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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

Issue 196

Pakistan-Bangladesh spat peaks

Dibrugarh, Monday, December 21, 2015

This Year on 16th December, These People Remembered Jyoti Singh In Their Own Unique Way

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Price -

5.00

Food processing sector can generate employment opportunities

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Pages- 12

CBI threatening Rajendra Kumar to reveal names of DDCA officials: Delhi govt.

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Arunachal Governor, BJP triggered Suarez's brace helps Barca political turmoil, say state ministers lift FIFA Club WC ANI Itanagar, Dec. 20

Education Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Tapang Taloh, flanked by the state's Home Minister Tanga Byaling and Parliamentary Secretarycum-Arunachal Pradesh Youth Congress president Nyamar Karbak, today squarely blamed state Governor J P Rajkhowa and the ruling BJP at the Centre for triggering the political turmoil in Arunachal Pradesh.

Taloh, who was accused by the governor of unruly behaviour during the meeting with Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and his council of minis-

ET CAPSULES 1595 cases settled Golaghat, Dec 20: Along with the other parts of the country, National Lok Adalat was held at Golaghat on December 12 where a total of 1595 cases were disposed off.

According to the information provided by Golaghat District Legal Services Authority, hearing of cases was held at Bokakhat and Sarupathar Courts along with Golaghat District Court. A large amount was received through settlement of cases in the Lok Adalat. (Correspondent)

Blazing fire Sadiya, Dec 20: A blazing fire at Shantipur gutted 11 shops impacting 10 families and causing losses worth lakhs. The reason behind the fire is still being investigated into. According to the local people, the fire became enormous due to the negligence of the State fire service. They complained that the 26-km distant Arunachal Pradesh fire service served in time while the 6-km distant Assam State fire service lacked proper facilities. The people were furious over the state fire department and blocked the NH 37 road in front of Shantipur Out post and burned tyres. They demonstrated in protest against the State fire department at Chapakhowa. (Correspondent)

50 tins of molasses seized Doomdooma, Dec 20: A vehicle, carrying 50 tins of molasses, was seized by Kalita Jangosthi Yuva Munch (KJYM) from Daisajan area under Talap outpost today.

Later the members of KJYM handed over the vehicle to Doomdooma Police Station.

According to reliable sources, a Tata Magic which bore the number AS-23-AC-9706, was carrying 50 tins of molasses and on the way towards Daisajan Holukhowa Basti was apprehended by KJYM members near gate number 15. Besides 50 tins of molasses, 2 bags of fitkiri, 1 bag of Shekhar Gurkha and 2 jars of local made liquor were loaded. Satyalal Gupta is said to be the owner of these illegal items. The police are promptly investigating the matter. (Correspondent)

Education Minister of Arunachal, Tapang Taloh

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The objective of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) is not merely to construct toilets but also to bring about a behavioural change among the people with regard to open defecation. This was stated by the Dibrugarh Deputy Commis-

upon the executive, but also running a parallel government.

"When the chief minister does not get an appointment for days and his recommendation to drop ministers is not responded to for a week, and when two BJP leaders are inside the Raj Bhawan when the state was burning, the governor meets the dissident MLAs at midnight, comes with them on December 14, goes back with them in a big convoy on December 18 and camps in Guwahati, this clearly reflected the intention of the governor," Taloh claimed.

Contd. on Page 3

A brillant brace from Luis Suarez helped Barcelona win their fifth trophy of the year after clinching the FIFA Club World Cup with an emphatic 3-0 win over River Plate in the final on Sunday. This was the third time that Barcelona won the esteemed tournament.

Lionel Messi scored the opener after 36 minutes in Japan, poking home from Neymar's knockdown, the Dailymail reported. Uruguay striker Suarez, who scored a hat-trick in Barca's 3-0 semi-final win over Guangzhou Evergrande, finished the tournament with five goals in two games.

Cong rebel MLAs prefer President’s rule in Arunachal A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 20

The rebel Congress MLAs at the centre of the current political crisis in Arunachal Pradesh rallied behind Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa on Saturday and said they would not object to President's Rule in the state if the governor recommended it. The MLAs said Rajkhowa had not done anything wrong by summoning the winter session of the assembly ahead of schedule and added that they would approach the Gauhati high court against its order to keep Rajkhowa's directive in abeyance. The court

The governor is not at fault. He was, in fact, protecting the integrity of the nation. The governor can summon the assembly anywhere. There have been instances in other states where the assembly has been held at makeshift tents and buildings. had struck down 'removal' of Speaker Nebam Rebia by a makeshift assembly and the floor test sanctioned by Rajkhowa in which Congress dissidents and BJP MLAs 'voted out' the Nabam Tuki government. "The court had never interfered in the proceed-

ings of a governor earlier. We are preparing a petition to appeal for vacation of the court's order," leader of the rebels Kalikho Pul said. Accompanied by other rebel MLAs and two Independents, Pul arrived in Guwahati on Friday to appeal against the HC's order.

Chennaiyin FC ISL 2 champs ANI Fatorda, Dec 20

In a dramatic final here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Fatorda on Sunday, FC Chennaiyin defeated FC Goa 3-2 to be crowned Indian Super League (ISL) season 2 champions.

The hosts were on the brink of winning the second edition of the league but an own goal from goalkeeper Kattimani and a 90th minute strike from Stiven Mendoza broke their heart and gave Chennaiyin FC their first ISL crown.

The scorers for Goa were Haokip (58’) and Joffre (87’) while for Chennai, the scorers were Pelissari (54’), Kattimani (og 90’) and Mendoza (90’).

ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 20 In one of the rarest cases in the history of Kaziranga National Park (KNP), a security guard was attacked and killed by a rhino while patrolling at

sioner MS Mannivannan in his keynote address at the convention of the Principals, nodal lecturers and students on partnership initiative with Dibrugarh University (DU) for speedy and effective implementation of SBM (R) organized by the District Water and Contd. on Page 3

"The governor is not at fault.

He was, in fact, protecting the integrity of the nation. The governor can summon the assembly anywhere. There have been instances in other states where the assembly has been held at makeshift tents and buildings," Pul said.

BJP observers meet district members ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 20

A three member State BJP observers namely Charnalata Pegu, vice president state BJP, Rajdeep Rai, state general secretary, Nitulpal Das, Contd. on Page 4

Body of Pranati Phukan's son taken to Namrup ET Correspondent Naharkatia, Dec 20

Chennai striker Stiven Mendoza celebrates after scoring the winner.

KNP security personnel killed in rhino attack

Convention on Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) at DU A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 20

ters at Raj Bhawan here on December 19, urged the governor to release the full video tape for the people to judge.

The video tape, a planned strategy with full bandobast in advance, was partially released to intentionally malign the image of the state and its leaders, he said, adding that the governor right from the day of taking charge acted calculatedly to topple the elected popular government.

Taloh said that Rajkhowa had been calling ministers and officers and writing letters in which he sought early replies.

He also harassed the officers, thereby not only encroaching

ANI London, Dec 20

the Kaziranga National Park here this evening, though he tried to thwart the attacking rhino with six rounds of blank fire into the air. The incident occurred near Pohumora camp under Agoratoli range of the KNP at around 5 pm. The for-

est guard has been identified as one Nelai Das from the First Battalion of the Forest Protection Force. He hails from Golaghat district. Nelai Das was one among the four Contd. on Page 3

Body of Rituraj Phukan, son of MLA and ex-Minister Pranati Phukan was taken to Namrup today. Rituraj body was brought from Guwahati to his home town Namrup where a large crowd had gathered in front of Pranati Phukan's house awaiting the body. Everyone appeared to be deeply mourning the death of Rituraj, who was only 23 who died when the wooden boat in which he was rowing along with his two friends, capsized in the Umgot river near Dwaki. Along with various other leaders and the local public of Namrup and Naharkatia, President of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee Anjan Dutta, Ex DONER minister Paban Singh Ghatowar, his wife Jibontora Ghatowar, Environment & Forest, Tea Tribes Welfare minister Atuwa Munda had also come to bid adieu to the departed soul.

ANI New Delhi, Dec 20

Barcelona players Suarez (left), Messi (centre) and Munir (right) after winning the FIFA Club World Cup.

Spain's Mireia Lalaguna Royo has claimed this year's Miss World crown after beating out 113 contestants from across the globe in China's Sanya. The victory of the 23-

year-old pharmacy student from Barcelona marked the first-ever win for a Spanish contestant, Channel24 reported. Sofia Nikitchuk of Russia was the runner-up and Indonesia's Maria Harfanti took third place in the final.

However, the ceremony was

not without controversy as last month, the officials in Hong Kong stopped Miss Canada, Chinese-born Anastasia Lin, from boarding a plane bound for Sanya, refusing her a visa.

The first Miss World contest was held 64 years ago in Britain.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr.Nasim Zaidi and Election Commissioners will visit Guwahati tomorrow to review the ongoing Electoral roll revision and Poll preparedness in the state. During one day stay tomorrow, the Election Commissioner of India will meet representatives of political parties, all DEOs, SSPs , Commissioners , top Civil and Police and Enforcement agencies officers of State. The Commission will return to Delhi on December 22.

Air India flight cancellation frustrates fliers A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 20

A chaotic situation ensued at the Mohanbari airport today after the sudden cancellation announcement of DibrugarhKolkata Air India flight AI709. Passengers alleged that Air India didn't make any announcement till the last moment while the announcement was made only after the Indigo flight took off from Dibrugarh.

When the passengers demanded alternate flight, surprisingly, the Air India station manager tried to convince the passengers saying it's already too late and that "No night landing is available in Dibrugarh" adding that “nothing can be done today”. Thereafter, passengers started protesting against the manager’s misleading response. After a long debate, the AI Station

manager accepted that ‘Night Landing’ facility is available here but that Air India is not availing the facility even as he replied helplessly, "We cannot do anything, it’s a government decision". Meanwhile, passengers like patients, students, onward fliers have been at the receiving end of today’s uncomely proceedings because of such an adamant policy adopted by Air India.

BJP responsible for price rise: Rockybul

Panchayat & Rural Development, Agriculture Minister Rockybul Hussain being welcomed by his supporters during Congress public meeting at Borajol in Nalbari. Pic - UB Photos ET Correspondent Nalbari, Dec 20

After the expulsion of Nalbari Congress MLA Jayanta Malla Baruah from the party, the Nalbari Congress today showed its strength by or-

ganizing a mass rally at Borajhol under Nalbari LAC here. More than ten thousand people today gathered at the meeting where State's Agriculture and Power Minister Rockybul Hussain took part as speaker. Addressing the meet-

Train mishap claims one ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Dec 20

In an unfortunate incident, one Ratan Rai, aged around 35 years died when he came in touch with a stone-carrying train at Doomdooma in the afternoon today. The goods carrying train was returning from Dangri and on the way towards

Tinsukia, the deceased came in touch with it near Don Bosco School, 2 km north of Doomdooma. The deceased was a worker in a local hotel at Rupai Siding. The National Highway 37 and the railway run side by side from Tinsukia to Talap and is densely Contd. on Page 4

One sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment on charges of murder ET Correspondent Mangaldai, Dec 20

The Court of Additional District & Session Judge Darrang on Saturday awarded rigorous imprisonment for life term to one Nabi Hussain (50) of village Silbori under Dalgaon Police Station for brutally killing one of his neighbours Firoz Ali and then burying the dead body in attempt to conceal evidence. The Court of Additional

District and Session Judge Thaneswar Kalita also awarded a fine of Rs. 25,000 against Nabi in default of which the convict will have to undergo rigorous imprisonment for a term of another one year. According to the police records Firoz Ali was murdered with sharp weapons on 22nd June in 2003 after which Samsul Hoque, Contd. on Page 4

And Miss World 2015 crown goes to ANI Johannesburg, Dec 20

Chief Election Commissioner Guwahati visit

Mireia Lalaguna Rozo of Spain after winning theMiss World Grand Final in Sanya, China.

ing the minister said that the women in the state are fully empowered due to the initiative taken by chief minister Tarun Gogoi.

Contd. on Page 4

Major Rajdhani Express accident averted ET Correspondent Nalbari, Dec 20

At the Barkura railway level crossing in Nalbari district, a major rail accident was averted due to the prompt action on the part of five youths this morning. The Rajdhani Express coming from Guwahati towards national capital miraculously escaped a major tragedy.

According to sources, Contd. on Page 4

Youth Cong leader threatened ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 20 Youth Congress leader Jay Prakash Das was threatened with murder by some outfits at Hoyhing Chariali of Lakhimpur District in the evening today. It happened while he went to attend a party meeting there. Das, the victim, who aspires to be the MLA candidate of Lakhimpur LAC, alleged that he was physically assaulted by the 'men' of ExMLA Ghana Buragohain. They damaged his car too. He lodged an FIR at North Lakhimpur PS with regard to the incident.

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Dalam Studio Near parking stand Khonsa

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DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

Charikariya Mahotsav-2015 begins with gaiety and fervor ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 20: Though stricken by flood and erosion along with several other problems, Dhakuakhona, the SubDivision of Lakhimpur District continues to be one of the places to be explored. The place is enriched with legendary stories, historic events, traditional and cultural elements. The society and its civilisation has grown around the perennial river Charikariya.

This river is vital for the people of Dhakuakhona.

On the bank of this river, the people of Dhakuakhona have celebrated the Charikariya Mahotsav-2015 for the first time ever in order to spread the message to the world about the wealth of culture and tradition of the place. The programs of the extravaganza are themed to reflect the society, ethnic culture and the tradition of the place.

For this purpose, the people of Dhakuakhona today began the program with full gaiety and fervour with a four day

Annual Day function celebrations ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 20: The Annual Day function of Little Buds Kidzee was celebrated at Golaghat Amateur Hall on December 19, 2015. The ceremonial lamp was lighted by Achinta Goswami Principal Vivekananda Kendriya Vidyalaya Golaghat and the inaugural speech was delivered by Center Coordinator of the School Ms Sanghamitra Baruah.

Little children with their

various performances kept the audience captivated for more than two and half hours. Meanwhile, the fashion show by the little children stole the show. The mothers of the little children sang songs and danced and at last there was a joint dance by mothers, teachers and staff. Vote of thanks was offered by the proprietor of the school Mr. Chandra Sekhar Saikia.

long agenda until December 22. The program began with a plantation drive administered by Anand Takvi, the Police Officer of the Sub-Division along with advocate Bulumoni Dutta and social activists Prakash Jain. Then 32 flags of the Mahotsav were unfurled

by Kartik Kalita on behalf of the Sub-Divisional Administration.

Paying deep homage to the departed souls, 'Smrity Tarpan' was administered by educationists Purnananda Gogoi

and senior citizen Rajani Borgohain. A drawing competition was held among the students under the chairmanship of internationally famous artist Surya Baruah at the venue of the program. It is noteworthy that the people of the Sub-Division, irrespective of their caste and creed, that is the Miching, Deuri, Koch, Kalita, Brahmin, Gosai, Nepali, Ahom Chutia, Sonowal Kachari, Kaibartta etc have left no stone unturned with

We will not support other parties in BTAD – Hagrama Tapas Samaddar Rangia, Dec 20: “We will not support other political parties in BTAD area in the ensuing assembly poll of Assam but will conditionally support BJP in the other 22 constituencies,” BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary said at an election meeting held at Rangia Jamtola on Saturday.

Mohilary said that they want equal development of BTAD as well as Assam. He urged the gathering to support BPF candidates of 16 assembly constituencies including Dr. Mrinal Deka, BPF candidate of Rangia

constituency. Meanwhile, he alleged that some miscreants who are against BPF are trying to spread misconception about the BPF and BTC accord. He also strongly criticized Bodo leaders Janak Lal Basumatary and Deorao Derkhab Narzary who he said are against development of BTAD. He declared some packages for the Rangia Tulsibari Polyster Mill and for the economical backward in BTAD. 200 houses worth Rs. 1.5 lakhs each would be built per year for those who poses no ID no. Within BTAD, two li-

Golaghat District Journalist Association meet ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 20: Golaghat District Journalist Association today organised a meeting of the old and new members at its head office in Golaghat.

The meeting was presided over by ex President Radhika Ballav Goswami where work plans for the next two years were worked out. An important and relevant topic was discussed in the meeting which is the burning issue of AssamNagaland border dispute by the members of the Journalist Association and it was decided to hold a joint meeting with the village heads, journalists and local people of Nagaland in this regard. Also matters related to the conservation of Deopahar, Rajdhani Express stoppage at Furkating Railway Junction were discussed. In the meeting,

newly elected President of Golaghat District Journalist Association Apurba Ballav Goswami, Executive President Sonaram

regard to achieving a grand success of the program. The organisers managed to publish a souvenir christening it as "Charikariya" on the occasion. Moreover a title song was also composed which meanwhile has attained much popularity. On the other hand Dr Chandradhar Chamua-Sundhar Khanikar Memorial All Assam One-act play Competition will be held. In the meantime, people have begun to throng the venue.

Bharali, Accounts Officer TP Dutta along with several journalists from different parts of the district were in attendance and gave valuable sugges-

tions. In the meeting the strength of the new committee of Golaghat District Journalist Association was expanded to 55 members.

braries will also be constructed each year for the book lovers. This package will also cover non-BTAD areas, he declared. Further, he appealed to the gathering to elect BPF candidate Dr. Mrinal Deka for overall development of Rangia constituency. The meeting was presided over by BTC Executive Member Maheswar Basumatary. MP Biswajit Basumatary, EM Ganesh Kachary, MLA Inamuel Mushahary, GS of BPF Prabin Baro and other leaders of BPF were present on the occasion.

Air France flight makes emergency landing in Kenya after bomb scare Nairobi, Dec 20: An air France flight from Mauritius to Paris was forced to land in Kenya after suspected bomb found in lavatory on Sunday, latest reports said.The plane was carrying 459 passengers and 14 crew members on board. All the passengers have been safely evacuated. The device suspected to be bomb was taken out and experts are analysing it.According to reports, pilots requested emergency landing at Moi International Airport at 12:37 AM. (Agencies)

Pre-Rabi Campaign/ Kishan Sammelan 2015-16 celebrations

A section of views of grand parents day celebration in KV Mangaldai on Saturday/ Mayukh Goswami ,Mangaldai

ET Correspondent Tezpur, Dec 20: As per the directive of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the PreRabi Sammelan 2015-16 was celebrated today with much enthusiasm at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at Napam near here to create awareness among the farmers of the district on various Rabi crops and its related management practices. In his welcome address, Dr. PC Deka, Programme coordinator, KVK Sonitpur, stressed on the importance of scientific growing of Rabi season crops like oilseeds, pulses and different Rabi vegetables to enhance product as well as productivity. Dr. PC Deben Barua, Director of students welfare, Tezpur University graced the occasion as chief guest and highlighted the problems faced by farmers due to subsistence agriculture and focused on commercial agriculture and farm

mechanization. He also emphasized on use of renewable energy sources like biogas and urged the farmers to recycle farm waste by means of composting techniques.

Attending the programme as guest of honour, Dayal Kro, District Agricultural officer, Sonitpur, elaborated about various schemes offered by the state agricultural department. The event was also marked by a small cultural function with the presentation of folk songs related to the agriculture and farming activities along with a Bihu dance performed by the local artists. Also a farmer-scientist interaction was organized to answer various queries of the farmers, in which all KVK Scientists took part.

The programme anchored by Himadri Sekhar Datta SMS (Horticulture) of the station was attended by more than 200 farmers of the district.

Girls perform on the occasion of the Rangpur Unnayan Utsav at Sivasagar.

Pic - Firuz Ahmed

ASTRO FOR YOU You will find some decisions difficult to make, but be intent and resolute.

Emotions may put you off rail, but once you have resolved, don’t stray from it. Besides, you must learn to endure setbacks in a mature manner.

Be prepared for setbacks and disappointments today. Your efforts may end in being a waste of precious time and energy. The results you get are likely to be far below your expectations. Falling short of your target is likely to weigh you down with stress and anxiety. You can, however, ease and reduce your frustration by reexamining your expectations and lowering them down to a comfortable, achievable level.

You will be in a state of heightened sensitivity today. Therefore you need to curb down on your emotions. You will be able to successfully express your feelings to someone, and your feelings will play a vital part in your life.

Do not be sentimental or hasty. Try to handle things deftly in stead of dodging bad episodes or turning a blind eye to them. You will give priority to domestic and private life in stead of career or business aspects.

You will be very emotional and sentimental today. Your ego prevents you from expressing your true feelings at times. You need to keep this in mind when attempting to communicate with your beloved. It is a good day for romance, and for those seeking love.

Foreign contacts will in all likelihood be a source of monetary profits.

Ganesha says you will perform wonderfully in anything you might choose to undertake today. Even your ambition of setting up an offshore business enterprise will take root today.

Today will be the start of a new love story for you and you will be able to spend time with someone very dear to you. You will be more conscious today about your appearance and may even go to the beauty parlor. Do remember the saying – beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. You will be equally conscious of your dressing style and clothes and may go in for a new wardrobe today Practice caution today. There are strong possibilities that an evil eye may attack you in some or other way. So, keep a watchful eye. And remember, every day brings along an experience and a lesson with it. Learn and move on.

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

Some people do backbreaking work throughout their life, and still don’t taste the sweet taste of success. While in your case, success will be easy as pie. You are already loaded with work and some new projects – assignments will be added to that, today. But, you are not complaining as some recreational activities will refresh your mood and energy.

Be sure of your strengths and decisions, as that guarantees you success.

You don’t care what others think about you, but don’t be so indifferent that you ignore their choices, preferences and comforts completely. The smile of you sweetheart will work like a charm and you will forget all your worries.

You need to tread cautiously today when it comes to matters related to business. Do not make any decisions in haste, or it could come back to haunt you at a later date. All financial dealings will need to be carefully monitored. Do not indulge in speculative activities or undue risk taking. A little consideration now will save you a lot of trouble later.

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

21-12-15 (MONDAY) 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 (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Ramdhenu (Request Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani (Youth Programme) 7-45 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Ei Poth Hoise Bikashor" 8-00 P.M-Drama 8-30 P.M-Talk in Assamese 9-30 P.M-Discusssion in English Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

Former DHD warns Govt for Golden Jubilee Festival of Lakhimpur Academy HS School concludes delay in implementation of MoS

A photo of some of the erstwhile Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) members.

ET Correspondent Haflong, Dec 20: The erstwhile Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) would take the path of agitation in protest against the delay on the part of both the central and state governments in implementing the Memorandum of Settlement even several years after its signing, disclosed Dilip Nunisa, former Chairman of Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) on Sunday at Halali Raji, Dibarai, Haflong. The Ex-DHD cadres, well-wishers and others organized a get together

wherein more than three hundred cadres from different parts of the Dima Hasao took part along with erstwhile DHD leaders like Jewel alias Mihir Gorlosawho who is also a member of NC Hills Autonomous Council. Speaking on the occasion, Mihir Gorlosa explained how governments are discriminating against the people of Dima Hasao. In the revenue sector also, the NC Hills Autonomous Council is being deprived whereas the states are collecting revenue with

regard to NEEPCO and among others. He said MoS has been signed on October 8, 2012 but even after repeated persuasion of erstwhile DHD leaders not a single clause of the MoS was implemented following which the erstwhile DHD cadres have lost confidence on the government. Attending the function Jadikhe Naisho Hosom (JNH) Dimasa Apex body President Kailen Daolagupu said the people of Dima Hasao have always been neglected by the governments for the

reasons best known to them.

For example, though the electricity is being generated here in Dima Hasao itself but the people have always been deprived of regular electric supply. In case of revenue also the NC Hills Autonomous Council is being paid nothing whereas both the State government of Meghalaya and Assam are getting 6% each against the generation of electricity

by NEEPCO at Umrangso in Dima Hasao. Talking to this correspondent, Dilip Nunisa erstwhile chairman of disbanded DHD said the former cadres who have lost confidence on the government for its delaying attitude are of the opinion that there were no way left for them except to launch strong agitation very soon against such delaying attitude of the government. He also warned that, the Halali Progressive Welfare Society could not be held responsible if these cadres take any other path of agitation for the immediate implementation of the MoS.

1st District Level Steering Too steep a population rise Patnaik population is most notably Committee meeting held N.Nagaon, Dec 20: There has marked in areas like Hojai, Papum Pare, Dec 20: The 1st District Level Steering Committee meeting under the chairmanship of Tai Kaye, Deputy Commissioner, Yupia, Papum Pare Government of Arunachal Pradesh was held on December 18, 2015 at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Yupia.

The meeting was held to discuss various components of the interventions of the project titled, Integrated Livelihood Promotion in Arunachal Pradesh-Phase I; as specified in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of Arunachal

Pradesh and the Tata Trusts.

The Deputy Commissioner Papum Pare Tai Kaye stressed that a proper communication on different components and operational strategy of the project should be shared among the officials of different line Departments, GoAP and Tata Trusts. He also suggested carrying out different project activities in a specific geography, instead of different places to achieve better results. He mentioned that there are good scope for sericulture and cardamom in the state, to improve the livelihoods of the farmers.

(DIPRO)

been more than 50 per cent increase in population of the Nagaon district over the last 20 years causing social, economical, political and other problems in the district and reinforcing the doubt that there is unabated migration into the district. According to sources, as per 1991 Census, it was recorded that the population in the district was 18 lakh 93 thousand 171 and in 2001 it was 23 lakh 14 thousand 629 while in 2011 the number of population stood at 28 lakh 23 thousand 768. Again, according to an unconfirmed source, the figure stands at about 32 lakh now. In 1991, the density of population was 458 per square kilometer and in 2011 it was 630. The increase of

Lanka, Nagaon, Rupahi, Dhing, etc. This abnormal increase in population disproportionate to infrastructure facilities like housing or public welfare measures like healthcare or educational facilities has given rise to myriad problems. As a result, there is increase of illiteracy and rise of criminal activity related to struggle for survival. Moreover, rise in population has put heavy pressure on land causing encroachment of forest area and grazing land and depletion of forest cover in the district. Moreover, police force has not been increased in proportion to the increase in population which causes discomfort for the police administration in the district.

Administrative outreach camp benefits interior villagers Khonsa, Dec 20 : The administrative outreach camp organised by the Tirap district administration at Bari-Basip at Katang on 19th December was a huge success in terms of reaching out to the villagers of BariBasip area. About 1500 people from 18 habitation areas turned up at the camp. During a brief meeting attended by the chiefs, GBs, PRI leaders and HoDs held on the occasion, Khela-Lamsa block ZPM Sontung Bangsia in her welcome address thanked the Deputy Commissioner and the district administration for conducting the outreach camp in an interiors and backward place like Bari-Basip which was a long felt need of the people.

While expressing her gratitude to all the departments and the people of Katang village, the ZPM said that the local MLA Wanglam Sawin extended all his help and support for the success of

A view from the outreach camp organised by the Tirap district administration at Bari-Basip at Katang.

the camp. In his speech Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha told the huge gathering that the basic objective of holding the outreach administration camp was an attempt to take the administration closer to the people living in interior villages and urged the people to take maximum benefit out of the camp.

He further asked them to cooperate with the district administration and

government departments for all round developments of the district and assured all possible help and support from the district administration. The Health and Family Welfare department conducted free medical camp on the occasion in which free health checkup, screening of disabled persons, distribution of free medicines, free contraceptives, Janani Suraksha Yojana, vacci-

nation and Ante Natal check-up were held. The environment and forest department distributed saplings of fruit trees, medicinal plants and ornamental plants. The NERCORMP conducted training on cultivation of agri-horti crops. The department of Disaster Management distributed leaflets on disaster management, especially fire.

PHED, Power, ICDS, Civil Supplies, Jan Suvidha, Agriculture, Horticulture, Industries, Veterinary, DRDA, Block Development, SBI, Statistics, Education and other department actively participated in the outreach camp. Villagers came on foot and many others came by hiring vehicles to reach the outreach camp. All the villagers including the public leaders have appreciated the District Administration for holding the much needed camp.

(DIPRO)

ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 20: "The age at present is the age of competition. Students should always remember it and they should strive their level best to realise their dream to achieve their goal" – thus advised Hitesh Deka, the Vice Chancellor of Krishna Kanta Handique Open University, the students as the Chief Guest in the Open Session of the concluding ceremony of the Golden Jubilee celebration of Lakhimpur Academy Higher Secondary School. It is noteworthy that the yearlong Golden Jubilee celebration of the School concluded today on a successful note. The Open Session and the meeting which was chaired by Rameswar Gogoi, the former Principal and the President of the Celebration Committee be-

gan at 1 pm and was inaugurated by Inamul Ahmed, an exstudent of the school and the Culture Secretary of Asom Sahitya Sabha. In his lecture Chief Guest Hitesh Deka said that the education history of Assam is the history of the people, because most of the educational institutions of the state were established through public entrepreneurship. They could draw the government aid after 10/15 years of their establishment. He regretted the pitiable conditions of the vernacular medium educational institutions of the state. He commented that the vernacular medium institutions should feel proud as they have grown with the sentiments of national feelings, but they should have an aim to succeed and proceed with the world. Dr Samujjal

many a time he has been reluctant to address it. The association later submitted a memorandum to the government of Assam through the deputy commissioner, Sonitpur emphasizing physically handicapped people are also a part of the society who also deserve rights to live in the society. For the all round development of these people the Act “Person with Disability Act 1995” has been enacted.

“But it is a matter of regret that even after the elapse of six decades of India’s independence

the physically disabled people of the state of Assam have been severely neglected.” The representation stated demanding CBI inquiry into the utilization of funds allotted against the ongoing various schemes under 14 Development Blocks and arrest the officials involved in siphoning off of the development funds. The association also alleged that some unscrupulous officials of Gabharu, Bihaguri, Balipara, Biswanath, Chakumata, Rangapara and eight other development blocks in Sonitpur District are

providing fake certificate to many physically normal persons based on which they are illegally enjoying the benefit meant for the genuine physically handicapped persons.

The memorandum demanded immediate arrest of those officials. The association also demanded through the memorandum to suspend the contractual vendors engaged under MNREGA scheme in Balipara, Rangapara, Bihaguri and Gabharu Development Blocks within 48 hours, conversion of funds

of North Lakhimpur College also delivered an informative lecture in the meeting in which former principal Hemendra Kumar Gogoi, Krishna Das, Chief Organising Secretary of ASSU; Jonardon Goswami, an executive member, Debojit Mazumder were among those who were present. The concluding ceremony began yesterday at 9 am with flag hoisting by Rameswar Gogoi followed by Smrity Tarpan, Auditorium Inauguration, Cultural Procession, Interaction among ex-students and Cultural Night. On the other hand, a plantation drive and interaction with the former teachers and the students was held. A colorful cultural night, inaugurated by SP Brojenjeet Singha was held from 7 pm.

GSS Mirku celebrates Golden Jubilee, while SMS its Annual Day Maksam Tayeng Pasighat, Dec 20: The Government Secondary School Mirku which was established during 1964 has celebrated its Golden Jubilee today which was attended by DDSE East Siang/ Siang district Obuk Panor as Chief Guest, Bormoty Yirang Dai as Guest of Honour, students, teaching community, its alumnus, land donors etc.

While highlighting the history of the school and its activities, Tosing Tayeng, Headmaster said that, GSS Mirku has evolved as a school from its primary level to present secondary level as per the need of the hour.

He added that, the CBSE results from last 16 years shows that, the school has scored an average pass percentage of 83.31% out of which 1/3 students were eligible for science stream. One Otel Perme, age about 72 years from Mirku village recalled the effort they initiated during those years in 1964 by constructing a voluntary makeshift hut where students were taught initially with a lone teacher Karo Ratan whose dynamism of teaching are still remembered by those alumnus. Speaking on the part of Guest of Honour, Bormoty Yirang Dai first women graduate of the state said that, discipline is most essential on the part of students to get good education. She advised the students to avoid present day addiction

Participants at the Govt. Sec. School Mirku Golden Jubilee celebrations. like marijuana and IMFL in which many youths diverted today. While DDSE Obuk Panor gave a sensational speech by motivating students and parents besides urging his teaching community to be worthy of their job for which they have been recruited into. He also warned parents not to get succumbed into their children’s black mailing to either buy them bike or they will quite school, as buying bike for their children parents are wasting their children. He took a reference of his friend whose lone son studying somewhere at South India lost his life through a newly bought bike when he was completing his studies. The Golden Jubilee

Arunachal Governor, BJP triggered political turmoil, say state ministers Contd. from Page 1 "There is photographic evidence of dissident MLAs meeting central leaders to plan against state's ruling Congress Government," he claimed while responding to a question about the involvement of Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju's role in the episode. "The governor, supported by the BJP, is the mentor, who acted behind the curtain to trigger the chaotic situation. This is not a fight to save the government or serve selfish interests, but against the unconstitutional acts of the governor to protect the Constitution. It is a fight between the people of India and those violating the Constitution and we are committed to continue the fight," said Taloh, adding that such acts were never seen before anywhere in the country.

Asked about Kalikho Pul's claim of toppling the Tuki-led government, he said that technically the Congress has a majority with 47 members in the 60-member house. Of these 47, 14 MLAs have been disqualified, the case of the resignation of two MLAs is sub-judice. After this, the government has 26 MLAs, and the rest five MLAs are in dissident group, whose combined strength comes to 18 with 11 BJP and two independent MLAs. Can they form the government, he asked?

Can many of the BJP MPs revolting against the Narendrda Modi-led government form a government? Who is not aware of the anti-defection law, he reasoned. Pointing out that the executive, legislature and judiciary are the three pillars of democracy with specific jurisdictions, Byaling said no system should encroach upon the other for democracy to function, but the governor did that in complete violation of the Constitution. "I being the home minister did not allow a breach of law and order with the support of the masses", Byaling said, and urged the people and leaders of all parties to maintain that spirit. He also urged the five INC MLAs to return to serve as mandated by the people.

When pointed out about the allegation that he blocked the highway on December 17, Byaling said he himself visited the spot at Papu Nallah between Itanagar and Naharlagun to lift the blockade. About the age-old relations between the peoples of Assam and Arunachal, Byaling said the fraternal relations with the neighbouring Assam would not be allowed to be strained by the governor's unholy actions. As the highway blockade was believed to be launched by the APYC, Nyamar said it was spontaneous by the masses, and not by his cadres.

Sonitpur District Handicapped Association stage protest ET Correspondent Tezpur, Dec 20: Registering strong protest against the apathetic attitude of the Congressled Assam Government towards the issues of Sonitpur District Physically Handicapped Association, it staged a strong protest programme yesterday in front of the office of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). The protestors also burnt the effigy of the state Cabinet minister Rockybul Hussain alleging that despite submitting memorandum on the issue to him for

Kumar Bhattacharya, the Chief adviser of ASSU took part in the meeting as the Guest of Honour. "The Govt must adopt a Human Resource Management Plan in order to ascertain the secured future of the students of Assam" – he said. Further he added that the elementary education is the foundation of a nation. To strengthen this foundation the Pre-primary Education system must be introduced in Assam. Moreover, he highlighted the problems of the education system in the state. A souvenir named 'Sonali Pera', edited by Reena Saikia (chief) Ajit Kumar Sarmah and Ajit Buragohain, was released in the meeting by Biswa Baruah, the former President-in-charge of Asom Sahitya Sabha. Dr Biman Chandra Chetia, the Principal

allotted since 2006 to the fake SHGs under Swarna Jayanti Sarujgar Yujna Scheme to the government account, to provide the money allotted for the old age pension under 14 Development blocks in Sonitpur district to the Poor section of the society. “We want a detailed report on various developmental projects executed under the Sonitpur DRDA since 2000 and demand an inquiry into every scheme under MNREGA project in Sonitpur by an im-

partial investigative team.”

The association demanded through the memorandum and added that some officials are using sand gravel in many roads construction works in the place of stone dust violating the role and such officials should also be punished without any delay.

Finally the association demanded to include the name of the physically handicapped persons in every scheme under every development block in Sonitpur district.

Celebration was organized by Manning Moyong and Anand Darin, Organizing Secretary and President respectively. On the other hand, Siang Model School celebrated its 23rd Annual Day today which was attended by DC East Siang Isha Khosla as Chief Guest and Chief Councilor, PMC Denong Tamuk as Guest of Honour.

During the day, the toppers of the school were felicitated.

Tamuk, in his speech urged students to be more dedicated in studies as they are the future of the state and the nation. He also urged the management of the school like its Chairman, Tapang Taloh, former Director School Education for the early

up-gradation of the school to 12th Standard from 10Th standard. DC Isha Khosla in her brief speech, appealed the teaching community to impart best knowledge to the students by excelling them in other cocurricular activities etc, as over all mental growth is required to the students when they appears interview during job hunting. You needn’t necessarily be an IAS officer, but be a good human first by acquiring good education and discipline, added Khosla. Students of the school performed a series of colourful cultural items which mesmerized everyone including their parents too.

Convention on Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) at DU Contd. from Page 1

Sanitation Committee (DWSC) in collaboration with DU at the Rangghar Auditorium here today. He stated that the students and faculty members of 173 Colleges under DU can play a pivotal role in bringing mass awareness towards being open defecation free and bringing about behavioural change at the grassroots level. He termed the partnership arrangement with DU as historical as it is first of its kind in the nation and expressed optimism that this initiative will serve towards making Dibrugarh ODF by 2019 by way of marking the 150th birth celebration of the Father of the Nation. Additional Chief Secretary Subhas Das as Chief Guest on the occasion stated that DU with its huge manpower can play an important role towards making the mission a huge success. He laid stress on the District Water and Sanitation Committees to undertake similar partnership agreement with the local Colleges with the aim to harness the human resource of the institution in making the districts ODF. In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor, DU, Professor

Alok Kumar Buragohain termed the partnership agreement as unique as it relates not only to public hygiene but also to public dignity. He expressed satisfaction to be a partner in this process and assured all cooperation from DU. The convention was also addressed by the Secretary, PHE, Ashok Das, UNICEF Guwahati representative Shweta Patnaik. The District Nodal Officer, SBM Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma offered the vote of thanks. Earlier, the Additional Chief Secretary inaugurated the convention by lighting the traditional lamp. Later, at the technical session held under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary, the Vice Chancellor of DU Professor Alok Kumar Buragohain, PHE Chief Engineer DK Mazumdar, Secretary Ashok Das, Additonal Chief Engineer AU Ahmed and UNICEF representative Shweta Patnaik addressed as resource persons on involvement of DU in community mobilization activities, present sanitation activities in Assam, SBM-national perspective, WASH initiative. A documentary on the first ODF Tea Garden Singlijaan Tea Estate was also screened.

KNP security personnel killed in rhino attack Contd. from Page 1

member team from the patrolling party that was on duty, said Mahendra Duara, the conservator of KNP. During this year three cases have been reported with re-

gard to the conflict between forest guard and animals.

On the other hand KNP security has been tightened it being festive season as poachers take undue advantage during the hours of festivals of the X-mas and New Year.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

2nd grand reunion Rice paddy fields damaged by elephants of Netaji Vidyapith Jaganath Gogoi Demow, Dec 20: Two hundred or more elephants have been damaging rice paddy fields in the Saragua areas including the villages Soru Paleni, Bokulduba,

Mishing gaon under Demow police station.

During the last fifteen days, elephants have been wreaking havoc and the forest department has not been able to do much.

In this connection, the

village people gheraoed the ranger office of Panidihing Wildlife sanctuary between 9 am and 5 pm yesterday. The forest department officers however did not come to the office till 5 pm.

Meanwhile, the protesters were adamant that if the forest ranger does arrive at the office, they would not leave. After 6 pm, the circle officer of Demow, DFO and OC of Demow police station ar-

rived and took control of the situation. Thereafter, the protesters submitted a memorandum to the circle officer and demanded immediate protection from the terror of wild elephants.

AGP discusses upcoming Assam elections RNSU to celebrate golden jubilee

A file photo of last NVP Alumni Reunion.

ET Correspondent Maligaon/Guwahati, Dec 20: The 2nd grand reunion of Netaji Vidyapith Railway Higher Secondary School is going to be organised by the Netaji Vidyapith Alumni Association at its premises on 26-27th December 2015.

Established in 1948 at Maligaon the school has been producing good number of successful students who are part of the nation building process in different capacities but also brought fame to India while serving abroad. In this connection, a two-day long alumni meet was organised by Netaji Vidyapith Alumni Association (NVPAA) to connect

all the ex-students of the school spread throughout the globe for the welfare of the school students. The eleven (11) successful NVP students of HSLC & HSSLC batch 2015 will be felicitated by the alumni association during the meet.

Informing about the initiatives of the association, Lovely Mukherjee, General Secretary, NVPAA said, “This reunion is an opportunity to connect all the alumni students through a get together, to plan for the betterment of the school and upliftment of the future generations to come.” Mrs Mukherjee also appealed to the ex-students to enroll and

attend the sessions to add value to the grand reunion.

Apart from that Parnava Bannerjee, the new face of modern singing from Bengal would be the attraction of the cultural night of the re-union. For the development of the school and encouragement of the students, the NVPAA has already taken the responsibility of higher studies of two needy students who passed HSLC in 2015. The association has also installed two drinking water purifier units for the existing students.

Apart from that the alumni have oragnised a cleanliness awareness programme for the school students too.

Winter melody, X-mas at YMCA, Jorhat

ET Correspondent Margherita, Dec 20: Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) Margherita District Committee and Margherita Constituency Committee today held an executive meeting at Margherita Block Conference Hall. The executive meeting was called to discuss about the upcoming 2016 Assembly Election of Assam and the AGP candidate for Margherita constituency. The meeting was presided over by Nareswer Hazarika President of AGP Margherita District Com-

mittee. Other AGP leaders including Diganta Saikia General Secretary of AGP Central Committee, Purna Chetry and Nagen Koch Secretaries of AGP Margherita District Committee, Partha Sarathi Saikia and Chandra Gautam both Secretaries of AGP Margherita Constituency Committee attended the meeting. Dr Om Prakash Sahu, Konkon Mukherjee, Leena Gogoi, Dandi Gogoi and more than 100 AGP leaders from every Margherita Regional Com-

mittee were present. Partha Sarathi Saikia said that it will be a tragedy for AGP if it made an alliance with Congress, BJP or other political parties. Dr Om Prakash Sahu said that AGP Party Central Committee leaders do not have faith in themselves and if AGP works out a alliance with Congress than it will be an insult to the 855 martyrs who sacrificed their lives during Assam agitation and if AGP works out an alliance with BJP then it will be an insult to the 13,000

ULFA cadres who sacrificed their lives for the sake of Assam. All the AGP leaders and members appealed to AGP Central Committee leaders to not go for an alliance with BJP, Congress and AIUDF party. Further, on 10 January, 2016 at Margherita Block Conference Hall there will be a general meeting of AGP Margherita District Committee, Margherita Constituency Committee and AGP’s other Regional Committee members.

ET Correspondent Diphu, Dec 20: Keninlo Seb Rengma, Secretary, Information & Publicity and Thangsi J Rengma General Secretary of Rengma Naga Students’ Union (RNSU) Karbi Anglong, Assam is organizing its 54th General Conference cum golden jubilee commemoration (1961-2011) with the theme: “Explore. Engage. and secretary of Karbi Stu- Evolve” on 27th and 28th dents’ Association (KSA) December, 2015 at the and Karbi Farmers’ Asso- Head Office of the organilocated at ciation have mentioned that zation Akhoiphuta jongpha village the KADTA will have to seek forgiveness from KSA in Bokajan subdivision, and KFA for labelling false Karbi Anglong district. allegations against them. Chief Executive Member of While ridiculing, KADTA Karbi Anglong Autonothe KSA and KFA have al- mous Council Tuliram leged that ‘Karbi Anglong & Ronghang will grace the Dimapur Transporters’ As- programme as the Chief sociation’ is very contradic- Guest. The RNSU has retory and indicates a symp- quested all organizations tom of fraudulence as Karbi and individuals to refrain Anglong is presently a part themselves from calling of Assam and Dimapur is a bandh or strike on that day so as not to cause any inconpart of Nagaland. venience to the participants and invitees during the celebration. The RNSU has wished that the celebration Bhuyan general secretary will bring peace and harAPCC. It may be men- mony among all. tioned here that after BJP observers Jayanta Mall Baruah, the APCC general secretary meet district Bhuyan have been trying members for Congress ticket from the constituency.

KSA, KFA to enforce ban on sand transportation ET Correspondent Diphu, Dec 20: The Karbi Students’ Association (KSA) and Karbi Farmers’ Association (KFA) through a press release issued today has vehemently opposed the Karbi Anglong & Dimapur Transporters’ Association (KADTA) and has condemned their alleged activities. While reiterating their resolve of strictly enforcing the terms and conditions agreed between the sand quarry owners and sellers’ association and the said organizations also in the inter-

est of the labourers involved with the business have mentioned that the ban on transportation of sand will continue until the terms and condition enforced by the organizations is fully endorsed. Both the students and farmers associations have maintained that no interference and exploitation by the outsiders in the sand quarries of Karbi Anglong will be tolerated, use of machinery for extraction of sand will not be allowed, only the legal sand quarry holders can extract sand in

their allotted area, no overloading of sand in the trucks carrying sand will be approved and use of duplicity Transit Pass will not be authorized under any circumstance. However both KSA and KFA have cautioned that the ban will come into force instantaneously if any of the condition is breached.

The organizations have plainly mentioned that until Sumi alias Nanda Singh apologized, no truck under the aegis of KADTA will be allowed to operate within Karbi Anglong. President

BJP responsible for price rise: Rockybul Contd. from Page 1

The women and the poor people of the state are the main capital for the Congress, he added. He also held the Central Govern-

ment responsible for the hike in prices of essential commodities which snatched away the purchasing capacity of common people. He continued to say that the BJP will face Bihar like situation in the state in

the 2016 Assembly poll.

Hussain asserted that the BJP could not mislead the state's voters. He also criticized the Congress MLAs who recently joined the BJP. The meeting was also addressed by Pradyut

Train mishap claims one Contd. from Page 1

ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 20: The YMCA School of Music, a music school affiliated to London School of Music, its faculty members, students and parents celebrated Winter Melody and Christmas at its school campus here today. The pre-Christmas celebration programme was inaugurated by Pastor Bharat Kaleng with a prayer and words from holy bible

while the entire program was anchored by Ms Dorothy Monin and the president of YMCA, Jorhat unit Dr. Sajib Baruah welcomed and detailed about the origin of YMCA school which was established in the year 1950. The students of YMCA school of music performed Christmas songs, solo as well as group melodies with guitars, keyboards and the entire pro-

gram was filled with Christmas greetings, messages and wishes to the people for peace and harmony in anticipation of the New Year. During the preChristmas celebration, members from Jorhat Christian Forum Dr. Amiyo Baruah and Anil Baruah wished for the New Year and prayed for peace and harmony to the people of the country and the region.

populated which is one of the reasons behind accidents every now and then.

Last year a youth died at the same place while he was crossing a railway gate without guard. A leg of

former principal, late Robin Choudhry of Doomdooma College was severed while crossing the railway to enter the college.

A nurse was also injured at Rupai Siding by train. The railway authorities have evacuated illegal encroachment near Don Bosco School, but there is no con-

Liladhar Boro and President, Sonitpur District Sahitya Sabha, Dr. Sadhinata Mahanta. It will be followed by art competition among the students of lower and upper primary section, recitation competition among the students of classes VI to VIII, illumination of light in the press club complex and cultural function. Next day that is on January 7 the day’s programme will start at 9 am with the unfurling of flag of Dhekiajuli Press Club, commemoration and cultural procession etc. The silver jubilee celebration will be inaugurated formally at 11 am by senior journalist Dilip Kumar Hazarika (Dhemaji). The inaugural session will be graced by journalist Haidor Hussain, managing editor, Assamese daily “Niomya Barta” Achyut Kumar Patwary and editor, Hindi Daily “Dainik Purbudoi”, Rabisankar Rabi. It will be followed by recitation competition among the students of secondary to university level at

2 pm and in the evening cultural programme will be held. On January 8 a symposium on the topic “Role of media in strengthening Communal Harmony and overall development” will be inaugurated at 11 am by social worker, noted journalist Anjan Goswami and chaired by Principal Darrang College, Dr. Jai Sankar Hazarika. Editor, Assamese Daily Dainik Janambhumi, Hemanta Kumar Barman will take part in the event as chief speaker. It will be followed by spot report writing competition among the students of higher secondary to university level at 2 pm which will be followed by cultural nite in the evening. On January 9 the day’s programme will start with a symposium with the subject “Strengthening of Fourth Pillar of Democracy, Economic Security of the Reporters and Importance of Ideological Integration of Media house and its Owners” at 11 am. The session will be conducted by noted

a long time. Later the body was recovered by the police and sent for the medico legal. People should learn lessons from it and should be very cautious while crossing a railway track as the track has become very busy these days due to the movement of goods carrying trains.

One sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment on charges of murder Contd. from Page 1

son of late Firoz Ali lodged police complaint stating that his father was brutally killed

by Nabi Hussain, Noor

Hussain and Younis Ali following longstanding land dispute between their families.

On the basis of the FIR, police after three years arrested

Dhekiajuli Press Club’s silver jubilee year celebration from Jan 6 Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Dec 20: One of the front line scribes’ body in Sonitpur District, the Dhekiajuli Press Club that has stepped into twenty five years if its existence, is now all set to celebrate its silver jubilee year from January 6 to 11 at Dhekiajuli Swahid Moidan with various agenda like book fair and various competitions, cultural programmes, symposium etc. lined up. For successful celebration of the programme, a bold celebration committee has been formed with Guluk Bora as Working President and Bhagaban Baisya as Chief Secretary. Outlining the week long programme, the duo office bearers of the celebration committee said that the mega event will begin with the inauguration of the book fair at 10 am by ex-president of Asom Sahitya Sabha and editor of literary journal “Gorioshi” Dr. Lakhi Nandan Bora.

This session will be graced

by President, Tezpur District Bodo Sahitya Sabha,

struction made till now.

The local people say that the whistle of the train is sometime slow which causes accidents. "In this area the train should move slowly to avoid accident."

Ram Barua, a local says.

Meanwhile the incident created panic in the area as the body was lying there for

critic and thinker Jatin Talukdar and will be attended by news editor, Dainik Asom, Dilip Kumar Mahanta and Deputy Editor, “Asomiya Pratidin” Sanjib Kumar Phukan. At 2 pm a Quiz Competition (only among the students who are studying) will be held. It will be conducted by Dilip Kumar Sarma, Gwuahati and will be followed by cultural programme in the evening.

Next day that is on January 10 a multi-lingual poets’ meet will be held in the morning at 11 am wherein noted personalities including Gyan Puzari, Bangshi Bora, Nilim Kumar, Pranab Kumar Barman, Bhabesh Misra and Din Kar Kumar will be present. At 2 pm extempore speech competition will be held in two sections among the secondary to university level students which will be followed by cultural nite in the evening.

The last day’s programme will begin with story-telling competition among lower primary students at 10 am.

The open session and prize distribution programme will be opened at 2 pm by senior journalist of Lanka Tukheswar Tamuli.

Prasanta Rajguru, “Amar Asom”, noted litterateur Arupa Patangya Kalita will grace the event respectively as chief guest and distinguished guest. At 4 pm an interaction programme will be held among the scribes of Dhekiajuli Press club.

In the evening there would be a special cultural function wherein invited singers Kula Baruah, JP Das, Loknath Goswami and Queen Das will participate. “For the big budget week long programme a budget of Rs. 7 lacs has been estimated. A total of 40 publications from across the nation have consented to take part in the Book Fair cum Silver Jubilee celebration programme.” Bhagaban Baisya said adding the celebration committee urged all concerned to extend their helping hand to make the event a grand success.

the all three accused and sent them to jail. The court going through the necessary witness and evidence found Nabi Hussain guilty in the case and

thus convicted him for life term imprisonment, however the other two accused were acquitted due to lack of sufficient witness and evidence.

Contd. from Page 1

state SC morcha president today held counseling meeting with district executives, block members and with different morcha’s district presidents and anchalik presidents, tea cells from five legislative assemblies under Jorhat district – Jorhat, Titabor, Teak, Mariani and Dergaon.

Based on the feedback from the district heads, three state observers will shortlist five names to the State BJP president Sarbananda Sonowal who will further recommend it to the BJP National Office at New Delhi.

Major Rajdhani Express accident averted Contd. from Page 1

five youths of that locality at around 7 this morning saw that a railway track was dislocated just a few metre

from the Barkura level crossing. Then the Rajdhani Express had arrived at Nalbari town and the train has no stoppage at Nalbari. The youths finding no alternative, pulled off their

clothes and ran along the track waving to signal stop the train. Finally the train stopped and a major accident was averted. The train was halted for 40 minutes at the spot.

Drama workshop by Ibsen Theatre ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 20: The Ibsen Theatre of Lakhimpur, in association with the Nakari Yuba Samaj, is going to organise a ten day-long Drama Workshop from December

22 to 31 targeting the children and the teenagers under sixteen. Jadumoni Borgohain, the Director of the theatre informed that the workshop would be held at the auditorium of the theatre, located at

Ward No-2 from 10 am to 2 pm. The Post Graduates of National School of Drama would administer training in the workshop.

Interested candidates may contact on Mobile No. 9954454301.

SPORTS 24th Jorhat Open Tennis ET Correspondent Jorhat, Dec 20: The 24thJorhat Open Tennis tournament will start from 21st and conclude on 27th

December 2015 at the Jorhat Tennis club premises here. Participants from the state including rank holders will be in the fray during the

seven day tournament to be played at the Jorhat Tennis Club premises, informed Raktim Saikia, the president of the Jorhat Tennis club.

Alert youths avert train mishap Kolkata ,Dec 20:The alertness shown by three youths on Saturday saved the lives of hundreds of passengers of a suburban train.The train was on its way to Hasnabad when a crack on the railway track was detected between Champahati near Kalikapur by a youth.

Sagar, who lives in a nearby slum, saw the crack and immediately realised the danger, as it is a busy route with several trains crossing one after another at short intervals.He rushed to inform his friends. Soon the three friends were standing on the track with a piece of red cloth

fastened around a stick.

The trio saw the Hasnabad Local coming and began to wave the cloth to catch the attention of the driver. Their efforts paid off. The driver sensed danger ahead and brought the train to a halt.The trio then rushed to him and informed him about the crack on the track.The driver soon called up the railway engineers and apprised them of the situation. "The train was then allowed to cross the track at a very low speed. Had it not been for the alertness of the youths, it could have been a major accident," said a senior railway official. (Agencies)

Nitish Kumar orders planting of Jamun,lemon tress to tackle anaemia in Bihar Patna,Dec 20: In a bid to prevent anaemia and malnutrition among children in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said that lemon and jamun trees be planted at all Aganwadi centres in the state.Kumar instructed that at least two lemon and jamun (roseapple) trees - their fruits are known to be of help against anaemia be planted at each Aganwadi centre in Bihar, an official statement said here, adding that he also asked them to enhance their civic facilities. Anaemia is a condition in which there is a deficiency of red cells or of haemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness.The chief minister, who was reviewing the functioning of the Social Welfare department, also asked that proper toilets and drinking water facilities

be ensured at these Aganwadi centres.He also stressed on a realtime monitoring system for every Aganwadi centre to help in more effective functioning.Kumar instructed that pensions for the physically handicapped be paid directly in their bank accounts through RTGS transfer.

He also said that their accounts should be linked with Aadhaar card.Secretary of the Social Welfare department, SM Raju, said that Kumar had ordered that people surviving on alms be identified so that they may be rehabilitated. The chief minister also asked for the preparation of a plan for strengthening old age homes, he added.The review meeting was attended by, among others, Social Welfare minister Manju Varma and Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh. (Agencies)

Nitish Kumar

CCA revoked against ex-Jharkhand minister Hazaribagh, Dec 20: A board set up by Jharkhand High Court today revoked the Jharkhand Crime Control Act (CCA) against former state minister and Congress leader Yogendra Sao, who is now in judicial custody. The decision was taken by the board headed by Justice H C Mishra, paving the way for Sao's release on bail.Registrar General Anil Kumar Choudhary and Principal Judge, District and Session Court Anant Vijay Singh were the other members of the board which was set up by the High Court to look into the invocation of CCA against Sao by the Hazaribagh administration earlier this month. Sao has been in jail since his arrest August 21.

He was arrested after an FIR was filed against him and his MLA wife Nirmala

Devi in connection with a case of violence last year at NTPC's Pakri Barwadih's R and R Colony at Dhenga while leading a farmers' rally.

Subsequently both of them were arrested on different dates and remanded to judicial custody before Devi was released on bail in October this year.Sao was granted bail by the Principal District and Sessions Court, Hazaribagh before the CCA was invoked against him. His wife raised the issue on December 16 in the ongoing Winter session of the Assembly and demanded revocation of the Act.The state government rejected the demand saying Sao was booked under several sections of thr IPC including 307 and Arms Act and was allegedly protecting a criminal outfit. (Agencies)

A board set up by Jharkhand High Court today revoked the Jharkhand Crime Control Act (CCA) against former state minister and Congress leader Yogendra Sao, who is now in judicial custody.

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

Marathon winners slam govt for bad roads Kolkata, Dec 20:Kolkata's pot-holed roads with precariously aligned tram tracks and poor management came in for criticism from seasoned Indian long-distance runners Sudha Singh, Lalita Babar and OP Jaisha who finished top three in the 'Tata Steel Kolkata 25K'today."The big problem was there was no pilot vehicles and at some places, traffic even dogs came in our way. There

was similar problem last year also," last year's runner-up Sudha said after her win as Lalita and Jaisha echoed the same.Severely criticising the roads, the trio further said the courses in Delhi and Mumbai are much better help them better their timings."The roads are very bad and here there are 'railway tracks' - tram line - on the roads so we had to be very careful. It was all the more difficult to negoti-

Sudha Singh ate our way without a pilot vehicle and at one

stretch dogs came in our way and we also had to

watch out for traffic," Lalita, who set a national record in Delhi Half Marathon last month, said. Troubled by a bad left knee, Lalita was all the more cautious."I did not want to aggravate it ahead of the Mumbai Marathon and took it easy. Thankfully it's not serious and will be okay before January 17," Lalita added. National record holder Jaisha hoped things would improve in the days to come."In Mumbai and

Delhi, the roads are very good and we never faced such problems. Hope things would improve in future," Jaisha said. Sudha shattered the meet record by more than six seconds to clinch the elite women's title ahead of Lalita and Jaisha. The 33-year-old Elam Singh won the men's section with a timing of 1:20:14 while Srinu Bugatha (1:20:16) and O Sanaton Singh (1:20:23) were second and third respectively. (Agencies)

NCSU, NGRC-1CU merge, form RNCSU Jharkhand Govt assures D i m a p u r, D e c 20:Nagaland Contractors and Suppliers' Union (NCSU) and Nagaland Government Registered Class-1Contractors' Union (NGRC-1CU) announced their merger under the nomenclature Registered Nagaland Contractors and Suppliers' Union (RNCSU).Officially declaring the merger during Advent Christmas celebration at Hotel Japfu here, contractor Vi-u Belho said modalities would be worked out within a month or two, adding that the current nomenclature was subject to change.Belho also stated that the aim of the merger as to collectively fight for their rights and for the betterment of the state.

Asking the contractors

not to get confused with the merger, he said informed that the union would continue to fight with the government of India as their demand still stood. He said two presidents - one in the administration and the other in the works would work hand in hand with equality.Referring to the four-laning of NH-29 project, Belho said despite union minister for road transport & highways Nitin Gadkari's assurance to make road project into smaller packages so local contractors could avail the opportunity, the biddings was held on December 15 and none of the local contractors was eligible for the biddings.In his address, the minister for roads and bridges Vikheho Swu asserted that quality

workmanship reflected capacity and capability of a contractor and said the infrastructure in the state needed quality improvement.Pointing out that many things have been achieved during the 52 years of statehood, the minister, however, said many things were yet to be accomplished, adding that the task to achieve that lay with the people of the state also.Lamenting that road condition in the state displayed lack of management in the state, Vikheho said it was not the government alone to build the nation but it was the responsibility of all the citizens.Lauding the two unions for coming under one umbrella, the minister said merger would save time and resources and exuded

confidence that the good seed sown would percolate to others to build up. He said such understanding would take the state to greater heights.Minister forest and environment Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire, in his brief address, also congratulated the two unions on their merger. He said contractors were looked upon with high respect, adding that the quality work delivered to the state by them should be acceptable to the public. On the occasion, newly formed RNSCU also awarded the 'Best Traffic Award 2015' to traffic Constable Imliwapang Ao, South traffic control, Kohima. It said the award was to encourage the traffic personnel in the state capital.

(Agencies)

help to octogenarian man digging a pond

Jamshedpur, Dec 20: Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghuvar Das took note of a report that a 85-year-old man was digging a pond all on his own at Gadigram in East Singhbhum district and directed the district officials to make an on the spot visit to probe it.Following the directive Deputy Collector Sanjay Kumar rushed to the village and apprised the Deputy Development Commissioner Vinod Kumar and Block Development Officer Sachidanand Mahato about the incident, an

schemes.He was informed that the administration has already provided them a residential unit under 'Indira Awas Yojana', benefits under 'Social Security pension' and a piece of land.The report in a local daily which stated that an octogenarian man was digging earth to carve out a pond at Gadigram in Patamda block came notice of the Chief Minister earlier in the day.Though carving out a pond at the rocky spot was not feasible under Centre-sponsored MANREGA fund,

No Christmas cheer for GHADC staff Tura, Dec 20: The festival of Christmas promises hope and cheer. But ironically, the same does not hold true for all at least in Garo Hills.The several hundred still to be paid employees of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council will have to brace the winter chill and face the Christmas cheer without the comfort of having provided for their families during this festive season.The opposition National People's Partyled Garo Hills Progressive Alliance runs the current executive committee in the GHADC while in the state it is a Congress-led government. There is no love lost between the two bit-

Central team visits Ranchi to assess drought situation New Delhi, Dec. 20 (ANI): A Central team visited Jharkhand to assess the drought situation in the state nearly three weeks after the State Government recommended the Centre to declare the entire state as drought-hit.Headed by Additional Secretary of the Agriculture Ministry, Jalaj Srivastava, the central team met Chief Minister Raghubar Das, who asked them to make field visits to assess the drought situation.The team yesterday made field visits to assess the drought condition.

Das also informed the team that the State Government has already sent Rs. 1140.77 crore proposal to the Centre.The government has also sent a communique to the Centre urging it to increase the number of days from 100 to between 150 and 200 days under the MGNREGA in view of the drought. (ANI)

ter foes.The Council depends heavily on the State Government to receive its share of revenue from the major and minor minerals which in turn is used to pay the employees their monthly dues. As things stand today, the Council is five months behind in payment of salaries for its staff and the families of the employees are extremely worried since there are just three working days left before Christmas holidays begin."We have moved the state government to release the Council funds from the major and minor mineral share and I along with my executive members have even met the Chief Minister in

Tura during the winter festival celebrations to apprise him of the urgency. He has assured to look into the matter," said CEM Denang T Sangma. Interestingly, while the GHADC has forwarded its paperwork for obtaining the funds to the table of the Chief Minister in Shillong awaiting a response, the latter was in Garo Hills taking part in the winter festivals."Though we are trying our level best to get the funds, the working days are very limited," a worried CEM highlighted.The district council is seeking its share of revenue from the state amounting to Rs 20 crore. The state owes the GHADC ap-

proximately Rs 15 crore from major and minor minerals share and another Rs 5 crore from transport, informed council authorities. An attempt was made to acquire additional revenue from the auctioning of weekly markets in the Garo Hills but that didn't take off since most auction money was yet to be paid by the successful bidders.With the GHADC having always been the epicenter of a political rivalry, it is the employees who may once again bear the brunt of these political uncertainties, while the powers that be are keen to settle their scores unmindful of the lot of the hapless employees. (Agencies)

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghuvar Das

official in Chief Minister's Office said.Later, Mahato rushed to the spot and convinced the octogenarian, Atul Singh, in the presence of villagers that he needed not dig the pond at this age and assured the district administration will look into his demand, the official said.Kumar also visited Singh's place and inquired his son about the benefits they were getting under various government

some alternative arrangement would have to be made, the BDO said.The Deputy Collector assured that he would ask concerned higher officials to set up a borewell and a toilet and asked the Tata Steel s Rural Development Society to dig a pond.Kumar also proposed to provide six months' skill development training to Singh's younger son at a 'Gurukul' at Dhanchati near here. (Agencies)

Food processing sector can improve rural livelihood: Sarkar

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar terms the food processing sector as a "sunrise' industry for country's cessing industry is a sunAgartala, Dec 20:Term- cal ing the food processing growth.The youth of the rise industry which has sector as a "sunrise' in- state needed to be pro- the potential of dramatidustry, Tripura Chief vided with financial assis- cally improving rural liveMinister Manik Sarkar on tance to nurture their en- lihood opportunities and Saturday said it has the trepreneurial skills and bridge the rural-urban dipotential to generate food processing is one vide. It is critical for the huge employment oppor- sector that needed to be development of our countunities for the youths in promoted aggressively, try as it establishes vital the state and can be criti- he said."The food pro- linkages between the two

pillars of the economy i.e. the agriculture and industry," he said. Sarkar was speaking at a conference 'Linking Prospective Food Entrepreneurs with Government Schemes and Market', organised by Assocham in collaboration with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India.A constructive partnership would transform the food processing sector of the country and thereby transform the fortunes of Tripura, he said and emphasised promoting the development of viable agribusiness and agro-industry coupled with institutional strengthening and capacity building across value chain.Jitendra Chaudhury, Lok Sabha MP from Tripura, in his address said while agriculture is the main occupation for the majority of the people in the Northeast, experts

have said horticulture is a major contributor to the economies of the states in the region.The agro climatic condition of Tripura is suitable for both agricultural and horticultural crops and a strong and effective food processing sector would play a significant role in employment generation as well as harnessing and exploiting local resources, he said. Fruits like banana, pineapple, orange, papaya, lemon and vegetables like potato, ginger and others grown in the state would have good marketing scope if properly harvested, processed and packaged, he added.S N Nundy, Managing Director of Matthews & Company, said that focus for development should be on food processing, which holds unexplored scope to strengthen Tripura's economy. (Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

PAGE 6

CBI threatening Rajendra Kumar to reveal names of DDCA officials: Delhi govt.

New Delhi, Dec.20: The Delhi Government today alleged that the CBI officials are trying to cover the financial irregularities in DDCA under the helm of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley adding that the officials are threatening Principal Secretary to Delhi Chief Minister Rajendra Kumar and asking him to reveal the names of DDCA (Delhi and District Cricket Association) officials who met Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal."They are threatening him to reveal information regarding meeting of DDCA offi-

cials. They are putting metal pressure on him to reveal the names of DDCA officials who gave the information.If they are trying to threaten the principal secretary in order to hide the corruption under DDCA, than Delhi Government will not accept this," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told a press conference here."Whatever is being asked by the CBI to Rajendra Kumar, it is clear that Arvind Kejriwal was the target and not Rajendra Kumar.

The DDCA files which was kept in the office of Chief Minister had note

Principal Secretary Rajendra Kumar in which it was written that Arun Jaitley had a talk with the DDCA officials. The CBI officials

are constantly asking Rajendra Kumar that who gave him that note," Sisodia added.Rajendra

Kumar who has been accused for criminal conspiracy and has a case registered against is being questioned by the CBI.He has been accused of setting up various companies to give work contracts without tenders which has been a huge loss to the Delhi government .Kumar has been booked under Sections of IPC on charges of criminal conspiracy and under various Sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly favoring a private company in five contracts worth 9.5 crore rupees during 2007 to 2014.The

CBI carried out searches at 14 places connected with Kumar in the national capital, including his residence, and various locations in Uttar Pradesh.The Delhi Government has accused Arun Jaitley of indulging in financial irregularities while he was at the helm of the Delhi Cricket Board (DDCA).

The party also exhorted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack Jaitley from the union cabinet.Hitting back Jaitley had said that Arvind Kejriwal, seems to believe in untruth and defamation, delivered in a language that borders on hysteria. (ANI)

Dec. 16 gangrape: Victim's parents to hold protest at Jantar Mantar

Demonstrators hold candles during a candlelight vigil to mark the first death anniversary of the Delhi gang rape victim

New Delhi, Dec. 20: With the juvenile convict of the December 16 gangrape case set to be free today, the parents of the victim will hold a protest at Jantar Mantar.

The parents of the victim had earlier decided to hold the protest at the India Gate, but because of the imposition of Section 144 in the area, they were not allowed.The convict, who is now 20-years-old and was known to be the most brutal of the attackers, has been taken to an undisclosed location from a correction home in North Delhi amid concerns that there was a threat to his life.Earlier, People urge Centre to pass Disability Bill the parents of the ernment schemes, with the mentally ill per- gangrape victim, along etc.The bill also confers son and plenary guardian with students and activseveral rights for disabled will take decisions on bepeople including disabled half of the affected perfriendly access to all pub- son, without consulting lic buildings hospitals, him.Violation of any promodes of transport, poll- vision of the act is puning stations, etc.District ishable with imprisoncourts will award two ment up to six months, types of guardianship to and/or fine of 10,000 rumentally challenged per- pees with subsequent viosons. Limited guardian lations carrying a higher will take decisions jointly penalty. (ANI)

School teacher arrested People urge Centre to pass Disability Bill for raping six-year-old New Delhi, Dec.20 : lion disabled people are Members of Disability associated with this law," Rights Group have asked said the founder of the in Dharamsala the central government Disability Rights Group,

Dharamsala, Dec.20 : A 42-year-old teacher has been arrested in Dharamsala for raping a six-year-old girl.A local court has sent the accused to judicial custody till December 31.The horrific crime took place after the victim's grandmother had sought the help of the accused to drop her granddaughter to her school.Deputy Superintendent of Police Hitesh Lakhanpal said that the girl's father, Ajay Kumar, had lodged a rape-related complaint at the Shahpur police station.He said that the accused, Vijay Kumar, had committed the crime

while taking the child to school on his scooter.He said the case is being investigated thoroughly.In an annual report of 2014, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) said there were 337,922 reports of violence against women such as rape, molestation, abduction and cruelty by husbands last year, also up 9 percent in 2013.But women's rights groups say the figures are still gross underestimates, as many victims remain reluctant to report crimes such as rape or domestic violence for fear their families and communities will shun them. (ANI)

Vyapam Scam: Laxmikant Sharma released on bail New Delhi, Dec. 20 : Vyapam Scam accused former higher and technical education minister Laxmikant Sharma was released on bail today.Sharma was to be released from Bhopal central jail on Saturday but because of the delay in fulfilling formalities, the process was delayed.The former minister is among the highest government functionaries to be jailed in the widespread exam-rigging scandal that has seen the killing of dozens

under mysterious circumstances since the probe into the scam began.The former minister was an accused in seven cases related to the job recruitment and admissions scam. He was earlier granted bail in six cases.

His bail in the last case, however, was granted on Thursday.Meanwhile, another key accused in the scam and former officer on special duty to governor Ram Naresh Yadav, Dhanraj Yadav, was released on bail on Saturday.

(ANI)

WTO talks conclude, leaves India disappointed New Delhi, Dec. 20: After hectic negotiations for five consecutive days, the WTO Trade Ministers concluded their talks last evening without any commitment on rich countries being asked to check their domestic subsidies. India has expressed its disappointment over non-reaffirmation to conclude 14year-old Doha Round pacts, even as WTO meeting in Nairobi managed to win a commitment to allow developing nations to use special safeguards to protect farmers against import surges.Besides, rich nations refused to budge on their long-standing position of putting the

onus on developing countries with regard to duties.

However, the members of the global trade body agreed on a commitment for giving the developing nations a right to take recourse to Special Safeguard Mechanism to protect their farmers, a longstanding demand of India.Union Minister of State, Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman said, India put across its position very clearly on the table and strongly protested against the failure to reach a unanimity on 'reaffirmation' to conclude over 14-year-old Doha round to safeguard developing nations' interest. (ANI)

Nirmala Sitharaman

not to delay passage of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill. The bill pertains to the rights of millions of disabled people and the disabled feel there will be no opposition to its passing in Parliament.The disabled said they could not understand why the bill is still stuck in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO)."This is one of those bills where there is no fight and difference of opinions, it is a non-political law. We are appealing the government and cabinet to pass this bill as soon as possible and send it to Parliament. This law should be passed in the winter session itself.

Rights of around 70 mil-

Javed Abidi. This bill is supposed to replace the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.Earlier, bill was introduced in the Upper House but had to be sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee after several disabilities groups expressed concerns about various provisions.The new law will expand the definition of disability including 19 conditions compared to seven disabilities in the 1995 Act. Persons with at least 40 percent of disability are entitled to benefits such as reservations in education and employment, preference in gov-

ists were detained by the police as they staged a protest against the release of the juvenile convict. The police action was condemned by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. In December 2012, the teenager was part of the six member gang that lured a 23year-old trainee physiotherapist and her male friend onto a bus, where the girl was gruesomely raped and her companion brutally beaten. The girl subsequently succumbed to her injuries 13 days later in Singapore.The incident caused nationwide outrage and led to widespread outpouring of anger against the rapists, including the teenager.

(ANI)

Anandiben Patel Lays Foundation Stone for New Bridge across Narmada

Congress doing 'celebration of corruption': BJP New Delhi, Dec. 20: Following the celebration of the Congress Party over the bail granted to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, party vice-president Rahul Gandhi and other accused in the National Herald case, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today termed it as a 'celebration of corruption', adding that they have received bail and not Bharat Ratna."The judicial process of the country has been victorious. It does not see any kind of difference between ordinary people and people of importance in politics.

That's the reason as to why ultimately both of them had to appear in front of the court. They got a bail. The celebrations in the Congress Party thereafter, forces us to use this phrase ' celebration of corruption'.

We should remind them that it is just bail, which they got, not the Bharat Ratna," BJP spokespersonSambit Patra told ANI. Patra pointed out that the celebration of the Congress puts a question mark on the basic fabric and character of the party.Minutes after the

court formalities, the Congress yesterday turned the bail for Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and also for other leaders into a celebration.They drove straight to the AICC headquarters to take reverential greetings from senior leaders and workers and to briefly address the media.Amid enthusiastic chants by Congress men and women, Sonia Gandhi said, "I don't have slightest of doubt that truth will prevail. A disinformation campaign against us by our political rival had been on for generations. The present government was purpose-

fully misusing government agencies to target us. "None of us is scared. Our fight will continue."Earlier, the Gandhis along with the other accused in the National Herald case appeared before Metropolitan Magistrate Lovleen in response to summons issued against them. They have been summoned by the trial court on prima facie charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust and dishonest misappropriation of property under relevant sections of the law.The court will next hear the case on February 20.

(ANI)

Closest 'Potentially Habitable' Planet Found 14 Light Years Away Melbourne, Dec 20: Astronomers have discovered the closest potentially habitable planet found outside our solar system, orbiting a star just 14 light years away.The planet, more than four times the mass of Earth, is one of three that the team detected around a red dwarf star called Wolf 1061. "It is a particularly exciting find because all three planets are of low enough mass to be potentially rocky and have a solid surface, and the middle planet, Wolf 1061c, sits within the 'Goldilocks' zone where it might be possible for liquid water and maybe even life - to exist," said lead study author Duncan Wright, from University of New South Wales in Australia."It is fascinating to look out at the vastness of space and think a star so very close to us - a near neighbour could host a habitable planet," Mr Wright said.

"While a few other planets have been found that orbit stars closer to us than Wolf 1061, those

planets are not considered to be remotely habitable," Wright said.The three newly detected planets orbit the small, relatively cool and stable star about every 5, 18 and 67 days.

Their masses are at least 1.4, 4.3 and 5.2 times that of Earth, respectively. The larger outer planet falls just outside the outer boundary of the habitable zone and is also likely to be rocky, while the smaller inner planet is too close to the star to be habitable. The team made the discovery using observations of Wolf 1061 collected by the High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS) spectrograph on the European Southern Observatory's 3.6 metre telescope in Chile."Our team has developed a new technique that improves the analysis of the data from this precise, purpose-built, planet-hunting instrument, and we have studied more than a decade's worth of observations of Wolf 1061," said Chris Tinney, head of the Exoplanetary

The Milky Way galaxy above La Silla Observatory in Chile, where astronomers found three planets orbiting star Wolf 1061, using the extrasolar planet hunter HARPS

Science at UNSW. "These three planets right next door to us join the small but growing ranks of potentially habitable rocky worlds orbiting nearby stars cooler than our Sun," said Mr Tinney.

Small rocky planets like our own are now known to be abundant in our galaxy, and multi-planet systems also appear to be common.However, most of the rocky exoplanets discovered so far are hundreds or thousands of light years away. An exception is Gliese 667Cc which lies

22 light years from Earth.

It orbits a red dwarf star every 28 days and is at least 4.5 times as massive as Earth."The close proximity of the planets around Wolf 1061 means there is a good chance these planets may pass across the face of the star. If they do, then it may be possible to study the atmospheres of these planets in future to see whether they would be conducive to life," said Rob Wittenmyer of UNSW. The study will be published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

(Agencies)

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel Vadodara, Dec 20: Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel laid the foundation stone for a four-lane new bridge across river Narmada at Bharuch, about 90 kms from Vadodara."The Rs. 309-crore four-lane bridge will come up next to the over 136-year-old golden bridge which connects Bharuch to Ankleshwar," Ms Patel was quoted as saying in an official release.The bridge will be built in next 30 months at an estimated cost of Rs. 309.10 crore

by Road and Building department of the state, the release said.At present, there are two bridges including golden bridge, which was constructed in 1882 and railway bridge over river Narmada in Bharuch."The new bridge

will solve the problem of traffic jams and will make the road journey between Surat and Vadodara smoother and speedier," Ms Patel added.Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a Rs. 60-crore new plant at Dudh Dhara dairy in Bharuch where she announced increasing milk procurement price

by Rs. 30 to Rs. 585 per kg fat which will be paid to the milk producers.Also during her visit, Patel dedicated developmental projects amounting to Rs. 399 crore in Bharuch district and handed over plot of 250 sq feet to each of the five women milk producers cooperative societies for constructing 'doodh ghar' (milk centres), it said. (Agencies)

Amrapali Express Derails Near Bihar's Khagaria, No Casualties Reported New Delhi ,Dec 20: Seven coaches of KatiharAmritsar Amrapali Express derailed in Bihar's Khagaria district early today.There was no report of any casualty in the derailment that occurred at a place under Sonepur division of Eastern Central Railways.Seven coaches of 15707 UP KatiharAmritsar Express including one AC-2, one AC-3 and five sleeper coaches jumped the track in between Patraha and Gouchari at around 1:14 AM, Chief Public Relations Officer of East Cen-

tral Railway, Arvind Kumar Rajak, told Press Trust of India I in Patna.

Mr Rajak said the cause of derailment is under probe. The effected coaches after the engine are A-1 of AC2, B-1 of AC3, and sleepers coaches S5, S6, S7,S8 and S9.Routes of nearly halfa-dozen trains including New Delhi-Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express, New Jalpaiguri-Danapur Capital Express and Anand ViharJogvani Seemanchal have been diverted via Bhagalpur due to the derailment. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

PM urges BGB to work for upholding its dignity Dhaka, Dec 20: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her firm optimism that members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) would discharge their duties with utmost honesty and patriotism to uphold the goodwill and dignity of the border force and earn public confidence.The prime minister made the statement while addressing the BGB Parade marking the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day2015 at BGB headquarters at Pilkhana todaymorning. She said the mutiny that took place

at Pilkhana on February 25-26 in 2009 is a black chapter in the 220 years' history of the force.The Border Guard Bangladesh Act -2010 was enacted aimed at building a modern and time-befitting border force, she added.Sheikh Hasina said the flag of the BGB was raised on January 23, 2011 to expedite the operational activities of the force. With the sincere efforts of all the border force is now free from all curses and stepped in becoming into a dynamic and modern force, she said."The goodwill and dignity of the

Eight bodies found after boat sinks in China, one missing Beijing, Dec 20:At least nine persons have been killed and one remain missing after a boat capsized in China's Yangtze River. The barge was berthed at Jigongzui in the Fuling reach at around noon on Thursday.

Bodies of eight of the nine people who had gone missing after a barge sank have been recovered. Six rescue boats are still combing the river

to search for one missing person. A crew member left the vessel and went home on Thursday.

When he returned the next morning he failed to find the barge. The local maritime authority found the ship had sunk in dock waters, and the wreck is being salvaged. All nine people reported missing are from Yihe Township, Fuling District. (Agencies)

Indonesian military plane crashes, two pilots killed: Reports Jakarta, Dec 20: Two pilots were killed today when an Indonesian military plane crashed in central Java, local media reported. Video circulating on social media showed a fighter plane performing manoeuvres in the skies above Yogyakarta before spiralling toward the ground at speed and disappearing from view.Seconds later a thick, dark plume of smoke rose beyond the horizon, as people in the video can be heard screaming.Indonesian air force spokesman Dwi

Badarmanto confirmed a T-50 Golden Eagle fighter plane had crashed during a demonstration. "Two pilots died," he told news website Detik. It remains unclear if anyone on the ground was killed or injured .A major military air show had been underway this weekend in Yogyakarta. In June, a Hercules C-130 crashed into a residential neighborhood in Medan, the largest city on Sumatra Island, killing 142 people and causing widespread destruction. (Agencies)

Sheikh Hasina force has been restored because of hard labour of

all members of the force," she said, adding that the

force is playing a better role than in the past in any emergency period, natural disaster, nation building activities and in aid of civil administration.On her arrival at BGB headquarters, Home Minister Asaduzzaman khan and Director General of BGB Major General Aziz Ahmed received the prime minister.On the occasion, an attractive parade was arranged at Bir Uttam Anwar Hossain Parade Ground at BGB headquarters.

The prime minister reviewed the parade and took salute. Cabinet members, PM's advi-

sors, Leader of the Opposition, parliament members, chiefs of three services, diplomats and high civil and military officials were present .The prime minister handed over BGB Medal (BGBM) to 10 BGB members, President Border Guard Medal (PBGM) to 20 BGB members, BGB Medal-Service (BGBMS) to 10 BGB members and PBGMService (PBGMS) to 20 BGB members for their courageous and brilliant contribution in various activities of the BGB. (Agencies)

39 rescued, scores missing as waves sink Indonesian boat Makassar, Indonesia ,Dec 20: Rescuers have pulled put 39 survivors and three dead from a passenger boat that sank in central Indonesia after being buffeted by high waves, and were battling bad weather todayto reach scores of others still missing.The fiberglass ferry was on its way from Kolaka in Southest Sulawesi province crossing the Gulf of Bone to Siwa town with 110 passengers and 12 crew, when it was overwhelmed by waves more

than 3 meters (10 feet) high during stormy weather on Saturday afternoon, said Roki Asikin, head of the search and rescue agency in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi.Six rescue boats and ships were sent from Kendari and Makassar after they received a distress call from the crew who reported that the vessel was starting to take on water about 21 kilometers (13 miles) southeast of Siwa port in Wajo district, Asikin said. The pas-

sengers included 14 children, he said.Earlier Sunday, fishermen found four people, including a woman and a child wearing life jackets. They told authorities that their boat sank hours after being hit by high waves.Transportation Ministry spokesman Julius Barata said 35 other survivors and three dead were discovered later.He added that the four who were found earlier Sunday were taken to Port Hospital in Siwa, while the others were on

their way to another hospital in Kolaka Utara district.Television footage showed dozens of family members anxiously waiting for their loved ones at the Siwa port.Indonesian boat accidents have killed hundreds of people in recent years. Boats are often overcrowded and safety regulations are poorly enforced. The vast country spans more than 17,000 islands with a population of 250 million, and boats are a popular and relatively cheap form of transportation. (Agencies)

China releases new map of Macao SAR Beijing, Dec. 20: China released a map today of administrative divisions demarcating the maritime and land zones of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).Premier Li Keqiang today signed a decree to release the map, whose draft was endorsed by an executive meeting of the State Council, China's cabinet, on Dec. 16.The new map will go into effect on Dec. 20, while the old one, which was issued in 1999, will be abolished .The new map adjusts Macao's land demarcation and clarifies maritime zones.According to the new map, an 85-squarekilometer sea area to the east and south of Macao

shall be administered by Macao SAR. A stretch of land for a border inspection building between Macao SAR and Zhuhai City in Guangdong Province has also been demarcated under the administration of Macao SAR.Previously, there was no clear demarcation of sea zones between Macao SAR and Guangdong province.

Sometimes overlapping jurisdiction causes problems in fighting crime at sea and navigation safety.The adjustments in maritime and land resources by the central government have demonstrated the unique superiority of the principles of "one country, two sys-

tems" as well as the country's support for Macao, observers said.President Xi Jinping attended celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland on Dec. 19, 2014. During the visit, he promised to clarify the water areas governed by Macao while meeting with Chui Sai On, chief executive of the SAR.Soon afterwards the central government, along with Guangdong provincial government, the government of Zhuhai City and the Macao SAR government, worked out a specific plan after collecting opinions and making field studies.

The demarcation will strengthen the SAR

government's efficient governance by law.On Dec. 16, Chief Executive Chui Sai On thanked the central government and neighboring Guangdong Province for the coordination work they had done, noting that the demarcation is of great significance for Macao to diversify local economy.Geographic space is vital for Macao in its process of transforming into a world tourism and leisure center, and a service platform between the Chinese mainland and Portuguesespeaking countries, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macao SAR said in a statement a few days ago.

(Agencies)

Pakistani Taliban rejects ISIS chief Baghdadi's claim

Pakistani Karachi, Dec. 20: Pakistani Taliban has rejected ISIS chief Abu Bakr alBaghdadi's claim that he is the global leader of Muslims.The movement's statement came on Saturday amid speculation that the group's leadership, whose goal is to topple the government and set up a Sharia state, is actually wary of ISIS, which is driven by different ambitions that have little to do with South Asia.The Pa-

Taliban kistani Taliban's statement was posted following a similar rejection by the Afghan Taliban following pledges of allegiance to leader of ISIS from low-level commanders of both movements.The Pakistani Taliban's statement said that Baghdadi is not the caliph because it meant that he had control over the entire Muslim world which does not hold true in Baghdadi's case. (ANI)

US to extend military support to Pak for another year Karachi, Dec. 20 : The United States has agreed to support the Pakistan military under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) for another year, said a defence ministry official from Pakistan following high-level talks between the two countries in Washington.Pakistan had sought the extension in US assistance under the CSF, which is meant to reimburse costs Islamabad incurred in the fight against terrorism.

Last year, the US extended the facility for Pa-

kistan until 2015. It was established by the US in 2001 to cover some of the cost issues countries face in the fight against extremist violence, was originally supposed to expire in 2014. The defence ministry official said that the CSF arrangement will continue in 2016 as well.The announcement came after an agreement was reached during the meeting of the US-Pakistan Defence Consultative Group (DCG) held in Washington on December 16 and 17. (ANI)

US prefers to deal with army administration in Pak, says Khar

China urges US to stop provocative actions

Two pilots were killed when an Indonesian military plane crashed in central Java

Sri Lanka desires strong defence ties with China, India Colombo, Dec 20: Sri Lanka needs to have strong defence ties with countries like China and India, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.Addressing an event to mark the recruitment of a new batch of soldiers to the military, he said the army needs to modernize to be on par with the developing world. He said that in order to improve the standards of the army, Sri Lanka needed to maintain good ties with China, India and Pakistan as well as the US and Britain. "It is because of the relationship that we have with these countries that the army was able to develop."The prime minister said Sri

Lanka hoped to launch a programme through the defence ministry on future warfare to ensure the army was geared to face any situation in future.The military crushed the Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009 after 30 years of war which killed thousands on both sides.

Wickremesinghe said the situation had now changed in the world and that the Sri Lankan military must adapt to face those changes.He added that with the end of the war, the wounds from the conflict must heal and efforts must be taken in that regard."When you have a wound, it is not easy to heal." (Agencies)

Beijing, Dec 20: China urged the US to stop provocative actions following the flight of two B-52 bombers over the area near China's Nansha islands. "China takes the incident seriously and has lodged solemn representation with the US," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei as saying on Saturday. Two US bombers flew into the airspace near an island and reef of the Nansha Islands early on December 10. Pentagon said the flight might have strayed off course due to weather and an investigation had been

launched. Hong said Chinese Defence Ministry responded to the incident early on Saturday. The Chinese military kept strict surveillance and remained on high alert for US bombers' flight on December 10, and warned and expelled the bombers, he said. According to Hong, the US said it would investigate the incident. It must be stressed that China has always respected and safeguarded every country's flight and navigation freedom around the world in line with international laws, Hong said. "But we never al-

low anyone to infringe upon China's sovereignty and undermine China's security interests with the excuse of flight and navigation freedom," the spokesperson said. "We once again urge the United States to seriously reflect upon and correct its mistakes,

take effective measures to prevent similar dangerous and provocative actions, and stop any move that may undermine China's sovereignty and security interests and affect the peace and stability of South China Sea," Hong said.

(Agencies)

The Chinese military kept strict surveillance and remained on high alert for US bombers' flight on December 10, and warned and expelled the bombers, he said. According to Hong, the US said it would investigate the incident

Hina Rabbani Khar Karachi, Dec. 20 : Pakistan's former Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has said that the US prefers to deal with the military regime in the country, which has resulted in the supremacy of its influence in Pakistan.

Khar said in an interview that the US has a history of fascination with the Pakistani army.Despite being pushed on this point, Khar refused to concede that the Pakistani military "runs the show", though she admitted that the military

plays a larger role that what the Constitution permits. The US, she said, was complicit in causing a constant disruption in Pakistan's democratic process by propping up one military dictatorship after another. Khar said that she was always "fiercely independent" and was never pushed by the military to direct policy matters.She added that she only consulted the military leadership in matters where they were "relevant stakeholders." (ANI)

Sri Lanka Navy arrests six more Indian fishermen More than 200 vehicles enter Nepal from India Colombo, Dec.20: Six fishermen who were fishmore Indian fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy on Sunday for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan waters. Their fishing trawler was also seized. The six fishermen hail from Tamil Nadu's Pudukkottai District and were caught fishing near the Palk Strait.The arrested fishermen are presently in police custody in Kankasanthurai. They are being interrogated by officials of the Depart-

Sri Lanka Navy arrests six Indian fishermen ment of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Jaffna, reports the Co-

lombo Page web site.On December 17, the navy had arrested four Indian

ing northwest of Delft Island.Last month, 14 Tamil fishermen were detained along with their three fishing boats.Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urgently take up the fishermen's release issue with the Sri Lankan authorities.She has claimed that 41 fishermen, 56 fishing boats and fishing gear are to released by Sri Lanka.(ANI)

Kathmandu, Dec. 20 :The flow of vehicles including diesel and petrol tankers fromIndia to Nepal via Biratnagar has crossed 200.The vehicles included 10 diesel tankers, two petrol tankers and one cooking gas bullet. Biratnagar Customs Office used to receive 250 vehicles every day earlier, informed Krishna Basnet, customs chief at Biratnagar. Similarly, 107 vehicles includ-

ing four liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bullets entered Nepal through the Nepalgunj Customs Office. Rajendra Hamal, chief customs officer at Nepalgunj Customs Office, said that the flow of vehicles from this route has increased along with disturbances at other customs points and also due to re-routing of vehicles from other border points where there have been disturbances. (ANI)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

Pakistan-Bangladesh spat peaks The Huge Cost India's Discrimination Against Women Imagine a country where the most powerful political figure, two billionaires ,three of the most dominant regional politicians, several prominent CEOs, and half of local government representatives are women. Now imagine that, in that same country, one-third of adult women are illiterate, spousal rape is not illegal, and sex-selective abortion and female infanticide are still widely practiced. It may be hard to reconcile these two realities, but modern India somehow manages to be, at the same time, the land of Indira Gandhi and Mother Theresa and of child brides and dowry deaths.

Gender discrimination continues to be an enormous problem within Indian society. Traditional patriarchal norms have relegated women to secondary status within the household and workplace. This drastically affects women's health, financial status, education, and political involvement. Women are commonly married young, quickly become mothers, and are then burdened by stringent domestic and financial responsibilities. They are frequently malnourished since women typically are the last member of a household to eat and the last to receive medical attention. Additionally, only 54 percent of Indian women are literate as compared to 76 percent of men. Women receive little schooling, and suffer from unfair and biased inheritance and divorce laws. These laws prevent women from accumulating substantial financial assets, making it difficult for women to establish their own security and autonomy.

Today India offers a lot of opportunities to women, with women having a voice in everyday life, the business world as well as in political life. Nevertheless India is still a male dominated society, where women are often seen as subordinate and inferior to men.

While in the educated, urban middle class women's rights continue to improve, there remains a strong bias against gender equality in those societal parts of India, where patriarchal traditions prevail. Consequently, in these strata any inheritance of a deceased husband or father would be passed down to the oldest son, while his wife or daughters would not receive any financial benefit. There are laws in place to ensure legal protection for women's right to inheritance, but the enforcement of the law is challenging, when the woman is refused her right by the family, and when she is not confident or educated enough to claim her right.

Having looked at the status of women in India, Jawaharlal Nehru said, "You can tell the condition of a Nation by looking at the status of its Women." The concluding questions are: which nation can claim to be a free and prosperous society, where half of its population is being oppressed? And which striving nation can afford to oppress half of its population? Obviously, the answer to that question is: none! Sustainable and longterm development is not possible without the participation and empowerment of women, only if they participate in the economic and societal development, the full potential of a society of India's society will be unfolded.

Celebrity and Indian judicial system Can a celebrity status brings in change to the judgement system?

In a major relief to actor Salman Khan, Bombay High Court has granted him bail in the 2002 hit-and-run case, suspending the five-year sentence by the sessions court.

He now has to furnish personal surety within two weeks.

So how did the superstar return home the same day he was convicted of culpable homicide and sentenced to five years in jail? Legal experts say there were two factors responsible - Khan seems to have gone to court prepared with a course of action in case he was convicted; and, as soon as he was convicted, he hired the best he could find, Harish Salve, who has been described as the most expensive lawyer in India. While most convicts do not file appeals until they have received a copy of the conviction order and prepared their grounds for appeal, Salve filed one based on the operative parts of the order that had been released to his client. The celebrity accused is always ready with all the weapons and this is exactly what Salman has done. Salman got the bail on technical grounds. A normal man does not think of such things but that does not mean it cannot happen. How can a common man hire such renowned lawyers at the last moment? But supporters of Sallu Bhai were happy with Bombay High Court case and said it is a special case and there have to be special circumstances to grant such relief.

Salman Khan is one such actor of the B-town who is always walk side by side to controversy. He was earlier accused of poaching two Blackbucks in 1998 near Jodhpur during the shooting of 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'. He was sentenced to one year prison. When celebrity status is in conflict with the law, public sentiment will revolve around two narratives. The narrative of power and wealth would suggest high status is a burden, a disadvantage before the judiciary because judges will be chary of being seen as favouring them. The more popular narrative, however, is that the slow criminal justice system is always skewed in favour of celebrities. It will include folk wisdom that even the otherwise fair and strict judiciary will cave in to power and pelf. The judgment of Justice A.R. Joshi acquitting Khan may be sound in law. Yet, it is likely to revive cynicism about the administration of criminal justice in the country. It raises a host of questions, not least of which is about who killed Nurullah Sharif in the September 2002 incident. The judge has termed a key eyewitness, Ravindra Patil, a police bodyguard who is now no more, unreliable. Has it now been accepted that it was Ashok Singh, the actor's driver who claimed responsibility in the latter stages of the trial, who was driving the car that night? If so, is he going to be proceeded against?

However, the questions are not limited to the judgment.

The police have been exposed for their shoddy investigation. An honest investigation is unlikely to have resulted in doubts being cast on as basic an aspect as the identity of the person at the wheel. Crucial lapses in the handling of the blood samples have been recorded. The judge has ruled that it was not proved either that Khan was driving the car or that he was drunk. Why then does the verdict raise uncomfortable questions? It may be because after three recorded convictions, Salman Khan is yet to be punished.

Subir Bhaumik As Bangladesh celebrated its 44th anniversary of liberation and its Victory over Pakistan Day on 16th December, Dhaka seemed embroiled in a bitter spat with Islamabad.

Bangladesh's liberation war affairs minister Mozammel Haque announced that his government was considering seizure of all assets of the war criminals . Haque said it was also considering a ban on the Jamaat e Islami because as a party it was responsible for horrible war crimes in its effortts to keep Pakistan united in 1971.

This appeared to be a deliberate on-your-face response by the Hasina government to those who have been critical of the war crimes trials and hangings so far of four mass murderers. Both Pakistan and some Western governments and organisations have tried to project it as political vendetta because those hanged were leaders of Jamaat e Islami and BNP, both major Opposition parties. Even the Amnesty International lashed out at the war crimes trials as 'flawed' and motivated by 'vendetta'.

This appears to be crucial for states like Assam and West Bengal which border on Bangladesh, but only if those ruling these states and surely the Indian government takes a cue from Hasina's strong drive to root out radical Islamist influences and traces of the Pakistani political culture. Because once the Islamist radicals come under pressure in Bangladesh, they will seek to flee to bordering Indian states. If votebank politics helps them get shelter in these states, we can only blame ourselves for buying into the trouble that Bangladesh's present government is trying hard to eradicate.

But Hasina's government has indicated it gives a damn to these critical voices.

The Dhaka University has taken the lead by severing all ties with educational institutions in Pakistan on 14th December , the day that isobserved as the Intellectual Martyrs Day in Bangladesh. This is the day in 1971 when scores of Bengali secular intellectuals were picked up by the Pakistani forces and their local collaborators and murdered.

In some ways that trend of hitting at the cultural muscle of Bengali nationalism continues. That is why the jihadi in Bangladesh focusses on attacking secular bloggers and publishers who spread the ideals of 1971 , of secular Bengali linguistic nationalism and syncretic Bengali culture.

So on the day Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was meeting his Pakistani counterpart secretly in Bangkok to resume talks at their level, Bangladesh went on record to threaten a possible severance of bilateral relations with Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmud Ali told journalists in the evening briefing at the ministry of foreign affairs that Bangladesh was 'reviewing' its relations with Pakistan.

The soft spoken minister, who as a Pakistan foreign service officer revolted and joined the Bangladesh government-in-exile in 1971, minced no words "Our relation with Pakistan is under considerable strain because we have not taken kindly to their uncalled for interference.

We have not liked the way they tried to defend our war criminals who were hanged," said Ali. This brings to focus the diplomatic confrontation between Dhaka and Islamabad over the executions of the Islamist leaders found guilt of 'crimes against humanity' during Bangladesh's Liberation War. The confrontation started with five Pakistani public figures (holding top positions in 1971) coming forward to defend war criminal Salauddin Quader Chaudhury after he was sentenced to death for 'crimes against humanity' during the 1971 Liberation War. The Supreme Court's appellate division turned down the request but this was seen as ' a desperate attempt' by Pakistan to save Salauddin Quader and Jamaat e Islami leader Ali Ahsan Mujahid, also facing a death sentence.

When both Salauddin Quader and Mujahid were finally hanged, Pakistan government reacted strongly. Islamabad's official statement not only termed the executions as 'deeply disturbing' but found the trials 'totally flawed.

The Bangladesh foreign ministry summoned the Pakistani envoy in Dhaka and handed over a strong protest note . It not only blamed Islamabad for 'interference in Bangladesh's internal affairs' but pointed to the Pakistani protest as 'an indirect admission of its role in the 1971 brutalities."

Then the Pakistan foreign ministry summoned Bangladesh's acting high commissioner and informed him that "the government of Pakistan rejected the baseless and unfounded assertions of the Bangladesh Government ".

Salauddin Quader, the son of Pakistan's national assembly speaker Fazlul Quader Chowdhury, was said to be personally responsible for many atroci-

ties, including the murder of a Hindu owner of a top Ayurvedic chain.

A six-time MP from Chittagong, Salauddin served as a minister under military dictator HM Ershad and later joined the BNP to serve as a parliamentary advisor to Khaleda Zia. Mujahid led the notorious Al-Badr militia in 1971, which abducted and executed intellectuals during the war. He became a minister during the 2001-06 BNP-Jamaat coalition government.

What upset Hasina's government the most was a 'certificate' Chaudhury had produced in court from the Punjab University, Lahore, that said he spent much of his time with them in West Pakistan during the liberation war.

Ultimately that did not help Chaudhury get away but left many in Dhaka upset.

Even Pakistan's top rights activist Asma Jahangir said Islamabad's reaction over their executions in Bangladesh only proved that Chaudhury and Mujahid were Pakistan's agents.

Dhaka protested what it described as Pakistan's "openly taking the side" of the war criminals.

Following this note, the acting high commissioner of Bangladesh was again summoned by the Pakistan Foreign Affairs ministry.

Through the summoning, "Pakistan claimed to reject the ' insinuation of complicity in committing crimes or war atrocities.'

Its note was positively provocative.

"It is regrettable that attempts have been made

by Bangladesh to malign Pakistan, despite our ardent desire to develop brotherly relations." " Bangladesh does not seem to respect these sentiments. The 1974 tripartite Agreement is the bedrock of relations between the two countries‌ as part of the Agreement, the Government of Bangladesh had "decided not to proceed with the trials as an act of clemency."

But then the note said something even more preposterous.

"The hearts of the people of Pakistan beat in unison with the people of Bangladesh. It is important for the two countries not to forget the role played by their people in the struggle for the establishment of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the South Asian sub-continent."

This provoked furious reactions in Dhaka.

Former Bangladesh army chief Lt General K M Shafiullah urged Prime Minister Hasina to immediately sever all diplomatic ties with Pakistan. He was immediately supported by another former

Bangladesh army chief Abdullah Haroon.

The Ganajagaran Mancha , which led the Shabagh demonstration in 2013 demanding death for all war criminals , said Dhaka has no reason to maintain diplomatic relations with Pakistan.

"The ISI supports Islamist radicals who kill our writers and bloggers and publishers. So why should we maintain any relation with them," said Mancha's spokesperson Imran H Sarkar.

Another pro-liberation group Ekatorrer Ghatak o Dalal Nirmul Committee jumped into the fray.

"We must warn Pakistan to mind its own business and accept the truth of history," said the committee's convenor Shahriar Kabir.

Hasina's government has been fuming for a while over 'evidence' that the ISI is behind funding many Islamist radicals who seek to topple her secular regime.

In February this year, Dhaka forced Islamabad withdraw an ISI case officer Mohammad Mazhar Khan.

Khan, an attachĂŠ in the Pakistan high commission in Dhaka, was involved in financing terrorists and bringing in forged currencies , a Bangladesh intelligence official. " He used to bring in huge quantity of forged currency and finance radical groups like Hizb ut-Tahir, Ansarullah Bangla Team and Jamaat-e-Islami," the Bangladesh intelligence official said but was not willing to be named.

In 2000, during Hasina's first term in power, Bangladesh had declared a Pakistani diplomat persona non grata and asked him to leave Dhaka immediately. The Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Irfanur Rehman Raza, was withdrawn by the Pakistani Government on 30 November after his comments on the Bangladesh liberation war triggered a storm of protest in Dhaka.Raza had sought to play down the casualties during the Liberation War and said "Bengalis have a habit of

exaggerating." That was the first time a foreign diplomat has been declared an unwanted person by Bangladesh.

Now the bdnews24.com ,Bangladesh's leading online newspaper, has exposed a second ISI officer operating under consular cover in Pakistan's Dhaka High Commission. Second Secretary Farina Arshad is said to have funded the Islamist radical group JMB which has now spread its tentacles to West Bengal and Assam. An arrested JMB radical Idris Sheikh pointed to Farina as his source of funds . He also admitted visiting Pakistan 48 times in the last two years.

Even as Idris is likely to reveal more , his judical confession in the court of the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate may be used by Bangladesh to pressurise Islamabad to withdraw her from the High Commission , like had been the case with Mazhar Khan.

So when the Modi government, after all its initial hard talk, seems to be renewing negotiations with Pakistan , possibly under US pressure, the Hasina government is looking Islamabad in the eye and threatening to cut off diplomatic relations if Pakistan raises the war crimes trials.

In fact, the Sectors Commander Forum led by retired general Shafiullah and freedom fighter Haroon Habib has already asked Pakistan to put on trial 195 Pakistani military personnel, against whom there is huge evidence of perpetrating unspeakable atrocities in 1971. In a memorandum handed over to the Pakistani high commissioner in Dhaka, Shafiullah and Haroon said that Pakistan must accept the history and come to terms with 1971.

But top journalist Sumi Khan in a column wrote recently that Pakistan will never come to terms with reality so long as it is ruled by the army. So when

there are voices in India who suggest Delhi should talk to the Pakistan army for a peace deal, nobody entertains any such illusions in Bangladesh. For most Bangladeshis, the Pakistan army is a monster, a devil which killed nealry 3 million of its people ( as many deaths as during the 1943 Bengal famine, for which author Madhusree Mukherjee holds Churchill responsible) and dishonoured lakhs of its women. That is why in Bangladesh, with Sheikh Hasina in power, military generals with known links to Pakistan have been given death sentence in the 2004 Chittagong arms case. The judgement of this case, which I have read , provides graphic details of the connections between former DGFI and NSI chiefs like Abdur Rahim and Rezakul haider Chaudhury and Pakistan's ISI. Another man from Assam got death sentence in this case and his connection is also detailed in this judgement.

That is ULFA's commander in chief.

Like many in the Delhi officialdom who tend to equate Pakistan and Bangladesh just because both are predominantly Muslim nation, Barua also made the cardinal mistake in believing that Bangladesh could be run by those friendly to Pakistan and that the BNPJamaat alliance could never be dislodged. Within four years of the Chittagong arms fiasco, Bangladesh has a free election that swept the Awami League to power.

Barua got it all wrong .

The rest is history.

(Subir Bhaumik is a former BBC Correspondent and now works as Senior Editor of Dhaka-based bdnews24.com. His books on Northeast "Insurgent Crossfire" and "Troubled Periphery" are well acclaimed. His forthcoming book "Agartala Doctrine" is being published by Oxford University Press. ) Courtesy:nezine.com

A Talking Point Sir, Not surprisingly, the local media of Northeast these days is rife with stories focusing on the ground reality that the internationally-famed Kaziranga National Park, the pride of the Northeast for having earned the rare distinction of being a world heritage site, has been facing a serious identity crisis for a host of man-made problems. Concocted though the news reports may seem at first sight, given their international significance, in reality, these are not something that can be discounted as unfounded because they have also become a talking point even among the wildlife lovers and conservationists. One aspect of the problem that does pose a serious threat to the very existence of the park is the haphazard growth and development of tourism-related infrastructure, polluting industries. This deleterious development is not only precipitating environmental hazards in the No Development Zone (NDZ), the park but also, more particularly, blocking natural animal corridors in the area. There is no element of doubt in mind that the tourist-inflow to the park will increase if there is growth of tourism-related industry within it or its peripheries. For this will, in turn, enable the State government to earn huge amount of money by way of rev-

enue, but, commercial exploitation of the park at the expense of wild animals cannot be support-worthy.

So, this is my humble request to the state government and Atuwa Munda as well, to take care of the park as this will be very helpful in increasing the tourism sector of NE. Yours etc Nupur Saikia Duliajan

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

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

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In The "Power Struggle" Between This Year on 16th December, These People ReMen And Women, Only Patriarchy membered Jyoti Singh In Their Own Unique Way dated by Vikramaditya Manira Chaudhary Wins. Here's Why Sahai, who teaches at Chhake! Sala Gay! Trans kahi ka! (Eunuch! Bloody Gay! Bloody Trans!)

All these words resonate with the childhood and adulthood of 'effeminate' guys like me. It's sadly true that in an ignorant Paras and a fundamentally patriarchal society like ours even abusing a guy takes up such an apathetic and grossly generalized form.

Any 'biological' male who shows 'feminine' characteristics must be taught the right way and made into an 'Asli Mard' (real man). And the best way to go about this process of 'normalizing' is calling the effeminate guy: a chhaka (eunuch), a transgender or more often than not gay.

What's noteworthy is how misinformed and ignorant these verbal remarks are.

The reason being that all these 'unnatural' sexual and gender identities are starkly different. But they are generalized as unnatural and chosen as the best remarks which can be used to refer to effeminate men so that they feel disgusted, because being a part of the LGBTQ+ community is a taboo big enough for one to change something unchangeable: one's identity.

This is not to suggest that females do not go through a process of gender construction but this article explores firstly the relationship between men and feminism and secondly dimensions of effeminacy in a patriarchal backdrop for a number of reasons.

triarchal society that we all reside in. The social conditioning that goes onto classify two sexes away from each other in two watertight compartments begins at home.

Since the social condiArora tioning that goes on to mould boys into breadwinners and the rulers of home and the world and, goes on to make girls ideal woman that is married mothers the process seems to be skewed towards boys. The process of gender construction sideline girls as "the second sex" and give preference to boys as the rulers and proprietors of the world and is thus seen as favoring boys (and by consequence men).

This imbalance in gender construction has lead to a single minded obsession that translates into a scholarly inclination ('bias' being too strong a word) towards a rigorous analysis of gender construction of women and a complete ignorance of men as gendered beings.

This inclination has indeed been fruitful in bringing out the subtleties and complexities of the process of growing up female in a patriarchal society but it has some dire consequences too.

This imbalance doesn't end here. This goes onto effect feminist scholarship as well. Gender is only seen as a rival to women. And men are projected to support this gender bias. Which invariably leads to alienation of

A scene from the superhit Bollywood movie "Kuch Kuch Hota Hein" Source: d1pcxoetpnw26i.cloudfront.net

Firstly, my own subjectivity makes me write this article; secondly biologically being a 'man' and ideologically a feminist I find the engagement of feminism with men imperative for the fulfillment of feminist goals. And finally, there has been a single minded obsession with research only on the process of gender construction for females.

Both the sexes haven't been given adequate if not equal attention.

Leela Dube, a renowned Indian anthropologist and feminist scholar in a breakthrough article 'On the Construction of Gender: Hindu Girls in Patrilineal India' published back in 1984 in Economic and Political Weekly discovered the process through which women are produced as "gendered subjects" in patrilineal and patrilocal India. I do not intend to (and cannot) take up a laborious empirical analysis like Dube to discover this process of gender construction but what I intend to analyze is the process that goes on in constructing gender for boys in a patriarchal society like ours through my own experience and what's happening in the status quo.

Dube suggested that gender differences between men and women which are culturally produced are invariably interpreted to be rooted in biology. And one of the many social institutions that go on to interpret and perpetuate differences between the two sexes (only two because patriarchy cannot handle more) is family.

Even according to radical feminists like Kate Millett, family is 'patriarchy's chief institution'. Family that rejoices in our best and supports us in our worst times is also a production of a pa-

men from feminism.

Women and men become rivals in a power struggle with bras being burnt on one side and rapes taking place on the other. But who wins?

Patriarchy does.

This battle which is constructed by historical misfortune and isolation and exclusivity of feminism leads to the victory of the ultimate enemy: Patriarchy. The battle against patriarchy needs men and women on one side and patriarchy on the other.

It needs to be understood by fellow feminists, men and women that men are also victims of patriarchy and they aren't the enemy.

From being given the scepter of the family to the sword in the battlefield men are produced into gendered subjects too. Subjected to patriarchy and gender norms and thereby subjugating women. The ones who refuse to wield the scepter are destined to be sidelined as impotent or as eunuchs. They are strains on the fabric of manhood and are to be immediately cleaned off. Men and women are to be casted in moulds which patriarchy permits for the penetration of a normative social order where on dominates the other and the elder dominates the younger. But was the dominant ever asked whether he wants to rule?

(Here the equivalence of dominance to rule or governance might be seen as problematic but is invariably true) What if some men do not want to cast themselves in moulds manufactured by the society? Just like women don't.

A very simple example of society's intolerance to this possible defiance of gender norms by men is evident in the reverse prejudice

against male Kathak dancers who are ridiculed not only by society as effeminate and impotent but families discourage men from dancing as it is in the 'female realm'.

Another example of this social resistance is boys not being allowed to cook in many households.

Boys entering kitchen is a humongous taboo.

Though researchers might argue that most professional chefs are male what researchers won't deny is the role played by family in gendering each and every aspect of children's lives by restricting and moulding their choices thereby sowing seeds of acceptance to gender norms in their young impressionable minds.

The men who face the onslaughts of the public world cannot cry their problems out. Because crying is not for 'real' men.

Just like the social conditioning makes women accept their subjugation in name of pativratta (the ideal woman for whom her husband is god). Similarly men internalize ideas like Asli Mard or manhood which makes them not only dominant, apathetic to women of the family and takes them away from maximizing their potential.

This process of casting sexes into only 'pink' and 'blue' watertight compartments where violet or any other colour cannot exist, where blue loves pink and vice versa and everything else is ridiculed as unnatural leads to ignorance of those who might not fit into these categories and there subsequent normalization. Shock therapy, forced marriages, killing dreams are some of the many ways to achieve this normative order.

If this compartmentalization needs to be overthrown then men have to understand that this process is deteriorating their creative abilities and concealing their true self not only from the society but also from themselves.

For a man who shows 'feminine' attributes a constant reminder with coercion is required to bring him 'back' on track, the track to patriarchy.

What society and the proprietors of our cultures need to internalize is that men with feminine attributes aren't impotent, aren't necessarily homosexual, transgender or men who 'need to be castrated'. One can be effeminate and yet be volatile in bed. One can be effeminate and posses the gender identity of a woman. One can be effeminate and be attracted to women or men or both.

The recognition and celebration of the principle of diversity is imperative for the growth of society.

Or society will end up housing individuals regretting their gendered decisions and shall go bankrupt of talent in name of a 'natural order of things'.

Women's movement cannot end and succeed just by ensuring women's access to public realm, breaking the public/ private divide and women emancipation in the personal realm. Women's movement has to ensure that the roots of reverse oppression and prejudice do not find the wet soil of a patriarchal society where men are considered to be the heartless enemies.

Feminism's goals cannot be achieved in isolation to men. Since patriarchy has sustained itself for many years by either silencing women or by the policy of divide and rule. Feminism needs support of men and the LGBTQ+ community to fight against the common enemy for a mutual good.

The night of December 16th this year, exactly three years since the night Jyoti Singh was brutally raped in a moving bus by 5 men in Delhi, a group of young men and women came out all guns blazing on the streets of Connaught Place, the heart of the capital, raising slogans and singing songs of freedom and equality.

These were the young campaigners of Pinjra Tod, which started this September, against the "unfair and oppressive college hostel curfew timings imposed on women."

Literally meaning 'Break The Cage', the campaign has managed to create a quite a stir and has found support from students across the country.

Their initiative named 'Bus Teri Meri, Chal Saheli' found support and resonance in cities like Pune, Allahabad,

Kolkata, Patiala, Chandigarh, Bangalore and Darjeeling where many women came out in participation and travelled in public transport holding placards, raising slogans and addressing people about the campaign in public spaces.

"A street full of women is the idea that we are trying to bargain for. We are not asking for more CCTV cameras or police surveillance or more gates and walls, but a more fruitful engagement with safety‌ A kind of safety which does not compromise on the autonomy of women," said Avipsha Das, an MPhil student from JNU. The contention with women being viewed as people who need to be protected and hence 'caged' was evident in slogans being raised and as was further eluci-

Ambedkar University and is a queer rights activist, "Fundamentally we are trying to challenge a patriarchal ideology that imagines women only in terms of violence. Here, there is an imagination of 'resisting' women which challenges the idea that women are vulnerable, that women can only be imagined in discourses of violation in security."

Braving the cold December weather, this group of young men and women, roamed about the streets shouting slogans, singing songs and distributing pamphlets to curious onlookers.

They boarded public buses and addressed the passengers about their struggle against oppressive rules and their efforts to make society a freer space for women.

The group believes that their struggle to break the hostel locks is subsumed within the larger

struggle for equality.

"We as women students enter educational institutions with an idea of equality and envisaging a university space which is equal for both men and women. Then why are there discriminatory and sexist rules within the university where they try to lock us up?" Das added.

"This is not simply restricted to middleclass women occupying public spaces but making the city space accessible, less vulnerable and more joyous to every single

woman," Sahai adds as Das nods in agreement saying, "And where women are considered as people who can take their own decisions."

As the night progressed, so did this passionate group of people as they want about hopping from o n e b u s t o a n o t h e r.

Along with the chill, a light sense of merriment was in the air as hours went by and the singing and sloganeering did not cease. They marched on, asserting their right on their city.

This Supreme Court Judgement Might Reinforce Caste Discrimination in Temples Abhishek Jha The Supreme Court Bench of Justices, which ruled on 16th of December that Archakas (priests) in Tamil Nadu will have to be appointed in accordance with Agamas ("treatises pertaining to matters like construction of temples; installation of idols and conduct of worship of the Deity"), may want an excuse from criticism as they were at pains to explain in their judgement that it did not perpetuate casteism. They have hence added a clause to their judgement and said that the treatises will be "subject to their due identification as well as their conformity with the Constitutional mandates and principles," particularly Article 17, which abolishes and makes Untouchability and "its practice in any form" punishable.

The bench has also ruled that "that the exclusion of some and inclusion of a particular segment or denomination for appointment as Archakas would not violate Article 14 (Right to Equality) so long as such inclusion/exclusion is not based on the criteria of caste, birth or any other constitutionally unacceptable parameter."

However, in the process of delivering the judgement, it appears from the material and the language used by the judges, they may have created a precedent that can help perpetuate the system through which the modern India practices casteism.

The matter in question was

a Government Order of Tamil Nadu from 2006 that allowed "any person who is a Hindu and possessing the requisite qualification and training" to be appointed as a priest in Hindu temples. The petitioners (Adi Saiva Sivacharyargal Nala Sangam and others) had argued that this would violate what had already been adjudicated in Seshammal and others Vs. State of Tamil Nadu, where hereditary appointments were prohibited but appointment of priests from particular denominations (for instance, a particular tradition of Vaishnavism) were allowed. To be sure this earlier judgement as well as the current one is in accordance with Article 16(5) of the Constitution, which while mandating the "equality of opportunity in

not necessarily mean that the judgement agreed with the spirit of the Constitution. (Didn't the Delhi High Court bench just give "expanded meaning to the law" in the recent National Herald Case?) In fact, the reasons given for the judgement are indeed problematic.

For instance, after beginning their judgement with the invocation of Article 13, where they state that"Article 13, in clear and unequivocal terms, lays down that all laws including pre-constitution laws which are inconsistent with or in derogation of the fundamental rights guaranteed

by Part III are void,"it is surprising that they spend a lot of time citing precedents to establish that the treatises are an"essential religious practice" of the

Supreme Court of India. Source: cdn.youthkiawaaz.com

matters of public employment" allows "the incumbent of an office in connection with the affairs of any religious or denominational institution or any member of the governing body thereof" to be appointed from a particular religion or a particular denomination.

However, the appearance of constitutional validity does

Hindus. It is a slightly misleading assertion by them that the"Article 17 of the Constitution strikes at caste based practices built on superstitions and beliefs that have no rationale or logic."

If Article 17 prohibited untouchability simply because it is illogical, our Constitution could have prohibited almost all of religion. They

fail to note that it is not just irrationality but also the oppression that casteism has inherent in it that necessitates rights laid down in the Constitution.

It is perhaps in not paying due attention to this argument about oppression that the judges refer to the idea of the 'pollution' of the temple idol as an important aspect that needs to be protected under Article 25.

And it is not the vandalistation or deliberate defacing of idols that is meant by them. It is precisely the Brahminical idea of 'purity' that they invoke.

Thus they cite from a Constitution Bench order: "pollution of the image by the touch of an Archaka not authorised by the Agamas would violently interfere with the religious faith and practices of the Hindu worshipper"; a Madras High Court judgement in Gopala Mooppanar and Others Vs. Subramania Iyer and others: "As the temple priests have got the special saivite initiation or dheeksha which entitles them to touch the inner most image, and as the touch of the persons who have got no such initiation, even though they be Brahmins, was supposed to pollute the image;" thus establishing the idea of "purity" and "pollution" as an important aspect of Hinduism (here too they rely on Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan's work on Hinduism, who remained "enthralled by the philosophical grandeur of brahmanical Hinduism" according to author Braj Ranjan Mani) that needs protection under Article

25. Surprisingly, several rules about 'touchability' and 'purity' does not make the judges inform or question how that would not be a violation of Article 17.

Doesn't Article 17 say that the "enforcement of any disability arising out of Untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law"?

Here is also where a third contention arises. In their unilateral pursuit of a logical reasoning, the idea that even Brahmins could be barred from touching an idol immediately makes the judges conclude that allowing the Agamas to be the rulebook for appointment would not lead to casteist appointments. Isn't this the manner in which the forces against reservation argue? That since "merit" is the criteria that can exclude upper caste students too from admissions, it must be the sole criterion in selection.

Aren't both "purity" and "merit" both the modern inheritance of caste?

Truth to be told, many Dalits have already converted to other religions, become Atheists, and continue to do so.

Temples aren't where they will be going to or will need to seek their rights anymore. However, a temple is also a public place and the impugned Government Order was about public employment. That the judgement today might become a precedent for "meritorious" appointments elsewhere is what screams "dangerous" about it.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai Speaks Up On Intolerance In USA. And There's A Lesson For India Sundar Pichai I came to the US from India 22 years ago. I was fortunate enough to gain entry to a University here, and time after time, I saw that hard work opened other doors. I have built a career and a family and a life here. And I've felt as much a part of this country, as I felt growing up in India.

My experience is obviously not unique. It's been said a million times that America is the "land of opportunity"?-?for millions of immigrants, it's not an abstract notion, but a concrete description of what we find here.

America provided access

to opportunities that simply didn't exist for many of us before we arrived.

And it's not just about opportunity. The openmindedness, tolerance, and acceptance of new Americans is one of the country's greatest strengths and most defining characteristics. And that is no coincidence??America, after all, was and is a country of immigrants.

That is why it's so disheartening to see the intolerant discourse playing out in the news these days?-?statements that our country would be a better place without the voices, ideas and the contributions of certain groups of people, based solely on

where they come from, or their religion.

I walk around the campus where I work and see a vibrant mix of races and cultures. Every one of those people has a different voice ‌ a different perspective ‌ a different story to tell. All of that makes our company an exciting and special place to be, and allows us to do great things together. We are urgently working to become much more diverse, because it's so important to our future success. I firmly believe that whether you're building a company or leading a country, a diverse mix of voices and backgrounds and experiences leads to better discussions, better

decisions, and better outcomes for everyone.

I debated whether to post this, because lately it seems that criticism of intolerance just gives more oxygen to this debate. But I feel we must speak out?-?particularly those of us who are not under attack. Everyone has the right to their views,

but it's also important that those who are less represented know that those are not the views of all.

Let's not let fear defeat our values. We must support Muslim and other minority communities in the US and around the world.

The article was first published in Youth Ki Awaaz.

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

BUSINESS

Food processing sector can generate employment opportunities Agartala, Dec 20: Terming the food processing sector as a "sunrise' industry, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar recently said it has the potential to generate huge employment opportunities for the youths in the state and can be critical for country's growth. The youth of the state needed to be provided with financial assistance to nurture their entrepreneurial skills and food processing is one sector that needed to be promoted aggressively, he said.

"The food processing industry is a sunrise industry which has the potential of dramatically improving ru-

ral livelihood opportunities and bridge the rural-urban divide. It is critical for the development of our country as it establishes vital linkages between the two pillars of the economy i.e. the agriculture and industry," he said. Sarkar was speaking at a conference 'Linking Prospective Food Entrepreneurs with Government Schemes and Market', organised by Assocham in collaboration with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India. A constructive partnership would transform the food processing sector of the country and thereby

Kesoram Industries to raise Rs 650 crore

Industries Ltd, a public limited company, for a cash consideration of not less than Rs 150 crore," it added. The transfer of both the undertakings is proposed to be effected no later than the first half of the 2016-17 fiscal, it said.

The company's board also approved divestment of certain of its investments in listed companies at prevailing market prices for the purpose of enhancing cash inflows. The timing of such divestments will depend upon market conditions and any approvals required for completing such transaction, it said.

"The current market value of such investments is around Rs 470 crore in aggregate and there can be no assurance that such divestments will occur at all or that the actual value from the sale of such investments will equal to or exceed the current market value," it added.

(Agencies)

Kolkata, Dec 20: B K Birla group firm Kesoram Industries recently said its board has approved a proposal for raising up to Rs 650 crore through issue of securities. "The board, which met recently, approved to raise an amount not exceeding Rs 650 crore via qualified institutional placement of shares and/or any other financial instruments or security convertible into equity, FPO, ADR/GDR/FCCB," Kesoram Industries said in a regulatory filing. The board also approved disposal and transfer of the company's Spun Pipe and the Heavy Chemicals undertakings both located in West Bengal, it added. Such disposal will be subject to receipt of such permissions and consents, if any, that may be required, the company said. "The company proposes to transfer and dispose both undertakings to Camden

New version of IndiGo's engine delivery to be delayed Mumbai, Dec 20: Lowcost carrier IndiGo recently said there is no clear visibility about the delivery of A320 neos as delivery of the first aircraft has been delayed

by Airbus due to "industrial reasons". The development could throw a spanner in the ambitious growth plans of IndiGo, which has been betting on the more fuel-efficient A320 neos (newengine option) whose delivery was to start from this month. In a regulatory filing, InterGlobe Aviation, which runs the airline, said it received an official notification from Airbus, saying delivery of the first A320 neo aircraft has been "delayed due to industrial reasons". "At this time, IndiGo does not have a clear visibility of its future A320 neo delivery schedule and the poten-

tial for additional delays exists. We are looking at mitigating the potential shortfall in capacity through other options," IndiGo said. The first A320 neo was to be delivered to IndiGo on December 30. As per the original plan, IndiGo was to induct 10 A320 neos in the current fiscal ending March 31, 2016.

IndiGo had announced to acquire 180 A320s, including 150 A320 neos in 2011, the largest aircraft order by any Indian carrier at that time. European aircraft maker Airbus claims that this new type of aircraft burns 10-15% less fuel than the existing versions.

C u r r e n t l y, IndiGo has a fleet of 98 aircraft, and about 75 of them are on an operating lease -- a business model which has helped it lower costs.

(Agencies)

INDIGO DELAYS DELIVERY ¨ IndiGo recently said there is no clear visibility about the delivery of A320 neos as delivery of the first aircraft has been delayed by Airbus.

¨ The xdel9ivery has been delayed due to various "industrial reasons".

¨ The development could throw a spanner in the ambitious growth plans of IndiGo, which has been betting on the more fuel-efficient A320 neos.

¨ IndiGo does not have a clear visibility of its future A320 neo delivery schedule and the potential for additional delays exists.

transform the fortunes of Tripura, he said and emphasised promoting the development of viable agribusiness and agro-industry coupled with institutional strengthening and capacity building across value chain.

Jitendra Chaudhury, Lok Sabha MP from Tripura, in his address said while agriculture is the main occupation for the majority of the people in the Northeast, experts have said horticulture is a major contributor to the economies of the states in the region. The agro climatic condition of Tripura is suitable for both agricultural and horticultural crops and a

strong and effective food processing sector would play a significant role in employment generation as well as harnessing and exploiting local resources, he said. Fruits like banana, pineapple, orange, papaya, lemon and vegetables like potato, ginger and others grown in the state would have good marketing scope if properly harvested, processed and packaged, he added. S N Nundy, Managing Director of Matthews & Company, said that focus for development should be on food processing, which holds unexplored scope to strengthen Tripura's economy. (Agencies)

FOOD SECTOR ROLLS OUT IN TRIPURA Terming the food processing sector as a "sunrise' industry, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar recently said it has the potential to generate huge employment opportunities for the youths in the state.

The youth of the state needed to be provided with financial assistance to nurture their entrepreneurial skills and food processing.

It is critical for the development of our country as it establishes vital linkages between the two pillars of the economy i.e. the agriculture and industry.

Govt. will ensure stimulating environment for business: Jayant Sinha ANI New Delhi, Dec 20: Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha on Saturday said the government would create a stimulating environment for the industry and also facilitate banks in improving their balance sheets to augment growth. He further said that it was imperative to encourage young minds to become entrepreneurs, as in the coming decade natural resources would become scarce and automation will restrict the creation of new jobs. "If India's GDP continues to grow at the rate of 7-8 per cent then the country would double its economy and become a $4 trillion

Jayant Sinha. Source: aninews.com from the present $2 trillion. Private investment is the engine to pull the economy forward. The government would create a stimulating environment for the industry and also facilitate banks in improving their balance sheets to augment growth," Sinha

said while addressing an interactive session at FICCI's 88th Annual General Meeting here. Sinha said that when he assumed office, every macro indicator was in a bad shape and stabilizing it takes at least 2-3 years.

"Infrastructure projects were stalled, power, metals and agriculture sectors were vulnerable due to lack of policy with a host of legacy issues such as clearing a number of State liabilities, to be addressed.But the NDA government was able to stabilize the macro economy of the country within 12-18 months." he added. Sinha said that the proof of this is improved tax administration with increased revenue col-

lection and higher tax buoyancy; much stronger budgetary governance with clearly stated expenditure and revenue targets; and improvement in the quality of government expenditure, which moved away from subsidies towards public investments. "When the government came to power the fiscal deficit was 4.4%. But now the government was on course to achieve the fiscal deficit target of 3.9% in the present financial year. However, with the coming of 'One Rank One Pension' and the 7th Pay Commission, it would become a difficult task to achieve the fiscal deficit target of 3.5% in the next financial year," he added.

USFDA warns Sun Pharma for violating manufacturing norms Mumbai, Dec 20: Drug major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries recently said it has received a warning letter from the USFDA over violation of manufacturing norms in its facility at Halol in Gujarat. The warning letter follows inspection of the facility in September 2014 by US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) inspectors.

"Post the September 2014 inspection, the USFDA has withheld future product approvals from the Halol facility.

This situation may continue until all issues are resolved. Sun Pharma expects to request a reinspection by USFDA upon completion of its remediation commitments," the company said in a statement. The firm and the Halol facility will continue to sup-

ply important drug products to meet its obligations towards the customers and the patients who use its drugs in the US and around the world, it added. "Sun Pharma will respond to this Warning Letter with a detailed plan within the stipulated timeframe," it said. Commenting on the development, Sun Pharma Managing Director Dilip Shanghvi said, "While our team is working hard to ensure that the commitments made to the USFDA in September 2014 are fully completed, we will continue to cooperate with the USFDA and undertake any additional steps necessary to ensure that the US agency is completely satisfied with our remediation of the Halol facility." He added: "We are pledged to being

Hyundai Creta is Indian car of 2016; Yamaha R3, bike of the year Noida, Dec 20: Hyundai's Creta SUV has been named theIndian Car of the Year (ICOTY). In bikes, the Yamaha R3 has been named theIndian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY). The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and the Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) has been accepted as the recognition given to the finest and best-performing car and motorcycle launched in the last one year.

The top three contenders in the cars category were Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Renault Kwid.

In the motorcycle category, the Yamaha R3 was followed by the Benelli TNT 300 and the Honda CBR650 respectively. Each year, the nominated cars and bikes are judged on parameters like price, fuel economy, styling, comfort, safety, performance, racticality and technical innovation, value for money, and the vehicle's suitability for Indian conditions. Commenting on the win, Y K Koo, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited said, "We are honoured to win the most prestigious automotive award". We launched Yamaha

YZF-R3 in August 2015 and the responses that we have been receiving is indeed most positive and encouraging.

We understand the needs of our customers and therefore pay great attention to details in our products in terms of styling and design. This win too, is awe-inspiring, thank you IMOTY Jury members and JK Tyre," Roy Kurian, Vice President-Sales & Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd said. Congratulating the winners, Dr Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Limited said, "The automobile and auto-ancillary sector in India is growing at a fast pace. The consumer is ever-discerning and automakers seek to outperform each other. In such a competitive environment, JK Tyre and ICOTY and IMOTY Awards endeavour to recognise those who break the clutter with their innovation and deep understanding of the Indian consumer. Congratulations to Hyundai Creta and Yamaha R3 for sailing through the rigorous judging process and emerging victorious." (Agencies)

cGMP compliant and are committed to continuing to supply our customers and patients across the world with quality products that meet all specifications." Sun Pharma said it had responded to the USFDA inspection observations with a "robust remediation process that is still ongoing, with significant investments in automation and training to enhance its Quality

Systems". The company has been working with external consultants to ensure its remediation activities have been completed in an appropriate manner, it added. It further said since the inspection in September 2014, the company has communicated regularly with the USFDA on the progress of its remediation and on issues of product supply.

(Agencies)

PAGE 10

CM Raman Singh inaugrates new Sebi office in Raipur Raipur, Dec 20: In a bid to reach out to investors and intermediaries in the state, capital markets regulator Sebi recently opened the new premises of its local office here.

The office was inaugurated by Chief Minister Raman Singh. "For promoting a balanced panIndia securities market and in order to bring physical proximity of Sebi offices to the investors and intermediaries, Sebi has decided to open local offices in various parts of the country," Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in a statement. "The jurisdiction of the local of-

fice at Raipur whose new premises was inaugurated recently is over the state of Chhattisgarh," it added. Sebi Chairman U K Sinha and Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand were also present on the occasion. The Raipur local office is under the administrative control and jurisdiction of Sebi's regional office at Ahmedabad.

Sebi said the functions of the local office include facilitating redressal of investor grievances against listed companies and securities market intermediaries, educating investors and promoting financial literacy within its jurisdiction.

(Agencies)

Digital power fueled by smart phones will drive 'Digital India': Prasad ANI New Delhi, Dec 20: Union Minister for Communications and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad said here today that digital power accelerated by smart phones in the hands of young people, has enormous potential to drive the 'Digital India'initiative of the NDA Government and achieve the dreams of an aspirational India. He said that the programme currently focuses on digital delivery of health, education, grocery and tourism services. "There is a need to promote e-health, e-education, e- internet, e-tourism and e-commerce," he said while addressing the 88th Annual General Meeting of FICCI. Prasad said hat 'Digital India' should be empowered by private sector participation. The telecom regulator need to understand that regulation and development of the telecom sector must be blended and the regulator should be made accountable to Parliament. He mentioned the various measures being undertaken and it is the good governance and good execution which is making the difference. He also

Ravi9 Shankar Prasad Source: aninews.com stressed on the importance of quick and fair decision making. Initiatives undertaken include strengthening the e-highway, expanding the optical fibre network and opening of BPOs centres in smaller cities and towns. Prasad mentioned about measures being taken to improve the Indian postal service. He said that the massive postal network in the rural areas should be converted into community service centers and the postal department should be scaled up to provide ecommerce services and should be aggressively persuaded to enter into baking segment. Going ahead, he also said that Digital India will provide a road map where good service and good productivity will also give good returns.

TECHNOLOGY Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime GSM / HSPA / LTE Body Dimensions 144.8 x 72.1 x 8.6 mm (5.70 x 2.84 x 0.34 in) Weight 156 g (5.50 oz) Sim Optional Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) Display Type TFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors Size 5.0 inches (~66.0% screen-to-body ratio) Resolution 540 x 960 pixels (~220 ppi pixel density) Multitouch Yes Platform OS Android OS, v4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to v5.0.2/v5.1.1 (Lollipop) Chipset Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 CPU Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 GPU Adreno 306 Memory Card slot microSD, up to 64 GB Internal 8 GB, 1 GB RAM Camera Primary 8 MP, f/2.2, autofocus, LED flash, check quality Features Geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection, panorama Video 1080p@30fps, check quality Secondary 5 MP, f/2.2, 1080p Sound Alert types Vibration; MP3, WAV ringtones Loudspeaker Yes 3.5mm jack Yes COMMS WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot Bluetooth v4.0, A2DP GPS Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS NFC Yes (G530F, G530FZ models) Radio FM radio USB microUSB v2.0 FeaturesSensors Accelerometer, proximity, compass Messaging SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email,

Push Mail, IM Browser HTML5 Battery Li-Ion 2600 mAh battery Stand-by Talk time Up to 17 h (3G) Music play Up to 75 h MISC Colors White, Gray, Gold SAR EU 0.28 W/kg (head) 0.33 W/kg (body) Price group 4/10 Tests Performance Basemark OS II: 504 / Basemark OS II 2.0: 520 Basemark X: 1904 Display Contrast ratio: 756 (nominal), 1.935 (sunlight) Camera Photo / Video Loudspeaker Voice 63dB / Noise 60dB / Ring 68dB Audio quality Noise -95.0dB / Crosstalk -93.9Db

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

Features

Page 11

ENVIRONMENT Extinction of large animals may worsen climate change The extinction of large animals from tropical forests could make climate change worse -- according to researchers at the University of East Anglia.

New research published today in Science Advances reveals that a decline in fruit-eating animals such as large primates, tapirs and toucans could have a knock-on effect for tree species.

This is because large animals disperse large seeded plant species often associated with large trees and high wood density -- which are more effective at capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than smaller trees.

Seed dispersal by largebodied vertebrates is via the ingestion of viable seeds that pass through the digestive tract intact.

Removing large animals from the ecosystem upsets the natural balance and leads to a loss of heavywooded large trees, which means that less CO2 can be locked away.

The study was led by researchers from S達o Paulo State University in Brazil, in collaboration with UEA, the Spanish Na-

tional Research Council (CSIC) and the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Prof Carlos Peres, from UEA's School of Environmental Sciences, said: "Large birds and mammals provide almost all the seed dispersal services for large-seeded plants. Several large vertebrates are threatened by hunting, illegal trade and habitat loss. But the steep decline of the megafauna in overhunted tropical forest ecosystems can bring about large unforeseen impacts.

"We show that the decline and extinction of large animals will over time induces a decline in large hardwood trees. This in turn negatively affects the capacity of tropical forests to store carbon and therefore their potential to counter climate change."

The research team studied data from more than 2,000 tree species in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, and more than 800 animal species.

They found that frugivores which are not targeted by hunters -- such as small birds, bats and marsupials -- are only able to disperse small seeds, which are associated with small trees.

Meanwhile large heavywooded trees, which can capture and store greater amounts of carbon, are associated with larger seeds.

And these are only dispersed by large animals.

Prof Mauro Galetti from S達o Paulo State University said: "The big frugivores, such as large primates, the tapir, the toucans, among other large animals, are the only ones able to effectively disperse plants that have large seeds. Usually, the trees that have large seeds are also big trees with dense wood that store more carbon.

Carolina Bello, a PhD student from the S達o Paulo State University, added: "When we lose large frugivores we are losing dispersal and recruitment functions of large seeded trees and therefore, the composition of tropical forests changes. The result is a forest dominated by smaller trees with milder woods which stock less carbon."

Pedro Jordano, of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) said: "Not only are we facing the loss of charismatic animals, but we are facing the loss of interactions that maintain

the proper functioning and key ecosystem services such as carbon storage."

Prof Peres added: "Intergovernmental policies to reduce carbon emissions from tropical countries have primarily focused on deforestation, and to a lesser extent on forest degradation resulting from timber extraction and wildfires. But our research shows that a decline in large vertebrate populations and the loss of key ecological interactions also poses a serious risk for the maintenance of tropical forest carbon storage.

"We hope that our findings will encourage UN programmes on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) to consider faunally intact forests and their full functionality as a critical precondition of maintaining forest carbon stocks."

Carolina Bello said: "The effectiveness of these programs will be improved if the preservation of ecological processes that sustain the ecosystem service of carbon storage over time is guaranteed." Courtesy: Sciencedaily.org

Northern spotted owl decline linked to various reasons

Northern spotted owl populations are declining in all parts of their range in the Pacific Northwest, according to research published in The Condor.

Based on data from 11 study areas across Washington, Oregon and northern California, a rangewide decline of nearly 4 percent per year was estimated from 1985 to 2013.

Researchers found evidence that the invasive barred owl is playing a pivotal role in the continued decline of spotted owls, although habitat loss and climate variation were also important in some

parts of the species range.

Barred owls compete with spotted owls for space, food and habitat.

This research indicated that since monitoring began spotted owl populations declined 55-77 percent in Washington, 31-68 percent in Oregon and 32-55 percent in California. In addition, population declines are now occurring on study areas in southern Oregon and northern California that were previously experiencing little to no detectable decline through 2009.

Dr. Katie Dugger, a research biologist at the USGS Oregon Cooperative Fish and

Wildlife Research Unit, Oregon State University and lead author on the report, said that "This study provides strong evidence that barred owls are negatively affecting spotted owl populations. The presence of barred owls was associated with decreasing spotted owl survival rates in some study areas and spotted owls were disappearing from many of their historical breeding territories as those areas were invaded by barred owls."

The exception was a small area in California where barred owl removals began in 2009, and where longterm population declines were only 9 percent. Spotted owl populations and survival rates have increased on the latter area since the removal of barred owls started. However, further research on barred owl removal is required in other parts of the spotted owl's range -- especially in Washington, where barred owl numbers have been high for a long time.

Additionally, said Dugger, "The amount of suitable habitat required by spotted owls for nesting and roosting is important because

spotted owl survival, colonization of empty territories, and number of young produced tends to be higher in areas with larger amounts of suitable habitat, at least on some study areas."

Relationships between spotted owl populations and climate was complex and variable, but rangewide, the study results suggested that survival of young spotted owls and their ability to become part of the breeding population increased when winters were drier. This may become a factor in population numbers in the future, given climate change predictions for the Pacific Northwest include warmer, wetter winters.

The collaborative team of 37 researchers analyzed data from 11 study areas that represented 9 percent of the spotted owl range. During the study, field crews monitored how many owls inhabited different territories, and the yearly survival and reproductive success of banded spotted owls. "This type of collaborative research focused on specific management and conservation objectives provides important information for resource managers and

policy decision-makers who manage public resources," said Eric Forsman, a coauthor on the study at the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.

The paper, "The effects of habitat, climate and barred owls on long-term demography of northern spotted owls," was published in The Condor: Ornithological Applications and authored by Katie M. Dugger, USGS, Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Oregon State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Eric D. Forsman, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station; Alan B. Franklin, USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research Center; Raymond Davis, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region, and 33 others.

Although they do occur in young forests in some areas, northern spotted owls are strongly associated with old forest in most of their range.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the northern spotted owl as threatened in 1990 because of the declines in old-growth forest habitat throughout its range in Washington, Oregon and northern California. (Agencies)

Snail Kites' Affinity for Home Leaves it in more Peril The endangered snail kite's affinity for its birthplace can come back to haunt the bird, leaving it in more peril, according to a new University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences study.

Snail kites are important for at least two reasons: Bird enthusiasts flock to see them in their natural habitat, so they're a bit of a tourist magnet. Secondly, wildlife managers use the snail kite as a barometer for conservation actions to preserve the Everglades, said Robert Fletcher, a UF/IFAS associate professor of wildlife ecology and conservation.

The population of snail kites declined from about 3,500 to about 700 from 1999 through 2008. The bird has bounced back a bit, to about 1,700 birds in 2014, mostly in the lake habitats to the north of the

Everglades.

Because of the snail kite's dwindling population, Fletcher led a 17-year study into dispersal patterns of the federally endangered bird. The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, spans the years 1997 to 2013.

Researchers counted birds and determined where individual snail kites nested over time to see if they returned to their abodes. The scientists' work shows that despite the fact that snail kites move around considerably, they have strong preferences for places like home, and this impacts breeding, Fletcher said.

Other species often prey on the snail kite's nests; thus, leaving the bird unable to reproduce as effectively, he said. Snail kites that leave their nesting areas in the Everglades usually find new homes that

resemble their old ones, Fletcher said. Yet snail kites that disperse to places like their home are more likely to have their nests preyed on.

"This is important and surprising and is some of the first evidence of this migratory pattern in vertebrates," he said.

Scientists have long been interested in studying how

your birthplace influences people and animals later in life. Fletcher describes the snail kite's affinity for its birthplace as something akin to a line from "The Wizard of Oz." As Dorothy says near the end of the movie, "There's no place like home."

"For people, we have strong evidence of this," Fletcher said. "For ex-

ample, I was born near the Smokey Mountains, and when I left home, I longed for a move to other areas where there were mountains. For animals, it has been suggested to occur, but there has been limited evidence in wild populations. Our work provides strong evidence for these effects and shows why they are important." (Agencies)

Researchers discover six new African frog species Researchers have discovered half a dozen new species of the African clawed frog, and added back another to the list of known species, in the process uncovering striking new characteristics of one of the most widely studied amphibians in the world.

The discovery increases the number of known clawed frog species from 22 to 29 -- a 30 percent increase.

Each of the new species is documented online today in the journal PLOS ONE. "Because the African clawed frog is used as a model organism for biological research, it would be understandable to think that scientists had already pinned down the number of species and other aspects of their diversity such as where they live and how they are related to one another," says Ben Evans, lead author of the study and an associate professor in the Department of Biology at McMaster University.

"But this isn't the case."

These clawed frogs, found in west and central subSaharan Africa, live in slow moving or stagnant water and are character-

ized by flattened bodies, vocal organs which can produce sound underwater, and claws on its first three toes.

Researchers were able to tease apart a wealth of information on its evolution with new analytical techniques using DNA, voice recordings, CT scanning of internal anatomy, chromosome analysis and more.

Like most African clawed frogs, researchers found all are 'polyploid', meaning their DNA doubled during evolution, giving them a redundant copy of every gene. Genome duplication occurred several times in some of the species and two of the new

able six times.

"For biodiversity conservation, it is paramount that we understand how much diversity there is and where it occurs," says Evans. "This is particularly crucial in the tropics, where global biodiversity is highest and in groups of organisms that have subtle physical differences between species and in which species diversity is therefore 'cryptic'."

His team will travel to Ghana next year to gather further genetic data and search for what Evans calls 'lost ancestors' of the clawed frog. These "lost ancestors" are species predicted to have existed in the past whose genomes

ones are 'dodecaploid', became part of those of the because their genomes polyploid species that exwere duplicated a remark- ist today. (Agencies)

Three new fishing snake species fished out Commonly known as fishing snakes, the Synophisgenus has been expanded with as many as three new species following a research in the Andean cloud forests of Amazonian Ecuador and Peru. Not only is the discovery remarkable due to the rarity of new snake species being discovered, but also because this is the first time this mysterious and already eightmember genus is recorded from Peru. The study is published in the open-access journalZooKeys.

The three new species have been identified as a result of both field and laboratory work, undertaken by Dr. Omar Torres-Carvajal, Museo de Zoolog鱈a QCAZ, Ecuador, in collaboration with herpetologists from Peru (CORBIDI) and the United States (Francis Marion University). The new species differ from their closest relatives in scale features, male sexual organs and DNA. The unusual discoveries took place in areas within the 1,542,644 km2 of the Tropical Andes hotspot, western South America.

Although they are commonly known as fishing snakes, these reptiles most likely do not eat fish. Their diet and behavior are poorly known. So far, it has only been reported that one species feeds on lizards.

The fishing snakes have long been known to live in cloud forests on both

sides of the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador.

Yet, it seems they have waited all along to make an appearance. The new species described herein, along with a recent description of one species from southwestern Ecuador also published in Zookeys, has duplicated the number of species of fishing snakes from four to eight over the span of several months.

During their recent expeditions to several localities along the Andes of Ecuador and Peru the authors collected several individuals of fishing snakes, which they suspected to be previously unknown. After comparing their specimens with those deposited in a number of natural history museums, the authors' suspicions only became stronger.

Consequently, the scientists examined the male snakes' sexual organs (hemipenes) and DNA evidence. The results left no doubts that the specimens belonged to three undescribed fishing snake species.

"We started working with fishing snakes a year ago as new specimens were collected in

poorly explored areas of the Amazonian slopes of the Andes in Ecuador and Peru," explains lead author Dr. Omar TorresCarvajal. "At that time only four species of fishing snakes had been described, and they were recognized in the literature as one of the most rare and secretive groups of snakes in South America."

"In less than a year, we and other herpetologists doubled the number of known species of fishing snakes, showing that their diversity had been greatly underestimated," he points out.

"This story is similar to the story of the w o o d l i z a r d s (Enyalioides), a group of dragon-like lizards with more than half of its species discovered in recent years in the tropical Andes," the scientist reminisces.

"This tells us that this hotspot is more diverse than we thought, so it is very important that basic biodiversity research is properly funded," Dr. Torres-Carvajal concludes.

"Otherwise, we might never know what other scaly creatures are crawling around us." Courtesy: Sciencedaily.org

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"Grossly inappropriate to blame Arun Jaitley ji for corruption in DDCA. He was the one who got Delhi a proper stadium without taxpayer's money. Appalling to note some ex-players blame Arun Jaitley ji for all that's wrong in DDCA. Whereas they enjoyed plum posts in DDCA because of him."

DIBRUGARH, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21

PAGE 12

Gautam Gambhir

New Zealand close in on win but Sri Lanka fight on Agencies Hamilton: A hobbling Kane Williamson guided New Zealand to 142 for five at the close of play on the third day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Hamilton, with the hosts needing another 47 runs to seal a 2-0 series sweep. New Zealand won the first Test in Dunedin by 122 runs, though Sri Lanka are still in with a chance of pinching a win on Monday to draw the series.

Williamson, who was limping noticeably and was seen to have heavy strapping around his right knee, was on 78 while BJ Watling was on nought as they chased the target of 189.

Dushmantha Chameera, who took a career-best 547 in New Zealand's first innings with a fiery dis-

New Zealand's Kane Williamson bats during Day 3 of the 2nd Test match against Sri Lanka at Seddon Park. play of fast bowling, took four wickets in the second before Suranga Lakmal picked up Mitchell Santner for four just before the close.

Chameera gave Sri Lanka a perfect start when he dismissed Tom Latham and Martin Guptill with shortpitched deliveries to re-

duce the hosts to 11-2.

Williamson and Ross Taylor then settled the run chase in a 67-run partnership before Taylor was caught on the

boundary for 35 and then captain Brendon McCullum at mid-off for 18 to send some jitters through the New Zealand camp. New Zealand were set the small victory target after a surreal period of play after lunch when the hosts took the last seven Sri Lankan wickets for 46 runs in 8.1 overs, bowling them out for 133. Tim Southee began the collapse when he took three wickets in 14 deliveries to run through Sri Lanka's middle order after they had resumed on 85 for three. Neil Wagner also grabbed two wickets after lunch before Southee took his fourth when Nuwan Pradeep was caught behind for a three-ball duck to end the innings. The visitors had been com-

fortable until about 30 minutes before lunch having cruised to 71 without loss. Doug Bracewell then grabbed two wickets in an over, dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne and Udara Jayasundera with short deliveries.

Wagner grabbed another wicket in the penultimate over before lunch when he had the dangerous Dinesh Chandimal caught for four at leg gully by Guptill. The hosts then did more damage after the break, with only some counter-attacking blows from Milinda Siriwardana, who blasted three fours and two sixes in his 18ball innings of 26, padding Sri Lanka's score.

All 10 wickets fell for 62 runs in a little over 80 minutes of play.

Vijender registers third straight win in pro bout

Vijender Singh lands a punch on Samet Hyuseinov during their Middleweight bout at the Manchester Arena.

ANI Manchester: Indian boxing superstar Vijender Singh continued his winning streak in professional bout as he registered his third consecutive knock out triumph over Bulgarian opponent Samet Hyuseinov here in Manchester Arena. The middleweight star, who was playing his first six round bout, thrashed Hyuseinov in just 35 sec-

onds into the second round of the contest.

Thus, ending the bout with a Technical Knock Out win. The 30-year-old boxer won his first two professional fights by wiping off Sonny Whiting in three rounds in October (TKO) and then Dean Gillen inside one in November (KO). With the win, Vijender became first Indian to score hat-trick in professional boxing.

Chelsea thump Sunderland after DDCA corruption storm: Jaitley has Mourinho axe; Norwich stun United the backing of Sehwag, Gambhir

Chelsea's Oscar celebrates with teammates after scoring the third goal from the penalty spot during their English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge in London.

Agencies London: Chelsea began the post-Jose Mourinho era with a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge to ease away from the Premier League's bottom three on Saturday while Leicester City moved five points clear at the top. Some sense of normality was restored in west London with Branislav Ivanovic, Pedro and Oscar all on target as Guus Hiddink, confirmed on Saturday as interim coach for the second time having also performed that role in 2009, watched on from the stands. Chelsea, who

began the day a point above the relegation zone, moved up one place to 15th. With Mourinho sacked, the managerial spotlight intensified on Manchester United's Louis van Gaal as his side suffered a third consecutive defeat, lowly Norwich City winning 2-1 for their first victory at Old Trafford since 1989. Tottenham Hotspur took advantage of United's woes to move above them into fourth place on goal difference thanks to a 2-0 win at Southampton -- Harry Kane and Dele Alli scoring. Manchester United

were booed off at halftime and fulltime at Old Trafford where they trailed to goals from Norwich's Cameron Jerome and Alex Tettey before Anthony Martial replied for the misfiring Reds. Sixth-placed Crystal Palace won 2-1 win at Stoke City while Bournemouth claimed a third consecutive league victory with a late Charlie Daniels penalty sealing a 2-1 success at West Bromwich Albion who had James McClean sent off in the first half and Salomon Rondon in stoppage time. Mourinho spent the day watching

Brighton and Hove Albion play Middlesbrough in the Championship while his former charges finally produced a display worthy of champions, having lost nine of their opening 16 matches. Leicester's remarkable title challenge continued with a 32 victory at Everton that ensures they will spend Christmas top of the table, a year after occupying bottom place heading into the hectic holiday schedule. Two Riyad Mahrez penalties and a goal from Shinji Okazaki put Leicester on 38 points from 17 games.

Those waiting for Leicester to falter were disappointed again as Claudio Ranieri's team showed the attacking verve that has earned 11 league victories. Mahrez slotted home from the spot in the 26th minute after Okazaki was bundled over by Ramiro Funes Mori but Romalu Lukaku equalised soon after with his 13th of the season. Algerian Mahrez converted his second penalty just past the hour before Okazaki struck and Kevin Mirallas's late replay proved in vain for the home side. Mahrez now has 13 league goals this season, two behind teammate Jamie Vardy.

File picture of Gautam Gambhir and Virendar Sehwag.

Agencies New Delhi: Facing allegations of corruption, underfire former Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Arun Jaitley on Sunday got the backing of the two biggest

stars to emerge from the state-- Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. Finance Minister Jaitley, who headed DDCA for 13 years till 2013, has been accused of corruption by the Delhi Government during his ten-

ure. The state government has demanded that Jaitley must resign or be 'removed' from the union cabinet to enable an independent probe. However, Gambhir and Sehwag came out strongly in support of Jaitley. "Grossly inappropriate to blame Arun Jaitley ji for corruption in DDCA. He was the one who got Delhi a proper stadium without taxpayer's money.

Appalling to note some explayers blame Arun Jaitley ji for all that's wrong in DDCA. Whereas they enjoyed plum posts in DDCA because of him," tweeted Gambhir. Sehwag, on his part, lauded Jaitley for being there for players. The swashbuckling batsman,

who switched loyalties to Haryana from Delhi and retired from international cricket earlier this year, steered clear of making any political claim but lauded Jaitley's role in helping players. "In my time with DDCA if I ever came to know of any 'surprising' selection of a player, all I needed to do was to inform Arun Jaitley ji," Sehwag wrote. "And he would immediately ensure correction and justice for the deserving players at DDCA...Was a nightmare to speak to some others at DDCA but Arun Jaitley ji was always available for players in case of any difficulty at any time," he added.

Van Gaal admits fear of Man Utd sack post Norwhich defeat ANI London: Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has admitted that his job is under scrutiny, following his side 1-2 defeat at home against Norwich City in Premier League.

Van Gaal said that his club was going through a difficult period, insisting them to work extremely harder as a professional to come out of this bad situation. The 64-year-old further called on his

side to stick together and believe in each other. Reflecting on the defeat, Van Gaal said that it was really difficult for his side to accept their loss against Norwich City.

United have lost three matches in a

row and are currently nine points behind the leaders Leicester City in league standings.

With the first defeat at home, United have also slipped out of the top four ahead of their next match against Stoke City on December 26.

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