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ASSENG/2015/64205

Vol. 1

Issue 233

India Is a Republic, But Could It Have Been a Monarchy?

In search of answers: Rohith Vemula's suicide

Page 8

Verbals between Arunachal Pradesh governor JP Rajkhowa and former chief minister Nabam Tuki show no signs of ending, with the latter on Friday revealing that the former has been repeatedly violating all constitutional and protocol norms since assuming office on June 1, 2015.

Even as the political situation in Arunachal Pradesh remains infractious and the matter has been placed before the Supreme Court for a possible ruling on February 1, an upset and angry Tuki recalled the abusive treatment meted out to him when he met governor Rajkhowa at the Raj Bhawan in Itanagar.

The incident took place when then chief minister Tuki

along with his cabinet ministers went to meet governor at the Raj Bhawan.

video-graphed before and during the meeting'.

The chief minister, as per the order of precedence firmed up by the Union home ministry is the elected head of government in each of twenty-nine states and two Union territories (Delhi and Puducherry).

Tuki further stated that the videographing of his arrival and his meetings were made without his knowledge, and added that the video released in the public domain before both sides approached the court, was an edited version.

According to the Constitution of India, the governor is a state's de jure head, but the de facto executive authority rests with the chief minister, and therefore, he is accorded specific privileges in tune with the office he occupies. This includes rules related to security and interaction with other official representatives.

In an exclusive interview to ANI, he claimed that he was 'threatened, frisked,abused and

They even abused me. There was an argument, and the video footage shows only one side of the entire episode. The footage has been edited, some part of it has been deleted," Tuki told ANI.

The former CM maintained that the part where he was abused and violated in terms of established protocol had been edited.

Tuki's broadside came a couple of days after governor Rajkhowa had claimed in his report to President Pranab Mukherjee that Nabam Tuki and his council of ministers had threatened him and were practicing a communal brand of politics and administration.

"We had sought an appointment, and they had planned for it. There were security checks and there were cameras in the room where we held meeting.

We tried to hold discussions with them in a normal manner.

They tried to threaten me, took my name and provoked me.

Rajkhowa also claimed that he was abused, threatened and nearly assaulted by some ministers. He had said in his report to the Centre that at one point his family and he feared for their lives, making it almost impossible to discharge his official duties.

5.00

Ratan Tata invests in Tea start-up

ET Correspondent Pasighat, Jan 29 A major fire broke out in the main market on Thursday night, reportedly at around 10 pm gutting 67 shops and partially damaged the attached fruit and vegetable markets within no time. Official sources informed that there was no casualty reported in the blaze and cause behind the blaze is yet to be ascertained.

Receiving information, DC Isha Khosla, SP RS Chauhan, MP Ninong Ering and DDMO G anden Tsumo immediately

ET CAPSULES

Police rescued three kidnapped persons Haflong Jan 29 : Police recued three kidnapped persons - Lala Nampui, 75, Josepha Nampui, 25 and Luapui Thiaite who were kidnapped by some miscreants from New Sangbar and Thingdol village on Wednesday but Bijan Kemprai, brother of Mahendra Kemprai, President , DCC(I) is yet to be rescued informed the Superintendent of Police Dr Dhananjay Parshuram Ghanawat. (Correspondent)

'No pre-poll alliance with any party'-Borah

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Lakhimpur; Jan 29: Bhupen Borah, one of the General Secretary of All India Congress Committee(AICC) denied prepoll alliance of Congress with any party of the State. He expressed this here in an interview with this correspondent. "Congress is a political party of of the people. Mere winning an election is not our objective. The party must be with the people.

For the sake of the future of the party and the interest of the people of the State, the party must take decision honouring the sentiments of the people"-he said. He added that, Vice Chairman of AICC, Rahul Gandhi is also not in favor of pre-poll alliance. "I could realise it when I recently met him"-he remarked.

However, he further commented that the finale decision on this issue would be taken by the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi as per AICC Chairman Sonia Gandhi and Vice Chairman Rahul Gandhi. (Correspondent)

rushed to the spot and ensured locals who gathered around the market to keep a safe distance from the mishap site. ADC Deepak Shinde, ZPC Kaling Dai, PMC Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk and all ward councilors were also present.

Two fire tenders, one tanker of PH Construction and one JCV were pressed into action and one fire tender from nearby Jonai, Assam was also called to douse the blaze. Though 67 shops of 'local fund buildings' were completely gutted into ashes, the fearless firemen desperately stop of spreading and brought the situation under control within a couple of hours.

Meanwhile, district administration today as immediate relief, handed over 3,800/(Three thousand eight hundred) each to all victim shopkeepers. In her message, DC Khosla has appealed the people to remain alert and be cautious as fire accident occurs frequently in Pasighat.

Local MLA Kaling Moyong has expressed shock and further assured to take up the compensation issue personally with the advisors to the HE Governor soon. Prominent leader Bosiram Siram also visited the spot and shared his advices.

Krishak Sanggha recalled martyrs of Patharughat peasants' uprising

ET Bureau Itanagar, Jan 29

Arunachal Governor J P Rajkhowa has invited constructive suggestions from political parties, civil society, intellectuals and non-governmental organisations for good governance and eradication of corruption from the state.

He also called upon the people to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state, an official communiqué said on Friday. Taking over the responsibility of the state government, Rajkhowa gave instructions for various measures to check and monitor the financial status of the state.

Interacting with a BJP del-

egation led by its state President Tai Tagak and National Executive Member Tapir Gao, who called on him yesterday, the governor advised them to not have a feeling of victory or defeat but to work for betterment of the people, society and the state.

delegation apprised the Governor about various problems faced by the government staff and common man, including the irregular payment of salaries to SSA teachers. The delegation also complained about rampant encroachment on government land.

The governor assured the delegation that his administration would take all measures to plug loss of revenue from the state.

Assuring his best for the welfare of people, Rajkhowa said that steps were already in place and every state, district and constituency would get its due share.

He informed the delegation that the Chief Secretary has already issued orders to all deputy commissioners to take action against district officials who are missing from the district without prior approval of the competent authority. The

Riding on high election fever, BJP's Tinsukia district called a press meet on Friday to welcome the decision of central committee to showcase Sarbananda Sonowal as BJP face for CM. The press meet at BJP office at Rangagora Road was addressed by BJP Tinsukia district president Bhaben Sarmah.

Sarbananda Sonowal

ET Correspondent Mangaldai Jan 29

The Darrang district committee of Krishak Sanggha with a view to recall the sacrifice, patriotism spirit and bravery of the one hundred forty peasant martyrs of the historical Patharughat peasants uprising on Jan 28 , 1894 observed Krishak Swahid Divas with a day long programme at Burhigaon under Dalgaon LAC . The observation began in the morning with a mass cleanliness drive in the campus of Burhigaon ME School . This was followed hoisting of the organizational flag of the farmers union by Mozafar Hussain , President of Darrang Zila Krishak Sanggha , lightening of lamp before the altar of the Krishak Swahid by Paresh Bora , the organizational secretary , offering flowers to the altar by Raghuram Nath , General Secretary of Krishak Sanggha. Sapling plantation , cultural procession and open meeting also marked the celebration . The open meeting was addressed by

Ananta Kalita , former Director of State Bank of India as well as a veteran trade union leader cum writer as the chief guest . In his addressed he dwelt at length about the world wide scenario of the farmers and the challenges in their future . He said that with the introduction of global marketing now the market of the farmers' production is going to control by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) from the USA , there will be no control from the local government . So there is not much time left for our marginal farmers to get united cutting across caste , creed , language and religion like that of their counter parts in Patharughat of 1894 to raise their voice for survival. The meeting inaugurated by Bhabesh Kakati , adviser of AJYCP , Darrang district committee was also addressed by Saraswati Devi, Lawyer from Guwahati High Court, journalist Mayukh Goswami President , Darrang district unit of Assam Sankhyalaghu Sangram Parisad, Asad Ali among others.

said.

Bhaben told media persons that Sarbananda Sonowal is a young and dashing leader of Bhartiya Janta Party and under his leadership the state would take a leap of progress which under current Congress government has taken a beating.

The cadres of Bhartiya Janta

Party are fully charged and will yield strong results in the favour of the party, he added.

The meeting was attended

by BJP vice-president Rajen Baruah, Shewji Dubey, spokesperson Manoj Bora among others.

Contd. on Page 3

Advisors to Governor allotted Departments See News Page 3

PTI Itanagar, Jan 29

The BJP in Arunachal Pradesh today alleged that many of its MLAs have been receiving threat calls from supporters of Congress. "Security threats are looming large with fear psychosis prevailing in the state capital.

Our MLAs and leaders have been threatened," BJP state unit president Tai Tagak told reporters at Arunachal Press Club (APC) here.

Denying allegations that BJP has engineered political crisis in the state, Tagak said the Congress was responsible for the current political crisis which compelled the Centre to promulgate President's rule in the state.

Contd. on Page 3

Arunachal initiates project in memory of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 29

In an endeavor to commemorate the birth place of legendary late singer Dr. Bhupen Hazarika – the doyen of soulful ballads and melodies – at Bolung village in Lower Dibang Valley district Arunachal Pradesh, the Research Department, Arunachal Pradesh is initiating a project to erect his statue and build a memorial at a suitable site under the technical supervision of Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS). A team comprising of APLS President Y.D Thongchi, Secretary Research department Dani Sulu, representative of Bhupen Hazarika Trust, general secretary cum Director Research Department Batem Pertin, former APLS general secretary cum Director Trade & Commerce and children of Late Gora Pertin – leg-

Dr. Bhupen Hazarika islator and personal friend of the late doyen will be visiting the village on 31st January 2016 for site inspection. The proposal to build a statue of the legendary singer within Arunachali soil – who made tremendous contributions towards the state’s art and culture, was made by the former chief minister Nabam Tuki.

Congress brought terrorism under control: CM ET Correspondent Nalbari, Jan 29

Krishak Sanggha recalled martyrs of Patharughat peasants' uprising

Page 6

Arunachal BJP alleges MLAs receiving threat BJP delegation led by Tai Tagak calls from Congress Supporters submitted 16 points suggestions

Spl Correspondent Tinsukia, Jan 29

Sarmah said, the decision to project Sarbananda Sonowal as chief minister face of the party has created enthusiasm amongst all party workers in the entire district. Cadres from grass-root level to the office bearers are grateful to the central leadership for meeting their expectation by this decision, he

Naidu rubbishes bias on Smart Cities selections

Arunachal Governor invites constructive suggestions for good governance

67 shops gutted in Enthusiast BJP Tinsukia wing briefs media, Pasighat market fire welcome central committee decision Cause behind the blaze is yet to be ascertained

Pages- 12

Page 10

Page 9

I was threatened, frisked and abused during meeting with governor: Tuki ANI New Delhi, Jan 29

Price -

Dibrugarh, Saturday, January 30, 2016

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that his Government has succeeded to bring peace and development in the state as the state's burning insurgency problem is under control. Addressing a Janajagaran sabha organized by Nalbari District Congress Committee at Gurdon field here further stated that the BJP has no knowledge about the tradition and culture of the society.The Chief Minister stated that the

Congress in the state is working as regional force in respect of development.Gogoi said that congress is running after the poor people not after power.He assured that his Government is committed to continue its work towards the down trodden section of the society.

Speaking in the meeting APCC President Anjan Dutta said that the BJP Government in the centre betrayed the people in the name of atche din.He said that the BJP has

Assam CM Tarun Gogoi

been continued its communal politics in the state.Dutta also alleged that the BJP has a nexus with the AIUDF only to gain power in 2016 poll.The people in the state don't allow them to fulfill their hope,he added.The APCC chief said that during the congress Government the state achieved all round development in all aspects.Them meeting presided over by Basanta Das,president of Nalbari district congress committee was addressed among others by former minister Dr Jainath

Sarma,APCC Secretary Pradyut Bhuyan.Thousands of people from Nalbari Assembly constituency took part in the Janajagaran sabha.Earlier the chief minister formally inaugurated the administrative cum academic building of MNC Balika Mahavidyalaya that constructed under the Chief Minister's College Infrastructure Development Grant at a cost of Rupees one crore.The chief minister assured another Rs 25 lakhs for the infustructural development of the college.

Season's first snowfall in Arunachal PTI Itanagar, Jan 29

With mercury level plummeting to sub-zero in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh, various areas in the state have witnessed the season's first snowfall. The outskirts of the state capital witnessed the season's first snowfall yesterday after over 15 years with the snow capped peak of the Dariya Hill being visible in the morning,Met office officials said.

missioner (ADC), Jang, D K Chutia said. The Bomdila-Tawang road is the lifeline of defence personnel travelling to the frontier.

The snowfall has brought happiness to the denizens of the state capital and delighted school-going children and their parents. It was also a new experience for many people.

While Sela Pass, situated at an altitude of 13,700 feet on the Bomdila-Tawang road was covered with more than one feet of snow in the last three days, Tawang district bordering China, witnessed heavy snowfall starting Sunday, Additional Deputy Com-

Snowfall at Mayadia near roing.

Bomdila, the district headquarters of West Kameng received moderate snowfall after a gap of over 12 years. This year snowfall was also reported from Mechuka in West Siang district, Mayudia in Dibang Valley, Kibithu in Anjaw, Lemiking and Taksing in Upper Subansiri.

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Dalam Studio Near parking stand Khonsa

PAGE 2

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You will be quite circumspect throughout the day, predicts Ganesha. Your spirits will soar high as you will be invited to join parties and socialise a bit. You will find the correct balance between work and having fun.

Taurus Your thinking is expected to be immensely clear and focused this day. So says Ganesha.

This, therefore is a great day for holding important meetings with colleagues and partners, for resolving vital issues, for entering new tie business tie ups. Knowing what you want as well as how to get it will give you tremendous advantage. Those engaged in joint ventures could have a windfall. This is a very auspicious day. Put it to good use.

Gemini You will long for some privacy today, says Ganesha. You may end up earning a large amount of money, mostly through some private venture. The day will be a greatly profitable one for cashiers, money lenders and those in retail business. Keep working hard to achieve success Cancer Today, you will shift your entire focus on the problems plaguing your personal life, feels Ganesha. Your ability to nip a problem in the bud has helped you to have a good personal life so far. And today, you will have to use your skills to mend the strain in your relationship with your loved ones. You may realise that complete renouncement of your habit of staying in control is the only way out of this personal mess.

Leo Being good to oneself is not vanity. To Ganesha, it seems as if you take this statement to heart, since it looks quite possible that you make your personal care number one priority today. On the flip side though, you become aware of the fact that the harder you try the more it seems you have to. But all that should be the least of your concerns today; just remember to take time out to entertain yourself and recharge your batteries. This will go a long way in keeping you going for the future, says Ganesha.

Virgo The time today is ripe to venture into a new business. Projects that have been put-off will finally be completed. Looking into the week ahead, you are most likely to give yourself an energy zap. Parties will be all fun and entertainment. Your kids will bring home joy and pride and this will brighten the mood even more, says Ganesha.

Libra The clock ticks on, but chances are it can hardly beat you in the race, thanks to your prompt and sincere efforts. Today, you shall be a paragon of excellence. However, Ganesha waves the red flag of caution: it always pays to be safe rather than sorry. Keep your eyes open and pay attention to the fine print before signing any contract or paper. You'd be surprised once you see the entire picture.

Scorpio Don't run from your troubles, learn to face the challenges and try to solve your problems.

This piece of Ganesha's advise is going to help you today. And you very well know why.

Take all the tips that come to you sportingly and try to implement it in your practical life.

Sagittarius Today shall be a rather decisive day, speculates Ganesha. Situations that have pushed you into a corner will force you to make rash decisions. But take stock of the situation and assess the long-term consequences of your actions beforehand, advises Ganesha.

Capricorn Print and electronic media will attract your attention, if you're just planning to begin your career. Your spiritual and philosophical approach give you inner peace, and also inspire you to visit a holy place. Overall, you will have a balanced day, today, says Ganesha.

Aquarius Aim. Shoot. Achieve. Today, you will concentrate your energies to execute your plans with precision. Naturally, your work progresses by leaps and bounds. By sundown, you will achieve far more than everyone's estimation. That's the way to go, says Ganesha.

Pisces Of late, the harder you try, the more it seems you have to do. You are likely to put your foot down today and spend some time taking care of yourself and playing truant with your responsibilities. Recharge your batteries fully while you are at it, says Ganesha.

NCHAC session called off ET Correspondent, Haflong, Jan 29 : Following the resignation of Sri Subrata Thaosen, Chairman of the N C Hills Autonomous Council, the emergent session of the Council scheduled to be held on 29th January 2016, to move 'No Confidence Motion' against Sri Niranjan Hojai, CEM, NCHAC was called off.

Meanwhile, the sixteen MACs met the Governor of Assam, P B Acharya, who was here at Haflong to attend the 55th General Assembly of Hmar Students' Assembly and submitted a memorandum to him on Friday.

The sixteen member signed memorandum stated it was learnt that just on the eve of the emergent session of the Council scheduled to be held on 29" January 2016, to move "No Confidence Motion" against Sri Niranjan Hojai, CEM, NCHAC; Sri Subrata

Thaosen, Chairman of the Council, resigned from his post yesterday and his resignation was also accepted by your benign self. The malafide intention of the Chairman was quite here, given the timing of the resignation. It was clearly to derail the democratic process of the emergent session scheduled he held today ie.

29" January 2016.

Under the circumstances, they firmly believe that appointment of Pro tem Chair-

man of the Council was of utmost importance for smooth conduct of business in the emergent session of the Council. They also feel that as the very agenda of emergent session of the Council was a serious and urgent one, it cannot be delayed over the issue of the election of the New Chairman. Since it was also learnt that the MACs from the ruling party have sought for Pro tem Chairman for the emergent session, there was

no objection from any quarter in this regard.

They, therefore, humbly request his benign self kindly to take necessary action for appointment of Pro tem Chairman of the Council for smooth conduct of business in the emergent session immediately. They recommend the name of Sri Ngamrothang Hmar, MAC & former Chairman, NCHAC to act as the Pro tem Chairman for his kind approval.

Anil Raja, General Secretary, APCC while condemning the yesterday's violent incidents in Dima Hasao where brother of DCC (I) president and other congress workers were kidnapped on the eve of the special session of the NCHAC and it was known to all that the NCHAC was going to be ruled by Congress, the BJP has indulged in mischievous activities to derail the today's session of the NCHAC.

Talking to the media Governor Acharaya assured that the recent council's state of affair would be solved at the earliest. Regarding the grenade attack and firing he directed the SP, Dima Hasao to do the needful. When asked about the future of the NCHAC, he said council would be functioning very soon and pending salary of the council employees would also cleared soon.

Sushmita Deb. MP, Silchar termed the yesterday's incident of Dima Hasao as trailer while expressing apprehension if the BJP comes to power in Assam saying ' see what will happen to us if BJP comes in power? She appealed to the people not to be misled by BJP rather stand by with the Congress because Congress is always in favour of peace and development.

Free Veterinary Aid Camp in Dibrugarh A Staff Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 29: As a part of Op Sadbhavana, a free Veterinary Aid Camp was conducted by Army Camp under the aegis of Dao Division at village Nawsari Bogasu, District Dibrugarh on 29 Jan 16.

Apart from doctors, veterinary dressers from army, civil veterinary doctors also contributed their free service and examined the domestic animals of Nawsari Bogasu villages of the area.

A total of 4973 cases of cattle, buffalo, goat and poultry of the area were benefited from the camp.

Free checkup, medicines, deworming and vaccines were provided to the livestock to prevent the diseases. The civil populace praised the work and said that it would further strengthen the relation between army and civil.

Free Veterinary Aid Camp in Dibrugarh. Pic - ET Photo

5th annual conference of Kalaigaon unit of AARSU

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

ET Correspondent Tangla, Jan 29: Kalaigaon Anchalik Committee of All Assam Rabha Students’ Union (AARSU) will hold its 5th annual conference with a two-day long programme in the premises of Nizdala LP School from January 30.The first day will start with flag hoisting

by Nipen Rabha,

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 30-1-16 (SATURDAY) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 6-50 A.M-Lokageet 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto 8-35 A.M-Surar Satsori 9-05 A.M-Antara 12-15P.M-Teachers' Broadcast 12-30P.M-Hindi Film Songs 2-00 P.M-Sponsored Programme-"Jaga Grahak Jaagaa" 2-30 P.M-Western Music Programme 3-30 P.M-Mishing Geet 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 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 7-15 P.M-Yuvavani 7-45 P.M-Daakpakhili 8-00 P.M-Ekalabya (Sponsored Programme of K.K.H.S.O.U) 8-30 P.M-Geetor Shorai 9-30 P.M-Radio Serial

secretary of Kalaigaon

AARSU. After performing homage to the souls of the bereaved various programmes that include literary competition, drawing, volley ball competition and plantation would take place.

The second day of this conference will start with cultural procession at 9

ecutive Member of BTC. On the occasion, an open session will be held on January 31 where Nipen Rabha will preside over the meeting.

Nripen Khanda, general secretary of All Assam Rabha Students’ Union (AARSU), will attend the meeting as guest of honour. Several noted persons like Tankeswar

am and the programmme will be inaugurated by Lwmchrao Daimary, Ex-

Rabha, Chief Executive Member of RHAC,

LokSabha MP Ramen Deka, EM Jagadish Sarkar and MLA of Kalaigaon LAC M u k u n d a r a m Chaudhury will take part in this meeting.For smooth conduct of the conference a reception committee has already been formed headed with Ananta Rabha as president, Nirmal Rabha as executive president and Thaneswar Rabha as secretary.

“The Other Side of Millennium” Documentary released A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 29: Assam CM Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday released a documentary titled “The Other Side of Millennium” - a depiction of his Government’s 15 years of rule in the State, at a function held at Anurandha Cine Complex in Guwahati. The documentary is a detailed account of Tarun Gogoi led Government’s 15 years of rule in the State and its performance in delivering governance to the people.

The documentary was produced and directed by Bobeeta Sharma. The documentary is a depiction of the present State Government’s performance in the last 15 years from the beneficiaries’ point of view.

Robber decamped with medicine worth 1.5 lakhs ET Correspondent Dhubri, Jan 29: A gang of robber decamped with medicines worth Rs. 1.5 lakhs from medical shop located close to South Salmara-Mancachar Subdivisional Office at Hatsinghimari of Dhubri district on 26th January.

47th Nam Yagna and Dihanam concluded at Kalaigaon

Sd-/H.O.P

Shajid Khan Tangla, Jan 29: The 47th Akhonda Nam Yagna and district level Dihanam competition concluded here at Kalaigaon on January 26.

The event was organized by Sankari Kolakristi Bikash Kendra,Kalaigaon at Sri Sri Bhagawat Mandir premises during January 23 to 26. The programme had started on January 23 with the wecome ceremony of the Baishnabs

of Udalguri and Darrang districts at 5 pm followed by a huge Bhagawat cultural rally on January 24 which was inaugurated by DN Hazarika, SDO(S), Udalguri. District level Dihanam competition was organized on January 25 from 9 am.All together 21 groups from Udalguri and Darrang participated in the competition. On the concluding day on January 26, quiz and extempore speech com-

petition on Srimanta Sankardev was held which was inaugurated by Arup Kumar Borah, SDO, ASEB, Kalaigaon.

The open session was held at 1 pm which was presided over by noted social worker Kami Ram Saharia.Gautam Bayan of Sankari Xotria cultural College Barpeta and Deben Nath,vice president, Srimanta Sankardev Sangha,Darrang attended the

open session as distinguished guest and appointed speaker respectively.The open session was also addressed by social worker Mahendra Saikia,senior journalist Jayanta Das, teacher Bandhu Ram Saharia etc.The winners of the Dihanam competition were awarded in the open session. No.1 Amguri Bishnu Mandir Namoti Dal won Freedom Fighter Pani Ram Das memorial trophy along

with rupees three thousand as first prize,while Bagicha Chuba Namoti Dal,Bahjani Namoti Dal,Monikanchan Namoti Dal of Bokrajhar and Borpukhuri Siba Gohain Namoti Dal won second,third,fourth and fifth prizes respectively.Lohit Chandra Nath, secretary, Sankari Kalakristi Bikash Kendra, Kalaigaon anchored the proceedings of the prize giving ceremony

Shops violating tobacco advertisement norms going to face trouble A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 29: Shops found violating tobacco advertisement norms are going to face trouble in obtaining and renewing trade license and No Objection Certificate (NOC) with the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) having issued fresh instructions in this regard.

In a recent instruction issued by Joint Commis-

sioner, GMC, the Corporation directed officials concern to take necessary action against shops violating tobacco advertisement norms at the time of issuing trade license and NOCs. The instruction was issued by the Joint Commissioner following a request by the Voluntary Health Association of Assam (VHAA), a NGO to GMC Commissioner

Narayan Konwar to sustain compliance of tobacco advertisement norms in Assam through intervention of the municipal body.

It may be mentioned that Assam Police had earlier intervened to stop all forms of direct tobacco advertisement at the point of sale (tobacco product selling shop) in Assam and was successful in removing all ad hoardings

which were installed at the point of sale violating section 5 (rule 4) of the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act (COTPA), 2003. As per the rule of the section 5 of the COTPA, tobacco products can be advertised in the package containing tobacco products, on the entrance and inside a warehouse storing tobacco products and at the point of sale (tobacco product selling shop) or

distribution only.

But presence of hoardings advertising tobacco products, larger than prescribed (60cm x 45 cm) at the point of sale and more than two boards at one point of sale are regarded as violation of the section 5.

VHAA’s request to GMC was to make it mandatory for all tobacco product selling shops to comply with section 5 and rules of

section 6-a (mandatory display of boards stating sale of tobacco products to minors is prohibited with pictorial warnings) of COTPA for obtaining and renewing trade license.

Violation of section 5 of COTPA is liable for penalty upto Rs 1,000 or two years jail on first time violation and fine of Rs 5,000 and five years jail for subsequent violation.

PAGE 3

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

Ering visits remote Yinku village

Ering visits remote Yinku village.

Pasighat, Jan 29: The East Arunachal MP Ninong Ering visited further most Yingku village of Siang district yesterday. While interacting with the villagers, he held a public meeting to take stock of developmental activities. While interacting with one Vijay Kumar who has been serving as a teacher in the far-flung Yingku village for the last thirty

years, the MP said, villagers has proven how hospitable and cooperative they are.

Expressing his extreme happiness, MP Ering appreciated the village community for their brotherly attitude and gave spot sanction of 15 lakhs for early completion of a Dere (Community Hall), 05 lakhs for approach road and 01

lakh extra for developing the ground to construct the Dere. For proper road communication, he assured to take up the issue with the appropriate authority soon. In his message, Ering advised the villagers to maintain peace and tranquility that are essential for development and to take adequate preventive measures to avoid fire accidents. (DIPRO)

Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi reviews preparations for the Clean Arunachal Campaign A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jan 29: Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi today convened a meeting of the Zone Commanders, Zonal Officers and Councilors to reviewed the preparations for the Clean Arunachal Campaign “My City, My Pride, I will Clean it” to be observed from February 1st to 13 next.

The Clean Arunachal Motto and theme has inspired and overwhelmed the denizens of the capital complex to do their part in keeping the city clean has responded massively to its Campaign appeal.

Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi said this campaign is aimed at keeping Arunachal Pradesh clean for a healthy environment where each and every citizen of the state is a stakeholder and urged all to cooperate each other to make the campaign huge success.

DC with Team Make Exposure Trip under KAYKALP Program to GH Pasighat room. OT, OPD, IPD, Kitchen, waste management system etc.

DC with Team Make Exposure Trip under KAYKALP Program to GH Pasighat

Aalo, Jan 29 : A team led

by West Siang Deputy Commissioner Shri Pige Ligu along with DMO Dr. Marbom Basar, DFWO Dr. Kengo Ori, representative from Mothers' Vision and Director of

RCCN Shri Liduk Ete from West Siang district were on exposure trip under KAYKALP programme at General Hospital Pasighat on 27th Jan last. This is an administrative attempt to im-

prove the newly upgraded General Hospital Aalo to draw motivation to work on such line.

The team visited all the working places including Labour room, dressing

The visiting team had detail interaction session with authorities of GH, Pasighat. The DC Aalo , DMO , MS GH and NGOs narrated in detail about the objective behind visiting this hospital and expressed their gratitude to counterpart East Siang for cooperation and advised district health authority of west Siang to replicate the same story in Aalo for the benefit of public of west siang. The Joint Director of DHS Pasighat DR. K. Lego, MS GH, DR. Moyong former MS shared the success story of General Hospital Pasighat.

DLVMC meeting of Health Deptt held at Seppa Seppa, Jan 29: District Level Vigilance cum Monitoring Committee review meeting of District Health Society was held today at Seppa. In-charges of various health programs have informed about the achievements made so far under their respective field of activities through power point presentation. Dr. K. Gyadi, MS highlighted about the performances of ANC, institutional delivery, immunization, IMR, JSSK, RKS and other activities undergoing at the District Hospital, Seppa. He informed that under CM's Universal Health Insurance Scheme the achievement of the district is cent percent in terms of enrolment and 94 percent in terms of actual realization in distribution of health insurance cards.

The 3rd phase covering 100 percent of the health insurance cards delivery will be rolled out soon. Dr. S. K. Suman, DANO highlighted about the activities undertaken by ASHAs and their performance. He informed that drop kits and refilling to various ASHAs were distributed. Dr. K. Lapung, DRCHO highlighted about the present condition of various first referrel units and 24/7 health institute.

The Zonal Commanders and Zonal Officer have been asked to chalk out their own action plan within their jurisdiction for active participation of people during the Campaign. During the campaign all Zone Commander will be assisted by Zonal Officers/ Councilors and will identify area for garbage collection and supervise the social service and pick up the garbage within their jurisdiction from 1st to 13th Feb’2016. There will be two garbage collection points: 1) Internal colony area and 2) Along the Highway area under each Zone commander.

Chief Estate Officer Talo Potom highlighted and briefed the CS about the action plan being prepared to make the campaign success.

Chief Councillor Kipa Kaku informed that to make the campaign success

Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi reviews preparations for the Clean Arunachal Campaign

IMC will be extending all Media People, NGOs, Volpossible helps and assis- unteers, Headmasters, tance to Zone Commanders Principals of all schools, and Zonal Officers for successful conduct “My City, My Pride, I will of the “Clean Arunachal Campaign” in colleges and others in large number is crucial for the their respective areas.

The state government is success of the campaign. launching the cleanliness The Chief Secretary apcampaign and the support pealed all to participate in of all State/Central Govt. the campaign and render employees, General Pub- one and half hour of social lic, Business establish- service daily during the ment, Market Association, campaign under the super-

vision of Zone Commander, Zonal Officer and Councilors in cleaning up the surrounding Clean it” areas.

A PowerPoint on action and initiative taken by the Department of IPR for the Campaign was presented besides screenings of the promos on Clean Arunachal Campaign were the other highlight of the meeting.

Advisors to Governor allotted Departments ET Bureau Itanagar, Jan 29: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa has approved the allocation of departments to Advisors to Governor, Shri G.S. Patnaik, IAS (Retd) and Shri Y.S. Dadwal, IPS (Retd) under the Business of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh (Allocation) Rules, 1998, with immediate effect and until further orders.

Shri G. S. Patnaik, IAS will be addressed as Advisor Finance, Planning & Development (FPD) will look after Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Cooperation, Education, Envi-

ronment and Forests, Finance, Fisheries, Health & Family Welfare, WRD, Planning, Programme Implementation Monitoring, Evaluation, Economics & Statistics, Power & NonConventional Energy Resources, Public Health Engineering and Water Supply, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, RWD, Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Department of Science and Technology, Trade and Commerce and Urban Development, Municipal Administration and Government Estates.

Shri Y. S. Dadwal, IPS who

will be addressed as Advisor, Home, Political etc.

(H&P) will look after District Administration, Election, Home & Inter-State Border Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs, Political (excluding Vigilance), PWD, Disaster Management, Transport & Civil Aviation, Youth Affairs and Sports, General Administration, Department of Development of Tirap and Changlang, Secretariat Administration, Excise and Narcotics, Culture Affairs, Mines, Labour & Employment, Land Management and Information Technology & Science & Technology

Files will be put up to the Advisors accordingly, as per usual procedure.

In respect of the departments, i.e. Horticulture, Information, Public Relations and Printing, Law, Legislation & Justice, Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Training, Vigilance, Textiles, Tourism and any other department not allocated to the Advisors to Governor, the files may be put up to the Governor by the concerned Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Principal Secretary, Chief Secretary directly, as per usual procedure, until further orders.

Arunachal Governor invites constructive suggestions for good governance Contd. from Page 1

"Fair view is taken in all cases and malpractices such as absenteeism in offices, officers and officials not in their places of posting and movement of district heads

of department without permission of higher authorities and deputy commissioners will not be accepted," he said.

side and reserved land, the Governor issued instructions for immediate action against encroachers and initiation of legal action.

On being apprised of the encroachment of central government offices, road-

He also issued directions for regular payment of salaries to SSA teachers who are

rendering service in the interior parts of the state.

Rajkhowa also took note of the irrational creation of independent ADC areas and irregularities in public distribution system as apprised by the BJP delegation, the communiqué added.

Arunachal BJP alleges MLAs receiving threat calls from Congress Supporters Contd. from Page 1

DLVMC meeting of Health Deptt held at Seppa He informed the house that 23 sub-centres have been operationalised with requisite infrastructure and manpowers. He also briefed about the performance under NHM and activities undertaken in family planning programme. Dr. N. Bodi, DTO while explaining the objectives of the RNTCP briefed the house about activities and performance of the programme.

Explaining further the risk associated with Multi Drug Resistance - TB, he informed about the reason for such instances occurring in the district. He also informed about the problems faced by the department.

While welcoming the house, Shri Sandeep kumar Singh, DC East Kameng District expressed satisfaction on overall performances under

NHM and advised the incharges to compile all indicators and make a better comparative analysis. He directed the DMO to take measure for better management of staffs. He has suggested to attached ASHAs and guardians to each TB patients to monitor their intake of medicinal course till its completion. He directed the MOs and DMO to motivate and train ASHAs and other health staffs regularly.

He also directed to provide regular incentives to ASHAs and Health Assistants according to the provision prescribed. He exhorted the MOs and incharges of various programmes to work diligently and give priorities to service delivery without depending much on fund allocation. Since, fund will be allocated anyhow. He further, directed the DMO and

the DRCHO to ensure that medicines, especially the vitamin A supplements, deworming tablets, shall not be laid idle in the store and get expired, and instead, shall be distributed evenly to the public.

Smti M. Cheda, ZPC has suggested the health department to engage panchayat leaders during any sensitization or awareness programme. She adviced the department for proper maintenance of diagnostic tools and kits in order to have full proof diagnosis.

She suggested the officials to cooperate and take full advantage of such a dynamic and pro-active DC. Besides the DC, the ZPC, the DMO and health staffs, representatives from different departments were present in the meeting.

(DIPRO)

"Infighting and factional feud among the Congress which started from November 2, 2014 is responsible for the current political turmoil in the state and we have nothing to do with affairs of other parties," Tagak said.

"Where was the AICC leadership which could resolve the issue through negotiation?

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi denied appointments to the rival party leaders in the last one year," Tagak alleged.

"The Congress leaders of the state should seek public apology for the current political mess," he said.

Dwelling on the circum-

East Kameng DC held meeting on "My City My Pride" Seppa, Jan 29: A meeting to chalk out plan for launching of Clean Arunachal Campaign in the district to mark the 30th Statehood Day with the motto and theme - "my city my pride" is conducted today at Seppa. Shri Sandeep Kumar Singh, DC East Kameng District reviewed about the progress made in the sanitation programme at each colony from the sector officer of respective colonies.

For celebrating the ensuing clean-

liness programme from 1st February to 13th February, 2016, he directed the sector officers, cooperative societies and NGOs to prepare a plan. Further, he urged them to prepare a long-term and sustainable plan. He has suggested various measures in order to make cleanliness drive a sustainable one.

He has suggested for mass awareness on regular interval through PA system and meetings. He has fixed

every second Saturday as social service day along with announcement through PA system across the township on every second Tuesday of the month. He has directed the DUDA to circulate the schedule of sanitation/garbage lifting truck to each sector officer and in-charge every month. He has directed the Bazar Welfare Committee to chalk out a comprehensive plan in order to check unmanaged wayside vegetable and meat vendors and stray

animals. He has suggested using police personnel in this aspect. He further cautioned that there is still time to prevent the Seppa from becoming a slum and shanty town.

DD (UD), EE (WRD), DVO, DFO, CO, ADI, DAO, UPO,BDO, AUPO, representatives of BWC, EKCC&I, Changtam Aane and Mothers' Group, and host of other officials were present in the meeting.

stances which led to imposition of Central rule in the state, the BJP president while quoting Constitutional experts, said there was a failure of the constitutional machinery after the state assembly failed to meet for over six months.

of more than six months between the assembly's last sitting in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session," he said.

He said the last session was held in May last year and the next session should be convened by the second week of November last.

"The legality of the session conducted on December 16 and 17 last by Deputy Speaker T N Thongdok is under question before a constitution bench of the Supreme Court," he pointed.

He said, when people of the state were suffering, being the responsible opposition party, the BJP was compelled to bring an impeachment motion against Speaker Nabam Rebia, he clarified responding to the allegations that the party had supported the rival Congress camp to destabilize the government.

"According to Article 174 (1) of the Constitution, there should not be a gap

Tagak disclosed that a high level delegation of the party yesterday called on

"There is a constitutional requirement that there should not be a gap of more than six months between two sessions of a state assembly. If there is a gap of more than six months, there is certainly a constitutional crisis," Tagak said quoting former Lok Sabha secretary general P T D Achari.

Governor J P Rajkhowa and urged him to overhaul and streamline the administration and to initiate an enquiry of financial mis-management by the government regarding fund diversion from plan to non-plan and civil deposits including fund received from the 14th Finance Commission.

The delegation also submitted 16-point suggestions to the governor, he added.

Meanwhile, the party has appealed to the Governor and the chief secretary to strictly implement the office memorandum issued by the Governor after promulgation of Central rule in the state.

Responding to a query, Tagak added that the party was ready to face mid-term poll if the situation compelled.

Meeting held to discuss about the Clean Arunachal Campaign Yupia, Jan 29: A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Papum Pare Shri Tai Kaye today at DC conference hall, Yupia to discuss about the Clean Arunachal Campaign which is going to launch from 1st Feb 2016 to 13th February2016 in the state. He called upon officers to co-operate the district administration in mass cleanliness drive on 1st February 2016 at district headquarter Yupia and requested one and all to pass on the message of cleanliness drive with staffs, friends

and relatives to make the campaign successful in the district and state as whole.

In the meantime DC Tai Kaye also apprised the officers about the proclamation by President of India, President Rule imposed in the state under Article 356 of the Constitution of India. DC asked all officers and officials to carry out all normal officials work with full dedication and sincerity. He also asked the head of departments who are executing various schemes and projects to

properly monitor and to ensure its timely completion. DC alongwith SP P.N. Khrimey also discussed the law and order situation of the district and he reiterated that Papum Pare district is more or less peaceful district and public have always been cooperative with administration.

He also requested the people to get their arm licenses registered in NDAL before the expiry of dateline for its registration. Officer from ITBP, all HoDs and admin officers attended the meeting.

PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

Hagrama kicks start Poll-campaign for 64 No. Panery LAC Shajid Khan Tangla,Jan 29: BTC Chief and BPF President Hagrama Mahilari along with other top BPF leaders attended a mammoth election rally organised at Bhergaon in Udalguri district on January 27 last . A huge crowd of more than twenty thousand people attended the rally in support of sitting MLA and BPF candidate Kamali Basumatari of 64 No. Panery LAC.The rally is the second election rally in the district after the election rally at Kalaigaon on Jan 21 last. The rally was addressed by Biswajit Daimari MP. Daimari in his speech said the 2016 Assembly election will be very crucial for the state. He said that the politically conscious people should be aware of the conseauences as if a wrong candidate,wrong party comes to power,i is the people who would suffer.

Daimari also lashed the electronic satellite houses of the state for using the term Bodos and Non-Bodos in their channels.Daimari remarked that rival political leaders says Assamese language is in dying state in BTC region. He said that Assamese is and will forever remain the first official language in BTC. Hitting APCC president Anjan Dutta for his remarks on dissolving BTC before February 1. Daimari remarked that Dutta is expected to be rational to make such derogatary remarks.

He further went to say that Dutta is co-accused in Sharda scam and as per their sources Dutta might be arrested before election. He also said that Dutta has been harming Congress party to evade arrest and Dutta has ties with state BJP. Coming to 1000 cr package Daimari remarked that they will receive the amount very soon and Panery LAC will receive 4 to 5 schemes from the package. Daimari also said that

he is confident that tgeir candidates would be part of ministers in upcoming government.

Addresing the people Hagrama Mahilari said that BPF would work according to people's need and desire.. He said that BPF would lend their full support to BJP outside BTC. He said people of Assam want a change this time. He remarked BPF has a strong hold in BTC areas and he is sure to win 14 seats out of 16.According to him BPF believed equality and justice to all.He further said that the Adivasi,Bengali,Rabha communities has many unresolved issues which will be looked after by them. Mahillary also said that on Feb 10 SHG funds would be released as the day is celebrated as BTC Accord Day. He said secularisn,brotherhood and unity among the people of BTC is the trademark of people.

On the issue of ST status to six ethnic groups of Assam, Hagrama said that he is pretty sure that BJP government at the centre would give the ST status to the communities. Coming to the 1000 crore package Hagrama remarked that though PM Modi in his recent visit to Kokrajhar didn't declare it. In the coming budget the 1000 crore package would find its place. He further declared that from the package cultural complex indoor stadiums in Bhergaon and Tangla would be build. He also mentioned of building a Indo-Bhutan Trade center at Samrang of Udalguri district.Railway overbridges at Tangla,Goreswar and Basugaon this year,, Hostel for the students of Adivasi community at Udalguri,Central schools in sub-division and district headquarters.He said Golaghat, Sarupathar, Diphu, Howraghat has a strong BPF base and he would support BJP

in that constituencies.

Hagrama blasted Anjan over his comments on BTC. He said Anjan Dutta is not a quality leader and his words have no value or significance. He Said BPF MLA's are not going to join Congress. Only expelled BPF MLA Hitesh Basumatary of Chapaguri constituency might join them.He also said Bodos living in Karbi Anglong and DimaHasao would get ST statys so would Karbis residing across the state would get ST status.

Hagrama also said that Oboro Suraksha Samiti led by Hira Sarania,ABSU and Congress have come under one Umbrella to defeat BPF. Several top BPF leaders namely- Kamali Basumatari MLA Panery LAC,Lwmsraoa Daimari, EM, BTC; Bonjar Daimari EM BTC; and Jagadish Sarkar EM, BTC, Ganesh Kachari EM BTC, Nerson Boro Deputy Speaker BTC, BPF candidate for Kalaigaon Mageswar Boro, attended the rally. Addressing the rally present legislator of Panery, who has been serving her third tenure Kamali Basumatari who has already been projected as the candidate of BPF for Panery LAC sought the blessings of the people and assured that the unresolved issues would be looked after if she is voted to power. It is pertinent to mention that though the Election Commission of India (ECI) is yet to issue the notification on the Assembly poll in the state or the other political parties are yet to gear up their poll campaign in the state, the BPF handling the helm of affairs of the BTAD areas for the fourth consecutive terms have already geared up their poll campaign in all the 16 Legislative Assembly constituencies evoking tremendous and overwhelming response from cross section of the society.

Army apprehends hardcore ndfb terrorist in chirang along with a linkman

Army apprehends hardcore NDFB terrorist in Chirang along with a linkman ET Correspondent Rangia Jan 29: In a joint operation of Army & Police on 28 Jan 2016, a NDFB(S) Cadre and a linkman has been apprehended along with arms and ammunition from Chirang District. The apprehended cadre has been identified as Gangaraj Wary @ Dableu Gold, a Myanmar trained Cadre from 40th Batch of NDFB(S) who was wanted

in killing of two Adivasis and burning down of 60 houses on 24 Dec 2014 at Koirabari. The apprehended linkman has been identified as Kalicharan Brahmo, both belonging to Chirang District. Spot interrogation and search led to recovery of one 7.62mm Pistol with 02 rounds, One .305 Rifle with 25 rounds, 14 rounds of .315 Rifle, One Chinese Hand Grenade

and other war like stores.

It may be recalled, that since the launch of “Op All Out” in January 2015 the terrorist operating in the area have more or less been dedicated and the remenents are in a total state of disarray, knowing fully well that there day’s are numbered, due to the relentless pressure exerted on them by the Security Forces.

Annual Sports and Cultural Week of North Lakhimpur College begins: Cultural Procession attracts the onlookers ET Correspondent Lakhimpur; Jan 29: The Annual and Cultural week of the academic session of North Lakhimpur College (Autonomous) began yesterday with full gaiety and fervor. The program will conclude on February 5 after completing the five day long agenda.

Principal Dr Biman Chandra Chetia kicked of the agenda of the College Week with lighting the ceremonial lamp in the morning and it was followed by Swahid Tarpan event which was administered by the Principal, Vice Principal Namita Dutta And General Secretary-in-Charge Madhav Mili. In the Inaugural Session, the Principal unfurled the College Flag at 10am.

The Guests of Honour took

Annual Sports and Cultural Week of North Lakhimpur College. Pic - Ranjit Kakoty the salutes of the NCC platoon and the students of each and every department who marched in the parade.

The Week was inaugurated

by Dr Mukunda Rajbonshi who was once the Professor

of the College, then the Rtd. Principal of Lakhimpur Girls' College.

"I am overwhelmed and I feel proud on seeing the allround development of the

College"-expressed he in his lecture. The Session was anchored by Kamala Kanta Bori, the HoD of English.

The two Best Players of the last year lit the Olimpic Wick.

Prize distribution ceremony held ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jan 29: The Commerce Department of Reliance College Jr Golaghat organised a Report cum Photography Competition recently .

and Susmita Saha received first ,second & third prize respectively .

In Photography Bedant Tamuly , Abhishek Lohia , Anubhav Gogoi & Susmita Saha received first , second and third prize respectively.

Today, the prize distribution ceremony which was chaired by Chairman Deepak Gogoi , Principal Priyanka Saikia Das and Debojit Dutta was held. In Report writing Suraj Gupta , Muzibur Rahman

The Photography Competition was judged by environmentalist Arup Vallabh Goswami and Report Writing was judged

by Industrialist Sanjeev Gogoi .

Prize distribution ceremony held.

67th VDP foundation day observed in Digboi, Pengaree and Borsumsa ET Correspondent Digboi, Jan 29 : The 67th foundation day of Assam Village Defence Party (VDP) was organised here at Digboi, pengaree and Bordumsa in Tinsukia District with various activities.

The significant day is commemorated as the 115th Birth and 67th Death Anniversary of late Hari Narayan Baruah who for the first time probably in the country to have founded the Village Defense Party organisation at Birinasayek near Titabor on this day January 29 in 1948.

Since then, this particular day is being observed as the foundation day of the organization across the state.

However in an open session organised in all the said locations including Kherajan in Digboi, the volunteers, invited guest and other social workers remembered him, offered floral tribute,

and threw ample light on the significant contribution of Late Baruah who was borned onDecember 16 in 1901 in undivided Sibsagar district (now in Golaghat) and elected thrice as MLA to the Assam Assembly and worked for the welfare of VDP till his death in Assam.

However, various speakers including Inspector Chandan Milli Digboi Police Station, Gautom Dhanowar budding congress leader Digboi , smti Chandraprava Gogoi the Dy. Adviser VDP Margherita Subdivision, Ashok Sharma the ZPC Tinsukia, smti.Geetanaji Sonowal AP President Margherita, Smti. Alpana Rajak the President Golai GP spoke almost in the same vain and reiterated the formation of VDP, its objevtives and social significance and role and con-

tribution and sacrifice of VDP volunteers in Assam.

Meanwhile,addressing the gatherings in the open session presided by Ajit Bora the President Digboi Thana Committee, Ashok Sharma underlined the days and nights toil of the volunteers and urged the Assam Police and Chief Minister to design declare some hansome package for the VDP cadres who assist in crime control, dispense quick justice and keep vigilance to ensure peace in association with the local police administration. According to him, the village people sleep sound only when the VDPs walks to and fro.

Talking to the Eastern Today,after the programme, Ajit Bora the President Digboi Thana Committee told that the Community policing concept in Assam has been pursued in a very

focused manner since 1950 when the Village Defence Organization was formally launched at the initiative of late Hari Narayan Baruah.

VDO was formally institutionalized with the adoption of the Village Defence Act1960. At present there are 11,000 nos of Village Defence Parties with a membership of 10 persons in each party.

However,the significant programmes at all said 3 locations were well cordinated and organised under the able assistance of Bhuban Hazarika the Circle Organizer, Village Defence Party looking after the VDPs under Digboi, Pengaree and Bordumsa Police Station.

However according to sources, at present there are 19,881 registered and 4,058 unregistered volunteers in the AVDO across the state.

The department of Economics achieved the Best title in March Past. In connection with the program, a Cultural Procession was organised at mid-day with the participation of 2000 students of the College who revolved round the North Lakhimpur town. The revolution of the educational system of India, revolution of Assamese culture and civilisation, Ankia Bhaona, Boka Bihu, Welcoming ceremony of Lakhimi, ethnic festivals and rituals, religious institutions, protest against the destruction of bio-diversity etc. were displayed in the procession.

The Department of Education begged the Best Award participating in the procession which spellbound the onlookers. Competition of different sports events were held today.

Awareness Rally held ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jan 29: Social message drive initiated by Drishti Bharatgas Agency, Golaghat was organised today around 11:30 am.

A two wheeler rally was taken out by the staff members joined by LPG customers for spreading social message "Clean Fuel, Clean India, Clean Golaghat". The rally was organised within Golaghat Town which halted in public places and traffic points to display the banners on the two wheelers and also giving the slogans "swach indhan, swach Bharat, swach Golaghat".

50 Units Donated ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jan 29: Agarwal Yuva Sabha and Akhil Bhartiya Marwari Mahila Samellan of Golaghat in collaboration with Golaghat Blood Bank jointly organised a Blood Donation Camp in the Bus Driven Collecting Vehicle.

More than 50 units of Blood was donated in the programme. Dr Jayanta Borgohain along with his team were present.

Sponsored 21 patients Operation Expenses ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jan 29: One of the leading business man of Golaghat Sunil Binnani Sponsored 21 patients Eye Operation Expenses in the memory of his father and mother on this Republic Day. The programme was held in Golaghat Eye Hospital . D.C Anowarul Haque along with other officials were present .

Mr Binnani said " The program shall be carried by him in the long run too ."

Series of violent incidents rocks Haflong ET Correspondent Haflong Jan 29 : Series

of violent incidents like kidnapping, lobbing of grenade, firing at residence in Dima Hasao that too at a time when the people from Dimasa community have been celebrating their prime festival "Busu" on the night of Wednesday and also on the eve of special session of N C Hills Autonomous Council has raised many eyebrows among the conscious citizens of Dima Hasao.

Unidentified miscreants kidnapped Lala Nampui, 75, Josepha Nampui, 25 from New Sangbar village under Umrangsu police station then preceded to Thingdol village from there they also kidnapped Luapui Thiaite and proceeded to Dimainu village at about 10 PM Wednesday. The miscreants also fired several rounds in the air. In another

incident some miscreants kidnapped Bijon Kemprai, brother of Mahendra Kemprai, President, D C C (I) Dima Hasao from Thaijuari.

At Haflong, when the people were celebrating 'Busu' some miscreants fired at the residence of one Deben Thaosen, General Secretary at Sambudhan Raji of Haflong at about 11.45 pm but no one injured and at about 2.30 am Thursday , a grenade was lobbed in front the office of News Dima Hasao injuing three police men seriously . They were identified as Tilak Das, Dhamendra Das and Rajesh Sing of Silchar and were admitted at Haflong Civil Hospital.

Thousands people from Fiangpui and Lodi villages of Haflong took out a silent procession in protest

against the kidnapping and submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Dima Hsao Sri Amaendra Barua requesting him to rescue their people at the earliest. Biate Apex Body President while talking to the media said they have been the most peaceful community but they have to bear the burnt

of such incident of violence. He said if their people were not released safely then they would not remain as peaceful.

The DCC(I) Dima Hasao also gathered at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dima Hasao and submitted a memorandum

to the Chief Minister of Assam through the Deputy Commissioner apprising him that yesterday the 27hJanuary, 2016 4(four) Congress Members have been kidnapped by some unidentified miscreants from their villages.

The memorandum also maintained that as the No

Confidence Motion was moved by the Congress MAC's on the ensuing emergency/special session of the N.C.Hills Autonomous Council to be held on the 29th January, 2016 against the 'Council headed

by Sri Niranjan Hojai, Chief Executive member of NCHAC the Congress Members have fully suspect that this is the handiwork present ruling Members of the Council. V We, therefore request your honour to look into the sudden deteriorated Law and Order situation in the District of Dima Hasao and to take necessary steps to release or kidnapped Congress Members safely and book the kidnappers at the earliest.

Rudrajit Lashram, Vice _ President, DCC(I) said that following these violent incident the Law and order situation has deteriorated.

The Deputy Commissioner Sri Amarendra Barua assured them that the district administration has already taken up all possible steps to thwart such antisocial activities and operation is on to rescue these kidnapped persons safely.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, Dima Hasao strongly condemn the recent incident of the gun firing at the residence of Shri Deben Thaosen, General Secretary BJP District Committee .by the unidentified miscreant on 27 January'2016 at around 11.45 midnight and a grenade hurled at the News Dima Hasao office at Ramnagar, Haflong on 28" January'2016, 2.00 AM and urges upon the District administration & the police authority to apprehend the culprits. The Bharatiya Janata Party Dima Hasao strongly condemn kidnap-

ping act of 4(four) person by the unidentified anti social elements. They demanded the release the innocent persons unconditionally and without any physically harm. The Press release by the President, INC Dima Hasao District blaming the BJP in the kidnapping incident is totally baseless and politically motivated stated

by Sri B.B.Hagjer, President, BJP, Dima Hasao Haflong, in press meet held on Thursday.

The Superintendent of Police Dr Dhananjay Parshuram Ghanawat talking to the media said these unfortunate incidents are politically motivated. We are keeping close watches and nobody, who so ever would be spared. We leave no stone unturned to check all such anti-social activities of miscreants.

Festivals unite people, promoting indigenous cultures in Manipur

Tribal festivals in Manipur

Imphal, Jan. 29 : Tribal festivals in Manipur bring people together and send out a message of peace and unity, besides promoting indigenous cultures.Vibrant folk dances performed by young artists of the Zeliangrong tribe in Manipur reflect both joy and happiness.Celebrated every year, the Gaan Ngai Festival brings together all Naga tribes.Gaan Ngai is a post harvest thanks giving festival celebrated with great enthusiasm which is celebrated in different parts of the Northeast by singing, dancing, playing games and merry making.

"Earlier, people used to celebrate the festival separately in their respective villages. Now, we all come together along with other tribes to celebrate the festival. It helps to promote love, unity and harmony," said Romeo, a youth."I think it will bring communal harmony and peace in our state. Many different communities live in our state and they are also taking part in GaanNagai festival. At the same time Zeliangrong tribe also participates in

the event organized by Meitei community so; there is some kind of interaction and close relations. Such festival creates a better relation among different communities in the state," said Sapam Dilip, Visitor Meitei community.In Imphal, the Meitei community came together to celebrate Imoinu Iratpa Day, the traditional worship of the Goddess of wealth, Ema Imoinu, by making offerings to the deity.

The streets of Greater Imphal and valley districts were brightly decorated with colorful lights and people came out in large numbers to mark the festival.As part of the celebration, various cultural items were also showcased."I came here to offer prayer.

I also got to see how our forefather practice this ritual so, I feel very good.

I hope that there will be prosperity for younger generation," said a devotee.Celebrations of festivals play an important role in promoting the cultural legacy of the indigenous communities besides fostering a spirit of unity among the people.

(ANI)

HC nod to traditional limestone, sandstone mining in State Shillong, Jan 29: The High Court of Meghalaya has allowed traditional excavation and transportation of limestone and sandstone in the State. The Court, however, said that for grant of any new mining lease (excluding traditional excavation and transportation of limestone and sandstone), the State authority should seek clearance from the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SLEIAA) instead of CEC as directed in the judgment and order of the Court dated November 26, 2015.

The High Court order came on Wednesday after one Balios Swer of Khliehriat filed a petition praying to allow the petitioner to continue with the traditional mining of sandstones and limestone and transportation from the area with sparse vegetation unfit for any kind of cultivation and situated in remote hills terrain.

Acting Chief Justice T.N.K. Singh said the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (HoFF), Meghalaya, and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (T), Meghalaya, shall allow

the petitioner and other similarly situated persons, who were continuing on traditional excavation and transportation of limestone and sandstone at the time of passing of the judgment and order dated June 30, 2015 to continue the traditional excavation and transportation of limestone and sandstone under the Acts, Rules and By-laws in the State of Meghalaya.

The petitioner said the entire life, culture and economy of the petitioner and also of the local population have revolved only around limestone and sandstones mining. The petitioner and other similarly situated people are quarrying limestone from their lands and selling it to local lime kilns and other buyers and earning their livelihood.

The petitioner also said that it is the admitted case of both the parties that the land tenure system in Khasi and Jaintia Hills districts, where the land as well as the minerals underneath belongs to the land owners as per the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, is totally unique and different from the rest of the country. (Agencies)

PAGE 5

REGION

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

Bangladesh envoy says ties with India at zenith Agartala, Jan. 29 : Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali, who is on a three-day visit to Tripura, has said that ties with Indi are presently the best ever between the two nations, as a new platform based on mutual trust and confidence is in place to facilitate this.

Interacting with media at the Agartala Press Club here, Ali said both governments need to explore new project opportunities for mutual benefit.

The Bangladesh envoy

said, "Prime Minister Sheikh Hassina has said she would show zero tolerance as far as terrorism is concerned, and she has kept her promise. She has not allowed any terrorist organisation to operate from Bangladesh. She has even handed over terrorists who have taken shelter in our place in the past.

There has been a similar response from the Indian side as well. Nevertheless, the two borders are not very easily accessible, so, we have to remain vigilant on both sides of the bor-

der so that these kinds of activities do not recur in the future."

Bangladesh envoy says ties with India at zenith

Hit-and-run: IAF moots joint probe with police Kolkata, Jan 29: The Indian Air Force has proposed a joint probe with the Kolkata Police into the death of its corporal Abhimanyu Goud, who was run over by a speeding car on Red Road during the Republic Day parade rehearsal on the morning of January 13.

"We want our Air Force officer in the SIT that is conducting the investigation. We have asked for the list of witnesses whom the police have interrogated. We have also sought the evidence which the police have collected to complete our court of inquiry. The Air Force is

also ready to extend all possible help to the Kolkata Police in their investigation," said S.S. Birdi, the chief public relations officer (CPRO), of Defence, Kolkata Region.

A letter proposing a joint investigation was sent by the Air Force to the city police commissioner, Surajit Kar Purkayastha, on January 19. The probe is currently being conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the city police under the supervision of Narendra Nath Tripathi, DC, DD-II. The son of former MLA Md Sohrab, Sambia Sohrab, is believed to be

the prime suspect and was reportedly driving the car that ran over the Air Force officer, killing him.A lookout notice has also been issued against the owner of the car Ambia Sohrab and his father, former RJD MLA Mohammad Sohrab.

Officials at Lalbazar said they were examining the proposal of the Air Force and have sought legal opinions. "We are seeking legal opinions before giving any reply to the Air Force," said Debasish Boral, the Joint CP (Crime).

Well-placed sources said

the father of the deceased corporal had telephoned Air Vice-Marshal K.P.U.K. Nair on Wednesday and referred to the situation in the aftermath of the period of custody of the accused coming to end.

"He also expressed his desire to meet Vice-Marshal Nair in person as he was of the view that the case may get prolonged and there may not be an early end in sight," said a senior official. "He was assured of all possible support in ensuring speedy delivery of justice," the official added.

(Agencies)

VHP demands amendment of Foreign National Act with provision of death penalty Agartala, Jan. 29: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Praveen Togadia has asked the Centre to enact a law and formulate a time-bound action plan to push back Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators.

"A time-bound action plan to evict all Bangladeshi Muslims, for that the 1952 electoral roll should be based, for verification whether Indian or Bangladeshi paternity test should be done and centre should be established.

Foreign Security Act should be amended especially for Bangladeshi Muslims.

If any Bangladeshi Muslim is found, because they come to capture India they should be sentenced to death and with first trial

Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Praveen Togadia

court should be established," Togadia told reporters here.

Togadia, currently on a three-day visit to Tripura, claimed that over 15 million Bangladeshis were living illegally in the northeastern states and equal number was residing in other parts of India.

The VHP leader demanded that the 1951 electoral rolls must be the base for identifying infiltrators.

He urged the Centre to set up paternity test centers in all northeastern states to identify the infiltrators.

"The BJP-led government must enact a 'foreign na-

tional act' to evict infiltrators, especially Muslims, to Bangladesh or their own country," he added.

He said that India would set up health and educational centres across the country to provide free health service, education and employment to Hindu Bangladeshi those are persecuted to come to India.

He further added that the VHP wants Hindus in India to be "protected, prosperous and honoured".

Togadia added that if time bound initiatives are not take by the state government and the union government to protect Northeast, Assam and Bengal for infiltrated Bangladeshi Muslims then very soon these areas will turn into territory of greater Bangladesh. (ANI)

GNLA cadre wanted in several cases surrenders Shillong, Jan 29: Senior GNLA militant Elyzer N Marak alias Denchrek (19) hailing from Darimgre under Williamnagar PS surrendered before SP, EGH, Davis Nestell .R. Marak at Darimgre with a pistol and 11 live rounds along with some incriminating documents on Wednesday.

He belonged to the 5th batch GNLA and was last in Chokpot command under GNLA commander known as Kamdak. He

was fortunate to escape several police encounters.

He revealed that he was with commander Marcus in a police encounter in Bansamgre and also at Norek Bollongre encounter with action commander Jimmy group where one of their militant member identified as Cheman was killed.

He was also injured in the Songmagre encounter where he was hit by mortar fire from security forces during a raid on their camp. The last

Senior GNLA militant Elyzer N Marak alias Denchrek (19) hailing from Darimgre under Williamnagar PS surrendered before SP

encounter he faced against police was when he was part of GNLA commanders Megam & Geloram when there

was a firefight with police at Nengrugittim in which they managed to e s c a p e , l a s t y e a r.

(Agencies)

KHADC CEM grants 45 days for general durbar Shillong, Jan 29: Following a request by the chiefs of Hima Mylliem to convene a general durbar, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has extended 45 days to the Executive Dorbar of the Hima to convene a meeting under the leadership of Paiem Latho Manik Syiem following the expiry of the deadline on January 24.

It may be reminded that 6 Myntris of Hima Mylliem has filed a complaint against Latho Manik Syiem and Thwelson Manik Syiem, Deputy Syiem of Mylliem for not convening a general

durbar as per practice of the Hima Mylliem and the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnong of Mylliem Syiemship) Act 2007.

Speaking to reporters, the CEM, KHADC P.N Syiem after taking note of the illness of the Syiem, however, the KHADC has ordered the Deputy Syiem to convene the meeting to which the Deputy Syiem sought the extension of days citing ill-health. "The general meeting has to be convened within the 45

Caption:

days limit, failing which action will be taken," PN Syiem, CEM KHADC said.

On the other hand, 29 Myntris met the CEM on Monday alleging that they were kept in the dark over the 45 days extension."Our objective to meet the CEM is to reveal to him the intention of some Myntri of the Executive Dorbar Hima Mylliem to illegally lease a plot of land at Iewduh (Bara Bazaar) from 2022.

Bara Bazaar should remain as it is. We request the CEM to not agree to the proposal," Myntri C Kharkongor said.

The myntri also alleged that they are oblivious to certain affairs of the Hima.

"It was only after we met the CEM that we were informed of the 45 days deadline, MB Kharlukhi, Myntri in charge of Finance has informed us but we did not receive any order yet. And we are surprised to hear that Deputy Syiem is unwell, as we see him around all the time," Myntri J Nongkhlaw said.

"If both (the Syiem and Deputy Syiem) are not keeping well then they should hold elections to appoint a new Syiem," Nongkhlaw added.

(Agencies)

"And, you have seen how sometimes some of the terrorist organisations have taken shelter also in India.

They have been involved in some much publicised blasts and all these. So, we would like both sides to be more vigilant so that the basic principal on which we are building up our compromise, cooperation and future growth should not be disturbed," he added. (ANI)

Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali, who is on a three-day visit to Tripura, has said that ties with Indi are presently the best ever between the two nations, as a new platform based on mutual trust and confidence is in place to facilitate this.

Fodder scam: Hearing adjourned till Feb. 18

RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav Ranchi, Jan. 29: The Jharkhand High Court has adjourned the hearing of a Central Bureau of Investigation plea against the dropping of a conspiracy charge against Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav till February 18.

The court had earlier maintained that no person can be charged twice for the same offence, but upheld that legal proceed-

ings in two other sections of the Indian Penal Code would continue against Yadav.

A special CBI court in Ranchi had convicted Lalu and 44 others in September last year in the case related to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 37.70 crore from Chaibasa treasury in 1994-95 in the fodder scam. He was later granted bail by the Supreme Court in December the same year. (ANI)

Manipur's Kourouhanba spices industry proves a boon for jobless Imphal, Jan. 29 : A Fifty five-year-old B.Tech in Food Technology and M. Tech in Bio Technology, P o t s h a n g b a m Kulachandra, runs a 'kourouhanba spices industry' that has generated job opportunities for m a n y. P o t s h a n g b a m Kulachandra who hails from Haobam Marak in Manipur served in Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation but he resigned from his job and started his own venture.

In 2015, he set up 'Korouhanba Spices Industries' at Keithelmanbi village and produces different food spices items.All the raw materials used for the spices are from forest products which are free from in-organic chemicals.The unit is a source of employment for local youth, as it employs around 25 local youth."My basic objective is to start self employment at the same time employment generating in it in the state for better economy development. I voluntarily resigned from my job after getting some experience and I started

working on this and it is my dream to start such a unit in Manipur," said Kulachandra, Chief Executive Director.

The industry produces several spices items like Masala paste, Garam Masala, Vegetable Masala, Chilli powder, Ginger powder, Jeera Powder, Turmeric powder, Coriander powder, Mustard powder and coarse mix spices.The products are now in high demand both in the state and outside."I'm very happy working here.

Though this income I manage for household expenditure so it's very good," said Jeevan, a staff"We really appreciate for giving us job because before we did not have work but here we get such opportunity and earning for our livelihood so, it's very helpful," said Lilabati, another staff Achievements of young entrepreneurs like Kulachandra will inspire many educated unemployed youth in the region to explore new innovative ideas and become self-reliant. (ANI)

VHP leader warns Modi, Tripura CM to stop infiltration of Bangladeshis or lose chairs Agartala, Jan. 29: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader has warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar that they run the risk of losing their respective chairs if they do not stop the infiltration of Bangladeshi Muslims.

"Be it Tripura's Chief Minister or the Indian Prime Minister, they have to pushback Bangladeshi Muslims to Dhaka or they shall not

remain as CM or PM," said Praveen Togadia, who is the VHP international working president.

He was addressing a meeting of VHP supporters in the Rabindra Satabarshiki Hall here.

The VHP leader said that it is the duty of the head of the nation and the state to stop Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators from entering the country via porous borders.Togadia is on a three-day visit to Tripura. (ANI)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

PAGE 6

Naidu rubbishes bias on Smart Cities selections Pune, Jan. 29: Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday rubbished allegations of bias in determining which cities would form part of the NDA regime's "smart city"project. He said that the selections were done on merit and without political interference.

"I have only honoured the merit, this is my only role. Nothing has been decided in Delhi, we have only issued guidelines and set parameters and the selection of the city is based on merit, nothing else. No political interference and party consideration was there in the process," Naidu

told media here.

"Experts from the World Bank, the Germany development bank, from the Indian Institute of Urban Affairs and prestigious people formed a panel who examined the proposals of each city," he added.

Naidu further said that his ministry had taken the average of all the three panels and gave the ranking accordingly.

"Bhubaneswar topped the ranking and Pune came second in that," he added.

The Congress Party had earlier alleged that the Centre has insulted both Bihar and Uttar Pradesh

J-K Governor directs filling 3,000 additional posts for rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra Jammu, Jan. 29: Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra has directed the Chief Secretary to urgently finalise the filling up of 3,000 additional posts in various government departments for rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants under the Prime Minister's special package for the state.

An official spokesman said here that the direction came in view of the orders of the high court in the matter. The spokesman said the Governor

held an extensive meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the status of every significant issue relating to the provision of relief and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants.

Vohra was informed that 3,000 posts had been created in various government departments in 2011 for providing employment to Kashmiri migrant youths who were interested in serving in the Valley. (ANI)

US will counter ISIS terror plotters in any country: Obama Washington, Jan 29: The US will continue to counter terror plotters of Islamic State militant group in any country where necessary, President Barack Obama has said while directing his national security team to intensify its ongoing counter-terrorism campaign to destroy the terror outfit.

In a meeting with his National Security Council, Obama discussed intensification of US campaign to degrade and destroy Islamic State (ISIS). "The President emphasised that the US will continue to counter ISIL (another name of ISIS) terrorist plotters in any country where it is necessary," the White House said.

Noting that ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) affiliates and other violent extremists attempt to find safe haven in areas with limited or poor governance, he directed his national security team to continue efforts to strengthen governance and support ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in Libya and other countries where ISIL has sought to establish a presence.

"Degrading and destroying ISIL will continue to require coordination and cooperation among a wide range of global partners, and the US is strongly committed to continuing to lead the shared efforts of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL," the White House said.

Obama was briefed on ways the US and its partners in the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL continue to

accelerate and integrate the military campaign and diplomatic efforts on all possible fronts, including working with international partners to counter ISIL's stated goal of expansion beyond Iraq and Syria, the White House added. Meanwhile, GOP presidential candidates continued to slam Obama administration for its ISIS policies.

"We have to have an honest discussion with the American people about the nature of the threat that we confront. This president says that ISIS has nothing to do with Islam, and as a result has put together a strategy that doesn't take care of what the reality is, which is ISIS has established a caliphate," Rick Santorum, a Republican presidential candidate said during the undercard debate. Another presidential aspirant Carly Fiorina described ISIS as the main threat to the US. "Let me tell you this: news flash, President Obama, news flash, Mrs Clinton -climate change is not our most pressing national security threat. Actually it is ISIS, followed closely by Iran," she said.

Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee called for a comprehensive ISIS policy. "First of all, take away their access to social media platforms. They are using the same social media platforms to recruit, and to train, and to direct people as I use to see pictures of my grandkids.

That's ridiculous," he said.

(Agencies)

added the ministry did not play any role in the selection.

The Centre will give each city Rs 500 crore over five years under the Modi government's smart city mission. The Centre had pledged to spend Rs 48,000 crore in five years to elevate 100 localities to the status of smart cities.

Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu

with motive of 'political vendetta' after none of the cities in both the states could make it to the first Smart City contest.

Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu

clarified that the final selection of cities was based on 'bottoms up' approach with the involvement of citizens in formulation of vision and plan. Urban local bodies and state governments piloted the mission. He

Pune, Jaipur, Surat, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Jabalpur, Visakhapatnam, Solapur, Davanagere, Indore, Coimbatore, Kakinada, Belagavi, Udaipur, Guwahati, Chennai, Ludhiana and Bhopal are the other cities selected in the first batch. (ANI)

"I have only honoured the merit, this is my only role. Nothing has been decided in Delhi, we have only issued guidelines and set parameters and the selection of the city is based on merit, nothing else. No political interference and party consideration was there in the process,"

Zika may spread to countries with Aedes mosquito: WHO Geneva, Jan 29: The Zika virus is "spreading explosively" in the Americas and can infect upto four million people, the WHO warned on Thursday as it issued a warning to all countries, including India, who have the vector of Aedes mosquito that also causes Dengue and Chikungunya.

The Zika virus is caused by the aggressive Aedes aegypti mosquito that also causes Dengue and Chikungunya both the viral diseases are of great public health concern to tropical countries like India.

The outbreak began in Brazil last year and has now spread to 24 coun-

tries in the Americas, causing serious birth defects and other neurological problems like microcephaly, a condition that causes babies to be born with an abnormally small head.

Dr Marcos Espinal, Director of Communicable Diseases and Health Analysis at WHO, warned that Zika "will go everywhere the mosquito is. We should assume that. We should not wait for it to spread." Zika originated in Africa and also exists in Asia.

Meanwhile, WHO Chief Margaret Chan warned that the virus "is now spreading explosively," and the global health body expected up to four

million cases of the disease.

She also expressed concern over the potential of global spread of the disease, owing to the large geographical spread of the Aedes mosquito.

Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General, WHO, also warned that the virus could spread to other places wherever there is Aedes mosquitoes.

"What we have to assume is anywhere where they have the Aedes (mosquitoes), they could have the Zika virus and they should have the tools to be able to look for it," he said.

"So, that's part of the reason we are trying to get the information out to

countries that have got the vector but may not yet have the virus - look now for the virus," he added.

Such is the level of alarm that many American countries like El Salvador, Colombia and Ecuador have urged women to postpone pregnancy till 2018.

Complicating matters further, the Olympics in 2016 is to be held in Rio, the epicenter of the virus outbreak.

The concern is also related to lack of immunity of the population that are unexposed to the Zika virus. Additionally, there are no vaccines, specific treatments, and rapid diagnostic tests, available to combat the virus.(Agencies)

Activists question Fadnavis's leniency towards Hema Malini on land issue Mumbai, Jan. 29: Right to Information (RTI) activist Anil Galgali has written a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis questioning his leniency towards Bharatiya Janata Party MP Hema Malini, after a land measuring 2000 sq metres in Mumbai's Oshiwara area valued in crores was allotted just for Rs 70,000.

"We have written a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that on one hand the BMC is acting against all those who have acquired and misused BMC land illegally, and on the other hand the government is showing a lenient approach with Hema Malini," RTI ac-

Right to Information (RTI) activist Anil Galgali tivist Anil Galgali told.

"The government has not given the land as per the Ready Reckoner Rate and that the rates of 1976, this has caused a huge loss to the government," he added.

He further said that this move of the government

would boost the morale of the encroachers.

Galgali also said that the land allotted to the BJP MP in Mumbai's Ambi Valli, have been rated as per land rated as per Rs. 140 square per meters and that she has to pay 25 percent of it.

"The BJP has shown

some leniency towards Hema Malini because she is a Member of Parliament from that party.

Earlier also Hema Malini was given a plot of land in Versova, but there the construction was not allowed and as a result the land which was reserved for the garden has been allotted to her," he added.

An RTI enquiry has revealed that a land that is valued in crores currently has been allotted to veteran actress and BJP MP Hema Malini just for Rs 70,000.

The land measuring 2000 sq metres in Mumbai's Oshiwara area, has been allotted to the actress at Rs 35 per sq meters, reveals an RTI reply received by Galgali. (ANI)

Solar scam: Chandy moves HC against order to file FIR Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 29: Amid violent protests demanding his resignation for his alleged involvement in the solar scam, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday moved the petition in High Court seeking to quash the FIR ordered against him by Thrissur court.

Meanwhile, The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) members held a massive protest which turned violent as the police resorted to using teargas to disperse the crowd.

Outside the Kerala Secretariat, the Bharatiya

Janata Party (BJP) youth wing also agitated demanding Chandy's ouster.

Earlier, the Thrissur Court has directed that an FIR should be filed against Chandy in connection with this scam.

The Kerala Chief Minister on Monday appeared before the probe panel in connection with the scam.

The scam, which is being probed by a Commission headed by Justice G. Sivaraman, was constituted by the Chief Minister in 2013 following massive protests by the Left-led opposition.

Biju Radhakrishnan, the prime accused in the so-

lar scam case, had in December last year alleged that he paid Chandy a bribe of Rs. 5.5 crore, out of which Rs. 5.1 crore was collected personally by the Chief Minister while the rest was paid to his personal staff. The Chief Minister has so far maintained that he has done no wrong and is prepared to face any probe.

The solar scam pertains to cheating several persons amounting to crores of rupees by Saritha Nair and her accomplice Biju Radhakrishnan by offering solar panel solutions.

The case took a political turn with the arrest of one

of Chandy's close personal aides, who has alleged links with the accused. Two other employees in his personal staff are also under the scanner in connection with the scam.

The BJP is adamant on Chandy's resignation and has demanded a response from the Congress High command on this matter. The Congress however, has staunchly defended the Chief Minister saying that 'mischievous and malicious' allegations will continue to fly as it is election time in the state. (ANI)

BSP, Congress MLAs disrupt UP Governor's address

The RLD, Congress and BSP members taking banners and posters inside the assembly.

Lucknow, Jan. 29: The Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLAs disrupted Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik's address to the joint session of the state assembly on Friday citing the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, and equating it with what they called 'jungle raj'.

"There is no law and order in the state, ' jungle raj' is prevalent," BSP leader Naseemuddin Siddiqui, told the media here. The RLD, Congress and BSP members also took banners and posters inside the assem-

bly.

The governor couldn't complete his speech and the assembly was adjourned. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav will be presenting the budget for the year 201617, which would be his fourth. This will also be the last budget of the present Samajwadi Party government as the state goes to polls early next year.

According to the schedule, the budget for the 2016-17 will be presented in the House on February 12. The session is likely to conclude on March 11. (ANI)

"There is no law and order in the state, ' jungle raj' is prevalent,"

Bhubaneswar celebrates topping smart city list

Bhubaneswar topped the list of smart cities Bhubaneswar, Jan 29: As Bhubaneswar topped the list of smart cities announced by Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday, people in the city celebrated by distributing sweets and bursting crackers.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik congratulated the people for the achievement and sought support to make it a world class city. "Congratulate #bhubaneswar citizens & the team for securing first position amongst Smart Cities," he tweeted. "With all your support jointly let's make #Bhubaneswar a world class city."

Bhubaneswar Mayor Anant Narayan Jena said: "We are

very happy that Bhubaneswar made it to top list of smart city. We will try hard to fulfill the aspirations of people to provide smart services."

Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Naidu, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said he feels immensely proud to find Bhubaneswar topping the list of smart cities.

Bhubaneswar scored 78.83 percent, surpassing other contenders to achieve the top slot among 98 cities across the country. The central government has proposed to investment Rs.50,802 crore in the selected 20 smart cities during a five-year period.(Agencies)

Centre to file reply in SC today justifying President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh Governor and the Centre are likely to file their replies in the Supreme Court on Friday

New Delhi, Jan. 29: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa and the Centre are likely to file their replies in the Supreme Court today on petitions justifying the imposition of the President's rule in the state.

Earlier on Wednesday, a five-judge bench of apex court had admitted petitions filed by the Congress leaders over the

imposition of the President's rule saying it is too serious matter.

The bench had sought replies from the Governor and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

Meanwhile, former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki yesterday filed a fresh petition in the Supreme Court challenging the promulgation.

President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday had given his assent to Union Cabinet's decision to impose the President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh.

The six month mandatory period to have an Assembly session in the state had lapsed on 21st of this month.

(ANI)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

PAGE 7

NEIGHBOURS

Buddhist monks sow seeds of harmony between India and Myanmar PM to inaugurate several mega projects in Ctg

Yangon, Jan 29: Indian Buddhist monks are sowing the seeds of peace and harmony between the two immediate neighbours that are linked by age-old ties of religion and culture.

As Myanmar moves towards forming a new government, the monks of India and Myanmar have taken upon themselves the task for smooth transition of the powers to the democratically elected government - but through the spiritual route.

"We are basically here for peace and harmony. Since everyone wants to live in peace, we from the Drukpa Lineage are praying for peace in this country which has strong roots with the Buddhism," Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche told this to media visiting correspondent here.Thirty-year-old Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, who is leading a foot journey with 60-odd monks and participated in

the peace summit here, is the spiritual regent to the Gyalwang Drukpa, the spiritual head of the Drukpa Order with over 1,000 monasteries across the Himalayas."This time we have decided on a peace 'padyatra' (journey) in Myanmar as we did in many places in India. We have also brought a sacred bone relic of the Buddha in this country to bless people. In the past one week, the relic - some 2,600 years old -- got overwhelming response from the locals," said Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche.Tens of thousands gathered at the 2,500 years old Shwedagon Pagoda, which enshrines strands of Buddha's hair and other holy relics, to pay homage to the bone relic.Sitagu Sayadaw, the elderly spiritual guru of Myanmar, said the visit of the Indian monks would help strengthen the relations between the two coun-

Indonesian city reprimands Muslim hardliners for harassing gays Jakarta, Jan 29 : Indonesia's third-largest city has ordered a hardline Muslim group to take down "provocative" banners targeting the gay community and calling for them to leave, officials said on today.The move comes after members of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) raided boarding houses in Bandung where they believed gay people were staying and put up the signs."I have reprimanded the FPI for what they admitted they did," mayor Ridwan Kamil said in a text message forwarded to Reuters by an aide. "Provocative banners have to be taken down."

An FPI spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community (LGBT) is largely accepted

in Indonesia, particularly in urban areas. But pockets of opposition remain, with a central government minister recently calling for a ban on LGBT organisations on university campuses.In the conservative province of Aceh, which implements sharia, or Islamic law, the LGBT community faces governmentsanctioned discrimination.

People can be sentenced to 100 lashes for engaging in gay sex.

The FPI is also known for harassing religious minorities like Christians and Ahmadiyahs, an Islamic sect, and have a track record of using violence.

Hundreds of FPI members forced the local government to tear down several churches in the conservative province of Aceh last year, claiming they lacked proper building permits.

(Agencies)

Emperor Akihito honors Japanese war dead in Philippines Cavinti, Philippines, Jan 29: With a mournful bow, Emperor Akihito paid his respects in a war memorial in the Philippines Friday to the largest number of Japanese invasion troops who died outside their homeland in World War II. Clad in black and accompanied by Empress Michiko, he and Michiko each laid a bouquet of white chrysanthemums, Japan's imperial symbol, and silently prayed near a marble cenotaph in the Japanese memorial garden along Lake Caliraya in Laguna province southeast of the Philippine capital.

Some of the 170 relatives of Japanese soldiers wept quietly.Akihito did not speak at the ceremony, but in his only public remarks related to Japan's wartime aggression, he said at a banquet hosted by President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday that Japan should never forget the massive loss of lives in the war more than 70 years ago.

Akihito has repeatedly expressed regret for the damage caused by the war, but has never offered a straightforward apology. The furthest he has gone is to express "deep" remorse in an address last year marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the fighting."I just feel very, very proud of the fact that I was able to present my father and his existence and what he did for his country to the emperor," said Joyce Tsunoda, holding a picture of a Japanese soldier who died in the Philippines. "I think it was something that I never dreamed that I will be able to do."

Tsunoda was among the relatives who talked with Akihito and Michiko at the memorial.On Wednesday, Akihito and his wife led a wreath-laying ceremony at Manila's Heroes Cemetery,

where more than 44,000 Filipino soldiers from World War II are buried. More than 1 million Filipinos are estimated to have died in the war.Akihito's visit to the Philippines this week is the latest in a series of foreign trips that are seen as an attempt to show his commitment to peace and remorse for World War II, when Japanese forces invaded Asian nations in a brutal conflict Japan fought in the name of his father, Hirohito.While the Japanese monarch has been jeered in some of his previous foreign visits, Akihito was welcomed with full state honors in the Philippines, which now depends on Japan as a leading trading partner, provider of development aid and a major ally. The visit comes as the Philippines and Japan both confront an assertive China in contested territories in the East and South China Sea. "Their imperial majesties are exemplars of humility, congeniality and heartwarming empathy," presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma Jr. said.For some Filipinos, however, old wounds have not healed.Isabelita Vinuya, an 84-year-old grandmother who was among dozens of women and girls raped by Japanese troops in Pampanga province, north of Manila, picketed the Japanese Embassy along with seven other elderly victims to demand justice.

"We want to tell the emperor that our case is not being heard by the Japanese government," she said. "We want him to hear us, so that they will admit to the atrocities they did to us, and take responsibility for it."Some historians say that as many as 200,000 Asian women, mostly Korean but also Chinese and others, were forced into Japan's military brothels during the war. (Agencies)

Buddhist monks sow seeds of harmony between India and Myanmar

tries.

"The Buddha relic comes from India, the birthplace of Buddhism but not the birthplace of the Buddha.

The Buddha spent 45 years in India. Therefore, this is a very significant sign of the peace and stronger relationship between the two countries Myanmar and India," he told media on being asked about the relationship be-

tween India and Myanmar.Indian Ambassador Gautam Mukhopadhaya, who also attended the prayer sessions in the Shwedagon Pagoda, said this would definitely help strengthen India-Myanmar relations."It's a rare opportunity and definitely a meeting point of two traditions - the Vajrayana and Theravada schools of

Buddhism," he said.On bringing the sacred Buddha bone relic to this country, Mukhopadhaya said it was rare that the relic had been brought out of the Hemis monastery, the oldest monastery of the Drukpa Order in Ladakh."It's very rare that the bone relic of the Buddha has gone out of the country.

The people of Myanmar have a lot of faith in Buddhism. This event offers a platform of religious faith between the countries.

This will strengthen the historical relations that have been there since the colonial period," he added.

The bone relic arrived in Mandalay by plane on

January 21 and it was carried across many prominent towns and villages by the monks of the Drukpa Order. It will return to India on January 29.Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, who is also the chairperson of Druk Padma Karpo Educational Society which runs the famous Druk Padma Karpo School of the Hindi film '3 Idiots' fame, said he prayed that the ties between the two countries would be better and more strengthened.Founded in the 17th Century, the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh in India's Jammu and Kashmir houses the most famous holy relics which are thousands of years old. (Agencies)

Indian Buddhist monks are sowing the seeds of peace and harmony between the two immediate neighbours that are linked by age-old ties of religion and culture.

China sentences 3 rights activists to prison amid crackdown Beijing, Jan 29: A Chinese court today sentenced three pro-democracy activists to as many as five years in prison on charges of calling for the overthrow of the communist government, human rights groups reported.The sentences were handed down amid what rights activists and democracy campaigners say is the most intense crackdown on dissent since the bloody suppression of 1989 pro-democracy protests in which hundreds, possibly thousands were killed.The Guangzhou Intermediate People's Court in the southern city of Guangzhou on Friday gave the heaviest sentence to lawyer Tang Jingling, 44, following a closed-door trial, according to Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other rights monitoring organizations.

Activists Wang Qingying, 31, and Yuan Xinting, 44,

were sentenced to two-anda half and three-and-a half years, respectively, the groups said.

Calls to the court rang unanswered and no official statement about the trial was posted on the Internet.The three were taken into custody in May 2014 amid a sweeping crackdown on dissent coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the June 4, 1989, pro-democracy protests centered on Beijing's Tiananmen Square. The initial charge against them of "creating disturbances" was later upgraded to the more serious one of inciting subversion."Today's verdict against the three activists is a gross injustice. Their peaceful and legitimate work never threatened state security, this is solely about the authorities arbitrarily silencing government critics," Patrick Poon, China Researcher at Amnesty International, said in a news re-

lease.

Amnesty and the other groups said the men had been beaten by police while in custody and their trials were plagued with irregularities.The main charges against them were tied to their downloading, printing and distributing texts on democratic transformation and grassroots organizing, the groups said.

Amnesty cited the state prosecutor's indictment as accusing them of having "promoted the ideas of civil disobedience .With the goal of overthrowing the socialist system."

Crackdowns on dissent since early last year have especially targeted lawyers and others who have attempted to use Chinese law to assert claims to property, wages, free speech and other basic civil and economic rights. Nearly 300 lawyers and legal staff working on cases deemed

politically sensitive have been rounded up for questioning and 16 have been formally arrested, most on state security charges.

President Xi Jinping, who has amassed the most personal power of any Chinese leader in decades, has sought to reassert the Communist Party's absolute authority in fields ranging from national defense to higher education.That has been accompanied by tighter controls on religious and ethnic minorities, especially among Tibetans and Muslim Uighurs in the northwestern region of Xinjiang.

Christian churches have also been targeted in the eastern coastal province of Zhejiang, including officially recognized congregations belonging to the Communist Party's management bodies that had formerly been exempt from harassment. (Agencies)

Phil Blackwood leaves Myanmar after being released Yangon, Jan 29:Earlier this week confusion surrounded Mr Blackwood's release, as reports surfaced that the authorities had possibly misplaced his passport."Mr Blackwood Phil Blackwood (centre) leaves court escorted by police departed Myanmar today, on flights arranged Bangkok. by his family.

Earlier in the week there The New Zealand em- had been some confusion bassy in Yangon accom- as to whether or not Mr panied Mr Blackwood to Blackwood's criminal the airport from the conviction could cause prison, to help facilitate issues with transiting departure logistics," a though an Australian airspokesperson for New port. The Australian emZealand's Department of bassy in Yangon said it Foreign Affairs and had no reason to believe was the Trade confirmed.The this New Zealand Embassy case."Australia's Dewas unable to provide partment of Immigration specific travel details and Border Protection is due to privacy consider- aware of media reportations, although it is be- ing on this issue but lieved he was booked to holds no information travel to Wellington via which suggests a formal

request was, or has been, made for Mr Blackwood to transit Australia. No such request was 'denied'," an embassy spokesperson told media on January 26.Mr Blackwood and his two colleagues Ko Tun Thurein and Ko Htut Ko Ko Lwin were arrested in December 2014, then sentenced for insulting religion in March last year. They were given two-and-ahalf years with hard labour.It is unclear

whether Mr Blackwood's Myanmar colleagues, the owner and co-manager of VGastro Bar, were pardoned or whether they remain in jail, as human rights groups gave conflicting accounts, and the families of the defendants could not be reached for comment.

According to the official list of pardoned prisoners, both Ko Tun Thurein and Ko Htut Ko Ko Lwin were released. (Agencies)

More than a year after his ordeal began, New Zealand bar manager Phil Blackwood has left Myanmar. He was pardoned in an amnestylast week after being convicted of insulting religion for spreading an advertisement of the Buddha wearing headphones.

Four Policemen Killed by Suspected Taliban Militants: Pakistan Islamabad, Jan 29: Four policemen have been killed by suspected Taliban militants in the restive Balochistan's capital Quetta in Pakistan, police said.The armed militants riding motorcycles opened fire on a police mobile van

yesterday, killing two policemen on the spot and injuring two others before fleeing from the scene, they said.A senior official said the two injured policemen were rushed to the civil hospital but succumbed to their injuries.

The Tehreek-i-Taliban later claimed the responsibility of the attack in an e-mail sent to the media.Security officials reached the spot soon after the attack and an investigation has been launched into it. The frequency of targeted at-

tacks on policemen has increased in the troubled province of Baluchistan.

Earlier this month a suicide bomber blew himself outside a polio centre in Quetta's satellite town area, killing 15 people, including 12 policemen. (Agencies)

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her visit in the port city will inaugurate several development projects involving Tk5,000 crores.

Dhaka, Jan 29:Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her visit in the port city will inaugurate several development projects involving Tk5,000 crores.

Abdus Salam, chairman of Chittagong Development Authority (CDA), revealed the information during a press conference held at a local restaurant yesterday.

While reading out a written statement, the CDA chairman said: "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pledged to develop the commercial capital while addressing a rally in Chittagong in 2008. Since then, prime minister has been continuously working for the development of

the port city."The development projects include Bangabandhu Avenue Road, Kadamtali Flyover, Link Road from Dhaka Trunk Road to Bayezid Bostmai Road, Elevated Express Way and Chittagong Outer Ring Road.The completed development projects which will be inaugurated tomorrow by the prime minister are Bangabandhu Avenue Road and Kadamtali Flyover.The press conference was attended by CDA board members Jashim Uddin Chowdhury, Tipu Sultan, Hasan Murad, CDA Secretary Tahera Ferdous and Deputy Secretary Amol Gua.(Agencies)

Be cautious in normalising ties with India: Pakistan advised

Pakistan's former defense secretaries want the government to be extra cautious in pursuing a normalisation process with India

Islamabad, Jan 29: Pakistan's former defense secretaries want the government to be extra cautious in pursuing a normalisation process with India, saying they do not see a major shift in New Delhi's policy on its ties with the country, Dawn reported on Friday. Speaking at a seminar organised by the Strategic Vision Institute (SVI) on 'Impasse in Pak-India ties - Implications for Regional Diplomacy and Strategic Stability', former defence secretary retired Lt.General Asif Yasin Malik called for "open and extensive" debate within the country on its relations with India.

However, Malik cautioned that no radical shift in ties was expected, although there could be minor improvement caused by expediencies of the international environment. For Pakistan, "bending is not an option; either forward or backwards. We bend and we get a kick," Malik, who retired as defence secretary in 2014, said.

He recalled Prime Minister Modi's belligerent posture towards Pakistan during his election campaign, when he talked about making Pakistan

irrelevant in a geo-political context at both the regional and national levels. He said India continued to play "cat and mouse" in ties with Pakistan.Malik listed a number of measures he expected the government to undertake - both internally and externally - in order to effectively deal with the challenge posed

by India: de-linking PakAfghan ties from the Pak-India relationship, safeguarding the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) from sabotage, tackling political fissures over CPEC, pursuing water security more seriously, and appointing a full-time foreign minister.

Retired Lt. Gen Naeem Lodhi, another former defence secretary, echoed Malik when he noted that there was no dĂŠtente in sight. In his view, the answer lay in the leadership of both countries ending the "blame game" and approaching the relationship with fresh and open minds."The imbalance of size and political clout highly in favour of India begs third party facilitation to veer these two nuclear powers away from confrontational mode. There seems to be no other option," he said. (Agencies)

Retired Lt. Gen Naeem Lodhi, another former defence secretary, echoed Malik when he noted that there was no dĂŠtente in sight.

PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

India Is a Republic, But Could It Have Been a Monarchy?

Zika Virus Prevention is better than cure When Rafaela Oliveira dos Santos, 20, gave birth to her second child last October, she never imagined the challenges to come. Her baby, Luiz Felipe, was born with microcephaly, a rare neurological disorder with long-term physical and mental repercussions that has been linked to the mosquito-borne Zika virus that is spreading throughout the Americas. The Zika virus was first detected in Brazil last April. It's transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito, which also carries dengue, chikungunya and the West Nile virus. While its symptoms -- fever, rash and joint pain -- are relatively mild, health officials around the globe believe the virus is associated with a surge in microcephaly cases, a birth defect that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads. Luiz Felipe is among the more than 4,000 cases that have been reported in Brazil in the past few months -- a significant increase compared to the 147 cases reported nationally in 2014.

The drought-stricken impoverished state of Pernambuco has been the hardest hit, registering 33% of recent cases. In the capital, Recife, Oswaldo Cruz Hospital has become the main triage center for confused mothers from all over the state. To control the spread, the Brazilian health ministry announced plans to deploy more than 220,000 troops throughout the country to treat potential sites of larvae nests, such as water drums and flower pots.

Doctors are advising pregnant women to wear mosquito repellent and long sleeves during daytime hours.

Some, such as Rocha, are even going as far as recommending they postpone getting pregnant. The whole world needs to be on high alert now. We still do not know what other proportions it could take. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Zika has already been detected in more than 25 countries. In Rio de Janeiro, local authorities have pledged to fumigate on a daily basis in the venues where the 2016 Olympic Games will be held, beginning as early as April. The mosquito-borne Zika virus, which is suspected of causing brain damage to babies in Brazil, is likely to spread to all countries in the Americas except for Canada and Chile, the World Health Organisation. The disease's rapid spread, to 21 countries in the region since May 2015, is due to a lack of immunity among the population and the prevalence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that carries the virus, the WHO said in a statement. Zika has historically occurred in parts of Africa, south-east Asia and the Pacific islands. But it is normally a mild disease and there is little scientific data on it, so it is unclear why it might be causing microcephaly in Brazil, the WHO has said.

Scientists have known about Zika virus since the 1940s, but it was not considered a serious threat until a few months ago, when Brazil reported the increase in microcephaly. Scientists till date do not know why Zika is spreading so quickly or why the outbreak has been particularly bad in Brazil, said Christian Lindmeier, a spokesman for the World Health Organization (WHO). While Aedes mosquitoes clearly play a key role in Zika outbreaks, it's possible that a second, unknown factor has led the outbreak in Brazil to be especially large. We should adopt all preventive measures to prevent this fatal virus from spreading more.

It is such a dangerous disease that it has the capacity to wipe a large number of humans from the earth.

Agartala-Akhaura Border Wagah Model for Bangladesh The world needs no introduction about the flag lowering ceremony at Wagah-Attari border. The military forces of 2 nuclear-powered neighbors - India and Pakistan, who have fought 3 wars between them, jointly perform the ceremony. Every time the relation between them worsens, ceremonial gestures become aggressive.

Whereas at the same time, another flag lowering ceremony takes place between India and Bangladesh at Akhaura border in the state of Tripura. Much less famous but equally patriotic, the ceremony is performed

by Border Security Force (BSF) of India and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB). The Akhaura border ceremony is slowly getting famous and with each passing day, the size of the audience is getting bigger. And very recently the union tourism ministry has sanctioned a Tripura government project to create infrastructure along India-Bangladesh border similar to that at the Wagah border with Pakistan. Wagah-like infrastructure, including a mini-stadium, would be created at the Agartala (India)-Akhaura (Bangladesh) border to organise Beating Retreat ceremony. Under the tourism ministry's 'Swadesh Darshan' scheme, the union government has sanctioned Rs.99 crore to implement a few tourism projects in Tripura, including the building of a mini-stadium and other infrastructure in the Agartala-Akhaura border. And of the Rs 99 crore sanctioned by the Centre to develop tourist spots in Tripura, Rs 18 crore was earmarked to create infrastructure at the Agartala-Akhaura border.

The Agartala-Akhaura check post is the second largest trading point between India and Bangladesh after Benapole and Petrapole with West Bengal. The Beating Retreat ceremony, which marks closing of the Wagah border near Amritsar every evening, is a military routine that the India-Pakistan border guards - the Border Security Force (BSF) and Pakistan Rangers - have jointly conducted since 1959. And is performed at Wagah during closing of the border every evening by the BSF and its Pak counterpart Pakistan Rangers since 1959 and is a major tourist attraction. People travel specially to the border to witness the ceremony in which the flags of the two countries are lowered by the security personnel with a number of aggressive gestures and a mutually coordinated performance. The minister said that a musical fountain at Ujjayanta Palace, introduction of battery operated car at Sipahijala wild life zoo and sanctuary and development of Dambur lake would be undertaken. Also Northeast India's biggest museum was set up at the historic Ujjayanta Palace, the former royal palace of Tripura`s Manikya kings, which served as the state legislative assembly until 2011.

It's not unimaginable that India could have emerged as a constitutional monarchy.

On January 26, India cel- have set up a system similar ebrated Republic Day, to that which was later set which commemorates the up by two other former Britadoption of its constitu- ish colonies with native tion in 1950. This constitu- princes: Malaysia and the tion, still in force, estab- United Arab Emirates. Malished a parliamentary laysia contains nine heredimodel with a figurehead tary states, the rulers of presiwhich d e n t . Akhilesh Pillalamarri elect Repubt h e lic Day king, is always a major celebra- Yang di-Pertuan Agong, of tion in India, featuring in- Malaysia from among themvited heads of state such selves for a five-year term. as Barack Obama (and this Likewise, the president of year François Hollande), the United Arab Emirates is because it commemorates elected from among one of the end of India's status as the seven hereditary emirs a dominion under the rule of the constituent emirates. of the British monarch. There is no doubt that deCanada and Australia still mocracy is uniquely suited are ruled by the Queen of to India relative to other England today, though non-Western societies. Its they are independent na- people are argumentative tions; this was the case in and it has many loci of India between 1947 and power whose leaders can 1950. Neighboring Pakistan use the democratic system only became a republic in to keep on rotating in and 1956, so thus Queen Eliza- out of office, like a giant beth II was, for a time, the game of musical chairs. AnQueen of Pakistan. Imag- cient India had oligarchic ine that! republics. Its monarchies History took the path it did, were never absolute in the but could India have in- Chinese or Russian sense stead retained a monarchic Indian rulers had to uphold form of government, albeit dharma, or righteousness; under a native monarch? otherwise they could be leAt the time of indepen- gitimately removed. Indian dence, there were 565 villages always governed princely states in India, themselves through local some of whom had high councils. Yet permeating rank and ruled extensive this was always a monarchilands, while others ruled a cal form of government that mere few villages. India was, in a sense, part of the could have chosen a con- sacred order of things that stitutional monarch from an also enabled representative illustrious family, most councils at the village level probably from descen- made up of representatives dants of the Mughals or of all castes. theMarathas, the last two major Indian dynasties that In the Hindu-Buddhist traspanned most of the sub- ditions as well as the Persocontinent and were viewed Islamic traditions of South as legitimate by princely Asia, monarchy is the only families and the population legitimate form of government. Following the Persian alike.

Alternatively, India could traditions, the Mughals ar-

gued that "royalty is a light emanating from god, and a ray from the sun called farr-i-izidi (the divine light)." This farr is a special gracethat can be bestowed on a good ruler that then spreads prosperity and hope throughout the land; alternatively, it can be withdrawn from an unjust ruler. The HinduBuddhist traditions also come down strongly on the side of monarchy, much of which is inspired by the story of Rama in the Ramayana, which portrays him and his reign as the ideal form of political organization. The reverence shown to the Thai and Bhutanese monarchies as well as the Hindu right's dream of a new Rama Rajya (reign of Rama) are all inspired by these ideals. The Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, also explains the origin and theory of kingship: Yudhishthira said, 'Whence arose the word Rajan (King)… Possessed of hands and arms and neck like others, having understanding and senses like those of others, subject like others to the same kinds of joy and grief… for what reason does one man, the king, govern the rest of the world numbering many men possessed of great intelligence and bravery?'

Bhishma said, '…because men sought to obtain objects, which they did not possess, another passion called lust (of acquisition) got hold of them. When they became subject to lust, another passion, named anger, soon soiled them. Once subject to wrath, they lost all consideration of what should be

Source: thediplomat done and what should not… Then Vishnu, and the deities of Indra, and the Rishis, and the Regents of the world, and the Brahmanas, assembled together for crowning Prithu as the king of the world… that high-souled king caused all creatures to regard righteousness as the foremost of all things; and because he gratified all the people, therefore, was he called Rajan (king)… Such a person becomes endued with greatness and is really a portion of Vishnu on earth. He becomes possessed of great intelligence and obtains superiority over others. Established by the gods, no one transcends him. It is for this reason that everybody acts in obedience to one, and it is for this that the world cannot command him.'

India's 565 princely states were the link to its past and traditions and also, due to their close connections with Western powers, the channel of modern but disciplined ideas into the country. These ideas were unlike the socialist idealism

that permeated much of the leadership of the Indian National Congress, such as Jawaharlal Nehru, who was descended, ironically, from a high-ranking Mughal official: his grandfather was the last police chief of Mughal-ruled Delhi.

India as a monarchy, would have of course, been a parliamentary monarchy with an empowered prime minister and a system not too dissimilar to India's today.

This would still have had some benefits. An Indian monarch would have signaled continuation to retain some sort of monarchical form of government, especially given that most of is population was not conversant with the norms of democracy and was thus easily swayed into the personality cults and populism of the Nehru-Gandhi family. A figurehead dynasty would have been better suited to India, not only because of tradition, but because it would have united people professing different religions and speaking various languages.

Additionally, the human

need to worship celebrity could have been directed toward a celebrity without actual power. This would keep, as in the United Kingdom, the actual parliamentarians and heads of government more humble, since they themselves are not the object of praise and worship. This would have been important in India, where politicians often behave as though they are gods. Such a system would have also potentially led to a different type of Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of parliament. The upper house often has no great purpose, other than abetting obstructionism, and is stacked with politicians from all major Indian parties. The upper house of an Indian parliamentary monarchy could have been stacked with its 565 ruling families, curbing populism and castebased politics. These parliamentarians could have used their knowledge and wealth to help India. Many Indian politicians are corrupt because they are not secure in their positions and use their time in government to embezzle as much wealth as possible. Hereditary lawmakers, secure in their positions, are less likely to be corrupt as they already have wealth and position. A Rajya Sabha filled with princes but without too much power would have been a good counterpart to the excesses of India's Lok Sabha (Lower House) throughout its history.

Though this is mostly wishful thinking now, the counterfactual scenario of India becoming a native monarchy in 1950 is fascinating. It's not impossible to imagine that it would have had some beneficial impact on India's postindependence economic and political development.

What's on Francois Hollande's Agenda in India?

In India, the French president will look to push on with defense, economic, and security cooperation.

Ankit Panda On Sunday, French President François Hollande began a three-day state visit to India. Hollande's visit will address a broad bilateral agenda, covering collaboration on defense, counter-terrorism, clean energy, and economic ties.

Notably, Hollande will be the guest of honor at India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26.

India hosts an annual military parade in New Delhi for Republic Day and has in recent years featured foreign heads of state and government to emphasize growing strategic ties.

Hollande began his visit on Sunday in Chandigarh, where he and Modi addressed the Indo-French Business Summit.

Hollande's agenda in India is primarily borne of three developments in 2015.

First, Hollande's time in India is expected to give

some momentum to India's still-pending purchase of 36 French-made Dassault Rafale multi-role fighters.

Last year, during Modi's visit to France in April 2015, the government-to-government agreement for India to purchase 36 Rafale fighters in fly-away condition was a headline bilateral agreement. It marked an end to India's ill-fated tender for a medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA). In the months since, Dassault and the Indian government have been caught up on the issue of the offset clauseNew Delhi wants to hold foreign arms suppliers to invest a portion of their revenue from deals with India in the country's defense industry.

Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Hollande appeared optimistic about the prospects of the negotiations with Dassault wrapping up soon. "We are going to take another step on

the road which we hope will lead us to India's acquisition of the 36 Rafale jets," Hollande told reporters. "India needs them and France has shown that it has the world's best aircraft."

Hollande and Modi will address the inter-governmental agreement finalizing the Rafale deal on Monday.

The second event influencing the bilateral agenda during Hollande's time in India is the devastating terror attack that took place in Paris on November 13, 2015, when Islamic State terrorists attacked several targets in the city. Speaking in Chandigarh on Sunday, Modi noted that "The day Paris was hit by terror, I decided that our Republic Day parade guest must be France as our people are united against the enemies of humanity." Modi drew comparisons between last year's attacks in Paris and India's own experience in 2008, when Lashkar-e-Taiba

terrorists struck Mumbai, paralyzing the city for days and killing more than 180 people.

Hollande's participation in India's Republic Day celebrations will be a notable component of his ongoing visit. In recent years, India sent a symbolic message with its invitations for foreign leaders to attend the Republic Day parade as the guest of honor. In 2015, U.S. President Barack Obama joined Modi, shortly after the two had held their first bilateral summit in the United States. In 2014, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe joined India's then-outgoing Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, underlining the growing strategic convergence between New Delhi and Tokyo. Hollande's attendance this year will in turn serve to underscore India's growing strategic ties with France.

Finally, the third event from last year that bears influence

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and French President Francois Hollande (R). Source: in.reuters

on the French president's agenda in India is the recently concluded 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) climate summit, which was hosted in Paris. Hollande and Modi will inaugurate the India-based headquarters of the Internatioanl Solar Alliance, a 121-country institution that was launched by Modi in Paris in November.

The institution will endeavor to make solar energy available widely and

cheaply. "We are going to translate our shared commitment to implement what was agreed in Paris into action by launching the solar alliance here," Hollande said in Chandigarh.

With an agenda encompassing everything from expanding French investment in India to counter-terrorism to solar energy, Hollande and Modi will have much to cover in the next two days.

Squandering of Public Money

Source: www.dnaedit

way the erstwhile UPA government did in emptying Sir, It seems, the ruling dispensation in Assam is hell-bent the central exchequer the Present ruling dispensato squander money with the sole purpose of emptying tion is trying to toe the line. the state exchequer before the result of the forthYours etc. coming assembly election. A report published in a Ashok Bordoloi section of the press suggests that despite availability Dibrugarh of cars in certain departments, the bureaucrats prefer to move about in hired luxurious cars thereby siphoning off crores of rupees from their respective Best Letter funds. Interesting enough, even the Home ministry, The best letter of the month in the Letter to with availability of cars aplenty, prefers to hire such the Editor section will be awarded an luxurious cars resulting into unnecessary expenses of amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing. crores of rupees. It is reported that quite a good number of cases of irregularity against the 'Home' minisLetters to the editor and articles should be try are hushed up by the 'Home' minister himself. sent to : The Eastern Today There are unending tales of embezzlement of govChowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital ernment money in the check gates in Sri Rampur, Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) sagalia or elsewhere with full blessings of the power Ph: 0373-2328944 that be. About Forest Department's squeezing the govWeb : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com ernment money, the less said the better. Exactly, the

p O

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

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In search of answers: Rohith Vemula's suicide Usha Raman Yesterday my daughter walked out of her room and remarked, "Your University is trending on both Twitter and Facebook". We turned on the television to find, on all news channels, local and national, tickers and loud anchors screaming one recycled opinion or speculation after another, in the new manner of news presentation where the loudest supposition parades as established fact.

The news of a research scholar's suicide triggered a huge outcry and massive mobilization of students across a part of the political spectrum, the likes of which I have not seen on campus in recent times. As might be expected, social media amplified and extended the protests, with academics and students at all levels sharing the handful of news stories that reported the incident as well as the poignant suicide note left by the scholar. If virality is marked by an exponentially increasing, widely tangled network of shares and forwards and likes and comments, then this

issue has exposed the nature of the disease that seems to be endemic to our institutions. A toxic mix of socio-economic disadvantage, party politics, caste dynamics, and administrative sloth, too often disguised as neutrality. All this makes for a perfect contribution to the corpus fund of media and party politics. I rarely watch what passes for prime time television news but last night I decided that I needed to see what was being said "nationally" about the incident on my University campus. I could not stomach it for more than ten minutes. The stridency of the anchors, the rhetoric of the political spokespersons, the lipservice of the academics, and the anger of the student representatives, framed by a rapidly changing ticker and promos for upcoming debates, all ensured that the unfamiliar viewer would not understand or appreciate the nuances of the issue-if at all they could identify the core of the issue itself. But it also ensured that the arguments would continue in a deeply polarized manner, with no breathing space between "for" and

"against".

But this post is not about the details of that tragedy, or about assigning blame.

It's to write through the intensely personal dilemma that I go through each time I encounter situations like this, which expose the fragility of our "modern" state, the imperfection/inadequacy of institutions set up with the express purpose of building a just, enlightened and equitable society, and the insularity that characterizes most forms of socialization (family, school, peer group).

If you, like me, are part of that "upper class, upper caste, privileged, middle class stratum" that is usually charged with complicity for the way things are, you end up feeling confused and guilty, but with little sense of how to deal with either the confusion or guilt. My own response has been multi pronged, yet I cannot get away from the constant feeling that it has not been-that it is neverenough.

My response has been, to begin with, read as much as I can to understand the sources and the manifestations of discrimination, particularly the kind that may be present in the

contexts I inhabit, both personal and professional.

My response has also been to try to develop a keen sense of where and how I might counter those forces of discrimination on a personal leveladmittedly, this is only an attempt, and one that might not always be successful. And my response has been to talk to people to gain a sense of difference in perspective. What are the habits of thought that structure my responses in relation to issues of identity? What are the habits of doing that structure my affect or my behaviours in this regard? And in my limited way, my response has also been to speak to that discrimination where I see it and where my speaking can have any impact at all.

And then when the very structures that sustain my own work and life show themselves to be unfriendly (a mild word) to others "not like me", I feel betrayed, not only by those structures (to which clearly I also contribute to sustaining) but also by my own lack of vision, by my inability to discern the fissures that maybe I could have helped heal.

Goa Govt. Imposing A Dress Code At A Carnival Is Even More Ridiculous Than It Sounds Just when you thought emancipatory space- stract notions of "Indian regulated, but also the breakthat the moral policing in where one could embrace culture"-any display of ing of gender barriers and the the country couldn't get their own identities with- sexual or personal libera- expression of sexual freeout any fear tion has now become a dom. In their haste to check worse, Rohini Banerjee of any kind taboo, and this dress code "obscenity", what they are things of policing just goes on to enforce basically enforcing is that reached an all new low when the Goa or censorship. But with that. The very definition of they view anything to do government declared on the current state of affairs, a Carnival, in the with bodily autonomy as 22nd January that a strict and the imposition of this Bakhtinian sense, is a sub- "obscene". dress codewill be en- dress code, it seems as if versive sphere, where op- This will probably go down forced to "check obscen- even Goa isn't immune pressive dominant ideas in history as one of the first ity" during its annual Car- from the forces of patri- can be questioned and Carnivals where such a liminival, which is slated to be archal, sexual and moral challenged. If you take that tation is imposed. The dress held in February.

The carnival - which draws a huge crowd of tourists and revellers every year - is symbolic of Goa's Portuguese legacy and is held during the period of Lent. It involves a public celebration in the form of long continuous parades of brightly coloured floats, with dancers in masquerade, indulging in merriment and often, drunken revelry.

Those who take part in the Carnival usually wear vibrant, extravagant clothing-which is a celebration of the vitality of identities and sexualities. Scantily dressed people abound, and in fact, this festival is seen as that liberating space which allows you A carnival running through the streets of Goa. Source: cdn.youthkiawaaz the freedom to be yourself, and dress the way you want to-gender no bar. policing. very essence away from code is a severe blow to the The Carnival is actually an The fundamental assump- a Carnival, then the whole subversive and liberating occasion where one can tion that a celebration of point of it is lost. The Goan power of the Carnival, and challenge gendered cloth- one's sexuality through the carnival is perhaps the only might even lead to a reduced ing, and dress the way clothes one wears is "ob- festival in India which en- tourist turnout. This decision they want to. This helps scene" is something that courages freedom of ex- just goes on to expose the in reinforcing the fluidity is extremely problematic pression and a celebration of lengths to which the State can of gender constructs, of at a deep-rooted level. Ac- personal identities. And now, go in its censorship of fundasexualities, and simply, to cording to the state-which with the intervention of the mental freedoms, and makes exhibit the freest version has taken it upon itself to government, that very con- me increasingly wary of what of one self. Goa, for the dictate what is "moral" cept is being jeopardized. the future has in store. Courlongest time, has been an and what fits into their ab- Not only is the attire being tesy: youthkiawaaz

So what can the individual do toward systemic change?

Is it by joining disruptive protests-because disruption is the first step towards transformation?

Is it by adding one's voice in support of disruption even if one does not agree completely with the process by which this disruption is achieved-violence, material destruction?

Is it by non-cooperation with the extant system (in my case, higher education), and a refusal to engage with the very process that in theory should lead to a better society?

Or-as has been my way, for the most part-is it to find spaces of subversion, spaces of influence, in small and personal ways, to express one's dissent both in speech and action?

Take, for instance, the protests set in motion by the horrible tragedy-a suicide as statement-in which a life was given up and a family was plunged into mourning, and a system was thrown into disarray. Apart from the climate of vitriolic pointcounterpoint suffusing social media and other spaces, it also involved boycotting of classes and

A picture of Rohit Vemula, whose suicide created havoc across the country.

Source: jntuforum

disruption of administration at the University. This no doubt is a way to bring attention to the issue, and there is no doubt that attention needs to be brought. But the fallout is that the program of study is thrown off schedule, and if this happens, examinations may be delayed, and if that happens, graduation dates will be pushed, and if that happens, entry into the job market will be delayed, and opportunities will be lost. Over time, the reputation of an institution of higher learning will suffer. The ultimate losers in this trajectory are students. Faculty will retain their jobs and their salaries. So will administrative personnel. People

The Australian Open, also known as the 'happy slam', was rocked by allegations of a widespread match-fixing racket. With BBC and BuzzFeed news publishing a report exposing evidence of widespread speculation of match-fixing, the atmosphere at the Australian Open has been anything but cheerful.

The average fan may not be aware that tennis is the most gambled on sport in the world.

It allows mid-match bets and the scope for match fixing is immense. Fixing a match in tennis is easy, as it deals only with a single player and doesn't necessarily depend on losing a

match. A player could take money to drop a set or for double fault!

Although none of the players were named, the report alleges that the sixteen players have been ranked in the top 50 and have won a grand slam in single or doubles tournament. What is disturbing is that the report also states that the sport's governing bodies have been aware of the suspicious activities involving numerous players, but have been anything but enthusiastic in addressing the problem. These players have been flagged as suspicious time and again to the Tennis Integrity Unit, but no action has been

taken.

The report draws from the August 2007 Orange Prokom Open match between Nikolai Davydenko, ranked fourth, and Martin Vassallo Arguello, ranked 87th, in Poland.

Davydenko was the overwhelming favorite, yet during the match and hours before it started more than $5 million was bet on his opponent. Appearing to be cruising to victory, Davydenko retired early in the third set, raising speculations of fixing. Investigations did take place and although both the players were cleared of any charges by the Association of Tennis Professionals (A.T.P), the new report reveals that Davydenko had

refused to cooperate in the investigation and his opponent was found to have extensive contacts with the members of an Italian gambling syndicate.

The lack of transparency in governing bodies is another obstacle the game is facing. The above is not the only instance of the governing body remaining silent. In 2013, Marian Cilic withdrew from Wimbledon stating a knee injury when the actual reason was a failed drug test in the previous tournament. Why was he allowed to cite an injury for a withdrawal when a failed drug test was the real reason? Andre Agassi failed a drug test due to theconsumption of crystal

bate of this kind, I feel forced to agree with one point, or disagree with another. One wondering mis-step, one ambivalent phrase, and I am branded either a voice of the majority or an enemy of the minority. Can we, the supposedly enlightened, the humane, the compassionate, the seekers of justice (for all), acknowledge identity without making it a shield or a cross or a target for everything, and move beyond it to really talk to each other?

(Usha Raman is Asso-

ciate Professor at University of Hyderabad) C o u r t e s y : Thethumbprintmag

As A Woman Living In A City, How Safe Are We In These 'Masculinised Public Spaces'?

"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch.

You've got to go out and kick ass"- Maya Angelou.

Although far distant from reality, Angelou, a black feminist civil rights author/ poet was definitely visualizing a safer world where humans, irrespective of sex/ gender enjoy the same liberties and possibilities to explore. Unfortunately, Angelou's powerful words for women's freedom and equal opportunities have not really been a lived reality for most women and life's indeed been a real bitch!

"I am a freelance journalist and I do not have fixed 9-5 work schedules. On most occasions I travel alone and the city does not feel safe after nightfall," expresses 29 yr old Mandira who is based in Guwahati city. While at one end of the debate, globalization has rendered women entry into the labour market and there is visibility of women in the public domain, experiences like that of Mandira's galore.

The city as a public space has undergone transformation and the manner in which this space is negotiated by women in their everyday life is an interesting area worth revisiting. Just when the question of women's safety is reiterated from several dimensions, I am however compelled to be cynical of interventions that are flagged off in the name of smart city development and more importantly 'women's safety'.

Guwahati as an urban space has undergone a shift in its physical landscape, especially in the last 4-5 years.

With the coming up of shopping malls, coffee shops, lounges, clubs and bars, the city has opened up a myriad

of options for the urban middle and upper middle class. While these options cater mostly to a particular class of the population, these are also spaces that are predominantly masculinised. Negotiating safety and escaping victimization is the highest priority and concern while women access these spaces in the city.

In September 2015, Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) initiated bus services in Guwahati city that ply till midnight. While many applauded this new initiative of the state transport corporation, one failed to notice the flip-side of such measures. On any random day, if one attempts to observe the number of commuters in these buses, perhaps she/zhe/he may not be appalled to notice that the only commuters in these buses at night are always men. This could easily be passed off as a common or pretty 'normal' sight given the fact that it is always men who have more accessibility to public spaces in comparison to women. Many like Mandira who are independent working women struggle every day in negotiating spaces for safety in public. From the voyeuristic ogle, to the lewd remark, the sickening stroke of the pervert while commuting in public transport to the most brutal of molestation and rape cases, safety is becoming an everyday challenge for urban women in Guwahati city, mostly for those who have to travel at night.

My horrendous experiences twice in the last two months prompted me to break the disturbing silence and vehemently emphasise the fact that in the name of women's safety it is always

This 'Secret' In Tennis Is Something That 'Everybody Knows But No One Talks About' Aparajita Upadhyay

who have been forced to resign will quietly find other spaces to occupy or will be just as quietly reinstated in positions that favour their politics.

But is there any other way?

Can we find-or createways of resistance and change that can work upwards and into systems, generating the desired change without the destruction and negativity that mark the violent forms of protest that we have become so familiar with-indeed, so familiar that it invariably descends into a theatre of the absurd which limps to a tired, foregone conclusion that strengthens the status quo?

Every time there is a de-

meth in 1997. The public got to know about it in 2009, that too by reading his autobiography. If the governing bodies themselves indulge in such shady activities, who gives us the guarantee that our beloved sport is clean or, at least, attempts are being made to clean the muck. Those close to the sport are not surprised. Rumors of fixing have been doing the rounds for quite some time now. In an interview with the BBC, a player, who featured in several tour matches last year and is now a coach said, "This (match-fixing) is like a secret on the tour that everybody knows, but we don't talk about it."

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal,

Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Juan Martin del Potro and Marin Cilic are the only grand slam winners in the past decade. If any of these players were involved in match-fixing, it would be a calamitous blow to tennis. But the very fact that some of them have come forward and demanded names gives us solace that they might not be involved.

Andy Roddick tweeted: "In the age of leaks and social media, I don't think secrets exist." We certainly hope this secret is revealed, for no one wants tennis going down the controversial path football, cycling and cricket did. Courtesy: youthkiawaaz

moral policing that is reinforced. On both occasions I was coming home after wrapping up some work assignment and it was roughly 9:45/10:00 PM. In the first instance being stalked by three cars, then being stopped at one point and being asked to get into one of the cars, it is almost impossible for me to now describe how narrow an escape it was. Barely a month after this, on a similar night, I was desperately trying to get a public transport to commute back home. While waiting near a bus stand, I could see the desperate ogle of prowling men eyeing me just like a vulture waits desperately to pounce on a fresh piece of meat. I know of many women who share similar stories, many who don't even have platforms to share. I am aware that this experience is neither one of its kind nor one that will shake an entire community of feminists or policy makers to debate for change. My emphasis here is on similar narratives that are part of lived realities of women's everydayness in negotiating spaces for safety. Most narratives express feelings of fear and a concern to protect oneself in the face of vulnerability that women have to succumb to. The manner in which the feminine body is sexualized increases these vulnerabilities and contributes to the body becoming a site of continuous abuse and violence. This limits her possibilities and accessibility, restraining her from participation in social and public life, drawing boundaries and making her succumb to exclusion.

Many Indian cities like Kolkata, Delhi and others have held 'Reclaim the Night' and 'Take Back the Night', where exclusively female bodied persons and those identifying as women participate in reclaiming the streets of the city at night.

Guwahati is yet to see such campaigns make headway, but the more important question is how far do these campaigns ensure real safety of women? In the last one year, many private cab services like Ola and Uber have also started their services in the city. These services and facilities are exclusively classist and cater to only a selected population.

There is yet another section that goes completely excluded who do not have the means to avail these services. For this section of women, public transport is the only option. At the same time, safety in cabs itself despite GPRS and route tracking options is a chal-

lenging question.

How inclusive are then the steps and interventions that make headlines in the name of accessibility and safety? How inclusive is it for a disabled working woman who has to commute at night? How inclusive is it for a working woman who has to commute from ISBT after reaching the city in the wee hours? How inclusive is it for the women in the call centre (it is only very recently that BPO's like Anjaybee and Serco have started night shifts in the city) who do not necessarily avail the cab service?

How inclusive is it for the nurse and the waitress who has to reach home after completing their night shift?

How safe is it for a woman and the trans-woman who needs to use a public restroom? Oh wait, this is not a problem for us..because firstly, hardly are there public restrooms in Guwahati and second, having unisex toilets for queer and trans persons will perhaps take several eons to accomplish in Guwahati. How inclusive is it for the young woman who has to be back to her hostel/flat/home after a couple of leisurely drinks? Ah, pause‌.A young woman indulging in leisurely drinks? Isn't that the root cause of the problem? Yes, that is what is predominantly reinforced in every bit of our masculinist cultures (to hell with those glorifying northeast as a haven of egalitarian culture!). Victimization and policing begins from dictating the 'proper code of conduct' to guidelines and prescriptions for 'the right dress', 'the right time' and 'the right place' all clubbed together in order to ensure the safety of the ideal and singular model of the 'Axomia naari'.

Disciplinary and moralistic dictates on women's everyday activities impact at multiple levels restricting and limiting their options. Dominant patriarchy and similar socialization produces spaces of unequal power relations where women are compelled to succumb. While an increasing participation of women in public spaces in the city is now noticeable, this is not to indicate that women as subjects are now empowered or liberated. It is time that interventions and measures taken to ensure safety are more inclusive and from a bottom-up approach rather than something that is top-down without considering the needs and specificities of women and their subjectivities. Courtesy: youthkiawaaz

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

BUSINESS

Ratan Tata invests in Tea start-up Mumbai, Jan 29: Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, has invested an undisclosed amount in Teabox, a speciality tea start-up. Teabox sources premium teas directly from plantations in Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiris and Nepal. It sells these products online and then ships them to customers all over the world. The company will use the funds to expand its operations globally. "We have grown up admiring and respecting his (Mr. Tata) vision and business acumen on scaling the Tata Group to a global level," said Kaushal Dugar, 32year-old founder of Teabox. "His direct guidance and experience in the tea industry will surely help us grow Teabox to be the first global pre-

mium tea brand from India." The three-year-old firm has delivered 60,000 kg of tea, equal to over 30 million cups of tea, to customers in 93 countries.

The Siliguri-based firm has attracted consumers from regions such as Ural Mountains in Russia and Kiribati, an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean.

Experts say that tea companies in India have continued to rely on a legacy supply chain that has existed since the estates were first set up by British and Scottish planters. For instance, the traditional tea route takes between six to eight months for teas, once produced, to reach the consumer.

By that time, it loses its freshness and also become expensive due to the inter-

gen using technologies such as vacuum packaging and cold storage.

Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons.Source: d152j5tfobgaot.cloudfront mediaries involved.

Teabox said it was disrupting the $40 billion (Rs.2.7 lakh crore) tea industry with its innovations in technology and supply chain. It has developed its own supply chain model where it controls the sourcing, distribution and marketing of tea. It protects the tea from moisture, light, heat and oxy-

The algorithms developed by the firm help new tea drinkers to decide whether to buy tea like 'Margaret's Hope Moonlight Spring White' or 'Kashmiri Kahwa' by analysing their taste preferences. Teabox has also developed software that helps it calculate the best logistical route in different parts of the world. "It will take us just one week to deliver tea in places like Russia instead of almost a month," said Mr. Dugar whose firm is backed by investors such as American billionaire Robert M. Bass and Accel Partners. It sells tea products ranging in costs from Rs.5,000 to Rs.1.5 lakh per kg. Mr. Tata, who

CUPPA TEABOX Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, has invested an undisclosed amount in Teabox, a speciality tea start-up.

It sells these products online and then ships them to customers all over the world. The company will use the funds to expand its operations globally.

Teabox sources premium teas directly from plantations in Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiris and Nepal.

Teabox has also developed software that helps it calculate the best logistical route in different parts of the world.

steered India's biggest industrial group for two decades, is now among India's top angel investors by the number of deals. In the last two years, he has backed about 21 companies such as baby care retailer FirstCry, online pet care platform Dogspot and

electric vehicle firm Ampere. However, the tea industry is not something new for him. He was the Chairman of the Tata Group in 2000 when it acquired U.K.'s Tetley Tea, inventor of the teabag and a maker of the traditional English cuppa.

(Agencies)

Lava to launch Facebook closes gap with Google 4G smartphones

Source: st1.bgr Chennai, Jan 29: Handset maker Lava will introduce 78 new devices in this quarter, as it looks to strengthen its portfolio of 4G-enabled devices. "We are looking at launching 7-8 4G devices this quarter. These will be across various price points," Lava International Chief Operating Officer Navin Chawla told reporters here. He added that the prices of 4G handsets will come down as more 4G devices come into the market and a handset with "decent set of features" could come for about Rs. 5,000. The company recently launched a new 4G smartphone (with Voice over LTE), V5, priced at Rs. 11,499. It features a 1.3 GHz quadcore processor, 3GB RAM, 13MP rear

and 8MP front camera and 3,000 mAh battery.

There has been a manifold jump in demand for 4G-enabled devices as mobile operators like Airtel expand their 4G (high-speed Internet) services. A report by research firm IDC said shipment of 4G smartphones jumped almost three-fold in the third quarter of 2015 over the previous quarter with one out of three smartphones shipped being 4G-enabled.

Handset makers are expected to line up more affordable devices to cash in on the opportunity further as Reliance Jio starts offering its services to consumers later this year. According to a report by Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofA ML), India is expected to have 9 crore 4G subscribers and 18 crore 4G smartphones by 2018. In next few years, there will be marginal difference between 3G and 4G tariffs as well as there will be decline in smartphone prices that may lead 2G subscribers leapfrog to 4G services and skip 3G, the report added.

(Agencies)

Aurobindo Pharma gets approval for Fungal infection drug Kolkata, Jan 29: Aurobindo Pharma has received US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approval to manufacture and market Voriconazole tablets (50 mg and 200 mg) that are used to treat fungal infections. Announcing this on Wednesday, the company said that it expected to launch the product by March. The approved Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) is bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to the reference listed drug product VFEND tablets of PF Prism C.V. For the 12 months ending November 2015, the product had an estimated market size of $103 million

Source: static.dnaindia the company said citing IMS. This is the 59th ANDA to be approved out of Aurobindo Pharma's Unit VII formulation facility in Hyderabad for manufacturing oral non-antibiotic products. The company now has a total of 233 ANDA approvals from USFDA, a release said.

(Agencies)

San Francisco, Jan 29: Facebook is growing at an exceptional pace as it enters adolescence, propelling it into a better position to challenge Google as the Internet's most powerful company. Facebook's fourth-quarter report released recently provided the latest gauge of the company's impressive strides. It marked the first time that Facebook's quarterly revenue has surpassed USD 5 billion more than fading Internet star Yahoo now generates in an entire year. Facebook's earnings also more than doubled to USD 1.56 billion, even as the Menlo Park, California, company invests heavily in virtual reality, Internet access in remote parts of the world and a mobile ad network for services other its own.

The performance lifted Facebook's stock by USD 6.78, or 7 per cent, to USD 101.23 in extended trading

Source: ctvnews after the report came out.

Although Google remains three times larger by revenue, Facebook has been steadily closing the gap as it sells more mobile advertising on its addictive social-networking app. And it's just beginning to mine revenue from its trendy Instagram service and a rapidly expanding video library.

This spring's debut of the Oculus Rift headset, part of the virtual-reality technology that Facebook bought for USD 2 billion in 2014,

could open another lucrative market. Google is now hiring more virtual reality specialists, a sign that is trying to catch up with Facebook in a still-nascent field that could transform computing. Social networking remains Facebook's foundation. The service picked up another 46 million users during the final three months of last year to expand its worldwide audience to 1.59 billion users. Google, now a part of the recently created Alphabet Inc, is thriving,

too, with more than 1 billion users on its search engine as well as its YouTube video site and its Android software for mobile devices. That makes it unlikely that Facebook will topple Google anytime soon. Powered by the world's dominant Internet search engine, Google still sells the most digital advertising by a wide margin. Just how much more will be disclosed Monday, when Alphabet is scheduled to announced its fourthquarter earnings. Alphabet is expected to post fourth-quarter revenue of nearly USD 17 billion, after subtracting ad commissions, nearly tripling what Facebook generated during the same three-month period. But consider this: Facebook will be turning 12 years old next week and it just posted revenue of USD 5.8 billion in its latest quarter. At the same stage of its existence in September 2010, Google's net revenue stood at USD 5.5 billion. (Agencies)

Tata announces T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship Noida, Jan 29: To make trucking aspirational for Indian drivers and to retain its market leadership position in India, Tata Motors Ltd has announced the latest edition of the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship 2016 to be held on March 20, 2016, at India's F1 race track - the Buddh International Circuit (BIC), Greater Noida. The company has been organizing T1 truck racing championships in India since 2014 with an objective to make it as popular as F1 car racing events. European truck makers have been organizing T1 racing events in Europe for over 20 years now and before they could have got the ownership of the event here in India, Tata Motors moved ahead and signed up with FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) which is the apex body for motor sport events, for the rights in India. Like in the previous two seasons, the Season III of

the championship will continue to host experienced international drivers representing six teams, featuring 12 Tata PRIMA race trucks built for the purpose. However, this year there will be a race for Indian truck driver for the first time. Tata Motors conceptualized and introduced a new Indian Truck Driver Race selection and training program, based on its objective of making the profession of truck driving aspirational and at the same time act as a catalyst to induct drivers into the commercial vehicles profession, the company said in a statement. These Indian Truck Drivers will be selected from a pool of truck drivers who are employed with Tata Motors key customers all over the country.

In all, Tata Motors will have 12 Indian truck drivers selected to race at the T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship 2016, the company added. "T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship, is a

much-awaited calendar event and one of the most pioneering in the country's commercial vehicle industry and India's motorsports history.

Ever since it was first introduced in 2014, T1 has proved to be a great platform to showcase the prowess of the Indian commercial vehicles industry and that of Tata Motors, and Season III presents us with a great opportunity to launch our next big initiative - Indian Race Truck drivers," Ravindra Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, said in a statement.

Earlier, Mr. Pisharody stated, "To ensure that what the Europeans (truck manufacturers) are doing in their countries, we, as the market leader, wanted to do it in India. The F1 car racing track is there in India. With our efforts, for the first time the truck people were able to enter a very prestigious

world class racing circuit.

And this will continue now.

We have created teams which are from our sponsors. It is a very exciting thing." The T1 Prima Truck Racing Championship is organized by MMSC (Madras Motor Sports Club) and is inscribed on the calendars of FIA and FMSCI (the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India) making the event truly global. This year there will be two categories - Super Class, comprising of Indian race truck drivers and Pro Class, comprising of internationally acclaimed drivers with proven expertise in the field of Truck Racing, like the British Truck Racing and European Truck Racing championships. Already popular in the Western world, the T1 sporting event is gradually getting prominence here in India. In the 2015 event over 50,000 enthusiasts cheered at the event and this year the number is expected to grow.

(Agencies)

PAGE 10

CERT signs cyber protection deals with 3 nations

Source: honolulu New Delhi, Jan 29: The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has signed cooperation pacts with its counterparts in Malaysia, Singapore and Japan for cyber security. CERT-In is the nodal agency responsible for dealing with cyber security threats.

The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will promote closer cooperation for exchange of knowledge and experience in detection, resolution and prevention of security-related incidents between India and the three countries, according to an official statement. The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was on Wednesday apprised of the three MoUs which were signed last November and December. An

agreement between CERT-In and CyberSecurity, Malaysia, was signed on November 23, 2015, in Kuala Lumpur during Mr.Modi's visit to Malaysia, while the MoU with Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (SingCERT), Cyber Security Agency (CSA) of the Republic of Singapore was signed on November 24, 2015 during the Prime Minister's visit to Singapore. The agreement between CERT-In and Japan Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Center (JPCERT/CC) was signed on December 7, 2015 through diplomatic exchange. The exchange of the signed MoU between the two parties was completed by December 22, 2015, according to the release. (Agencies)

'Make In India Week' may be skipped by Japanese firms Mumbai, Jan 29: Japanese companies may skip the first 'Made in India Week' to be held in Mumbai next month as they don't want to participate in an 'image building exercise' and rather concentrate on setting up industrial townships in various cities in India, a foreign official said.

Naoyoshi Noguchi, the chief director general of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) told that the poor response from Japanese firms could be because they are currently focused on setting up 12 'Japan Industrial Townships' across nine states in India.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had last month announced a $11 billion 'Make In India' fund, mainly to back the India-related operations of Japanese corporations.

Japanese firms, citing time constraints, have so far not shown much interest in taking part in it, while there was an encouraging response from US, Europe, China, Taiwan and Korea, official sources said. They added that separate pavilions are being set up for companies from Sweden (companies including Ikea, Saab, Volvo and Ericsson), Germany (firms such as

Source: careeranna

Thyssenkrupp AG and Merck) and Korea (Hyundai, LG and Samsung). The 'Make In India Week' event in Mumbai will feature innovative products and manufacturing processes.

It will showcase the potential of Indian and global companies as well as states in the manufacturing sector. Mr. Noguchi said work on setting up industrial townships was progressing. These townships will be in the form of integrated industrial parks with world-class infrastructure facilities and plug-in-play facilities for factories, with the states offering many incentives for Japanese firms. These incentives include power, roads, water and single window clearance, and in most cases exemptions of stamp duty, entry tax, land acquisition tax and electricity duty. Some of these states have also assured to make land acquisition easier and bring in better labour laws. (Agencies)

Tata Group to focus on Dubai Apollo Munich shakes hand with Axis Bank new office New Delhi, Jan 29: Tata International, the global trading and distribution arm of the Tata group has opened a new office in Dubai to further its business interest in the region, as well as to support the business expansions of several Tata Group companies. The company has been present in the Middle East region since 1993, when it commenced operations in the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone through its wholly owned subsidiary.

Currently, its businesses in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region comprise of steel, products for the aluminum industry

and infrastructure and construction equipment. Tata International's Dubai office premises, based out of DMCC free zone, will serve as a hub in the MENA region and will be shared by a number of Tata Companies, namely Tata Sons, Titan, TCE, Tata Elxsi, Tata Interactive and York International, the company said in a statement. "The office will also help support several other Tata Companies operating in the region and will further strengthen Tata group's engagement with all stakeholders, facilitating business growth for the companies while focusing on sectors key to the devel-

opment of the MENA region," the company added.

The office was inaugurated in the presence of Noel N Tata, Managing Director, Tata International and Sunil Sinha, Resident Director, Tata Sons (MENA) among others. Tata International with a 10,000 strong global employee base and a turnover of US$2.2 billion (201415) has a footprint spanning 39 countries and has led forays into new markets and geographies for the Tata group over the years.

The company's key business lines are metals, distribution, leather and leather products, minerals and agri trading. (Agencies)

Chennai, Jan 29: Standalone health insurance company Apollo Munich announced its partnership with Axis Bank for offering bank customers customised insurance policies. "We along with our partner will design and offer customised health insurance products to the bank's customers, as per their requirements. Policy issuance and service will be driven by paperless online process, ensuring minimum turnaround time," Antony Jacob, CEO, Apollo Munich Health Insurance, said.

This is the fourth

bancassurance tie-up that the company has entered, he said, adding the sales through banking channel are contributing over 10 per cent to the topline.

Through bancassurance, health insurance penetration is expected to grow rapidly as there are more than one lakh bank branches in the country, with a majority located in rural and semi-urban areas, he said. "We at Apollo Munich believe in the potential banks' hold as a distribution channel. They can aid us in strengthening our reach in the tier II and III cities overnight," he added. Commenting on

APOLLO MUNICH -AXIS BANK TIES UP Ø Standalone health in-

surance company Apollo Munich announced its partnership with Axis Bank for offering bank customers customised insurance policies.

Ø Through bancassurance,

health insurance penetration is expected to grow rapidly as there are more than one lakh bank branches in the country, with a majority located in rural and semiurban areas.

Ø Policy issuance and

Ø It will help further ex-

service will be driven by paperless online process, ensuring minimum turnaround time.

pand existing bouquet of offerings and put forth a compelling proposition and ensure the health and wellbeing of customers.

the partnership, Rajiv Anand, head retail banking, Axis Bank said it will

help further expand existing bouquet of offerings and put forth a compelling

proposition and ensure the health and well-being of customers.

Besides, Apollo Munich Health Insurance has distribution partnership with Canara Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and Citi.

Earlier this week, Apollo Hospitals Group firm Apollo Energy company announced selling of its 23.3 per cent stake in Apollo Munich Health Insurance company to its German partner Munich Re for Rs. 163.5 crore.

Post the transaction, Munich Re's stake in the insurance joint venture would increase to 48.7 per cent. (Agencies)

DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

Features

Page 11

WOMEN’S Make your face look slimmer with these makeup tips!

We all know that makeup can be a powerful tool, not just for enhancing your features but for helping you feel fantastic too. You can even use it to play a few magic tricks like slimming a round face or making your nose appear slightly thinner.

We give you a few makeup tricks to help you look slimmer in a jiffy.

Don't worry, it's not as complicated as you think!

1. Contouring Made Easy If you've always thought contouring is too complicated a process to bother with, we help you understand it in the simplest way possible. It's basically making use of the concept that dark shades

cover up problems areas and lighter shades enhance features. Invest in a matte bronzer or contour colours that are a shade or two darker than your skin tone and a luminous highlighter. Use them according to what you want to downplay and slim down and what you would like to accentuate. Don't forget that blending is key to make it look less made-up and as natural as possible.

2. Slimmer Cheeks And Killer Cheekbones Make a slight duckface and sweep on your contour shade with your brush from the center of your cheeks towards your ear in a diagonal line (you can try the same with a

blush with brown undertones). Remember that your cheekbones can look sharper according to how high you place your contour colour. Now blend it in well. Then apply a bit of highlighter on top of your cheekbones and blend to accentuate them.

The darker colours on the side can help narrow down a wider face.

3. Define That Jawline If you want to tone down a rounded chin or make it appear more pointed, then try this. Dust on your bronzer or darker colour along your jawline and blend well to help make it appear sharper and more defined. Get ready to with that double chin goodbye!

4. Fake a Slimmer Nose Nope, you don't need to think about plastic surgery when you can be a makeup maven. If you would like your nose to appear thinner, swipe the darker colours down the sides of your nose, stop above your nostrils and blend. Then, blend highlighter down the bridge of your nose in the center to help it look sharper rather than wider.

5. Turn Up Your Brow Game Bet you never thought about how your brows can play a part in how slim or round your face looks! Your eyebrows shouldn't be super thin but not too thick either, and should have a pro-

Home remedies for happy feet Are you victim to unwanted cracks and corns on your feet? You're not alone! Most women have them, and yes, they're completely normal. You get them when your feet lack moisture.

Sometimes it occurs due to climatic conditions, wearing the wrong footwear, a certain bath product not agreeing with your skin. But, whatever be the cause, there's a solution! To get baby soft feet, you don't need to fix a date with the salon lady, you can treat them fabulously at home. Here are 8 home remedies for dealing with cracked heels and pesky corns on your feet!

1. Ripe Bananas By now, you should know that the whole world loves bananas!

They're popular because they're rich in potassium, fiber, vitamin C, antioxidant compounds, and vitamin B-6. When used as a beauty ingredient, it has moisturizing properties that are extremely beneficial for dry skin.

Step 1 - Peel one ripe banana and mash it up.

Step 2 - Apply the fruity paste on your cracked heels and the surface of your corn.

Step 3 - Let it stay on for 15-20 minutes till the paste hardens.

Step 4 - Wash it off with lukewarm water and in a small tub, soak your feet in chilled water for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5 - Remove them and pat dry using a towel.

Source: beautyandmakeup 2. Fresh Vegetable Oil Not many people know this, but vegetable oil can breathe life into your skin. It has moisturizing properties and provides nourishment to cracked, dry and tough skin. For cracked feet and corns, you can use olive, sunflower, sesame and coconut oil!

Step 1 - Soak your feet in a tub and scrub it well using a pumice stone.

Step 2 - After 10 minutes, remove them and pat dry.

Step 3 - Now, gently massage your feet using vegetable oil.

Step 4 - After that, put on your favourite socks and leave them overnight to soak properly.

Step 5 - In the morning, take your socks off and wash your feet with lukewarm water. Trust us, you'll feel the difference instantly.

ber of beauty beneficial qualities. When applied to your skin, it makes sure it removes dead skin cells, disinfects cracked feet, retains your skin's natural oils and softens rough skin.

Step 1 - Pour some paraffin wax in a bowl, add coconut oil to it, and turn up the heat.

Step 2 - Mix both ingredients well by stirring.

Step 3 - Now, apply the thick paste over your cracks and corns.

Step 4 - Put on your socks and leave the paste to dry overnight.

Step 5 - The next morning, remove your feet from the socks and wash your feet thoroughly with lukewarm water.

4. Strong Lemon Juice Due to the acidic properties of lemon juice, it does a fab job of removing dead skin cells from the feet and disinfecting 3. Gooey Paraffin Wax your cracks and corns Paraffin wax has a num- from any bacteria living on it. If you want your feet to look soft and smell delicious, lemon juice is your answer!

Step 1 - In a glass container, add about 5 tablespoons of sea salt, a tablespoon of coconut oil and the juice of one lemon.

Step 2 - Mix all the ingredients well till it gives the texture of a scrub.

Step 3 - Apply it over your cracked feet and corns and let it stay on for about 10-15 minutes.

Source: beautyandmakeup Step 4 - Wash it off af-

ter with chilled water.

5. Natural Apple Cider Vinegar The acid in vinegar not only makes your skin baby soft, it also does away with dead and dry skin cells. It makes tired feet look and feel youthful again.

Step 1 - In a tiny bucket, add a scoop of rice flour, a tablespoon of thick honey, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and dash of coconut oil.

Step 2 - Mix these ingredients well till you're left with a thick paste.

Step 3 - Apply the paste on your feet and give it a good massage. Do this for 10-15 minutes till your skin absorbs it in.

Step 4 - Wash it with lukewarm water.

6. Grainy Oatmeal For keeping your feet moisturized and healing cracks and corns, oatmeal does a fabulous job. It also makes a good scrub to remove dead and damaged skin cells.

Step 1 - In a steel container, add half a cup of honey, a tablespoon of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of rice flour and a cup of well crushed oatmeal.

Step 2 - Give these ingredients a good mix.

Step 3 - Apply the paste to your feet after soaking your feet in lukewarm water for 15 minutes.

Step 4 - Let it sit there for another 15 minutes.

Step 5 - Wash it off with chilled water and apply a moisturizer after.

Source: popxo

nounced arch in the middle. Arched brows help elongate your face and can slim down a round face.

6. Highlight From The Center By using highlighter down the center of your face, it plays with light to take attention away from the width of your face.

Plus, it helps you look very glowy, so it's basically a win-win. Start by blending in highlighter between your brows, down the bridge of your nose, above your cupid's bow and in the center of your chin.

7. Emphasize Your Eyes Amazingly defined eyes are gorgeous enough, and they also help draw atten-

tion away from the wider parts of your face. Play up your peepers with eyeliner, mascara and eyeshadow. It's better to define your eyes than your lips as fuller lips can make your face look rounder.

8. Don't Forget Your Forehead And finally, a dash of contouring on your forehead can add the finishing touches to give you that killer bone structure.

Apply your contouring shade on your temples and blend upwards as well as along your hairline to help make your face appear more angular for that super model effect.

Things women with healthy hair do!

We're talking about those women whose hair always seems to look beautiful and perfect, even on an early morning flight. And no, it's not just about being blessed with great genes.

These women do that extra bit - the products they use, their habits and way they care for their mane‌it's all about amazing-looking, glossy locks.

We share a few simple tweaks and the little things that women with healthy hair do. With a few lifestyle changes, you can be part of the enviable hair club too!

1. They don't sleep on cotton pillowcases No matter how expensive it is, cotton absorbs moisture from hair (and your skin), which means dryness, frizz and brittleness.

Switch to satin pillowcases that don't tangle your strands much, cut down frizz and can prolong a blow-dry or any style.

2. They have a great cut Having a hairdresser you like and who understands you and your hair is definitely important for having great hair. Switch boring one-length long hair for layers, texture and bangs that helps give your mane shape and look fuller and healthier. A cut that suits your natural texture well helps it dry well without much styling. Oh, and regular trims are a must of course to get rid of dry, split ends.

3. They pay attention to their scalp What goes hand in hand with healthy hair? A healthy scalp obviously! A clarifying shampoo once or twice a week is necessary

to cleanse your scalp of excess oil, product buildup, dirt and grime and to promote healthy hair growth. Also, massaging your scalp regularly encourages circulation, which really does lead to stronger and shinier locks.

4. They don't wash their

soft. Why don't you give it a try!

5. They know how to handle wet hair right Women with healthy hair really don't rub their wet strands with a rough towel; they know it's better to pat it dry. Towel rubbing leads to frizz and split ends.

grow long. Go on and make your grandma proud.

7. They're smart about heat styling Okay, every girl needs the help of heat tools to get her strands to behave, but some women are smarter about it. They make use of the cool air setting so they

Source: indianmakeup hair too often You'll be shocked to know that that girl whose mane you're admiring hasn't shampooed her hair in about 3 days. Stretching a wash for 2-3 days doesn't make you dirty, but smart for the health of your strands. Shampooing every day or too often really does strip your locks of moisture and leaves them dry, rough and frizzy. But that shouldn't stop you from moisturizing your mane.

You can wet and use conditioner in between those shampoos to make sure your hair is hydrated and

Source: indianmakeup

Also, tying your hair back when wet is a big no-no. It doesn't matter if you're in a rush or have just worked out, your strands are at their weakest when wet, so pulling them back will weaken the roots and definitely cause hair loss.

6. They know the importance of oiling We all know this but have probably barely oiled our mane since we left school.

Rubbing coconut oil on your hair about once a week really does make a huge difference. It will give you shiny locks that are happy, healthy and

aren't damaging their strands as much. Plus, they know the importance of letting their hair air dry naturally a couple of times in a week to save it from damage.

8. They brush their hair right You've probably never even thought about it, but the way you brush your strands plays an important role. The gentlest way to brush your hair is to brush it in sections starting from the ends and working your way up instead of just tearing through your strands.

Any girl with healthy hair knows that a boar bristle brush is the best to evenly distribute your scalp's natural oils. Plus, use a wide tooth comb through your locks when you have conditioner on to ensure the moisture is distributed throughout your hair.

9. They're all about extra nourishment Whether it comes to their diet or to products that provide extra moisture, some women go that extra step. Leave-in conditioners, heat protectant products, oils and moisturizing creams - they invest in the right products for extra hydration to fight dryness and damage. A nourishing diet is non-negotiable too!

Multi-vitamins, omegas, nuts, fresh veggies, fish, avocados are a few things that help strengthen your locks.

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DIBRUGARH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

PAGE 12

Buoyant India thrash Australia by 27 runs to seal T20 series DCCC beat JBC ANI Melbourne, Jan 29 : India produced an all-round performance to claim a 27-run win over Australia in the second Twenty20 international and in the process took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

Put in to bat first, the tourists posted a daunting target of 185, thanks to an explosive start from the opening pair of Rohit Sharma (60) and Shikhar Dhawan (42) before star batsman Virat Kohli, who was adjudged the Player of the Match, consolidated the innings by making a quick-fire 59 not out off just 33 balls.

Sports Reporter Dibrugarh, Jan 29: Dibrugarh Cricket Coaching Centre beat Jhalukpara Boys’ Club by 97 runs in the Rajanu Bora Senior Division cricket tournament organized by Dibrugarh District Sports Association at DDSA stadium here today.

Altogether, eight teams participated in the tournament Opting to bat, DCCC scored 193 for 8 in 35 overs. Krishanu Sarkar remained unbeaten on 49 off 86 balls with three boundaries.

Chaowmen Chaouhao Baruah contributed 43 off 63 balls hitting six boundaries and

In reply, Australia could only make 157/8 in their stipulated 20 overs despite captain Aaron Finch's brisk knock of 74 off 48 deliveries. They failed to capitalise on a solid start by Finch and Shaun Marsh (23) as they lost wickets at regular junctures.

For India, Ravindra Jadeja and pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah claimed two wickets apiece, while Yuvraj Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin and all-rounder Hardik Pandya shared three wickets between them.

India will play the inconsequential third T20 against Australia in Sydney on Sunday.

Indian players celebrate the fall of a Aussie wicket.

Dc inaugurates district level CM's football and volleyball trophies Khonsa, Jan 29: Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha formally inaugurated the 3rd Tirap district CM's Football and Volleyball trophies at Nehru Stadium, Khonsa on 29th Jan'2016 amidst a huge gathering of sports aficionados. In his inaugural address, the Deputy Commissioner said that the constituency level CM's Football and Volleyball tournaments held at different venues were a huge success and hoped that the district level tournament would also be a grand success. While appreciating the DSO (Sports) and his team for the great improvement in the performance of Tirap players at State level, the Chief Guest told the players to believe in themselves and lauded the sterling performances of the players at the state level not only in football but also in

Dc inaugurates district level CM's football and volleyball trophies. other sports. While advising the participants to play the games with a spirit of true sportsmanship, the DC said that the district administration was always ready to assist the sporting activities in

the district in all possible ways.

Earlier, in his welcome address, DSO (Sports) R. Mihu said that of late, there has been a growing interest and enthusiasm among the

youth for all kinds of games and sports in the district and he thanked the Deputy Commissioner for his able guidance and advice. He also thanked the players and officials from all over the dis-

trict for making the constituency level CM's Trophy tournament such a popular event in the district. Both boys and girls from 54Namsang, 55-Khonsa East, 56-Khonsa West and 57Borduria Bogapani are enthusiastically participating in the tournament. All the matches have been efficiently managed by the trained referees from the 1st Assam Rifles. The winners of the tournament will represent the district at the state level. On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner physically inspected the Nehru Stadium and its peripheries and suggested some remedies for improvement. SDO Deomali, Civil Judge D. Niri, ZPC Chawang Lowang, Khonsa ZPM Lengang Lowang, HoDs and public attended the inaugural programme.

Warne shuts down charitable Graham Ford to start second coaching stint foundation amid funding with Sri Lanka controversy Johannesburg, Jan. 29 (ANI): Australian spin great Shane Warne has revealed that he has begun the process of closing down his charitable foundation in the wake of 'unwarranted speculation' over its financial management.

Confirming the news, Warne said on his Facebook page, "in response to recent, unwar-

of funds, we confirm we have distributed $3.67 million to date with an additional and final substantial check to be distributed on March 18, 2016."

According to Sport24, the foundation is set to undergo an independent auranted speculation about dit ordered by the ConThe Shane Warne Foun- sumer Affairs department dation and its distribution of Victoria state.

Shane Warne

India vs Sri Lanka T20 series: Venue of second match shifted to Ranchi

Sri Lanka will tour India this February for a three-match T20I series

Agences New Delhi, Jan : The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) announced on Friday that the second T20 encounter between India and Sri Lanka on 12 February will take place in Ranchi.

It was earlier announced that the second game in the three-match T20 series between the two cricketing rivals will be held at the national capital.

The first match takes place

on 9 Feb at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, while the third match takes place at the VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on 14 Feb. It is believed that the reason of the second match being shifted from the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi to Ranchi now is due to the DDCA's (Delhi and Districts Cricket Association) failure to acquire the clearance certificates for hosting the T20I on time.

Johannesburg, Jan. 29 (ANI): Graham Ford is set to begin his second term as Sri Lanka's head coach after Surrey confirmed that the South African is leaving the English county championship side to take up the position.

of cricket of Surrey, said that it was a very tough decision for Graham to leave Surrey but added that they understand that the opportunity to go back and coach at international level with Sri Lanka was too good to turn down, Sport24 reported.

The 55-year-old had previously coached Sri Lanka from 2012 until 2014 before joining Surrey.

Alec Stewart, the director

Ford had guided the club to the county championship second division title last season.

and Sandip Sharma took three wickets each by giving away 32 and 36 runs respectively.

In reply, JBC were all out for 96 in 19.4 overs. Roshan Panday scored 28 off 35 balls with four boundaries and Abhijit Choudhury contributed 17 off 18 balls with two boundaries.

Dipak Gohain Debanjan Tin Sina scored 24 off 21 balls with four boundaries.

For JBC, Wasim Ahmed

For DCCC, Dipak Gohain took five for 34 in 6 overs.

Dipak Gohain was adjudged man of the match.

Tomorrow, Duliajan Cricket Academy will play Dibrugarh Railway Sports Club.

The 38th All Assam Amateur Golf Championship kicked Off at Digboi.Golf Links ET Correspondent Digboi, Jan 29 : The 38th edition of the All Assam Amateur Golf Championship got underway on a bright and sunny morning at the picturesque, pristine and superbly maintained airstripped Digboi Golf Links here this morning at Digboi in Tinsukia District of Upper Assam.

The prestigious tournament, organized under the aegis of the Upper Assam Golf Association (UAGA) , from January 29 th till 31st next , is the most popular amateur tournament in North East India, with more than two hundreds of confirmed entries. The entries have poured in from various parts of Assam, Bengal, Manipur, Meghalaya, West Bengal and also from Canada too.

The tournament was inaugurated in the morning

by Amitava Mishra Executive Director I/C IOCL (AOD) following the hoisting of UAGA flag by Vivek Seth the President of the Association in the presence of dignatries including UAGA Secretary Dr. MK Baruah , Rajiv Kalita the GM (HR) AOD, PK Goswami the Organising Secretery,

AK Bhagawati the DGM(HR) who was also the Captain Digboi Golf Links and a large gathering of players and invited dignitaries. A colourful souvenir was also released to mark the occasion following the release of colorful balloons in the sky during the inaugural ceremony.

According to organizing committee, 38 golfers in 0-9 H’cap category, 130 in 10 -18 H’Cap category, 45 in 18+ H and 8 ladies golfers would fight for the C’Ship this year here in Digboi Golf Links.

Addressing the significant gathering, Mr Mishra who was the chief guest on the inaugural ceremony, welcomed all the golfers from different corners of the country and abroad and highlighted the natural landscape and topography of the Golf Course. he describe the picturesque of Digboi Golf Links, situated adjacent to the Upper Dehing reserve forest, as the only 18 hole golf course in Upper Assam with a par of 72 and yardage of 6309 for gents and 5242 for ladies. The course is undulating with a fair sprinkling of natural hazards. Deer , tigers el-

ephants, leopards and a wide variety of flora and fauna can be spotted on the course, which also boasts of scenic views of the Patkai Hills. Mr Mishra also lauded the efforts of the UAGA for organizing the C’ship constantly attracting the Golfers across and promoting the cause of the golfers.

Meanwhile, Mr Kalita, Dr MK Baruah, AK Bhagawati, Mr. Goswami were among the speakers speaking almost in the same vein appreciated the Golf course and expected the tournament would be superb and memorable ones. However, It may be added here that the All; Assam Amateur Invitational Golf Championship was started as a low key affair initiated by a group of keen lady golfers which subsequently became popular, extending its scope wide scope every year thus resulting in more than 220 amateur golfers participanting this year in 2016.

However, the results on the Day 1 of the tournament for gross winner and runners up and the best and runners up Nett winners were yet to finalized till the filling of this report.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi inaugurates CM’s Cup Football Tournament 2015-16 A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 29: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi inaugurated the CM’s Cup Football Tournament 2015-16 under 19 event commencing from 2nd February in 56 subdivisions across the state on Thursday. Inaugurating the tournament at Rudra Singha Sports Complex here, Chief Minister Gogoi said that the tournament to be played across 56 subdivisions would help to unearth young footballers and create a pool of talented players for the State team.

Gogoi said football is a popular game played in the cook and corner of the State and the tournament would go a long way in creating a healthy sporting environment by building

up peace, harmony and development. Gogoi said the State Government has been all along giving priority to sports as it inculcates competitiveness, discipline, bonhomie, camaraderie and team spirit and brings about a congenial atmosphere, so vital for a society or state to progress. “The yardstick of any development is sports and that is why our Government has accorded priority towards its development,” he said, adding that the state-of-the-art stadiums that came up during the National Games in Guwahati has enabled the State to host a number of national and international tournaments, including the upcoming South Asian Games. Gogoi said football has undergone major

transformation in its playing techniques. “Gone are the days when we use to play football barefoot in muddy fields. Today football is all about skills and brain game,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Sports & Youth Welfare Department, Ajit Singh said the CM’s Cup Football Tournament would give the much-needed exposure to over 16,000 school students and help them to reach their potential. Listing out the initiatives by the Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Singh said that coming up of the Football Academy at Sarusajai Sports Complex has helped to unearth latent talents through proper training. “The Football Academy has been able to

Honable Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi with State transport, Excise and Sports minister Ajit Singh, Ankur Dutta, Secretary, AAFA and other unveils the trophy of CM's Cup Football Tournament at Rudra Singha Sports Complex, Dispur in Guwahati . Pic - UB Photos

groom some of the finest talents. Five promising footballers have gone to Australia for taking part in tournaments,” he added.

Earlier, in his welcome

address, Additional Chief Secretary, Sports & Youth Welfare Department, RT Jindal said the CM’s Cup Football Tournament would be played at clus-

ter, zonal, state levels across 56 subdivisions with 16,384 school students under 19 age group taking part in it. The Chief Minister also unveiled the glittering CM’s Cup Football Trophy and eight colourful jerseys on the occasion to the delight of sports aficionados. There will be altogether 10 jerseys. The inaugural function was attended, among others, by Commissioner & Secretary, Sports & Youth Welfare Department, Ajay Tewari, Vice President, Assam Olympic Association, Premadhar Sarma, General Secretary, Assam Football Association, Ankur Dutta, international athlete, Tayebun Nessa and sports organiser, T. Gogoi.

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