2 december 2015, wednesday

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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

Issue 177

Does India Have Lessons for China and the South China Sea?

Dibrugarh, Wednesday, December 2, 2015

'Real dirt of India lies in our minds': President

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A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 1

Annual speech Golaghat, Dec 1: North East Political Science Organisation is going to organise an annual speech programme on 3rd December from 10:30 am at Golaghat Municipality Conference Hall. The speech will be given by Assam Women University Jorhat's Principal Minakshi Dutta on the topic "Research & Folk Culture of NE India".

President Dr Amulya Kr Bora and Joint Secretary Debojit Dutta have meanwhile extended invitation to attend the same. (Correspondent)

General meeting Golaghat, Dec 1: Golaghat United Chambers of Commerce’s general meeting has been scheduled to be held on 3rd December at the office premises from 11 am. General Secretary Dip Kalita on behalf of the organisers has extended invitation to attend the meeting. (Correspondent)

Vehicle theft Golaghat, Dec 1: A Tata Sumo bearing number AS 05 E 6533 was stolen recently from the residence premises of BJP leader and BJP District President Debojit Bora. Mr Bora has in the meantime reported the matter to Merapani Police. The police have started investigation into the matter. (Correspondent)

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Import tariff on gold, silver slashed

Security forces launch operations against Ulfa (I) after attack upon Hindi speaking people in Namrup

ET CAPSULES

5.00

We Must Compensate Acid Attack Survivors, But What Else Should We Do?

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Security forces have stepped up operations against the Ulfa – Independent following last evening’s firing incident at Namrup during which two Hindi speaking persons were injured. S.N.Singh, Inspector General of Police – Law and Order, Assam Police accompanied by M.S.Manivannan, DC, Dibrugarh and Bir Bikram Gogoi, SP, Dibrugarh inspected the incident site this afternoon and instructed the security forces to take up necessary steps to ensure safety and security of the people.

Speaking to the media, Singh said that the attack on innocent people is nothing but an act of cowardice by the Ulfa cadres who have lost its strength to carry out big strikes.

Contd. on Page 4

Price -

Gogoi orders firm action against ULFA (I) ET Correspondent Guwahati, Dec 1

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today directed the Chief Secretary and the DGP to deal firmly with ULFA (Independent) involved in a shooting spree at a stone crusher plant at Namrup in Dibrugarh district last night.

Chief Minister Gogoi asked Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia and newly appointed DGP Mukesh Sahay to step up offensives against the ULFA (I) and also NSCN (K).

Munda (right) during his visit to AMCH today. Pic - ET Photo

Contd. on Page 4

Arunachal witnessed 21 deaths due to HIV/ AIDS, AEP launched A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 1 The Arunachal Pradesh State Aids Control Society (APSACS) under the aegis of Directorate of Health and Services Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh today organised a World AIDS Day Rally 2015 to mark the World AIDS Day observed every year on 1st December. Students from 24 schools in the capital Itanagar along with several NGOs took part in the rally. The rally was flagged off by parliamentary

secretary of health and family welfare MLA Karya Bagang.

Following the rally, the ‘Adolescence Education Program’ (AEP) was launched by the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki together with a host of officials from health dept. UNESCO and NGOs at Solung Mopin ground. The theme of the WAD 2015 is getting to zero; zero HIV infection, zero death from AIDS related illness and zero discrimination. According to Dr Riken Rina, Project Director APSACS, there are 35 million people who are living with

HIV worldwide at present. In India 2.1 million people are living with HIV. In Arunachal Pradesh 277 people are HIV positive as on 31 October, 2015 and more than 3 Lakh tested for HIV in the State and around 21 died of HIV in the State. There is 47% decrease of HIV prevalence in the last ten years in India, however it is increasing at an alarming rate in the Northeast. There has been an increase of 16% of HIV prevalence in the NE region in the last ten years.

Contd. on Page 3

Governor emphasizes on documentation of the cultural heritage, traditions and faiths

Assam CM launches Rs 234 crore Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed PWD Road scheme Mayukh Goswami Mangaldai, Dec 1

“Don’t use the timber of unknown species, use quality timbers of Titachap which is known as strong and everlasting quality. The Congress is like Titachap timber known for its high durability quality so the

people can easily rely on it. On the contrary other political parties like AIUDF and BJP are timbers of unknown species without any quality” –said Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi while taking part in a largely attended public meeting at the Hospital Play ground at Baruajhar, a remote village in Dalgaon LAC in Darrang

More than 100 illegal pharmacies selling medicine in Golaghat ET Correspondent Golaghat, Dec 1

The unhealthy condition of the Health Department of Assam is again exposed through an RTI filed by a conscientious denizen of Golaghat by the name Mustak Ali. He

filed an RTI to get information on the registration and other relevant things of pharmacies operating in the district. The information he got from his RTI revealed many loopholes in the concerned department.

Contd. on Page 4

district today. Significantly in the area mostly dominated by the people of religious minority community where the AIUDF occupied majority seats in the last panchayat election, today’s meeting was attended by an unprecedented gathering mostly from the religious minority community numbering about 15000. Chief

Though according to experts, the next big ISIS (Islamic State) target in the region would be India but according to a top BSF official, there is no threat from the Islamic State terror group along India's borders in the north-eastern states.

"This problem has never been highlighted here. We are safe and secure and any impact ISIS is there in the region," said Border Security Force (BSF) Tripura frontier Inspector General M.F. Farooqui to reporters during a press conference

in the BSF Tripura Frontier headquarters on the raising day of the BSF. BSF is the biggest border guard of the world with 2.5 lakh troopers mainly guarding the more than 6500 km border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Beside this the force also works in the tough Naxalite areas and Jammu and Kashmir.

"We are having a cordial atmosphere with the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) and we are working in tandem and this ISIS problem is not an issue with us," he added.

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INFERNO...

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Pension scheme for state's farmers likely to be formulated Ramen Kalita Nalbari, Dec 1

The vice chancellor of the Assam Agriculture University Jorhat Dr Kamal Malla Bujarbaruah said that the state Government is considering formulation of a pension scheme for the farmers of the state so that the new generation could

No ISIS threat along northeast Assam-Nagaland Governor extends India borders: BSF IG ANI Salbagan (West Tripura), Dec 1

Minister Tarun Gogoi accompanied by his wife Dolly Gogoi and in the presence of PWD Minister Ajanta Neog, Fisheries and Water Resource Minister Basanta Das and local legislator Illias Ali today ceremonially launched the construction of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed

Assam Divas greetings A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 1

Governor of Assam and Nagaland, Hon’ble PB Acharya has conveyed his greetings to the people on the occasion of Assam Divas or Sukapha Divas. In his message the Governor has said that Since 1996 December 2 has been celebrated in Assam as Sukaphaa Divas, or Asom Divas (Assam Day), to commemorate the advent of the first king of the Ahom kingdom in Assam after his journey over the Patkai Hills. The Governor added that Sukapha, also known as Siu-Ka-Pha was the first Ahom king in medieval Assam who reigned from 1228 to 1268 and founded the Ahom Kingdom. Sukapha was a Tai prince originally from Mong Mao. Contd. on Page 4

be attracted towards the agriculture sector. Addressing a Na-khoa utsav organized by the Nalbari Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) on Sunday Dr Bujarbaruah said that he had a discussion with the chief minister Tarun Gogoi on this issue.

Contd. on Page 4

Governor JP Rajkhowa lighting the ceremonial lamp at Nyikum Niya Ground, Nirjuli today on the occasion of Indigenous Faith Day. ET Bureau Itanagar, Dec 1

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa graced the Indigenous Faith Day celebration at Nyikum Niya Ground, Nirjuli today. Addressing a huge gathering, the

Governor informed that more than 400 tribes in the world are lost including some in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The indigenous communities must responsibility in preserving the heritage handed down by their forefathers. He advised for documentation of the cul-

Let us join the Digital India Mission: Arunachal Governor ET Bureau Itanagar, Dec 1

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has conveyed his sincere greetings to the people of the State on the occasion of World Computer Literacy Day. He expressed hope that the observation of

the Day will motivate the students and youth of the State to take up computer education and various training modules to enhancing their skill in computer application and computer hardware, which, besides making them computer savvy, would improve their employability and also facilitate in transforming India into a digi-

tally empowered society and knowledge economy. In his message on the occasion, the Governor said that computer has revolutionized the communication technology and has become an integral part of good governance.

Contd. on Page 3

Nabam Tuki lays foundation stone of second Shikshak Bhavan in Arunachal A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 1

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki this afternoon laid the foundation stone of the ‘Shikshak Bhavan’ at Government Upper Primary School, Papunallah in the presence of Education Minister Tapang Taloh, Parliamentary Secretary for Educa-

tion Bamang Felix, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Karya Bagang, office bearers of Arunachal Teachers’ Association (ATA), departmental officials among others. The threestoried building when completed will cater to about 15000 teachers working in the state for overnight stays at subsidized rates. Incidentally, this

is the second Shikshak Bhavan of the state. The other one is coming up at Pasighat. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister exhorted the teachers, students and officials of the Arunachal Teachers’ Association to maintain the asset with sincerity.

Contd. on Page 3

tural heritage, traditions and faiths of indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh. Paying rich tributes to Late Talom Rukbo, pioneer of indigenous faith movement in the State for his initiatives in preservation of the indigenous culture, Contd. on Page 3

Governor emphasizes on regular ‘power safety audits’ A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Dec 1

The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh JP Rajkhowa has taken strong exception to the erratic power supply in the State, particularly in the State Capital. In an unfortunate incident, the Governor was struck in the elevator installed in Raj Bhavan, Itanagar due to power failure in Raj Bhavan on 30th November 2015. The Governor was struck for dreaded period of 3 minutes without light and fan inside the lift leading to suffocation. After a frantic call by the personal security officer, who was accompanying the Governor, the power supply was restored and then only they could come out of the facility. The Governor opined that if the Constitutional Head of the State, who is also the First Citizen is subjected to such State of Affairs, one can imagine what will happen to the other citizens of the State.

Contd. on Page 3

Govt expects economy to grow 7.5% in FY16

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A major fire broke out at Feeder Road of Parbotia area in Tinsukia town on Tuesday evening.

According to sources, 5 houses were gutted due to the fire. However, no casualties has been reported. As per sources goods worth of lakhs of rupees has been destroyed in the fire, the reason of which is yet to be ascertained. Almost half a dozen fire tenders were pressed to douse the fire. Pic - Rishu Kalantri

The government cheered the Indian economy's growth of 7.4% during July-September. "The second quarter figures give us a sense of satisfaction... We expect growth this year to be better than last year and even better next year... And, when manufacturing starts turning despite globally adverse circumstances, Contd. on Page 10

POSITIVE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK The government c h e e re d t h e I n d i a n e c o n o m y ' s g ro w t h o f 7.4% during July-September.

In a statement, the ministry said it expects the economy to grow by around 7.5% this fiscal year.

The government estimates for the full year were seen to over-optimistic given that most economists see a 7.5% expansion to be more feasible.

After the data was released, SBI lowered the growth forecast for the current year from 7.8% to 7.6%.

Gross fixed capital formation is estimated to have increased by 6.8% in Q2 as against 3.8% during July-September 2014.

The service sectors seemed to be doing well although sectors such as trade, hotel, transport and communication, which grew 10.6% during the second quarter, saw a slight moderation.

But financial services, real estate and professional services saw improved performance but narrowly missed the double-digit mark, expanding by 9.7%.

The other good news is that agriculture is estimated to have grown by 2.2% despite the weak monsoon rains.

cmyk

New Delhi, Dec 1

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DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

New working committee Sonepat, Dec 1: After a few rounds of meetings, members of Kharkhoda Bar Association have unanimously decided not to hold the elections while electing all the office bearers of its new working committee. According to Rakesh Dahiya who was appointed as the returning officer, Kamal Sharma was unanimously elected as President, Naveen Bhauria as Vice President, Amit Dahiya as Secretary, Amit Dhankhar as Co-secretary and Sumit Dahiya as Treasurer. They will take the oath of office on December 6, he added.

Awareness rally, meeting on World AIDS Day Shambhu Boro Tezpur, Dec 1: To create awareness about HIV/AIDS, an awareness rally was organized today by District Health Society, Sonitpur in collaboration with North Jamuguri Block PHC, Sonitpur. The rally was flagged off by Padma Hazarika, MLA, Sotea Constituency along with Dr. DC Saikia, Nodal Officer, District AIDS Control Society

and Dr. Rupam Borah with the motto “Getting to Zero – Zero New Infection, Zero Discrimination & Zero AIDS Related Death”. The rally was begun in the morning and participated by health workers, STD counsellors, local NGOs, ASHAs, ANMs, GNMs, school and college students and other medical officers of North Jamuguri BPHC. Dr. Durlov Chandra Saikia,

Nodal Officer, District AIDS Control Society, organized the rally and briefed about the legal rights of the HIV infected people said that overcoming this hurdle called AIDS, it is essential for the awareness message to effectively reach the key population groups – to both prevent HIV transmission and stimulate adequate levels of support from healthcare and social services. HIV/

AIDS stigma exists around the world in a variety of forms, including rejection, discrimination and avoidance of HIV infected people; compulsory HIV testing without prior consent or protection of confidentiality; violence against HIV infected individuals or people who are perceived to be infected with HIV. It emerged from his message that where individuals and

KUYA begins indefinite strike Sushanta Roy Diphu, Dec 1: Hundreds of activists of Karbi Unemployed Youth Association (KUYA) (Daniel Bey faction) began an indefinite phase of sit-in demonstration at Samson Sing Engti memorial, Diphu from today demanding all appoint-

ments in grade III and IV under Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council be reserved for local Scheduled Tribe (Hills) candidates. The KUYA has also demanded that appointments should be given purely on merit basis and a panel for filling up vacant posts in vari-

Modi articulates principle of equity and CBDR in terms of carbon space in Paris A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Dec 1: In a major shift in the negotiating position of India on climate change, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the first time, articulated the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) in terms of carbon space in his speech at the Paris climate conference. A climate deal based on equity has been a long-standing demand of India, and Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has consistently supported and advocated this demand. Welcoming the PM’s statement, CSE director general Sunita Narain said: “PM Modi’s demand for a fair share of carbon space for developing countries has suggested the way to operationalise equity.” The fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has clearly put out a number on the amount of carbon dioxide the world can emit to maintain the safety threshold of a temperature increase of less than 2 degrees since the pre-industrial era. This carbon space of 1,000-1,400 billion tonnes, which can be emitted from now until 2100, is fast disappearing. Speaking from Paris, CSE deputy director general Chandra Bhushan said: “Consider, for instance, the UNFCCC’s synthesis report on the aggregate effect of the intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs). By 2030, if countries do not increase their ambition to reduce emissions, 60-75 per cent of the carbon budget will be exhausted. Developed countries would appropriate a significant amount of this budget.” CSE’s analysis shows that in 2030, the Human Development Index (HDI) of South Asia and most African countries will be less than 0.65. These countries will need carbon budget post2030 to meet their basic development needs like food, shelter, infrastructure and energy. Allocation of a fair share of carbon budget, therefore, is essential for the future growth of developing countries, says CSE. According to Bhushan, by focusing on the principles of the 1992 climate convention as the basis for the Paris climate agreement, with particular emphasis on the role of developed countries in addressing climate change, the Indian prime minister has opposed rewriting of the convention which, of late, has been the agenda of developed countries, particularly the United States. PM Modi has also urged developed countries to recognise the challenges faced by developing countries in dealing with the impacts of climate change and asked them to support developing countries by meeting their financial commitment of 100 billion dollars per year 2020 onwards. “Mr Modi’s speech has set the tone for the two

weeks of negotiations at Paris. It has provided the ground rules for the Indian negotiators to work towards operationalising equity and accomplish an ambitious deal at Paris,” said Bhushan. “CSE wants a stable and effective deal and hopes that the provision of fair allocation of carbon space finds clear articulation in the Paris agreement. Our hope is that the Indian negotiators will work with other developing countries to achieve this,” added Narain.

ous departments under the administrative jurisdiction of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council be formed. The protesters are also stipulating on inclusion of 2 KUYA members in the Central Recruitment board. It may be mentioned here that this organization

staged similar agitation at the same venue for 12 days beginning July 26, 2015. KUYA and its fraternal youth organizations withdrew their strike after receiving assurance from Tuliram Ronghang, Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Coun-

cil that a Central Recruitment Board will be constituted but till now nothing has been done in this regard four months hence of the assurance given by KAAC authority; as a result compelling the KUYA to roll-out another phase of agitation.

Murder convict sentenced to life imprisonment Sachin Sehrawat Sonepat, Dec 1: The Additional District and Sessions Judge, Ajai Tewatia has sentenced Sandeep of Sisana village to life imprisonment convicting him as accused in the murder of Laxmi (45) of the same village on July 26, 2012. The court also imposed fine of Rs 10,000 with the order that in case of default of payment of fine, he would serve additional imprisonment of one

year. On July 26, Laxmi was attacked with brick by an unidentified person while she was going to the fields for bringing fodder for the domestic animals. Sustaining serious head injuries she was rushed to PGIMS Rohtak; but she succumbed to injuries on the way. On the complaint of her family member, Govardhan, a case against the unidentified persons was registered in Kharkhoda police station.

The police as well as gram Panchayat of Sisana village announced reward of Rs one lakh each for giving any information about the murder accused. Police investigation led to the arrest of Sandeep who confessed that he attacked her because he suspected her involvement in an attack on him with gunfire near Rohna village in 2010 when he was going to his in-laws at Bhainsru village in Rohtak district.

communities are able to realize their rights – to education, free association, information and, most importantly, non-discrimination – the personal and societal impacts of HIV and AIDS are reduced.

“Various treatments for HIV/AIDS patients are delivered freely in the government hospitals and other health institutions and the participants should procure those facilities without

any hesitation,” said Dr. Saikia. However, to ensure adherence to the treatment, the drug users need a detox program and an income generation program to help them reintegrate into society; while the outcomes are good, the community is very fragile; to provide enhanced services, the harm reduction center would need solidity of investment, he added.

Ex-Servicemen & Veer Naris Rally An Ex - servicemen & Veer Naris Rally is being organized by Indian Army under the aegis of Dao Division at Rangghar auditorium of Dibrugarh University on 06 December 2015 to felicitate Veer Naris and assist Ex servicemen in getting information related to pension , recruitment, resettlement, health and financial benefits.

ASTRO FOR YOU Today, you will focus your lens on the one you’ve taken a fancy to! You are high on energy, but low on commitment to work. It won’t be surprising if your bosses are miffed. But still, it’s a day of flowers and love notes.

You will enjoy your responsibilities at the home front. People whom you trusted to watch your back might let you down today. Remember, what you sow is what you reap, so do not fall short of putting in the effort required to make something fruitful. Be careful and cautious in dealing with people.

A favourable day to put an end to all the doubts surrounding your ability to do well, especially in the field of communication. People around you will find you incredibly charming and enchanting. You will win hearts with your verve and panache. You may want to spruce up your surroundings at work and at home. It will fetch you crucial brownie points from those you want to impress.

You will be involved in a team effort and associated with work like inspection and examination. You will base your opinions on your friends’ choices. So select good friends. You will spend time with close circle.

The thing with skills is that they are not static; they are as dynamic as anything else. It is akin to being on a treadmill — you need to continuously keep moving just to stay in the same place. So keep refreshing yourself by learning new things in order to sustain your progress. What you need is passion to help you shine in your profession.

Financial doldrums are headed your way today. In order to seek what you desire, expect shelling out a hefty price. You might just net those short-term goals in the evening. Large and important business deals will end the day on a high note.

Today will be fabulous for you, especially if you are in the world of business.

Long-term deals seem to be on the cards for you. If you happen to be a government officer, luck favours you today. Keep your ears and eyes open, there may be news of a possible promotion. Today, keep your options open and hopes alive.

Today promises to be a joy ride for your hidden gourmand side. Relish what you eat, and thank God for the good luck. Career wise, however, you may find yourself standing at crossroads. But, the good part about that is there shall be many paths to choose from. And, who knows the art of balancing better than you. The latter half of the day promises to bring some monetary gains.

A spectacular day in store for you, especially if you are an artist. Radio jockeys will be heard and cheered for. Television anchors will receive thundering applauses and golden opportunities. Go ahead — seize the day!

You may be attentive, as much as an eagle is while chasing its prey, but you still need to be careful when signing any important legal documents. Brokers and dealers, especially, are likely to incur heavy losses unless they take necessary precautions to avert misfortune.

Pictures don't lie.. Do they? Two days after The Eastern Today reported how the dirt and drain garbage have been left on roads of ward no 6 by Tinsukia municipal boards raising serious health concerns, situation remains the same. Pic - aRishu Kalantri

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

G M Hospital

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

AMC Road, Jalan Nagar Dibrugarh - 786 005

Archana Trauma & Orthopaedics Hospital

Brahmaputra Diagnostics & Hospital

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

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

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

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

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

You have been neglecting your health of late, a fact which is hammered home by your ill-fitting trousers today! So, while you ignored the adage of prevention being better than cure, you could still make a stitch in time to save nine!

Head for the gym, and watch those calories.

PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz) Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights

2-12-15 (WEDNESDAY)

Assam Medical College

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

Spirituality is your new passion and Calvin Klein matters less today! Mysticism attracts you. This may lead you to seek solace in holy books and religious places. It’s going to take some time for you to understand that spiritual attainment can be had in the flesh-and-blood world as well.

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

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

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

5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-50 A.M-Tokari Geet 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Hindi Film Song) 12-15 P.M-Teachers' Broadcast 12-45 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Ei Path Hoise Bikashor" 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 7-15 P.M-Chah Shramikar Aasor 7-45 P.M-Aadhunik Geet 8-00 P.M-Krira Jagat (Sports Magazine Programme) 9-30 P.M-Sahitya Kanan (Literary Magazine Programme) 10-00 P.M-Question Hour in Parliament Sd-/H.O.P

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

One-day advocacy meeting on World AIDS Day Pledge to make Arunachal Pradesh an AIDS free State: Nabam Rebia Naharlagun, Dec 1: The Arunachal Pradesh Legislator’s Forum had a one day advocacy meeting to mark the World AIDS day with the theme – focus, partner and achieve; an AIDS free generation here at Nokmey Namati Hall, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Naharlagun.

While giving out the presidential address on World AIDS Day observed here at Nokmey Namati Hall, Naharlagun, Speaker Nabam Rebia said that the significance of observing the World AIDS Day on 1st December every year is to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate solidarity in the face of the pandemic. The day is an opportunity for public and private partners to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care in high prevalence countries and around the world. The Speaker added, “We need to create conducive environment for HIV infected person so that they could easily disclose their disease and further help the health agencies on creating awareness on the dreaded disease amongst the masses.” HIV-related stigma and discrimination severely hamper efforts to effectively fight the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Fear of discrimination often prevents people from seeking treatment for AIDS or from admitting their HIV status publicly.

People with or suspected of having HIV may be turned away from health care services and employment or refused entry to a foreign country. Affected person being ostracized by the neighbours and from schools and community

are also a fact. Over the increasing infection of the disease engulfing the state capital and other districts, Rebia said it is a great concern therefore; the need of the hour is to immediately check leakages paving way for inflow of the disease into the state. All of us need to pledge to make Arunachal Pradesh an AIDS free state and for which every individual, elected representative, Panchayat Leaders, Government Officers, Printing and electronic media and even students need to act to educate the ignorant and be the agents of awareness, empathy and behavioral change so that the fight against HIV/AIDS and concern for the people living with HIV/AIDS are taken to greater heights, the Speaker further appealed. Terming HIV/ AIDS as a serious disease but not a dirty disease, compared to other diseases like Cancer, etc., resource person Dr. A Bornag, Deputy Director Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS control Society, imparted knowledge to the participants and students in his power point presentation whereby he gave insights into HIV/AIDS; how it is spread and cleared a few taboos about the disease. He also answered important questions put up by students and participants in the interactive section. The Doctor further advised the people living with HIV/ AIDS not to shy away from the society and treatment and further appealed to the people to spread awareness amongst themselves. Earlier, the Speaker released CMIS BULLETIN a book by Arunachal Pradesh AIDS Control Society to mark the occasion.

(DIPRO)

Tirap joins in World Aids Day celebrations Khonsa, Dec 1: Along with the rest of the world Tirap district celebrated World AIDS Day with various programmes on 1st December. Addressing a large gathering in the conference hall of District Hospital, Khonsa Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha opined that all the individuals should go for an HIV/AIDS test without any inhibition adding that the dreaded HIV/AIDS posed the greatest challenge not only to the medical fraternity but to the entire human race.

He said that life depended on the individuals and that it was in their hands to protect it by maintaining discipline and by taking necessary precautions. He urged the DMO and the Programme Officer, HIV/AIDS to conduct an awareness programme for the students. The DMO Dr. N. Lowang in her address threw light on the signifi-

The resource persons at the World AIDS Day celebrations programme. cance of the World HIV/ AIDS Day and appealed to the participants to spread the

Indigenous Faith Day observed at Tezu Bishnu Rana Tezu, Dec 1: Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) Lohit district unit observed Indigenous Faith Day with much fervour and traditional gaiety here at the Amik Ringya Cultural Hall. Tribal faiths including Amik Matai, Donyi-Polo, Nani Intaya, Rangfrah, Nyezi-no etc came together to promote their respective faiths. Both young and old clad in their rich traditional attire participated in the mass procession taken out from Amik Ringya hall traversing through markets and back to the venue amid slogans ‘Long live IFCSAP’, ‘Loss of Culture, Loss of Identity’, ‘Amik Mitai long live’, etc. reverberating the air. Band party from both NCC Girls’ Govt Hr Secondary School Tezu and VKV Tafragam joined the procession. Tamiyo Tatak DC as chief guest on the occasion appealed to the people to preserve jealously the distinct fabric of

their indigenous identity and culture. “The 26 major tribes of the state have unique cultural mosaic which is rich. We should introspect within ourselves whether any alien culture is intruding upon the sanctity of our age-old culture”, the DC cautioned. He also recalled the contribution of Talom Rukbo who was the founder of Doni-Polo religion which eventually led to the inception of IFCSAP. While highlighting the uniqueness of Arunachal culture, Jagdama Mall Convener Jan Jati Dharma Suraksha Manch Guwahati as guest of honour alerted the Arunachalees regarding the invasion by alien culture posing tremendous threat to the indigenous faith. Citing the example of Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya where native culture has predominantly been lost following invasion of western culture, he pleaded the people not to repeat the same mistake and work cautiously to preserve and promote their indigenous faith

Arunachal witnessed 21 deaths due to HIV/AIDS, AEP launched Contd. from Page 1

Chief Minister said that it is compulsory to discuss this topic widely in social media, seminars and even in the assembly session. He said the Govt. is ready to incorporate this AEP in school textbooks right from secondary and higher secondary level. He suggested that this awareness must be widely spread and reminded through sms alert and also in gram panchayats, block level, district level etc., it must be discussed. In order to promote holistic adoles-

cent health and empower young people with information, skills and values to make decisions concerning their health, the state government has partnered with UNESCO, New Delhi, in implementing the adolescence education program targeting students of class 8 and 9 in the state.

UNESCO, New Delhi is supporting the Center for Catalyzing Change (C3), formerly CEDPA India to integrate sustainable adolescence education program within the education system of Arunachal Pradesh. Tuki informed that in collaboration with SCERT and

Governor emphasizes on documentation of the cultural heritage, traditions and faiths Contd. from Page 1 the Governor also felicitated those associated with the IFCSAP movement. The Governor said that the indigenous faiths and beliefs followed in the State are very scientific as celestials bodies, the Sun and Moon have been worshiped since time immemorial, including in Mahabharata, which was in 5000 BC. If there is no faith, then there will be no culture.

To save any culture, the people have to preserve in their faith.

It is part and parcel of cultural identity, which must be protected. At the same time, he said that superstitious attached to faiths and beliefs must be eradicated. Reiterating the distinctive Indian cultural characteristic which always has been ‘Unity in Diversity’ and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole world is a family, the Governor exhorted the people to maintain the peaceful coexistence of various faiths and beliefs for progress and prosperity of the State. He said that the principle of secularism enshrined in various articles of Indian Constitution, which

needs to be uphold by all means. Youth and elites of the society must raise their voices in cases of biasness in employment and other benefits based on religion, which is against the spirit of Indian Constitution. The Governor, who was immensely impressed by the mega dance presented by five hundred children, suggested that IFCSAP must put in an effort for Guinness Book of Records involving more children. The Governor said that youth are the future, who have the responsibility to carry forward the cultural heritage and traditions. He called upon the youth, particularly boys to actively participate in such important cultural events in future. Speaking on the occasion, the First Lady of the State Smt Rita Rajkhowa urged upon the people to respect each other faith and belief for peaceful coexistence.

The First Lady, who was impressed by the cultural presentation, said that Arunachal Pradesh is one of the richest States in the country in cultural diversity. He advised the people to preserve the treasured valued values.

Roto Robo, Specialist said that as of today 37 million people around the world

message to their friends and family members. In his power-point presentation Dr.

NCERT, Health Department and experts, the Government will review and improve the school curriculum content to ensure that adolescence education program forms a part of school curricula and is regularly transacted in each and every school. He also said that issues of adolescent health will be included in B.Ed and syllabus of all recruitment and promotional examinations. In a out-of-way initiative, the Chief Minister suggested that a tagline on HIV/ AIDS may be composed, which can be used as a salutation while greeting each other as well as to open or

conclude a public lecture.

“This way we will be constantly reminding people of HIV/AIDS and make them stay alert against the menace,” Tuki pointed. The AEP is scheduled to start from the next academic session in schools in the state.

Parliamentary Secretary for Education IPR Bamang Felix, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner B. Siram, Health Director Dr. M Jini, Sarita Jadav of UNESCO New Delhi, Dr. Aparajita Gogoi, Executive Director of C3 were also present. December 1 is observed as the World AIDS Day every year since 1988.

Nabam Tuki lays foundation stone of second Shikshak Bhavan in Arunachal Contd. from Page 1

He said the state government is aware of the hardships being faced by the teachers serving in various parts of the state and was committed to provide them with all basic facilities. “This Shikshak Bhavan would ease the accommodation trouble being faced by our teachers visiting the state capital for various purposes,” he said and assured sufficient funds for its completion in a phased manner. Hailing teachers as builders of the country’s as well as the state’s future, Tuki called upon them to be sincere in fulfilling their onerous responsibility. “While the Government is committed for their welfare, the teachers too must be committed towards their duties,” he said. While assuring that the state government is doing its best for release of grants from the Central Government so that salaries can be paid to SSA teachers on time, the Chief Minister appealed all to bear with the Government as all central

government schemes are dependent on timely release of funds from the Center. “On our part, we are releasing the state share for all central government schemes in advance,” he informed. Tuki further sought cooperation from teachers in streamlining their transfers and postings, which he cited as one of the major issues pending with the department. “Instead of complaining, I request the ATA to discuss amongst themselves and suggest the Government ways to streamline transfer and posting of teachers,” he appealed. On the issue of lack of subject teachers in government run schools, the Chief Minister informed that the Government would be soon recruiting the required number of subject teachers and equitably post them as and where needed. Meanwhile, responding to a memorandum submitted by the Upper Primary school authorities, the Chief Minister assured to place funds for construction of four units of toilets separately for boys and girls.

for posterity. Ambrelum Gamre President and Amoso Khambhai convener IFCSAP district unit have jointly advised the Mishmi tribe not to get lost in alien culture which is fast eroding the traditional faith of a tribe. They highlighted the unique rituals, priest praying system, tradition and culture which are the identity of the tribe

and are virtually on the verge of extinction. Earlier, the DC hoisted the IFCSAP flag at Amik Ringya Hall amidst the presence of various tribes including students, public leaders, PRI members and general public. IFCSAP New Year calendar district unit was also unveiled by the DC during the ceremony.

Indigenous Faith Day celebrated Indrajit Tingwa Namsai, Dec 1: The Indigenous Faith Day was observed today at Namsai where a few thousand people partook of the celebrations. RK Sharma DC Namsai attended the programme as the Chief Guest. In his short speech after unfurling the flag he highlighted the power of indigenous faith and the need to respect every religious faith and to preserve the age old traditions and culture of Arunachal. Tape Bagra (retd.IAS) expressed hope that such type of celebrations will continue to strengthen the indigenous faith and retain the ritualis-

tic practices of its own religious and cultural identity.

Taking opportunity of the occasion he campaigned regarding the importance of World AIDS Day which was also observed on the same day.

Amitabh Borthakur President, NGOs Forum of Assam and Secretary, All Assam Gana Vikash Manch who attended as special invitees appreciated the people who took part in such a programme in order to protect their own age old religious and cultural identity of indigenous faith.

Organising President Chow Arina Manpoong also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of celebrating the day.

Governor emphasizes on regular ‘power safety audits’ Contd. from Page 1 He expressed the hope that the Power Department will be cautious with the facilities and leave no stone unturned to re-

move the deficiencies in power supply system on urgency basis and improve the power supply to the general public also.

The Governor emphasized on regular ‘power safety audits’ of such facilities also.

were infected by HIV/AIDS while 269 mostly from Papum Pare district in

Arunachal Pradesh had tested HIV/AIDS positive.

He told the gathering that there were 2 HIV/AIDS patients in Tirap district who were undergoing treatment.

Earlier, Dr. P. Rakshit, SMO and Programme Officer, HIV/AIDS in his welcome address highlighted the background and the importance of celebration of World HIV/AIDS Day all over the world. He sought willing cooperation from all quarters to work hand in hand to fight against HIV/ AIDS and defeat it. DIPRO Denhang Bosai and District Training Officer from Education department AK Yadav also spoke on the occasion.

Leaflets, pamphlets and other HIV/AIDS related literatures were distributed on the occasion. The day was also observed in all PHCs Sub-Centres in the district.

(DIPRO)

Let us join the Digital India Mission: Arunachal Governor Contd. from Page 1 Computers are now an integral part of life and they have gained immense importance in day-to-day activities of the people, government, corporate management etc. They are not only storage devices and processing units, but also are excellent communication media.

Computers are the means to access the Internet and get connected to the world. Their in-

creasing utility has made computer education the need of the day. The Governor urged upon the people to understand the true need of computer education to them and support their children, youths as well as all regardless of age to pursue computer education. “Let us join in Digital India Mission and make Arunachal Pradesh a hundred percent Computer Literacy State and India a fully computer literate nation,” the Governor appealed.

SPORTS

Kamlesh Joshi Memorial Badminton tournament generates disaster awareness Khonsa Dec 1 : The Kamlesh Joshi memorial badminton tournament organised by the Tirap district administration and the department of district disaster management from 27th November to 1st December at Khonsa officer's club has not only created tremendous enthusiasm, especially among the youth but has akso created awareness on disaster management. More than 150 players from all over the district drawn from different walks of life participated in the prize money tournament in the " Open to all" category, Dr. Khogen Socia emerged over all champion by winning the men's singles in straight set against Nali Medo. Many young students both boys and girls enthusiastically participated in the tournament.

The Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha who was the main force and inspiration behind the successful conduct of the tournament not only ably guided the organisers but also participated in both open and officers' category. He appreciated the organisers, especially DDMO Papang Duggong and his team of officers and local youths for the grand success of the first prize money tournament. It may be recalled that former Tirap DC Kamlesh Joshi lost his life in a

tragic chopper accident on 4th August this year. The tournament has been conducted in his loving memory. The prizes for the winners in different categories were given away by first lady of the 1st Assam Rifles Smti Mina Pun wife of Col. B.B.Pun CO 1st AR, Tirap SP Jasmeet Singh, 2nd in Command 36Bn CRPF and Smti Niri wife of Dist civil judge Damge Niri amidst a huge gathering of sports lovers.

Earlier, to mark respect to the departed soul of Kamlesh Joshi former DC a 2(two) silent prayer was also observed The following winners were awarded as follows Girl's single Boby Wangsa defeated Mary Gangkak Men's single open final Dr. Khogen Socia defeated Nali Medo Women's open double final Anya Gangsa and Chonyok Ngongnya defeated Sumcha Mesia and Winyok Mesia Men's officers double final Dr. Foren Aran and Nali Medo defeated Dr. Khogen Socia and Damge Niri Men's open double final Dr, Khogen Socia and Paham Aboh defeated Dahey Sangno and Chamthak Ralongham

GOVERNMENT OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER :: CHANGLANG DISTRICT CHANGLANG No. C/DEV/RR-01/2015

Dated Changlang the 28th November, 2015.

NOTICE An Enquiry under Rule-9 of Citizenship Rules 1956 was conducted during 1998-99, 2000-2002 in connection with the citizenship applications submitted by the Chakma and Hajong Refugee to the Deputy Secretary (FCRA), Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi. Many of the applicants were either absent or furnish the requisite documents during the enquiry.

Therefore, the Chakma Hajong Citizens who had submitted applications for grant of citizenship are once again directed to report to the Office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Miao and Office of the Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Diyun at 1000 Hrs on 5, 6, 7, & 8 December, 2015 respectively along with the following documentary evidence, if any, in support of their petition.

1. Refugee I/Card.

2. Refugee Eligibility Card.

3. Chita Record.

4. Birth Certificate.

5. Character Certificate from concerned Police Starion.

6. Non Encumbrance Certificate from respective DFO/RFO. 7. A Copy of Bank Challan in original amounting of Rs. 500/- deposited in State Bank of India under Head No. "0070-Other Administrative Service- Other Services- Receipts under the Citizenship Act."

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Intolerance debate in Margherita ET Correspondent Margherita, Dec 1: Joining the ‘intolerance’ debate, All Assam Muslim Yuba Parishad (Socialist) Central Committee Vice President Moinur Haque Talukdar today criticized Narendra Modi-led BJP Government at the Centre for allegedly failing to control the growing intolerance in the country. Moinur Haque Talukdar said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi after one and half years of forming Government, no development has taken place.”

Meanwhile, Moinur Haque Talukdar condemned verbal attacks on Bollywood stars Amir Khan and Shahrukh

Khan. India is a land of many religions where people have been living together in peace and harmony for more than 500 years but some Hindu fascist organisations do not seem to want to see peace among the countrymen, alleged Moinur Haque Talukdar adding that “India is a secular country and nobody can make it a Hindu country”. In addition, he said that Assam is the land of Srimanta Sankardev and Azaan Pir Fakir where slight intolerance is brewing too and urged upon the people to keep themselves from such misgivings.

DSSS remembers Mamoni Raisom Goswami ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Dec 1: The Doomdooma Sakha Sahitya Sabha (DSSS) paid rich floral tributes to Gyanpeeth award winning Assamese writer Dr Mamoni Raisam Goswami on her fourth death anniversary. DSSS president Arjun Baruah initiated the program by paying floral tribute at the portrait of Dr Goswami. Later a meeting was presided over

by Arjun Baruah which was addressed by eminent Assamese short story writer

Juri Borgohain as chief guest and recalled the contribution of Dr Goswami in the field of literature and society. The meeting was also addressed by Snehi Mahanta, Bimla Baruah, Jitumani Nath and several others. The chief guest of the program Juri Borgohain also released a new edition of DSSS wall magazine ‘Pratipad’ edited by Miranda Baruah Deka. The entire program was anchored by DSSS secretary Nityanand Das.

World AIDS Day observed in Dibrugarh A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 1: World AIDS Day, which is being observed globally to express solidarity and unity towards the HIV infected people since 1988, was observed in Dibrugarh along with the entire state. A blood donation programme and awareness meeting was held at the DHSK Commerce College under the joint aegis of the district health department, National Health Mission and Sewa, an NGO. Around 40 persons donated blood during the blood donation camp inaugurated by additional DC, Dibrugarh Anjanav Chaliha.

Later during the awareness meeting held with Dr. K.M.Bhagawati, Principal, DHSK Commerce College on the chair, Chaliha stated that creating awareness about AIDS and HIV plays

Nabajit Gogoi, sub divisional medical officer – sadar, Dr. Biswajeet Borthakur and Dr. Karabi Bora Chaliha, both from Assam Medical College and Hospitals delivered speeches on how to control HIV and AIDS and how to generate awareness. Santi Gogoi, President of Sewa, Pranjit Hazarika, DIPRO,

Margherita World AIDS Day Mr Universe Mahadev Deka with Dhiraj Choudhary, ACS, PD, ASACS flag off the rally taken out on the occasion of World AIDS Day by Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) in Guwahati. Pic - UB Photos an important role in removing the wrong notions at-

Dec 2 declared local holiday 25 with an eleven day programme. On the day all the state Government offices, educational institutions will remain closed in the district. Meanwhile thousands of devotees thronged the Nalbari Harimandir to witness the

Farewell ceremony held at Charaideo sub division civil hospital ET Correspondent Sonari, Dec 1: A farewell ceremony was held today to formally bid farewell to Sudip Ranjan Paul, an employee of Charaideo sub division civil hospital who retired recently.

The programme was presided over by Dr. Udayaditya Rajkonwar and was anchored by Pulak Gogoi, a senior employee of the hospital.

Dr. Soumen Bhagawati, Dr. Rehan Seikh, Diganta Baruah, Rupada Kakoty, Sunmai Baruah, Kanchan Dutta, Mritunjoy Das, Homen Chutia and Pulak Gogoi spoke on the occasion. In his speech, Paul recalled his association with the hospital and the memories of various natures associated with it.

Paul was also felicitated on the occasion.

Paul being felicitited by Dr. Udayaditya Rajkonwar during the farewell.

Pic - Mritunjoy Das

Assam CM launches Rs 234 crore Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed PWD Road scheme Contd. from Page 1

Poki Poth Nirman Achani to cover a total length of 319 kilometer of PWD rural roads in the state at the sanctioned amount of 234.44 crores. Under this novel project 143 numbers of roads at the estimated cost of 1.50 crores covering the total length of 2.23 kilometer in each Legislative Assembly Constituencies of the state would the covered.

In the function he laid the foundation of the construction of the KharupetiaUdalguri (via Kaziamati) PWD road under NLCPR at an estimated cost of 27.12 crore rupees. Mention may

be made here that this important road with the shortest connectivity to Udalguri from Kharupetia linking the minority dominated villages was almost lying abandoned since last several years. He also laid the foundation of the construction of the Besimari Market. Immediately after his landing by an Air Force Helicopter Chief Minister Gogoi in his speech said that the faith of the people of the state on the Congress is increasing day by day as the Congress has been working for the poor and the development of the villages is the development of the state. Referring to the ongoing unabated corruption and misappropriation

of the government funds in the AIUDF dominated Darrang Zila Parishad as alleged by the Dalgaon legislator Illias Ali in the open meeting, the Chief Minister announced to make a proper inquiry by the CM’s Vigilance Cell very shortly.

Taking a serious note on the use of tractors, JCB and other mechanized instruments in the construction works under MGNREGA thereby depriving the job card holders, the Chief Minister instructed the Deputy Commissioner to take stringent action on it. Significantly Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in his speech appreciated the spirit of Fisheries Minister Basanta Das for

More than 100 illegal pharmacies selling medicine in Golaghat

his achievements and also expressed his satisfaction over the performance of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) Darrang headed by Project Director Bibhash Modi.

Earlier the Chief Minister offered his respect to former President of India Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and termed him as the symbol of communal harmony and unity of Assam.

Mention may be made here that in 1961 Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and Moinul Hoque Chowdhury had visited the KharupetiaUdalguri PWD road as the road was constructed as per sanction of Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.

Assam-Nagaland Governor extends Assam Divas greetings Contd. from Page 1

Contd. from Page 1

Posing a serious threat to public health and life more than three hundred pharmacies are doing business in Golaghat without proper registration and trained pharmacist. It came to be known that there are only 173 pharmacies registered in the office of the Drug Inspector. Many pharmacies in the town are selling medicine illegally where no trained pharmacists are available. Some salesmen without proper knowledge

of medicine or its composition and being unable to read prescription properly are selling medicines which poses a serious threat to public life. RTI activist Mustak Ali also alleged that the Health Department is violating the orders of the High Court which has stated that no pharmacy can sell medicine without appointing a registered pharmacist.

Mustak Ali has submitted complaint letters to the District Administration, Health Minister and the Governor seeking immediate action.

tached to it. He also advised for proper and scientific

planning to create awareness on these issues. Dr.

Thousands throng Nalbari Raas festival Ramen Kalita Nalbari, Dec 1: District Magistrate Dr Om Prakash in an order has declared a local holiday on December 3 on account of ongoing Raas festival of Nalbari Sri Sri Harimandir which got underway from November

However in the meantime Senior Drug Inspector of Jorhat has decided to take stern steps against two pharmacies of Golaghat for selling medicine without having any pharmacist since a long time. Also he assured to take steps against the other pharmacies also. It is worth mentioning that there are more than twelve posts of Drug Inspector lying vacant under the state health department. Therefore, apparently, the business of illegal pharmacies is increasing.

Dibrugarh and Monisha Buragohain, District Planning Manager, NHM, Dibrugarh were present as invited guests of the meeting. Devanga Bikash Gogoi, District Media Expert, NHM elaborated upon the purpose of the meeting while Arfan Khan, assistant general secretary of Sewa delivered the vote of thanks.

The Ahom kingdom founded by him ruled over Assam for nearly 600 years and in the process unified the various tribal and non-tribal peoples of the region that left a deep impact on the region. With reference to his position in Assam's history the honorific Chaolung is generally associated with his name; Chao meaning Lord and Lung meaning Great. The Governor has appealed to all to celebrate the day by fostering friendship and promoting the strong bond of unity and amity amidst all the people of Assam.

event. All the roads of Nalbari town led to the Harimandir from this morning to witness the festival representing communal harmony. More than a thousand clay models are being displayed at Nalbari Raas Mahotsav which has been attracting the visitors all this time. Visits of thousands of people every day have transformed the tiny town

into a sea of humanity. The spectacles of electric light also add to the glitterati of the town. The colourful cultural programmes at night enthrall the visitors. The Raas celebration committee expects that the flow of visitors will increase even more from tomorrow as eight mobile theatre groups will start performing at Nalbari Raas.

ET Correspondent Margherita, Dec 1: North Eastern Coal India Limited, Margherita today observed World AIDS Day at Central Hospital Margherita. Many distinguished guests were present such as Dr Debashish Sarkar, General Manager of NECF Coal India Limited, Margherita, Anil Kumar Bharali, General Manager NECF Coal India Limited, Margherita, NACO NERO Programme officer, Arup Handique, Tinsukia District TB Officer, Dr Trishna Bora, Anuradha

Pathak, Guide NGO Director Kalyan Deka, Margherita Coal India Hospital Chief Medical Off i c e r, D r R o b i n Saikia and Guide N G O C o n v e n o r, Papu Shah. Meanw h i l e , a t Ti p o n g Colliery and Tikak C o l l i e r y, e x h i b i tion cum awareness meeting was held. Dr Santanu Mukherjee, President of Guide NGO and other distinguished guests discussed on the measures and prevention of AIDS and HIV at Margherita today.

Security forces launch operations against Ulfa (I) after attack upon Hindi speaking people in Namrup Contd. from Page 1

“The Ulfa cadres are frustrated and hence, they are trying to draw the attention of all by targeting simple and innocent people”, the IGP said. The Ulfa independent has claimed the responsibility for the attack.

In an e-mail statement to the media, the assistant publicity and information secretary of the outfit Arunudoy Dahotia said the outfit had carried out the attack as a part of its agenda to target Hindi speaking people from outside Assam. Two people had sustained bullet injuries on yesterday when ULFA (I) militant opened indiscriminate firing at Giri Baba Stone crushing unit at Dill tea estate in Namrup. The duo has been identified as Sanjay Bharati (40) and Gopal Shah (23) who was the workers of Giri Baba stone crushing unit. Both were admitted at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) and they

were out of danger. Sanjay sustained bullet injury in his neck and Gopal sustained injuries in his leg and stomach. “Both (Sanjay) and (Gopal) were sitting at the office and doing daily calculation, suddenly some unknown assailants open indiscriminate firing on them and after sustained bullet injury they fall down,’’ Jay Kumar Bharati, Sanjay’s brother said. Both of the brothers Sanjay and Jay stay together at Namrup, but Jay was out of station when the incident took place. Jay Kumar Bharati said that he was gone to Guwahati due to some work. A few month back, ULFA (I) attacked and killed father and his daughter at Phillobari Bijulibon in Tinsukia district. However, after the incident the Hindispeaking people in Assam has been under fear-physics.

The All Assam Bojpuri Students’ Parishad came heavily on Tarun Gogoi led Congress government and

Pension scheme for state's farmers likely to be formulated Contd. from Page 1 “I will also meet the chief minister to pursue the matter by means which the farmers in the state would be benefited.”

He said further calling upon the farmers to take agriculture as a commercial vocation. He added that the AAU is going to implement two more schemes with financial assistance to be provided by Indian Council of Agricultural Re-

search (ICAR) and the Central Government. The programme conducted by Dr Mridul Deka, programme coordinator of KVK was addressed by Dr Hemendra Bhattacharya, director extension education, AAU of Jorhat, Joycharan Haloi, a progressive farmer of the district. It may be me mentioned that the Nalbari KVK has been celebrating the traditional Nakhoa utsav since 2010 with selected farmers, staff and distinguished guests.

accused them of having failed miserably to provide security of the Hindi Speaking people in Assam. “Why the innocent people were targeted again and again in Assam,’’ asked Gama Paswan, District unit General Secretary of All Assam Bojpuri Students’ Parishad.

While talking to media Paswan said due to the recent comment of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Hindi Speaking people has sparked the flame. Recently, Tarun Gogoi in a statement to the media told BJP is the party of ‘Hindi Speaking People’ and he has come to loot Assam. Gama Paswan said, “How a Chief Minister of a state can give such irresponsible comment,’’.

AABSP condemned such cowardice act and held Congress government for this attacked. On the other hand, Dibrugarh Mandal BJP today burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and criticized the congress government for

failing to provide the security of the people. Forest Minister Etuwa Munda, today visited AMCH and took stock of the condition of the injured and assured every help to the victims. After the instruction of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Etuwa Munda visited at the AMCH and declared an ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh for the injured.

Speaking to the media, Munda said that we condemned such cowardice act.

When asked why the ‘Hindi Speaking’ people were targeted, he replied that the place where the incident happened was dominated by the tea tribe people and the place was a bordering area of Sivasagar and Dibrugarh. He said today the ULFA (I) claimed the attacked through media. He said the security was beefed up in both the district. While interacting with the media outside the ICU unit of AMCH, Munda said we have already launched an operation to flush out the militant from the area.

Gogoi orders firm action against ULFA (I) Contd. from Page 1

Meanwhile, Gogoi had a telephonic talk with GoC 3 Corps this morning regarding last night’s incident and to intensify the combing operation to nab the ultras.

Gogoi said he would take up with the Centre to take steps for an all-out operation against the ULFA(I) and

NSCN(K) to bust their camps in Myanmar.

The Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to formulate an effective action plan for further strengthening the law and order machinery in view of militancy threats. Gogoi said the administration has to gear up to counter the threats and to come up with the expectations of the people.

No ISIS threat along northeast India borders: BSF IG Contd. from Page 1

Farooqui, a 1995 batch Indian Police Service officer of the Gujarat cadre, said that for the border guarding force, but the border depends on who is on the other side and what the approach of the government there is.

According to him the improved relation and coordination with the BGB through fast exchange of information between the two border guards has a positive impact in better managing the border and thereby

reducing smuggling, crime and insurgency besides pumping of fake Indian currency notes (FICN). "The total seizure this year has been 9.52 crore rupees beside seizure of phensydel (cough syrup), ganja (marijuana) and ganja plants. We have registered phenomenal success and we are having constant cordial cooperating meeting with the BGB also. Wherever we feel that that their support is required and where they feel our support is required we do joint

meetings and share our concern and plan to protect the border securely.

Smuggling is one of the biggest challenge as FICN is concern because it is directly hit to the nations security,” said the BSF IG. "There is a reducing trend in smuggling, insurgency and FICN," He said that from 25 battalions in 1965, the BSF now has 186 battalions comprising 2.5 lakh troopers and officers currently posted on 13 frontiers, including three frontiers in the northeastern states. Raised in De-

cember 1, 1965, the BSF is celebrating its golden jubilee with many functions and programmes.

The BSF official said the number of camps of militants in northeast India was decreasing in n e i g h b o u r i n g Bangladesh as the present government in that country was very supportive. Four northeastern states share a 1,880-km border with Bangladesh. The states are Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam (263 km). (ANI)

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Kiyezu NPF Unit Vigil along India-Myanmar border to be tightened Dec 1: Con- Mizoram home departMizoram. Gen Krishna dian Army's Eastern Ghaspani-I condole Aizawl, cerned at the incidence of ment official said. "Gen assumed command of C o m m a n d . T h e 3 trans-border illegal activi- Krishna gave strategic 3 Corps i n Corps is the largest Khekiho's demise ties, a top army General instructions to the paraRangapahar i n field formation of the Dimapur, Dec 1: The Kiyezu Unit of Nagaland People's Front, 4th Ghaspani-I Assembly Constituency has condoled the passing away of Khekiho Zhimomi, Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. In a statement, unit president H. Pitoho Awomi stated Lt. Khekiho was a visionary leader who dedicated his life for the welfare and development of

the people and state of Nagaland in general and Ghaspani-I A/C in particular. Stating that void created by his death will be difficult to fill, Kiyezu NPF Unit extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed Almighty grant solace and comfort in this hour of grief. It also prayed the departed soul rest in peace. (Agencies)

Govt bus mows down teenage girl at Imphal

has urged tightening of vigil along Mizoram's border with Myanmar, an official said here on Monday, Nov 30 Lt Gen Abhay Krishna, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 corps, issued the directive to the paramilitary Assam Rifles guarding the IndiaMyanmar border, the official said. Gen Krishna assumed charge of his new command recently.

"General Abhay Krishna during his two-day visit to Mizoram met senior Assam Rifles officials and discussed about the strengthening of security along the India-Myanmar border along Mizoram," a

military officials and troopers to check transborder illegal activities," the official added.

Mizoram, which shares a 510-km border with Myanmar and a 318-km frontier with Bangladesh, has become a corridor for arms and drugs smuggling. Assam Rifles troopers guard the Myanmar border while the Border Security Force (BSF) are posted along the Bangladesh frontiers. Assam Rifles troopers are posted along the 1,643-km IndiaMyanmar border abutting Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km) and

N a g a l a n d r e c e n t l y.

The corps, also known as Spear Corps, plays a major role in counter-insurgency operations in the In-

Para-military officials and troopers trying to douse a flame caused by the burning of tyres in the middle of the roads on Sunday.

Mizoram (510 km). The official said Gen Krishna spelt out the concerns of the armed forces towards trans-border illegal activities in the northeast and stressed the need for establishment of peace in the region in tune with the 'Act East' Policy of

the central government.

Gen Krishna, who was accompanied by Brigadier M.V. Suchindra Kumar, also met Mizoram Governor Lt Gen Nirbhay Sharma (retd) in Raj Bhavan here and discussed the security situation in

army and comprises troops deployed in Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. (agencies)

Mizoram, which shares a 510-km border with Myanmar and a 318-km frontier with Bangladesh, has become a corridor for arms and drugs smuggling. Assam Rifles troopers guard the Myanmar border while the Border Security Force (BSF) are posted along the Bangladesh frontiers.

Assam Rifles troopers are posted along the 1,643-km India-Myanmar border abutting Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Manipur (398 km), Nagaland (215 km) and Mizoram (510 km).

Magisterial inquiry sought by Disturbed area status pressure groups into Mookhep firing extended by one year Army seen at inspecting the accident site where a public bus rammed a teenage girl killing her on spot.

Imphal, Dec 1: A teenage girl died on the spot and her friend got serious injury when a bus ferrying passengers of Sangai Festival, an annual cultural festival being organise by Tourism Department of Manipur, rammed into their bike near Kanglapak on Saturday at around 9.30pm.

According to report by City Police, the victim has been identified as Luchingbi alias Anjali (16), d/o Raju Singh of Singjamei Kshtri Leikai, Imphal West while the injured person, who is reportedly her boyfriend, has been identified as Thiyam Anand Meitei (26), s/o Th Nabakumar of Nambol Leimapokpam Makha Leikai, Bishnupur dis-

trict. It also added that the bus rammed their vehicle when they were returning after attending the ongoing Sangai Festival.

Anand was driving the bike and Luchingbi was on the pillion. When they reached Kanglapak they took a diversion near the Aircel office and the lowfloor government bus rammed their bike. The injured person has been hospitalised for treatment. City Police has registered a case registered into the accident.

Meanwhile, concern has been raised regarding rashness of the JnRUM bus driver and reason for driving the bus at fullspeed when a large number of people are returning home from the festival at night. (agencies)

290 blood units go down the drain in Tripura Agartala, Dec1: In India, blood banking seems to be highly unorganised sector with many players and different characteristics. Over 290 blood units collected across Tripura were wasted

147 units were destroyed after keeping in storage for 35 days. Similarly, a total of 27,948 blood units were donated in 2014 at 750 blood donation camps. Of the total, over 55 units of blood were destroyed un-

File picture of Blood packets

due to several reasons; passing of expiry date is one of the prime reason in the last three years.

According to a government report, it came to notice that 88 units of blood of the total 26,124 collected blood was destroyed after passing its expiry date of 35 days in 2012. Of the total 26,124 collected blood units, 2,092 came from voluntary blood donors in total of 609 blood donation camps. In 2013, total 29,037 blood units were collected of which

Shillong, Dec 1: The two pressure groups from Jaintia Hills have served the State Government a 10-day deadline to make the magisterial inquiry report into Mookhep firing public, failing which they have threatened to start mass agitation. The Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM), Jaintia Hills Unit and Jaintia National Council (JNC) made this announcement after staging a 'black flag march' in the capital city on Monday.

The protestors, numbering over 50, managed their way to the venue at Malki Ground. The march, which was peaceful, culminated at the parking lot of Additional Secretariat.

"We want the State government to make the magisterial inquiry into the Mookhep killings public before December 10. If the government fails to comply with the demand, we will go for mass agitation," said JNC Chairman Sambormi Lyngdoh.

Addressing the gathering, he questioned the Government's motive behind "hunting for the people involved in the November 5 riot. "Whereas in case of Mookhep firing no arrest has been made so far," he said. Two villagers were killed and several others injured on September 24 last year at Mookhep area under East Jaintia Hills district in the police firing on a crowd protesting against

the apathy of the Meghalaya government to address the concerns of people following the National Green Tribunal ban on coal mining in the state.

Echoing a similar view, HNAM central body president Lamphrang Kharbani said, "We are ready to fight till the end, we don't mind even if we are jailed by authorities concerned but we will ensure that the two lives, we've lost should get justice." "It is time that the chief minister listens to the voice of the public and ensure guilty policemen are booked as per law," he said.

The two organisations lambasted PWD Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Education Minister RC Laloo for maintaining a stoic

silence on the issue despite being from Jaintia Hills. East Jaintia Hills additional deputy commissioner SS Syiemlieh, who probed the Mookhep firing incident, submitted the report to the government. However, government rejected the report stating that the report posed more questions than answers. Though, the pressure groups demanded from the Meghalaya government to make public the magisterial inquiry report, but instead the government instituted a high-level probe headed by commissioner and secretary Donald.P Wahlang. The State government on Sunday said that it would examine the Wahlang report before making it public. (Agencies)

Public Information Campaign starts tomorrow The PIC is an initiative to take the information relating to government's welfare measures to the doorstep of the people and also to clarify any doubt in peoples mind over government schemes.

Gangtok, Dec 1: The Public Information Campaign (PIC) organized by Press Information Bureau (PIB) will commence at Community Hall, Chanatar, Rangpo, East Sikkim from December 2.

The three-day long multimedia public outreach programme will be inaugurated by Somnath Poudyal, Minister for Food Security and Agriculture Development. The PIC is being organized by PIB, Gangtok in collaboration with the media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting including DFP, Song and Drama Division, Doordarshan, AIR and the east district administration. Panchayats, Self Help Groups, NGOs, government schools and local people will participate in the campaign. The aim of the campaign is to create awareness among the general public on various schemes launched by the Central government for the welfare of the people, being implemented by the State governments. The

PIC is an initiative to take the information relating to government's welfare measures to the doorstep of the people and also to clarify any doubt in peoples mind over government schemes. The campaign will also help reduce the gap between the administration and the people. During the threeday long campaign PIB, DFP along with different Central & State government departments will put up stalls depicting various developmental and welfare programmes initiated by the central government while the Sikkim State AIDS Control Society, Spices Board, Nehru Yuva Kendra, NERAMAC, State HRDD, ICDS, Health department, panchayat bodies, Self Help Groups and NGOs will also put up stalls displaying their products and services. The Ayurveda Regional Research Institute will organize a threeday medical camp at the PIC venue at Rangpo and will provide free medical checkup and medicines.

Resource persons from various State government departments responsible for implementing various flagship programmes of the Central government will give talks on Skill India Mission, Digital India on the first day, while the second day of PIC will witness talks being delivered on Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, RTE and Mid Day Meal, Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna and National Health Mission. On the concluding day, resource persons will give talks on Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojna and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Mudra Bank, Beti Bachao Beti Padao/ICDS. The directorate of field publicity has started prePIC publicity from today in villages and schools surrounding Rangpo to highlight the major flagship programmes and garner people's participa-

tion at the PIC with distribution of publicity materials. Local artists will perform a number of cultural programmes besides performance by the Song and Drama division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting during the three day public outreach programme.

DFP will also organize essay writing, poetry recitation and elocution along with debate competitions among school students on various themes of the flagship programme. A healthy baby competition will be organized on December 3, by DFP for children in the age group 0-1 and 1 to 2 will be a major highlight during the Public Information Campaign. Gopal Baraily, area MLA West Pendam will be the chief guest on the second day function on December 3, while Maya Cintury, Rangpo Nagar Panchayat President will preside over the valedictory function of PIC on December 4.

(Agrncies)

Imphal, Dec 1: Disturbed area status given to the whole State of Manipur with the exception of Imphal Municipal area has been extended by one more year by a resolution adopted by the State Cabinet today. Significantly the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is enforced in an area that is declared disturbed. The Cabinet meeting held this morning with Chief Minister O Ibobi in the chair agreed to open Sugnu SDC Circle under Waikhong sub-division of Thoubal district. Speaking to the media after the Cabinet meeting, Government spokesman M Okendro said that the Government collected comments and opinions of the State Police, Army, CRPF, BSF and other Central security agencies regarding the State's prevailing law and order situation. Most of the security agencies recommended extension of disturbed areas status for one more year so that they can carry out operations against militants operating in both the hills and valley of Manipur. After studying the comments, the State

Cabinet decided to extend the disturbed area status for one more year under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 with effect from December 1. The Chief Minister reserves the right to review the law and order situation after six months.

The Cabinet meeting agreed to open Sugnu SDC Circle under Waikhong sub-division. Sugnu SDC Circle would cover 11 villages namely; Mahou, Wangoo, Chairel, Nungou, Nungou Wapokpi, Tangjeng, Tonsen, Sugnu, Lokhi Maru, Toupokpi and Serou. The State Cabinet has given its approval to amend the Manipur Municipalities Act 1994 so as to give more power and functions to urban local bodies. With the amendment of the Act, 27 transferrable posts of Executive Officers and nine Assistant Executive Officers can be created, Okendro said. The State Cabinet also gave its approval to appoint 357 employees for National Health Mission under the State Health Society, Manipur on contract basis. (agencies)

Massive Blow to Golay: 7 SKM MLAs Join SDF

Seven MLAs of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha left and joined the Sikkim Democratic Front Darjeeling, Dec 1: Seven MLAs of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha yesterday defected to the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, saying the SKM lacked discipline and vision and they were unhappy with the way the party was being run by PS Golay. As two-third of SKM MLAs - the party had 10 legislators in the Assembly - have joined the SDF, they would not attract the provisions of the anti-defection law. "We were not

happy with the way the party president (PS Golay) was functioning …we felt humiliated and ignored in the party. There is no discipline in the SKM and the party has lost vision and ethics" said Hemendra Adhikari, one of the seven SKM MLAs, told journalists here today. The press and publicity secretary of the SKM, Bikash Basnet, said the seven MLAs had betrayed the people who had elected them. (Agencies)

ileFile

used. While interacting with newsmen a doctor of the Tripura State Blood Transfusion Council said, "Normally, we can keep blood unit in store for at least 35 days. If the blood is not used within that time period, the blood needs to be thrown away. In the last three years, over 290 blood units were destroyed unused after 35 days of storage."

Currently, the State has a total 564 screened blood units in stock in different blood storage centers as per the latest record. (Agencies)

Binita Chhetry wins Pond's Eclectic Model Hunt 2015 Guwahati, Dec 1: In front of a packed crowd at ITA Machkhowa auditorium, Binita Chhetry from Guwahati was crowned as the winner of Pond's Eclectic Model Hunt 2015 by Emika Pakyntein, Pond's Eclectic Model Hunt 2014 Winner, Tanushree Hazarika, Managing Director of Eclectic Publications and fashion designer Joy Mitra, said a press release. It said, the 1st Run-

ner-up was awarded to Kaheli Chophy from Dimapur and the 2nd Runner-up to Nandita Saikia from Guwahati, and the prestigious panel of judges of the event were fashion designer Joy Mitra, Shikhar Sidharth, Managing Director of Vogati Talents, Assamese actor Vaishalee Saikia, former model and pastry chef Mandakini Dass and social worker Miani D

Winner Binita Chhetry from Guwahati was crowned as the winner of Pond's Eclectic Model Hunt 2015 at ITA Machkhowa auditorium on Monday. Also seen 1st Runnerup Kaheli Chophy from Dimapur and the 2nd Runner-up to Nandita Saikia from Guwahati.

Shira from Shillong. The contest was enlivened by an impressive and diverse line-up of talents from across the region. A thousand-plus crowd cheered as Priyam Baruah and her team performed a kathak and Bollywood fusion dance.

Sangeet Natak Academy award winner Moinul Haque's mime act kept the audience enthralled, and the final performance was by Guwahati based

band Swadhyay who had the crowd grooving to their peppy beats, said the press release. It said, the event is managed by Tattva Creations Pvt Ltd and the main idea behind Pond's Eclectic Model Hunt is to groom talented young women from across the Northeast and encourage them to become empowering role models of beauty, health and leadership. (Agencies)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

PAGE 6

'Real dirt of India lies in our minds': President Ahmedabad, Dec. 1 : PresidentPranab Mukherjee today said the real dirt of India lies not in our streets but in our minds and in our unwillingness to let go of views that divide society into 'them and us, pure and impure'."We must make a success of the laudable and welcome Swatch Bharat Mission.

However, this also must be seen as just the beginning of a much larger and intense effort to cleanse minds and fulfil Gandhiji's vision in all its aspects.

Gandhiji would tell us - and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar would agree with him that so long as untouchability persists, so long as dehumanising practice of carrying night soil persists, we cannot have real Swacch Bharat," said P r e s i d e n t Mukherjee."Gandhiji insisted on the dignity of all human labour and expressed his desire to be a scavenger. We must remember that Gandhiji wished to be a scavenger of our hearts as much as of our villages," he

added.President Mukherjee said only those who are confident of their conviction, secure in their faith and rooted in their culture can hope to live in an open house, an open society."If we close ourselves in, seek to be immune from other influences, it shows that we are prepared to live in a house that is devoid of fresh breeze. Hriday Kunj's lesson to us in contemporary India is that we must build an open society ever ready to engage with diverse ideas and thoughts on equal terms," he added.President Mukherjee said Mahatma Gandhi was an advocate of knowledge without barriers."Gandhiji's life should be understood as a whole, not piecemeal, and certainly not fragmented.

The capacity for compassion and empathy is the true foundation of our civilization," said President Mukherjee."Gandhiji used a very special word for civilisation, SUDHAR, which he said is not just the good path or the right

COP21: Obama-Jinping discuss cyber security, ISIS

U.S. President Barack Obama, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping look down during their meeting held on the sidelines of the COP21 New Delhi, Dec. 1: US stressed the need to adPresident Barack Obama dress regional issues, inmet his Chinese counter- cluding maritime differpart Xi Jinping on the ences, peacefully and in sidelines of the Climate accordance with internaChange Conference tional law," the statement (COP21) in Paris and re- said.It added that both the affirmed their determina- leaders also recognized the tion to work together and threat posed by the Islamic with others to achieve an State of Iraq and the Levant ambitious climate agree- (ISIS) to America and China ment at the Paris climate and agreed to strengthen negotiations.According to coordination."The President a statement by the White encouraged President Xi's House, both the leaders efforts to press forward with set priorities for U.S.- reforming and rebalancing China relations in 2016 China's economy, while urgand committed to continue ing China to establish a level 'narrowing differences playing field for U.S. firms and expanding practical to compete fairly in the Chicooperation on regional nese market," the White and global House statement read. challenges'."The Presi- Obama also expressed his dent emphasized the im- support for China's G-20 portance of full adherence presidency in 2016 and said to the U.S.-China cyber that he is looking forward to commitments from Presi- attending the G-20 summit dent Xi's September 2015 in Hangzhou, China next State Visit, and he also September. (ANI)

Peter Mukherjea sent to judicial custody till Dec. 14 Mumbai, Dec.1: A Mumbai Esplanade court today sent former Star TV CEO Peter Mukherjea, who was earlier arrested in connection with the Sheena Bora murder case, to judicial custody till December 14.The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had on Saturday conducted a polygraph test on Mukherjea and had seeked for his judicial custody.According to reports, the CBI officials

questioned Peter on his personal life, his conversations with wife Indrani and his own statements during the test at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory.Peter was arrested on November 19 in connection with the Sheena Bora murder case.Peter's wife Indrani Mukherjee is in prison for allegedly murdering Sheena Bora, who is Indrani's daughter from an earlier relationship.(ANI)

Peter Mukherjea

Pranab Mukherjee path but also that which holds human civilisation together. Let us pledge to join hands and build an India that truly exemplifies this SUDHAR," he added.President Mukherjee, who inaugurated a new Archives and Research Centre at Sabarmati Ashram here, further said we live in times when the world needs Gandhi more than ever."The responsibility we shoulder to spread his word and message is more pressing now than ever before. Gandhiji was

not just the Father of our Nation but also the maker of our Nation. He gave us the moral vector to guide our actions, a measure by which we are judged.

Gandhiji saw India as an inclusive nation where every section of our population lived in equality and enjoyed equal opportunity," he added.President Mukherjee further said Gandhi saw India as a country which would celebrate and constantly strengthen its vibrant diversity and

commitment to pluralism."Gandhiji wanted our people to move forward unitedly in ever widening thought and action. And most of all, he did not want us to convert the celebration of his life and message into a mere ritual.The President said Gandhiji taught us to be morally innovative. If India leads in moral innovation, all other forms of creativity which we have in abundance would automatically fulfil the Talisman that Gandhiji gave us, namely, wiping every tear from each eye.

The realessence of Gandhiji's legacy and its continuing resonance lies in his injunction to us that all our actions must keep in mind the last person," said President Mukherjee."The last person in India is often a woman, a Dalit or an Adivasi. We must constantly ask ourselves, do our actions have meaning for them? The "Tryst with Destiny" that Pandit Nehru

spoke of was this obligation. We must empower the poorest of the poor.

Everyone must act as Trustees of collective welfare and wealth. The essence of being human is our trust of each other. The damage we see to the environment all around usreminds us of the need for Trusteeship," he added.President Mukherjee further said every day we see unprecedented violence all around us."At the heart of this violence is darkness, fear and mistrust. While we invent new modes of combating this ever spiralling violence, we must not forget the power of nonviolence, dialogue and reason. We must free our public discourse of all forms of violence, physical as well as verbal," said P r e s i d e n t Mukherjee."Only a nonviolent society can ensure the participation of all sections of the people, especially the marginalised and the dispossessed in our democratic process," he added. (ANI)

UAE says it supports all nations affected by terrorism Abu Dhabi, Dec 1:Amid an escalation in militant attacks across the globe and the threats posed by Islamic State, the UAE has said it supports all countries hit by terrorism irrespective of the source as the oil-rich nation called on the global community to unite against the menace."The UAE supports humanitarian cooperation with countries facing terrorism and extremism wherever it is found and of whatever source," said a report released by the UAE ahead of its 44th National Day on Wednesday.The report prepared by the WAM news agency talks about terrorism in reference to the horrific Paris attacks last month that claimed 130 lives.The report quotes President

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on terrorism in the aftermath of the Paris attacks. "The President reaffirmed these principles following the recent terrorist attacks carried out by Daesh (ISIS) in Paris, stressing the UAE's full support for France as one of its strategic partners."He added that the UAE condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as a phenomenon that targets the security and stability of the world, stressing that such criminal acts require cooperation and solidarity at all levels to eradicate them," it said.The report quotes Sheikh Khalifa in calling on the international community to unite in the face of extremism in all its forms, whether ideologi-

cal sympathy or support or criminal acts.Being an important oil-rich country, UAE's stance on terrorism is significant, especially its reference to support for countries facing terrorism irrespective of the source.In August, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UAE, both countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and came down heavily on countries sponsoring terrorism. They asked all states to dismantle terror infrastructure.The report also makes a reference to UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan's speech to the United Nations General Assembly in September.Sheikh Abdullah had said the

Arab and Islamic identity of the UAE is the source of its progress and openness in the world, and that while the UAE might be small in its surface area, it is large in its influence on the course of world development.The threats and dangers posed by terrorist organisations, particularly ISIS and others linked to al-Qaeda, are not confined within any geographical borders, but go beyond the entire region, posing a threat to all countries and communities, he had said.Sheikh Abdullah had reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to cooperation and coordination with its regional and international partners to confront extremism and terrorism. (Agencies)

Climate change: US want China, India on board Paris, Dec 1: The world can pursue an ambitious agreement that can meet both climate and development challenges of countries like India, the US has said as it underlined the need for getting India and China on board to make the UN climate summit a success. "We can pursue an ambitious climate agreement even while India pursues an ambitious development policy. And, in fact, we can pursue the types of solutions that can meet both climate and development challenges," US Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said.

He was speaking to reporters after US President Barack Obama held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping here yesterday. "I

think very clearly in both meetings, President Obama made the point that he's made throughout his presidency that addressing the challenge of climate change and pursuing sustainable economic development that lifts people out of poverty around the world are not competitive goals. In fact, they can be mutually reinforcing," Rhodes said.

American leadership in working with its traditional allies but also working with China and India is going to be essential to getting a good deal here in Paris, the top Obama aide said. Responding to questions, Rhodes said for the success of Paris summit, it is essential that both India and China are on board.

"If we get an agreement here with almost 200 countries, including China and India -

PM Modi leaves for New Delhi after attending COP21 in Paris

PM Modi Leaves for New Delhi Paris, Dec. 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for New Delhi after attending the Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris."A day for difference. PM enplanes after an important day at #COP21, redeeming India's pledge to Mother Earth," Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.The Prime Minister, who arrived in Paris on Sunday, addressed the opening session of COP 21 today

after inaugurating an Indian pavilion.He also held meetings with his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif and US President Barack Obama. The Prime Minister attended the 'Mission Innovation' event hosted by Obama where he asserted that innovation initiative should be driven by public purpose, not just market incentives.Later, Prime Minister Modi launched a 122-country solar alliance with French President Francois Hollande. (ANI)

Bhushan slams AAP's Lokpal, dubs it as 'biggest betrayal' of anti-corruption movement New Delhi, Dec. 1 : Expressing strong disappointment to the approval of the Aam Aadmi Party's Jan Lokpal Bill, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan today slammed the bill, saying it was 'biggest betrayal' to the anti corruption movement in the country."A Lokpal which will be appointed by the government, who can be removed by the government; whose investigation will be done by government agencies; to say that it is a strong Lokpal and an independent Lokpal is the most cruel joke that one can imagine," Bhushan told ANI here."These people think that just because they have a social media team and propaganda budget of 523 crores they can get away with any kind of lies.

This is the biggest betrayal of the anti-corruption movement," he added.Responding to AAP member Ashish Khetan's invitation of hav-

ing a debate on Lokpal, Bhushan pointed out that Khetan had nothing to do with the Jan Lokpal Bill and that he was not there in the movement at all."What kind of a joke is this, tomorrow AAP and Arvind will say that come have a debate with my gatekeeper. Why doesn't Arvind come to the debate itself," he added.

Bhushan further said that the Kejriwal himself used to challenge Shiela Dixit to Narendra Modi for having a debate."We were there together in Jan Lokpal drafting committee along with Justice Santosh Hegde, Shanti Bhushan ji, Anna ji, Me and Arvind Kejriwal. If he is claiming it is the same Lokpal Bill which was drafted, why doesn't he come and debate himself," he said."Let him come and debate with me at any public place," he added. Bhushan, has invited Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal for an open public debate on the Jan Lokpal Bill through advertisements released on the radio. (ANI)

India committed to greater regional integration: Asoke Mukerji

American leadership in working with its traditional allies but also working with China and India is going to be essential to getting a good deal here in Paris. if the United States were to walk away from its own targets, we would lose that type of ambition from China and India and others who would say, well, the United States has walked out on the agreement, why should we follow through?" he noted. "If

people want to say that the only way to deal with that is to have China and India do their part, and then we walk away from the agreement that China and India are a part of, we will have lost our global leadership," Rhodes said.

(Agencies)

United Nations, Dec 1: India has said it is open to joining and supporting regional initiatives, including the expansion of the Afghan Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement, to ensure Afghanistan's greater integration into the South Asian region. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asoke Mukerji also voiced concern over the security

Asia. We regret that this freedom continues to be denied to Afghanistan," Mukerji said at a debate on the security situation in Afghanistan in the UN General Assembly yesterday. He said India has opened its markets to all Afghan exports, and is willing to receive Afghan trucks on its territory. "India remains committed to greater regional integration,

Rajnath Singh will give reply on all issues raised in Parliament: Rudy New Delhi, Dec.1: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship,Rajiv Pratap Rudy, on Tuesday said Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will give his reply to all issues raised, including the subject of 'intolerance' in Parliament today afternoon."The subject related to tolerance has

been debated well in the house yesterday and I am sure today, the honourable home minister will give his reply to all the issues raised.

But, at the end of the day, debate is the essence of parliament. The home minister will give a reply to the leaders in the afternoon today to the various issues which has been discussed," Rudy told ANI

here.A fierce verbal engagement took place in Parliament yesterday during a debate on 'rising intolerance', over a controversial comment attributed to Home Minister Rajnath Singh by Left lawmaker Mohammad Salim. The uproar forced frequent adjournments of the Lok Sabha .The Outlook magazine later apologised and re-

gretted the lack of diligence in verifying the source of the statement and said it was not their intention to denigrate the home minister or Parliament.

Incidents like the killing of rationalists, mob attacks over cow slaughter and beef-eating rumours were some of the issues of growing intolerance which was raised by the Opposition on Monday.(ANI)

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asoke Mukerji also voiced concern over the security situation in the country. situation in the country.

"Afghanistan will be able to achieve its optimal economic potential only if it is allowed freedom of transit to major markets in South

and is open to join and support all such regional initiatives, including the expansion of the Afghan Pakistan Trade and Transit Agreement," he said. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Islamabad attempts to bandage relations with Kabul Islamabad, Dec. 1 : Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is expected to visit Islamabad on December 9 for the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process which is being jointly hosted by Pakistan and Afghanistan.According to the Dawn, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was attending the Paris Climate Summit, said that a warm welcome awaits Mr.Ghani in Islamabad at the Heart of Asia Meeting on December 9.The

two-day meet, scheduled for December 8 and 9, is expected to be attended by the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, K a z a k h s t a n , Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and UAE.Till now, there were doubts about President Ghani visiting Islamabad, given the breakdown of the reconciliation dialogue in July between the Afghan Government and the Taliban, which was facilitated by

Nepal Parliament adjourned till Dec.6 after Madhesi parties obstruct proceedings

Madhesi parties chanting protest slogans

Kathmandu, Dec.1: The Nepal Parliament were adjourned today for five days after Madhesi lawmakers repeatedly obstructed proceedings over disagreement with the Revised Bill of the new Constitution.The agitating Madhes-based parties continuously demanded that the government of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli address their issues at the earliest.The lawmakers of the Madhesi-based parties trooped into the well of the House and surrounded Speaker Onsari Gharti's rostrum and chanted protest slogans.The repeated obstructionist behaviour

of the Madhesi lawmakers forced Speaker Gharti to adjourn the meeting till 1 p.m. on December 6.Earlier, the meeting of Parliament was adjourned till Tuesday following obstruction by the Nepali Congress, reports the Himalayan Times.NC lawmakers had on Monday objected to Speaker Onsari Gharti after she provided Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal (FSFN) Chairman Upendra Yadav with time to speak in the House.

They had demanded that their party should be given first chance to speak as per the set parliamentary practice.

(ANI)

China-Taiwan exchange prisoners in attempt to better relations Taiwan, Dec. 1: Displaying improved relations between China and Taiwan, the two sides exchanged prisoners.

The announcement of the exchange of prisoners has been made public now, but the event actually took place in midOctober.According to the New York Times, China had released two officers, Chu Kung-hsun and Hsu Chang-kuo, from Taiwan's Bureau of Military Intelligence, and they were returned to Taiwan.The two had been arrested in Vietnam near the border with

China in 2006 and given life sentences, which were later reduced to 20 years.A Chinese spy imprisoned in Taiwan, Li Zhihao, who was jailed 16 years ago, was given early parole as part of the exchange.Taiwan President Ma has been broadly friendly towards China during his time in office, boosting tourism and trade ties.Earlier this month, President Ma met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Singapore. It was the first time the leaders of China and Taiwan had held talks in more than 60 years. (ANI)

Displaying improved relations between China and Taiwan, the two sides exchanged prisoners

Ashraf Ghani Pakistan.The disclosure about Mullah Omar's death in Pakistan by Afghan intelligence agency

ahead of the second round of talks scheduled for July 31 further increased tensions and led

to a cancellation of a planned meeting.The subsequent rise in violence in Afghanistan added further to the bil a t e r a l mistrust.President Ghani has on multiple occasions accused Pakistan of acting against his country's interests and not doing enough to neutralise terrorist bases on its soil from where attacks have been launched on Afghanistan.During Pakistan Army Chief General Raheel Sharif's recent visit to Washington, considerable progress

was made on the issue of resumption of ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, after Pakistan and the United States agreed to work together for the revival of the Afghan peace dialogue.The United Kingdom also played its part in arranging the Ghani-Sharif meeting.In an interaction with President Ghani shortly before the trilateral meeting, Prime Minister Sharif 'offered Pakistan's good offices to support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process'. (ANI)

Southeast Asia urged to halt repeat of "boat people" tragedy Bangkok, Dec 1:Southeast Asian countries were urged on today to treat migrants landing on their shores humanely and avoid a repeat of this year's disaster in which hundreds of refugees were either lost at sea or died in jungle camps. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) called for "full cooperation" this week from governments attending a Bangkok meeting in May aimed at tackling the region's annual migrant crisis as European countries struggle to cope with refugees fleeing war in Syria and Iraq. Southeast Asian nations agreed to help vulnerable "boat

people" stranded at sea following last year's crisis that saw more than 4,000 migrants land in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Bangladesh following a Thai crackdown on people-smuggling gangs.

Some were trapped on boats in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. Hundreds drowned. October and November mark the start of the fourmonth "sailing season", the busiest time for smuggling and trafficking ships plying the Bay of Bengal."We are still calling for safe disembarkation and humanitarian treatment - shelter, hydration, medical care and

safety from the elements and criminality - and full cooperation from all actors, from the international community, that lives are not lost," Joe Lowry, the IOM's spokesman in Asia-Pacific, told media. Thousands of migrants have fled persecution and poverty in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Many of them are members of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim minority who live in apartheid-like conditions in the country's Rakhine state, paying smugglers to board rickety boats to sail across to Malaysia. Some ended up in the hands of traffickers and were held near

Thailand's border with Malaysia in often brutal and filthy conditions for months or even years until they could pay a ransom for their release Since late September, when monsoon conditions began to subside, several boats have smuggled a total of about 1,000 passengers across the Bay of Bengal, according to the U.N. refugee agency and the migration-tracking group Arakan Project.Lowry of IOM said migration patterns had changed."The obvious thing is people go directly to Malaysia which cuts out potential for profit for smugglers," he said. (Agencies)

The meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the Paris Climate Summit Modi walked up to him TV channel reports, and both warmly shook Prime Minister Sharif hands and sat next to called the talks 'good'. each other and chatted And expressed his aspibriefly. No official del- ration of the doors of diaegates were present dur- logue between the two ing the meeting. The In- nations must open. Acdian Ministry of External cording to Ali Tauqeer Affairs spokesperson, Sheikh, the head of Vikas Swarup, was LEAD-Pakistan, the quoted by the Indian me- meeting did not necessardia, as saying that there ily mean a breakthrough was only 'exchange of and was a mere courtesies'.According to formality.A Pakistani of-

ficial, who was present, said the Indian Prime Minister looked keen on talking with Sharif which may lead to the creation of a better atmosphere for an Indo-Pak dialogue.The two leaders last met on July 10 on the sidelines of SCO Summit in the Russian city of Ufa during which they had agreed on the need for a meeting between their national security advisers for discussing terrorismrelated threats. But the meeting could not take place because of agenda-linked differences.Sharif and Modi were together in New York during the UN General Assembly session in September, but only waved at each other and exchanged smiles.Ties between the two countries have remained largely tense since Prime Minister Modi came to power in May 2014. (ANI)

Will ensure Pak soil is not used for terrorism: Nawaz Sharif

Nawaj sharif Karachi, Dec. 1 : Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, in a meeting with his British counterpart David Cameron and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, reaffirmed his commitment to ensure that Pakistan soil is not being used for promoting terrorism.The three leaders met on the sidelines of the Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris.According to the Dawn, Sharif apprised both the leaders of the successes achieved during the course of the past year and half in the military operation Zarb-iAzb which was launched against militants and ter-

rorists without any discrimination.Talking to President Ghani, Sharif added that Pakistan is committed to work with Afghanistan as an equal and sovereign state while asserting that peace and stability in Afghanistan is the key goal and Pakistan is committed to build a long term partnership with its neighbours. Ghani in a positive note said that Afghanistan also wants to develop peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations with Pakistan as both the leaders agreed to increase economic and trade cooperation, between the countries.(ANI)

Madhesi alliance meets NC Prez Koirala Speculations cloud Modi-Sharif meeting

Islamabad, Dec. 1 : The meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the Paris Climate Summit has drawn both attention and speculation. Some are viewing it as a 'chance meeting' while others expect the conversation to ease existing tense bilateral atmospherics. According to the media, a Pakistan delegation official clarified that the Modi-Sharif meeting was more of an ice-breaker than anything else. According to him, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his concerns about terrorist activities in Pakistan to the Indian Prime Minister and said that 'we need to talk about it'. The meeting took place when Prime Minister Modi went to the lounge for visiting leaders and found Sharif sitting there. Noticing Sharif,

DB: Foreign intelligence agency pulling JMB strings Dhaka, Dec 1: In what sounds like a scene from a James Bond film, investigators say a foreign intelligence agency provided a local Islamist extremist outfit with a spy telephone to evade increased surveillance operations by local law enforcement agencies.A high official of the Detective Branch (DB) of police, asking not to be named, yesterday confirmed the development to the media. He added that the recent bombing of the Hussaini Dalan, an important Shia shrine, was carried out by banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) according to the instructions of the unnamed foreign intelligence agency. The DB source said a foreign agency was definitely involved in the attack and added that investigators were searching for the involvement of other groups. The link between a foreign intelli-

gence outfit and the JMB was discovered after the arrest of four JMB men last night and the analysis of their spy cell phone records.The arrestees have been identified as Md Idrish Shaikh, Md Makbul Sharif, Md Salam and Md Mostofa Zaman."After conducting a drive in the Khilgaon and airport areas, DB arrested the four men last night and recovered a huge stash of jihadi literature, Indian, Pakistani and Bahraini currency, a spy mobile phone, two Pakistani and one Bangladeshi passport," Monirul Islam, joint commissioner of DB police, said. Addressing a briefing at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's media and community centre, Monirul said whenever the JMB operatives communicated with each other using the spy phone, a copy of their voice and image was automatically sent to foreign intelligence officials."Idrish Shaikh

Detectives escort four members of banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) to the Detective Branch office

used the spy mobile and we have found evidence of a relationship between him and a female official of a foreign embassy in Bangladesh," Monirul said.

Monirul declined to disclose the name of either the foreign intelligence agency or the foreign embassy implicated in the investigation .Asked about the recent attacks on the Shia community, Monirul said the attacks were designed

to create uncertainty in the country. He said a foreign power was behind the attack.Police have filed two cases with Airport police and another with Khilgaon police station against the four arrestees.

The four were later placed in court where police sought a 10-day police remand. The court granted three days' remand for each of the arrestees. (Agencies)

Kathmandu,Dec 1: Leaders of Federal Inclusive Madhesi Alliance held discussions with Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala at latter's residence in Maharajgunj in the Capital today. The alliance leaders drew the attention of NC President Koirala towards their nine-point demands for the amendment of the constitution aimed at resolving the ongoing agitations in Tarai. Tarai Madhes National Campaign coordinator Jay Prakash Prasad Gupta informed that they held discussions with NC President Koirala in this regard. The alliance leaders have said that the ongoing TaraiMadhes agitations could not be resolved unless major parties Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) and UCPN (Maoist) prepared single stance in

the issues. On the occasion, alliance leaders have urged President Koirala to resolve the problems in a package as the constitution amendment proposal registered in the parliament by previous government was insufficient. Similarly, the alliance leader Gupta further informed that NC President Koirala assured them of holding discussions in their issues in his party. The alliance has urged NC to take serious initiations to resolve the ongoing agitations expecting that the main opposition party's initiations might be fruitful.

Tarai Madhes National Campaign, Rastriya Madhes Sadbhawana Party led by Sharat Singh Bhandari, Nepal Sadbhawana Party led

by Anil Jha and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Republican) are in the alliance. (Agencies)

Rights group say blockade puts Nepalese children at risk Kathmandu, Dec 1: Child rights groups warned today that shortages of fuel, medicine and other supplies in Nepal due to a border blockade with India are putting millions of children at the risk of disease and even death.

Sumnima Tuladhar of the Kathmandu-based CWIN Nepal said that supplies of medical were running low and that some parents were not able to take their children to hospital for treatment because of the fuel shortages."The risk to children with chronic diseases is really high and shortages has compounded the problems for children in Nepal who were already suffering

from the earthquake earlier this year," said Tuladhar, adding it was becoming difficult to get even basic medicines for children in rural areas.The blockade has been in place for weeks as members of the Madhesi ethnic community protesting Nepal's new constitution block the main southern border point with India, preventing fuel and other essential items from entering the country.India, which has close cultural ties with the Madhesi, has restricted fuel and other exports to Nepal. Nepal gets most of its fuel from India. Nepalese doctors say trucks carrying medicine have also been stuck at the border. (Agencies)

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Does India Have Lessons for China and the South China Sea? Beijing can learn a thing or two from how New Delhi has managed maritime disputes with its neighbours.

HIV and AIDS in India Education and awareness is needed India has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world. In 2013, HIV prevalence in India was an estimated 0.3%. This figure is small compared to most other middle-income countries but because of India's huge population (1.2 billion) this equates to 2.1 million people living with HIV. In the same year, an estimated 130,000 people died from AIDSrelated illnesses. Overall, India's HIV epidemic is slowing down, with a 19% decline in new HIV infections (130,000 in 2013), and a 38% decline in AIDS-related deaths between 2005 and 2013.

Despite this, 51% of deaths in Asia are in India.

HIV prevalence in India varies geographically. The five states with the highest HIV prevalence (Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka) are in the south or east of the country.

Some states in the north and northeast of the country, report rising HIV prevalence.

There are 868,000 female sex workers in India, and 2.8% are living with HIV, although this figure varies between states. For example, one study found HIV prevalence among sex workers ranged between 2% and 38% (averaging at 14.5%) among districts in the south Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs (PWID) in India has remained largely unchanged since 2007, at around 7% of the 177,000 people in this population. Whereas 30% of PWID reside in North-eastern states where injecting drug use is the major route of HIV transmission. However, HIV prevention efforts in this region have been effective in reducing the number of new infections.

By contrast, HIV prevalence among PWID in north-western states is increasing. This is despite national HIV prevention activities coverage of 80.7% and 150,000 needles and syringes distributed per PWID per year.

Research has emphasised the need for early interventions for PWID in India. Indeed, many embark on a 'drug career' in their early teens using widely available substances such as tobacco and alcohol before progressing on to illegal drugs through a non-injecting route (e.g. orally or smoking) and eventually using shared needles and syringes putting them at risk of HIV transmission. It is only at this point that PWID are typically reached by harm reduction services. In 1997, there were just 67 HIV testing and counselling (HTC) sites in India. By 2014, there were nearly 15,000 healthcare facilities offering HTC. In the same year, 13 million general users and 9.7 million pregnant women accessed HTC respectively against a target of 10.2 million for each group. Despite this progress, only 13% of people living with HIV in India are thought to be aware of their status. More people would know their status and therefore actively seek treatment before developing AIDS-related illnesses, encouraging behaviour change and decreasing viral load. This would be more cost-effective than the current situation in India.

Man-Elephant Conflict Elephants and their habitat also pay the price of conflict According to the Forest Survey of India, Assam lost 65 per cent of its lowland semi-evergreen forests since 1972. In the adjacent state of Meghalaya, forest cover declined from 33.1 per cent in 19801982 to 18 per cent in 1995. All included, the northeastern states lost 1,802 sq. km. of elephant range habitat between 1991 and 1999. Other parts of the elephant's range are no exception. In northern Karnataka, Orissa and Jharkhand, elephants have lost large chunks of habitat to mining and encroachments. Just as in Assam, pachyderms in these states have dramatically expanded their range into neighbouring areas which had no history of elephant presence for several decades or even, centuries.

According to latest official figures, 50 wild tuskers and 78 humans were killed due to man-animal conflict in Udalgiri district between 2005 and June 2015. In Sonitpur district, 146 wild elephants died and 245 humans were killed by elephants, mainly in tea estate areas. From 2001 to 2014, 225 wild elephants were killed by poaching, poisoning, electrocution and speeding trains, according to official figures, adding, around 733 humans were killed by wild jumbos in the state in between 2003 to 2014. Wildlife and forest officials said the current situation is so grave that even domesticated elephants are straying into human settlements in search of food. India is home to nearly half the estimated number of wild Asian elephants across the world. Out of 10,000 Asian elephants found in the country, the northeastern region boasts half this number, with 50 per cent found in Assam. Disturbingly, the pachyderm population is dwindling in the region. According to the elephant census in 2012, there were a total of 5,620 elephants in the State. The major factor for tuskers losing their natural habitat is the expansion of human settlement, which resulted in largescale destruction of forest cover in the state.

The 'India State of Forest Report 2013' revealed that 627 sq km of forest cover has decreased in the northeastern states from 2011 to 2013 and Assam has lost 2 sq km of forest cover from 2011 to 2013. However, the country has witnessed an increase of 5,871 sq km of forest cover from 2011 to 2013.

But Elephants and their habitat also pay the price of conflict; while forty to fifty are killed a year while crop-raiding, forests are destroyed in the belief that it will prevent them from using the area. Discontented local farmers will frequently aid poachers in killing problem wildlife.

Many elephants are caught in the pincer grip of habitat loss/fragmentation and retaliation caused by increasing conflict.

Mercedes Page It's been a big few weeks in the South China Sea. After months of internal debate, the US finally conducted a Freedom of Navigation Operation on 27 October, sailing within 12 nautical miles of the disputed Subi and Mischief Reefs. A couple of days after the patrols the Hague's Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) delivered its long awaited first verdict in The Republic of Philippines v. The People's Republic of China, which found that the court has jurisdiction to hear the case; proceedings can now move forward to assessing the claims put forward by The Philippines. As we wait to see how things play out in the South China Sea, it's worth taking a moment to look westward to see how India (another great and rising power in the region) has approached its maritime disputes with its smaller neighbours-and the lessons China can draw from India's resolution tactics.

In July 2014, The Hague's Arbitration Tribunal on the IndiaBangladesh Maritime Delimitation delivered its final verdict on a 40year-old maritime dispute between India and

Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal. The delimitation dispute began in the early 1970s when an island, named New Moore in India and South Talpatti in Bangladesh, first emerged in the mouth of the Hariabhanga River separating India and Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal. Both India and Bangladesh laid claim to the island, leading to ongoing tensions over the maritime boundary between the two countries and the rights to the island's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. After eight rounds of failed bilateral negotiations between 1974 and 2009, on 8 October 2009 Bangladesh started arbitration proceedings against India under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two countries' claims were based on different interpretations of international maritime law. India's claim to the island, which disappeared in 2011 due to rising sea levels, was based on the UNCLOS principle of equidistance, which is generally obligatorily applied in the absence of an agreement, historical titles or special circumstances. For example, Article 15 UNCLOS 1982 declares the principle valid; Where the coasts of two

States are opposite or adjacent to each other, neither of the two States is entitled, failing agreement between them to the contrary, to extend its territorial sea beyond the median line every point of which is equidistant from the nearest points on the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial seas of each of the two States is measured.

Bangladesh's counter claim was based on the principle of equity; that if the court sided with India, Bangladesh would be left with a disproportionately small EEZ locked in by the intersecting maritime zones of India and Myanmar.

The tribunal noted in its judgement that India was potentially entitled to both zones but ultimately sided with Bangladesh, breaking precedent to rule that equidistance wouldn't lead to an equitable solution given the geographical circumstances, and awarded 19,467km of the 25,602km EEZ to Bangladesh.

That interpretation of the equity principle in Bangladesh's favour could have led to a rapid deterioration in relations between the two countries, particularly given their long history of border tensions. But despite over 40 years of bickering, the binding verdict was embraced by India

A warship sailing through the South China Sea as benefiting both states by ushering in a new period of cooperation and mutual understanding.

Bangladesh commended India's willingness to resolve the conflict through peaceful means and international law, and its respect for arbitration by upholding the tribunal's verdict. As a result of the ruling, India and Bangladesh have been able to resolve other long-standing land and border disputes.

When it comes to the South China Sea, China repeatedly stresses it wants to resolve the current disputes peacefully.

New Delhi's positive response to the 2014 Bay of Bengal ruling offers Beijing some valuable lessons they would do well to apply in the South China Sea. First, like China vis-Ă -vis the Philippines, India is a much larger country than Bangladesh. At the time

of the ruling, India was widely praised for not bullying its much smaller neighbour Bangladesh into a decision, declaring that even though India might have been the stronger country, they're still subject to international law and need to abide by internationally agreed principles. As China seeks to win friends and influence states in the region, Beijing could take a leaf out of India's book by responding to the tribunal proceedings. But by refusing to acknowledge the ongoing tribunal proceedings, China undermines the credibility of UNCLOS and the entire international legal system, something naturally alarming to its neighbours.

Second, China should take India's lead in abiding by whatever ruling (binding under UNCLOS Article 288) the PCA hands down. Despite

China's economic and military might, if China loses the arbitration and ignores the ruling, the damage to China's reputation and standing as a regional and global power would be irreversible. In this scenario, it isn't difficult to imagine the US significantly ramping up its presence in the South China Sea and a dramatic increase in regional pressure on China to uphold the ruling.

If China's long term strategic goal is for closer relations with its neighbours and ongoing peace in the region, China will need to follow India's lead in the Bay of Bengal by engaging with the Philippines tribunal proceedings and abiding by the tribunal's decision. While that won't be easy for Beijing, China will need to evaluate whether the short-term gains in the South China Sea really serve its longterm strategic goals.

Japan-India Maritime Surveillance Aircraft Deal May Come Before the New Year Tokyo and New Delhi may complete four-year-long negotiations on the sale of Japan's US-2 surveillance aircraft to India.

Ankit Panda I've been writing on Japan-India relations for years and it seems like a highly anticipated deal for the sale of Japanesemade Shinmaywa US-2 amphibious aircraft has been just around the corner since at least 2011.

Now, the Japan Times reports that the two countries are likely to at long last reach "a broad defense accord" when Shinzo Abe visits New Delhi from December 11 to 13. New Delhi and Tokyo, under their strategic global partnership, hold annual prime ministerial summits (each affords this privilege to no other country). The deal, once completed, would

signal a major step forward in India-Japan security ties, building on parallel developments including Japan's bid to join the U.S.-India Malabar naval exercises as a permanent member.

Negotiations for a US-2 sale to India began in Japan under the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) governments of Naoto Kan and Yoshihiko Noda. The amphibious aircraft sale issue was swiftly picked up by Abe's government, which has sought to expand Japan's role as a defense exporter in Asia.

In April 2014, the Abe administration formally altered Japan's decadesold self-imposed ban on selling arms, which ef-

fectively blocked Japanese firms from participating in global defense commerce. (For more background on Japan's export policies. Meanwhile, Japan and India, though close strategic partners whose ties have only grown since Shinzo Abe and Narendra Modi rose to the helm of the bilateral, have no formal gov-

ernment-to-government channels to negotiate arms sales.

The Shinmaywa US-2, the kit at the center of this now four-year-long negotiation process, is a relatively unexciting piece of kit. It's a reliable and capable surveillance aircraft. For India, the primary attractive feature of the US-2 is its versatility and its useful-

ness in maritime search and rescue operations due to its short take-off ability. The Indian Navy will likely deploy the aircraft to support military and civilian ships in the Indian Ocean and even deep in Southeast Asian waters, according to one Indian military source.

With a range of 4,500 kilometers, the US-2 should

reinforce India's sea patrol and maritime domain awareness capabilities considerably in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.

Progress on this deal will be a deliverable to watch for when Modi and Abe meet in a couple weeks.

Though the US-2 sale has long been politically uncontroversial in both Tokyo and New Delhi, the devil with this deal is in the details. Tokyo is concerned about the possible leak of Japanese technological secrets. The Indian Navy is looking to license US-2s for assembly in India. Finally, depending on the outcome of negotiations on cost, India could expand its order from 12 units to as many as 18.

Bangladeshi-free Assam indigenous people of Assam and a show of solidarity for the people who suffer from a phobia of being overtaken by incessant influx from across the border of Bangladesh. Luminaries present at the rally expressed their concerns that as many as fifty assembly constituencies are in the grip of the dubious citizens and in as many as eleven districts of Assam the majority indigenous people are reduced to minority by the illegal migrants, noted octogenarian journalist Sri Dhiren Chakrabortty vented his ire saying the infiltrators had been pampered by ULFA and that by letting loose a reign of terror ULFA made the Bihari labourers flee Assam paving the way for the Bangladeshi infiltrators. The infiltrators with the blessings of some in the ruling dispensation are instrumental in establishing their Indian citizenship. A very strong racket is working hard from within the government machinery covertly to give these illegal migrants refuge not only in some parts of the Kaziranga National Park but also in other forest reserves who are further supported by Akhil Gogoi, KMSS Chief. The Sir, The unprecedented gathering at a rally of Lok mission of freeing Assam from the Bangladeshi naJagaran Manch at Khanapara seeking a tionals will remain a Chimera if some black sheep Bangladeshi-free Assam gives a ray of hope for the covertly or overtly keeps helping these people, un-

dermining the fact that Assam is fast moving to a Tripura like situation. Given the impediments en route, the idea of a Bangladeshi-free Assam appears like a distant dream.

Yours etc.

Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

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

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

Op

Page 9

d e We Must Compensate Acid Attack Survivors, But What Else Should We Do?

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Salina Wilson On 15th November 2015, we woke up to the news of Darya Yurieva, a 23-yearold Russian woman who was attacked with acid by her jilted lover in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Despite stringent laws on the regulation of the sale of acid in the market and punishments for perpetrating the crime, attacks using the corrosive substance are on the rise with 25 cases in Delhi in 2015 alone. Interestingly, the Sushma Swaraj led External Affairs ministry made a statement that all the expenses towards the medical treatment of the survivor who has been flown to Russia, shall be borne by the Indian state. The Uttar Pradesh government also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh, whereas its

state Victim Compensation Scheme sets aside merely Rs 1.5 lakh as minimum compensation for acid attacks. The main provision, under which compensation could be sought for acid attack survivors prior to 2008, was Section 357 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Since this provision was dependent on the discretion of judges, what has been witnessed historically was that only token fines have been imposed on perpetrators due to constitutional limitations where any fines imposed under Section 357 for providing restitution to the survivor was to be balanced against the imprisonment of the perpetrator. The judge has to choose between ordering a larger fine or a longer imprisonment as they usually cannot order both. Secondly the restitution under CrPC Section 357 must be

rationally related to the perpetrator's ability to pay.

Thus, if the perpetrator is destitute one cannot impose a huge sum as fine, hence making the compensation due to the survivor, grossly inadequate. This was taken into cognisance in the Criminal law amendments in 2008 which introduced Section 357A in Code of Criminal Procedure, which required state and UTs to develop comprehensive compensation schemes for survivors of crimes, including acid attacks. Section 357C introduced in the Criminal law amendments of 2013, required all hospitals, public or private, to provide immediate first aid to survivors of sexual violence including acid violence.

After being propelled by the Supreme Court to issue schemes under CrPC Section 357A, states and UTs

came out with Victim Compensation Schemes with amounts varying from 50000 in some states to 3 lakhs in another. In Laxmi vs. Union of India, the Court, in its order dated 18th July 2013, declared virtually all the states' 357A compensation schemes which provide compensation between Rs 50,000- Rs 2 lakhs to be "inadequate" and directed

India Says Yes To Coal Mines, No Holds Barred.

Let The Environment Be Damned!

Anjali Nambissan In a fight between BJP-led policy and UPA-led policy, the environment is the loser.

What does that mean for us?

Citing delays in setting up coal mining projects, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC)recently declared that mine operators can start to build and mine on nonforest part of their project, as soon as they are given Stage1 environmental clearance.

Basically, the coal mine operator need not wait for the processing of Stage-2 clearance (for diverting forest land) and can start mining the non-forest land as soon as the project proposal is accepted (Stage-1).

The UPA government had introduced the Stage-2 clearance rule for mining companies in April 2014. The objective there was to safeguard forest land by making the forest ministry in-charge of ensuring the protection of forest land and its inhabitants.

Seeing Red On Green Clearance All this came out of the BJP government sympathizing with the coal ministry which sought the speeding up of clearances to mining projects involving both nonforest and forest land. For bringing these guidelines into effect, the BJP government issued a notification under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 on November 10, 2015.

Stage-2 clearance is the clincher. Previously, a mining project was awarded Stage-1 clearance after the MoEFCC reviewed the

project proposal and set out conditions for the project to acquire Stage-2 clearance.

These conditions, such as compensatory afforestation payments and mitigation damages, are to ensure that the project does not encroach upon the forest land and cause ecological damage. To get Stage-2 clearance, the project proponent has to pay the state government money for diverting the forest land and secure no objections from forest communities, if any. And it was only after getting both Stage-1 and Stage-2 clearance that a project could begin work on the ground.

Now that the project doesn't need Stage-2 clearance, how does the MoEFCC (or the central government) plan on ensuring that the mining operations won't 'accidentally spill over' on to the forest land?

And who will compensate the mine operator for the investment made in the nonforest land part of the mine, in case the forest land clearance is eventually declined?

These are legal battles just waiting to happen.

Dirty Filthy Coal It doesn't need much imagination to know that mining areas around forest land will have a profound impact on the plants and animals in the forested areas. Not to mention, there are communities of people living in this forest land who may object to a mine being set up in their backyard.

Coal mining is highly polluting and coal mining companies in India are not

known for sticking to environmental norms. State and central pollution control boards found that one-third of all coal mines in operation in 2011 were in violation of environmental laws.

MoEFCC in 2009 declared majority of the coal mining districts in the country as 'critically polluted areas'.

Remember the public agitation against the setting up of a massive coal mine in the Mahan forests of Madya Pradesh? According to this new coal mining clearance rule, Essar Ltd could have started mining operations in the area around the Mahan forests. Where would the human and animal inhabitants dependent on the 967 hectares of forest land, set to be destroyed, go? Those that remain would be forced to live in the polluted, toxic shadow of a coal mine. Like the longsuffering people of Singrauli.

The coal reserve and thermal power plant hotbed, also in MP, has a decades-long history of toxic levels of mercury in the air, water, food and land.

So what if the project, which has already started mining the non-forest land, is not given Stage-2 clearance by the forest ministry because of these rea-

sons? No one knows the answer.

The central government's guidelines are silent on what happens in case the operator isn't given the go-ahead to operate in the forested area.

80% of India's proven reserves of coal lie in forested areas, chiefly inhabited by tribals. So while the new guideline speeds up the process of extracting minerals from this land, it also puts the human and animal inhabitants of the forest land at serious risk. And with no protection.

Alternatives That Work With India set to power through to 175GW of installed capacity of renewable energy by 2022, one has to wonder why the BJP government is so big on coal. It is reported that the government wants public coal mining company Coal India Limited to double production by 2020. Why? Yes, there are 280 million people without access to energy in India today. But wouldn't they be better served by decentralised solar power plants (like the mini-grid in Deba, Chhattisgarh), than a pollutant-smoking, planetheating coal power plant in their forests and backyards?

"I wish I had not survived the earthquake," said a middle-aged woman with whom I struck up conversation at a local tea stall this week. She looked upset, and didn't speak for several minutes. I didn't push her to explain her statement.

Then she spoke up again. "I have run out of cooking gas, the dealer is asking Rs. 10,000 for a new cylinder.

That is half of my husband's salary. How can we continue to live this way?"

In his first address to the nation last week Prime Minister KP Oli tried to sell Nepalis a utopian dream of an end to load-shedding within a year, introduce electric public transport in Kathmandu immediately and attain self-sufficiency in agriculture by 2017.

Oli's words sounded hollow, unrealistic and even nonsensical - proven by none other than his own finance minister Bishnu Poudel when he released a White Paper this week. Poudel's figures about the combined impact of the

earthquake, Madhes movement and India's blockade on Nepal's economy were beyond dismal.

Since Madhesi protesters began blocking the Birganj border days after Nepal's new constitution was promulgated on 20 September, revenue collection from the country's biggest customs point in terms of trade volume has been nearly nil. The Department of Customs had set a target of Rs 7 billion from Birganj during October.

It didn't even manage 1 per cent of that.

India's not-so-tacit support for the cause espoused by Madhesi leaders in enforcing a blockade has certainly complicated transit problems, but customs revenue collection was badly hit even before the Indian blockade.

Already reeling under damage caused by the April-May earthquakes, Nepal's economy began to dip when the Madhesi parties launched their anti-constitution movement in the Tarai 100 days ago.

Nearly 2,200 factories have been shut along the Tarai's industrial corridors, more

than 200,000 people have lost their jobs and inflow of tourists has gone down by half. The country's economic growth rate is expected to be restricted to two per cent - or even less if the crisis continues for a few more months.

In the past four months the government has lost Rs. 38 billion in tax revenue. The accumulative loss incurred by the private sector in the corresponding period exceeds Rs 200 billion. And soon inflation rate is likely to hit double digits. This is the worst economic crisis Nepal has ever suffered. With remittance still flowing in, the banking sector is relatively less affected but there will be an epidemic of defaults.

Ironically, it is the central Tarai districts that have been most impacted by the Madhes protests. The eight districts of this region were already ones with some of the lowest Human Development Index (HDI) scores in Nepal.

Schools have been forcibly shut for over three months.

Local farmers are busy blocking the border at a time when they should be harvesting paddy and preparing to plant

wheat. At a program in Kathmandu this week, Janakpur-based economics professor Surendra Labh said: "If it were not for remittances, the people would have already started eating each other's flesh in the Tarai."

It seems that Nepal's economic crisis is now fullblown, and Nepalis cannot endure it any more. But the economic crisis we have dealt with so far may not be the main shock. If the Kathmandu-Madhes faceoff continues, it could turn out to be just a teaser of a more devastating economic meltdown.

For now, we are just worried about immediate petrol and cooking gas needs, that we have not even begun to fathom the long term impact of this crisis. The sooner we begin to think about food and energy security and trade diversification the better will the country's state be in the long run. But for the time being, we urgently need a political solution so we can work to mitigate the devastating impact of the economic crisis.

wing of the same government announces "all medical costs" to be covered by the Indian state whereas a number of survivors in India are paying for their reconstructive surgeries out of their own pockets. In this case, presumably because the survivor being an expatriate, this form of gruesome crime also throws open to the outside world the not-so-well-kept secret that India is yet to acknowledge the sexual autonomy of women and it is this failure that is brazenly displayed during such attacks. It then becomes not just a matter of justice or restitution, but that of diplomacy.

There should be justice for Darya, but there should also be justice for many others who await a similar if not the same promise by the Indian government - that they too shall be taken care of by the

state, that justice is not merely handing the perpetrator a sentence, that their restitution is also on the government's priority list. Most survivors lost vital organs after the attacks and thus are unable to return to their previous workplaces or move on with academics among other pursuits. The current understanding of compensation has failed to address a crucial factor that survivors need the state's active support in assimilating back into society and basically, moving on. The Delhi Government announcing jobs for acid attack survivors may be viewed as an instrumental step in this direction. What needs emphasis in courtrooms and the government is to broaden the definition of compensation to include not just a fixed amount, but also support for long-term reconstructive surgeries, psychological care and rehabilitation.

Aurangzeb To APJ Abdul Kalam: What Does The Renaming Of A City Or Road Truly Represent?

Kshitij Dhyani

India's Blockade Is Leading To Nepal's Worst Economic Crisis Till Date Om Astha Rai

that 357A schemes "must be enhanced to at least Rs 3 lakhs". The Laxmi Court clarified on 3rd December 2013 that the Rs 3 lakh as the minimum established in its July order was an "interim arrangement" pending the submission of the 357A schemes by all states and UTs. The Court also discussed an affidavit by Haryana which said that besides 3 lakh as compen-

sation, the scheme proposed by Haryana shall cover all the long-term medical costs of the survivors- plastic surgery and psychological care.

Almost a month prior to the attack on Darya Yurieva, on October 14, 2015, the Ministry of Home Affairs of the same government announced the 'Central Victim Compensation Fund' (CVCF) whose corpus- a sum of 200 crores was taken from the Nirbhaya fund. The minimum amount delineated for a survivor of acid attack in the CVCF is Rs 3 lakh. Ironically, one of the objectives of the scheme is to reduce the disparity of the quantum of compensation under state Victim Compensation Schemes (VCS) across states for proposing different compensation amounts. It is thus curious that another

If 2014 Lok Sabha elections were a watershed moment in the history of the nation, 2015 Bihar elections at least for now are being discussed by political pundits as the beginning of the end of an era, that started taking roots in 1990's with the Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra (led by L.K. Advani).

Even if for right now this claim may seem to be a farfetched idea, we can still see it as primarily a politics of identity, in which Nitish Kumar outdid Modi.The politics of identity is not new to India, and almost starts with the cult of great pre-independence leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Jinnah etc. who enjoyed the status of a demigod for the average populace. These demigods propagated their versions of national identities, which were used to move masses to fight against the supremacist-imperialist identity of the Colonial British. Post independence, Nehru-Patel-Maulana tried to float a new national identity for Indians, based on national integration. This identity is now under threat due to the Hindutva Nationalism based identity of Sangh Parivar.

Coming back to Bihar election of 2015, firstly it was a battle of the cults of personalities, on one hand, led by Modi (pro-Hindutva brigade), and Nitish-Lalu (pro-secularism, pro-Dalit, pro-minorities, and leftists) Mahagathabandhan on the other. But this politics is closely tied with the politics of place or location (context), and that is why the Bihari against Bahari debate, as strategized and perpetuated by Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar, became the focal point and a master-stroke to victory.

So let us look at this close relationship of personalitypolitics-place more closely, with a different example, in our capital city.

Politics Of Place Towards the end of August of 2015, amidst much controversy, on the suggestion on Mahesh Girri (BJP's MP), and approval of Delhi's CM Arvind Kejriwal; NDMC changed the name of Aurangzeb Road to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road to honour him and his contribution towards the nation, posthumously. The two major opposing ideas in the general discourse around the event quite echoed the current post-2014, polarized sentiment of the nation, which hasn't since shown signs to subside at any point in near future. According to Harrison, S. and Dourish, a place is a socially constructed space. Hence the

road is merely a space, and with this exercise of allegedly politically motivated naming and renaming, it has developed a sense of place in our public discourse. As an architect, I believe that we only deal in the politics of spaces to create places, and would hence like to indulge in this discourse.

On one hand in this debate are the people who welcomed the name change, due to various reasons.

Firstly, of course, the personality of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and his popular public image gives him an identity as one of the most cherished, respected, and talked about people in India. His rise to fame during the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 was only followed by his reign as the 11th President of India (2002-2007).

Dr. Kalam's public image was of a pantheist, Muslim born Brahmachari, technological genius, ambitious underdog from an underprivileged family, overachiever, and people's president; to the point that he was supported even by the party in opposition. In short, he was everything a common Indian person could relate with, and aspire to be. That coupled with his scholarship as a scientist and an author of multiple best-selling books; only to be topped with multiple awards embellishing his career, from Von Barun Award to Padma Vibhushan to end with Bharat Ratna. Dr. Kalam was undoubtedly a person who deserved a road to be named after himself in India, for he was our public hero who fulfilled all of the duties expected from ideal citizen, and beyond, while presenting himself as an example of national integration at its best through his cultural syncretism.

Aurangzeb Alamgir, sixth Mughal Emperor to rule over most of Indian subcontinent in 16th century (for almost half of it), despite his major role in the shaping of contemporary Indian subcontinent; in comparison carries a popular image marred by his authoritarian rule based on brute state force, expansions through attack and conquest (which later emptied Mughal reserves), and his abandonment of pluralistic attitude that Mughal emperors before him are known for.

Hence, despite the efforts of multiple historians to request Indian populace to take into account the nuances in the personality and rule of Aurangzeb by debunking multiple hoaxes and misinformation spread in his name through folklore and contemporary political propaganda, he still holds an identity of a merciless and bigoted tyrant. Hence, the general public of the nation only welcomed the idea of

removing his name from a road in the capital city, to be replaced with a persona they want to honour, idealize, and immortalize through this gesture.

Politics Of Personalities Objectively speaking, on the surface there seems nothing wrong with this argument. To begin with, Aurangzeb Road was located in the part of Delhi known as Lutyen's Delhi, after the British Architect who designed it, which is a complex built in British Raj less than a century ago.

Despite its historical value, the road doesn't bear any direct connection with Aurangzeb's rule, empire, ideas, or his endeavors; either historically or stylistically, for this part of Delhi was built to represent the identity of British Raj's supremacy. As a matter of fact, quite contrary to the austere lifestyle that Aurangzeb led, this particular road passes through the most expensive area in India, with some of the richest of the nation living in the bungalows on this road. According to an editorial published in EPW (Vol L No. 36), the said road was named by British, like few other roads in the complex, after a Mughal emperor since they sought to derive the legitimacy for their colonial rule from the preceding empire. Previous governments of India took a rather generous attitude to such naming, accepting them as a legitimate part of our history, and continuing with the usage. Today a big chunk of Lutyen's Delhi is under 2002 World's Monument Watch and considered a part of our heritage.

Hence, at least till here, there is no reason we should not be able to rename these roads to honour the heroes and ideas popular in the current general consciousness of our populace that better represent the identities we idealize in our times. The legal and official inconvenience it may cause thus can be a rather petty issue for the greater good of recognizing, valuing, and legitimizing new ideals for the people, giving them something they can better relate to.

However it must be done in the spirit of public participation, and not an exercise in mischief with historically established identities, like in the case of renaming certain other Indian cities and major monuments (e.g.- Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai etc.). Here,

at least superficially the change doesn't seem to be germinating from a similar jingoistic, communal, majoritarian, and sectarian rhetoric; especially since the official announcement of the change was first made quite cheerfully by the CM of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal, who has shown an ideological shift from staunch atheism to secular Hinduism (a legacy of GandhiNehruvian thought, followed knowingly and unknowingly by most Indians) during his election campaign. Dr. Kalam himself leading a pluralistic lifestyle was revered by both Hindus and Muslims of the nation equally, and hence his name doesn't invoke the kind of polarization and violence that can be raised with the use of other prominent historical figures, e.g.Chhatrapati Shivaji in Maharashtra. In the defense of BJP, the exercise involved replacing the name of one influential Muslim from the map, only with one who seemed more suited (according to Sangh) to be presented as a role model for the nation.

Identity And Ideology With Sangh ideology in the background, Modi has aspirations of a Hindutvawadi Aurangzeb of today, and two of a trade seldom agrees. It hence comes as no surprise that the latter had to leave Delhi, and make way for the former. Modi may come nowhere close to the authoritative strength of Aurangzeb, but represents a cult whose extremist ideologies and blatant bigotry would put even him to shame. With renaming of roads and cities, we have witnessed the effect of politics on places, and with Bihar elections we have even witnessed vice-versa.

Now it is for us, both academic and professional experts on the matter of place or politics, as well as all other Indians enjoying the right to bring political shift in the centre (and thus national discourse) through their vote, to recognize this issue, and make sure it is not used against them. Especially as an architect myself, I call for ways of using the complex dynamic of personality, politics, and place in a constructive fashion, for the betterment of the society

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

BUSINESS

Import tariff on gold, silver slashed Chennai, Dec 1: The government recently slashed import tariff value on gold and silver to USD 344 per 10 grams and USD 461 per kg respectively. For the last fortnight, the tariff value on imported gold was fixed at USD 354 per 10 grams and on silver it was USD 470 per kg. The import tariff value is the base price at which the customs duty is determined to prevent under-invoicing. It is normally revised on a fortnightly basis. The change in tariff value of these precious metals have been notified by the Central Board of Excise and Customs, said an official

statement issued by the Finance Ministry. Globally, gold fell 0.1 per cent to USD 1,056 an ounce, after dropping on Friday to USD 1,052.83, the lowest level since February 2010 in Singapore. At London, it traded a shade lower at USD 1,056.40 an ounce in early trade today. In the domestic market also, gold prices dipped by Rs 90 to trade at over fourmonth low of Rs 25,525 per 10 grams, extending its slide for the third straight day at the bullion market today, tracking a weakening global trend and muted demand from jewellers. Silver too remained under selling

pressure and shed another Rs 100 at Rs 34,000 per kg. The country's gold imports reduced to almost half in September this year to USD 2 billion, as against USD 3.783 billion in the yearago period, as per the government data. Export of gems and jewellery from India dipped by about 18.33 per cent to USD 18.09 billion during April-October due to declining prices of gold, weak global demand and a sharp rise in return of consignments. Gold is the second-largest import

item for India after petroleum. Higher gold import bill adversely affects the

A SHOT IN THE ARM The government recently slashed import tariff value on gold and silver to USD 344 per 10 grams and USD 461 per kg respectively.

For the last fortnight, the tariff value on imported gold was fixed at USD 354 per 10 grams and on silver it was USD 470 per kg.

Silver too remained under selling pressure and shed another Rs 100 at Rs 34,000 per kg.

Globally, gold fell 0.1 per cent to USD 1,056 an ounce, after dropping on Friday to USD 1,052.83, the lowest level since February 2010 in Singapore.

The country's gold imports reduced to almost half in September this year to USD 2 billion, as against USD 3.783 billion in the year-ago period, as per the government data.

At London, it traded a shade lower at USD 1,056.40 an ounce in early trade today. In the domestic market also, gold prices dipped by Rs 90 to trade at over fourmonth low of Rs 25,525 per 10 grams

Export of gems and jewellery from India dipped by about 18.33 per cent to USD 18.09 billion during AprilOctober due to declining prices of gold, weak global demand and a sharp rise in return of consignments.

country's current ac- occurs when value of services is more than count deficit, which import of goods and the exports. (Agencies)

Centre, VW India Fee on card payments may be reduced by Govt served notice by NGT Mumbai, Dec 1: Tax this year, the finance minBengaluru, Dec 1: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the central government and Volkswagen on a plea seeking ban on manufacturing and sale of its vehicles in India for allegedly flouting emission norms. Saloni Ailawadi, a school teacher, had recently filed a petition in NGT, accusing Volkswagen group companies of selling vehicles that are flouting the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 by emitting nitrogen oxide (NOx) nine times the

permissible limit. "NGT bench asked us why do we want all passenger vehicles tested? I informed them that automobile companies share a lot of things like spare parts. Even the cheating software was developed by companies that supply devices to various other auto companies.

Volkswagen also has stakes in other auto companies so it is important that all passenger vehicles that have to follow the Bharat Stage norms be tested," said lawyer Sanjeev Ailawadi.

(Agencies)

Hyundai's new cars highly rated by JD Power

breaks, disincentives for cash transactions and removal of surcharge on card payments to government institutions like the railways and oil companies are some of the responses provided by banks to the finance ministry's call for suggestions to reduce cash in the economy. However, bankers are bracing for a cut in interchange fees - the levy of around 2% that card issuers recover from merchants for every transaction. The US has already announced a cap on interchange fees, the European Union's new cap reducing the interchange from 0.5% to 0.3% comes into effect from December and other regulators in coun-

A man swiping his card to make payments tries like Australia are working on reducing this surcharge. According to sources, there is a thinking in the government on capping the interchange fee. Originally, the high surcharges were justified on the grounds that banks provided up to 45 days of credit and took on risk of default. But today defaults have plunged with

the creation of credit information bureau and frauds have dropped due to two-factor authentication. Besides revising the interchange fees, the finance ministry also wants to axe the surcharge that government institutions - Indian Railways and oil marketing companies - are passing on to consumers. In June

istry had put out a draft proposal and had also sought suggestions from banks on what can be done to reduce cash in transactions. Some banks have suggested that just as usage of plastic bags is discouraged by making a charge mandatory, the RBI could discourage businesses from being cash intensive by imposing a charge on bulk deposits. "Petrol pumps and toll collection companies are the biggest depositors of currency notes. But in order to get the business, banks are willing to even deploy personnel to collect the dirty notes. This provides no incentive for them to move toward electronic payments," a banker said. (Agencies)

Zylog to be acquired by Global plastic maker LyondellBasell

Mumbai, Dec 1: Hyundai's new car models have received high rating in quality, according to a study by leading research and consulting firm, JD Power Asia Pacific. The South Korean carmaker's Eon, i10, Grand i10, Elite i20, Xcent and Verna have received either No. 1 or No. 2 rating in their respective categories in the JD Power 2015 India Initial Quality Study, which measured problems experienced by owners with their vehicle during the first two to six months of ownership and examined over 200 problem symptoms. All problems are summarized as the

number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower PP100 score indicating a lower incidence of problems and higher initial quality. The industry averages 96 PP100 in 2015, Eon has been ranked highest in the entry compact segment at 78 PP100 compared with Nano (91), and Alto 800 (126). It's i10 has been ranked highest in the compact segment with 83 PP100 as against Celerio (101) and WagonR (130). Hyundai Elite i20 scored highest in the premium compact segment with 61 PP100 when compared with Volkswagen Polo (68) and Maruti Suzuki Swift (98). (Agencies)

Mumbai, Dec 1: LyondellBasell, a global plastic maker, said it will acquire the polypropylene compounds assets of local company Zylog Plastalloys to increase its access to the Indian market. The acquisition will make the NYSE-listed LyondellBasell the third largest producer of polypropylene compounds in the country with a capacity of 44,000 metric tons. LyondellBasell already is the world's largest producer of polypropylene compounds with a capacity of 1.2 million metric tons. Polypropylene compounds are used

to manufacture automotive parts, home appliances and other products.

The global polypropylene market, valued at $81.6 billion in 2014, is expected to reach $133.3 billion by 2023, boosted by high demand from packaging, automotive, consumer products and electricals and electronics industries, said the latest Transparency Market Research report. LyondellBasell's purchase of Zylog Plastalloys is the second transaction after it snapped up SJS Plastiblends, another polypropylene compounds producer, earlier this

year. Zylog Plastalloys has two manufacturing facilities in India.

LyondellBasell said upon completion of the purchase of Zylog Plastalloys, LyondellBasell will double its automotive customer base in the country. The company, however, didn't disclose the financial details of the Zylog Plastalloys transaction, which is expected to close early next year. "This ac-

Infra growth in October lethargic at 3.2%

Fly from Dubai to city BELOW PAR TREND ¨ The index of eight core industries remained sluggish in October, at Rs 4,400 rising 3.2%, as steel, crude oil, gas and refining output contracted. ¨ The index had grown by 3.2% in September but the pace of expansion in October 2015 was much slower than the 9% recorded a year ago, data released by the commerce and industry ministry showed.

¨ Oil and gas sector has been a major drag on the economy and steel has recently joined the league of laggards due to a global fall in commodity prices, resulting into a decline in production.

¨ Refining was down 4.4% in October, while oil and gas output was Interior of an international flight Dubai, Dec 1: Non-residents Indians can now fly from Dubai to Mumbai, Kochi and Kozhikode at Rs 4,400 or 244 AED, as budget airline SpiceJet launches special fares to celebrate UAE's 44th national day. The fare will be Rs 6,250 or 344 AED for travel from Dubai to Delhi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Madurai and Pune. The

non-refundable one-way airfare will have to be booked between November 29 and December for travel between February 1, 2016 and October 29, 2016.

In addition to the offer, the airline has announced that it will enhance its connectivity to Dubai from Indian cities by increasing frequencies on multiple routes. (Agencies)

quisition is part of our plan to strategically expand our footprint where it makes sense from an economic and strategic perspective," said Bhavesh Patel, CEO & chairman of LyondellBasell. "With investments in Zylog and SJS, LyondellBasell will be a leading producer of polypropylene compounds in all major automotive growth regions of the world." (Agencies)

lower by 2.1% and 1.8%, respectively. Similarly, steel output was 1.2% lower. The good news was a rise in coal and electricity production, with fertiliser and cement output too registering an increase.

¨ While coal production was 6.3% higher, electricity generation went up by 8.8%, providing a boost to the core industries index, which accounts for 38% of the index of industrial production.

New Delhi, Dec 1: The index of eight core industries remained sluggish in October, rising 3.2%, as steel, crude oil, gas and refining output contracted. The index had grown by 3.2% in Sep-

tember but the pace of expansion in October 2015 was much slower than the 9% recorded a year ago, data released by the commerce and industry ministry showed. Oil and gas sector has been

a major drag on the economy and steel has recently joined the league of laggards due to a global fall in commodity prices, resulting into a decline in production. Refining was down 4.4% in

October, while oil and gas output was lower by 2.1% and 1.8%, respectively. Similarly, steel output was 1.2% lower.

The good news was a rise in coal and electricity production, with fertiliser and cement output too registering an increase. Economists and analysts are particularly enthused by the turnaround in the cement sector (11.7% rise), which many believe reflects the pickup in the construction activity.

While coal production was 6.3% higher, electricity generation went up by 8.8%, providing a boost to the core industries index, which accounts for 38% of the index of industrial production. Industrial activity has been slow as companies grapple with surplus capacity and low demand. (Agencies)

PAGE 10

Yuan in currency basket approved by IMF Taiwan, Dec 1: The International Monetary Fund admitted China's yuan into its benchmark currency basket in a victory for Beijing's campaign for recognition as a global economic power. The IMF's executive board agreed to add the yuan, also known as the renminbi, to its Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket alongside the dollar, euro, pound sterling and yen, in a move earlier backed by IMF chief Christine Lagarde and in-house experts. To meet the IMF's criteria, Beijing has undertaken a flurry of reforms in recent months, including better access for foreigners to Chinese currency markets, more frequent debt issuance and expanded yuan trading hours. The currency will have a 10.92% share, in line with expect-

ing formula for the SDR, which determines which currencies countries can receive as part of IMF loans.

The yuan's inclusion is a largely symbolic move, with few immediate implications for financial markets.

But it is the first time an additional currency has been added to the SDR basket and the biggest change in its composition in 35 years. (Agencies)

Parent co of CarDekho invests in education startup Bengaluru, Dec 1: Girnar Soft, the parent company of CarDekho.com, has invested $1 million in education start-up CollegeDekho, which connects students to colleges and help them make career choices.

"Higher education in India

spective colleges. The venture will be using the funds for developing its platform, building its team and marketing. Girnar Soft's investment would serve as the seed funding for the venture, with more funds expected to be raised in due

is a market segment that requires a fresh approach to overcome the incumbent inertia," Amit Jain, CEO and co-founder, Girnar Soft, said in a statement. "We quite liked the idea of a disruptive development that could assist students in making more informed choices. Additionally, the synergy and the strength of the vision driving the team at CollegeDekho also played a vital role in convincing us to invest so deeply into the venture," Jain said.

CollegeDekho said its proprietary and unique technology platform matches student preferences to pro-

course of time. "In India, at any point of time, there are 30 million students enrolled in 36,000 colleges," Ruchir Arora, CEO and founder, CollegeDekho said in a statement. "Despite being the third largest higher education market in the world, it is hugely under-penetrated and offers significant growth potential. CollegeDekho has been established to provide a transparent, open platform that facilitates interaction between students and colleges. Through this venture, we aim to provide students with authentic, comprehensive and unbiased information."(Agencies)

Govt expects economy to grow 7.5% in FY16 Contd. from Page 1

I think that's a very significant figure from our point of view," finance minister Arun Jaitley told reporters. The acceleration in economic growth will come as a boost to the government, which has identified getting the economy back on rails as the top-most priority. But it is nowhere near the over 8% growth that the finance ministry has projected in the Economic Survey, raising expectations that the government may have to revise downwards its forecast for 2015-16. In a statement, the ministry said it expects the economy to grow by around 7.5% this fiscal year. The government estimates for the full year were seen to over-optimistic given that most economists see a 7.5% expansion to be more feasible. After the data was released, SBI lowered the growth forecast for the current year from 7.8% to 7.6%. India is seen as a bright spot given the contraction witnessed in some of the other emerging market economies such as Bra-

zil and Russia, while China has seen a slowdown in recent months.

But domestic demand — especially in rural areas — remained weak, which was reflected in the private consumption growth decelerating to 6.8% in the September quarter, from 7.1% a year ago. While this has prompted companies to go slow on fresh investment, seen to be critical to boost job creation, there seems to have been a pick up. Gross fixed capital formation is estimated to have increased by 6.8% in Q2 as against 3.8% during July-September 2014. The service sectors seemed to be doing well although sectors such as trade, hotel, transport and communication, which grew 10.6% during the second quarter, saw a slight moderation. But financial services, real estate and professional services saw improved performance but narrowly missed the double-digit mark, expanding by 9.7%. The other good news is that agriculture is estimated to have grown by 2.2% despite the weak monsoon rains. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Features

Page 11

HORTICULTURE The benefits of a 'Bari' Jayanta Kumar Sarma The traditional concept of 'bari' or home garden in Assam can be utilised not only to help converge Assam's natural capital through agro-forestry but also can provide largescale employment. A traditional Assamese house is incomplete without the component of a 'bari', or a backyard filled with a variety of useful trees, shrubs and herbs. In modern-day parlance, you can call it a home garden.

Call what you may, but this ubiquity on the landscape of Assam, without many realizing it, has been an important factor in conserving the natural capital of the State. And if the model can be kept going in an organized manner, it can not only prove to be an important means of sustainable development - key words to tame the tide of climate change gripping the country including Assam, but also can provide large-scale employment in the State.

In scientific terms, this mode of land use is called agro-forestry. It basically means a special land use approach where field

cropping, livestock farming and plantation of forest species can be practiced in an integrated manner. It is an age-old method, quite commonly practiced in the homestead areas of tropical and monsoonal climactic regions.

With the global focus shifting to means of sustainable development in the recent decades, there is now a renewed interest in agro-forestry worldwide. Simply because this practice has the potential to provide environmental, economic and social benefit from just a small plot of land.

It is noteworthy that in an agro-forestry system, the combination of trees and field crops create different vertical and horizontal stratifications which are diverse in nature.

These stratifications of diversity depend on the approaches of designing a plot for operation. In general, it is designed with due consideration of spatial arraignments in relations to its characteristics of roots penetration and spreading, requirement of sunlight and sheds, etc.

In Assam, the practice of agro-forestry has been in existence from time immemorial in the form of traditional homestead farming practices. It is common both in the plains and hills of the State, among all the indigenous communities, though they have a different name in different language and dialect. Like, it is called 'bari' in Assamese, 'intathingre' in Singpho, 'gimrouck' in Tangsa, 'nolai-haphai' in Dimasa, 'kilou' in Zeme, 'kho' in Kuki, 'khou' in Hmar, 'shong' in Jayantia, etc. Today, this age-old practice has become a potential natural capital of the State which represents 21.67 per cent of its total geographical area. These homestead areas with trees are a significant presence in all the districts of the state.

However, such areas are yet to be harnessed in a systematic manner to become a means of sustainable development. Conservation of biodiversity, control of land and soil degradation, regeneration of vegetation cover, generation of employment and creation of livelihood security are some of the important challenges of creating a path for sus-

tainable development.

With Assam having a high density of population (397 per sq. km. against the national average of 382 per sq. km) and with more concentration of youth in the population (42.57 per cent against national concentration of 41.05 per cent), the situation regarding natural cover and also employment opportunities are alarming in the State. Introduction of agro-forestry along with improvisation of the existing traditional agroforestry practices may provide some scope of facing the two challenges by appropriately harnessing the natural capital of the region.

To do that, these homestead areas need to be designed systematically for plantation, cropping and animal rearing practices in an integrated manner, keeping the agro-climatic zones of the State in mind. Some of the possible combinations can be -Agri-silviculture: Field crop plus trees Agri-horticulture: Field crop plus horticultural crops Agri-silvo-pasture: Field crop plus trees and grass Agri-horti-silviculture:

Field crop along with horticultural crop and tree Horti-silviculture: Horticultural crop plus tree Horti-aqua- silviculture: Horticultural crop along with tree and fishery Silvo-pastoral: Tree plus grass Silvo-aquaculture: Tree plus fishery Silvo-apiculture: Tree plus bee keeping Agri-silvo-apiculture: Crop with tree and bee keeping Agri-silvo-aquaculture: Field crop with tree and fishery Agri-horti-silvo-aquaculture: Field crop with horticultural crop and tree and fishery Agri-silvo-sericulture: Field crop plus tree and sericulture practices Agri-horti-silvo-sericulture: Field crop with horticultural crop, tree and sericulture practices Such agro-forestry practices can be followed by developing a cluster base approach of value addition to the agro-forestry product through rural a g o - b a s e d industrialisation. It may create opportunity of employment generation in primary (agriculture, plantation, animal rearing, etc), secondary (pro-

cessing and value addition) and tertiary (promotion, marketing and management) sectors.

But it requires a systematic planning and integration among the interrelated sectors. One can imagine a situation like this: a farmer will produce banana in his agroforestry plot. He may sell the fruit and the value addition unit can go for producing fruit juice from the ripen banana or make banana chips from raw bananas.

The remaining raw material waste can be used for face mask production or to make banana powder (a raw material for bakery). Banana leaf can

be used to produce packaging material as an alternative for polyethylene carry bags. A fibre can be extracted from the banana stump and be used for handloom or textile units. Same can be possible from papaya, pumpkin, taro, betel nut, tapioca, etc.

Such an approach is possible when government agencies play a proactive role and focus on integration and coordination among the departments of agriculture, forest, fishery, sericulture and industry and financial institutions along with NGO/CSO/VO and private enterprises. Till date, such initiatives are

not overt to the public. It is high time the Government thinks on such lines because it holds the key to solve some of the teething problems of the State at one go.

(Jayanta Kumar Sarma is a freelance consultant in the area of Environment and Development and he has been working with NGO, Educational Institutions, private entrepreneurial farm and government agencies of North-east region. He did his Post graduation in Geography from Gauhati University and Post Master in Natural Resource Management from IIFM.) Courtesy: Nezine.com

Challenges and opportunities in the tea sector Strawberries Leave Sour

Taste in Meghalaya

Bidyananda Barkakoty The cup that cheers has seldom cheered tea planters, big and small in Assam. In 190 years, the industry has battled many a challenge, but opportunities prevent it from being pessimistic.

Hurdles And Probable Solutions Climate change: From an effective nine-month operation period, the seasonal tea industry in North India now functions for eight months or lower annually.

Reason: a flood-anddrought scenario due to shorter bursts of high-intensity rainfall and longer dry spells, affecting crop and yield. Irrigation and drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, drought and flood-resistant planting materials, avoiding blocking of natural water flow routes, etc., are a few solutions. Plantations in Upper Assam never needed irrigation before, but are critically dependent on it today.

Labour shortage & Absenteeism: Big, medium and small plantations suffer from labour shortage primarily of the MGNREGA-induced absenteeism him. The job guarantee scheme keeps 30% workers away from many plantations every day. Since MGNREGA is meant for the unemployed, permanent workers of tea estates provided with housing, medical and other amenities should be accommodated only during the off-season so that genuine unemployed youth are not robbed of jobs. Counselling, training and automation are some solutions to this problem faced by large, medium and small estates.

Costs: Almost 80% of the total cost of tea production has little scope for reduction, and the wage compo-

nent constitute over 60% of total cost of production. Increase in input costs of electricity, fuel, pesticides and chemicals and irrigation is making Assam teas uncompetitive compared to African teas. Even a kilo of South Indian tea costs Rs 35.92 less to produce.

Fair price realisation: The average auction price of Assam tea in 2014 was Rs.153.70. Slim margins have seen planters cut costs by postponing their uprooting, replanting and modernization programmes, risking long term viability. Inconsistent investment is not ideal for an agriculturebased industry. Overhaul of the present e-auction system at tea auction centres, essentially the computerisation of the old manual system, with the help of experts will help in fair price realisation.

Quality: The perceived fall in quality of tea can be attributed to poor quality of purchased green leaf. In Assam, more than 33% of teas are produced from purchased green leaf. Some growers harvest tea leaves by using sickles due to shortage of workers. One of the reasons for poor quality of green leaf is harvesting of tea leaves with sickles. But shears may be a better option than sickles.

Bandhs: Frequent bandhs have begun to affect tea gardens in Assam. Managements are feeling the pinch since green leaf, a perishable commodity, needs to be plucked within a certain period for maintaining quality.

Wages: Various legislations and agreements went into the wage structure - divided into cash and perquisites - the tea industry follows. The tea industry pays a major portion of wages in

kind but only the cash component is brought up to accuse it of paying low wages to workers.

Labour & land productivity: The tea Industry in Assam is the largest employer with 50% of the workforce being women, but output value per employee is one of the lowest unlike in South India.

Moreover, the average yield in Assam is 1800 kg/ hectare compared to 2500 kg/hectare in South India.

Sustainability of tea industry is linked to 'land and labour productivity'. Low land productivity is a national loss. Land productivity beyond a certain point depends upon factors not in the hands of management and hence productivity is different for different regions.

Reform in PLA 1951: The Plantation Labour Act needs to have simpler rules, fewer forms, annual returns, etc.

It should be a step towards "ease of doing business" as envisaged by the Prime Minister.

Flagship programmes: Central Government schemes such as Indira Awas Yojana, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Swajal Dhara, NRHM and Sanitation should be effectively implemented in tea gardens.

Opportunities The industry is lucky to have a huge domestic market that annually consumes 1,000

million kg or 80% of teas produced in India, the largest producer of black tea in the world. This domestic market is growing at 3.3% per annum, thus keeping our dependence on exports to a minimum. But Kenya and Sri Lanka tea industries largely depend upon exports.

Tea is the cheapest beverage in the world, next only to water. In India, tea is widely consumed by all sections of people - rich and poor, young and old, men and women - across all religions and communities and in all the states.

There is ample scope to increase the domestic tea consumption. Tea Board should focus on the domestic market besides foreign countries. Tea Cafe, Chai Bar, and Coffee House-like Tea Room will boost consumption.

Tea is both a health and lifestyle drink served with variety. Green tea is becoming popular among all age groups while youngsters are taking to iced tea. We need to promote flavours such as cardamom, masala, pepper, clove, cinnamon, mixed fruits, etc., to cater to the cola-addicted young generation.

The future also belongs to organic-certified handmade tea, green tea, white tea, purple tea and other specialty teas. Small tea growers have started establishing

their own processing units to produce green tea. Today, it is also viable for them to establish CTC tea processing units that yield 100,000 kg made tea per annum.

The demand for a variety of teas has opened up job opportunities in big, medium and mini tea factories. There is a requirement for fitter, electrician, tea maker, executives etc. in all sizes of tea factories. A tea auction centre at Jorhat will also generate jobs and widen business opportunities.

This brings us to tea entrepreneurship. Unemployed educated youths can start a business with single-user plucking machines and harvest green leaf in any tea garden by charging by the hour or per kilo of leaf harvested. A similar professional service with pruning machines can be added.

Other areas of opportunity include value-addition; packaging of teas with indigenous items such as bamboo, cane, jute and Assam silk; small cold storages where green leaf can be kept for three weeks without quality deterioration (during peak cropping months when factories cannot receive excess green leaf) and solarpowered irrigation system.

(Bidyananda Barkakoty is the Chairman, North Eastern Tea Association) Courtesy: Nezine.com

Strawberries are a treat for many, but they are increasingly leaving a sour taste in the mouths of growers in Meghalaya, in India's northeast. The state, with just under 3 million people, is the third largest producer of strawberries in India, its government says. On an average, about 500 metric tonnes of the fragile fruit is grown each year on 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) of land.

The berries were introduced in the late 1990s by a few farmers and enthusiastically adopted by others, who saw their farm profits soar, growers say. One described growing the high-value crop as like winning the lottery. But today the fruits of that windfall - new homes, televisions and big bank savings balances - are under threat, like the crop itself, as weather conditions shift.

Increasingly erratic rainfall has led to the spread of fungal diseases in the berries, and much hotter temperatures have cut into production over the last three years, farmers say. The changes, linked to climate shifts, have led farmers to consider giving up on their oncefavourite crop, or trying to move to locations more favourable for growing the fruit.

"In the last few years, the temperature has crossed 30 degrees Celsius, and this is creating a lot of problems for the strawberry growers here," said Ostander Lyngkhoi, a pioneering strawberry farmer and the head of Sohliya village, one of the hubs of strawberry cultivation. His four-acre patch had previously earned him enough money to build a house for his family, buy a vehicle and save the equivalent of more than $3,000, he said.

Lost Investment?

The weather changes also threaten years of efforts to build a thriving strawberry production and marketing system in the region, with the help of the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE). Until the weather changed, "it worked really well. The strawberries were sent to different parts of the country and were even exported to Bangladesh," said Hemanta Rabha, an IIE official.

The IIE and growers also financed the building of a high-tech nursery for strawberry seedlings in in 2012, at a cost of around 1.5 million Indian rupees ($23,000). With shifting weather patterns, including early heavy rains and some hail, the established system of planting in September and harvesting around April is leading to growing crop damage, Rabha said.

"The weather has become erratic and in the last few years we have almost continuously had pre-monsoon showers," said Samgar Sangma, of the Meghalayabased Centre for Environment Protection and Rural Development. Strawberry production has fallen sharply over the past three years. Last year Meghalaya produced under 200 tonnes, less than half the annual average for the state, officials said. After suffering three years of losses, "I am worried about the future," admitted

Lyngkhoi.

Insurance, Migration Could Help Growers do not have access to crop insurance, according to Sangma, and so do not receive any compensation for the damages. The state government says it plans to introduce policies against crop failures soon. Rabha said some farmers have already started to move their crops to cooler areas. But "migrating to a new place will be very expensive," warned Aslia Marak, one grower from Darechikgre village, in the West Garo Hills district.

The harsher weather also has hit production of strawberry plants at the Sohliya nursery, forcing many growers to import plants from California. However, a large number of those have been damaged by heat, farmers said. The growers are exploring moving the local nursery to a cooler area at Kynshi, nearly 100 kilometres (63 miles) away, Lynghoi said.

Meanwhile Veerendra Verma, a scientist at the Indian Council for Agriculture Research, advises growers to plant earlier in the season to avoid high temperatures at the time the strawberry plants flower. "There are newer varieties of strawberry which are tolerant to wider climatic conditions and there could be tested for cultivation here," he said. Courtesy: Northeasttoday.in

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"In an ideal world we would have liked Nathan Coulter-Nile to have played some more Sheffield Shield cricket but he has been a proven performer for Australia in short-format cricket and has very good pace. We think he is ready to compete at Test level if required."

DIBRUGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

PAGE 12

National Selector Rod Marsh

England wrap up T20 series with 'super' win against Pakistan Wessels urges Proteas Agencies Sharjah: England captain Eoin Morgan hit the winning run as the tourists secured their first T20 whitewash with a thrilling super-over win against Pakistan in the third match of the series in Sharjah. Pakistan were limited to three for one in their super over by the yorkers sent down by Chris Jordan and England reached their goal with a ball to spare after a 154-run tie.

"Handing Chris Jordan the ball in that super over epitomised the quality of our squad," Morgan was quoted as

The England cricket team win the T20 series trophy

Saptarshi triumph over Red Cap A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 1: Saptarshi inflicted a huge defeat on Red Cap whereby the former defeated the latter by 158 runs in the first Chandra Dutta Memorial Cricket Tournament organized by Tinsukia District Sports Association at TDSA Stadium in Tinsukia. Altogether, 10 teams participated in the tournament.

Electing to bat, Saptarshi were all out for 191 in 36.4 overs. Tausiful Haque scored 40 runs off 54 balls with the help of three boundaries. Mithu Prasad scored 26 off 45 balls with

two boundaries while Pankaj Konowar chipped in with 23 off 23 balls with four boundaries. For Red Cap, Rituraj Prajapati claimed three for 28 runs.

Kalyan Bhattacharya took two wickets for 20 runs. In reply, Red Cap were bundled out for 33 runs in just 12.2 overs. Only notable scorer for Red cap was Subham Gorh, with a score of 11. Govind Dorjee of Saptarshi produced the best figures of eight wickets in 6.2 overs. Piyush Bansal and Avinash Sharma took one wicket each. Tomorrow, Assam Rhino will play Town Club Blues.

Tamulbari tame Rohmoria A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Dec 1: Tamulbari Tea Estate tamed Rohmoria Anchalik Football Club 2-0 in the Arun Jalan Memorial prize money inter-garden running trophy football tournament here today at Mokalbari Tea Estate playground in Dibrugarh.

The tournament is being organized by Mokalbari Kanoi Tea Estate in association with Dibrugarh District Sports Association. For Tamulbari Tea Estate,

midfielder Aditya Karmarkar opened the floodgates in the 30th minute by converting a pass from the left flank. In the second half, Amir Lohar made it two for his team in the 56th minute with a brilliant strike. With this win, Tamulabari Tea Estate sealed their spot for the semifinals. Tomorrow, in the last quarterfinal match, Romai Tea Estate will lock horns with Ganeshbari Tea Estate.

ANI Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on

Tuesday rated the pitch used for the third Test between India and South Africa in

ANI Zurich: Real Madrid's star Cristiano Ronaldo will be competing against the Barcelona pair of Lionel Messi and Neymar for the Ballon d'Or - the award given to the world footballer of the year by the FIFA. The 30-year-old forward has been named the world's best footballer for the past two years following Messi's fourin-a-row, while Neymar has never won the award during his career. It is the eighth consecutive year that Ronaldo and Messi have

All Assam Students’ Union, Doomdooma unit of A A S U , Doomdooma Sports Organization and the people of Doomdooma. “Five Assamese youths were gunned down

Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar are in contention for FIFA Ballon d'Or 2015.

been on the shortlist. For the past two years, Ronaldo has again scored the most goals in Europe having scored 48 in 51 matches for club and country. Meanwhile, Messi has scored 44 goals in 54 matches, while Neymar has found the net 42 times in the same number of matches.

The winners will be announced at a gala in Zurich on January 11.The three contenders were chosen from a 23-man list that also included Wales and Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale.

to not `whine` about series loss

ANI Johannesburg: Former South African skipper Kepler Wessels has insisted that his country's squad should not blame the spinfriendly conditions for the Test series loss in India.

South Africa saw their nineyear away win streak end after suffering a 124-run defeat against the Virat Kohli-led side in the third Test in Nagpur last week.

India have taken a 2-0 unassailable lead in the fourmatch series. However, several former players have slammed the spin-friendly conditions in India, which saw the Nagpur Test end inside three days. Reacting to it, Wessels said that each country has their preference

in preparing surfaces to suit the strength of their team, insisting that he couldn't recall any negative comment about the bowler-friendly pitches in which South Africans outclassed Australia and Pakistan swiftly at home. Wessels, who represented his nation in 40 Tests and 109 ODIs, further said that it was far from ideal to blame conditions for defeat and become a nation of whiners when a team is playing in away conditions. He insisted that the home team outplayed South Africa in every facet of the game over the last three Test matches in India and urged the tourists to take the disappointment on the chin.

PL clubs splurge 130 mln pounds on agents' fee ANI London: Premier League clubs have increased their spending spree on agents' fee by 15 million as they had splashed out a whopping 130 million pounds on agents last year. According to the data released by Premier League, Liverpool were the highest payers as they splashed out 14.3 million pounds to the sports' agents ahead of Manchester United, which had spent approximately 13.8 million pounds.

Meanwhile,

United's local rivals Manchester City are third with 12.4 million pounds followed by Chelsea and Arsenal (both paid out 11.9 million pounds). According to reports, there were total of 172 loans, 542 new or improved contracts, 573 outbound transfers and loans that have taken place in the Premier League. At the time of transfer, fees are not only paid to agents but also to the players when they sign a new contract with their club.

Bayern's Lewandowski bags Fury accuses Klitschko camp of being `extremely FOUR Guinness World Records good at cheating` ANI London: Newly-crowned heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has accused Wladimir Klitschko's camp of being 'extremely good at cheating', saying that he had even refused to take any water following his triumph due to the fear of being

Nagpur as 'poor'. In accordance with Clause 3 of the Process, ICC Match Referee Jeff Crowe submitted his report to the ICC expressing the concerns of the match officials over the performance of the pitch. This report has been forwarded to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which now has 14 days to provide its response. After the BCCI has submitted its response, ICC's General Manager - Cricket, Geoff Allardice, and the ICC's Chief Match Referee, Ranjan Madugalle, will consider all the evidence, including studying video footage of the match, before reaching their decision on whether or not the pitch was poor and if so, whether a penalty should be imposed.

Volleyball competition ET Correspondent Doomdooma, Dec 1: A national level volleyball competition is going to be held at Doomdooma Town field on 10th and 11th December by the Tinsukia unit of

tie the score England had reached for the loss of eight wickets, with James Vince top-scoring on 46. "Credit to England, they did well.

We played well and batted well but missed an opportunity again," said Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.

England's win completed a fine limitedovers tour with a 2-0 Test series defeat followed by a 3-1 win in the one-dayers. The victory was England's sixth consecutive Twenty20 success heading into the World T20 in India in March.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar shortlisted for FIFA Ballon d'Or 2015

ICC rates Nagpur pitch as 'poor'

SA captain Hashim Amla walks away dejected after being dismissed.

saying. "We've watched him a lot in the nets and he's our best yorker bowler so once we decided on that plan it was an easy decision to go to him. Chris Woakes has a different set of skills but once we chose to go for six yorkers, it had to be Jords." Pakistan had looked set to avoid the whitewash but England managed to get the prized wicket of Shoaib Malik, who fell to a Sam Billings catch from Woakes' bowling for 75 in the 20th over, which stalled their progress. The hosts scored 154 for seven to

on 22nd February 1994 in an alleged fake encounter by Indian Army at Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and in their memory this competition is being organized”. The organizers informed.

drugged. Fury claimed the WBA, IBF, IBO and WBO heavyweight titles by unanimous points decision in Dusseldorf on Sunday. The judges scored the fight 115112, 115-112, 116-111 in favor of the Britain. Fury said that he was advised not to touch anything in the

changing rooms, adding that he went home dehydrated as he was afraid of being drugtested and failing the drugs test. The British boxer claimed that he had to overcome all forms of adversity staged by his Ukrainian rival's camp before eventually producing the biggest upset.

Assam kick-boxing team selected ET Correspondent Lakhimpur, Dec 1: The selection of Assam kick-boxing team which is slated to participate in the 7th Sub-Junior, 8th Junior and 9th Senior National Kick-Boxing Championships has been already finalized by All Assam Kick-Boxing Federation (AAKF). It is noteworthy that the aforesaid Championships will be held in Talkotara Stadium of New Delhi on 28, 29, 30 and 30 December with a four day long program under the aegis of Delhi KickBoxing Association. According to Master Ahmed Ashraf, the General Secretary of AAKF, the members of the Assam team are Manoranjan Tamuli, Bubul Taid, Biplav Sutradhar, Akash Adhikari, Raktim Boro, Mahesh Kardong, Uttam Kumar Upadhyay, Om Prakash

Kurmi, Pabitra Tandon, Prakash Brotay, Tanmay Duwarah, Soneswar Borah, Alvin Singh, Jatin Das, Hobibur Rehman, Pritam Gogoi, Rahman Ashraf, Raj Sankar Saikia, Barun Saikia, Partha Dutta, Ankush Sarmah, Jyoti Prakash Saikia, Rishiraj Borah, Bandita Bhorali, Mayuri Gogoi, Pakhi Bardaloi, Rashmi Swargiary, Nirmali Khakhlari, Aswarya Kujur, Liana Das, Nijara Mushahari and Daimalu Basumatary. On the other hand, Bhobin Gogoi, Pinku Baruah and Sidhartha Saikia will participate in the Championships as Team Manager, Referee and Judge. Matches of Semi Contact, Light Contact, Full Contact, Low Kick, Thai Kick K1, MMA, Aero Kick Boxing and Musical events comprise the Championships.

Agencies Munich: Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who netted the Bundesliga's fastest hattrick on his way to a sensational five-goal haul in September, was officially recognised by Guinness World Record. The Polish star, who then called the goals 'just crazy', was presented four separate official Guinness World Records certificates for the incredible feat. He scored three goals in four minutes against Wolfsburg, from the 51st to the 55th before quickly adding two more, including a spectacular volley, to become the first Bundesliga player to score five times in nine minutes.

He also won for scoring the

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski with his citations. fastest four goals in a Bundesliga match (5 minutes 42 seconds), fastest five goals scored in a Bundesliga match (8 minutes 59 seconds) and most goals scored by a substitute in a Bundesliga

match (5 goals). The 27 year-old forward, after accepting the awards, tweeted, "It is a great honor to have my achievements on the pitch hit the Guinness Book of Records."

Bengal end Day 1 at 191/ 4 after being put in ET Bureau Dibrugarh, Dec 1: Assam playing their last league game of the season against Bengal at the Barsapara cricket stadium in Guwahati, put the away team in on a wet pitch after winning the toss. The decision paid immediate returns as Krishna Das sent back Easwaran with the score reading 8/1. Thereafter,

Mondol along with Chatterjee put their heads down and fought through the testing time to take the score forward. On a tough wicket, both the batsman made batting look easy as they went about their task at hand. The duo put on a partnership of 140 runs for the second wicket before Gokul Sharma sent back Chatterjee for a well made

65. Bengal lost two late wickets on the day as Assam sent back Mondol and Tiwary in a space of four deliveries. On Day 2, the away team would be looking to post a good first innings total wheras the Assam bowlers will look to stop them in their stride.

Brief Scores: Bengal: 191/ 4 (Mondol 87, Chatterjee 65; Krishna Das 2/39)

Australia rope in Coulter-Nile, Pattinson for Windies series ANI Melbourne: Australia have called up uncapped paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile and James Pattinson in their 12-man squad to bolster their depleted bowling attack for the first Test of the threematch series against West Indies, which begins next week. Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc was ruled out of the

squad due to a stress fracture in his right foot sustained during the third Test against New Zealand in Adelaide. National Selector Rod Marsh said, "With the exception of a forced change through the injury to Mitchell Starc we have decided to keep an unchanged squad following a successful series win against a strong New

Coulter-Nile is in line for a test 'debut' against Windies.

Zealand side. In an ideal world we would have liked Nathan CoulterNile to have played some more Sheffield Shield cricket but he has been a proven performer for Australia in short-format cricket and has very good pace. We think he is ready to compete at Test level if required." Earlier this year, Australia won the Frank Worrell Trophy

after winning the twomatch series against the West Indies in the Caribbean.

Australian Squad: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, Joe Burns, Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, Peter Nevill(wk), Peter Siddle, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon, Nathan Coulter-Nile.

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