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Issue 111

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Pangsau Pass Winter Festival-2016 celebrations, from Jan 20-22 Rahul Tikhak Jairampur, Sep 22

Excitement is in the air as the people of Jairampur are gearing up to celebrate the Pangsau Pass Winter Festival (PPWF) from 20 January to 22 January 2016 at Nampong. Shri R.K. Mossang was appointed as the president of the festival in a meeting held on 14 September under the chairmanship of Shri Kento Riba, ADC, Jairampur.

Shri K.N. Tikhak, ex ZPM was chosen as the vicepresident and Shri Youngme Mossang as the secretary of the PPWF 2016.

PPWF is the second

ET CAPSULES Golaghat Dengue case refuted Golaghat, Sep 22: After a case of suspected Dengue has come to light in Golaghat in the wake of an unrecognised laboratory reporting so, it created a bit of an unrest to which the Health Department has strongly reacted. In a press release, Joint Director Health Services Dr Aboni Borthakur said there is no such case. According to reports, a notice has been issued to the unrecognised laboratory that is responsible for creating a panic-like situation. (Correspondent)

ATASU burns effigies Golaghat, Sep 22: All Tai Ahom Students' Union (ATASU) Golaghat District Committee on Tuesday burnt effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Sarbanand Sonowal at Bata Point in Golaghat to register protest against the centre's recent move on sheltering non Muslim refugees from Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The protesters also raised slogans against Modi and Sonowal. (Correspondent)

Session extents one day Shillong Sept 22: The ongoing autumn session of the Meghalaya Assembly is extended to another one day. Assembly Speaker Mr. AT Mondal after receiving request from the Chief Minister seeks permission of the House and was accepted. The autumn session is to end on Wednesday but the government requires another one day to dispose off important matters like resolution and others, said Parliamentary minister Prestone Tynsong. The session will adjournd till S e p t m e b e r 24th.(Correspondent)

Thansen Wangchadong Memorial Football Tournament 2015 Khonsa Nehru Stadium

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THE ESSENCE OF THE FESTIVAL Pangsau pass winter festival is the second most popular tourism event of Arunachal Pradesh.

The festival unearths the magnificent isle of culture of the Tangsa tribes, their cuisines, the exotic countryside and ethnic extravaganza of Arunachal and Myanmar at Nampong.

Shri R.K. Mossang was chosen as the president of the 2016 PPWF. Shri K.N. Tikhak was chosen as the Vice president and Shri Youngme Mossang as secretary of the 2016 PPWF.

Photo for representation only.

Image source: amazingarunachal.com

most popular tourism event of Arunachal Pradesh and has a provision of Rs. 30 lakhs from the government side, informed Shri Laisam Simai, Hon’ble MLA 51Nampong (ST) constituency. He further apprised that another Rs. 50 lakhs will be required which will be arranged from the local resources.

PPWF is considered a platform to showcase the rich heritage of the Tangsa tribes, a platform to promote their indigenous traditions, culture, handloom, handicrafts, food habits etc.

It was decided in the meeting that, sale of liquor or liquor shops will not be allowed and the local resi-

dents will arrange ‘Home Stay’ for the tourists and visitors with proper bedroom amenities and clean toilet facilities.

Shri Tusham Longri, ZPM Jairampur, Shri Remwin Morang, ZPM Nampong, Shri Rumikam Tikhak, ZPM Rima-Putok, Shri Khiljung Taikam, ASM C/P, Shri Izmir Tikhak, Ex-chairperson, CZP, Shri RK Mossang, P/ L, Shri Lemkhum Mossang, Shri KN Tikhak, Ex-ZPM and Smt. Sailiko Tikhak, Ex-C/P, AS Nampong were also present and expressed their views in favour of celebrating the festival with zeal and festive spirit.

CM holds talks with Centre over Greenfield Airport ET Correspondent New Delhi, Sep 22

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki called on Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju at New Delhi today to primarily discuss the issue of Greenfield Airport at Hollongi, among others. The Union Minister informed Tuki that his Ministry is expediting the process of Environment Clearance for the Greenfield Airport and that the progress is satisfactory. It may be mentioned that the Ministry of Water Resources has been supportive towards the project and is coordinating with Environment Ministry for clearing the issues.

The Union Minister while

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Assam Govt allots portfolios to newly appointed parliamentary secretaries ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 22

The Assam government today evening distributed portfolios to newly appointed parliamentary secretaries. According to a government release Sushanta Buragohain has been given the Home portfolio, Arati Hajarika Kachari has been given Social Welfare,Monika Bora has been given Revenue, Rupjyoti Kurmi has been given Power, Ghanashyam Kalita has been Contd. on Page 4

Two new Assam ministers take oath of office and secrecy ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 22

Assam Governor P.B. Acharya on Tuesday administered oath of office and secrecy to two new ministers at a function held at the Durbar Hall of the Raj Bhawan.

The two ministers inducted in the Council of Ministers are Gautam Roy and Siddeque Ahmod. With this

Strong BJP delegation submits memorandum to Assam Governor ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 22

Today a strong delegation from BJP comprising of around 40 members led by the State President Shri Siddhartha Bhattacharjee and

Dr. Mahendra Singh, Central Observer with elected seven MPs of Assam along with Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of State, elected MLAs including Shri Jadav Deka along with office bearers of BJP met the Gover-

nor of Assam, P B Acharya at Raj Bhavan, Guwahati and submitted a memorandum alleging serious financial lapses and scams relating to infrastructure of schools, hospitals, Contd. on Page 4

Tribals offer prayers in Dibrugarh for peaceful resolution to Manipur crisis ET Correspondent Dibrugarh, Sep 22

assuring his commitment to laying the foundation of the Greenfield Airport at an early date, mentioned that due diligence has to be observed for following the environmental norms before commencing the works related to the Airport.

Tuki also raised several other important issues including the possibility of introducing Boeing Services to and from Lilabari Airport for the benefit of the people of the State and also those from the North Bank of Assam. While submitting an appeal to this effect to the Union Minister, Tuki stressed on the need to introduce regular flights operated by private/public operators so as to facilitate connectivity

At an exceptional event, different ethnic tribal groups predominantly comprising Manipur origin individuals residing in Dibrugarh including Kuki-Chin-Mizo in good numbers gathered together at the Parish Hall of the Catholic Church and conducted prayers on 21 September 2015. The programme was organised in connection with the recent atrocities meted out to their people in Manipur wherein nine precious Contd. on Page 4

Contd. on Page 3

Medical assessment camp for 'Child With Special Needs' at Diyun ET Correspondent Diyun, Sep 22

To assess and provide aids and appliances to Child With Special Needs (CSWN), a block level medical camp is being conducted in Changlang district under the aegis of SSA, Changlang. The medical assessment camp started on 19th September. Yesterday, the medical assessment camp for Child With Special Needs (CSWN) focused on hearing impairment and low vision at

Candles being lighted to pay homage to those departed souls of Martyrs who were killed in protest against the Three Controversial Bills passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on the 31st August 2015 by Manipur Tribal Forum, upper Assam in Dibrugarh. Pic - UB Photos

I&B Ministry gets Rs 263.97 crores as bid deposit for e-auction of FM Radio channels ANI New Delhi, Sep 22

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has received a total Rs.263.97 crores as bid deposits from successful bidders for the e-auction of first batch of private FM radio

Phase III channels.

Twenty-five percent of the successful bid amount for a channel was defined as its Bid Deposit in the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) dated March 2, 2015.

Contd. on Page 4

Bad road condition, the bane of Nagaon Nityananda Pattanayak Nagaon, Sep 22

Bad road condition in Nagaon town and its peripheral areas has been a cause for resentment among the Nagaon people. Repeated demands by

Contd. on Page 3

its denizens to repair and develop roads, especially PWD roads have fallen on deaf ears of the authorities concerned.

RRB road in Haibargaon town and all its arterial roads, Contd. on Page 3

MP visits Namsai flood affected areas, UNDP to provide support in implementation of Arunachal Vision announces grants worth Rs 60 lakhs at Piyong, Mahadevpur and opment agency Chau Zingnu 2030 and CM’s Mission on SDEG Chongkham. He also had dis- Namchoom and DC RK Laxman Sharma Namsai, Sep 22

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will provide support in implementation of Arunachal Vision

2030 and CM’s Mission on Skill Development and Employment Generation in Arunachal Pradesh. In a meeting with Chief Minister Nabam Tuki here today, the Country Head of UNDP India,

Dr. Jaco Cilliers while lauding the initiatives of the state government expressed the willingness of his organisation to support the state in these two programmes.

Contd. on Page 3

Central team MHA Secy arrives to take stock of Churachanpur situation The Churachandpur JAC constituted against the three Bills passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31 for protection of indigenous people of Manipur

Key Government Policies and Support for MSMEs To a large extent, the growing number of MSMEs across the nation can be attributed to a slew of available government schemes and initiatives. Over the last

Jaitley: Indian economy will grow faster this year Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that he hopes the economy will grow faster this year than last, and expects that Asia's third-largest economy will not see a

REGION

EDITORIAL

BUSINESS

would hold a meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Internal Security Secretary tomorrow.

MHA Internal Security Secretary Ashok Prasad deputed by the Ministry to take stock of the State's prevailing situation arrived here today and held a meeting with top officials of the State Government.

decade, many new schemes for the development of MSMEs have been launched by the central and state governments. The government institutes like SIDA, NSIC etc. provide for the relevant ecosystem that encourages and supports MSMEs in India.

big hit from China's slowdown. Mr. Jaitley, who is on a road trip meeting foreign investors in Hong Kong and Singapore, also said his government's "ambitious" privatisation programme had been slowed by global market volatility.

ET Correspondent New Delhi, Sep 22

induction the total number of ministers in the Tarun Gogoi led Government stands at 17 with 14 Cabinet Ministers and three Minister of State with Independent Charge.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi later felicitated the new ministers. A number of Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs and top civil and police officers were present on the occasion.

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Ninong Ering undertook an extensive tour of flood affected areas of Namsai District recently. During his tour he met with the GBs, Panchayat leaders and public

cussion with Agriculture, Horticulture, AHV & DD Minister Chowna Mein who recently took stock of the situation during his visit to Namsai, Parliamentary Secretary Chow Tewa Mein and MLA cum Chairman AP Bamboo devel-

Sharma to this effect and announced monetary package to adopt measures so as to prevent the large scale destruction posed by floods in the entire belt.

Contd. on Page 3

Meghalaya Assembly rejects resolution on Article 371 Dmuising Khongjirem Shillong Sept 22

Meghalaya Assembly had rejected the resolution tabled on Tuesday during the autumn session by HSPDP legislator Ardent M Basiawmoit to recommend for introduction of Article 371 of the Indian Constitution in State of Meghalaya which is the special provision with respect to the State. Giving the stand of the government, Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma admitted that the Article 371 is very important but it requires ample time to debate and suggest on this issue.

“At this juncture of time, it will not be appropriate to take resolution for this matter”, said Dr Sangma.

He said since the issue is important, there should be more time to discuss inside and outside the Assembly in near future. “Lets us debate not to resolve”, he said. He informs the house that the state government had taking up with the central government on many issues to Contd. on Page 3

Imported pulses to reach Indian market this week, onions next month New Delhi, Sep 22

Imported pulses will start arriving at various ports in the country from September 23, which will boost domestic supply and help control retail prices that have shot up to Rs 150 per kg.

Contd. on Page 4

TACKLING PULSES AND ONIONS SHORTAGE MMTC has finalised import of 5,000 tonnes each of tur and urad.

It has also floated fresh tender for additional 5,000 tonnes of tur.

5,000 tonnes of urad from Myanmar will reach Chennai and JNPT ports by October 20.

2,500 tonnes of imported tur will arrive in three tranches at Chennai Port and similar quantity of around 2,500 tonnes of tur will arrive at JNPT in four tranches beginning from September 23.

The entire consignment of 5,000 tonnes of tur would reach at these two ports on October 20.

cmyk

Vol. 1

Every Thursday & Sunday

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

K. S. Bhagwan appeals to critics to read his books, challenges opponents ANI Mysuru, Sep 22: Writer and rationalist K. S. Bhagwan, who has been receiving threats from several right-wing groups, on Tuesday appealed to his critics to read his books before attacking views presented in them. "I get threats of various kinds, On the occasion of 567th Sri Sri Sankar Dev birthday celebration a cultural rally at Duliajan organized by Central Namghar and other 21 namghar of Duliajan. Pic - Surajit Gogoi

PM's sanctions Indo-German partnerships in higher education

ANI New Delhi, Sep 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday gave his approval for the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) between India and Germany for minor amendments in the earlier memorandum of understanding (MoU) for facilitating implementation of the programme "Indo-German

Partnerships in Higher Education". By signing the JDI, the term "Strategic" will be deleted from the title of the programme to make it "Indo-German Partnership in Higher Education" and the funding period for the programme will be changed from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2020. The strengthened education relationship through this Joint Declaration of Intent will enable thehigher education institutions in both the countries to benefit mutually to enhance innovative partnerships in the field of education, research and skill development. It will be beneficial for faculty development and to foster advanced research in the identified priority areas of challenges for India.

CM's official website launched in an effort to make work more eco friendly Dimapur, Sep 22: Nagaland chief minister, T.R. Zeliang on Monday launched the official website of the Chief Minister's office-www.chiefministernagaland.in., in a bid to make his office people-friendly. According to CMO media cell, the website which has been made accessible to everyone, would cover events and functions attended by the CM, photographs and CM's important speeches.

Details of all the past CMs of Nagaland are made available on the website, CMO media cell stated.

The media cell also informed that the CM's website would soon be introducing an interactive page wherein people would be able to interact and express their views on major issues. e-Governance: The

GoI okays 3 months rice quota Imphal, Sep 22: Even though the State Government is yet to implement the National Food Security (NFS) Act, the Government of India has agreed to sanction the State's rice quota for three months for APL, BPL and AAY schemes.

The Government of India was withholding the State's rice quota for the months of October, November and December for APL, BPL, AAY, Additional APL and Additional BPL schemes because of the State Government's failure to implement NFS Act. According to information received from CAF&PD Department, the Government of India has agreed to release the State's rice quota for the three months for APL, BPL and AAY. However, the Union Government is still withholding the State's rice quota for the three months for Additional APL and Additional BPL. Nonetheless, the State Government has been lobbying with the Centre to release the State's rice quota for Additional APL and Additional BPL too. As the Government of India has released the State's rice quota for the next three months, due process has been initiated to ship in rice. (Agencies)

state cabinet laying emphasis on e-governance, decided to make it mandatory for all the departments to have their own websites and upload details and list of all government employees to check ghost/ fake employees, check backdoor appointments etc. Details of schemes/projects of the departments would also be uploaded to ensure transparency and to make people aware of the activities of the government, it added. With a view to shit functioning of government offices into paperless environment, the cabinet has encouraged all departments and employees to make use of email, Internet, departmental websites and other means of electronic media while conducting business within the government and with the general public. (Agencies)

they use abusive language.

I am not safe even if police is there. I appeal to my critics to read my books, if they are really religious, then they must come for a discussion," Bhagwan told. "I request my critics to go through my books, analyse them and then attack them.

If they have guts to intel-

lectually attack my theory, I request them to tear my papers to shreds. This is my open challenge to my opponents," he added. He further said that old views represented by Manu Smriti ought to be shunned, as India has embraced democracy and believes in equality and social justice.

List Of Phone Numbers Of Nursing Homes Tinsukia City Hospital & Research Centre Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Gnb Road Near Bujhuri-786125, Assam Pin Code :786125, Phone Number :0374-2333349, Fax :0374-2350026/2339974

Dr.Bawaris Nursing Home Jeevan Jyoti Nursing Home Category: General Hospital Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Parvathiya Road Hospital Address: Parbatia,Opp Hindi Girls High School-786125, Assam Tinsukia-786125, Assam Pin Code :786125 Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :(0374)2339756 Phone Number :0374-2336319 Fax :0374-2335334 Fax :0374-2350131

Pinewood Hospital Category: General Hospital Hospital Address: Subothoni Road Moniam Dewan Nagra-786125 Pin Code :786125 Phone Number :0374-2300730 Fax :0374-2339730

Help-Line APST BUS SERVICE Ph: 0360-2212338, 0360-2351490 NIGHT SERVICES Name of Routes Departure Distance(km) Bus Fare 1) Itanagar- Shillong ( Daily service) 5:00 pm 510 460/2) Itanagar-Nyapin(Mon, Thu, Sat) 2:00 pm 325 400/3) Itanagar- Aalo (Daily service) 2:30 pm 325 350/4) Itanagar-Daporijo (Daily service from Nlg)12:00 noon 432 470/5) Itanagar - Yingkiong (Alternate day) 01.00 pm 436 550/6) Itanagar - Seppa (Alternate day) 12:00 noon 385 420/7) Itanagar - Khonsa (Sun, mon, wed, thur) 1:00 pm 677 620/8) Itanagar - Namsai (Daily service) 1:00 pm 655 580/9) Itanagar - Koloriang (Alternate day) 2.30 pm 334 400/DAY SERVICE 10) Itanagar - Guwahati (Daily service) 6.00 am 395 350/11) Itanagar - Pasighat (Daily service) 6.00 am 270 250/12) Itanagar - Tirbin (Mon, thu & sat) 5.30 am 328 330/13) Itanagar - Bomdila (Daily except Fri) 6.00 am 346 320/14) Itanagar - Aalo (Daily service) 5.30 am 325 350/15) Itanagar - Sagalee (Sun, Tues & Thur ) 7.30 am 121 135/16) Itanagar - Pakke Kessang (Mon, Wed & Fri)7.00 am 160 200/17) Itanagar-Mengio (sun, tue &Thur) 6.00 am 198 230/18)Itanagar-Kimin/ H-Camp (Daily except Sat)12.00 noon 94 80/19) Itanagar-Gerukhamukh (Daily except Fri)12.00 noon 134 120/20) Itanagar- Balijan (Daily except Sun) 12.30 pm 105 105/21) Itanagar - Sonajuly (Daily except Sun) 01.00 pm 70 80/22) Itanagar - Jote (Daily except Sun) 07.00 am & 01.00 pm 22 30/23) Itanagar- Lakhimpur (Daily Service) 3.30 pm 64 70/-

Bordoloi Avenue, Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2302219, 2302225

G M Hospital

Shrishti Hospital & Research Centre Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2300024, 2302099

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone: 0373 - 2302100, 2302099

Near Indian AirLines City Office Paltan Bazar Dibrugarh - 786 005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2303476

Assam Medical College

Marwari Arogya Bhawan Hospital Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2302872, 2302051

Graham Bazar, A.T. Road Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2322547

Jalan Nagar, Dibrugarh - 786 002 List of Phones numbers: Emergency Room : 0373 - 2300627 Labour Room: 0373 - 2300022 Drug Deaddiction Centre: 0373 - 2302952 Community Medicine: 0373 - 2302994 RIA Centre: 0373 - 2302093

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic

Aastha Hospital

Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2303448, 2303458, 2301904

Sankardev Hospital Mancotta Road, Chowkidinghee Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2327717, 2327715, 2326960

belong to Sanatana Sangha to change their views and come to live in a democracy," he added.

Bhagwan had received flak from several right wing groups for allegedly disparaging ancient Hindu values and scriptures. Last month, Mangalore Rural Police

had registered a suo moto case against Bajrang Dal member Bhuvith Shetty over a threatening tweet against Bhagwan. Shetty had tweeted, "Then it was UR Ananthamurthy and now MM Kalburgi. Mock Hinduism and die a dogs (sic.) death. And dear K S Bhagwan you are next."

ASTRO FOR YOU You will try to find the right balance between home and work, because the sullen countenance of your kids has touched you. In the evening, after the busy hours at work, get your Monopoly game out and teach your little ones a few things about money.

Your health and fitness cannot be taken for granted this day. Be careful of what you eat and drink. Avoid dust and smog. You could get indisposed in any number of ways. If there are signs of illness, consult a medical specialist with wasting any time. You may become too free and in spending money. Extravagance of any kind will cause you money problems. Be particularly careful about this.

You will realise that to stay strong and focused, you need the aid of all your loved ones and close relatives. You need to take time out and nurture these special relationships. Your emotions towards these people will become more concrete and strong. However, this could also lead to clashes due to differences of opinion during the course of a conversation, in the later half of the day.

An auspicious day to begin new ventures, which will be of long duration and also profitable. May buy a new house or car. Gain is also likely from friend circle. Students may excel and show concentration.

You are facing turbulent times, inspite of your hard work. Obstacles to progress are commonplace and should not tie you down. You need to keep working hard and sooner rather than later, the fruits of your labour will fall into your lap.

If your authority is questioned today, you will probably take to wielding your stick. A risky financial venture is a distinct possibility. Something unexpected and unpleasant in the evening will give you cause for some worry. However, do not take it to heart, as there is a lot of hope.

It’s that time again when folks get together and catch up on old family stories.

So expect to be part of a grand reunion with your close and distant relatives whom you might not have seen in a long time. Today might just prove to you that distance can do nothing to dampen filial ties. Also, look forward to meeting new people in the evening on this joyful and beautiful day.

The day may be slightly challenging today. The day at field may be highly constructive, while in office your may be bogged down with a lot of work.

However, romantic relationship may add some spice to your life and offer some surprises. Enjoy to the hilt!

You get your rivals and competitors thinking for your sheer smartness in the professional field. It’s time to clink glasses as you have the knack to survive the cut-throat competition. Evening will be spent rejoicing with near and dear ones at a social gathering.

You have always believed in living in the present, but today you’ll think and plan about the future. The uncertainties of life make you understand the importance of saving for the future contingencies. You will forgive and forget about the pain some of your relationships and loved ones have given you earlier.

Sometimes you may feel that others are taking you for a ride, but you’ll turn a blind eye to that after a while, as you know patience is your strength.

You possess a nice quality of eloquence. Today, you will make a speech/presentation or conduct a discussion forum where everyone will love to hear your opinions. Your communication skill will help you get through the heart of someone you like. But, don’t blow your own trumpet all the time.

You will be ready to lay down your life for your near and dear ones today. Even if you don’t do anything so melodramatic, you will end up sacrificing your comfort to benefit someone close to you. It is best to postpone important decisions for a day, or three. Do not indulge in taking risks, for they are unlikely to pay off.

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

List of hospitals in Dibrugarh with contact details & phone numbers, Assam Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals

"These so called Sanatanis must understand that they are in a democracy. Democracy believes in equality whereas the old values represented by the Manu Smriti were against equality, was against fraternity, was against social justice," he said. "So, I request my friends who say that they

Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

Dr Damani's Nursing Home Near Circuit House, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2300928, 2302873

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

23-9-15 (WEDNESDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Hindi Language Lesson 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara(Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Karpumpuli 7-35 P.M-Ujjwal Bhabishyat 8-00 P.M-Parikrama 8-15 P.M-University Broadcast 9-30 P.M-Serial Novel Reading-"Mouno Ooth Mukhor Hriday". Author-Yese Dorje Thongsi Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

East Siang DC reviews law and order situation Pasighat, Sep 22: Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla today held a meeting with the magistrate and police officers to review the law and order situation of Pasighat Township and adjoining areas. The DC while reviewing the crime related data, discussed about charge sheet and production of UTPs and directed police and the Officer Incharge in particu-

lar to bring the investigation to its logical conclusion in a time bound manner. She instructed the DTO (MV) and the police to check vehicular movement at different locations in the township on a regular basis. All unregistered vehicles have to be registered immediately and two wheelers without valid documents and helmet should be penalized, she further

directed. People should not be allowed to park their vehicles on congested roads and police personnel on duty should ensure proper parking, road safety and traffic management. Magistrates would visit the market areas on a regular basis for immediate redressal of any security or law and order problem. Administration will ensure regular patrolling

in the township, especially in market areas, patrolling would be intensified to contain crime rate and a collective effort is required to put culprits behind the bars, she opined. Khosla also laid emphasis on control of stray animals and street lighting at prominent locations to make Pasighat a safe and secure place to stay.

(DIPRO)

Training on special summary revision of electoral rolls held Pasighat, Sep 22: One-day special summary revision of electoral rolls cum training programme for EROs and AEROs of East Siang District was held in the DC’s conference hall today under the chairmanship of DC cum DEO Isha Khosla.

DEO Khosla briefed offic-

ers about the importance of the roll and called upon them to carry out their duties sincerely as per the ECI guidelines in order to prepare a transparent and error free Electoral Roll. Describing them the ground reality, Khosla stated that many voters have been

transferred, died or retired and left East Siang District so far and many voters might have multiple entries in different places should be corrected during the revision process. Stating it was the correct forum to rectify and clear all doubts, she asked them to attend the

training program with sincerity and attentively. She expressed hope that names of all genuine voters would be added and the district would be able to obtain 100 % EPIC. Master Trainer M Loyi (ADC Nari) imparted the training to the officers during the day. (DIPRO)

Meghalaya Govt’s Bill to disallow dual post for electec representatives Shillong Sep 22: The Meghalaya Government has decided to bring up the Prevention of Disqualification (Members of the Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya) Amendment Bill, 2015 in the ongoing Autumn Assembly session to disallow the legislators ( MLAs) to hold dual elected post.

“We have decided to approve the proposal to introduce the amendment bill to ensure that the members of the Assembly will not be allowed to any dual elected post. It is prerogative of the individual members who are holding a dual posts to make their own decision in relinquishing one of the

post which they are currently occupied,” Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

He also said that the Government will immediately introduce the amendment bill for consideration of the House.

The Chief Minister said that this is an issue which was taken through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the court adding that there are various observations which are being made in this context based on the PIL. “I am of the view that before the State Government is directed to come up with any other correction, it is

imperative for the State Government to come up with legislative correction to arrest the prevailing trend”, Dr Mukul said.

“The proposed amendment bill will now be place in the Assembly for its consideration,” he said.

Earlier, The PIL, filed by CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing in October last year, seeks disqualification of eight legislators cum MDCs including Stephanson Mukhim, H.D.R. Lyngdoh, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, Metbah Lyngdoh, Pyngshngainlang Syiem, Phlastingwell Pangniang, Sanbor Shullai and Brolding Nongsiej.

The PIL mentions about the rule 17(1) (a) of the Assam (and Meghalaya) Autonomous District (Constitution of District Councils) Rules 1951 for the disqualification of MDCs who are holding other posts (as legislators).

Meanwhile, the District Council Affairs Minister HDR Lyngdoh has decided to resign as the MDC of the KHADC on Wednesday following the cabinet to disallow dual post. “I have decided to take the lead by resigning from the post of the MDC. I will be tendering my resignation on Wednesday,” Lyngdoh said.

Governor greets on the occasion of 567th birth anniversary of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 22: The Governor of Assam and Nagaland P. B. Acharya has extended his warm greetings to the people of Assam on the occasion of the 567th birth anniversary of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev, the

saint, scholar, poet, playwright, social-religious reformer and a figure of great importance in the cultural and religious history of Assam, who propounded the new Vaishnavite Movement in the state and established a classless democratic society by

founding Naamghars. The Governor has urged the people to celebrate this great festival in the spirit of peace and joy and carry forward the noble preachings of the illustrious Vaishnavite Saint for the peace and prosperity of the state. The Governor also appealed to all

“Satradikaris” to respond to the welfare of the people regardless of caste, creed and especially to strengthen the immemorial brotherly bonds between our beautiful, vibrant Tribes and others in the society. “Service to the people is service to God,” he added.

Aaranyak releases music video to promote one-horned Rhino conservation ET Correspondent Guwahati, Sep 22: The one-horned Rhinoceros of Assam is fast approaching extinction because of rampant poaching. Aaranyak, an organization working for biodiversity conservation in north east India, has come up with a novel approach to create more awareness on this burning issue, through a music video, titled, “MoiEkxingiaGorh” (“I am the one-horned Rhino”).

The video has been released on the occasion of World Rhino Day which falls on September 22. The song has been written by Kukil Saikia and music composed

by Manas Bhattacharjya.

The chorus was sung by Kukil Saikia, Manas Bhattacharjya, Madhumita Borthakur, Sunny Deori and Anumitra Phukan. Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, Secretary General, Aaranyak,commented, “ We hope that the video song will touch the hearts of common people and encourage them to lend a hand for further strengthening of rhino conservation efforts in Assam”. It is worth mentioning that Aaranyak has been supporting rhino conservation in Assam by sponsoring costly equipment like wireless communication systems,

anti-poaching floating boat camps, Solar panels, raincoats and field shoes to forest staff members and antipoaching units, along with motorbikes, in the past two decades. Significantly, Aaranyak’s Wildlife Genetics Division has been undertaking population genetic research on all the three existent Asian rhino species in the world and has developed methodologies for genetic population estimation of rhinos in the wild. Aaranyak’s Geospatial Technology and Application Division has been undertaking GIS mapping of rhino bearing protected areas and detection

of habitat changes over a period of time, in addition to preparing maps of rhino movement routes from different protect areas.

Aaranyak appreciates the efforts initiated by Forest Department to check rhino poaching in Assam and acknowledge the efforts of Special Task Force of Assam Police in assisting rhino conservation. “The concerted efforts must continue in order to check rhino poaching incidences in Assam and march ahead towards ZERO Poaching which is the goal of every rhino conservationist and rhino lover”, added Dr. Bibhab K. Taludar.

Shillong-Guwahati highway delayed Dmuising Khongjirem Shillong Sep 22 : The busiest Guwahati-Shillong national highway is much delayed due to problem of land acquisition at portion of Umsning in Bhoi district. Minister in-charge public works Mr. Sniawbhalang Dhar inform during the ongoing autumn session of Meghalaya Assembly here today that the completion of this national highway will take more time as the land acquisition process is just recently

completed.“The construction of balance portion is mainly at Umsning Bypass which for a length of 5.27 km”, said Mr. Dhar adding that’ land acquisition is recently completed’.

Intervening on the matter, the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said that the government is taking up the matter with the implementing agency to ensure that construction should be followed with safety measures.

“There should be condi-

tion where the implementing agency of the project will be given certificate after completion of work by the NHAI”, Dr Sangma said. He said that two review meetings were called for taking stock of the overall situation and the progress of the construction of the road. According to Dr Sangma, there were several portion of ShillongGuwahati national highway which need to be constructed to avoid from danger from landslides as oc-

RGU conducts 1-day workshop on 2year B.Ed. course and CBC system

curred frequently in the recent past.

In the meantime, Mr Dhar said that another national highway of ShillongNongstoin is also delayed on land acquisition problem. Though major portion were cleared but there are some which are under the process taking up by the Deputy Commissioner of the West Khasi Hills.

Some portions which are yet to clear land acquisition are mainly in parts of East Khasi Hills, he informed.

ET Correspondent Itanagar, Sep 22: A one day workshop on 2-year B.Ed. course and CBC system was organized by the Rajiv Gandhi University today at its IDE Central facility centre at Rono Hills campus with the objective of sensitizing its nine affiliated Teacher Education Colleges spread across the state. Inaugurating the workshop as Chief Guest Prof. Tamo Mibang, the Vice-Chancellor of RGU in his speech informed that the workshop was the outcome of long deliberations and debates at various national level meetings and round-table sittings of the Vice-Chancellors’ conferences. He further observed that the state of Arunachal has since long followed the old system of education, in fact the state has been a late starter in the field of education. Reforms are needed and therefore RGU has introduced the challenging Choice Based Credit sys-

tem of education. Such reforms should be equally shouldered by the colleges.

Since, it is a new programme there will be some hurdles and this workshop will give a clear picture on practical aspects, evaluation, grading and declaration of results.

He also cautioned on the mushrooming of B.Ed. colleges with less quality in the state. An organization should not measure imparting of education in terms of business, rather they should be there for meeting the aspirations of the society by becoming a centre of excellence with focus on quality teaching and the teachers should be the replica of quality. He reasoned that, maintaining the ratio of good quality faculty is a problem in an institution and the problem is more so in privately run colleges. Speaking on the occasion as Guest of Honour Prof. Rachob Taba, Registrar of the university was optimistic that

the workshop would set a benchmark and cut some ice and will give a sparkling result towards sensitizing all the participating colleges which will be beneficial in quality enhancement and observed that it is high time to retrospect to view the good and grey areas in the education system. Appreciating the teacher educators, he said that teaching a teacher properly is very crucial as they further shape the society.

Earlier, Prof. Jayadeba Sahoo, Dean of Education and chairman of the workshop delivered the welcome adresss. The convenor of the workshop and the Deputy Registrar, academic Dr. David Pertin delivered a brief account on the conduct and importance of the workshop. Head of the Department of Education Prof. T. Lhundim proposed the vote of thanks. Altogether 17 delegates comprising of principals, directors, managers and faculty members from 9 af-

filiated teacher education colleges took part in the workshop, wherein senior faculty members from the department of Education Prof. K.C. Kapoor, Prof. J. Sahoo and Prof. T. Lhungdim and Dean, faculty of Commerce and Management Prof. R.C. Parida, and two Deputy Registrars of the university Dr. Nani T. Jose and Dr. David Pertin acted as resource persons and imparted first hand information and expertise on varied areas such as NCTE guidelines and its related issues, CBCS and its implementations, practicum, internship, internal assessments and class management, Examination issues and academic parameters during the two brainstorming technical sessions, immensely benefiting the participating delegates from colleges. The workshop also marked a lively interactive session at the end where many queries and doubts were cleared by the panelists.

CM holds talks with Centre over Greenfield Airport Contd. from Page 1

to the national capital via Guwahati. The Union Minister assured that he would

pass on necessary directives to the operators to introduce regular flights in this sector.

The Union Minister apprised the Chief Minister that works pertaining to the

Tezu Airport is in progress and the Ministry is taking measures to expedite the same. They also discussed the status of the Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs)

and the possibility of including civilian enclaves in all the seven ALGs to accommodate movement of civil aircrafts owing to the remoteness of the places.

Medical assessment camp for 'Child With Special ...

Contd. from Page 1 the Community Health Centre (CHC) Diyun under the supervision of Dr. S. Roy, ENT Specialist and Sri S. Borthakur, Audiologist from Dibrugarh and

Sri D. Maity, ophthalmist from Changlang. Overall, the block level camp in connection with CSWN is being conducted across Nampong, Miao, Bordumsa, Diyun and Changlang, and will conclude on 23rd September.

More than 500 CSWN from

Diyun itself benefited from the medical camp being organized under the aegis of the District Coordinator for Inclusive Education, SSA Changlang Ms. Lemmey Mossang and Mrs. Memkhom Jamor, resource person. The district team of SSA

extended thanks to the Health and Family Welfare Division of Changlang District, BRCC, MO, Diyun and resource person of Diyun for their cooperation in making the medical assessment camp for CSWN a huge success.

MP visits Namsai flood affected areas...

Contd. from Page 1 Much to the relief of the people, Mr Ering announced a grant of Rs. 10 lakhs for immediate flood protection measures at Chongkham, Rs. 12 lakhs for Namsai, Rs. 10

lakhs each for Silatoo and Dirak, Miri in Lekang Circle.

Further he announced Rs. 15 lakhs for construction of 2 community halls at Piyong and Rs. 3 lakhs for irrigation channel at Jona-I village.

During the course of discussion the Minister also ad-

vised submission of plan and project for long term flood protection measures to NEC and Govt. of India through concerned agencies of State government and added that he would pursue with the concerned ministries at Central level for immediate and effec-

tive resolution of various issues of the locality.

Meanwhile, he also informed that he has already recommended and sanctioned one ambulance for Lathao PHC to ensure speedy and effective health care services to the people of the said jurisdiction.

UNDP to provide support in implementation of...

Contd. from Page 1 Dr. Ruchi Pant, programme analyst of UNDP India, who was also present in the meeting, offered to explore other areas of collaboration with the State Government including Disaster

Management, Medicinal Plants, Eco Tourism Development, Bio Diversity conservation among others. Tuki while outlining the priorities of his Government suggested that multi lateral agencies like UNDP should work hand in hand with the State and focus in long term collabora-

tions in improving the livelihoods of the people in a sustainable manner. He said UNDP could play a major role in capacity building of communities which are perennially affected by natural disasters. He also called for strategic support from UNDP in organic certification so as

to increase the market competitiveness of organic products of Arunachal Pradesh. A team from UNDP India will visit Arunachal Pradesh next month and finalise the modalities to collaboration after discussion with senior officials of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.

Bad road condition, the bane of Nagaon Contd. from Page 1 Anandaram Dhekial Phookan road running from Natun Bazar to Civil hospital, PWD road connecting Marwaripatty and power house, Amollapatty road and Laokhowa road are in a very bad condition where there are too many potholes. And all

these PWD roads get filled with water and mud during rainy season. Not to speak of scooters, bikes, rickshaws, even four wheelers find it difficult to traverse these roads.

Most of the educational institutions in Nagaon town are situated along these roads.

Among the suburban roads, the worst hit are NagaonRupahi and NagaonPuranigudam roads. Rupahi,

predominantly an agricultural area is connected to Nagaon through four PWD roads. But all are in bad condition and have not been repaired for the last few years. As a result, all these are now in very bad condition making it hazardous for tempos, light and heavy vehicles to ply on these roads.

Each of these four roads are in such miserable condition that sometimes public carri-

ers raise the fare to meet extra fuel expenses incurred for bad road conditions.

The portion of National Highway from Nagaon and Puranigudam, a stretch of twelve kilometers is also in a shabby condition that requires immediate repair. Bad road condition has also caused several accidents claiming lives and damaging property.

Meghalaya Assembly rejects resolution...

Contd. from Page 1 exempt the purview of the central laws in the State and one of them is the issue of invoking the Para 12 (A+B) of the constitution of India to ensure ownership of tribal people of the State is not under the ambit of central acts.

He said there is no confusion of multiple authorities as far as protecting the indigenous people of the State is concerned as the Para 12 of Section 6 (AB) gives clarity to everyone that the State gov-

ernment can make laws on any subjects if it is required.

He said that the Coal Mine (Nationalization) Act, 1973 and Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2015 have superseded all laws of the State, where mines belong to the Government of India and not the people. Sangma also said that the State Government has held several meeting with different departments of the Central Government and working together so that the problem of the mining rights of the people is resolved. The issue of pro-

tecting the indigenous community should be mutually worked out between the Autonomous District Council (ADC) and the State government. “There should be mutually trust between the ADCs and the State government to share thoughts and ideas when it comes to issue indigenous people”, said Dr Sangma.

Earlier, tabling the resolution Mr Basaiawmoit said that the State needs Article 371 to put the indigenous people under the constitutional protection just like Nagaland, and Mizoram.

“The central laws cannot be applied in states of Nagaland, Mizoram due to the existence of Article 371 as far as subjects of custom, land rights of the indigenous people is concerned”, said Mr Basaiawmoit and adding that the central laws will be applicable only when and if the State Assembly approved. Taking part in the debate, Opposition leader Dr Donkupar Roy said that the resolution moved is not well though and it is emotional. “It is good to discuss but it is not the right time to take resolution”, said Dr Roy.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Mature leopard captured at Teok-Jorhat ET Correspondent Teok, Sep 22: One mature leopard was captured today morning by Jorhat district forest officials at Kaliapani Adarsa gaon, under Teok police station of Jorhat district. According to sources, a number of leopard family species have been continually encroaching upon the greater area by killing various domestic animals like cow, goat, etc. The local villagers have demanded the forest authority to capture the

wild animals. The concerned forest officials then placed a number of leopard trap boxes in the area in one of which a mature animal was caught today morning by the forest officials. The leopard was transferred to the Jorhat district forest office with the local villagers expressing thankfulness to the forest officials for getting hold of the wild animal apart from requesting them to take steps to capture the others at large.

Anusuchit Jati Bikash Manch calls for doing away with the reservation system ET Correspondent Margherita, Sep 22: At a time when Rashtriya Swam Sevak Sangha (RSS) Chief Mohan Rao Bhagawat said that reservation system should be reviewed, MK Gautam, General Secretary of

Anusuchit Jati Bikash Manch has said that both BJP and RSS should put an end to the reservation system. The latter further criticised leaders like Laloo Prasad Yadav and Mulayam Singh Yadav.

MK Gautam is of the

opinion that due to the reservation system Dalit Adivashi Community People can't attain freedom from their plight. The president of Anusuchit Jati Bikash Manch has appeal to all Dalit Adivashi Organisations to unite

and fight against the reservation system and give support to Rastriya Swam Sevak Sangha (RSS). He added that India will progress if the reservation system is permanently withdrawn from the Indian Constitution.

DC Solanki Bishal Basant inaugurating a rehabiliation centre for cancer patients at Jorhat.

Pic - Nekib Ahmed

Free health check-up camp A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Sep 22: A free health check-up camp was today organized by Dibrugarh District Karmachari Parishad in association with Directorate of Health Services, Dibrugarh for the children of the district at Maijan Primary school. Karmachari Parishad has been associated with such type of so-

cial work since many years.

Amrit Baruah, Joint Director of Directorate of Health Services, Dibrugarh was present during the free health check-up camp at Maijan. Amrit Baruah praised the initiative taken by the Karmachari Parishad. Baruah said due to the recent wave of flood in Dibrugarh a lot of people have been affected and

many properties and lives were lost. He added after the flood there has been a maximum chance of spreading the vector borne diseases but their department has taken all necessary steps to control spread of diseases in the district.

Indra Gogoi, President of Dibrugarh District Karmachari Parishad in his welcome speech

thanked Directorate of Health services, Dibrugarh for supporting their cause.

Later, he thanked everyone associated with this free health check up camp.

Dibrugarh District Karmachari Parishad announced that in the coming days they would organize such free health check up camps across many areas of Assam.

Ahom Royal Youth Federation Digboi Carmel School celebrates its golden jubilee formed at Margherita ET Correspondent Margherita, Sep 22: Ahom Royal Youth Federation, Margherita Regional Committee was formed at Margherita Sahitya Chora Bhawan on 20th September Sunday.

More than 300 Ahom Community people from Jagun, Lekhapani, Ketetong, Pengree,

Makum qilla, Margherita and Ledo were present at the meeting. The meeting was presided over by Tilak Gogoi while it was anchored by Manash Pratim Gogoi. Tilak Gogoi in his inaugural speech said that Ahom Community people have contributed a lot to making Assam great.

Ahom Royal Youth Fed-

eration, Margherita Regional Committee was formed with Bitupon Gogoi as President, Pranjal Konwar as General Secretary comprising a total of 21 members. Ahom Royal Youth Federation, Central Committee Secretary General Uttam Baruah and Secretary Khagen Gogoi were also present at the meeting.

Dr. Jayanta Rongpi optimistic about United People's Front Sushanta Roy Diphu, Sep 22: Dr. Jayanta Rongpi, working president of recently constituted ‘United People's Front’ a conglomeration of 8 ethnic clannish sponsored political front of Assam is optimistic about winning at list 32 seats in the forthcoming Assam legislative assembly election. The charismatic leader who is also the chief convener of Hills State Democratic Council has claimed that in the legislative assembly election BJP, Congress or AUDF will not be a factor and the new tribal front will win all 4 seats spread across the autonomous hill districts of Assam.

After his return from Guwahati yesterday Dr. Rongpi said that BPF chairman Hagrama Mohalery led new party has chosen DR. Ronog Pegu as general secretary. Dr. Rongpi has claimed that in both Diphu and Howraghat constituency Bodo

voters play the decisive role and since last 14 years they have extended support to ruling Congress but recent rift between BPF and Congress may channelize Bodo support towards ‘United People's Front’.

It may be mentioned here that in spite of political fissure between Congress and BPF the Congress led Executive Committee of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council is still maintaining cordial relation with Bodo community of Karbi Anglong. Elected Bodo MAC (Member of Autonomous Council) from Langhing constituency is one of the Executive Members of the KAAC; only time will tell whether BPF will support BJP, Congress or newly formed ‘United People's Front’.

However, in a contradicting statement, Dr. Rongpi district Congress coordinator said that the new party will not cast any influence on the voters of the

hills. He mentioned that erstwhile leaders of ASDC (Autonomous State Demand Committee) like Dr. Rongpi, Holiram Terang, Chomong Kro, Jotson Bey, Horensing Bey by rechristening the ASDC to HSDC (Hills State Democratic Council) and entering the new political conglomeration are trying to lure the voters but will not achieve any political benefit at the end.

Arun Terang, district BJP President while downplaying the new political merger said that at least in the two hill districts the HSDC will have no impact since people have decided to vote for BJP this time.

He further mentioned that “the partner of ‘United People's Front’ in the hills is HSDC which changed itself from ASDC; earlier it was known as PAPA, now UPF how long it will keep on altering its name, this type of flip-flops won’t be any challenge for BJP”.

Laxman Sharma Digboi, Sep 22: The fraternity of Carmel School known for its academic and literary contribution, charitable works and above all its overall role in the development of the student community is all set to celebrate its golden jubilee year in a memorable way.

It may be added here that it was first established on 14th August 1996 at Shillong Road Digboi only to be later shifted to the present location at Muliabari Digboi and that it has left no stone unturned to ensure imparting quality education. The golden jubilee celebration

Golaghat DC orders releasing of tea labourers' bonus by Oct 5 ET Correspondent Golaghat, Sep 22: The annual payment of bonus to tea garden labourers must be completed by 5 October.

This order was passed by Deputy Commissioner Anarul Haque on Tuesday in a meeting held with the various tea group owners.

He ordered the owners to discuss together and to make a common resolution to provide a certain percentage of bonus. The DC also discussed on the probable law and order situation that can arise in the tea gardens on the issue of bonus and ordered concerned authorities to take necessary steps in this regard.

Imported pulses to reach Indian market...

Contd. from Page 1

State-owned MMTC, which is importing tur and urad dals on behalf of the government, has been directed to float local tender for milling imported pulses as state governments have expressed inability to do so.

MMTC has finalised import of 5,000 tonnes each of tur and urad. It has also floated fresh tender for additional 5,000 tonnes of tur.

In view of sharp rise in pulses and onion prices, the Inter-Ministerial Committee today reviewed the availability and prices of these two commodities. It

also reviewed the current status of the arrival of imported pulses and onion.

"On pulses, MMTC appraised that 2,500 tonnes of imported tur will arrive in three tranches at Chennai Port and similar quantity of around 2,500 tonnes of tur will arrive at JNPT in four tranches beginning from September 23," the Food Ministry said in a statement. The entire consignment of 5,000 tonnes of tur would reach at these two ports on October 20, it said.

With respect to urad, MMTC indicated that 5,000 tonnes of urad from Myanmar will reach Chennai and JNPT ports by

October 20, it added. "As states have indicated their inability to process the imported un-milled pulses, MMTC was advised to float a tender for milling the imported pulses. This would ensure quicker uptakes by the States and also its distribution to consumer," the Food Ministry said. With respect to imports of onion, MMTC informed about 1,000 tonnes are expected by first week of October, and another 1,000 tonnes by Octoberend at JNPT, Mumbai.

MMTC has also floated a tender for import of additional 1,000 tonnes of on-

ion on September 11 and the bid was to be opened on September 18. "These imports are expected to improve the availability of pulses and onion and moderate prices," the ministry said. Prices of both pulses and onions have risen unabated in the last few weeks due to fall in domestic production.

Barring chana dal, prices of all other pulses have gone up to Rs 150 per kg in most retail markets.

Similarly, retail prices of onion are continuing to rule high at Rs 70/kg in Delhi and a same trend prevails in other parts of the country. (Agencies)

I&B Ministry gets Rs 263.97 crores as bid...

Contd. from Page 1

As per the stipulated payment methodology, the successful bidders had to pay the bid deposits for winning channels within five calendar days of no-

tification of auction results.

The ministry had notified the list of successful bidders of the first batch on September 16, 2015, comprising details of 14 successful bidders for 91 channels in 54 cities along with winning prices and selected frequency spots.

The successful bidders will now have to pay the balance amount within 15 calendar days of the notification i.e. by October 1, 2015. On receipt of full successful bid amount i.e.

Non-refundable One Time Entry Fee (NOTEF) within the prescribed time, the Ministry will is-

sue Letter of Intent to the bidders to enable them to complete further formalities. It may be noted that the e-auction of the first batch of FM phase III comprising 135 channels in 69 cities, which commenced on July 27, 2015, got over on September 9, 2015.

agenda of the school kicked off recently with a grand inaugural ceremony organised within the school premises and attended by a host of dignitaries from all walks of life. The golden jubilee celebrations were started by Fr. Lizer (Vicar General) in the presence of Provincial Superior St. Mirabella of AC of Kolkata, Mary Lily the Principal (AC) Digboi, former Principal, superiors, Amitava Mishra the Executive Director Assam oil Division (I/C) Digboi and other invited guests, former Carmelites, students, teachers and guardians.

Following lighting of the cer-

emonial lights by Amitava Mishra, there followed a series of activities including cultural items and cutting of the ceremonial cake to mark the onset of the entire year agenda of golden jubilee celebrations.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Mishra reiterated the role and contribution of Aphotolic Carmel in promoting the cause of quality education beside its consistent focus on all round development of the student community. He also appreciated the literary contribution of the school enriching English as a language.

Mary Lily the Principal of the

school briefed on the activities undertaken during the celebration period and said that besides organising literary, culural, sports and other activities, the school management has also decided to make the celebrations a memorable one by undertaking some socio economic projects for the cause of the economically challenged lot of the society by erecting a shelter within the township for the poor apart from distributing sewing machines to the poor widows and feeding the poverty stricken children including the rickshaw pullers. She added that bicycles to the school workers would

also be distributed. Meanwhile, inviting all the former students of the Carmel Digboi to attend the meet slated on 31st October, she urged them to lend their helping hand and register themselves to ensure their participation on or before 30th September 2015 for the smooth conduct of the programme. The registration can be done by calling at 03751- 264279. Other activities includes parents' day celebration, alumni meet, literary, sports, cultural, flower decoration events and so on. The golden jubilee celebrations of the school would come to an end in 2016.

Assam Govt allots portfolios to newly...

Contd. from Page 1

given the Excise portfolio, Habul Chakravarty has been given the Environment & Forest portfo-

lio, Rumi Nath has been given Health & F W, Hemanta Talukdar has been given Agriculture.

Besides this Kamalakshya Dey Purkayastha has been

given Water Resource, while Jamaluddin Ahmed has been given the P & RD department. Also Sivcharan Basumatary has been allotted WPT &

BC, S R Subba has been given Co-operation and Veterinary. Bidya Singh Engleng has been allotted the Food & Civil Supply portfolio.

Strong BJP delegation submits memorandum...

Contd. from Page 1

roads, deteriorating law and order situation, insecurity among women and serious allegations about central funded welfare projects etc.

Hon’ble Governor patiently

heard them and gave assurance that he will forward the Memorandum to the Chief Minister for action. He also assured that he will call the concerned Ministers where serious allegations of financial lapses are there, so that the BJP leaders and Minis-

ters face to face can address the issues. Governor further assured that if any officials are found guilty to the alleged offences, action will be taken as per law. The Governor also requested the elected MLAs and MPs to come out in detail with their

development fund performances in their own Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies. It was a cordial interaction lasting 40 minutes. There was a big procession/Dharna in front of Raj Bhavan and later they met the Governor.

Tribals offer prayers in Dibrugarh for peaceful...

Contd. from Page 1

lives were lost and several others maimed or seriously injured besides property worth crores of rupees burned to ashes. This meeting is important in view of the unyielding and continuing crisis in Manipur state with imminent danger of more violence looming large which may any time turn into communal strife. It may be recalled that the present crisis and unrest in the tribal hill districts of Manipur sparked off strong violent repercussions from the tribal communities when the Manipur State Legislative Assembly in its emergency session passed the three contentious Bills, viz. Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill 2015, Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill 2015 and Manipur Shop and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill 2015,

on 31, August 2015, following the pressing demand for introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) System spearheaded by the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS). Protesting vehemently against passing of the Bills the three main tribal bodies of the State—the Kuki Students’ Organisation, the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur and the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur, jointly called for a complete 12 hour bandh on 1st August in all the hill districts of the State which unfortunately soon went out of control that resulted in the senseless killing of four persons on the spot leaving behind several of them critically injured and some later succumbed to their injuries subsequently flaring up a movement demanding repeal of the bills and demanding separate administrative setup for the tribals. The prayer programme was chaired

by Dr. Lamkholal Doungel, Chairman, Kuki Worship Service Dibrugarh, who appealed to the congregation to look to God for guidance and pray for peaceful and permanent resolution to the crisis saying that “in this time of crisis and agony we are with our brethren of Manipur”. Following the formal greetings from Mr. Mangcha Haokip, the programme formally started with invocation prayer from Mr. Donga and singing of meaningful Christian hymnal led by Mr. H. Lalhmangaiha. After reading out the names of the departed souls and dealing in brief with the genesis of the crisis, Upa. L. Nangthiankham conducted the condolence prayer for the departed souls. Rev. Lalawmpuia, pastor of the Dibrugarh Pastorate, Presbyterian Church of India, shared a brief inspiring message from the Bible and stressed on the need to “pray together in order

to stay together.” Mr. Lamhao Doungel, Additional Superintendent of Police, Tinsukia, Mr. Sangboi Doungel, Asst.

Professor, DHSK College, Mr. Chullova Pachau, an Evangelist, were a few among a host of prominent speakers who deeply dealt essentially on the theme ‘United we stand, Divided we fall.’

Pledging to stand united by holding each other’s hand in a chain and praying the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ together, the programme was closed with vote of thanks from Mr. Benjamin Lhungdim. Another spectacular highlight at the end of the programme was the candle lighting supervised by Mr. Mamang Changsan, Manager, Allahabad Bank, that beautifully lit-up the Church Campus with shimmering rows of candles lit by all the participants as a mark of respect and paying homage to all the martyrs.

Central team MHA Secy arrives to take stock of Churachanpur situation Imphal, Sep 22: The Churachandpur JAC constituted against the three Bills passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31 for protection of indigenous people of Manipur would hold a meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Internal Security Secretary tomorrow. MHA Internal Security Secretary Ashok Prasad deputed by the Ministry to take stock of the State's prevailing situation arrived here today and held a meeting with top officials of the State Government. Ashok Prasad would go to Churachandpur and meet representatives of the JAC tomorrow morning, informed an official source.

Soon after his arrival at Imphal, Ashok Prasad col-

Manjhi's property worth rupees 63 lakh as reported Patna, Sep 22: Former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi holds movable and immovable assets worth Rs.63 lakh, as per the affidavit filed by him with his nomination papers. Manjhi has a house worth Rs.13 lakh, a 10-year-old Ambassador car and a 2011 model Mahindra Scorpio sport utility vehicle. Manjhi, whose father was a landless labourer in Mahkar village in Gaya district, used to own five acres of cultivable land worth Rs.37 lakh a few years ago. This year, Manjhi courted controversy over three varying declarations about his age and assets.

Manjhi, president of the Hindustani Awam Morcha, has said he will contest from two assembly constituencies: Makhdumpur in Jehanabad district and Imanganj in Gaya district.

(Agencies)

Missing college student found dead Kolkata, Sep 22: A 23-yearold college student, missing since Monday, was found dead at Natagarh in North 24 Parganas district on Tuesday. Sannya Chatterjee went missing after he had left his residence for a friend's house in a nearby area on Monday. His body was found in a pond this morning, Police Commissioner of Barrackpore Niraj Singh said. A mob ransacked the house of the victim's friend alleging that the incident was a case of murder. Police detained Chatterjee's friend and his parents for interrogation, he said. (Agencies)

Rinchen Choeling monastery inaugurated by CM Gangtok, Sep 22: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today inaugurated Rinchen Choeling monastery at Meghidara in Rinchenpong, West Sikkim.

He was accompanied by ministers S.B. Subedi, G.M. Gurung and N.K. Subba and MLA Chandra Maya Subba among others. Yanthang Rinpoche also attended the function. The Nyingma monastery was constructed with a fund of Rs. 29.60 lakh combined from State Ecclesiastical department funding and public contribution.

Bom Bahadur Meghi had donated the land for the monastery. In his Facebook post, the Chief Minister shares that he had a brief meeting with the members of the monastery committee and assured to fulfill the demands placed at the earliest. The demands were establishment of Buddhist study centre at the monastery, construction of a house for the Rinpoche and a hostel for monastery students, construction of Manikhorlo (prayer wheels) at the monastery premises and construction of gate along with carpeting of approach road to the monastery. (Agencies)

lected a detailed report from Chief Minister O Ibobi and other top officials of the State Government on the prevailing situation. The MHA Internal Security Secretary also met the DGP and other high ranking police officers. Notably, the State

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Government has invited the JAC twice for a dialogue on the existing impasse but there was no response from the JAC. Our CCpur correspondent reports : Expecting a visit from Central officials, the JAC Churachandpur Camp has this evening announced the

itinerary of the visiting team and called on the public to gather at Lamka public ground for a public meeting even as it announced another total shutdown from 5 am to 3 pm tomorrow. Claiming that their call for a total shutdown was aimed at giving the Cen-

tral team from Delhi a free and easy access during their visit, the JAC also called on the public to avoid all forms of violence and disturbances during their visit. Tribal chiefs and villagers from Kangvai and its vicinity were told to receive the visiting team at Kangvai while womenfolk from Kangvai to Lighthouse have been advised to stay put at their dharna points till 3 pm. Others are set to gather at Lamka Public Ground where the Central team is expected to address the public. Thereafter the team will visit the morgue where the bodies of nine martyrs are still kept and hold talks with the JAC. They are also expected to address the press after the talks at KKL Complex. (Agencies)

Suspected Maoist IED unearthed

by CRPF in Chhattisgarh Raipur, Sep 22: A powerful improvised explosive device (IED) weighing 50 kg, suspected to have been planted by insurgents of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist), was unearthed by security forces from a road in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district, a police official said here on Monday.

Narayanpur's Additional Superintendent of Police OP

of the Hill TMC, said, "At least now the people have started realizing the truthwhat and who Bimal Gurung is. Now they know that they were in the wrong place. The GJMM was created out of a

mere fit of emotional wave."

Asked whether the two former MLAs of Kalimpong and Darjeeling will be joining the TMC, Sharma said, "Nothing like that. But if they want to join, they are most

welcome." Trilok Dewan himself claimed on Monday that there is no democracy in the GJMM, and further said that the two MLAs' resignation from the party should be taken as a wake-up call by the

Kolkata, Sep22: Ruing that there hasn't been a proper evaluation of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's "immense contribution", Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the Centre should follow the state government's decision

GJMM. According to Dewan, although he had been appointed the Chief Advisor of the party, he was never consulted on important decisions. "I was like a souvenir that was there only for show. I had no role to play in the party," he said on Monday. He further claimed that Gurung is always surrounded by "undesired elements." Asked how the GJMM will now function in his absence and in the absence of Chettri, he said Gurung will now be "devoid of high level intellectual inputs. The General Secretary of the GJMM and Executive Member of the GTA, Roshan Giri, said he will comment on the resignation only after receiving a formal letter from Trilok Dewan. Leader of the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), NB Chettri did not wish to comment when asked about the resignations. (Agencies)

Eco-friendly is the new theme for Indrajatra celebrations Gangtok, Sep 22: Sikkim Newa Guthi is all set to celebrate Indrajatra festival in Gangtok from September 25 to 27. The festival which is celebrated to pay homage to the Hindu God Indra and his mother Dagini will be celebrated this year in an eco-friendly way, the organizers informed today. The three-day long celebration will start on September 25.

The first two days of the celebrations will have Newari cultural programme, food fest and exhibition cum sale of Newari cultural items for public in front of old Assembly Hall, informed Sikkim Newa Guthi president Dilu Kumar Pradhan today in a press conference.

On September 27, a puja will be solemnized at 8 am followed by a cultural

programme and traditional food fest at Bhanu Udhyaan later in the evening. Chief Minister Pawan Chamling is expected to grace the event as chief guest on the final day. The chairperson of the Indrajatra Celebration Organizing Committee, Hari Indrajatra to be celebrated in eco-friendly way Prasad Pradhan today thanked the State government for declaring Indrajatra as a State holiday. Pradhan also said the Newari language which is being taught in 13 schools Sikkim till class VIII will be extended till class IX. The organizing committee today also released annual magazine 'Smarika Indra Jatra Samaroha 2015' which they said is very useful for research scholars.

(Agencies)

they unearthed the IED packed in a steel container, placed three feet beneath the earth, the police official said. It is suspected that the IED was planted

by Maoists to trigger a landmine blast and harm security personnel, the police official said. Later, a bomb disposal squad neutralised the IED, the police official said.

(Agencies)

Mamta Banerjee asks to follow them in declassification of files

GJM Chief, Bimal slammed for the resignation of leaders Darjeeling, Sep22: Top leaders of both the Hill Trinamul Congress (TMC) and the All India Gorkha League (AIGL), have blamed Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) chief Bimal Gurung for the resignation of two Hill MLAs from the party. While Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chettri quit the party on 18 September, Dewan quit the party as well as the state Assembly on Monday. Pratap Khati, the spokesperson for the AIGL alleged that Gurung is not sincere with the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland and that an intellectual person as Trilok Dewan must have realized it.

"Sensible people are resigning from the party. Other intellectual persons will also step down in the coming days. This proves that there is no writ of Bimal Gurung within the party," he said.

Binny Sharma, the top leader

Sharma told PTI that the IED was unearthed when the Central Reserve Police Force's (CRPF) 139th battalion was on an antiMaoist operation on the Narayanpur-Antagarh road under Narayanpur police station limits. On reaching Bharanda village, around 350 km away from Chhattisgarh's state capital Raipur, CRPF personnel spotted a wire after which

on declassification of files related to the freedom fighter.

"We have declassified 64 Netaji files. The immense contributions of Netaji has not been evaluated properly. We feel that the Centre should follow us and declassify the

files," Banerjee said in the state Assembly. She said the state would also digitise files of Cabinet decisions taken between 1937-47. The state government had declassified 64 Netaji files on Friday last.

(Agencies)

EC warns against statements repugnant to dignity of women during Bihar polls New Delhi, Sep 22: Ahead of next month's assembly polls in Bihar, the Election Commission (EC) has warned candidates and political leaders not to make statements repugnant to the dignity of women. In an advisory sent to all national and state parties, the EC has asked candidates to

maintain high standards during campaigning, saying it is putting all political parties on notice that for any violation of the model code of conduct and use of intemperate abusive language, they may face action from it. The EC said the warning was being issued based on past experiences. (ANI)

Technical snag causes emergency landing of Delhi-Hong Kong AI flight Kolkata, Sep 22: An Air India flight from Delhi to Hong Kong had to make an emergency landing at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (NSCB) International Airport of Kolkata last night after a technical snag was discovered.

Passengers, who were deboarded at NSCB International Airport are protesting against Air India. Further details are awaited. (ANI)

Centre taking steps to strengthen North East biodiversity infrastructure, says Harsh Vardhan Pinaki Das Agartala, Sep 22: To explore and exploit the bio-diversity and bio-technology of Northeastern region, considered as one of the world's major bio-diversity hot spots, the government plans to strengthen scientific infrastructure.

"The government would strengthen scientific infrastructure to explore and exploit the bio-diversity and bio-technology in the northeastern states. The existing biotechnology hubs and bio-informatic centres in the region would be reinforced, and new such centres would be set up," Union Minister for Science and Technology, and Earth Sciences Harsh Vardhan said. He said: "India is the best among the many developed countries in exploiting biotechnology like stem cells development, and DNA-related works. Two out of three vaccines for numerous purposes are being developed in India." The minister said, "Early tsunami warning was the best in India among all countries and within 10 minutes after a quake, we can tell the country and across the world about the intensity of the tremor."

The minister was inaugurating a biotechnology hub and a bioinformatics centre at the Tripura Central University for which his ministry had earlier provided Rs.3.70 crores.

The aim of this hub is to increase awareness of biotechnology by providing training and teaching to students and teachers from school to college level. In addition, the state biotech hub has to improve the quality of biological research, using modern equipment available at the facility and also produce skilled manpower. The bioinformatics centre envisages supporting teaching activities of biology through application of bioinformatics, to organise training, workshop for familiarising with the application of bioinformatics in teaching and research and to promote research work in bioinformatics and to develop effective collaboration with experimental scientists. (ANI)

Coal mining ban likely to be lifted notifies CM Sangma, draft on the final stage CM said the ban on mining and transportation of coal by NGT had affected the economy and revenue of the State, while adding that his government was committed to ensure that the ban on coal mining is lifted.

Shillong, Sep 22: The State Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to vacate the ban on coal mining in Meghalaya imposed by the National Green Tribunal in April, 2014. In reply to a call attention motion moved by Witting Mawsor (HSPDP) on the plight of the people after the NGT banned rat hole mining in the State, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told the Assembly that while the draft mining plan was in the final stag to be submitted before the NGT, other measures including

exempting Sixth Schedule areas from the purview of the Central mining laws will help the State to address the concerns of the stakeholders. The draft mining plan was prepared after getting inputs from the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute, Coal India Limited and Director General of Mine Safety following their visits to the State in June this year. According to the chief minister invoking Paragraph 12A (b) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution will help the State Government to regu-

late mining activities. He said the ban on mining and transportation of coal by NGT had affected the economy and revenue of the State, while adding that his government was committed to ensure that the ban on coal mining is lifted.

The chief minister said that the state government had taken up with the Centre the need to invoke Paragraph 12A (b) of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution so that application of central laws in the State relating to mining may be rescinded through a Presidential no-

tification. According to the chief minister, the State government has made out a special case to exempt Sixth Schedule areas in the State from the purview of central mining laws due to the provision of Paragraph 12A (b) of the Sixth Schedule as a presidential notification will be enough to get relief. The chief minister also said that a resolution will be taken up during the current session which will further help the State Government to pursue the matter with the Centre. (Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Modi Govt. trying to curtail freedom of expression: Congress ANI New Delhi, Sep 22: The Congress Party on Tuesday criticized the BJP-led NDA Government for implementing and then taking a U-turn on the National Encryption Policy, saying the ruling dispensation at the Centre is trying to curtail the freedom of expression. "The way in which the Draft Encryption Policy was issued and then withdrawn within 24 hours this shows how the Modi Government is trying to curtail the freedom of expression. This government is trying to suppress the basic right of freedom and expression under Article 21 of our Constitution," Congress leader R S Surjewala told . "The real intent of Modi Government is to keep an eye on every person of this country," he added.

Surjewala further said, "Contrary to the stated objective of the encryption policy of Government of India of creating a security environment and ensuring

secured transaction... all that Modi Government wanted to do, was to ensure 24/7 surveillance of the individual particularly the large amount of young in this country." The government withdrew the Draft Encryption Policy, which asked users of services that use encryption, such as Whats App and other social media services, to store all their communication for as long as 90 days. Briefing media this afternoon, Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad made it clear that what was released on Tuesday was not the final view of the government.

Barkha Singh asks Kejriwal to advise Somnath to cooperate with investigation

PAGE 6

India's relationship with US defined by natural synergy of democracies: Sushma Swaraj ANI Washington, Sep 22: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that India's relationship with the United States is defined by natural synergy of the democracies and easy identification among the people. "Today, our relations with the U.S. are defined by a natural synergy of democracies and easy identification among our peoples. We are both open societies which value education and enterprise.

Institutions in both India and the United States - the executive, legislature, political parties and businesses - pulsate with the same values and beliefs," she said at the US-India Business Council (USIBC) event on Monday. Swaraj said the Americans of Indian origin epitomize the appreciation of excellence, reflecting the freedom and opportunity cherished in our countries.

"During the last one-andhalf year of Prime Minister Modi's government, a sense of vigour and purpose, steady stream of new ideas, creative approaches and focused action have

dominated our bilateral engagement," she added.

Swaraj said on Tuesday, across both governments, there is a great deal of comfort, maturity and candor in our conversation. "There is political support for building relations with each other, in both capitals - here in the U.S. Congress and in our Parliament. In last one year, we have worked to underpin our political and strategic convergences with concrete action on the ground to progress our overall engagement," said Swaraj. "We have harnessed the commonalities between our two countries to further bilateral priorities in several areas, including defence and security; countering terrorism and extremism; clean energy and environment protection; S&T and Space; manufacturing and digital technology," she added. Swaraj further said, "We have developed mechanisms for co-development and co-production of defence equipment and practical collaboration in defence technologies to enhance the strategic con-

tent in our relations." "Our countries are promoting energy cooperation to facilitate India's green growth, sustainable development and energy security.

We are doing so not only in the bilateral space but also in responding to the global challenge of climate change. We are linked by ties of research, education, health and science," she added. The External Affairs Minister pointed out that the collaboration has not only served our two countries but served the wider

world. Swaraj said it is true that an important pillar in the broad sweep of our multifaceted partnership has been the strength and vigour of the private sector partnership between two great democracies. " USIBC and its membership manifest the tangibilities of this vitality in our economic and commercial ties. You have been one of the key drivers and a positive voice in the growth, evolution and continuing maturing of IndiaU.S. relations," said Swaraj.

"I commend your achieve-

for its decision of justice which it has given to the woman. It has sent a good message to the society that judiciary is very much sincere towards women," she added. The AAP MLA is facing a non-bailable warrant against him in a domestic violence and attempt to murder case filed by his wife, Lipika Mitra.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed Bharti's anticipatory bail plea. On June 10, the DCW had served a notice to Bharti after Mitra accused him of domestic violence.

She has alleged that she has been facing violence at the hands of Bharti since 2010 and has said that she wants a separation in order to live with her children 'with dignity'.

15 Tamil fishermen arrested, two boats seized by Sri Lankan Navy

Mayawati to address media on NHRM scam tomorrow

ANI Chennai, Sep 22: Fifteen Tamil fishermen were arrested and two boats were seized by the Sri Lankan Navy in early hours of Tuesday. The Indian fishermen were taken to Kangesan Port for interrogation.

Somnath Bharti likely to be arrested ANI New Delhi, Sep 22: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti is likely to be arrested, as the Delhi High Court has rejected his anticipatory bail plea in connection with the domestic violence case filed against him by his wife Lipika Mitra.

Reports suggest that Bharti may now move the Supreme Court. Delhi Police have sought custodial interrogation of Bharti for conducting a fair investigation into the allegations levelled against him by his wife.

Bharti was recently named in a First Information Report (FIR) filed under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including domestic violence and attempt to murder.

Lipika has been married to Bharti since 2010, but has been living separately from him since 2012 along with the couple's two children in a rented accommodation in Dwarka.

ANI Lucknow, Sep 22: Bahujan Samaj party (BSP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati said on Monday that she will address the media on her reported involvement in the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam on Tuesday. Mayawati revealed her plans for Wednesday after the Central Bureau of Investigation reportedly said that

ANI New Delhi, Sep 22: The government on Tuesday clarified that it is withdrawing the draft of the National Encryption Policy and will rework it, so as to not impact individual users and protect and promote freedom of social media. "There are two issues one is the creation of encryption. Many companies send messages in an encrypted form. Other is those who are the consumer of applications like Whatsapp.

The purport of this encryption policy relates to only those who encrypt.

As far as, ordinary citizens of applications are concerned they do not fall in

they would be investigating her alleged role in the multicrore NRHM scam. The CBI has so far filed 74 first in-

this domain, because those who encrypt for a variety of reasons there has to be a policy to regulate their manner of encryption," Union Minister for Communications and In-

formation reports (FIRs) and 48 charge sheets in connection with the scam, in which a former minister and a former principal secretary of the state government have been named. The CBI reportedly believes that by examining Mayawati, they might "unearth a larger conspiracy". Media reports so far are saying that the CBI is seeking clarification on the funding of NRHM

formation Technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a press conference.

"Therefore I have told to withdraw the draft (National Encryption Policy) immediately and revert it

properly, giving due regard to larger freedom to social media," Prasad added. According to the current draft of the encryption policy, the government would have access to all encrypted information, including personal emails, messages or even data stored on a private business server. The policy also wanted users to store all encrypted communication for at least 90 days and make it available to security agencies, if required, in text form. Earlier in the day, the Department of Electronics and Information Technology had said thatsocial media websites and applications such as Whats App, Facebook and Twitter will be exempted from the purview of the National Encryption Policy.

projects. CBI sources were quoted, as saying that they have got fresh evidence which makes it necessary to examine Mayawati's role on two issues - bifurcation of the Health and Family Welfare Department and creation of 100 posts of district project officers who were allegedly instrumental in alleged corruption in the implementation of NRHM schemes. Mayawati was

the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh when the Department of Health and Family Welfare was bifurcated.

Between 2005-06 and 2011, the Centre gave Rs 11,080 crores to Uttar Pradesh for the implementation of NRHM schemes out of which Rs 9,133 crore was released for utilisation.

The state had spent Rs 8,658 crore of the funds released by the Centre.

Sitharaman invites US investment in India ANI Washington DC, Sep 22: Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman has called upon American investors to invest in the development of

infrastructure in India.

Speaking at the 40th leadership Summit of US-India Business Council ( USIBC), she said the Indian Government had taken several measures, both executive and legislative, to ease business environment. "Indian states have been

ranked and we are emerging as one of the most favoured business destinations for the investors," she added. Highlighting the role of Indian investors in the United States, Sitharaman said, "Indian investors has also been coming to the US in a big way,

investing in big deal and are creating big jobs opportunities. So this relationship is to give strength and to draw strength from each others' investments and also the commitment to contributing towards each other's economy."

She underlined that 65 per

300 million youth by 2022.

"We have plans to boost urbanization and we are determined to provide affordable power and housing for all. We want to connect manufacturing in India with global supply chains and target to develop product based and service based industrial and governance platforms around Digital India," said Swaraj. "All of these initiatives and plans present real commercial and business opportunities for the U.S. industry to partner with Indian public and private sector, and with a larger economy for a win-win outcome," she added. Swaraj said the business of diplomacy in India's present government is business. "The government's priority from day one has been to make it easy to do business in India and with India," said Swaraj.

"We want to ensure that the concerns of those who create jobs and bring value to our countries are addressed.

The decisions taken by government have led to a significant jump in FDI inflow into India in the last one year," she added.

BJP, RSS plan to gain votes on reservation plank, says Congress

Govt. withdraws draft encryption policy

ANI New Delhi, Sep 22: Former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Barkha Shukla Singh on Tuesday asked Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to advise AAP MLA Somnath Bharti to cooperate with the police investigation in a domestic violence case filed against him. "I want to appeal to Arvind Kejriwal not to hide his party's MLA and request him to advise Somnath Bharti to cooperate with the investigation. He has been the former law minister and has proper knowledge of law. I would ask Arvind Kejriwal not to mislead his party's MLAs and follow the path of justice." Singh told. "I thank the judiciary

ments, and in keeping with your past successes, urge you to create new synergies that bring the businesses and governments closer to each other," she added. The External Affairs Minister said one of the key priorities of Prime Minister Modi's Government is to focus sharply on meeting India's developmental priorities and overcoming various challenges. "Naturally, high economic growth is one of the ways for us to address our needs. But, beyond relying on the downstream impact of high growth, the matrix of our responses also includes efficient, effective and transparent policy and executive action," said Swaraj. "The approach of our government also envisages proactive and extensive use of innovation, technology and research to leapfrog some of the physical infrastructural constraints that we face," she added.

Swaraj said India's focus is on building 100 smart cities, rejuvenating the Ganges River and developing cities along its banks and skilling

cent of India' population was of 35 years of age and most of them were going through engineering and medical qualifications.

"With this kind of manpower, we are looking to create better facility and living conditions all around the world."

ANI New Delhi, Sep 22: Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad on Tuesday said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh( RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be using the reservation plank to gain votes from both anti-reservation and pro-reservation supporters. "BJP is following a divide and rule policy for political gain," he said.

Shakeel Ahmad also accused the BJP Government

for dividing the people by creating issues and using the emotions of the people as a token to gain political votes. Earlier, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called for a panel to decide which categories require reservation and for how long, later, the BJP reacted and said that it does not support any reconsideration of the existing constitutional provision of reservation for the SC, ST, OBC and Extremely Backward Classes".

Whatsapp, social media exempted from draft encryption policy ANI New Delhi, Sep 22: The government on Tuesday clarified that Whatsapp, social media and payment gateways are not covered under the draft encryption policy. In a release, the government made it clear that the mass use encryption products, which are currently being used in web applications, social media sites and social mediaapplications such as W h a t s a p p ,

Facebook,Twitter etc. are exempted from the purview of the draft national encryption policy. It also exempts SSL/TLS encryption products being used in internet-banking and payment gateways as directed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). SSL/TLS encryption products being used for e-commerce and password based transactions are also exempted from the draft national encryption policy.

Indo-US bilateral trade can be boosted with ease of doing business, says Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker ANI Washington D. C., Sep 22: United States Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker has said that Indo-US bilateral trade goals can be boosted by enriching the ease of doing business. "Ease of doing business, a step initiated by Prime Min-

ister Narendra Modi, is the key to boosting bilateral trade and achieving the goal of increasing it to USD 500 billion," said Pritzker. "President Obama has said we must make it easier for Indian and American businesses to buy from each other, to invest in

each other and to create with each other. We must take action against impediments to businesses and we will not be successful without engagement and or inputs from our private sectors," she added.

Pritzker further said, "Business between

United States and India has never been better.

Our two-way trade has nearly tripled in the last decade. American investments in India have become triple since 2004 and India is the fifth fastest growing source of investment in the United States." "Over the last

years, we have two important steps to ensure that economic issues and private sector input are at the heart of our bilateral relationship.

Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to realise the potential and promise of the US-India economic relationship," Pritzker said.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

No peace until foreign troops leaves Pakistan postpones execution of disabled death row convict Afghanistan: Taliban chief Kabul, Sep 22: The Taliban's new leader told Afghanistan's government on Sept. 22 it must cancel a security deal with the United States and expel all foreign troops if it wants peace.Mullah Mansour made the demand in a message marking the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Adha, his first such message since he formally took charge after the death of founder Mullah Omar was confirmed in July."If the Kabul administration wants to end the war and establish peace in the country, it is possible through ending the occupation and revoking all military and security treaties with the invaders," Mansour said in the message. Washington and Kabul signed a security deal in September last year allowing around 13,000 foreign troops, including 10,000 US, to stay on after NATO's combat mission ended in December

2014.The residual force is not engaged in day-to-day fighting with the Taliban militants but focuses instead on training, support and counter-terrorism operations.The Taliban, fighting a bloody insurgency since a US-led invasion ousted them from power in 2001, have long said the departure of "occupying" foreign troops is a necessary condition for meaningful peace talks."The Islamic Emirate (Taliban) believes if the country is not under occupation, the problem of the Afghans can be resolved through intra-Afghan understanding," Mansour said in the message posted in English on the Taliban's website. The militants have spent recent weeks trying to patch up a rift in their movement sparked by the power struggle which followed the admission that Omar had died in 2013.Many in the

movement were unhappy the death had been kept secret for two years - during which time annual Eid statements were issued in Omar's name.Others said the process to choose Mansour as his successor was rushed and even biased.Among Mansour's opponents were members of Omar's family, though the dead leader's son and brother pledged allegiance to the new chief last week, according to Taliban cadres. Mansour addressed the rifts in the Eid message by accusing the Taliban's "enemy" of trying to sow discord in the movement."It (the enemy) directly and indirectly spreads baseless rumors regarding split and ramification among the united ranks of Mujahideen," he said.Despite its internal struggles, and the recent emergence of the rival Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group in the

country, the Taliban's 14year insurgency shows no sign of slackening. Recent overtures by the government of President Ashraf Ghani for a peace settlement have ended in failure.Highlighting the still precarious security situation, four police officers were killed on Sept. 22 by a roadside bomb in the northern province of Balkh.

Civilian casualties in Afghanistan hit a record high in the first half of 2015, a UN report said last month, as Afghan forces struggle to contain the expanding conflict without NATO combat forces.The report said 1,592 civilians were killed, a six percent fall over last year, while the number of injured jumped four percent to 3,329. The casualties have reached their highest level since the UN began issuing its authoritative reports in 2009.(Agencies)

Islamabad, Sep 22: Pakistan today postponed the hanging of a paralysed death row convict due to lack of clarity of rules on how to execute a physically disabled person.

Abdul Basit 43, was scheduled to be executed in Faisalabad Central Jail in Punjab but the decision was not implemented. Ordering the postponement, a magistrate said that Basit could not be hanged in compliance with the jail manual because he is in a wheelchair. According to the local laws, the convict should stand up on the platform for the noose but in case of Basit, he is bound to wheel-chair, an

official said. The authorities are considering seeking opinion of the home department in Punjab and inspector general of jails in the province how to carry out the execution.

Basit was convicted in 2009 for killing a man but he suffered tuberculosis meningitis in 2010 and an attack of paralysis which disabled his lower part of body. He was to be executed on July 29 but it was temporarily halted by Lahore High Court after a petition was lodged to set aside death penalty due to bad health. The court later rejected it, saying there was no legal bar on execution of a paralyzed

man and the issue of health should be determined by jail authorities including a qualified doctor. Later, the Supreme Court also rejected a similar appeal. Right groups like Amnesty International, Reprieve and Human Rights Commission of Pakistan had demanded cancellation of Basit's execution. Pakistan has executed about 240 convicts since restoring death penalty after an attack on an army-run school in Peshawar in December that killed 150 people, mostly students.

There are about 8,000 death row prisoners in the country. (Agencies)

Nuclear Power Plant Company Ltd set to begin operations

Lanka opposes tone of proposed US resolution on war crimes

Colombo, Sep 22: Sri Lanka described as "reparative, judgmental" and "counterproductive" the text of the draft resolution to be moved by the US at the UN rights body in Geneva on the country's alleged war crimes during the last phase of civil war with the LTTE. Sri Lanka's UN Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha participated in an informal consultation in Geneva on the draft resolution on the country organized by the Permanent Mission of the US.In a statement during consultation, Aryasinha said "the text is reparative, judgmental and prescriptive

and not in keeping with the spirit of the process of reconciliation and reform underway in Sri Lanka".Outlining various positive steps taken by Sri Lanka's new government since January, Aryasinha called for a process where his country will be helped to achieve its will for reconciliation in a holistic approach."There is real danger that the current approach will leave room for negative interpretation thus only helping spoilers in the process," Ambassador Aryasinha said at the discussion.He also said that emphasising exces-

sively on the criminal justice aspects makes the resolution imbalanced."It would be more helpful to have a holistic approach when making recommendations in the resolution on promoting reconciliation in Sri Lanka," he added. Aryasinha said many paragraphs in the current draft were counterproductive to the government's reconciliation efforts and have the tendency to polarise communities, vitiate the atmosphere on the ground that is being carefully nurtured towards reconciliation and pace building and restrict the space required for

consultation.The resolution to be moved by the US was earlier expected to back Sri Lanka's idea for a domestic mechanism to investigate war crimes, but now believes to contain provisions endorsing the UN Human Rights Commissioner's report last week which called for the setting up of a hybrid court with international investigators and prosecutors.Sri Lanka has been insisting on a domestic mechanism to probe the matter.Rights groups claim that the Sri Lankan military killed 40,000 civilians in the final months of the three decade-long brutal ethnic conflict with the LTTE that ended in 2009.The previous government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa had resisted international pressure to investigate the issue.The UN Human Rights Council postponed the planned publication of its report in March, after Rajapaksa lost the presidential election to party rival Maithripala Sirisena in January.Sirisena, who was a serving government minister during the final stages of the war, promised to cooperate with the UN and to promote reconciliation.

(Agencies)

Dhaka, Sep 22: At its second board meeting yesterday, Nuclear Power Plant Company Bangladesh Ltd finalized the company organo gram to recruit manpower and advisers to develop the 2,000 MW Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant."An auditor will be appointed to scrutinise the accounts of FY201516, the possible budget for the fiscal year was also approved at the meeting," the company's first managing director, Mohammad Shawkat Akbar, told the media.The meeting was chaired by Science and Technology acting Secretary Md Sirajul Haque Khan and held at the Bangladesh

Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) headquart e r s i n A g a rg a o n , h e said.BAEC, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, owns the company. In April 2013, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved the establishment of the first phase of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project. The project site in Pakshi union, Pabna, sits on 105 hectares of land.The initial project duration is from March 2013 to June 2017.

The plant is scheduled to go into operation by 2021 and is expected to cost Tk5,087.81cr to build, including project aid of

Tk4,000cr from the Russian government.On September 8, 2015, parliament passed the Nuclear Power Plant Bill 2015 to ensure the proper establishment and operation of the country's nuclear power plants, including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. Shawkat Akbar said the company would soon be setting up a new office in Dhaka.Bangladesh plans to produce 1,000MW of electricity by 2021 and another 1,000MW by 2022 from the Rooppur plant. The plant's tenure is 60 years with the option to extend it by another 20 years.

(Agencies)

China calls for border stability in Myanmar ahead of elections Beijing, Sep 22: China's Defence Minister has urged Myanmar to maintain stability on their common border as the Southeast Asian country prepares for what Beijing hopes will be successful elections in November, the defence ministry said today. Myanmar holds an historic election in November, when the militarybacked ruling party will compete with the ascendant National League for Democracy (NLD) party of Nobel laureate Aung San

Suu Kyi in the first free national vote in 25 years. Since taking power in March 2011, Myanmar's reformist government has sought to decrease the heavy dependence on China that grew when Myanmar was a pariah state under military rule.

Beijing has watched nervously as the United States lifted some sanctions and engaged with the semi-civilian government, although China has also been keen to engage other political parties such as the

Obama to welcome Indonesian leader to White House in October Washington, Sep 22: President Barack Obama will welcome Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to the White House on October 26.It will be Widodo's first visit to the United States since being sworn in as president a year ago.The White House says the leaders' topics for discussion will include cooperation on defense, trade, climate and energy, as well as new growth areas such as maritime cooperation.Obama, who lived in Indonesia as a child, met with Widodo in Beijing shortly after the Indonesian leader took office.At the time, Obama called Widodo's election an affirmation of Indonesia's transition to a thriving democracy.Widodo last month announced a Cabinet shakeup amid increasing public dissatisfaction with the lagging performance of Indonesia's economy since he took office. (Agencies)

NLD.Ties between Myanmar and China

soured this year over fighting between Myanmar's

military and the ethnic Chinese Myanmar National

Democratic Alliance Army along part of the shared border. Chinese citizens have been killed by bombs and stray shells falling inside China's territory, angering Beijing."China supports Myanmar's promotion of its domestic political and national reconciliation process and the successful holding of elections according to schedule, in order to achieve long-term stability and development," Chang was quoted as saying.China

will be paying close attention to the election, worried that any change in government could affect its investments in Myanmar, particularly key oil and gas pipelines and hydropower schemes.In June, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Suu Kyi in Beijing he hoped Myanmar would maintain a consistent and positive position on relations, regardless of any changes in Myanmar's domestic politics. (Agencies)

Pakistan gives death sentence to nine terrorists Islamabad, Sep 22: Pakistan has approved the death sentence of nine terrorists involved in various activities, a media report said.According to InterServices Public Relations statement, Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Monday confirmed the death sentences of nine terrorists involved in the killing of civilians and security personnel.The statement said, terrorists were involved in the killing of Major General Sanaullah, General Officer Commanding for Malakand division, and Lt Col Tauseef Ahmed during an attack on the military convoy in Swat.The Tehreek-iTaliban Pakistan (TTP) had claimed responsibility for the attack. (Agencies)

Cow becomes national animal of Nepal Kathmandu, Sep 22: Cow, which is sacred to Hindus, has been declared the national animal of Nepal in the country's newly-unveiled secular Constitution. Nepal yesterday adopted a new Constitution after years of political wrangling."As for the proHindus, we have made cow our national animal. Now, the animal has constitutional protection and cow slaughter has also been banned. This provision had been removed from the first CA but we brought it back," Krishna Prasad Sitaula, General Secretary of Nepali Congress who served as a key interlocutor in Nepal's peace and Constitutiondrafting process, told media. Some lawmakers have proposed the one-horned rhino as national animal.

(Agencies)

Nepal eases curfews though constitution protests persist Kathmandu, Sep 22: Nepal says protests against its new constitution are abating, just hours after police opened fire on a crowd and injured three in the east of the Himalayan nation.

The Home Ministry said today that curfews imposed amid weeks of violent demonstrations that left more than 40 dead are now being relaxed in parts of the country. The violence has alarmed neighboring India, with New Delhi calling its ambassador to report on the situation Monday.The Nepal Oil Corporation said Indian oil tankers are refusing to enter Nepal because of security concerns, and trucks carrying cargo from India were also stopping short of the border. While many in Nepal cheered Sunday's adoption of a new constitution after a 10-year effort, some ethnic groups say concerns over defining state borders were ignored. (Agencies)

China Formally Arrests U.S. Citizen Accused of Stealing State Secrets Beijing, Sep 22: An American businesswoman accused of stealing state secrets has been formally arrested in China, six months after she was detained there while accompanying a delegation of officials and businessmen from Houston, her husband and a family lawyer said today.The detention of the businesswoman, Phan Phan-Gillis, who also uses the first name Sandy, had gone unreported until Monday, and it came to light shortly before President Xi Jinping of China was to arrive in the United States for a state visit. That could add to tensions between the two countries over spying

allegations and human rights.Ms. Phan-Gillis's husband, Jeff Gillis, said he learned of her formal arrest on Sunday, two days before Mr. Xi was to arrive in Seattle. The timing appeared to be coincidental, but Mr. Gillis said he hoped that Mr. Xi's visit would open opportunities for the Obama administration to press for her release after months of secretive and fruitless efforts on his own.Mr. Gillis said he did not know the details of the accusations, but he said the claim by Chinese state security officers that Ms. Phan-Gillis was involved in espionage was ludicrous. "Sandy is not a

spy," he said.Mr. Gillis said he had urged the State Department and the White House to press for her release. "Sandy is a hardworking businesswoman who has spent years doing nonprofit-type work to build Houston-China relations," he said.Simon Tang, a lawyer based in Houston who has helped the couple, confirmed Tuesday that Ms. Phan-Gillis had been "formally arrested a few days ago" after months in secretive detention in Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi region in southern China. He said her lawyer in China had yet to see the charges in writing but had

been told previously that she had been accused of stealing state secrets.Ms. Phan-Gillis, 55, disappeared

in March, when she was accompanying a delegation of officials from Houston in southern China, Mr. Gillis

said. She is a United States citizen, born in Vietnam and of ethnic Chinese heritage, he said. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Key Government Policies and Support for MSMEs Toxic alcohol Eliminate illicit liquor trade India is a developing nation, where 42 % of its total population falls below international poverty line.

Although the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of India has increased five folds and life expectancy has doubled since independence , still a larger population finds it hard to purchase liquor from authorized shops. This very population ultimately end up in consuming illicit liquor bought from bootleggers at cheaper prices. Unfortunately with repeated tragedies, a system shows its inefficiency in curbing this lethal phenomenon.

Every year death occurs due to the age old problem of illegal liquor. On the surface, it might appear benign but various studies have proved the deteriorating effect it has on a society. Its prevalence in many states of India and also many countries suggests the difficulty involved to curb it. Illegal liquor is locally brewed alcohol at illicit breweries, that is sold at cheap prices at license-less shops, devoid the state imposed tax on alcohol. The evading of tax is responsible for its cheap price which further accounts for its widespread consumption in rural areas and by the working class in urban areas. As a matter of fact, two-thirds of the alcohol consumed in the country is illegal alcohol made in remote villages or smuggled liquor.

There are approaches to tackle illegal liquor, but they come with their own cons. For example, the Tamil Nadu government had taken over liquor distribution, unlike in other states where the government issues licenses to private parties. Though this has managed to keep illegal liquor at bay, it has increased the availability of alcohol to people belonging to all strata of the society, thus in a way causing a significant rise in the consumption of alcohol. As is clearly evident, the issue of illegal liquor should be addressed in a careful and multi-pronged way.

Illegal liquor contains ingredients such as battery acid and methyl alcohol, a chemical solvent used as furniture polish, that adds potency to the drink but leads to dizziness, vomiting, and in extreme cases, blindness or death. The methyl alcohol is added to enhance the punch. Also, methyl alcohol is present in small quantities in industry grade ethyl alcohol, which is bought by local vendors at nominal prices to produce it . Studies prove that the availability of illegal liquor at minimal cost is also responsible for a increase in domestic abuse, rape and other acts of violence.

The sale of illegal liquor goes on despite strict laws against spurious liquor because corrupt police, local officials and tax authorities all get a cut of the profits and politicians patronise ring leaders of illicit liquor trade for their petty gains. While law enforcement agencies must step up their campaign to eliminate illicit liquor trade, it is also necessary to ensure easy access of safer liquor.

Cancer now India's biggest killer Tobacco Use Main Cause of Cancer in Northeast The latest data issued by the National Cancer Registry Program of the India Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has clearly shown that cancer has become the biggest cause of death in India with 1,300 deaths daily, and close to 5 lakh every year. The data, which was released recently, shows an estimated 6% rise in mortality rate due to cancer from 2012 to 2014.

Doctors attribute the rise in mortality rate in cancer to large number of ageing population, unhealthy lifestyles, use of tobacco and tobacco products, unhealthy diets, lack of diagnostic facilities are some of the factors that can be attributed to the increase in the number of cancer deaths. Too many people are being faced with the devastating diagnosis each year - brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer and five-year survival remains low at just 19.8%. Brain tumors account for 85% to 90% of all primary central nervous system (CNS) tumours. The worldwide incidence is close to 3,00,000 cases, out of which 10% are from India. Even as the number of cancer cases in India is accelerating with a million new cases being reported every year, experts warn that the incidence of the killer disease is expected to rise five-fold by 2025. However, this number is expected to rise to 700,000 by 2015, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Given the high prevalence rate, it is a huge concern that the country's healthcare infrastructure is poorly prepared to deal with all facets of cancer treatment - prevention, early detection, treatment and palliative care. New cancer cases are expected to reach around 1.9 million in the year 2035. The most striking find is that tobacco-related cancers accounted for 42 per cent of all male deaths and 18.3 per cent of all female deaths. There were twice as many deaths as a result of oral cancer (due to tobacco chewing), compared with lung cancer. The percentages translate to a huge mortality number. Nearly 1,20,000 [84,000 in men and 36,000 in women] deaths from tobacco-related cancers were seen in both urban and rural areas.

As per the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR), based upon the data provided by National Cancer Registry Programme, the estimated number of incidence (new cancer cases) for the year 2035 is about 1.9 million (based on reports on Time Trend in Cancer Incidence Rates 1982-2010 and 2009-2011 Population Based Cancer Registry Reports). According to the data provided by ICMR, the mortality due to cancer cases is estimated to be 0.8 million for the year 2035. Further there was no central data available to ascertain the quantum of shortage of cancer specialists in the country.

High prevalence of smoking and tobacco use are the main cause of cancer in the eight states of India's northeastern region, a scientist said. Though smoking, high use of tobacco and tobacco products are the main cause of cancer in India's northeastern region, there are some other reasons for the increase of the dreaded disease in the region. Tobacco-related cancer deaths of men in Assam and other northeast States were greater than the national rates of deaths from all cancers.

Pranjal Kumar Phukan To a large extent, the growing number of MSMEs across the nation can be attributed to a slew of available government schemes and initiatives.

Over the last decade, many new schemes for the development of MSMEs have been launched by the central and state governments.

The government institutes like SIDA, NSIC etc. provide for the relevant ecosystem that encourages and supports MSMEs in India. The same has been detailed later in the chapter alongside the key role played by them.

To a large extent, the growing number of MSMEs across the nation can be attributed to a slew of available government schemes and initiatives.

Over the last decade, many new schemes for the development of MSMEs have been launched by the central and state governments.

The government institutes like SIDA, NSIC etc. provide for the relevant ecosystem that encourages and supports MSMEs in India.

Incubation Support Schemes: 1.Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE) Scheme aims to support institutes of higher learning to strengthen their Technology Incubation Centers so as to nurture technology MSMEs, especially start-up companies. Key initiatives undertaken by the Host institute includes mentoring, infrastructure and financial support, entrepreneurial training, IPR facilitation, initiate contact with AIs/ VCs, etc. Host institute/ TIDE center receives financial support from government up to INR 155 lakhs.

These funds can be used for improvement in infrastructure up to INR 30 lakhs and for providing financial support to the incubating companies INR 125 Lakhs (@ INR 25 lakhs per company).

2.Support for Entrepreneurial and Management Development of SMEs through Incubators aims to provide early stage funding for nurturing innovative business ideas in select fields including electronics and software. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided for setting up of business incubators.

The objective of the scheme is to promote development of knowledge based innovative start-ups and improve the competitiveness and survival ability of the MSMEs. Under this scheme, BIs are to be set up under Technology (Host) Institutions which are normally the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), engineering Colleges, Technology De-

velopment Centers, etc.

Each BI is given financial assistance between INR 4 lakh to INR 8 lakh per idea/unit subject to an overall cap of INR 62.5 lakh per incubator. The Scheme is implemented in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode with private participation ranging b/w 15 per cent to 25 per cent.

3.Technology Development Board is to provide financial assistance to the industrial concerns and other agencies undertaking development and commercial application of indigenous technology or adapting imported technology for wider domestic application. TDB provides a) Financial assistance to research and development institutions b) Financial assistance to Venture Capital Funds for assisting technology MSMEs c) Grants to Technology Business Incubators in IITs/Labs/ Institutions for giving loans/equity support to small technology start-ups d) Loans and grants to Labs/ Institutions/ Indian Companies to co-develop and commercialize technologies of national importance.

Business Promotion and Development Schemes: 1.Scheme to promote International Cooperation offers assistance to MSMEs for exploring new areas of Technology infusion/up gradation and identifying new markets through Joint ventures and foreign collaborations. Financial assistance up to 95% of airfare and space rent is provided to entrepreneurs to participate in international exhibitions, trade fairs and buyer-seller meets in foreign countries and India.

2.Marketing Assistance scheme offers assistance to MSMEs for undertaking marketing promotion activities. Under the scheme, MSMEs can avail financial assistance for organizing exhibitions, trade fairs, buyer-seller meets and other marketing promotion events.

3.MSME Market Development Assistance scheme offers financial assistance to MSMEs for using Global Standards in barcoding. The scheme also has provides funding to MSMEs for participation in the international exhibitions / fairs, producing publicity material and sector specific studies and for contesting anti-dumping cases.

4.Information assistance-Ministry of MSME launched 'Udyami help line' in 2010. This call center acts a single-point fa-

cility for a wide spectrum of information and accessibility to banks and other MSME-related organizations. It also gives information on a wide range of subjects, including guidance on setting up units, access loans from banks, project profiles and about various MSME schemes.

Manufacturing Support Schemes: 1.Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness for MSMEs aspires to enhance the manufacturing competitiveness of MSMEs through the application of various Lean Manufacturing (LM) techniques. Under this scheme, manufacturing MSMEs can receive financial assistance up to 80% of the cost from the GOI on the implementation of lean manufacturing techniques.

2.Enabling Manufacturing Sector to be Competitive through Quality Management Standards and Quality Technology Tools - This scheme seeks to encourage MSMEs to understand and adopt latest Quality Management Standards (QMS) and Quality Technology Tools (QTT) in the manufacturing process.

3.National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme - The NMCP is the nodal programme of the government of India to develop global competitiveness among Indian MSMEs. There are 10 components under the NMCP targeted at enhancing the entire value chain of the MSME sector. It includes programs like establishment of new tool rooms, benchmarking of the global competitors, enhancing of product and process quality, cost reduction through lean manufacturing techniques, etc. The programme is to be implemented through the public - private partnership mode with close physical and financial participation of the

MSME sector.

Finance and Credit Rating Support Schemes: 1.Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme was launched by the GOI in 2000 to strengthen credit delivery system and facilitate flow of credit to the MSME sector.

To operationalize the scheme, GOI and SIDBI set up the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for MSMEs. The scheme provides collateral free funding up to INR 1 Crore for individual MSMEs. The CGS assures the lender that, in the event of a default on the part of the MSME unit, which availed collateral free credit facilities, the Guarantee Trust would make good the loss incurred by the lender, up to 75/80/85 per cent of the credit facility with a maximum guarantee cap of INR 62.50 lakhs / INR 65 lakhs. The CGTMSE Scheme is operated through a network of Banks and FIs called Member Lending Institutions (MLIs). All scheduled commercial banks (PSU, Private or Foreign), specified Regional Rural Banks, National Small Industries Corporation Ltd, North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd and SIDBI, which have entered into an agreement with the trust (CGTMSE) are considered as MLIs. The scheme had 125 Member Lending Institutions in 2011.

2.Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme- This scheme aims at facilitating technology up-gradation of MSMEs by providing 15 per cent capital subsidy for purchase of Plant & Machinery / Improved technology. Maximum limit of eligible loan for calculation of subsidy under the scheme is Rs.100 lakhs. At present, more than 1500 well established/improved technologies under 51 sub-

sectors have been approved under the Scheme. Since inception of the scheme in the year 2000, more than 28287 MSME units have availed subsidy of Rs.1619.32 crore till 31.03.2014.

3.GOI launched 'India Inclusive Innovation Fund', jointly created by National Innovation Council and MSME Ministry with an initial corpus of INR 500 Crores which could be scaled up to INR 5000 crores over the next 2 years. Of the INR 500 crore, the ministry of MSME has committed INR 100 crore and the remaining INR 400 crore will come from 12 public sector banks. Under the fund, the plan is to fund anything between INR 50 lakh to INR 2 crores to 70 and 200 ideas with special focus on MSMEs which address social needs like healthcare, agriculture, education, financial inclusion and water, etc.

4.Growth Capital and Equity Assistance scheme aims to provide adequate capital to MSMEs so as to enable them to make investments in marketing, brand building, creation of distribution network, technical know-how, R&D, and ICT adoption / software purchase, etc.

5.General RefinanceUnder this scheme financial support is provided to MSMEs for new business set up, expansion, modernization or diversification of existing business.

6.Composite Loan scheme offers assistance up to INR 25 lakh for purchase of equipment and/or working capital requirements.

7.Single Window scheme provides support to entrepreneurs, both term loans for fixed assets and loan for working capital through a single agency.

8.Rehabilitation of Sick Industrial Units scheme provides financial assistance for rehabilita-

tion of potentially viable sick units which are capable of being restored to normal health within a reasonable time.

9.Development of Industrial Infrastructure for MSME Sector scheme provides financial support for development of industrial infrastructure / industrial estates/industrial areas.

10.ISO 9000/ISO 14001 Certification Reimbursement scheme for MSMEs offers reimbursement of expenses up to 75% (subject to a maximum of INR 75,000) incurred towards the acquisition of ISO 9000/ISO 14001/ HACCP certification.

Recent Key Initiatives by the Ministry and GoI: 1.ASPIRE: A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industry and Entrepreneurship was launched by the Ministry on 18.3.2015. The scheme was formulated to set up a network of technology centers and to set up incubation centers to accelerate entrepreneurship and also to promote start-ups for innovation and entrepreneurship in agro -industry.

2.SFURTI: Significantly enhanced allocation and revamped the ongoing Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) to achieve better and more intensive coverage with professional/expert inputs.

3.New Initiatives under PMEGP : Under the Modified Guidelines, the following activities have now been allowed: a.Industries such as processing of pashmina wool and other products like hand spinning and hand weaving. b.All rural and urban transport activities. c.Value added Products for Tea, Coffee, Rubber sericulture, etc Government should simplify procedures and reduce paper work for processes related to registration for VAT and other local taxes, land/property and provision of utilities.

This is critical as majority of the MSMEs do not have much of knowledge and expertise in various company laws and taxation policies, and also do not want to approach legal experts or CAs for consultation because of the high cost involved. Additionally, Governments should encourage the use Information technology to simplify and ensure greater transparency in the services.

(Author is Regional General Secretary, CaSIGlobal certification body for CSR & Sustainability, headquartered at New York, US. He can be reached at Pranjal_xlri@yahoo.com)

Zubeen initiative for flood relief campaign Sir, Numbers of popular artists from Assam's film, theatre and music industry led by heartthrob Zubeen Garg today came out on city streets to collect donations for flood relief. Zubeen who initiated the move will continue to do the same for the whole week. The artists came out with cartoons, donations boxes and hit the city streets, GS road and RG Baruah road today and asked everyone to donate whatever they like for the flood victims. The artists were seen to move through the city on an open truck singing balladeer Bhupen Hazarika's epic song of 'Manuhe manuhor babe jodihe okonu nabhabe, okonu sohanubhotire bhabibo kuneu kua.

They are also collecting medicines, clothes, food and money also. Last time also they have donated over Rs 20 lakhs collected through such initiative to the chief minister's relief fund. But this time they are concentrating on getting goodies too. Where they want everyone to come forward and help those who lost their all in the devastating flood this year.

Currently authorities in Assam are struggling to respond to massive floods which have affected more than 1.5 million people and forced more than 200,000 people to seek refuge in relief camps. Heavy monsoon rains in the tea and oil-rich state have caused burgeoning rivers, including the mighty Brahmaputra, to burst their banks, killing more than 50 people this year, including 15 people in the past week.

The Brahmaputra, Assam's main river which is fed

by Himalayan snow melt and monsoon rain, has been overflowing in many areas along its course. It has submerged over 2,000 low-lying villages as well as large

swathes of agricultural land in 16 of Assam's 23 districts which include Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji.India usually experiences monsoon rains from June to September, which are vital for its farming.

But in states like mountainous Assam, the rains frequently cause landslides and flooding that devastate crops, destroy homes and trigger diseases such as diarrhoea.Decades of mass deforestation have led to soil erosion where sediment is washed downstream from mountainous areas. It ends up in rivers where it builds up on the river bed, raising the level of the water far higher than normal.

Yours etc Richa Dutta Sibsagar

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

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

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Page 9

OP-ED

Religion, World Politics and India The Internet Is Eating Your Memory, But Sriparna Pathak Raimedhi The global arena has witnessed several conflicts and wars based on faith throughout history. However, an astonishing feature that is emerging in more contemporary history is the emphasis on religion as part of diplomacy. The examples include India's emphasis on promoting Buddhism for fostering better relations with countries of the world, China's promotion of Buddhism to win friends across the globe and the US government agencies engaging religious communities across the world. With regards to Buddhism, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech to the Mongolian parliament in June this year stated that Buddhism is important in dealing with contemporary political challenges before Asia and the world. He added that "the convergence of Buddhism and democracy provides us a path to build an Asia of peace and cooperation, harmony and equality". What the Prime Minister probably did not consider was the fact that while Buddhism is the oldest foreign religion in China, the country is anything but a

democratic country. The country follows the "socialist system", as stated in its Constitution and the Communist party of China is the country's sole political party in power. While China may use Buddhist historical sites for preservation for enhancement of its soft power, it does not necessarily translate into being a democratic country.

Coming back to the issue of mixing religion and politics, political science, of which international relations is a sub set; relies on empirical and logical facts or statements. Empirical and logical statements are capable of verification, and this is in sharp contrast to what political philosophy is about. Evaluative statements are based on individual or group preferences which differ from individual to individual or group to group. Political philosophy is concerned with moral and substantial dimensions of politics. The central pursuits include questions pertaining to norms and values, good and evil, virtue and vice, means and ends, right and wrong and visions of an ideal state and society.

Given this, if Buddhism or any other religion for that matter were to be used as a prism to understand what would be the "ideal society" then it would fall more into the realm of philosophy.

The simple reasons beingtenets of faith are not empirical. They depend on the preferences of individuals and groups and are more concerned with the moral.

Assuming that a particular religion will lead to a particular kind of society based on 'democratic' principles is a grave political fallacy.

That being said, the fact that cannot be ignored while analysing global politics today, religion and matters of faith are increasingly being used as political tools. Even the extremely secular Western European states are acknowledging the resurgence of religion as a force to reckon with in global politics, particularly on their doorstep in West Asia and are attempting to find ways to cope with it. In the era of globalisation, religion is becoming important to respond to and to characterise world order in the age of globalisation.

However, religious organisations dominating national policies are at-

tempting to appear as champions of alternative options by interpreting faith as the divine decree.

This challenges the legitimacy and autonomy of the state, political organisations and market economy. This possibly is the reason as to why independent India largely up till now, even while emphasising cultural and historical linkages with countries across the globe kept matters of faith and religion largely out of its ambit. The benefits or the disadvantages of emphasing a particular religion under the Modi government are yet to be seen.

However, at the very outset, it needs to be kept in mind that a mixing of religion and politics, be it in the domestic sphere or in the international arena are dangerous- particularly for a secular country like India.

The bases of decisions taken while operating on religious reasons are questionable and not empirical to state the least, and need to be handled with great care and diplomatic competence.

(Dr. Raimedhi is Associate Fellow at Observer Research Foundation, Kolkata, West Bengal, India)

'Japan In Nagaland': Film Explores The Growing Love Of Anime Among Youth In The State Asmita Sarkar Editor's Note: As part of our coverage of PSBT's Open Frame Film Festival And Forum 2015 in Delhi (15th-22nd Sept), Youth Ki Awaaz will be featuring interviews with the directors who are screening their films at the festival, along with a candid chat later with the organisers who make this excellent festival possible each year.

With this year's theme being 'DIVERSE PEOPLE, DIVERSE STORIES', the documentaries being screened include "those that document, narrate, follow, investigate, represent, challenge, advocate, affirm, empower, unsettle and sometimes disturb."

Scroll down for schedule details.

In the early 2000s there used to be fanfiction.net for fans who wanted to explore different theories set within the universe of their favorite fiction. While fanfiction still exits, the fan experience, since events like ComicCon and AnimeCon which are big get-togethers of fans in costumes, discussing their favorite comic books and fictional characters, has increased tenfold.

There's big money that goes into these events, needing sponsors, shops, merchandise, participants who would buy the tickets, artists for Masterclasses and most importantly the costume play or Cosplay.

In Delhi, the cosplay, at the large ComiCon or the smaller AnimeCon, is brutal. Participants start working on their costumes months before the actual event, hoping to don the persona of their favorite character. When in character these everyday people swinging their huge Katanas (a traditional Japanese sword), laser guns or any other prop, escape into the fantastical universe, albeit temporarily, feeling larger than life.

Perhaps, it is this feature of the visual fiction that attracts young people. In July 2015 the Nagaland Anime Junkies (NAJ) hosted their second Cosfest in Kohima, an event focusing especially on the costumes and in character performances.

Something Better Is Taking Its Place

Saima Noreen In the years since the world started going digital, one of the big changes has been that we don't need to remember very much. Why risk forgetting a partner's birthday or a dinner date with a close friend when you can commit the details to your computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet and get a reminder at the appropriate time?

Paul McCartney gave a useful insight into this in an interview over the summer.

He claimed that back in the 1960s The Beatles may have written dozens of songs that were never released because he and John Lennon would forget the songs the following morning. "We would write a song and just have to remember it. And there was always the risk that we'd just forget it. If the next morning you couldn't remember it - it was gone."

How different to the way he records now then, when he can "form the thing, have it all finished, remember it all, go in pretty quickly and record it".

With technology now well ingratiated into our everyday life, researchers have been investigating the lasting impact that it is having on the way that we learn and remember information.

Some research has suggested that our reliance on technology and the internet is leading to 'digital amnesia', where individuals are no longer able to retain information as a result of storing information on a digital device.

In one study, for example, 1000 consumers aged 16 and over were asked about their use of technology. It found that 91% of them depended on the internet and digital devices as a tool for remembering. In another survey of 6000 people, the same study found that 71% of people

could not remember their children's phone numbers and 57% could not remember their work phone number. This suggests that relying on digital devices to remember information is impairing our own memory systems.

The Upgrade But before we mourn this apparent loss of memory, more recent studies suggest that we may be adapting.

One such study from 2011conducted a series of experiments looking at how our memories rely on computers. In one of them, participants were asked to type a series of statements, such as 'an ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain'.

Half of them were told that their documents would be saved, and half were told that they would not. Everyone was then tested to see if they could remember what they had typed. Those who had been told their work would be saved were significantly poorer at remembering the information.

In another experiment, participants were asked to type a series of statements that would be saved in specific folders. They were then asked to recall the statements and the folders in which the files were located. Overall, they were better at recalling the file locations than the statements. The conclusion from the two experiments?

Technology has changed the way we organise information so that we only remember details which are no longer available, and prioritise the location of information over the content itself.

Group Mind This idea that individuals prioritise where information is located has led some researchers to propose that digital devices and the internet have become a form of transactive memory. This idea, which

dates back to the 1980s, refers to a group memory that is superior to that of any individual.

According to this account, individuals can collectively store and distribute information using a shared store of knowledge. This store of knowledge means that individuals can access details that they may not know themselves by knowing that another individual remembers it, thus enhancing what information is available to them by communicating with other people. In the same way, individuals develop a transactive memory with the internet and rely on it for information by focusing on where details are located rather than the details themselves.

More recent research has extended this line of work and found that saving information on a computer not only changes how our brains interact with it, but also makes it easier to learn new information. In a study published last year, the participants were presented with two files that each contained a list of words.

They were asked to memorise both lists. Half of the participants were asked to save the first file before moving on to the next list, while the others had to close it without saving.

The experiment revealed that the participants recalled significantly more information from the second file if they had saved

the previous file. This suggests that by saving or 'offloading' information on to a computer, we are freeing up cognitive resources that enable us to memorise and recall new information instead.

In sum, anyone worrying that technology is wrecking one of our most important abilities should take some reassurance from these findings. It doesn't necessarily mean that there is no cause for concern: for instance McCartney said in the same interview that the songs in the 1960s that did make it to the recording studio were the most memorable ones. So it is possible that the lack of technology made The Beatles better songwriters.

But it may be that just as oral storytelling was usurped by the written word, having digital devices to outsource our memories means that it is no longer necessary for us to try to remember everything. And if we can now remember more with a little help from our technology friends, that is arguably a great step forward. Rather than worrying about what we have lost, perhaps we need to focus on what we have gained.

Saima Noreen is a lecturer in Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London This article was originally published here on The Conversation in the Science + Technology section.

Why Did The Uphaar Tragedy Verdict Not Get More Media Attention?

Sayantan Ghosh

Aiming to capture the event, Hemant Gaba, director of Super Girl and Shuttlecock boys, travelled to Nagaland before the preparations for the Cosfest began and got talking to the young people who were involved in making this event a success since 2014. His film is a look at the self-discovery and identity crisis of the Naga youth through the various South East Asian subcultures that have captured the imagination.

On being asked why he chose Nagaland to film the event, when there are so many other cities that host some version or the other of the AnimeCon, he said, "Most similar events in the country happen with the backing of an industry or cultural sponsor but Cosfest in Nagaland is the result of sheer enthusiasm and hard work of the members of Nagaland Anime Junkies Group. The prime reason to choose Nagaland was because Japanese SubCulture is not the only subculture prevalent, there has also been the Korean subculture, which has been present for almost a decade. Why is it that the youth in Nagaland gets attracted to other East Asian cultures over Western Culture, and if it has anything to do with identity crisis, were my prime questions, that I intended to explore via this documentary."

As one watches his film that traverses through the lives of many young anime fans in the documentary, one wonders if the adop-

tion of this culture is perhaps a reflection of the identity crisis the youth might be facing, Gaba helps us understand this better, "It's very complex.

Most Nagas got converted to Christianity after the missionary movement that happened few decades back. And slowly generation after generation, especially in the cities, the youth stopped identifying with their Naga roots.

Maybe because there is no written or recorded Naga history." He further adds how then popular Korean culture made a place for itself in Nagaland, "During the insurgency, Hindi channels or movies were not broadcast here. There was nothing one could do barring sitting at home, especially when the whole state still shuts down by the evening. In the pre internet era, some youngsters discovered Korean TV series and Korean pop music, which became hugely popular. Right now, everything from Bollywood to Hollywood to Korean exists in tandem with the Japanese. It's just that, different people pick up different cultural forms, according to what appeals to them. But I think, most of the youth don't relate to their indigenous roots anymore." Their popularity according to him is justified because "Stories and characters (in my little exposure) in Japanese Anime are very creative and surreal. As an art form, I found it much superior than other visual art forms

around."

The documentary also elucidates how parallel narratives about the origin of the Nagas remain, like the one about Nagas being descendants of Chinese workers.

But Gaba maintains that the question of nationality is not really in conflict among the youth there, "They are well aware that they are citizens of India.

Most of these guys also work/ study in different parts of India like Delhi, Jaipur, Maharashtra, Bangalore etc but they continue to follow Japanese Anime with passion."

Gaba's film is a must watch in the way it showcases how marginalised populations form communities with the aid of a common interest. The participants of the CosFest come from all over the North East and the NAJ Facebook page boasts of its enormous popularity with almost 11 thousand likes.

The youth in Nagaland and the rest of North East, in adapting to the South East Asian popular culture, do so only because they can identify with them. What the documentary manages to record is a poignant and sharp nostalgia that these young people feel, for a culture that they can call their own instead of the "melting pot" that they inhabit at the moment. The fact that they long for a culture, seen through the smokescreen of art in its most grandiose form, makes the longing that much ironic and tragic.

On September 12, I was at a protest organized by the Association of the Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) held against the recent decision of the Supreme Court in the Uphaar Cinema fire tragedy case. 18 years ago, in June, while an afternoon show was playing inside the Uphaar cinema behind which I live now, the parking lot caught fire which spread throughout the building rapidly. 59 people lost their lives that day, most due to suffocation rather than burn injuries, and several more were left bruised, both physically and emotionally, and remain to be even today. For those of us who were very young when it happened and rely only on archived information, an article in Caravan summed up the causes of the 'mishap' as "a faulty power transformer, sparks in an overfilled garage, cars on fire, thick smoke rising into the theatre, pandemonium, cut power, blocked balcony exits."

Once standing tall and buzzing with spectators, dressed in light bulbs and garish posters every other Friday, now the cinema lay like a ruin. On the 19 August 2015, The Supreme Court of India finally ruled that the owners of the cinema, Sushil and Gopal Ansal, were responsible for these deaths and should serve the maximum sentence of two years rigorous imprisonment for their crime. However, after spending around five and four months in jail respectively, they were able to walk free by paying a pen-

alty of Rs 60 crore as a fine imposed by the SC. Neelam Krishnamoorthy-a resident of South Delhi who lost both her children in the accident-has pioneered this movement for the past 18 years and has been fighting for what she believes will be justice for the lives lost that day. Several distinguished and wellknown faces associated with politics and art, like Brinda Karat, Kavita Krishnan, Shubha Mudgal, were seen standing by Krishnamoorthy's on Saturday both on stage and off, speaking their minds openly.

To see so many people at the gathering, many of who didn't necessarily suffer a personal loss after the incident, was heartening.

Numerous faces volunteering for the act, some who had not even been born in 1997. Yet I was compelled to ask myself the question whether it would have received more attention if the nature of the crime was less complicated.

Public memory and its temporary nature has been the subject of many discussions in the past. Any act of injustice prompts immediate resistance from most of us who can think rationally, and yet it doesn't take too long for the same to get replaced by something else. The media frenzy, the constant debates, tweets and tickers dominating our screens, there is no real escape from this behavior either. The more macabre the case, the longer we like to stay with its 'updates'.

And like most of us, I am both a participant and victim of this pattern.

But even this madness has a certain method. Whether

it's a heinous act of crossborder terrorism or a communal crime, there is an instantaneous social media uproar which often (not always!) helps in bringing attention towards the subject, if not anything more.

When an atheist blogger is killed in another country, we protest. When a beloved renowned writer is shot dead inside his own house, we protest. There is undivided opposition from the free speaking public on the internet when a tiffin carrier bomb kills many, or even when a mother strangles her own daughter.

As long as our hands are carrying a weapon, or become a weapon themselves, there's a collective cry of defiance. But the day the Uphaar judgment came out, there were merely a handful in my small circle of acquaintances, who were even aware of it. Perhaps I wouldn't have been either if I had not been living so close to where it all transpired.

No one walked in with a gun on 13 June 1997 and showered bullets on the victims, no chants by religious fanatics were heard who locked them inside and set them on fire. This was a crime of pure greed and negligence. The additional seats installed for revenue blocked the exit points, the property was entangled in licensing violations, the electricity supply had tripped and many were trapped inside in complete darkness with no one from the management or staff to offer help. When we enter a public space outside our homes, whether a cinema, restaurant or parking lot, we display a certain amount of trust in those who are

responsible for the safety of those places. So when due to dereliction of their duty and show of absolute thoughtlessness later (delaying the judicial process, equating the lives of actual people with compensatory 'blood money', etc.), so many lives are lost, why is the voice of common people like us not as fierce?

On Saturday, Neelam Krishnamoorthy relayed how the defence lawyers used to defer the hearings by asking for another date citing various reasons, sometimes as silly as cricket matches and marriage functions, much like the famous Sunny Deol scene 'tarikh pe tarikh'.

Many others referred the Ansal brothers as 'Ansal bhaiyo' which was strange to hear, as if they were also one of us. And perhaps they are, because I don't suspect that their intention ever was to harm anyone. And yet when they faultered they failed to stand accountable for their guilt.

They even escaped the wrath of the opinionated social media, unlike Babu Bajrangi or David Headley, perhaps only because they were not 'present' at the scene of the crime. After the verdict, Ms. Krishnamoorthy said that she has "lost faith in the judiciary", my decision to write this essay is only because I have not. Like Sunny Deol in Border, the last film which many of those stuck inside Uphaar on that fateful day will have ever seen, I hope our courts and its many custodians take note of the burning anguish still pertinent inside so many hearts and eventually save the day.

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

BUSINESS

PAGE 10

Jaitley: Indian economy Rs.1,305 cr stake in L&T Finance bought by Bain will grow faster this year New Delhi, Sep 22: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that he hopes the economy will grow faster this year than last, and expects that Asia's third-largest economy will not see a big hit from China's slowdown. Mr. Jaitley, who is on a road trip meeting foreign investors in Hong Kong and Singapore, also said his government's "ambitious" privatisation programme had been slowed by global

market volatility. "We would have moved much faster but the markets have been in somewhat of a turmoil," he told reporters after giving a key note address at an investor conference. India has already delayed share sales in staterun oil firm ONGC, hurting the chances of raising the targeted $11 billion from privatisation efforts this financial year which ends in March 2016. "Do you hit the market when it

Paytm sponsors logistics data startup LogiNext

New Delhi, Sep 22: Digital payments and commerce platform Paytm is investing $10 million in the first round of institutional funding for data analytics firm LogiNext, in an effort to bring greater efficiencies to its delivery vertical. The investment is a part of Paytm's plan to pump about $150 million in over a dozen startups, said a company executive. Paytm's investment in early-stage startups would be in the $10-15 million range while a select few may see it invest larger amounts as well, the executive said. Kiran Vasireddy, senior VP (business), Paytm said the reason behind backing LogiNext was to add muscle to the firm's logistic piece.

Backed by Ant Financial, an affiliate of the Alibaba Group, Paytm has been pushing its commerce platform after having started off as a mobile recharge player and now competes with the likes of Flipkart, Amazon and Snapdeal. LogiNext, founded by Dhruvil Sanghvi and Manisha Raisinghani in 2014, was a part of the first batch of GenNext Innovation Hub, an incubator set up by the Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries along with Microsoft Ventures. At present, LogiNext serves customers in the medium and large enterprises. The data analytics startup received a funding of $500,000 from Indian Angel Network in April this year. LogiNext uses technology to provide real-time visibility and optimization solutions to logistics companies. (Agencies)

is unpredictable or stabilised?" he asked.

While fears of a China-led global slowdown have roiled financial markets in recent weeks, Mr. Jaitley said India stood to benefit from cooling growth in China because it led to weaker oil and commodity prices, and put India on the map as a potential alternative investment destination.

While the slowdown had hurt stock markets globally, the impact on other parts of India's economy has been muted because it was not a significant part of China's supply chain. India's economy grew 7.3 per cent last year. The government is aiming for 8-10 per cent annual economic growth, the junior finance minister said last week. Mr. Jaitley also said that a draft of India's bankruptcy law was almost ready and he hoped to submit it to parliament in the near future, but did not specify a time frame.

(Agencies)

Bengaluru, Sep 22: Bain Capital, the U.S. based private equity firm, has acquired about 10 per cent stake (if warrants are converted into equity) in L&T Finance Holdings for Rs.1,305 crore through two transactions. This is part of Bain Capital's strategy to grow its footprint in India and L&T Finance Holdings's plan to mobilise funds for growth. The first transaction involves L&T Finance Holdings, a subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), allotting equity shares and warrants on a preferential basis to BC Investments VI and BC Asia Growth Investments (collectively called Bain Capital) respectively amounting to Rs.708 crore. Bain Capital, subject to necessary approvals, will be allotted 9.57 crore equity shares and warrants at Rs.74 per share/ warrant.

POINTERS The first transaction involves L&T Finance Holdings allotting equity shares and warrants at Rs.74 per share/warrant on a preferential basis Bain Capital also purchased 8.53 crore equity shares of L&T Finance Holdings from L&T at Rs.70 per share After these deals L&T's stake in L&T Finance Holdings has come down to about 63 per cent This translates into 5.27 per cent stake (1.75 per cent stake for equity and 3.51 per cent stake for warrants) in L&T Finance Holdings on a fully diluted basis. As per the deal, Bain Capital can exercise the war-

rants within a period of 18 months from the allotment date or accelerated after 6 months from the date of allotment based on the company's capital requirement.

Bain Capital has also purchased 8.53 crore eq-

uity shares of L&T Finance Holdings, representing 4.95 per cent take from L&T at Rs.70 per share, amounting to Rs.596.6 crore. After the recent deals L&T's stake in L&T Finance Holdings has come down to about 63 per cent. "L&T Finance Holdings will use the proceeds from the sale of new shares and warrants to meet its capital requirements," said N. Sivaraman, President & Whole-Time Director, L&T Finance Holdings.

"Post this infusion, the capital adequacy for the company would go up by 2 per cent from the current 14.5 per cent which will fulfil all our capital requirements till March 2017. Also, we continue to focus on operational assets in the infrastructure sector in addition to renewable energy as another interesting opportunity," he said. (Agencies)

First time rise in natural gas out in five years, oil production up 5.6% Noida, Sep 22: Natural gas production in August rose 3.7 per cent, the first increase in almost five years, according to Oil Ministry data released on Monday.

Crude oil production also grew 5.6 per cent last month, the highest monthly growth since June 2011. Natural gas production was 2,836.5 million cubic metres (mcm) in August compared with 2,736.4 mcm in the yearearlier period, and 2,619 mcm in July 2015 - the first

time output has grown year-on-year since November 2010. Most of the increase in natural gas production can be attributed to state-owned ONGC's onshore production, which grew 17 per cent. The increase in ONGC's onshore gas production is due to its fields in Andhra Pradesh where production jumped almost sevenfold - and Tripura, where output increased by 1.5 times.

ONGC's eastern offshore fields also saw a tremen-

dous surge in production, from 1.3 mcm in August 2014 to 21.3 mcm last month. Oil India increased its natural gas production in August by 3.7 per cent, also contributing to the surplus in total production compared to last year. Private sector producers saw a marginal dip in production levels, with output falling to 737.9 mcm in August 2015 compared to 739.4 mcm the previous year. Domestic crude oil production in August was

at 3.2 million tonnes up from 3 million tonnes the previous year. Here, again, ONGC led the charge, with its western offshore fields increasing production by 7 per cent in August to 1.3 million tonnes. Cairn India's Rajasthan oil fields also increased their output substantially, by 18.4 per cent, to 735,700 tonnes.

Overall, the private sector increased its oil production by 14 per cent in August. Refinery throughput grew 5.8 per cent to 19.6

Domestic crude oil production in August was at 3.2 million tonnes up from 3 million tonnes the previous year.

ONGC led the

charge, with its western offshore fields increasing production by 7 per cent in August to 1.3 million tonnes.

Cairn India's Rajasthan oil fields also increased their output substantially, by 18.4 per cent, to 735,700 tonnes.

Overall, the private sector increased its oil production by 14 per cent in August.

R e f i n e r y throughput grew 5.8 per cent to 19.6 million tonnes from 18.5 million tonnes in August last year.

RISING PRODUCTION Natural gas production in August rose 3.7 per cent, the first increase in almost five years.

Crude oil production also grew 5.6 per cent last month, the highest monthly growth since June 2011.

Natural gas production was 2,836.5 million cubic metres (mcm) in August compared with 2,736.4 mcm in the yearearlier period, and 2,619 mcm in July 2015 - the first time output has grown year-on-year since November 2010.

ONGC's eastern offshore fields also saw a tremendous surge in production, from 1.3 mcm in August 2014 to 21.3 mcm last month.

Oil India increased its natural gas production in August by 3.7 per cent, also contributing to the surplus in total production compared to last year.

Private sector producers saw a marginal dip in production levels, with output falling to 737.9 mcm in August 2015 compared to 739.4 mcm the previous year.

million tonnes from 18.5 million tonnes in August last year. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday chaired a meeting of the Consultative Committee of Parliament for the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to discuss the marketing of petroleum products in a competitive environment.

While saying that the deregulation of petrol and diesel prices and the resultant entry of private players greatly increased competition and customer service in the sector, he added that at present there are 53,800 retail outlets in the country and an estimated 32,000 new retail outlets are required over the next 10 years to cater to the growing customer needs. State-owned oil producers ONGC and Oil India as well as private sector producer Cairn India asked the government on Monday to cut the cess on crude oil they have to pay in view of the ongoing slump in prices. Currently, ONGC and OIL pay a cess of Rs.4,500 per tonne on crude oil they produce from fields given to them on a nomination basis. (Agencies)

100 years of Nestle in India commemorated with new commercial Mumbai, Sep 22: A few weeks after Nestle India was served notice by the apex consumer court over the government's Rs.640 crore class action suit related to its Maggi noodles, the Swiss company launched a new commercial celebrating 100 years in India to gain consumer trust, although not featuring Maggi noodles. The 92-seconds commercial has been floating around on the social media platforms, titled 'Nestle: A Part of India's Life for 100 Years'. The video takes the viewers through a journey of Nestle in India, starting from 1912, when the Swiss giant first entered the Indian market. Products like Milkmaid, Nescafe, Milky bar, Kit Kat, and Nestle's milk and curd find their place in the commercial, while running through various red letter days of Indian history - Independence, Rakesh Sharma's space odyssey among others.

The video does not feature Nestle's arguably most famous Maggi noodles, after the product was recalled by a June 5 ban order from the industry watchdog, for containing higher-than-permissible levels of lead and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

(Agencies)

Australia mine to be sold by Aditya Birla group Melbourne, Sep 22: Aditya Birla Minerals (ABML) said it will sell its closed Birla Mt Gordon (BMG) copper mine in Queensland, Australia to Lighthouse Minerals Holdings Pty Ltd for around $10.8 million. BMG is located in northwest Queensland and is set up to produce copper in concentrate at around 1.4 million tonnes per annum. The operation has been put under Care and Maintenance since April 2013. During a care and maintenance, production is stopped but the mine site is managed to ensure its safety and maintain a stable condition. The agreement also includes BMG's about $30 million of financial assurance bonds (environmental bonds and performance bonds), Hindalco, which owns 51% of AMBL, said in a statement. Hindalco said the deal includes a cash payment of 5 million Australian dollar to ABML payable on completion of the transaction. (Agencies)

Price woes brings in distress India ranks the world's third largest diamond consumer for small tea growers Kolkata, Sep 22: Small tea growers (STG) in the state are facing distress due to pricing woes with the growers maintaining that the prices that they were getting from the bought leaf factories (BLF) were below their costs of production.

There is considerable agitation among the thousands of small tea growers in the state, who together with the STG segment in Assam, the southern region and other smaller tea growing areas, account for about 35 per cent of India's annual tea output which averages at 1,100 million kg. These tea growers grow tea on small

patches of land, but are dependent on the BLF as they have no processing facilities. The BLF in turn buy the green leaf and sell it to the big companies in the organised industry after processing the teas. The present cost of production is about Rs.11 per kg, according to sources in the STG segment. Most of these growers have no access to institutional finance.

Over the last three years, the Tea Board of India had announced a slew of measures for this segment, given their increasing importance. This includes setting up exclusive director-

ates to catalyse the growth of this segment. Earlier this year, Tea Board amended the Tea Control Order making it mandatory for BLF units to sell not less than 70 per cent of the processed tea bought from STG, through public auction. It was felt that this would help the monitoring of the price of end-produce. The BLF sector held it was unable to pay higher prices for the green leaf as quality was not good and price realisation was low. Threatened with the prospect of the STG segment grinding to a halt, the Tea Board had got together the two sectors maintaining that while it was important for the small growers to harvest quality green leaf, the BLF sector too should stop purchasing if they found leaf quality to be below par. The Tea Board, in response to a representation filed by the Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers association said that the segment should coalesce to form self-help groups which would increase their bargaining power with the BLF segment. (Agencies)

Mumbai, Sep 22: India is not only the second largest gold-consuming country, it has also become one of the largest markets for diamonds. With an 8% share for polished diamonds, India is now the world's third largest diamond consumer behind US (42%) and China (16%), the latest Diamond Insight report by global major De Beers showed. The Indian appetite for diamonds has grown at a tremendous pace: In 10 years, the Indian market nearly trebled in size to about Rs 22,000 crore by end-2014, and around 25 lakh pieces of diamond jewellery were

acquired by Indian women in 2013, roughly six times the number acquired in 2002, the report pointed out. "India's domestic diamond consumer market has achieved almost uninterrupted growth over the last two decades, with demand for diamond jewellery expanding in 19 of the last 20 years in rupee terms," De Beers said. "The brief contraction in 2013, caused by the depreciating purchasing power of the rupee and a weakening of the broader Indian economy, reversed in 2014," it said. The report also pointed out that as income is growing, Indian consumers are increasingly

DIAMOND LOVE ON RISE With an 8% share for polished diamonds, India is now the world's third largest diamond consumer behind US (42%) and China (16%).

In 10 years, the Indian market nearly trebled in size to about Rs 22,000 crore by end-2014, and around 25 lakh pieces of diamond jewellery were acquired by Indian women in 2013, roughly six times the number acquired in 2002.

De Beers said that global diamond jewellery sales grew 3% in 2014 to a record of over $80 billion, helped by strong demand in the US. Sales of polished diamonds, in local currency terms, rose 7% in the US, while demand in China grew by 6% and in India by 3%.

buying diamonds, which is reflected in the increasing volumes of diamond jewellery sales. De Beers said that global diamond jewellery sales grew 3% in 2014 to a record of over $80 billion, helped by strong demand in the US. It said sales of polished diamonds, in local currency terms, rose 7% in the US, while demand in China grew by 6% and in India by 3%.

The report pointed out that, unlike in many western

markets, in India very few men propose with diamonds. "Instead (they) display their love with gifts of diamonds on different occasions during the marriage," the report said. In India, De Beers found that the decision to buy a diamond is normally through a consultative process in which women are the main decision makers, and hence its survey on women which was one of the largest ever of its kind in the country, it

claimed. "Over the last decade, India's rising economic prospects have enabled more Indian women to act on their desire for diamonds. Indian consumer demand for diamonds has more than trebled over this period...yet this growth story is far from over. Rising incomes and aspirations could afford India's diamond industry an even bigger prize over the next decade," De Beers said.

(Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

Features

Page 11

HORTICULTURE Bay leaves are aromatic leaves belonging to a variety of plants from different genera. The India bay leaf in Hindi is known as Tejpata. It is known by different names like Malabar leaf, Malabathrum, Indian cassia or Indian bark. It belongs to the family of Lauraceae and it is native to China, Bhutan and India. The tree grows 20 m tall and the leaves are very aromatic which are used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The Indian bay leaf is native to India, Nepal and Bhutan. Bay leaf in India is also called by names like Tejpatta, Tamalpatra, Tejpat. It is also known as Indian cassia, malabar leaf etc. The Indian bay leaf is twice as long as the bay laurel leaf and has an olive green color. It has 3 prominent veins running down the length of the leaf compared to just 1 prominent vein in the bay laurel leaf.

It is also used extensively in the cuisines of India, China and Bhutan. The basic use of Tejpata is in the preparation of Biryani which is a Mughal cuisine of the northern part of India.

The Indian Bay Leaf is a three veined leaf and very popular in the Northern India. Romans used it in the form of perfumery and also for cooking. These were also known by folia leaves. But at present, the Indian bay leaves are very exclusively used as a spice

Indian Bay Leaf- The Aromatic Spice in the Northern India kitchens.

The Tejpata comes from the Laurel tree variety which is a Mediterranean species that grows 70 feet in height. This tree can also be grown and propagated for indoor gardening. If the leaves are eaten raw, gives a sharp and bitter taste, so it is mixed with other spices and used to add flavor to the dishes.

When they are dried, it gives herbal fragrance which smells like thyme and oregano. The eugenol oil is in it.

All the varieties of bay leaves have a sharp, bitter taste and are pungent. But, it is for the flavor they impart to foods, rather than the taste, that they are used. Bay leaf is used as a spice to impart flavor to a variety of dishes of various cuisines around the world, both vegetarian and non vegetarian. Crushing the leaves imparts a more intense flavor than when they are used whole. When crushed they are used in a muslin bag. It is one of the constituents of the Indian Garam masala - a mixture of spices. Bay leaves also have the property of repelling flies, moths, roaches, mice etc. Indian bay leaf has a very cinnamon like aroma while the bay lau-

rel leaf's aroma resembles that of pine and lemon.

The Indian bay leaf has been used medicinally since ancient times and was a major medicinal plant in medieval times.

Indian sages since the ear-

liest times advocated the use of many spices both for culinary as well as medicinal use and the Indian bay leaf was one of them. It should be noted however that dried green leaves rather than dried brown

leaves be purchased as the brown leaves lose most of their flavor. The bay leaves are kept in a dark airtight container away from light and heat so that they stay good for over 2 years.

Indian Bay Leaf Produc-

Health Benefits of the Indian Bay Leaf Nutrients In Bay Leaf Bay leaves yield many volatile oils like a-pinene, camphene, myrcene, limonene, p-cymene, eugenol etc with eugenol being the .major essential component. The leaves are also exceptionally rich in many vitamins and minerals.

Health Benefits Of The Indian Bay Leaf Indian bay leaf has analgesic, astringent, carminative, digestive, stomachic, emetic, diuretic, anti inflammatory, anti oxidant, antibacterial and anti fungal properties.

It is useful in the treatment of high blood sugar, migraine, headaches, gastric ulcers, rheumatism, colic, amenorrhea and a lot of other health conditions.

Some Ayurvedic Cures With Indian Bay Leaf Indian bay leaf is an important ingredient in Ayurvedic tea which is used for treating coughs and colds.

For problems like cough, cold, excess mucus, allergy and other respiratory problems etc, crush 3-4 bay leaves, add 1-2 tulsi (holy basil) leaves and boil this in about 250 ml water.

Cool, strain and drink this while still tolerably warm.

For headache, even severe headache, boil a few bay

leaves in water for a few minutes. Strain, cool a bit and drink while still hot.

Also apply a paste of bay leaves on the forehead for relief from severe headache.

For getting rid of head lice, take about 50 grams of crushed dry bay leaves and boil in 400 ml water. Remove when the water is about 100 ml remaining.

Apply this on the hair roots

after straining out the water. Let it remain for 3-4 hours then wash. This removes the lice.

If Bhringraj is added to the bay leaves before boiling, it will make the hair black, lustrous and healthy.

In respiratory diseases like asthma etc, add 2 grams Mulethi (liquorice) and 1 gram Piplali or dry ginger powder to 5 grams of bay leaves and boil in 200 ml

water till 100 ml water remains. Strain and drink. It boosts body immunity and cures conditions like cough, asthma and other respiratory problems.

For cough, take 1-2 grams of powdered dry bay leaves mixed with a tsp of honey twice a day. It is very effective in stopping cough.

Those who suffer from indigestion and bloating or any other digestive problem can take 5 grams of bay leaves, add a piece of ginger and boil this in 200 ml of water till 1/4 water remains. Add a spoonful of honey and consume twice a day for relief.

For kidney problems, kidney infections and even for kidney stone, boil 5 grams bay leaves in 200 ml water till 50 ml water remains.

Strain and drink 2 times daily. This stops formation of kidney stones also.

For heart disease and anxiety, take 3 grams of bay leaves and 3-4 grams of Desi (wild) rose flowers.

Add to 300 ml water and boil till only 75 ml remains.

Strain and drink for relief.

If there is angina pain, add 2 cloves to the above and then boil the water. It stops angina pain.

For uterus problems like infection, etc, which mostly occur after childbirth, take a few grams each of the bark of the bay leaf tree, bay leaf, carom seeds and dry ginger powder. Boil these in 200 ml water and drink twice a day.

This clears the infection and tones the uterus.

Repeated sneezing shows that the body's internal functioning is not very right. To set it right, boil some bay leaves in 200 ml water till 1/4 water remains. Strain and drink.

To relieve joint pains, make a poultice of ground bay leaves and arund (castor) leaves. Tie it around the inflamed joint. It relieves pain and swelling.

For nosebleed, crush 2-3 fresh or dry bay leaves. Add to 200 ml water and boil till 100 ml remains. Strain and drink for relief.

For clean teeth, brush with powdered bay leaves once in 3 days. It will make the teeth sparkle.

tion in India The leaf is very famous in Southern Nepal's Terai plains. In Terai, cooking is reflected from the cuisines of North India and the Indian Bay leaves add flavor to several dishes of that

area mainly the areas of Janakpur and Mithila. The leaves are also in use in the bordering areas and the mountains of India's North-Eastern part and Burma. They are also sold in fresh form very often.

It has its origin from Mediterranean and in grows well in the areas of California and Europe. The cultivation of Indian Bay leaves is mainly done in the Arabian, America and Europe countries. In India, it is not cultivated for commercial purpose and trading.

Methods of Growing Indian Bay Leaf The trees are grown best in a moist and warm climate which is like that of the Mediterranean area. If the tree is planted outside then the temperature of the ground should not be below 25 degrees. But if they are grown inside then the climate should be under control as the sudden changes in temperature might destroy the plant.

The plant grows best in the soil which is rich in humus and is moist. Fertilizers can also be added to increase the richness of the soil. The trees of the Bay leaves require plenty of sunlight for better growth so proper care should be implemented if the tree is

grown inside and the hot spots should be avoided near its plantation. The plant should not be fertilized if they are planted outside in the winter season. If the plant is planted inside then they should be waited until the spring time.

The plant should be propagated by taking the cutting of the stem of four to five inches. The time of summer end is the most appropriate time to propagate new plants. The stem cuttings should be given proper care to nurture and should be kept under humid conditions.

The harvesting of the Indian Bay leaves should be started after a span of some years. The leaves of the tree should be dried up before it is put in use as the fresh leaves of the plant tastes bitter. The best time to wait since the leaf is picked up is about 5 to 6 days. Largest leaves should be selected as the leaves will give stronger flavor if they are very old.

Indian Bay Leaf Growing States in India and Best Season It grows well in the Himalayas southern slopes and the North east India Mountains. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala and Karnataka are also Indian Bay Leaf growing states in India.

The best season is the onset of summer season which is during the months of April to June.

Northeast Eyes On Organic Spices The Spices Board is gradually stepping up efforts to make the North East the hub of organic spices, as desired by the commerce ministry. It has invited leading organic certification agencies and consultants, like Scal, Ifoam and Indocert, to help farmers adopt organic cultivation of spices and give training to its officials and NGOs, helping farmers on this count.

In the North East, spices are traditionally grown with organic inputs. The board too is encouraging such cultivation. In doing so, it has already entrusted Indocert to process organic certification for the region's spices, apart from providing a range of subsidy for its cultivation. In its urgency to declare the region as a hub for organic spices, it has asked Indocert to further widen activities. Generally, cost of certification is being borne by the board. It wants to label all spices produced in the region as

organic to enhance export.

However, a section of Spices Board officials feels that to capture the global market, campaigns need to be launched in parallel if it wants to project the region as a hub for organic spices.

Such campaigns can be launched through publication of booklets and holding/participating in overseas exhibitions, highlighting features of the region's organic spices, some of which are unique in nature.

An exporter from the region pointed out that at the same time, efforts need to be taken by the board to augment the supply of quality planting materials and beef up manpower at its regional office in Guwahati and its field offices in six other states.

Recently, its Guwahati office is manned by three to four personnel, while a single field officer is appointed for each state, who is incapable of doing extension work for organic cultivation in the entire region, according to the ex-

porter.

The commerce ministry has recently identified Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Meghalaya as having maximum potential for organic ginger cultivation, while Assam and Manipur have potential for chillies. Nagaland has potential for both chillies and ginger cultivation.

Tripura can produce organic turmeric. This apart, the region is famous for some exotic varieties of spices like Bird's Eye chilli, Tezpur chilli and Lakadong turmeric.

Of late, organic cultivation of large cardamom has emerged as one of the cash crops in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland.

Programmes are underway to increase area under Lakadang turmeric from the existing 6301,000 hectares. Jawai district in Meghalaya is the hub of this location specific variety of the spice. (Agencies)

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"I used to call him the undisputed heavyweight champion of BCCI. He was like Muhammad Ali of the BCCI. He would lose the world title and comeback and take the world title. As destiny would have it, he was the sitting president when he went,"

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Ravi Shastri

RNIASSENG00425/TC

Pullong FC beats Sanliam FC, Khunnu Youth FC wins Thansen Wangchadong Memorial Football Tournament Khonsa, Nehru Studium

Results Pullung FC defeated Sanling FC 5 - 4 (Pen) Khunnu Youth FC defeated Khela FC 5-3

Today’s Matches Changyak FC Vs Laho FC 1 pm Thinsa Soccer Club Vs Thingdong Soccer Club

3 pm Chanwang Mongchan Khonsa, Sep 22: The ongoing first ever Thansen Wangchadong memorial football tournament seems to have captured the imagination of the people of Khonsa as the tournament has begun to attract huge crowds. A soccer fan told this Sports Correspondent, “Khonsa has been in the news for several wrong reasons like insur-

gency, under development, etc. However, this tournament has given the people of Khonsa something to rejoice about’’.

On the fourth day, at the Nehru stadium in Khonsa, Pullong FC defeated Sanliam FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout. The regulation time saw both teams scoring two goals each. For Pullong FC Johang Batey opened the account for his team

while Ngoaloan Suyang scored the second goal for his team. On the other hand, Sanliam FC's striker Jenlang Janpi scored two beautiful back to back goals and brought parity to the scoreline.

Both the teams have showed sound technique.

In another match, Khunnu Youth FC beat Khela FC by a margin of 5-3 goals. Khunnu Youth FC player Pongdi Hutto

opened the flood gates for his team with a beautiful strike converting a corner.

Hutto came strongly and scored his second goal.

Tuwang Hutto scored the third goal for his team.

Hutto netted the fourth goal for his team while Tikam Aboh scored the fifth goal. For Khela FC, Langpong Socia scored two goals while Nyesom Tesia scored the third goal for his team. Altogether,

29 teams participated in the tournament. The people have thanked the organizing committee for making sure that this tournament was organised at Khonsa.

They also thanked Shri W. Lowangdong, Minister of WCD, Tribal Affairs, Social Justice and Empowerment and DoTCL and Family for the noble gesture of sponsoring the event.

PAGE 12

Ravi Shastri pays homage to BCCI's ‘undisputed champion’ Jagmohan Dalmiya Bengaluru: Ravi Shastri on Tuesday paid tributes to Jagmohan Dalmiya, describing the late Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief as the 'undisputed heavyweight champion' of the Indian cricket team board.

Terming Dalmiya's contribution to the country's cricket as 'massive', Shastri said the former ICC president left a stamp on the game on behalf of BCCI and within the board as well. "In his prime, he batted like Vivian Richards. He played more shots than any other administrator, got more

hundreds, and wielded the stick like no other," said Shastri, who is the current director of the Team India. "I used to call him the undisputed heavyweight champion

of BCCI. He was like Muhammad Ali of the BCCI. He would lose the world title and comeback and take the world title. As destiny would have it, he was the sitting president when he went," Shastri added. Dalmiya, who was hailed as the architect of India's rise as the game's financial superpower, passed away in a private hospital in Kolkata on Sunday. He was 75. Shastri is currently with the Indian team, which is training at National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru ahead of the upcoming series against South Africa. (ANI)

Toure reveals Man City makes him feel like 20-year-old London, Sep 22: Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has said that his club have made him feel like a 20year-old again, insisting that he will fight for his side until the last minute.

The 32-year-old veteran, whose City future had been in doubt in the past with his agent suggesting he could leave the Etihad, said that he would not take rest and would continue to play till he feels fit. Earlier, Toure squandered number of chances as City

suffered a 1-2 defeat against West Ham in their Premier League clash at the Etihad. Reacting to their defeat, Toure admitted that his side started well but lacked extra efforts against West Ham, and insisted that they have to overcome this upset and comeback strongly. The Ivory Coast star further said that the ongoing season of Premier League is going to be tough, but added that he is not worried as there are many more games to go. Despite

the defeat, City top the Premier League standings and will next lock horns with Tottenham on September 26. (ANI)

Amir rubbishes rumours of practicing Roger Federer fan wakes from 11-year rooftop cricket during ban coma, stunned to see his idol still on top Karachi: Disgraced Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Amir has rubbished rumours of practicing on rooftop while he was serving his five-year ban for his infamous role in the 2010 Lord's spot-fixing scandal. The left-hander described the rumours as `inaccurate` and said that he didn't play cricket during his ban and was instead working on his fitness to ensure he remains as fit as possible. Amir, who became eligible to

represent his country after serving his five-year ban, also said that it would be premature for him to start thinking about his return to the national side due to his absence from the sport for the past five years. The bowling prodigy took 51 wickets in 14 Tests and 25 in 15 one-day internationals before he was banned for bowling deliberate no-balls by prearrangement during the fourth test against England at Lord's. (ANI)

Sep 22: A die-hard Roger Federer fan, who came out of a 11-year-coma, was shocked when he learned that his idol is still producing top-notch performance at the age of 34.

Jesus Aparicio from Spain was critically injured in a serious car accident which left him in a coma since December 2004- the year when Federer was ranked

Watson urges Australia selectors to show faith in rookies Sydney: Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has urged the selectors to give some time to the rookies in order to cement their place in the Steven Smith-led squad ahead of the two-Test match series in Bangladesh next month.

The 34-year-old, who was dumped after the first Ashes Test in Cardiff against England, said that the selectors have chosen the best players they

could pick at this particular point of time and insisted that they need to stick with these new players for some time. Australia are currently in a rebuilding phase following the retirement of senior players like Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Chris Rogers and Watson in the wake of Ashes defeat. Expressing his views on the inclusion of top-order batsman Usman Khawaja in the

15-man squad against Bangladesh, Shane said that the player needs some time to cement his place and improve himself in the game. According to reports, Australia selectors have been criticized for dropping young players if they fail to perform after few matches.

Australia will play two Tests in Chittagong and Dhaka from October 9 and October 17 respectively. (ANI)

world number one winning three of the four grand slams of the year.

On 27th August 2015, Aparicio suddenly woke up and called his mother, with memories of his accident intact. He curiously asked about family, friends and current affairs and also about his Swiss hero. "It came like a flash to my mind and I asked

Murray likely to ditch World Tour finals for Davis Cup London: Britain number one Andy Murray has disclosed that he is likely to pull out of this year's ATP World Tour finals in order to be fully fit for Davis Cup final against Belgium in November. Murray produced an inspiring fight as he claimed a straight-set win over Bernard Tomic on Sunday to help Great Britain reach their first Davis Cup final since 1978. The Davis Cup final will be played from November 2729- just a few days after the

conclusion of the hardcourt World Tour finale at London's O2 Arena. According to reports, Murray said that the O2 would be a question mark for him if Belgium stage the final on the clay court, citing that he wouldn't get enough rest and time to get himself ready for the Davis Cup. Should Murray skip the World Tour Finals, he would not only take big financial hit but also miss out on securing 1,500 ATP ranking points. (ANI)

Wawrinka set to return to defend Chennai Open Chennai: French Open champion Stan Wawrinka has confirmed that he will return to Chennai to defend his title at the Aircel Chennai Open next year, which starts from January 4. The Swiss player, will be bidding to claim a hat-trick of championships win in his eighth visit to Chennai. The much awaited Aircel Chennai Open 2016 will mark the 20th year of South Asia's only and India's premier ATP tournament in the tennis capital of India - Chennai. The

event, one of three tournaments held in the opening week of the season, continues to give the subcontinent access to one week of scintillating tennis action, featuring some of the best names in the highly competitive world of international tennis. World number four Wawrinka said "Aircel Chennai Open is a great way to start the season, and I look forward to my eighth year at the tournament. The last 2 years have been extra special

since I have gone on to win a Grand Slam each year after a winning start here in Chennai.

So, Chennai has become like my good luck charm now!"

Wawrinka added, "Being a landmark year for the tournament, I hope to reclaim my title and make this year even more special. I congratulate the organizers for bringing out this exciting contest year after year and look forward to many more landmark editions of the Aircel Chennai Open." (ANI)

about Roger," Aparicio was quoted as saying by tennisworld.org.

"I thought he had retired.

When I knew that at 34 years old, he is still playing and is number two in the world, I thought they were kidding me. I could not believe it. When I heard that he reached 17 slam titles, I put my hands on my face. I knew

Federer was very good but I never thought he could win all he has won."

Aparicio also revealed that he wants to see Federer's match before he draw curtains on his illustrious career. The Swiss maestro failed to beat Novak Djokovic twice in Grand Slam finals this year at Wimbledon and US Open. (ANI)

Ferguson wanted Guardiola to succeed him at Man U

London: Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed in his new book, 'Leading', that Pep Guardiola was his first choice to replace him at Old Trafford rather than David Moyes, who succeeded him as the manager in 2013. Ferguson said that he had asked Guardiola to call him before joining another club, but he didn't and ended up accepting Bayern Munich's offer. The 13-time Premier League winner further admitted that he admired Guardiola as he had claimed number of trophies with Barcelona. Moyes, who replaced Ferguson after ending his 12-year association with Everton, had lasted less than twelve months in United hot seat. Later, Dutchman Louis van Gaal was hired in as Moyes' replacement after the 2014 World Cup. In his first season, Van Gaal led United to a fourth-place finish. (ANI)

Football match ends in draw A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Sep 22: The match between Barekuri Football Coaching and Barekuri Football Coaching Centre ended in a 1-1 draw in the Tepuram Buragohain and Puneswari Buragohain Memorial Super Division Football League 2015 organised by Tinsukia District Sports Association in Tinsukia today. Dhrubajyoti Duarah of Barekuri FC opened the account for his team in the 14th minute. Newson Kom of Barekuri Football Coaching Centre equalized the goal in the 18th minute. Both the teams have shown sound defensive technique and played a tight game till the end. Meanwhile, yesterday, Tinsukia Railway Divisional Sports Club defeated Milan Sangha 4-3 and bagged all 3 points. Tomorrow, Bodousa Sports Club will lock horns with Milan Sangha.

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