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ASSENG/2015/64205
Vol. II
Issue 42
Dibrugarh, Saturday, July 30, 2016
SRI LANKA VS AUSTRALIA, 1ST TEST: HOSTS HAVE EDGE AS RAIN HALTS AUSSIE CHASE ON DAY 4
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CM Sonowal visits flood affected areas of Dhubri and Chirang districts WHAT CM SAID?
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday visited flood affected areas in Dhubri and Chirang districts and took stock of the relief and rescue operations undertaken for the affected people.
To take special care of all kinds of medical emergencies.
Earlier, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal convened a review meeting with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and other line departments and took stock of the relief and rescue operations pressed in to help the marooned people. Since the current wave of flood compelled several people to take shelter in the relief camps, Chief Minister Sonowal asked the administration to help the affected people generously with adequate relief materials. Instruction has also been issued to send relief materials
ET CAPSULES Two employees held for stealing at employer's place Tinsukia, July 29: Two youths working at an electrical shop here at Manav Kalyan road in Tinsukia were arrested on Friday for stealing goods in the back of the owner. The arrested youths has been identified as Mintu Singh and Bicky Shah. According to sources, the youths employed at Rikhow Agencies were stealing goods from their godowns since past few months and selling the same at one fourth price to some persons. The owner had a doubt after he found one recent purchased electrical goods not in his stock. As such he kept an eye on the duo and caught them red handedly this evening. During interrogation the employee accepted their role in stealing goods and selling to other persons privately. Later, police was informed and a team from Tinsukia police station came and took both the employees.
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An FIR has been lodged by the businessman on the basis of which police is interrogating both the employees to find out the persons and businessman that have purchased stolen goods. (Spl Correspondent)
Rajnath Singh to visit Assam to take stock of flood situation A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 29
Directs medical department to keep an eye to tackle the outbreak.
Chief Minister Sonowal visited a relief camp set up at Pratap Chandra Higher Secondary School at Gauripur and inspected the relief operations being undertaken for the camp inmates. He also took stock of the medical, drinking water and other ancillary facilities being given to the inmates. Sonowal asked the administration to take special care of all kinds of medical emergencies and the health of the infants, children and aged people living in the relief camp. He also directed the medical department to keep an eye to tackle the outbreak of any epidemic and veterinary and animal husbandry department to supply fodder stock in adequate quantity.
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KSU PROTEST AGAINST KHADC'S ROAD PROJECT NOC TURNS UGLY
OBAMA HOPEFUL HIS SUCCESSOR WILL TAKE FORWARD INDO-US TIES: WH
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A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 29
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To help the affected people generously with adequate relief materials. To keep vigil on embankments and other vulnerable areas. To ensure security at the relief camps on 24X7 basis.
CM Sonowal during his visit to Dhubri and Chirang districts
to the houses of flood affected people but not rendered homeless. Chief Minister Sonowal asked the DC to be vigilant with his men and machinery and keep vigil on embankments and other vulnerable areas likely to spur more damages. He also asked the district administration to undertake repair work on the dykes if there is any and ensure security at the relief camps on 24X7 basis. Chief Minister Sonowal informed that fund has already been released for relief and rescue operations and that steps are being taken to provide kerosene, candle and even seedlings to the flood affected people. Minister for Public Health Engineering Rihon Daimary, MLAs Bilasipara East Ashok Singhi,
Bilasipara West Hafiz Bashir Ahmed, Gauripur Nijamur Rahman, Golkaganj Ashwini Roy Sarkar, Dhubri Nazrul Haque, DC Dhubri along with a host of senior officers were present at the meeting. In the second lap of his gruelling tour, Chief Minister Sonowal held another review meeting with the district administrations of Bongaigaon and Chirang. He took stock of the measures that both the district administrations have put in to ease the sufferings of the flood affected people. He asked the DCs to provide all facilities including sanitary and security to the camp inmates and emphasised that from the next year monitoring and supervision of embankments will be undertaken well ahead of the onset of monsoon. Speaker of Assam
Poacher arrested, huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered
Poacher Dambarudhar Payeng arrested with arms and ammunition ET Correspondent Golaghat, July 29
Golaghat police was able to arrest a notorious poacher from Tamil Nadu. Based on some specific tip off, a special team of Golaghat police went to Coimbatore city in Tamil Nadu and arrested one Dambarudhar Payeng who was alleged to be involved in many cases of poaching including the case where a rhino was killed during State Forest Minister paid her visits to KNP. Police had recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition which includes one AK-56 rifle, 2 silencers, 2 three not three rifle, 60 rounds of ammunition and skull of a rhino.
The arrested poacher stated that he after the Kaziranga incident fled to Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu to escape from the police. Police had recovered this huge quantity of arms and ammunition from a pit near his home at Kothiyatoli village under Kamargaon P.S. Meanwhile another person who was associated with poaching was nabbed by a team of Golaghat police yesterday from Dimapur in Nagaland. The person was identified as N Ben Lotha who was a residence of Wokha district and worked as a class contractor. Police interrogation is on and it is expected that more sensational revelation will be out in upcoming days.
To repair the breach on a war footing and take steps to redress the erosion.
Legislative Assembly Ranjit Kumar Das, Environment and Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, PHED Minister Rihon Daimary, Deputy CEM, BTC Khampa Borgoiary, MLAs Chandan Brahma, Kamal Singh Narzary, DCs of Bongaigaon and Chirang were present at the meeting. After the review meeting Chief Minister Sonowal visited Dooma village under Sidli revenue circle and inspected the breach on the embankment of the Aie River which displaced nearly 40 families. Sonowal directed the Water Resources Department and district administration to repair the breach on a war footing and take steps to redress the erosion.
Rajnath Singh Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh would visit Assam to take stock of the flood situation tomorrow. Accompanied by Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Home Minister will make an aerial survey of flood affected areas of Nagaon, Morigaon and Kaziranga. Singh will visit Morigaon district and meet the inmates of the relief camps at Bhagatgaon. He will then hold a high level meeting with Chief Minister Sonowal, ministers of concerned departments and senior Government officials at Air Traffic Control conference hall at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The Union Home Minister will leave for Delhi in the evening.
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Water Resources Department suspends 4 officials for negligence of duty under directive of CM Sonowal A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 29
At the directive of Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the Water Resources Department has suspended four officials for exhibiting gross negligence of duty during the current wave of flood in Majuli. An order to this effect has been brought out by the Secretary, Water Resources Department today. Hari Prasad Gogoi, Junior Engineer, Jibon Khatoniar, Sub Engineer, Jayanti Mudoi, Section Assistant and Bedanto Kumar Bhuyan, Section Assis-
tant have been suspended pending drawal of departmental proceedings on the charge that they were found absent at the site, at the time of occurrence of breach on Brahmaputra dyke from Bessamora to Haldibari under Majuli Water Resources Department. Show cause notices have been issued to Buddhi Nath Shyam, Executive Engineer, Majuli Water Resources Division and Babul Chandra Deori, Assistant Executive Engineer, Kamalabari Water Resources Sub-Division. Contd. on Page 4
Chief Minister launched Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) 2016 ET Bureau Itanagar, July 29
Chief Minister Pema Khandu launched the state wide Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight 2016 today at Itanagar. In the launching programme, Chief Minister make a clarion call to make 100% achievement of IDCF in the state by reducing children’s death due to diarrhoea to zero percent. To achieve this objective, he appealed to all the health workers, ASHA Volunteers, Anganwadi workers, Panchayati Raj Members, NGOs, Public leaders and health officers to work collectively and wholeheartedly. He appealed to the people to make full benefit of the programme and minimize the death ratio of the children below 5 years. Chief Minister said, “Health is a priority sector for his govt” and his govt would ensure to implement all the flagship programmes of Govt of India in the state in letter and spirit. With a view to provide better health facilities to the people of the state, CM said to look into the infrastructure and
CM Khandu during launching programme of IDCF equipments need of the health department. He also said to make recruitment to the various posts created in the health department in phase wise manner so as to meet the man power requirements for better health delivery system in the state. Chief Minister also administered ORS to the children during the launching programme. Hage Kojeen, Commissioner (Health) in his introductory speech informed that the third Integrated Diarrhoea Control Fortnight 2016 is being launched in the state with an objective to achieve zero diarrhoea death under 5 years. IDTF 2016 would cover 1.71 lakhs
children under 5 years in the state and the programme would be implemented in collaboration with all the line departments like health, education, women & child development, Rural Development & Panchayat, he added. P N Thungon, Mission Director, NRHM informed that 10% of death among the children is due to diarrhoea and IDCF is being launched with a motive to reduce child mortality under 5 years of age. Dr Moji Jini, Director Health Services, Tapi Gao, Director Elementary Education, Tayi Taggu, Director Rural Development among others were present on the occasion.
44 NDRF teams deployed in 12 flood-hit states, 894 people rescued IANS New Delhi, July 29
As many as 44 disaster relief teams have been deployed in flood-affected areas in 12 states, and have rescued 894 stranded/marooned persons so far in Assam and Bihar, an official statement said on Friday. Thirteen of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are deployed in Assam, nine in Bihar and the remaining in Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal to assist the state governments in rescue and relief work, the statement said. In Assam, 307 people were evacuated from Jorhat district, 37 from Kokrajhar, 80 from Charang and 73 from Kamrup. In Bihar, 43 persons were evacuated from Supaul, 34 from Bhetia, 250 from Purnia and 70 from Gopalganj. The NDRF teams have also
Flood victims of recent Assam flood been providing mobile hospital facilities to flood-affected people in Assam and have set up medical camps in Bihar. The mobile hospital facilities are also being provided at Meragarh and Missamora villages in Assam - where floods have caused havoc and displaced thousands. "The medical teams have attended to 163 sick persons
and distributed medicines to the needy in different area in Assam," it was officially stated The NDRF teams have also established medical camps in some blocks in Muzzafarpur and Supaul districts in Bihar. "A round-the-clock NDRF control room in New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with other government agencies," the statement said.
Eight rhino cubs rescued in Kaziranga National Park ET Correspondent Jorhat, July 29
Eight rhino cubs were rescued by the joint effort of Kaziranga National Park (KNP) authority and team from the Centre of Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) which was displaced and separated from their mother during the first wave of flood which struck by strong water current and wave as fresh water from the mighty Brahmaputra submerged over 90% for past four days.
Out of eight cubs three cubs are one month old, two cubs are five months old while another two are seven months old while one is one year old said Dr. Pranjit Basumatary. On the other hand KNP authority rescued two hog deer which was found trapped to a fence when both were trying to flee towards a campus in search of food at a nearby village. After the villagers reported the matter to KNP rescue team and soon they rescued and admitted hurriedly at the CWRC semiICU ward, informed Rathin Barman, Director of CWRC.
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DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JULY 30
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ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You will be indecisive today, which is not usually the case with you. This could lead you to indulge in speculation, which is not so bad unless you risk all your money in it. Besides, when it comes to matters of the heart, you must exercise a great deal of caution. Taurus Impulsive action kicks in as you work and interact today. Do not let the pressure and strain cloud your thoughts, and instead focus on acting on the things at hand. If you find things spiralling out of control, take a break and listen to some music that soothes your heart. Gemini Today, you will decide to become a bit more conscious about your health. You may or may not join a gym or measure your calories, but you will definitely sit up and take notice of your lifestyle and unhealthy food habits. A new job is also likely, which will open a completely new chapter in your life. Cancer Today, you will put your heart and soul into whatever task you take up. And, that's a great thing to do. Don't lose heart though, if despite the best efforts, the results of your efforts are not too forthcoming. Feeling dejected is only going to hamper your progress. Remember that you'll receive your due sooner or later. Spend some time with your loved ones to revive yourself. Alternatively, a quiet evening tucked in the bed with a nice book is also a great idea. Leo If one were to put an earnest spirit and a frank attitude together, the result would be a Leo; it's like your hallmark. And with qualities like these in your kitty, don't be surprised if you happen to reach a milestone or two today. Will it be marital bliss or career success? No matter what the area is, be assured that your societal standing shall get a heady boost today. Just don't let the success go to your head. Virgo The booster rockets of your ambitions and spirit to work will kick in at the maximum today. Seek recreation after a hard day's work and look to relax at private parties, socialdos and even weddings. Libra "Every man has specific natural abilities", said Aristotle. This seems to be true for you today. Your natural talents will be acknowledged and documented at work. This might prompt your equals to hold you up above the rest, and for your seniors to positively encourage you to scale greater heights. But as always, be careful to make sure that success does not make you heady with arrogance. Keep yourself firmly grounded, and remember that, 'pride cometh before the fall'. Scorpio You will find yourself thinking with your heart rather than your head today. You may not be able to repress your feelings, and you should not even try. But you should be careful about how you express them, particularly in public as people may judge you wrongly on the basis of it. Sagittarius Today, your superiors at work are going to trust you with many complicated assignments. But, after exerting yourself, you are sure to come out with flying colors and have your work appreciated. Do not be surprised if cash incentives come your way. Such may indeed be your fortune.
FONECO submits memorandum to PM Modi regarding bad condition of Assam-Tripura National High A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 29: Federation of North Eastern Consumer Organization (FONECO), an apex body of the consumer organizations of 8 North Eastern States demanded immediate intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very bad condition of Assam-Tripura National High way which is the lifeline of whole Tripura State. On behalf of FONECO,
Advocate Amrit Lal Saha President, Consumers’ Protection Association, Agartala, Advocate Ajoy Hazarika, Secretary, Consumers’ Legal Protection Forum, Assam and Adap Mailing Secretary, All Arunachal Pradesh Consumer Association submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister and narrate how the Tripura state is facing food and fuel shortage due to very bad condition of
ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 29: Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly, Ranjit Das along with Forest Minister, Pramila Rani Brahma, made their visit at relief camps for flood affected areas at Patgaon, Saralpara along the Indo-Bhutan border in
Kokrajhar district today.
fected citizens.
Das and Brahma took stock about prevailing situations of flood affected peoples, making interaction with camp inmates in the district. They ensured for providing possible measures from the government itself to the af-
Hundreds of families and several thousand acres of agriculture land were damaged due to the recent floods in the district. Das and Brahma have been camping to taking stock of flood situation in lower
ATASU protests against poor road condition of Sivasagar
Aquarius For a moment, it seems that you're swamped with problems. But you are brave enough to deal with any ugly issue that crops up suddenly. A romantic evening, which may just be time together in a jacuzzi, or simply preparing a meal together. Pure ecstasy! Pisces You are fond of traveling and are always looking for an excuse to set off. Hence it comes as no surprise if you pack your bags and decide to embark upon a journey on a whim today. It is a much needed break too, from the daily stresses of earning a livelihood. While you are seeking solitude, you will take your friends and relatives along with you on the trip.
ET Correspondent Sivasagar, July 29: ATASU today blocked the Sivasagar-Sonari road at Laxmi Nagar here at Sivasagar today, demanding the development and reconstruction of various poor conditioned road of Sivasagar town and adjacent areas.
Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 20-7-16 (FRIDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti (Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-30 A.M-Bidyarthir Anusthan 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali (Assamese Modern Songs) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-05 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Hindi Film Songs) 12-30 P.M-Hindi Film Songs 1-50 P.M-Adhunik Geet 2-30 P.M-Western Music 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 6-15 P.M-Ganya Raijor Anusthan (Rural Programme) 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani (Youth Programme) 7-45 P.M-Daakpakhili 8-00 P.M-Ekalabya (Sponsored Programme of K.K Handique State Open University) 9-30P.M-Radio Serial in Hindi-"Marudhar Ke Phool" Sd-/H.O.P
PCI to confer National Awards for excellence in Journalism on November 16 ET Bureau Guwahati, July 29: As in other years, November 16 will be observed as the national Press Day, by the Press Council of India, a statutory autonomous authority, set up by an Act of Parliament to preserve the freedom of the press and maintain its high standards. This year, the Council is completing 50 years of its establishment and so a Golden Jubilee Commemoration on No-
vember 16 is being contemplated, informed Janasanyog in a press release. A function to this effect will be held in Delhi along with conferment of National Awards for Excellence in Journalism by honouring Journalists, Photographers, Freelancers excelling in print Journalism in various fields.
The entries for Awards have been invited through advertisement and notice has been posted on the website of the Press Council of India i,e www.presscouncil.nic.in with other documents. It has also sought participation of all National, Regional, District Level journalists, editors, owners, newspaper industries and students of mass communication. (Janasanyog)
In the memorandum FONECO inform Prime Minister that, a large number of trucks transporting day to day essential commodities remain stuck in Karimganj District of Assam. Many petrol pumps in Tripura State remain closed many a days without fuel. Prices of essential commodities are increasing.
It is feared that there shall be scarcity of fuel and other essential commodities in Tripura very soon. Assam-Tripura National Highway has not been maintained as per national standard by the concerned agency which has resulted in this situation. AssamTripura National Highway is to be restored on war footing. Common
people
of
Tripura is facing serious problem. So, Govt. of India may take up the issue with the Bangladesh Govt. to allow transit of essential commodities for the common people of Tripura through Bangladesh. FONECO also submitted a copy of this memorandum to Dr. Jitendra Singh Minister of State, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
Speaker Das, Minister Brahma visits flood relief camps in Kokrajhar
Capricorn You will be a live wire, today. With amazing exuberance you have completed mammoth tasks and have spread the energy around. It will give you tremendous job-satisfaction. Everything seems well and good the personal front, too. Spending some quality time your spouse will relax your mind and keep you in an upbeat mood.
PRASAR BHARATI (India's Public Service Broadcaster) ALL INDIA RADIO : DIBRUGARH (M.W.529.1m/KHz567 F.M. 101.30 MHz)
Assam-Tripura National High way.
More than hundreds of ATASU members joined the road blocked and made the transport system totally stop for few hours. ATASU set a fifteenth day deadline to State Government and PWD department to repair the poor condi-
Assam districts since yesterday. “Government has been initiating measures to give sufficient food and facilities for the affected people in the state”, said Brahma. “We have been stepping for early recovery of flood af-
fected people in the state with with possible measures”, added Brahma. Yesterday, Das and Brahma visited Dhubri district to take stock about flood wave which have damaged the properties and agricultural lands.
Governor Acharya condoles the death of Mahasweta Devi
ET Bureau Guwahati, July 29: Assam Governor P.B. Acharya condoled the death of eminent litterateur and social activist Mahasweta Devi who died yesterday at the age of 91, informed in a press release issued from the administration. In his condolence message, Acharya termed Mahasweta Devi as a writer whose writings focussed primarily on the marginalised communities in the society and served as the voice of the voiceless and oppressed. She enriched the world of literature through her writings tioned roads and also threat- and her death ‘is an irrepaened that if they don't do so, rable loss to the country’. they will block the road till for indefinite period. Acharya moreover said, “A writer par excellence, It is to be mentioned that Mahasweta Devi was most of the roads of awarded with Ramon Sivasagar town and its adjacent areas are turned into big ponds and eventually turns into accident zones.
Magsaysay award, Padma Vibhushan, Sahitya Akademi and Jnanpith awards and with her death the country has lost a great writer”. She left behind a rich legacy of her publications which would continue to be a source of information and inspiration to the world of literature and the people all around will continue to derive encouragement from her works. Governor Acharya also urged upon the society to imbibe the virtues of Mahasweta Devi and stand by the poor and the needy. Society will progress only when the people feel and do some constructive activities for the downtrodden. He also prayed to the almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul.
Nazira press club observes silver jubilee
Bumper pineapple output market ET Correspondent Jorhat, July 29: Karbi Anglong Deithore and Rangchali belt has become a belt for producing bumper pineapple production in this summer as the farmers are busy menting money by selling at their local outlet beside the NH-39 in between the district of Jorhat and Golaghat which has a unique taste that no other area or soil
produces. The pineapple farmers especially from the Deithore and Rangchali valley is quite happy to sell at least 1, 00,000, to 1, 20,000 daily directly to the retailers in an around the state of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur where the market is growing, said Lakhi Sonowal. On the other hand though
they aspect more when compared to the pineapple from Arunachal, Meghalaya but Deithore, Rangchali belt beside Golaghat and Jorhat district has a unique taste for which traders making beeline to the pineapple buy and sell market beside the NH-39 which has been bringing importance for this particular fruit, said Rupam Ignti.
PWD minister takes stock of flood situation in Dibrugarh A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jul 29: Taking stock of the flood situation in Dibrugarh district on here today, State PWD minister Parimal Suklabaidya directed officials to intensify relief operations in the affected areas. The minister had a meeting with the district officials at the Dibrugarh circuit house which was attended by local MLA Prasanta Phukan and Moran MLA Chakradhar Gogoi. Deputy Commissioner MS Manivannan, Dibrugarh Municipal Board chairperson Anuradha Dey and the
circle officers of the six revenue circles of the district who were present in the meeting were asked by Suklabaidya to work in close coordination. He asked them to ensure that the flood affected people were not deprived of relief materials, drinking water, baby food, medicines and other essential materials. The minister later visited several flood-affected areas in the district. Suklabaidya who was accompanied by Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan, Moran MLA Chakradhar Gogoi,
Duliajan MLA Terosh Gowala, Chabua MLA Binod Hazarika and Tingkhong MLA Bimal Bora also visited three relief camps in the flood-ravaged LezaiKalakhowa area and interacted with the inmates. He announced that that a compensation of Rs 4 lakh will be provided to the family of the flood victims who have lost their lives. Two persons Gunita Tudu of Metekoni village and Shankar Singh of Bogibeel village have lost their lives in the devastating flood.
ET Correspondent Nazira, July 29: The Nazira press club observed its silver jubilee on 29th July where an intimate interaction programme was organised. The DC of Sivasagar Narayan Kunwar,
SP Anand Prakash Tewari, SDO of Nazira Syed Zahid Chisty etc. were present during the programme where they appealed all media persons to focus and prevent all bad evils of the society.
Death anniversary of Charu Mazumder observed ET Correspondent Margherita, July 29: The 45th death anniversary of comrade Charu Mazumder was observed on thursday at Tinsukia CPI (ML) office. Comrade Charu Mazumder was the founder General Secretary of CPI (ML) and 28 July is observed as Martyrdom Day. The programmes begin by giving floral tribute at the portrait of comrade Charu Mazumder by the present persons. The Programme was presided by comrade Khageswar Tai Senior CPI(ML) member of Tinsukia. Comrade Subhas Sen Secretary of CPI(ML) Tinsukia
District Committee said in his inaugural speech that Comrade Charu Mazumder was the founder General Secretary of CPI(ML) and have started the Naxalbari Movement in the 60s and this has began the new era of class struggle movement at our Country. Comrade Subhas Sen said that Comrade Charu Mazumder in the year 1972 at 28 July died at Kolkata Police Station due to police atrocities but never compromised with the Naxalbari Movement. Sen said that after the formation NDA government at the centre they failed to control the price rise.
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JULY 30
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IDCF 2016 launched in East Siang DC launches IDCF Moyong calls for adopting clean & hygienic practices for diarrhea control ET Bureau Pasighat, July 29: With the objective to reach out to children in particular and the society at large, the District Health Society , NHM East Siang has launched the Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight( IDCF) 2016 , here today at Siang Model School in the presence of local MLA Kaling Moyong and DC Isha Khosla, and beginning today, the campaign will cover the whole of the state till August 11th next. Chief Guest, MLA, Kaling Moyong, has called upon the schoolchildren to follow the proper hygienic handwashing techniques shown in the demo by the resourceperson, Dr. Lily Darrang, alongwith the various measures needed to prevent and control Diarrhea, adding that its one of the prime duty of students to follow proper cleanliness and hygienic habits for good health. Moyong advocated that the Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, which is one of the pet
projects of the Prime Minister and focuses on cleanliness and sanitation, can also be linked with such programmes like IDCF for strengthening the outcome of such initiative and towards the Mission's goal of "Zero Childhood Death Due to Diarrhea". The Local MLA also observed that initiatives in-
cluding Swacch Bharat Abhiyan, intense fogging operations and other efforts have yielded positive results , noting that there is reduction in cases of Dengue in Pasight and East Siang as a whole.Moyong also suggested for involving the PRIs and Councillors in the IDCF campaign. DC East Siang, Isha
Khosla, in her address, reiterated the need for proper hygienic habits and adopting sanitation practices in terms of proper handwashing, to avoid open defecation, and for clean school and household toilets, drinking clean and boiled water which will go a long way in combating Diarrhea and other
diseases.Khosla on the occasion also asked the children to share and spread the message of cleanliness and hygiene which they have gained, with their family and friends. DMO, Dr. M.Perme, said that handwashing demonstrations will be organized in all schools of East Siang under the IDCF campaign .He also informed that ORS and also Zinc Tablets are also required to be taken by diarrhea patients to control dehydration.He thanked the District Administration for providing the handwashing kits for demonstrations in schools of the East Siang. While DRCHO, Dr. T, Gao, also said that use of ORS and Zinc tablets is a safe treatment to control diarrhea and stressed on the need for continued breastfeeding of the child , and also for safe and quick disposal of human faeces and wastes. Chairperson of Siang Model School , Y.Taloh was also present on the occasion.
IDCF launched at Seppa IDCF programme launched at West Kameng district
ET Bureau Seppa July 29: Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight was launched today in the East Kameng district. The programme was kicked off formally at the District Hospital, Seppa by distributing ORS and Zinc tablets to the ASHAs and ANMs by East Kameng DC Shri Rajeev Takuk. He was accompa-
nied by the ZPC Smti Meyuk Cheda, WWO President Smti Veena Waii Sonam, DMO C. L. Mallo, DRCHO K. Lapung, MS K. Gyadi, and other health fraternities. The aim of the programme is to achieve zero death of children belong to under five age group from dreadful diarrhoea disease.
ET Bureau Bomdila, July 29: The IDCF Programme in West Kameng District was launched at District Hospital Bomdila today on 29th July 2016 by Japu Deru Hon’ble MLA Bomdila. The programme was attended by Dr.Sonal Swaroop, IAS DC Bomdila, Dr.T.C Khirme, DMO Bomdila and Dr. D.K Lama DRCHO. All MOs, other staffs of District Hospital and NHM attended the launching Ceremony. During the launching ceremony the dignitaries administered ORS solution to the patients at the ORS-
East Kameng DC attended inservice training of teachers
trainees to upgrade and expand their knowledge to impart good and informed education to students. Further, he informed that a good communication skill is must in order to translate one's knowledge to others. Acknowledging that little knowledge is dangerous, he admitted that there is nothing false in the part of education system or teachers or government, it is the mindset that creates such wrong impression. Anticipating fruitful outcome of the training programme, he congratulated the teaching fraternity for this year CBSE result and urged them to continue the same zeal. Congratulating for successful completion of the training, DDSE Kata Rangmo has directed the trainees to go directly to
their posting place and impart quality education to the students. He further requested the teaching fraternity to make the ensuing 70th Independence Day celebration a grand success. DIET Principal T. Taki, Lecturer S. Pandey, trainers and trainees also spoke in the programme. The trainees were felicitated for successfully completing their training. Earlier in the day, DC enquired about the power supply in the institute. On the query of the DIET principal, he informed that necessary process for installation of telecom service in the Wessang and Pampoli areas has been already initiated and soon the matter will be discussed on the arrival of concerned authority.
DEMONSTRATED METHODS Proper hand wash before meal Preparation of ORS Preparation of home base ORS
ET Bureau Khonsa, July 29: Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) an initiative against infant death in the age group of 0 – 5 caused by Diarrhoea was launched by Tirap Deputy Commissioner, Ravi Jha, IAS on 29th July at Anganwadi Centre, ALC colony, Khonsa amidst huge gathering. “Every year most of the death cases of infants are caused by Diarrhoea as such parents must compulsorily wash their hand properly
Zinc corner of DH Bomdila. It was followed by welcome address by the DMO and highlight of the programme by DRCHO. The Hon’ble MLA and DC, in their speech exhorted the department officers and officials to work
hard to achieve the set goal during the fortnight. They also urged the department to continue the programme throughout the year giving more emphasis on prevention of Diarrhoea and Diarrhoeal Disease in the District. (DIPRO)
with Dettol soap before taking food”, said Jha while interacting with the beneficiaries. The DC urged all the Anganwadi workers and Para Medical Workers to spread awareness about IDCF in their respective area to ensure infants are preventive from Diarrhoea. The DC appreciated DMO, DD (ICDS), DRCHO, CDPO, Anganwadi workers and Para Medical workers for organising the health care awareness IDCF programme a successful
one. DMO Dr. Neeba Lowang highlighted in length about the IDCF and said that the IDCF will be carried till 11th August which the aim is to educate and spread awareness on preventive measures of infant death due to Diarrhoea. The programme was followed by distribution of ORS sachets by DC, DMO, DD (ICDS), PD (DRDA), DRCHO, CDPO, Khonsa, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Khonsa at the launch. (DIPRO)
District level monitoring and review committee meeting of ICDS held at Khonsa
Humane touch emphasized in awareness training on child welfare ET Bureau Pasighat, July29: The need for providing a humane touch in dealing with children in need of care and protection including Juveniles was emphasized during the one-day awareness training on Child Welfare to police personnel under Operation Smile -II , organized by the East Siang Police, here today at Reserve Police Line(RPL). It may be mentioned that OCs are Child Welfare Officers under Special Juvenile Police Unit.
ET Burea Seppa, July 29: East Kameng DC Rajeev Takuk today attended the valedictory function of the three days in-service training of the teachers at DIET, Wessang. The objective of the training was to impart among the participating teachers the constructive approach for teaching social science and communication skill through 5 Es Model. Speaking in the programme, the DC delivered on the importance of health, education and communication, and advantages of trainings. Explaining on the advantages of training, he informed that training generally improves three basic aspects - ASK: Ability, Skill and Knowledge. Quoting "life is a continuous process of learning," he exhorted the
2016 at Khonsa
Resource person, Deputy Director, ICDS, and Child Protection Officer, East Siang, Ponung Ering Angu, called for proactive role of OCs and IO and dwelt on the various provisions and procedures that has to be followed in rehabilitation of rescued children and abandoned children, child victims and Juveniles, also informed on standardized practices /facilities that needs to mandatorily provided in shelter homes, observation homes, orphanage and childcare institution in terms of education, health ,recreation and nutrition. She informed that a child victim is entitled be made aware of his/her rights, provided free legal aid and also dwelt on the compensation provisions under AP Victims Compensation Scheme . Angu also informed about adoption procedure rules as per ex-
isting Juvenile Justice Act(JJ Act).The presence of a Lady Officer in the rank of Inspector in civil clothes is mandatory in case of a female child victim to avoid second victimization /,she further informed. Advocate, Vijay Taram dwelt on duties of police under Juvenile Justice Act 2015 (JJ Act) ,Protocol and Procedure to be adopted during operation, and in handling Juveniles, Every Child has to be treated with dignity and emphasized on presenting the humane face of the Police Officer and underlined the mandatory presence of Juvenile Officer. ABK Women Wing , President, Yalem Taga Burang , who is also JJB member, said that we must tactfully and with sensitivity handling the Juveniles, as the guiding principle of the JJB Act is the correction and rehabilitation of the Juvenile to enable them to join the mainstream of the society. DSP, A Taying, in his address, that the tracing of missing children, rescue and rehabilitation has been one of the core emphasis of the Operation Smile adding that bringing and the relief and smile on the faces of the parents of the rescued children should be our motivation and real reward. We must also put an end to Child labour and to deal with violators firmly as per existing legal laws.
ET Bureau Khonsa, July 29: The district level monitoring and review committee meeting of Tirap district ICDS was held in the DC's conference hall, Khonsa on 29th July in which Tirap ZPC, PD, DMO, DD (ICDS), DRCHO, DPO and all the CDPOs representing Khonsa, Lazu and Namsang attended. In his address Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha asked the CDPOs and their staff to remain in their respective places of posting and urged them to visit the Anganwadi centres in rural areas at regular intervals to make the centres truly functional. He emphatically implored the DD (ICDS) and the CDPOs to instill a semblance of work culture among their staff adding
that there should be a proper liaison between the CDPOs and the grassroots workers for effective implementation of the government schemes under ICDS. He also urged the PRI leaders to play a pro-active role and cooperate with the ICDS workers, especially in the rural areas. The DC opined that HoDs of various departments should strive to find out solutions to the problems by themselves by exploring all available possibilities by consulting all the stakeholders without taking even the trivial issues to the DC all the time. He asked them to be sincere and take correct decisions. The ZPC Sontung Bangsia in her speech requested the government departments to take the PRI leaders into
confidence while preparing schemes adding that a meeting had been fixed on 8th August to find out all the missing links and find out a befitting mechanism to plug them. Earlier, in her welcome address DD (ICDS) A. Lowangcha presented a brief profile of Tirap ICDS and sought active cooperation from line departments like DRDA, Health and Family Welfare, Education, Planning etc and PRI leaders. She threw light on the various schemes that had been launched in the district through a power-point presentation. She also highlighted on the scopes and challenges vis-a-vis ICDS. The participants in the meeting also expressed their views. (DIPRO)
Nitish govt to make prohibition law more stringent Patna, Jul 29 (PTI) The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar today circulated Excise Amendment Bill in the Assembly with more stringent measures to enforce prohibition law, which includes putting behind bars all adult members of a family in case liquor was found from their house. The proposed Excise Amendment Bill which intends to provide more teeth to the existing prohibition law was circulated among members on the opening day of five-day monsoon session for their comments. The draft has already been
cleared by the Nitish Kumar Cabinet and the government aims at getting it approved by the Assembly in the current monsoon session itself.
The 44-page draft of Excise Amendment Bill also has stern punishment for giving illegal advertisement in support of liquor or other intoxicant.
Opposition BJP has described this provision as "draconian" said it would protest it.
It said whosoever gives advertisement in media, which includes Film and TV, or from any social platform advertises directly or obliquely about liquor or intoxicant, would face a jail term of five year or Rs 10 lakh penalty or both.
The amendment has incorporated a stringent provision that if liquor or any other intoxicant is found, consumed, manufactured or sold from a house, all the members above 18 years of age would be liable for punishment, which will include sending them behind bars.
It further has a provision of life sentence for those engaging minor below age of 18 year or a woman for sale, hide, transportation and distribution of intoxicant.
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JULY 30
PAGE 4
Minister Pallab Lochan Das review flood situation in Darrang ET Correspondent Mangaldai July 29: Minister of State for Revenue and Disaster Reduction and Labour and Employment Pallab Lochan Das today visited the flood affected Darrang district and took stock of the relief and
rescue measures of the victims. He along with MLA Mangaldai Gurujyoti Das and MLA Sipajhar Binanada Kr Saikia visited the area under worst affected Mowamari Panchayat and Garukhuti Panchayat of the district
and interacted with people in the flood relief camps of the locality. Earlier he reviewed the flood situation of the district and its process of relief measures. Meanwhile referring to an allegation reportedly raised by MLA Binanada
Relief items distributed at Doomdooma
ET Correspondent Doomdooma, July 29: The Satirth Monch organized a flood relief camp at Dirak Sumoni village which falls under Kakopathar block of
Tinsukia district today. The Monch distributed 5.5 kg rice, potato 2kg, salt 1kg, 5 biscuit packets, candles, match boxes and baby food for all flood victims.
Altogether 45 families (280 people) including children were benefitted. The programme was inaugurated by its working President, Mulendra Moran.
Kr Saikia against Executive Engineer Mangaldai Water Resource Division Bhogeswar Saikia of not responding his phone calls, the Minister directed the concerned government officials to ensure communication for 24*7 during
the flood time sans be prepared to face disciplinary action. According to Narnarayan Nath in charge Deputy Commissioner so far a total of one lakh eighty five thousand population and 17000 hectares crop land besides around
15th Convocation of Forest Range Officers held at Burnihat ET Bureau Guwahati, July 29: The 15th convocation of Forest Range Officers of 2015-16 batch of the Central Academy for State Forest Service was held today at 11 am at its campus at Burnihat, Assam. In the convocation, a total number of 39 Forest Range Officers from Uttarkhand, Tripura and Maharastra were awarded certificates for successfully completing 18 months training starting from 2nd February 2015, informed Janasanyog in a press release. Attending the convocation as a Chief Guest, Darash Mathur, IFS, Principal
Chief Conservator of Forest & Head of Forest Force, Govt of Assam said that Forest Range Officers work as the backbone of the forest departments. Mathur encouraged the passed out officers to be ready to face any kind of challenges in the coming days in the field of their professional career. In his speech, Mr. Mathur also urged the officers to keep themselves associated with academic, innovative works, man management, and proper individual health care. It is mentionable that out of the 39 Forest Range Officers, 27 officers were from Uttarkhand, 10 officers
Plane disappearance: Govt says scope of sabotage 'very less'
Assam governor to felicitate ‘High Performing Employees’ of every department
New Delhi, Jul 29 (PTI) Government today said in Rajya Sabha that the possibility of sabotage in the mysterious disappearance of AN-32 aircraft of IAF was "comparatively very less" and informed that the help of the US has also been sought in locating the plane.
A Staff Reporter Guwahati, July 29: The Government of Assam has decided to felicitate ‘High Performing Employees’ of every department. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal will honour such employees on the occasion of Independence Day and Republic Day.
All types of techniques are being used to locate the aircraft, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said while replying to clarifications sought by members on his suo motu statement on the disappearance of the aircraft on July 22. As members expressed concern and raised questions over how the plane went missing, he said, "I can't speculate because we are searching for it and I will not like to speculate. But I can say only this much. The possibility, although we are checking all angles, of any sabotage is comparatively very less because they have standard operating procedures." While sharing the concern of the members, he gave details of the operation being carried out for the last one week in trying to locate the plane, carrying 29 people, which went missing during a flight from Tambaram in Tamil Nadu to Port Blair. "I appreciate anxiety of members. I am also disturbed at the sudden disappearance of the plane. I have spoken to several experts and former air chiefs who were also puzzled by the sudden disappearance," Parrikar said. The Minister said that at the time of disappearance, the aircraft was on "secondary/ passive radar" and that "There was no SOS or transmission of any frequency. It just disappeared
so that is the worrying part". The Government has sought help from the US for detection of images and is seeking help from American defence forces to ascertain whether their satellites had picked up any signal before the disappearance of the plane. "It is total blank. There was not even a single signal recorded. That is the reason we are contacting American defence forces to ascertain whether their satellites picked up any signal," Parrikar said. "Besides our own satelleite imagery, we have asked the US for their imagery for the detection of emergency frequency to space based assets. Foreign countries we have already asked. I only hope that our efforts succeed," he added while replying to queries whether foreign help has been sought. Queried about the age of the aircraft, the Defence Minister said it was "almost as good as new aircraft". Elaborating he said, "I don't know exact age but it is well within lifetime. It has undergone first overhauling. Lot of replacement has been done.... They are considered as one of the safest aircraft." He said the accident rate of Indian Air Force is 0.23 out of 10,000 hours of flying against the global rate of 0.023 and assured the House that maximum efforts would be made to ensure that the mishaps come down. "If aircraft is not fit for flying we don't fly it. We have decided to check up whether we can improve the signalling system," he added. .
Chief Minister Sonowal said the State Government has decided to accord recognition to the ‘High
one lakh fifty thousand live stocks have been affected in 128 villages under four revenue circle of the district. The death of a one two and half year old child in No3 Dholpur village has been reported during flood.
Performing Employees’ to boost their morale and to inspire others to put in extra efforts in the greater interest of the State and its people. “The officials and employees are the ones that execute Government’s schemes and policies. We have decided to felicitate those employees who have done exemplary work in the interest of public service. They deserve approbation for the good job. It will inspire and motivate other
employees to follow their example. In this way we will be able to further improve our work culture and take the State along the high road to glory and prosperity,” he said. Meanwhile, the Personnel Department has directed all the departmental heads to formulate guidelines and to furnish the list of ‘High Performing Employees’ of their respective departments at the earliest.
were from Tripura and 2 officers were from Maharastra. In the convocation, Tanuja T Thorat and Kumari Kiran Shah begged the Gold and Silver Medal respectively for their excellence in the training period. A total number of 19 trainees succeeded in securing more than 75 percent of the marks in the final examination. In the convocation, C P Marak, IFS, PCCF (T) Govt of Meghalaya & Chairman, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Meghalaya and other senior officers of the forest department attended the convocation ceremony. (Janasanyog)
Spl Correspondent Sivasagar, July 29: Like the previous four occasions, this time also Sivasagar Natya Vidyalay in association with children magazine "Moinaar Parijat" organized the 5th All Assam Children Drama Festival in Sivasagar which was inaugurated at about 10.30am by Doctor Gobin Handique, the president of the organizing committee by lighting the inaugural lamp at the auditorium of Sivasagar Yuva Dol on Friday.
the deputy commissioner, Laya Madduri today. It is to be stated here that as per the official report in Sonitpur district a total of 112 villages and 1 lac people have been affected in flood. Though the flood situation is gradually developing yet in some places people are not being able to free from flood fury. The minister took the report of setting up of total
seven relief camps in the various places for keeping the affected people and report on distribution of 1,348.85 qtl. rice, 263.25 qtl. dal, 52.69 qtl salt among the affected people. Delivering speech in the special meeting the minister urged the officials to deal with the flood situation sincerely and remain alert for every moment. In his speech he also urged the
Stating that certain NGOs, organizations, groups and sections of people are extorting money and materials forcibly from the citizens, business institutions and government offices or officials in the name of fund
raising, the District Administration is forced to impose 144 since they are causing disturbance to the public peace and tranquility in the region. The Administration has also impose ban on raising of funds, demanding or extortion of money in the form of donation in any form and materials by any NGOs, organizations or individual, group of people from the citizen, government offices, officials and business institutions, carrying lethal weapons and arms in public places including licensed arms.
AKRSU foundation day begins ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, July 29: The 26th foundation day of All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU) begins from today at Kalipukhuri with two day scheduled programme in Kokrajhar district. On the first day, AKRSU president Hiteswar Barman hoisted organisational flag,
A souvenir “Ankuron” was also brought out at the inaugural function which was unveiled by Sonaram Baruah, renowned scholar and ex-president of Sivasagar District Xahitya Xabha. Total 17 numbers of plays will be staged during the two days of the festival to be performed by Children Drama Groups coming from various parts of the state. On Saturday, a drawing competition will also be
followed by floral tributes to the martyrs by AKRSU secretary Trilokya Roy. An exhibition showcasing the culture and tradition of the community was also showcase which was inaugurated by Dr. Hemanta Baruah, vice chancellor of Bodoland University. A delegate session was also held later in the day.
held at the festival arena among the school students followed by a beauty contest for the kids up to 13 years of age. The Organizers have made arrangements for giving prize money of 20 thousand for the best drama team while 10 thousand for the 2nd and 5 thousand for the 3rd. Dr. Ramesh Borpatra Gohain, the Dean of Guwahati University will be the chief guest of the final day of the festival.
CM Sonowal visits flood affected areas of Dhubri and Chirang districts Contd. from Page 1 He also said that since any kind of breach poses danger to BRPL and other areas, Chief Minister Sonowal stressed on permanent solution to the problem. He also asked the district administration to make arrangements for the rehabilitation of the displaced people.
He also mooted the idea of constituting a committee with Water Resources Department at the helm of affairs and local people to look after the embankments and erosion related problems perpetuated by Aie River in the districts. Chief Minister Sonowal also visited a relief camp at Subaijhar Higher Secondary School and interacted with camp inmates.
Rajnath Singh to visit Assam to take stock of flood situation Contd. from Page 1
rity measures in place and discussed what needs to be done to minimize the effects of cyber-crimes. He also appreciated Assocham for bringing important people together, including people from the government. "There is a closer synergy which will be vital for our endeavour to make India and other countries more se-
cure," Rijiju added. Minister of State for Electronics and IT P P Chaudhary said that as the country is learning new ways in cyber technology, it has also become prone to more online dangers. "We are not addressing the problems of cyber-related crimes. The impact of cybercrime is more than that of a nuclear weapon. We need to
address the problems with respect to cybercrimes effectively and it can crush the economy of the world," Chaudhary told the audience. The day-long event also saw sessions on emerging technologies in cyber and mobile security, India's response to cyber-attacks and protection of critical infrastructure of the country.
Minister takes stock of the flood situation in sonitpur. ET Correspondent Tezpur, July 29 : Minister for water resource and handloom and textile, Ranjit Dutta today took stock of the flood situation in Sonitpur District. In view of it a consensus review meeting was held with the officials of every department and public representatives of the Districts in the DC’s conference Hall here in presence of
ET Correspondent Diphu, July 29: Karbi Anglong District Administration has imposed section 144 of CRPC throughout the district in view of detraining law and order. This was informed through a press communique issued by Deputy Commissioner of Karbi Anglong, Mukul Gogoi this evening.
5th All Assam Children Drama Festival begins at Sivasagar
Government serious about curbing rising cyber-crimes: Kiren Rijiju IANS New Delhi, July 29: At a time when cyber-attacks are growing and cyber criminals are targeting organisations, we must not compromise when it comes to security, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said on Friday. The Union Home Ministry is always open to incorporate ideas and suggestions from various stakeholders, he added, inaugurating the ninth annual summit on Cyber and Network Security in the capital. Rijiju said, "We have become modern now. Earlier recruitment in terrorist organisations was difficult. Technology has made this process easier. The cyber war is real and we have to understand that we are into it. We are bound to face more challenges but we are beginning to get prepared for it." The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (IT) and Assocham on Friday jointly held the summit "Cyber 3.0-Bridging people, process and technology" which saw participation of dignitaries and representatives from different countries. Rijiju talked about the threats of the cyber world, the secu-
DC of Karbi Anglong imposes Section 144 in the district
officials of department concerned including health, public health, agriculture, animal husbandry, water resource etc. to extend their helping hand to the affected people. He also instructed to the agricultural department to arrange paddy sidling so that the affected people can cultivate atleast in ten hectres land besides instructing the health department
to provide health services to the affected people round the clock. Dutta also urged the officials to give priority in quick supply of Halogen light and baby foods besides fodder for the livestock. The MLA of Tezpur, Sootea and Barchala Constituencies respectively Brindaban Goswami, Padma Hazarika and Ganesh Limbu who were also present in the
meeting urged the officials including the Deputy Commissioner to keep strict vigil on the issue. Meanwhile sharing the opinion regarding the ongoing flood situation in the district DC, Laya Madduri stated that required every possible goods including food-grains and fodder for the affected human and livestock have been kept available.
Meanwhile, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu said that the Railways would provide free wagons to the Government of Assam for transportation of essential commodities to the flood affected districts of the State. In a telephonic talk with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Railway Minister Prabhu said the Railway would provide wagon free of cost for transporting relief materials to
the flood affected districts across the State and asked the Chief Minister to avail the services. Prabhu also said that the Government could make use of the abandoned railway tracks as ‘platform’ for sheltering those displaced by the deluge. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has asked the concerned departments and the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts to avail the opportunities extended by the Indian Railway for the flood affected people.
Water Resources Department suspends 4 officials for negligence of duty under directive of CM Sonowal Contd. from Page 1
It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during his visit to Majuli yesterday along with the Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta to supervise the relief and rescue operations in the flood affected areas took serious note on the unauthorised absence and negligence of duties of some
officials which attributed to breach of Brahmaputra Dyke resulting in untold inconveniences to the people and loss of properties. Action on the erring officials has been taken following stern directive from the Chief Minister who called upon all the government officials to stay at the headquarters and stand by the side of the people reeling under flood.
REGION
PAGE 5
Mad rush for JE vaccine; 10 thousand receive shots
JE toll touches three, five more cases detected
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JULY 30
44 non-local labourers who were handed over to police Imphal, Jul 29: As done since the past one week or so, local people today checked inter-State passenger vehicles heading towards Imphal on friday too and they pulled down 44 non-local labourers who were later handed over to police. Since July 21, volunteers of the Advanced Women Society, Awang Sekmai and the Awang Sekmai Protection Committee have been checking inter-State passenger vehicles. All the 44 non-local labourers pulled down today included two women and none of them possessed identification documents. The verification drive was also joined by JCILPS members. Sit-in-protests staged : People today staged sit-in-protests along Tiddim road from Keishampat to Malom in response to the call of the JCILPS. They were demanding immediate revocation of wanted tag announced against former JCILPS convenor Khomdram Ratan and implementation of ILPS in the State. Sit-in-protests could be seen at Keishampat, Thouda Bhabok Leikai, Takhellambam Leikai, Kwakeithel bazar and Ghari Makha Leikai etc. The protesters put up placards that read 'we want ILPS', 'long live Manipur', 'pass a new Bill during the upcoming State Assembly session' and 'we condemn wanted tag on former JCILPS convenor Kh Ratan' etc.(Agencies)
CCpur, Jul 29: The vaccination exercise conducted by the Health Department at two locations saw a huge turn-out on Friday with officials overseeing the exercise seeking police help to manage the crowd. Over 10,000 people were administered the JE vaccine today taking the total heads receiving the shot since last week to 17500. With the arrival of vials from Imphal, the administration of the vaccine began around 1 pm at two locations - one at the Immunisation office and the other at the district hospital campus. Anticipating a huge turnout officials set-up 6 booths within the hospital campus and deployed over 40 nurses to administer the injection while another 5 injection points were maintained at the Immunisation Office with about a dozen personnel manning the points. However despite the best efforts put forward by the health officials headed by the District Immunisation Officer Dr VC Pau, hundreds returned dejected as the vials stocks ran out later in the evening. With all the 2000 vials it received today being utilised, the number of people receiving the shot is estimated to be a little over 10,000 as some of the
stocks already with the DIO were also given to the people, said an official. One vial can be administered to 5 persons.
Ratan by the school student bodies and appealed to all concerned not to intimidate tribal students over the issue.
The crowd which swelled in the evening and the queues were disrupted and announcements made through the PA system went unheeded forcing health officials to seek the help of the police to manage them. Some personnel deployed at the DIO even claimed that they were intimidated by some people, saying it will be difficult to for them to continue the exercise tomorrow without police presence.
KSO Imphal, general secretary, Khaiminlen Doungel said that the recent occurrence of unpleasant incidents where tribal students of higher secondary schools in Imphal were forced to take part in rallies by the school student unions is strongly condemnable. He also alleged that there have been incidents of assault on tribal girls who refused to participate in rallies organized for introduction of a new PMP Bill and for removal of wanted tag on JCILPS leader Ratan while adding that in many of the higher secondary schools tribal students who refused to participate in the rallies were locked up in their own classrooms. He further alleged that while the school student unions forcibly made the tribal students to join the rallies, hartals and agitations against their will the tribal students were verbally and physically abused and subjected to unimaginable ordeals inside the schools. He also said that in the process some tribal girls were beaten up by agitating students and discriminatory and derogatory remarks were hurled at them.
"Some people even came to us and said we should be held responsible if they get the virus if they are not administered the vaccine today," alleged an official, while highlighting their plight despite their best efforts. The vaccination exercise is set to continue tomorrow as well from 1 pm, as the department has to again pick-up the vials from Imphal.(Agencies) Leave tribal students alone:KSO Kangpokpi, Jul 29: Kuki Students' Organization has expressed discontentment over the alleged coercion of tribal students to take part in rallies organized for introduction of a new PMP Bill and removal of wanted tag on
Observe Aug 3 as historic day: UNC
Imphal, Jul 29: The United Naga Council (UNC) has appealed to leaders of tribes, women, students/ youth, village, Church and all concerned to observe August 3 as a 'Historic Day' in their respective jurisdictions by holding special prayer programme for early settlement of the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement. After waiting for more than 18 years, the historic IndoNaga Framework Agree-
ment was signed between the Govt of India and the NSCN on Aug 3, 2015. In a statement, UNC general secretary S Milan said that since the Indo-Naga ceasefire agreement came into force from August 1, 1997, the Nagas have been patiently and prayerfully waiting for a political settlement at the earliest as it is impossible for the Naga tribals to protect, defend and safeguard their life, land, history, identity, tradi-
tion, culture and time honoured institution under the present 'oppressive' political system of the 'communal Govt of Manipur.' The UNC then urged the Govt of India and the NSCN to finalise the Framework Agreement with political will which is acceptable and honourable to the Nagas based on the unique history of the Nagas and bring it to a logical conclusion at the earliest.(Agencies)
'Compensation of Rs 4 lakh refused' fib righted Imphal, Jul 29: Fake encounter victim Chahotliangbou Abonmai's father D Abonmai, who had claimed that he had refused to accept a cheque of Rs 4 lakh as compensation, is found to have received the cheque from Tamenglong DC yesterday. Based on the statement given to The Sangai Express by D Abonmai, this daily reported in its July 28 edition that he had refused to accept a cheque of Rs 4 lakh from the DC as the actual compensation amount is Rs 5.5 lakh. However, a copy of 'Actual Payment Receipt' provided by Tamenglong DC to TSE indicated that D Abonmai had actually received Rs 4 lakh from the DC. Abonmai was found appending signature on the receipt in the APR. However, the APR does not mention when the
remaining amount of Rs 1.5 lakh would be paid to Abonmai. In a telephonic chat , D Abonmai had claimed that he turned down the payment of Rs 4 lakh as it was not Rs 5.5 lakh. The Sangai Express carried the report after talking to D Abonmai. Mishap victim in Raj Medicity : An unidentified youth who fell down from a moving bus near Ningthoukhong Keithel along ImphalChurachandpur road at around of 7.30 am of July 26 is currently undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity in critical condition. Im pha l -Chura c ha ndp ur Road Bus Owners and Workers Association and the United Bus Owners Welfare Association of Manipur secretary B Dhanabir Sharma told media persons at Raj
Medicity that the unidentified youth approached the particular bus driver with an offer to work as his assistant/ handyman when the bus was parked at Churachandpur. He fell down from the bus on the way to Imphal. The two associations have been looking after the needs of the victim together with the staff of Raj Medicity staff and Bishnupur police station, Dhanabir said. Although he regained consciousness intermittently, he could not be properly communicated with. He said he was from Nambol and then he said he hailed from Sangaithel. He then appealed to all the relatives and family members, if there is any who know the victim, to contact the OC of Bishnupur police station on mobile number 9436027796.(Agencies)
When the victimized students complained, it is reported that the school Principals and teachers feigned ignorance and chose to turn a blind eye to the whole incidents. He further said that the unceasing disruption of classes over a Bill which is controversial in nature is rather unfortunate and it does not augur well for the future of the students and the land. While the tribal communities of Manipur have opposed the 3 Bills which had already claimed 9 young lives, it is not sensible that a section of community is again demanding the introduction of a new Bill even when the dead bodies of the 9 young men lay unburied to this day, he added. He continued that the KSO had deemed the 3 Bills unacceptable because it does not affect only the tribal people but the valley people as well and also because the Bills were passed unlawfully. While appealing the school student unions not to coerce or intimidate the tribal students into joining any agitation in connection with the 3 Bills, the student body said that it is imperative that they should respect the rights, views and opinions of the tribal students if they are for the unity and integrity of the State.(Agencies)
JE toll touches three, five more cases detected Imphal, Jul 29: The death toll due to Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in the State has so far reached three while five more positive cases of JE have been detected. One patient is in acute condition at RIMS, said sources. Health Director Dr O Ibomcha told that blood samples of 18 people suspected to have been infected by JE were tested today at JNIMS and five samples were found positive thereby taking the total number of positive JE cases to 20. All the five persons who have been found infected with JE are undergoing treatment at the hospital. They have been vaccinated by the department free of cost and their conditions are stable. So far, three persons have died due to JE in the State
and they belonged to Changamdabi, Bishnupur and Churachandpur. Of the three one passed away in Chandigarh. The five persons who were confirmed positive for JE today belong to Yaiskul, Kongba, Senapati, Kekrupat and Iroishemba, informed the Health Director.
Dengue. As such, there is no need for declaring holidays in schools, he said. Informing that the department has no arrangement to carry out mass vaccination at the moment, the Director cautioned that administering anti-JE vaccines to persons already vaccinated may prove harmful.
Apart from organising vaccination campaigns, fogging has been done in all the places where JE cases have been confirmed as well as the surrounding areas. Informing that he visited Churachandpur district hospital to oversee the situation prevailing there, Dr Ibomcha not a single case was found positive out of more than 1000 samples tested.
Nonetheless, vaccination campaigns are organised at places where JE cases have been confirmed apart from carrying out fogging exercises. There are 55,000 doses of anti-JE vaccines in the department's stock. Only trained individuals can administer anti-JE vaccines. A fever clinic has been already opened at Churachandpur and the situation is being monitored closely, Dr Ibomcha added. Notably, there were 200 positive cases of JE in the State in 2014 and six cases in 2015.(Agencies)
What is spreading extensively in Churachandpur district is viral fever. There are very few cases of JE or
KSU protest against KHADC's road project NOC turns ugly Shillong, July 29: The office of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) was witness to chaos and drama on Thursday with members of the KSU storming the building to "meet" the council chief PN Syiem to discuss the issue of granting of NOC for the Nongstoin-Wahkaji road project which the Union is opposing. Amid protests outside the KHADC building by members of the KSU, things took an ugly turn, when "unidentified miscreants" vandalized the CEM's office and even manhandled the staff and allegedly pulled the hair of a female employee. The CEM at that time was not present in his chamber. As protesters refused to leave the Council premises without meeting the CEM, Independent MDC, Banteidor Lyngdoh assured the delegation that the Union will be able to meet the CEM at an appropriate time. Meanwhile, staff of the KHADC office told reporters that miscreants numbering over 40 entered the office with an intention to vandalize the Council property. An opaque glass in the Secretary's room was broken and a table turned upside down. Even the CEM's
NOC for the road project," Marngar said. Stating that the Union has all along opposed the implementation of the road project, the KSU leader, however, clarified that the students' body was not averse to developmental projects. Reacting to a query on the damage caused to KHADC property during the protest, Marngar said that KSU members were not involved in manhandling or damaging the office of the CEM etc.
KSU members at the KHADC office protesting issuance of NOC for the construction of NongstoinWahkaji road on Thursday room was not spared as the miscreants tore down the nameplate and broke the glass window of his chamber. Meanwhile, condemning the incident, the KHADC chief said, "We did not rush as far as issuing of the NOC is concerned and we have not issued any NOC as yet. Resorting to vandalism is not an option." "We have filed an FIR into the acts of vandalism and it is up to the police to investigate who are involved in the crime," he added. It is alleged that the miscreants came with an intention to close down the KHADC office. Incidents of locking of the branch offices of the KHADC
were also reported from Nongstoin and Mawkyrwat. Speaking to media persons, the chairman of employment cell of the KSU, Lambok Marngar, said, "We oppose the grant of NOC for the road project as it is meant to facilitate uranium mining." Though the NOC does not cover the stretch till Mawthabah, it will open doors to mine uranium at Mawthabah which is only a few kilometers away from Wahkaji, the KSU argued. The Union called for clarification on whether the road is meant to facilitate uranium mining. "He (PN Syiem) has dashed the hopes of the indigenous people by granting the
"We entered his chamber to meet him. I am not aware who is responsible (for the incidents)," he said hinting that it was the handiwork of unknown miscreants. Interestingly, the CCTV camera installed at the entrance of the office was not operational. Questions were also raised on the capability of the Enforcement Wing of the KHADC which failed to tackle the miscreants. Our correspondent from Nongstoin adds: Some miscreants locked the branch office of the KHADC at Nongstoin at around 12-12:30 pm. However, police have seized the lock and security personnel have been deployed at the office. The KHADC office at Mawkyrwat was also put under lock and key.(Agencies)
CEM to meet pro, anti-road project groups on Monday Shillong, July 29: Feeling the heat on the vexed road project issue following the KSU protest at the KHADC office premises on Thursday, the ruling People's Democratic Forum (PDF) in an urgent meeting decided to invite both the pro and anti-road project groups for talks on Monday. The meeting is scheduled to be held at 1 PM. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, KHADC CEM PN Syiem said, "As many as 10 representatives from each organization will be allowed o attend the meeting. HSPDP MDCs Teilinia Thangkhiew and PS Syiem along with other MDCs will also be present." (Clarifying his stand on the issuance of the NOC to the Nongstoin-Wahkaji road project, Syiem said, "We have made it very clear that NOC will not be issued for WahkajiMawthabah road as per the recommendation of the Committee on Nongstoin-WahkajiMawthabah road project. Proper consultation will be done if NOC is to be granted." Syiem added that the PDF had decided that the Executive Committee (EC) of the KHADC would hold a review meeting on the issuance of the NOC. "The review meeting of the EC will decide upon the issuance of the NOC for the seven road projects," he said.(Agencies)
State cabinet protests Assam blocking road Shillong, July 29: An emergency cabinet meeting held on Thursday registered protest against Assam government for blocking a road at Khanapara causing inconvenience to the Meghalaya residents. Briefing reporters after the brief cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that the emergency meet was called to protest against the stand of new Assam government for its "irresponsible and uncalled for act in blocking the road which is under Meghalaya". According to the Chief Minister, the cabinet condemned the act of Assam government which is not justified as the blocking of the road will affect the free passage of people to the National Highway. The Chief Minister said that such kind of activities from Assam authorities in the area which belongs of Meghalaya will deter the maintenance of conducive atmosphere in the border. Meghalaya has already deputed
officials including the Deputy Commissioner of Ri- Bhoi to assess the situation and restore the road connectivity. "The cabinet also expressed displeasure urging the Government of Assam to refrain from such activities in future", the Chief Minister said. Regarding the areas of differences, Sangma said that the Chief Ministerial level meeting should be resumed at the earliest to address the long pending border dispute after the state government had submitted documents related to disputed areas substantiating its claim. However, a report from Guwahati said that an anti-encroachment drive in Khanapara area of Guwahati on Thursday led to apprehension of tension in the area with bordering Meghalaya. Kamrup (metro) deputy commissioner M. Angamuthu said an anti-encroachment drive was carried out on a plot of land owned by Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) in Khanapara area. The area is in
the proximity of Koinadhara where the official residence of former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi is situated. The official said the drive was a routine matter to clear the area of encroachment. He said an official of Meghalaya government had spoken to him over telephone regarding the eviction drive to know the details as the area is close to the inter-state border. The Kamrup (metro) deputy commissioner, however, claimed that there was no report of any inter-state border tension due to the eviction drive. However, the traditional heads in Khanapara have taken the issue as a matter of illegal encroachment of land by Assam along the inter-state border. The Durbar Shnong and the local residents of Khanapara expressed their anger against the Assam State Transport Corporation for allegedly encroaching into Meghalaya and even blocking the village motorable road by erecting a boundary pillar. The villagers of Khanapara also
alleged that the Assam government through the ASTC forcibly demolished the rented house owned by the Narleng clans. The headman of Khanapara village Jeromy Lyngdoh informed that the Assam government carried out the demolition drive and erection of boundary pillars without informing the village authority. According to him, Assam blocked the road which was used by the villagers, students of Nepal Sayogi Government School. Durbar Shnong Khanapara wondered as to how the Assam government failed to serve notices to the affected land owners and the public before carrying out such kind of demolition drive. In this connection, Durbar Shnong accompanied by the Khasi Students Union Northern Border Area met the Deputy Commissioner CP Gotmare, Deputy Commissioner Ri Bhoi to stop illegal encroachment by Assam. When contacted, Gotmare said that the authorities in Assam raised demarcation polls which
affected the passage of people of Hilldubi in Ri Bhoi. Gotmare said that there was some sort of demarcation going on in Hilldubi areas by Assam State Transport Corporation and the raising of demarcation polls affected the passage which is used by the people of Hilldubi. According to Deputy Commissioner, as the place is an undisputed land, the matter has been taken up at the highest level. "I have also taken up the matter with my counterpart," he said. Meanwhile the General Secretary UDP Ri- Bhoi Rayonald Kharkamni has condemned the action of the Assam government in "demolishing houses and erection of boundary pillars" inside the territory of Meghalaya. Kharkamni also said that UDP Ri Bhoi will take up the issue with the Central leadership of the UDP and the Assam government. He also deplored that the state government is not serious in solving this border issue.(Agencies)
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL
PAGE 6
Curfew, restrictions reimposed in Kashmir
Indian national not executed in Indonesia: Swaraj
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JULY 30
Rajya Sabha to take up GST bill next week New Delhi, Jul 29 : Government today listed the muchawaited GST bill for consideration and passage in Rajya Sabha's agenda for the next week. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, while making a statement regarding government business for the week starting August 1 in the Upper House, said the Constitution (122nd Amendement) Bill, 2014 will be taken up for consideration and passage. On July 27, the Cabinet had cleared changes in the legislation, dropping the controversial one per cent manufacturing tax and providing guarantee to compensate states for any revenue loss in the first five years of rollout of the ambitious indirect tax regime. The government is keen to get the GST Bill approved during the Monsoon Session of Parliament ending on August 12. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha in May 2015 and vetted by the Rajya Sabha Select Committee. However, the measure got stuck in the Upper House where the government does not have majority of its own, as the main opposition Congress sought certain changes in it. Government is making efforts to hammer out a consensus on the bill and reaching out to opposition parties. Congress has described the exercise as "constructive and positive". Once the Rajya Sabha clears the legislation, the amended legislation would be returned to the Lok Sabha for its approval. The GST legislation, which intends to convert 29 states into a single market through a new indirect tax regime, was earlier planned to be introduced from April 1 this year, but the deadline was missed as the legislation to roll it out remained in limbo in the Opposition-dominated Rajya Sabha.(PTI)
Srinagar, Jul 29: Curfew was today reimposed in four districts of south Kashmir and Srinagar city, while the authorities clamped restrictions in some other areas of the Valley to thwart a planned march by separatists here. "There is curfew in entire south Kashmir and Srinagar, while restrictions have been imposed in north and central Kashmir," a police official said. He said all the four districts of south Kashmir Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian -- were under curfew to maintain law and order. The official said restrictions were imposed in north Kashmir and some areas of central Kashmir to thwart the march announced by separatists to Jamia Masjid.
The separatists had asked the people to reach Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar to pay tributes to the people killed in the recent violence in the Valley. Protests broke out across Kashmir Valley on July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces. In the ensuing clashes between protesters and security forces, 47 persons, including two policemen, were killed and 5,500 others were injured. Yesterday, the authorities had lifted curfew and restrictions from across the Valley, except Anantnag town, after some improvement in the situation. Mobile internet services contin-
ued to remain snapped in the entire Valley where the postpaid mobile telephony services have been restored across all networks. The incoming facility on prepaid connections has also been restored, but the outgoing calls are barred on such numbers. Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed elsewhere in the Valley for the 21st consecutive day today in view of the strike call given by the separatist camp. Schools, colleges and business establishments remained closed due to the strike while public transport remained off roads. Attendance in government offices was very thin, the official said. The separatist camp has extended the shutdown
call in Kashmir till July 31. "The shutdown will continue as usual with daily relaxation after 7 PM till late hours," a joint statement of the separatists, including both factions of Hurriyat led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and JKLF led by Yasin Malik, said late last night. The separatists asked the people to hold sit-in on roads on Saturday and offer the late afternoon and evening prayers together on roads. They also asked people to observe an hourlong 'blackout' from 8 PM. On July 31, the separatists said, people to visit 'martyrs graveyards to offer special prayers and paint slogans and graffiti on walls and roads.(Agencies)
PSU bank employees on strike, operations hit New Delhi, Jul 29 : Services at around 80,000 bank branches in the country were hit today as employees of public sector banks went on a one-day strike to protest proposed merger of SBI associates with the parent and other issues. However, private sector banks like ICICI Bank were working as usual. Most of the public sector banks including SBI had earlier informed their customers of inconvenience if strike materialises. The
United Forum of Banks Unions (UFBU), an umbrella organisation of nine bank employees and officers unions representing 8 lakh staffers, has gone ahead with the strike, affecting services like cheque clearances, cash deposit and withdrawal at branches and other facilities.
also be impacted to some extent by the said strike calls," SBI had said in a statement. According to the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) General Secretary, C H Venkatachalam, normal operations at branches across all PSU banks were affected.
"The All India State Bank Officers' Federation and the All India State Bank of India Staff Federation are members of UFBU. Thus, it is likely that the bank will
The conciliation meeting with the Chief Labour Commissioner on July 26 did not yield any positive results. However, UFBU is willing to reconsider the strike call
if the government considers their demand and addresses it. "The unions were ready for meaningful discussion, but the government only tried to justify their present policy decision on banking reforms and hence, there was no meeting point," he explained. Unions, which are protesting FDI in banking sector, are pressing for various demands, which include one not to privatise public sector banks and increase private capital in such banks, he said.(PTI)
Obama hopeful his successor will take forward Indo-US ties: WH Washington, Jul 29 : US President Barack Obama is hopeful that his successor will continue to take forward America's engagement with India, the White House has said. "President Obama's Asia rebalance has included prioritizing the United States' relationship with the world's largest democracy," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said yesterday at his daily news conference. "So I think it's an indication of the long-standing warm relationship between United States and India. Some of that is a result of the investment of diplomatic capital that President Obama has made in that relationship," he said. The
joyed each visit," he said in response to a question. Earnest said Obama has appreciated the effective working relationship that he's had with the leaders of both countries.
President Obama President is hopeful that his successor will do the same thing, because it benefits the American people, and our economy, and certainly our national security, he said.
"And President Obama has traveled multiple times Indian and the president has been warmly received by the Indian people in each visit. I know that he has en-
"Of course, the President and Mrs. Obama hosted by Mr.
"That was viewed by many as the linchpin of completing the agreement in Paris," Earnest said. Obama, he said, has indicated is that he is committed to ensuring a smooth transition from the Obama administration to his successor.
(Manmohan) Singh and his wife here at the White House for the very first White House State Dinner. And President Obama was able to work effectively with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reach an agreement about the commitments that India would make in the context of the Paris Climate Talks," he said.
"I'm confident that will include conversations between President Obama and the President-elect when the time comes. I don't know how wideranging that discussion will be. It certainly could include India. But whoever it is, President Obama is committed to ensuring a smooth transition," he said.(PTI)
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj New Delhi, July 29: Indian national Gurdip Singh, who was to be executed last night on drug charges in Indonesia, has not been put to death, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Friday. "Indian Ambassador in Indonesia has informed me that Gurdip Singh whose execution was fixed for last night, has not been executed," Swaraj said on twitter. However, it was not clear why the Indian was not executed while four other convicts were put to death by the firing squad. 48-year-old Singh was among 10 convicts who were to be executed but were not put to
death. He was found guilty by an Indonesian court of trying to smuggle in 300 grams of heroin and was handed death penalty in 2005. MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup had yesterday said that Indian Embassy officials in Jakarta were reaching out to the Indonesian foreign office and the senior leadership of the country on the issue. Swaraj had said government was making last minute efforts to save Singh "Afdhal Muhammad, the legal representative of Singh was of the view that he can file for Presidential clemency under the relevant law
Jaitley hoped that with good monsoon this year, the price front too will ease. Countering Rahul Gandhi, Jaitley said that even today the corruption scandals of the UPA regime can be heard about. "We have contained inflation despite having two years of drought. Good monsoon helps economy and with good monsoon this year, I expect that the prices will come down," Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha mak-
ing an intervention during the debate on price rise. "We have been able to keep things under control despite two years of bad monsoon, which resulted in higher food inflation." Jaitley asked the Congress Vice President to compare the inflation rate during the UPA government and what's prevailing now under the Modi government. Stating that the two years of UPA government saw double digit price rise, Jaitley said consumer price inflation was 10.2 per cent in 2012-13. It was near 9.5 per cent when the BJP took over, he said, adding that this has been brought down to 5.77 per cent. Taking a jibe at Rahul Gandhi for listing out items whose prices had gone up, the Finance Minister quipped: "Everybody in this
House seems to be claiming to be going to the market everyday." "Any form of bluster is not substitute of statistics," he added, even as other BJP members slammed Rahul Gandhi for his "lip service" to the welfare of the poor. Hukmdev Narayan Yadav, BJP member from Bihar, said the opposition party is "frustrated" with the Modi government as it is taking several steps to bring back black money. "Contrary to allegations made by Rahul Gandhi, the Modi government has catered most for the welfare of the poor people. Opening of bank accounts under the Jan Dhan scheme for the rural people and cheap LPG made available to poor people only shows the government's commitment to the poor," Yadav said.
Another BJP lawmaker Poonam Mahajan from Maharashtra sought to blame the Congress government of the past for the price rise. Making a veiled attack on Rahul Gandhi, she wondered how the 'yuvraj' (prince) did not know about the price situation when UPA was in power from 2004-2014. Referring to Maharashtra situations, she claimed that a large number of farmers committed suicide during Congress rule. Among others K. Karunakaran of CPI-M and B. Mahtab (Biju Janata Dal) said both the Congress and BJP-led NDA have failed to control price rise. Mahtab suggested the government should deal with the supply side issues to contain inflation.
Saugata Roy (Trinamool) and Tariq Anwar (NCP) also criticised the government and said the government spokespersons and ministers are sounding "apologists" over the price hike. Roy said Jaitley should give a road map on how to bring down the prices. Jaitley shot back at Rahul Gandhi's argument on minimum support price and said: "The new economic equation you gave that a rise in minimum support price should result in lower retail prices, otherwise it is corruption. This I have heard for the first time". He said MSP is determined on account of demand and supply. Defending the move to hike excise duty on petrol and diesel, Jaitley said the government had no other option. (Agencies)
The 14 convicts to be executed included persons from Indonesia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Pakistan. Singh was arrested on August 29, 2004, at the Soekarno Hatta Airport on charges of drug trafficking. The Tangerang Court awarded him capital punishment in February 2005, against the prosecutors' request for 20 years imprisonment. His appeal against the death penalty was turned down by the High Court of Banten in May, 2005. He then appealed to the Supreme Court which also upheld his death penalty. He is presently detained at Nusakambangan Pasir Putih, Cilacap.(PTI)
'India should double coverage of HBV vaccine' Kolkata, July 29 : Coverage of Hepatitis B vaccine at birth in India should be doubled by 2020 from the current 45 per cent by addressing the administrative and logistic issues to safeguard the young against the deadly disease, according to the World Health Organisation. WHO representative to India, Henk Bekedam, described "the administration of Hepatitis B dose within 24 hours of birth as a key challenge."
amongst healthcare workers and private sector adopting a different policy for the birth dose vaccination are some of the challenges in India.
Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease. If babies get infected, the virus usually remains in the body for a lifetime. Bekedam said nonavailability of Hepatitis B vaccine at all delivery points, lack of awareness
According to the WHO official, "The convergence of efforts between RMNCH+A (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health) and the immunisation programme is necessary to improve birth
"There are administrative and logistic challenges in the uptake of Hepatitis B birth dose. It is proposed that challenges identified be addressed systematically to increase coverage of Hepatitis B vaccine birth dose," Bekedam told.
Rahul Gandhi slams BJP for waterlogging in Gurgaon
Price rise: Jaitley, BJP lawmakers counter Rahul New Delhi, July 29: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, joined by other ruling BJP members, on Thursday strongly rejected Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over escalating prices, saying the NDA dispensation had performed well at a "difficult stage".
before the President of Indonesia. The Embassy sent a Note Verbale to Indonesia's Foreign Ministry requesting that all legal recourse should be exhausted before the death penalty is carried out," Swarup said. Singh, who hails from Jalandhar in Punjab, is among 14 people who were facing execution after the authorities decided to resume implementing death penalty. The decision has been criticised by human rights organisations.
Rahul Gandhi slams BJP for waterlogging in Gurgaon New Delhi, July 29: As hundreds of commuters got stuck on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway due to waterlogging caused by a heavy downpour on Thursday, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed the newly-elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state accusing it of passing the buck. "As BJP passes the buck,Gurgaon chokes.Wht (what) an awful ordeal 4 (for) commuters esp (especially) ambulances tht (that) may have been stuck for hrs (hours)!" tweeted Rahul Gandhi along with a photo and a news report of the
mess that was caused by the showers. Commuters, including women and children had a harrowing time on Thursday for many hours after heavy rain left the Hero Honda Chowk here inundated. There was a massive traffic jam as all kinds of vehicles -- cars, two-wheelers, buses and other modes of public transport -- remained stuck for six to seven hours, especially on the Delhi-Jaipur stretch. The Badshahpur drain, which carries stormwater, breached, leading to several feet of waterlogging in the area.(Agencies)
dose coverage. India should set a national target of 90 per cent birth dose coverage by 2020." Bekedam, however, described India reaching 86 per cent coverage of Hepatitis B third dose in 2015 as a "commendable" performance. "In 2015, India reached 86 per cent coverage of Hepatitis B third dose which is commendable," he said. The WHO is committed to supporting the Centre in "designing a comprehensive action plan for prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis with clear targets towards elimination as a public health issue", Bekedam elaborated while talking about how agency was assisting the India tackling the disease. (Agencies)
Kejriwal gets bail in defamation case in Punjab Amritsar, July 29: A court in Amritsar on Friday granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and two other party leaders in a defamation case filed by Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia. Kejriwal, along with AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Ashish Khetan, who were co-accused in the defamation case, were present in the jam-packed court room here. The court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate on July 18 issued summons to Kejriwal and the others to appear before it following the defamation case filed by Majithia. The AAP leaders had accused him of patronising drug trade in Punjab and even called him a "drug lord". Scores of ruling Shiromani Akali Dal activists also came out in support of Majithia. Majithia said he wanted speedy trial in the defamation case so that the AAP leaders go behind bars for defaming him. The allegations pertain to three incidents, first being the derogatory remarks made by Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh at the Maghi Rally held at Muktsar Sahib on January 14, allegations levelled against Majithia by Kejriwal during his visit to Amritsar on February 27 and statements of Sanjay Singh and Ashish Khetan in Chandigarh.(Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JULY 30
NEIGHBOURS
'India stands for united, stable Sri Lanka' friends in Sri Lanka," he said. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said the two countries have enjoyed trade and cultural relations for over centuries.
Prime Minister Modi Colombo, July 29: India stands for a united, stable and prosperous Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said, emphasising that India's development cooperation with the country will be as per the aspirations of its people and leadership. In a video message on the launch of India-assisted emergency ambulance service for western and southern provinces of Sri Lanka, Modi said, "Today, the partnership between India's capacities and your needs is not only touching the lives of our people, it also shows our path of constructive regional cooperation." "India's development cooperation with Sri Lanka enjoys a wide spread of projects throughout Sri Lanka in different areas of economic activities. But it must happen as per your
aspirations. It is for this reason that our cooperative projects rely on the choices and priorities set by the people, the leadership and the Government of Sri Lanka." Underlining that India stands for a united, stable and prosperous Sri Lanka, he said, "That is also the goal of our partnership. And the emergency ambulance service is a unique example of this friendship." Prime Minister Modi said the free ambulance service project, being implemented through grant assistance of India of around $7.55 million, represents a "concrete result" of how the close partnership between India and Sri Lanka benefits the people on the ground. "It is another example of how Indian experiences, capacities and best practices can fulfil the needs of our
"We must strive to further strengthen our relations with India," Wickremesinghe said. "I asked the Prime Minister Modi if we could obtain this (ambulance) facility. He agreed without any hesitation. Modi is a man with humble beginnings he has overcome many hardships in life so he is aware of the value of such a service to the rural folk," he said. During his visit to Sri Lanka in March last year, Modi had received a request for assistance for setting of the emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka. After the visit, Wickremesinghe, wrote to Modi for support for setting up of an emergency ambulance service and its operations for the first year. Modi had assured full support. The decision was formalised in September 2015 during the visit of Wickremesinghe to India. India's development portfolio in Sri Lanka is nearly $2.6 billion, out of which $436 million is pure grants. (PTI)
Indian-American girl becomes delegate at DNC Philadelphia, Jul 29: An 18-year-old Indian-American girl has become the youngest delegate at the Democratic National Convention here which has nominated Hillary Clinton as the party's presidential candidate. Sruthi Palaniappan from Cedar Rapids and a student of the Harvard University is a big supporter of Clinton, the first woman to be nominated as a presidential candidate by a major political party. Sruthi's father Palaniappan Andiappan is also attending the convention as a member of credentials committee. She has been the centre of attraction among the media here and the delegates along with a 102-year-old delegate from Arizona, Jerry Emmett, who is the oldest delegate at the convention. In addition to being the youngest delegate, Sruthi
made history on Tuesday when she was given an opportunity to represent Iowa during roll call votes. "I am extremely thankful for the surreal opportunity to have represented the Iowa delegation as a roll call speaker and to have been a part of the historic nomination process of our next president," she said. "Together, we have made history by electing the first woman presidential nominee of a major political party- Hillary Rodham Clinton," Sruthi wrote on her Facebook post. Sruthi said being elected as the party's delegate was a long process. "But I'm extremely glad that I have been able to immerse myself at every step along the way and witness the political process first-hand," she said. Highly impressed by the electrifying speech given by President Barack
Obama, Sruthi said, "the American dream is something no wall will ever contain." "President Barack Obama, thank you for gracing us with your beautifully moving words. It was simply an honour to be in your presence and witness the pure emotion that emanated from your voice. "Obama's legacy and efforts will live on when Clinton and her vice presidential running mate Tim Kaine become the new President and Vice President of the United States," she said. "We really do need to unite together in order to defeat the Republican nominee (Donald Trump). If we let Donald Trump take over the presidency, really terrible things will take our county several steps back," Sruthi was quoted as saying by the local KCRG TV. (Agencies)
China detains Japanese for 'spying' Beijing, July 29: China has reportedly detained a Japanese official from an exchange group for his alleged involvement in spying activities, but the Tokyo-based group denies any links with the man. Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported on Thursday that the man was detained in Beijing in mid-July for what Chinese authorities said his "role in espionage". An anonymous Japanese national told the Global Times on Thursday that the man may have ties to the biggest Japan-China exchange group in Chiyoda, Tokyo, the Japan-China Friendship Association, but the association confirmed tthat it had nothing to do with the man. The man, who heads an organisation that promotes Japan-China exchanges,
was scheduled to stay in Beijing from July 11-15, but did not return to Japan and had not been answering his phone, according to sources close to the Japanese government, Kyodo News reported, adding that he has a history of being involved with the Social Democratic Party, a minor opposition party. Japan's Chief Cabinet Sec-
PAGE 7
retary Yoshihide Suga was quoted by Kyodo News as saying that Japan "is not engaged in such activities toward any country," and "the government is assisting the man through its embassy in Beijing and working to confirm the circumstances of his detention." Four Japanese have reportedly been arrested in China since May 2015.(Agencies)
Nepal flood: Death toll rises to 77 tem.
Kathmandu, July 29: Floods and landslides in Nepal have killed at least 77 people while hundreds of others were forced to flee their homes as torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc in the country, prompting deployment of the army for rescue and relief operations. Heavy rains have caused massive floods and landslides in many parts of the country, putting thousands of lives at risk. Scores of houses and bridges have been swept away in several parts of the country as incessant rains have swelled rivers. Since Monday, at least 77 people have been killed in floods and landslides, the Nine persons are still missing. The worst-hit district was Pyuthan, where at least
Army personnel have been deployed for rescue and relief operations in 14 flood affected districts. Soldiers and volunteers used rubber boats to rescue people marooned by the flooding, while helicopters are being used to drop food supplies. Over 600 flood victims who were stranded since Monday night due to flooding in Rapti river in Chaupheri village in Banke were rescued on Wednesday.
Floods and landslides in Nepal have killed at least 77 people while hundreds of others were forced to flee their homes 36 have died and dozens of houses have been swept away. Around 200 families have been displaced due to floods and landslides, officials said. Floods have also swept
away four micro-hydropower projects, police said. Most of the affected people were earthquake victims who were living in quakedamaged houses after repair, police said. Tens of thousands of Nepalese are
still living in tents following the last year's devastating earthquakes that killed nearly 9,000 people. Government authorities scrambled to put in place a disaster management sys-
Water levels in Narayani River crossed the danger mark Wednesday. Residents living in the surrounding areas have moved to higher grounds. All the floodgates of the Gandak Barrage bordering India have been opened. However, water levels were now slowing receding in Koshi River. (Agencies)
Trump slams Clinton over Pakistani on death-row in her nomination speech Indonesia wins last minute reprieve, execution halted
Philadelphia, Jul 29: Hillary Clinton's vision is a "borderless world" where people will have "no jobs and safety", Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said today and criticised her for not mentioning "radical Islam" in her nomination acceptance speech.
"Hillary's refusal to mention Radical Islam, as she pushes a 550 per cent increase in refugees, is more proof that she is unfit to lead the country," Trump said in a series of tweets blasting Clinton on her acceptance speech as the presidential nominee of the Democratic party. "Our way of life is under threat by Radical Islam and Hillary Clinton cannot even bring herself to say the words," Trump said in another tweet. He said Clinton will never reform Wall Street. "She is owned by Wall Street!" he said. Trump alleged Clinton's "vision is a borderless world where working people have no power, no jobs, no safety".
"Hillary's wars in the Middle East have unleashed destruction, terrorism and ISIS across the world," he said. He said no one has worse judgement than Clinton. "...Corruption and devastation follows her wherever she goes," Trump said in another tweet. In another statement, the Trump Campaign said the acceptance was delivered from a "fantasy university" and was far away from reality. "It's a speech delivered from a fantasy universe, not the reality we live in today," Stephen Miller, senior policy advisor to the Trump Campaign alleged soon after Clinton finished her acceptance speech. "Hillary Clinton s speech was an insulting collection of cliches and recycled rhetoric. She spent the evening talking down to the American people she's looked down on her whole life, " Miller alleged. Clinton talks about unity, but her globalist agenda denies American citizens the protections to which they are all entitled tearing
Americans apart, he said. "Her radical amnesty plan will take jobs, resources and benefits from the most vulnerable citizens of the United States and give them to the citizens of other countries. Her refusal to even say the words 'Radical Islam', or to mention her disaster in Libya, or her corrupt email scheme, all show how little she cares about the safety of the American people," Miller claimed.
Clinton says America is stronger together, Miller noted. "But in Hillary Clinton s America, millions of people are left out in the cold," he added. "She only stands together with the donors and special interests who've bankrolled her entire life. Excluded from Hillary Clinton s America are the suffering people living in our inner cities, or the victims of open borders and drug cartels, or the people who've lost their jobs because of the Clintons trade deals, or any hardworking person who doesn't have enough money to get a seat at Hillary Clinton's table," Miller said.(Agencies)
Pakistani American father of fallen soldier blasts Trump at convention Islamabad, July 29: The father of a Muslim American soldier killed in Iraq posed a question to Donald Trump: Have you read the Constitution.To rapturous cheers, Pakistan-born Khizr Khan fiercely attacked the billionaire businessman Thursday at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia, saying that if it was up to Trump, his son never would have been American or served in the military. Khan said that Hillary Clinton, by contrast, "called my son the best of America".The address was the latest effort by Democrats to highlight their diversity and criticise Trump's most contentious plans. Beyond his proposed wall across Mexico, the billionaire businessman has threatened to ban Muslims from entering the United States if he becomes president. Capt. Humayun Khan died in 2004 when a car loaded with explosives blew up at his compound. He was 27.Honouring his son, Khizr Khan pulled a copy of the Constitution out of his suit pocket and offered to lend it to Trump. "Look for the words 'liberty'
and 'equal protection of law', he said standing next to his wife, waving the paperback document vigorously."Have you ever been to Arlington cemetery?" he then asked. "Go look at the graves of brave Americans who died defending the United States of America. You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing." Khan, who moved to the US in 1980, said he and his wife were "patriotic American Muslims with undivided
loyalty to our country.""Like many immigrants, we came to this country empty handed," he said, believing that with hard work he could raise his three sons "in a nation where they were free to be themselves and follow their dreams". Trump, Khan argued, was imperilling that ideal with his smears of Muslims, women, judges and other groups. He urged Muslims, immigrants and all patriots to "to not take this election lightly".(Agencies)
Cilacap, July 29: The execution of Zulfiqar Ali, a Pakistani national who was on death row in Indonesia, has been halted, on early Friday. He was convicted of drugrelated charges in a controversial trial. Maryam Nawaz, daughter of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said in a Tweet a last-ditch attempt by her father to convince Indonesian authorities to halt Ali's execution proved effective "despite [a] bleak chance of success". However Indonesian authorities executed one local and three Nigerian drug convicts by firing squad, an official said. They were put to death shortly after midnight, Noor Rachmad, deputy attorney general for general crimes, told reporters. He did not say why 10 other drug convicts, who had been expected to face the firing squad, were not executed. Indonesian television networks say the government has carried out executions of people convicted of drug crimes. Three networks said
Friday the executions occurred out at the Nusa Kambangan prison island.Indonesia's attorneygeneral had stated earlier this week that 14 people, mostly foreigners, would be executed. Relatives, rights groups and foreign governments had urged Indonesia to spare the lives of the 14. It is the third set of executions under President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo who was elected in 2014 and campaigned on promises to improve human rights in Indonesia. Earlier, the family of Ali had carried out a protest in Lahore on Wednesday against his imminent execution. Pakistan had been angered about the planned execution of Ali - whom rights groups claim was beaten into confessing - and summoned Indonesia's ambassador in Islamabad this week to convey their concerns. (Agencies)
Waiting for policing powers, Rangers raid MQM offices Karachi, July 29 : While waiting for government's nod to stay in the province with special powers for operation that began in September 2013, the Pakistan Rangers on Thursday continued to assert the powers they were assigned to restore peace to the city and raided the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) offices in Shah Faisal Colony and Surjani Town. The paramilitary force picked up a few activists resulting in the cancellation of party meetings, which were scheduled to be addressed by its Londonbased chief Altaf Hussain, officials and party sources said. The raids were conducted in the second half of the day when dozens of workers were at the MQM offices in Shah Faisal Colony to listen to the party chief's speech. While the MQM came up with the claim about the arrest of more than half a dozen of its workers, there was no word from the Pakistan Rangers on the action, neither any statement to define the operation of the paramilitary force when the period of their stay and policing powers had already expired. "Heavy contingent of the Rangers cordoned off the MQM offices in Shah Faisal Colony and Surjani Town where dozens of workers were present to attend regular Tarbiati Nishist," sources said. They added: "We are not aware of any arrest but the Rangers were seen taking a few workers along with them and the meetings came to end abruptly. The police of respective areas show unawareness about these episodes." The Sindh government has not yet come up with any formal announcement about the Rangers stay and powers to operate, but the paramilitary force continued to operate against the suspected criminals, hitmen associated with political parties and alleged extortionists, the
sources explained. As the Sindh government insisted that the Rangers had no 'constitutional mandate' to carry out actions in any other part of Sindh except Karachi, the paramilitary force had also lost legal cover earlier this month to operate even in Karachi that witnessed surge in criminal and terrorist activities in recent months. The MQM called the paramilitary force action a "condemnable act". In a statement, the party's coordination committee asked the human rights' bodies to take notice of the Rangers' "illegal actions." "Rangers no more enjoy powers to raid or make arrests," the party said. "There is a law of jungle in Karachi. The meetings were scheduled at our Shah Faisal Colony and Surjani Town offices which were due to be addressed by Altaf Hussain but the Rangers harassed and threatened our workers. The MQM strongly condemns such acts." The party claimed that the Rangers in Shah Faisal Colony picked up organiser of UC-9 Muhammad Samad, committee member Imran Sarmadi and a worker, Adnan, from the party office. Another raid was conducted on the house of a worker Muhammad Yasir in the area, the MQM coordination committee said and added that the workers in Surjani Town were threatened with dire consequences. "MQM is a peace-loving and truly democratic organisation," said the statement. "Such acts cannot stop it from the struggle of justice, neither they can harass its workers. We appeal the human rights' bodies to take notice of such illegal acts of the Rangers. We also appeal for immediate release of all workers who were arrested illegally."(Agencies)
PAGE 8
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JULY 30
Manipur in JE Alert Overwhelming cases of viral fever As though the dengue, chikungunya and H1N1 outbreaks weren't enough, now we have to contend with the resurgence of Japanese encephalitis. As though the dengue, chikungunya and H1N1 outbreaks weren't enough, now we have to contend with the resurgence of Japanese encephalitis in India. Due to outbreak of Japanese Encephalitis (JE), the Manipur government has asked all educational institutions in the Churachandpur district of the state to close down for seven days in the district coupled with overwhelming cases of viral fever. One person died on Wednesday at the RIMS, Imphal after suffering a bout of fever and other symptoms identified with JE. Churachandpur district has so far recorded three cases of JE. There are two other suspected cases recorded by the health officials but one has expired before he could be referred for further treatment while the other, a woman is under treatment. Recent cases of medical emergencies, from the Dengue epidemic and now the JE epidemic has once again highlighted the need for a fully functional laboratory in the district to deal with cases that can at least be tested locally. Meanwhile, the overwhelming cases of viral fever that has gripped the district for the past sev-
eral weeks is yet to show any sign of subsiding. According to official data provided by health authorities, an exclusive Fever Clinic set-up at the district hospital has in the last three days attended to 1,219 cases while 7,500 people have been administered the JE vaccine.The district administration has today issued a memo requesting all heads of educational institutions in the district to close down their respective institutions for seven days beginning July 28 to check the spread of both the viral fever and JE. As per reported in many instances the vaccine, which officials said was imported and expensive, gets over before the queue wounds up due to the paucity of vaccine stocks. The trend is likely to continue as information about the JE related death today has reached people far and wide. Medical Office has also decided to meet every alternate day until the situation improves. While there is still no reason to panic since the incidence of new cases seems to be confined to one area of the country, in these days of immigration and frequent travel by all modes of transportation, it is vital to be aware of the nature of the illness, as well as the treatment and preventive measures of this deadly condition.
Cyber Crime Tackle this menace Internet, though offers great benefit to society, also present opportunities for crime using new and highly sophisticated technology tools. With internet usage soaring in India, so is cyber crime, but India's laws do not appear to be adequate to tackle this surge. Cyber crime is emerging these days as a serious threat to our society. Worldwide governments, police departments and intelligence units have started to react and take all possible steps regarding this crime. Initiatives to curb cross border cyber threats are taking shape. Indian police has initiated special cyber cells across the country and have started educating the personnel. In the three years up to 2013, registered cases of cyber crime were up 350%, from 966 to 4,356, according to statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). A recent study shows that the age group of 18-30 accounts for the highest percentage of cyber crime with 1,638 persons arrested in this age bracket out of a total arrests of 3,301 in 2013. Some cyber laws are considered too draconian for a modern, democratic society, being forced open by the spread of the Internet. These laws are now being opposed by various experts, lawyers and free-speech activists. Cyber crime appears to be concentrated in states with major cities, indicating that urbanization - which facili-
tates internet penetration - is a factor. Maharashtra accounts for the most persons arrested under the IT Act, 2000, and Uttar Pradesh reported the most arrests under the older Indian Penal Code (IPC). The number of cyber crimes in India may touch 3,00,000 at the end of this year, almost double the level of last year, causing havoc in the financial space, security establishment and social fabric, a study said. What is causing greater concern is that the origin of these crimes is widely based abroad in countries including China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Algeria among others. At present, the number of cyber crimes in India is nearly around 149,254 and is likely to cross the 300,000 by 2015 growing at compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 107 per cent. According to a study, every month sees 12,456 cases registered in India. During 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, the total number of cyber crimes registered were 13,301, 22,060, 71,780 and 62,189 (till May) respectively. The implication of cybercrime as corroborated by available data cannot be ignored and it is clearly emerging as a concrete threat. Considering the element of anonymity that cyberspace provides, it may in fact be one of the most dangerous criminal threats we may ever face. Besides, terrorists can also inflict a significant blow by means of a cyber attack on a nation's infrastructure.
The Problem With Afghanistan's Counterinsurgency Kabul is using a centralized approach to fight a decentralized insurgency Metra Mehran and Abdul Waheed Ahmad The Taliban have been seizing numerous districts throughout northern Afghanistan and even temporarily captured the provincial capital, Kunduz, in 2015. The level of the Taliban threat in half of the country's 398 districts is considered either "high" or "extreme" and 30 districts are under Taliban control, according to the United Nations. This is the widest reach for the Taliban since 2001. The ultimate goals of the Afghan government and its international allies are forcing the Taliban to retreat and preventing the reemergence of al-Qaeda. This is being held back by a centralized response to a decentralized insurgency. Apart from an occasional but violent attack in the capital, Kabul, most of the battles between Afghan National Security Forces and the Taliban take place at the provincial level. However, administrations in the provinces are excluded; power is vested only in the faraway Kabul. It is this centralized decision making process, as much as questions of equipment and resources, that has contributed to the Afghan government's poor record on maintaining security. The culture of local governance is not aligned with the culture of war - government in Afghanistan is highly centralized, while the insurgents are operating in a decentralized setting. After 15 years, the size and capability of the Afghan government structure has developed to a large scale, but it suffers significant deficiencies at the sub-national level. Deficiencies in governance have been acknowledged as one of the factors that could jeopardize stability in Afghanistan beyond 2014. Institutions that were structured in
the early years after 2001 are not able to deal with new crises. Prior to the withdrawal, NATO's Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) were supporting sub-national governments both in civilian and military capacities. As that support is not on the ground anymore, local governments have not been able to respond to the insurgency and provide services to the citizens effectively. In 2007, the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) was established and a local governance policy was developed in 2010. However, this policy is quiet on provincial authorities' decision making power over military matters. The weak structure of local institutions makes fighting the war difficult. A recognition of the importance of engaging local actors in the process of counterinsurgency not only came late, but also was followed by improper and infeasible initiatives. Instead of empowering military institutions at the local level, the Afghan Local Police (ALP) was set up within villages to conduct local counterinsurgency missions. Unexpectedly, ALP forces have been accused of misusing power and violating human rights and, in some places, have emerged as a parallel power at the local level. Centralized decision making authority has hindered effective bureaucracy as well as the efficient functioning of the military at local levels. Insurgents usually have very localized, short term tactical strategies. However, the ANSF structure allows senior leaders to be directly involved in tactical-level decisions, rather than maintaining a strategic level outlook. This means operational plan-
Image for representational purpose (Photo:.amazonaws) ning often fails to address dynamic operational realities at the brigade level. Corps commanders often fail to be proactive in response to insurgent threats and attacks. For example, senior leaders like Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum and Deputy Chief of the General Staff General Murad Ali Murad need to personally attend tougher operations at the corps level. This is mostly due to local administrations and commanders' lack of authority on conducting big operations. It may be good for the short term but over the longer term sustainability will require effective leadership at the brigade level. Furthermore, the absence of decision making authority at the provincial level has weakened strategic communication among security forces. Each of them - police, army, NDS - needs to take commands from their line ministries in Kabul. The seizure of Kunduz by the Taliban gives a very plain picture of the problem. Reports indicate that the different security forces at the time
had very different strategies for dealing with the situation and the command structure was far too complicated. Moreover, the findings of the presidential investigation team concluded that security forces had lacked coordination. ANSF is reactive toward insurgents, failing to defend areas and then having to recapture them. This has not only undermined public confidence, but also allows the insurgents to take advantage of opportunities to attack when they have the tactical advantage. It also means the war is being fought in populated areas. Not surprisingly, Afghanistan has experienced an increase in the number of enemy-initiated attacks - the number hovered around 1,000 per month, with an increase in the number of ANSF and civilian casualties alike. Disagreements within the national government in Kabul mean that politicians push the war strategy to further their own thinking, interests, and agenda. The result is military institutions losing their core function attacking and weakening the
insurgency. Shifting approaches to strategy have not only left military actors puzzled, but also misled local commanders' reactions in the field. This often occurs when an army operation has been stopped by the central government because of negotiations with the Taliban or other insurgents. For instance, recent news from Helmand indicates that the government has stopped the police form destroying poppy fields, which provide one of the main means of income for Taliban. Drug trafficking generates an estimated $70 million-$100 million per year for insurgents-perhaps about 25 percent of the insurgents' budget, which is estimated by some UN officials at about $400 million. All this results in strategic incoherence-a gap between the explanation of the insurgent threat and the strategies the Afghan government and its international allies are following to counter it. Senior leaders in Kabul should understand that a top driven model that ignores different perspectives and the half-
hearted military efforts they undertake are preventing military forces from being successful. With the government expecting tougher combat this summer, the administration has to recognize these gaps and reshape the rules and norms governing its war against insurgents. They need to recognize insurgents are diverse and thus strategies need to be tailored and context specific. Effective civilian and military communication and engagement is critical to the framing of realistic policy objectives and effective strategy, as it brings greater understanding of context and thus substantial adjustments to operations in the field. The rules that govern the insurgents' strategy on the battlefield are constantly changing in unpredictable ways, with different forms taken in different places. Therefore, extending decision making to the local level and strengthening local governance can address the constraints that hinder the counterinsurgency efforts of the Afghan government and its international allies. Strong local governance across Afghanistan is necessary to support the military actions of the government. Considering Afghanistan's difficult geography, religious supremacy, patriarchal society, ethnic divisions, and strong informal governance, effective counterinsurgency won't be possible unless subnational governance is strengthened. The current Sub-national Governance Policy was supposed to be renewed in 2014, but it is still being drafted. The new policy should consider the lessons learned from the past and increase the power of provincial governments. This would enable local authorities to be more responsive to the needs and problems of their constituents. Courtesy: the diplomat
Mahashweta Devi, a writer who became a voice of marginalised communities She always believed that the real history is created by ordinary people. For her, the endless source of inspiration for writing used to lie in "amazingly noble human beings" and their sufferings. Bengali litterateur and activist Mahashweta Devi, who breathed her last today in Kolkata, has been fighting against social injustice ever since she started holding a pen for a purpose. Mahashweta Devi was not just an onlooker, but a responsible representative of the subaltern, the downtrodden and the ignored population of the country. Eminent litterateur and social activist passed away. It is through her fierce writing that millions of tribal people in India could manifest their misery. This leading
Bengali fiction writer and an eminent social activist wrote extensively on emaciated existence of the most marginalised and dispossessed of our people. Her indictment of the society "for the indignity it heaps on its most oppressed constituents" has always been strong. From depicting brutal oppression of the untouchables by authoritarian upper-caste landlords to narrating stories on how scheduled tribes and their traditions are closely wound up with the forest they live in, her writings have raised hackles of the local and state governments. Mahashweta Devi the novelist Her seminal work, Hajar Churashir Ma (The Mother
of 1084), which deals with the Naxalite movement in West Bengal, captured the sad realities of the movement. In fact, the stories of tribal resistances against the British and other authoritarian entities were poignantly documented in her books such as Aranyer Adhikar (Right to the Forest) and Chotti Munda O Tar Teer (Chotti Munda and his Arrow). An activist to the core Mahashweta Devi had thrown herself into the fight to reclaim basic rights of the deprived lot and make them self-reliant. She walked her way through remote villages and deserts in search of oral history and folklore. Her "impractical sincerity" towards collecting data for her stories is reflected in each
of her creations. The author had a very first brush with human suffering during the Bengal Famine (1942-44) when she volunteered to provide relief to the victims. She would distribute food, scrutinise the bodies lying on the streets to identify those still alive and take them to relief centres. This was perhaps the watershed moment in her career dominated by literary activism. Her work with the Sabars, a de-notified tribal community in the Purulia district of West Bengal, earned her the sobriquet, "The Mother of the Sabars". As a social worker in the domain of tribal welfare, she rendered her service to the West Bengal Oraon Welfare Society and the All Indian Vandhua
Liberation Morcha. She was also the founding member of Aboriginal United Association. Above all, she would be remembered for founding India's first organisation for bonded labourers in 1980 that gave thousands of them an organised platform for raising voice against forced labour. Personal tribulations Long before Mahashweta Devi started penning miseries of her fellow citizens, she had been herself at the receiving end. She had to do several odd jobs starting from selling dye powder to supplying monkeys for research to the US, so that she can supplement her husband's income, especially after the birth of their son. Even though she could
About Health - Sector
(Photo: orig01.deviantart)
Sir, Through this column of your esteemed daily we like to draw the attention of Himanta Biswa Sarma who is holding number of Portfolios. He, might find little time to devote to an important portfolio, the Health-ministry. It was Mr. Sarma, who could bring the Health-Sector, during previous congress regime to the track from a deplorable state. His successor, we must concede destroyed the good works of Mr. Sarma. Now that a new government was installed at Dispur and with Mr. Sarma at the helm of the Health department, we notice some remarkable lacunae still plaguing the department. A small boy contracted HIV virus in transfusion of blood in GMCH. Thereafter, we could learn that still borkers in the Blood-Bank enjoy a heyday. We are also in the dark, about the action taken against the erring persons. It is good, however, to read about the doctors who failed to join their new places of assignment put under suspension. Still there are many corrupt officials who indulge in selling the medicines meant for
the patient of government hospitals. In the hospitals of rural areas also in urban ones patients are required to buy their own medicines, barring a handful exception. In our opinion, all the corrupt officials including some big guns should be caught. Properties disproportionate to one's income as envisaged by the Chief-minister should find its manifestation in letter and spirit in health department as well. We must emphasize on the issue, equipping each Medical college of Assam with sophisticated Nucleic Acid Amplification Test with which HIV Virus in human bloods could be detected. All the blood banks in the Medical college Hospitals of Assam should be equipped with the said system. Only the other day, a Gynecologist misbehaved a pregnant woman in GMCH. This is unfortunate.
Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh
lay her hands to a government job at the Post and Telegraph department, she was targeted as a communist and terminated from her job. She also overcame a broken marriage and a period of acute depression to establish herself as a people's writer. Protests over government policies Mahasweta Devi has also been a strong critique of the West Bengal government's industrial policy. Through newspaper columns and interviews, she had mobilised people against forceful confiscation of large tracts of fertile farmlands by the government and ceding them to industrial houses at throwaway prices. Courtesy: Down to earth
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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, Dibrugarh786001 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Email : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com
p O
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JULY 30
ed
'Come Election Day, Let Us Not Fail Irom Chanu Sharmila Again' Vishnu Pillai
pen. She ends knowing nothing did actually happen on repealing AFSPA.
We failed her. As a country, we failed her. I am talking about Irom Chanu Sharmila, the iron lady of Manipur, the poster lady of peace. I write this utterly disappointed because I never thought in my worst nightmares that a person could fail even after 16 years of stubbornly pursuing her objective. Her objective wasn't insane, her objective wasn't one of hatred. Her message wasn't anti-national or anti-social.Her method wasn't that of violence and death. It was one of peace. It was one that the father of the nation showed us while he himself used it to give us freedom. Yet she failed. More correctly, we failed her.
I can't end this article without saluting this superhuman of a person. A person who sacrificed 16 years of her life (16 years of her youth) for her land and people. I salute her perseverance, selflessness, her stubbornness and her David vs. Goliath struggle against power, and the abuse of it.
Almost 16 years ago, after the Malom massacre (where ten civilians were shot), Irom Sharmila decided enough is enough and she started her fast to repeal AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) which grants security forces the right to search properties without warrant, to arrest people, use deadly force if there is 'reasonable' suspicion
Irom Chanu Sharmila, the iron lady of Manipur (Photo: images.indianexpress)
that a person is acting against the state. In the 16 years since, other than the fact that she hasn't eaten, she has been arrested on numerous occasions on the charge of attempt to commit suicide. She has not met her mother even once. The countless appeals she has made to social activists, politicians and prime ministers seem to have all gone waste. Why am I going into history? Well, the biggest reason we, the normal citizens of this country, failed her was because we forgot about this lady. We
forgot the sacrifice she was making for her people, for the right thing. We ignored her, we just let her be and refused to turn our attention to her. Now, when she ends her fast, let's put our heads down in shame because all we had to do was support her, be her voice. But we didn't, we failed her. The national media ignored her. Like an anniversary celebration, they used to show her fast, year after year, one, two, three up to fifteen. Then forget it. They never pushed for what she wanted - to repeal AFSPA. The made the story about
the fast, never why she was fasting. They decided to highlight the messenger instead of her message. Maybe that gave them more TRPs. Even after repeated appeals to ex-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and the current Prime Minister Modi, to re-appeal AFSPA, after support shown by celebrities, social activists like Anna Hazare, after the numerous humanitarian awards she received, after the numerous books, films, plays, poems and songs on her struggle, she now ends her 16year hope - the hope that something would hap-
More than anything, I salute the Iron Lady of Manipur for her undying, unflinching optimism. While she ends her fast she has decided to contest elections. Even after giving almost 16 years of her life, even after the fact that we failed her, she is not willing to lose hope in us yet. She still believes in us. She believes that one day the draconian law will be repealed. So, come election day, and if she contests elections, make sure we don't fail her again. Make sure her 16 years of struggle do not go in vain. Make sure you help the poster lady of peace, to bring peace. That much we owe her! Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz
Page 9
Review: An Insightful Book That Asks Uncomfortable But Important Questions On Nationalism Shambhavi Saxena It has been four months since right-wing factions dragged Jawaharlal Nehru University through the proverbial mud. Accused of everything from being a terrorist cell to depleting the country's stock of condoms, the varsity became the object of India's ire, after 'anti-national' slogans were supposedly uttered on campus in February. What ensued was the most vigorous debate about Indian nationalism since the actual nationalist movement 70 years ago. And out of it all comes "On Nationalism." Composed of three essays by noted historian and JNU professor Emerita Romila Thapar, arts editor Sadanand Menon, and former Supreme Court advocate A. G. Noorani, the book tackles the separate but interlinked issues of sedition, nationalism and religious conflict in India. It opens with Thapar's reflections on what nationalism is, and what India's experience of it has been. We all know the part about getting the British out, but it's the part that followed which is of most interest. Thapar establishes that a 'bad nationalism' has been thriving in India, courtesy of the Hindu right wing. She also does a brilliant take-down of the fallacies of Hindutva ideologies. If they insist that Sanskrit was the dominant language in Ancient India, Thapar talks about how Prakrit was most-used. If they insist that Muslim rulers victimised Hindus, she talks about the lovely cultural exchange during the Mughal era. And she has a couple of interesting things to say about the very origins of Hinduism in the subcontinent.
Reading through her essay, you realize how important it is to keep revisiting the history of your nation, and pick apart the versions you've always been told are sacrosanct. So too is it with the history of our laws. The essay that follows is Noorani's case study of Sedition in India, from the days of British rule till now. Section 124A (sedition) has a lot in common with Section 377 which criminalises homosexuality - both residue of a foreign power, both informed by European standards of morality. When the state slaps sedition charges on individuals like Kedar Nath Singh, Binayak Sen, Aseem Trivedi, Umar Khalid, Kanhaiya Kumar or Anirban Bhattacharya, it essentially demands an unthinking obedience of its citizens. Noorani reminds us that this is not unlike the conditions set by our colonisers back in 1870. The original wording of Section 124A actually targets those who insitgate 'disaffection' of the state! "[N]o democratic government with any self-respect would demand the affection of its citizens," he writes, "ruling monarchs do." It's an interesting comparison - between the ruling class then (the British) and the ruling class now (a right-wing government). It is also an ironic comparison, because the Hindu right continues its tirade against the Muslim monarchs in India's past. If Thapar's essay all but decimates this idea, then Menon's explains how much of the historic Hindu-Muslim enmity is manufactured - initially by the British, and then later by militant religious groups. Menon
calls this process 'cultural nationalism,' which aims "to keep civil society in a state of constant agitation by subjecting it to constant attack." He goes to explain how control over the nation's historical, cultural and even moral narrative lies with upper-caste Hindu males. This deliberately excludes the perspective of all other communities, but especially of Dalits, Muslims and women. "In history, nothing stays 'pure,'" writes Menon, an important reminder considering that conflicts over 'purity' and 'pollution' informs so much of India's culture and history. The question then raised is what kind of nationalism is founded on communal hatred, caste-based violence and varying levels of misogyny? Quite obviously a bad, myopic and self-servicing one that has no place in a 21st century democracy. The book steers you towards several other questions that are uncomfortable, but necessary. The very validity of nationalism and nationhood was tested by the events in JNU. Was this the nation we owed our allegiance to, a nation where students, journalists, and free-thinkers of all sorts are gagged and even killed? You have to ask if you too were bound by an ideology that had gone mostly unquestioned in the last seven decades. Even as the discussion on 'anti-nationals' rose to mammoth proportions a few months ago, you have to ask if all of this wasn't just a smokescreen for something else. You have to ask if, irony of ironies, 'nationalism' was the new 'divide-and-rule' policy for India. Courtesy: youthkiawaaz
For Delhi's Slum Population, No Money Or Privilege Means Fighting For Water Each Day Anuj Dewan A World Bank report says that by 2020, wars will be fought over water, a trailer of which can be seen in the slums of Delhi where people struggle and literally fight to fill a few buckets of water. Sometimes, the altercations go out of hand and eventually lead to brawls and even police cases. This violence is an indication of the near future, as it could spill over to other residential areas as well. The recent Jat agitation for reservations in Haryana, not only destroyed property worth thousands of crores, but it also took a toll on the lives of people living in the neighbouring states such as Delhi by snatching them of their daily water needs. But, 15% of Delhi's population which resides in slums were probably unaffected by this Haryana incident as water crisis is a way of life for them. Even the higher income group colonies have been facing water shortage for years. This is so, because rapid urbanisation, increasing population and growing demand for energy, industry and agriculture is putting unending pressure on the natural resources such as water. On the one hand, the per capita demand for water is gradually increasing and on the other, the mismanagement of water is reducing the per capita supply. This increasing gap between demand and supply could lead to an environmental and human disaster. The nation is already witnessing droughts in several statesthat have led to mass migration from rural areas to cities. "The problem of water has not been given the attention that it demands and deserves and it is go-
ing to be very severe in the near future," says Arun Kansal, Head of Department (Water Studies) at TERI University. He says that since Delhi is a state as well as urban agglomeration, it has to depend on interstate agreements and its implementation to manage its water needs. The interstate politics between Delhi, Haryana and Punjab over water has been in the news off late but concrete solutions and agreements are still a far-fetched dream. Life in a Slum Life in a slum is tough in every sense of the word; lack of proper shelter, no drainage facilities, sanitation, unemployment, police harassment, caste conflicts and shortage of clean water are some of the prominent ones. On top of that, the slum residents have to jostle through huge crowds everyday for a few gallons of water, which is supplied to them by the Delhi Jal Board trucks. These trucks are supposed to come everyday but they choose their own sweet time to come, which is usually unknown to the people living in the slums of Delhi. "The trucks come either on alternate days or after two days and we are able to fill only one or two buckets at one time," says a middle-aged woman. Some of them allege that the DJB has an unholy nexus with the private water suppliers, who charge high prices for water and do not even supply clean water. They say that private water suppliers make use of the artificial shortage created by the Delhi Jal Board and then share the illegitimate profits with them. "Children climb up the trucks to put the pipes into the tanker and sometimes fall down leading to serious injuries and adults also tend to hurt each other physi-
cally when struggling for water,"says Ved Prakash, a residence, who runs a general store in the near by market. This slum known as the Dalit Ekta camp is located next to the colony of Vasant Kunj, a higher middle class colony, which also faces water problems but is able to manage by installing extra tanks and water pumps. The poor slum dwellers obviously cannot have their own water pumps but they have built a community tank, which they use for their water needs whenever they face a crisis. However, the maintenance and cleaning of the tank is questionable and also is the safety level of the water it contains. Their daily needs are only met by drawing water from the DJB water tankers. An enthusiastic boy, barely in his teens, boasts about being able to successfully extract water from the tankers by sucking the pipe from one end while the other end is in water. Another slum facing the posh colony of Vasant Vihar located in South Delhi faces
a similar struggle. This slum does not even get support from the DJB as they have an installed water pipeline. But that does not really solve their water woes because the quality of the pipeline water does not match the safety standards prescribed by the Delhi Jal Board and thus the authorities advice them to boil the water before drinking. Boiling the water everyday is another added work, plus it consumes wood or gas. So, a lot of them avoid the very critical step of cleansing the water and put themselves and their families at serious health risks. The water born diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and typhoid add an extra financial burden and personal trauma to their rough lives. The water shortage also adds to the problem of sanitation especially for women who, like men, have to go to the near by jungle or even an open area to defecate. The nonavailability of functional toilets in the slum area puts the slum women at risk. Unauthorised Colonies The struggle for basics is
not restricted to the slums of Delhi; even the unauthorised colonies such a Sangam Vihar do not have a piped infrastructure because the colony residents do not have legitimate papers of the property they reside in. The state government, which was in a rush to fulfill its electoral promises, installed a makeshift water pipeline (on the ground and not underground) that started leaking and flooding the colony every morning because of breakage. The narrow and the extremely congested road that passes through the colony becomes an infrastructure nightmare when the water rushes through its pipes and that too at a time when people are going for work in the morning. People have to go to their offices in slippers, while saving their clothes from the dirty water. Many even fall and hurt themselves badly. The absence of garbage bins allows people to throw the garbage on the road, which creates a further mess when it gets mixed in the drain wa-
ter. In such a scenario, even a two-wheeler breakdown can be a cause for long traffic jams inside the colony, which gets worse in the monsoon season. The people of the colony blame the local politicians for being concerned only about themselves and their own needs. Also, the top officials of the Delhi Jal Board have refused interviews saying that they believe that there is no water crisis in the capital of the country. The commercial area of North Delhi that includes the Chandni Chowk market, which is also called Old Delhi, is in no better position because the businessmen of these markets also do not have access to the basic toilet and drinking water facilities. Ironically, the Chandni Chowk market, where a small shop is worth a few crores, is recognised as 'slum' and thus does not have basic and daily facilities for its rich and middle class businessmen."We have to buy water here, which costs around Rs 2000 to 4000 per month as there is no available pipeline for the urinals or toilets," says S.P.Chawla, a businessman in Chandni Chowk. The Politics of Subsidies The state government's free water scheme reaches only those people who have metered connections in their houses and can also afford to pay for the water they consume. It neither reaches the poor slum residents nor the lower income groups colonies. The subsidy scheme of providing 700 litres a day or 20,000 litres of free water every month has been rightly criticised as populist, as it encourages people to waste the already scarce water because there is a general tendency to waste, when things comes free or cheap. The same goes for the wa-
ter subsidies provided to all farmers, even the wealthier ones, who have imported cars parked outside their bungalows in Punjab. Once a Lifeline of Delhi The holy river Yamuna, which has a dubious distinction of being the most polluted river in the country, is a significant source of water to the national capital. Delhi, includes only2% of the catchment area of Yamuna but is responsible for80% of its pollution. Around nineteen drains flow into this Ganga tributary, mixing tons of sewage and fecal matter into the water, which makes it unusable, unless sewage treatment plants work at its full capacity and round the clock, which in reality does not happen. This fact says a lot about the water situation, not only in Delhi, but the whole country because if the capital is in such a state, one can only begin to imagine the condition of the smaller towns and cities. Rising ammonia levels in the river and canals is also a grave concern that can lead to a health crisis for the Delhi public, if not controlled. Dead fish are often found in the river because of sudden increase in pesticides and other chemicals after the river enters Delhi. Sewage, industrial effluents, medical waste, pesticides and garbage are some of the things that go in the river which eliminate all life forms from the river except the weed called water hyacinth which is immune to the toxic waste and can manage to survive in it. The traditional methods of rainwater harvesting have sustained over centuries in the form of 'baolis'. Such a thought coupled with modern technologies and innovation can do wonders for the nations future. Every factory needs to build a rainwater-harvesting
pit on its terrace, which is a welcome step in the area of sustainability. More such laws should be passed and take residential buildings in its ambit and ensure regular checks from authorities once they are implemented. It is about time that we get over, electoral politics and the blame games and follow the model of countries such as Israel that recycles 70% of its wastewater, a shining example of environmental sustainability. All water leakages need to be checked with immediate effect whether it's a leakage from a moving truck or from a pipeline. The subsidies, whether they are being provided to the residents of Delhi or to the rich farmers of Punjab, should be completely done away with for good. The rivers and even the lakes are the lifelines of the city; efforts should be made to clean and revive these water bodies. For that to happen, stringent antidumping laws should be passed and alternative dumping or recycling facilities should be built. Lastly, environmental policies need to be framed and implemented on priority to avoid any extreme situations in the future. The plummeting supplies and ever mounting per capita demand is building up pressure on the resources and the people; such issues can only be sorted by innovations, research and concrete action from the authorities and the society alike. Many scientists and researchers believe that if things are not significantly improved, a water crisis will hit us sooner than imagined, and water could vanish before oil. The social unrest because of water is the last thing that the world would want to witness. Courtesy: Youthkiawaaz
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JULY 30
Bajaj Auto net hit hard by export Pune, Jul 29: Bajaj Auto's standalone net profit rose two per cent to Rs.978 crore for the three months ended June compared with Rs.957 crore during the same period last year as the company witnessed headwinds in some of the exports markets including Nigeria and Egypt. The company reported higher turnover of Rs.6,356 crore as compared to Rs.6,188 crore in the same period last year. "Domestic motorcycle sales grew by 13 per cent as against industry growth of 9 per cent. Overall market share in domestic motorcycles improved to 19 per cent, the growth has been fuelled by success of new products namely V15 and Avenger," Kevin D'Sa, President, Finance, Bajaj Auto said. However, exports were hit badly as consumers in oil economies faced a liquidity problem. (Agencies)
BUSINESS
Partnership with Rs 500 cr raised by ADB Mobileye exited by Tesla in rupee-linked bonds Beijing, Jul 29: Multilateral funding agency Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised Rs 5 billion, or around Rs 500 crore, by issuing five-year offshore Indian rupee-linked bonds. "The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has raised Rs 5 billion (about $ 74 million) from its issuance of 5-year offshore Indian rupee (INR) linked bonds, " it said in a release. This was, ADB said, its third bond issue in the offshore rupee-linked market, and the second such issue this year. "The strength of the Indian economy has led to increasing demand from international investors for Indian rupee-linked bonds," said ADB Treasurer Pierre van Peteghem. "This transaction, with the longest maturity and the largest size of any previous ADB rupee bonds, demonstrates the underlying investor interest in India and ADB's commitment to help develop the country's capital markets," Peteghem
said. Also, ADB said plans to raise around $ 20 billion from the capital markets in 2016. The proceeds from the bonds to support private sector lending in the Indian market. India is ADB's fourth largest shareholder and is its largest borrower, excluding co-fi-
Black pepper price likely to touch new high
Image for representational purpose. (Photo: i.ndtvimg) Kerala, Jul 29: The price of black pepper is likely to touch an all-time high by the end of October this year, according to the ICAR -Network Project on Market Intelligence of the Kerala Agricultural University. A study conducted by the body said that while considering the overall production and market information
at the prevailing demand supply situation, the price is expected to reach Rs.720 to Rs.760 a kg in October as against Rs.700 a kg in Kochi terminal market on July 27. Due to drought and other erratic weather conditions in Kerala and Karnataka, the black pepper output in the country during 2015-16 is ex-
Gold soars on global cues; silver tops Rs. 47,000 per kg
Chennai, Jul 29: Gold prices soared by Rs. 250 to Rs. 30,900 per ten grams at the bullion market, propelled by positive global cues amid increased buying by jewellers at the domestic spot market. Silver also spurted by Rs. 1,550 to Rs. 47,750 per kg on increased offtake by industrial units and coin makers. Bullion traders said a firming trend overseas after the U.S. Federal Reserve indicated it would take a slow, measured approach to any interest rate hikes amid weakening dollar, raised the demand for the precious metals as a safe-haven, mainly attributed strong rally in gold and silver prices. Globally, gold rose 1.52 per cent to
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$1,339.70 an ounce and silver by 3.75 per cent to $20.32 an ounce in New York yesterday. In the national capital, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity rebounded by Rs. 250 each to Rs. 30,900 and Rs. 30,750 per ten grams respectively. It had lost Rs. 140. Sovereign climbed by Rs. 300 to Rs. 24,100 per piece of eight grams on scarcity of stocks. In line with overall trend, silver ready surged by Rs. 1,550 to Rs. 47,750 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs. 1,665 to Rs. 47,880 per kg. Silver coins too flared up by Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 76,000 for buying and Rs. 77,000 for selling of 100 pieces. (Agencies)
pected to decline to about 50,000 tonnes as against 70,000 tonnes in 2014-15, according to the Spices Board. Karnataka is the major producer of black pepper in India accounting for about, 47 per cent of the production, followed by Kerala which accounts for 40 per cent. (Agencies)
nancing. In 2015, ADB approved USD 836 million in private sector projects in India, its largest market. The bonds, which are denominated in Indian rupees but settled in US dollars, carry a coupon of 6.45 per cent and will mature on 8 August 2021., Further, ADB
informed that the bond was underwritten by Citibank and JP Morgan. nIt said 31 per cent of the bonds were placed in Asia and 69 per cent in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. By investor type, 70 per cent of the bonds were placed with banks, and 30 per cent with fund managers. ADB is a regular borrower in the mainstream international bond markets but has also led issuance in developing Asian countries as part of efforts to promote domestic bond markets as an alternative to bank lending. Manila-headquartered ADB is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. The funding agency is owned by 67 members-48 from the region. In 2015, ADB assistance totalled USD 27.2 billion, including co-financing of USD 10.7 billion. (Agencies)
Washington, Jul 29: Mobileye, a developer of driver assistance chips and software has decided to part ways with Tesla once its contract with the electric car giant lapses. It isn't clear as to which one of the two pulled the proverbial plug, but Tesla may now have to look inward for the development of its self-driving car technology. Mobileye has enjoyed its stronghold in the small but rapidly growing autonomous car sector. The Israeli company's software algorithms and 'EyeQ' chips platform had a key role in getting autonomous car technology onto the road. The Model S sedan and Model X SUV use the third generation of the EyeQ chip platform. They may be the last Tesla products to use the system, which uses images for vehicle and lane detection - core components of Tesla's semi-autonomous 'autopilot' drive mode. It is believed that the fallout is a result of the Tesla Model S crash that took place earlier this year, which resulted in a fatality. The driver in question was using the car's au-
Image for representational purpose. (Photo: images.clipartpanda) topilot mode when a tractor trailer pulled across the highway and the sensors supposedly failed to detect the potential accident, resulting in a collision. The autopilot feature has come under the scanner ever since. Mobileye will, however, continue its associations with major automobile manufacturers.
It supplies driver assistance and collision prevention technology to carmakers like Audi, General Motors and Ford. The tech company has also joined hands with Intel and BMW to develop the iNEXT - BMW's first fully-autonomous car that will enter series production by 2021. (Agencies)
Lloyds to deduct 3,000 jobs after Brexit shock London, Jul 29: Lloyds Banking Group said it would step up its cost cutting plans to help to offset a more testing economic environment caused by Britain's vote to quit the European Union. Britain's largest retail bank aims to save £ 400 million ($528.56 million) by end-2017 by axing a further 3,000 jobs and closing an additional 200 branches to protect its earnings and dividends against the effects of lower-forlonger interest rates. Lloyds, rescued in a £20.5 billion taxpayer bail-out during the financial crisis, is the first major British bank to report results since the referendum and is the most exposed to any downturn in the British economy. Chief Executive Officer Antonio Horta-Os?rio is searching for ways to prop up Lloyds' dividend, one of its key attractions, and sustain profit
Chief Executive Officer, Antonio Horta-Osurio. (Photo: telegraph) growth in its main UK con- would cut about 4,000 posisumer and commercial lend- tions from its 75,000-strong ing market, still reeling from workforce and has closed the Brexit result on June 24. nearly 100 branches this "While the business will re- year. The bank also said it main highly capital genera- would look to streamline its tive, it is possible that this non-branch property portcapital generation may be folio by around 30 percent somewhat lower in future by the end of 2018. "Lloyds years than previously remains a no growth bank," guided," the bank said in a Ian Gordon, an analyst at statement. So far this year, Investec, said. "Its revenue Lloyds has already said it outlook is flattish, hence its
costs need to fall faster." Lloyds' shares were down 2.5 per cent at 54.36 pence by 0749 GMT partly in response to its cautious tone on future capital generation and its possible impact on dividends. Britain's vote to leave the EU came at the end of the bank's fiscal first half, so the likely impact on lending volumes will not become clear until the third quarter and beyond. HortaOsorio said the bank's strategy to grow revenues in a low rate environment would involve expanding in car finance, credit cards and insurance. Finance Director George Culmer declined to comment on speculation that Lloyds would make a bid for MBNA, Bank of America's credit card business. Lloyds reported a forecast-beating first-half statutory pretax profit of £2.45 billion ($3.3 billion) in the six months to June 30, more than double the sum
achieved in the same period last year. Income for the first half of the year came in at £ 8.9 billion, just below the 2015 figure. The bank said its net interest margin - a key performance measure - had widened to 2.74 per cent over the period. It affirmed previous guidance of about 2.7 per cent for the full financial year. But a rise in troubled loans by almost a third to £254 million took the shine off the profit beat and robust net interest margin performance and offered a glimpse of tougher times that might lie ahead. Lloyds said it would pay an interim dividend of 0.85 pence, up 13 per cent on last year. The government has put on hold plans to sell its remaining stake in Lloyds in the aftermath of the EU vote, according to people familiar with the process. Lloyds' shares have lost about a quarter of their value since the vote. (Agencies)
Lava to produce mobile Shell witness Q2 earnings fall 72 pc amid oil drop phones in India by 2018 Mumbai, Jul 29: Lava International Ltd., will start making mobile phones in India after having the component ecosystem in place, said a top official. "Recently, we announced the setting up of mobile phone India design centre by end2017. "We have hired professionals, who are being sent to China for training. Post training, they will come back to set up the entire design ecosystem in India. "As and when other component manufacturers set up component units in India, and then we will start making mobile phones here," said Lava International Vice President and
Head - Marketing & Communication, Solomon Wheeler. Currently, Lava mobile phones are entirely assembled in Noida with the help of semi-knocked
down kits. Chips are designed and fabricated in China along with other components. The secondary unit at Noida will also continue to assemble mo-
bile phones, said Mr. Wheeler. The second assembly unit will become operational by the year-end and it will meet the country's entire demand. The production capacity of these units will increase from 10 million units to 25 lakh per month, he said. Asked about the progress of new units at Yamuna Expressway and Tirupati, he said they have earmarked an investment of Rs.2,615 crore. This will increase production capacity to 21.60 crore units per annum in the next five to eight years. Both these facilities would become operational by the year 2018. (Agencies)
Maruti's LCV to go on sale in August Noida, Jul 29: Maruti Suzuki India, country's largest car maker, said it will start selling its first Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) - Super Carry from the end of next month. Initially, the vehicle will be sold in three cities - Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Ludhiana with an ex-showroom price of Rs 4.03 lakh, Rs 4.11 lakh and Rs 4.01 lakh, respectively, according to a company statement. The vehicle, developed at a cost of
about Rs.300 crore, will be retailed through a dedicated 'commercial' sales channel. It will be competing with the likes of Tata Motor's Ace. Super Carry will be available in diesel fuel option powered by a new technology 793 cc diesel engine with 5 speed manual transmission. The company claims it delivers a fuel economy of 22.07 km/ litre, maximum speed of 80 Kmph and has a payload of 740 kgs. (Agencies)
Dehradun, Jul 29: Royal Dutch Shell said that second-quarter earnings fell 72 per cent as low oil prices weigh on the profitability of the Anglo-Dutch energy giant. Profit adjusted for changes in the value of inventories and excluding one-time items a preferred industry measure for earnings dropped to $1.05 billion from $3.76 billion in the same period of 2015, the company said. Net income fell 71 per cent to $1.18 billion. Oil companies are cutting costs and selling assets to adjust to an era of lower oil prices after crude prices plunged to a 12-year low in January as production remained high while slower growth, particularly in China, reduced consumption. Shell said it is "firmly on track" to deliver $40 billion in cost savings by the end of the year. "Lower oil prices continue to be a significant challenge across the business," particularly in exploration and
production, CEO Ben van Beurden said in a statement. "We are making significant and lasting changes to Shell's working practices and cost structure." Earlier this week, North Sea oil workers employed by Wood Group on Shell platforms launched a 24-hour strike over cuts in pay and allowances the first such strike in decades. Some 400 workers were involved in the action. Shell has said it will trim at least 2,200 jobs globally to adjust to the more challenging times. The results came after Shell completed a $54 billion takeover of BG Group Plc earlier this year, a deal that increases the company's proven reserves of oil and natural gas by 25 per cent. While critics questioned the deal following the drop in oil prices, Shell said it would provide opportunities to cut costs by eliminating duplication. (Agencies)
DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JULY 30
Features
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WOMEN’S Things You Need to Know Before You Wax
Getting smooth skin for summer is great. Getting a nasty infection from a sketchy salon? Not so much. We spoke with Ladan Shahabi, M.D., a dermatologist and assistant professor at the Ronald O. Perelman department of dermatology at NYU, for the do's and don'ts every woman should know before waxing. DO consider an at-home wax kit. If you wax at home, there's a much smaller chance of infection than at a salon. Why? You can control the cleanliness of your hands and the space where you're waxing. Of course, you have to be comfortable using the products to get the best results. If you're up for it, though, Shahabi says to wash your hands before starting-a crucial step since since waxing can cause small tears in the skin, putting you at risk for infection. It's also a good idea to use alcohol to sanitize the tools that come with the kit before you start. Afterward, throw away anything from the kit that's meant to be disposable; this will help prevent bacterial growth. DON'T forget to research the salon. When deciding which places are legit, ask a friend to recommend a salon she trusts-or swing by the place to make sure it's clean. You can also use reviews from sites like Yelp to figure out if others had a good experience there. And of course, if you're at a salon, you can always request that the esthetician change the sheet (or whatever you're sitting on) and wash his or her hands before you get started. Better to speak up than risk an infection. DO avoid exfoliating or drying products before you wax.Although people have varying levels of skin sensitivity, products containing
retinol or exfoliating ingredients can make skin even more sensitive than normaland even prone to burning, says Shahabi. So about a week before you wax, stop using prescription retinoids, as well as OTC retinol products, any alpha hydroxy acids, and exfoliating products like scrubs. DON'T schedule an appointment the week before or during your period. This is when your body is most sensitive to pain, says Shahabi. Instead, plan to wax within the first two weeks of your cycle. DO pain-proof your wax. If you're waxing a small area, such as the bikini area, eyebrows, or armpits, consider using an over the counter anesthetic to help numb the area a bit, says Shahabi. You can also ice the spot shortly beforehand and take a pain reliever like ibprophen or acetaminophen. Post-wax, try using an aloe-based cream (which doesn't contain alcohol), and ice the area again to reduce the burning sensation. DON'T hit the gym immediately post-wax. Sweating increases your risk of spreading bacteria to your newly-smooth skin, so definitely plan your workout for a different time. Also, wearing tight clothes like spandex or yoga pants is a no-no if you've just had a bikini wax (the friction can cause irritation and acne). In other words, you pretty much have to break out your comfiest pair of sweatpants. You're welcome. DO call a doctor if the waxed area still hurts 24 hours later. If you notice anything funky the next day-whether it's pain, swelling, pus, or a strange odormake an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist ASAP. C o u r t e s y : womenshealthmag
For a Naturally Glowing Skin "Beauty is an inner phenomenon. Beauty is not in objects, not in people, not even in the eyes of the beholder. It lies in the heart of every person," says Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and this beauty in the heart reflects so naturally as radiance and a glow on the person's face. Beauty goes farther than being just skin deep. Yet our skin is one of the most visible expressions of this beauty. We are made up of both matter and spirit. This means that our skin, beyond being the visible outer layer, is full of life and activity! It is an organ like any other part of our body and needs to be kept healthy and nourished. Most beauty treatments that are available today address the physical needs but do not reveal the secrets of how you can make each cell of your skin glow from within and pulsate with energy and radiance. Our skin wears down with age, stress, lack of attention and often wrinkles, dark circles, dry patches, age pores, pimples, tiredness and dullness all show up as uninvited guests. However, there are many natural and simple tips for glowing skin which also helps in cleansing and rejuvenating the skin. " Go back to your roots. In ancient ayurveda lie the secrets of beauty. Ayurvedic scrubs or ubtans gently nourish the skin, and help it breathe better. What's even better is that you can find the ingredients in your kitchen. Your perfect beauty pack: " 1. Chickpea Flour - 2tb " 2. Sandalwood Powder " 3. Turmeric Powder - Half teaspoon " 4. Camphor - a pinch
" 5. Plain water / Milk / Rose Water Mix chickpea flour (besan), sandalwood powder, camphor and turmeric powder in plain water, milk or rosewater to make a thick paste and evenly apply on your face. You may leave on for 20 minutes and wash with water. You could make it an even more rejuvenating experience by dipping two cotton swabs in chilled rose water and place them on your eyes. Better still switch on some soothing instrumental music! At the end of 20 minutes, what do you have? A glowing skin and a relaxed you! " Sweat it out! Some running, jogging and a few fast-paced rounds of surya namaskars will give your body the necessary blood circulation. The sweating will be good for you! Be sure to wash yourself with some cool water soon after so that your skin is left clean. " Keep your yoga mat handy While immersed in the downward dog pose, have you observed your breath? The beauty of yoga practice is that there is attention on the body (as it stretches) and on the breath. Every time you exhale, you get rid of toxins from your body. Yoga and the process of conscious breathing, accelerates the cleansing of the entire body and leaves the skin refreshed and energized providing a glow on your face. " Know who you are! Are there some days when no matter what lotions you apply your skin is still dry? Sometimes you and your friend could use the same product yet the effect is not the same on both of you? You might need to acknowledge the role of your unique body constitution. According to Ayurveda, every indi-
Representational image Photo: salonpricelady
vidual is a combination of two or three elements: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Interestingly, each of these constitutions have specific qualities that define your body and personality type as well as determine the make-up of your skin. If you have dry skin, chances are that Vata is dominant in you. A pitta body type tends to have normal skin while oily skin is usually attributed to those with kapha. Knowing what body type you are will help you understand what kind of food you should eat and avoid. " What you eat is what you are! We are made up of the food that we eat. So, obviously eating fresh, clean, juicy foods enlivens our skin as well. A balanced diet, with sufficient protein and vitamins, and more of fruits, leafy vegetables, eaten at the right time in the right quantity is advisable. " I n d u l g e yourself…weekly A gentle facial massage with oils could work wonders. Depending on
your skin type, you could choose from psiridala or Narayana taila. Oils from mustard, coconut, almond or Kumkadi are excellent nourishing agents which helps to get glowing skin. " Make Sudarshan Kriya your beauty mantra Do you think breathing right could rid you of spots and pimples? Yes, its true! When we are relaxed, outer manifestations of stress like pimples and rashes reduce. The Sudarshan Kriyabreathing technique releases accumulated stresses from both the body and the mind making us relaxed, restoring harmony and balance in our constitution. " Meditate everyday A candle cannot but radiate light. Meditation greatly influences how bright your inner candle is. The more you meditate, the more you radiate. We often see artists depicting meditators with an aura. This is not just a figment of imagination. This is quite true.
Meditators shine from within and without … often with riddance to make-up. " Silence is truly golden How do you feel when you've spoken for a very long time and a lot? Often drained? Speaking nineteen to the dozen can be fun yet can bombard our body and mind with an overdose of frivolity. Silence conserves a lot of energy. If you'd like to try something out - give the Art of Living Part 2 program a shot. The effects of silence combined with deep meditations will amaze you. Not to forget, leave you with glowing skin! " Save your mind at any cost If you are unhappy, angry, frustrated or sad, your face simply cannot look great. So make sure that you get yourself some peace of mind and happiness that is unshakeable. For this, meditation is the only way. It is not a luxury anymore. It is a simple necessity! " 18 till I …why
not? We have to embrace the journey of life…with all its inevitable wrinkles and greys. Looking beautiful normally also means looking young and having a fresh approach to things. Yet if you feel young, you look young. Meditation slows this ageing process naturally and retains the youthfulness and freshness in us. So go ahead, dream away and remain 18 at heart. " Flex those facial muscles You're dressed in Dior and are wearing the most expensive baubles, your Louis Vuitton bag is perfect … yet you need something to complete the look. Your smile! While we spend much time, energy and money on honing our bodies and looks, we forget to express our inner joy and happiness. And this is from a simple stretch of the lips...reaching the eyes! So smile more, make yourself look beautiful and add beauty to the world as well! Courtesy: artofliving
Mothers playing the role of peacemakers in conflict times of Nagaland The war within For the NMA, working as peacemakers has not only been about asking for a repeal of the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA, which grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in "disturbed areas"), and speaking out against the atrocities of the armed forces, but also about looking at their own Naga resistance movements and demanding the justice that is due to women. "Once, we approached one of the armed groups to discuss the shooting of one of the Naga women. It was a very tense situation because we had hundreds of women following us and demanding that those cadres be handed over to the district administration so that action could be taken against them as per the Indian Constitution. They refused to hand over the guilty cadres to the Army. So we
tried to negotiate with the Naga Collective leadership who assured us that they would take action against the culprits," says Rosemary. "That was a lesson for all of us-we learnt a lot from the kind of negotiations that we had to do, in the middle of the night and most of the day, with the knowledge that our lives were at risk." Gender justice and women's rights are a huge priority for the NMA because contrary to popular perception, gender discrimination is rife in Naga society. From filing cases in court to meeting the prime minister on his recent visit to Nagaland during the Hornbill Festival to discuss it, NMA has been doing a lot to raise awareness on the issue. Listen to your mother Rosemary has a bone to pick with people who label
for having access to the armed groups." And she offers a very valid reason for the fact that the NMA enjoys this access: mothers enjoy an exalted position in Naga society. "In all the negotiations that we have had, whether it was with the Army or the armed groups, at no time has the NMA ever been disrespected or mistreated. In the Naga society, the definition of a girl or a woman is very different from a mother. The fact that you may not be very old but that you belong to an organisation that is to do with mothers, gets you instant respect and a kind of a platform from where you can speak about what you think should be spoken."
Recorded history does not name a single woman at the forefront of terror and war. Photo: femina
women like her. "It's ironic that here, when you speak
up for women's rights, you are either identified as an
Indian agent or looked at with suspicion by the Army
Rosemary, of course, has the twin advantages of being a teacher and a mother. "Today, when the outside world talks of Naga armed cadres, they don't realise
that we have very highly educated young men who have joined the movement. I have students from the university who are leaders of the movement. And they listen to me as a mother and as a former teacher. And it is good that we use that kind of leverage to get our words across. We do not want any more violence or killings…we have to speak the language of peace." Peace is for everyone The NMA currently has thousands of members across Nagaland, and one of their main concerns is to find a solution that is gender-just and inclusive. "With the peace process dragging on, the conflict has affected everyone. And any solution that comes out of negotiation needs to be inclusive. When you look at peace processes across the world, the sustainable ones have been those that have taken women's voices into
account. We don't want another breaking of the ceasefire and a return to conflict and the armed atrocities that we have been subjected to all these years." One of the biggest successes for the NMA is the fact that Khesheli Chishi, former president of NMA, is now in the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, an influential body that has been asking the armed groups to come together, in peace and unity. "We have reached out to the various armed groups as well as the government. In our last meeting with the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, he commented that the NMA is one civil organisation of the North East that still has credibility. And that speaks volumes about the kind of effort that we have made, across various barriers." Courtesy: femina
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DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JULY 30
PAGE 12
Independence Cup Football Tournament 2016 Miao
Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test: Hosts have edge as rain halts Aussie chase on Day 4 Pallekele, July 29 : Australia faced an uphill struggle to save the first Test against Sri Lanka`s rampant spinners after losing three early second innings wickets Friday while trying to chase down a formidable target of 268. The tourists were precariously placed at 83 for three, with skipper Steve Smith unbeaten on 26, when bad light forced an early end to play for the fourth day running in Pallekele.
Indrajit Tingwa Miao 29 July : The rains could not dampen the spirit of football as people came out to witness the matches on the fifth day of the Independence Cup Football Tournament at the General Ground Miao. The heavy rains which lashed at the start of the first match turned the ground into pools of puddles but the teams performed brilliantly giving football lovers an opportunity to witness some exciting moments of soccer. In the first match of the day, Mpen United played against Nayang FC. Till half time both the teams drew a blank though a couple of attempts were made from
both sides. Four minutes into second half,Mpen United netted two goals and added another in the later part aking their total to 3. Nayang FC could not fight back its opponent's domination and thus they had to concede defeat scoring no goals. In the first round if the tournament, matches are being played for 70 minutes. From the second round single match will be played in a day for the normal ninety minutes. In the second match, Tikhak FC defeated New Era School 4-2. The youngest player of the tournament at 14 years Rintu Mossang
Stan Wawrinka advances to Toronto quarter-finals Next up for the two-times grand slam champion is unseeded South African Kevin Anderson.
Toronto, July 29: Swiss second seed Stan Wawrinka won a hardhitting battle with American Jack Sock on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals at the Rogers Cup with a 76(3) 6-2 triumph. Wawrinka and Sock held serve throughout the first set to force a tiebreak that was won easily by Wawrinka who went on to dominate the second set where he charged out to a 4-0 lead and dropped just five points on serve to take the match. Next up for the twotimes grand slam champion is unseeded South African Kevin Anderson, who rallied to a 4-6 6-3 6-4 upset win over No. 12 seed Bernard Tomic of Japanese third seed Kei Nishikori had little trouble getting by American Rajeev Ram as he needed just 68
minutes to register a convincing 6-3 6-4 win. "The first set I played really good tennis. I had some tough times, but this score shows I was dominating a little bit," said Nishikori. "I`m still not 100 percent yet, but feeling pretty strong. We`ll have to see after a couple of more matches, but right now I feel good." A confident Gael Monfils extended his recent run of form with a 7-6(5) 2-6 6-4 upset over Belgian seventh seed David Goffin to book his spot in the quarter-finals. The 10th-seeded Frenchman, who arrived in Toronto fresh off earning his first tournament win in two-and-ahalf years, will play either Canadian fourth seed Milos Raonic or American qualifier Jared Donaldson in the last eight.( Reuters)
scored the first and a terrific goal for New Era School. The second,third,fourth and fifth goals of the match was scored by Tikhak FC. Tikhak FC scored its second goal in a penalty. In the second half of the match only one goal was scored by New Era School taking their score to 2.
Tomorrow's match 1st Match : Gara United vs Vijaynagar Gorkha 2nd Match : New Khamlang FC vs Mugaphi Vijaynagar
The world number one Test team still need another 185 runs for victory on the final day on Saturday, when Sri Lanka`s trio of spinners will expect to capitalise on their early inroads against the tourists. The hosts` leading left-arm spinner Rangana Herath struck in only the second over of the Australian innings when he bowled vicecaptain David Warner for one. Usman Khawaja started positively with three fours but he was ruled leg before wicket to off-spinner Dilruwan Perera when he attempted a sweep shot after making 18, leaving Australia reeling at 33/2. Then the debutant Lakshan Sandakan joined the party with a ball that turned
sharply and bowled opener Joe Burns who had looked well set on 29. One run later, first innings top scorer Adam Voges was ruled lbw to Perera for no score, but the batsman reviewed the decision successfully. With the ball turning alarmingly, Smith and Voges then suppressed their urge to play attacking shots while keeping the scoreboard ticking over with some sharply-run singles.Smith`s 54-ball innings has not featured any boundaries so far, while his partner Voges was
Germany legend Bastian Schweinsteiger retires from international football The midfielder took to social micro-blogging site Twitter to break the news to his fans and followers. New Delhi, July 29: German football legend Bastian Schweinsteiger on Friday announced his retirement from international football. The midfielder took to social micro-blogging site Twitter to break the news to his fans and followers. He retires from die Mannschaft with his Old Trafford future in the balance having reportedly been told by United`s new coach Jose Mourinho that he is one of nine players free to leave the club. Schweinsteiger still has two years left to run on his United contract. A knee injury in January flared up again in March, restricting him to just a handful of matches before he played at the European championships, netting a goal on his return against Ukraine in Germany`s opening pool game. The defensive midfielder said now was the right time to retire from the national team ahead of Germany`s first qualifier for the 2018 World Cup against Norway on September 9, four days after a home friendly against Finland.
"I have just told the national head coach (Joachim Loew) to no longer consider me for selection in the future as I would like to retire," wrote Schweinsteiger. "I would like to thank the fans, the team, the German Football Association and the coaches. "In 120 internationals, I have been allowed to run out for my country and experience moments which were undescribably beautiful and successful."Schweinsteiger`s finest moment in the famous white shirt was his battling performance in the 2014 World Cup final in Rio. He absorbed everything the Argentina midfield threw at him to help Germany secure a 1-0 extra-time victory as
Mario Goezte`s winning goal gave die Mannschaft a fourth title. "Winning the 2014 World Cup was an historic and emotional moment for us, which will not be repeated again in my career," said Schweinsteiger. "Therefore, it is the right time and sensible to finish now and to wish the national team all the best for the qualifiying stage and the 2018 World Cup. "Finally, I just want to say to our fans: `it was an honour to have been able to play for you, many thanks for everything that I was able to experience with you`." Schweinsteiger says he regrets Germany`s Euro 2016 exit to France as Antoine Griezmann netted twice in the hosts 2-0 semi-final win in Marseille before losing the final 1-0 to Portugal in Paris. "Jogi Loew knew what the Euro 2016 in France meant to me, the title I absolutely wanted to win, which hadn`t been brought to Germany since 1996. "It wasn`t to be and I have to accept that." (With AFP inputs)
HILARIOUS! Neymar fan caught in laundry room of Olympic team hotel Rio de Janeiro, July 29: A fan of Brazilian football star Neymar was arrested on Thursday after being discovered in the laundry room of the team`s hotel in Goiania ahead of Saturday`s friendly against Japan.
ing that the culprit had wanted "to approach Neymar and the team".
"Hotel staff noticed something strange in his behaviour and called us," police officer Vladimir Passos told AFP, add-
"The flaw was spotted and we`ve fixed it," said Passos of how the man managed to get into the players` hotel.
Passos said that the 22-yearold sports student had been arrested but was later released after being cautioned.
The Brazilian men`s team arrived in Goiania on Thursday morning from the Granja Comary national training centre at Teresopolis, in the mountains near Rio. Barcelona striker Neymar is one of team`s three players aged over 23 years. Brazil play South Africa, Iraq and Denmark in Group A of the Olympic tournament.
batting in a similarly steadfast mood, reaching nine at the close of play off 25 deliveries. Australia`s struggles against the Sri Lankan bowlers further underlined the importance of Kusal Mendis` superb maiden Test century in what has been a low-scoring Test. No other player on either side has passed 50. After starting the day unbeaten on 169, Mendis only managed another seven runs before he played away from his body to a full length delivery from Mitchell Starc to be caught behind by
wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers, finishing the innings with figures of four for 84. Herath and Nuwan Pradeep added 30 runs for the last wicket off 29 deliveries before the Sri Lanka innings ended after substitute fielder Moises Henriques took a spectacular catch at extra cover. Sri Lanka, who were 282 for six overnight, eventually managed to reach a total of 353, 267 runs ahead of the Australians.
It was a remarkable turnaround after they conceded a first innings lead of 86 to the tourists who were presented with the mace as the world`s number one team on the eve of the match. Much of their hopes of victory will rest on the shoulders of the 38-year-old Herath, who took four wickets in the first innings and has a reputation of cleaning up on the last day in home Tests. The second Test will be held in Galle from August 4-8 and the third in Colombo from August 13-17. (AFP)
Michael Phelps vs Chad Le Clos: I'm the strongest athlete out there, warns South African swimmer
Kolkata, July 29: Ahead of his much-anticipated clash with swimming sensation Michael Phelps at the Rio Olympics, Chad Le Clos said that he's the best out there and is busy fine-tuning his skills for the biggest week of his life.
no pressure coming into the event. "What changes now is that there's a lot of media hype around me. But I think I've learned to deal with all sorts of pressures. I've prepared myself in ways that no one else has," he added.
The South African created ripples in 200m butterfly at London Olympics after snatching a fifth gold from the American superstar who later ended his career only to return to Rio in what will be a second swansong for the 31-year-old.
Le Clos' rivalry with his one-time idol has taken the sport to a new height and the latest swimming sensation said he's shifting into sixth gear to finish hard into the wall (touchpad).
"Mentally, I believe I'm the strongest athlete out there. Not a lot can break me," the 24-year-old Le Clos told PTI in an email interview, ahead of his much-hyped 200m
"You have to go through the gears. A car has five gears, but you almost have to push into 6th gear and get that final burst of speed. In practice and in butterfly especially, I'm always finishing with my head down and into the wall."
"It will be a lot different to how it was in London. I feel like I almost have a target on my back. Coming into the Olympic Games in London, I was an underdog. I wasn't really given a shot. So it was almost like I had
"Obviously at the Olympic Games in 2012 there were some very tight races, especially the famous one against Michael Phelps. What I've been working for this year is tweaking the
small things. It's been all about sharpening my tools and getting ready for the biggest week of my life." "We've mastered the details of doing the long mileage and putting in the hard yards. Now, it's all about fine-tuning my starts, finetuning my turns, and making sure that I'm finishing right on a full stroke," he added. A brand ambassador of OMEGA since 2011, he said the luxury Swiss brand was part of his family since his grandfather's days. Terming it a special relationship, he said, "It's actually 80 years. My grandfather would be 103 or 104 today. He had that watch for many years and it's still in the family. I felt like it was destiny when I signed with the brand," he said adding that he would be sporting his favorite Seamaster Planet Ocean. OMEGA is the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932. (PTI)
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