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ASSENG/2015/64205

Page 12

Vol. 1

Issue 291

Dibrugarh, Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Price -

5.00

Pages- 12

Page 6

government Need to strike balance between inNext Assam will be of development and conservation: Pul BJP : Amit Shah

“

With growing demand for development, there is a need to strike balance between environment conservation and development, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul said Monday.

“Conservation of environment is always our top priority but development interest should also be taken care of,” Pul said while addressing a group of top forest officials from the state here at his office.

The forest officials had called on the chief minister to discuss on the growing conflict between the rights of the people and the conservation created through protected areas.

The chief minister pointed out that “many protected areas in Arunachal were created through arbitrary demarcation of the forest reserve violating the Wildlife Protection Act. The inhabitants in the area were not consulted and their consent not obtained. Boundaries were demarcated sitting on a table with the lines running across settled villages and

ET CAPSULES Burglary at motorbike showroom Itanagar, Mar 28: A case of burglary was registered at Naharlagun Police Station today vide No-59/16 u/s 457/380 following a burglary at Yeli Honda showroom.

When contacted, Naharlagun PS, OC C Longri said that the burglary took place between 9 to 10 pm on Sunday. The robbers broke in from the back entry of the showroom and stole the chest case.

Reportedly, the robbers switched off the lights of the shop to avoid being captured in the CCTV camera and went out with the chest which is about 90 kg. They also took away some other items available in the showroom.

As per the complaint, an approximate amount of Rs 1, 25, 000 was in the chest.

Meanwhile, the Naharlagun Police is investigating and interrogating the staffs of the showroom to find a lead in solving the case at the earliest.(Staff Reporter)

CM sanctions Rs 45,85,500 for the fire victims of Payum Village Itanagar, Mar 28: Chief Minister Kalikho Pul express deep shock and grief over the Payum Fire mishap in Siang district wherein 45 dwelling houses were completely devastated by fire in the intervening night of 26th and 27th March rendering many villagers homeless.

While sharing his sorrow and sympathy for the affected people, Chief Minister sanctioned an amount of Rs 45,85, 500/- as an immediate relief to the fire victims @ Rs 1,01,900 per house as per the permissible govt norms in the hilly areas.

He directed the Deputy Commissioner, Siang District to provide immediate relief materials to the affected people. He also gave direction to the Project Director, DRDA of the district to provide CGI Sheets to the affected families.

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Taking note of the frequent fire mishaps in the state, Chief Minister suggested the people especially living in rural areas to maintain minimum distance between the houses and also to take extra precautions while handling with fire in order to avoid such misfortune. He also expressed his desires to visit the village after the weather condition improves. (Staff Reporter)

CM Pul during his discussion with the senior officials. ET Photo

towns.”

“As a result many big towns, villages, agriculture and jhum areas have come under the protected areas limiting the scope for taking up development projects,” he said noting that the scope to find possible ways for co-existence between wildlife habitats and human settlement were limited.

“Moreover, many of the protected areas are now barren

lands without forest cover and wildlife. It is neither serving the purpose of conservation or development. So these are the areas, where we hope to find a middle ground,” said Pul. On the need to find a middle path, the chief minister said the state has to first address the key issues of development with respect to conservation.

“Arunachal cannot be looked only through the lens

of environment conservation.

With growing population and modernisation, there is growing pressure for socio-economic growth. So conservation efforts also has to address the developmental needs, else it will lead to conflict,” said Pul. He hoped that if a successful compromise could be made and a middle path chosen where development and conservation could go hand-inhand, it can be used as a model

Arunachal cannot be looked only through the lens of environment conservation. With growing population and modernisation, there is growing pressure for socioeconomic growth. So conservation efforts also has to address the developmental needs, else it will lead to conflict.

Chief Minister Kalikho Pul

to open up larger areas for conservation-conscious developments in the state.

“We have low revenue base and our scope for trade with outside countries or state is limited as all our boundaries are sealed. If we think of setting up industries, we have limited raw materials, labours and market within the state. The only viable option we can think of is opening up of investment sector,” said Pul.

Govt Committed to improve Water Supply System in the state A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 28

All the schools, hospitals and Anganwadi centres in the state should get water supply connections within 2016-17 said the Chief Minister, Kalikho Pul. He said this in a review meeting held with the PHE& WS Minister, Lombo Tayeng, Parliamentary Secretary Alo Libang, H K Shalla, IAS, Commissioner (PHED), Tomo Basar, CE (PHED) Western Zone and Toko Jyoti, CE (Sanitation).

While stressing on 24 X 7 Water supply to all the health and educational institutions including Anganwadi centres across the state, chief minister insisted to take up the drinking water supply augmentation programme in a planned way to improve service delivery. He said to make judicious use of limited resources and asked the PHE& WS Department to come up with a comprehensive plan.

Chief Minister asked the de-

Ranjit Kakoty Lakhimpur, Mar 28

As the verdict day of Assam State Assembly Poll-2016 is coming nearer and nearer, the high profile union leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are visiting Lakhimpur District for campaigning along with the other part of the State. After the visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bihpuriya LAC on March 26, today Amit Shah, the Central President of the party took part in two election campaign programs at Dhakuakhona and Nowboicha in the district among huge gatherings. Arriving at Dhakuakhona LAC first at mid-day, the Central President of the party campaigned in favour of Naba Kumar Doley, the MLA candidate of the LAC from AGP-BJP-BPF alliance.

Then he participated another campaign program at Dolohat of Nowboicha LAC and campaigned for Rao Gajendra Singh.

He emphasized on illegal migrant issue in his speech and "The illegal migrant issue turned to be a serious havoc in the State during the reign of Congress. CM Tarun Gogoi played a role of catalyst to the issue for the greed of power''.

He appealed the gathering

PTI Guwahati, Mar 28

"It was a very undignified statement from a Prime Minis-

While assuring to provide support on need based, he insisted the department to make

CM directed the Chief Engineers to give special instructions to the Executive Engineers and the sub-ordinate officers in the district immediately to conduct detailed survey in every village and make feasibility study by personally visiting the field to find out the

"This time his Tarun Gogoi Govt. will be rooted out and the

next Govt. will be of BJP" Shah vowed. He appealed the gathering to be the partner of BJP Govt in the state which can administer development, rapid development and all-round development.

Sarbananda Sonowal also delivered speech in the program and said “This time the State election will be crucial and the state is in blade of time.

So the voters and the people must come forward to form a BJP Govt. listening to the call of conscience”. Rao Gajendra Sing also delivered speech in the program and promised of resolving the burning problems of the LAC after the winning the seat.

ter. Gogoi was made Chief Minister by the people of Assam, not Modi. Who is he to judge whether Gogoi should be made CM or not?" Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari told reporters here.

He was responding to PM Modi's comment at an election rally on Saturday where the latter had brought up the issue of the Assam CM's age, saying,

"Gogoi ji, in a few years you will be 90 years. You are my elder. I come to Assam to (offer) pranam to you and not fight with you".

According to the affidavit filed for the upcoming Assembly election, Gogoi's age is about "79 years".

Contd. on Page 4

BJP failed to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people made during Lok Sabha elections: Gogoi

Pul during the review meeting. ET Photo realistic plan. He also asked them to make regular maintenance of the existing structure and pipeline to improve the delivery system.

to cast their vote in favour of BJP so that the party could constitute its government in the State under the leadership of Sarbananda Sonowal. He promised that the BJP Government would seal the IndoBangla boarder as soon as possible. He commented that Sonia-Rahul Gandhi, Man Mohan Singh paid no attention to the issue. He severely criticised the three-termed Tarun Gogoi-led Congress Government in the State alleging involvement in corruption, misappropriation of fund nondevelopment.

Modi's comments on Gogoi 'undignified': Tiwari Congress today termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comment on Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's advancing age as "undignified".

partmental officers to prepare an inventory of the existing assets such as infrastructure, water tanks, man power, etc of the district, divisional, sub-divisional and section wise indicating year of constructions so that planning can be incorporated in a proper way before going for augmentation programme.

BJP President Amit Shah along with Sarbananda Sonowal during the rally in Lakhimpur. Pic - UB Photos

actual fact. He instructed them to discuss with the local populace, Panchayati members of the locality and the local legislators to work out the actual need, based on the household and population. The survey and DPR should be completed within the shortest possible time, Chief Minister said.

Contd. on Page 3

ET Correspondent Bokajan, Mar 28

CM Gogoi today lashed out at BJP while addressing a poll rally here at Hanjanglangso sports complex in 17-Bokajan LA constituency, alleging that the latter has failed to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people made during Lok Sabha elections 2014 and is once again set to woo voters with their biased promises and poll propaganda all over the state.

The CM landed in Bokajan to drive a rescue operation of INC candidate Klengdun Ingti.

Ingti being the son of a veteran congress leader and MP, the fight for 17- Bokajan LAC seat has turned into a battle of prestige for both congress and the MP father Biren Sing Ingti.

Taking a jibe at Modi's 'Jan Dhan Yojana' and other frontal schemes, the CM said that, the peoples are yet to be benefitted under those schemes and crediting every individual

bank account with Rs 15 lakhs still remains a far cry.

Targeting the BJP-BPFAGP alliance, Gogoi termed it as opportunistic and said "BPF tied up with the saffron brigade just for the sake of Rs 1000 crore for the development of Boroland Terrotarial Council.

However, if we come to power, we would release Rs 2000 crore each for development of the hill district of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao."

Contd. on Page 4

Pimpi Tachang crowned winner as Miss Arunachal Winter Pageant 2016 concludes successfully

President confers Padma awards

Organised by Arunachal Students Federation (ASF) in collaboration with Mega Miss North East, Guwahati 15 top models of the state took part in the event

ANI New Delhi, Mar. 28

Nellie Manpoong Itanagar, Mar 28

The maiden Miss Arunachal Winter Pageant 2016, organized by the Arunachal Students Federation (ASF) in collaboration with Mega Miss North East, Guwahati, finally drew its curtains at Siddhartha hall here on late Sunday evening with Pimpi Tachang being crowned as the winner of the coveted contest.

The winter pageant which kicked off on March 16 last, witnessed a total of 15 (after auditions) models of the state fight it out for the title in order to get a direct entry into Mega Miss North East, Guwahati

which would be held shortly.

Speaking as chief guest of the grand finale, RWD Minister Kumar Waii wishing the participants’ success advised them take up studies hand in hand along with their passion and opined that one needs to have strong character in order to be successful in the modeling field.

tary Secretary for Home, Paknga Bage, pointing out the potential of Arunachalee youths in the fashion and glamour world stated that they (youth) have enough talent which makes them eligible enough to try their hands in Bollywood and the fashion industry.

Appreciating ASF for providing the budding models a platform to showcase their talent, the minister stated that the youths of the state indeed have a huge amount of talent in them and all that is required is a proper platform where they can show it.

“Earlier most of the parents used to advise their children only to focus on studies but the scenario is different now. Today, even parents want their children to have exposure so they can explore their talents and allows them to follow their passion which is commendable,” said Bage.

Guest of Honor, Parliamen-

Winners of the contest pose for a photograph after the grand finale. ET Photo

Contd. on Page 3

President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday presented five Padma Vibhushan, eight Padma Bhushan and forty-three Padma Shri awards at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

The President conferred the Padma Vishushan on Dhirubhai Hirachand Ambani (Posthumous), Avinash Kamalakar Dixit, Jagmohan, Yamini Krishnamuthi and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

The awardees who received the Padma Bhushan from the President are Hafeez Sorabe Contractor, Barjinder Singh Hamdard, Anupam Pushkarnath Kher, Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry, Saina Nehwal, Vinod Rai, Alla Ventaka Rama Rao and Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy.

The forty-three Padma Shri awardees to receive the honour include Mylswamy Annadurai, Madhur R. Bhandarkar, Ajay Devgn, Deepika Kumari and Mohammed Imtiaz Qureshi.

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A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 28

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, MARCH 29

PAGE 2 ASTRO FOR YOU Aries Whip up some excitement in your life — put on your walking shoes and go explore some unknown destination. Keep yourself busy, but take care not to overdo anything.

Today, you will be the centre of attention in group activities.

Taurus Problems may come knocking but you, along with support from your loved ones, will handle them with brilliant tact. Enjoy the company of near and dear ones and let your presence be felt in social outings.

Gemini You will keep your emotions aside and concentrate solely on your work today. You will have to waste a lot of time in fulfilling the demands made by those around you.

However, the more demands you fulfill, the more their expectations will rise.

Cancer What good is life if it doesn’t involve great fun and merry-making. Keeping this in mind, you will set about planning your day. There may be no stopping you as you go about your day having a blast at every possible moment.

Leo You will be extremely serious about your work today and will work diligently to finish your tasks. You will be focused and disciplined about your projects. You will feel the need to improve your style of functioning.

Virgo Your ambitions and desire to undertake more work will be very prominent today.

After working hard all day, try to get yourself some recreation and relaxation, perhaps at a private party, a social gathering or maybe even at a marriage reception.

Libra Expect some annoyance from the ‘man in the chair’, or people in charge who may be looking towards throwing a wench in your way. But know that it is just a blip on the radar. Your fortune is too powerful for anyone to affect it negatively. Stick to your task and dig into your imagination to find a way around the blips.

Scorpio Expressing your feelings becomes important at some point of time. Today, you are in a mood to express emotions for your near and dear ones. After all, they need to be appreciated. Though your heart is full of emotions today, do not express in a way that you become vulnerable in eyes of general public.

Sagittarius You are like a new hope for your company and you are assigned with many challenging projects, today. And your hard work and efforts are appreciated when you handle the projects successfully.

Capricorn You will derive pleasure by delving into knotty problems and solving them with ease.

Also, you will reach out to those in need and help them in every possible manner.

Aquarius Sometimes it feels like you are stuck in a quicksand, and there is none out there to pull you out. But, the independent Aquarius is capable of dealing with adversities alone.

And, that tendency shall hold you in a good stead even today.

Pisces Today, you will find yourself partitioning your time equally, and more importantly, excelling, at work as well as at home. So, while you will prove to be the right man for the job assigned to you at the office, at home you will establish yourself as the perfect family man.

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

BJP workers canvassing for independent, congress victory is apparent in Digboi ET Correspondent Digboi, Mar 28: The fast developing political strategy and changing scenario in Digboi have gain significant attention of the electorates and general people including the scholars here in Digboi of Tinsukia District.

The suspense lying between the victory and defeat became more assured when more than 30 percent of the BJP workers in Digboi who were offended following the allocation of party tickets to Suren Phukon the BJP candidate from 126 Digboi LAC have been reported to have step up supporting the cause of the Independent candidate Pranab Chetiya the Chairman of Makum Town Committee.

According to party disgruntled party workers of the BJP who have stepped up for propagating the cause of Pranab Chetiya openly, the contest would be noteworthy between the Congress candidate Gautam Dhanowar and Pranab Chetiya the Independent candidate thus underestimating and ignoring the BJP as a factor in Digboi Lac. Meanwhile, it is being thought here that the battle this time would confine between the Congress and Independent candidate Chetiya who has been making all out efforts with the support of various significant elements including the

In-house tussles and divisions among the BJP workers and Congress to some extent. It may be mentioned here that Pranab Chetiya of Makum contesting for Digboi on Independent ticket has been considered as a man with political insight and articulate and creative in drawing political strategy. He was the president of Town Committee and following the allotment of Congress ticket to Gautam Dhanowar, he resigned from Congress and sought independent ticket to prove his mettle in the ensuing assembly election salted on the 4th next.

On the other hand, talking to the Eastern Today, already confident of his vic-

tory, Gautam Dhanowar the congress candidate hitting the BJP told that the Modi Mantra may work elsewhere in the country but Digboi has been the den of congress icon Rameswar Dhanowar and Congress alone lives in Den. When asked about his in-house differences, he denied as such and told that all his workers at all strata in Digboi have extended their full support and added “congress stands for peace and progress, and naturally peace and progress loving people of his constituency would keep the flag of the tri-colour intact by voting in his favour him on 4th next’, thus obstructing the cheap politics of the BJP from entering the soil of 123 Digboi

29-3-16 (TUESDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Songs) 8-30 A.M-North East News Bulletin in English 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-05 P.M- Live Phone in Surar Satsori 1-10 P.M-Troops Programme 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan (Rural Programme) 7-15 P.M-Chah Sramikar Asor (Tea Garden Programme Programme) 8-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-Brahmaputra Swasthya Sewa (Sponsored

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

ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Mar 28: Preparations have got underway to hold the 5th foundation day cum general assembly session of the People's Joint Action Committee for Boroland Movement (PJACBM) at North Kamrup Betbari ME school ground in Baksa district.

Jebraram Mushahary, chief convener of the committee, addressing the reporters today Prasanti Lodge in Kokrajhar said that the session is organizing on March 30 and 31 with two day programme scheduled to mark the observation of the foundation day of the PJACBM, which is a platform of separate Bodoland state within Indian territory. He said that the session will

ET Correspondent Sibsagar, Mar 28: As the date of assembly election comes closer, candidates from different political parties and individual candidates of Sibsagar assembly constituency jump into the campaigning. Before few days ago there were two lobbies in Congress party in Sibsagar constituency, but now for

General assembly session preparation in Kokrajhar

discuss about the present status of the Bodoland demand agitation where irrespective of organization, leaders are participating.

He has demanded the separate Bodoland state

should be created as soon as possible within Indian territory. He has appealed to all sections of communities to participate in the session.

Zong Khan Yang, presi-

dent of US Hmong Boro Association, Minnesota, USA, who also attended the press conference said that the demand of separate Bodoland state would be created only through

party's greater interest they united strongly against BJP and others, where a clear picture of dividend can be seen in BJP. Earlier BJP thought that conflict of candidate selection will be all right this time but when party declares Surovi Rajkonwari a less known figure as candidate for Sibsagar

assembly constituency other ten ticket aspirants of Sibsagar BJP start doing mudslinging politics.

Few days back another ticket aspirant of BJP Bhoben Mohon met Surovi Rajkonwari and assured her to help for greater interest of party. But now he is busy in campaigning for Thowra BJP candidate instead of Surovi

Rajkonwari, sources said.

A strong source also said that Mohans followers are directed to vote in favour of Congress candidate, Pranab kr Gogoi. In this condition BJP supporters are in deep trouble which will help the Congress candidate Pronab kr Gogoi to win with a huge margin of vote in the constituency.

Boundary wall of college inaugurates ET Correspondent Rangia, Mar 28: Boundary wall of Nagrijuli Junior College under Tamulpur SubDivision in the district of Baksa is inaugurated today.

The wall was inaugurated

by Chief Accounts Officer Nirmal Kumar Khurana in presence of PradipPhukan, Senior Manager of Nagrijuli Tea Estate. In his speech Mr. Khurana told that the boundary wall was donated

by Rossel India Limited

under Corporate Social Responsibilities initiative of Rossel India Limited with a cost of Rs. 7.5 Lakh with a scheme of renovation of College building.

All the members of governing Body of Nagrijuli Junior College, Students, guardians and intellectuals of the locality were present in the progm. In this context an open meeting was held which was presided over by

Deben Swargiary, Member of the Governing Body of the college. Letter of appreciation was provided to Nirmal Kumar Khurana and Pradip Phukan by HirendraNarzary, Secretary of Governing Body ofNagrijuli Junior College.

Addressingto the students of the college, Nirmal Kumar Khurana said that students are the future of the

country and they must take the responsibilities to reform our society for all round development of our country. He also advised the students not to spend their valuable time without proper work. They must study hard as if they can reach the goal of life. Senior manager of Nagrijuli Tea Estate Pradip Phukan also addressed the meeting and encourage the students for their bright future.

13 workers injured in Bogibeel clash A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Mar 28: Thirteen workers of the Hindustan Company Corporation (HCC) were injured during a clash between two groups at Bogibeel on Sunday night. According to sources a few contractual workers of HCC were having dinner at around 8.30 pm, when a fight erupted over some minor issue. As others joined in, the quarrel escalated further and some of them were injured in the melee.

Activists of Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti (SMSS) staged demonstration in support of their various demands in front of Dibrugarh University Administration office in Dibrugarh.

Pic - UB Photos

Decaling to accept the Independent candidate as potential threat on his way to victory, Mr. Dhanowar mysteriously hinted and remarked ‘Pranab Chetiya‘s entry into the field has in fact made his job more easier ‘.

However, different strategies and approaches are being made by the political parties to realize their ends somehow to satiate their craze for power, the output finally depends on the electorates and their conscience they would apply on while exercising their right to franchise to decide the future of their representative.

General assembly session preparation

BJPs mudslinging politics help the Congress candidate of Sibsagar

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

LAC where people believe in practical achievement not tall promises”.

Today, work on the

Bogibeel Bridge was disrupted as the affected workers staged a protest at the project site. The police have detained Kuljeet Singh, a contactor of HCC in this connection.

The workers demanded compensation for the injured and vowed to continue with the strike if the demand were not met.

“The workers were under the influence of alcohol and one of the contactor of HCC abused using slang words which trig-

gered the fight’’ said a worker. According to locals there are many illegal desi wine shops operating in the area which are frequented by some of the workers.

On August 19, 2015, a strike was called by the contractual workers of HCC against non-payment of wages.

“Such strikes adversely affect work. The Bogibeel Bridge is already light years behind schedule.

We do not want any more delays’’ said Jintu Chetri,

a resident of Bogibeel.

On April 21, 2002, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had inaugurated the construction work of the bridge, from the Chowkidinghee playground in Dibrugarh, 17 km from the proposed site by pushing a button. This was five years after another ex-PM, HD Deve Gowda, laid the project's foundation on January 22, 1997, after it was approved by the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA).

peace and unity integration among Bodos. He said that Bodos should be United and peace be prevailed in a integrated through which the demand of Bodoland could be created.

Abhoy N Jha, senior journalist, New Delhi, who is attending the session as appointed speaker said that once a day the Bodoland would be achieved through the integrated society of Bodos.

He has appealed of that the pressure to the government for the separate statehood is only possible through gesturing of unity and prosperity among the Bodo and other tribes who are residing in the region.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will attend the session as inaugurator of the open session.

Micro observer training held ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Mar 28: The training for the Micro Observers appointed for 31Sidli LAC was held here today at the conference hall of the Chirang DC office. Among others, the training was attended by General Observer Priyatu Mandal, Expenditure Observer Joginder Singh and Chirang DC and RO Rupak Kumar Mazumder.

Highlighting the guidelines on the role and responsibilities, the DC Mazumder said that Micro Observer is a special job profile created under the guidelines of the ECI and asked all to oversee the overall election process of the polling booths assigned to them and keep in touch with the General Election observer and him. He appealed everyone to be conversant with laws and rules related to election on the day of poll as per the guidelines made available to them with a view to ensure peaceful election in the district. The General Observer Mandal informed that this is a national duty and all the officers should carry out their duties with outmost sincerity. He appealed all to be fully aware of their duties and responsibilities and go through the g u i d e k i n e s thoroughly.The training was imparted by Jyatish Sarma and Kumud Narzary.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, MARCH 29

PAGE 3

CM visited Ramakrishna Mission Hospital

World TB Day Observed at Aalo

caped rape attempt, and was earlier shifted from Hormin hospital of Naharlagun. He inquired on her health conditions and wished her for early recovery.

The chief minister inspected the central oxygen generator room, which supplies the oxygen to all patients’ room as supplement. He also visited the Post Operative Room, where patient from neighbouring Assam were being treated.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Mar 28: In a goodwill mission, Chief Minister Kalikho Pul made an unannounced visit to the Ramakrishna Mission hospital, Itanagar today to learn about the working conditions of the

institution.

In his interaction with Maharaj Partho Maharaj of RK Mission, the chief minister lauded the hospital authorities for their services rendered to the people of the state at a nominal rate since its inception.

“As the poor people of the state could not afford to go outside for treatment, the RK Mission hospital has filled the gaps with their service of sophisticated modern diagnostics and equipments, which is ab-

Documentation of Galo Culture in progress at Kumin Kiin

Documentation of Galo Culture in progress at Kumin Kiin Aalo, Mar 28 : A serious report have made to document rich Galo Culture by the Golden Jubilee Central Mopin Celebration Committee starting from 25 to 27th March last. The traditional Folklores which have been orally transmitted to us by our ancestors through the ages like Ami Hanam, Takar e Gene Ge, Ajena ito lake, Boyi Take ome Ngo, Topo Gone, Eme Relo, Kume

Dada, Ane ge ojuma Siri Remyo, Lob Raye, Nyida Tanu, Hogam Pognam, Erap, Nyida Parik, yaan kaben and Anna yo Anna have been documented under the supervision of Er. Komba Tacho, Cultural Secretary GJCMCC and Lee Ete Ngomdir Cultural Secretary women wing GJCMCC. The three day long docu-

mentation works is seen as a noble endeavor conceived

by GJCMCC to preserve them for generation to come and take them in written form.

Meanwhile, a massive social service involving GJCMCC, Mothersâ•™ Vision, PAYWA and Public was organized at Donyi Polo Dere to give a finishing touch to all cleaning works today.

Pimpi Tachang crowned winner as Miss Arunachal Winter Pageant 2016 concludes successfully Contd. from Page 1

Earlier, ASF President, Kipa Kanam highlighted the purpose of organizing the pageant contest and appealed to the state government to support such initiatives so that the youths could a chance to show their hidden talents.

Organizing Secretary

Singchang Miji and Chairperson Kipa Yanu also spoke on the occasion as the duo thanking all present for their support assured to come up with the second edition of the contest next year.

Mega Miss North East 2015, winner Jessica Marbaniang, Mr North East Babul Boro and Mega Miss North East first runners up

Subi Taba were the judges for the evening.

Where Pimpi Tachang apart from getting a direct entry in Mega Miss North East was also awarded a cash prize of Rs 1.50 lakh, the first runners up Sonam Drema Khrimey and second runners up Rosmi Riba were presented a scooter each, along with certificates.

Govt Committed To Improve Water Supply System In The State Contd. from Page 1

To do away with recurring problem of water scarcity during lean period everywhere, Chief Minister emphasized to tap drinking water from perennial sources. As an alternative source of water, CM instructed the department to tap underground water by boring wells in the hospitals, secondary schools and residential schools in the first phase and also to make provision of rain water harvesting in these institutions.

As many of the newly constructed Govt buildings remained unconnected with water supply and electricity even after the completion of the building causing inconvenience to the parent department, the chief minister

opined to handover internal water supply connection works of departmental buildings to the department of PHE & WS.

Karamchari complex, Law college, Women college and improvement of Distribution networks in the twin capital.

Taking cognizance of the water crisis in the twin capital, Chief Minister gave instructions to the department to immediately start the proposed water augmentation schemes in the capital region by April as an emergency redressal measure.

These schemes are augmentation of 7 MLD water from Mophu river, augmentation cum extension of 150 mm diameter Lapu source to Senki Park area, construction of head-work at Topper Nallah for Doria Hill water treatment plant, augmentation of water supply at Dam Site source at Naharlagun, providing water supply to Lekhi area, ISBT, Urban

He also gave directions to the department to start the boring works at various constrained areas of Itanagar and Naharlagun including the main market areas, hospitals, schools and guests houses in order to provide uninterrupted water supply.

Chief Engineers Tomo Basar and Toko Jyoti apprised the Chief Minister, Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary about the overall perspective of drinking water & sanitation in the state and the department’s vision and aspirations through power point presentations.

sent in the state run hospitals,” said Pul and assured all support from the government for the hospital.

During the visit, the chief minister visited the 14year-old girl who had es-

Pul met the patients in the hospital and interacted with them inquiring on their conditions.

Going round on inspection, Pul inspected the MRI Room, CT Scan, Blood Bank Unit, dialysis unit, Neonatal ICU, ICU, Diagnostic unit and Emergency Therapy.

East Kameng DC announced special Mop-up camps for biometric enrolment Seppa, Mar 28 : A meeting to review the status of biometric enrolment and Permanent Enrolment Centres (PECs) was conducted today at Seppa by Shri Deepak Shinde, DC East Kameng District.

He reviewed all the reports on updating of NPR and status of PECs opened at District HQ and various Circle HQs. Informing that the Govt. is likely to make AADHAAR Card mandatory for all Govt. purposes particularly, the DBT, he directed all PECs to be remained open and reports should be submitted by the Charge Officers on regular interval. He directed the authority concerned to analyze village-wise BME status and accordingly, suitable number of cluster-wise BME camps shall be arranged. He instructed for conduct of Mop-up Camps at Seppa HQ and Circle

HQs from 29th March'16 to 31st March'16 so that maximum left out population could be enrolled during these days. To ensure maximum participation, he suggested for involvement of GBs/PRIs and announcement in the entire Township through PA system. He directed the PEC Operator and Supervisors to stay at Circle HQs, and the Circle Administration to extend all necessary cooperation.

In order to launch the programme "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" in the district, he has directed to start the survey activities and compile the reports on Birth registration of Girl Child Gram-wise/Panchayat-wise.

Accordingly, the Statistics Deptt., East Kameng District along with the DA is going to conduct Special BME mop-up camps in the district from 29th March'16 to 31st March'16.

Aalo, Mar 28: The World TB Day was observed with a theme ╜ Unite to End TB╠by District Health Society (RNTCP) comprising of Dr. Karmar Dirchi District TB Officer and his team at Siru Rijo Tea Garden Yomcha and Masjit old Market on 24th March last.

The Day was observed at Siru Rijo Tea Garden through presentations on fact about Tuberculosis, its causes and remedies to en-

lighten staffs and labourers Dr. Karmar Dirchi, Dr. Jumge Padu, MO Yomcha and Shri Minli Padu STS and others. Shri A.K. Pandey, Chief Manager, Siru Rijo Tea Garden also expressed his gratitude for the much needed programme at Sirurijo. Shri S.T. Sherpa STLS was felicitated by DHS (RNTCP) West Siang district for his selfless and dedicated efforts towards the elimination of TB by Shri Tugo

Gangkak, Managing Director Siru Rijo Tea Garden.

Shri Tugo Gangkak hailed District TB Officer and his team for selecting his Tea Garden to target the vulnerable labourers. Distribution of washing soap, poster and pamphlets to labourers, people from nearby areas and distribution of prizes form part of day long programme. At Masjid Old Market also the day was observed with useful tips to the working classes.

DPC Meeting held at Seppa

DPC Meeting held at Seppa Seppa, Mar 28: District Planning Committee Meeting to review the proposals put forth by various GPs against 14 FC - "My Village My Development" - was held today at Seppa under the Chairmanship of Shri Deepak Shinde, DC East Kameng. Besides DC, ZPC, ADC BAmeng, ADC Chayangtajo, ADC Seijosa, DPDO, PD, ZPMs, COs, HODs, Anchal Chairpersons and host of PR Department staffs were present in the meeting.

DC East Kameng straightforwardly called for modification and revision of some of the proposals submitted so far under My Village My Development and directed for re-submission on or before 15th of April, 2016. He suggested for considering budget/fund allocation, urgency and genuineness, non-duplication and subjects under Panchayat competency before formalizing and submitting a proposal. He sug-

gested for submission of proposals which can be completed under the fund allocated and are beneficial to many.

He advised to take up subjects like sanitation, drinking water, school infrastructures, ICDS and others, which are matters of exigency. He requested for wholehearted cooperation and support for success of this scheme. ZPC, ADCs, PD, ZPMs and other present also spoke in the meeting.

SPORTS

DCM Mein inaugurates 3rd InterCollegiate Sports & Games Meet Pasighat, Mar 28: The 3rd Inter-Collegiate Sports and Games Meet-2016, was formally declared open by the state's Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein today in presence of East Siang Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla, Supdt. of Police RS Chauhan, Vice Chancellor Prof. M Premjit Singh, Director Instruction Prof. SS Nagar, Dean Prof AK Pandey, faculties, staffs and students of northeastern states at the College of Horticulture stadium, Pasighat with full fanfare, colorful parade and oath ceremony of the students to take part in the games with discipline and dignity.

In his maiden address, Mein said study and sports are two linked components of our learning process and will always be important for an individual. Participation in the games not only provides physical development but it also develops personality, creativity and energy that lead to happiness. The University should offer the perfect mix of academic excellence and well equipped sports complex with all necessary infrastructural facilities for indoor and outdoor sports for the students. Along with the academic curriculum, they (students) must be trained for the development of skills and excellence in various sports activities, opined Mein. He advised

3rd Inter-Collegiate Sports & Games Meet inaugurates in Pasighat. the participants to show their best skills through discipline and sportsman spirit to foster deeper understanding and friendship throughout the celebration.

Expressing his extreme pleasure the DCM informed that the present government is committed to extend all supports to the sportspersons and institutions to show their best talents at state and national level. Department of Sports has formulated Himalayan Region Sports Festival (HRSF) for unique sports traditions in the Himalayan Region involving neighboring countries Nepal, Bhutan along with Indian states J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and the North Eastern states to promote various indigenous sports and games.

While appreciating the dedicated efforts of the Central Agricultural University in promoting quality education across NE region, Mein said enriching the human resource is key to economic growth of any region, especially in agriculture sector which is the backbone of the Indian economy. He informed that the required land for establishment of Agriculture College was granted earlier by him during his tenure as Agriculture Minister and now students are pursuing graduation from the college. Arunachal has tremendous potential for growth of horticulture sector which could be judged from the fact that 21.49% (18 lakhs Ha) has been identified suitable for horticulture crop cultivation

out of TGA of 8374300.

During the year 2014-15 the state has produced 3.31 lakhs tones (approx) fruits with the estimated area of 90,000 hectare area but most of fruits and vegetables are low as compared to national average and therefore, researchers should come forward and guide our farmers with scientific methods and technologies for high yielding.

Before conclusion his speech, Mein appreciated the authority of the university for providing equal opportunity to girls students.

Earlier, guest of honour Isha Khosla said mental pressure and tension arising out of the fast modern life can only be released in the playground and therefore, healthy diet and fitness have gained a new status in today's world.

She advised to carry out research for promotion of Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry and to undertake different extension programs that help in the transfer of technologies generated to the end-users.

In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor M Premjit Singh reflected the development and achievement of the university. He said the university is playing leading role in the nation. In 2012 and 2014 had secured second position at national level. Many passed out students are successfully contributing their excellent services in various places in the country.

Among others, Director of Instruction, Prof. SS Nagar and Dean Prof. AK Pandey also spoke on the occasion.

(DIPRO)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, MARCH 29

PAGE 4

Himanta Biswa Sharma criticizes Pradyut Bordoloi for keeping Margherita people in darkness ET Correspondent Margherita, Mar 28: BJP star campaigner and BJP Election Committee Convenor, Dr Himanta Sharma today arrives at Margherita to do election campaign for BJP Candidate Bhaskar Sharma. Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma started his Padyatra from Margherita Segunbari Tiniali where more than 1000 BJP workers, supporters and local people went with him and reached Margherita Central playground where he delivered his speeches.

Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma alleged that Pradyut Bordoloi who has been representing 124 No Margherita LAC for the last 18 Years but no devel-

BJP leader Dr Hemanta Biswa Sarma interacts with MP Rameshwar Teli during BJP election campaigning for candidate Teros Gowala for Duliajan constituency of the assembly elections at Duliajan. Pic - UB Photos

opment work took place.

Pradyut Bordoloi got so many Portfolios such as Forest, Power, Industry,

Commerce, Public Enterprise, and Education after so many portfolios Pradyut Bordoloi cannot

give jobs to the youth of Margherita, he added.

“There are many villages at 124 No Margherita

LAC where there is no Electricity, no roads, no bridge, no hospital, no Safe drinking water Facility while Pradyut Bordoloi used to visit like a Film Hero and speak about development done during his tenure where today when I have come to Margherita I was shocked to see that Pradyut Bordoloi have kept the people of Margherita in darkness for the last 18 Years now I am Sure that BJP Candidate Bhaskar Sharma shall win this Assembly Election and fulfil the dreams of the Margherita people within 6 Months where Pradyut Bordoloi Couldn't done it in the last 18 Years” said Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma.

Time to save the identity of Assam and Assamese people: Himanta Biswa Sarma ET Correspondent Naharkatia, Mar 28: “Baduruddin Ajmal is taking the change of becoming the next Chief Minister and due to which BJP and AGP has come united to save the identity of Assam and Assamese people” said by BJP election convener,

Notice issued to independent candidate Spl Correspondent.

Tinsukia, Mar 28. The Election Commission lead by expenditure observers inspected the daily expenditure accounts submitted by different political parties on account of the assembly election.

Himanta Biswa Sarma during attending a mass public rally at Naharkatia sports playground of BJP and AGP. He said that, in the 15 years of Congress rule in the state, people has got nothing except false promises and corruption and due to which the state has gone

down compared to other states of India.

He also said that there was a time when a political candidate goes to seek the blessing of Srimanta Sankardev at Bardowa but now the place has been under the influence of immi-

grants of foreign nationals which is a matter of serious concern. He compared this election as the last fight of Sarighat where the people of Assam should decide whether they want to save pride of their own or not.

The meeting was also attended by members of BJP,

AGP district President Punakon Baruah, Krishmoni Chutia along with various others dignitaries. Mr. Sarma also urge the people of Naharkatia to vote for the AGP candidate Mr. Naren Sonowal if they want development in Naharkatia constituency.

Gogoi brands Modi as PM without 'courtesy'

The commission issued notice to one Ranjit Singh Gaur (Independent), who is contesting from Doomdooma LAC, after he failed to submit his daily expenditure accounts.

If the candidate fails to comply with the notice, the Commission will take action against them as per section 77 of R.P.Act, 1951.

2 kills, 4 injured in thunderstorm ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Mar 28: Two persons killed and four others received serious injured following thunderstorm's hit at various places in lower Assam's Kokrajhar district this morning.

The thunderstorm struck which took place around 8.30 am this morning leaving two lives lost, besides injured four persons in different places in Kokrajhar district.

The incident took place in different places in the district which claimed two lives and injured four others.The injures were immediately rushed to Kokrajhar RNB civil hospital.

The casualties were identified as Suddo Daimary, 27, of Bhadrampur and Kishore Basumatary, 20, of Athiabari. The injures have been identified as Odali Narzary(New Sutarpara), Rwisumwi Mushahary (Diajijiri), Binata Narzary (Bhawra Dandar) and Champa Roy (Borjhora, Basugaon).

Dr B Pandey, doctor of the hospital told that the casualties were brought dead who were severely hit by thunderstorms in the morning. The natural calamities have been hitting normal that is why large number peoples are face with unwanted incidents, he added.

ANI Sarihajan, Mar. 28 : A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Assam Chief Minister of betraying the people of the state, Tarun Gogoi on Monday said that he has never seen a Prime Minister who does not have any courtesy for his leaders.

"In order to cover his failures he is diverting attention. What has he done in two years? I have never seen a Prime Minister telling only lies, lies, lies and lowering dignity of PM chair. He is mocking me, at-

tacking me and saying 'go go go', he has no courtesy, violating Indian culture, disrespecting his own leaders. He doesn't respect anyone; he doesn't even recognise his own wife," Gogoi told ANI here.

Responding to a question posed on the ongoing political turmoil in Uttarakhand, Gogoi accused Prime Minister Modi of being a dictator.

"He ( Narendra Modi) wants to rule all states. We will not allow it to happen in Assam. We have promised development to

the people of Assam. What we had said was about what we did and what we are going to do.

Our first agenda is job creation and how the education system can be changed. Without overruling the education system it will not work. They have not gone through our manifesto," he added.

PM Modi, during his public rallies in Assam on Saturday and Sunday, had brought up the issue of Gogoi's age, saying, "Gogoiji, in a few years you will be 90 years. You are my elder. I come to Assam to pranam (respect) you and not fight with you."

He also alleged that the Prime Minister Modi wanted to topple him through Bharatiya Janata Party leader Himanta Biswa Sharma before election by spending thousand and hundreds of crores.

Modi who was addressing a election rally in Tinsukia on Saturday said that his fight is not against Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi but against poverty and under development of Assam.

India can be 100 per cent electric vehicle nation by 2030: Piyush Goyal New Delhi, Mar.28 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Power Piyush Goyal has said that India has the potential to become first nation of its size to be 100 per cent electric vehicle country by 2030.

Addressing a recent an event organised by CII Young India, Goyal said, "India can become the first country of its size which will run 100 per cent of electric vehicles.

We are trying to make this programme self financing.

We don't need one rupee support from the government.

We don't need one rupee investment from the people of India."

He said that the government is evolving a scheme where people can be offered an electric car for free (zero down payment) and people can pay for it out of savings

on petroleum products.

Goyal said that possessing an open mind was the key to being innovative.

"You need to think of scale and be honest," he added.

Goyal said that a small working group led by Road Minister Nitin Gadkari has been created with Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on its board.

"We are meeting in first week of April and see if India can be 100 per cent on electric vehicles by 2030. We are trying to see if we can monetise the savings then you will have use cheaper electricity for sharing of your cars."

"We are thinking of scale. We are thinking of leading the

world rather than following the world. India will be first largest country in the world to think of that scale," Goyal said On the issue of power tariff, he said, "We don't need to increase any tariff in the country. We just need to work smart and bring technology. India can be powerhouse of affordable energy across the country. Cross subsidy across the state can handle the issue."

Under the Power System Development Fund scheme, the government will save Rs 1,829 crore for providing gas to nine SGPs for six months till September.

The outlay for the support from PSDF was fixed at Rs 7,500 crore (Rs 3,500 crore and Rs 4,000 crore for 201516 and 2016-17, respectively.

Expenditure Observers inspected in Dibrugarh

Dr Rita Choudhury awarded with Sahitya Academy Award in Margherita ET Correspondent Margherita, Mar 28: Noted writer and Chairman of National Book Trust, Dr Rita Choudhury was felicitated with Sahitya Academy Awardee on Sunday at a programme of Mahasati Joymati Smriti Divas at Margherita which was organised by Margherita Tai

The release also stated that, 12 Nos of candidates out of total 48 candidates did not turn up along with their register. They were further issued notices and advised to submit the same. On their failure legal action shall be initiated against them as per provision of RP Act of 1951, Section 77.

According to source, due to health problem Dr Rita Choudhury couldn’t attend the programme so on her behalf her mother, a noted social worker, Malina Choudhury attended the fe-

licitation Ceremony.

She was felicitated by an Ahom Pag (Turban), Ahom Hengdang, A Citation, Assamese Xarai and a Cash amount. The felicitation award was given by Mintu Deodhai Phukan, General Secretary of Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad Assam of Central Committee.

Sensation in Golaghat over alleged political murder of a Congress worker ET Correspondent Golaghat, Mar 28: The recovery of a body who used to be a Congress party worker today created sensation in Golaghat. The family members and local people alleged it to be a political killing. According to the report, Jitul Neog from Balijan under Golaghat LAC went missing from his home last since night.

Today Jitul Neog's dead body was recovered near a railway crossing. This incident created sensations in the Balijan area as well as

the entire Golaghat. Jitul and his family was associated with the ruling Congress party and he was a party worker in the area.

According to his family, Jitul Neog after having dinner last night went to lock the gate of his house and suddenly disappeared. His family members searched for him but could not find.

Today in the morning his body was recovered near Oating Railway Crossing.

The family members alleged that it was a planned politi-

Show cause notice to former Minister Zoii nath Sarma and Binanda Saikia ET Correspondent Mangaldai, Mar 28: The Nodal Officer of Model Code of Conduct Cell (MCC Cell) of Mangaldai Election District has issued showcause notice to BJP candidate Binanda Kumar Saikia and Congress candidate Dr. Zoii Nath Sarma of 66 Sipajhar LAC in Darrang district for gross violation of the model code of conduct.

In the show-cause notice issued separately to both the candidates on March 27 by the Nodal Officer cum Additional Deputy Commissioner Dharmananda Barua, both the candidates are directed to submit their written reply within 24 hours. In the notice issued to BJP candidate Binanda Kumar Saikia it has been alleged that the without obtaining prior permission temporary party offices for electioneering was set up in spite of several communications, party workers were holding public meetings, vehicles were moving with banners and posters and fresh posters and banners were found to be erected on government or

public properties where the administration earlier had removed such banners and posters. Both the show-cause notice were issued on the basis of the photographically substantiate report submitted by the flying squads.

Show-cause notice on similar grounds has also been issued to Congress candidate Dr. Zoii Nath Sarma. The show-cause notice also informed both the candidates that failure to submit the satisfactory written reply would be dealt as per provision of relevant law.

The violation of the model code of conduct allegedly committed by both the candidates has widely been criticized here as Dr. Zoii Nath Sarma had represented the constituency as the AGP legislator for quite long term of twenty years from 1985 to 2001in which he was nominated as Cabinet Minister for two terms in 1985 and 1996. Similarly BJP candidate Binanda Kumar Saikia had represented the same constituency for two terms in 2006 and 2011 as Congress legislator.

cal murder. They also alleged that the killers might have called him on phone to step out of his home and later they had taken him to some place and murdered him and tried to establish it as a case of suicide or accident.

Meanwhile receiving the news, the Golaghat MLA and state cabinet minister Ajanta Neog reached Jitul Neog's home and expressed her deep condolence. She urged for a high level inquiry into the matter. The police has started investigation.

Shivkumar Tiwari hosts 10 days free acupressure and sujok therapy camp at Tinsukia Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Mar 28: On the aegis of Laxminarayan Agarwala (Padmini) Memorial Trust a 10 days free acupressure and sujok therapy camp has been organized at Padmini Tea Estate.

Chandigarh - based renowned therapy specialist Shivkumar Tiwari is conducting the free camp which will conclude on March 30. Interested persons may contact Ashok Kumar Ghosh at 9954740274.

Voter's slip distributed to BLO on Tinsukia Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Mar 28. The district administration, here on Monday distributed voters slip to BLO's of Tinsukia LAC. Before distribution of the slip, a training programme was conducted at district library. Master trainer for Tinsukia Rajit Dutta trained the BLO's how to distribute the voters slip to the voters.

Earlier, voters slip was distributed to booth level officers of Doomdooma and Digboi LAC on Sunday.

Modi's comments on Gogoi 'undignified': Tiwari Contd. from Page 1

Tiwari said there is no substance in Modi's statements which was full of "rhetorics".

"Except rhetoric and unsubstantial statements, the A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Mar 28: Two Ex- PM does not have anything penditure Observers namely to say. In the last 22 months, R.K Singh and Satyabrata de- he has not fulfilled a single puted by Election Commission promise made to the people of India for seven constituencies under Dibrugarh District did the checking of day to day expenditure being maintained by different candidates on 26th March, informed by the administration in a press release.

Ahom Mahila Parishad and Tai Ahom Yuba Parishad Assam.

of Assam," he said.

On the other hand, he has only discriminated Assam, Tiwari claimed.

"We have only seen economic morass, insecurity on border and instability on political front," he added.

Tiwari alleged that Modi is giving false promises to the people of Assam solely to garner votes.

"BJP will be responsible for complete political and economic breakdown of Assam, God forbid, if people of Assam make a wrong decision," the Congress leader said.

Tiwari said, going by the last 22 months' national experience, "I appeal to the people of Assam to vote for a Congress government for the fourth term.

BJP failed to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people made during Lok Sabha elections: Gogoi Contd. from Page 1

The CM was also quick at playing the 15 year old 'Secret Killing' card which won the INC party a crushing victory in the 2001 assembly elections.

Taking a dig at the BJP's

CM candidate Sarbananda Sonowal and the party's chief election strategist Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma, Gogoi said that the duo was involved in the series of murder which were a blot on Assam's political his-

tory. However, the CM is unaware of the fact that Sonowal who was the prime accused in the Bora murder case was acquitted of murder charges along with five others by Guwahati High Court in June 2012.

REGION

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, MARCH 29

Congress alleges Tripura CM's involvement in ex-minister's murder

Manik Sarkar Agartala (Tripura), Mar. 28: Levelling serious allegations against Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Leader of Opposition in the Tripura Assembly Sudip Roy Burman on Monday said that the former was either directly or indirectly involved in the assassination of former health minister Bimal Sinha.

The Yousuf Commission Report on assassination of Sinha was tabled in the Tripura Assembly last Wednesday. The report allegedly holds Sinha himself responsible for his death by saying that the former health minister used to avoid

taking security personnel with him on his visits.

Sinha and his brother Bidyut were gunned down by the banned outfit NLFT on March 31, 1998.

According to reports, the Left Front government had formed the Yusuf Commission under acute pressure from the opposition. The commission had submitted the report in 2000, but the government didn't publish the report.

Later, a petition by an advocated led the Tripura High Court to press the government publish the Commission Report.

(Agencies)

Manipur BJP leaders join election campaigning

BJP

Imphal Mar 28: A team of BJP's Manipur unit, led by its president and former Union minister Thounaojam Chaoba Singh, has joined the campaign for the ensuing crucial Assam assembly polls in the Barak Valley.

The Bengali-dominated Barak Valley is also home to over four lakh Manipuris. The Barak Valley has 15 assembly seats.

Besides Chaoba, sitting BJP MLA Thongam Biswajit Singh, Manipur BJP spokesperson RK Shivachandra, retired IAS officer AR Khan and former minister N Mangi Singh canvassed for the saffron party candidates in Manipuridominated areas in the Barak Valley.

The team took part in the campaign for sitting BJP MLA Dilip Paul in Silchar constituency,

BJP sources said. Large chunk of Manipuris reside in Silchar. They also canvassed for the party's candidate Thoiba Singh at Meitei and Meitei-Muslim inhabited areas in Lakhipur constituency bordering Manipur, BJP leaders said. Lakhipur constituency has a large Manipuri population.

Manipur BJP sources said the team is also likely to visit Hojai in Nagaon district, which has a sizeable Manipuri population.

Notably, the BJP has also geared up for the Manipur assembly polls likely to be held early next year. After about a decade, BJP opened its account in Manipur by defeating the ruling Congress in both seats in the bye-election in Thangmeiband and Thongju constituencies in Imphal West in November last year. (Agencies)

Manipur rail project way behind schedule Imphal, Mar 28: Work on the 84-km JiribamTupul railway expansion project in Manipur, something that could boost Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious 'Act East' policy in linking up with tiger economies of Southeast and East Asia, is way behind schedule.

"How can there be a Delhi-Hanoi TransAsian Railway if India cannot complete its railway expansion through Manipur before it links up with the Myanmar railway system?" says logistic expert Atin Kumar Sen, a former office-bearer with the Asian Council of Logistics Management.

But it is not funds that is holding up work on the Manipur railway project.

The government has allotted Rs.1,397 crore for the Jiribam-Tupul segment and the implementing agency, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), was comfortable with it.

But officials are worried over the law and order situation and threat of

abductions and attacks faced by companies working on the project.

"Law and order is horrible, all companies working on the project suffer huge extortion," said Sen. Work stopped for weeks after Mohammed Munir Raza, a manager with Coastal Projects, was kidnapped by militants of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) in January this year.

The ZUF is one of the more than dozen armed groups that are forcing companies to pay through their nose or suffer abductions.

Workers and managers often flee construction sites for fear of abductions or attacks when their companies say no more payments can be made.

The Manipur government has done little to control the situation that threatens to derail one of India's most ambitious infrastructure projects.

What worries companies the most is that the ZUF, despite being down to

Jiribam-Tupul railway expansion project in Manipur hardly 25 activists, can go scot free because it enjoys backing of a top tribal minister in the Ibobi Singh government.

Intelligence officials say a former home ministry official who was behind the ZUF's formation as a 'counter-weight' to Naga rebel group NSCN is now back as a senior official in his parent Manipur cadre.

"If someone with 25 activists can hold a national project like this to ransom, we would expect the Centre to deploy the army and central paramilitary forces to ensure

completion of this project," says a top manager of a company working in Tupul.

But home ministry officials say that may not be possible because law and order is a state subject and any uncalled-for central intervention will provoke cries of federalism in danger, especially because the Manipur government is run by the Congress and the one in Delhi by the BJP. The Jiribam-Tupul section has 112 minor bridges, six major bridges, three road overbridges and two road

under-bridges.

In the first phase, there will be 34 tunnels covering a length of 39,401 metres.

The longest tunnel in the Jiribam-Tupul section will be 4.9 km in length, while the longest tunnel in the Tupul-Imphal section will be 10.75 km.

The 12.5 km track linking the main line from Jiribam to Dholakhal section and 1.20 km of loop line have been completed.

But the rest of the Jiribam-Tupul project, that was to be fully completed by March 2016, is way behind schedule.

The railways had told the Modi government that the Tupul-Imphal section, covering 27 km, cannot now be completed within the target date of March 2018, since the first phase (Jiribam-Tupul) is behind schedule.

Modi's plans to take the railway line to Moreh, 109 km from Imphal on the Manipur-Myanmar border, looks like distant.

Meghalaya awaits Assam's verdict Shillong, Mar 28: Even as the campaign pitch reaches a peak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing election rallies in Assam, Meghalaya, also ruled by a Congress-led government, is keenly watching the emerging political scenario in the neighbouring state.

Though the assembly election in Meghalaya is still a couple of years away, politicians and the public alike are awaiting the "verdict of the neighbour".

"Assembly election in

Meghalaya is due in 2018 but we are already preparing ourselves, given the fact that the political situation in the entire country has changed after the victory of the BJP at the Centre," said a Congress functionary.

Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma is projected as one of the 'charismatic' public leaders from the northeast, who will campaign for Congress candidates for the upcoming polls in Assam.

On the other hand, Meghalaya's indigenous

Garo community, which has a significant presence in Assam, is gearing up for the upcoming polls.

Becknure K Marak and Tharman Momin of the Garo National Council (GNC) has made 'conservation of forests' their poll plank for the upcoming Assam assembly polls.

They are fighting from Chaygaon and Dudhnoi constituencies respectively.

A public meeting organized at Shantipur village in Boko recently dwelt at length on the

After Arunachal, Uttarakhand, crisis now surfaces in Manipur Imphal, Mar. 28 : After Arunachal Pradeshand Uttarakhand, a political crisis is now looming over the Congress Government in Manipur, where 25 dissident party legislators are demanding a reshuffle of the Chief MinisterOkram Ibobi Singh's cabinet.

In the 2012 assembly polls, the Congress had bagged 42 seats in the 60 seat Manipur Assembly. Their strength went up to 47 after five MLAs from Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) joined Congress on April 3, 2014 The Congress dissidents have served an ultimatum to Ibobi Singh, asking him to either induct them in the ministry or face consequences.

The dissidents have been demanding a major reshuffle for months so that they could be inducted into the cabinet.

MinisterOkram Ibobi Singh Congress president Sonia Gandhi has summoned Ibobi Singh to New Delhi for discussions.

According to sources, the dissidents have hinted they may join the BJP, if their demands were not met.

Sonia Gandhi has reportedly taken a serious note of the demands of the dissidents,

whose number is said to be increasing.

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal, while criticising imposition of President's Rule inUttarakhand, had yesterday hinted that the saffron party's next target could be Manipur.

Manipur is expected to go to polls in February 2017.

(Agencies)

Abolish visa system between Indo-Bangla, suggests Tripura governor Agartala, Mar 28: Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy has suggested the visa system between India and Bangladesh be withdrawn so as to allow ease of movement of the citizens of both the countries.

"We want an intimate relation between the two countries. Visa system between the two countries should be abolished. I would put for-

PAGE 5

Tathagata Roy

ward my suggestion to the ministry of external affairs and urge it to find out simplified system through negotiations between the two countries," Roy said.

He was addressing a programme organised by the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh here last night to commemorate the Independence Day of the neighbouring country.

issue of deforestation and how large-scale "plundering" of forests is going on under the very nose of the authorities.

The meeting noted with concern how massive deforestation was spelling the doom of the tribals living in the area and whose livelihood depends on 'jhum' (shifting) cultivation.

While the poll politics continues, people are facing a new problem.

With Assam assembly polls just round the corner, tourist vehicles be-

tween Shillong and Guwahati are dwindling.

Authorities have been requisitioning most of them for election duty.

"It is becoming difficult to get vehicles to Guwahati from Shillong and vice versa," said a passenger, who managed to reach the city of pines crammed inside an overcrowded jeep.

Almost all tourist vehicles entering Shillong from Guwahati have posters, saying the vehicle is being used for election duty in Assam, pasted on their wind shields." (Agences)

Tribal body calls indefinite bandh Imphal, Mar 28: The Khousabung sub-division demand committee (KSDDC) has called an indefinite bandh in Churachandpur and Tiddim highway that connects the district from Sunday midnight.

KSDDC has been demanding renaming of the Thangting SDO/BDO as Khousabung SDO/BDO with its headquarters at Khousabung in Churchandpur district but the state cabinet had on February 10 resolved to rename as Kangvai SDO/ BDO. Against the cabinet's decision, the committee had on March 22 called a bandh along Tiddim road in which many bandh supporters including women were injured when police fired tear gas shells and lathi-charged.

In a statement, the KSDDC said the state government continues to turn a deaf ear to its demands. "It is unfortunate

that the state government is paying no heed to our demands even as a series of protests has been launched since February 11," added the statement.

KSDDC also strongly condemn the "inhumane, unruly behaviour" of the Manipur police personnel who dispersed the democratic protesters at Kwakta on March 22 by firing teargas cannisters and lathi-charging, injuring many protesters including women.

"As our rights have been constantly challenged and suppressed through coercive tactics. To assert our rights again and protest police high-handedness, the KSDDC in its meeting held on March 24 resolved to impose an indefinite Churachandpur district and Tiddim road bandh from midnight of March 27, 2016," it said.

Essential services will be exempted from the purview of the bandh, the KSDDC said. (Agences)

Tripura shares 856 km long border with Bangladesh.

Roy, who was the Chief Guest of the function, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to resolve the water sharing of the river Teesta in West Bengal, but it was not possible due to opposition by some quarters.

However, he did not mention any name.

(Agencies)

Tribal body calls indefinite bandh

"At the present rate, the railway will not reach Moreh before 2023 unless the government in Delhi and Imphal wake up and push the project," says economist Indraneel Bhowmik who specialises on the northeast.

Tripura also faced the same problem, but it crushed the insurgent groups through some tough action including hitting their bases across the border in Bangladesh.

Soon the rebels were controlled, the railway line to Agartala was laid and now it is being linked with Akhaura on the border with the Bangladesh railway system.

"That resolve is missing in Manipur, where insurgency is big business and top ministers seem to be directly working in tandem with rebels of their ethnic group," says Major General Gaganjit Singh (retd), former deputy chief of the Defence Intelligence Agency. (Agencies)

GHADC to discuss motion over non tribals’ participation in council elections Shillong, Mar 28: Buckling under pressure from the Opposition MDCs, GHADC Chairman Boston Marak has finally allowed the discussion on a motion to be tabled in the Budget session of the Council starting on Tuesday against the participation of non-tribals in GHADC polls. Earlier, five MDCs – Independents Levastone T. Sangma, Rupert M. Sangma, Deviar M. Sangma, Kenadik S. Marak and lone NCP member Rightious N. Sangma – under the banner Garo Hills United Alliance (GHUA) had threatened to abstain from the Budget session if the motion tabled by them was not taken up in the session.

The motion moved

by Rupert was earlier disallowed by the Chairman without citing any reason. However, the GHADC Secretary sent a letter to Rupert on Sunday informing that after reviewing the matter, the Chairman has allowed the matter to be discussed in the Council.

Sources said that since it was a matter related to the Constitution of India which had not restricted any citizen of India to cast his vote, the Chairman had not admitted the motion. However, later, the matter was reviewed and the Chairman arrived at the conclusion that there was no harm in discussing the matter by the House, the source informed.

(Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, MARCH 29

PAGE 6

Why is an ISI member part of Pak JIT team, asks Congress New Delhi, Mar. 28 : The Congress Party on Monday questioned the inclusion of an ISI officer in the Pakistan Joint Investigation Team (JIT) that is visiting India to probe the January 2016 terrorist attack on the Pathankot Air Force Base.

"Pakistan has not provided a letter rogatory for the visit of the JIT team, without it there is no guarantee of prosecution. One is forced to wonder what the investigation all about is.

Why is an officer of the infamous ISI of Pakistan a part of the JIT? The role of the dreaded terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad, its chief Maulana Masood Azhar, his brother Abdul Rauf, who was one of

the handlers of Pathankot terror attack is well-known and widely accepted. Despite this, Pakistan Government till today has taken no action either against Jaish-eMohammad in terms of banning it or in terms of arresting Maulana Masood Azhar or his brother or the other handler Kashif Jaan," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told the media here.

"Unfettered access being provided to them (Pakistan JIT) and also red carpet welcome accorded by the Indian government. It raises serious question with regard to judicial propriety and genuine apprehensions vis-a-vis compromising on national

Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka welcomes baby boy

Ivanka Trump Washington D.C., Mar. 28 : Happy times for Ivanka Trump as she recently welcomed a baby boy in her family.

Donald Trump's 34-yearold daughter gave birth to her third child with husband Jared Kushner today, adding to their growing brood, reports E! Online.

The duo has been married for seven years, Trump walked the aisle with Kushner in 2009 af-

ter two years of dating.

Announcing the news the fashion designer took to her Twitter handle and wrote, "Jared and I feel incredibly blessed to announce the arrival of Theodore James Kushner."

Their baby boy arrived at 5:43 p.m. EST on Easter Sunday.

The cherub joins four-yearold sister Arabella Rose and two-year-old brother Joseph Frederick. (ANI)

Randeep Surjewala security. Serious questions are also being raised about Modi government's U-turn in terms of segregation of state and non-state actors in Pakistan, who are indulging in rampant and senseless export of

terror into India on an everyday basis, causing serious and irreparable loss of civilian and military lives," he added.

Surjewala further stated that the BJP Government must need to evaluate and reflect

"It has been decided to upgrade the existing travel warning vis-a-vis Turkey from a basic concrete threat to a high concrete threat, and to reiterate our recommendation to the public to avoid visiting the country and - for Israelis currently in Turkey - to leave as soon as possible," a government statement said.

The statement said the bombing highlighted the threat from Islamic State group militants "against tourist targets throughout Turkey and proves high capabilities of carrying out further attacks".

"Terrorist infrastructures in Turkey continue to ad-

vance additional attacks against tourist targets including Israeli tourists - throughout the country," it said.

Tens of thousands of Israelis visit nearby Turkey each year despite strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Three Israelis and an Iranian were killed and 39 people wounded when a man blew himself up on Istiklal Caddesi, a famous shopping street in the heart of Turkey's biggest city, on March 19.

The Turkish government said the bomber had links to IS. IS has been blamed for four bombings that have rocked Turkey in the past eight months, including a massacre at a peace rally in the capital Ankara in October that claimed 103 lives.

rently underway at the NIA headquarter.

The team would visit Pathankot on March 29.

According to sources, the JIT comprises of Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) AIG Rai Tahir as convener, Intelligence Bureau Lahore Deputy Director General Azim Arshad, Lt. Col Tanvir Ahmed of the ISI, Lt, Col Irfan Mirza of MI and Gujranwala CTD Investigating Officer Shahid Tanveer.

On January 2, terrorists attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station, part of the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force.

Four terrorists were killed and two security personnel were martyred in the gun battle. (ANI)

Shiv Sena says president's rule in Uttarkhand justified Mumbai, Mar. 28 : The Shiv Sena on Monday backed the imposition of President's Rule in Uttarakhand, saying that former chief minister Harish Rawat had failed to handle to situation in the state.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande reminded the Congress that it had imposed an emergency across the nation in 1975 when Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister, and hence, should not be crying foul.

"The Congress had imposed an emergency across the country during Indira Gandhi's rule.

Harish Rawat ji has not been able to handle the situation in Uttarkhand.

Even the Congress had failed miserably to reign

in its leaders, so President's rule had to be imposed. The steps taken by the Centre is right," Kayande told ANI. Following the imposition of president's rule, Rawat has called for a meeting of state Congress legislators in Dehradun today.

The Congress Party is all set to challenge the imposition of president's rule in court.

Uttarakhand State Assembly Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal, on Sunday disqualified nine Congress legislators who had rebelled against the Rawat-led regime in the state.

The decision to disqualify the nine legislators has reduced the strength of the 70-member assembly to 61.

NIA and JIT Officials

New Delhi, Mar. 28 : The meeting between National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials and a five-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) from Pakistan, which arrived here yesterday to probe the deadly terrorist attack on the

Pathankot Air Force Base, is currently underway at the NIA headquarter.

According to sources, the JIT comprises of Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) AIG Rai Tahir as convener, Intelligence Bu-

ANI New Delhi, Mar 28 : In an endeavour to strengthen bilateral ties between New Delhi and Brussels and improve cooperation on global issues, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visiting Belgium during the first leg of his three-nation visit, which will include stopovers in the United States and Saudi Arabia.

"With an idea of improving port logistics, boosting infrastructure, producing renewable energy and enhancing growth of pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, Prime Minister Modi will reach Belgium on 30th March," informed K. Nandini Singla, Joint Secretary, Europe West (EW) Division in a media briefing on Monday.

"Another issue of interest to India in Belgium is to enhance the diamond trade between the two countries. The Prime Minister will also address Indian diamond traders in Brussels," she added.

Antwerp in Belgium is the largest diamond trading hub globally, as about 84 per cent of the world's rough diamonds passes through there. There is a sizable presence of Indian traders in Antwerp.

"On the cultural side, he will meet some Indologists living in Belgium and those who have a keen and abiding interest in India," Singla said.

This will be Prime Minister Modi's first official visit to Belgium.

"The second important event which Prime Minister Modi will attend is the 13th India-EU Summit meeting, to advance the India-EU Strategic Partnership and make it a bigger partner in Indian flagship programs like Make in India, Clean India. At the same time, the aim will be to attract more FDI," she said.

She further said that the Prime Minister is also expected to sign several agreements with European Union member nations.

From Brussels, Prime Minister Modi will leave for Washington to attend the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) on March 31 and April 1, where he is expected to make specific announcemnents and proposals with regard to nuclear security.

Thereafter, he will travel to Saudi Arabia.

Storm Katie causes travel chaos in United Kingdom

Manisha Kayande After almost seven days of verbals between the Congress Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the political crisis in Uttarakhand, president's rule was imposed in the state on Sunday.

The recommendation for

central rule was made by the Union Cabinet at its emergency meeting last night.

The Congress had dubbed the cabinet meeting as the last phase of a drama scripted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). (ANI)

Pathankot attack: Meeting between JIT, NIA underway

Israel advises citizens to leave Turkey citing attack risk Jerusalem, Mar 28: Israel on Monday (Mar 28) advised its citizens to leave Turkey citing the potential for jihadist attacks after three Israelis were among four people killed in a Mar 19 suicide bombing in Istanbul.

upon and answer some of the genuine apprehensions in mind of national security experts, as also, people of the country.

"Prima facie it appears to be a case of an accused investigating himself. Secondly, by allowing a Pakistani investigation team to visit and investigate. BJP Government has for the first time distinguished and therefore recognized that Pakistani establishment does not have a role in perpetuating terror in India, more so in context to Pathankot terror attack," he said.

Currently, the meeting between the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials and a five-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) from Pakistan is cur-

PM's Brussels visit to focus on port logistics cooperation, FDI boost: MEA

reau Lahore Deputy Director General Azim Arshad, Lt. Col Tanvir Ahmed of the ISI, Lt, Col Irfan Mirza of MI and Gujranwala CTD Investigating Officer Shahid Tanveer.

The team would visit Pathankot on March 29.

The NIA investigators are expected to seek details on arrests in Pakistan and the action it has taken on the basis of intercepted telephone call records handed over by NSA Ajit Doval to his Pakistani counterpart, Lieutenant General Nasir Janjua.

This is for the first time in over two -and- a- half decades that Pakistan will be joining investigations in a terror attack, which was executed by

Pakistan based Jaish-eMohammed (JeM) militants.

The Indian authorities are still working on modalities authorities. As of now, it is said that they will not go by road and will only fly to Pathankot.

Reports state that the team's movement would be restricted only to the area of the engagement between security forces and JeM terrorists.

On January 2, terrorists attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station, part of the Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force.

Four terrorists were killed and two security personnel were martyred in the gun battle. (ANI)

London, Mar 28: Winds gusting to 105 miles (170 kilometres) an hour on Easter Monday forced the cancellation of over a hundred flights in and out of Britain and left around 2,000 homes without power.

"Storm Katie" left a trail of disruption in its wake as it swept across southern England overnight, leaving debris and roadwork barriers strewn across London's streets early on Monday.

Heathrow, one of the world's busiest airports, reported around 130 cancellations with other flights delayed or and diverted to other airports.

Some 20 flights in and out of London's Gatwick Airport were cancelled and another four diverted.

The Met Office national weather service issued an amber warning for winds for London and southeast England, advising people to be "prepared for disruption to outdoor activities and travel".

The service recorded gusts of 105 mph off the

southern England coast, with winds of over 70 mph registered across the south.

A bridge crossing the River Thames in southeast England and the Severn Bridge which connects England and Wales were also closed, according to Highways England.

UK Power Networks said they were dealing with problems across Sussex, Surrey and Kent in southern England, leaving at least 2,000 households without electricity.

"It is particularly southern parts of England bearing the brunt of Storm Katie but also into parts of East Anglia as well, with these potentially damaging and disruptive gusts of wind of 60 to 70 mph, but possibly more in the most exposed areas," said BBC weather forecaster Nick Miller.

"It won't be until Easter Monday afternoon that things gradually improve across parts of eastern England."

U.S. slams Lahore attack as 'cowardly'

Maharashtra ACB files chargesheet against Bhujbal in Central Library case Mumbai, Mar. 28: The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday filed a chargesheet against Nationalist Congress party (NCP) leader and former minister Chhagan Bhujbal and six others in the Central Librarycase.

Bhujbal, who is already in custody over his alleged involvement in the Maharashtra sadan scam, was on March 17 sent to judicial custody till March 31 by the special Prevention of

Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court.

Bhujbal's money laundering case took a fresh turn last Monday after Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached Girna sugar mill, along with land worth Rs 55 crores, to the case.

The former Maharashtra deputy chief minister was arrested on March 14 in connection with the Maharashtra Sadan scam.

The Enforcement Director-

Chhagan Bhujbal ate had on February 1 arrested former lawmaker

Sameer Bhujbal, nephew of Chhagan Bhujbal, in a money laundering case in Mumbai after the agency conducted multiple searches in connection with the probe against Bhujbals and others.

The Maharashtra ACB had earlier filed two FIRs against the Bhujbals and others under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to probe the Delhi-basedMaharashtra Sadan scam and the Kalina land grabbing case. (ANI)

Washington, Mar.28 : The United States has condemned the appalling terror attack in Lahore, Pakistan, terming it as 'cowardly', and vowed to work with Islamabad to defeat those sowing terror in the country.

"This heinous attack in a crowded park in Lahore has killed dozens of inno-

cent civilians and left scores injured," National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said in a White House statement, reports the Dawn.

Price added that U.S. will continue to work with partners in Pakistan and across the region efforts to root out the scourge of terrorism.(ANI)

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, MARCH 29

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif cancels Britain visit after Lahore attack Islamabad, Mar 28: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has cancelled his visit to Britain following the deadly Easter Sunday suicide attack in a Lahore city park that killed at least 70 people and injured over 250, a media report said.

According to a spokesman at the Prime Minister's Secretariat, Sharif was scheduled to leave for Britain on Monday but he cancelled his trip after the blast at Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park, where Christians were

Post quake and border stir, tourism soars in Nepal Kathmandu, Mar 28: Battered by last year's killer quakes and subsequent crippling border stir, Nepal's tourism industry is banking heavily on Indian tourists for sustained growth in its main forex earner.

According to officials from travel and tourism sector here, the quake in April, 2015 and border agitation, which led to "economic blockade" of the landlocked country, dampened sentiments on the tourism front and conveyed message to the world that Nepal is not safe for holiday makers.

However, things have limped back to normalcy and the sector hopes to see good days ahead in Nepal, a country famous for snowcapped mountains and breathtaking natural beauty.

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is making all out effort to convince the world that all is well in the Himalayan nation and is planning to hold road shows in India next month.

Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal, and the largest source of foreign exchange and revenue.

Possessing eight of the 10 highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a hot-spot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and people seeking adventure.

"The quake damaged some heritage sites and did immense harm to Nepal's image. But the fact is that heritage sites in only 10 of the 75 districts in Nepal were affected," said Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of NTB. "Now, we are convincing the world that things are back to normal in the country and its a safe destination for vacationers," Joshi said.

Ujjwala Dali, Officiating Director (Tourism Marketing & Promotion) at NTB, said: "India and Nepal share close social and political ties. They share 'roti-beti ka rishta' (ties of food and family). But we are missing Indian tourists for a year."

"There was a whopping 8090 per cent drop in tourist arrivals after the earthquake.

After that political unrest and blockade were unpleasant developments," said Santosh Karki, General Manager of KGH Group of Hotels, a leading player in Nepal's hospitality sector.

"However, things improved after the blockade was lifted.

We started receiving many enquiries (for hotel bookings)," said Karki, whose Group has two properties Waterfront Resort and Himalayan Front in Pokhara, a scenic tourist town about 200 kms from Kathmandu.

According to industry officials, Nepal receives around 8 lakh tourists every year.

About 20-25 per cent of them are from India and 10 per cent from China.

The arrivals fell to just 3.5 lakh after the temblor and NTB officials said they expect to reach the 8 lakh-mark by next year.

"China is targeting to send one million tourists by 2020.But we want India to send more than one million tourists in the next four years. Tourism will bring India and Nepal closer," Dali said.

celebrating Easter on Sunday evening.

Sharif was to go to London for a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron on way to to the US for the Nuclear Security Summit 2016. He will now travel directly to the US after a couple of days. The News International quoted the spokesman as saying.

The spokesman also said Sharif held detailed deliberations at a high-level meeting here which reviewed security situation in Pakistan. The meeting

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif lasted for several hours, and was attended by In-

terior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and offi-

cials.

The Taliban faction Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it deliberately targeted Christians celebrating Easter.

During the high-level meeting in Islamabad late Sunday night, Sharif said terrorists and their facilitators involved in Lahore suicide attack would be taken to task at all costs, Radio Pakistan reported on Monday.

Stating that his heart bleeds as the terrorists had targeted his sons,

daughters, brothers and sisters, Sharif said the terrorists were committing "cowardly acts after facing defeat".

The prime minister stressed the need for strengthening national unity and burying differences to confront terrorism with strong resolve.

The meeting, attended among others by Nisar Ali Khan and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, took several important decisions in the wake of Lahore incident, the media report said.

Dalai Lama 'making a fool' of Buddhism, Chinese official says Beijing, Mar 28: Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama is "making a fool" of Tibetan Buddhism with suggestions he may not reincarnate, or reincarnate as something inappropriate, and the faithful are not buying it, a Chinese official wrote on Monday.

China says the Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in India after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, is a violent separatist. He denies espousing violence and says he only wants genuine autonomy for Tibet.

The animosity between the two sides, and their rivalry for control over Tibetan Buddhism, is at the heart of the debate about reincarnation.

Tibetan Buddhism holds that the soul of a senior lama is reincarnated in the body of a child on his

death.

China says the tradition must continue and its officially atheist Communist leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, as a right inherited from China's emperors.

The Nobel Peace Prizewinning monk has suggested his title could end when he dies. China accuses him of betraying, and being disrespectful toward, the Tibetan religion by saying there might be no more reincarnations.

Writing in the state-run Global Times, Zhu Weiqun, chairman of the ethnic and religious affairs committee of the top advisory body to China's parliament, said the Dalai Lama had to respect the religious and historic traditions of reincarnation.

failed efforts to talk to the Dalai Lama's representatives.

Dalai Lama "The Dalai Lama continues to proclaim his reincarnation is a 'purely religious matter' and something only he can decide, but he has no way to compel admiration from the faithful," wrote Zhu, known for his hardline stance on Tibet.

"He's been proclaiming he'll reincarnate as a foreigner, as a bee, as a 'mis-

chievous blond girl', or even proposing a living reincarnation or an end to reincarnation," he added.

"All of this, quite apart from making a fool of Tibetan Buddhism, is completely useless when it comes to extricating him from the difficulty of reincarnation," wrote Zhu, who was involved in the past in Beijing's

Tibetan exiles worried China will appoint its own successor to the 80year-old leader can point to a precedent.

In 1995, after the Dalai Lama named a boy in Tibet as the reincarnation of the previous Panchen Lama, the second highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism, China put the child under house arrest and installed another.

Zhu also said China had been successful in getting fewer and fewer foreign leaders to meet the Dalai Lama, because of the anger it draws from the world's second-largest economy.

"Anyone getting ready to offend China must first weigh up the consequences," he wrote.

Pak Interior,Defence ministries wary of giving India consular access to alleged RAW agent

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif consulting Foreign Office and Defence Minister

Islamabad, Mar.28 : Pakistan reportedly appears to be reluctant to give India consular access to

the alleged Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent who was arrested last week in Balochistan

while training separatists for terrorist attacks.

It maybe recalled that the Indian Government had confirmed Kulbhushan Jadhav as a retired former officer of the Indian Navy officer and had sought consular access to him.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had reportedly consulted the Foreign Office, the interior and defence ministries on India's request, and they recommended against granting New Delhi consular access to Jadhav,

Pakistani Islamist protesters demand execution of woman booked for blasphemy Islamabad, Mar 28: Thousands of supporters of an executed Islamist assassin were holding a sit-in in Islamabad on Monday

convicted in 2010 of committing blasphemy during an argument with a Muslim woman over a bowl of water.

Mumtaz Qadri was

Pakistani Islamist protesters

after submitting a list of demands including the execution of a female Christian blasphemy convict.

Their demands include the execution of Asia Bibi, a Christian motherof-five who has been on death row since she was

hanged on February 29 for killing a Punjab governor over his call for blasphemy reform, in what analysts said was a "key moment" in Pakistan's long battle against religious extremism.

But it also exposed deep

religious divisions in the conservative Muslim country of 200 million.

An estimated 25,000 supporters of Qadri, a former police bodyguard, forced their way into the capital from its twin-city Rawalpindi, where they had gathered Sunday afternoon to offer prayers.

By evening they were engaged in violent clashes with police and paramilitary troops, who used heavy tear-gas shelling in an unsuccessful attempt to prevent them from pushing closer to the city centre.

On Monday, around 3,000 protesters, many carrying sticks, remained at the city's main Constitution Avenue close to key government buildings, including the presidency and parliament, which were guarded by soldiers.

citing 'inappropriate timing', reports The Express Tribune.

Pakistan ministry said that granting India access to Jadhav would open a pandora's box and probably weaken Pakistan's case against New Delhi.

Islamabad will instead approach major world powers, especially the United States, to substantiate its claim that India was stoking terrorism in Pakistan.

Sharif will leave this week for a tour of the US, where he would attend

the Nuclear Security Summit and meet India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines.

In the meantime, the Prime Minister directed the two ministries to register a case against Jadhav and collect evidence against him.

Kulbhushan Jadhav was arrested in a raid near the border town of Chaman last Thursday.

He was earlier posted at Chabahar port in southeastern Iran where he lived with his wife and two children.(ANI)

Rocket lands near Indian-built parliament building in Kabul

New Afghan Parliament Kabul, Mar.28 :A rocket has landed near the new Indian-built parliament building in Kabul.

The incident took place as senior security officials were on the way towards the building to brief lawmakers, reports TOLO News.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The foundation stone for the new Afghan Parliament was laid in August 2005 by the last king of Afghanistan, Zahir Shah, in the presence of Presi-

dent Hamid Karzai and then Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh.

India's Central Public Works Department (CPWD) was the consultant for the project and the contract was awarded to an Indian infrastructure company in 2008.

The new parliament building is corralled in an 84-acre plot on the outskirts of Kabul and fringes such historical landmarks as Amanullah Khan's Palace and the Queen's Palace. (ANI)

Bangladesh high court rejects petition challenging Islam as state religion Dhaka, Mar 28: Bangladesh high court on Monday rejected a petition by secular activists that challenges the constitutional provision recognising Islam as the state religion of the Muslim-majority nation.

The bench of Justice Naima Haider, Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque, and Justice Ashraful Kamal passed the order this afternoon.

In its order, the high court said the petitioners do not have the right to file the writ petition, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

After the passage of the Eighth Amendment Bill on June 7, 1988, 15 noted personalities had filed a public interest litigation challenging the state religion provision. Many of them are now dead.

The matter was absent from discussion tables until August 1 last year when a Hindu Supreme Court lawyer Samendra Nath Goswami filed another petition with the

high court questioning how Islam could still be acknowledged as the state religion despite revival of "secularism" as the state policy under a 2011 amendment to the Constitution.

Goswami had himself moved the petition which the bench of Justice Mohammad Emdadul Haque and Justice Muhammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar rejected outright on September 7 after a brief hearing.

On February 29, Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha formed a new three-member bench to hear the 1988 petition following a prayer submitted on behalf of the petitioners.

Today's ruling came as the country's largest Islamist party - Jamaat-eIslami - called a nationwide strike to protest the legal move. Over 90 per cent of the population is Muslim, with Hindus and Buddhists the main minorities.

Ex-Aussie PM Abbott defends stand on ignoring Lanka's Lahore blast death toll rights violations rises to 72, injured toll now over 233

Lahore, Mar.28 : Sunday'ssuicide bomb blast in a crowded park in Lahore in Pakistan's Punjab province has claimed the lives of 72 people so far and injured over 233.

The Tehreek-i-Taliban PakistanJamaatul Ahrar has claimed responsibility for the tragic incident.

Christians were not the specific target of this at-

tack because the majority of the dead are Muslims,reports the Dawn.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has arrived in the city along with Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to take stock of the situation on ground as well as to visit survivors of the blast at the Jinnah Hospital. (ANI)

Lahore blast

Ex-Aussie PM Abbott defends stand on ignoring Lanka's rights violation

Colombo, Mar 28 : Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has countered criticism for supporting former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa for action taken to end Sri Lanka's civil war and ignoring Sri Lanka's human right violations in order to stop asylum seeker boats coming to Australia.

Abbott said as prime minister, he was determined to advance Australia's interests, protect its citizens and uphold their values around the world and the best way to do this was usually to be as practically helpful as possible in the dealings with other countries, reports the Colombo Page website.

Abbott quoted in his essay

that"I'm sure that the Sri Lankan president was pleased that Australia didn't join the human rights lobby against the tough but probably unavoidable actions taken to end one of the world's most vicious civil wars,".

He underscored that both countries became even stronger partners in the Abbott government's most urgent initial to end the people-smuggling trade.

During the Rajapaksa administration, Australia and Sri Lanka strengthened their bilateral relations and the two countries have cooperated in curbing human smuggling to Australia across the Indian Ocean.(ANI)

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, MARCH 29

Humanity, Contemporary Values & Conflicts Sustainable Agriculture Way towards conservation of natural resources, environment and crop diversity The modern agricultural practices which are heavily dependent on the use of chemical pesticides, inorganic fertilizers and growth regulators has raised the agricultural production manifold but at the cost of resource Photo: motherearthnews depletion, environmental deterioration and loss of crop diversity. Therefore it was realized that the modern agriculture is not sustainable in long run, hence the concept of sustainable agriculture emerged which not only emphasizes on the conservation of the natural resources but also maintains the quality of environment. Often there is misconception that sustainable agriculture and organic agriculture is the same thing. However, it is not true, as both are different concepts. In sustainable agriculture chemical fertilizers and pesticides are often used in a limit that has no any disruptive effect on the soil and the environment. However, organic agriculture strictly avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, sustainable agriculture is a broad term which includes organic agriculture as well. Sustainable agriculture is in fact the successful management of resources for agriculture to satisfy the changing human needs, while maintaining or enhancing the quality of environment and conserving the natural resources. It is a balanced management system of renewable resources including soil, wildlife, forests, crops, fish, livestock, plant genetic resources and ecosystems without degradation and to provide food, livelihood for current and future generation maintaining and improving productivity and ecosystem services of these resources.

Sustainable agriculture systems are designed to use existing soil nutrient and water cycles, and naturally occurring energy flows for food production. Furthermore, such systems aim to produce food that is both nutritious and without products that harm human health. In practice, such systems have tended to avoid as far as possible the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, and livestock feed additives, instead relying upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, offfarm organic wastes, mechanical cultivation and mineral bearing rocks to maintain soil fertility and productivity, and on natural biological and cultural controls for insects, weeds, and other pests. Why sustainable agriculture has become the need of the hour?

Sustainable agriculture has several benefits over modern agriculture as it is cheap, conserves water, soil and environment, maintain crop diversity and the food grains produced are nutritious and free from pesticide residues. Therefore shift from modern agriculture to sustainable agriculture is the need of the hour for the conservation of natural resources, environment, crop diversity and production of nutritious food grains.

India's Monopoly to End Nepal Gets Trade Point in China China agreed to Nepal Prime Minister K P Oli's request to build a strategic railway link between the two countries through Tibet to reduce land-locked Nepal's total dependence on India, as the two sides cemented their ties by signing 10 agreements including a landmark transit trade deal. Oli, who arrived on his maiden sevenday visit to China, was given a red carpet welcome by Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People. Oli's high-profile visit came as Nepal seeks to open more supply routes from China amid fears of a repeat of recent nearly six-month long crippling blockade when the Indian-origin Madhesis blocked Nepal's trade-routes with India, throwing normal life out of gear.

The five-month long blockade caused huge crises as fuel and medicine supplies dried up. Kathmandu blamed New Delhi for supporting the protestors but the allegation has been denied. The blockade halted for months Nepal's third-country trade, apparently prompting the Nepalese government to look for an alternative to the Haldia port. The transit agreement with China gives Nepal an option to use the next nearest Tianjin port in China that is 3,000 km from Nepal border. India's Haldia port is 1,000 km away. However, there are concerns that Nepal cannot immediately use the Chinese port as infrastructure in the tiny country is poor and the Chinese side is located at a higher altitude.

During the talks, the two Prime Ministers made a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over steadily growing relations between the two countries. The two sides exchanged substantive views on further strengthening and consolidating mutual trust and understanding as well as promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. Trade diversification, cross border connectivity and infrastructure development, cooperation on energy, tourism, finance, education and culture were among the matters that figured prominently during the talks.

The two countries also sealed 10 agreements including the much-publicised transit trade treaty which will end Nepal's total dependency on Indian sea ports for third-country trade. The other agreements included a feasibility study on the establishment of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), China's assistance to build a new airport and a border bridge.

Agreements in the fields of science and technology, sister-city relations between various Nepalese and Chinese cities, and establishment of Nepal's Consular General Office in Chengdu, China, were also signed, The other agreements included a treaty on economic and technical cooperation to build a Regional International Airport Project at Pokhara, Nepal's famous tourist site.

Today's 'seemingly inevi- trine of non-restrain state in table' capital intensive reso- the pursuit of self-interest lutions depict our impulses giving the way for free marfor envisioning the future of ket economy. The Declarahumanity. The humanitarian tion of Independence in the values and inherent conflicts United States was based on emanating from the thoughts enlightenment values, the of the 'future of humanity' spirit of enterprise and the shape our individual com- right to multiply wealth. In mitment and public policy. reality, the aggregate wealth From the dawn of human of nations increased at the civilization, the seclusion of cost of majority individuals. thought from brain as a theo- So, the role of state, to prological explanation substan- tect personal freedom and tiates the Surights has bepreme Being come a deIndrajit Borah beyond the batable asknown unipect in modverse. However, contrary to ern democracy. As the supKant's 'ungraspable' things- ply-side economics, 'non-inin-themselves, 'nothing un- tervention' is viewed as proknowable' is the root of hu- tecting wealthy that proman ingenuity. Einstein's be- motes inequality, which is a lief in "the divinity of na- strong incentive for growth. ture" may be viewed as an It is believed that this prounending scientific enquiry. cess will result economic Likewise, the materialistic benefits to trickle down to outlook may be predictably the middle class and poor. progressive in describing The individualisation that the directionality of human originates from the dogevolution even as a 'trifle of matic social structure has its geological time'. It may also limits, as it is stated that be sufficient to formulate an freedom is not something egalitarian world view. Still, absolute, independent of the uncertainty prevails in objective necessity. In that the humanitarian journey to- backdrop, the collectivism wards a universal spirit, also starts off from the inwhich may be analogized terests of the individual. The with the "theory of every- fundamental alignment of thing" unifying modern par- individual self-interests with ticle physics and relativity. the objective necessity is the Is it the same long standing root of collectivism as well. contradiction between indi- It aims at providing material vidualism and collectivism sufficiency for all and emthat hypothesizes many braces democracy, equality, ideas? Then, any prescrip- empowerment, and deep retion for the future of human- spect for the intrinsic values ity based on the analytical of nature. And, as a demand proficiency of material pri- side economics, collectivmacy over mind may also be ism justifies state intervendebatable. tion. However, collectivism In the same theological trail, almost inevitably ends up Platonic idealism overem- with the subjugation of the phasized the personal jour- individual to the collective ney over earthly community being, often regarded as an life. Moving further, Adam abstraction. It is observed Smith's "The Wealth of Na- that the efforts to reduce intions" beautified self-inter- equality generally involve est as a driving force to an some level of wastage that ideal society and a free hinders economic growth. economy. It justifies a doc- The profound gap between

ideal and practice in collective action has been defeating the very ideals of public ownership.

Therefore, the policymakers always face a trade-off between economic growth and equality. The Modern Marx, Thomas Piketty's "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" argues that the free-market system has a natural tendency towards increasing the concentration of wealth, because the rate of return on property and investments has consistently been higher than the rate of economic growth. His policy prescription like progressive tax on wealth to temper inequality has been an unprecedented pre-election debate of the forthcoming US presidential election.

Again, the individualism although important for quality of life, can also lead to a self-satisfying consumerism. The collectivism also brings about much pernicious nationalism and ethnic conflict, both of which restrict the circle of inclusion. Defining 'us and them' in building a modern nation state is a complex process and it inevitably varies with different versions of nationalism. Today, this 'collective indivi dualisation' process has manifested the geo-political behaviour of western democracies and the string around the terrorist attack in Paris and France bombing in Syria.

The 'incompetent cultural factor' theory behind the prevalence of authoritarianism in West Asia has been the patronage of Trump's outrageous annotations.

The human prosperity, although lopsided with inherent conflicts as discussed above, also creates anthropogenic 'negative externalities'. There has been strong

A general view of the tributes outside the Le Carillon restaurant on 13 November,2016 by gunmen and suicide bombers (Photo: rack.3.mshcdn) worldwide opinion that the mankind should not dominate nature; instead favour a mutual co-existence. But, it has crossed the borderline of sustainable material sufficiency, although vaguely defined, to accomplish the prosperity over primitive possession; further proliferating humanitarian conflicts. Although, technology has provided a definite directionality in human history, now, the sustainability aspect hypothesises the technological limitations as well.

The "limits to growth" paradigm postulates the physical limits of nature and macroeconomic sustainability limits to material prosperity. The energy intensive capital investment needs have even questioned the macroeconomics of energy efficiency drives. Still, the deployment of new and more efficient technologies is the key component of all sustainability strategies.

Sustainable development, at the most abstract level, emphasizes the values of economic development,

environmental protection, social progress and equity.

Although, both environmental protection and economic prosperity are valued equally, the tensions between these competing values become apparent in case of concrete decisions on action plan. Most debates over social policies, decisions, and actions are fundamentally disagreements over the relevance and priority of particular values.

There is no alternative to an open, inclusive, and continuing global dialogue for formulation of concrete action plan. If the humanitarian values are ideals of collectivism, then why the Paris climate talk could not yet firm up the legal binding on the rich contributions. The policy prescriptions lowering the capital intensity will definitely trade off the growth arithmetic. Probably, this is the reason why going green is just a campaign, not yet a policy imperative. And, will the market dynamics simply pay back the environmental investments in future?

Is it just a utopian zeal to describe the future of humanity as 'the quality of life by fulfillment and material sufficiency of wellbeing, not wealth'? Humanitarian journey has always been wedged by the moot questions on environmental sustainability, resource depletion, income disparities and capital intensity of growth. The capital and labor exist inseparably but always in contradiction, in the process of economic growth.

So, the competitive economic systems, based on enlightenment produce more growth but with more inequalities over egalitarian systems. Similarly, transforming the collective spirit of egalitarianism on the ground is the vital question in front of humanity today. Certainly, there are positive relationships between egalitarian worldviews and sustainability-related values. And, it is imperative for the humanitarian value system to find a right balance between these primary and inevitable conflicts in life.

Taiwan's 2016 Elections: It's Not About China China was and is becoming less and less of a presence in the very hearts and minds that it is trying to win.

As politics in Taiwan are cusing instead on domestic often viewed through the problems. prism of the island's rela- President-elect Tsai Ingtionship with its larger wen personally insisted neighbor across the strait, time and time again during the landslide victory by the campaign that she Taiwan's Democratic Pro- would not take any "progressive Party (DPP) in the vocative" action toward China if January 16 presidential Euhwa Tran elected president. In a and legislative elections was proclaimed post-election speech, DPP by many Western analysts Secretary General Joseph as a resounding defeat for Wu also specifically caumainland China. The elec- tioned against seeing the tion was undeniably an un- election results as "China's equivocal defeat for China, defeat," stating that neither but not for the reasons most China itself nor Taiwan's relations with it were the fopeople think.

Polls showed that the Tai- cal point of the election. wanese electorate, much Beyond economic and like the U.S. electorate, is other domestic issues, the more concerned with do- internal problems of the mestic matters-especially opposition party, the economic ones that affect Kuomintang (KMT), conthem personally-than issues tributed in no small part to outside of the island's bor- its defeat and the DPP's vicders, including relations tory. Only 66.3 percent of with mainland China. The Taiwan's electorate voted in DPP tailored its campaign this election, a much lower strategy with this in mind turnout than in the island's and cruised to victory in five previous presidential large part by avoiding the elections. The likely reason topic of the island's rela- for the drop in voter turntionship with China and fo- out was KMT supporters'

disillusionment with their own party, which they demonstrated by abstaining from voting entirely.

Furthermore, James Soong of the People First Party, a party that generally favors closer ties with China, emerged with a comparatively strong performance in this election-receiving 12.8 percent of the votesrelative to the votes he received four years ago, a mere 2.8 percent. Traditional KMT supporters' decision to not participate in the election or to vote for another candidate that also favors closer relations with China-both of which contributed to the KMT's defeat and thereby assured the DPP of victory-cannot be seen as intentional decisions by voters to unequivocally reject ties with China. In this sense, the voting behavior of the traditional KMT base in this election supports what the DPP has openly assertedthat this election was not all about China.

Rather than casting ballots

with the singular intent of demonstrating anti-China sentiments, the Taiwanese electorate appears to have gone to the polls with little or no thought of China at all. It is well known that polls in Taiwan show an increasing number of people identifying as "Taiwanese" only, which correlates to the shrinking number of people who see themselves as "Chinese." Although this survey question does give respondents the option of identifying as "both Chinese and Taiwanese," more often than not, Taiwanese identity has been conceived of as antithetical to a Chinese identityin other words, to be "Taiwanese" has correlated with the notion that one is "not Chinese," or at least "not mainland Chinese."

But this election may serve as this reminder: to see the "Taiwanese" identity as wholly or even primarily in terms of what it is not gives too much credit to China, in the same way that viewing the 2016 election

solely or primarily in the context of "China's defeat" would be attributing too much importance to the role that China plays in the lives and decisions of people in Taiwan.

Just as U.S. voters traditionally go to the polls thinking much more about their own economic security than relations with other countries in the world, it appears that the mentality of Taiwanese voters has become not much different. In other words, when people in Taiwan go about their day-to-day activities and think about whom to vote for in terms of how that candidate will impact their daily lives, relations between mainland China and Taiwan are not at the forefront of their thoughts.

China, in the minds of Taiwan's electorate, may be just another country with whom ties can help the Taiwanese economy, no different in that regard from Japan, Singapore, Korea, the United States or any other country in the world with whom Taiwan could have beneficial economic relations. In es-

Immature Politician

AIUDF chief Badaruddin Ajmal (Photo: farm6.static.flickr)

Sir, Barpeta's M.P. Sirazuddin Ajmal's preposterous insurance offer to his party men is bound to instigate them to get ready to be at dagger's drawn with their adversaries of the rival parties. Needless to say, this sort of instigation by a politician smacks of his immaturity.

Badaruddin Ajmal, his elder brother and AIUDF Chief gave a clarification to exhonerate his brother just to befool the people. We heard of the benevolent insurance schemes for the poor launched by the Government of India in which by paying a nominal amount or without paying at all, the poor may get the benefit of insurances. But the

one offered by Sirazuddin Ajmal, the AIUDF M.P. is of bad taste that puts him in poor life. The fabric of communal harmony is sensitive and brittle, once it is snapped it turns into a conflagration. The law of the land must harness these immature politicians (read bad elements) before they cause more harm to the society.

sence, just as one identifies as "American" not only because he or she does not feel a sense of belonging to Canada, Britain or any other country, one should remember that to be "Taiwanese" increasingly does not merely mean "not Chinese."

This is bad news for the People's Republic of China.

Winning the hearts and minds of a group of people for whom "Taiwanese or Chinese?" is still a valid question means that at least the battle is ongoing and thus can still be won by the Chinese side.

But trying to win over a group of people who see China as foreign a country as Canada or Britain is to Americans today is a different matter.

For China's unification ambitions, this defeat is perhaps even worse than if Taiwan's electorates had cast their ballots for the DPP with the desire to roll back ties with the mainland, as this election demonstrated instead that China was and is becoming less and less of a presence in the very hearts and minds that it is trying to win.

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

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

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ABITA implements social welfare programs in Assam with its decade old partner UNICEF. Part I Implements Social Welfare Programs like Swachh Cha Bagan, Joy Learning Program, Creche Attendant Program, WASH Advocacy.

Innovative Approaches:- Establishment of community and individual kitchen gardens for improving the consumption of green leafy vegetables in adolescents.

The ABITA (Assam Branch of Indian Tea Association) has started implementing various social welfare programs for the tea garden workers in Assam, in association with UNICEF, its decade old partner.

India is the second largest producer of tea in the World after China with plantations predominantly located in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is one of the key sectors in India with a large network of tea producers, retailers, distributors, auctioneers, exporters and packers.

Majority of the Tea producers in India, particularly the tea growing regions of Assam and West Bengal are represented by the ITA (Indian Tea Association), which is premier and the oldest organization of tea producers in the country.

Since its inception in 1881, the ITA has played a multi-dimensional role towards formulating policies and initiating action towards the development and growth of the tea industry and its people, liaising with the Tea Board, the government and various other stakeholders of the industry.

Being a labor intensive industry, extending from plantations to factories where raw tea leaves are processed and packaged into final produce, it has been a source of livelihood to generations of tea workers for hundreds of years. It has grown to own many global tea brands and has evolved into one of the most tech-

nologically equipped tea industries in the world, contributing significantly to the GDP of the nation.

It has also faced its own share of unique challenges just like any other industry. This feature however draws your attention to the sunny side or the brighter aspects of the tea sector and its positive impact on the tea producing communities of Assam.

Tea estates workers reside on the estates with their families. 50% of the workforce are women.

The Community encompasses workers, youth, children, senior citizens and non tea related populace residing on the estate.

The statutory welfare measures cover the tea workers and their families. Therefore, the challenge lies in designing and implementing inclusive and sustainable welfare initiatives catering to the rural population and the tea community at large.

Tea estates workers (Photo: governancenow) The thrust areas identified by the ITA are health, family welfare, women empowerment, education, agricultural extension and vocational training.

The ABITA was formed in 1889 to work closely with the Indian Tea Association. The organization has since made sev-

eral unique resolutions in terms of social welfare.

Its partnership with UNICEF goes back to the year 2000 when it started welfare programs in the fields of education, crèche development and nutrition program, later expanded and diversified into a more structured intervention to promote

health, nutrition, sanitation and child rights amongst the tea garden population.

Having the requisite experience of working in collaboration with the government and semi government organizations, ABITA also has years of experience in project cycle management, implementing social

welfare programs and engagement with the state machinery including monitoring and supportive supervision of the member tea estates. It has implemented its child protection and adolescent empowerment program since 2007 in collaboration with UNICEF. In 2015, it covered a total of 116-member tea estates impacting the lives of a large section of Assam's tea producing community.

Apart from education, their focus has been towards development of sports and sports infrastructure, infrastructural support to medical institutions as well as promotion of agro-technology.

A unique initiative taken by the Assam Branch Indian Tea Association (ABITA) has been in the field of providing Agricultural extension services to farmers through a project called ABITA Gramin Krishi Unnayan Prakalpa (AGKUP).

This project was initiated

in 2000-01. Under this initiative, Extension services coving training of farmers, providing subsidies on fertilizers, helping farmers in procurement of good seeds, providing weather forecasts and regular weather reports, conversion of mono crop areas to multi crop by diversification and sericulture have been the prime focus areas. The project is implemented through 10 centers located in different parts of the State under guidance of the Project Director from the ABITA Secretariat in Guwahati.

The ABITA has also embarked on a partnership with the National Health Mission (NHM) of the Government of India, which is promoted and partnered by the Assam state government. The state government's assistance for an all-inclusive medical system is now available in 105 estates of its membership. Contd

How Many 'Shaktimans' Will Be Beaten Mercilessly Surprised Rocky Handsome got A Before We Rethink Animal Cruelty Laws? certificate: John Abraham "The greatness of a nation the PCA act. Our ask from and its moral progress is the Shaktiman Act are judged by the way its ani- simple. With the increase in mals are treated" - M K inflation, the amount of Rs Gandhi 50 as a penalty for animal The virtue of kindness to all abuse is not helpful in actbeings is enshrined in our ing as a deterrent, we want constitution and our cul- this amount to be increased to a substanture. It is thus apposite that Gauri Maulekhi tial value eqwe ought to uitable to the ensure that our laws stand inflation. We would also as a deterrent to anyone who want the Shaktiman Act to abuses animals. The recent make the punishment cogcase of the horse named nisable which will give the Shaktiman brought the is- police the right to make an sue of animal welfare laws arrest without an arrest warto the fore. Shaktiman, who rant. So, our three asks was a majestic animal in the through the introduction of Dehradun police, was re- the Shaktiman bill will be duced to a whimpering crea- make the offence ture fighting for life in pain cognisible, compundable after being attacked by a and increase the fine. mob of people. While it is There were previous atimportant that we bring the tempts made to revisit the guilty to book, it is also im- PCA act in the United Proportant that we take a re- gressive Alliance regime. In look at the animal protection 2011, the Animal Welfare laws in our country.

Board of India had relooked Yes, India does have some into the PCA Act and forfantastic animal rights laws mulated a comprehensive but the laws need an urgent revamp of the animal weland immediate overhaul. fare laws. It was submitted The Prevention of Cruelty to Ms Jayanthi Natarajan. to Animals Act (PCA act) Natrajan, the then-environhas been framed in the year ment minister, had promised 1960 and the penalties in the to bring in an ordinance for act have not been revisited the amendment of the PCA ever since. I am certain you Act with increased penalwould agree that a mere fine ties. That clearly has not of Rs 50 is in no way a de- moved further. Post her exit terrent for an act so ghastly from the ministry, Jairam that it leaves a being Ramesh had promised to maimed for life. look into it, which clearly There have been attempts has not happened either. in the recent past to amend In the year 2014, through a

landmark judgement inthe A Nagarajan v/s Union of India case, the Honourable Supreme Court of India directed the government to amend the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.

The Supreme Court stated "‌.Parliament, it is expected, would elevate rights of animals to that of consti-

mal citizen of our great nation, Shaktiman today has retired to a life of pain and agony. The greatest respect we can pay to this honourable being is by ensuring that we work towards amending the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals Act 1960 and name the revamped law "SHAKTIMAN ACT". This

The Equine Retirement Center in Uttarakhand run by People for Animals has offered to take in Shaktimaan and care for him along with the other disabled and injured equines rejected from mining and Char Dham Yatras. (Photo credit: Gauri Maulekhi) tutional rights, as done by many of the countries in the world, so as to protect their dignity and honour." Despite this directive by the apex court, the law still remains in its original form.

It is for the courts and the police to determine who abused Shaktiman to the point that he had to lose one of his limbs. After serving the Indian police force and participating in the Republic Day parade as a honourable ani-

horse who served the nation and its people, needs to be our means to express our symbolic gratitude towards the presence of all beings amongst our midst whose mere existence makes the world a beautiful place to live in.

The world has moved further. In the United Kingdom, for instance, animal abuse will cost you dearly. Their first Protection of Animals Act was introduced in 1911.

Offenders under this act were fined 25 Pounds. Times changed, the law was revisited and in the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the fine amount was raised to up to 20,000 pounds. More recently, in Malaysia, the Animal Welfare Bill 2015 was introduced. This bill brings in new laws, rules and regulations against animal cruelty; physical and non-physical, and imposes a fine up to RM 100,000 and/or imprisonment for a maximum three years if violated. India, in comparison, has good laws. What needs to change is the punishment and financial penalties so that it acts as a deterrent.

This is for Shaktiman, the horse but this is also for the million Shaktimans in our country who continue to be beaten, tortured, maimed and killed. We need to rise up for each one of them. And for that to happen, we would need stronger laws that would protect them and punish offenders enough so that they do not repeat the offence ever again.

We are hopeful that the Shaktiman Act will bring dignity to the lives of all animal citizens of our nation-the birthplace of Ahimsa. The organisation Humane Society International India is petitioning the Prime Minister of India to amend the PCA act and call it the Shaktiman Act. Courtesy: Down to Earth

How A Group Of Changemakers Is Trying To Improve Quality Of Education In Rural India It all started in a small town minimum cut-off percentage called Dhule where I studied for admission to any reputed till 10th standard, in an atmo- college was 93%. It was sphere where students were tough but I somehow manmore used to 'Guides' and 'In aged to get into a good colMy Pocket' books for study- lege. ing instead of academic state When I was searching for IIT JEE coachb o a r d Sandip Wankhede ing institubooks. tions, I met T h e s e were not only for studying but one of my friends' sister's came in handy inside the ex- teacher who taught Mathamination hall for copying ematics for the IIT JEE. He answers. The same issue still asked me and my friend to persists in small towns and explain one simple law of a villages where marks have scientist from our Class X more importance than the skill course. We explained it to him, but we had failed to propset you develop.

Books are more often used erly understand the word 'exto read and learn readymade plain'. We simply read it. This questions at the last of every man told us the same thing. chapter. Few teachers under- We were told that we had stand what teaching really memorised the law and not means. Despite having 83% learned it. This thought was marks in my Class X exams, it a turning point in my life. became difficult for me to sur- After completing engineering vive in the urban competitive with a campus IT job in hand, world when I came to Pune in I started an NGO called 'The the search of good IIT JEE Change Foundation' at the coaching institutions. The age of 21 in 2014. Our objec-

tive was to change the way students are educated as these were, we felt, inefficient ways of increasing talent. In 2014-15, the Global Talent Competitiveness Index put India at the 78th position for its talent competitiveness despite having the second largest population. This can only be improved if we focus on learning and not memorising.

Another important issue we looked at was the state of rural students. We worked in many urban schools and got to know that many of them have parents who can them help them move in the right direction. In rural areas and small towns, and some urban municipal schools, students not only have inadequate information and educational material but also lack vision and guidance.

So, we started our first campaign called the 'Brainovention Talent Search Exam'.

This exam aimed at searching for students in rural areas who have the capability of doing something innovative but are unable do so due to insufficient sources of educational material and weak financial conditions.

We managed to conduct the exam in 2015 January in 10 rural schools where more than 3000 students participated. The exam was conducted at two levels where 48 were selected at the first level and then 15 in the final. With help from the Idea Foundation along with GiveIndia Foundation, we provided these students with materials that would help them study better.

We also enrolled them in computer literacy programs in their respective areas for more than three months for free.

Around 80% of the students failed to answer simple general awareness questions.

78% failed to solve intelligence test questions. 52%

failed to answer academic questions which were set from the middle of chapters in their course work. But 81% of the students managed to answer 90% of the academic questions which were from the end of the chapter.

Based on those results and analysis we designed our question papers to be more precise. This year, we conducted this exam for more than 500 students in rural areas.

Selected students from this exam will be made a part of programmes like computer literacy, science projects, smart study and e-learning for better understanding.

Our work is resulting in improving child education standards to develop skilled manpower and sustainable efficient education in rural areas. To reduce unemployment is our long term goal. We do realise that we are not reaching out to all students. We hope that we can slowly broaden our reach.

John Abraham hasn't had a big release in some time. And that certainly has made the actor impatient. He is eagerly waiting for his upcoming film Rocky Handsome.

The actor spoke to Gaurav Sharma.

This is your second outing with Nishikant Kamat and this too is an action film.

Yes, it is nice to be back with Nishikant once again.

We did Force in 2011 and it was big hit. The best thing about Force was it was raw action that we had shown and the audience liked it. The kind of

Will that actually keep a section of the audience, primarily the youngsters, away from your film?

I don't think so. We applied for a U/A certificate but we were told that the film deals with people who are more than 16 years old.

So we couldn't do much.

But the film has a very touching story and I am confident about a lot of youngsters watching the film.

You too had to work a lot on your body for this film. ) I am already a fitness freak but this film did defi-

In fact, you fractured your knee during the shoot of Force 2.

That was a nightmare. We were in Hungary when the incident happened and as language was a big problem, things became even more difficult. The doctors failed to understand what I wanted to say and in the end I was lying in bed with morphine in my body. I had to undergo three surgeries but that's fine. I am ready to walk the extra mile if the role demands extra effort from me.

You will be seen alongside Shruti Hassan in Rocky handsome.

John Abraham in Rocky Handsome (Photo: images.indianexpress) action we had shown in Force was not high on special effects but more about power and hand-to-hand and combat. It was a stylized film. This time too Nishikant has done a done a great job. Rocky Handsome too is high on action with a lovely story and the action and the story complement each other.

But the film got an Acertificate.

Yes, we were quite surprised because we were not expecting it. The only reason for the film getting an A certificate is because of the action. We have tried to show action in a very different way in this film but unfortunately we were given an A certificate but you can't help it. If there is action in a film it means it will show a lot of blood but everything isn't in our hands. We have tried to show action in a very sleek and stylized manner.

They could have given us a U/A certificate but we unfortunate.

nitely demand a lot more from me. Since we wanted to show raw hand-to-hand combat and that too in the most stylized form, Nishikant wanted me to learn two action forms Aikido and Hapkido, for which I had to spend a lot of time in Thailand. I also stayed there in a shanty and used to take a tuktuk to travel to the place where some of the greatest and best Aikido and Hapkido fighters train. It was a very rigorous schedule and I had to at times train for more than 14-15 hours. We have some very high-octane action scenes in the film and that will give the audience an understanding of the kind of hard work that went into shooting all those sequences.

You are also making a sequel to Force.

Yes, Force 2 is again going to be high on action and I am really hopeful about the film. Once again a lot of hard work went into Force 2.

Oh I must she that she is a very committed actress and I really liked her professionalism. She has done a very good job in the film and I am sure people will like her character and performance in the film.

You are also producing quite a few interesting films. Is it a conscious decision to produce films on unconventional subjects?

To some extent yes but it is not that I keep looking for subjects that are unconventional. The basic idea is to produce films that have good stories that will entertain the audience. But first and foremost, one has to believe in a subject. If I believe in a subject and feel that this story needs to be told and have the confidence that it will be accepted then I go for it. A film is not always about big stars but it is all about a good story told in a very simple style. Courtesy: Trans World Feature

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, MARCH 29

BUSINESS

MSMEs can reap Rs 2 trillion business from Budget boost: Report Hyderabad, Mar 28: MSMEs are set to receive incremental business worth around Rs 2 trillion out of the Rs 3 trillion allocated to the sector in the Budget, a report says. The Rs 3,02,885 crore allocated towards the MSME sector can lead to a direct benefit of Rs 2,00,000 crore to the sector, according to domestic rating agency Smera Ratings.

These benefits are roughly 10.5 per cent of the total expenditure of the Budget estimate for 2016-17, the agency said in a note. The Rs 60-trillion MSME sector contributes a whopping 37.5 per cent of GDP and employs the most

Govt. to soon introduce detailed norms on FDI in food processing soon: Nirmala New Delhi, Mar 28: Government will soon come out with detailed norms to operationalise the decision to permit 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in the food processing sector. The FDI in food processing sector, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, will help farmers in getting good prices of their produce besides eliminating wastage of food produce.

"There is a lot of food being wasted in the country because there are no storage capacities. Wastage is there because timely procurement does not happen," she told in an interview. The minister said "there are a lot of people who are interested in putting funds for creating value addition in agricultural produce. Therefore if FDI is permitted, they can come, procure from the farmer, give him a fair price, do value addition and avoid wastage of produce". On when the government will come out with detailed guidelines on FDI in food processing, the minister said: "It has to come out sooner". The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) is in the process of finalising the cabinet note in this regard along with Ministry of Food Processing.

Recently, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley held a meeting with top officials of food processing, commerce and industry ministries to work out the modalities for allowing 100 per cent FDI in marketing and processing of foods products. With a view to benefit farmers and reducing wastage of fruits and vegetables, the government in the Budget proposed allowing 100 per cent foreign direct investment in marketing and processing of food products. In his Budget speech, Jaitley had said the move would benefit farmers, give an impetus to the food processing industry and create vast employment opportunities. During AprilDecember, FDI into the country grew by 40 per cent to USD 29.44 billion. (Agencies)

number of people. This allocation is divided between consumption and investment categories. A sum of Rs 95,638 crore will go into consumption and Rs 2,07,247 crore to investment, it said. The agency opines that MSME engagement will be crucial in the implementation as both manufacturing and services based MSME units will take advantage of this massive mobilisation of public finances. On a standalone basis, the agency estimates that Rs 1,05,647 crore worth of business can be exclusively conducted by MSMEs. The agency feels that implementation of

READY STEADY & GO MSMEs are set to receive incremental business worth around Rs 2 trillion out of the Rs 3 trillion allocated to the sector in the Budget, a report says.

The Rs 60-trillion MSME sector contributes a whopping 37.5 per cent of GDP and employs the most number of people. This allocation is divided between consumption and investment categories.

The Rs 3,02,885 crore allocated towards the MSME sector can lead to a direct benefit of Rs 2,00,000 crore to the sector.

Child development schemes will get Rs 16,120 crore, Khelo India Rs 216 crore and Gram Jyoti Yojana Rs 3,188 crore.

Moreover, MGNREGA will get Rs 15,400 crore (by way of materials), Krishi Sinchai Yojana Rs 2,144 crore and the National Rural Drinking Water Mission has been allocated Rs 1,875 crore.

various schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, MGNREGA and Khelo In-

dia may not require the participation of large companies. Out of the total funds, Gram Sadak Yojana will attract Rs 19,000 crore, Swachh Bharat

Abiyan will get Rs 11,300 crore, and roads and highways Rs 26,250 crore.

Moreover, MGNREGA will get Rs 15,400 crore (by way of materials), Krishi Sinchai

Out of the total funds, Gram Sadak Yojana will attract Rs 19,000 crore, Swachh Bharat Abiyan will get Rs 11,300 crore, and roads and highways Rs 26,250 crore.

Yojana Rs 2,144 crore and the National Rural Drinking Water Mission has been allocated Rs 1,875 crore.

Child development schemes will get Rs 16,120 crore, Khelo India Rs 216 crore and Gram Jyoti Yojana Rs 3,188 crore. The opportunity created by the Budget will create demand for services of the MSME sector, it said. The additional infusion of funds into Mudra and the proposed establishment of 1,500 multi-skill training institutes under the Kaushal Vikas Yojana will facilitate this process further, says Karan Mehrishi, lead economist at Smera Ratings. (Agencies)

Two IDBI Bank unions to go on strike from today Pune, Mar 28: A section of officers and employees of IDBI Bank are going on strike from today to protest against the government's plan to pare its stake in the lender. While a group of employees under the banner of United Forum of IDBI Officers and Employees has given a one-day strike call on March 28, another outfit United Platform of IDBI Bank Unions are on a fourday strike till March 31. The unions and management had two conciliation meetings with the Mumbai labour commissioner earlier this month but failed to resolve their differences. "We had two meetings with the labour commissioner on March 18 and 21 but both

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: worldartsme)

the meetings failed and we are going ahead with the four-day strike," said an office bearer of the United

Platform of IDBI Bank Unions. The bank has around 17,500 employees.

The strike will be nation-

wide, except in Karnataka where the High Court has restrained the unions from any kind of protest or strike. Employees are protesting the government proposal to bring down its stake in the bank from around 80 per cent to under 50 per cent. In the Budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said the government was open to bring down its stake in IDBI Bank to below 50 per cent. "The process of transformation of IDBI Bank has already started.

The government will take it forward and also consider the option of reducing its stake to below 50 per cent," Jaitley had said.

The management has tried

persuading the unions to call off the strike. "We have spoken to employees and asked them to call off their strike as it is yearend. We also held town hall meetings with the employees and have spoken to them at length," said a senior bank official. For convenience of customers, the bank opened its branches on March 26, which was an official holiday for banks. "We will also try to keep some of our branches open during the strike period to help customers do their transactions," the official said.

The bank will continue with its basic treasury operations during the period, he added. (Agencies)

PAGE 10

FPIs pour in $2.5 bn in capital markets in March

Vinod Nair, Head-Fundamental Research, Geojit BNP Paribas. (Photo: thefinapolis) Mumbai, Mar 28: Overseas investors have pumped in close to Rs 16,500 crore (USD 2.5 billion) into Indian capital markets so far in March, after pulling out massive funds in the preceding four months. Market experts attributed the huge inflows to continue hopes that Reserve Bank of India (RBI) would bring down the monetary policy rate at its first policy meet of 2016-17 on April 5.

Additionally, a lower retail inflation at 5.18 per cent in February provides more room for RBI to act, they added. "The interest rate cut on small savings plan has been a welcome note to the market," said Vinod Nair, Head-Fundamental Research, Geojit BNP Paribas. According to the

data available with depositories, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) invested Rs 15,660 crore in equities during March 1-23 and another Rs 816 crore in the debt markets, leading to a net inflow of Rs 16,480 crore (USD 2.5 billion). FPIs have turned net buyers of equities in March after pulling out a massive Rs 41,661 crore from the market in the previous four months (November to February).

Capital inflows by FPIs are often referred to as hot money due to their unpredictability though the funds continue to remain one of the key drivers of the stock market. In 2015, FPIs had brought in a net Rs 17,806 crore in equities and Rs 45,856 crore in bond markets. (Agencies)

Quarrel between Sachin Bansal, Kunal Bahl on Twitter over Alibaba's India plans

Private investors met by Microsoft Washington, Mar 28: Microsoft Corp executives are in early talks with potential Yahoo Inc investors about contributing to financing to buy the troubled Internet company, a person familiar with the situation said. The talks are preliminary, the person added, and

Microsoft is focused on preserving the relationship between the two companies. Microsoft and Yahoo have longstanding search and advertising agreements. Private equity firms interested in Yahoo approached Microsoft, the person added. Microsoft declined to comment. Ya-

hoo is auctioning its core Internet business, which includes search, mail and news sites. The faded Internet pioneer has been struggling to keep up with Alphabet Inc's Google and Facebook Inc in the battle for online advertisers.

Verizon's Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo

said in December that the U.S. wireless carrier could look at buying Yahoo's core business if it was a good fit. Activist hedge fund Starboard Value LP moved on Thursday to overthrow the entire board of Yahoo, including Chief Executive Marissa Mayer, who has struggled

to turn the company around in her nearly four years at the helm.

Microsoft's interest in Yahoo comes nearly a decade after another approach. In 2008, thenCEO Steve Ballmer tried unsuccessfully to buy Yahoo for about $45 billion.

(Agencies)

Rs 20,000 crore crossed by VAT collection of Delhi New Delhi, Mar 28: Delhi government recently said VAT collection in the ongoing financial year has crossed Rs 20,000 crore, close to its revised target of Rs 21,000 crore. The government in its first Budget had set Rs 24,000 crore as the target but later, on the grounds of unsteady collection, it was toned down to Rs 21,000 crore. VAT Commissioner SS Yadav said total tax collection in the current financial year crossed Rs 20,000 crore mark on March 25 and that the amount was Rs 2,000 crore higher than last financial year's collection.

Around Rs 18,500 crore was collected as VAT in the financial year 2014-15.

"It amounts to a growth

of 11 percent which is higher than the growth of only 2 percent in the last financial year," Yadav

said. VAT is a major revenue source for the Delhi government. It accounts for more than two-thirds

CROSSING LIMITS Delhi government recently said VAT collection in the ongoing financial year has crossed Rs 20,000 crore, close to its revised target of Rs 21,000 crore.

The government in its first Budget had set Rs 24,000 crore as the target but later, on the grounds of unsteady collection, it was toned down to Rs 21,000 crore.

Total tax collection in the current financial year crossed Rs 20,000 crore mark on March 25 and that the amount was Rs 2,000 crore higher than last financial year's collection.

Around Rs 18,500 crore was collected as VAT in the financial year 2014-15. "It amounts to a growth of 11 percent which is higher than the growth of only 2 percent in the last financial year.

Nationwide strike against excise duty to be observed by jewelers from today Chennai, Mar 28: The all India Bullion Jewellers and Swarnkar Federation (IBJSF) will go on a nationwide strike from March 28 against the Union government's division to impose 1 per cent excise duty on jewellery by finance minister Arun Jaitley in the recent budget. The indefinite strike by all-India jewellers association will include nationwide chakka jam, handing of the registry papers and shop keys of their showrooms to finance minster Arun Jaitley, ringing bells before the parliament and gheraoing MPs and MLAs. This was decided in a meeting of IBJSF members in the capital late Friday evening where jewellers from Noida also par-

ticipated. Currently, three lakh jewellers are on indefinite strike since March 2. Recently, Samajwadi Party leader Ashok Chauhan visited the traders in Noida's sector-18 market and lent full support to the traders' movement. In the meeting it was decided that 5000 members from Noida alone will resign from BJP's membership.

Chauhan further announced that soon a delegation of 10 traders will meet chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on the matter. SK Jain, president, sector18 market association maintained that the said bandh will continue till roll back of excise duty is not implemented. "The nationwide bandh and chakka jam on Monday (March 28)

will have representatives from across the states and will be carried out under the slogan Aaz ka nara, Karo ya maro, Excise roll back karo," said Jain. The agitation plan includes blocking national highways, airports and trains across the country. The countrywide rail, road, airport blockade planned for March 28 will also tap into political, social support. About 375 jewellery organizations across the country will lend support to this protest. "Not only traders but also manufacturer, retailer, goldsmith, craftsman and designer in the business will get affected by this excise duty," said Yogesh Singhal, general secretary IBJSF. (Agencies)

Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Assam.

(Photo: socialsamosa) of its total revenue. Yadav said the growth in VAT collection has been possible due to several measures, including the widening of tax base with the addition of over 52,627 new registered dealers in the network. "Data sharing has been done with other state governments,

including Uttar Pradesh.

An effective check has been placed on entry of goods in Delhi through Delhi Sugam-2 form and Automatic Number Plate Reader Cameras at border points.

"People also helped in identifying dealers who are doing business on cancelled or invalid registration numbers as well as those who are manipulating records to evade VAT through the Bill Banvao Inam Pao Scheme," he said. Yadav said under the scheme over 50 dealers doing business on cancelled or invalid registration and about 100 dealers found manipulating records have been caught.

(Agencies)

Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal. (Photo: wikimedia) Pune, Mar 28: E-commerce rivals Flipkart and Snapdeal slug it out on social media over the Chinese online retailer Alibaba's plans to enter the Indian market. Alibaba, which has invested in Indian e-tailers like Paytm and Snapdeal, recently said that it plans a fullfledged entry into the Indian market. Taking a pot shot at competitors, Flipkart co-founder Sachin Bansal in a tweet said, "Alibaba deciding to start operations directly shows how badly their Indian investments have done so far." Hitting back, Snapdeal founder Kunal Bahl tweeted, "Didn't Morgan Stanley just flush $5 billion (nearly Rs 33,263.75 crore) worth market cap in Flipkart down the flush. Focus on your business, not com-

mentary". Alibaba China has about 40% stake in One97 Communications which runs Paytm. In February, a mutual fund firm under Morgan Stanley marked down the value of Flipkart's shares by 27%. In a regulatory filing, the firm said it valued Flipkart stake at $58.93 million (nearly Rs 392.05 crore) in December 2015, as compared to $80.62 million (nearly Rs 536.34 crore) in June 2015. Flipkart in February, before the filing by Morgan Stanley fund, had said it is valued at $15.2 billion (nearly Rs 1.01 lakh crore)then. In the recent times, online retailers such as Flipkart and Snapdeal have sparred on social media over various issues and have also run publicity campaigns to target rivals. (Agencies)

TECHNOLOGY Asus EeeBook X205TA Notebook (Atom Quad Core 4th Gen/2 GB/32 GB SSD/Windows 8.1) Best Price: Rs. 15,199 - Rs. 15,799 Display and Outfit The ASUS Eeebook X205TA Notebook features a 11.6inch HD LED back-lit ultra slim glare display which offers enhanced brightness and looks moderately sharp and rich with a resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels. It is housed in a completely white coloured outfit which can grab attention and dirt, equally. It has a waistline of 17.5mm and a weight of 0.9kg enabling you to lug around with it at ease.

Configuration and Platform Doing duty under the hood is a 1.3GHz Intel Atom quadcore Z3735F processor be-

Image for representational purpose. (Photo: notebookcheck)

longing to the fourth generation. To handle multitasking, there is a 2GB DDR3 RAM which functions at 1,333MHz and is further ex-

pandable up to 4GB. Rich videos and games are handled by the preloaded Intel HD GPU. It boots latest 64 bit Windows 8.1 OS which

is apt for web browsing.

Camera, Storage and Multimedia For handling online video calls, the ASUS EeeBook X205TA Notebook depends on webcam and inbuilt microphone. It comes with 32GB SSD flash memory along with 500GB web-storage. The stereo speakers powered by ASUS SonicMaster technology take care of entertainment.

Battery and Connectivity The ASUS EeeBook X205TA Notebook claims to render up to 12 hours of interruption free service with a 2 cell Li-Po battery. Connectivity wise, it gets WLAN, Bluetooth v4.0, digital media reader, HDMI out and two USB 2.0 ports.

DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, MARCH 29

Features

PAGE 11

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Simple and quick home remedies for headaches Here are some great tips that ensure speedy recovery and even prevention of headaches - the simple and drug-free way. Natural home remedies give us a great relief from headaches. Read and practise these tips today.

Hydrate yourself: Dehydration can be one of the top causes for a headache. One should have many fluids like water and fresh fruit juices, and avoid caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee, which dehydrate the body.

Head massages: Apply gentle, steady rotating pressure to the painful area of your head with your index finger and/or thumb. Maintain pressure for 7-15 seconds, then release. Repeat as needed. Massaging helps in relieving the tightened muscles and improves blood circulation.

Follow a balanced diet with proper meal timings: There has to be a balanced diet and proper timings for the said diet.

In fact, one should follow a fixed timetable for all the four meals of the day.

The brain needs glucose and deprivation of glucose can cause hypoglycemia and thus the headache. So the food should be consumed at timely intervals for the proper functioning of your body's metabolism.

Adequate sleep: Sleeping properly in the right posture for adequate time durations is very necessary. Lack of sleep or interrupted sleep can disturb your sleep cycle and hence cause headaches.

An average duration of 68 hours of uninterrupted sleep is necessary, and the thickness of the pillow should not be too much.

Rest for a while: Close your eyes and try to release the tension and the pressure in your back, neck and shoulders while sitting in a low-lit room.

Avoid bending over or physically exerting yourself.

Hot shower: Stand in the shower and let the hot water hit your head and run down your neck and back. Doing so will loosen the muscles in

Woman suffering from severe headache (Photo: ritchiechirohealth ) your head and neck, allowing better blood flow.

Try smiling and laughing: In case of minor headaches, smiling can prove to be a cure. Smiling and laughing release endorphins within the brain, working on a positive feedback loop - the more you smile and laugh, the more "feelgood" chemicals the brain releases, and the more of these chemicals

it releases, the more you smile and laugh! Endorphins will help to relieve the pain.

Relax and do what your heart says: During headaches, music works wonders as it helps in easing the stress. Apart from that, close your eyes and think pleasant thoughts.

Breathe in fresh air: Deep breathing exercises can also help in relieving a headache; it will be

even more effective as a natural headache cure if it is done in the fresh air.

Time-out: Remove yourself from a stressful situation by taking a walk or by distracting the mind and taking a few minutes to concentrate on something relaxing. A fiveminute time-out "vacation" is a quick and easy stress buster and a great home remedy for headaches. (Agencies)

Vitamin C can help keep cataracts at bay ANI You may want to add vitamin C to your diet as a new study has suggested that it can help cut cataract progression risk.

The study, led by King's College London, found that higher dietary intake of vitamin C has a potentially preventative effect on cataract progression in the first twin study of cataracts to examine to what degree genetic and environmental factors influence their progression with age.

The research looked at the progression of cataracts in the eyes of 324 pairs of female twins from the Twins UK registry over 10 years by examining photographs of the participant's lenses that allowed them to analyse the level of opacity of the lens in detail.

Participant intake of vitamin C was also measured using a food questionnaire.

They found that those participants who had a higher intake of vitamin C were associated with a 33 per cent risk reduction

Sources of Vitamin C (Photo: stylecraze) of cataract progression and had 'clearer' lenses after the 10 years than those who had consumed less vitamin C as part of their diet.

The study also found that environmental factors (including diet) influenced cataract more than genetic factors, which only explained a third of the change in lens opacity.

Lead author Chris Hammond said that the findings of this study could have significant impact, particularly for the ageing population globally by suggesting that simple dietary changes such as increased intake of fruit and vegetables as part of a healthier diet

Researchers point out gene responsible for sleep deprivation, metabolic disorders

Ways to deal with a sore throat

Gargling with warm water and salt helps in curing sore throat (Photo: chatelaine ) Check out some of these simple yet effective remedies: The gradual change in the weather -from cool nights to balmy days also brings with it a number of ailments, the most common one being a sore

throat. A sore throat starts with a slight irritation in the throat, goes on to discomfort while eating or talking and then finally, pain, redness and cold.

Don't wait until it gets turned into a full blown cold and cough though.

Experts say that it is better to nip it in the bud with some simple and effective remedies such as...

Gargle with warm water and salt Don't turn your nose up when your mum tells you

to gargle with some warm water and salt.

This age-old remedy works like a charm on sore throats because not only does it ease the swelling and redness in your throat but also detaches the mucus that tends to get collected.

This helps remove bacteria and also soothes the throat.

Have a couple of lozenges Lozenges also come in handy when it comes to easing discomfort but experts warn not to go overboard. Keep a couple of lozenges that preferably contain eucalyptus handy with you and use them when you feel extra irritation in your throat.

Choose a cough syrup that does not make you drowsy A cough syrup also works wonders in easing a sore

throat. Ask your doctor to prescribe one, which doesn't make you drowsy though.

Drink warm fluids Make sure you drink plenty of warm fluids. An in flamed throat requires gentle hydration so when you have warm drinks, it eases the discomfort and provides relief. A hot bowl of chick en soup or a steaming mug of ginger tea are your best bets. You could also just mix honey in warm water and have a glass before bedtime.

Rest it out Even when you suffer from just a cough and cold, your body needs to take it easy as it battles an infection.

Rest as much as you can so that you can recover faster.

Avoid oily and spicy foods Try and eat less oily and spicy foods that won't aggravate your sore throat.

(Agencies)

could help protect them from cataracts.

First author Kate YonovaDoing noted, "The human body cannot manufacture vitamin C, so we depend on vitamins in the food we eat. We did not find a significantly reduced risk in people who took vitamin tablets, so it seems that a healthy diet is better than supplements."

Limitations of the study include that the participants are predominantly of UK-origin and female, reflecting cataract progression between the ages of 60 and 70 years on average, so may not be generalisable.

The study is published in the journal Ophthalmology.

Sleep deprivation (Photo: dnaindia)

ANI A new study has revealed that fruit flies, who have similar sleeping habits like humans, can tell a lot about the connection between sleep deprivation andmetabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity, and blood glucose levels.

The study conducted by the Florida Atlantic University is the first to identify that a conserved gene called translin works as a modulator of sleep in response to metabolic changes.

The study establishes that translin is an essential integrator of sleep and meta-

bolic state, with important implications for understanding the neural mechanism underlying sleep deprivation in response to environmental challenges.

Acute sleep loss in humans is associated with increased appetite and insulin insensitivity, while chronically sleep-deprived individuals are more likely to develop obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Corresponding author Alex C. Keene said that in humans, sleep and feeding

are tightly interconnected and pathological disturbances of either process are associated with metabolism-related disorders.

Keene added despite the widespread evidence for interactions between sleep loss and metabolic dysfunction, little is known about the molecular basis of this interaction and how these processes integrate within the brain.

Co-first author Kazuma Murakami said that while many genes have been identified as genetic regulators of sleep or metabolic state, mounting evidence from their study indicates that translin functions as a unique integrator of these processes.

Results of this study provide important evidence that translin is not required for the perception of starvation or to stimulate hunger-related behaviors, but is required to stimulate wakefulness in the absence of food.

The research is published in the journal Current Biology.

Easy hacks to make your room look bigger From optical illusion to colour schemes and fine art, there are plenty of ideas to dig into for a more spacious-looking living space 1. Angle your furniture right "People tend to have too much furniture in their house in a bid to show off their taste. This doesn't give a feeling of lightness, but only creates clutter and makes your room look smaller than it already is," says an interior designer.

Conversely, spacing your furniture out and resting it flat against the wall is a fool's errand. It doesn't ensure a bigger room, instead your room ends up looking sparse. The trick is to angle it right. For instance, you can place a small console behind the sofa to create a

sense of space. You can do the same thing with your bed and a side table in the bedroom.

2. Too many small paintings will make it messy Fine art lends aesthetics and a sense of timelessness to your home. However, scattering small paintings or prints all over the walls will make a shoebox-sized home look smaller and more congested than it already is. Instead, invest in one life-size three-dimensional scenic painting on canvas, the keywords here being life-size and scenic.

Use wall cladding on the chosen surface and install the 3D canvas on it. Scenery gives a lot of depth to the wall. A DIY option is to paint the wall yourself. This way, you get to express and

show off your creativity too.

The market is also flooded with readymade wallpapers of scenic pictures that can be directly purchased and applied to one wall.

3. French windows are a good option Floor-to-ceiling glass windows is how the French won the West over, at least when it comes to decor. French windows automatically give spaciousness to the room.

There are two reasons for this. They provide more natural light to stream into your room. Also, instead of an opaque wall, you have glass and openness extending beyond it.

4. White floor or ceiling is a must This may sound too stark for us Indians, since we love colour and all things vi-

Installing French windows is a good option (Photo: ww4.hdnux) brant. Having a stark white ceiling or floor is an international trend that is catch-

ing on in India. The easiest option for a white floor is marble. There is a variety

available out there, so feel free to experiment. For a bit of warmth, lay out a soft

rug. As for the ceiling, white is usually right. A milk white ceiling doesn't feel heavy on the head. Pure and pristine, white is the best colour to instill a sense of airiness.

Choose from ghost white, eggshell, pearl, cream or the popular 'off white'.

5. Do invest in multi-functional decor Streamline your room with multi-functional pieces. For instance, a dining table that folds into a coffee table or seater. A trunk or an ottoman with built-in storage to keep your reading material in. In the mood to splurge, a number of decor labels are now available in India. For a DIY approach, look up the internet to design your own functional pieces.

6. Do use paints in pastels As far as walls are con-

cerned, try to paints from the pastel family to make it appear brighter. Pastel colours are also easy on the eyes. In fact, you can take the pastel theme further and do up your home with upholstery in pastel shades.

Looking at the current scenario in Mumbai where the apartments are small, opt for lighter shades. The flooring shouldn't have too much design. It should have straight lines. Silver leafing and champagne leafing on the walls and even on the ceiling make your room appear larger. The technique adds a royal touch to your home and is quite the rage right now. It looks equally good in a 2 BHK flat as it does in an apartment studio of a bachelor. (Agencies)

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DIBRUGARH, TUESDAY, MARCH 29

PAGE 12

Tendulkar lauds Kohli's `special` innings after India enter World T20 semis ANI New Delhi, Mar.28 : Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has showered praise over Indian prolific batsman Virat Kohli after he smashed a quick-fire 82run knock to help his side thump Australia by six wickets to storm into the semifinals of the World Twenty20 at Punjab Cricket Stadium in Mohali on Sunday.

The in-form batting mainstay continued to reprise his role as Australia's tormentor-inchief as he struck nine fours and two sixes in his 51-ball knock as India chased down the massive target of 161 runs with five balls to spare.

failed to click as they were reeling at 49-3 at 7.4 overs before Kohli engineered two crucial partnerships with Yuvraj Singh (21) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (18 not out) to help India clinch an emphatic victory.

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar Describing Kohli's innings as `special`, the master blaster congratulated Team India for their splendid performance.

"Woooow @imVkohli

...special it was... Great win, fighting all the way! #IndvsAus," Tendulkar wrote on Twitter.

Earlier, India top-order batsmen once again

In contrast, India bowlers also made a brilliant comeback to restrict Australia to 160 for six despite a thunderous start given by Aaron Finch (43) and Usman Khwaja (26).

With the win, India have set up a semifinal showdown against West Indies which will be played on Thursday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

DCCC defeat Titans by 8 wkts, Namrup Cricket Academy wins in Supper over Sports Reporter overs for Dibrugarh Dibrugarh, Mar. 28: Cricket Coaching Centre.

Dibrugarh Cricket Coach- In reply, DCCCC scored ing Centre beat Titans 95 for 2 in 11 overs.

Club by eight wickets in Ripunjoy Dutta unbeaten t h e on 40 Rajanu Second division cricket off 27 Bora balls second division Cricket with four fours and one tournament organised by six. Albert Borgohain reDibrugarh District Sports mained unbeaten on 28 Association at DDSA sta- runs. dium here today.

Asif Khan and Dipak Opting to bat, Titans Shah took one wickets scored 94 for 8 in 12 overs. each for Titans.

Dipak Shah scored 39 off In another match, Namrup 28 balls, hitting four sixes Cricket Academy defeated and two boundaries. Amir Moran Alpine boys’ Club Khan contributed 16 off by eight runs in a supper 31 balls. over. The match was tied Himanshu Barua took two between them. wickets for 9 runs in 3 Electing to bat, Moran

King Kohli steers India Djokovic routs Sousa to into World T20 semis storm into Miami Open

last-16

Star batsman Virat Kohli ANI Mohali, Mar 28 : Star batsman Virat Kohli produced a scintillating half-century as India stormed into the semifinals of the World Twenty20 after thumping Australia by six wickets in front of a jubilant crowd in Mohali on Sunday.

Kohli continued to reprise his role as Australia's tormentor-in-chief, smacking nine fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 82-run knock off just 51 balls to steer the hosts to victory with five balls remaining.

Chasing a challenging target of 161, India top-order batsmen once again failed to click as they were reeling at 49-3 at 7.4 overs before Kohli engineered two cru-

cial partnerships with Yuvraj Singh (21) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (18 not out).

Earlier, Indian bowlers made a brilliant comeback to restrict Australia to 160 for six despite a thunderous start given by Aaron Finch (43) and Usman Khwaja (26).

For India, Hardik Pandya was the pick of the bowlers by claiming two wickets, while Ashish Nehra, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuvraj Singh shared four wickets between them.

With the win, India have set up a semifinal showdown against West Indies which will be played on Thursday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

World number one Novak Djokovic Reflecting on his performance, Djokovic said that the first set could have gone in the favour of Sousa, but added that he somehow managed to strike the right balls at the right time, Sport24 reported.

It was Djokovic's twelfth straight win at the hardcourt event and 26th in his past 27 Miami appearances.

With the win, the 28-year-

old Serbian has set up clash with 14th seed Dominic Thiem, who also made it to the next round after beating 124thranked Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka 6-2, 62.

In the women's singles event, Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber and Indian Wells winner Victoria Azarenka also romped into the last-

16 of the event after claiming victory over their respective opponents.

Earlier this month, Djokovic clinched his third title of the season at Indian Wells, having started the year with the win over Rafael Nadal in Doha before clinching his 11th Grand Slam at Australian Open by beating Andy Murray.

In reply, Namrup scored 83 by losing eight wickets in 12 overs. Dipen Konwar scored 22 off 19 balls.

For Moran Alpine boys’ Club, Harun Kazi claimed three wickets for 13 runs in 3 overs and Abhijit Gogoi took three for 13 in 3 overs.

London, Mar.28 (ANI): Arsenal mid-fielder Mesut Ozil believes that his side can still win this year's Premier League title, but admitted that their lack of focus had cost the Emirates Stadium club immensely this season.

With the FA Cup and the Champions League exit, Arsenal's hopes of clinching silverware this season seem to be fading fast as they are lagging 11 points behind leaders Leicester City in the Premier League .

Insisting that it was not impossible to acheive glory, the 27year-old stressed that his side consist of some really good players who could do the job for the side, the Guardian reported.

Ozil also heaped praise over surprise leaders Leicester City, saying that they were fighting for every single point and that they deserve to be at the top.

Ozil, however, called on his side to avoid replicating the mistakes and remain focused in order to catch the leaders.

The Arsene Wenger-led side, which are currently third in standings, will next lock horns against Watford on April 2.

Chappell lambasts Aussie selectors post World T20 exit ANI Melbourne, Mar.28 : Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell has slammed his country's selectors after the failure of the Australian batting line-up during their six-wicket defeat against India in their World T20 clash at Punjab Cricket Stadium in Mohali on Sunday.

Australia failed to counter India's bowling attack for long as they were restricted to 160 for six within their stipulated 20 overs despite a thunderous start given by openers Aaron Finch (43) and Usman Khwaja (26).

The 72-year-old pointed out that the selector's decision to

ANI Johannesburg, Mar.28 : World number one Novak Djokovic remained on course to clinch this year's Miami Open title as he hammered 38th-ranked Joao Sousa in straight sets to race into the prequarterfinals of the tournament.

The two-time defending champion, who is aiming to equal Andre Agassi's record of six career Miami titles, thrashed his Portugese compatriot 6-4, 6-1 in the third round contest that lasted for one hour and 18 minutes.

scored 83 for 5 in 12 overs in a rain trounced match.

Rahul Chetia scored 24 runs while Raja Pandit remained unbeaten on 23 runs.

For Namrup, Gautam Konwar scalped two wickets for 23 runs in 3 overs.

Ozil insists Arsenal can still clinch PL title

move David Warner up and down in the batting line-up was a major reason behind Australia's early exit from the T20 format's pinnacle event,news.com.au reported.

Earlier, Australian selectors had also dropped Finch for the opening matches of the tournament at the expense of Khawaja while retiring Shane Watson was also moved from the top of the order down to No.7 spot.

Describing Warner as a `match-winner`, Chappell insisted that the former was more capable of frightening the oppositions as compared to Khawaja.

Chappell further believes that moving Warner down in the order had messed his performance, saying that he was not able to perform at his absolute best.

Earlier, Kohli continued to reprise his role as Australia's tormentor-in-chief as he smacked nine fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 82-run knock off just 51 balls as India chased down the massive target of 161 runs with five balls remaining.

With the win, India have set up a semifinal showdown against West Indies which will be played on Thursday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Phoenix rise to semis Sports Reporter scored 161 for 5 in 15 overs.

Dibrugarh, Mar. 28: Mujjibur Ali top scored with Phoenix Club, Sivasagar 50 off 34 balls, hitting with beat Naharakatia Strikers three boundaries and three XI by 94 runs s i x e s . in the quarter Winners Cup AK bo hn iwn aa vr final match of the All Assam scored 31 Winners Cup cricket tour- off 40 balls with four boundnament organized by aries and one six.

Namrup Natilous Club at Bijay Rai scalped two wickGandhi maidan in Namrup ets for 27 runs in 3 overs. today.

In reply, Naharakatia Strikers Put into bat, Phoenix Club XI were all out 67 in 14.3

overs. Ajay Shah scored 18 off 12 balls with two boundaries and one six. Amit Urang contributed 13 runs.

For Phoenix Club, Shyam Gurung claimed four wickets for 5 runs in 3 overs and Mujjibur Ali took three wickets for 1.1 overs in 1 runs. Mujjibur was adjudged ma of the match.

Tomorrow, Duliajan Cricket Acdemy will play Moran Cricket Academy.

Dhoni gushes over Kohli's `incredible` Amla adamant over Proteas' chances of achieving ICC glory knock post Aussies drubbing ANI Mohali, Mar.28 : India's limited-overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has heaped praise on star batsman Virat Kohli after he struck a sublime halfcentury against Australia to power his side to the semifinals of the ongoing World T20, describing his innings as `incredible`.

The 27-year-old continued to reprise his role as Australia's tormentor-inchief as he smashed nine fours and two sixes in his unbeaten knock of 82 runs off just 51 balls as India chased down the massive target of 161 runs with five balls to spare.

"I think it was an incredible innings," Dhoni was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo after helping his side to claim an emphatic six-wicket win

Mahendra Singh Dhoni over Australia at Punjab Cricket Stadium in Mohali.

"It was tremendous batting effort from him (Kohli), superb batting.

Especially the areas where you want to score runs, where you want to play big shots. I think more of-

ten than not, it is about selection of shots and execution of shots. I feel overall, Virat was very good not just with his stroke play but also in the running between the wickets - you take minimum risk if you can run fast," he added.

The match also saw Yuvraj Singh feeling discomfort while running after twisting his ankle at the crease. He, however, managed to contribute significant 21 runs off 18 balls.

Expressing his views on the same, the wicketkeeper-batsman insisted that they would monitor Yuvraj's injury in next few hours, but added that the team would definitely keep replacement ready before heading into the semifinals.

"We would definitely like to keep a replacement ready, like you see how Bhuvneshwar (Kumar) is travelling with us. So that guy is in touch with cricket, and he is travelling with us. So that he is in that mental space where if he has to play immediately, he is ready to per-

form. So we will definitely call for a replacement if the physio says it's really bad, we'll take it forward from there," the right-handed batsman said.

Earlier, India top-order batsmen once again failed to click as they were reeling at 49-3 at 7.4 overs before Kohli engineered two crucial partnerships with Yuvraj and Dhoni (18 not out) to help India seal semi-final berth.

In contrast, India bowlers also made a brilliant comeback to restrict Australia to 160 for six despite a thunderous start given by Aaron Finch (43) and Usman Khwaja (26).

With the win, India have set up a semifinal showdown against West Indies which will be played on Thursday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

ANI Johannesburg, Mar.28 : South Africa batsman Hashim Amla has not ruled out his side's chances of winning an International Cricket Council (ICC) event despite being knocked out of the ongoing World T20 which is being played in India.

South Africa's hopes of winning their first international title were dented after they suffered a threewicket defeat at the hands of West Indies in their third group match at Vidarbha Cricket Stadium in Nagpur.

Reflecting on South Africa's performance in the T20 prestigious event, the former skipper admitted that his side failed to perform at their absolute best, saying that they did not manage to create a perfect blend of batting and bowling, Sport24 reported.

South Africa batsman Hashim Amla Amla, however, was confident that the Proteas would definitely win a World Cup or ICC tournament in the coming future, adding that his players were aiming to clinch next year's Champions Trophy.

Apart from their Champions Trophy victory in 1998, South Africa have never

bagged a major ICC tournament title since their post-apartheid return in 1991.

Faf du Plessis' side, who lost two of their three matches so far, will play an inconsequential World T20 match against Sri Lanka at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Wednesday.

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