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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

Issue 172

Dibrugarh, Friday, November 27, 2015

The Next Time You Talk To Your Watchman Or The Boy Polishing Your Shoes, Think Of This

The Dark Side of The Moon Page 8

President Amit Shah to address rally as party workers turn green tea city into saffron The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to kick start its poll campaign for the 2016 Assam legislative assembly polls with the organization of a massive party workers rally in Dibrugarh for which the party has turned the upper Assam green tea city into saffron. Infact, BJP workers who are working day in and day out had put several welcome gates, huge life cut outs of prominent party leaders, flags, banners, posters etc throughout the town in a bid to lift the morale of the party workers which had of late taken a beating on multiple grounds like the debacle in the Bihar polls, massive price rise in some of the essential commodities and the intol-

ET CAPSULES One run over Jorhat, Nov 26: One pedestrian was knocked down and run over by a speedy truck coming from Dibrugarh side and going towards Dergoan near Pokamura tin-ali on the NH-37 under Pulibor PS in Jorhat district here today, informed police. The victim was identified as one Babul Dutta (31). He was a resident of Porbotia goan near here. He was trying to cross the NH-37 when the truck hit him from behind.

The driver/handyman and the truck was nabbed by police. It may be mentioned that accident rate has been increasing in the stretch between Dergoan to Pulibor on the NH-37, as reckless driving by commercial vehicles being the prime reason, informed Satyabrat Baruah, a social activist. (Correspondent)

2 traders abducted Dhubri, Nov 26: Sapan Ali and Ali Hussain of Mancachar area of South Salmara sub-division of Dhubri district were abducted by suspected militants of Goro hills of Meghalaya from Balkhat market in South Garo Hills today. It may be mentioned here that Ruhl Amin, a trader from Mancachar area of Dhubri district, was abducted while he was alighting from auto-rickshaw at Rom weekly market of West Garo Hills of Meghalaya at gun point yesterday. Though police of both South and West Garo Hills claimed to have launched search operation to rescue the traders but till filing of this report, they could not trace out their whereabouts.

(Correspondent)

2 militants killed Dhubri, Nov 26: Two militants of Garo Hills district of Meghalaya died on the spot in an encounter with army at Kharkuta in North Garo Hills district today. The slain militants were later identified as Inphus Monin, 21, and Swith Bathe Marak, 30. An army source said that the duo had suddenly entered the area on motor bike where army jawans were carrying out search operation and on seeing the presence of army, they tried to flee from the area when the army had open fired resulting in the death of the two militants. (Correspondent)

Workers carrying huge cut-outs of BJP National President Amit Shah a day ahead of his mass rally in the Dibrugarh.

Pic - UB Photos

Oust Assam governor within a month, demands Congress A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 26

The Congress' Assam unit on Thursday served a one-month ultimatum to the Centre to remove Governor P.B. Acharya over his comment "Hindustan is for Hindus", just days after a similar demand by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Anjan Dutta told reporters at the party headquarters here that they would protest outside Raj Bhavan every day if the central government does not remove Acharya within the stipulated time. "We

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are going to stage protests every day outside Raj Bhavan if the governor is not removed within a month. About 10,000 Congress workers will stage a protest in Guwahati on Friday against the divisive politics of Governor Acharya," Dutta said. Nagaland Governor Acharya, who has also been holding additional charge of Assam since last year has, however, clarified that persecuted Hindus across the world have a right to come to India and it was the duty of Indians to receive and welcome them.

Dutta, meanwhile, Contd. on Page 4

Arunachal BJP hits back at “anti-Arunachal” criticism A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 26

Taking exception to criticism directed at leader of opposition Tamyo Taga on the part of certain District and community based student organizations terming the former ’s remarks “antiArunachal and anti-development”, the Bharatiya Janata Party Arunachal Pradesh hit back saying that freedom of speech and expression is an essential fundamental right enshrined in India’s Constitution

and that “labeling fabricated and concocted allegations against the leader of opposition is not a good sign for a vibrant democracy” while advising them “to concentrate on students’ welfare and to play pro-active roles for facilitating true development of the state”.

Meanwhile, the BJP Arunachal Pradesh clarified that the party does not believe in mudslinging to gain political mileage, however the party stands for all-round peaceful socio-economic development of the state.

Terming BJP as opportunists, All Assam Hindu Students’ Union (AAHSU) has said that they are going to protest the arrival of BJP president Amit Shah for a rally to be organized on Friday at Dibrugarh by showing black flags. In a

press release, AAHSU said that in their hunger of power BJP has roped in those leaders of Congress party against whom a few months back they used to protest for their alleged role in corruption. The saffron party, known for its Hindutva agenda have taken such politicians in BJP who have a history of being against Hindus, the release added.

Assam BJP MLAs to join Congress soon : Anjan Dutta A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 26

In a major revelation, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Anjan Dutta said that several BJP MLAs are in touch with him, and are likely to join the Congress party soon. Dutta, when asked, however declined to take any names. Defending Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, Dutta said that Gogoi is the fittest to

be the chief minister and will be chief minister again in 2016.

"Gogoi is the most experienced, most fittest and also most acceptable among all. So there is presently no question of anyone else taking charge," said Dutta. On being asked if Congress will come back to power, Dutta said that Congress will surely comeback to power with a thumping majority.

Contd. on Page 4

Lakhimpur TET teachers stage sit-in protest demanding release of salary ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Nov 26

Alleging that the fund meant for their salary was spent under other heads by the Government of Assam, the TET qualified teachers of Lakhimpur too

demonstrated sit-in protest in the district in line with their other colleagues in the state.

These TET teachers staged the protest in front of the office of the Lakhimpur Block Elementary Officer from 11 am to 1 pm.

Contd. on Page 3

5 motor bikes recovered, 8 arrested ET Correspondent Digboi, Nov 28

Based on the statements of two recently arrested bike thieves identified as one Bipul Bora of Inthem village of Pengaree and Debojit Dwarah of Dhemaji Maskhowa village

by District Police, the joint forces of Digboi, Tinsukia,

Akhil Gogoi marches on against BJP ET Correspondent Morigaon, Nov 26

KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi who led a long march from Raha to Guwahati reached Jagiroad today and addressed two street corner meetings at Kahikuchi and Khetri and said that “BJP will do serious harm to Assam and Assamese nationality if it was voted to power in the next Assembly poll.”

Contd. on Page 4

Vivek Menon: First Indian Conservationist Nominated for the Economists’ Inspiring Innovators Award A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 26

ence of more than 50, 000 party workers at the Dibrugarh old Govt. High School playground which is the venue for the rally.

Contd. on Page 4

AAHSU to show black flags to BJP president Amit Shah Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Nov 26

Pages- 12

Ideals of Constitution under attack: Sonia Gandhi Page 6

Page 10

BJP to kick start poll campaign for 2016 Assam assembly polls from Dibrugarh erance wave. Internally too, the party had roped in its No.2 campaign master in national president Amit Shah to address the rally, which according to the party will witness the pres-

5.00

BigBasket launched in Coimbatore

Page 9

Avik Chakraborty Dibrugarh, Nov 26

Price -

Pengaree and Kakopather Police finally arrested 6 more to this effect and recovered five different two wheelers from various locations here this morning. The arrested sellers and receivers of the illegally possessed motor bikes include Rubul Moran, 32, Contd. on Page 4

Arunachal Pradesh: Not the Chakmas/ Hajongs but other non-tribals pose bigger threat to indigenous peoples ET Bureau New Delhi, Nov 26

Asian Centre for Human Rights in its report, “Arunachal Pradesh: Not the Chakmas/Hajongs but other non-tribals pose bigger threat to indigenous peoples” today stated that Chakmas and Hajongs of Arunachal Pradesh who had migrated from erstwhile East Pakistan during 1964-1968 do not pose any threat to indigenous peoples of Arunachal Pradesh. The issue of Chakmas and Hajongs posing a threat has come to the spotlight following the Supreme Court judgement on September 17, 2015 to implement its 1996 judgement which had directed to process their citizenship applications.

Contd. on Page 3

COMPARATIVE POPULATION OUTLOOK Population of Chakmas and Hajongs was 14,888 Chakmas/Hajongs during 1964-69 and only increased to 47,471 persons as per 2011 census i.e. 218% in 47 years.

In comparison, the population of other non-tribals such as Adivasis, Assamese, Nepalese, Muslims, Marwaris, Biharis, etc. in the State increased by 955% during the same period i.e. from 36,614 persons in 1961 to 3,84,435 persons in 2011 as per the census.

A s p e r 2 0 11 c e n s u s , Namsai district had population of 95,950 persons out of which the total population of the Chakmas was only 4,523 persons.

Arunachal Governor felicitates Jamsenpa ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 26

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa felicitated Smt Anshu Jamsenpa, who has the distinction of being the only Indian woman mountaineer to have climbed Mount Everest thrice, at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar today. Smt Jamsenpa also has the credit of nine successful peak summits and holds the record of being the only mother in the world to summit Mount Everest twice in 10 days.

Contd. on Page 3

Police beat up man black and blue A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Nov 26

One Bili Potom s/o Debi Potom was reportedly beaten up black and blue on November 24, 2015 at around 10 pm

by SI Karik Pertin in civil dress along with four other police personnel in uniform. The police after raiding the house occupied by the victim on rent in Itanagar took him to the police station. While in lockup, police threatened Bili Potom with their service revolver, badly assaulted him using the butt of

the revolver, punched and used lathi on him. According to

Dibrugarh University to be partner in ODF programme A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Nov 26

The initiative of Dibrugarh District Administration and the District Water Sanitation Committee to make the District an open defecation free (ODF) district under Swaach Bharat Mission (Rural) received a boost with the Dibrugarh University (DU) consenting to be

the partner in this programme.

This was agreed upon at a high level meeting held at the Dibrugarh University Guest House Conference Hall on November 25 under the chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Alok Kumar Buragohain attended by the Dibrugarh Deputy Commissioner MS Manivannan, PHE

Chief Engineer (Sanitation) Dipak Mazumdar, Additional Chief Engineer NU Ahmed, Unicef Assam Wash Specialist Sweta Patnaik, Registrar, Dibrugarh University MN Dutta and other Deans and faculties from Dibrugarh University and officials of PHE department.

Contd. on Page 4

Aamir’s “intolerance” remark puts pressure on top brands

Vivek Menon, ED & CEO, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), is the first wildlife conservationist to be nominated for the Inspiring Innovators award by The Economist Magazine. He joins 14 other talented innovators from across the globe, which includes heavyweights like Steve McCurry, Jesse Owens, Naomi Klein, Aamir Khan, among others.

Snapdeal recently sought to distance itself from Aamir Khan's remarks by saying the comments were made by the actor in his personal capacity.

At the same time, other top brands of India Inc such as Titan, Samsung, Coke, Emami,

Contd. on Page 4

Contd. on Page 10

Bengaluru, Nov 26

DISTANCING ACT Snapdeal recently sought to distance itself from Aamir Khan's remarks by saying the comments were made by the actor in his personal capacity.

At the same time, other top brands of India Inc such as Titan, Samsung, Coke, Emami, Tata Sky and Godrej found themselves being dragged into the controversy for their erstwhile association with him.

In Papum Pare district, the total population was 1,76,573 persons out of which the total population of Chakmas was 2,065 persons. In fact, the populations of the Muslims in Papum Pare district were 6,148 persons i.e. 300% more than the population of the Chakmas in the district.

In Changlang district, the total population was 1,48,226 persons out of which the total population of the Chakmas/ Hajongs was 40,883 persons.

Total population of Chakmas in India as per 2011 census was 2,26,860 persons with 96,972 persons in Mizoram; 79,813 persons in Tripura; 2,032 persons in Assam; 466 persons in West Bengal; 106 persons in Meghalaya (as per Census 2011) and 47,471 persons in Arunachal Pradesh.

On social media, many users were seen running campaigns to encourage others to boycott brands and services that Khan had endorsed in the past.

A spokesperson for CocaCola India said: "We have had no commercial association with Aamir Khan for several years and it is therefore out of bounds for us to comment on his remarks."

sources, when asked the reason behind the assault, the police did not have proper reasons to incriminate Bili Poton as such. A local on condition of anonymity said, “This is total misuse of power by police and police atrocity against innocent people. Such acts of officers are condemnable”. Adding that police brutalities are common while the government remains a mute spectator.

Meanwhile, reportedly, a FIR has been lodged in this connection against the offending police personnel with the copy of the FIR circulated in the DC capital complex.

Boko AIUDF legislator Gopi Nath Das denied bail A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 26

In a major setback to his political career, Gauhati High Court today rejected the bail plea of Boko AIUDF legislator Gopi Nath Das in a rape case. Earlier, AIUDF legislator from Boko Gopi Nath Das, accused of raping his minor domestic help in a moving car, Contd. on Page 4

Smugglers with 274 cattle apprehended ET Correspondent Dhubri, Nov 26

Two cattle smugglers, Mazidur Rahman, 27, and Umar Ali, 25, of Hazirhat and Mulallyapara villages under South Salmara and Mancachar police station respectively of Dhubri district were apprehended along with 274 cattle heads by 17 Bn. and 57 Bn.BSF from various parts of border villages under South Salmara, Sukchar and Dhubri police station while cattle were being smuggled out to Bangladesh in the wee hours today.

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Raj Communications Near SBI bank Changlang

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Nagaon’s Anandaram Dhekial Phookan College assessed for second cycle of accreditation N. Patnaik Nagaon, Nov 26: Anandaram Dhekial Phookan College of Nagaon was assessed recently for its second cycle of accreditation by a three member NAAC peer team comprising of Prof. AK Pattanayak, former VC of Utkal University of Culture as Chairman, Dr. Deepak Kumar Verma, Principal of PK Roy Memorial PG College, Dhanbad as coordinator and Prof. Paramjeet Singh Judge of the Department of Sociology, Guru

Nanak Dev University, Amritsar as members. The peer team assessed the college from November 19 to 21. In the beginning the Principal of the college Dr. SU Ahmed gave a powerpoint presentation of the achievements of the college since its last accreditation, especially during the last five years. This was followed by a visit to Internal Quality Assurance Cell headed by Dr. Sanjib Kumar Barkakati, who too did a power point presentation regarding its activities

during the period about quality enhancement of the college. Dr. Barkakati led the team to various departments where the team examined activities, achievements, and checked records of various departments and their contribution to teaching-learning process, research works etc. The team also visited sites where the college has taken up extension programmes and appreciated the institution’s efforts to make inmates of State Home self reliant by imparting them training

about how to make articles from water hyacinth for domestic use. The team too interacted with parents, guardians and alumni where Dr. Rajen Saikia, Dalim Phukan and others were present. On the first day college students performed cultural items which were highly praised by the team. In the exit meeting the team praised college library, gymnasium, Bio-tech Hub and suggested how to further improve the quality of the college.

CM flags off BBIN friendship motor car rally from city ET Correspondent Shillong, Nov 26 : Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma flagged off the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Friendship Motor Car Rally from Shillong after the delegates of the rally were given a warm reception at the State Covention Centre, here on Thursday. The International Motor Car Rally, jointly organized by the Kalinga Motor Sports Club, Odisha in partnership with the counterpart clubs of the neighbouring countries and the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, was flagged off from Bhubaneshwar on November 15 last and culminate at Kolkata on December 2, next after covering the state capitals of Jharkhand, Bihar, Sikkim, Bhutan, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Chittagong and Dhaka in Bangladesh. The Rally is aimed at highlighting connectivity in the sub-region and possibility of seamless movements of vehicles

across the borders through implementation of BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, which will lead to economic integration of the region and help improve bilateral relations with our neighbouring countries. There are 77 delegates in the Rally, including three women and 74 men travelling in 20 SUVs. From Shillong the rallyists departed for Silchar via Thadlaskein and Lumshnong in Jaintia Hills. Addressing the delegates during the reception, the Chief Minister said that the Northeastern states have been engaging with the Government of India to take up with the neighbouring countries to facilitate for promoting economic activities and people to people contact across the borders. Stating that the North-eastern states have been subjected to disadvantages for years due to presence of long international borders, he said, “It is time now to open up these borders and the borders that we share

must become borders of economic activities for the growth and development of the region.” Highlighting on the potentialities of the State, the Chief Minister informed the delegates Meghalaya alone contributes 67 percent of the biodiversity reserves in the country. He expressed his gratitude to the delegates for their endeavour saying, “such kind of programme helps us to create stories of potentialities of the region making it easier for us to connect with the rest of the world”. He was of the view that this rally should be made an annual event and added that he, on behalf of the State Government, would take it up with the Union Ministry for promoting this rally as an annual event. Earlier, the MLA & President of the Kalinga Motor Sports Club, Praveen Chandra Bhanjdeo, while stressing on the safety measures that needs to be taken up said that other than making good roads there is a need to provide people with

necessary road safety procedures. He further added that this car rally is in fact all about spreading the message and creating awareness to all and bringing people closer for the purpose of economic development and cultural exchanges with the neighbouring countries.

Minister in-charge Transport, H. D. R. Lyngdoh in his address expressed hope that this kind of event will not only bring the region closer with the rest of the world but will also boost up the overall economic development of the region. The delegation leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal also shared their views on the occasion. The reception programme was organized by the State Transport Department and was also attended by the Additional Chief Secretary in-charge Transport, K.S. Kropha, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, P.S. Dkhar, Commissioner of Transport, Israel Ingty, among others.

Scribe remembered at DSSS ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Nov 26: Robin Choudhry, who was a journalist, writer and ex principal of Doomdooma College was remembered at the Doomdooma Sakha Sahitya Sabha Bhawan (DSSS) here at Azad Road.

Rich floral tributes were paid to Late Choudhry on his 81st birth anniversary and 4th death anniversary.

It is an interesting coincidence that he was born and died on the same date (born: 23.11.1935; died: 23.11.2012). In the programme which was organized at DSSS building, rich homage was paid to him by his childhood friend Niren Barua along with other dignitaries. Later a meeting was held which was presided by Arjun Baruah.

At the meeting, the present principal of Doomdooma College Dr Prakash Jyoti Borthakur recalled the contributions of Robin Choudhry to the College.

He said the College authority is planning to preserve his memory permanently in the College campus. Among those who also addressed the meeting were Angshuman Choudhry, Ruby Mahanta Choudhry, Birendra Hazarika, Govinda Phukan, Mrigen Saikia and Sankar Das. Poetess Moushmi Patowary recited a self composed poem in the meeting to pay her tribute to Late Choudhry. Nityanand Das, the secretary of DSSS anchored the programme.

TET teachers stage sit-in protest UPDS accord anni-

versary observed

ET Correspondent Sadiya, Nov 26 : The All Assam TET qualified Lower Primary Teacher Mancha, Sadiya EDN block committee staged a sit-in protest in front of the Deputy Inspector office of School, Chapakhowa demanding resolution to various issues faced by TET qualified

Jorhat Nagorik Aoyko Mancha to sue PB Acharya ET Correspondent Jorhat, Nov 26: Sanmilito Nagorik Aoyko Mancha led by educationist cum social activist Dr Debobrata Sarma among several other noted social activists today heavily flayed the Assam Governor PB Acharya for the latter’s remark “Hindustan for Hindus only” and the mancha in its meeting today decided to sue the Governor in this connection through advocate Heman Borah at the Jorhat Sessions Court. The mancha will also submit a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for immediate removal of the Governor who they said “is unfit, and that he is planning to fuel in the state unrest.”

teachers. The teachers were deployed in 2010 through a special requirement of teachers drive across Assam. Their demands include immediate regularisation of all the contractual lower primary teachers, reinstating the TET teachers’ posts in Project Approval Board Meet of 10297 lower primary schools estab-

lished in 2015. The TET teachers were deployed far away from their home district and therefore they need regular remuneration, a protester stated. They sit-in protest was held for 3 hours and concluded with the handing over of a memorandum to the chief minister through the School Inspector of Sadiya.

Sushanta Roy Diphu, Nov 26: Members of the disbanded Karbi ultra organization ‘United Peoples Democratic Solidarity’ observed its 4th anniversary of signing tripartite accord between Government of India, Assam Government and the UPDS at the office of the Ex-UPDA Welfare Society, Diphu yesterday. The members of the Ex-UPDA Welfare Society discussed the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between the organization and the two governments on November 25, 2011. Advisor of the society and elected member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (MAC) Horensing Bey in his address to the

gathering expressed his disappointment over the attitude of the Congress government which was in power at Delhi, Dispur and Diphu for not implementing the clauses of the accord during their tenure.

Bey in his deliberation also mentioned that present BJP government at Center also has not done enough to address the issue. “Government has not done enough to implement the MoS as was agreed, even it was decided that general amnesty will be given to the cadres of the UPDS but nothing has been done. Our society will stage a sit-in demonstration to press for its demand,” Horensing Bey said.

List of hospitals in Dibrugarh with contact details & phone numbers, Assam Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals Bordoloi Avenue, Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh - 786005 Phone Numbers: 0373 - 2302219, 2302225

G M Hospital

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

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

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

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

Assam Medical College

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

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

Sanjivani Diagnostic & Hospital Paltan Bazar, Dibrugarh Phone: 0373 - 2303448, 2303458, 2301904

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

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

Dr. Pawan Bajaj's Skin Clinic Paltan Bazar, Opposite Aditya Hospital Dibrugarh

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

Devotes participating at the Rass festival BihuToli at Duliajan.

Pic - Surajit Gogoi

ASTRO FOR YOU You are not so much in a mood to socialise today. Something unsavoury may also be hard to overcome. Although you are industrious, do not bite off more than you can chew. A bit of faith in providence can go a long way in your life.

Today you will prefer your outer appearance, having a good time over getting internally organized. You will seek your comfort level from creature comforts, not from within. You are due to spend most of the day, dressed in your best and going out to your favourite haunts for good food and company. Going for a refreshing change, and dining out at some fashionable restaurant is very much in the cards.

You will feel some measure of loneliness today. You will need the company of someone close to you for reassurance. The evening will see you plagued by rapid mood swings. Meditative techniques can help calm your mind.

Your imagination and creativity will surpass new heights. You will try to find easy answers to the most difficult riddles. Your creativity will be beneficial. A favourable day for investors and traders.

Whether you are an entrepreuner or an employee, you will spend more time at the office as compared to home. This is primarily because you will be full of energy and enthusiasm towards your work. Events will conspire to draw your attention towards work as well. You need to guard against taking financial risks.

In all likelihood, you will want to go into seclusion today, both mentally and physically. You have a knack to work yourself up to face challenges and gather your resources to come up trumps in unpleasant situations. However, you will not be able to go beyond your limitations.

You will be assigned the responsibility to organize a meeting, which will give you the opportunity to prove your efficiency. Those of you in research and development fields will find success by putting your knowledge to use. It is a good day for signing important documents or agreements.

You are like one butterfly today, literally flying from one place to another either for work or for socialising. New projects and business agendas form the crux of your day. There are chances that good business proposals may come your way and you may think of considering it.

Today you shall remain deep in thought. You may have plans to change the look of your home and a romantic evening with your sweetheart is on the cards. Fine gourmet and a nice ambience will arouse those senses more.

You have high expectations from all. Not only that, you also expect miracles from yourself. Naturally, with such high expectations you raise the chances of getting disappointed, also. A stitch in time saves nine. You need to plan out how you want to go about ideas and projects well in advance. Financially, you have a strong day today, however, same cannot be said about your personal life.

Your sudden inclination for philosophy and spirituality will make you spend a lot of money on the books related to the same. Don’t ignore reality, rather maintain a balance between both the worlds. You must keep tab on your food intake and habits, and follow a healthy lifestyle.

You will find yourself embroiled in tough situations at the work-place today. However, do not let it make you pessimistic. Even if things do not work out as and when they are meant to be, you will find that as the day progresses, things begin to fall in place of their own accord. Come evening, you should see yourself in a much more relaxed state of mind, after a hard day’s work.

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

27-11-15 (FRIDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti 6-15 A.M-Gandhi Prarthana 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan (Students' Broadcast) 6-50 A.M-Zikir 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Radio Report on 7th Day of 9th Dibrugarh Book Fair,2015 12-05 P.M-Live Phone-In Surar Satsori 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishimi 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 8-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Brahmaputra Swasthya Sewa" (Sponsored by Brahmaputra Diagnostics and Hospitals Pvt. Ltd.) 9-16 P.M-Aakashvanit Aaponar Abhimat 9-30 P.M-North East Collage 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P

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DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Nocte Chalo Loku celebrated with traditional fervour Khonsa, Nov 26: The Chalo Loku – the most popular festival of the Nocte tribe, was celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in Khonsa. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha Chief Guest said that this year Nocte Chalo Loku would bring message of peace, unity, prosperity and development in the region adding that District Administration, Police department, Assam Rifles, CRPF and HoDs are always forward to help villagers living in remote areas. While appreciating the Nocte Chalo Loku Committee, the DC said that while it is important to preserve the culture & tradition, the march of the history is towards development and change. The param-

Ex-Minister Thajam Aboh, Ex-MLA Kamthok Lowang, Tirap ZPC Chahwang Lowang, SP Tirap Jasmeet Singh, IPS, CO 1st AR Col. B.B. Pun, Commandant 36 Bn CRPF, ADC N. Wangsu, Rtd DC Phamwang Hosai and a host of other dignitaries witnessed the festival.

Earlier, on 22nd Novemeters of education, sanitation and infrastructure are to be embraced by our people. He solicited the effort of every individual and elected representative for early & successful completion of two critical ongoing projects at Khonsa namely CC Road and Water Supply network.

Earlier, in this welcome speech President of the Chalo Loku committee

Jiten Wangchha, ZPC highlighted the significance of the festival.

Ngasah Tangjang, President Arunachal Vikash Parishad Tirap Unit and State Vice President NSUI Jotam took Hannam also spoke on the occasion. Folk dances presented by the villagers of Lapnan and Laho villages enthralled the festival revellers including foreign tourists.

Responsibility of Swachh Bharat Mission lies with everyone: Arunachal Governor ET Bureau Itanagar, Nov 26: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa inaugurated the two-day workshop on Swachh Bharat Mission in Urban areas at Banquet Hall, Itanagar on 26th November 2015. In his inaugural address, the Governor said that success of the Swachh Bharat Mission lies on every individual of the society. From senior citizens to children, they have their role to play.

Society has to ensure that there is no pollution and nature is not disturbed by the greed of few people. The Governor said that while the people take utmost care for the personal comfort and appearance, in the same manner they must maintain their home, surroundings and town. The Governor advised on more participation by people’s representatives in the Swachh Bharat Mission.

He added that departments of education and rural development must be partners of the Mission to send a clear and right message to the people.

Reiterating the appeal of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for dedicating hundred hours a year towards Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Governor said that it is just 17 to 18 minutes a day and it can be easily done. Felicitating the Ambassadors of State Swachh Bharat Mission, the Governor reposed his confidence that they will carry forward the Prime Minister’s message and bring changes in the mindset towards cleanliness at home, villages, towns and State. They must create awareness on danger of non-biodegradable substances like plastic products etc. While highlighting on clean environment in Capital City, the Governor called for framing of deterrent rules to ensure that water bodies are not polluted. Citing Bharalu River of Guwahati, he informed that due to indiscriminate pollution and careless attitude of city dwellers it has almost disappeared and it will take years to revive to its earlier form. The Governor also advised for optimum utilization of the vehicles provided to them for waste management and at the same time. Reiterating his concern on disposal of medical

wastes, the Governor emphasised that incinerators must be installed in all the hospitals, including private hospitals and nursing homes.

He advised for issuing of advisories to all health establishments on safe disposal of waste to ensure that medical wastes, particularly non-bio degradable are disposed off in right and hygienic procedure, without causing damage to environment and danger to human beings and animals.

The Governor emphasised on reducing, recycling and Reusing of waste products.

Stressing on restarting of Garbage Plant, near Chimpu, Itanagar, the Governor said that it must be made functional at the earliest. He said that segregation of garbage is vital for sustainability of such plants. He advised the people of all the ages on ensuring the first step towards recycling.

Citing the example of Waste Paper Recycle Plant in Donyi Polo Mission for Hearing and Visually Impaired, Chimpu, the Governor reiterated the need for such Plants in every district and two or more for Capital City on priority. He added that such plants can provide employment avenues to the physically challenged people also. The Governor suggested that the Department of Industry and Skill Development must explore capacity building amongst the youth and can engage them successfully in such plants. Reminding all of the cleanliness drive of Kley River in Lower Subansiri by the people, particularly youth, the Governor appealed to the Youth Organisation to emulate such drives and help in preserving the Nature’s bounty of the State. The Governor underscored the role of Media, particularly the All India Radio in changing the

Lakhimpur TET teachers stage sitin protest demanding release of salary Contd. from Page 1

They demanded regularisation of their jobs, payment at revised scale as per ROP-2010, payment every month without any gap until their jobs are regularised, increase in grade-pay of those TET teachers who qualified DLED Course, posting them in their local areas, cessation of appointment of contractual teachers in Education Department, prioritizing with regard to regularisation of those TET teachers who were

appointed in 2012, putting an end to corruption in Education Department and appointment of teachers in the schools as per the teacherstudent ratio. They submitted a memorandum to the Director of Education through the BEEO of Lakhimpur Education Block Hareswar Basumatary. More than hundred TET teachers along with President Hemanta Kumar Saikia, Secretary Saurabh Saikia, Joint Secretary Hemanta Hajarika and Dhirumoni Saikia attended the protest program.

ber Food Festival was inaugurated by ADC N. Wangsu and CO 1st AR Col. B.B. Pun in which 60 odd Indigenous Food Stall from different SHGs as a part of Nocte Chalo Loku celebrations at Khonsa. The day long celebration concluded with Vote of thanks by Secretary the Chalo Loku committee Hapwang Lowang. (DIPRO)

mindset towards the cleaner society and environment.

Emphasizing on dignity of labour, the Governor stressed that people has to develop work culture for social and public well-being. It is duty of every government official to give 100 % of their time towards betterment and progress of the society and State. Sharing his experiences in cleanliness campaigns, Chief Secretary Shri Ramesh Negi said that it is more of attitudinal issue than technology or management issue. He called for more focus on children and Youth, mothers, cooks and maid servants, person engaged in garbage collection and market associations for the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission in urban areas. Stating that rich generates more garbage than the poor, the Chief Secretary called upon the people to pledge to live simple and natural life and use indigenous and local products to generate less garbage. This he said will promote indigenous products and local entrepreneurship. The Chief Secretary suggested for involving Self Help Groups in the mission, particularly in recycling activities. Sharing his experience, Brand Ambassador for SBA Urban, Shri Tapi Mra said that every mountaineer have to maintain certain protocol while in expedition. They have to carry bags for their garbage during the expedition and bring back the garbage back to the base camps. That way mountaineers keep the mountains clean from pollutions. He said, in the same spirit, if the people of Arunachal Pradesh take just one step towards Swachh Bharat Mission, it will be 13 lakh steps and it will definitely ensure cleanliness in the State. Ms Tine Mena

called for change in mindset to realize the Swachh Bharat Mission. Earlier in his welcome address, Commissioner, Urban Development Shri Belatee Pertin gave an overview of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban). He informed that main objective of the Mission in Urban areas includes elimination of open defecation, eradication of manual scavenging, modern and scientific municipal solid waste management, public awareness on health sanitation practices, capacity augmentation for Urban local bodies etc. The First Meeting of State Level High Powered Committee conducted on 17th June 2015 in which concept Note on State Sanitation Strategy and distribution of funds to Urban Local Bodies, District Urban Development Agencies amounting to Rs. 9.36 crore was approved. The Mission will be in force till 2nd October 2019. The UD Commissioner further informed that for the year 201516, it has a target of 2585 individual toilets, 19 community toilets and solid management projects in 26 towns. He called upon all the participants of the Workshop to devote their time and share their experiences to transmit the SBA objectives into action.

The Governor felicitated the Brand Ambassador for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban) Mountaineers, Shri Tapi Mra, Ms Tine Mena and Smti Anshu Jamsengpa, Badminton player Shri Laa Talar and Martial Art Expert Shri Nobin Jomoh, on the occasion. Resource Persons Shri R. Dharmaroa, Superintendent Engineer (Retd PHED, Andhra Pradesh and sanitation expert with Shri Ramakrishna Mission, Smt Deep Tripathi and Shri Digbijoy Bhowmik, Freelance Development Consultant were also felicitated during the function. Senior officers of State Government and Urban Development, Chief Councillors and Councillors of Itanagar and Pasighat Municipals, Chairmen and Member Secretaries of District Urban Development Agencies, Nongovernmental organisations, members of Itanagar and Naharlagun Baazar Committees along with other stakeholders attended the inaugural session.

Arunachal Governor felicitates Jamsenpa Contd. from Page 1

She created another mountaineering record by scaling three Himalayan peaks in just six days.

While congratulating for her achievement, the Governor, who was former President of Explorer, an adventure related association in Assam, said that the feat has achieved is incredible. She is asset and pride

of the State. He assured to positively look into the proposal submitted by the Arunachal Mountaineering and Adventure Sports Association for promotion of mountaineering and adventure sports in the State.

Tsering Wange, President, Arunachal Mountaineering and Adventure Sports Association and Koj Nawrence, Joint Secretary, AMASA, were present during the felicitation.

Assam CM pays tributes to Ambedkar on Constitution Day A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 26: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today paid rich tribute to Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar to observe 26th November as ‘Constitution Day’, the day when the Constitution was adopted at a function held in New Delhi. In a statement, Gogoi on Thursday said, “This is one of the few days when we pay our highest regards to one of the great sons of the Country who played a seminal role in framing Indian Constitution as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly”. He also said Dr. B. R. Ambedkar along with Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru and others played significantly in drafting the Constitu-

tion of India. Gogoi moreover said, “The Constitution of India is one of the best among the Committee of Nations which provides civic, political and economic equality besides social justice and harmony and expression faith and belief”. Chief Minister Gogoi said that Ambedkar was a great fighter who fought against exploitation, injustice and oppression. He also said that this was the day when the Constitution was adopted thereby laying the edifice of one and united India.

However, even today some divisive forces forces are at work which are spreading their tentacles and creating an atmosphere of ‘intolerance’ and ‘hatred’, Gogoi added.

DC holds NFSA meeting with Councilors and Panchayat Leaders Maksam Tayeng PASIGHAT, Nov 26: In a bid to review the implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA) in the district which is going to be implemented from 1st December next, a meeting was convened

by DC Pasighat Isha Khola at DC conference hall today which was attended by Councilors of Pasighat Municipal Council and Panchayat Leaders of the district.

While requesting the councilors and panchayat leaders to inform the beneficiaries under priority household to submit Adhar Card and Bank Account numbers for the purpose of digitization, Khosla dwelt at length on the importance of NSFA. She also gave detail account of the entitlement of rice for PH and AAY ration cards. The public representatives expressed their anxieties on behalf of the left out APL families, to which DC informed that the tide over allocation of food grains is ex-

Act to be implemented from 1st December next

pected shortly for the APL families. Taking the opportunity of the meeting, the panchayat leaders requested for allocation of SK Oil to Fair Price Shops to facilitate the consumers for easy access, to which DC assured to examine such feasibilities. Khosla also emphasized that panchayat leaders and councilors should play a proactive role in vigilance committee and bring out any malpractices, if any, before the district administration. She also informed that, a special com-

plaint register and box shall be maintained at the supply office for grievance redressal of the general public complaint of which will be attended by ADC (HQ) as District Grievance Redressal Officer under NFSA. On the part of District Food & Civil Supply Officer, B. Pertin informed that, the allocation of food grains under NFSA shall be done as per the directives of the state government and the beneficiaries shall be issued the same entitlement from the next month accordingly.

While expressing satisfaction over getting comprehensive information and clarification from the district administration, Kaling Dai, Zila Parishad Chairperson on behalf of PRI leaders and councilors, appreciated the DC for taking the public representatives into confidence for implementation a noble public policy like NFSA in the district and assured to extend all possible cooperation for successful implementation of the same.

SDFCSO Tapor Mize extended the vote of thanks.

Arunachal Pradesh: Not the Chakmas/Hajongs but other non-tribals pose bigger threat to indigenous peoples Contd. from Page 1 Not a single application has been processed since 1996.

The report of the Asian Centre for Human Rights stated population of Chakmas and Hajongs was 14,888 Chakmas/Hajongs during 1964-69 only increased to 47,471 persons as per 2011 census i.e. 218% in 47 years.

In comparison, the population of other non-tribals such as Adivasis, Assamese, Nepalese, Muslims, Marwaris, Biharis etc in the State increased by 955% during the same period i.e. from 36,614 persons in 1961 to 3,84,435 persons in 2011 as per the census.

“If the population growth were to pose a threat to indigenous peoples of Arunachal Pradesh, Chakmas/Hajongs surely do not pose a threat to the local indigenous peoples of Arunachal Pradesh. It is the non-Chakma/Hajong general population whose populations have been increasing rapidly.

A total of 47,471 Chakmas and Hajongs cannot pose a threat to 13,83,727 persons of the State as per 2011 census”. ” – stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.

Providing details of proof that the Chakmas and Hajongs are minorities in the three districts and four assembly constituencies they are settled, Asian Centre for Human Rights stated Chakmas are currently settled in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh i.e.

Namsai, Papumpare and Changlang while Hajongs are settled only in Changlang district.

As per 2011 census, Namsai district had population of 95,950 persons out of which the total population of the Chakmas was only 4,523 persons. In Papum Pare district, the total population was 1,76,573 persons out of which the total population of Chakmas was 2,065 persons.

In fact, the populations of the Muslims in Papum Pare district were 6,148 persons i.e.

300% more than the population of the Chakmas in the dis-

trict. In Changlang district, the total population was 1,48,226 persons out of which the total population of the Chakmas/ Hajongs was 40,883 persons.

The Chakmas/Hajongs are settled in four out of 60 Assembly constituencies of Arunachal Pradesh i.e. 49 Bordumsa-Diyun and 50 Miao (ST-Scheduled Tribe) in Changlang district; 46 Chowkham (ST) in Namsai district; and 14 Doimukh (ST) in Papumpare district. As Chakmas/Hajongs are not listed as Scheduled Tribes, they cannot contest the reserved seats for STs i.e.

Doimukh (ST), Chowkham (ST) and Miao (ST) Assembly Constituencies. In any case, the Chakmas/Hajongs are minorities in all these constituencies with 2,065 Chakmas out of 60,021 total population in Doimukh (ST) Assembly Constituency; 4,523 Chakmas out of 21,995 population in Chowkham (ST) Assembly Constituency; 10,383 Chakmas/Hajongs out of 44,875 population in Miao (ST) Assembly Constituency.

In Bordumsa-Diyun (General) Assembly Constituency, the Chakmas/Hajongs population is 30,619 out of total 61,051 population in the said Assembly Constituency.

In comparison to the Chakmas and Hajongs, other general population of Arunachal Pradesh i.e.

Adivasis, Assamese, Nepalese, Muslims, Marwaris, Biharis etc are majorities in three districts and four Assembly constituencies.

As per 2011 census (1) in Papumpare district, non Chakma/Hajong general population i.e. Adivasis, Assamese, Nepalese, Muslims, Marwaris, Muslims, Biharis etc was 57,292 against Chakma/Hajong population of 2,065 persons; in Namsai district, other non-Chakma general population was 59,937 against Chakma/Hajong population of 4,523 while (3) in Changlang district, other nonChakma Hajong general population was 53,465 against Chakma/Hajong population of 40,883 persons.

As per 2011 census, con-

stituency wise, (1) in Doimukh constituency, out of total 60,021 population, nonChakma/Hajong general population was 15,583 against 2,065 Chakmas/Hajongs; (2) in Chowkham, out of total 21,995 persons, non-Chakma/ Hajong general population was 11,681 against 4,523 Chakmas/Hajongs; (3) in Miao constituency, nonChakma/Hajong general population was 15,955 against 10,383 Chakmas/Hajongs; and (4) in Bordumsa-Diyun constituency, out of total 61,052 persons, non-Chakma/Hajong general population was 21,468 against 30,619 Chakmas/ Hajongs. It is pertinent to mention that only 1500 Chakmas/ Hajongs have been included in the electoral roll so far in Bordumsa-Diyun constituency so far.

“The total population of Chakmas in India as per 2011 census was 2,26,860 persons with 96,972 persons in Mizoram; 79,813 persons in Tripura; 2,032 persons in Assam; 466 persons in West Bengal; 106 persons in Meghalaya (as per Census 2011) and 47,471 persons in Arunachal Pradesh. As the Chakmas are recognized as Scheduled Tribe in Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram and there is no reason for the Chakmas from these States to migrate to Arunachal Pradesh where the Chakmas do not enjoy Scheduled Tribe status.”

– further stated Mr Chakma.

Further, the potential for increase of other non-Chakma/ Hajong general population of Arunachal Pradesh like Adivasis, Assamese, Nepalese, Muslims, Marwaris, Biharis etc is more because of the absence of labour force from indigenous peoples in the State in ever increasing tea industry and infrastructural projects. There were 42 registered Tea Estates, eight Tea Factories and seven Bought Leave Tea Factories in the State as on July 2013 while hundreds of small unregistered tea gardens are abound. All the labourers are Adivasis. Almost all the businesses are controlled by non-

tribals from mainland India including Marwaris, Biharis, etc and in Bordumsa Town polling area in Changlang district, out of total 857 voters, 646 are non non-tribals as per 2015 Electoral Rolls.

If the Supreme Court judgment dated September 17, 2015 is fully implemented, it shall mean processing the citizenship applications of about 7,000 surviving Chakmas/ Hajongs who migrated during 1964-69 and whose age is at least 51 years considering the migration took place in 1964.

Majority of them are old and fragile, too poor to pay the fees of Rs 5,000 to process the citizenship applications and majority will die soon. Citizenship has almost become meaningless in the twilight of life.

Obviously, processing citizenship applications of about 7,000 Chakmas/Hajongs cannot be a threat to indigenous peoples of Arunachal Pradesh considering the migration of more than 7,000 non-Chakma/ Hajong general population in the State every year in search of jobs, business and work in various infrastructure projects.

“Even if processing of citizenship has become almost infractutous for majority of the Chakmas/Hajongs who migrated during 1964-1968, it is still required. Deprived of citizenship or any other identification, many are being denied the freedom of movement – buying a flight ticket or train ticket or checking into a hotel requires identification issued by the government. Nothing could be more humiliating than not having any documentation to prove who you are!”

–further stated Mr Chakma.

Asian Centre for Human Rights lamented the decision to further delay integration of the Chakmas and Hajongs by filing review and curative petitions to the Supreme Court judgment dated September 17, 2015 to process citizenship applications. Instead of resolving the problems, the Union of India and the State of Arunachal Pradesh want to drag the problem for political benefits. There is no legal or moral ground to file review or curative petitions.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

4 tractors employed in illegal quarrying seized Roing, Nov 26: In its continuing efforts to check illegal quarrying in the district, four more tractors were seized from different quarry sites by Mineral Guards of the Department of Geology & Mining, Roing recently.

The seized vehicles were detained in the Police Station, Roing for two days and were released after realization of penalty. B Yun, Assistant Mineral & Development Officer, Roing in-

formed that Rs 13, 532/- has been realized as penalty from the vehicle owners and the money has been deposited in the Govt account through treasury challan. It was also informed that during the random checking of illegal quarrying since October 2015, Rs 61,042/- has been collected as penalty (till date) excluding Royalty Collection by the Department of Geology & Mining, Roing. (DIPRO)

Constitution Day rally Roing, Nov 26: To mark the occasion of Constitution Day, a rally was organised at Roing early this morning by the District Administration. Govt Employees, Paramilitary Forces, Public and Students participated in the rally. Constitution Day is being observed across the country today to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26 in the year 1949. (DIPRO)

ULFA member sent to 14-day judicial custody A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Nov 26: In a recent development, deported ULFA member Babul Goswami was sent to 14 days judicial custody by a

TADA court in Mangaldai today. Earlier, deported ULFA member Babul Goswami was arrested

by Darrang Police on Tuesday as he is

wanted in two cases.

Goswami was handed over to his family members on Monday by the CBI after he and two others, including Anup Chetia, were deported

Contd. from Page 1

Overseeing the last minute preparedness of the rally, Dibrugarh BJP MLA Prasanta Phukon said that the main issue for the party will be the anti-incumbency factor of the 15 year old Tarun Gogoi led Congress government in the state.

“Massive corruption has become the order of the day in Assam. There is large scale corruption in all de-

Assam BJP MLAs to join Congress soon : Anjan Dutta Contd. from Page 1

Asked if Gaurav Gogoi could be the next chief minister, if Gogoi steps aside, Dutta said that Gaurav is young and has a lot to learn.

"Gaurav is young into politics and has a lot to learn and travel to be into Gogoi's shoes," said Dutta. Dutts also added that along with the MLAs who have recently crossed over into BJP from the Congress, he was also approached by the BJP leadership to cross over into the saffron party. "However I flatly refused, as I will al-

ways be loyal to the Congress as this is the party which actually works for the people," said Dutta.

Meanwhile in a recent development, Assam chief minister who is presently at New Delhi has directed to of his ministers---Rakibul Hussain and Bhumidhar Barman to meet KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi, and to discuss with him a slew of issues. Gogoi, is scheduled to meet President Pranab Mukherjee tomorrow, where he will lodge a compliant against Assam governor PB Acharya.

5 motor bikes recovered, 8 arrested Contd. from Page 1

son of late Kuleswar Moran of Kathalguri under Bordumsa PS; receiver of Scooty, Bipul Bora, 25, son of late Poroma Bora of Inthem Nagapather; receiver of a scooty and a Glamour, Mintu Gogoi, 24 of Inthem Nagapather under Pengaree PS; receiver of Pulser 150, Lilmoni Hazarika, 26, of Kakopather; receiver of Pulser 150, Nijut Hazarika, 32, of Kakopather, Subhanta Moran, 25, of Kakopather, Anirudhha Chetia, 27, of Kakopather. Meanwhile, the recovered two wheelers include AS 32 N 3226 Maestro gray colour Scooty be-

longing to Gauri Automobiles of Digboi that was recovered near Digboi Bihutoli, Maestro AS23 M 5158 bottle green Scooty recovered from Inthem Nagapather in Pengaree, Karizma black colour bike bearing registration number AS 23 J 7850 recovered from Bogapani TE garden Hospital and a red colour Glamour bearing Number recovered from PNGB Road Digboi while a black coloured Pulser recovered from Inthem Nagapather in Pengaree. Talking to The Easter Today here this evening, the SDPO Margherita I Ahmed and Inspector Chandan Milli

Sit-in protest by TET teachers

Kabir Mondal Dhubri, Nov 26: TET teachers of South Salmara Sub-division of Dhubri district staged sitin strike in front of South Salmara Block Elemen-

tary Education Office today demanding the state government to regularize their post. TET teachers were appointed on contractual basis, teachers alleged.

Driver of a cash van flees with over Rs. 22 crore New Delhi, Nov. 26: The driver of a cash van, which carries currencies for loading ATM machines, fled with around Rs. 22.5 crore from

Govindpuri area here on Thursday evening. The police have launched a massive manhunt to nab the missing driver. Further details are awaited. (ANI)

rant, he was taken into custody and will be produced in court shortly. There are two cases of murder and gun-running against Goswami.

Nagaland MP dies in Former Nagaland minister Delhi hospital Sentichuba Ao passes away ET Bureau New Delhi, Nov 26: Khekiho Zhimomi, Nagaland's lone Rajya Sabha MP, died at the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here on Thursday morning due to a heart ailment. "He was admitted to AIIMS three days ago for severe heart issues.

His health deteriorated and he died today (Thursday)

morning at 6 a.m.," one of his daughters told reporters.

His family members said his body will be taken to Nagaland after the postmortem examination. Zhimomi had recently visited Myanmar with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval for the signing of peace agreement between several insurgent groups and the Myanmar government.

PTI Kohima, Nov 26: Senior Congress leader of Nagaland and a former minister T Sentichuba Ao passed away at Dimapur on Wednesday, family members said. He was 80. A veteran legislator, he was first elected to the state Assembly in 1969 from Yisemyong, now

BJP to kick start poll campaign for 2016 Assam assembly polls from Dibrugarh partments due to which the targeted beneficiaries are being deprived of the facilities. We will go all out against the Congress party’s misrule in the state after the rally”, Phukon said. The party has invited 15 workers each from the booth level committees from the over 4000 booth level committees across the six party districts in upper Assam, namely Tinsukia, Sadiya, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat.

together Bangladesh.

On Tuesday, his friends and family members were happy to see him.

Police said Goswami is wanted in a TADA case and as we served a war-

“These 15 members from the booths will carry the message and welfare schemes initiated by our party for the people to the grass root level and the voters. This is why we have organized this party workers rally”, Phukon said. Apart from Shah, national organizing secretary and one of the senior most leaders of the party Ram Lal, national general secretary Ram Madhav, state party president and union minister

Sarbananda Sonowal, secretary (NE) Ajoy Jamwal, all the MPs and MLAs of the party from the state and a host of other state level leaders will attend the rally.

Former Congress stalwart and Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who recently joined the party along with 9 other MLAs of the party will also attend the rally.

Top security officials visited the venue and reviewed the security arrangements, since Shah is one of the top-

most politicians of the country having tight security cover. On the other hand, young leaders of the party have chalked out a new ploy to invite the people of the tea tribes in the ‘Kariyakarta Sanmilan’ by extending invitation to them by offering ‘Tamul-paan’. Parag Dutta, a youth leader of the party today went to Lezai Gaon panchayat area with ‘Tamul-paan’ and invited the people for the rally.

Oust Assam governor within a month, demands Congress Contd. from Page 1

also slammed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the centre and asked why it has failed to table legislation for granting refugee status or citizenship to Hindu Bengalis staying in Assam.

"The BJP had claimed that it will grant citizenship/ refugee status to Hindu Bengalis staying in Assam.

However, no bill regarding this is slated to be intro-

duced during the winter session of parliament which started today (Thursday).

For granting citizenship, amendment has to be made in the Foreigners Act," he said. The Assam government had moved the Centre to frame a policy for granting asylum to people who fled religious persecution and discrimination and had taken refuge in India during partition. Gogoi had submitted a memorandum to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in April

2012; pleading those Indian citizens who had to flee due to religious persecution should not be treated as foreigners on humanitarian grounds. Dutta said the Hindu Bengalis -- who had moved towards the BJP earlier -- were now moving away after they realised that the BJP was just telling lies.

The state Congress president added that the party will put up candidates in all the 126 constituencies in next year's assembly polls.

Dibrugarh University to be partner in ODF programme

Contd. from Page 1

The meeting after threadbare discussion decided that DU will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be signed by the Deputy Commissioner and Registrar of DU within the next 10 days. In the first phase the Dibrugarh will be taken as a pilot district where joint efforts toward ODF will be taken followed by the rest 6 districts falling under DU in consultation with concerning DSWC. The meeting proposed to form College Health, Sanitation Club (CHSC) first in the 27 colleges of the district followed by other colleges in the six districts. Each college will nominate one Nodal Teacher and also ensure systematic monitoring and development of Documentation mechanism. The CHSC will establish monthly reporting system. The activities of CHSC will be jointly reviewed by DU management

and DWSC. The meeting proposed to hold Convention of College Principals and designated Nodal Officers at DU on 20 December making them aware about the role and responsibility in the ODF process. The convention will be attended by high officials from DU, District administration and PHE department.

The Additional Chief Secretary Subhas Das will grace the occasion as the chief guest. The meeting finalized the proposal to construct two sanitary complexes and one Compact Solid Waste Management Plant from SBM fund at DU and nearby area

by University Authority. Addressing the occasion the VC appreciated the efforts of DWSC towards making the district ODF and stated the DU is pleased to be a partner in that effort. He said this partnership will be first of this kind among all universities and assured that all expertise and technical knowhow will be provided by the University

for success of the programme.

He laid stress on introducing new courses on Hygiene and good practices of health. The Deputy Commissioner in his address termed the programme as people’s movement and not a mere scheme. He stated that this partnership will greatly benefit the people of northern part of Upper Assam and will able to reach heights.

The State Coordinator, SBM Pratul Choudhury and District Nodal Officer Bhaskar Sarmah briefed the meeting on the activities of SBM both at State and at Dibrugarh district. O the other hand the high PHE official team headed by the Chief Engineer (Sanitation) visited Singlijan and Ethelwood TE and expressed satisfaction on the infrastructure provided for ODF. It is worth mentioning that already 5 Tea Estates and one Gaon Panchayat of the District has been declared ODF.

Angetyongpang Assembly constituency on United Front Nagaland ticket and later changed to United Democratic Front. He was elected six times from the same constituency. Ao, who had joined the Congress in 1998, was also the former president of the Ao Students Conference, an

apex body of Mokokchung district during 1965-67. The funeral service was held at his residence in Dimapur today at 11 am after which his body was taken to his native village in Mongsenyimti under Mokokchung district for burial, family sources said.

Protest against garbage disposal Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Nov 26: Members of Brihottar Asomiya Yuva Manch on Thursday blocked the road between Tinsukia and Duliajan near Tingrai bridge for over an hour demanding use of scientific methods for garbage disposal. They have also demanded change of the place for dumping garbage

of entire Tinsukia. It is worth mentioning that entire town’s garbage is dumped just beside the stretch of this road leading to oil town Duliajan, that too, in the open. Situation has gone from bad to worse and that one cannot pass through the area with the windows of the vehicle open.

AJBM flays Hindu domination over Dalits ET Correspondent Margherita, Nov 26: Anushuchit Jaati Bikash Manch (AJBM), General Secretary MK Gautam today had harsh words to say about the Hindu religion as “it has dominated the Dalit Community for more than 1000 years.” Adding that the Dalit Community were always deprived and exploited by Hindu. Education, untouchability, love and affection are always a curse on the Dalit Community people, said MK Gautam. “Hindu fascist organisations are always spreading hatred among the Dalit Community people living in India,” he further added. However, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar is the saviour of the Dalit Community and that 26 November has come to be commemorated as Constitution Day of India, Gautam said while suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should declare India as not a Hindu nation but instead “a secular nation”. Meanwhile, MK Gautam condemned Minister of State for Foreign Affairs VK Singh’s alleged statement saying that “Dalit people are dogs” and warned that BJP Member of Parliament and Member of Legislative Assembly should refrain from engaging in dirty politics or else BJP shall bite the dust.

German daughter-in-law faces problems extending her visa ET Correspondent Golaghat, Nov 26: Two years of chatting over Facebook turned into friendship eventually to result in marriage of a German lady with a local boy as it appeared in the media a few months back. On 17th May, Shailey Kuch, a German lady came to India's Assam and landed in Jorhat in search of her love residing in Barpathar region of Golaghat District. Their love proved intense when they got married in a traditional way. After this,

Shailey’s tourist visa got expired and she along with her new family members was seen knocking on the doors of the SP office and DC office for visa extension. On humanitarian grounds, she secured visa extension. After this, the couple set out to complete the process of registering their marriage.

As after registration Shailey will be eligible to obtain Indian citizenship. But to their ill luck, there is no such regular Marriage Registrar at Golaghat and as such the very work is supervised by

one of the ADC incharge.

However, the problem the couple is facing pertains to the fact that the officer in charge of Marriage Registrar is able to conduct an Indian marriage but has no authority of conducting marriage with a foreigner. So Shailey will have to wait till the time a regular Registrar joins the office. The family members are worried for their daughter in law who has come from far and is undergoing such difficulties with her visa deadline is getting over and no registrar available.

Vivek Menon: First Indian Conservationist Nominated for the Economists’ Inspiring Innovators Award Contd. from Page 1

The nomination is particularly significant in drawing the attention of top international business leaders to the plight of Asian elephants in India and the possible solutions to resolve human elephant conflict. He was nominated by British model and actress Lily Cole for his work on restoring corridors to safeguard the traditional migration routes of elephants that have been unfortunately, over the years, victims of development. The Economist recognises these talented individuals through annual innovation awards, now in their 14th year. Accordingly, nominations for outstanding innovators are listed under seven categories: bioscience; computing and telecommunications; consumer products; energy and the environment; process and service innovation; social and economic innovation; and a special “no boundaries” category for innovations that do not fit into any of the other categories.

Vivek Menon has spearheaded WTI to identify 100 such corridors across India for Project Elephant of Government of India. Over the past decade WTI along with its partners has assisted the State Forest Departments to secure crucial elephant corridors in Kerala, Karnataka, Meghalaya and are in the process of securing more corridors. “It is a personal dream to see each and every corridor secured for these magnificent yet endangered animals,” Vivek Menon said. “I hope this recognition by The Economist not only takes the message to the masses many of whom might not be aware of elephant ecology but also sparks the interest of corporate India to partner in this mammoth project.” WTI as the implementing partner in the Asian Elephant Alliance is mobilising support from corporate India. The project gets added teeth through Vivek Menon’s recent appointment as Chair of the IUCN Asian Elephant Specialist Group. The plight of the endangered Asian elephant and its need for

space was the raison d’être of the Asian Elephant Alliance formed with the objective of raising crucial funds to help secure 100 elephant corridors in India. The Alliance that saw International Fund for Animal Welfare and its partner Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) join hands with international charities Elephant Family, World Land Trust and IUCN Netherlands, faces the mammoth task of mobilising resources and influencing policy to reduce human elephant conflict, thus enabling peaceful coexistence of animals and humans. The winner of the inaugural ‘Inspirations’ award was announced in The Economist’s November/December issue. The competition was fierce and the winner was Celia Greenwood, the founder of the WAC Arts, the performing arts school and charity in London. Vivek will be joining three other nominees in giving a talk to guests at the dinner celebrating the award and the ‘Inspiring Innovators’ supplement on January 26th, 2016.

Akhil Gogoi marches on against BJP Contd. from Page 1

Gogoi appealed to the peasantry class of Assam to combat the communal

politics of BJP and fight against the economic policies of the Central government”. Gogoi said that BJP has no policy for

the welfare of the poor and Narendra Modi will turn the central government a dictator's government.

Boko AIUDF legislator Gopi Nath Das denied bail Contd. from Page 1

was arrested from Hajo in Kamrup district on 4th October. He is currently

lodged in Central jail at Guwahati. A 14-year-old maid working in the MLA's residence had lodged an FIR in Boko po-

lice station in Kamrup district, 55 km from Guwahati, on September 6, accusing Das of raping her on August 29.

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Tea garden AAGSU demands Gorkha candidates in 15 constituencies manager Darjeeling, Nov 26: The All Assam Gorkha Students' Union (AAGSU) the influential apex students and youth organization of the Gorkhas of Assam today demanded 15 Gorkha dominated Legislative Assembly constituencies in the forthcoming Assam Bidhan Sabha Elections from any political party endorsing its basic demand of Gorkha Autonomus Council (GAC) in Assam to get support in 65 constituencies where Gorkhas are deciding factor.

This was stated by AAGSU president Prem Tamang in a press conference at Gauhati Press Club yesterday.

Elaborating his statement Tamang further added, 'Any political party who gives Gorkha candidature in the

Leaders of All Assam Gorkha Students' Union talking to the media in a press meet on Wednesday in Guwahati following constituencies namely Margheritha, Digboi, Sadiya, Sootea, Nawboicha, Bihali, Borsola, Mazbat, Tamulpur,

Sarupathar, Duliajan, Tezpur, Tingkhang, Rangapara, and Gohpur will get support from AAGSU and the Gorkhas of the

state. Besides the above Gorkha dominated constituencies, 35 lakhs scattered Gorkhas are deciding factor in 65 constituencies of the

state and AAGSU will take a stand in this election for Gorkha Autonomus Council. Gorkhas previously had 2 cabinet ministers and 4 MLAs in the Assam Legislative Assembly and currently 2 MLAs and one Parliamentary Secretary in Govt. of Assam. Addressing the press conference Central Executive Member (CEM) of AAGSU Nanda Kirati Dewan said that the AAGSU's marathon central executive meeting and Extended Executive Meeting were held on Monday and Tuesday respectively to decided on political stand of Gorkhas of state where unanimously, it was resolved to demand Gorkha candidature in 15 constituencies in Assam. 'Gorkhas

of Assam won't vote for any Party but for Gorkha candidates across the state, any political party putting up Gorkha candidate will get AAGSU support in that constituency', Dewan added. AAGSU reiterated its stand on up-gradation of NRC and on going verification that no genuine Indian Gorkha who has applied for NRC should be left out under any circumstances. The press meet was attended by General Secretary I/C Sanjib Chowhan, Vice President Sunil Chetri, publicity secretary Raj Newar, Executive Member Mohendra Rai, Arjun Chetry and Sonitpur and Tinsukia Dist. President Sanjiv Chetry and Numal Chetry respectively. (agencies)

Didi tries to distance Nitish Kumar announces liquor ban in Bihar Patna, Nov 26: Bihar will go ing more than anyone else Bharatiya Janata Party herself and party dry from April 1, 2016, Chief due to increasing liquor con- leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Minister Nitish Kumar ansumption," he said. An offi- Wednesday vowed to supon Thursday. The cial at the chief minister's of- port a liquor ban. The decifrom attacks on CPM nounced chief minister made the anfice said Nitish Kumar took sion is expected to derail the nouncement -- a part of his election pledge at an official function to mark Prohibition Day here. He said the poorest of the poor had been consuming liquor, badly hitting their families and their children's education. Increasing liquor consumption was also a major cause for domestic violence, particularly against women, and had West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee meeting memebers of the Sikh community in Kolkata on Wednesday

Kolkata, Nov 26: In an attempt to distance herself and the party from the series of attacks on CPI-M MLAs and other party leaders and activists during their jathas in Midnapore for the past few days allegedly by Trinamul Congress cadres, party supremo Mamata Banerjee has summoned district party leaders to take stock of the situation. The move comes close on the heels of the state Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee condemning the attack on the Leader of the Opposition Suryakanta Mishra in his constituency in Midnapore and brutal treatment meted out to former CPI-M MLA Dhiren Lett who was made to hold his ears and declare he would no longer associate with the CPI-M. Banerjee has instructed party MPs, MLAs, district presidents of East and West Midnapore, frontal organisational heads and other elected members of municipalities and zilla parishads to attend a meeting at her residence on 28 November. Party sources said she would hold a review meeting with the party functionaries and get

Gurpurab celebrated with devotion, gaiety in Tripura Agartala, Nov 26: Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab, the most sacred festival of the Sikhs, was celebrates with devotion and gaiety here on Wednesday. The main programme was held at Salbagan, the BSF's Tripura Frontier headquarters, where people from various security forces gathered to celebrate the festival.

Gurpurab marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikhism, who was born in 1469 and was the first of the 10 Sikh Gurus. He believed that service to man is supreme and called upon the people to lead a moral and righteous life. People from various organisations such as ONGC, TSR, GREF, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF and local police participated in the celebration. (ANI)

a firsthand report on what had exactly happened. She would also discuss the strategy for the forthcoming Assembly elections. As the party has grown bigger, infighting has become widespread, which has prompted Banerjee to intervene and find out whether there was any truth in the Opposition allegation that Trinamul activists had orchestrated the attacks on Left jathas. The meeting will discuss measures to stop the reported exodus of some grassroots workers and party functionaries to the group led by estranged party MP Mukul Roy. On the other hand, the CPI-M, along with other Left parties, has decided to raise during the winter session of Parliament beginning tomorrow the issue of the attacks, "absence of rule of law" in West Bengal, "starvation" deaths in closed tea gardens in north Bengal, tardy CBI probe into Saradha and other chit funds scams, apart from incidents said to be indicative of a wave of intolerance in the country. "Intolerance issue will receive the topmost priority in our move", said Md Selim, MP. (Agencies)

contributed to a rise in crimes. "Women are suffer-

the decision after a highlevel meeting with officials here. In July, Nitish Kumar had declared that prohibition would be imposed if he retained power in the assembly elections. Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan had earlier said that the state government would soon take steps to impose a liquor ban.

government's financial health. The excise department went into an overdrive in 2007 following a new policy and started issuing licences for marketing liquor across the state. The revenue collection of excise department registered a more than 10-fold jump, from Rs.319 crore in 2005-06 to Rs.3,650 crore in 2014-15. (Agencies)

41 grams Heroin seized in Mizoram Aizawl, Nov 26: Forty-one grams of heroin was seized

by Mizoram Excise and Narcotics department's Anti Narcotic Squad in Aizawl on Tuesday.

Department spokesperson Peter Zohmingthanga said that the seized contraband is worth around Rs 1.2 lakh in

the local market.

Thanhmingliani (45) of Khawzawl in MizoramMyanmar border Champhai district was arrested in this connection and she was charged under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The drug

was reportedly smuggled from Myanmar via 404-kmlong porous MizoramMyanmar border. Meanwhile, the state excise and narcotics department declared Thursday, the polling day for election to the 19-seat Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) as a dry day. A

Woman murderer severely persecuted Imphal, Nov 26: Irate locals today thrashed a 28-year-old newly married woman, who has been accused of murdering her six-year-old step daughter at Cheirap Court complex. The incident happened when a police team of Irilbung police station brought Thiyam Ibemcha (28) w/o Reagan of Thiyam Konjin Mamang Leikai to produce her before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East.

Since morning, a large crowd including womenfolk gathered near the Court complex after getting information of Ibemcha's Court appearance.

As soon as a team of around five police personnel brought her to the Court complex from Irilbung police custody at around 2.40 pm, the crowd surrounded the police vehicle and thrashed her badly. As the crowd could easily overpower the police team, they kept on giving blows to the accused for some minutes. Even as the police tried to pull the accused out of the crowd, some locals even tore the clothes of Ibemcha. Later, she was guided towards the Court room by the police team. After reaching the Court room, CJM Imphal East

Cops rescuing the accused from the irate people Aribam Noutuneshwari Devi gave her shawl to Ibemcha as her clothes were badly torn by the crowd. The prosecution pleaded the Court to remand Ibemcha to judicial custody for allegedly murdering her step daughter. After perusing the arguments of the prosecution, the Court remanded Ibemcha to judicial custody till December 9.

Before the accused was brought out of the Court room, a large police team including women personnel led by Imphal police station OC Dinesh, Irilbung police station OC Sarat pushed back the irate crowd who held placards and shouted slogans

against Ibemcha. She was later taken away to the judicial custody by the police safely. It may be mentioned that the incident of alleged murder occurred at her residence on November 20.

Irilbung police arrested her the next day and detained her at the police station till today. In a meeting held some days back, Social Welfare Educational and Cultural Association, Thiyam Konjin had banished the accused from the locality. Ibemcha appeared before the Court under FIR case number 103 (11) 2015 of Irilbung police station under Section 309 and 34 IPC today.

(Agencies)

press statement issued by the department said that officials, armed with breath analysers would be deployed in all the 19 counting centres.

The votes polled would be counted in convenient halls within the respective wards immediately after completion of the polling. (Agencies)

gheraoed

Jalpaiguri, Nov 26: Labourers of Nageshwari tea garden in Jalpaiguri district on Thursday gheraoed the manager demanding basic provisions like wages, ration, water and electricity supply.

About 30-40 labourers gheraoed the manager of the tea garden, located in Mal block. Joint Forum of Labour Unions of the tea garden said the garden belonged to the Duncan group. A spokesman of the Joint Forum, Zia ul Alam of

CITU, said a stalemate was continuing in the garden and the labourers had no money to buy food or medicine. UTUC leader Nirmal Das said with a deadlock prevailing in the garden, labourers had to register their protest by this action. A labourer of the same tea garden died on Monday and family members had alleged that he had died of malnutrition and lack of treatment. (agencies)

Province to build library in Sikkim, India Gangtok, Nov 26: Jeju province has announced that it will support the construction of a library in Sikkim, a province in the mountainous region of northeast India. Josoo Church in Hangyeongmyeon, west Jeju, have held the Josoo Biennial festival since 2006 with Jeju artists to combat illiteracy in the Indian region. Last year the province bought a twofloor 264 square meter

building with 50 million of ODA assistance.

This year another 50 million won will be provided to stock the library. The project totals 120 million won which includes the purchasing of land for a school, playground, and five classrooms. A group of provincial officials will visit Sikkim next month to discuss the expansion of projects in the region.

(Agencies)

Class IX papers leaked in Shillong Shillong (Jowai), Nov 26: Besides large scale leakage of question papers of the Class IX Internal Assessment Examination 2015 in parts of Jaintia Hills, leakage was also reported from Shillong even as M. Marbaniang, Deputy Director of MBOSE, lodged a complaint with Jowai Police Station that has initiated enquiry as per provisions of the law. Students had availed the question papers of all the subjects almost a week before the start of the examination scheduled from November 16 till December 2, sources said. According to sources, question papers were circulated by the students of a particular school to another which ultimately resulted in a large number of students availing the leaked questions. It was earlier reported on Tuesday that students in West Jaintia Hills were buying the Science and Mathematics question papers at prices ranging from Rs.300 to Rs.2000. The Science question paper, examination for which is scheduled on November 30, was also leaked.

According to a relative of a student studying at H. Elias Memorial Higher Secondary School, Shillong, students have already availed the leaked question papers.

A media spokesperson had filed an FIR on Monday after receiving a handwritten copy of the Mathematics question paper examination for which was scheduled on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, senior officials of the Education department based in Shillong remained tightlipped about the leakage of question papers of the ongoing Class IX Examinations after this reporter inquired about the matter with officials of the department. There was an official level meeting between E.P. Kharbhih, Chairman of MBOSE and P.K. Srivastava, Principal Secretary, Education at the Secretariat on Wednesday.

However, it was yet to be known whether the meeting also discussed the leakage of Class IX examination papers of Mathematics and Science in West Jaintia Hills.

On enquiring about the matter from Kharbhih, he re-

fused to divulge any details of the meeting. He also avoided the query related to the question paper leak by stating that he was going to meet the Law Secretary. Earlier, on enquiring from the PA/PS whether Srivastava would be able to meet the reporters on the issue, they feigned ignorance as no visitors are allowed on Wednesday. MBOSE Controller of Examinations, S.N. Sangma, has confirmed that question papers for the Class IX examination are prepared by the Board.

When asked on the procedure taken for the papers to reach the various examination centres, Sangma said they are taken to the respective deposit centres from where they are collected by the schools concerned.

"Once the papers are delivered to the various deposit centres, we do not know what happens to them," she said. However, she added that in Tura the same procedure was not followed and school authorities come and collect the question papers directly from MBOSE. (Agencies)

have agreed to take up the issue seriously with Centre after business bodies and chambers of commerce of the region urged their governments to look into the matter. 'The ministry of Doner should also come for-

ward to take a fresh look at the situation; if the NEIIPP is to remain under suspension a new and better policy must be announced and implemented without any further delay' said the entrepreneur. (Agencies)

Suspension of subsidy incentives choking investments in NE Agartala, Nov 26: The NDA government's policy of suspending subsidy payments and incentives to industrial units of northeast has virtually choked flow of investment in the entire region as , in the absence of any incentive or subsidy, no industrial house is coming forward to the backward region. Highly placed sources in the state's department of industries said that the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) under the union ministry of commerce suspended registration of new industrial units entitled to subsidy and incentive by a circular on December 1 last year. This has become a major disincentive for investment in northeast but despite protests from all eight northeastern states the suspension continues. Facing all around protest, the DIPP had issued a new circular early this year that the central government had neither withdrawn nor cancelled the

North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy (NEIIPP)-2007. But the deadlock continues. Amidst strident allegations of massive corruption and leakages in the matter of incentives and subsidies a DIPP spokesman had stated last year that 'committed liabilities' of the department on subsidies and incentives far exceeded the budgetary allocations on this head and this was the reason why the policy was kept in abeyance. But the flow of investment in industry-starved northeast has completely stopped. One of Tripura's leading entrepreneur said that the NEIIPP had actually been formulated and implemented in 1997 for ten years and renewed in 2007 by the UPA government headed by Dr Manmohan Singh for another ten years.

'The policy had many benefits for investors in northeast like (1) central capital investment subsidy at the rate of 30% of

investment in plant and machinery, (2) central interest subsidy at the rate of 3% of loans availed for a period of ten years, (3) reimbursement of insurance premium paid towards of insurance of fixed capital assets for a period of ten years, (4) excise duty exemption for a period of ten years, (5) income tax exemption for a period of ten years etc' said Debnath. He said that suspension of these incentives and subsidies without making viable alternative arrangements have created a massive stumbling block for investment in the region from outside. The North East Development Finance Institute (NEDFI) which is the nodal agency for disbursal of subsidies has also stopped accepting claims for subsidies and other government bodies associated with the same have followed suit, putting NEIIPP-2007 in jeopardy. Shortly after coming to power last year the ministers

of NDA government had hinted at tightening norms for disbursal of subsidies and incentives but by the circular issued by DIPP on December 1 last year the implementation of entire policy has come to a grinding halt. As per the NEIIPP 2007, other than tobacco, Pan Masala, Plastic carry bags and petroleum oil or gas refineries all the units which have been set up both in the Manufacturing Sector and Services Sector, covering various fields such as Pharmaceuticals, Steel and Rolling Mill, Cement, Poultry Feed, Ferro-alloy, Bakery, Hotels, Hospitals, Power Generation, ITES sector is eligible for incentives under NEIIPP, 2007.

BJP in their election manifesto also mentioned that if they came to power they would give special emphasis on improving industrial infrastructure and connectivity in Northeast region by integrating them in India's Look East Policy and

developing them as the Gateway to ASEAN nations (Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam, Thailand etc). Not only had that BJP also committed to complete all pending fencing work along the IndiaBangladesh and IndiaMyanmar border but in almost all the cases effort is very slow and in some cases no effort has been taken yet.

Speaking on the issue a leading entrepreneur said that the NEIIPP-2007 had led to a major boost in investment in the northeastern region but the suspension of the policy and refusal of NEDFI and other industrial bodies to receive claims of subsidies has put industrialisation in northeast in a serious state of crisis. 'The whole economy of the region will suffer unless the policy is implemented again-may be, by filling up leakages' said the entrepreneur.

He added that all the chief ministers of northeastern states

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

'Secular' most misused word in Indian politics: Rajnath New Delhi, Nov.26 : Union Home Minister and Deputy Leader of the BJP in Lok Sabha Rajnath Singh on Thursday said Dr. Ambedkar, the principle architect of the Constitution didn't find it necessary to insert 'Socialist' and 'Secular' words in the Preamble as he felt it's already in our basic nature adding that secular is the most misused word in Indian politics."Dr Ambedkar didn't find it necessary to insert 'Socialist' and 'Secular' words in the Preamble because he felt it's already in our basic nature. If there's any word which is being misused in Indian politics, that is

'Secular'," Rajnath said, while addressing the Lok Sabha on the first day of the Winter Session of the Parliament."'Socialist' and 'Secular' these two words were inserted in the Constitution by the members of the constituent assembly based on their collective understanding," Rajnath added. Rajnath also emphasised on the government's commitment to women empowerment in the country."We are committed to 25% reservation in police & paramilitary forces. We're committed to Women Empowerment," Rajnath said.

(ANI)

Basit claims Pakistan wants to work together on terrorism

New Delhi, Nov. 26 : Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Abdul Basiton Thursday stated that the world should unite to combat terrorism. Recalling the Mumbai attack on 26/11, he said, "This occasion serves us to remember that terrorism is a common threat to our region whether it is Samjhauta, Mumbai or APS - what happened last year in Peshawar. It's a common challenge. We need to work together to address this," Basit told the media here.Earlier today, floral tributes were paid to the victims on the seventh anniversary of the deadly26/ 11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with his Cabinet col-

leagues paid homage to the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the nation.Mumbai has been put on alert and security has been beefed up at key installations in the city.On this day in 2008, ten Pakistani terrorists had arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately at people killing 166, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores of rupees.Ajmal Kasab, a terroist, was captured alive. He was hanged four years later on November 21, 2012.November 26, 2008 - a day which not only shook the conscience of the nation but had its rippling effect on the whole world. (ANI)

Ideals of Constitution under attack: Sonia Gandhi New Delhi, Nov. 26 : Congress president Sonia Gandhi today expressed her concern over the violation of constitutional values and subtly reminded the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that they played no role in the formation of the Constitution.Gandhi, who was speaking during the discussion on commitment to India's Constitution in the Lok Sabha, said the ideals and principles which are

ducted into India's armed forces in 2003, Prithvi II, the first missile to be developed

by DRDO under India's prestigious IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missile Development

ISIS claims responsibility for Tunisia bus attack

New York, Nov. 26: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the attack on a bus in central Tunis that was carrying Tunisian presidential guards. According to media, ISIS released a statement online, saying that a militant it identified as Abu Abdullah alTunisi carried out the attack after infiltrating the bus and

killing around 20 "apostates."The statement further said, the "tyrants of Tunis will not have peace and we will not rest until the law of God governs in Tunis."The explosion that took place on Tuesday had killed 13 people. The president Beji Caid Essebsi declared a month-long state of emergency after the attack.

(ANI)

embedded in the Constitution and inspired the leaders are now under attack.The Congress president asserted that there is no alternative whatsoever to constitutional methods."During the last few months, what is happening is against what makers of the Constitution had conceived. Those who have no faith in the Constitution and also had no role in its making are changing

its name," she said."The Indian Constitution is flexible and has gone through over one hundred amendments so far. Working of a Constitution does not depend wholly upon its nature, but how it is implemented. Even a good Constitution may turnout bad if those who are responsible for its implementation happens to be bad," she added.The Congress president lauded the contributions of Dr. B R

Maharashtra dance bars to get fresh licenses Mumbai, Nov. 26 : The Supreme Court today asked the Maharashtra Government to follow orders and start the process of issuing fresh licenses to the dance bars.An apex court bench of Justices Dipak Misra and P C Pant said the Maharashtra Government must start issuing fresh licences to dance bars in two weeks time while expressing disappointment that the state was yet to implement its earlier order.Senior advo-

cate Harish Salve, who appeared on behalf of the Maharashtra Government, however, said that any direction of the apex court will be respected and adhered to.The Maharashtra Government had amended the 2005 Bombay Police Act, which was challenged in the High Court by the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association.The Bombay High Court had on April 12, 2006, quashed the government's decision and

declared the provision unconstitutional, saying it was against Article 19(1)(g) (to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business) of the Constitution.However, the state government had moved the apex court against the High Court's order the same year.On July 16, 2013, the Supreme Court had upheld the Bombay High Court verdict quashing the state government's order and said the ban vio-

Mumbai, Nov. 26 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis along with other ministers and the Mumbai police, today paid homage to the martyrs on the seventh anniversary of the horrific terror attack of 26/11.On this day in 2008, ten Pakistani terrorists had arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately at people killing 166, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores of rupees. The attack had begun on 26 November and lasted until 29 November.The then

Program) is now a proven technology.The last user trial of Prithvi-II was successfully conducted on February 19, 2015, from the same test range in Odisha. (ANI)

Turkey releases audio recording of warning to Russian plane London, Nov. 26 : Turkey has released audio recording of the warnings it gave to the Russian war plane before it was shot down near the Syrian border, hours after surviving Russian crew member insisted there had been no contact.According to The Guardian, a voice can be heard in the audio recording that said "change your heading".However, Konstantin Murakhtin, a navigator who was rescued in a joint operation

by Syrian and Russian commandos said that there had been no warnings either by radio or visual means.Murakhtin also denied entering the restricted Turkish airspace, saying that he could perfectly see the border and their location as there was no danger of entering Turkey. (ANI)

Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare, army Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, Mumbai's Additional Police Commissioner Ashok Kamte and Senior Police Inspector Vijay Salaskar were among those killed.Ajmal Kasab was the only terrorist who was captured alive. He was hanged four years later on November 21, 2012.The entire Mumbai city has been put on alert and security has been beefed up at key installations in the city.Martyrs will be remembered and paid homage at various locations in the city today. (ANI)

Sri Lankan navy detains 20 Indian fishermen Rameswaram, Nov.26 : 20 Indian fishermen along with four boats have been detained by the Sri Lankan Navy today in the early hours near Thalai Mannar and Palk Strait.Out of the twenty, 11 fishermen along with two boats were detained by the Sri Lankan yesterday night when they were fishing near Katchatheevu.The remaining nine fishermen along with two boats were arrested in the early hours today.Earlier this month, Sri Lankan Navy had arrested 14 Tamil fishermen and detained their three fishing boats. The country had released 126 Tamil fishermen lodged in Lankan jail as a

Ambedkar, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad in the making of the Constitution.Gandhi said the history of the Indian Constitution is very old and added that it is intricately linked to the history of Indian National Congress.The debate was a part of the 125th birth anniversary celebration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. (ANI)

Rampant media speculation on Peter's culpability 'counterproductive to fair trial': family

lated the constitutional right to earn a living.The state assembly had on June 13 last year passed the Maharashtra Police (second amendment) Bill, which prevented licenses for dance performances in three-star and five-star hotels.The ban also covered drama theatres, cinema halls, auditoriums, sports clubs and gymkhanas, where entry is restricted only to members. (ANI)

Maha CM, Mumbai police pay homage to martyrs of 26/11

India successfully test fires Prithvi-II in Odisha Balasore (Odisha), Nov. 26 : India today successfully test-fired the surface to surface nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile, which has a strike range of 350 km, as part of a user trial by the army.The missile test was carried out at the launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. Prithvi-II is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads.During the test, the trajectory of the missile, weighing 4,600 kg, 8.56 meter in length and 1.1 meter in width, was tracked by radars, electro-optical tracking systems and telemetry stations located along the coast of Odisha. In-

PAGE 6

Mumbai, Nov.26: The family of former Star TV CEO Peter Mukerjea, who has been charged with murder and criminal conspiracy in connection with the Sheena Bora murder case today, said the uncontrolled speculation in the media over his culpability is proving counterproductive to fair trial.Peter's family in a statement said that unbridled speculation in the media on his culpability, apart from being hurtful, is counterproductive to fair trial.Expressing confidence of Peter's innocence, the family opined that due process of law will ultimately reveal this.Peter's son Rahul Mukerjea had earlier defended his father and said he was certain of his innocence.However,

according to the chargesheet filed by the CBI, Rahul found Indrani Mukerjea (the prime accused) and Peter's initial responses to be evasive and contradictory, which prompted him to put them on record.It was on the basis of Rahul's evidence that the CBI had arrested Peter.Peter, who was taken to New Delhi for two days for questioning by senior CBI officials, was brought to Mumbai this morning as his CBI custody ends today.The CBI is likely to seek his custody to further question him in connection with the sensational murder case.Peter, husband of Indrani, was arrested on November 19 and granted CBI custody till today by a special court in Mumbai. (ANI)

UP constable shot dead by unidentified men

goodwill gesture.Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa had sent a letter last week urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use diplo-

matic channel to secure the release of 14 Tamil fishermen already in Lankan jail and release of 50 fishing boats from Lankan custody. (ANI)

Ghaziabad, Nov.26: In a latest incident showing deteriorating law and order in the Uttar Pradesh, a police constable was shot dead by unidentified men for reportedly refusing to give them water for consuming alcohol, here on Wednesday night.The constable, Sudesh Yadav (32), was stationed at the Banthala police outpost in Loni along with one other policeman when he was

shot.According to the police, the accused were a part of a marriage procession passing through Loni area of Ghaziabad.SSP of Ghaziabad Dharmendra Yadav said few shells have been recovered and few suspects have been arrested and are being questioned."The culprits will have to pay a high price for this. We will take strict action against them," he added. (ANI)

Cong. sides with Aamir, slams BJP's 'drama' over intolerance New Delhi, Nov. 26: The Congress Party today lashed out at Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh over his remark that B.R. Ambedkar 'did not leave the country despite facing criticism' and dubbed it to be a 'drama' to divert the attention from the issue of growing intolerance in the nation."I am surprised that Rajnath Singh made the issue very small.

There is a huge difference between what Ambedkar ji tolerated and leaving the country.

He did not say I am leaving the country. A whole lot of drama is being cre-

ated to divert the issue,"Congress leader Renuka Chaudhary told ANI."It is true that now a kind of situation has formed in the nation where the people fear whether his statement is

not modulated. If you see Twitter, you will understand what the culture of India is. People say anything they want which they are not even aware of," she added.Referring to Aamir Khan's latest remark on the intolerance in the nation, Chaudhary said the Bollywood actor was speaking in a flow, adding it is extremely disappointing that the Home Minister has pinpointed just one point of his comment."I think this is ridiculous and it is highly disproportionate that the issues are being diverted," she said.In an apparent reference to

Aamir's remark on the raging intolerance debate, Rajnath earlier today told the Lok Sabha that Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the principle architect of the Indian Constitution, never decided to leave the country despite facing criticism. "Ambedkarji had to face a lot of criticism, but he kept on presenting an objective point of view for a unified India. Despite insults, he never said he will leave India," he said.Speaking at the eighth edition of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards, Aamir had earlier expressed alarm and

despondency over the rise in cases displaying intolerance in the last six to eight months.He had said that a sense of 'insecurity' and 'fear' had seeped deep within society."When I go home and talk to Kiran (Aamir's wife), for the first time she says, 'Should we move out of India?'" Khan said.The actor, however, clarified yesterday that neither he nor his wife Kiran have any intention of leaving the country as he is proud to be an Indian. (ANI)

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

NEIGHBOURS

Sri Lanka police threaten action over LTTE commemoration Colombo, Nov 26: Sri Lankan police today warned against organizing events eulogising the LTTE after posters commemorating the Heroes' Day tomorrow surfaced in the country's Tamil-dominated north. "Commemorating a terrorist organisation will not be allowed," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. During the the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's 30-year campaign November 27 was celebrated as Heroes' Day (Maaveerar Naal) to mark the death of the outfit's first cadre Shankar in 1982.

In 1991, the week leading up to Maaveerar Naal was

declared Heroes' Week.

This resulted in slain LTTE

Myanmar's Suu Kyi blames lack of safety regulations for deadly landslide Yangon, Nov 26: Nov 26 A disregard for the rule of law in the jade mining industry in Myanmar had made accidents such as the landslide that killed more than 100 people at the weekend a common occurrence, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi said today.Authorities called off search efforts late on Wednesday in Hpakant, with as many as 100 people estimated still missing after a huge slag heap of mining debris gave way on Saturday and buried a makeshift settlement of migrant workers as they slept."As far as we understand, it was the fifth similar incident this year," Suu Kyi told Radio Free Asia's Myanmar language service during an interview broadcast today."This sort of accident is common just because there is no rule of law. It also reflects lack of due consideration for the safety of people's life and property."They were Suu Kyi's first comments on the disaster in Hpakant, where rescue workers recovered 114 bodies before giving up the search.Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), which swept to victory in the Nov. 8 elections, has called for stricter safety measures and increased government oversight of the industry in the wake of the disaster.Reforming the sector will be difficult. The lucrative jade industry is domi-

nated by companies linked to leaders of the previous military government, ethnic armies and businessmen with close connections to the former junta. Hpakant is at the heart of the jade mining region and produces some of the world's highest quality jade, but workers, many migrants from other parts of the country, operate in perilous conditions for little pay.Some work for mining companies, but many others pick over the massive debris dumps that are excavated from vast mines. They hope to find precious stones that may have been passed over.

Landslides on the debris dumps are common, espe-

4 Nepalis hurt as Indian SSB men open fire 'indiscriminately' Kathmandu, Nov 26: Government of Nepal has taken strong exception to Indian security forces crossing into the Nepali territory and firing 'indiscriminately' at Nepali citizens on Wednesday.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has sent a diplomatic note to the Embassy of India in Kathmandu on the incident that took place in Bhantabari, Sunsari, where according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Indian security forces fired 'indiscriminately' at Nepali citizens in the Nepali territory.

"We have reports from the ground that Indian Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) men fired indiscriminately at Nepali citizens," said Laxmi Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson for the home ministry. "The home ministry has forwarded a report of the preliminary findings to the foreign ministry to get a detailed investigation into the incident from the Indian side," he added. According to Dhakal, the same report has been forwarded to the Embassy of India in Kathmandu as well, seeking investigation. Four NepalisAshok Yadav, Naresh Yadav, Manoj Yadav and Saroj Yadav-were injured in the firing that took place near noman's-land by Indian SSB men on Wednesday morning.The India Desk at MoFA through its diplomatic note to the Embassy of India in Kathmandu has sought assurances from the Indian side that such incidents will not be repeated in future.According to the MoHA report, Indian security forces were inside the Nepali territory when they opened fire on the Nepali nationals.Meanwhile, the Embassy of India, however, said that (Nepali media) reports of firing by the SSB were inaccurate.

The embassy has claimed that neither the firing took place in the Nepali territory nor any Nepali national was injured. "The incident took place inside the Indian Territory and no Nepali citizen was injured," said the Indian embassy in a statement.However, MoHA spokesperson Dhakal said the Indian embassy statement distorted the fact. "The local SSB in-charge also apologised for the incident with his Nepali counterpart," said Dhakal. The Sunsari District Administration Office has already sent a report to MoHA with the details that SSB men 'indiscriminately' opened fired on four Nepali nationals. The Sunsari DAO has also included testimonies of the eyewitnesses.

MoHA has also instructed the local administration of Sunsari district to collect more evidence, including bullet shells.Earlier on Wednesday, speaking at a meeting of the parliamentary State Affairs Committee, Minister for Home Affairs Shakti Basnet had said that the issue would be taken up with raised with the Indian side. (Agencies)

PAGE 7

cially during the heavy monsoon rains, but rarely this deadly. Htin Kyaw, a local police officer who was assisting with rescue efforts, said that only 80 of the 114 bodies had been identified. Authorities would now focus on finding safe shelter for survivors, he said."Now, we are trying to help relocate those who escaped the landslide to safer places," he said.Exactly how many people were sleeping in the huts and tents is unknown, but Tint Soe, who was elected as lawmaker for the NLD to the lower house for the area, said that he estimated the death toll to be between 170 to 200 people.

(Agencies)

leader Velupillai Prabhakaran's birthday on November 26 being included in the commemorations.Responding to appearance of posters in Jaffna University premises calling for events marking Heroes' Day, Gunasekera said the police will take legal action against those involved. Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, who oversaw the military campaign that crushed the LTTE in 2009, said that the government must take action to prevent the commemorations. "I have information that there are plans

Pakistan tightens its anti-money laundering law

to commemorate the day and re-visit the Eelam (a separate Tamil state) demand. It will be the government's duty to stop that," he said.

Rajapaksa accused the government of Maithripala Sirisena of going soft on LTTE supporters. He also criticised the release of some LTTE supporters by the government recently. The LTTE battled Sri Lankan forces for three decades for a separate Tamil homeland.

Rights groups claim government forces killed nearly 40,000 civilians in the final months of the brutal ethnic conflict. (Agencies)

4 get death sentence in Keraniganj murder case

ments will boost the law to "deal effectively with terrorism financing", a senior finance ministry official told media, adding that they "reflect the government's firm resolve to strengthen its anti-money laundering regime".The law now complies with international standards outlined by the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the official added.FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to set standards and promote effective imple-

mentation of measures for combating money laundering, financing for extremists, and other threats related to the integrity of the international financial system.In June Pakistan's central bank issued regulations for banks and financial institutions to fight money laundering and financing for extremists, and the finance ministry official said the latest amendments also bring the law further in line with those guidelines. (Agencies)

Pakistani Taliban Commander Reported Killed in Drone Strike in Afghanistan

2 Bangladeshis killed in BSF firing

Dhaka, Nov 26: A Dhaka court has awarded death penalty to four people for killing four members of a family in the capital's south Keraniganj in 2014. Dhaka District and Session Judge SM Kuddus Zaman gave the verdict on Thursday afternoon. The four death convicts are Mohammad Shumon Dhali alias Dakat Shumon, Mohammad Jakaria Hossain alias Jony,

Islamabad, Nov 26: An American drone strike on Wednesday killed a senior commander of the Pakistani Taliban in Afghanistan, near the border with the North Waziristan region of Pakistan, according to Pakistani intelligence officials in the tribal belt.The commander, Khan Sayed, also known as Sajna, led a breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban.The drone strike occurred in the Damma region in Khost Province, near Shahadianu Patala, a Pakistani town in North Waziristan, the Pakistani intelligence officials said.

They said the strike had killed 12 other militants and wounded 20.Another Pakistani intelligence official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, also reported that the commander had been killed in the strike.The Pakistani officials' claims have not yet been independently confirmed, partly because of the

Shumon alias CNG Shumon and Mohammad Nasir Ali. Read More: Four of a family murdered in Keraniganj The court also acquitted Afsana from the murder charge. On September 25, 2015, four members of a family were killed in their flat at Kolakandi. A day later, the victims were identified as Saju Ahmed, 35, his wife Ronji Begum, 28, their son Imran, 7, and daughter Sanjida, 2.

remoteness of the site and the restrictions on journalists' access to the area.

There was also no immediate comment from American officials, who do not typically comment publicly on drone strikes.According to local elders, Taliban command-

Islamabad, Nov 26: Pakistan's parliament has approved amendments to an anti-money laundering law to make it more effective in targeting the financing of extremists and bring it into line with global standards, officials said today.The National Assembly, the lower chamber of the federal parliament, unanimously approved the amendments Wednesday, two weeks after the Senate passed it, parliamentary officials said.The amend-

ers were meeting to resolve the growing differences among the various Taliban offshoots when the drone strike took place."Sajna was a leading figure of the Pakistan Taliban," said a senior Peshawar-based Pakistani military official who agreed

to discuss the commander, a founding member of Tehrik-e-Taliban, the umbrella organization known as the Pakistani Taliban that was formed in 2007 and has been carrying out a bloody insurgency in Pakistan. "Both Pakistani security forces and Americans were after him for long time," the military official added.If the commander's death is confirmed, "it would certainly be a big blow to the Taliban, both in Pakistan and Afghanistan," said another Pakistani Taliban commander who gave an interview by phone on the condition that his name not be used.The number of American drone strikes in Pakistan's tribal area has sharply declined in recent months. The Pakistani military has also recently developed its own drone, which is being used for both aerial surveillance and missile attacks. (Agencies)

Report that Singapore has no objections to Indonesian plans to manage Riau airspace inaccurate: MFA Jakarta, Nov 26: Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) today refuted a CNN-Indonesia report that cited Indonesian Cabinet ministers as saying that Singapore had no objections to Indonesia's plans to manage the entire Indonesian airspace and that the Republic supported Indonesia's intention to take over the airspace in three to four years.A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the issue of the airspace over Riau which has formed part of Singapore's Flight Information Region (FIR) came up during an informal discussion at a dinner hosted by Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan on Monday (Nov 23) for Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean. But the MFA said the report, which was carried in Bahasa Indonesia on the CNN-Indonesia website on Wednesday (Nov 25), was inaccurate as Singapore had not agreed to Indonesia taking over the FIR.

"The report is inaccurate.

DPM Teo did not agree to the suggestion," the spokesman said in a statement released today."The subject of the Flight Information Region (FIR) came up during the dinner hosted by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan on 23 November 2015.

DPM Teo did not, and could not have agreed on such a major issue over a brief informal discussion during dinner," the spokesman added.

The spokesman also stressed that the administration of the FIR "is not an issue of sovereignty" but "based on operational considerations for the provision of effective air traffic control services, with paramount priority on aviation safety"."DPM Teo emphasized that this is a complex technical and operational issue under the ambit of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and involves many other countries and airlines which use the busy airspace covered by the FIR," the spokesman said. Mr Teo reiterated

these points in his meetings with several Indonesian leaders, including Mr Luhut and Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, during his visit to Jakarta from Monday to Wednesday .According to the spokesman, the Indonesian leaders recognized that the management of airspace for technical and operational purposes is not an issue of sovereignty and had agreed that the "paramount concern should be the safety, efficiency and smooth operation of the FIR"."There are many instances where the territorial airspace of a country is managed by the air traffic authorities in an-

other. For example, Indonesia also provides air traffic services in airspace which belongs to other countries," the statement added.The CNN-Indonesia report had cited Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno as saying that Indonesian President Joko Widodo had affirmed to Mr Teo that Indonesia would take over the FIR in Riau Islands and that Singapore had agreed to assist Indonesia in the preparations to do so."The President said that Indonesia is currently making all technical preparations to enable us at one point in the future to take over our FIR which is currently managed by Singapore," the report cited Mrs Retno as saying on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace Complex in Central Jakarta.The report had also cited Ms Retno as saying that Singapore had no objections to Indonesia taking over the FIR because it was related to an issue of aviation safety.The same report also cited Mr Luhut as saying that Singapore and Malaysia have no objections to Indonesia's inten-

tion to manage the entire Indonesian airspace. "They support our intention to take over the airspace in three to four years," it quoted him as saying. Mr Teo had on Wednesday said that Singapore was aware Indonesia hopes to "take back" the airspace over Riau, adding that both countries agreed that the FIR's priority should be safety, efficiency and the smooth operation of the airspace.He also said that discussions with Indonesia as well as its neighbors and international users of the FIR will continue to ensure the issue is dealt with in the "proper context".The FIR, which Singapore controls for take-off, landing and overflights in the region, became a prickly subject after the Indonesian Air Force took issue with Singapore's military activities in the airspace above the Riau Islands.Singapore has been managing flights over some areas in Riau since 1946, when ICAO allocated the airspace to Singapore on operational and technical merits. The area includes some of the airspace over Malaysia and Indonesia. (Agencies)

Dhaka, Nov 26: Two Bangladeshi nationals have been killed as members of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) opened fire on them in India's Tarali area opposite to Taluigachha border in Satkhira.The deceased are Md Nazrul Islam, son of Sher Ali Biswas of Pancharki village and Abdul Khalek Sarder, of Kakdanga village. Bashdagaha Union Parishad Chairman Nasimul Haque confirmed the deaths to the media. He said their associates managed to return to Bangladesh area.Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Tulgacha Camp Commander Subedar Humayun said: "I have heard about the firing but I am not sure if there was any casualty in the incident."BGB 38 Battalion Captain Lieutenant Colonel Arman said: "We have called a flag meeting." (Agencies)

Pakistan to summon B'desh envoy over war criminals' hangings Karachi, Nov. 26 (ANI): Pakistan has decided to lodge a protest with the Bangladesh envoy to convey its concerns over the recent hangings of two oppos i t i o n membersSalauddin Quadir Chowdhury, leader of the Bangladesh National Party, and Ali Ahsan Mojaheed of the J a m a a t - e Islami.According to The Express Tribune, the announcement came a day after lawmakers unanimously decried the 'flawed war crimes trials' of the opposition leaders in Bangladesh and urged the Pakistani government to take up the matter in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Chowdhury and Mojaheed were hanged on Sunday in Dhaka's Central Jail. Pakistan's Foreign Office expressed 'shock and anguish' over the 'unfortunate executions'. (ANI)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

WIDE PROSPECTIVE

The joint declaration India, Singapore sign strategic partnership India and Singapore signed a joint declaration on strategic partnership and nine bilateral accords during the second day of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore. According to an official statement, Modi and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong signed the joint declaration on strategic partnership to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership to deepen and broaden engagement in existing areas of cooperation and catalyse new ones ranging from political, defence and security cooperation to economic, cultural and people to people contact. The strategic partnership is also a framework to contribute to greater regional stability and growth, it added. Besides this, two agreements on defence cooperation and loan of artifacts from India to Singapore, two executive programme/ operationalisation documents on arts and culture, and white-shipping, and five memorandums of agreement (MoUs) on cyber security, civil aviation, knowledge exchange in the field of planning, urban planning, and combating drug trafficking were also signed.

The agreement on defence cooperation enhances cooperation in the field by providing for defence ministers dialogue, joint exercises between armed forces, and cooperation between defence industries to identify areas of co-production and co-development. Whereas the second agreement extends the loan of Indian artifacts to the Asian Civilisations Museum of Singapore. The operationalisation document on arts and culture is on an executive programme on cooperation in the fields of the arts, heritage, archives and library between the Indian and Singaporean governments for the years 20152018. The second operationalisation document has been signed following the technical agreement on sharing white-shipping or commercial shipping information about movement of cargo ships between the Indian and Singapore navies signed on July 21, 2015.

Following the signing of technical agreement between the two navies on sharing white-shipping information in July 2015, both navies have established a two-way linkage. This has enhanced bilateral cooperation in the area of maritime security, the statement said. The MoU on cyber security was signed between the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (SingCERT), The MoU also promotes closer cooperation and exchange of information pertaining to cyber security between the computer emergency response teams of the two countries by establishment of a broader framework for future dialogue; exchange of information on cyberattacks; research collaboration in smart technologies; exchange of information on prevalent cyber security policies and best practices as well as professional exchanges, the statement said.

The MoU on civil aviation facilitates mutual cooperation in a number of mutually agreed areas of civil aviation services and airport management beginning with Jaipur and Ahmedabad airports. The third MoU promotes knowledge and information exchange in areas such as urban planning, waste water management, solid waste management and public-private partnerships between India's NITI Aayog and the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE).

The MoU on combating drug facilitates and enhances cooperation by exchange of information on trends in the illicit manufacture and those arrested on drug trafficking charges and establishes direct contact points between the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore.

Capacity building, skill upgrading and knowledge development are also identified as areas of cooperation.

The fifth MoU was signed between the Town and Country Planning Organisation of India and the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise in Capacity Building in the field of urban planning and governance.

Industrial Development Slow growth of Indian industry It is fact that industrial development alone can provide a secure basis for a rapid growth of income industries produce products which are largely dependent upon man's efforts, as against agriculture where man's hand work is restricted by the limited factor of nature. The Indian scenario of the growth of industrial production is one of the rising trends with significant ups and downs spread over a number of years. India's industrial slowdown is showing signs of sharpening, as its trade slump deepened further in recently. Just as the 2008 global recession was led by a property and stock market crash in the United States, there is growing consensus that China's deepening financial crises - caused by excessive investment in property, commodities and stocks - will inevitably cause a hard landing in its real economy, sending deflationary ripples across other Asian economies which have deep trade and investment linkages with China. India is already facing a massive influx of cheap steel from China. Since 2014, April steel imports have risen by an unprecedented 70%, mostly from China. This is happening at a time when the domestic India steel industry has doubled its own production capacity over the past decade. The Indian steel industry which owes about $50 billion in debt to banks and if China continues to slow down at the current rate, there will be mayhem not only in the domestic steel sector but also in banks that have lent huge sums to the sector The Modi government needs to articulate a clear strategy in the context of what is happening in China.

Overall the growth rate of industrial production has been over six percent since 1951. This has, however, not been a steady figure through all these years. One can discern three sub trends in the growth rates during the period; high; low; and higher. The first sub-trend lasted for 15 years since 1951 (From 1951 to 1965). During the period the growth is high than the long term trend rate, and an accelerating one. Beginning from 4.8 % for the first four years since independence (1947-51), the growth came to be 5.7 % during 1951-51. This moved up to 7.2 % during 1955-60 and further to a high of nine percent during 1960- 65. This was followed by the second sub trend, which lasted for 10 years (from 1966-1976), when this rising trend got a setback. The growth rate fell considerably during this period. The growth decelerated to 4.1 per cent and this became lower than the long term trend rate. However the rise in the growth position continued to mark the 90's, with the growth rate at six per cent (19912000). The growth rate of GDP at market prices nearly halved during 2012-13 due to a reduction of growth in consumption and fixed investment. During the period 2013, the GDP growth is already at a 10- year low of five per cent against 6.2 per cent the previous year.

The Dark Side of The Moon

Indra Kr. Bhujel The Grand Alliance of RJD and JDU and its victory in the Bihar election has drastically changed the political scenario of the nation.

The unprecedented victory of Lalu - Nitish duo has once again proved that in politics, anything is possible.

Though the modern days elections apply all the tactics of the new world - the Management GURUS, the strategist, the planner, the setters and what not, still the victory remain in the hand of those who follows the age - old method of caste base, religion base politics. Winning in most of the election highly depends on the number of covetousness and the simpleton voters.

Bihar election is a classic example of the elopement of idealism from the politics. The election proved once again that India is still infant for democracy; her political maturity is questionable.

The victory of the Grand Alliance is a matter of concern, not what cause the defeat of BJP lead by PM Modi. It is clear to all those who know Bihar and a little of politics that the victory to Lalu Nitish is not because of their works or their having better credential then Modi, but solely for them being the instigator of the casteism in the region.

Everybody knows how caste becomes a prominent factor in Bihar on every occasion. Moreover, most of the votes came from the areas notorious in caste related crime and literally backward. Another notable fact of the election is Nitish's good work has been less influential compare to the caste influence of Lalu Prasad Yadav. His party won more sits than Nitish.

Before we proceed farther, let me clear that this

article doesn't mean to support or oppose any party or political individual, rather in this article I would like to meditate at the behavior of the voters. When voters are seen affected by matters that are rather none -existence and nonchalant, things become concerning and alarming. Sixty eight years of democracy should have been a grown up and mature institution, but regrettably we have to confess that we are at the beginner's level.

For a democracy, an election is not merely a festival of campaigning and canvassing, or just an exercise of casting vote.

But it is a time to show one's responsibility and ability of correct thinking and proper choosing. In any election, when the winner are persons like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Guarav Gogoi, Mayawati, Jaylalita, Tarun Gogoi or Rabri Devi, there remain no room to doubt that the voters are the most foolish creature of the world.

When selection is based purely on personal interest, caste or religious inclination, be sure that it is beginning of the end.

No logic supports the argument of union or help from a wrong just to win over another wrong. A wrong can be always proved wrong just by showing what is right. It is as simple as the story of AkbarBirbal. When Birbal was asked to make the line drawn on the floor shorter without rubbing it, he just draws a longer line near it.

The success of the Grand Alliance has been taken as a new Mantra for success in election.

And it seem greatly in-

fluencing the Assam Chief Minister Mr. Tarun Gogoi. No sooner did the Mahagatbandhan register its victory, Mr. Gogoi announced his willingness of the same arrangement with anyone wish to come forward.

What more, the AJP shows its prompt eagerness instantly agreeing with the idea. It means you have no problem deal with things that goes beyond your ideal provided it serve your interest!

The news channel and the articles of the news paper are busy in their findings of mistakes that BJP has made, and how they can avoid repeating the same. BJP should have announced the to be CM , they should have given priority to the local aspirant and egos, they should have aired secular feeling etc etc.

What all the Political Pandits are missing is the dark side of the politics that appeared in this election.

Let us accept the fact that, after the elevation of Narendra Modi and his party BJP, there was a ray of hope, and India did shine its name in the world's picture. At least India got a person fit to be PM, somebody inspiring and influential.

But this Bihar election has shown that Mr. Modi too has the same weakness that is inherited by all the politicians.

He loses his dignity of a thinker as soon as he too started the blame game, the use of unparliamentarily language and the policy of fault finding. His downfall will be a true lose of the nation if ever it happen.

Not only has we seen the degradation of Narendra Modi's social skill, but

also the rise of the communalism among the politicians. The fight of backward and the forward, the higher caste and the lower caste, tolerance and intolerance‌ Are we still the same citizens of that era when a person was judged by his birth and not by his or her work? The people of Bihar have not understood that this caste based politics is the main reason of their backwardness. A few selfish politicians always want to keep then weak, poor and illiterate so that they can use them as a votebank. What make the people to vote for Lalu Prasad Yadav? The instigation that BJP is a marketeer of the elite, that they are staunch Hindu, that they will bring back the caste system, that they will always dominate the lower caste people has affect the voters?

When the people of Bihar themselves are willing to be the lower caste how can there be any hope of their upliftment ?

I have seen people changing their title from Chauhan to Mahato, Prasad to Mahato, because Mahato gives

more backward feeling compare to be called Chauhan ( may be due to Prithibi Raj Chauhan)!

These voters are easily swayable as still there wants and demands is confine to reservation and quota, still they think being backward will be advantageous.

The case is no different for Assam. Assam too falls in the next phase of the election. This land is a classic example of foolish voters. People here know well to stage procession and strike, adapt themselves with the changing environment; and the public memory is very fragile.

The same person who was seen shouting against a leader will be no later seen prostrating on his legs when their interest is served. Here the system is very simple.

First protest, come into notice, and then become his handy man. Establish any organization XYZ in the name of this or that community, Kill a few commoner, and then surrender and be welcomed with flowers and petals.

When years were ruined by corruption and embezzlement, here people were in deep slumber, and now at this culminating moment, when Mr. Tarun Gogoi is almost at the last stage of his term and life too, all seems scrutinizer of his misdeed sand misconduct.

The existing Govt. has not done anything wrong now, they had been doing so long ago, but during the election, voters and the intellectual never get time to think or analysis ,nor feel any urge to make the people aware of their political rights and duties.

We are crying over the spoil milk. Minister like Khorsing Engti who slept

whole his life in the Parliament came out as the undisputed leader of Karbi Anglong. Doing practically nothing Gaurav Gogoi can become MLA. What more to prove the foolishness of the voters?

Karbi Anglong has been exploited by the so called leaders of the karbi people, and the people here are so simple and easy going that they can never understand the grey side of the politics.

Youth are carried away from the school and colleges and thrown in the terrorist group in the name of student association or parties, these groups are funded and patronized by the leaders for their own vested interest. The allurement that they will be given jobs and security in the independent karbi Anglong and it hollowness has taken so many life and future Karbi youth. Council run Schools become the income centre for some officers of the education department.

Whether students are there or not, whether the teacher can teach or not, appointments to the inefficient locals are going on.

The simple thing is- an inefficient teacher will produce in efficient breed of students only, who will never be able to cross there limit to confront the despotic and the corrupt leaders of the present.

This is a planned strategic of the people of the higher echelon, they will never allow a competent protestor to come front. By feeding the commoners in the name of caste, creed, jobs and separate state, they are well success in their aim and are running their kingdom fearlessly.

Now it is in our hand to check everything before it goes uncontrolled.

Commission M.L.As that so long as congress will reign, corruption will be Sir, Only the other day, the Assam Pradesh congress there and that no power on earth can stop it. committee President Anjan Dutta did have a slip of the tongue when he suddenly commented on 'commission M.L.A. To any layman, the term sounds incomprehensible. But if we go by the all pervasive Yours etc. trend of corruption prevalent in Assam, it will not be Ashok Bordoloi difficult for us to understand the meaning of the term.

Dibrugarh Along with the ministers all the M.L.As put themselves in the fray in the rat race of corruption. All the Best Letter M.L.As receive a specified amount for upliftment of The best letter of the month in the Letter to their respective constituencies. These M.L.As, apart the Editor section will be awarded an amount from embezzling a sizeable amount from the fund of Rs 200. So please keep writing. find out several other means to enrich their personal coffers. That includes syndicate, commission from different projects, construction of roads, buildings to Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : name a few. The comment made from no other a The Eastern Today person than the President of the Assam congress Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital attracts bitter criticisms from his fellow M.L.As as Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: they construe it as 'washing dirty linen in Public'. By 0373-2328944 so doing Anjan Dutta, the President of the APCC Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com conveys the message loud and clear to the masses

Op

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

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Nanak Shah Fakir "Whenever the earth's mutilated, & the time of distress ascends, In one form or the other, a super human descends" April 15, 1469, three hours before dawn, the village of Talwandi, about forty miles southwest of Lahore, witnessed the birth of one of the greatest spiritual leaders of all times.

When the child was born, a flash of light filled the home of father Mehta Kalu Chand Bedi and mother Tripta. And when he took his first breath, the child gently laughed like a saint. His birth is celebrated world-wide as Guru Nanak Gurpurab on Kartik Poornima, the full-moon day which falls on different dates each year in the month of Katak, October-November. Thus the date changes from one year to the next. He was born into a Bedi Kshatriya family in the village of Rai Bhoi di Talwandi.

It's now called Nankana Sahib. These days there is Gurdwara Janam Asthan at this place. He had one elder sister called Bebe Nanaki. She was the first to recognise Nanak as an Enlightened Soul.

Sikh tradition states that at around 1499, at the age of 30, Guru Ji had a vision. After he failed to return from his ablutions, his clothes

were found on the bank of a local stream called the Veyi. The townspeople assumed he had drowned in the river after all attempts to find the body failed. This disappearance of three days is described as communion with God, who gave him a cup of amrit to drink and charged him with the mission to go into the world to pray and teach mankind how to pray.

The first words pronounced by Guru Ji after appearing were: "There is neither Hindu nor Mussalman, but only man."

After this incident Guru Nanak devoted his life in preaching God's message to the world and travelled extensively with his companions Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana. He is widely acknowledged to have made four major journeys, spanning thousands of kilometers. The first tour being east towards Bengal and Assam, the second south towards Tamil Nadu, the third north towards Kashmir, Ladakh, and Tibet, and the final tour west towards Baghdad, Mecca and Medina on the Arabian Peninsula. Guru Nanak not only founded a new religion but also started a new pattern of living. Some of religious and secular aspects of his teachings are listed hereunder.

One God: Among the philosophical founda-

tions of his teachings, characterization of God is most recognizable. It forms the opening lines of Guru Granth Sahib. The translation is "There is but One God, The Supreme Truth; The Ultimate Reality, The Creator, Without fear, Without enemies, Timeless is His image, Without Birth, Self Created, By His grace revealed."

All Human Beings are Equal: The crux of his teaching was "Equality of Humans" without distinction of caste or creed.

Guru Nanak preached against discrimination and prejudices due to race, caste, status, etc. He didn't only preach these concepts he also took practical steps to achieve it. He started the institution of Langar (Community Kitchen), where people have to sit together to eat without any distinction. He said: "First of all, God created light; Mother Nature created all human beings equal; from that one Light the entire world came into being; so how do we differentiate that one is better than the other?"

Equality of Gender: At the time of Guru Nanak, Indian women were severely degraded and oppressed by their society.

Given no education or freedom to make decisions, their presence in religious, political, social, cultural, and eco-

nomic affairs was virtually non-existent. Her function was only to perpetuate the race, do household work, and serve the male members of society. Guru Nanak condemned this manmade notion of the inferiority of women, and protested against their long subjugation through the Bani, Sikh Scripture.

It first argues against the sexist sentiments of the pompous man about the necessity of women: "In a woman man is conceived, From a woman he is born, With a woman he is betrothed and married, With a woman he contracts friendship. Why denounce her, the one from whom even kings are born? From a woman a woman is born, None may exist without a woman."

Goodwill for All: He passed the message of Universal brotherhood.

He said that religion is not mere consistence of words but actually looks all men and women equally. Universal brotherhood is a strong theme in Gurbani written by Guru Nanak Dev ji. The end line of daily Sikh prayer is- "Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Sarbat da Bhala", which can be translated as "Nanak asks for 'Naam' (name of God) with which comes well being, happiness and positive spirit and with your blessings Lord, may ev-

Pasighat aiming to find a place in 20 Smart Cities HK Roy Union Ministry of Urban Development, under the Smart Cities Mission shortlisted Pasighat over 98 cities across the country and now Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC) aiming to find a place in the first list of 20 Smart Cities. The municipal council is making all out efforts to collect visionary ideas, suggestions, sustainable and innovative solutions for problems to prepare Smart City Proposal (SCP). The State Government has appointed DDF Consultants Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi to assist the PMC in preparing the city's SCP. Under retrofitting, infrastructure and facilities, the century old congested Pasighat town will be modified and renovated to enhance quality of life. Smart processes of the urban administration will provide better health services, efficient traffic management and public transportation systems, reduced pollution levels, 24x7 electricity and potable water supplies, efficient disposal of garbage and sewage and improved road infrastructure and pedestrian facilities. East Siang Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla is closely monitoring the draft preparation for SCP. The draft will focus on areabased strategies having components of retrofitting, redevelopment, Greenfield development and PAN City initiative

for development. Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk and Municipal Executive Officer Deepak Shinde conducted "Citizen Consultation Campaign" and all municipal ward councilors and NGOs have also jumped into the bandwagon to enhance awareness and ensure maximum public participation. Basically, the main objective of this campaign was to involve citizens- get their ideas, views and opinions through three rounds of consultations during the preparation stage of the proposal. Interactions with students, academicians, technocrats, professionals, general public and officials of government departments underway to analyze the need for future development projects and fill the gap between available resources and demands. To mobilize the citizens, District Administration has set up Smart City office in DC's office complex, Smart City Lab in

Panchayat office building and consultation centers in ABK office and NIC for registration and to enter the online discussions portal (mygov.in), wherein citizens were invited to post their suggestions which crossed 6000 responses. These suggestions will be evaluated and those that are feasible will find a place in the final proposal. This is a competition-based innovative scheme of the union government to develop 20 cities in first phase. Now to get a place in top twenty, Pasighat administration has carried out quite a lot of activities such as ward wise public meetings, competitions of essay (junior), essay (open), logo, vision, Tagline, theme songs and signature campaigns, facebook page, open public interviews, installation of suggestion boxes, presentation by resource persons, address by prominent citizens and crowd pulling performances by local Rock Band and house-

hold survey to gauge the priorities of the citizens are amongst them. To create awareness in adjoining areas of the Township, PMC continued its campaign by launching "Smart City on Wheels."

In this initiative, resource persons, local Rock Band and staffs of PMC visited all these un-notified locations along with a specially designed Truck with IEC materials of Smart City Mission and gathered public opinion and suggestions. Hope the city will see a significant change in city governance in coming days.

The project will decentralize more powers and accountability to the city administration. There will be improvement in basic infrastructure and increased productivity in all sectors.

Pasighatians expect a responsive, pro-active, and enabling governance, which will be people and development oriented. Smart systems will run the urban administration, where delays and bottlenecks in decision will be a thing of the past.

eryone in the world prosper and be in peace."

Hence Sikhs pray for the welfare of the whole humanity and not just for one's community or family alone.

Sikh way of Life: Sikhism is not just a religion but a way of life.

The life of a Sikh is guided by three commandments: kirt karo, naam japo, vand chhakko- work, worship and give in charity.

Shun five Evils: Guru Nanak Dev Ji asked his followers to shun five evils which lead to illusion (maya) which eventually acts as roadblock towards attainment of salvation. The five evils are Ego, Anger, Greed, Attachment and Lust.

Importance of Guru: He laid great emphasis on having the importance of Guru in one's life. He put forward the thought that salvation occurs not from pilgrimage or rites etc, but through heart, spirit and soul. For this to happen continuous seeking of knowledge must take place which is dependent on one's guru. Guru is the captain of the ship which took one across the fearful ocean of life. But the guru, as insisted by Nanak, was to be regarded as a guide and not a god.

Submission to the Will of God (WAHEGURU): Guru ji gave the message of submitting oneself to the

Duliajan Sikh Sadh Sangal celebrates 547th Birthday Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Jee at Gurudwara in Duliajan . Pic - UB Photos Great Lord saying "Everything happens by God's Grace, so Rest assured that God knows better what is right or wrong for us. We should, therefore, accept His decisions without any grudge or question."

Sewa and Simran: Guru Nanak says that no one can save anybody else. It is only Guru who guides us to safety, and to be saved, one have to follow the right path of Sewa and Simran told by him.

If we recite Gurbani with love, we will find the Guru is speaking to us.

We have been reminded of his observations many times in our life. When we barely make both ends meet, we are usually sincerely devoted to Gurbani and the Sikh way of life.

But when we have excess money to spend on worldly pleasures we follow vices and ignore the real mission of human

life. Dharam is usually the first casualty when we become rich. About Sewa Gurbani explains "In the midst of this world, do Sewa (serving the needy) and you shall be given a place of honour in the Court of the Lord."

Nanak's teachings can be found in the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib, as a vast collection of revelatory verses recorded in Gurmukhi. Guru Nanak describes the dangers of the egotism and calls upon devotees to engage in worship through the word of God. The word of God, cleanses the individual to make such worship possible. Guru Nanak warned against hypocrisy and falsehood saying that these are pervasive in humanity.

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, a true social reformer and a great spiritual

ambassador preached the gospels of love, compassion, mutual tolerance, universal brotherhood and oneness of mankind through his life and philosophy. He bitterly opposed the maladies of hypocrisy, falsehood, pretensions and caste-prejudices by envisioning a casteless society free from rituals and superstitions. He guided the humanity to attain salvation by spreading the cult of devotion to God and the eternal message of oneness of God amongst the mankind.

(Collected & Compiled by: - Mr. Amardeep Singh, Sivasagar, who is a Geo Scientist/Field Engineer, M.Sc (Applied Geology), Data Engg. (Gabon, Port Gentil), Geolog International B.V,Italy, 1101 EE Amsterdam-Zuidoost, Netherlands.)

The Next Time You Talk To Your Watchman Or The Boy Polishing Your Shoes, Think Of This Gaurav Mehta Being associated with the field of law I have been nurtured in the belief that the 'Right to Life', which has been accorded the place of a Fundamental Right under the Constitution of India, includes a plethora of rights, the foremost being the right to live with dignity. The dignity of an individual even finds a special mention in the Preamble to the Constitution.

But a recent experience put questions in my mind as to whether we treat every individual with the same respect, or if that varies with their professions. The 'lower' the profession of a person, lesser would be the amount of respect he commands in our eyes. Is it right to even categorise some professions as 'lower'?

I was sitting with a friend in a canteen at the Tis Hazari District Court in Delhi when I saw a 1213-year-old shoe-shiner enter. He came to the table adjacent to ours, at which three advocates were sitting. One of them, who happened to be in his late 30s, gave consent to the boy to polish his shoes. The little boy sat down near his feet, started opening the laces and with much effort took out the advocate's shoes. After taking off the shoes, the boy got up to take them out of the canteen, perhaps so that he could sit outside, near the stairs and polish them. I thought it was right on his part since this canteen which happens to be on the first floor, meant ex-

clusively for advocates, does not have much space as compared to the one on the ground floor, which is open for all.

Seeing him moving out with shoes, the advocate called him and said very rudely, "Oye, yahi baith ke karr! (Oye, sit here only!)"

I was observing all this very closely. It can be anybody's guess as to

karamcharis in Delhi went on a strike. One of the issues with these sweepers, cleaners, garbage-clearers and drain workers was the ill-treatment and humiliation faced by them. The importance of the role of these safai karamcharis in cleaning up the city can hardly be undermined. One can only imagine what state the

respect and dignity. Because every profession has a well-defined role and importance.

So the next time when you deal with your car cleaner, or the newspaper vendor, or the watchman of the society, or the boy filling petrol in your car, or the man serving you at a hotel, or the security guard at your office,

what circumstances put a shoe-polish and brush in this little one's hand instead of a pen. My point is, even if that advocate thought it was OK to get his shoes polished by the little boy, the least he could've done was to open the laces and taken the shoes off himself, rather than making the boy do it.

Isn't this basic etiquette?

How can one's conscience allow it? Is the boy, or for that matter, people who polish shoes for a living, not human beings? Aren't these people entitled to dignity in living, dignity in the profession they choose? Who gave people the right to address them as "Oye"?

Last month, the safai

city would be in if they didn't do their jobs. Yet, they execute the most thankless job and also have to put up with illtreatment.

Our society comprises of a total of individuals engaged in different vocations or professions on the basis of their educational qualifications and experience. There is a constant interaction between all of them at some point or the other.

It is virtually impossible to imagine a society comprising exclusively of only doctors, or engineers, or lawyers, etc.

It is time that we discard this idea of superiority and inferiority in work and treat everybody with

treat them with dignity.

They well deserve it.

After all, we all belong to the same race called 'humanity'!

Note: The views expressed hereinabove are based on my personal experience and certainly not against advocates as a body.

Belonging to the same fraternity, I've always had immense respect for it. And my purpose is not to generalise things and paint everyone with the same brush. This was just an incident that I felt like sharing with some of my like-minded friends here on this platform.

Courtesy: Youth ki Awaaz

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

BUSINESS

PAGE 10

BigBasket launched in Coimbatore Coimbatore, Nov 26: Online supermarket BigBasket launched its operations in Coimbatore, the seventh best business destination in the country.

Coimbatore is the ninth city BigBasket has selected to expand its reach in the country."The city has close to 8.4 lakh people on Facebook, which is about 24% of population. So, we see a great potential for online grocery market here," said Meera Iyer, head of marketing, BigBasket. It had launched its operations in Madurai on Tues-

day. The company has set up a 22,000sq. ft. storage facility on Thondamathur Road.

"We will be initially provide services at locations falling within the 40km radius of the storage facility," said Meera Iyer.

Besides procuring items from renowned brands, BigBasket would also tie up with local mills for commodities such as rice, pulses, masalas, idly batter, appallam and other local food items. As far as fruits and vegetables are concerned, BigBasket has set up a

Daimler sells more than 30,000 BharatBenz trucks Kolkata, Nov 26: Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has sold more than 30,000 BharatBenz trucks in the domestic market and continues to add more export destinations after the German truck maker made India its global production hub. "Since its introduction in September 2012, BharatBenz has sold over 30,000 trucks.

We will continue to strengthen our presence and expand into northern market," said Sominder Singh, Vice President

Domestic Sales, Product Management & Network. DICV, the Indian arm of Daimler AG, has seen 20 per cent growth in sales at 3,600 units during the September

quarter. Though its sales grew, market share fell to 5.2 per cent from 6.2 per cent in an expanding truck market.

"BharatBenz's sales continue to grow. Since its volumes are quit small now when compared with Tata and Ashok Leyland, it is not right to compare in terms of market share. Moreover, when industry volumes expand, the impact will be seen only on big players," said Nidhi Singh, Head, automotive practice, Autobei Consulting Group.

Daimler has been exporting trucks under the Fuso brand to 21 countries and has now planned to increase market presence in 30 countries over the next two years. (Agencies)

Nature's First embarks on a Rs. 60 cr expansion plan Pune, Nov 26: Nature's First India Private Ltd., a maker of ready-todrink juices has embarked on an Rs.60 crore expansion plan to roll out coconut water and vegetable juices nationwide next year, the company's Chief Executive Officer, Harjit Singh said in an interview.

These products are currently being test mar-

keted in Bengaluru and the company's 10-acre factory is situated in a tiny hamlet 30 km from the technology hub in Bagaluru, Tamil Nadu.

The juices are manufactured on a single shift, using imported ingredients. The company has sold more than one lakh units per month in Bengaluru city alone.

(Agencies)

Aamir’s “intolerance” remark puts pressure on top brands Contd. from Page 1

Tata Sky and Godrej found themselves being dragged into the controversy for their erstwhile association with him. On social media, many users were seen running campaigns to encourage others to boycott brands and services that Khan had endorsed in the past.

"After #BootOutSnapdeal it's turn of @samsung @TataSky @CocaCola & Titan. Either remove @aamir_khan or face boycott," said a tweet from Puneet Sharma. Apart from Snapdeal, none of the brands mentioned above are currently using Khan as brand ambassador. For instance, "Thanda matlab Coca-Cola", a popular campaign created by ad guru Prasoon Joshi for the US beverage maker, last ran in 2009. On Wednesday, a spokesperson for CocaCola India said: "We have had no commercial association with Aamir Khan for several years and it is there-

fore out of bounds for us to comment on his remarks."

Similarly, after drawing flak on social media and watching its app being downgraded on Google Play Store by Khan's detractors, Snapdeal moved into damage control mode. The Gurgaon-based etailer said: "Snapdeal is neither connected nor plays a role in comments made by Aamir Khan in his personal capacity. Snapdeal is a proud Indian company built by passionate young Indians focused on building an inclusive digital India. Every day, we are positively impacting thousands of small businesses and millions of consumers in India. We will continue towards our mission of creating one million successful online entrepreneurs in India." Sachin Bansal of Flipkart came out in defence of its e-commerce rival. "This is a flawed logic.

Brands don't buy into brand ambassadors personal opinions. @snapdeal shouldn't face this," Bansal tweeted.

(Agencies)

collection centre in Palakode near Dharmapuri, where farmers come and sell their produce. "In the case of shortage or additional demands, we will also tie up with local vendors. We will also have exotic and organic vegetables. For working couples, we will offer cut vegetables," said Meera Iyer. The online supermarket would also sell fresh and frozen meat.

"To start with, we will have chicken, mutton, fish and pork. We are in talks with companies, which

Insurance eligibility for Rupay users eased

ONE STEP AT A TIME

Coimbatore is the ninth city BigBasket has selected to expand its reach in the country.

The company has set up a 22,000sq. ft. storage facility on Thondamathur Road.

Besides procuring items from renowned brands, BigBasket would also tie up with local mills for commodities such as rice, pulses, masalas, idly batter, appallam and other local food items.

As far as fruits and vegetables are concerned, BigBasket has set up a collection centre in Palakode near Dharmapuri, where farmers come and sell their produce.

can sell fresh meat to us, and once we are through, we may have more

items," she said. "Besides fresh meat, bb will also have processed and fro-

zen meat. We will also sell gourmet stuff," Meera Iyer added.(Agencies)

Online supermarket BigBasket launched its operations in Coimbatore, the seventh best business destination in the country.

To start with, BigBasket will have chicken, mutton, fish and pork.

Investment may be hampered due to delay in reforms: Moody's New Delhi, Nov 26: A failure to implement reforms could hamper investment in India amid weak global growth, global ratings agency Moody's Investors Services cautioned on Wednesday. It is highly unlikely that major reforms would be enacted in the upper house of Parliament where the ruling coalition is in a minority, Moody's said, adding that despite overall supportive domestic conditions for the country's companies, potential headwinds

loom from a loss of reform momentum. The Modi administration so far this year has been unable to enact legislation on key reforms, including a unified Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Land Acquisition Bill, it said. The government hopes to get the GST Constitution Amendment bill approved in Parliament and is keen to push the legislative business. It has reached out to the opposition parties to forge a consensus and ensure the passage of

the crucial GST bill. The government has identified implementation of GST as a key reform initiative.

Moody's Investors Service says that most non-financial corporates in India (Baa3 positive) will benefit from strong domestic growth and accommodative monetary policy, although weak global growth and a potential US rate hike will weigh on businesses. "Healthy 7.5% GDP growth for FY17 and a pick-up in manufacturing

activity will be broadly supportive of business growth," says Vikas Halan, a vice president and senior credit officer at Moody's.

"However, the corporates remain vulnerable to the volatile Indian rupee as against the US dollar and to low commodity prices, which has in turn led to a sharp decline in external trade," said Halan, while releasing the agency's 2016 outlook presentation for Indian non-financial corporates. (Agencies)

Grofers raises Rs 780 crore in funding round led by SoftBank Bengaluru, Nov 26: Grofers, a hyperlocal express delivery startup, has raised $120 million, or Rs 780 crore, in a new funding round which is being led by Japan's SoftBank Corp. Existing investors in the two-year old Gurgaon-based company, Tiger Global, Sequoia Capital and Apoletto Managers, a personal fund managed by DST Global's partners, have also participated in this new round, the third one this year for Grofers.

Sources privy to the fund-raise said the company has gone from being valued at $33 million, when it raised its Series A round in February, to more than $300 million in its latest fund-raise.

That's a 10-fold increase in valuation in less than a year. This $120-million Series C round would be

one of the largest at this stage raised by any Indian tech startup, and comes at a time when risk investors are turning cautious while laying new bets. All told, Grofers has now racked up more than $160 million. rofers, a hyperlocal express delivery startup, has raised $120 million, or Rs 780 crore, in a new funding

round which is being led

by Japan's SoftBank Corp. Existing investors in the two-yearold Gurgaon-based company, Tiger Global, Sequoia Capital and Apoletto Managers, a personal fund managed by DST Global's partners, have also participated in this new round, the third one this year for Grofers.

BGR Energy bags new orders worth Rs. 300 cr Hyderabad, Nov 26: BGR Energy Systems has announced that its Electrical Projects Division (EPD) has secured new orders worth Rs.300 crore, taking the total order book in hand to about Rs.8374. The division has bagged two substation contracts from state utility Transmission Corporation of Telangana (TSTRANSCO). The two orders include construction of 400/220 kV Substa-

tion at Julurupadu (Bommanapalli) in Khammam district and Construction of 400/220 kV AIS Substation at Nirmal in Adilabad district on turnkey basis in Telangana State. Also, EPD secured an order for electrical equipment supply and erection package for TANDA Thermal Power Project Stage-II of NTPC at Vidyut Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh on turnkey basis. (Agencies)

For SoftBank, this would be its fifth investment in India over the past year after Snapdeal, Ola, Housing and budget hotel aggregation platform Oyo Rooms.The Japanese telecom and internet giant typically picks up 20-30% stake in companies which are in mid-to-late stages.

(Agencies)

Gurgaon, Nov 26: Nissan, the Japanese car making company, has decided to shift its Indian headquarters from Mumbai to Gurgaon. If sources are to be believed, the decision has been taken keeping in mind a huge consumer base for cars in Delhi, Haryana and entire North India. The Mumbai office of Nissan was set up last year. Over 100 employees are likely to be relocated from Mumbai to

Gurgaon. When asked, a senior official of the company confirmed saying, "Gurgaon has become a hub of automotive companies. As the company is focusing on tapping the domestic market, the decision has been taken to move Indian headquarter to Gurgaon. The city's proximity to Delhi provides another advantage."

The car manufacturer will reportedly shift base to Gurgaon by April 2016.

(Agencies)

TECHNOLOGY PlayStation®4: Play The Future First

BLACK FRIDAY SALE eBay India has introduced the Black Friday sale concept in India.

Globally Black Friday sale will be celebrated on November 27.

However, in India, it was rolled out on November 20 and it will go on till November 30.

During the promotional period, Indian consumers can avail up to 50 discounts on lifestyle products and up to 45 per cent on electronics and innovative product items. tive product items. eBay will also offer free shipping across the country on prod-

ucts purchased through Global Easy Buy, a company statement said. (Agencies)

Ads of HUL, LG, Airtel misleading, says ASCI New Delhi, Nov 26: Advertising industry watchdog ASCI upheld complaints against 87 advertisements in August including those of HUL, Airtel and LG terming them 'misleading'. According to the Customer Complaints Council (CCC) of ASCI (Advertising Standard Council of India), out of 87 advertisements against which complaints were upheld, 37 belonged to the personal and healthcare category, followed by 41 advertisements in the education category and 9 advertise-

action within 45 days of accident, including the accident date. From November 25, the cover will be valid if a transaction has been done at least once in 45 days.

Moreover, the transaction can now be carried out in any merchant establishment, ATMs, ecommerce, micro ATMs and by business correspondents of the bank at locations. "This extension will provide more flexibility to RuPay Classic card holders including the PMJDY customers who have been brought under the ambit of mainstream banking," said Shri A P Hota, MD & CEO of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). (Agencies)

Nissan's base to be shifted from Mumbai to Gurgaon

ebay introduces Black Friday sales in India Mumbai, Nov 26: eBay India has introduced the Black Friday sale concept in India, in which incredible discounts on leading international brands are offered to customers. Globally BlackFriday sale will be celebrated on November 27.

However, in India, it was rolled out on November 20 and it will go on till November 30. During the promotional period, Indian consumers can avail up to 50 discounts on lifestyle products and up to 45 per cent on electronics and innova-

Mumbai, Nov 26: Holders of Rupay cards, which have been issued to all account holders under the Jan-Dhan Yojana scheme, will be eligible for insurance cover if the cards are used once in three months as against once in 45 days earlier. This is aimed at ensuring a wider coverage as a large number of bank account-holders do not have access to ATMs. When the scheme was launched, RuPay Classic cardholders were entitled to a sum insured of Rs 1 lakh under Personal Accident Insurance (Death and Permanent Total Disability).

The cover was effective only if the card holder carried out at least one trans-

ments from other categories. The CCC pulled up Hindustan Unilever (HUL) for advertisement of its water purifier product 'Pureit Ultima' "The TVC of Pureit Ultima claims, 'Pureit Ultima RO+UV. Sirf is mein hai Purity Indicator jo saaf saaf dikhata hai ki paani kitna pure hai', which was false and misleading. Furthermore, the Print advertisement and Website claims, 'Pureit Ultima with Purity Indicator. Purity you can see!' was misleading by implication," ASCI said.

Similarly, complaint against

LG Electronics was upheld as its advertisement "claims India's only true water purifier which was not adequately substantiated." Complaint against Bharti Airtel was upheld for its Airtel Broadband advertisement claiming "offer of Airtel Broadband - 60 GB @ Rs 1099 with unlimited calls, was not substantiated with evidence of the customers who have availed this scheme." Regarding an advertisement of VLCC, ASCI said the claims were considered to be misleading. (Agencies)

Model: PS4 500GB MRP Rs 32,990 Features Ultra-fast customized processors and 8GB of high-performance unified system memory Shared game experiences which enhances social spectating by enabling you to broadcast your game play in real-time with the SHARE button on the controller Personalized, curated content with the ability to learn about your preferences with the new PS4™ system The PS4™ system enables players to enjoy the actual game play while game is being downloaded in the background Remote Play on the PS4™ system fully unlocks the PlayStation®Vita system's potential, making it the ultimate companion device SPECIFICATIONS General Main Processor- Single-chip custom processor CPU- x86-64 AMD "Jaguar", 8 cores GPU- 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD next-generation Radeon™ based graphics engine Memory- GDDR5 8GB Storage size- 500GB Hard disk drive External dimensions (approx.)- Approx. 275 × 53 × 305 mm (width × height × length) (excludes largest projection) Mass- Approx. 2.8 kg Power- AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz; AC 110V/220-240V, 50/60 Hz Power consumption- Max. 250W

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Features

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TRAVEL & TOURISM Tawang: Buddha-Blessed Himalayan Bliss at 10,000 Ft Udit Bhanu Barthakur Shangri-la was a mythical Himalayan paradise that British author James Hilton created in 1933.

Many think it was inspired by Potala Palace, the centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Lhasa. But some - like Frenchman Francoise - believe Shangri-la is a reality called Tawang. Parisbased Francoise is obsessed with mountains, and has trekked or climbed up many of them across the globe. But he has stopped visiting mountains elsewhere after visiting Buddhablessed Tawang less than a decade ago. Now,

Arunachal Pradesh that Tawang occupies.

Arunachal Pradesh, covering 83,743 sq km of the Eastern Himalayas, is the largest of eight northeastern states. It has 16 sixteen districts with Itanagar in Papum Pare district as its capital. Referred to as India's Land of the Rising Sun, the state houses some 25 tribes and many subtribes of Mongoloid stock. They include the Monpa, Apatani, Galo, Nyishi, Khampti, Mishmi, Singpho, Nocte, Sherdukpen and Wancho communities, each with a colourful tradition and

bears the same name.

Tawang district borders Bhutan and Tibet. Its rugged hills, snow clad peaks, roaring waterfalls, wispy mists and warm, gentle people make Tawang a 'hidden paradise' indeed. The culturally rich Monpas understand the need of tourists and tourism for their beautiful valley. They celebrate festivals such as Losar in February or March to mark New Year, and Torgya to worship victory of good over evil and for the overall prosperity of the society.

Monpas are famous for their Aji Lhamu dance based on a local folk story, Yak dance which tells us the reason behind

he visits the Northeast every year and spends quality time in the north-western tip of

way of life. The Buddhist Monpas dominate Tawang district, whose headquarters at 10,000ft

the discovery of yak.

These dances are performed specially during the Losar festival in tra-

ditional dresses such as toh-yhung (eri silk), aliphudung (black woollen coat for men) and shingka (sleeveless light red gown with white stripes for women made from endi silk) accompanied by ornaments such as aon-dhup (metal finger ring), nyon dhup (metal bangle), along (earring of gold or silver), grokha (silver brooch in the shape of butterfly or bird), etc.

Tawang has many captivating and historical tourist destinations. The most significant among them is the spiritualism-dipped Tawang monastery surrounded by clouds and mist. Founded by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1681, it is the second largest and oldest monastery in Asia.

It can accommodate 700 monks and has 17 gompas (Buddhist monasteries) and a couple of nunneries under its jurisdiction. The monastery has a well-maintained and well-stocked museum showcasing the items used by monks in different periods of time.

Peter and Jenny Stephenson of England, who visited Tawang in June 2014, said the monastery's museum scored over more fa-

Waiting to be explored Sujit Chakraborty The Manikya dynasty has ruled the longest in Tripura. Various kings of the Hindu dynasty ruled, for 500 years,what is now the present Indian State along with the plains of Chakla-Rosanabad, presently in Bangladesh. However, many antiquities, like stone and metal structures, terracotta plaques, seals and coins, which have come to lightover the years in the Chakla-Rosanabad area along with places in present-day Tripura point towards the prevalence of Buddhism in the region.

These antiquities may be ascribed to the 7th12th centuries of the Christian era. These findings hint that there was a prevalence of both Brahmanical and Buddhist faiths in the region. Traces of Buddhism have anyway been strong in Pilak in southern Tripura which is contiguous to the southern part of ChaklaRosanabad. The PilakJolaibari region and the surrounding areas can be included in the same cultural zone of the remaining part of Tripura.

Belonia, Santir Bazar and Sabroom sub-divisions are regarded as placeswhere there was a concentration of the Magh tribes who were Buddhist in religion.

In fact, both Pilak and Boxanagar in western

Tripura, near the Comilla division of eastern Bangladesh, are the two internationally wellknown Buddhist dominated areas. Foreign tourists, specially from Japan, regularly visit the temples and other Buddhist monuments in these places, thus pushing the State Government to construct tourist lodges there.

Some two decades ago, archaeological excavations at Boxanagar bordering Sonamura subdivision of Western Tripura's Sepahaijala district unearthed a large Buddhist complex, including relics of stupas, a teaching centre, a bronze image of Buddha and seals in Brahmi script, triggering a controversy over the history of the State.

The excavations, conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Boxanagar in 1997, has unfortunately remained incomplete.

Add to this the contention of many historians who are of the view that Tripura's history commenced with the arrival of Tibeto-Burman groups from the Bodoland areas of Assam, leading to the rule of the Manikya dynasty which ruled the State until October 15, 1949, when the princely state joined the Indian union.

However, another group of historians and researchers interpret the excavations at Boxanagar in western

Tripura and Pilak in southern Tripura as an example of co-existence of Hindu-Buddhist culture. They attribute the derivation of the name Tripura to a Kokborok (indigenous tribal language) compound of 'twi' (water) and 'pra' (near), justifying the name with reference to Tripura's proximity to the vast water resources of Bangladesh.

Anyway, both Pilak and Boxanagar which lie very close to the border with Bangladesh bear a close resemblance to the Buddhist culture that flourished in Maynamati and Paharpur areas ofthat country. Some years ago, Jitendra Das, an ASI superintendent, discovered an idol of Lord Buddha in Boxanagar and stated that it was part of a Buddha temple.

However, historian Sukhendu Debbarma, associated with the Tripura University, is of the opinion, "Archaeological findings unsupported by literary, numismatic and other evidences should not lead to

any conclusion. Moreover, the findings at Pilak and Boxanagar do not necessarily mean that the Manikya dynasty rulers did not have any control in the area.

Maybe, the Buddhist culture there had flourished under the patronage of the Tripura kings."

Where: Boxanagar is 35 kmsfrom State Capital Agartala and 8 Km from the Sonamura subdivisional town.

Accommodation: Sagarmahal Tourist Lodge, Melaghar andSonamura dak-bungalow.

Contact: Tripura Tourism Development Corporation( 0381-2325930/ 2317878) and Sagarmahal Tourist Lodge(0381-2524418). ( The writer is a senior journalist based in Agartala. He has been awarded the Press Council of India's National Award for Excellence in Journalism in the category of Rural Journalism and Developmental Reporting, 2015.) Courtesy: Nezine.com

mous museums across the globe for its simplistic grandeur.

Some of the other tourist destinations of Tawang are Sela (pass) at 13,700 ft en route, Urgelling monastery, Panga-TengTso Lake, Sangetsar Lake, Tawang Emporium, etc.

Despite its attractions, the world knew little about Tawang until 1959 when the 14th Dalai Lama entered the land to seek refuge in India after the Chinese takeover of Tibet. The district was the worst affected during India-China war of 1962. The Tawang War Memorial reminds tourists of the sacrifice of Indian Army soldiers whose firepower was inferior to that of their Chinese counterparts. Jeffery Robertson, a former British Army officer, was understandably emotional at the Jaswantgarh (between Sela and Tawang) memorial dedicated to soldier Jaswant Singh Rawat who died after fighting the Chinese soldiers continuously for 72 hours. The serene beauty of the land has helped Tawang emerge stronger from that conflict 50 years ago.

How to reach Tawang:

Tawang is 555 km from Guwahati, the principal city of Assam well connected by flights and train from different parts of India. From Guwahati the drive is of 13 hours and one can have proper halts in Bomdila and Dirang or one can reach Tezpur (central Assam) from where the drive to Tawang is of roughly 10 hours. The driving through lush green mountains and valleys along fast-flowing rivers and waterfalls is mesmerising.

When to visit: The best time to visit Tawang is between April and September.

Entry formalities: Domestic tourists need Inner Line Permit (ILP) and foreign tourists require Restricted Area

Permit (RAP) to visit Tawang. The ILP and RAP at nominal charges can be collected from Arunachal Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi; office of the Deputy Resident Commissioner, Salt Lake City, Kolkata; Deputy Resident Commissioner, Guwahati; Deputy Resident Commissioner, Tezpur.

Accommodation: Apart from the government-run tourist lodge, Tawang has a range of hotels offering comfortable, hygienic rooms and good food. They include Gayki Khang Zhang, Tawang Inn, Hotel Nefa, Hotel Gorichen and Seven Sisters Guest House.

Food and beverages:

Arunachal Pradesh specializes in a variety of mouth watering cuisine such as Zan, a dish prepared with boiling millet flour mixed with local vegetables and meat; Momo, very popular dumplings filled with exotic vegetables, cheese, meat; Gyapa khazi, a sort of pulao made with rice, fermented cheese, dried fish, vegetables and butter. Some of the local alcoholic beverages are bang-chang, sin-chang, aarak brewed from rice, millet or barley. One should also try butter tea in Tawang.

(The author is Director, Eastern Iconic Tours and Travels. He can be reached at udit@easterniconictours.com ) Courtesy: Nezine.com

Unveil the beauty from the Eponymous Hill Resort Darjeeling, for many people, means tea, but the eponymous hill resort nestled in the Himalayas in India's northeast is also a gateway to spectacular views of the world's third highest peak as well as a rare glimpse of snow leopards and red pandas.

There also are reminders of India's colonial past, including a narrow-gauge railway known as the "Toy Train" that makes a tourist run into the hills under power of a steam locomotive. Visitors willing to make the extra pilgrimage to Sikkim, the Indian state to the north of West Bengal, where Darjeeling is located, can get a taste of Tibetan culture without visiting the Chinese-ruled region.

Here are tips for getting the most out of a trip to Darjeeling and nearby areas, whose 2,600 journalists in all parts of the world offer visitors the best local insights.

Darjeeling: The closest airport, Bagdogra, is 90 km from Darjeeling.

Perched at an altitude of 2,134 metres, Darjeeling is said to have derived its name from Dorje-ling, which means "land of the mystic thunderbolt". The best time to visit is October to November or February to April. It's never too warm in Darjeeling and there is often a drizzle.

Taxis ferrying tourists often jam the narrow lanes, and cabs sometimes dash across the rail tracks that run alongside, causing drivers of the slow-moving "Toy Train" to sound a warning hoot.

The World Heritage railway, opened in 1881, is a tourist magnet for a leisurely ride on narrow

gauge tracks, offering splendid views of cloudcapped hillsides and people going about their daily routines. Take the 8 a.m. joy ride from Darjeeling to Ghum, India's highest railway station at an elevation of 2,258 m. The two-hour return journey (for Rs. 400) includes stopovers at a rail museum and a spiral rail loop with panoramic vistas. It's advisable to book tickets online before you visit.

Backpackers and budget travellers can take a room at the government tourist

of 8,586 m. Hundreds of tourists visit Tiger Hill, 13 km from Darjeeling, for a magnificent view of the sunrise; some arriving 4 a.m. to beat the rush. Beware, though, the fickle weather often shrouds the mountain in a veil of fog.

For something more dependable, drop in at Glenary's bakery for their signature cakes and chocolates. Enjoy nonspicy continental and Chinese fare in the restaurant on the first floor where an average meal for two would cost about Rs.

the zoo, stands a memorial to Tenzing Norgay, the first man to scale Mount Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953.

And for a spectacular view of the tea plantations, take a ride on the Darjeeling cable car (tickets start at Rs. 150.

Day-Tripping Nearby: Kalimpong is a three-hour drive away, but on the way stop at Lovers' Meet for a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Teesta and Rangeet rivers.

Also take a break at Lamahatta and laze in a landscaped garden sur-

lodge, next door to St. Andrews, an Anglican church built in 1843. The well-heeled can spend their days at the Windamere, a heritage hotel that started as a boarding house for British tea planters in the 19th century. Room tariffs start at Rs. 9,500 a night, with meals.

It also is possible to stay at some of the tea plantations. One of the estates advertising rooms is the Glenburn Tea Estate & Boutique Hotel.

Mountain Sights: Catch a glimpse of snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain with an elevation

500. Try and get there early for dinner as service starts winding down at 9 p.m. in this early-to-bed town.

On the pedestrian Mall road, try on hand-knitted sweaters, browse souvenir shops and buy some of Darjeeling's famous tea, plucked from the verdant estates that dot the hillsides.

A Snow Leopard for a Snip: Head to the Darjeeling zoo - tickets start at Rs. 40 - where the snow leopard and red panda are the pick of the lot. Outside the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and museum, next door to

rounded by fluttering Buddhist prayer flags.

Try chicken momos or steamed dumplings served with pepper-hot sauce at the roadside stalls.

In Kalimpong, don't miss Deolo Point for a panoramic view of the Himalayas. If you are in the mood for adventure, the town is situated at an altitude of 1,200 m and is a popular paragliding and river-rafting destination.

You also can see the imposing Mangal Dham temple, or mingle with novice monks playing football at Buddhist monasteries. (Agencies)

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"When I spoke to the team of Roadies, I just said one thing to them that my priority will remain the nation and I would like to thank them that they have been giving me time for my training. Sports reporters have been asking me a lot about my training but I assure there will be no leniency from either my end or from the Roadies end for the Rio preparations."

DIBRUGARH, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27

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Sushil Kumar

Changlang Football Club (A) enter next round 1st Wangnia Pongte Memorial Football Tournament ET Correspondent Changlang, Nov 26: In today’s match of the 1st Wangnia Pongte Memorial Football Tournament at

Kamlesh Joshi memorial tourney ET Correspondent Khonsa, Nov 26: The opening ceremony of the District Level Badminton Tournament in memory of former Deputy Commissioner of Tirap district Kamlesh Joshi will be held on November 27, 2015.

Late Joshi had died in an unfortunate chopper crash in August 2015.

Dinjan win Sports Correspondent Dibrugarh, Nov 26: Dinjan Udalguri Tea Estate beat Belogoni Tea Estate 3-2 via tie-breaker in the Arun Jalan memorial prize money intergarden running trophy football tournament here at Mokalbari Tea Estate playground in Dibrugarh. Altogether, 22 teams participated in the tournament. Earlier, the regulation time ended goalless. For Dinjan Udalguri Tea Estate, Papu Gowala, Kiglua Tanti, Mintu Gowala converted their penalty kicks while Shobabu Maji, Sanjay Urrang scored for Belogoni Tea Estate. Tomorrow, Rohmoria Anchalik Football Club will take on Greenwood Tea Estate.

C h a n g l a n g , Changlang football Club defeated Sabban United 1-0. It was a closely contested match as both teams

were seen fighting to get their noses in front. The only goal of the match came in the 30th minute when Emey Zongsam de-

some quality football and with the tournament moving towards the final stages. Tomorrow, Football Club Leo will take on Learner FC

Changlang, Changlang football Club defeated Sabban United 1-0

Today’s Match Football Club Leo Vs Learner FC

India sight victory in Nagpur as South Africa succumb to spin Agencies Nagpur: A staggering 20 wickets fell on a dramatic day as India shot out South Africa for a record-low first innings score of 79 before setting the visitors a formidable target of 310 to win the third and penultimate Test. At stumps on Day two, at the VCA Ground, in Nagpur, South Africa were struggling at 32 for two, with opener Dean Elgar (10) and captain Hashim Amla (3) battling it out at the crease following the dismissals of Stiaan van Zyl (5) and night-watchman Imran Tahir (8). On a pitch that saw vicious turn, a record 20 wickets fell on Thursday, after 12 on Day 1, turning the contest into a lop-sided one in favour of the spinners. This is the highest wicket-fall in a single day in India; 20 wickets had fallen in a day during the India-Australia Test in Mumbai, in 2004. India, after taking a handy lead of 136 runs, went for quick runs and were all out for 173

in the second essay, leaving the visitors with more than three full days to get 278 more runs to win the game and keep the series alive for the fourth tie at Delhi, commencing December 3. Considering the state of the pitch and the proceedings on the first two days, the match is all set to end on the third day, most probably in

Bokakhat, Bagsa moves into quarterfinals ET Correspondent Jorhat, Nov 26: Salbari (Bagsa) beats Bijni 2-1 while Bokakhat beats Guwahati 4-0 as both the winning team moves into quarterfinals of the ongoing 38th Sachindra Modan Dev sub-junior football tourment 2015 played at Mariani here today.

Salbari boys played wonderfully right from the beginning of the prequarter match drew both the 1st and 2nd goal in 19th and 12tyh minute of the first half when in the 31st minute Bijni boys managed to reduced the goal 2-1 which continued till the 90th minute of the second half living Salbari to move into the quarter-final to be played against Goalpara on Friday.

In the second match Bokakhat boys trounce Guwahati boys to 4-0 giving no chance to the Guwahati team as it

flected the ball into the goal after a pass from the right corner found him inside the penalty box. The spectators were treated to

Results

from the beginning of the match as the Bokakaht boys dominated Guwahati with short passes and playing man-to-man which rarely allowed the Guwahati boys to ouch and take advantage towards Bokakhat..

Bokakhat boys managed to draw the first blood in 31st minute, second in 34th minute of the first

half than again in 15th minute and 25th minute the 2nd and 3rd goal in he second half, which helped Bokakhat to move into quarters and will face Chirang on Friday.

TOMORROW’s MATCH: SALBARI vs G O A L PA R A , CHIRANG vs BOKAKHAT

favour of India. In that case it will mark an end to South Africa's enviable nine-year unbeaten Test series awayfrom-home record, as they trail the hosts 0-1 in the four-game rubber. Opener Shikhar Dhawan (39), onedown Cheteshwar Pujara (31) and No. 6 Rohit Sharma (23) were the only batsmen in the Indian sec-

ond innings to get into the 20s as leg-spinner Tahir picked five wickets and speedster Morne Morkel three. In the morning itself expectations were high that the Indian spinners would create mayhem on the venomous track after the Proteas resumed at the overnight 11 for 2 in reply to the hosts' modest tally of 215.

True to predictions, Ravichandran Ashwin (5/ 32), Ravindra Jadeja (4/33) and Amit Mishra (1/9) combined forces to slice through the nervous Proteas' batting order and shoot them out for their 12th lowest Test score, their worst since readmission to international cricket in the early 1990s. The visitors lost eight wickets on Thursday morning after resuming at the overnight score, in one and a half hours' batting during which they faced 24.1 overs.

None of the Proteas' batsmen, barring, to some extent, left-handed Jean-Paul Duminy, who top-scored with 35 in 65 balls and 71 minutes after being let-off twice, showed inclination or skill to counter the threat posed by Ashwin and Jadeja.

Brief Scores: India - 215 & 173 ( Dhawan 39, Pujara 31; Tahir 5/38); South Africa - 79 ( Duminy 35; Ashwin 5/32) & 32/2 (Elgar 10*; Mishra 1/3, Ashwin 1/12)

Sri Lanka will host India-Pak series, confirms Rajeev Shukla ANI New Delhi: Indian Premier League ( IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla on Thursday confirmed that Sri Lanka has been decided as the neutral venue for the much-anticipated series between India and Pakistan next month. "India-Pakistan series will happen tentatively from December 15 in Sri Lanka which will mark the resumption of cricketing ties between the two sides," Senior BCCI functionary Shukla said. Shukla's comments came hours after Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reportedly gave his nod for his country's cricket squad to play series against India in Sri Lanka. The venue for the proposed bilateral series was decided after the top officials of India and Pakistan's cricket board met at headquarters of the International Cricket Council in Dubai on Sunday. Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India had proposed Pakistan to play limited-overs series against them in India in December, which include five ODIs and two T20s. But PCB chief Shahryar Khan had refused the proposal, saying he would not compromise on players' safety. India have not played a full bilateral Test series with Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The last time the two nations played was in 2012-13 when Pakistan visited India for a three-match One Day International (ODI) and two-match Twenty20 series. According to a memorandum of understanding signed between the PCB and BCCI, both countries are scheduled to play six series between 2015 and 2023 after a clearance from theIndian Government.

Ronaldo's brace inspires Real to outmuscle Shaktar 4-3 in CL

ANI London: Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to help Real Madrid cruised past Shaktar 4-3 to claim another victory of the Champions League at Arena Lviv. The 30-yearold forward put his side in lead in the 18th minute of the game before midfielder Luka Modric doubled the lead in the 50th minute. Two minutes later, defender Dani Carvajal smashed the third goal for his side followed by Ronaldo's second goal to make it 4-0 against the Shaktar. It was in the 77th minute of the game when

Shaktar opened their account as midfielder Santos Alex Teixeira scored a penalty to provide his club with some hope. Bruno Dentinho and Santos Alex Teixeira scored two goals for his side within a gap of five minutes to make it 3-4 against Real.

Real are currently leading Group A of the league standings, with four wins of the five games which they have played. Real will now lock horns with Malmo on December 9, who have suffered a 0-5 defeat against Paris SG in their league clash.

Shuttlers PV Sindhu, Prannoy, Blatter claims innocence, wants Praneeth enter Macau Open quarters honorable FIFA exit ANI Zurich: FIFA's embattled president Sepp Blatter has said that he deserves an honorable exit from the world's football governing body, insisting that he is `not a bad man`. The 79-yearold along with his UEFA counterpart Michel Platini are serving a 90day provisional ban handed by FIFA's ethics committee over claims that the latter had received a 'disloyal payment' of 1.35 million

pounds from the outgoing president in 2011.

Describing the ethics commission's action against him as an `inquisition`, Blatter felt that he doesn't need to prove his innocence. Blatter, who was re-elected as the football chief for a fifth term in May, will leave his post when his successor will be appointed in February 2016. FIFA investigators, who launched their own enquiry against Blatter, will issue a verdict next month.

ANI Macau: Indian shuttlers H.S. Prannoy and B. Sai Praneeth progressed through to the quarterfinals of the Macau Open Grand Prix after winning their respective men's singles contest on Thursday. Seventh seed Prannoy produced a resilient performance as he claimed a 12-21, 21-11, 2119 win over Chinese opponent Qiao Bin in a contest that lasted about one hour and 15 minutes. Meanwhile, 15th-seed Praneeth thrashed Indonesia's Andre Kurniawan Tedjono 21-15, 21-6 in another match of the day. In women's singles,

fifth seed PV Sindhu defeated Indonesia's Lindaweni Fanetri 21-17, 21-18 in a thrilling contest

that lasted about 46 minutes. Sindhu will next take on Chen Yufei of China to seal a berth in semifinals.

Mathews seeks series win against 'competitive' Kiwis ANI Colombo: Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews has admitted that his side will face their toughest opponent so far in New Zealand, describing them as very 'competitive' and 'strong' team. "New Zealand is a very competitive and strong team, not only at

home but away as well. In the last couple of years they have played their best cricket. They are a very competitive unit right now, with a very good, balanced team of youth and experience and it's going to be a tough task for us to beat them. But I am pretty sure if we do our very best we

can beat them," the 28year-old was quoted as saying. Earlier, Sri Lanka had claimed a clean sweep in ODI and Test series against West Indies and had drawn the subsequent T20 series.

The all-rounder added that although his side played extremely well against West Indies, it would be

entirely different when they take on New Zealand.

"We played some really good cricket against the West Indies, we outplayed them in all three departments in all formats but it will be a completely different tour in New Zealand because conditions and the opposition

are different," Mathews said. Mathews, however, said that his side can easily win the upcoming series if they play with a right mindset. Sri Lanka will play two-match Test series and five-match ODIs against New Zealand , starting from December 10 at University Oval.

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