number of households with a pet canine.

2. The phrase 'man's best friend' was first used

by Frederick the Great in the 18th Odgen Nash, an American poet, made use of the phrase in his work in the 1900s, thus making it a popular saying.

3. Statistics show that more than 60% of US households have a pet dog, which proves just how popular they really are.

4. Dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet. This makes it difficult to tell when a dog is very hot, but they will also pant and lie down when they are too hot or exhausted. Panting actually helps them to cool down.

5. The Great Dane is the tallest dog in the world, while the St. Bernard is the heaviest, weighing up to 120kg when fully-grown.

6. Due to their great size and strength, St. Bernards have been used for years as mountain rescue dogs. The most successful was Barry,

who saved 40 lives during his time in service.

7. Ever wondered why a dog can move its ears so freely? There are at least 18 muscles in a dog's ear which all work separately, making movement in this area very easy.

8. Dogs can hear higher pitches than adults when it comes to sound. The hearing of humans is most effective at 2000Hz (Hertz), while dogs can hear very clearly at 8000Hz. Paul McCartney apparently recorded a very high whistle sound in the song 'A Day in the Life', so that his pet dog would be able to hear it.

9. German Shepherds are the dogs which are often seen working with the police force. This is due to their high intelligence levels, desire to explore their surroundings, courage, agility and loyalty.

10. The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world. Its name is taken from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, since this was the border which was crossed when they first came into the United States.

11. When the Titanic sank in 1912, there were three dogs which survived. They had all been travelling with their owners in the First Class cabins.

CRAFTY CRAFTS Make your own gladiator helmet You will need * 1 x gladiator helmet template * 55cm x 5cm strip of box card (headband piece) * 27cm x 5cm strip of box card (headband cross-piece) * 28cm x 20cm piece of box card (template pieces) * 13cm x 27cm strip of red paper (brush top of the helmet) * scissors or a craft knife * glue * stapler * silver paint (optional) Activity - Measure the headband piece around your child's head and staple it into a circle that will fit snugly around the circumference of your child's head.

- Now position the cross piece at the front and back of the main head piece, staple it in place so that it forms the crown of the helmet.

- Print the gladiator helmet template onto white paper and cut out each piece. Trace around each piece onto the 28cm x 20cm piece of cardboard.

- Cut those pieces out.

- Staple and glue them in place onto the helmet (see video and pic).

Photo source: kidspot - If you have some silver paint, paint the body of the helmet silver before you complete the next step.

- Now get the strip of red paper. Fringe cut along its longest edge to form a 4cm fringe. Do the same along the other side.

You should end up with a 5cm strip in the middle.

- Fold the fringed sides so that they sit up vertically. This is the brush top of your helmet.

- Glue it in place over the top of the crown strip.

You are ready for battle!

WHAT AM I ???

Courtesy: connectthedots101

FIND YOUR PATH

RIDDLES Q: What goes up when rain comes down?

A: An umbrella!

Q: What is the longest word in the dictionary?

A: Smiles, because there is a mile between each 's' Q: If I drink, I die. If i eat, I am fine. What am I? A: A fire!

Courtesy: timvandevall

Printed, Published and Owned by NIKH KHOPI and Printed at PEE GEE(India) Ltd., C/O Asomiya Khabar Pulibor, Jorhat-785006 and Published from T.C Borah Building, 1st Floor, Next to Sankardeva Hospital, Mancotta Road, Chowkidingee Dibrugarh-786001, Assam. Email: editor.easterntoday@gmail.com. For advertisement: advt.easterntoday@gmail.com

Editorial Adviser: Subir Bhaumik

Editor: Ripunjoy Das

cmyk

cmyk

Tele : Dibrugarh, 0373-2328944, for circulation contact: 8471896580, Telephone & Fax: 0373-2328944.