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ASSENG/2015/64205

Page 12 Issue 287

Dibrugarh, Friday, March 25, 2016

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Sarba, Himanta are ‘political career oriented killer’: Ulfa (I)

Assam Congress releases its manifesto for Assam assembly election

Sarbananda Sonowal was made the AASU President by the Ulfa, claims outfit A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Mar 24

Leaders like Sarbananda Sonowal and Himanta Biswa Sarma are both ‘political career oriented killer’. Accusing the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate and union minister for sports Sarbananda Sonowal and BJP leader Sarma of conspiring with a section of its (Ulfa) leaders from the military as well as political wing to carry out the murder of Dibrugarh University talented student leader Sourav Bora on May 27, 1986 the Ulfa (I) through a press statement e-mailed to the media by the outfit’s assistant information and publicity secretary self styled

Election Commission transfers 4 SPs

Capt. Arunudoy Dahotia the outfit accepted the fact that due to lack of ‘proper political knowledge’ a section of its leaders felt prey in the traps laid by some so-called nationalistic leaders. “Some of these so-called nationalistic leaders used our cadres to carry out the killings of people like Sourav Bora, Dimbeswar Gogoi who was the TDC third year student of Tinsukia College, Amitabh Rava, Manabendra Sarma, journalist Kamala Saikia, Sabnam Kalita, daughter of Lachit Kalita, activist Sanjoy Ghose etc”, the release stated. These killings were carried out without the approval of our military chief Maj. Gen. Paresh Barua, who too was the chief when these

Under fire! Sarba (top), Himanta

Holi celebrated across Assam and the region

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 24

With the election commission cracking the whip on government officials who are aligned to any political parties or are not putting their best efforts, four SPs have been transferred last night as per Election Commission’s direction in poll bound Assam.

Officials from the Assam election department said that police head of Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Hailakandi and Biswanath Chariali have been transferred. New officers have been deployed in these districts. The CEO also said that some district administrations have started fresh assessment of vulnerable areas as instructed by the Election Commission.

“However, by sharing the dais with the military chief of the secret killers Bhaskar Sarma, Sarbananda Sonowal too had proved that he too is a killer”, the release stated.

Girls enjoying Holi at Dibrugarh. Pic - UB Photos A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 24

Holi, or the festival of color was today celebrated with cus-

tomary gaiety and religious fervor in Assam and other parts of the nation. On this day, people hug and wish each other 'Happy Holi' and renew their sweet relationships. The Holi

festival commemorates the victory of good over evil with the burning and destruction of the demoness Holika and by showing unwavering devotion to the Hindu god of preservation, Lord Vishnu. Cutting across the age and professional status, everybody joined festivities in Guwahati. Soon after the sun rise, young and old came on to the streets dabbed in colours, shouting and cheering each other. Some people tried to escape enjoying the chase by their friends while others volunteered to have the colour and reciprocate. The politicians also displayed great interest in the festival, and came out to play Holi, cutting across political parties and political ideologies. “Holi is the festival of colour and Joy, and politics can’t come between this,” said AGP leader Ramendra Narayan Kalita.

Army saves 13 civilian lives as truck falls into Tenga River ET Correspondent Namsai, Mar 24

Army personnel from the Chowkham army camp located in Arunachal Pradesh today saved as many as 13 civilian lives after a truck carrying them met with an accident and fell into the Tenga River at Tengapani near Chowkham today. Sources said that the truck met the accident as the driver suddenly lost control of the vehicle and fall straight into the river while breaking through the roadside barrier. “The army personnel who were on a area

domination patrol in the area, on hearing the sound of the accident immediately rushed to the site and saved the lives of all the labourers”, a police official said. The workers were going to Wakro from Tinsukia.

The injured were evacuated by army vehicle and treated at CHC, Namsai. 3 of them were later sent to Kakopathar in Assam for further treatment.

The grit and determination displayed by the army personnel during the entire rescue operations was really praiseworthy, a representative from the civil administration who had also reached the spot said.

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of corpse by dig around four feet wide, six each feet length & deep and plant tree for identification mark. In western province as per their religious ritual, priest advice some to burn, buried and other cut into pieces to throw in the river.

After accepting Christianity they harmoniTaipodia ously practice burial system.

As Christian consider a person overcome death the last enemies at his/her death. It is a victory of entire trials and temptations of this earth. In other word, it is the entrance toward blessed heaven where no pain and sorrow exist. So, instead of mourning for the lost Christian sing hymns at the interment moment. They sang songs which lyrics on beautiful heavenly life. Body is cov-

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Mar 24

Coming down heavily on AGP leader like former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, whom the organisation termed to be the Vice-President of the secret killers and BJP’s Chandra Mohan Patowary and Padma Hazarika, the outfit termed the AGP-BJP alliance as an ‘unholy nexus’ which will only destroy the unique and social fabric of Assam. The press release further warned these political leaders not to try to use the people of Assam as political pawns. “We will never allow the nasty political conspiracy hatched by these so-called nationalists leaders at the residence of Amit Shah in New Delhi to destroy and divide Assam ”, the outfit stated.

Arvind Sharda arrives as police observer ET Correspondent Tinsukia, Mar 24

In the wake of the upcoming assembly elections 2016, IPS officer Arvind Sharda has arrived as police observer of

Tinsukia district, including Sadiya police. He will be looking into complaints relating to the functioning and works of police. He can be contacted at 09127066075 to lodge complaint.

The Assam Congress today released the party’s election manifesto aheadof the Assam assembly election, which is scheduled to be held on April 4 and 11, and also launched an App, ‘Tarun Gogoi’ to take the digitalroot to get access to the internet users.The manifesto was released today by Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoiat Guwahati in the presence of several senior Congress leaders and themembers of the Election Manifesto Committee.

The manifesto focuses on job creation and youth to a great extent, andpromises innovation centres with venture capital upto Rs. 5500 crores.

The manifesto also promises counseling centres, and coaching for different competitive examinations.

The manifesto interestingly also promises community kitchen in each village, and breakfast in the line of mid day meal.

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Jorhat city gearing up to welcome Narendra Modi who will interact with the citizens of Jorhat and its neighboring districts at the Kachari Maidan in presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Rameshwar Telli, Kiren Rijiju on 26th March and will stay at Jorhat Circuit house.

Two more senior ministers from the NDA government is likely to be with Narendra Modi during two days election rally in Assam on 26th and 27th March.

Contd. on Page 3

Contd. on Page 3

Surprisingly, the manifesto also promises an unemployment allowance of Rs. 1000 to needy people in every constituency.

Releasing the manifesto, Gogoi expressed confidence that the Congress will be also to form the government in Assam.

“We will once again form the government in Assam, and we will have absolute majority,” said Gogoi.

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ered with the white cloth, red color cross is stitched on middle. Funeral service is administered by authorized elder of the council if ordained person is not available on spot than local pastor ministered it.

While, carrying the cadaver from the house to burial floor the local pastor vertically holdup the wooden cross marched in the front of the coffin and caravan of congregation follows them. Either ahead of carcass was lifted at home or sooner the grave is shut, one of the church leader' or bereavement's family member present his/her short biography than minister shared few encouraged Word.

Honble Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi releases Congress partys upcoming assembly election manifesto at Rajiv Bhawan in Guwahati.

Pic - UB Photos

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Burial System Practiced by Jorhat gearing up of Modi’s the Christians of Arunachal citizens meet

The gorgeous Arunachal Pradesh is the land of tribal populated state in India where numbers of indigenous people embraced Christian faith. As the territory is vast, high mountains, deep valleys, turbulent streams, and rivers separated them. Prior to independent they don't have much contact Yumri with each other.

They inherit various styles of interment methods in region.

In their forefathers days normally eastern side kept the mortal remain in raised platform made-up of wood/bamboo. Once the body is decomposed then they remove the skull and hang in upper door post of decease's resident. The central groups are predominately descendent of ancestor of Abo Tani. They prefer burial

killings were carried out, the release stated. “These socalled nationalistic leaders wanted to secured their political careers due to which they used our cadres to remove all those who had become a threat for their political careers”, the release said.

In a startling revealation which is sure to kick up a storm in the state’s political scenario, the press release also stated that it was the Ulfa which had made Sarbananda Sonowal the President of the influential All Assam Student’s Union (AASU).

“However, by sharing the dais with the military chief of the secret killers Bhaskar Sarma, Sarbananda Sonowal too had proved that he too is a killer”, the release stated.

Page 6

Pages- 12

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Vol. 1

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 25

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries Today, you may receive some kind of material support from family. It is probably for a wise cause, so be sure to use it accordingly. You may spend the evening with those very loved ones who have supported you.

Taurus There is a strong prospect that you will work extremely hard to prove yourself at your workplace today. At times, the returns may not be in proportion to your efforts. You will unwind at the end of the day with a happy and content feeling.

Gemini Family comes first for you, and today will be no different. You will be preoccupied by thoughts of providing comforts and luxuries to your family members. At the workplace, your ability to take initiatives will benefit you. A grand dinner with those close to you is also on the cards.

Cancer Early today, you may spend a great deal of time thinking about your career and future.

In the afternoon, you will device a plan on how to go about it, and by evening, you may even put the plan into action. You will spend some time with the near and dear ones.

Leo Today is one mushroom that may turn out to be unpalatable. The stars indicate that this day shall be smeared with quite a few unsatisfactory moments, especially in the afternoon. A certain sense of wildness and volatility shall dominate your actions today. So, you would be wise to take valuable inputs and advice from your seniors at work today. But in a complete change, the night brings with it a guzzling fountain of rational thoughts that shall fill your mind.

Virgo Domestic responsibilities will rule the roost today. Subordinates will offer the best of their support to you. But remember that the value of what you seek will exact the maximum efforts on your part. Be wary of people.

Libra Some things on the personal front may undergo a turning point today. Now is the time for change. Changes are good and maybe even needed, although you may not see it that way at the moment. Expect monetary gains that will help you go a long way in life (a handsome bequest perhaps!). Think with your heart, and attach importance to relationships. Spending quality time with your near and dear ones is a very good habit.

Scorpio Small problems and tiny things will keep you on your feet as you tackle them with tact and precision. On the family front, you will enjoy marital bliss as you communicate on a spiritual level with your partner. You may end up planning a romantic vacation for the near future. On the whole, it will be an animated and lively day.

Sagittarius Trouble is brewing, and there is a strong possibility of you being caught up in it real bad. But as things progress, you will become high-spirited and noble-minded. Later in the day, a cozy time spent with friends and family will bring much peace and calm.

Capricorn Many a time, we emulate others or get inspired by certain thought-provoking actions which explain most of the initiatives we undertake. Your actions today will be inspired too, says Ganesha. However, later in the day, you are likely to get into arguments that may drag you into legal disputes.

Aquarius Money ahoy! You are blessed with the Midas touch today, and you need to take advantage of it! Competition will be left far behind as you zoom off into the skies of success. But watch out for the envious ones, who are ready to pull the rug from under your feet at the slightest excuse.

Pisces While your day at work ought to begin with a whirlwind of creative ideas and suggestions from your side, you will run out of juice by mid-day. Perhaps, it is time to take a short break over the weekend from work to recharge your batteries.

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

by BDHL) 9-16 P.M-Barerahaniya-"Good Friday Songs" Sd-/H.O.P

AASA declares support to BJP, Congress crisis deepens Sushanta Roy Diphu March 24: In sudden turn of event, just few hours after obtaining full support from the Bodo community of Karbi Anglong the BJP stalwart Himenta Biswa Sharma achieve the support of the Adavasi community in favor of his party on last Tuesday. Anil Toppo, organizational secretary of All Adavasi Students Association in a press conference held at its head office located at Amorajan locality of Bokajan subdivision an-

nounced that people of his community will cast their vote in support of BJP in all the 4 constituencies of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong district on April 4. “ Congress party under the clout of MP Birensing Engti and Khorsing Engti has enough exploited the poor Adavasi people of this district for a long time, MP’s son Klengdon Engti who is MLA of Bokajan has done nothing for the people except building large manors for their own status. BJP has promised

to grant schedule cast status for the Adavasi community hence will support BJP in this election for a change” said Anil Toppo, organizational secretary of All Adavasi Students Association.

Sway of around 40 thousands Adavasi vote considered to be Congress vote bank so long in this autonomous district may further aggravate the Congress position in all the 4 seats of this district, particularly in Bokajan where Adavasi community has 20 thousand votes alone.

Completion of Bogibeel bridge still a far cry!

Politicians make ‘fresh’ promises on the eve of yet another election Avik Chakraborty Dibrugarh, Mar 24: The Bogibeel Bridge is the ray of hope for the people of the Northeast, which would benefit them immensely in improvement of the communication system in future. The people are waiting anxiously for the project to complete.

The construction work of the Bogibeel Bridge was inaugurated by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on April, 21, 2002.

Bogibeel bridge Due to sluggish pace of work the bridge has missed many deadlines. After the BJP that after the BJP govern- elements came from the government came into ment comes into power in Dhemaji side and sometimes power they have announced the centre the works of the take away the iron and the that the bridge will com- construction has gone faster. material used for the subpleted on structure of the Symbol of unkept promises 2017. bridge,’’ he added.

However, “For medical Gagon Gogoi, resident of “Gammon India has com- treatment the people of Bogibeel, Dhanakana gaon pleted the works of Sub- Dhemaji and Lakhimpur believes that it would take structure and now Hindustan have to come in Dibrugarh time for the completion of Company Corporation to avail good medical treatbridge. “Under the congress (HCC) company has been ment which takes two to government, the works of doing works,’’ he added. three hours in boat. If the the bridge has gone slower,’’ Gogoi said that Gammon bridge will complete then in Gogoi added. He believes India Company has to face few minutes the people can that if BJP government was lots of hurdle when they cross the bridge,’’ a Jina in centre the bridge it would were constructing the pillars Chetri, a local resident of completed earlier. He said of the bridge. “Anti- social Bogibeel said.

“If the bridge will complete in time then we can easily go to Silapathar and Dhemaji and return in the same day,’’ said Ashis Sarkar, a resident of Dibrugarh town.

The Bogibeel area falls under Moran LAC, which was dominated by Congress.

“The alliance between AGP and BJP will not be beneficial for the people because earlier we have voted AGP into power and seen the secret killing incident. We have faced many difficulties during the AGP time. Therefore, we don’t want the govern-

ment again came into power,’’ Jyoti Gogoi, a local of Bogibeel. He added that we now that the Congress Government has done nothing for the people of our locality but we have no option. “Our ancestors have voted for congress and we are following their footsteps,’’ he added.

Every day, four hundred to five hundred people used the ferry service from Bogibeek- Karengbali ferry service to Karengchapori, which fetched Rs 60. In Karengbali ferry service thee are total 20 stalls for the refreshment of the passengers they are earning their breed through this ferryghat.

“When the bridge will complete we have to shift to other works to earn our livelihood,’’ said Nayan Das, a stall owner at Karengbali.

Nabajyoti Borkakoty, Social activist of Dibrugarh said, “The Bridge will usher a new era of communication centering around the premier urban centre and industrial hub of eastern India, Dibrugarh,’’.

62 nominations found valid for AASA declares support to BJP, Congress crisis 80 assembly constituencies deepens ET Correspondent Nagaon, Mar. 23: All total sixty-two nominations are found valid for eight assembly constituencies including nine for Kaliabor LAC in Nagaon district for coming second phase Assembly election to be held April 11.

Among the major contestants for various constituencies in the district are Keshab Mahanta sit-

ting AGP MLA and Bindu Ganju of Cong(I) from Kaliabor, Rockybul Hussain, Panchayat Minister and sitting Cong(I) MLA and Jitu Gowami of BJP from Samaguri, Nurul Huda, Chairman of Nagaon Zila Parishad of Cong (I) and Nurul Amin of AIUD from Rupahihat, Gautam Bora of Cong (I) sitting MLA, Angurlata of BJP and Naziruddin of AIUDF from Batadrava,

Aminul Islam of AIUDF, sitting MLA and Anwar Hussain of Cong (I)from Dhing, Durlav Chamuah sitting Cong (I) MLA and Rupak Sarma of BJP from Nagaon, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, sitting AGP MLA and Suresh Bora of Cong (I) from Barhampur and Dimbeswar Das of BJP, Sasikanta Das of Cong (I) and Guneswar Das of AIDUF from Raha LAC.

3 nominations rejected in Kokrajhar ET Correspondent Kokrajhar,Mar. 24: Three nomination papers have found rejected one from 29Kokrajhar west and two from 28-Gossaigaon LAC and 30 nominations were found valid from four constituencies of Kokrajhar and Chirang district during the scrutinized on Thursday.

AIUDF substitute candidate for 29-Kokrajhar LAC Guneswar Basumatary’s nomination paper was found reject. Two Independent candidates’ nomination papers of Pandhu Murmu and Somai Murmu for 28-Gossaigaon were rejected during the scrutinized.

The scrutiny process was witnessed by the general observer,returning officer, Kokrajhar and all contesting candidates, besides their agents and proposers and scrutiny and validity has been checked in terms of election

laws. In 30-Kokrajhar aest LAC all six nomination papers received by Returning Officer and District Election Officer have found valid are included Pramila Rani Brahma(BPF),Manu Borgoyary(AIUDF),Pratibha Brahma(UPP),Basanta Medhi(Independent),Ajay Kumar Narzary (Independent) and Rajesh Narzary (Independent).

In 29-Kokrajhar west LAC, the 10 candidates nomination out of 11 nomination papers are found valid are Rabiram Narzary (BPF),Urkhao Gwra Brahma(UPP),Dahit Chandra Brahma (AIUDF,Ranjay Brahma (Independent), Sujila Basumatary( (Independent), Subadhra Narzary (Independent),Muknda Koch (Independent), Bodreswar Brahma (Independent), Aruna Brahma (Independent) and Nirmali Brahma

(Independent).

In 28-Gossaigaon LAC, eight nominations out of 10 nominations have found valid which included Majendra Narzary (BPF),Somnath Narzary (UPP),Asim Hasda (Congress),Rubi Kashi Reddy (AIUDF),Wilson Hasda (Independent),Rajen Mushahary (Independent), Sajal Sinha (Independent), Mithun Nath (Independent).

While, six nomination papers received for 31-Sidli constituency were found valid and they are contesting the election.They are Chandan Brahma (BPF), Pankaj Islary (AIUDF), Rwngwra Narzary (UPP), Dilip Kumar Sarania (Independent), Phalmarston Brahma (Independent) and Tapan Chandra Rabha (Independent).

The last date for withdrawal of candidature is on March 26.

ET Correspondent Diphu, Mar 24: Anil Toppo, organizational secretary of All Adavasi Students Association in a press conference held at its head office located at Amorajan locality of Bokajan subdivision announced that people of his community will cast their vote in support of BJP in all the 4 constituencies of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong district on April 4.

In sudden turn of event, just few hours after obtaining full support from the Bodo community of Karbi Anglong the BJP person, Himenta Biswa Sharma achieve the support of the Adavasi community in favor of his party on last Tuesday. “ Congress party under the

clout of MP Birensing Engti and Khorsing Engti has enough exploited the poor Adavasi people of this district for a long time, MP’s son Klengdon Engti who is MLA of Bokajan has done nothing for the people except building large manors for their own status. BJP has promised to grant schedule cast status for the Adavasi community hence will support BJP in this election for a change” said Anil Toppo.

Sway of around 40 thousands Adavasi vote considered to be Congress vote bank so long in this autonomous district which may further aggravate the Congress position in all the 4 seats of the district, particularly in Bokajan where Adavasi community has 20 thousand votes alone.

Physical assault upon petrol pump owner by Congress candidate of Dhekiajuli LAC ET Correspondent Tezpur, Mar 24: A sensational situation has prevailed in Thelamara area after an employee of Kawoimari oil depot was allegedly bitten by the 71 no. Dhekiajuli LAC's Congress candidate Habul Chakrabarty this afternoon.

As per the complaint lodged by the assaulted employee with the local police station, the exMLA cum Congress candidate of the assembly

segment approached the oil depot for fuel. However, as there was no fuel stock in the pump, the employee couldn't provide fuel, following which Habul chakrabarty got infuriated and assaulted the employee severely and created an awkward situation. The local voters were shocked after getting information of such an incident caused by a public representative during the pre-poll moment and condemned the incident.

SVEEP cell conducts awareness programme to pull young voters to participate in election ET Correspondent Jorhat, Mar 24: With a view to elicit maximum voter participation in the ensuing Assam Assembly Election, 2016; extensive awareness activities are implemented by the Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) Cell of Jorhat Election District.

The cell has identified polling stations where voter turn-out was very low during last election and intensified the awareness drive in those areas through awareness meeting and demonstration of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). The cell puts emphasis on ensuring participation of youth in the electoral

process and has appointed three Brand Ambassadors, one each for Jorhat Engineering College, Jorhat Medical College and Assam Agricultural University.

The Ambassadors are conducting awareness meetings and other activities to involve the youth and students in the electoral process. Further, awareness meetings at Kakojan College, JB College, Bahana College, Jorhat Central College, DKD College etc. have been organized by the SVEEP Cell and quiz as well as essay competitions are organized amongst school students.

The cell has also used traditional media like

street play and puppetry to encourage voter participation. Invitation letters signed by the Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer has also been distributed amongst the voters through sector officers at booth level appealing voters to cast their valuable vote in the election.

Also a song rendered by popular singer Zubin Garg is played through mobile van in different areas.

On the other hand voters of as many as 189 polling stations of Jorhat Election District will use voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in the forthcoming Assam Assembly Election,

2016, polling for which is scheduled on April 4.

As per ECI norms, VVPAT will be used only in Polling Stations which have voters less than 1350 and accordingly this system will be introduced in 189 PS out of 522 PS of Jorhat Election District comprising No. 97 Dergaon (SC), No. 98 Jorhat and No. 102 Teok LAC. VVPAT is a kind of vote receipt printed by an electronic voting machine that shows the elector his/her vote as it is being entered into the electoral system.

The voter must be required to perform an action that confirms that their choices have been recorded correctly on the paper, hence making it a

verified ballot in a legal sense. The VVPAT receipt will be available for display only for seven seconds and after that it will automatically re-enter the machine. VVPAT is a very secret method and no one else except the voter can see the receipt. Considering some kind of rumour afloat against the use of VVPAT, the Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer, Jorhat has made an appeal to all the voters not be swayed by such rumour and believe in the secrecy of the system. The VVPAT is kept by the election official, as the record of votes cast, for audit and recount purposes.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 25

PAGE 3

ABVP of Dibrugarh conducts programme on Bhagat Singh A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Mar 24: On 23th March, ABVP of Dibrugarh Unit organised a programme which was dedicated to the Sahid-e-Azam, ‘Bhagat Singh’.

On the programme the status’s surrounding was cleaned and grasses was cut down.

The programme was headed with the lighting of candles to the statue of Bhagat Singh.

Prof. Shoilen Gogoi, State Vice-President, ABVP was chaired as the Chief Guest of the event who gave a motivational speech to the audience and to youths, he also mentioned one’s responsibilities for the country.

The programme was ended with a vote of thanks from Shiva Rayak, State Joint Secretary of ABVP.

PMC Chief Councillor Denong Tamuk likely to resign from post Spl/Correspondent Pasighat, Mar 24: With the growing of much difference within the councillors Pasighat Municipal Council from Congress party, the incumbent Chief Councillor Denong Tamuk is likely to resign anytime soon from his post.

Tamuk, in his brief clarification to this correspondent on the resignation issue, didn’t divulge much but said that he was somewhere in a secrete place preparing the plan. When contacted for any official statement on the resignation of Tamuk, Rahul Singh, ADC cum Municipal Executive Officer, PMC said that, he too have heard the resignation verbally but hasn’t re-

ment on illegal construction at main market to which he denied later, Singh denied any such possibilities.

However, Tamuk has been heard of not going well among his Councillor comrades from quite some time now and his resignation is seen to be outcome of those discomforts among themselves.

Jorhat gearing up of Modi’s citizens meet Contd. from Page 1

Denong Tamuk ceived any official letter yet.

On question of any pressure for

resignation from higher officers for Tamuk’s alleged involve-

Burial System Practiced by the Christians of Arunachal Contd. from Page 1 Before seal the earth minister urged participant to through flower or soil on it.

Then, they secured it with soil and pastor nailed that cross in the graveyard where corpse head located.

With the steady growth of membership in this faith they ear mark plot of land as public burial ground. For the entire native believers includes strangers to kept their last remain. It's not compulsory to bury there, ironically who wish to bury in private plot without hesitation used to do it. Some still follows forefa-

ther method of buried in the normal earth. Other makes room from cement and bricks, few even employed marble or tiles. They preferably either paint it in white or black in color. Nevertheless both usually erect small structures, generally engraved in marble stone to writes the name, date of birth & death. After year gap, kin organized a first death anniversary. Where, decease kith calls the relatives, believers & friends to thanks God for His love in that person's life while he/she was animate and given him/her in their lives.

Also they thank the masses for kind supports in that incident of mourn.

They believe that on the second coming of Christ the death will raise first from the location where they were concealed. They will meet Lord at the sky, than those who live will rapture. So, Christian give positive significance to the burial place and they don't afraid to visit or walk near any interment site. In the time of Good Friday as a community if not then immediate relatives clean each cemetery. Since, Good Friday gave importance of death body and talks about resurrection. Resurrection is one of the core subjects for the believers. This resurrection added Christian values on Christ crucifixion.

According to sources, Narendra Modi will land at Dibrugarh Airport and will straight way go to Tinsukia to attend a rally and then will fly from Tinsukia to Majuli and to Bihpuria in Lakhimpur and from Bihpuria he will attend a rally at Bokakhat and then will meet the citizens in Jorhat in the evening hours at the Kachari Maidan.

Special security agencies has been pressed to see that no lapse remain in security arrangement.

Random checkups within the campus and the streets will be conducted from where Narendra Modi is scheduled to come and go. Sniffer dogs from Assam Rifle will be used in the venue.

Modi will interact with the citizens and take their feedback and their expectation from the NDA government and will be informed about NDA further future plan for Assam, if voted to power. Meanwhile party insiders stated that a group of disgruntled party men is likely to meet the Prime Minister and will raise the issue of new faces which is creating a big confusion among the BJP party for which BJP may miss the bus of various constituencies and BJP-AGP alliance for which the saffron is under fire.

Karpung Karduk Folk music academy represents Arunachal in NE Drama Fest, Sikkim Maksam Tayeng Pasighat, Mar 24: In a national level mega event of North-East Drama Festival held at Manan Kendra, Sikkim’s capital Gangtok from 18th to 20th March 2016 which was attended by Sriniwas Patil, Governor of Sikkim as Chief Guest and Gajendra Chouhan, Chairman Film & Television Institute of India, Pune as Guest of Honour, a team of Arunachal under Karpung Karduk Folk Music Academy performed on swayambar of Lord Krishna and Rukmini (the loving daughter of Arunachal) scripted and directed by state’s renown singer Delong Padung.

Sharing his viewpoint on the sideline of festival related to great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata and the

Karpung Karduk Folk music academy represents Arunachal in NE Drama Fest, Sikkim

special presentation from Arunachal team with the title “Ayanam Birme Rukmini”, Delong Padung, first receiver of Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar award 2015 from the state said, “once famous English poet Rudyard Kipling had said that ‘east is

east, west is west, the twin shall never meet’, but in the context of relationship of our northeast state with the rest of the state in India, the east and the west had made long before during the prehistoric age of Mahabarata epic. The daughter of the then ruler of Bismaknagar

(present day Arunachal) the King Bismaka’s daughter Rukmini was married to Lord Krishna of Dwarka in the western most part of India.

Arunachal where king Bishmaka ruled in the north eastern corner of India had remain as the divine place of the Rishis and Munis for worship-

ping god and goddess and it has also been the place where Parsurama could washed off the great sin of killing his mother, the place is much known as Parasuram Kund today and is a pilgrimage place today where devotees from across the country comes in thousands on the day of MAKAR SANKRANTI every year.

Padung, who have already achieved much success in the field of music today by his melodious voice with talent, is making the state proud by representing this eastern most state of India with the rest of the country. His academy opened at his own home location, Rayang near Ruksin is nurturing good number of students these days and given the right supports, many more Delong Padung will be birth to make the state proud.

3 days capacity building programme on Production Technology of High Value Horticultural Crops in NE Region concludes at CHF, Pasighat Spl/Correspondent Pasighat, Mar 24: The 3 days long capacity building programme on Production Technology of High Value Horticultural Crops in North East Region that was being held here at College of Horticulture& Forestry, Pasighat starting from 21st March concluded today with overwhelming participation from various line departments like District Agriculture Office, District Horticulture Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendras East Siang, Upper Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Dhemaji (Assam) besides Director SAMETI cum Principal GTC, Pasighat and Project Director, ATMA, Pasighat.

working in disseminating knowledge and help the farmers in getting solving the problems.

He took the example of famous scientist Thomas Alba Edition in whose name hundreds of invention are recorded where several hard works and sincerity were behind.

3 days capacity building programme on Production Technology of High Value Horticultural Crops in NE Region concludes at CHF, Pasighat

During the programme, KS Tomar, SWO, CHF elaborated on the scope & opportunities of cultivation of commercial flowers of North East Region, while Dr. Arun Kumar Asst.

Prof. Dept. Of Floricul-

ture spoke on cultivation of high value medicinal plants, Dr. RC Shakywar Asst. Prof. Plant Prot.on common diseases of high value horticultural crops, Dr. MM Kumawat, on integrated pest management of high value hor-

ticultural crops and Dr. BR Phukon on marketing of high value horticultural products etc today.

While addressing the valedictory programme today, AK Pandey, Dean, CHF, Pasighat urged the attendants to be hard

He also took reference of countries like Israel, which despite being a small country achieved success in all front. The programme was sponsored by Directorate of Extension Education, Central Agriculture University, Imphal and ICAR-ATARI, Umiam Meghalaya, informed Dr. Bhanu P. Mishra.

Raj Bhavan celebrates Holi A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 24: Along with rest of the State and Country, the festival of Holi was celebrated with traditional gaiety and festivity in Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 24th March 2016.

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa and the First Lady of the State Rita

Rajkhowa observed the festival of colours with officials and staffs of Raj Bhavan. The ITBP personnel also took part enthusiastically with ‘Dhol’ and presented dance programmes.

Representatives from various organisations came to wish Holi greetings to the First Couple and participated in the

celebration.

Interacting with the members of Raj Bhavan family and others, the Governor and the First Lady extended warm Holi greetings and put ‘Gulal’ -colours. They wished all for a wonderful year ahead.

A high tea was organised for all on the joyous occasion.

LDSU hits back at Wangham A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 24 : Responding to Longding Pumao MLA Thangwang Wangham’s allegations that the Longding District Students’ Union (LDSU) is lobbying for ministerial berth of a candidate of its own, LDSU executive members said that they were surprised at his statement.

Saying that such accusations are inappropriate, the LDSU president Manlem Wangsu instead alleged Wangham of lobbying for ministerial post in the previous government. Wangsu claimed that soon after the state assembly election results of 2014, the MLA’s younger brother arrived at Wangsu’s residence and asked for his signature as president of the union on a letter addressed to former CM Nabam Tuki. He was also allegedly asked to accompany him to Itanagar, which Manlem maintained that he denied.

The LDSU, while standing by their statement that they want what is best for their district as it is still in a nascent stage, said

that the recent political crisis has already lead to the loss of an MLA seat and was surprised on how a fellow citizen (Wangham) was opposing a ministerial berth for Longding.

On Wangham’s statement that the LDSU is on the side of the Nabam Tuki camp, the union asked him to produce proof that it is associated with the former CM, it in turn claimed that Wangham lead the LDSU to the former CM's residence and told them in front of Tuki that "He is the best CM that our state has ever produced. If the previous predecessor had done something for the development of AP than the burden for Tuki Sahab could have been lessened".

Further, on the kidnapping episode of Panngam Ngandam, nephew of MLA Honchun Ngandam, by the ultras, the LDSU alleged that Wangham sent Wangsu and SMS on January 7, 2016 at 10.25 am from New Delhi accusing LDSU of its involvement in the kidnapping.

Saying that it was shocked to

receive his message, the LDSU maintained that it was never involved or conspired with the ultras and rather held a public rally on January 14, 2016 at Longding town for the early release of captive against the kidnapper.

“We have never stated that Honchun Ngandam from Longding district be inducted as cabinet minister. We have merely appealed to the chief minister to induct a leader from the district as a cabinet minister who has caliber to deliver justice to all”, said the LDSU. Further, the union said that if asking for a good representative from the district was lobbying for ministerial berth then they are doing so for the cause of the people of Longding.

On March 21 last, the LDSU had addressed an open letter to CM Kalikho Pul asking him to induct an MLA from the district to his Council of Ministers. Following the letter, 59-Longding Pumao MLA Wangham had alleged the union of lobbying for ministerial berth on behalf of the opposition party.

Foundation laid for Tatong Padung Football Ground Sumati hostel for apnes dedicated Wakro, Mar 24 : HH Swami Sri Sri Anubhavananda inaugurated the Sumati Hostel which is pressed into the service of the Apnes. The foundation for the hostel named in honour of Sumati Ramesh for her devotional services to mankind was laid by Smt Bibha Bhattacharjee and Smt Deepa Singh on 28/ 30 th August 2015. Dilip J Gokani, Urmila Jaisingh, Murarilal Jhunjhunwala, Dr Padmini Desai, Ujwala Shirke, Gautam Gupta, Chirag Shah, Dushyant Jaisingh, Sudhir B Bhimjiani, Ajit Awasare, Rita Verma, Nipun Verma, Sunil Verma, Saral Verma and Anandeshwari Homes Pvt Ltd contributed generously for the facility constructed and dedicated to the rural Arunachali tribal children. Savita Nagananda and Shashank Ambekar while contributing appreciated the Anu Shiksha Seva Trust and the Apna Vidya Bhavan for the service rendered.

Sri Sri Anu Swamiji along with A K Dwivedi, Ms Manju, Dakto Riba, EAC, Sokio Dellang, Ex MLA, Lupalum Kri, CE,

PH&WS, Ginko Linggi, SE (E), GBs Kayalum Tayang, GB Pukhuri, Budhilum Thalai, GB Mawai, Sowai Sisong GB Kathan, panchayat leaders Ranepsi Chikro, ASM, Sanjay Ngadong, Ex ASM, Songelum Mam, Ex ASM, Adv Kameno Dellang, Solemso Ama, Suraj Tayang, Gen Secy, CALSOM, Soleng Rangmang, Anaiso Mam, Bigaso Halai, Arata Krong, Norjit and other govt officials laid the foundation of Shriram-Samvit Grounds housing the Tatong Padung Football ground, Ajai Basketball court, and a Volley Ball court. The play area is dedicated in gratitude to

saints Sri Sri Shriram Tamhan and Swami Sri Sri Samvit Somgiriji of Bikaner. Tatong Padung was an ace footballer and a renowned athlete who contributed immensely to social welfare without holding any public office. He is fondly remembered by family and friends for his affectionate tireless service to public life, care and love that he extended so spontaneously to all around.

The Ajai Basketball court is named in remembering the kindness of Ms Shraddha and Brig Ajai Prakash. The Prakashs are geat friends of the people of Arunachal Pradesh especially of Arunachali children.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 25

PAGE 4

Organisations burns effigies of Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma and Rameswer Teli CMSS strongly demands public apology for Rameswer Teli ET Bureau Margherita/Digboi, Mar 24: Chatra Mukti Sangram Samity of Margherita Regional Committee today burnt the effigies of BJP leader Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma and Rameswer Teli Honourable MP at Udaipur Tiniali, 4 Mile after these two BJP leaders arrived at Udaipur Patkai Stadium for Election Campaign.

Pappu Dutta, President of Chatra Mukti Sangram Samity of Margherita Regional Committee said that today more than 100 activists of Chatra Mukti Sangram Samity were present and burnt the effigy of both the BJP Leaders.

The agitated student’s activists also show Black Flags to BJP Leader Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma.

1 killed, another injured in road accident ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar. 24: One Arup Mahanta of village Chepty under Rangia police station was killed on the spot and Nayan Jyoti Das was seriously injured.

Das was shifted to GMCH when a speedy mini truck knocked him down at NH 31 near Rangia Soceity chawk on Thrusday evening.

Hisr motorbike was smashed in the accident.

Holi celebrated with enthusiasm in Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, Mar 24: Today the Golaghatians celebrated the festival of Holi with pomp and show. Maximum people were seen playing with colours. The festive looks was seen in New Amlapatty, Main Town, Begenakhowa, Old Amlapatty, Marwari patty and Hospital Road.

The people were busy playing both dry and wet colours. Yesterday Holika Dahan was also held in Marwari Patty of Golaghat where many people attended and made a huge gathering. In maheswari bhawan too people played Holi in groups.

Organisations burns effigies of Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma and Rameswer Teli

Pappu Dutta also alleged that, the newly joined BJP Leader Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma is one of the most controversial and corrupted leader of Assam political history, in other hand Rameswar Teli, Dibrugarh MP just few days ago gave a communal comments which

The memorandum stated construction of dyke on Gai Berua, Tongani and Misamari river tributaries of Brahmaputra along with solution of erosion problems.

The students’ organi-

will declare District Bandh in Tinsukia on 26 March.

Again All Tai Ahom Student Union of Margherita Regional Committee too today burnt the effigy of Rameswar Teli at Longtong Tiniali due to his communal comments.

Sonowal accuses Gogoi govt. for corruption charges

ET Correspondent Rangia March 24:- A Medical camp was conducted in Sialmari Char by the Nalbari Army Camp of the Red Horns Divison. The aim of organizing the camp was to provide primary health care and treatment to the residents of far flung & underdeveloped areas of Sialmari Char. A total of 1150 patients were treated in the day long event. It was a humane & compassionate gesture of the Army to reach the inaccessible areas of Char and Chapories and to provide medical assistance to the

needy people. Fruits & refreshments were catered for the patients and sweets were distributed to the children. Speaking on the occasion the Gaon Burah & Civ med authorities expressed their gratitude towards this noble gesture of the Indian Army. Patients were given treatment by four Army doctors and 02 civil doctors & 02 ANM from PHC Sialmari and Bhangnamri. A dental chair was also est to provide the facility of dental treatment to the affected patients. Med camp received a overwhelming

response from the Villagers, who thronged the camp in long ques to benefits from this unique initiative of Indian Army. The event

was also supported by the Nalbari District administration and Dr Chitranjan Pathak, Joint Director Health Services

Election Observers reviews poll preparedness in Kamrup ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 24: A crucial review meeting between the Election Observers and poll related Officials of Kamrup Election District was held in the DC’s conference Hall today. The three Poll Observers, nominated by ECI namely D.K. Mishra,

R.K. Jain and Rajendra Ratnoo for Boko, Chaygaon, Palashbari and Hajo LAC respectively took stock of the ongoing activities from the Cell in-charges and requested them to conform to the rules laid down by ECI. The Observers were ap-

prised to the planning details to ensure free, fair and peaceful election in the district. The DC and DEO of Kamrup, DC South Kamrup, SP Kamrup, SP South Kamrup, all Cell in charges and other poll related officials were also present in the meeting.

The observers also urged the officials to keep strict vigil on all vulnerable points like use of money and liqueur to lure voters and violation of Model Code of Conduct. The Observers expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the District Election Administration.

Teok police arrests two youths 10 out of 11 nominations with arms and ammunitions found valid in Rangia

Union Sports & Youth Minister and BJPs Chief Ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal and senior AGP leader Birendra Prashad Baishya and others during Election campaign for the BJP Dibrugarh LAC Candidate Prasanta Phukanat at Jamirah,Dibrugarh District. Pic - UB Photo

A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Mar. 24: Eleven days are left for the first phase election in Assam. The political parties are busy in campaigning for their party.

Sarbananda Sonowal today praised Dibrugarh MLA Prashanta Phukan in a rally at Jamira in Dibrugarh.

Speaking at the rally, Sonowal came down heavily on the congress government and accused them for involved in rampant corruption. “In the last 15 years no development has happened in Assam.

Tarun Gogoi led congress government has betrayed the people of Assam by doing fake promises,’’ he said. He urged the people to vote for Prashanta

CMSS protest to construct road infrastructure ET Correspondent Dhemaji, Mar. 24: Dhemaji District Chatra Mukti sangram samity (CMSS) organised a protest and blocked the circle officers’ office at Sissiborgaon under Dhemaji District here today. Later they submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner.

we condemned it and warned Rameswar Teli to apologize publicly because on 26 March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming at Tinsukia and if Honourable MP Rameswar Teli do not apologize publicly before 26 March than we

Army conducts medical camp in Sialmari char

zation demanded construction of bridge over singimari on Sissiborgaon Borlung road a connectivity to four panchayat covering 50000 population.

Rudra Bhuyan and president Jugal Gogoi said that erosion and flood problem are our major problem plaguing the society for decades. “We want permanent solution for Sissiborgaon Borlung road because it remains block during rainy season and people of the area have to face the problem while traveling,’’ Jugal Gogoi said.

Phukan.

He said that the congress government has failed to meet the demands of the common people. “The roads infrastructure of the village is pathetic and in the last 15 years congress rule they have failed miserably to construct the roads,’’ Sonowal said. He added that the BJP government has announced many developmental projects for the Northeastern states and so far the government has sanctioned crore for the road infrastructure of Assam. Sonowal appeal the people to vote for BJP in the upcoming election. “If our government comes into power in Assam we will work for the greater interest of Assemease people,’’ he added.

Former AGP MP, Biren Baishya and Dibrugarh MLA Prashanta Phukan accompanied with Sarbananda Sonowal in the meeting.

However, Prashanta Phukan has been contesting in BJP ticket from Dibrugarh seat for the past three times and two consecutive times he registered a convincing win against congress. On the other hand, Congress has fielded former chairman of Dibrugarh Municipality Board Chandrakanta Baruah against Phukan.

“In the Dibrugarh seat their will tough contest between BJP and Congress. It is hard to say that who will win the battle because both the candidate are strong,’’ Bipul Sharma, a business of Dibrugarh said.

ET Correspondent Teok, Mar 24: Teok police today arrested two youths with two .22 bores pistol along with 11 active bullets from Teok Boloma Duwarah gaon and from Jorhat Tarajan. The accused persons were identified as Mr. Nobin Saikia, residence at Teok Duwarah gaon and and Mr. Nokul Borah residence of Jorhat Dhekorgora gaon.

Teok police also cap-

tured two motor bikes AS03-F-5614 and ASO3-4870 from the two youths. According to police source the police officials investigate the matter from a silence source and finally the police team successes at the subject. Finally the two accused youths were arrested by police.

The whole enquiry was leaded by Mr. Amrit Kumar Sigh, officer in charge of the Teok police station.

ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 24: All the 11 nominations of 57 Rangia LAC considered valid after scrutiny as informed by DEO Kailash Karthikca. But one Rekibar Rahman nomination of 56 Kamalpur LAC is still under consideration.

The 10 nominations out of 11 of Kamalpur LAC are Pranjeet Chowdhury (INC) Satyabrata Kalita (AGP) Madhabi Deka (TMC) Sisir Kumar Kakoty (SUCI) Ramen ch Mahanta (Joy Mahabharat party) Omar Rashid (IND) Matlebuddin Ahmed (IND) Haramohan Rajbongshi (IND) Sayedur Rahman (IND) and Nipu K a l i t a ( I N D ) . B u t 11 t h nomination i.e. the nomina-

tion of Rekibar Rahman which still under consideration as he has not submitted the document of acceptance of resignation paper as TET teacher. He has been directed to submit the same on or before March 26, informed DEO. On the other hand, the DEO also mentioned the candidates of Rangia LAC for ensuing assembly poll are Ghanashyam Kalita (INC) Bhabesh Kalita (BJP) Abdul Samad chowdhury (AIUDF) Ananta Deka (CPM) Thaneswar Baro (IND) Dr. Mrinal Deka (IND) Rajib Kakoty (IND) Pabitra Baro (IND) Biswajeet Brahma (IND) Samsul Haque (IND) and Babul Baro (IND).

NGO formed in Doomdooma ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Mar 24: A non-governmental organization (NGO) in the name of Navaprayakh was formed at Doomdooma recently with the motto of spreading unity and awareness in the society.

Talking to The Eastern Today, the founder of the NGO Rudrajeet Silponia told that,

the NGO will work for the establishment of libraries, blood donations and free books to poor students.

It will also work for the upliftment of the weaker sections of the society. With altogether 23 members in the committee, Samarjeet Gogoi was selected as president and Shivraj Sharma and Bhanit Mahant as secretaries.

All the forty three nominations in Darrang found valid after scrutiny.

ET Correspondent Mangaldai, March 24: The nominations submitted by all the 43 numbers of candidates (including the lone woman candidate for Sipajhar) in the four legislative assembly constituencies in Darrang district during the stipulated period has been found to be valid at the time of the scrutiny carried out by the concerned Returning Officers today in the office of the Mangaldai Election District in Deputy Commissioners' office. 65 Kalaigaon LAC has recorded the highest number of candidates with the total fifteen number of candidates while 68 Dalgaon Lac has recorded the lowest number of candidates with nine eight candidates. Return-

ing Officers namely District Development Commissioner Ranjit Kalita for 65 Kalaigaon LAC, Additional Deputy Commissioner Nara Narayan Nath for 66 Sipajhar LAC, Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar for 67 Mangaldai LAC (SC) and Additional Deputy Commissioner Dharmananda Barua for 68 Dalgaon LAC today carried out the scrutiny of nomination papers for all the candidates with assistance from the respective Assistant Returning Officers in presence of the candidates or their proposers.

Considering the 65 Kalaigaon LAC as comparatively safe and convenient for their candidature a total of fifteen candidates including several from outside the constitu-

ency has offered their candidature. They are namely former legislator (2006) Maheswar Boro of BPF, former legislator (2001) Nathu Ram Boro of AIUDF, existing legislator (2011) Mukunda Ram Choudhury of AGP, former ABSU leader Babul Basumatary of UPP, Indrajit Kumar Saikia of Congress, Sanmilito Eikyo Mancha projected Brajen Mahanta as Independent, Jitendra Chaliha of SUCI, Sudhendu Mohan Sarkar of Bharatiya Gana Parishad, Sushil Kr. Sarma of LJP, Aroon Barooa of New All India Congress Party, and independent candidates namely Dr. Nayan Moni Bhagawati, Advocate of Guwahati High Court Radhe Shyam Chouhan,

Gopal Sarkar, Bijoy Das and Abdul Sabur. As per the poll alliance with BPF, the BJP did not field any candidates but AGP defying the AGP-BJP-AGP alliance has fielded legislator Mukunda Ram Choudhury.

In 66 Sipajhar LAC a total of eleven candidates have offered their candidature. They are namely former legislator of AGP (1985, 1991, 1996 and 2001) Dr. Zoii Nath Sarma of Congress, former legislator of Congress ( 2006 and 2011) Binanda Kumar Saikia of BJP, Syed Abdullah of AIUDF, woman candidate Paheswari Barua of SUCI (C), Sarat Chandra Sarma of Voters party International, Thaneswar Das of Lok Janasakti Party, BJP

activist Tridip Sarma of Republican Party of India, and Independent candidates namely aggrieved BJP worker Jayanta Saharia, Amiya Kumar Deka, Rejaul Hoque and Umesh Bania.

Nine candidates have decided to appear in the battle for supremacy in parliamentarian democracy from 67 Mangaldai LAC reserved for Scheduled caste. They are Minister for Fisheries and Water Resource and former legislator in 2001 and 2011 Basanta Das, former AGP legislator (1996 and 2006) Hiren Kumar Das of AIUDF, Guru Jyoti Das of BJP, Bhupen Das of Lok Jana Sakti party, and Independent candidates namely Arjun Das, Jagadish Chandra Sarkar, Jitendra

Sarkar, aggrieved BJP activist Pinku Moni Das and Ranendra Kumar Sarkar.

In 68 Dalgaon LAC a total of eight candidates have offered their candidature. They are namely legislator cum Parliamentary Secretary Illias Ali of Congress, Mazibur Rahman of AIUDF, former district level AASU leader Habibar Rahman of AGP, Ahmed Ali of Lok Janasakti Party, Sarifuddin Ahmed of Rastriya Secular Congress and Independent candidates namely Abdur Rahim, Hafijur Rahman and Mustafa Farook Ahmed.

However the list of the contesting candidates will be finalized only on the day of withdrawal of nomination papers on March 26.

REGION

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 25

Myanmarese held for carrying heroin

Mayanmer Nationalist arrested for carrying heroin in Mizoram

Aizawl, Mar 24: A Myanmarese national was arrested for allegedly carrying heroin here, Mizoram Excise and Narcotics department (MEND) said on Thursday.

Lalrinliani (39) of Tahan in Myanmar was arrested for carrying 28 grams of the contraband on Wednesday, a statement

said.

The contraband was worth Rs.90,000, it said.

In another incident, one Lalvenhima (18) was caught for allegedly possessing seven kg of ganja at Rangvamual near Aizawl yesterday.

The accused was a resident of Champhai town of Mizoram, the statement said. (Agencies)

Mizoram, JICA sign pact for promoting sustainable agriculture Aizawl, Mar 24:The Mizoram government and Japanese International Cooperative Agency (JICA) today signed an agreement on Capacity Enhancement for Sustainable Agriculture and Irrigation Development.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by top officials of Agriculture, Minor Irrigation, Horticulture and Soil and Water Conservation departments in the presence of state chief secretary Lalmalsawma, an official statement said.

JICA was represented by its team leader Satoru Fujita and four other officials both from Tokyo and Delhi, it added.

Experts of the Japanese company would, on the

companys own expense, undertake technical cooperation project in four rural development blocks in Aizawl, Kolasib, Serchhip and Champhai districts.

The JICA had conducted development study during 2013 and 2015 and had formulated a master plan covering 20 years and the technical cooperation project would commence from October this year and continue till September 2021.

Training programmes would be conducted in Japan both for officials and farmers from Mizoram for three times during the period and the expenses would be borne by the Japanese government, the statement said.

(Agencies)

CAG raps Megahalaya Forest department, six cement companies

PTI Shillong, Mar 24 : The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has rapped the Meghalaya Forest department and six cement companies for conniving to set up cement plants in forest areas resulting in commercial benefits of over Rs 42 crore.

The high-level committee, whose members belong both to the Centre and the state government, has opined that the plants have been set up in forested areas, but the forest department and the PCCF (Principal Chief Conservator of Forest) did not take any actions, the CAG report tabled yesterday in the Assembly said.

Of the 1502.44 ha of land held by these companies

and assessed 642.87 ha of land was found to be forest land and 802.12 ha as non-forest area, the CAG said.

"The lackadaisical approach of the forest department not only allowed undue commercial benefit of Rs 42.24 crore to the cement plants towards Net Present Value of forest land not realised but also resulted in unauthorised operation of these cement plants without seeking necessary clearances in violations of the regulatory acts," the report stated.

It also stated the fact that these cement plants still continue to run their operations with impunity indicates connivance between the forest department and the cement plants. (Agencies)

PAGE 5

Nagaland Guv, CM greets people on Holi Kohima, Mar 24: Nagaland Governor P B Acharya and Chief Minister T R Zeliang extended their greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Holi.

Acharya said Holi signifies the triumph of good over evil and the celebrations bring about the spirit of Universal brotherhood, love and the power of truth which also bridges the social gap and renews relationships.

Nagaland has been passing through a period of turmoil for a long time and now it is the right time to come out of it and make fresh initiatives for permanent peace in the state, he said and called upon all the civil societies to be united and work for the success of peace talks between the Centre and Naga political Chief Minister T R Zeliang groups.

"Let us through the all barriers and fabric to make our spirit of Holi transcend strengthen our social Nagaland a golden

Nagaland by bringing our society together with the spirit of forgiving and renewing fellowship," he appealed.

Holi was being celebrated with fervour in Nagaland.

Zeliang in his greetings hoped that the festival of colours will renew the feeling of togetherness and fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people of the state and bring in

Tripura tables Sinha murder panel finding Agartala, Mar 24: Tripura government on Wednesday submitted the report of the Yusuf Commission into the assassination of former Health Minister Bimal Sinha in the state assembly on Wednesday .

"The Commission finds that neither the state government nor the Tripura police was responsible for the assassination of minister Bimal Sinha.

The minister was solely responsible for his assassination...," the report claimed.

Sinha was shot dead by

Tripura tables Sinha murder panel finding

the ultras on March 31, 1998 at Kamalpur subdivision in Dhalai district.

The Commission in its purported findings

claimed, "minister (Sinha) used to instruct his escorts to remain far away from him whenever he went to meet the

collaborators of the militants and he never allowed his security and escort personnel to come nearer to him or to accompany him..."

The report further claimed, "This he did for the release of his brother Bikram Sinha from the clutches of the militants".

The slain minister's younger brother had been kidnapped by the insurgents of the banned insurgent outfit, National Liberation Front of Tripura.

The Yusuf Commission

was appointed by the Left Front government in 1998 which submitted it's report on Jan 31, 2000, but the government did not publish the report.

Following a writ petition filed by an advocate in the Tripura High Court, the court recently ordered the government to immediately publish the report and the government contended before court that the report would be tabled in the budget session of the Assembly. (Agencies)

Agartala becomes India’s third internet gateway Agartala, Mar 24: Signalling burgeoning IndoBangla ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated 100 MW power supply from Tripura to Bangladesh while Premier Sheikh Hasina launched the export of 10 GBPS Internet connectivity to India simultaneously.

India started supplying 100 MW power from Tripura’s Palatana to Comilla while Bangladesh launched

supply of 10 GBPS bandwidth from Cox’s Bazar to Agartala.

“In this age of interdependence, the two countries would further strengthen its ties and it is a significant day that both are promoting the ways of development,” Modi said during the programme organised via video-conferencing.

Hasina said that “the relation between the countries has further consolidated through the supply

of power and Internet bandwidth.”

“Bangladesh would observe its National Day on March 26 and I pay my respect to the memory of the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh. The era of good relations began during the time of ‘Bangabandhu’ between the two countries which still continues,” Modi said.

He was referring to ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the

founding leader of Bangladesh and the father of Prime Minister Hasina. The eight northeastern states would be immensely benefited with the opening of the third international Internet gateway, Modi said, adding that Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan have made considerable development in road links.

“Now India and Bangladesh is connected through water, surface communication and air.

We want to be connected with Bangladesh though space also,” Modi said.

He said the festival of Holi has started in India and Bangladesh both would be coloured with new colours. Modi also congratulated India and Bangladesh cricket teams for their World Twenty20 tie in Bengaluru.

Hasina described “interconnectivity” as the “next frontier” of bilateral cooperation with India. (Agencies)

Shillong Chamber Choir faces the music Shillong, Mar 24: The Shillong Chamber Choir has come under the scanner of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) for a trip carried out by the group to take part in World Choir Games 2012, held at Cincinnati, USA from July 4 to 14 in 2012, without however promoting Meghalaya in the foreign country which was a precondition set by the Chief Minister for availing the sponsorship from Arts and Culture department.

Moreover, the department has failed to seek boarding passes and did not regulate the airfare with five members of Choir travelling in business class with ticket ranging from Rs 2.88 lakh to Rs 2.92 lakh and the remaining seventeen members travelling in economy class.

As per the report of CAG year ended March 31, 2015 placed before the State Assembly on Wednesday, the audit of the Directorate of Arts & Culture Shillong for the period from August 2011 to December 2014 conducted during JanuaryFebruary 2015 on the basis of test checks indicated weak internal controls in its operations especially on the foreign trip carried out by the Choir at the cost of Rs 39.22 lakh.

“Based on the request for

sponsorship received from the private entity Shillong Chamber Choir (SCC), the Chief Minister directed (June 2012) that travel expenses of SCC to participate in the closing ceremony of the World Choir Games 2012, held at Cincinnati, USA from 04 to 14 July 2012 be borne by the Government of Meghalaya on the condition that SCC promotes Meghalaya through the event”, the CAG said.

Accordingly, the members of SCC participated in the World Choir Games 2012 as part of the International Stage Choir, and performed at the closing ceremony.

An expenditure of Rs 39.22 lakh was incurred

by Arts and Culture Department on the airfare of the participants. Even though the Chief Minister had directed the SCC to use the opportunity to promote Meghalaya through the event, “there was nothing on record to indicate that the Arts and Culture department prescribed any modalities to SCC for promoting the State”.

According to the report, the department did not also have any record or report of action taken by the SCC to promote Meghalaya at the World Choir Games 2012. ” Thus, incurring expenses of Rs 39.22 lakh

by Arts and Culture de-

Shillong Chamber Choir faces the music

partment simply as a grant without prescribing controls to ascertain whether the objective of promoting Meghalaya was duly fulfilled had rendered the expenditure unfruitful” the CAG observed.

Further, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India under the ‘Scheme for Promoting International Cultural Relations’ provides financial assistance by way of reimbursement of expenditure on such travel abroad for economy class air ticket only subject to a ceiling of Rs 0.75 lakh or actual air fare whichever is less.

The Arts & Culture Department had however, not categorized artists eligible to avail financial assistance from the State Government for attending festivals, exhibitions, etc. abroad”, the report said, while adding that that audit team also no-

ticed that though under the provisions of Meghalaya Travelling Allowance Rules, 1985 and orders issued there under, it is the duty of the controlling officer to scrutinize and satisfy himself/herself that the TA claims are admissible and are in order in all respects and that the claims are supported by boarding passes along with the tickets.

The CAG said that the Arts and Culture department, however, failed to regulate the air fare claim of the SCC, as five members of SCC travelled in business class with the cost of each ticket ranging between Rs 2.88 lakh and Rs 2.92 lakh while the remaining seventeen members travelled in economy class with the cost of each ticket ranging from Rs 1.03 lakh to Rs 1.86 lakh. ” Had the Arts and Culture department regu-

lated the travel claim even upto the highest economy class fare, it could have avoided extra expenditure of Rs 5.22 lakh The Arts and Culture department also failed to seek boarding passes in support of the journey performed. On being pointed out, the Government stated in December 2015 that participation in an event of international repute by state based artists is itself promotion of the state. It also stated that the difference in class of travel and fare is due to the fact that only these seats were available. The Government also enclosed a self-certificate issued by Shillong Chamber Choir stating that boarding passes for all sectors have been misplaced.

“The reply was not tenable as the Chief Minister had agreed to sponsor the travel under the condition that the Shillong Chamber Choir also promotes the state’s image and that there was nothing on record to indicate that the Arts and Culture department prescribed any modalities to SCC for promoting the State.

Further, payments being made without the boarding passes was violation of the order issued under the Meghalaya Travelling Allowance Rules, 1985”, the CAG added.

(Agencies)

happiness, peace, and prosperity for all.

Nagaland PCC president K Therie said the festival of colours is a good opportunity to renew and strengthen the social bonds of brotherhood and mutual respect between communities. It is also a good time to spread the message of peace, joy and love across society and to celebrate unity in diversity. (Agencies)

Cop placed under suspension Shillong, Mar 24: The police officer in charge of Rongram outpost who attacked a night bus driver of the state transport service on Tuesday night leading to a mob fury in which a police vehicle was set ablaze has been placed under suspension by the Home department until a probe is completed.

According to the State police sources, Sub Inspector B A Bamon was placed under suspension with immediate effect on Wednesday.

Meanwhile police FIRs and counter FIRs have been filed by both sides over the incident at Goeragre.

The Meghalaya Transport Corporation has filed an FIR against the police officer for assaulting its driver Robin Sangma.

The accused police officer has reportedly also filed a counter FIR against the driver while a third FIR is about the arson attack on the police vehicle.

A medical examination of the MTC driver, in the meantime, is alleged to have found alcohol content in his bloodstream on the night of the incident.

Rongram police maintain that the driver refused to slow down and adhere to police signals at Goeragre leading to the incident.

Meanwhile, Home Minister, Roshan Warjri, while making a suo moto statement in the State Assembly on Wednesday, said that Bamon along with a police party went to site following an accident on the NH 51 near Goeragre.

The MTC bus driver reportedly failed to follow the police signal, which led to heated arguments between the SI and the MTC bus driver and it is reported that the SI assaulted the bus driver, she said.

In the meanwhile some unscrupulous elements set the police Gypsy on fire, the Minister said.

“The DSP, Police HQ Tura has initiated an inquiry into the matter and further departmental action would follow after the report. The matter regarding partial burning of the police Gypsy is also being looked into,” she said.

Irom Sharmila wishes to meet PM Imphal, Mar 24: Irom Sharmila, who has been campaigning against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, by undertaking “fast unto death”, wants to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi while visiting Delhi.

Sharmila expressed her desire while interacting with a handful of reporters when she was presented before a court in the Manipur capital on Tuesday.

She is to appear before the Patiala House court on March 29 and 30 in connection with a case under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (attempt to commit suicide).

She said: “I want to tell the prime minister that only talks could solve all the burning problems. Besides, I want to highlight the objectionable policies of the Indian government.”

On October 6 and 7, 2006, Sharmila carried on her fasting at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, and police registered a case for which she has to appear before the Patiala House district court every now and then. On two occasions, she could not appear before the court as there were no funds for the travel of Sharmila and her entourage which includes medical, police and prison staff. (Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 25

PAGE 6

Tracked last call of missing Infosys worker Ganesh in Brussels: Sushma Swaraj New Delhi, Mar. 24: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday that the last phone call by Raghavendran Ganesh, the Infosys employee from Bengaluru, who has been missing in Brussels since the deadly terror attacks, has been tracked.

"Raghavendran Ganesh We have tracked his last call in Brussels. He was travelling in the metro rail," Swaraj said in a tweet.

She also lauded the prompt reaction and work being done by the Indian Embassy in Brus-

sels.

"It was a very difficult situation after terror attacks in Brussels. I admire the outstanding work done by Indian Embassy under the able leadership of Ambassador Manjeev Puri," she tweeted.

Swaraj had earlier tweeted that the two crew members of Jet Airways injured in the explosions at the Brussels airport are recovering well.

"I have just spoken to Manjeev Puri our Ambassador in Brussels. He has informed me that Nidhi and Amit are both

Ahmedabad experiences 'La Tomatina' Holi

Ahmedabad saw a mini 'La Tomatina' Ahmedabad, Mar. 24: This year, Ahmedabad saw some really different ways of playing Holi - some used foams and some used tomatoes.

Ahmedabad saw a mini 'La Tomatina,' wherein thousands of tomatoes were used instead of colours to mark this festival.

La Tomatina is basically a food fight festival held on the last Wednesday of August each year in the town of Bunol near to Valencia in

Spain, where thousands of people make their way from all corners of the world to fight in this 'World's Biggest Food Fight' where more than one hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets.

Another part of Ahmadabad saw usage of foam, where instead of colour-showers and coloured-water pools, people were seen enjoying in an area covered with foam. (ANI)

Universities under attack: Kanhaiya

JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar

Hyderabad,Mar 24: Describing universities as centres to promote "criticial thinking", JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar on Thursday alleged that the educational institutions are under attack.

"There is an allegation that we are doing politics. Are we doing politics or is the government is doing politics? (It) has a pre-planned script to destroy autonomy of universities.

The precise work of universities, intellectuals is to promote critical thinking," he told reporters at a press conference here.

Kumar is on a two-day visit to Hyderabad and Vijaywada, his first visit after coming out of jail on facing sedition charges.

The struggle in JNU is an extension of the campaign in Hyderabad Central University for justice to Rohit Vemula.

There is a similalrity between HCU and JNU in the context of attack on autonomy of universtities and fight of social justice, he said.

Citing examples of FTII, Aligarh Universtity and HCU and JNU he claimed

that the campuses are becoming war zones.

The development agenda of NDA government has taken a back seat during the last two years of its rule, he alleged.

Replying to a query, he said he would not campaign in the election in five states.

Last evening, Kumar was not allowed to enter the HCU campus where he was scheduled to address students agitating over the suicide of the Dalit scholar in January this year.

Kumar, who came with Rohith's mother and brother to express solidarity with the students, was greeted with slogans for and against him at the gate after the University issued a notification banning entry of outsiders including political parties, media and other social/ student groups besides police keeping a strict security at the main gate preventing non-students from entering.

After landing in the city yesterday, the student leader had blamed the government for blowing up the issue at JNU (of 'anti-national' slogans) only to divert attention from Rohith's suicide and its aftermath.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recovering well," she said Infosys in a statement said that the company reached out to all its em-

ployees in the city to ascertain their whereabouts and safety following the attacks in Brussels.

"With the exception of

one employee who we are trying to reach, we have been able to connect with all other employees. We are in touch with the missing employee's family and are working with the Indian Embassy and local authorities in Brussels to locate our employee on priority," the statement said.

Meanwhile, with massive investigations underway following the deadly twin explosions in Brussels which killed 31 people and wounded 270 others, officials have unearthed that two of the

bombers were brothers and one of the bombers at the airport appears to be a man authorities named as a suspect in the Paris terror attacks.

Ibrahim El Bakraoui has been identified as one of two suicide bombers at the Brussels airport and his brother, Khalid El Bakraoui, as the man behind a deadly suicide blast about an hour later on a train near the Maelbeek metro station.

No Indian casualties have been reported from the attack in Brussels so far. (ANI)

ISI provided huge funds for Headley's 26/11 operation: Ujjwal Nikam Mumbai, Mar. 24: 26/ 11 Mumbai terror attack operative David Coleman Headley, who had been vehemently denying that he had not been paid by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, finally made a sensational revelation before a court today that the ISI had massively funded his entire operation.

Speaking to the media after Headley's cross-examination, Special Prosecutor in the case Ujjwal Nikam said that the Pakistani-American terrorist had made four major revelations in today's session.

"He said that the Pakistan ISI had given him huge finances for completion of the 26/11 operation.

Secondly, he said that the LeT attempted to kill Shiv Sena Supremo Bal Thackeray and one person was apprehended by the police but he escaped.

Of course Headley made it clear that he had no firsthand knowledge about this information but that he heard it from the LeT people. Thirdly, he said that following the growing international pressure on the LeT following the 26/11 attack, they made a soft stand in the Denmark attack," Nikam said.

Asserting that key 26/11 plotter Abu Jundal's lawyer Abdul Wahab Khan has been repeatedly putting pressure on Headley

in the cross examination with regard to the involvement of his wife Shazia, Nikam added that he had once again flatly refused to answer anything saying it was privileged conversation between husband and wife.

"Headley further disclosed, that in one mail from Shazia, she had described the corpses as well as the injured in the terror attack as cartoon.

These are the sensitive revelations he made today. The defence's attempt was to book Shazia for criminal conspiracy and that she had the knowledge about the terror attack," he said.

In other revelations, Headley disclosed via video link from a US prison that he was planning another attack on India after 26/11 on the instructions of Al-Qaeda and not the LeT. However, he asserted that he did not condone what was done by Ajmal Kasab, the lone LeT gunman who was caught alive and executed later.

"I visited India in March 2009 and went to National Defence College and other places to select the target. This tour was funded by Ilyas Kashmiri and expenditure of this tour was around 1 Lac (Pakistani rupees) and was paid in cash by Ilyas Kashmiri," Headley said.

Yesterday in his cross

Ujjwal Nikam examination, Headley accepted that he had funded Rs. 80 lakh to terror outfit Lashkar e Taiba (LeT), adding that he did not know the purpose of the money.

"David Headley, the approver in 26/11 case, has been cross-examined today by the Attorney of Abu Jundal's lawyer. He has admitted three important facts. Firstly, he admitted that he has donated 80 lakhs Pakistani rupees to Laskar-eToiba. However, he claimed that he was not knowing exactly as to where that money was used and for what purpose," Nikam told the media here.

Today was the second day of Headley's cross examination and it will resume tomorrow.

Meanwhile, reacting to Headley's revelation, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that he feels

identified Ibrahim El Bakraoui as one of two suicide bombers at the Brussels airport and his brother, Khalid El Bakraoui, as the man behind a deadly suicide blast about an hour later on a train near the Maelbeek metro station.

This isn't the first time they've come across authorities' radar as earlier, Ibrahim was deported by Turkey to the Netherlands last year. be a man authorities named as a suspect in the Paris terror attacks.

According to CNN, investigations are far from finished and have only just begun as now attempts will be made to unearth the terror nexus in the attack.

Belgian federal prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi with her party workers New Delhi, Mar. 24: With the nation celebrating Holi, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi also joined the festivities at the All India Congress Committee office today with fellow party leaders and workers.

"My message is of peace and brotherhood. Everyone should live with love in their hearts," Rahul told the media.

When asked if the wishes were extended to Prime Minister Modi as well, then he added saying,

"Yes, my greetings are for everyone."

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Amit Shah also celebrated Holi with party workers at his residence.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi were also seen celebrating Holi.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and poll strategist Prashant Kishor joined in the festivities in Patna. (ANI)

US introduces bill to help India join APEC

proud that Bal Thakeray was on the hit list of LeT. "A killer was hired by the LeT to kill Shiv Sena chief but the mission failed. In this case, the Mumbai Police also arrested a suspect but he ran away from police custody. I would like to ask that why the police hid this fact. Who was that person who ran away from the prison and how did he escape? What was the conspiracy behind this? The Mumbai Police and the then government have to answer these questions. The then Police Commissioner should be questioned," Raut told ANI."It is no surprise for us as Bal Sahib has always been a true nationalist and has always been against the notorious activities carried out by Pakistan and terrorists. We feel proud that Bal Sahib was on the hit list of LeT," he added.

(ANI)

Brussels attack: Two brothers identified as suicide bombers, manhunt on for key suspect

Washington D.C., Mar. 24: With massive investigations underway following the deadly twin explosions in Brussels which killed 31 people and wounded 270 others, officials have unearthed that two of the bombers were brothers and one of the bombers at the airport appears to

Rahul, Sonia join Holi festivities at AICC

Belgian authorities responded in July 2015 saying he had a criminal record but no known ties to terrorism.

Investigators believe both were killed in the airport blast. But authorities are looking for the third man in the photo that has been cir-

culating showing all suspects walking together with luggage trolleys.

Belgium's interior minister said that man placed a bomb at the airport and left.

Two people were arrested in Brussels one in Schaerbeek and the other in Haren, Van Leeuw and one was released later that day.

The raid came following a tip-off from a taxi driver who recognized the men shown in surveillance footage and told authorities he'd driven the men to the airport before the attacks.

Investigators found chemical products and an ISIS flag during a house search in Schaerbeek. (ANI)

Washington, Mar 24: A group of influential American lawmakers have introduced a legislation asking the Obama administration to help India join the APEC forum, saying an economically prosperous India benefits the US' strategic goals in Asia.

"Membership in APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) would provide India a constructive forum to glean insight from other Asian countries that have already taken significant steps to advance their economies," Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific Matt Salmon, who introduced the legislation in the US Congress, said.

"Indian Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi is striving for major economic reforms to open India's markets, improve trade volume, and facilitate his growing population's need for continued job growth," he said on Wednesday.

Salmon is joined by Congressman Ami Bera, the only Indian- American lawmaker in the current Congress, Co-Chair Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans; Ed Royce, Chairman of House Foreign Affairs Committee; Elliot Engel, Brad Sherman, George Holding, Derek Kilmer, Dana Rohrabacher and Scott DesJarlais.

Bera said that India is one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies.

"An economically pros-

perous and regionally engaged India benefits the US' strategic goals on Asia," Bera said.

The legislation notes that the US-India partnership is vital to the US strategic interests in the AsiaPacific region and across the globe, and is an integral aspect to the Administration's Rebalance to Asia.

Observing that India enjoys a location within the Asia- Pacific region which provides an avenue for continued trade and investment partnerships with APEC member states, the legislation asks Secretary of State John Kerry to develop a strategy to obtain membership status for India in APEC, including participation in related meetings, working groups, activities and mechanisms.

It directs the Secretary of State to actively ask APEC member states to support such membership status for India and submit a report to the Congress within two months of the passage of this legislation.

Singapore-headquartered Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a forum for 21 economies to promote free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The members are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the US and Vietnam.

Obama administration to help India to join the APEC forum

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 25

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

China hails Nepal's new Constitution, pledges host of projects Kathmandu (Nepal), Mar. 24: China has welcomed Nepal's new Constitution and pledged to carry out feasibility study of over a dozen projects related to infrastructure,energy and trade with the Himalayan state.

China in a joint statement yesterday at the conclusion of visiting Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's business in Beijing said it regarded the promulgation of the Constitution as a historic progress in the political transition of Nepal.

"The Chinese side sincerely hopes that Nepal could take this opportunity to realise its political stability and economic development,"

10 killed in Bangla poll violence Dhaka: At least 10 people have been killed, including six shot dead by security forces, and about a thousand others injured in polls-related violence during local elections in Bangladesh, police said on Wednesday.

Much of the violence was in the southern coastal town of Mathabria, where clashes broke out yesterday when thousands of ruling party supporters attacked police and border guards taking ballot boxes to the government headquarters. At least five persons were killed and several others injured in Mathbaria that saw the deadliest violence.

Apart from this, two persons were killed in Cox’s Bazar and one each in Jhalakathi, Netrakona and Sirajganj in polls-related violence, The Daily Star reported. Police opened fire when the ruling party workers refused to move away after hearing that their candidate was losing. Three persons died on the spot while three others passed away on way to hospital in Barisal, media reports said.

Awami League activists had laid siege to a college centre where the counting was under way, said police official Abu Ashraf. Most of the dead were ruling party supporters, the report said.

On Tuesday, 712 Union Parishad went to the polls, held on the party lines for the first time.

The Election Commission initially had planned to conduct elections to 730 Union Parishad but it had to postpone the polls in 18 places due to legal complications. (PTI) Elections to 643 Union Parishad are slated for March 31 in the second phase and 681 Union Parishad on April 23 in the third phase. Around 2,200 unions will go to polls in three more phases till June. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has said almost all the local council polls were marred by violence, rigging and fraud including ballot-stuffing by the ruling party supporters.

The elections will not change the political landscape of the country, but a sweeping victory would consolidate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s hold on power ahead of the general elections in 2019.

read the joint statement, reports Kathmandu Post.

Oli's major highlight during the visit has been the signing of the agreement on transit and transport between both nations.

The agreement will come into effect after completion of protocol and upgradation of the necessary infrastructure on the border.

Nepal has decided to establish a Consulate General office in Guangzhou, close to the Chinese port Tianjin, the closest one from Nepal's border to facilitate the new transit agreement.

Both nations have also agreed to establish a Dialogue Mechanism on Energy Cooperation to facilitate the long-term

Chinese President Xi Jinping with Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma planning of cooperation in this area, including trans-border power grid, hydro-power and solar power among others.

Nepal has agreed to take necessary steps to facilitate Chinese enterprises and their investment in

the country while, Chinese side has agreed to provide financial support on preferential terms for Pokhara Regional International Airport that ensures construction of the regional airport in Pokhara.

China on Nepal's request has accelerate the feasibility study of the, Araniko Highway Repair and Opening Maintenance Project and the Repair and Opening Maintenance Project of S y a p h r u b e s i Rasuwagadhi Highway and build the bridge over the Karnali river at Hilsa of Pulan/Yari port.

The Arankio Highway also called Kodari Highway has not been in operation following the earthquake last year.

The two sides also agreed to synergise each other's development planning, formulate appropriate bilateral cooperation programmes and carry out major projects under the framework of

the Belt and Road Initiative.

Beijing and Kathmandu has also agreed to conclude commercial deal on the supply of petroleum products from China to Nepal.

China has agreed to build oil storage facilities for Nepal and will send experts to carry out feasibility study on oil and gas resources research.

Both countries will exchange ideas and proposal on constructing cross border railways and railways network in Nepal.

The two sides have also agreed to start the joint feasibility study of ChinaNepal Free Trade Agreement and conclude the study to the earliest possible. (ANI)

Iranian President to pay official visit to Pak Islamabad, Mar. 24 : Iranian PresidentHassan Rouhani will arrive on a two-day official visit to Pakistan on Friday.

"At the invitation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Iranian President will visit Pakistan from March 25 to 26," the Express Tribune quoted a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Office.

This will be Rouhani's first visit to Pakistan as the President of Iran.

The Iranian President will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers,

senior officials and businessmen.

During his stay is Islamabad, Rouhani will hold meetings with his Pakistani counterpart Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

"The leadership will have an exchange of views on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly after the lifting of sanctions on Iran that has opened new avenues for enhancing economic interaction," Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakria said.

He added that coopera-

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani tion on regional and international issues of mutual concern will also be discussed.

Jinping, Obama to meet next week

Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet his US counterpart Barack Obama Beijing, Mar 24: Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet his US counterpart Barack Obama on the sidelines of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington next week, a senior official said on Thursday.

"It will be the first meeting between the two heads of state this year.

It will be of great significance in advancing the bilateral relationship in a sustained and stable way," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li

Baodong said at a briefing on Xi's upcoming overseas trip, Xinhua news agency reported.

Li said Xi will also meet with other state leaders on the sidelines of the nuclear security summit to exchange views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

Invited by Obama, Xi will attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit to be held in Washington from March 31 to April 1.

Prior to that, Xi will make a state visit to the Czech Republic from March 28-30 at the invitation of President Milos Zeman.

The visit comes days after Prime Minister Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif

toured Saudi Arabia to witness the multi-national military exercises.

Pakistan is although part of Saudi-led 34-nation counter-terrorism alliance, it is trying to ensure that its move does not affect its ties with Iran.

Meanwhile, reports say that Pakistani leadership will take the Iranian President into confidence about its decision to join the Saudi alliance.

Earlier, Prime Minister Sharif had expressed his desire to strengthen relations with Iran. (ANI)

19 killed in China's coal mine mishap

Workers killed in coal mine mishap Beijing, Mar 24: At least 19 miners have been killed in China's Shanxi province after a coal mine caved in, the mine's owner said on Thursday.

The accident occurred on Wednesday night in a colliery of the Anping Coal Mine in Shanyin County, said a statement

by Shanxi Datong Coal Mine Group, the mine's owner.

Xinhua news agency citing the statement reported that a total of 129 miners were working underground whzn the accident took place. Rescue work was underway.

Six Chinese nationals wounded in Laos bus shooting Beijing, Mar 24: Six Chinese nationals were wounded in a bus shooting in northern Laos on Wednesday, the official Xinhua news agency said, the latest flare-up of violence affecting Chinese in the country as Beijing extends its economic influence in Southeast Asia.

The victims included passengers and drivers of the bus, which was travelling from Kunming, the capital of China's southwestern Yunnan province, to Vientiane, the Laotian capital, Xinhua quoted Chinese embassy officials as saying.

The bus was shot at by unidentified gunmen on a road in Kasi, Vientiane province, Xinhua said. A total of 25 passengers

Xinhua news agency and three drivers were on the bus, and the six injured Chinese men were sent to hospital.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China had

been in contact with Laos.

"The Chinese side has launched representations to the Laos side, requesting it to pay close attention and investigate

clearly the relevant incident and also take measures to severely punish the assailants and protect the safety of Chinese citizens," Hua said.

On March 1, a Chinese

national was killed and three wounded in an attack by unidentified militants on a Chinesebacked company in Laos's northern Luang Prabang province, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In January, two Chinese were killed and one wounded in a bomb attack on a bus in remote Xaysomboun province in Laos.

Relations between China and Laos have focused mainly on trade and aid, particularly in infrastructure development. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday said China would offer $11.5 billion in loans and credit to five Southeast Asian countries including Laos for infrastructure and other projects.

Nepal hosts first girl summit to end child marriage

Nepal hosts first girl summit

Kathmandu (Nepal), Mar. 24: end child marriage by 2030.

The one-day summit organised by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare (MoWCSW) with technical and financial support from DFID and UNICEF, was inaugurated by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.

British Prince Harry graced the occasion, which brought the people from all walks including youth, community members, activists, religious leaders, government officials, diplomats, United Nations and civil society representatives to accel-

erate momentum around the issue of child marriage.

The joint statement said that the MoWCSW has rolled out a special Girls Empowerment Programme to end child marriage by 2030.

"The Girl Summit, the first event of its kind in Nepal, is part of the government's commitment to ending child marriage and represents an important step towards changing gender relations in the country and empowering women and girls to unlock their potential," the statement said, reports the Himalayan Times. (ANI)

Pak flag hoisted at UN to mark Republic Day

Pakistan hosts its Nationl Flag in UN New York, Mar. 24 : Marking its Republic Day, Pakistan flag was unfurled at the United Nations yesterday.

Pakistan flag was unfurled at the Pakistan House, which houses the country's mission to the UN and the Consulate General in New York.

The flag was hoisted by Pakistan's permanent representative at the UN, Maleeha Lodhi, where she read out the message by President Mamnoon Hussain and Raja Ali Ejaz, Consul General, New York read out the message by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The Pakistani diplomats paid tribute to Quaid-eAzam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and the sacrifices

made by Muslims of the sub-continent for the creation of Pakistan.

"Since its independence Pakistan has made much of progress, but challenges still remain. Efforts are being made by the government to realise the Quaid's vision for the country and to eliminate the menace of extremism and terrorism," the Express Tribune quoted her as saying.

The event was largely attended by officers and staff of the Mission and the Consulate General along with their families and members of the Pakistani diaspora.

Later in the evening, a concert was held in the General Assembly Hall featuring Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.(ANI)

84 Pak nationals detained at Moscow airport Islamabad, Mar. 24: At least 84 Pakistan nationalswere detained by the Russian authorities at Moscow airportfor eight hours over incomplete documentation on Thursday.

Around 150 Pakistani businessmen were taken to Russia by a private company to take part in an exhibition and later 84 of them were detained without citing any reason for their detention, reports the Express Tribune.

A video surfaced in social

media which showed the group of men kept in a small room complaining that they were detained without any reason.

"Some Turkish nationals who were also held by the authorities were later allowed to leave," a man in the video said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Ambassador to Russia, Qazi Khalilullah, has reportedly said that the Pakistan Embassy in Moscow was negotiating with the Russian authorities for their release. (ANI)

84 Pak nationals detained at Moscow airport

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 25

Nepal Looks East to China Rising food prices A worrying spike in food inflation Food inflation in India has remained stubborn in recent years. A number of proximate factors such as increasing demand particularly arising from higher rural wages, rising agricultural cost of pro(Photo: statssa.gov) duction, changing consumption pattern favoring protein items, increases in minimum support prices (MSPs) and droughts in certain years are believed to have led to higher food inflation.

The general perception has been that with rise in income, the expenditure on non-food rise faster than food expenditure. This is owing to the relatively low income elasticity for food expenditure. However, rising income is generally accompanied by increase in preference for higher value and more nutritious food items. This has been the case in the Indian context by the rising share of higher and more nutritious food items in total food expenditures by the various rounds of NSSOs consumption expenditure surveys. Rising income and the consequent changing preference may have been one of the major factors determining the observed pattern of food inflation in recent years.

Another aspect is the structural constraints facing Indian agriculture leading to demand-supply gaps and thus persistent build-up of food price pressure. These constraints are rising population, limited supply and competing uses of cultivable land, low agricultural productivity which remained more or less stagnant during the 2000s. The vagaries of climate change, in particular, the adequacy, spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall together with lack of necessary inputs and mechanization often resulted in fluctuating agricultural production and thus bouts in food prices.

Rising personal disposable income, particularly, in rural areas with 4 the implementation of MGNREGA and the steep hikes in MSPs in recent years may have also contributed to increase in and changing composition of demand for food and thus higher food inflation.

The pressure on food prices is likely to increase as economic growth finds durable traction once again.

It is therefore necessary to turn agriculture growth into a 'mission mode' so as to increase productivity through enhanced investments and improved technology. Needless to state, reducing the supply-demand gap in agriculture production in the long-run and improving supply logistics will be of utmost importance for assuaging food price pressures and for sustaining the pace of economic activity by securing adequate food availability at reasonable prices.

India's water crisis The demand for water The rapid growth of population and its growing needs has meant that per capita availability of fresh water has declined sharply from 3,000 cubic metres to 1,123 cubic metres over the past 50 years. The global average is 6,000 cubic metres. As water demand is expected to rise further, the pace of supply is expected to fall further. Depleting groundwater levels the biggest threat to rural livelihoods and food security. There's been a 6 percentage point dip in share of groundwater wells within 10 metres below the ground.

This depth is the threshold beyond which farmers have to start using deep-water equipment, which adds to their hardship. Despite improvements over the past few years, accessing clean water is a big challenge in rural India. According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) estimates, 14% of the households reported shortage of drinking water at some point during the year. The demand supply mismatch is more severe in certain areas. In urban areas, where the demand of 135 litres per capita daily (lpcd) is more than three times the rural demand of 40 lpcd, the scarcity assumes menacing proportions.

Already, Delhi and Chennai are fed with supply lines stretching hundreds of kilometres. According to projections by the UN, India's urban population is expected to rise to 50% of the total population by 2050. This would mean 840 million people in the most water-starved parts of the country compared with 320 million today. The issue of inequity in water availability has already proved to be fertile ground for several inter-state and intra-state disputes, and unless mitigating steps are taken now, these conflicts would only escalate. For more than 70% of India's urban population is not connected to water-supplying government agencies. Among the rest, those who receive a daily two-hour water supply consider themselves lucky. Also for example, Delhi is dependent on distant water sources in Haryana because pollution has rendered the Yamuna unusable. In most cities, more than half the toxic waste water emanating from households and industries is allowed to pass into clean water sources, with little or no treatment, rendering local water streams unfit for use. A 2005 report by IDFC Ltd estimates a threefold increase in urban waste water generation by 2051. Clearly, treatment and reusability of waste water must be a top priority for Indian cities in the 21st century. Rapid urbanization has brought urban water supply in India under increasing pressure. With just 320 million people in cities, the edifice is already creaking. By 2050, the number of people living in cities is expected to go up to 840 million, according to UN projections. As with food and land, politics over price of water imperils this precious commodity. Pollution is an added menace.

Amid a nadir in ties with India, Nepal's prime minister looks to China for an alternate source of economic opportunity.

Nepal's prime minister, siderably, particularly Khadga Prasad Sharma along the disputed border Oli, is on a week-long visit with India in the east. to China this week. Oli, However, the approach who became Nepal's first most likely to be under elected prime minister un- consideration involves as der the newly promulgated a link from the Tibetan city constitution last October, of Shigatse to the Nepalese boris on his first trip to China Ankit Panda der town of Gyirong. Hou and his second trip abroad overall af- Yanqi, the deputy head of ter a visit to India last the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Asia Division, month.

Oli's trip comes at a time noted that Oli discussed of unease in the histori- two alternative rail routescally close bilateral rela- one within Nepal, connecttionship between India and ing major cities, and anNepal. Oli's time in China other across the border. has made it clear that "Of course, a further exNepal, which relies eco- tension from Gyirong is an nomically on its giant even longer-term plan. It's neighbor to the south, is up to geographic and techincreasingly looking to- nical conditions, financing ward Beijing for an alter- ability. We believe that far nate source of economic in the future the two will countries be connected by ballast and opportunity.

On Monday, Oli met his rail," Hou said, according counterpart, Premier Li to Reuters. As Shannon Keqiang, and Chinese Tiezzi reported yesterday, President Xi Jinping in "the planned rail link involve the Beijing and voiced his might support for China's One herculean task of tunnelBelt, One Road initiative, ing under Mount Everest." which endeavors to ex- In addition to the issue of pand economic a possible Nepal-China interconnectivity across rail link, Oli discussed a the Eurasian landmass. range of other issues. CritiAccordingly, China agreed cally, he secured transit to begin exploring the fea- rights for Nepali goods sibility of connecting through China, a developChina's rail network to ment that will help reduce Nepal. Given the natural Kathmandu's reliance on barrier of the Himalayan India-based routes to searange between Tibet and ports. 98 percent of Nepal, transportation in- Nepal's trade with counfrastructure between tries apart from India has Nepal and China is lim- to first transit Indian territory. Most Nepali seaited.

China has expanded its rail bound exports have to infrastructure in Tibet con- head to the Indian port city

of Kolkata,according to the Indian foreign ministry. For landlocked Nepal, the acquisition of transit rights through China is a geoeconomic gamechanger.

According to the Nepal Times, China and Nepal concluded nine major agreements in total, in addition to the railway cooperation and transit rights agreement. The two countries will cooperate on the construction and maintenance of a bridge at the Xiarwa Boundary River.

China will underwrite and support the Pokhara Regional International Airport Project in Nepal. The two sides will cooperate on energy, climate change, intellectual property, and begin exploring the feasibility of a freetrade agreement.

Oli's trip to Nepal has drawn a great deal of interest in India, where reporting on the visit has greatly outweighed Chinese coverage of the visit.

As I've discussed before in The Diplomat, Kathmandu and New Delhi saw their relations strained last year amid differences over Nepal's new constitution, which was seen by certain ethnic groups with close ties to India as discriminatory and unfair. The constitutional crisis was the acute event, leading to a flareup in anti-India sentiment in the country, but calls in Nepal to rethink the country's ties to India have

Flag of Nepal and china (Photo: (ekantipur)) long been part of the political discourse. Under the country's old Maoist government, there was a serious push to scrap to the 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Friendship, which provides the foundation for bilateral ties.

The constitutional crisis reached its apex with the onset of a de facto blockade, which Nepal accused the Indian government of engineering as a form of leverage. New Delhi maintains the blockade was an organic development caused by truck drivers who were anxious about the security situation across the border, given widespread protests and instability. As a result of the blockade, fuel, food, medical supplies, and other goods were in short supply in Nepal, putting considerable economic stress on the country and

raising anti-India sentiments. Oli's visit to India in February was an attempt to set aside some of the illwill generated during the months-long crisis, but appears to have been limited in its success.

Contrary to New Delhi, Beijing took a placid "wait-and-see" approach to Nepal's constitutional crisis.

Additionally, China's rush to send aid to Nepal following last year's devastating earthquake in April left a positive impression of the country as well.

In a bid to send a message to India, reports in December suggested that Oli would break with the longstanding practice of many Nepali leaders (with a few exceptions) and visit China before he visited India. Oli didn't end up doing that and rejected accusations that he had played the "China card" against In-

dia.

In China, Oli has made it clear that he is willing and able to approach China should relations with India prove to have been irreparably damaged. In contrast to his recent trip to India, Oli will leave China with several ambitious initiatives and deliverables in tow. In India, Modi and Oli were unable to issue a joint statement or set an agenda that showed that the relationship had recovered its old character of closeness.

India's reaction to Nepal's growing interest in hedging its options with a closer and more diversified relationship with China is yet to be seen.

However, New Delhi likely won't be satisfied to let Kathmandu drift toward Beijing, possibly precipitating a geopolitical tug-of-war.

Courtesy:the diplomat

India Deploys Submarine-Hunting Surveillance Aircraft to Seychelles India has dispatched a P-8I Neptune plane to patrol the exclusive economic zone of the 115-island nation in the Indian Ocean.

The Indian Navy has dis- patrol aircraft to patched one of its most Seychelles. advanced maritime pa- "The Indian Navy [IN] trol/anti-submarine war- has, in the past, underfare aircraft, the P-8I taken surveillance misNeptune, to Seychelles sions in the Seychellois for aerial E E Z s u r v e i l - Franz-Stefan Gady twice a lance of year, by the island deploying nation's Exclusive Eco- IN ships. The last such nomic Zone (EEZ), an deployment was underIndian Ministry of De- taken by ships of the 1st fense press statement re- Training Squadron of the veals.

Indian Navy, in Oct 15.

The aircraft has been This is the first time that deployed since March 20 the P8I aircraft has been in accordance with a deployed to Seychelles," Memorandum of Under- the press release notes. standing (MOU) signed "The aircraft will remain between the govern- deployed till 23 Mar 16. ments of India and During this period, the Seychelles, an archi- aircraft will undertake pelago and country in the surveillance of the Indian Ocean, and will Seychellois EEZ. In adcontinue to conduct sur- dition, the deployment veillance flights until will facilitate profesMarch 23. This is the sional interaction befirst time that the Indian tween the aircrew and Navy has dispatched its the Seychelles People's most modern maritime Defense Force (SPDF),"

addition, bothcountries recently concluded the seventh installment of a joint military exercise aimed to strengthen cooperation between their armed forces in particular in dealing with security threats emerging from the maritime domain.

Image Credit: Indian Navy it adds. "This deployment would assist in curbing illegal activities and piracy as well as contribute towards security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region."

India and Seychelles have been steadily improving defense ties over the last years. Seychelles recently agreed to allocate land on Assumption Island for India to build its first naval base in the Indian Ocean region.

"This is a joint project between India and Seychelles involving our two Defense Forces in enhancing our mutual security along our western seaboard. Seychelles is absolutely committed to the project," the President of Seychelles, James Michel, told The Hindu.

Among other things, India is also slated to set up its own coastal radar system in the country. In

Indeed, one of the primary reasons for the recent deployment of the P-8I Neptune is the ongoing threat posed by pirates operating off the coast of Somalia threatening vital shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean. "Both India and Seychelles have a vested interest in securitizing the Western Indian Ocean. We have forged a partnership that has gone a fair distance in eradicating the scourge of Somalia-based piracy as well as other maritime

Inimicable Dialogue - Delivery!

AIUDF chief Badaruddin Ajmal and CM of Assam.

Photo: (cloudfront)

Sir, We are grateful to some of our Politicians for their superb acting. Of course the task of finding out the 'Best Actor' obviously, would be a tough exercise. The question of 'Best Actress' does not arise in Assam as none could fare well. Peoples' nominees obviously are two politicians Tarun Gogoi and Badaruddin Ajmal. Our politicians are not only good actors, they are also excellent mathematicians. When Tarun Gogoi works out an arithmetic, there is none to refute it. In fact, in Rajya Sabha election Tarun Gogoi's prediction about the result came true literally. So, any sum worked out by his adversaries can never be correct. It is reported that his trusted lieutenant Rokibul Hussain attended a meeting with Badaruddin Ajmal recently in Delhi's Samrat Hotel, where two suitcases were said to have been handed over to Hussain by Ajmal.

But Tarun Gogoi appears allergic to

Ajmal alleging that there is a clandestine alliance between AIUDF and BJP. Incidentally, all the AIUDF members, including those five rival ones (deprived of party tickets). Now, what better proof one requires to confirm the alliance between the congress and Ajmal? Ajmal, too, deserves kudos for his superb acting. His avaricious attitude of money for allotting ticket had been revealed by all the disgruntled M.L.A.s deprived of party-tickets. Fielding of weak candidates in key constituency like Samaguri speaks volume of the alliance. From next assembly polls, people can no longer view his superb way of dialogue-delivery in immaculate Assamese. Really it is inimicable! People will have reasons to repent.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

security issues," Michel has said.

However, the larger reason behind New Delhi's push is to check China's growing maritime expansion into the Indian Ocean.

Beijing is constructing its first overseas naval base in Djibouti and has been more aggressively patrolling the Indian Ocean over the last few months. As I reported in January (See: "Indian Ocean: India Deploys New Sub Killer Planes to Counter Chinese Subs"), India also recently deployed two P-8I at a military base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the eastern Indian Ocean, as a response to repeated forays of Chinese conventional and nuclear submarines into the Indian Ocean.

Courtesy:the diplomat

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

Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 25

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There's No Point In Talking About 'Development For All' If These Concerns Are Ignored I come from a non-sci- nomic identities. It is unence and non-technical derstandable that a policy background. When I think that may work for a cersustainable growth or de- tain one of these identities velopment, what comes to may not work for another. mind instantly is the fact Also, owing to our varithat for anything to grow ety of geographical landsustainably, it needs to forms and related variahave an extremely solid tions, policies need to be foundation. At the cost of designed keeping in view sounding overly simplistic, the requirements and naI would like to draw at- ture of the set of people tention to the that they tarfact that we get. Therecan discuss Ekam Singh fore, in this strategies for essay, I shall development and inclusion discuss some broad sugand sustainability but these gestions that I believe can would only be workable be implemented uniformly once we are sure that the throughout the nation basic structure of this na- without posing contradiction lies on solid ground or, tions to the specific needs in other words, has the of the different parts of potential to support devel- the country. opmental and progress re- The first factor in order to lated initiatives. make growth truly susThere are numerous sci- tainable, I believe, is eduentifically supported tech- cation. However, by eduniques, designs and even cation, I do not merely quick fixes that are help- mean availability of basic ing and may continue to elementary education to work for specific areas of children as a fundamental work in particular regions. right. Article 21A of the Compressed Natural Gas Constitution of India proto operate auto-rick- vides the right to free and shaws, attaching motors compulsory education for to bicycles or carts to all children in the age make them faster and group of six to fourteen more efficient and the like years. However, I believe are all examples of creative that the relevance of this thinking and frugal ways 'basic' education in the of operation. However, in growth of an individual my essay, I would like to and ultimately to that of emphasise those ideas the country is little, or can that, in my opinion, may be enhanced manifold. be rather long drawn out In a country where methods but will ulti- roughly 22% of the popumately help to put India on lation lives below poverty the path from which we line, it is not surprising that can see concrete growth households subject to and long-term benefits for such a condition would the nation as a whole. give education less priorWhen I emphasise on the ity. Usually, by the time a nation 'as a whole', I am child from such a houseconscious of the fact that hold completes her basic India is a nation that is elementary education home to a multitude of re- guaranteed by the Constiligious, cultural and eco- tutional framework, she is

expected to become one of the wage earners in the household that can barely make ends meet. Such labour is usually unskilled and given the quality of education that most such children receive, one can easily predict her future.

Almost similar to that of her parents with nothing to show for in terms of empowerment or growth.

To alter this plight of the children I suggest that the framework of education be made such in which there is a conspicuous thrust on skill development from the earliest possible stage. We cannot assure high-quality private school education but what does seem like a doable thing is to empower individuals with viable skills that would lead to early economic empowerment and independence, which is believed to be a major yardstick of growth for any nation or people.

Therefore, I suggest that vocational training be made compulsory within the ambit of basic education and especially in areas that cater to low-income households. Locals can be recruited to give vocational training to children so as to create awareness about its necessity as well as more employment opportunities for the people.

As a tool to address all three main components of sustainable growth, i.e., environmental, social and economic, I would like to suggest an alteration in the way the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) works in our country. Presently, companies that have a net profit of Rs. 5 crores or

Image for representational purpose.(Photo: pvhramani) more (along with some minimum limits for net worth and turnover) are required to spend at least 2% of their average net profit from the preceding three financial years on CSR activities. Activities that these companies can undertake in order to fulfill their CSR obligations are eradication of hunger and poverty, promotion of education and gender equality, ensuring environmental sustainability, contributing to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, etc. I believe that CSR can be made more effective if it were made more specific.

For example, these companies could be asked to identify a remote area or village close to where they operate and can be assigned the task of spending the money put aside for their CSR obligations on the upliftment and re-

generation of these areas.

Specific tasks such as small scale revamping of the few primary schools in the area, setting up vocational training centres, undertaking campaigns to spread awareness on social issues and introducing concepts of indigenous social entrepreneurship and setting up sustainable environment-friendly mechanisms are among the host of other activities that can be taken up.

In this way, remote areas that are often ignored or are at the very bottom of the development pyramid can be put on the path of integrated growth with the rest of the country. The residents of such areas can be made aware of opportunities that lie beyond what they can imagine.

This may also help to considerably mitigate the burgeoning migratory trend from rural to urban areas

Climate Change Is Destroying The Planet, And SAARC Nations Don't Give A Damn South Asian Association countries are affected by mountainous and half are for Regional Cooperation climate change and are surrounded by the seas.

(SAARC) nations, Af- also economically de- But the region faces simighanistan, Bangladesh, prived. In such a situation, lar effects of climate Bhutan, India, Maldives, it becomes difficult to change.

Nepal, Sri Lanka, Paki- cope with the effects of With regard to addressing stan, can make a joint ef- climate change alone. Ac- it, during the fourteenth fort, plans and strategies cording to an ADB report, SAARC conference held to address climate change climate change costs in in New Delhi, the climate in South South Asia change issue was taken Asia, pre in- up and perusing ways of Sagarika Bhatta will and post c r e a s e developing climate resilConferover time ience in South Asia was ence of the Parties (COP) especially in the long term. agreed upon. Following under the United Nations Unless we use less fossil this, an inter-ministerial Framework Convention fuels, South Asia stands to meeting was held in on Climate Change lose an equivalent of 1.8 Dhaka in 2008. It adopted (UNFCCC) conference. In % of its annual Gross the 'Dhaka Declaration COP 21, India was one of Domestic Product (GDP) and SAARC Action Plan the BASIC (Brazil, South by 2050. Among SAARC Asia, India, and China) group. Bhutan is an ambitious country in the climate agreement, Maldives and Bangladesh are among voices of climate change, and Nepal's National Adaptation Plan is recognised and extolled by the international community. With their respective positions and plans, SAARC nations can play a major role in containing climate change.

But the SAARC nations are divided on this cause.

Among these nations, Climate change. These days, its two words you hear almost every day. ( Photo: blogspot) Bangladesh and Maldives together are seeking joint efforts to keep the ceiling countries, Maldives will on Climate Change'. for rising temperatures at be the hardest hit in terms Since then, this together 1.5 degrees. Nepal, which of GDP loss. Bangladesh, would have made some being in the lap of the Nepal, Bhutan, India and impact in these regions. In Himalayas is directly af- Sri Lanka are expected to the 2010 Climate Summit fected by climate change suffer a loss of 2.0, 2.2, in Cancun, Indian Environwith regard to its water 1.4, 1.8 and 1.2 percent ment Minister called SAARC environment minresources and agriculture, in the same time period. could have led the way SAARC was established istries for negotiation but with its Adaptation Plan for finding solutions to the effort could not be susjointly with SAARC na- their common problems tained and remained on pations under UNFCCC. In- in the spirit of friendship per only. dia being the third largest with one of the objectives These regions have similar greenhouse gas (GHG) being to promote active climactic and geographic emitter worldwide, could collaboration and mutual variations. The ways for have jointly developed assistance in the eco- adaptation and mitigation ideas and plans of invest- nomic, social, cultural, are also similar. Yet, there ment, carbon trading/mar- technical and scientific are few joint initiatives that keting, clean energy sup- fields. Since the climate would help and compleply within SAARC nations change issue is a com- ment each other's advanleading to emission reduc- mon problem, it cannot be tages and address their disignored. Among these advantages in the process tion.

Most of the South Asian countries half of them are of adapting to and mitiga-

tion of climate change.

Countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives, and Pakistan often criticise India on positions in the climate agreements etc. And there is a lack of mutual cooperation of sharing and implementation of programmes.

In COP 2015, SAARC countries showed up as united for a common concern. Leading the SAARC position, Govinda Pokharel in COP 20 had emphasised, "We must work out a post-2020 framework that is based on equity, CBDR-RC and protects the poor and vulnerable people in south Asia from the disastrous impact of climate change." These countries had agreed to send all representatives in December post-COP to India for a joint conference on climate change issues. We have not seen any progress on that yet.

Paris climate talk. It would have been based on the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities and equality under UNFCCC. The exchange of ideas, replication and practice of adaptation plans to climate change in similar areas would have been things to talk about.

The representative of Nepal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mani Sharma Bhattarai, however, did talk about Nepal's successful community forestry programme and suggested that it could be replicated all over South Asia.

The programme has been contributing to income generation, biodiversity, livelihood and climate change. "We want to gift this successful model to the rest of South Asia.

Other member states have taken it positively," said Bhattarai.

Another example of their lack of cooperation is that in the 17th SAARC summit, they signed an agreement on rapid response to natural disasters. But not much work has been carried out with regard to it apart from India's relief effort in the aftermath of the Nepal earthquake.

On March 17, 2016, the SAARC meeting has again failed to reach an agreement over any issues to overcome climate change effects and plans for mitigation. It should have been one of the main agenda of the SAARC meeting in 2016. These SAARC countries could have come up with common understanding and a plan for minimising its dependence on fossil fuels as a common approach for mitigation of climate change in response to the

In addition, India and Pakistan are now to host SAARC Disaster Management and the SAARC Energy Centre respectively.

As an example, EU together aims to keep mitigation as the core of this collective objective, but with an equal role for adaptation, finance, and technology. SAARC countries, with their resources and knowledge sharing and joint programmes, could tackle the effects of climate change very well. SAARC nations can find a solution for now and the future by having a common ambition and by keeping it accountable under the Dhaka Declaration and SAARC Action Plan on Climate Change and the Common SAARC Position under the U N F C C C .

Courtesy:youthkiawaaz

which puts immense pressure on resources and leads to over-crowding of cities, a possible spurt in crime, degradation of the quality of services provided, etc.

Another way that CSR can be carried out is by making sector-wise allocations, especially in the textile and fashion industries. It is no secret that our indigenous handicrafts and handlooms, albeit superior in quality and design, are dying a slow death. Their authenticity and profound Indian character are slowly getting dissolved in the wave of instant, modern works.

Hence, in order to preserve and sustain these crafts and hence a significant part of India's identity, large fashion, artwork and textile companies can be made to deliver on their CSR obligations by extending some kind of pa-

tronage to area specific native artisans and can even promote their work through their large and effective marketing networks. The idea is to give contemporary relevance to these authentic and historically relevant and irreplaceable crafts.

Over to climate change and environmental pollution. It is a fact that there simply are too many vehicles in India. People in urban, as well as rural, areas are increasingly taking to car ownership and it is not uncommon to see more cars in a house than there are members or even space to park. My hometown, Chandigarh, has thehighest vehicle-people ratio in India. Needless to say, emissions from vehicles collectively lead to grave environmental consequences. However, when one delves into the reasons for such an increase in vehicle, some other points come to light as well.

Besides the increasing purchasing power of the upper and middle segments of the society, the fact that there doesn't exist an efficient and effective public transportation system in most Indian cities, barring a few, also pushes people to own a private vehicle. Also, there are no legislations or incentives that may help in curbing the use of private transportation and using either public transportation or carpool facilities. Similarly, industrial establishments can be offered incentives such as tax rebates on consuming less than a specified target of energy and can be penalised for consuming

beyond a pre-determined consumption limit for power and water. Similar consumption limits can be set for residential and commercial areas so that the rampant wastage can be checked and resources can be used economically.

Another aspect of growth that I feel strongly about is growth the 'Indian way'.

History has presented us with an incredible multicultural yet strongly united background. However, this distinct culture which forms the very essence of the Indian identity is increasingly getting left behind in our attempt to merge with the integrated global culture. My point is that Brand India should be as much about our eclectic mix of communities, practices and cultures as it should be about our credible production, our dedication to environmentally desirable growth and our significant contribution to the world economy.

I believe that sustainable growth is not a quick or instant process. In this case, we may have to make ourselves content with the idea of delayed gratification as the results of these processes will be visible only over a span of time.

But the fact is that once results begin to be felt from policy changes aimed at long-term permanent solutions to age-old stifling problems, they will surely be here to stay. Once a people are set on a path which urges them to create solutions as opposed to merely treading along a beaten path, we can be sure that we are on the path of sustainability in the true sense.

Courtesy:youthkiawaaz

Let's Unite to End TB! TB is curable!

World TB Day, falling on losis, the causative mi- bers and near and dear March 24th each year, is croorganism has also ones also is vital for designed to build public evolved into its more re- people affected with TB awareness that tubercu- sistant forms. This has and ensure the complelosis today remains an resulted in MDR-TB and tion of their treatment. epiNewer demic Dr.Daisy Lekharu, Global Health Consultant d i i n agXDR-TB, which are nostic methods are availmuch of the world.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a more dreaded forms of able and results can be very old disease and the disease. Newer drugs obtained within a few dates back centuries and are also now available to hours. This is also a call was found even in Egyp- tackle the disease better. to people from all sectors tian mummies. India with Bedaquiline ('Sirturo' to engage in this fight one sixth of the world from Janssen) launched against TB and make this

Image for representational purpose (Photo: funnydam) population in the world is also the ground that shelters more than one fourth of the TB cases worldwide. Of the global annual incidence of 9.6 million TB cases, India alone contributes to 2.2 million cases. Of the missed '3 million cases' worldwide, one -third of these could be from India alone. As we moved towards attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we need to ascertain that we are doing right towards attaining health free of TB as well. With time, mycobacterium tubercu-

in India a couple of days ago is one such drug and this will be systematically made available in select health facilities through the National Tuberculosis Control program. However, the pricing would still be required to be looked at further in order to make it affordable.

However, it is also in the larger interest of the society that we need to mitigate this public health problem.

TB is curable and it is of utmost importance to diagnose early and complete the treatment. The support of family mem-

world TB free. TB case notification is mandatory in India since 2012 and this is a call to all physicians to notify all TB cases and not misuse the new drug and avoid antimicrobial resistance.

Let's Unite to end TB !

'Cough for two weeks or more could be TB. Go to your physician for diagnosis and get treated.

Complete your treatment.

TB (tuberculosis) is curable.'

Dr.Daisy Lekharu, Global Health Consultant can be reached at drdaisylsagar@gmail.com

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 25

BUSINESS

Sales of Patanjali doubles, closes in on FMCG biggies Uttrakhand, Mar 24: Homegrown Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. (PAL) is growing rapidly, giving the much-older established players in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment a run for their money. And, if the Haridwar-based company is able to sustain the pace, it would soon overtake other majors such as Dabur India, Emami and Marico in terms of sales and profitability. According to a rating rationale document

by Brickwork Ratings, a credit rating agency, Patanjali Ayurved clocked in a provisional turnover of Rs. 3,266.97 crore in the first 10 months of the current financial year. This is more than double of Rs. 1,587.51 crore reported in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. This is the first time that the FY15 and FY16 numbers of the company have been disclosed.

Incidentally, Patanajali has not disclosed its FY15 numbers to the

Grinar Software raises funds from Google Capital Mumbai, Mar 24: Girnar Software, the parent company of auto portals CarDekho.com, Gaadi.com and Zigwheels.com, has raised an undisclosed amount of new funding from Google Capital, with participation from existing investor Hillhouse Capital. For Google Capital this would its fourth Indian start-up investment after Freshdesk, Commonfloor and Practo. A major part of the new funding will be used to further bolster CarDekho's technology, R&D (research and development) and expansion within and outside of India. CarDekho has launched its services beyond Indian borders with the launch of CarBay.com in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia. Girnar Software will now be looking to consolidate its presence in India as well as other emerging economies in Asia and the Middle East.

"Google Capital is one of most respected growth equity investors in the world, and brings to us the resources and expertise from the one of the most valuable technology companies on the planet," said Amit Jain, co-founder and chief executive, Girnar Software, in a statement.

"We hope that through our investment and ongoing support, we'll help them cement their position in India, as the destination for all car related information and transactions, and grow into new markets regionally and globally," said David Lawee, partner, Google Capital.

The latest investment for Girnar Software follows a $50 million funding round led by Hillhouse Capital, with participation from Sequoia Capital and Tybourne Capital.

HDFC Bank and Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, have also invested in the company. The Rainmaker Group (TRMG) acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Girnar Software for this transaction. (Agencies)

Registrar of Companies (RoC) yet. While Patanjali's turnover and profit is cur-

over of Rs.4,819.61 crore between April 1 and December 31,2015. Both, Godrej

GROWING POPULARITY Home-grown Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. (PAL) is growing rapidly, giving the much-older established players in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment a run for their money.

And, if the Haridwar-based company is able to sustain the pace, it would soon overtake other majors such as Dabur India, Emami and Marico in terms of sales and profitability.

According to a rating rationale document by Brickwork Ratings, a credit rating agency, Patanjali Ayurved clocked in a provisional turnover of Rs. 3,266.97 crore in the first 10 months of the current financial year.

While Patanjali's turnover and profit is currently less than most of the FMCG majors, it is rising at a much faster pace.

According to Bloomberg, Emami reported a turnover of Rs.1,953.02 crore in the first nine months of FY16.

Marico clocked in a turnover of Rs.4,819.61 crore between April 1 and December 31,2015. Both, Godrej Consumer Products and Dabur registered turnovers in excess of Rs. 6,000 crore in the first nine months of FY16.

rently less than most of the FMCG majors, it is rising at a much faster pace. According to Bloomberg, Emami reported a turnover of Rs.1,953.02 crore in the first nine months of FY16.

Marico clocked in a turn-

Consumer Products and Dabur registered turnovers in excess of Rs. 6,000 crore in the first nine months of FY16. On the profitability front, the company, which has yoga guru Baba Ramdev as its brand am-

bassador, almost doubled its profits in FY15 at Rs. 308.79 crore from Rs.154.70 crore in FY14, according to Brickwork Ratings. While the low-base effect makes the profit growth look impressive, it comes at a time when most other FMCG majors saw their profit grow in the range of 10-20 per cent. Bloomberg data shows that the profit of Dabur and Emami grew 16.53 per cent and 20.66 per cent, respectively in FY15.

Patanjali is clearly targeting much older FMCG majors like Colgate-Palmolive, Nestle, Dabur and HUL. Its wide array of products - including ghee, spices, pulses, chyawanprash, toothpaste, shampoo, toothbrush, instant noodlesand also beauty products - competes directly with products from the heavyweights. "The company is already competing with established FMCG players in all segments. In terms of profitability margin,

Patanjali is almost on a par with the bigger companies," said a source familiar with Patanjali's latest financials.

Going ahead, it plans to establish food processing parks and also increase the share of contract manufacturing, which is currently only around 20 per cent.

Contract manufacturing would allow the company to increase capacity without fixed assets. Some of the larger companies had 70-80 per cent share of contract manufacturing, the source said. According to Brickwork ratings, the company has "expanded its basket of products tremendously over the last year." Sustaining this with profitable growth requires continous R&D, enlargement of contract manufacturing and quality control. PAL is competing directly with about a dozen well-established FMCG players for its different product range, and the fight for market share could result in pricing pres-

sures. The company intends to have a Rs. 320 crore bank loan facility to fund its expansion plans.

The rating agency has assigned 'BWR AA-' rating to the company's long-term working capital credit of Rs.300 crore it plans to avail from Punjab National Bank.

The rating reflects a 'high degree' of safety with a stable outlook. A further Rs.20 crore short-term bank guarantee has been rated as 'BWR A1+' by Brickworks that denotes 'very strong degree' of safety.

"The rating reflects the wide variety of FMCG products brought out by the company under 'Patanjali' brand name, strong growth in terms of sales and profitability registered over the last two years, absence of term debt and low level of working capital facilities, and ambitious plans for future expansion and growth," according to Brickwork Ratings.

(Agencies)

Walmart likely to be surpassed by Alibaba as world's top retailer Beijing, mar 24: Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba is expected to surpass the US multinational firmWalMart soon as the world's largest retail platform with its total trading volume this fiscal year set to exceed USD 463.3 billion, an official media reported. An official announcement by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd expected to be made at the end of this fiscal year on March 31.

WalMart Stores Inc posted net sales of USD 478.6 billion for its fiscal year ending Jan 31, while the latest trading volume figure for Alibaba amounted to three trillion yuan (USD 463.3 billion), the company said yesterday. It is equivalent to China's Sichuan province's gross domestic product (GDP) last year, when the province's GDP ranked sixth on the Chinese mainland, as re-

Image for representational purpose only.

(Photo: clipartfreefor) ported. Zhang Yong, the company's CEO, said in Hangzhou that the figure was recorded on the company's business-tocustomer platform Tmall, consumer-to-consumer platforms Taobao and Rural Taobao, and groupbuying site Juhuasuan.

Zhang said he expected the company will achieve an annual trading volume of six trillion yuan by 2020

(about USD 980 billion) and that "in 2024, we wanted to be a business platform serving 2 billion consumers and tens of millions of enterprises at home and abroad." According to Zhang, the company will strive to combine cloud computing and big data technologies with the Internet and the Internet of Things, as well as consumer termi-

nal equipment, to spur its development.

The Internet of Things is the network of physical objects devices, vehicles, buildings and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity that enables these objects to collect and exchange data. Citing the National Bureau of Statistics and McKinsey & Co figures, Gao Hongbing, director of AliResearch, said that of Alibaba's 3 trillion yuan in total trading volume, about 660 billion to 1.17 trillion yuan is newly increased consumption.

"Online shopping has been an important engine to promote consumption, which meets the nation's strategy of promoting domestic demand," Gao said. Last year, Chinese consumers' willingness to spend reached the highest level since 2012, despite the economic slow-

down, according to a study published in February by The Nielsen Company. "This is a result of China's commitment to shifting from an investment-driven to a consumption-driven economy," said Kiki Fan, managing director of Nielsen China. "Booming online shopping provides more variety and convenience to customers, thus fuelling their spending desire," the Daily quoted Fan as saying. Despite its economic growth falling below 7 percent (USD 6.9 percent) for the first time since 2009, China surpassed the United States last year to become the largest e-commerce market in the world, according to statistics from multinational consultancy Forrester Research Inc. Chinese government has fixed 6.5 to seven percent GDP target for this year.

(Agencies)

Rs 1,900cr realty fund set up by Godrej Pune, Mar 24: Godrej Properties has created a dedicated real estate funds management business in India and Singapore. The Godrej Fund Management (GFM) has raised a $275-million (Rs 1,900crore) pool of capital Godrej Residential Investment Program II (GRIP II) - with Dutch pension fund manager APG Asset Management as the lead investor.

GFM will advise GRIP II investors on investments in a residential development platform with Godrej Properties in India. GRIP II is a followon to the $200-million

residential development platform the company had set up with an APGled investor consortium in 2012. The Godrej group company - which is developing residential, commercial and township projects spread across approximately 115 million sq ft in 12 cities - will hold a 20% stake in GRIP II. The company said it has appointed Karan Bolaria as head of GFM. Bolaria will be responsible for managing both series of the residential investment programmes as well as any future strategies of GFM. APG and Godrej Properties pioneered the joint venture approach in

the Indian private real estate market in 2012 with GRIP I, a structure that has been followed by other foreign institutional investors and Indian developers since. Pirojsha Godrej, MD & CEO, Godrej Properties, said, "The new GRIP II platform in partnership with APG will help us attract high quality long-term equity investors to partner with us in our developments across India.

This fits well with our strategy of deepening our presence across the country's leading real estate markets while maintaining a capital-light development strategy."

Pirojsha Godrej, MD & CEO, Godrej Properties. (Photo: livemint) Sachin Doshi, MD and head of private real estate investments (AsiaPacific) at APG, said: "In spite of a general slow-

down in the asset class in the country over the last three years, our partnership projects have sold well." (Agencies)

Rs 312cr Titan shares bought by Tata Sons Jamshedpur, Mar 24: Tata Sons, the apex holding company of the Tata Group, has bought Rs 312 crore worth of Titan shares from Tata Global Beverages as part of its strategy to consolidate its interest in operating companies.

Image for representational purpose only. (Photo: informationcell)

The block deal transaction, executed on the BSE, has increased Tata Sons' stake in the

Bengaluru-based watch-to-jewellery maker by 1.04% to nearly 21%.

In the recent past, Tata Sons had bought Rs 746 crore worth of Titan shares (2.4%) in two tranches from Titan International and Tata Steel. This purchase of operating companies' shares is a usual investment practice by Tata

Sons.

While for the parent company of the Tata Group such an activity aids in retaining the shares of operating companies within the group, for operating companies selling shares of sister concerns helps in raising funds to meet any immediate requirements such as paring debt.

(Agencies)

PAGE 10

New Mercedes Benz S 400 to be launched in India on March 29

Image for representational purpose only.

(Photo: pluginelectrichybrids) New Delhi, Mar 24: With an aim to strengthen its presence in the 'top of pyramid' full-size luxury sedan segment, German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz is all set to launch the new S 400 in India.

The vehicle will be launched on March 29. The S 400 with a new petrol engine will offer a combination power and luxurious appointments. The S400 is powered by a 3-litre V6 petrol engine churning

maximum torque of 480Nm and power of 324 bhp. It is paired to a 7-speed or a 9speed automatic gearbox.

The company earlier said it is driven by the philosophy of 'winning' in 2016, with a spate of 12 new products and 10 new dealerships.

The German carmaker had posted a record sale of 13,502 units in India in 2015 compared with 10,201 units in 2014, a significant jump of 32 per cent, MercedesBenz India. (Agencies)

Emerging markets in 2016 to be outperform by India: Morgan Stanley survey Washington, Mar 24: India is expected to outperform emerging markets in 2016 although there is a considerable weakening of conviction among investors regarding the country compared with that in the second half of last year, according to a survey conducted

by Morgan Stanley. While 52% of the respondents in the survey said they expected India to outperform emerging markets this year, 85% respondents had done so in the previous survey conducted in the second half of 2015. The concerns over the health of the global economy have triggered a risk averse sentiment among global investors, who had withdrawn money from riskier assets including India, and moved to gold and developed world bonds. But the survey conducted by the American financial

Image for representational purpose only.

(Photo: dealbreaker)

services firm showed that a majority of foreign investors continue to have confidence in India's growth story. The Sensex has gone up 10% since the Budget for 2016-17 was presented on February 29.

Foreign investors have pumped in nearly Rs 13,000 crore into Indian equities after withdrawing nearly Rs 26,200 crore in the first two months of the year. For the third time in a row, market participants view earnings growth as a key driver of market performance while all other factors have lost importance. (Agencies)

4-inch iPhone SE by Apple coming to India in April San Fransisco, Mar 24: Apple went small recently -- cutting prices as well as screen size -- as it unveiled the new iPhone SE. Priced at Rs 39,000, it is the cheapest-ever iPhone aimed at first-time buyers and customers in emerging markets. The product is coming to India in April. Apple initially announced the price of the phone to be Rs 30,000, however it later clarified that the price was actually over Rs 39,000. The iPhone SE will be aimed at first-time Apple buyers and those who want to upgrade from the iPhone

5S and 5C, which have not been updated in over two years. The iPhone SE is available in 16GB and 64GB versions, A9 chip with 64-bit architecture. It comes with 4 inch (diagonal) LED-backlit widescreen Multi Touch display. The phone packs 12-megapixel iSight camera with 1.22Âľ pixels and has a Fingerprint sensor built into the Home button.

It runs iOS 9 that includes: AirDrop, AirPlay, AirPrint, Control Centre, Handoff, Homekit, iCloud, iCloud Keychain, Multitasking, Night Shift, Notification Centre and Siri. (Agencies)

CHEAPEST I-PHONE Apple went small recently -- cutting prices as well as screen size -- as it unveiled the new iPhone SE. Priced at Rs 39,000, it is the cheapest-ever iPhone aimed at first-time buyers and customers in emerging markets. The product is coming to India in April.

Apple initially announced the price of the phone to be Rs 30,000, however it later clarified that the price was actually over Rs 39,000.

The iPhone SE is available in 16GB and 64GB versions, A9 chip with 64-bit architecture. It comes with 4 inch (diagonal) LED-backlit widescreen Multi Touch display.

The phone packs 12-megapixel iSight camera with 1.22Âľ pixels and has a Fingerprint sensor built into the Home button.

It runs iOS 9 that includes: AirDrop, AirPlay, AirPrint, Control Centre, Handoff, Homekit, iCloud, iCloud Keychain, Multitasking, Night Shift, Notification Centre and Siri.

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 25

Features

PAGE 11

TRAVEL & TOURISM Best Street Shopping Spots in North East India North East India has a lot Sikkim's cups. The cups to offer to tourists in have unique looking atterms of beautiful land- tractive traditional scape, exotic culture, de- Sikkim's designs on them licious food, amazing and come in different dance and art forms etc. color combinations. You However one thing that can use them for having deserves a special men- Coffee/ tea or any hot t i o n beverage Moupee Debroy and the lip about t h e will keep it North East states is their hot. Lal Bazaar was esgreat scope of street tablished in 1956 and is shopping. The fashion a cornucopia of different and accessories culture cultures. If you want to in North East India is top see the local Sikimmese notch and some of be- life then visit the place on guiling street hot spots Sunday and you will find here will leave you villagers in traditional hooked.

Nepali and Bhutia Lal Bazaar in Gangtok dresses. You can at least Though the Lal Bazaar hear 4 different kinds of center point is multi sto- languages here; Hindi, ried building it still re- Bhutia, Nepali and mains Gangtok most fas- Lepcha. On Sunday you cinating street shopping will get awesome local point. Local traders from things like dried Yak all parts of Sikkim in- cheese, Nepali carved cluding villages and sub- knives, pottery, pressed urbs come here to sell flowers and prayer flags. their wares. Few things Baskets made from intriyou will get in abun- cate patterns of Bamboo dance here are shoes, gift and cane is also a good items, dresses, tops and buy here. local cosmetics. One Fancy Bazaar in thing that you should Guwahati definitely get from Lal The best thing about Bazaar is a pair of Fancy Bazaar is that you

can descend here for a pot of shopping even if you are in Guwahati just for a stopover of a couple of hours. This bazaar is super conveniently located bang next to the main railway station of Guwahati. The first thing that you should do after entering this bazaar is to gorge on the local Assamese food including the ever popular momo.

This is a colorful and highly unique bazaar that is crammed with numerous tiny shops those stock exotically beautiful silk fabrics, wooden toys, bamboo art products, cane items and home dĂŠcor. Assamese saris are a must buy from Fancy bazaar and you will find thousands of varieties in Paat, Muga and Eri. Head off to Silkalay which is preferred by the locals for its beautiful collection of silken fabrics and saris. One thing that you should definitely buy from Fancy Bazaar is these gorgeous one of a kind hand painted boots. Fancy Bazaar has a rather violent

history though with its grounds being used by the British regime for conducting public hangings. Locals still refer to it as the "phaasi bazaar".

Khwaraimband Bazaar in Imphal The Khwaraimband Bazaar in Imphal is the world's only market whose shops are run, owned and controlled by women. This is not only an exciting street market but also a major tourist attraction of Manipur that has now attracted global attention. The Manipur Government has done its best in preserving this ancient heritage spot. More than 3000 women in this market make their livelihood by selling handicraft items and other interesting things. Good things to purchase from Khwairambad Bazaar are Manipuri traditional dresses, handloom garments, shawls, utensils, ivory craft, porcelain dolls and Manipuri Jeweler. The sight of all the beautiful Manipuri

women sitting in the bazaar decked up in the dazzling Manipuri dresses will surely enchant you. Interestingly all these women are referred to as Ima or mothers by the locals.

Bara Bazaar in Aizwal Bara Bazaar proudly occupies the central position in the heart of Aizwal. This is the most colorful street market you will chance across in Mizoram. You will be amazed to see the range of products sold in Bara bazaar ranging from organic produce to Mizo traditional accessories to household items to traditional garb. Mizo locals are very friendly and are seen interacting in a friendly way with locals.

This is a great opportunity for you to feast on Mizo raw food and explore the unique Mizo culture. Try avoiding Sunday as the Bara Bazaar becomes too overcrowded then. The top buy here would be Paun that is a colorful wrap around skirt worn by lo-

Fancy Bazaar, Guwahati (Photo: wonderwardrobes)

cal Mizo women. Exquisite cane and bamboo products are also available for sale here. Goods from Rangoon are imported here and sold in the tiny shops flanking the main street. Try taking a local along with you as language tends to become a problem in the essentially traditional Bara Bazaar.

Old Market in Tawang The most beautiful of the North Eastern States; Arunachal Pradesh has seen relatively less tourist activity due to negative political factors and various insurgency movements. This is perhaps why very few people know that

Tawang (a lovely scenic town) offers a unique street shopping experience. Tawang is pretty close to the Indo Chinese border which is why you will find a Chinese influence in the products sold here. The Moompa tribes are the main inhabitants of Tawang and they are huge propagators of the wool weaving industry.

There are beautifully woven shawls, jackets, wrap around skirts and carpets sold here. The brassware and fishbone items also make for good buys and you can also check out Buddha statues, prayer wheels, good luck charms, flags and gift items. Chinese

crockery sold here will tempt you to shop till you drop; such is its ethereal appeal. Local tribal's make interesting wooden figurines, bowls, and spoons and sold them in the old market of Tawang.

Shopping in North East India is not only about the goods; it's a complete culturally immersive experience. Make sure that you devote some time learning the history of the old bazaars, sampling the delicious food, clicking photos of the fascinating sights and talking to locals. The camera and a huge shopping bag will be your best friends here.

Courtesy: Nelive.

Weekend Destinations across the Northeast Beautiful Waterfalls of In northeast Indian states, there is no shortage of tourist destinations.

From lush tea garden laden hills to amazingly beautiful river valleys, tourists get literally spoilt for choice.

In each state Arnab of the region, you can also find some places that are ideal for spending weekends with near ones. These places while somewhat offbeat from main tourists spots, offer plenty of attractions for people seeking serenity and natural bliss.

Below listed are few such top weekend destinations in the Northeast India.

Yumthang Valley The hustle and bustle in the capital city of Sikkim can get on your nerves at times, more so if you happen to visit the place during a festival such as Christmas! If you prefer a break from the chaotic urban life in Gangtok, a weekend trip to the picaresque Yumthang Valley is worth a shot.

This is quite a high altitude place. The diversity in landscape including hot water springs, rhododendron laden forests and lush green meadows is a treat for your eyes.

The snow laden mountain ranges serve as a nice contrasting backdrop.

You may also explore the beautiful Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary while visiting Yumthang Valley. It takes about an hour from Gangtok to reach the valley. Owing to its proximity to Indo-China border you will need permits to visit the place. Opting for the services of travel

agencies will be prudent.

Kulsi Guwahati is a big city thriving with activities and visitors all over the year. However, there are some serene and lovely weekend Ghosh destinations near the city in Assam. One such place is Kukurmara, a small township in Kamrup district- about 40 km away from Guwahati. Here

Nature and wildlife lovers visiting Manipur should not miss exploring the amazingly beautiful Sendra Island and Lohtak Lake. Deemed as one of the biggest fresh water lakes in India, Loktak Lake is a vast water body with diverse marine ecology and wildlife around. The Sendra Island located at the middle of the lake has a Tourist Bungalow and

Pasighat Pasighat is one of the most interesting places in Arunachal Pradesh that you can include in your tour. It is deemed as gateway to Arunachal Pradesh and is an old town. It was set up by the British in 1911 and traces of the era still remain. It is also the East Siang district headquarters. The view of the city located on Siang river banks is

with Guwahati by roads and buses ply regularly.

Thenzawl Located a little more than 50 km from Mizoram's capital, AizawlThenzawl is a nice serene village that serves as perfect weekend destination for travelers. The small valley between lush green hilly landscape soothes your eyes. The place has a warm climate owing to its lower alti-

Scenic Yumthang Valley (Photo: padhaaro) you can find the Kulsi river- a tributary of Brahmaputra. The river has a population of Indian River Dolphins.

Viewing the endangered labeled marine creature is a delight though taking snaps of them can prove to be tricky! You can also hire a boat to see the endangered dolphins from up close. You may also choose the riverside for enjoying picnic in serenity while enjoying the greenery and beautiful views around.

Sendra Island

cafĂŠ for tourists. The floating bio mass called phumdis that make up the islands atop the lake has led to a thriving wildlife.

The lake spans across a 312 sq. km area and resembles a miniature island sea. On the southern fringe of this lake there is the Keibul Lamjao National Park- home to famous Sangai deer of Manipur. You can also opt for boating across the vast lake. This island and lake makes up for an ideal weekend getaway just 48 km from Imphal.

enchanting. Pasighat is adjacent to many lush tea gardens. Around the town, you can find many natural attractions like hanging bridges, mountain cliffs and waterfalls.

The Daying Ering Sanctuary is another nearby attraction for nature and wildlife lovers. Observing the life and custom of the Adi tribes inhabiting the region can also be interesting for visitors.

They celebrate regional festivals like Solung and Mopin with gusto. The city is well connected

tude. From Aizawl it takes about 4 hours to reach Thenzawl by road.

The place is replete with wildlife and thick vegetation. You will love watching the beautiful meadows surrounding this village and shutterbugs too will have a gala time. The sunset is particularly beautiful and lingers for longer than usual. You can also head to Vantawng KhawhthlaMizoram's highest waterfall from here. At the outskirts of Thenzawl, there is a deer park.

Riwai After exploring the attractions in Shillong, you may opt for a weekend getaway in any of the adjacent villages. While a lot of tourists head to the famous and cleanest village of Asia- namely Mawlynnong, you may as well head to Riwai. It is actually on the way to Mawlynnong and 81 km from Shillong. In fact, the villagers in Riwai also adhere to clean ways of living. The major tourist attraction in Riwai village is the living root bridges- a biological wonder. The villagers have made great efforts in manually intertwining roots of ancient banyan trees to form these living bridges. The village is also laden with Robab Tenga trees and seasonal flowers are also a delight to watch. You will also spot a variety of butterfly species in the state.

Dumboor Lake If spending a weekend adjacent to a sprawling water body in Tripura is in your holiday plan, opt for the Dumboor Lake. It is about 58 km from Udaipur and 120 km from Agartala.

It is ideal for picnics also.

The lake is the source of famous Gomti River and it is where two rivers Raima and Sarma merge together. A hydro electric plant has been set up at the lake. Spread over an area of 41 sq. km the beautiful lake becomes a nesting ground for migratory birds in winter. For well being of the avian species, boating is not allowed at the lake though. The nearby Tirthamukh Pilgrim Centre is another attraction for visitors.

Courtesy: Nelive.

Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh has always been among those lesser travelled and explored regions of India.

The lack of transport and connectivity options has played a Arnab role behind this. However, the beautiful mountain state has plenty to offer for various types of tourists. From its unique cuisine to the amazing biodiversity spots, the state has many means to keep visitors enthralled for days. Even the waterfalls in Arunachal Pradesh are quite amazing. They are absolutely breathtaking and offer great experience for nature lovers.

Below listed are two such picturesque waterfalls of Arunachal Pradesh, located in Tawang district: " Nuranang Falls This is also called the Bong Bong Falls. With a height of 100 meters it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North East India. The waterfalls is located a couple of kilometers away from Jung, on the road connecting Bomdila and Tawang. There is a small hydro electricity plant at the base of the waterfalls. The waterfall mixes with Tawang

River. It flows like a multi tired cascade through the slopes of hills. There is a legend of the waterfalls being named after a Monpa girl Nura who Ghosh aided an Indian soldier during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Not many tourists were about about this amazing waterfall until Director Rakesh Roshan shot his film 'Koyla', keeping the waterfall at the backdrop of a song. The film starring Bollywood actors Madhuri Dixit and Shah Rukh Khan was shot at Sangetser Lake and near the waterfall. After this, this waterfall became a popular tourist destination. " Bap Teng Kang Waterfall Also called the BTK Fountain/ waterfall, it is located about 82 kms from Tawang. It is about 100 ft high. The waterfall is located at Yumkhang.

The place is serene and a lot of tourists spend time relaxing during the day and afternoon. The lush greenery around is soothing on the eyes and a delight for the shutterbugs!

There are a few eateries in nearby regions of the waterfall. Courtesy: Nelive

Beautiful Nuranang Falls (Photo: musties)

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, MARCH 25

PAGE 12

Dhoni lauds resilient Bumrah post nerve-wracking win over Bangladesh Bengaluru, Mar 24 : Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has heaped praise on young fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for overcoming a horror start to bowl his tense late overs, which eventually turned out to be crucial in India's nerve-wracking onerun win over Bangladesh in their penultimate league game of the World Twenty20 in Bengaluru.

The 22-year-old righthander cost his side four runs with a mis-field on the boundary line and then dropped a simple catch to dismiss dangerous Tamim Iqbal, who eventually wreaked havoc on Bumrah by hitting four fours in the sixth over.

However, Bumrah displayed a tremendous amount of resilience to stage an inspiring comeback as he conceded mere 13 runs in his crucial 17th and 19th overs.

"After the first misfield, if you see actually his interna-

tional career, this was the first game where he was under pressure," Dhoni told reporters while addressing the post-match press conference. "It's not only the pressure of bowling. I consider him slightly weak when it comes to the fielding department and today's game was very important.

We all knew how important it was. To start, the very first ball if you miss, as a youngster you are under pressure and I feel that actually reflected in his bowling also, then he dropped a catch.

"It's important at that point of time to tell him that it doesn't really matter because what has happened has happened. You can't do anything about it. Even if you sit there for half an hour, the batsman won't get out. What was important was to get away from it and at the same time try to execute your plans, what your strength is. But I felt when he came for the second over

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni where he went for runs, I don't think he was completely out of it. So after that we had one more conversation. I won't say what I said but definitely it worked," added Dhoni.

The captain also believes that such performances under intense pressure would be a valuable learning curve for young players Hardik Pandya and Bumrah, insisting that they can take this

experience through the rest of the tournament and beyond in their careers.

"Somebody like Hardik or Bumrah, this was a first proper interaction with pressure and what pressure can really do. So I feel they must have learned a lot out of this game and these are the games that really make you better players because it pushes you to think in a different way, pushes you to

have that confidence in your strength at the time when it's really needed. So I think it was a very good game for us," said Dhoni.

Bangladesh were on course to pull off their first ever T20 win over India, needing only two runs off the last three bowls.

However, in a miraculous turnaround, India kept their semifinals hopes alive after dismissing three Bangladeshi batsmen in the last three deliveries off allrounder Hardik Pandya's over.

Bangladesh saw themselves crash out of the T20 format's pinnacle event after falling agonizingly short of one run following Dhoni's incredible work with one glove to run out Mustafizur Rahman in the last ball of the game.

India will next play against Australia in their fourth group game in Mohali on Sunday in a bid to secure their spot in the semifinals.

(ANI)

Viswanathan Anand loses to Schweinsteiger suffers new knee injury Caruana in Candidates

The chief arbiter starts the clock which signals the beginning of the Round 10 game between Viswanathan Anand (right) and Fabiano Caruana at the Central Telegraph Building in Moscow on Wednesday. Amruta Mokal

PTI Moscow, Mar 24 : Fivetime world champion Viswanathan Anand suffered a defeat at the hands of Fabiano Caruana of United States in the 10th round of Candidates Chess tournament now underway here.

On what turned out to be a bad day in office, Anand just could not control the proceedings and was outplayed by a much younger Caruana and the Indian ace have a mountain to climb if he has to make a comeback.

With just four rounds to come, Caruana and Karjakin now share the lead on six points each

while Anand stands sole third on 5.5 points likely to be joined by Levon Aronian of Armenia.

Karjakin drew with Anish Giri of Holland who played out his 10th draw in the tournament while Hikaru Nakamura of United States did not have much troubles holding Peter Svidler of Russia in the other games of the day. Aronian held a much better position but misplayed it and was seen defending a slightly inferior position likely to end in a draw against Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria.

Anand was outplayed by Caruana out of a seemingly innocuous English

opening. Playing black Anand went for a topical variation but Caruana was apparently better prepared as he got a decent lead on the clock in the early phase of the game.

Anand tried to complicate matters but Caruana was spot on to spot a piece sacrifice in the middle game and after the dust subsided, Anand gave the piece back but landed himself in an inferior endgame. Caruana soon was on top and Anand parted with a rook for minor piece which did not turn out to be enough to save the game.

The Indian ace will now be under pressure especially in the next round when he takes on Karjakin as white. If Anand is not able to win the next round it will be almost impossible to stage a recovery in the last three rounds. Anand will have to win the next game to stay afloat.

Pairings round 9: Fabiano Caruana (Usa, 6) beat V Anand (Ind, 5.5); Sergey Karjakin (Rus, 6) drew with Anish Giri (Ned, 5); Peter Svidler (Rus, 4.5) drew with Hikaru Nakamura (Usa, 4); Levon Aronian (Arm, 5) playing Veselin Topalov (Bul, 3).

Bastian Schweinsteiger AFP Berlin, Mar 24 : Manchester United's Bastian Schweinsteiger has re-injured his right knee while on duty with Germany and faces a race against time to be fit for the European championships in June.

The 31-year-old midfielder suffered the injury training in Berlin on Tuesday and an MRI scan in Munich yesterday revealed he has again torn the medial ligament.

He misses Germany's home friendly against England at Berlin's Olympic Stadium on Saturday, then against Italy four days later at Munich's Allianz Arena and faces a race to be ready for Euro 2016 in France.

"I have to accept the siuation as it is," Schweinsteiger told the German FA website. "I've spoken to the national team coach about my situation and in the coming weeks, we will remain in close contact."

The news is another blow for Germany's captain, who

had been working his way back to fitness after tearing the same ligament in United's FA Cup third round win over Sheffield Wednesday at the start of the year.

He had made four second half appearances off the bench in United's last four games.

"That is very bitter news, Bastian was just back on the right track and I know how much he had looked forward to the time with the national team and the two matches," said Germany coach Joachim Loew.

"I have told Bastian I won't be writing him off for the European championships.

The tournament is not taking place tomorrow and there is still time. Bastian is a top professional and I know he will do everything in order to be fit for the tournament."

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil, who has injured his left ankle, and Bayer Leverkusen's Karim Bellarabi, who has a bruised foot, are also on the walking wounded list for Germany.

Namrup We have to play Cricket better: Steve Smith Academy PTI Mohali, Mar 24 : Australia will have to play better cricket than what they have managed to do so far in the World T20 to have a shot at reaching the semifinals, captain Steve Smith said today.

Australia suffered a batting collapse in their loss to New Zealand before they huffed and puffed to beat Bangladesh by three wickets in their second match.

"We have to play a bit better than we have been in our first two games. We have not been at our 100 per cent yet and that could work for us. You don't want to be playing your best cricket at the start of the tournament. We are next playing two quality opposition in India and Pakistan and we have to beat both of them to qualify.

As simple as that," Smith said on the eve of their match against Pakistan tomorrow.

Asked if the team was feeling extra pressure ahead of their must-win match tomorrow, Smith said, "Well, there is always pressure in a tournament like this. We are excited about the challenge.

"As I said it will be tough beat two top sides like Pakistan and India. The conditions here (Mohali) are as closer as you can get in India and hopefully we can make use of that," said the Australian skipper.

Smith is banking on rookie leg-spinner Adam Zampa to deliver the goods against Pakistan after his three-wicket haul against Bangladesh. He said it's always good to have a leg-spinner in the side.

"I think they (leg-spinners) have a bit of variation. If you miss the middle of the bat, you quite often end up getting a wicket. You see a lot of batsmen getting caught on the fence (off leg-spinner). The variation a leg spinner brings creates those chances.

They have done well traditionally in T20 cricket and I am very proud of the way Adam Zampa has bowled for us. Hopefully we can see more of that.

"I certainly think he can be a threat for tomorrow. He has got good skills, reads the batsmen really well. We will just wait and see what the wicket has to offer. I certainly feel he can play a big part," said Smith.

Win Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Mar 24: Namrup Cricket Academy defeated Jalukpara boys’ club(Juniors) in the Rajanu Bora second division Cricket tournament organized by Dibrugarh District Sports Association here today at DDSA stadium.

Opting to bat, JCB were all out for 46 in 13.4 overs.

Dibakar Garodia scored 10 off 13 balls.

For Namrup Cricket Academy, Anil Shah picked up three wickets for 6 runs in 4 overs. Dhruba Paul took two for 4 in 3 overs.

In reply, Namrup Cricket Academy scored 48 for loss of one wicket in 3.3 overs.

Rahul Sharma remained unbeaten on 17 off 12 balls with three boundaries.

Dipen Konwar contributed 13 off 8 balls.

Atul Sharma took one wicket for JCB.

Apologetic Djokovic insists he supports equal prize money ANI Johannesburg, Mar 24 : World number one Novak Djokovic, who came under severe criticism for making controversial remarks on women's prize money in tennis, has apologised for his comments and insisted that he favours gender equity in prize money.

After defending the Indian Wells title on Sunday, the Serbian sparked a controversy when he suggested that men should get more pay than women because they have more spectators than that of the latter.

Djokovic, who will next play in the Miami Open, said that he never had an issue with equality in gender or sport or other areas of life, adding that everybody deserves

Novak Djokovic more of the wealth distribution from the tournaments, Sport24 reported.

The 11-time Grand Slam champion further said that he was sorry if he had hurt his female colleagues, adding that he has huge respect for his female counterparts.

Djokovic said he had sent messages to Andy Murray, Serena Williams and others who had been critical of his earlier remarks.

He insisted that he never had any intention to offend them or come up with any negative connotations in my statement.

Suarez to make Uruguay comeback after biting ban ANI Johannesburg, Mar 24 : Barcelona star striker Luis Suarez will resume his international duty with Uruguay on Friday after serving suspension for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup. Suarez was handed a ninegame ban from international games in addition to

Luis Suarez

a four-month ban from all football-related activity for the incident.

Uruguay will play against South American rivals Brazil in a key World Cup qualifier in the northeast Brazilian city of Recife on Friday, Sport24 reported.

Uruguay are currently second in South American qualifying behind Ecuador.

Watson to call curtains on international career after World T20 Australia, Pakistan face-off in must-win game ANI Melbourne, Mar 24 : Australian veteran allrounder Shane Watson has confirmed that he will call curtains on his glorious 14-year international career at the conclusion of the ongoing World Twenty20 in India.

"It's been over the last week that it's really become clear that now really is the right time to retire from all international cricket," Watson was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Watson, who retired

from Test cricket at the end of last year's Ashes tour of England, will continue to play in the lucrative T20 tournaments like the Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, KFC Big Bash League and Pakistan Super League.

"I've been playing with the thought for a few months now and I know now with the way the group is continuing to evolve, which is exciting to be able to see, with my young family as well, and seeing the potential of the international

Shane Watson schedule is very hectic.

"And I just know it's the right time to be able to

right now clear my mind knowing that I've made the decision and be abso-

lutely ready to go for these next two very important games," the 34-year-old added.

Watson, who has represented his nation in 190 ODIs, has scored 5757 runs at an average of 40.54 and bagged 168 wickets at 31.79. He also the Australian record for the highest ODI score, his unbeaten 185 against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2011.

Australia will next play against Pakistan before taking on hosts India on Sunday in a bid to secure the semifinals spot in the World T20.

PTI Mohali, Mar 24 : Their path to the semifinals looking relatively easier in comparison, Australia will fancy their chances when they lock horns with a struggling Pakistan side whose hopes hangs by a thread in the ICC World Twenty20, here on Friday.

Pakistan have struggled so far in the tournament but Australia are in no mood to take them lightly in a must-win match for both teams at the IS Bindra Stadium.

With two losses from three games, Pakistan's chances of progressing in the tournament are slim. Even their coach Waqar Younis thinks the team doesn't deserve to qualify for the semifinals with the way it has played.

Australia, on the other hand,

have their own issues to sort out after the loss to New Zealand and a not so convincing win against Bangladesh. A win for Australia tomorrow will certainly end Pakistan's sorry campaign in the tournament and make their final league match against hosts India a virtual quarterfinal with New Zealand already qualifying from the group.

Australia wicketkeeper Peter Nevill has already said that his team can't afford to take it easy against a dangerous Pakistan.

The men from Down Under themselves have been far from clinical in their earlier matches.

The batsmen made a mess of a modest chase against New Zealand before making heavy weather of the chase against Bangladesh on way to a threewicket win.

The team management took a big call to open with the in-form Usman Khawaja and Shane Watson in the two games, pushing the dangerous David Warner to number four. While Khawaja has done justice at the top, Warner did not have the best of time down the order and was out cheaply on both the occasions.

Amongst the positives Australia will take into the game will be the performance of Khawaja and rookie leggie Adam Zampa, who picked up a three-wicket haul against Bangladesh.

For Pakistan, there is a lot more to worry. Coach Younis severely criticising the batsmen for not stepping up to the occasion and PCB announcing that captain Shahid Afridi will be removed post World T20 while the tournament is going on has made matters worse for the struggling unit.

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