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Vol. II

DIBRU SAIKHOWA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Issue 34

Dibrugarh, Friday, July 22, 2016

Golaghat, July 21: A snake of endangered species which is locally known as Keku Snake was recovered today in Golaghat.

According to the report, a resident of New Amolapatty in Golaghat, Rupeswar Dutta, today saw a Keku snake in his garden. He informed the matter to forest officials. Later a team of forest officials came to his home and recovered the snake and took it to release in Nambor Forest.

(Correspondent)

Road mishap held, 2 died Kokrajhar, July 21: Two persons died due to road mishap at Balagaon near CIT in Kokrajhar this evening. According to police, two persons who were on way to Kokrajhar on a Scooty, crash with a truck at Balagaon near CIT in Kokrajhar this evening around 8.30 pm and received serious injuries.

Immediately they were rushed to Kokrajhar RNB civil hospital, but doctors declared brought dead.

They were identified as Sansuma Basumatary (23) and Biki Alchiri (22) of Kaliabar of Nagaon district. Both were office bearer of All Assam Tchoukball Association and involved with training in Kokrajhar.

Police seized the truck and took under police custody. ABSU expresses deep sorrow over the incident, besides prayed for eternal peace of departed soul. (Correspondent)

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Sonowal emphasizes upon State Women Commission 'special approach' for solving opposes grant of bail to a rapist problems of the Adivasis Nivedita N Manpoong Itanagar, July 21

The Arunachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) today strongly condemned the alleged rape of a 30-year old woman at Aalo by repeat offender Martin Bagra, and called on the authorities to refrain from granting him bail without awarding punishment as per law.

In apprehensions that he could be granted bail again, the APSCW requested those backing him up to consider the dangers of letting a criminal

CASE OF BEING SEXIST AND RAPIST A repeat offender, Bagra was also accused of domestic violence on August 8, 2015 Accused for alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman on September 23, 2015 A case was registered against him under the Information Technology Act, 2000 for hacking into his wife’s Facebook account and misusing it to tarnish her image on social media last year

loose in the society.

The commission also extended its gratitude to the West Siang unit of Arunachal Pradesh Women’s Welfare Society and Galo Ane for standing up against the crime, and hoped that they would continue to work for the cause of women and children.

Speaking to this daily, Aalo Superintendent of Police M Riba informed that the victim was allegedly raped by Bagra at his residence on July 11 at around 1.30 AM, and she came to the police station to file a complaint the same day.

Riba also informed that they are waiting for medical reports

to arrive. Till then, Bagra is under judicial lockup.

The 30-year-old woman is reported to be his adopted sister and had been living with the family since she was a young girl.

A repeat offender, Bagra was also accused of domestic violence on August 8, 2015 and for the alleged rape of an 18-year-old woman on September 23, 2015. A case was registered against him under the Information Technology Act, 2000 for hacking into his wife’s facebook account and misusing it to tarnish her image on social media last year.

Intellectual Forum calls on the DCM Chowna Mein In a meeting with delegates of 34 Tuting-Yingkiong Intellectual Forum today, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said that “The focus of the new government will be expediting development and ensuring good governance.”

Mein was informed that many schools were running without teachers, and the lack of science teachers has drastically affected the performance of students in examinations.

In a representation, the

forum, led by Joint Commissioner (Tax & Excise) Tani Jongkeng informed that the topper from Upper Siang district stood at 177th position in the recently concluded Joint Entrance Examinations, which Jongkeng opined was because of the lack of a science teacher in the district.

They also highlighted that hospitals and health centres are in dilapidated condition and are almost non-operational without sufficient doctors or

health staff.

He requested the Deputy Chief Minister to immediately make arrangements to post subject teachers and health staff in the district.

After patient hearing, Mein assured the delegates that he would take up the matter and discuss the issues with the chief minister to readdress their grievances.

Deputy Chief Minister Mein said that the new government

under able leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu will reach out to the people and focus on development and good governance and ensure better delivery of services.

The six-member delegate of 34 Tuting-Yingkiong Intellectual Forum also included Tani Jongkeng, Joint CEO Genom Teksang, OSD Medical-Education Dr Raju Kamboh, DDST C R Khampa, DDHE Atik Jongkey and Superintendent PPCF Lelop Nobeng.

compensation for the area falling under notified 30 metres Right of Way (ROW) as per the MORTH guidelines. However, she said that govt will give enough time for representing the grievances of the affected people and compensation would be provided as per the govt guidelines. She suggested that open space for avenue plantation, cycling corridor and walking path should be kept along the National Highway for beautification.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu asked the District Administration of Itanagar Capital Complex to expedite the land acquisition process of 31.50 km 4-Lane Highway from Banderdewa to Chandranagar (Itanagar) in a high level meeting comprising of Chief Secretary, Commissioners, Secretaries, District Administration and high ranking officials of PWD Highways today.

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Chief Minister Mr. Khandu convened a high level meeting comprising of Chief Secretary, Commissioners, Secretaries, District Administration and high ranking officials of PWD Highways today. fected people by involving local representatives and Itanagar Municipal Councils.

He further suggested them to find out ways so that minimum damage is made to the public and private properties and at the same time to fulfil the criteria of the MORTH. He further advised them to make no discrimination in case of eviction and to treat all the affected people equally.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised on ‘special approach’ in solving the problems of the Adivasis stemming from various reasons. Calling on the members of 14 organisations who came under an umbrella organisation ‘Adivasi National Convention Committee’ in Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Sonowal said that the Government will adopt a special mechanism for the all round development of the Adivasi people of the State. He also said, “Adivasi people of Assam needs a fillip for sociocultural and educational development and the Government will design a special mechanism for

integrating them into Government’s agenda of priorities”.

The members of the committee also sought Chief Minister’s intervention to facilitate the process of according ‘ST’ status to the Adivasis. Sonowal also assured to communicate their demand to the Centre for expeditiously making an ‘inroad’ to get their demand fulfilled. “Let me assure you, we have the fullest sensibility and all efforts will be made to sincerely settle all your social, economic, cultural and educational issues including ST status,” Sonowal added.

Chief Minister Sonowal also stressed on skill development of the Adivasi people and

pitched in for setting up of a multi-purpose institution for vocational development of the Adivasi youths.

Acknowledging the inherent skills of the Adivasi people, Sonowal said given the opportunity the Adivasi youths can scale ‘heights’ on sports and informed that ‘the Government is seriously considering ways and means’ for optimum utilisation of their skills. MLA Duliajan Terash Gowalla, MLA Lahowal Rituparna Baruah, MLA Tingkhong Bimal Borah, MLA Chabua Binod Hazarika, MLA Tinsukia Sanjoy Kisan, representatives of Adivasi National Convention Committee were also present at the meeting. The Committee also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister.

Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, July 21

The delegates of 34 TutingYingkiong Intellectual Forum paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Chief Minister to congratulate him at his office on Thursday morning.

The delegates informed the Deputy Chief Minister of various problems being faced by the people of TutingYingkiong, especially regarding poor performance of schools and dilapidated health sector.

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 21

Tinsukia on high alert, police march conducted

ET Bureau Itanagar, July 21

ET Bureau Itanagar, July 21

As the widening of the road would require eviction in the build up areas as well as land acquisition in aligning the 4lane highway, he asked them to explore all negotiation process, to convince the project af-

PAGE 12

LORD'S WIN IS SPECIAL, PROUD OF PLAYERS TO HAVE FACED ALL PROBLEMS BRAVELY: MISBAH-UL-HAQ

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High level meeting held to expedite the work of Trans Arunachal Highway

Pema instructed the Deputy Commissioner, Sandeep Kr Singh, Chief Estate Officer Talo Potom and the officials of PWD Highways to make thorough study and survey of the route keeping in mind the guidelines of the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways (MORTH), Govt of India.

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He also asked the Chief Secretary to immediately resolve the impending issues with regard to land acquisition process awaited in execution of Tarns-Arunachal Highways in some areas with due consultation with the district administration by taking the local representatives and people in to confidence.

"Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein in his observa-

tion advised to take people's confidence in execution of National Highways saying that the present govt is a welfare govt."

Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin while briefing the Chief Minister about the Banderdewa to Chandranagar 4-lane highway project appraised that the DPR for the project has already been submitted to the GoI. She informed that there is no provision of

She also informed that state having very low Road Density of 25.74 km roads per 100 Sq Km needs good quality road to connect the district headquarters and remote border areas.

With this purpose, the state govt is proposing a Frontier Highway running parallel to the Trans-Arunachal Highway at 4000-5000 metre above the mean sea level. She informed that this highway would connect Border CD Blocks covering 1856 remote villages of the state.

Contd. on Page 3

In the wake of the threat by Ulfa (I) a team of police and CRPF jawans conducted road patrolling by marching on all the main streets of Tinsukia town on Thursday evening.

Police officers of the rank of deputy superintendent of police and officer - in - charge of Tinsukia police was also a part of the road patrolling. As the security personnel equipped with latest riffles took it to the street in a huge line, locals, particularly, business community peeped out of their shops to see them, some excited and some in panic mode.

It needs to be mentioned here that in run up to Ulfa's martyr day and Independence Day there are regular intelligence inputs that Ulfa is planning to rock Tinsukia with series of bomb blasts. As such four hardcore Ulfa cadre from the outfits Arakan Gut camp at Myanmar have entered Tinsukia district as already reported by The Eastern Today in its July 19 edition.

According to special sources, Thursday move of Tinsukia superintendent of police Mugdha Jyoti Mahanto is a pre - emotive measure to create a fear - psychosis. This is an important step as there has been a shift in Ulfa strategy

Security forces maintain vigil in Tinsukia town to thwart any kind of threat from ULFA (I) ahead of Independence Day. Pic - Rishu Kalantri who are now using linkman's to plant IED and throw grenades, sources added.

Sources said, the seriousness of threat perception can ascertained by the fact that a high level security meeting was convened at deputy commissioner conference hall on Wednesday. Apart from DC, SP, top levels officers of army, intelligence agencies and railway police were present in the meeting.

The present threat perception was analyzed in the review meeting and steps to strengthen security in the current scenario was discussed to thwart any attack by Ulfa, sources added.

It may also be mentioned here that on Wednesday late night a joint team of Dibrugarh police and army nabbed one of the most wanted Ulfa linkman Babul Dihingia from near Duliajan published only in The Eastern Today July 21 edition.

He was supposed to carry blast in Tinsukia and was being searched by Tinsukia police and army over last one week.

ET has learned that during interrogation Babul has revealed some sensational facts and plans of Ulfa on which security agencies Andre working. However, security agencies are taking extreme precaution in spelling out the revelations at this point of time.

Noisy scenes in Assam Assembly, Congress stages walkout PTI Guwahati, July 21

Noisy scenes were witnessed in the Assam Assembly for the second day in a row over the Special Category Status issue as the opposition Congress staged a brief walkout alleging partiality by the Speaker over allowing a discussion on the matter.

During Zero Hour, Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass asked state Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to give a statement on media reports that the Special Category

Status state tag has been withdrawn from Assam.

Congress MLA Rakibul Hussain objected to it, saying he was not allowed to raise the issue as Point of Order during Zero Hour yesterday.

"You (Speaker) did not allow us to raise the issue and asked us to bring it through a device. We have not raised the issue yet. How can a Minister answer it?" he asked.

He was joined by other Congress MLAs, who were confronted by ruling party members, leading to a noisy scene.

"The House is not running on any rule. It is being run on your (Speaker) own wish and interest. In protest, we decide to leave the House," Hussain said before walking out with all Congress MLAs. In the absence of the Congress members, Sarma gave his reply by saying that only the nomenclature for the spacial treatment to Assam has been changed.

"Earlier, the nomenclature was Special Category Status State and now it has been renamed as North East and Hill States.

Contd. on Page 4

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Endangered species of Keku snake recovered

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BSP CALLS OFF PROTEST AFTER POLICE ASSURES DAYASHANKAR SINGH'S ARREST

Page - 8 ET CAPSULES

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, JULY 22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 22-7-16 (FRIDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Songs) 8-30 A.M-North East News Bulletin in English 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 10-00 A.M (F.M)-Chalo Riyo (A Countdown Programme to Rio Olympics,2016) 12-05 P.M- Live Phone in Surar Satsori 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan (Rural Programme) 7-15 P.M-Chah Sramikar Asor (Tea Garden Programme Programme) 8-00 P.M-Live Phone In Programme-"Brahmaputra Swasthya Sewa"(Sponsored

by BDHL) Sd-/H.O.P

Wearing Helmet (Headgear) is compulsory for two wheelers ET Correspondent Barpeta, July 21: The District Magistrate of Barpeta Ashwini Kumar( DC) in exercise of power conferred upon U/S 144 Cr. P.C. prohibiting the authorities of all fuel stations of Barpeta district not to issue fuel to the bike riders( two wheelers) without having or wearing helmets. The District

Magistrate also promulgated an order that no person shall be allowed to ride two wheelers without wearing helmet. Having seen the increase of day to day accidents in the district the district Magistrate cum the deputy commissioner of Barpeta Ashwini Kumar declare this prohibition . It may be mentioned that a total of 118

nos of two wheelers accidents occurred from January 1st, 2016 to 19th July, 2016. So to restrict the riding of two wheelers without wearing helmet the district magistrate Ashwini Kumar conferred this prohibition in the district. This order shall come in force from today and will remain until further order.

Governor Leopard carcass found Assam pays tribute to in Longsowal Tea estate Singhapurush A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, July 21: A carcass of male leopard was recovered from Longsowal Tea estate of Borhapjan in Tinsukia district on last night. An ambulance driver first spotted the carcass of the leopard which was tacked in fencing. Sources said that the ambulance driver reported to Dr Madhusmita Saikia regarding the sighting of leopard she immediately rushed to the spot with her son to rescue the leopard but after reaching the spot they found that the leopard died.

According to sources Dr Madhusmita Saikia after spotting that the leopard was dead she informed the forest official about the incident, the official came and took away the carcass

ET Bureau Guwahati, July 21: Honourable Governor of Assam and Nagaland P.B Acharya paid rich tribute to Singhapurush Radha Govinda Baruah, “the architect of modern Assam” on the occasion of his 39th death anniversary.

along with them.

“While trying to cross the fencing, the leopard was attached in the fence and injured himself and died,’’ said an eye witness.

The dead body of the leopard was taken to Doomdooma Forest

division for autopsy. “We cannot say the real cause of the leopard’s death after autopsy report we can conformed his real cause of death. But the leopard wore injuries marks on his stomach and many parts of the body,,’’ a forest official said.

Guidance on Preparation of Civil Services Examination held at DHSK College A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh July 21: Success in civil services examination is not difficult if one prepares for it in a focused and systematic manner. This was said by Mr. Deep Kamal Gohain, the DIO of National Informatics Centre, Dibrugarh while delivering a talk at the DHSK Summer Crash Course 2016. The course was held from 6th July, 2016 to 19th July, 2016. The valedictory session was held 19th July, 2016 evening. Mr. Gohain said that there are many who do not know that civil service examination can also be appeared in any vernacular language which is enlisted in the Indian constitution and in the state of Assam this is still a decisive factor since

there are scores of students for whom writing the exam in English is a difficult task. Mr. Gohain cited examples of IAS officers from other states in India who appeared the civil services examination in their vernacular language whereas in the state of Assam the numbers are very few and this is largely because of unawareness about the same.

He dealt in detail on the preparation of the examination and gave valuable tips to the course participants. In that session retired IPS officer Prafulla Senchowa and Officials of LIC Bina Dutta Was also present.

Meeting was presided over by the Principal Dr. Sashikanta Saikia. The Dr. Saikia in his deliberation said that they are sin-

cerely trying to provide coaching on an ongoing basis to aspiring candidates of various competitive examinations. The course coordinator Dr. Bhaskar Das said that the Information and Career Guidance Cell of the college will organize similar kind of programs in the future for benefit of the civil service aspirants. Certificates were distributed to the students

by Prafulla Senchowa, Dr. Surajit Borkotoky and Bina Dutta. Prof. of Dibrugarh University Dr. Surajit Borkotoky also gave inspiration to the students at the meeting. Many students expressed their views about this coaching. Before concluding the session vote of thanks given by Assistant Coordinator Deepty Gogoi Borah.

IT Minister meets eGovernance Training Team ET Bureau Guwahati, July 21: Minister for Information Technology, Keshab Mahanta, interacted with the e- Governance Training team of the Assam Secretariat in the Conference Hall of his office at A Block, Assam Secretariat today.

(Eleven) Sr. Accounts Assistant/Jr. Accounts Assistant of Assam Secretariat will undergo one year diploma in e-governance at Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT), Majitar, Sikkim w.e.f 25th July, 2016.

In pursuance of the notification issued by Administrative Reforms and Training Department, 11

Officials undergoing the eGovernance training are from Handloom Textile and Sericulture Department, P & RD, Excise Department,

In a written statement honourable Governor termed Radha Govinda Baruah as a ‘visionary’ and ‘selfless’ worker who contributed immensely in all spheres of public life. He also said, “R.G. Baruah had farsighted vision of democracy and by starting The Assam Tribune group of

newspapers way back in 1939, he dreamt of making the democracy strong by using the press which is the fourth pillar of democracy”.

He further said that Late Radha Govinda Baruah was instrumental in realizing the educational needs of the Assamese people. His contributions to the people of Assam will be remembered by posterity.

The Governor also called upon to imbibe inspirations from Singhapurush Radha Govinda Baruah’s workculture and also to pass on his rich legacy to the future generations. (Janasanyog)

Veteran Congress leader Huva Gogoi passed away

ET Correspondent Nazira, July 21: Freedom fighter, President of Nazira District Freedom Fighters Association and veteran Congress leader, Huva Gogoi, today passed away at his own residence in Mazenga. He was 95 and survived by his wife and

three sons.

MLA of Nazira, Debobrate Saikia, Ex-Minister Hemoprova Saikia, Ex-MP Durpod Borgohain, including many dignitaries and several organisations of Nazira condoled the death of Huva Gogoi.

Nazira press club to celebrate Silver Jubilee

Finance (Estt-B) Department, Parliamentary Affairs Department, Transport Department, Labour & Employment Department and ET Correspondent o/o DC, Kamrup (M) Trea- Nazira, July 21: The sury.

Nazira press club, which is a common platform of all The officials undergoing media persons of Nazira the training will be released Sub-Division, will celfrom their duty with effect ebrate its Silver Jubilee from 22th July, 2016 for re- with a day long programme porting at SMIT on 23rd on 29th July. and 24th July, 2016.

(Janasanyog) In this connection, the

press club organised a programme named "Antaranga Abela", where 25 artists will participate and DC of Sivasagar Narayan Kunwar, SP Anand Prakash Tewari, SDO (Civil) of Nazira Zahid Chisty etc. to be present during the programme.

Participants of dance and go as you like competition held in Sonari today as part of the summer children festival organised by Pathikrit Gosthi.

Pix. Mritunjoy Das, Sonari.

Documentary on acclaimed artist Chandra Kamal Gogoi released ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, July 21: "The world is beautiful as some personalities like Chandra Kamal Gogoi are living on this earth always worshipping the charm of beauty, dedicating their lives for the betterment of the society.

Gogoi is the true wealth and pride of Lakhimpur", said Nanda Kishor Maheswari, a multi-faceted genius of the district, in a program held in North Lakhimpur Press Club. It is to be noted that a documentary on the nationally acclaimed artist, day in the program by Kishor painter Chandra Kamal Nanda Gogoi was released to- Maheswari.

It was framed in the aegis of Mangalbodh Jagaran Kendra,

Lakhimpur under the concept and composition of Jiten Baruah, the editor of Saptahik Lakhimi and Mangalmoy Patrika.

Associate editor Pankaj Sabha Pandit produced the documentary while Guna Krisna Konch anchored in it. Releasing the documentary, Maheswari appreciated the kind deeds of those who are in the back of this production. "These industrious group of young blood has conveyed a true honour to Gogoi through the noble deeds", he said.

Gogoi, who is at seventy now, also delivered a lec-

ture in the program sharing his future dreams. It is noteworthy that the generous artist has donated a plot of 10 bigha, owned by him, to the district administration in order to establish a cultural project in Lakhimpur.

Dramatist-writer Ghana Hajarika, former principal of Lakhimpur PGT College, Rekha Phukan, actor Arun Kumar Dutta, artist Paresh Bhuyan, editor Jiten Baruah along with a host of wellwisher and students of the artist delivered speech on the his exemplary life and works.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, JULY 22

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India lashes out at Pak over J&K; asks it to vacate POK New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) : India on Thursday lashed out at Pakistan for "inciting and supporting" terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and instead asked it to vacate its illegal occupation of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (POK) In a sharp reaction over anti-India rallies being held in Pakistan and other statements emanating from there over the situation in Kashmir, External Affairs Ministry said India strongly condemns encouragement and support to UN-designated terrorists and their activities from Pakistan Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said that in view of the threats of marches and protests at the High Commission of India

in Islamabad, Pakistan should ensure full safety and security of Indian officials and their families there "We have seen reports about rallies, events and statements related to J&K in Pakistan and POK over the last two days. We have also noted that the events were led by UN- designated terrorists, who had in the past protested the elimination of dreaded terrorists including Osama bin Laden and Taliban leader Akhtar Mansour in Pakistan "India strongly condemns the encouragement and support which such terrorists and their activities receive from Pakistan?s state "We once again ask Pakistan to stop inciting and sup-

porting violence and terrorism in any part of our country and refrain from its deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner," the Spokesperson said Asserting that the observance of 'Kashmir?s Accession to Pakistan Day' exposes Pakistan?s longing for the territory of J&K, Swarup said,"India demands that Pakistan must fulfil the obligation to vacate its illegal occupation of POK." India also asked Pakistan to stop "misleading the international community and Kashmiris through meaningless exercises such as the so-called elections on Thursday in POK which Pakistan ironically calls ?Azad? (free)

At least 43 people have died and more than 3,000 have been injured in the violence that erupted in Kashmir after the killing of 22-year-old terrorist Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8. India has accused Pakistan of not only pushing in terrorists but also fanning discontent within the Valley by providing support to terrorist outfits in fomenting the recent trouble in Kashmir Pakistan used Wani's killing to needle India at the United Nations and issued statements where it accused India of atrocities in Kashmir. Pakistan also observed 'Black Day' on July 19 to express solidarity with the people of the Valley over the killing of Wani.

Jaipur edge out Delhi to shoot to top of table Mumbai, Jul 21 (PTI) Jaipur Pink Panthers held off a strong challenge from Dabang Delhi before squeezing out a narrow 24-22 victory in the Pro Kabaddi League here today.

Trailing initially, Panthers took the lead after seven minutes and then led throughout to emerge victorious and also shoot to the top of the table with 42 points from 12 games.

Leading 14-11 at halftime, Panthers had to stave off a strong fight-back from their rivals in the closing stages of the game at the NSCI indoor stadium.

Panthers led 22-21 with two minutes left on the clock and increased it by one point following a successful raid by Ajay Kumar.

Meraj Sheykh raided successfully for Delhi to

make it 23-22 in the final minute of play before Rajesh Narwal made it 2422 for the Panthers with seconds remaining on the clock.

For the losers, Sheykh was the man of the day with his all-round prowess that fetched him 11 points, made up of eight in attack and the rest in defence, including a super tackle Captain Jasveer Singh point. took the honours in attack Kashiling Adake got four for the Panthers with points, but overall Sheykh seven points followed by lacked support.

Ajay Kumar (5) and in defence they were well- The loss meant that Delhi served by Amit Hooda and were left near the bottom Ran Singh who both came of the eight-team table, in up with three tackle seventh position, with 21 points. points from 10 matches.

Zensar Tech posts "3 dead in bomflat profit of Rs bardment of Syria 76.2 cr for Apr-Jun rebel-held areas" New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI) through enhanced transZensar Technologies today posted a flat net profit of Rs 76.2 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 compared to that of Rs 76.1 crore in the year-ago period.

Its revenue grew by 8.2 per cent to Rs 762.4 crore in the reported quarter from Rs 704.6 crore in the year-ago period.

"This has been a quarter of good growth. Manufacturing, which saw some softness in the previous quarter, saw a comeback with 6.3 per cent quarter-on-quarter growth (in constant currency). There was a significant traction in digital commerce and Infrastructure Management services in the first quarter," Zensar Technologies Chief Executive Officer and MD Sandeep Kishore told PTI. The applications business has also achieved significant growth enabled by key digital levers, he added.

In dollar terms, the company's net profit declined 4.9 per cent to USD 11.4 million, while revenue grew 2.6 per cent to USD 114 million in the said quarter compared to the year-ago period.

"Internally, at Zensar, several new initiatives are at play to make Zensar a business that runs fully on Digital.

These initiatives will help deliver value to our clients and associates,

parency, agility and efficiency in the way we run our business," he said.

Digital Services remained stable and contributed 27.3 per cent of the revenues in the first quarter of 2016-17.

Talking about geographies, he said the US was a bit "soft", while business in Europe did well.

The US accounted for 74.9 per cent of the company's revenues in the said quarter, while Europe and Africa contributed 10.5 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively.

On Brexit, Kishore said the company was "watching" the situation closely.

"Our exposure to Europe is small at about 10 per cent, so it's not as high as some of the larger players. However, we are closely watching the situation. We are talking to our customers," he added.

Its total headcount stood at 8,238 people at the end of June, 2016. While the company saw a gross hiring of 662, its headcount was lower compared to the March fiscal, when Zensar had 8,256 people.

Its attrition rate stood at 17.6 per cent in the quarter under review.

The results were announced after the markets closed for the day.

Shares of the company closed at Rs 1,010.60 apiece, up 0.39 per cent on BSE.

Beirut, Jul 21 (AFP): At least 43 civilians, including 11 children, were killed in bombardment of several rebel-held areas across Syria today, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said.

The group said at least 13 people, including three children, were killed in government air strikes and shelling on the Eastern Ghouta area outside the capital Damascus.

Among the areas targeted was Douma, where the central market was hit, an AFP photographer said.

Government bombardment also hit two neighbourhoods of the rebel-held east of Aleppo city, where 15 people were killed, among them six children, the Observatory said.

Opposition-held neighbourhoods of Aleppo have been effectively under siege for the past two weeks, after government forces advanced to within firing range of the only remaining supply route into the east of the city.

Chum Darang takes up community services, meets KGBV, Pasighat

Since then, government forces have seized part of the road, completely severing the east of the city from the outside world.

The Observatory also reported 15 civilians dead in air strikes in the town of Tal Manas in the northwestern province of Idlib.

But it was unable to confirm if the strikes were carried out by the Syrian government or its Russian ally.

The monitor -- which relies on a network of sources inside Syria for its information -- says it determines what planes carried out raids according to their type, location, flight patterns and the munitions involved.

A key ally of the Syrian government, Russia began carrying out air strikes in the country in late September.

More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria, and more than half the country displaced, since the conflict began with anti-government protests in March 2011.

ET Correspondent Pasighat, July 21: As a part of Miss Earth India beauty pageant contest for community services by the respective contestants, Chum Darang, one of the top 20 finalist in the contest, had an overwhelming interaction programme with girl students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Saw-

mill, Pasighat on Wednesday, where she advocated for women empowerment, protection of environment and stop wastage of water.

While speaking on women empowerment at the sideline of interaction programme at KGBV, Sawmill, Pasighat, Chum Darang, whom the girl students are now seeing

as an inspiration, said that, we as a girl should educate ourselves and our families as well and be independent in all the way as women has to face lots of social evils.

She also spoke about need of protecting environment by planting more trees while restricting rampant tree felling.

She also felt the need of

stopping wastage of water. Other members of Team Chum like Ainy Taloh, known social worker, Jimmy Dai Doming, Tajing Darang also spoke on the occasion.

Headmistress of the Vidyalaya, Rinkoo Upadhyai also spoke. A water filter was also donated to the school by Chum Darang.

Army to observe Amar Jawan Kargil Victory Day ET Bureau Aalo, July 21: The 1 Bihar Regiment of Indian Army is going to observe Amar Jawan Kargil Victory Day at General Football Ground, Aalo on 26th July next. A wide range of programme including patriotic song competition, Easy Writing, Extempore speech on Kargil War will be conducted to mark the auspicious occasion.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army of 1 Bihar Regiment has appealed the civilian populace to be a part of the daylong programme as a mark of paying rich tribute to the martyrs of Kargil War. (DIPRO)

Inter District Taekwandoo kick-off ET Correspondent Golaghat, July 21: Under the banner of Golaghat District Taekwandoo Association, which is a part of All Assam Taekwandoo Association, the 33rd Inter District Taekwandoo Competition

started today at the Indoor Stadium of Golaghat Commerce College.

Around 700 participants have participated at different events of Sub junior, Junior and Senior level categories of the competition.

Arrest of B K Bansal was as per law: CBI New Delhi, Jul 21 (PTI): CBI today said the arrest of B K Bansal, senior official of Corporate Affairs Ministry, was made as per law and due procedures of the agency as has been done in other bribery cases in the past.

"It is reiterated that the arrest procedures of CBI have not been questioned by the Court.

Arrests in this case of bribery of B K Bansal, in which he was caught while accepting a bribe of Rs nine lakh was necessary

for investigation of the case," CBI spokesperson said.

The reaction of the agency came in the backdrop of observations made by Special CBI Judge Gurdeep Singh, while giving interim bail to B K Bansal, Director General Corporate Affairs to attend the last rites of his wife and daughter yesterday, who allegedly committed suicide, that CBI needs to "rethink" whether it is necessary to arrest accused in such cases.

High level meeting held to expedite the work of Trans Arunachal Highway Contd. from Page 1

Besides providing security and confidence for both the civilian and defence personnel along the border, this road will also boost tourism sector in the state. Requesting the Chief Minister to take up the matter with the Defence Ministry, Govt of India, she said that the road would facilitate development in these areas and would also help minimize migration of people from the border areas that leaves it unguarded.

She also apprised him about the progress of Trans-Arunachal High-

way and further informed that the land acquisition is under process for 407 km NH-13 Potin to Pangin (BoT road) and the conflicting compensation issue would be resolved soon.

Joram Beda, Secretary Planning, Sandeep Kr Singh, DC ICC, Talo Potom, CEO cum ADM ICC and S Sumyan, SE (PWD Highway) presented the details regarding progress of 4-Lane Highway and TAH. Satya Gopal, Principal Secretary, Ashish Kundra, Commissioner Development & Finance and Sonam Chombay, Secretary to Chief Minister also attended the meeting.

No country can put itself opposite NPT: China Beijing, Jul 21 (PTI): Amid India's assertion that it will not sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to gain entry into NSG, an adamant China today said "no country should or can put itself opposite the NPT".

"We have repeatedly stated our position on the accession of non-NPT countries into the Nuclear Suppliers

Group (NSG)," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said here, reacting to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's statement in the Lok Sabha yesterday that India will not sign the NPT.

nity has forged a consensus long ago that the NPT is the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime. No country should or can put itself opposite to the NPT," Lu said.

"It is worth mentioning that China does not make the rules for how to become new members of the group.

The international commu-

Swaraj had said India is engaging with China to iron out differences after Beijing created "procedural hurdles" for its entry into the 48-member NSG but made

it clear that government will never ink NPT, which only recognises five countries -the US, Russia, the UK, France and China -- as nuclear weapon states.

it. We have not stopped efforts.

Swaraj said China had raised questions over how a non-NPT signatory could become a member of the NSG.

Lu's comments today stated that there is no change in China's stand on the NPT and that the new members wanting to join the NSG should sign it.

Beijing in the past has in-

"But we are engaging with

If someone says 'No' for once, it does not mean he won't agree at all," she said.

sisted on consensus over the entry of new members into grouping after majority of the nuclear trading club backed India's case.

In a setback to India's efforts to join the grouping, the NSG plenary held in South Korea last month decided against accepting the country's membership application after China and some other nations opposed entry of a non-NPT signatory.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, JULY 22

PAGE 4

Flood Hit Kalgachiya DHSK Summer Coach- Former scribe Revenue circle ing Ended Successfully turn tea expert passes away 20 villages affected, 53.61 hectre crop area affected ET Correspondent Barpeta, July 21: Due to the incessant rain vast areas of Kalgachiya revenue circle in Barpeta district has been heavily affected by flood. It may be mentioned that due to continuous rain the water of the Beki river overflowed and it flooded Kalgachiya revenue circle .

According to the report of the Disaster Management authority, Barpeta district all total 20 revenue villages of Kalgachiya Revenue circle under Barpeta district

have been submerged till date. Flood affected villages are—Bordanga, Jamarkur, Lasanga, Sarsariya, M i n i S i m l a , Mowamari,Besimari, Guileja, Kharballi,Sutir Pathar, Amguri, Sriram pur, Galiya, Kasu kati, Kaur Jahi, Uttar Moinbori, Dhakaliya Para, Gobindapur, Hapasar Pathar, and Rou Khowa etc.

And 53.61 hectre crop area were affected by flood water. It may also be mentioned that through the

breach portion of an embankment at village Bordanga of Beki river of Kalgachiya revenue circle in Barpeta district water entered and flooded the villages causing great hardships to the people of that villagers. The deputy commissioner of Barpeta Ashwini Kumar today visited the flood affected areas of Bordanga village under Kalgachiya Revenue circle. Later on he also visited Safakamar flood hit areas under Barnagar revenue circle.

4 critically injured in car-truck collision at NH-37 Jorhat by-pass ET Correspondent Jorhat, July 21: In a tragic truck-car collision four persons were seriously injured near the Jorhat JB Road by-pass chari-ali under Jorhat Police Station in Jorhat district here this morning.

Both the vehicles were reportedly in high speed, the truck bearing registration number AS01DD-7167 was on way to Dibrugarh,

while the car i10 bearing registration number AS04L-7976 was on the way to Moriabari in Morigaon district.

There were two persons in the truck the driver and his assistant both fled after the mishap took place. All four travelling in the car received 80% head, face injuries as none of them were reportedly not using seat belts. They were

rushed to the Jorhat Medical College Hospital (JMCH) by 108 ambulance service. The injured persons are Abidur Rehman (48), the driver cum owner of the car, Tutu Ali (42), Manik Ali and Vhai Ali (32). Out of all four three were stated to be very critical and has been referred to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital for better treatment.

DC Virendra Mittal reviews flood controls measures of Jorhat ET Correspondent Jorhat, July 21: A high level review meeting under the chairmanship of Virendra Mittal, Deputy Commissioner of Jorhat, over the flood situation was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office conference hall, informed Dwijendra Gogoi, District Information and Publicity Officer (DIPRO) here today.

The DIPRO said that the DC visited worst affected Namoni Gayan Gaon River Bhogdoi breached site and took stock of the work which is under progress, still a total over 45,000 people still starnded with their paddy field submerged as water still flowing into the vast paddy

fields, villages and flooded over 29 big size fisheries since July 8th ,due to heavy current of the river Bhogdoi water level still submerged most of the paddy fields and lowlands.

Meanwhile DC Mittal visited most of the artificial wards and assessed the situation and took the cause for the region. He visited Kushal Nagar, Kakoty Gaon, Bamun Gaon, Tarun Ram Phukhan Road, Milan Nagar, Gohain Tekela etc.

During the review meeting Virendra Mittal urged all the departmental heads and employees of various department not to leave station during this hour

AAKJSU to organize gherao programme at Dispur if demands are not fulfilled A Correspondent Bajali, July 21: “On 15th August, government must declared ST status to all the 7 Janagosthi. If government fails to fulfill the AAKJSU demand, then AAKJSU will compel to organize gherao programme at Dispur with all the 7 Janagosthi union”, said Anupal Duta Pathak, President of All Assam

Kalita Janagosthi Students Union (AAKJSU) to this correspondent.

Pathak thanked MP Ramen Deka and MLA Ramendra Narayan Kalita for taking their demand in assembly and parliament. He also requested all Kalita Janagosthi MLA to speak about the ST status of in assembly.

Speaking the reporters on Thursday at KDSA stadium, Jubiraj Basumatary, secretary of Organizing Committee of the championship said that, the championship will be hosting XIII sub junior, jun-

The coaching programme which was designed for

various competitive examinations including UPSC Civil Services was organized by the Information and Career Guidance Cell (ICGC) of the college in collaboration with the Academy of Civil Services, Dibrugarh had intensive classes on reasoning, numerical ability, English, current affairs etc and they were taken up by Prof. Surajit Barkotokey and Dr. D. P. Rajkhowa of Dibrugarh University, Md. Safi from Kerala, Mr Pratik Choudhury and Dr P. D. Goswami of DHSK College and Mr. Deep Kamal Gohain, DIO of NIC, Dibrugarh.

The Coordinator of ICGC Dr. Bhaskar Das said that apart from the host college, students from MDK

AASAA, Tinsukia district committee formed ET Correspondent Margherita, July 21: All Adivasi Students Association of Assam (AASAA), Tinsukia District committee was formed on 19 July at Tinsukia District Library on the Tri Annual Convention of All Adivasi Students Association of Assam, Tinsukia District Committee.On 19 July the Tri Annual Convention begins with flag hoisting

by Ramanus Lakra, General Secretary of AASAA Tinsukia District Committee. After that tributes were given to Martyrs by Lawrence Nag, General Secretary of AASAA Tri Annual Organising Committee.

A rally was also taken out at Tinsukia Town which was inaugurated by Vincent Kujur, Chief Advisor of AASAA Tinsukia

District Committee. An Open Session was held which was presided by Joseph Wading, Advisor, AASAA Tinsukia District Committee where Pradip Nag, President of AASAA Central Committee, Rejan Horo Vice President of AASAA Central Committee, Nuas Barla, President of AASAA Sonitpur District Committee, Bikhisto Tanti General Secretary of AASAA Jorhat District Committee were present.

After that 31 members new AASAA Tinsukia District Committee was formed where Raja Kujur unanimously selected as the President of AASAA Tinsukia District Committee Ramanus Lakra was elected as the General Secretary of AASAA Tinsukia District Committee.

ABSU burnt effigy of central minister in protest against passing derogatory comment against the Bodoland movement

ET Correspondent Tezpur, July 21 : The Sonitpur District ABSU today burnt the effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, state home minister Hansaraj Sangaram Ahir and Amit Sah at the heart of the Dhekiajuli town today in the morning in protest against ior and XX senior male and passing unwanted comfemale competition for three ments against the years days. long Bodoland moveHe added that, participants ment carried out by will be highlighting various ABSU in association disciplines of the Wushu with various Boro nagames. Most of the participating districts have so far tional organizations. reached in Kokrajhar and ex- More than one thousand pected that participants will ABSU workers thronged represent their best perforthe martyr’s township mance in the event, he said.

Madhav Prasad Sarma, representing various Kokrajhar Deputy Commis- Anchalick committees sioner will inaugurate the registered the protest programme attending as a programme. chief guest on Friday.

Wushu championship to be held in Kokrajhar ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 21: Altogether 700 participants and officials are participating in the All Assam Wushu Championship, 2016, beginning from July 22 at KDSA stadium, Kokrajhar district, was organized by Kokrajhar District Wushu Association, BTC.

of emergency where over 45,000 people still reeling under water taking shelter in highlands and besides PWD roads and requested all government employees to keep their mobile sets on, so that everyone could connect one top one for further information or help.

On the other hand the new Deputy Commissioner met senior citizens and various students organizations members and took the stock of the petty problems of the Jorhat district, if everyone coordinates and shares problems then it would be easy to build a good governance, the DIPRO stated.

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh July 21: The 15 day long Summer Crash Course for competitive examinations which started at the DHSK College, Dibrugarh on July 6 successfully ended today. On the last day classes on reasoning were taken by Prof. Surajit Barkotokey of Dibrugarh University.

It was followed by a valedictory session where Principal of DHSK College Dr. Sashikanta Saikia and other dignitaries namely Prof.

Barkotokey and Mr. Prafulla Sensowa retired IPS officer distributed certificates to the participants.

It is to be stated here that a couple of days back state home minister Hansaraj Gangaram Ahir commented that there is no any agenda of present BJP led central government to create any small state in the country which created a sharp reaction among the ABSU workers who have been carrying out an untiring movement on demand of Bodoland for years. Reacting to the comment the protestors mentioned that it was funny thing that the BJP which managed to win a number of Boro people dominated Lokshabha seats in the last parliamentary poll in Assam presenting a pic-

ture of creation of a separate Boroland state was one of the major points of election manifesto knows nothing about the issue of Bodoland.

“The Bodoland issue is not a joke, maintaining saliency or observation on government’s motive by us at present day situation should not be considered as our weakness, the Bodos can go for the supreme sacrifice for the interest of the nation. So we appeal to the both state and the central government to rethink over the issue so that the situation does not worsen.”

The protestors said while briefing the media.

Girls College, DHSK Commerce College and few from colleges outside Dibrugarh participated in the summer coaching.

Principal Dr. Saikia while addressing at the valedictory session said that the college will start coaching on an ongoing basis shortly and the Information and Career Guidance Cell is gearing up in this regard.

The participants of the summer programme while giving their valuable feedback said that they were greatly benefitted from the course and added that it had boosted their confidence level to a great extent. The vote of thanks at the valedictory session was delivered by Ms Deepty Borah of the ICGC.

ET Correspondent Jorhat, July 21: Hemo Saikia (74), a journalist cum-tea-executive, tea tester passed away at a private nursing home at Guwahati last night. He was 74.

Saikia is survived by his wife Raju Hazarika Saikia, Jail Superintendent of Nalbari Central Jail, one daughter and a son. He was suffering from kidney aliment.

Late Hemo Saikia started his career with Natun Asomiya from 1965 to 1975 after that he joined Dainik Janambhumi group-Guwahati office and worked there for several years.

He was then offered job in a tea industry and joined Boloma Tea Company of the Bezbaruah Group in Jorhat

where served till 2008.

During his service in tea industry apart from tea management services, he was expert in tea testing, he was offered tea tasting job by several private agencies but he did not move out and preferred to serve the company with which he was associated.

Late Saikia was actively involved with Assam Tea Planters Association (ATPA), Assam Branch of Indian Tea Association (ABITA), Bharatia Cha Parishad and Indian Tea Association etc.

Late Saikia’s sudden demise was widely mourned by the tea fraternity for his commitment, down to earth nature, knowledge and lifestyle.

Flood water creates havoc situation in Kokrajhar ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 21: Atleast seven villages under Dotma Revenue circle were affected due to submerged of flood waters following incessant rain since few days along Saralbhanga River in Kokrajhar district.

Dotma Circle Officer conducted survey in affected villages where it came into notice that several villages included Taktara, Balapara, Kwirwguri under Dotma Revenue Circle office were covered with flood waters, over flowed from Saralbhanga River in Kokrajhar on Wednesday and Thursday, damaging several houses and properties.

BTC executive member, Rajib

Brahma, visited the flood affected area to take stock about the flood situation and promised for necessary steps for the cause. He said that the council administration has been working for the early relief jobs for the affected citizens.

Garga Mahan Das, Dotma circle officer told that, the concern authority is conducting survey into flood affected area.

As per step from the concern department, necessary arrangements would be provided to the affected peoples.

Madhav Prasad Sarma, Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner said that district administration has been to extend relief materials among affected peoples.

AASU to launch massive movement in protest against government’s decision to provide Indian citizenship to the Hindu Bangladeshis from July 26 Shambhu Boro Tezpur, July 21 : The All Assam Students Union (AASU) will resume it’s statewide movement in protest against the government’s doubtful stand regarding the years long vexed infiltration issue as both the state government of Assam and the central government as well are in favour of giving Indian citizenship to the Bangladeshi Hindu refugees. Reiterating Assam will not bear burden of any Bangladeshi infiltrators, either they be Hindu or Muslim, AASU chief adviser, Dr. Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya said here that the foreigners coming into the Indian soil particularly to Assam after 1971 will never be allowed to stay in the region. Bhattacharya who interacted with the media persons here today mentioning Assam will bear

the burden of the foreigners coming to Assam till 1971 only further said that Assam is a small state, so it has no capability to receive any more burden. “If other states of the country want to bear such burdens then that is up to them.” He said warning both central and state government not to pressurize to Assam and it’s indigenous people to bear further burden. Moreover, he alleged that only because of the unchecked infiltration caused from Bangladesh the fundamentalist forces have been growing in the region posing a serious threat to it’s aboriginal people.

Urging the government to root out the Jihadi elements, he also demanded the government to launch a massive operation against the jihadists by the army and give shoot at sight order to

the security forces and the police. On the otherhand referring to the on going protest against the action of the oil fields, the AASU leader further said that if the OIL and ONGC are incompetent to take the responsibility of the oil fields then this responsibility should be carried out by Assam government itself. Saying about the matter of “state with special category” he also said that Assam is a land with the domination of indigenous people and it should be continued considering it a constitutional safeguard. He also mentioned that movement in the name of movement is not AASU’s intention. “We want a solution and hope it can be achieved, but it will be based on the good will of both state and the central government.” He maintained.

Noisy scenes in Assam Assembly, Congress stages walkout Contd. from Page 1

We continue to get special assistance as recommended by the 14th Finance Commission," he added.

The minister also said Assam continues to get fund in 90:10 and 80:20 pattern for many Centrallysponsored schemes along with 100 per cent assistance in some.Mentioning the schemes, Sarma said: "If you need the detail of funds received under the schemes, I will give that in the House on Monday.

"As I said earlier, I reiterate my statement that Assam got Rs 5,000 crore

more during 2015-16 compared to 2014-15 from the Centre.

Assam continues to get the benefits of the Special Category Status state," he said.

As soon as Sarma finished his statement, Congress returned to the House to join the rest of the business of the day.

Minister Arun Jaitley that Centre withdrew the benefit from Assam and North East as a whole.

However, the Speaker refused a discussion and asked the opposition to bring the issue through a proper device.

Yesterday, Congress had demanded a clarification from Assam government over continuation of Special Category status to the state following reports of Centre withdrawing the benefit.

On Tuesday, in reply to a query from Congress MLA Ajanta Neog, Sarma had said the state continues to enjoy the Special Category Status tag even after the NDA government came to power at the Centre in 2014.

Hussain had raised the issue as Point of Order after the Question Hour in the Assembly by showing a local news paper report quoting Union Finance

During the last two years, the Centre released Rs 58,016.42 crore to the state since 2014-15 financial year, he had informed the House.

REGION

PAGE 5

13-hr general strike Newborn death case: Court paralyses normal ends nurse's jail term life in Manipur

High Court imposes fine on five HYC members

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, JULY 22

Aizawl, July 21: A Lunglei court on Wednesday released a nurse working under the state Health and Family Welfare department, dropping against her the charge of harbouring intent to cause the death of a newborn in 2014 and observed her one week incarceration since July 13 was sufficient punishment for her medical negligence.

13-hr general strike paralyses normal life in Manipur

Imphal, July 21: The 13-hour general strike imposed by the proscribed outfit KCP (Poirei) faction crippled normal life in Manipur on Wednesday.

Most of the business establishments remained shut down while interstate and inter-district passenger services came to an abrupt halt, official reports said.

Attendances at government offices were almost nil.

The strike, which came into effective last midnight, was called to press for demand for action against the Director of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) for his alleged irregular involvement in professor appointment issue. (Agencies)

Chief Judicial Magistrate of Lunglei, H T C Lalrinchhana convicted Lalbiakdiki, a nurse working at Lunglei District Hospital, of causing death of the newborn due to negligence at the hospital in South Mizoram but dropped the charge of intent to cause the death.

Lalrinchhana, while pronouncing the sentence, said that the court regarded the sufferings (both mental and physical) and a week in prison were sufficient punishment for the nurse's crime and released her under section 3 of the Probation of the Offenders' Act. The CJM had convicted

A Lunglei court on Wednesday released a nurse working under the state Health and Family Welfare department

Lalbiakdiki on July 13 for causing death to the newborn by her act of "gross negligence and recklessness" while treating the baby and her mother at the hospital and was of the view that her conduct was unbecoming of a medical professional.

The CJM observed, "The main cause of death of baby of the complainant may be premature birth and the weight of the baby was only 1.2 kgs. If timely and proper care was given by the nurse, at least longer period may be enjoyed by

the innocent deceased child."

On whether Lalbiakdiki broke any other criminal laws, the CJM found the prosecution failed to prove the charge under section 166 of IPC, which puts a public servant in the dock for intending to cause injury.

The nurse was arrested on July 13 and sent to judicial custody. She was admitted to hospital on the very next day after she lost consciousness inside the court premises.(Agencies)

Road project has no Notification withdrawn, link with uranium High Court informed mining, says Govt Shillong, July 21: The State Chief Secretary KS Kropha has made it clear that the two-laning of Nongstoin-WahkajiMawthabah road in South West Khasi Hills has nothing to do with uranium mining. Kropha told reporters on Wednesday that he had a meeting at his office chamber in June this year with officials of Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highway who had categorically said that that the construction of the road has nothing to do with uranium mining.

According to Kropha, after the meeting, he had advised the officials of the Central ministry to write to KHADC making its stand clear on the is-

sue.

Though KHADC was requested to attend the meeting, no one from the Council was present.

To a query on the stand of the government, Kropha said, "The state government has neither given any mining lease nor approved mining of uranium mining in the state".

The 60 km NongstoinWahkaji-Mawthaba two lane road project was proposed to be taken up at the cost of around Rs 470 crore as per phase "A" of the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in Northeast (SARDPNE), under union ministry of road transport and highways. (Agencies)

Shillong, July 21: The State Government has withdrawn its decision of implementing building bye laws in Shilong Cantonment area.

The matter came up for hearing in the High Court of Meghalaya on Tuesday after the Shillong Cantonment Board filed a petition over the move of the Government to make the building bye laws applicable to the Cantonment areas of the city.

However, the Government later informed the High Court that the notification has been withdrawn and the case was disposed of.

Meanwhile, the Shillong Cantonment Lease Holder's Association, a registered body, earlier this year filed a writ petition before the High Court for the redress of the grievances of the lessees and residents of Cantonment areas.

The counsel of the Shillong Cantonment Lease Holder's Association F Quresh said that during the hearing on Tuesday, the counsel for the Shillong Cantonment Board submitted before the court that the plea of the Association was on the same issue of building bye laws.

However, Chief Justice observed that the plea of the Association and the application of government building bye laws are two different issues and there will be a hearing on the plea of the Shillong Cantonment Lease Holder's Association.

The writ petition was filed against lack of initiative in framing suitable building bye-laws under the Cantonment Act, 2006 and nonsanction or approval of new building plans submitted by the residents of Shillong Cantonment areas by the Shillong Cantonment Board due to non-relaxation in the

Floor Space Index limit and therefore the civilian population residing in the Shillong Cantonment areas are deprived of building permission for re-erection of their buildings.

According to Qureshi, as per Shillong Cantonment Board, the proposal to increase the Floor Space Index limit has been sent to the Ministry of Defence for its consideration.

Another issue which promoted the Association to file the petition is the denial of permission to the lease holders to utilize the portion of their holding on the road level for commercial purpose in view of increase in the population in the Shillong Cantonment area while the people in the area are facing tremendous hardship for purchasing the essential commodities for their day to day needs.(Agencies)

Case shifted to another Bench Some media houses have scandalized the case: AG

Make MRI machine functional or face action, Health Department told Shillong, July 21: The Estimates Committee of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly headed by former Chief Minister DD Lapang has served the Health Department a twomonth deadline to make the MRI machine at Civil Hospital functional, failing which the Health officials will be taken to task.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Health department officials here on Wednesday, Lapang said, "The MRI machine costing over Rs 5 crore at Civil Hospital has remained non-functional for several month and the committee has taken great exception to this."

said, "We will leave it to the wisdom of the health department as far as the arrangement of the said amount is concerned and if they fail they will be held accountable." The installation of the machine was done way back in 2012 at a cost of Rs 5.17 crore where 90 per cent was borne by the North Eastern Council and 10 per cent by the state government.

On the other hand, the committee also discussed delay in setting up of medical college at Mawprem, setting up of infertility unit at Shillong near Ganesh Das Hospital and a trauma unit at Nongpoh and Jowai.

Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, a member of the committee, said, "There is no permanent staff to operate the MRI machine." Stating that a whooping Rs 1. 50 crore would be required to repair the machine, he

The committee has set a time frame of two months to make the trauma centers at Nongpoh and Jowai functional. Lapang informed that the committee would visit Garo Hills region shortly.(Agencies)

Shillong, July 21: The Division Bench of High Court of Meghalaya on Tuesday imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each to five members of Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) and ordered their presence besides that of former KHADC CEM Adelbert Nongrum in the court on August 4 in a contempt of court case related to the earlier order of the court on headmen issue.

The Central Executive Committee of HYC, general secretary Robert June Kharjahrin, organizing secretary Nickson Dohling, vice president Donboklang Kharlyngdoh, adviser Anthony Kharbuli, and assistant organizing secretary Issac Basawiamoit have been asked to be present in the next hearing.

The case relates to contempt of court by Nongrum after he criticized the December 14, 2014 order of Justice SR Sen stripping the powers and functions of headmen.

Since there was shouting of slogans outside the court premises during the hearing of the contemptuous remarks by the former CEM of KHADC on January 27, 2015, the High Court had ordered for a CBI inquiry Earlier, the principal contemnor Adelbert Nongrum had appealed before the Supreme Court against the criminal contempt case taken up by the High Court , but the apex court, apart from not interfering with the

order of the High Court, rather required the Division Bench of the High Court to proceed with the matter expeditiously, without being influenced by the observations made in the January 27, 2015 order that had been essentially of initiation of the proceedings.

Later, based on the order of the High Court, the CBI had submitted the report on June 30, 2015 to the Court naming the five HYC members behind the mayhem outside the court premises. The order of the court was to conduct a thorough inquiry ( and find out who were responsible for misleading the people pertaining to the judgment of the court on the headmen and "instigating law and order problem, and trying to divide the people on communal line, shouting slogan outside the court premises and bringing around hundreds of people to create fear psychosis and disturb the court proceedings for which the District Administration had to clamp Section-144 CrPC to maintain law and order in and around the High Court campus" The High Court took up the pending contempt of court case on Tuesday after the five HYC members and former KHADC CEM failed to appear before the Court in the subsequent hearings though notices were issued to them.

Moreover, the High Court was also unhappy over the delay in filing affidavits by K Paul, the counsel for the five HYC members even after giving sufficient time.

"In the totality of circumstances, we are inclined to grant further time to the contemnors as another chance for filing affidavitsin-reply in the interest of justice but only after imposing costs. Accordingly, the matter is adjourned while imposing costs in the sum of Rs.5,000 on each of the five persons against whom notices were ordered to be issued on 29.10.2015", the order said .

While the money will have to be deposited with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, they have to submit the affidavit-in-reply within two weeks from July 19.

The Court also asked the principal contemnor former CEM Nongrum, who has been enlarged on bail and is represented by H.S. Thangkhiew, senior counsel, as also the five HYC members , represented by K Paul, to remain present in the court on the next date.

The court further wanted the print and electronic media to be cautious about the statements of Nongrum and others criticizing the court about the order related to the headmen The restraint order will also refer to Nongrum and other five HYC members. (Agencies)

17 entry/exit points to be set up in 1st phase Shillong, July 21: As many as 17 entry and exit points will be made operational in the first phase as per the government level discussion held here on Wednesday. The status of entry and exit points in the state as demanded by the pressure groups was reviewed by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma during a high level meeting.

The State Chief Secretary KS Kropha told reporters on Wednesday that in phase 1, as many as 17 entry and exit points have been identified by the government and land acquisition process is going on in this regard. Out of the 17, in two cases, social impact assessment has been completed while in West Khasi Hills, the NOC of KHADC is

awaited.

The districts where the entry and exit points will be set up include Ri Bhoi, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Khasi Hills, North Garo Hills, West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills. In Ri Bhoi, the entry and exit points will be set up in 12th and 19th mille before reaching Byrnihat.

The state government will also wait for the Tenancy Bill which has already been referred to a select committee of the Assembly so that the provisions in the Bill can be implemented while dealing with entry and exit points.

According to Chief Secretary, the entry and exit points will act as facilitation centers for the visitors to the state and the government is

planning to acquire 15 acres in few areas where the entry and exit points will come up. "We are planning to provide all civic amenities in entry and exit points and a healthy image of the state will be projected. The staff strength to man the points will also be worked out", the Chief Secretary said. .

The state government will sit again within a week's time to ensure an appraisal on the overall infrastructure required to set the ball rolling.

All line departments which include labour and revenue have been instructed to complete auditing of their manpower, sorces said while adding that various line departments are going to be part of the exercise to ensure objective is fulfilled.

(Agencies)

Slain CRPF personnel brought home, homage paid A Division Bench of High Court of Manipur comprising Acting Chief Justice RR Prasad and Justice S Serto has today transferred the criminal petition case filed by former JCILPS convenor Khomdram Ratan to another Bench Imphal, Jul 21: A Division Bench of High Court of Manipur comprising Acting Chief Justice RR Prasad and Justice S Serto has today transferred the criminal petition case filed by former JCILPS convenor Khomdram Ratan to another Bench.

The argument hearing of the case which began yesterday continued at the Court from 10.30 am today.

During the hearing, the Advocate General, who is the counsel of State respondents, told the Court that some media houses had 'scandalised' the case.

He also pleaded the Court to take up criminal proceedings against the media houses concerned regarding the matter.

The Court however decided to continue the hearing stat-

ing that the AG could file a petition regarding his complaint.

The AG then pleaded the Court to transfer the case to another Division Bench if the Court is not willing to take up criminal contempt proceedings against the media houses in question.

Later, after perusing the arguments of both the sides, the Court ordered to shift the case to another Division Bench.

It may be mentioned that the Court yesterday asked the State respondents to submit the documents of police manual related to declaration of wanted tags. The petitioner's counsel on the other hand pleaded the Court to quash the wanted tag on Kh Ratan alleging that mandatory and neces-

sary procedures were not followed while declaring the former JCILPS convenor as a wanted man.

Meanwhile, JCILPS Women Wing volunteers today tried to storm Raj Bhavan protesting the Advocate General's arguments. They alleged that the AG instead of submitting the documents of police manual related to the declaration of wanted tags during today's Court hearing targeted others. After the agitating womenfolk were stopped by CRPF personnel at Raj Bhavan gate, five selected women led by JCILPS Women Wing convenor L Nganbi were allowed to meet the Governor's Secretary as the Governor was out of station. (Agencies)

Imphal, July 21: Slain CRPF personnel of the State, Head Constable Khundrakpam Opendra of Heirok part-II who was killed in an ambush on July 18 in the jungles of Bihar's Aurangabad district was brought home today on a special helicopter this evening.

Fitting homage was paid to the slain soldier at the Imphal International Airport.

Ten personnel of the elite CoBRA battalion of CRPF

were killed and five others injured after a group of Naxalites laid an ambush on Monday.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who is also incharge of Home, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister M Okendro, Principal Secretary (Home) Suresh Babu, DGP LM Khaute and other officials of the Police Dept and officers of CRPF, Army and the Assam Rifles joined in laying wreaths to the martyr.

Deputy Chief Minister condoled the sad demise and shared grief with the bereaved family members of Head Constable Khundrakpam Opendra.

Gaikhangam said, "The sacrifice made by Opendra is worthy and we should be proud that we have such brave and courageous soldiers like him. He died trying to defend the country and we all must acknowledge the supreme sacrifice."

Late Opendra is survived by a son, a daughter and wife.

Slain CRPF personnel of the State, Head Constable Khundrakpam Opendra of Heirok part-II who was killed in an ambush on July 18 in the jungles of Bihar's Aurangabad district was brought home

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, FIRDAY, JULY 22

OSIC signs MoU with WTC

Bhubaneswar, July 21: State-run Odisha Small Industries Corporation Limited (OSIC) on Thursday signed a pact with the World Trade Centre (WTC) to promote and strengthen export activities.

The MoU, signed between OSIC and WTC here, was aimed at providing export marketing and service support to the medium and small scale entrepreneurs.

While OSIC managing director Partha Sarathi Mishra, represented the state, AO Kuruvila, Advisor, WTC, Mumbai, signed in the MOU. "Now onwards by virtue of this understanding the MSEs of the state can use the international platform of WTC which has presence in 92 countries with 327 Centres all over the World," according to the provision of the MoU. Minister for MSME Jogendra Behera said that Odisha has a huge potential to become a leader in various products and services.

"It is known that WTC which is headquartered at New York is a global network to reach out to various countires.

Thus with the MoU inked today between OSIC and WTC, I look forward not only to OSIC but all other associated department to work in tandem with WTC for market development and market penetration opportunities for the MSMEs of the state," he said. OSIC has already created an Export division in the corporation since Jaunary 2016 and the unit has the Export merchant license issued by DGFT and also has past experience in Export marketing.

The MoU with the WTC will support, promote and strengthen the export activities of the state, the minister said.

(Agencies)

BSP calls off protest after police assures Dayashankar Singh's arrest Lucknow, July 21: As police assured former UP Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Vice-President Dayashankar Singh's arrest within the next 36 hours for making derogratory remarks against Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Thursday, BSP workers called off their protest in Lucknow.

In a meeting with the party workers, Lucknow's District Magistrate Raj Shekhar assured the agitators that the police was looking for Singh after an FIR was lodged against him late on Wednesday night at the Hazratganj police station.

BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui announced that the agitation was being called off after the magistrate's assurance.

Achal Rajbhar said, "Singh's statement had revealed the anti-Dalit mentality of the BJP."(Agencies)

The saffron party on Wednesday stripped Singh of all posts for his crude remark against the BSP chief.

Union Finance Minister condemned the statement and apologised to Mayawati in Parliament.

Currently, the police is conducting searches to nab Singh. The former BJP leader is holed up in easter

At a recent meeting of the Bhubaneshwar Regional Empowered Committee (REC), the proposal of the Orissa

Uttar Pradesh, media reports said.

Protesting against Singh's sexist slur against Mayawati, angered BSP workers held a protest in front of the Ambedkar statue in Lucknow's Hazratganj area earlier on Thursday.

State BSP president Raj

Caption: BSP calls off protest after police assures Dayashankar Singh's arrest Kejriwal asks 'who is behind theft incident' at advisor's house New Delhi, July 21: As unidentified miscreants allegedly took away important documents from Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's media advisor's residence, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday suspected foul play in the theft.

Kejriwal posted a tweet on his Twitter handle asking "who is behind" the theft.

"Robbery at deputy chief minister's media advisor's

home. Burglars stole only official papers, left all valuables. Who's behind it," Kejriwal posted. On Sunday night, unidentified individuals barged into Sisodia's media advisor Arunoday Prakash's house in Sheikh Sarai area of south Delhi.

They allegedly stole certain important documents which contained details of the meetings between Sisodia and Kejriwal over the last one year. They did not touch any other valuable items in the house, the complainant said.

Sisodia also expressed his shock as important papers of the briefings were missing from Prakash's residence and valuable items were allegedly left untouched.(Agencies)

Power cuts in South, West Delhi New Delhi, July 21: Large parts of West and South Delhi suffered long power outages after a section of BSES contractual employees disrupted supply demanding that they be regularised, prompting a stern warning from the government. The contractual staffers claimed to have had the support of Somnath Bharti, although the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lawmaker distanced himself

from the strike, which has been termed "illegal" by the BSES. Representatives of the workers on strike met Bharti at his residence on Thursday. Following the meeting, Bharti said the strike has been called-off with immediate effect. "Unfortunately they used my name on the poster.

This strike did not have my consent, rather I was not even aware of it. I do not support

the strike and it has been called of on my behest. The strike was absolutely uncalled for," he said.

BSES' Twitter helpline was flooded with complaints but the company's standard reply was "Inconvenience regretted. Power demand is at an all-time high. Doing our best to restore interruptions."

"We have received complaints of disruption and

Attempts are on to saffronise everything: Mamata Banerjee Kolkata, July 21: Expressing concern over the rise of 'cow protection' vigilantes, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday asserted the peoples' "right to choice" and warned against the bid to "saffronise everything". Addressing a party rally in the city, the Trinamool Congress supremo strongly condemned the brutal assault on four Dalit youths in Gujarat's Una town and affirmed any such attempt in Bengal will not be tolerated.

"We strongly condemn the atrocities on the Dalits in Gujarat. In the name of 'gau raksha' (cow protection) they are attempting to create communal tension, attempting to create communal strife," Banerjee said. "I have also come to know that some elements in connivance with a party are asking people here in Bengal about how many cows they have," Banerjee said referring to the Gau Raksha Committee, a right-wing outfit which wants a bovine census in Bengal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "We condemn whatever is happening in Gujarat and if such a thing is tried in Bengal, we will not tolerate that.

We will fight politically.

People have their right to choice, what they can eat, wear or study. A few people cannot decide what others will eat, wear or study," declared Banerjee. "There are attempts to saffronise everything," she said. Without taking names, she also warned the Centre against taking people for granted.

"When Pathankot happens, we don't give our opinion and bat for the country's

OIPL's Rs 29k-cr power project gets clearence New Delhi, July 21: A state green panel has given first-stage clearance to Orissa Integrated Power Ltd (OIPL) for diverting 17.02 hectares of revenue forest land to set up a 4,000-MW UMPP in Sundargarh district in Odisha at a cost of Rs.29,000 crore.

As per the proposal, the ultra mega power project (UMPP) requires a total of 1,302.36 hectares, which includes 17.02 hectares of revenue forest land, 1,285 hectares of non-forest land and 1,105.86 hectares of private land.

PAGE 6

Integrated Power Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of state-run Power Finance Corporation of India, was discussed.

According to sources, REC has recommended "stage-I" approval to the proposal with some conditions.

OIPL has been asked to furnish the details of non-forest land as well as private land identified for compensatory afforestation along with Record of Rights (RoR) and non-encroachment certificate from the tehsildar before the issue of stage-II approval, they said.

The company has been asked to raise compensatory afforestation to 27.89 hectares in one

compact block considering fragmented nature of the leftout forest of 10.87 hectares.

It has also been asked to furnish revised FRA (Forest Rights Act) certificate for 17.02 hectares before issuance of stage-II approval and submit the status of nonforest land duly authenticated by the competent revenue authority.

The project cost is pegged at Rs.29,000 crore and is estimated to generate over 4,500 jobs in the state. As per the rule, the state government gives stage-I and II forest clearances to the projects based on REC recommendations.

(Agencies)

unity, when terror attacks happen in Bangladesh we don't give our opinion.

When there is trouble in Kashmir we pray for peace, but don't give opinions.

Then why you are interfering in our matters," Banerjee said in an apparent reference the central leaders flaying the Trinamool government over law and order issue. "Being in the government means one to act responsibly. You will be in the government and at the same time try to intimidate us... this is unacceptable," she said. (Agencies)

sabotage and the discoms have been asked to strongly deal with such elements.

They will have to restore power at the earliest," Delhi Power Minister Satyender Jain said.

Delhi's power demand had touched a peak of 6,188 MW on May 20. Thursday's peak demand was at 5,879 MW around 3 PM. A representative of the BSES employees union alleged that

the workers tripped switches at many places and also damaged a transformer at Punjabi Bagh. "The problem is that the discoms are exploiting these contractual employees for a long time. They are paid just Rs 10,000 despite the fact that they are engaged in hazardous work. I have taken up the issue with the power companies and the government," Bharti said.(Agencies)

New Delhi, July 21: Accusing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of believing in "crushing" and "oppressoing" the weaker sections, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said that his party and the people of India will together "defeat" such ideology.

Speaking in Rajkot, Gujarat where he had gone to meet the family members of Dalits who were assaulted by a group of vigilantes for skinning a cow carcass, Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was earlier the Chief Minister of the state believed in crushing voices of dissent.

"This is a fight of ideologies. On one hand there is Gandhi ji, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Sardar Patel and Nehru ji and on the other side there is the RSS and Narendra Modi who crush and oppress the weak," the Congress leader said.

"Modi ji talks about the Gujarat model but the truth is that if whoever raises his voice against the RSS here is crushed," he added.

"I spoke to victim's family in Rajkot and I assured them that the Congress and the people of Gujarat were with them and that together we

will fight and defeat this ideology not only in Gujarat but the whole country," he said further.

Rahul Gandhi's attack on the RSS comes days after the Supreme Court asking him to either express regret or face trial for his "collective denunciation" of the RSS when he accused the organisation, two years ago, of killing Mahatma Gandhi.

Meanwhile, there was a complete shutdown in Gujarat called by Dalit groups as protesters took to the streets, setting alight public transport and halting trains after seven youths of the Dalit community were beaten up last week by a group claiming to be cow protectors for skinning a dead cow.(Agencies)

"This is a fight of ideologies. On one hand there is Gandhi ji, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Sardar Patel and Nehru ji and on the other side there is the RSS and Narendra Modi who crush and oppress the weak,"- Says Rahul

SJTA files FIR against three priests Puri, July 21: A day after suspending 9 servitors from the Lord's service, Sree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Thursday filed an FIR against three priests for allegedly violating an Orissa High Court order on climbing chariots and disrupting rituals during Rath Yatra festival. The SJTA in its complaint with the Singhadwar police station said the three servitors were found taking a woman to the 'Taladhwaja' chariot of Lord Balabhadra during a ritual on Sunday night. They also created disturbance during a ceremonial procession of Lord Sudarshan.

These servitors allegedly abused Puri District Collector Aravind Agarwal, who tried to stop them from violating the High Court's 2014 order where it was said that none other than the authorised persons would be allowed to climb the chariots.

The servitors against whom the FIR has been lodged were identified as Damodar Mahasuara, Jayakrushna Mahasuara, Ipsit Pratihari and others.

SJTA files FIR against three priests On Wednesday, the SJTA suspended nine servitors from service of the Lord for violating the ban on climbing the chariots, misbehaving with Arvind Agarwal and attacking media persons during a ritual. Earlier, the police have arrested six servitors on charge of attacking the media persons on Sunday night. They were

New education policy not to infringe states' rights: Javadekar New Delhi, Jul 21 : There is no proposal for holding morning prayers in schools in the draft education policy, the government said today, allaying apprehensions that it would infringe on the rights of the states. Replying to a question whether the new policy proposes morning prayers, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said "there is no such proposal".

To another question on whether the new policy would encroach upon the states' rights, he said "it is not taking away powers of states. Rather, we are working with them as partners. The attempt is to make the education system better and improve its quality."

"The last education policy was made in 1986 and implemented in 1992. That is why there is need for a good policy that would take the country forward. We have come out with the draft education policy after holding several rounds of discussions across the country.

Will defeat RSS's ideology of crushing the weak: Rahul Gandhi

HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar "Suggestions were invited from all on it till July 31, but we want that all MPs should also make their suggestions on the draft policy and we would be ready to accept them till August 15," he told the Upper House during Question Hour.

Replying to members' concerns on whether the new policy would affect missionary schools, Javadekar said "any institution working within rules need not worry at all. We will appreciate the good role

played by such institutions."

He, however, preferred not to reply to a specific query on "saffronisation" of education, which was made by some Congress and Left members in the presence of the Prime Minister. Education is an issue that concerns everyone and should be made a national mission, he said, adding that the government would welcome suggestions of all MPs "which we would accept till August 15".(PTI)

sent to judicial custody for 14 days by the sub-divisional judicial magistrate's court on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Odisha IAS Association has condemned the act of servitors who publicly abused Puri Collector Aravind Agarwal.

"We will soon convene an emergency meeting to discuss on the matter. We

strongly condemn the incident and demand action against the servitors who misbehaved with a the Collector," said IAS association secretary Vishal Dev. Agarwal, a 2007 batch officer was also allegedly threatened with life allegedly by some servitors. The district collector has filed two FIRs in this connection.(Agencies)

Over 40 pc allottees returned DDA flats: Govt New Delhi, Jul 21 : Over 40 per cent of the houses allotted by the DDA under its Housing Scheme 2014 have been surrendered or cancelled with some allottees complaining about the size of the flats and locality, the government today said. "The DDA has informed that out of 25,039 flats for draw of lots in the Housing Scheme 2014, 10,653 flats have been surrendered or cancelled," Minister of State for Urban Development Rao Inderjit Singh said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Most of the allottees have cited no reason for their decision to surrender the flats but some have pointed that the size and locality did not meet their

requirements, he added.

The rate of surrender of the houses possibly makes it one of the highest-ever in a housing scheme launched by the DDA. The Delhi Development Authority now plans to allot the surrendered flats and other vacant flats through a new housing scheme with modified terms and conditions, Singh said. "At present, there is no proposal for constructing or allotting 60,000 new flats or units during 2016," he said.

About 60,000 flats, that are expected to be launched in two years from now, are reportedly under construction and will be completed in phases. (PTI)

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, JULY 22

Kalashnikov found in raid linked to Nice attack Nice Jul 21 : French police found a Kalashnikov rifle and a bag of ammunition in the basement of a man held in connection with the Bastille Day truck massacre, a source close to the case said today. The raid was carried out as part of the investigation into a 22-year-old man believed to have received text messages from Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel on the night of the attack, discussing the supply of weapons.

About 100 investigators are poring over masses of data linked to the probe, and photos found on Bouhlel's cellphone indicate he was studying several locations where crowds gathered. One photo concerns a fireworks

display on August 15, another a race on January 10 along the Promenade des Anglais where the attack took place, and another showed the opening times of the fan zone during the Euro football tournament.

Jean-Pascal Padovani, the lawyer for the 22-year-old suspect, has denied "any implication in a terrorist act" by his client. Five suspects will today go before anti-terrorism judges investigating the attack that left 84 dead and over 300 injured. They are four men aged 22 to 40 and a women aged 42 who were linked to Bouhlel, who was shot dead by police after he ploughed a rental truck into a crowd of people.(PTI)

NEIGHBOURS

Indian tanks near China border may hurt investments: Media Beijing, July 21: Criticising the reported deployment of battle tanks by the Indian army near the India-China border, Chinese state-run media today said that the move may affect flow of Chinese investments into the country and called for joint efforts to avoid misunderstandings.

"A media report stating that nearly 100 Indian tanks have been positioned near the Indo-China border to counter any possible threat grabbed people's attention as more Chinese firms are looking to increase their investment in India," an article in the state-run Global Times said on Thursday.

"However, it is puzzling that while deploying tanks near China's border, India still strives to woo Chinese investment," it said.

"The deploying of tanks near the Indo-China border

now it seems there needs to be more focus spent eliminating investor's misgivings over non-economic factors."

may hit a nerve within the Chinese business community, causing investors to weigh the threat of political instability when they make investment decisions," it said. The article refers to reports of Indian army deployment of tanks in the Ladakh border to catch up with China's aggressive military and infrastructure build-up across the border.

China too reportedly has major mechanised units on its side of the border and tank deployment was aimed at ensuring parity, the reports said. The Global Times article said, "China and India share a large potential for economic and trade cooperation, and while this may make Chinese enterprises enthusiastic about investment opportunities in the Indian market, those firms should remain calm in the face of investing risks".

"During its own initial stage of industrialisation and urbanisation, China put aside political disputes and concentrated on economic development. To an extent, this may serve as a road map for India's government," it said.

Indian tanks near China border may hurt investments According to a Global Times report published in May this year Chinese investments in India grew six fold in 2015 to USD 870 million. India which is weighed down with over USD 46 billion trade defi-

Philippines ex-leader Arroyo freed from detention Manila, Jul 21: Former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo was released from detention today following nearly five years in a military hospital after the Supreme Court dismissed her corruption charges, her lawyer said. The 69-year-old who suffers from a spinal illness was accused of stealing 366 million pesos (USD 8.8 million) in state lottery funds meant for charity programmes while she was in office between 2001 and 2010.

The Supreme Court threw out the case on Tuesday, citing insufficient evidence,

but her release was delayed for procedural reasons. "It's a happy day today because she has just been freed," said Laurence Arroyo, who is also a distance relative through marriage.

A convoy of vehicles carrying Arroyo, her supporters and lawyers was seen leaving the suburban hospital compound near Manila but she could not be seen from her car's tinted windows.

Her lawyers said that after being freed Arroyo would go to a private hospital for a check-up.

In a statement issued by her

lawyers Wednesday, Arroyo thanked the Supreme Court and newly-installed President Rodrigo Duterte for not standing in the way of her release. Government Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales defended the decision to charge Arroyo for plunder, and said on Wednesday she was preparing another corruption charge against her.

The former leader was jailed in 2011 under the administration of arch critic, then-president Benigno Aquino. Aquino questioned the ruling to free Arroyo on Thursday, saying she should

be held accountable for the mismanagement of funds that were supposed "to alleviate the suffering of many of our countrymen".

Duterte succeeded Aquino in June, and said he was willing to pardon Arroyo.

Another of Arroyo's lawyers, Estelito Mendoza, had suggested that the Supreme Court waited until Aquino stepped down before issuing its ruling as a "courtesy" to Aquino.

Arroyo was initially arrested on charges of electoral sabotage for allegedly conspiring with election of-

ficials to rig 2007 senatorial polls. Because of her illness, the government allowed her to be detained in a military hospital.

She was granted bail for the vote-rigging case in July 2012 after the court -- while not dismissing the charge -ruled evidence against her was weak. But the corruption case against Arroyo was lodged the same year, keeping her in detention.

Despite being detained, Arroyo has won a seat in the House of Representatives in the past three elections, serving as a congresswoman while being held in the hospital.(PTI)

Khaleda Zia's Sikh bikers ride son sentenced 12k km, raise $60k to seven years for cancer charity Toronto, Jul 21: A group of big-hearted Sikh bikers in Canada have ridden a total of 12,000 kilometres for a noble cause, raising over 60,000 dollars for a Cancer charity.

Twenty-four members of the Sikh Motorcycle Club rolled into Surrey, Canada, two weeks after departing for their journey to raise awareness about the devastating diseases.

Prime minister Khaleda Zia Dhaka, July 21: Bangladesh's opposition leader and former Prime minister Khaleda Zia's eldest son was on Thursday sentenced to seven years in prison by the Dhaka High Court. Tarique Rahman was given the jail term with a fine of Taka 200 million for laundering $ 2.5 million.

The high court announced the verdict after the bench of justice Enayetur Rahim and Amir

Hossain overturned the trial court's verdict over 48-yearold Rahman, following an appeal by the Anti Corruption Commission. Rahman was acquitted from money laundering charges in November 2013 by the Dhaka court. He was charged for siphoning off Taka 204.1 million (nearly US$2.5 million) to Singapore between 2003 and 2007.(Agencies)

On 13 bikes, the members rode a total of 12,000 kilometres about 1,200 per day through British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, before turning around in Montreal.

They completed their tour on Sunday. More than 70 individuals and groups made donations to support their initiative, raising a total of 61,194 dollars for the cancer

society. The money will go toward the organisation's efforts to fund research, prevention initiatives and assist those fighting cancer.

used for research and prevention for paediatric cancers and also children currently undergoing cancer treatments.

Along the way, the bikers met community members and appeared on local TV and radio stations to share their journey. "Every city they went to the Sikh community, the non-Sikh communities, everyone was cooperative of them," club founder Harjinder Singh Thind was quoted as saying by.

Allan Mugford, the agency's regional director for the Fraser Valley, said they were "stunned and amazed" by the fundraising effort. "This is a totally committed and passionate group of community members," he was quoted as saying.

"We thought about those kids that are in need that need that money and so that gave us energy and we kept fighting through it," said rider Charnjit Dhadda. The ride was in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Foundation, and the funds will be

Beyond fighting childhood cancers, the riders had another mission -- bringing communities together. "The main purpose of this club was to build a bridge between the mainstream community and us that the Sikh next door living here is one of us. And so we were able to make that a success," Thind said. (PTI)

Austria summons Turkish envoy over post-coup crackdown Vienna , July 21: Austria said it will summon Turkey's ambassador today to discuss Ankara's "increasingly authoritarian" behaviour and allegations it had been behind recent Turkish protests in Vienna.

The announcement came a day after Turkey imposed a threemonth state of emergency following last week's coup, which has seen some 50,000 people arrested or sacked.

"We're worried that Turkey is now developing increasingly authoritarian traits.

We have therefore summoned the ambassador to clarify in which direction Turkey will develop," Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz told public broadcaster Oe1.

"What we've seen in recent days was in many ways unacceptable: the dismissal of thousands of public servants, mas-

PAGE 7

sive interference in the justice system, the arrests of many officials," he said.

"The coup attempt needs to be condemned but it's not a free licence for such actions."

Kurz also denounced large Turkish pro-regime rallies, which took place in Vienna last weekend.

Thousands of demonstrators from Austria's 300,000-strong Turkish community marched

through the capital waving flags and chanting slogans in support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

At one point, tensions escalated and a Kurdish restaurant was vandalised.

"We have received information that the pro-Erdogan protests... had been directly ordered from within Turkey. That is of course untenable and we want

to protest against that," said Kurz.

The foreign minister added that the European Union needed to exert financial and verbal pressure on Turkey.

"We as Europe need to stand by our values, especially in these increasingly uncertain times. We must not look away when there are aberrant developments in Turkey," he said.

(Agencies)

cit with China in about USD 70 billion annual trade has been pressing Beijing to step up investments and has removed a number of security-related issues for a smooth flow of Chinese investments.

Acknowledging India's efforts to improve investment climate, today's Global Times article said, "the continuous efforts by India's government to improve its foreign investment environment deserve applause, but

"In the long run, there is large potential for a successful relationship between China and India, especially in the manufacturing sector.

In order for that possibility to become a reality, both China and India will need to work hard to clear up misunderstandings in a bid to lay a solid foundation for the sustainable development of economic and trade cooperation," it said.(PTI)

Capital flows out of China slowing: Beijing Beijing, Jul 21: The flood of billions of dollars out of China slowed dramatically in the second quarter, official figures showed today, despite the yuan's persistent weakness making it less attractive to hold. "Cross-border capital outflow pressures have gradually eased," Wang Chunying, spokeswoman for the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), said at a briefing.

flowing out of China in recent years as its growth has slowed, adding to downward pressure on its currency and making yuan-denominated assets less attractive to hold, in a vicious cycle for the world's second-largest economy.

Foreign exchange settlement data showed Chinese banks sold USD 49 billion more in foreign currency than they received between April and June. That "narrowed sharply" from USD 124.8 billion in the JanuaryMarch period, she said.

Authorities have tightened restrictions over cross-border money flows, including capping cash withdrawals overseas using domestic bank cards at 100,000 yuan (USD 15,000) per year from January and requiring banks to pay a 20 per cent deposit on forward sales of foreign exchange to stem speculation. A forward sale is a commitment to sell at a predetermined price and date.

The monthly figures were even more dramatic, with USD 12.8 billion leaving in June, down from USD 54.4 billion in January, she added. Money has been

Wang insisted that capital was leaving mainly because of "continued expanding overseas investment" by Chinese firms, rather than "foreign capital withdraw-

Four Islamist militants of the banned homegrown JMB group Dhaka, July 21: Four Islamist militants of the banned homegrown JMB group, including its top regional head, were arrested today, who authorities said were responsible for Bangladesh's worst terror attack on a cafe here in which 22 people, mostly foreigners, were killed.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) raided a hideout of militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in Gazipur's Tongi this morning and arrested the four militants.

Mahmudul Hassan Tanvir, the 'Amir' of the group's southern region was among the arrested persons, the RAB spokesperson said.

The other three have been identified as Ashiqul Akbar Abesh, Najmus Shakib and Rahmatullah Shuvo.

RAB's media wing Director Mufti Mahmud Khan said a huge quantity of weapons, ammunition and bombmaking material have been recovered from the house.

Khan said the RAB swung into action after receiving a tip-off that the four were present in a building.

Khan said these four had taken shelter in the house before Eid during Ramadan and that the house was used for training JMB recruits.

He said eight bombs and bomb-making material, a pistol, a magazine, more than 100 rounds of ammunition, eight machetes and some jihadi literature have been seized from the house.

Security forces have been looking JMB hideouts since the July 1 attack on Dhaka's Holey Artisan Bakery that killed 22 people, including an Indian girl. The six gunmen were killed by army commandos who stormed the cafe the next morning.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the deadly attack, but the government denied their presence in Bangladesh, saying homegrown JMB militants were responsible for the assault.(Agencies)

ing from China". Chinese firms have embarked on a string of high-profile overseas acquisitions. But Beijing rattled global investors with a surprise devaluation last August, when it guided the normally stable yuan down nearly five per cent over a week, in a move largely perceived by analysts as an attempt to boost exports as economic growth slowed.

China's gross domestic product expanded 6.9 per cent last year, its slowest in a quarter of a century, and growth further weakened to 6.7 per cent in the first half of this year.

China's foreign exchange reserves, the world's largest, declined for months before unexpectedly increasing in June by USD 13 billion to USD 3.21 trillion, although they are still down 20 per cent from their USD 4 trillion peak in 2014.(PTI)

PML-N to pass law against honour killing, says PM Nawaz Sharif's daughter

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s daughter, Maryam Nawaz

Islamabad, July 21: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s daughter, Maryam Nawaz, has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-(Nawaz) plans to pass the much delayed legislation against "honour killings" within weeks in the wake of the murder of outspoken social media star Qandeel Baloch.

Maryam said on Wednesday that the bill will go before a parliamentary committee as early as Thursday, reports the Dawn.Passing the law would remove a loophole that allows other family members to pardon a killer in cases of `honour killing`. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, JULY 22

Child Labour Rajya Sabha passes amendment bill The Rajya Sabha passed the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, which prohibits employment of children below 14 years in all occupations except in family business, with the provision for imprisonment of up to two years for any violation. The Bill, which provides for enhanced punishment for violators, was passed by a voice vote. The penalty for employing a child has been increased to imprisonment between six months and two years (from three months to one year), or a fine of Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 (from Rs 10,00020,000) or both. Main objective of this act is total eradication of child labour.

The bill will now be laid in Lok Sabha and once passed it will go to the President for his assent.

Following the President's approval the changes will be notified by the labour ministry.

The Bill passed with little opposition in the Upper House drastically cuts down on the number of industries that are considered hazardous for children, from 83 to just 3, effectively knocking off zari work, bangle-making, garment industry, leather and tanneries among others in the list. While a section of society welcomed the bill, others had criticized the government for allowing children to work in family occupations and enterprises. Nobel Lareaute

Kailash Satyarthi expressed his disappointment, "There is a thin line between family enterprise and employers. In the past, there have been many instances where employers have claimed to be the fathers, uncles or children, sometimes of up to 30 children. Now, they will have legal backing." According to the 2001 census, there were 12.6 million child workers between the ages of five and 14 in India. In 2011, this number fell to 4.35 million. The National Sample Survey Office's survey of 2009-10 put the number at 4.98 million.

The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment (CLPRA) Bill was first introduced in Rajya Sabha by the previous government in 2012 but was sent to the standing committee for recommendations. The new government had sent it to the inter-ministerial group set up for the purpose to resolve internal differences following which the Union Cabinet gave its go-ahead to the changes in May last year. The 1986 law prohibits employing children only in certain occupations such as mines, work in hazardous process and with inflammable substances or explosives. Minors working in middle class homes as domestic workers and those employed at hotels, dhabas were included as a category of child labourers only after an amendment in 2006.

Addiction A barrier for improvement Drugs, HIV/AIDS, violent conflict, wide-spread poverty and underdevelopment are some of the similes of India's troubled northeast region. Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland are the eight states of Northeast region, and the last four share a common international border with Myanmar the world's second largest illicit opium producing country. Following the introduction of heroin in the early 1970s, drug use among local youth in the Northeast India, particularly in the states close to Myanmar, took a new turn. Injecting heroin (locally known as "number 4") soon took over from heroin smokinga non-traditional form of opiate use in the region.

Many young males and to a lesser extent young females, in their mid-teens started drug use around this time. They gradually switches from non-injecting to injecting method. It is important to recognize that a wide range of structural and environmental factors, including underdevelopment, increased the vulnerability of the young people to drug use. Stringent laws and enforcement activities against heroin trafficking and peddling in the early 1990s in Mizoram and in the early 2000s in Manipur also resulted in another shift towards the vein puncturing habit of injecting other pharmaceutical products like dextropropoxyphene which is a synthetic pain reliever capsule meant only for oral use. Easy availability of drugs, stress arising from socio-political unrest and frustration born of the lack of employment opportunities for the growing educated youth mass in the region are often cited as the major causes of drug use a serious social disease. The worst hit states are

Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya and some parts of Assam. The main cause is the easy availability of drugs by illegal drug trafficking and the close proximity of these states to the Golden Triangle, the second largest site of opium production. Traditionally, the Golden Triangle is a region between the borders of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand; a famous region for its opium production.

According to a survey, the most used substances are sada, bidi, cigarette, alcohol and opium. Alcoholism is another threat but it is far less prominent than drug addiction. The situation has reached terrifying dimensions because of strong links between drug addiction and HIV transmission. The other major cause of HIV apart from unsafe sex is the high incidence of IDU (Intravenous Drug Use), especially rampant in the North East. The addicts use the same contaminated needle many times and share it among many groups.

Illicit drug trade along the Golden Triangle has serious implications for Northeast India. According to estimates by the National Aids Control Organization (NACO - 2006) there are 50,000 IDUs injecting drug use in the region, the majority of them in Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and, of late, Meghalaya. This figure does not perhaps include many IDUs belonging to affluent families who can deal with the problem of drug use themselves without having to seek help from NGOs and other service providers. They remain hidden for various reasons; stigma being the most important one. Experience shows that there is a sizable population of drug users in this section of society in the region. Therefore, the figure mentioned above can well be construed as a poor representation of the problem.

The Cost of Interlinking India's Rivers The environmental, social, and diplomatic costs of the world's largest irrigation infrastructure project Sudha Ramachandran India's ambitious plan to interlink rivers to achieve greater equity in the distribution of water in the country reached an important milestone on July 6, when water from the Godavari, its second-longest river, rushed to meet the fourth-longest, the Krishna. The two became the first of 30 rivers to be linked under the Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) program.

Touted as the world's largest irrigation infrastructure project, the ILR program involves construction of around 15,000 km of new canals and 3,000 big and small dams and storage structures.

Broadly, it has two parts: the Himalayan rivers component with 14 links and the peninsular component with 16 links, which will transport 33 and 141 trillion liters of water, respectively, per year. The Godavari-Krishna link is part of the latter.

The idea of interlinking rivers isn't new. Even in ancient times, rulers and engineers the world over sought to divert rivers to parched lands. In 1858, when India was under colonial rule, British engineer Sir Arthur Cotton proposed interlinking India's major rivers for inland navigation but his plan remained on the drawing board.

Variations of this project have been put up in more recent decades. But successive governments did not pursue these plans due to financial and environmental concerns.

It was only with the Bharatiya Janata Party coming to power in 2014 - it is a strong proponent of interlinking rivers - that the ILR program took off.

India has multiple waterrelated woes. Besides its enormous dependence on the erratic monsoons, its basinwise availability of water varies greatly due to uneven rainfall and population density. According to a Ministry of Water Resources report, in 2010 the average per capita availability of water in the Ganga-BrahmaputraMeghna system was 20,136 cubic meters per year compared to 263 cubic meters in the Sabarmati basin.

While a third of the country grapples with drought, an eighth struggles with floods.

Interlinking rivers is seen as the way to deal with these problems. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, the ILR program will not only extend irrigation to an additional 35 million hectares of land and boost hydropower capacity by around 34,000 megawatts of electricity power but also will improve management of floods and droughts.

The ILR program involves transfer of water from "surplus" river basins to "deficit" ones. On the face of it, it appears to be just about diverting water. However, it isn't that simple. Water will have

@ Chietigj Bajpaee The same week the results of Britain's referendum to exit the European Union (EU) were announced, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) held its first annual meeting. These seemingly unconnected events are an indicator of the changing dynamics of globalization. To put it simply, the West is gradually ceding its role as a driver of globalization to the east and

velopments at the regional level. Ironically, Britain's exit from the European Union and concomitant weakening of the European project may actually serve to reinforce regional cooperation in Asia. This comes as states seek to minimize the adverse effects of a global economic contagion through strengthening regional financial safety nets and self-help mechanisms with greater macroeconomic policy coordination. In this context, initiatives

Globalization With Asian Characteristics As the West retrenches into populism and nationalism, can Asia take up the mantle of global cooperation?

Interlinking of Rivers in India (Photo: safetymessenger) to be channeled across different terrains, topographies, and elevations. It involves very complex engineering.

And it comes with a hefty price tag. It is estimated to cost $168 billion. This being a project that will take decades to complete, serious cost overruns can be expected.

Engineering a diversion of water carries enormous human, ecological, and environmental costs too. Millions of people are likely to be displaced by the ILR's canals and dams.

Environmentalists are drawing attention to the irreversible damage that reduced downstream flows would have on a river's ecology and biodiversity. A change in the ecology of the River Ken on account of the Ken-Betwa link project in central India is expected to doom the already critically endangered gharial.

Also, this project would submerge around 10 percent of the Panna Tiger reserve, reversing the huge gains of India's tiger conservation project.

Experts have also challenged some of the assumptions on which the ILR is based. Questioning the concept of "surplus water," for instance, Jayanta Bandyopadhyay and Shama Perveen maintain that there is no "'surplus' water, because every drop performs some ecological service all the time." Others have pointed out that a river assessed to have "excess" water today may not have that "surplus" tomorrow. This is important particularly in the context of climate change impacting glacier masses and water volumes in the Himalayan rivers, argues Ashvani Gosain, professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, pointing out that if these perennial rivers "don't retain the character of donor basins," the ILR plan would collapse.

There is concern too that the ILR program would add to India's already long list of festering water-related conflicts. The ILR has many opponents; key "donor" states like Bihar, Odisha, Kerala, and the Northeastern states are not on board with the plan. Odisha, for instance, dismisses claims that its

Mahanadi river has "surplus" water as over the half the state's 30 districts are drought prone. Without Odisha's participation and the Mahanadi's "excess" water, the peninsular component of the ILR would be weakened. The Mahanadi-Godavari link is critical to eight other downstream river links.

Even if states get on board the project now, conflicts could emerge in future between donors and recipients should the former run out of "surplus" water. Such conflicts could manifest in violence targeting each other's populations and ILR infrastructure, as is often visible in the ongoing dispute over sharing of the River Cauvery.

While the ILR program is about linking rivers in India, its neighbors are watching how it unfolds with apprehension.

The ILR program's Himalayan component envisages construction of reservoirs on the principal tributaries of the Ganga and the Brahmaputra in India and Nepal, and involves transfer of water from the eastern tributaries of the Ganga to the west, apart from linking the Brahmaputra to the Ganga and the Ganga to the Mahanadi.

As the Ganga and Brahmaputra are transboundary rivers, India's proposed engineering of their waters would impact Nepal and Bhutan, where these rivers originate, and Bangladesh, the lower riparian country.

Nepal and Bhutan fear that, as in the case of other river projects in the past, India will pressure them to cooperate with the ILR through building dams and other storage infrastructure. There is "strong popular opposition to this idea" in these countries, Ashok Swain, professor of peace and conflict research at Uppsala University, Sweden, has pointed out.

Such opposition could weaken already fragile ties between India and Nepal.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, is deeply apprehensive over the diversion of water from the Ganga's tributaries upstream, and the Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers to the Ganga, as this would reduce water flows into its territory, in-

creasing salinity of the water, rendering the soil unfit for cultivation, and resulting in the desertification of large parts of the country.

Early this year when India and Nepal began work on the first transcountry river linking project to divert water from the Sharda River in Nepal to the Sabarmati in western India, it evoked "serious concern" in Bangladesh. Angry opinion pieces in the Bangladeshi media accused India of violating its commitments under the 1996 India-Bangladesh Treaty on sharing the Ganga's waters and of acting unilaterally with little consideration for Bangladesh's concerns.

The Himalayan component and the ILR program hinge on the diversion of the Brahmaputra River's waters to the Ganga at the Farakka barrage, which would benefit Bangladesh too. This diversion is possible either through Bangladesh or via India's Siliguri Corridor. But with Bangladesh unwilling to allow the link canal to run through its territory and the alignment via Siliguri "economically unviable" as it "involves large-scale lifting of water," interlinking the Brahmaputra with the Ganga is not possible.

Critics of the ILR say that instead of pressing ahead with a financially unviable and environmentally unsustainable program, the government must act upon a "number of cheaper, socially and environmentally-benign options" that are already available such as "increasing irrigation and project-specific efficiency, rational cropping patterns, putting to use our existing mega infrastructure which is under-performing, using water equitably, harvesting rainwater, and managing demand better, among others."

This would require the government to first wake up to the fact that its dream of tackling India's water woes though the ILR plan could turn into a nightmare. Importantly, would India's powerful big dam/water infrastructure lobby be interested in less expensive options?

Courtesy: The diplomat

Asia in particular. This comes amid an anti-elite backlash in the West, which has been most notably evidenced by the recent Brexit vote but also demonstrated by the rise of politicians with protectionist platforms such as Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders in the United States, Jeremy Corbyn and Nigel Farage in the United Kingdom, Marine Le Pen in France, Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, and Pauline Hanson and Nick Xenophon in Australia. While these individuals may be regarded as fringe, anti-establishment voices, their views have become increasingly mainstream.

This is evidenced by the fact that even seemingly moderate politicians are pandering to such views, as noted by U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton criticizing NAFTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, despite her extensive history with both free trade agreements. This has led several leading Western powers to place a growing emphasis on protecting national self-interests over projecting global norms, values and institutions.

In contrast, the national interests of Asian powers are increasingly intertwined with promoting international trade and regional cooperation and protecting the global commons.

Of course it would be premature to claim that Asia has assumed the mantle of leadership on the globalization debate. If anything, the short to medium term will witness a retrenchment of globalization as Western states become increasingly inward-looking while Asian countries are in no position to fill the void. This will lead to the growth of ungoverned spaces, a breakdown of global norms and institutions, and an inability to tackle transnational threats. This is already evident by the growing arc of instability emanating from the Middle East and the fact that global trade growth is now less than global economic growth. Challenges in combating transnational threats such as terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and climate change will only reaffirm this trend.

However, as any student of world history knows, the international system abhors vacuums and any void will eventually be filled by new and emerging powers. In this case, Asia is the obvious candidate and there are several signposts that point to this trend.

Strengthening intra/inter-regional cooperation The first sign of Asia's role in shaping globalization are de-

Chairman, APSC

Caption: Logo of APSC (Photo: xahitya.org)

Sir, There have been much hullabaloo over the continuation of Rakesh Paul as the Chairman, APSC. Many allegations against this corrupt person have been in the news during Tarun Gogoi's regime. People were under the impression that with the change of government in Dispur this corrupt person, too, would be removed. Reports are rife in the news papers about the way, he had been elevated to Chairman from a member of the Board. We fail to understand, why Sarbananda Sonowal led government of Assam still turns a blind eye to the issue of removing him. It is really enigmatic a person holding a respectable government post, whose properties are quite disproportionate to income is allowed to continue in his post. Once the

identity of a person is established, BJP led government that occupied Dispur mainly on corruption issue of the previous government should take immediate step to remove Mr. Paul, the Chairman. In fact, people look at the selected candidates under his Chairmanship with scepticism, despite their bright career.

such as the Chiang Mai Initiative currency swap agreement, Asian Bond Market Initiative, and ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office may be strengthened.

Learning the lessons of the European debacle, certain "red lines" are likely to be drawn in Asia with greater emphasis on regional cooperation over regional integration and making globalization a less elite-driven process by conceding to public concerns. In this respect ASEAN's soft institutionalization may prove to be a more durable model of regional institution building than Europe's supranational and intrusive bureaucracies that impinge on the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Institutions that were initially perceived as mere talk shops (ASEAN) and unlikely to last (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) have persisted and gone from strength to strength.

While Western institutions such as the European Union and NATO may have served as the inspiration for Asian regional initiatives such as ASEAN, the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMMPlus), the latter may ultimately take the reins in defining the process of intra- and eventually inter-regional cooperation and global policy coordination.

Externally-oriented Another indication of Asia's role in driving globalization is the fact that Asian countries whether bilaterally or through multilateral lending institutions such as the AIIB and Asian Development Bank (ADB) are increasingly looking beyond their shores and regions in seeking economic opportunities. The AIIB announced four development loans during its inaugural meeting. This included co-financing three projects with the World Bank, ADB, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as the AIIB seeks to build up its capacity and incorporate the best practices of existing multilateral development banks. The AIIB projects include a highway construction project in Pakistan, road rehabilitation in Tajikistan, and slum development in Indonesia. Moreover, the AIIB's lending activities are unlikely to be confined to Asia as future applicants include more countries from Africa, Latin America, and Europe. The AIIB is also likely to seek improvements on existing practices of multilateral development institutions by expediting lending processes. To be contd (Courtesy: The diplomat)

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

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

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, JULY 22

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How We Celebrate Festivals, And Ignore The Child Labour And Pollution Behind It Richa Gupta The day was uncharacteristically scorching; perspiration ran down my face. The car's air conditioner had stopped working, leaving me vulnerable to the oppressive heat of a particularly vindictive Indian afternoon.

Just as I was craving a chilled glass of water, I took a look out of the window. And then I saw a long line of huge statues of Lord Ganesha, and realised that Ganesh Chaturthi was approaching.

Ganesh Chaturthi is the Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the god Ganesha - the god who removes the obstacles from one's path to success. Festivals, including this one, are a huge deal to most of us, and a pretty considerable deal to my family and me. And on that day, I could see that people were really getting into the festival spirit those endless lines of intricately carved Ganesha elephants just proved it.

Each carving was taller than me, and must have weighed a ton. But as we were rounding the corner, I saw something else that took away the excitement that was beginning to take

Image for representational purpose (Photo: cdn.youthkiawaaz)

shape in my heart - that the people cutting, carving and painting the statues were children, probably seven or eight years old, who were engaging in laborious tasks rather than joining their peers and going to school.

India is notorious for its prevalence of hard, demanding child labour. Almost everyone knows this but it becomes worse when we realise that our pleasure during festivities becomes another's pain.

But even this is nothing new - young children from illiterate or rural families are known to

Vinayana Khurana "Don't forget the wheelchair!" I squealed with excitement from the car while waiting for my parents to drop me off to college. It was a cloudy day (as I like it!) and the day of my college trip, and my friends and I did not sleep a wink all night.

Only one thought kept recurring in my mind, "How beautiful would The Taj Mahal be? Would I be able to see it in proper light?" And as I lay in my bed thinking about it, the sun rose.

Ten of us from the same class - Siddhi, Nisha, Sandhya, Suparva, Priya Saklani, Shweta Sharma, Priya Nagar, Vaishnavi, Vidushi and myself, were going and as instructed, we reached half an hour early. In the middle of our chattering, we were told to board the bus. I suddenly grew very attentive and slightly tense; I now needed to request help in folding my wheelchair in a proper way. It was a new experience for my friends, and once they had followed my instructions, carefully, I felt relieved. It was my first year at Vivekananda College in Delhi, and my friends were trying to know each other. But more importantly, they were trying to know me and my disability better (I have cerebral palsy, which impairs the control of some body movements). So, this trip could give me the opportunity to mix around with friends as well as teachers. I felt grateful that my college had not objected to me taking this trip (subconsciously, rejection is something I have come

to expect. Perhaps this is why I find myself often apologising to people around me. If a person talks to me with a smile, I feel gratitude).

As the bus started its engine, we roared "Jai Mata Di", an Indian tradition of proclaiming God's name before any trip. We played songs and games and it was a delight to know my seniors, who were very helpful as well as encouraging. On reaching, we got to know that we had to take an electronic-rickshaw; cars and buses are not allowed around the Taj Mahal, as this would increase pollution, which is harmful for the marble. So, my teachers planned to put my wheelchair on one rickshaw and get someone to sit along with me to prevent it from falling.

It was a little difficult for me to board the rickshaw because of its height, but my friends helped me and we somehow managed. As we started our journey towards the Taj Mahal, my eyes were filled with astonishment by the beauty and grandeur of the Mahal's structure. As we moved closer, it appeared to be moving towards us. It was as if I had seen the most beautiful thing in the world, and I couldn't help but just stare.

When we alighted from the rickshaw, one of the girls pushed my wheelchair towards the Mahal. But on reaching the building, we realised that while it had a ramp, it was unusable; the slant was much steeper than usual. As a result, wheelchair kept sliding back

slave away in factories during the most widely celebrated of Indian festivals, such as Diwali and Holi. They are known to manufacture fire crackers, sparklers and coloured powder. I've read articles describing the plight of these children - the injuries they incur, the misery etched across their faces, some of which have even gone viral. But there's barely any change in the mentalities of the people, which started making me question the very purpose of festivals.

Diwali is the Hindu fes-

tival of lights, which signifies the return of Rama and Sita (characters in the story from the Ramayana), and is a spiritual victory of light over darkness. This festival is also celebrated to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Let me just say that on Diwali nights, the night sky is brighter and so much more colorful than it is during the day, and is all the more polluted. It takes no time to discern the billows of multicoloured smoke rising up into the skies, which contribute to air

pollution and global warming. But is Diwali a festival that affects only the environment? Or also the hands and legs of the little children who make perilous items every single festival day?

Last Diwali, I couldn't light a single sparkler and send a single cracker spinning into the dusty skies. On Holi, I had to force myself to cream my sister with the blues, reds and greens of these powdered, festive hues.

Because how could I have fun, when I was enjoying myself at the expense of another child's pain and misery? The answer was simple - I couldn't. But then I thought of everyone else - all those people I saw laughing and shouting and prancing and running.

How could they enjoy themselves without that nagging voice at the back of their mind urging them to stop? A voice urging them to drop everything they're holding and save these children from the predicament they're ensnared in?

The concept of festivals is not as simple as I had once thought it was they are not merely 'religious times' or 'times of enjoyment'; this is some-

For This 'Wheelchair Wanderer', Taj Mahal Is Inaccessible (Yet Her Spirit Is High!)

The historic Taj Mahal.

(Photo: greattelangana.)

each time my friends pushed it forward. Eventually, they got tired, and we took the help of our male teachers who carried me and the wheelchair up the stairs. When we reached the main tomb, I felt relieved. I had made it to the most beautiful monument in the world!

As I wheeled around with our group, the travel guide shared that the Taj Mahal was built in such a way that if ever an earthquake were to occur, the four minars would bend outwards, so as not to fall on the main tomb.

I can never resist shar-

ing this fascinating fact.

Yet, strangely, even though we were at possibly, the most astonishing monument on earth, it was I who was the centre of attraction; my lecturers kept quizzing me about my well-being.

"Are you hungry or thirsty?" or "Are you feeling tired?". It made me realise that they really cared, and this gave me a good feeling. My only issue was that I had difficulty with the public toilets; they were neither maintained nor accessible! Many public toilets are slippery and everybody has to risk their life to use one! As for me, to

go to the washroom is simply beyond question.

At lunchtime, we discovered that the nearby restaurant had no ramp.

Once again my classmates had to help me.

And even when we sat down to have our lunch, I found that the level of the table at the restaurant was higher than my wheelchair. This made it very difficult for me to eat my food on my own, and my friends had to feed me.

For me, this was most disheartening - that Agra, one of the major cities for tourism in India, is inaccessible to wheelchair users. I have my dignity,

thing I had learnt many years ago. They are times to honor the Gods and Goddesses who are believed to have shaped and molded the universe to what it is today. But if they are 'times of enjoyment', who is meant to benefit? Who are they trying to make happy or to please?

As said by Anna Fitzgerald, a teenage character from the fictional novel "My Sister's Keeper": "There are always sides. There is always a winner and a loser. For every person who gets, there's someone who must give."Nonetheless, that shouldn't mean that we deny ourselves the luxury of reality but as of now, I'm powerless to change it. So, nowadays, whenever I half-heartedly participate in festivals, rather than envisioning the tears that must have gone into manufacturing what I'm holding and tensely gripping with my fingers, I sincerely thank the children who had made them - my silent tribute to people too far away to pay my respects to directly and hope that one day, I'll be able to meet them in person. Courtesy: youthkiawaaz

and so do many wheelchair users like me who don't wish to be a burden on others every time there's a step in the way.

As an avid wheelchair wanderer, I have also had the chance to observe the attitudes of people, quite closely (though they may not even realise it!). Many behave most strangely around a wheelchair.

Some look very uncomfortable. Some simply stare as if they have seen a flying saucer. And many ask silly questions.

Some of the silliest are: 'Is she not able to walk?' , 'Is she able to understand me?' , 'Can she speak?' The questions, I noticed, are almost always, never addressed to me. Perhaps, because they think I am one brainless creature!

Some people start interrogating me right away about my physical condition. When I say that I have Cerebral Palsy, they think that there's some problem with the way I think. The most cruel question, however, is this - 'Why did you bring her here?' Hello, do I, as a citizen, not have a right to travel in my own country?

No doubt such experiences dampen my spirits for a little while. However, a true traveller, has a seeking spirit; she never stops and never loses hope, so how can I? I am a traveller on a wheelchair and I will continue finding new paths and undiscovered places to visit. And one day, people will become accustomed to seeing me on the road, and all they will see is my boundless passion for travelling. Courtesy: youthkiawaaz

TRUTHOSOPHY Tagam Mibang The Creator of Cosmos and the Creation; the infinite space, countless stars, the Sun, the Moon, other planetary bodies, the Earth and all her innumerable living and non-living entities continously stay connected with you and I,

whether one is aware or unaware, through Cosmic Soul or Cosmic Power or Cosmic Intelligence.

The difference that be is, when consciousness is opened up and tuned with flow of the Cosmic Soul, harmony of existence shall evolve endlessly for infinite moments ticking in during life.

Why Can't Indians Have A Debate Without Bringing In Race And Religion?

Anil Mammen It almost looks as though we do not have a common ground to discuss social issues anymore. For instance, consider casteism, a practice common even among Christians and Muslims in India. The moment you mention caste, standing on a non-communal ground, caste interests will immediately term it an internal Hindu issue that can only be discussed on a Hindu platform. Or you are faced with the inevitable question - what about 'Islamic terrorism' or 'Christian evangelism'?

Why don't you talk about that?

Of course, I can talk about it. But why am I asked to talk about it?

What is the intention behind that question? Is it to score a religious point or is it to establish a sense of neutrality? Ultimately, every political argument today is converted into one about religion and religious identity, which locks even the non-partisan into a religious position (forced to defend one against the other). It is almost as though we are genetically ordained to take certain argumentative positions based on which religion we are born into, reducing all of us in the process to narrow singular identities. So, every Muslim becomes a potential terrorist. Every liberal Hindu, a westernised bigot. And every Christian, a potential evangelist.

And how does a Muslim become a Virat Hindustani? Simple. Just acknowledge his or her ancient Hindu ancestry.

Historical ambiguities and migrations of various communities across centuries don't matter. The culture and traditions of Adivasis don't matter. If you are an Indian, your forefathers were definitely Hindu. No questions asked. And hopefully, then you would stop asking questions about caste. It would have been annihilated forever as a Virat Hindu family matter.

Atheists, communists, liberals, scientists, sociologists and other non-religious identities don't matter in this scheme of things. They are peripheral distractions with which you are trying to fool yourself.

Let us consider another common social issue, which in itself has no religious connotation: freedom of expression. Let's say you bring up Wendy Doniger. In no time Taslima Nasreen will be brought up. Or Salman Rushdie. From a neutral ground of free speech, the argument is quickly brought down to one concerning the freedom to offend Hinduism vs. the freedom to offend Islam. It's no more an argument to establish neutrality but one to defend a certain kind of partiality.

To consider the issue of how perceptions of our own identities have been messed up by the colonial project, or to consider historical contexts, inequality of power relations and multiple identities of each

individual are just pseudoacademic gimmicks to avoid getting to the point according to this new game of religious polemics.

History has shown us time and again how majoritarian bigotry (or the bigotry of the powerful) needs to be resisted much harder than the bigotries of minority communities Nazis vs. Jews, White American racism vs. African American resistance, Iraqi Sunni aggression vs.

Yazidis, Men vs. Women (patriarchy vs. feminism) and so on. It is also obvious that the majority-minority markers shift based on contexts. If you use the Christian marker, then many white Americans, as well as African Americans, fall within a majority category. So is the case with Dalits when they are classified as Hindu. However, when politics plays out, markers shift and power relations are exposed.

Even the most rigid ideological positions of the 20th-century now seem quite sophisticated compared to the religious-cultural street fights of today.

Is this what a post-ideological world sound like in India? Or is this the highpoint of anti-colonial nationalism, where under the guise of guarding spiritual traditions, you condemn what were once globally accepted liberal ideas like the right to personal liberty (including cuisine and ways of living) and the right to criticise one's nation?

The nature of dominant voices has evolved over time. The idea has always been to maintain the status quo (or accommodate changes to suit one's convenience) and keep dissenting voices from spilling out onto the streets.

The critical difference between then and now is that the dominant groups of those days never doubted their dominance. So, they avoided talking about themselves and pretended to listen to dissenting voices. Today's dominant group has taken the fight on to the streets, and are running a PR campaign to tell others that they are indeed the dominant group now.

It is a fight to reclaim "cultural purity" by chasing out one's own colonial demons while pursuing the "western dream" - material prosperity for oneself. At the cost of rivers, forests and mountains. At the cost of dismantling the traditional ways of living of our indigenous communities. By sweeping social inequities under the carpet. If you are to consider this as a persona, you can see that it is an intensely troubled persona: "For my economic development, I shall shake hands with Islamic and western leaders.

I will talk of universal brotherhood and the common threads that bind us.

I will praise them and would like to be praised by them. But in my own house, I'll fight anything resembling them or their values. But wait a minute, do I resemble them?" Courtesy: youthkiawaa

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, JULY 22

'1,850 new planes in 20 years might be acquired by India'

Dinesh Keskar, Senior Vice-President, Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

(Photo: thehindubusinessline)

BUSINESS

Rs.22,915 cr injected into 13 Finance Minister is public sector banks by centre wrong on Service Tax: New Delhi, Jul 21: In a bid to boost credit growth in the economy, the Centre announced a sum of Rs.22,915 crore for recapitalisation of 13 public sector banks.

State Bank of India (SBI) is to receive the largest allocation of Rs.7,575 crore. Indian Overseas Bank and Punjab National Bank are to get Rs.3,191 crore and Rs.2,816 crore respectively.

The banks' lending capacities are restricted by poor asset quality and weak capitalisation. The infusions required in the current year were assessed from the CAGR of credit growth for the last five years and the banks' projections of credit

now to provide liquidity support for lending operations as also to enable banks to raise funds from the market," according to a statement by the Union Finance Ministry.

SBI Chairman, Arundhati Bhattacharya. (Photo: ibtimes)

growth. The potential for growth of each these banks was also factored in. "…Seventy-five per cent of the amount collected for each bank is being released

Mumbai, Jul 21: Airlines in India will require 1,850 new airplanes worth $265 billion in the next 20 years, according to a demand forecast made by Boeing in its annual Current Market Outlook (CMO) released. The demand will be met by all aircraft manufacturers including Airbus and Boeing.

"India continues to have a strong commercial aerospace market and the highest domestic traffic growth in the world," said Dinesh Keskar, Senior Vice-President, Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. According to Boeing's forecast, singleaisle planes will continue to account for the largest share of new deliveries, with

airlines in India needing approximately 1,560 airplanes.

The preferred ones in this category include Boeing Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo.

These new planes will support the growth of low-cost airlines and replace the ageing feet of incumbent carriers. Boeing said there would be a requirement of 10 regional jets and 280 wide-body planes from India. According to Boeing, the traffic growth in India remains the highest in the world at 8.6 per cent and domestic passenger traffic increased by 21 per cent from 2015 indicating growing demand for air travel.

(Agencies)

2 new diabetic drugs launched by SanofiSynthelabo

6.4% declination in Wipro's net profit

N.Rajaram, Country Head of SanofiSynthelabo (India) Pvt Ltd. (Photo: timescontent) Bengaluru, Jul 21: SanofiSynthelabo (India) Pvt Ltd has launched two drugs for type-2 diabetes patients in India - Lyxumia (lixisenatide) and Zemiglo (gemigliptin).

Lyxumia, a non-insulin injectable drug, is approved in over 70 countries and commercially launched in most EU countries, Japan, Brazil and Mexico, a company statement said. The company has filed an application for approval in the U.S.. Zemiglo, oral tablet, has been approved in South Korea in 2012 and has had over three years of clinical experience. "The two additions to Sanofi India portfolio is our step forward in developing new solutions for people with type-2 diabetes," said N.Rajaram, Country Head. (Agencies)

Ricoh India's accounts cheated, FY16 loss estimated at Rs. 1,123 cr.

Mumbai, Jul 21: Crisis-hit Ricoh India, a subsidiary of Japanese electronics major Ricoh Company, recently admitted that its accounts appeared to have been falsified, and estimated the company's loss for the financial year ended March 31, 2016 at Rs.1,123 crore. In a BSE notification, Ricoh India said its promoters, Ricoh Company Ltd., and NRG Group Ltd., had agreed to recapitalise the firm for the loss. "The recapitalisation does not place any liability on minority shareholders, nor changes the current shareholding of the two entities in Ricoh India," the company explained in a statement. (Agencies)

Bengaluru, Jul 21: Wipro, India's third-biggest software services exporter reported a net profit of Rs.2,050 crore for the first quarter of 2016-17 - a fall of 6.4 per cent reported from the same period a year ago. Revenue increased 11 per cent over last year to Rs.13,600 crore for the quarter, as per the Indian accounting standards. The total revenue was $2 billion and net income was $304 million, under the International Financial Reporting

The remaining amount, to be released later, will be linked to performance, according to the statement. Efficiency improvements, growth in both credit and deposits, and reduction in the cost of operations will be assessed for the purpose.

In the Union Budget, the Centre had allocated a total of Rs.25,000 crore for the capitalisation of public sec-

tor banks in the current financial year 2016-17, in line with the infusion plans announced under the umbrella scheme "Indradhanush" introduced last year. The plan proposes infusions adding up to Rs.25,000 crore in 201516 as well as in 2016-17, followed by Rs.10,000 crore each in 2017-18 and 201819.

SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya said that the provision of bank capital by the Centre was "most welcome" and "very timely". The funds, she hoped, will help the banks in increasing their lending, raising additional funds and clean up balance sheets. (Agencies)

$15 mn to be invested by Franklin in Mywish Market Places Bengaluru, Jul 21: Franklin Templeton International Services (India) will invest $15 million (about Rs.101 crore) in Mywish Market Places, engaged in aggregating and facilitating the sale of loan products and credit offerings from banks and financial institu-

Abidali Z. Neemuchwala, Chief Executive Officer and Member of Borad, Wipro. (Photo: examveda)

tions. Mywish Market Places Pvt Ltd (MMPL) has plans to expand its business by leveraging its existing technology to develop a digital ecosystem to provide wealth management and investment product-related services. "The firm will develop the plat-

Standard (IFRS). Abidali Z. Neemuchwala, Chief Executive Officer and Member of Borad, Wipro said quarter one margins reflects wage inflation impact for a month.The dilution due to the integration of acquisitions including accounting policy change around amortisation of intangibles and headwinds in Wipro's India and Middle East business also played a role. Wipro won five large deals during the quarter. (Agencies)

29% upgrade in Ultratech's consolidated Q1 net profit Mumbai, Jul 21: Ultratech Cement's consolidated net profit rose 29 per cent growth to Rs.780.11 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, due to higher sales and cost optimisation measures. Net sales rose by 4 per cent to Rs.6,538 crore as the company clocked a six per cent higher sales volume during the quarter.

"UltraTech, today, is the largest cement player in India and the 5th largest on the world stage," said UltraTech Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla while addressing the shareholders at the 16th annual general meeting of the company.

"UltraTech has a very strong balance sheet, robust cash flows and gearing levels well within reasonable limits and the Company enjoys the confidence of its stakeholders, which is well reflected in its market cap, well over $14 billion," .

The company expects cement demand to grow around 7 per cent during the

PAGE 10

UltraTech Chairman, Kumar Mangalam Birla. (Photo: constructionweekonline) year. "India is moving on to a higher growth tract. The governments' focus on infrastructure development, housing sector, smart cities, roads etc, along with good monsoon should drive growth in the agriculture sector. UltraTech is positioned across the country to meet the rise in demand and participate in the next phase of growth in the country,"

said Mr. Birla being optimistic on the cement sector. On UltraTech's impending deal to acquire Jaypee Group's 21 mtpa cement assets, Mr. Birla said: "We expect it to be consummated within the next 12 months. UltraTech's cement capacity then will stand augmented to 91.1 mtpa including its overseas operations." (Agencies)

form for the investment business based in part on know-how provided by Franklin Templeton," a company release said. It has more than 7 million direct customers and has disbursed more than Rs 10,000 crore in retail loan. (Agencies)

Chidambaram

New Delhi, Jul 21: Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram has said that his successor Mr. Arun Jaitley "slipped" when he told Parliament recently that the Centre does not share Service Tax revenues with States. "[The] FM was wrong… He slipped. All taxes including Service Tax are shared," Mr. Chidambaram said in a text message. Mr. Chidambaram later took to Twitter to refute Mr. Jaitley's response to the first question in the Rajya Sabha for the day in which the Minister said that since, as per the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, Service Tax was not shared with States, it would be in their interest for the Upper House to pass the Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, which is meant for the rollout of the Goods & Services Tax (GST). "As per the 14th Finance Commission, service tax is not shared with states…The earlier you pass the GST, the better it is for states so that they get a share in the Service Tax," Mr. Jaitley said.

Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader, P. Chidambaram. (Photo: newsnviews.acjnewsline)

Mr. Chidambaram, who was elected to the upper house from the state of Maharashtra, is among the 43 members in the House who took oath on Monday.

Some of these are newlyelected, while others were re-elected. In his efforts to win the support of the congress in the House for the passage of the Bill, Mr. Jaitley has, on a number of occasions, given credit for initiating the long-pending tax reform to his predecessor. (Agencies)

Despite 11% decline in value Tata still the most valuable brand Bhubaneswar, Jul 21: Tata remained India's most valuable brand in 2015-16 with a brand valuation of $13.7 billion despite 11 per cent value erosion during the year due to troubles concerning its steel business in the U.K, according to Brand Finance India. "There has been a sharp decline in value this year. The current state of vulnerability the steel industry faces has created instability and Tatas were prey to the volatility," said Ajimon Francis, Country Head, Brand Finance India that has come out with the rankings of top 100 most valued Indian brands. "The U.K. market has been particularly badly affected and

Ajimon Francis, Country Head, Brand Finance India.

(Photo: brandfinance)

the decision of the conglomerate to sell its U.K. steel operations in March

caused considerable panic.

Now, despite the partial recovery of steel prices and the packages announced by the U.K. Government post Brexit, the long-term profitability of the U.K. plants remains doubtful," he said elaborating on the reasons behind the decline in Tata's brand value. The top 10 brands of 2015-16 include Tata, LIC ($6.6 billion), Airtel ($5.7 billion), SBI ($5.7 billion), Infosys ($4.7 billion), Reliance ($3.5 billion), ONGC ($3.4 billion), L&T ($3.3 billion), Indian Oil ($3.2 billion) and HCL ($3.2 billion). Infosys brand value grew 110 per cent in two years due to leadership change. Brand Finance val-

Microsoft's quarterly revenue given a boost by cloud business, shares rise Washington, Jul 21: Sharp growth in its commercial cloud computing business helped lift Microsoft Corp`s quarterly revenue above Wall Street`s expectations, sending the technology company`s shares up more than 4 percent in after-hours trading. The new and growing cloud business - essentially selling computing services and storage in its data centers to corporate customers - is one of the priorities for Chief Executive Satya Nadella, who took the helm of the world`s largest software company in early 2014. Nadella has refocused the company on cloud and mobile in the face of stagnation in its traditional PCbased Windows business.

"Only two companies are setting the tone of enterprise computing, Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS," said Trip Chowdhry, managing director of Global Equities Research, referring to

Amazon.com Inc`s web services unit. "These are the only two initiators in the whole enterprise space that are going to see growth in excess of 80 percent yearover-year for at least two or three years." Microsoft`s revenue in what it calls its "intelligent cloud" businesses, which includes the Azure cloud platform and server software, rose 7 percent to USD 6.7 billion. Revenue for Azure - which cus-

tomers can use to host their website, apps or data - grew 102 percent, but Microsoft did not say what the actual revenue figure was. That makes an annual "run rate" of USD 12.1 billion for cloud-related revenue, up sharply from over USD 8 billion a year ago.

Microsoft calculates run rate by multiplying revenue in the final month of the quarter for its cloud businesses by 12. Despite the surge in revenue, Microsoft is still struggling to increase profit in the capital-intensive cloud business. It said operating profit in its intelligent cloud businesses fell 17 percent to USD 2.19 billion in the quarter. Microsoft said the drop was mainly due to higher research, development, sales and marketing costs, as it makes investments and acquisitions to "drive cloud sales capacity and innovation." (Agencies)

tition from neighbouring ports. The Rajya Sabha heard that Chennai Port had taken up major projects such as construction of coastal berth, two EXIM

godowns, development of eastern seashore road, passenger cruise terminal, development of common railway yard and solar roof top 400 MW. "Out of the two

Microsoft's Chief Executive, Satya Nadella.

(Photo: gigaom)

ues the brands on basis of several factors. These include the company's revenue, profit and future prospects.

All of these are evaluated in a competitive context and each brand is assigned a brand strength index. Of the top 25 ranked brands, Airtel's brand value has risen 28 per cent while Mahindra Group saw its brand value rise by 37 per cent to $2.95 billion. While HDFC Bank, Idea Cellular and Amul moved up in the ranking, Adani Enterprises plunged to 60th rank from 26th last year. Suzlon, Indian Overseas Bank and Voltas saw their rankings going down. (Agencies)

Schneider Electric to enlarge to smaller towns Chennai, Jul 21: Schneider Electric India, a specialist in energy management and automation, has drawn up plans to increase its presence in Tier-II and TierIII cities to strengthen its market position, said a top official."Next to France, India is a big market for us with skills and good manufacturing practices.

India is a key focus country for the group. We have 28 factories employing 11,000 people with a presence in 110 cities," said Schneider Electric India Vice-President - National Sales S. Nagarajan. Over the next three years, Schneider plans to expand to 250 cities, in addition to investments in manufacturing capacity, R&D engineering and export functions. (Agencies)

Aviation list topped by SpiceJet Projects worth Rs.200 cr taken up by Chennai Port

Pune, Jul 21: SpiceJet has topped the list among domestic private airlines in a study titled 'India's Most Reputed Aviation Brands 2016', followed by Jet Airways with a 34 per cent lower Brand Reputation Score.

The study was conducted by media analytics firm BlueBytes in association with TRA Research. IndiGo has trailed Jet Airways with a Brand Reputation Score 9 per cent lower. Air India is the only contender and winner in the category of

Government Airline Reputation. "Reputation is a measure of the effectiveness of transmitted belief about attitudes showcasing respect," said Pooja Kaura, Chief Spokesperson for India's Most Reputed Brands. (Agencies)

Chennai, Jul 21: The Chennai Port Trust has taken up six projects at a cost of over Rs.200 crore to strengthen its capacities and to brace up for compe-

EXIM godowns, one will be ready in the next few weeks and another by August 2016. Coastal berth may be completed by next fiscal," a port official said. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, JULY 22

Features

PAGE 11

TRAVEL & TOURISM

Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

Representational image PHOTO: indiagetaways Dibru Saikhowa National Park is one of the 19 (nineteen) biodiversity hotspots in the world. It mainly consists of semi wet evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous forest, bamboo, cane brakes and grasslands.

Situated in the flood plains of Brahmaputra, at an altitude of 118 m above sea level, Dibru-Saikhowa is a safe haven for many extremely rare and endangered species of wildlife, including over 300 species of avifauna both endangered and migratory, as well as various species of shrubs, herbs and rare medicinal plants.

Though the park was primarily meant for the conservation of White winged wood duck in its natural habitat, it is also the famous

for its bright colored wild horses known as Feral Horses. Some rare and endangered animals of this sanctuary are Hoolock gibbon, capped langur, slow loris, water buffalo, tiger, elephant, gangetic river dolphin etc. Bird life consists of Spot billed pelican, White bellied heron, Pallah's fishing eagle, Pale capped pigeon, Swamp francolin etc. and migratory birds like Geyleg goose, Brahmini duck, Bar-headed goose, pelican, Black stork etc.

Climate & Rainfall: The climate is tropical. Summers are hot and wet where as winters are cold and dry.

The annual rainfall ranges between 2300 mm. and 3800 mm. June to September is the main rainy season.

The annual temperature ranges from a minimum of 7°C and to a maximum of 34°C. Flora: The forest kind of Dibru-Saikhowa consists of semi-evergreen forests, deciduous, littoral and swamp forests and patches of wet evergreen forests. The National Park is having about 35.84% moist mixed forests, 9.50% degraded forest and 21.25% grassland. Major tree species of the area are tetrasperma, Dillenia indica, Bischofi a javanica, Bombax ceiba, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Terminalia myriocarpa, Mesua ferrea, Dalbergia sissoo, Ficus are some of the species of the orchid flora of Dibru-Saikhowa, Arundo donax, Imperata cylindrica, Phragmaties karka,

Erianthus ravanea are principal types of grasses in the National Park.

Fauna Mammals Total 36 species of mammals have so far been recorded from the DibruSaikhowa, of which 12 are listed in the schedule 1 of Wild life (Protection) Act 1972. The mammalian species of Dibru-Saikhowa includes Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Dhole, Small Indian Civet, Malayan Giant Squirrel, Chinese Pangolin, Gangetic Dolphin, Slow Loris, Pig Tailed Macaque, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Capped Langur, Hollock Gibbon, Asian Elephant, Wild Boar, Sambar, and Hog Deer, barking Deer, Asiatic Water Buffalo,

and Feral Horses etc.

Reptiles Dibru-Saikhowa is uniformly rich and diver in herpetofauna. 2 species of Monitor Lizards, 8 species of Turtles and 8 species of Snakes have so far been recorded from the DibruSaikhowa.

Birds The avi fauna of DibruSaikhowa includes Greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Great Grebe, Indian Shag,Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Night H e r o n , Ye l l o w Bittern,Openbill Stork, Black Stork, Large Whisstling Teal, Greylag Groose,Common Pintail, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Osprey, Crested Serpent Eagle,Spot

Billed Pelican, White Winged Duck, Bear's Poachard, Greater Spotted Eagle, Bengal Florican, Pale Capped Pigon, Great Pied Hornbill, March Babbler, Jardon's Babbler, Black Breasted Parrotbill etc.

How to ReachThe Park can be visited by staying at Tinsukia town from where you can catch buses directly to the national park in Dibru Saikhova.

By Air Mohanbari (Dibrugarh) is the nearest Airport, which is about 40 kms. away from Tinsukia town.

By Rail One of the easiest ways to reach Tinsukia town is travelling by trains. You can opt

Bad roads, rain and mud can't stop the Ziro Festival of Music from getting bigger, says Ankush Saikia The early-morning video coach from Tezpur was playing the 1990s Suniel Shetty flick Rakshak with its hit numbers Shehar Ki Ladki and Sundara Sundara. Outside, the verdant north-bank landscape of Assam - tea gardens and paddy fields passed by. Nothing much has changed in these areas over the years. Up ahead in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji, there was flooding caused by heavy end-of-monsoon rainfall. At Banderdewa, where the road forks towards Itanagar, there was a landslide caused by earth-cutting.

JCBs were clearing the mud and slush while passengers walked across to the other side.

The Sumo taxi from North Lakhimpur to Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh was stopped at the border checkpost in Kimin, where two labourers with suspicious-looking inner line permits (one was valid until the year 20014) were told to get down by a policeman, who then changed his mind after they parted with a Rs 100 note each, delivered via the north Indian driver.

The driver, who works for a local malik in Ziro, had his head filled with potato figures: Rs 25 a kg in North Lakhimpur, Rs 40 a kg in Ziro; Rs 2,200 a basta (sack) in North Lakhimpur, Rs 3,600 a basta in Ziro. He transports a sack of potatoes every day to his malik's shop.

The taxi had music too, a compilation of Udit Narayan hits, including Pyar Ki Kashti Mein and Saanwali Si Ek Ladki.

After the rough trip, it was a surreal experience to walk through the yellow, harvestready rice fields of the Ziro valley, with Apatani women coming home from the fields in the dusk, baskets hanging from their backs with straps running across their foreheads, and then to enter the festival grounds in Biirii basti or village, where New

Ziro Fest 2014 Photo: tcehelka Delhi-based electronica group Tankbund were playing on stage.

Judging by the turnout of people from places such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kerala and New Delhi, and closer home from Guwahati and Shillong, not to mention local visitors, both young and old, Kutty and Hano seem to have effectively turned the "rock show" of the Northeast into something larger and more inclusive.

There were stalls selling local food and brew and crafts, and the festival had activities such as cycling, hiking, bird watching and heritage tours lined up for those who could get up early enough. The festival also had two camping grounds with tents for those who didn't want to stray too far away from the music. With a greater interest in "mainland" India about the seven states of the Northeast - think Mary Kom, the Shillong Chamber Choir and I-League football players - the festival seems to be doing a good job of bringing people together.

Apart from the usual rock acts and indie bands, the festival had a separate daytime stage for folk acts, set in a sort of natural amphitheatre with grassy slopes. This year's attractions included the Sajda Sisters from Punjab, who performed with Neel Adhikari from Kolkata,

Rewben Mashangva from Nagaland and Arunachal's own Omak Komut Collective, a jazz/folk outfit.

Among the acts on the evening stage were Superfuzz from New Delhi, Freddy's Nightmare from Mizoram, the all-girl rock band The Vinyl Records, Shillong-based Street Stories, We The Giants from Nagaland, Laxmi Bomb from Mumbai, Ganesh Talkies from Kolkata and old favourite Indus Creed from Mumbai.

The Ziro valley lies in a pretty pine-tree-fringed plateau and is inhabited by the Apatanis or Taniis, one of the several tribes in the state. The high-yielding rice fields have been tended to for generations, along with fish being reared in the canal waters, and this has allowed for a high degree of population concentration in a sparsely populated state where people traditionally practise the slash-and-burn method of jhum cultivation.

Kutty says he has given up on the roads though. The road up to Ziro from North Lakhimpur in Assam is typical of all long-distance routes into Arunachal Pradesh - a bone-rattling experience on winding mountainside roads that go up and then down one ridge after another, the vegetation changing from cloudwreathed wet tropical to

pine-tree cold temperate, and with landslides, fallen trees and stretches of slush and mud.

There is another road that comes in from the state capital Itanagar but that is no better. Kutty concedes that given the effort it takes to get to Ziro, most festival-goers tend to be the committed types.

A rough road from Kimin in the foothills to Ziro was first cut by Indian Army engineers in the 1950s, with several lives being lost in the treacherous terrain. But going by current evidence, the Border Roads Organisation seems not to have improved on it much, again a typical story all over Arunachal Pradesh.

Most of the visitors have good things to say about the festival and the Northeast.

New Delhi-based The Ska Vengers, who had played at clubs in Guwahati and Shillong before the festival, were pleased with the response they got. Taru Dalmia aka Delhi Sultanate, one of the band's two vocalists, says crowds in the Northeast seem to know their music.

Jeet Thayil, the author of Narcopolis and guitarist in the band Still Dirty, says the festival has "easily the most spectacular location among similar festivals, along with great roasted-millet beer".

Anjali Joseph, a writer from Mumbai who recently moved to Guwahati, said it was one of the more relaxed festivals she has attended, and felt like being among friends.

Lubna Shaheen, the festival's communications manager, says choosing performers is a year-long process of keeping an ear out for the kind of sound that would add to the Ziro vibe. Plus artistes, especially the betterknown ones, have to be ready to accept an honorarium instead of a fee, and be willing to travel all the way (travel, accommodation and food are paid for).

Organising the festival

poses quite a few challenges.

The distance from cities is a major hurdle. The four diesel generators (with a combined output of 229 kv), which lit up the evening stage and grounds, and the sound equipment, were brought from Guwahati, almost 450 km away. Weak cellphone and Internet connectivity are also a problem.

There was some criticism from a few people in the Hapoli area of Ziro, who said the tickets were too expensive (the first day was free for the public though, and students got discounted tickets), and some people from a neighbouring village said the guitar-playing acts in the evenings were not "our type of music".

Hano says it has been a slow process convincing the local people to support the festival. There has been growing acceptance over the years though, with locals earning from home stays, transport, hotels and shops, and also from the sale of bamboo for constructing the stages (which are built from scratch every year).

The budget for this year's festival was around Rs 60 lakh and it came mainly from the state tourism department and the North Eastern Council (NEC). The only big corporate sponsor was Vodafone. The organisers say there have been enquiries from foreign artistes such as Canadian-American singer Alanis Morissette, but getting their sound systems to Ziro would be a logistical nightmare.

Perhaps Mercy Tetseo, of the increasingly popular Tetseo Sisters who perform Naga folk music, puts it best: "You need time on your hands and the heart of an adventurer to come and enjoy this little piece of heaven."

Apart from established events such as the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland and the Autumn Festival in Meghalaya, there are many

festivals coming up all over the Northeast of late, nearly all of them bankrolled to a large degree by state government funds (which ultimately come from New Delhi) or institutions such as the NEC. What benefit they serve in terms of tourism, investment and cultural promotion remains to be seen as connectivity and infrastructure lag behind.

In the absence of a thriving private sector, ways and means of tapping into state and Central government funds is the name of the game in the Northeast, which is what some of these new festivals seem to be about.

For instance, the Indian Panorama Film Festival, a three-day event held in Shillong earlier this year and sponsored by the Meghalaya government's Directorate of Information and Public Relations, had a budget close to Rs 1 crore, as local activists found by filing an RTI query.

"Apart from an expensive holiday for the invitees and a large bill from the organisers, the film festival doesn't seem to have accomplished anything," says a local businessman.

Due to its remoteness, eclectic lineup and diverse crowd, the Ziro Festival seems to be bucking this trend for now.

Whatever the case, Hano and Kutty know that the magical experience of that first year, when barely 500 people got together in the muddy fields, is gone forever. The Ziro Festival is growing bigger and is now part of brand 'Northeast', a hip and edgy destination for those looking for something different on their holidays.

So, if you are planning to attend the Ziro Festival,, bring along a raincoat and a pair of gumboots. Just don't expect better roads anytime soon.

Courtesy: tcehelka

for Rajdhani trains from Delhi city which pass through the route to Dibrugarh.

By Road Buses can be taken to the town of Tinsukia which is well connected with Dibrugarh town by NH. 37 and the distance is 55 kms.

The distance between the city of Guwahati and Dibru Saikhova National Park will be around 500 kilometers approximately. Travel through the buses can get quite uncomfortable due to improper maintenance and crowd.

Travel TipsPermission is required for entry into the park. Guijan Ghat (10km from Tinsukia) and Saikhowa ghat are the two entry points for tourists.

Entry before sunrise and after sunset as well as night

halt and picnicking inside the Park is not allowed.

There are two forest villages Dhadia and Laika inside the park.

Best Time to VisitNovember to April is the best season to visit Dibru Saikhowa National Park, during this period you can enjoy watching migratory birds which are the main attraction of the park.

Location: Tinsukia district, Assam Main Wildlife Attractions: Ferel horses, Asiatic Wild Buffalo, White winged wood duck, Salix swamp and migratory birds Coverage Area: 340 sq. km.

Established: 1986 as a Wildlife Sanctuary and in 1999 as a National Park COURTESY: indiagetaways

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO TRAVELLING IN MYANMAR/BURMA

Say 'Ming-gu-la-bah' to Myanmar Photo: abercrombiekent.

Myanmar is hot on the Southeast Asia travel trail right now, but as a country which has only recently opened its doors to tourism, travelling here means facing many challenges that you do not necessarily encounter on the same scale as other countries in the region.

Be prepared for the different way of travelling you will encounter in Myanmar, and don't believe the scaremongering about the ridiculous expense and immense difficulties that are putting many people Money, Exchange and ATM's Brand new dollar bills The need to have crisp, uncreased, unmarked, brand new dollar bills still remains.

Since the vast majority of people fly into Myanmar from Bangkok, this seems to be a popular place to get hold of the bills. I changed my money at a currency exchanger called SuperRich in Silom and the whole process took around an hour. If you have time, withdraw all your money in Thai Baht, as using your card means having to pay a 2.5% commission/ fee on top, compared with the 150 baht (approximately £3) standard ATM withdrawal fee. When exchanging in hard cash, there is a small fee for every $10, but this still works out cheaper than the card fee.

Exchanging dollars to kyats You can exchange your dollars into Myanmar Kyat when you get to your hotel or guesthouse, in a local bank or at the airport - the latter not always being not as good a rate as the others.

Refrain from using the

money exchangers on the street who try to lure you with higher rates - it is said they cleverly short change you and unless you are willing to count your money three times, then it's not worth the hassle.

ATM's The stories are true Myanmar is now equipped with a sporadic scattering of ATM machines. Dishing out kyat, there are machines at the airports and I found many in Yangon (including at the most famous spot in town the Shwedagon Paya) and Mandalay city centres, as well as in Nyaung U in Bagan. You might find ATM's in the smaller towns, but don't leave it this late to stock up on cash, just in case.

I choose to travel in May before the monsoon season would arrive in June, and there really was a limited number of tourists, meaning I could walk into guesthouse and get a room without any problems. The only downside to this time of the year is that it is incredibly hot and I mean disgustingly, sweaty hot.

Learning the Language I always stand by my word that whether you are great at picking up languages or not, the two most important words you should always learn are hello and thank you.

Anything else is a bonus.

Hello: Ming-gu-la-bah Thankyou: Jay-zu-de-bardee Not only is it polite but it is well received. Be prepared for most locals to giggle in response - they are not mocking you; they are just not expecting it.

Courtesy: abercrombiekent.

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, JULY 22

PAGE 12

Lord's win is special, proud of players to have faced all problems bravely: Misbah-ul-Haq Misbah was criticised roundly in his tenure as captain for his defensive mindset but he said he took everything with a pinch of salt.

"At times it is annoying all the criticism. At times it serves as a motivation?for us and at times we know some of the criticism is justified. But in the end we all want to see Pakistan win," he said.

Roger Federer

Roger Federer to play in Hopman Cup next year Western Australia: Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will play for Switzerland in the mixed-team Hopman Cup in Perth early next year, organisers said on Thursday.

known as Mirka Federer.

"I think it will be a perfect tournament for me to start the season," said Federer, who has used the Brisbane International in recent years as his main lead-up to the Australian Open.

Karachi: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has described the win over England at Lord's in the first Test as "special" and said he had always dreamt of seeing the team win at the home of cricket.

"To defeat England at Lord's is special. But for me as captain this win at Lord's is special in many ways.

Because it was after the spot-fixing scandal at Lord's that I was made test captain and we started rebuilding the team," Misbah said in an interview.

The world No.3 will partner 16th-ranked Belinda Bencic in his first appearance in 15 years at an event that serves as a warm-up for the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open in Melbourne.

"I thought on TV it looked great, the atmosphere seemed really nice, the stadium looked fantastic so I`m looking forward to playing in that environment."

The 42-year old batsman who scored a century in Pakistan's dramatic win said the wounds of 2010 had haunted them for months but he was proud that the players had rallied around and played a key role in the rebuilding process.

Federer, 34, teamed with Martina Hingis to win the Hopman Cup in 2001 and also played the following year with his now wife Miroslava Vavrinec, better

The Hopman Cup, which was won this year by Australians Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova, takes place at Perth Arena from January 1 to 7. (AFP)

"Pakistan cricket has not had it easy in the last six years with teams also refusing to play in Pakistan because of the security issues," he added.

"But I am proud of my players that they have braved it out and faced all these problems manfully and kept on producing the goods. To see happiness and joy on the faces of the Pakistanis at Lord's was special for all of us.

"The win was also important because of the hard work the army trainers put in with us during the camp in Kakul. The push-ups were our way of acknowledging their contribution to preparing us for his tour," Misbah said.

He said the team trainer and other support staff had always worked hard with the team but the time and effort put in by the army trainers in Kakul inspired all the players.

ers.

"It is because of everyone that we won. The contributions in both innings by Asad Shafiq and his crucial partnership with Sarfaraz Ahmed, Yasir and Rahat's bowling it all fell nicely into place. I am very?proud of my players," he said.

The veteran batsman, who is now Pakistan's most successful Test captain after being appointed to the difficult job soon after the spot-fixing scandal, said the players had taken the series as a challenge because it was Pakistan's first one outside Asia in three and half years.

Misbah said that the Lord's win was not just about him but all because of the play-

"England is a very good side and they are particularly good in their own conditions. So we know we have some tough sessions?ahead of us and the series is still wide open. We need to now just work harder on improving our fielding and batting.

In England the batsmen still have to show better judgement while playing shots," he added.

Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, July 21: A 15-day Summer Cricket Coaching Camp, organised for the second time in Dibrugarh by Cricket Club of Dibrugarh (CCD) concludes successfully on July 17, 2016. The camp was organised for budding cricketers in the age group of 11 to 23 years.

Altogether, 60 from players from upper Assam participated in the sum-

mer camp. Tridip Das, Secretary, CCD said that in the concluding day they have organised a medical camp for the players. “The main objective of the camp is provide important tips on cricket and nurture talent of the budding cricketer,’’ he added.

The camp was inaugurated by President of Dibrugarh District Sports Association Jamshed Ahmed Khan.

"The series is not yet over they are still three more tests to go and I am just more confident now that we can keep going well," he added.

Misbah made it clear he had decided not to retire and carry on captaining the side to England because he had lot of confidence in the players.

"As a test side we have come a long way and we have notched up some great wins. But Lord's was special."

The Pakistan captain said he and his team were aware that England would come hard in the remaining tests.

"It is now up to us to just maintain the performances we produced in the first test and not repeat the mistakes we made there."

He pointed out that England had a formidable test record at home since the last few years and they had come back strongly after losing on early in a series.

"We are aware of that but we are quietly confident that we have a very good unit and balance in all departments."(PTI)

Virat Kohli

West Indies vs India: After incredible success in limited-overs cricket, time for Virat Kohli to shine in Tests New Delhi: Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli has been a run-machine in limited-overs cricket since the beginning of this year.

From India's tour to Australia, to Asia Cup 2016, to ICC World Twenty20, the Delhi batsman has been in sublime form where he has shattered numerous records while scaling new heights.

Even in the Indian Premier League, Kohli singlehandedly took Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final where the team lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The cricket cognoscenti has fallen short of adjectives to describe Kohli's brilliant run this year.

On Thursday, the Indian cricket team will play their first Test of the year against West Indies.

Last year, Under Kohli's captaincy, India performed brilliantly during their tour to Sri Lanka, as well as during the

home series against South Africa, which they comprehensively won 3-0.

The challenge for Kohli would be to maintain the winning momentum even while playing away from home.

What would be interesting to see, is whether Kohli, along with new coach Anil Kumble, can end India's overseas woes.

While the Windies have been struggling to get their team combination right, India have several in-form players at their disposal, especially batsmen, who can make life miserable for the West Indies bowlers.

India's only concern, would be the form of their pacers, who have struggled to dismiss their opponents twice, while playing in whites away from home.

The first Test between the two teams is scheduled to be played today at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua (7:30 IST).

Women's hockey: Indian eves Summer camp Jurgen Klopp oversees Liverpool make strong comeback to beat US win over Huddersfield Town concludes ing inroads into the US defence, constantly breaching the circle via flanks.

Their reward for all the pressure came in the final minute of the third quarter, Preeti Dubey scoring the equaliser via a penalty corner (PC) conversion. With one quarter left to play, the game was even, presenting both teams with an opportunity to take home the victory.

New Delhi, July 21 : The Indian hockey women's team beat the hosts USA 2-1 in their second game of the US tour in Pennsylvania on Thursday.

The two teams played out a goal less first quarter, with neither able to breach the circle and create openings. The US

team took the lead in the 19th minute of the second quarter via a Jill Witmer PC conversion. The two teams went into half time separated by that strike with the US leading 10.

India came out stronger in the second half and started creat-

India were the ones who capitalised on it, using their momentum to constantly keep the pressure up in the final quarter.

Minutes before the final hooter, Lilima Minz scored off a PC to give them the lead, which they held on to record their first victory of the tour.

India next play Canada on July 22 at 9 pm IST.

New Delhi, July 21 : Liverpool maintained their impressive 100 percent preseason record, beating Huddersfield Town 2-0 thanks to goals from Marko Grujic and Alberto Moreno.

This is Jurgen Klopp’s first pre-season as Liverpool manager and he knows just how morale boosting these wins can be.

New boy Marko Grujic continued to impress, bringing down Philippe Coutinho’s cross deftly, before rifling in a shot with his left foot to open the scoring in the 31st minute.

Grujic had raised a few eyebrows when he was signed from Red Star Belgrade in

Jurgen Klopp January 2016, but is settling well into Klopp’s Liverpool and his presence will worry Christian Benteke.

And Alberto Moreno slotted in a cool penalty to add gloss to the scoreline in the 90th minute, and that goal finished off any hopes of a late Huddersfield comeback.

Liverpool haven't been great,

but haven't done too badly so far. With plenty of their bigname stars yet to report back from their summer break, there are plenty of positives for the Reds.

Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino have shown few signs of rustiness so far, and are looking like they will sizzle in the Premier League come August.

There was some late drama in the match, as reserve goalkeeper Shamal George had to come on for the injured Lucas Leiva, as Liverpool had already used all their outfield substitutions.

Liverpool next play AS Roma on August 2, and should have a full complement of players to chose from when they play the Italian giants.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester Premier Futsal League: Tournament is similar to Indian Premier League, says Doug Reed City beaten by Bayern Munich New Delhi, July 21 : Bayern Munich beat Manchester City 1-0 on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena to continue their good start in the pre-season.

Pep Guardiola's return to Munich proved to be woeful as Man City could have easily lost by a bigger margin.

The Spaniard spent three years at Bayern, before choosing the cash-rich City. Sadly, he would be repeatedly reminded of his brilliant exside.

Both teams had several regular starters, but Carlo Ancelloti’s side completely dominated the game from the start.

Young Julian Green missed a glut of chances, as Franck Ribery and David Alaba ran rings around the City defence.

Wily Caballero was in in-

Erdal Ozturk (Photo: AFP) spired form, denying first Green and later Alaba, from point-blank range to keep his side in the hunt.

City were missing the penetrative talents of Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero, as they were restricted to longrange shots which never really looked threatening.

Despite Bayern’s dominance, the match was scoreless until the 75th minute, when young Erdal

Ozturk’s shot took a wicked deflection of Gael Clichy to wrong foot Caballero.

While the goal was fortunate, Bayern fully deserved the full-time result.

Manchester City will next play arch-rivals Manchester United on Monday, and Guardiola will come up against familiar foe Jose Mourinho in what promises to be an enthralling game.

Candolim (Goa): Futsal suits Indian culture as the fast pace and high intensity of the format is similar to twenty20 cricket played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), believes English Futsal player Doug Reed.

Brazilian football legend Ronaldino, Paul Scholes and former Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs were among the players who mesmerized the fans during the first leg of the inaugural Premier Futsal League in Chennai.

"I think, it is an ambiguous plan to try and introduce Futsal in India. It doesn't really exist here. I think, what they have done is, they have recognized that and that's why they brought in the legends on board to get the attention on to this game," Reed, who is also the tournament's Techni-

cal Commissioner, told PTI in an interaction here.

"If we hadn't done that, we would not have caught the attention. It is such fantastic sport and so exciting to watch and entertaining. Now India has really taken to Futsal, and it's going to a be a sport as huge here.

"How much you guys like the IPL, the fast action of the IPL and I think that's what Futsal brings. It's that fast-high tempo, high intensity sport and there is massive following of football here and Futsal is more suited to the Indian culture.

"It is going to take off here and that has already started. Futsal takes the best bites of football and we just keep the best beats and all the rubbish and boring bits we take out. Football is a really easy sport to under-

stand, inclusive and entertaining, so its going to be really successful in India," he added.

The second leg of the Premier Futsal is currently underway in Goa. Reed, who plays for the England national side, said the sport is relatively new to that country but has grown really fast.

"In England, it is quite a new sport, relatively a new sport, last 10-15 years but it has grown really fast, especially at the youth level, so many people playing it. One thing we hadn't have is that, we did not have investment at the elite level, so still has not taken at the global arena and that is why this Premier Futsal is amazing," he said.

"It is amazing that India is leading the way in the sport which we (English) usually

established in. In other countries, such Spain, Italy, Portugal, they have professional Futsal leagues, everybody knows the sport and the players are well known.

"It is a sport which is established in those kind of Latin American countries, in southern European countries and now it is coming to Northern European countries like France, Scandinavia, Japan as well, China. So it is a sport which is at the beginning of its journey to become one of the most important sports in the world," he added.

On the Indian talent, Reeds, who also plays for Baku United FC, said, "I was surprised with how much talent Futsal has in India. Futsal is a very similar game to street football and we have seen that, those players who have made

it to the tournament, they have made an impact.

"Players like Mohammed Islam, Jonathan Piers have shown they can compete; they are not at the level of the international Futsal players because they haven't had the chance to compete, but they have shown that they have talent and match with the best players in the world."

According to Reeds, Futsal is more of a technical game, its more about skills and intelligence and it can be more suited to the Indian players.

Sighting the example of Jonathan Piers, Reeds said, "It gives Indian footballer another pathway. A lot of players we had in the tournament we have played football before, but it hasn't really worked out for them and they see Futsal as a pathway," he added. (PTI)

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