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Campaign against Drugs Page 8

Issue 234

JOBS & CAREER

ET Bureau New Delhi, Jan 30

ET CAPSULES

AAMSU and ATTSA conference Tinsukia, Jan 30. A total number of four organizations of Moran community including All Assam Moran Students Union and ATTSA on Saturday held a joint press conference to condemn the message circulated through media and other means that Moran Tiger Force would target people belonging from Hindi speaking community and tea tribes. President of All Assam Moran Students Union Arunjyoti Moran said that we condemn the threatening issued by an unknown organization in the name of Moran Tiger Force as shown by the media, if at all their is any existence if such organization. We moran community is living a peaceful and happy life mixing with all communities of Assam including the Hindi speaking community and people from tea tribes, he said. Arunjyoti said, such a statement aims to create a division among the communities of Assam and create a law and order situation. Such people and organizations are a threat to peace in the state and we demand that the law enforcing agencies should immediately crack down and arrest all person behind it, Moran said. He added that Moran Tiger Force has no takers from Moran community. Neither we, the community at large, support such organization nor it is a part of our community in any manner.

2 ULFA (I) linkman apprehended in Tinsukia

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Tinsukia, Jan 29. A unit of Rupai army camp on Friday detained two persons for their alleged links with the banned outfit ULFA (I). They have been identified as Diganto Moran and Pradeep Dihingia, both residents of Mishmikata near Daisajan under Doomdooma police station. According to sources, based on information of suspected ULFA (I). linkman involved in extortion the army unit from Rupai army camp launched an operation at Daisajan area of Tinsukia district. During the operation army man detained two persons and recovered around 40 extortion notes on ULFA (I) letter head, sources added. The duo, have been handed over to Doomdooma police station. (Correspondent)

It also attached various other documents in an attempt to substantiate that law and order had collapsed and that it was in these exceptional circumstances that Rajkhowa was compelled to recommend President’s Rule. The Centre said that its proclamation of January 26 was “absolutely legal and valid” and asserted that locking of Assembly premises on

the orders of the Congress Chief Minister and the Speaker between December 15 and 18, 2015 amounted to “locking of the Constitution of India”. “The fact that the Speaker could lock down by an order the very premises of the Assembly and not allow legislators to even visit the Assembly is a grave act and subversive in the democratic setup of the Constitution.The present political executive in

Lending credence to the Governor’s reports, the Centre said that these reports clearly illustrated that the state is not being allowed to function within the constitutional framework and a constitutional authority was being demeaned for ulterior purposes. It added that reports have further indicated about involvement of the ruling party with the outlawed NSCN — a banned unlawful organisation, to pressure dissident legislators for government formation.

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Where was your rage when 9 Dalit students died earlier: Govt. to Congress Page 6

President’s Rule In Arunachal Pradesh: Shatrughan Sinha Questions Centre, Takes Potshot at PM Modi’s ‘Great Advisors’

I hope wish and pray, they will accept my sincerity and loyalty towards the party. Shatrughan Sinha PTI New Delhi, Jan 30

Disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday criticised the Centre’s decision to impose President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh, saying “heavens would not have fallen” if the government had waited for the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter. The 70-year old BJP MP from Patna Sahib also took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “great advisors”, wondering what answers will they have if the Supreme Court ruled against it. “We should have been more cautious and alert when the matter is in the Supreme

Court. I think heavens would not have fallen if we had waited for the decision of the Supreme Court. This could have saved us from embarrassment and controversy,” Sinha, who has been at variance with the party leadership over a host of issues, said after making a series of tweets on the issue. He told PTI over phone from Pune that “Narendra Modi is a well meaning Prime Minister. Its the advisors who sometimes give faulty opinion which leads to wrong political moves (which are) certainly not good for health of the party and the government.” When asked that his views were contrary to that of the

party and smacked of dissidence, Sinha said “I have always called a spade a spade. My personal views sometimes may not match with our people. But, my opinion is always intended for good of the party and the nation.” “I hope wish and pray, they will accept my sincerity and loyalty towards the party,” the actor-turned-politician said. Earlier in the day, Sinha had tweeted on the micro blogging site: “I have tremendous faith in our dashing, dynamic action hero PM. But wonder who the ‘great’ advisors are who advised President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh. That too when the matter is sub judice, in the Supreme Court, under a 5 judge constitutional bench. Wonder what was the hurry and worry.” “God forbid, if the decision does not go in our favor, wonder what explanation and answer we will have for our respected PM,” Sinha had also said.

Tuki backs Shotgun Sinha's view, says no war like scenario in Arunachal ANI New Delhi, Jan. 30 Former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Nabam Tuki on Saturday endorsed BJP M P Shatrughan Sinha's view Nabam Tuki that when there is no war-like situation in Arunachal Pradesh, what was the need for the Centre to recommend and impose president's rule in the state. "I think the statement of Shatrughan Sinha clearly shows that he feels the pain of people of Arunachal Pradesh. The entire nation knows that an injustice has been done with Arunachal and we await justice from the Supreme Court," Tuki told ANI. Taking strong exception to the Centre's 'war like scenario' claim in Arunachal Pradesh, Tuki said the report of the ruling regime wasn't correct, as it hadn't consulted the state machinery. "I don't feel that it is a correct report. This report is just one sided; the Centre has not consulted the state government nor the district administration. This is a report which has been made by one person. There has been no such (war-like) situation in the state and (it) won't ever take place," he added.

BRO Slams private party for tardy Diyun Police administration progress of 19 Km Meka Roing Hunli road conducts “Operation Smile” Bishnu Rana Roing, Jan 30

public convenient, expresses the commandant further.

An ambitious NH Double Lane Specification of road under SRDP – NE PM Package connecting 232 Km distance from Meka to Anini whose foundation stone was laid down in a ceremonial function at Roing on 25 November 2014 last by Nirbray Sharma the then Governor of Arunachal Pradesh is in tardy affair. In its first phase of road consignment under 752 Task Force, the Meka Roing Hunli road of 19.224 Km in length from Meka Tri – Junction to 16 KM point toward Roing – Hunli road is being initiated targeting its completion on 2017 December next and metalled road up to Deopani (Eze) River point within March 2016 unfortunately the pace of work is considerably delayed. When enquired about the reason, M Kishore Kumar Commandant 752 rues that The

BRO Slams private party for tardy progress of 19 Km Meka Roing Hunli road BRO has been always committed to complete every project in time maintaining utmost quality however engagement of private party M/S Suresh Kumar Agarwal based in Jorhat to deliver stone aggregate of different size miserably failed to facilitate the materials in time due to which Water Bound Macadam (WVM) work is largely hampering. “In spite of our earnest persuasion and plea as well as clearing its bills without

much delay the party failed to heed but nothing doing this dilly – delaying tactic would not be tolerated any more, we are virtually in constant touch with the party and assure to complete blacktop within June 2016 up to the river point and 16 Km point by December 2017 next”, he vows. It’s our serious concern to facilitate better road which is traversing through heart of the town at least up to river point at the earliest for

GK Rashikan Officer in Charge of work 62 RCC informed about 10 to 15 load of stone aggregate is required to speed up the pace. “Our machineries and labourer are simply in standing position without work hampering other work. Had the party would have made available the required material we could have already build up road up to the river point”, he discloses further. Meanwhile, a citizen in the state of anonymity said that the incomplete and dusty road has caused much inconvenient to the public and created unpleasant scenario degrading the beauty of the scenic township. “Good road always reflect development and magnificence look of the township, the versatile BRO should give top priority to give complete shape of this teetered road for easy movement”, he hopes.

Awareness programme conducted under the operation SMILE and SWACH ARUNACHAL CAMPAIGN at Unemployed Youth Club Diyun A Staff Reporter Diyun, Jan 30

An awareness programme was conducted under the operation SMILE and also SWACH ARUNACHAL CAMPAIGN at Unemployed Youth Club Diyun intending to end child labour and prevent

The mess in Arunachal Pradesh that no one is talking about There are no takers for hydel power projects that were a mistake to start with

However, few have taken note of another development which has serious, long-term consequences not just for the border state, but for much of India's North East.

standing for hydel power projects, which would make Arunachal home to one of the greatest concentration of dams in the world. Take, for instance, River Lohit. By 2013, six dams were proposed on this river. And the space between them (measured as the distance between one’s wall and the start of the reservoir of the next) was 1 km, 9.5 km, 1.8 km, 3.8 km and 1.8 km. This, despite the lack of studies on what such clustering means for a river – be it in normal times or during quakes and cloudbursts. The Himalayas, remember, are seismically very active.

Over the last decade, the state has signed more than 150 memorandums of under-

Despite the environmental concerns, the state did not pull back from the hydel projects,

ET Bureau Itanagar, Jan 30

On the eastern edge of India, most often neglected by the national media, Arunachal Pradesh is making headlines for a political crisis precipitated by the dismissal of the Congress government and the imposition of governor's rule in the state.

power projects... have applied to the NHPC to either take them over or form joint operational ventures.” The list of people knocking at the NHPC’s doors includes Jindal Power, IL&FS, Lanco and the state governments of Bihar and even Arunachal Pradesh.

A File photo of Hydro Plant but now it seems the juggernaut might end. In a delicious twist of fate, a cluster of private companies that rushed headlong into Arunachal in the late 2000s to build hydel power projects are

now, in a turnaround, asking the public sector National Hydel Power Corporation to take over their projects. A news report in Business Standard on Thursday says that “around 17,000 MW of hydro-

Confirming that the group has offered three of its projects – Etalin, Kamala and Attunli – to NHPC, an unnamed spokesperson of Jindal Power told Business Standard: “We are exploring prudent avenues of association to unlock shareholder value and build hydroelectric energy assets for the nation.” Contd. on Page 3

trafficking of children. During the programme Shri D. Gadi, EAC Diyun ASP Mihin Gambo, SDPO Miao,SI Ajay Kumar OC PS Diyun, head of the Departments, PRI members, GBs, NGOs attended the meeting and highlighted the awareness of about the child labours, missing children and

their recoveries and also briefed about the POCSO ACT and Juvenile Justice Act, and other relevant laws, advisories issued by the MHA and the role of citizens in the society as a teacher, parent, a neighbor and leader. Contd. on Page 3

Gogoi questions UMA minister’s statement A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 30

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi termed Union Minority Affairs Minister Dr. Najma Heptulla’s reported statement appeared on a section of media on January 29, that the State Government has not done anything for the development of minorities in its 15 years of rule in the State as baseless and politically motivated. In a statement here on Saturday Gogoi said, “The State Government for the last 15 years has been working for the development of all sections of the people including minorities for their all round development and the State Government is committed to work for the progress of all including mi-

norities”. Gogoi further questions if the Centre was so concerned for the development of minorities then why the Centre has not released any special fund for flood and erosion management which have affected the people living in the char areas the most. Gogoi further added that when the State was reeling under flood last year, neither the Prime Minister nor any other responsible Central minister visited the State to take stock of the flood and its affect on the people. Upping his ante, Gogoi moreover said that when the NDA dispensation at the Centre was so much concerned for the development of the minorities, Contd. on Page 4

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The affidavit, settled by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, referred to six reports forwarded by Governor J P Rajkhowa to the President and to the ministry, corroborating the reasons for proclamation of Emergency and maintaining that there was a “serious political instability” in the state and a “volatile

The MHA took strong exception to various statements issued against the Governor by the former chief minister and other leaders, and emphasised that the Governor, who is the nominee of the President of India, is being publicly insulted and humiliated while the state administration is a “silent spectator”.

situation”.

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Arunachal Pradesh does not command a majority in the legislative assembly,” said the affidavit.

Supreme Court of India

5.00

Q3 profit of TVS Motors up by 20%

‘Threat from China, hostile situation’, Centre justifies for PR in Arunachal Pradesh The Centre claimed a complete breakdown of law and order machinery in Arunachal Pradesh to justify imposition of the President’s Rule in the state and told the Supreme Court that the Congress government had been in minority there for the past several months. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) submitted its affidavit pointed out that the state has been witnessing to recurrent insurgency as well as attempts by China to claim large parts of its territory and hence it is “imperative and in the interest of the country that the state is socially, economically and politically stable”.

Price -

Dibrugarh, Sunday, January 31, 2016


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DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

ASTRO FOR YOU Aries You will be the focus of everyone's attention today - for your visual appeal or for your abilities. Ganesha suggests that you should make the best of the opportunity and recharge yourself. You can accomplish quite a lot with the energy you gain. Taurus This opt a good day for being too firm or demanding. Ganesha advises you to steer clear of conflicts, arguments disputes. If you cannot avoid confrontation be sure you are the one who will have to step back. Loss of face and self esteem may be unavoidable. You need to face the fact that this is not your day. Don't meddle in extraneous issues. Maintain a low profile and stick to your own work. Don't meddle in extraneous issues. Be calm and composed. Act sensibly. Gemini You will lend your innovative and imaginative spark to your initiatives, which will be quite a few, says Ganesha. Love will bring you immense satisfaction. And you will develop a special bond with your spouse or beloved. You, however, are likely to be dragged into a conflict and will be forced to pick a side. Cancer You may face unwanted events and circumstances. As a result you will feel sad. yet you will wriggle out of it with your efficiency. Put in efforts in studies, says Ganesha. remember that in success destiny is one per cent and effort 99 per cent. Leo The oath of friendship that you once took as a bunch of raggedy misfits still holds true, and your best buddies are the ones who will stand by your side through hell or high water. Ganesha sees in you the desire to cherish such friends and prove your appreciation by treating them with graceful munificence. Money is never an issue when it comes to people close to your heart, says Ganesha.

200 supporters of Congress and HSDC joins BJP in Bokajan ET Correspondent Bokajan, Jan 30: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially kick starting the saffron party's poll campaign in Assam ahead the state assembly election, Karbi Anglong BJP has intensified its campaigning strategies around the district with some 200 supporters of Congress and HSDC joining BJP at a party meeting

here on Friday. A mass joining programme and BJP workers meet was organised in the Hidipi sports playground some under 17 - Bokajan LA Constituency. Many prominent BJP functionaries including the state secretary Dr Rajdeep Roy, Arun Terang, President,

BJP West Karbi Anglong, Lonki Phangcho, President, BJP East Karbi Anglong, Ranjit Dey, Secretary, BJP Karbi Anglong among others were present to grace the occassion. BJP Borjan LA Constituency President Mr Rajen Kathar presided over the meeting and welcomed the new entrants to work for the

North East Skill Conclave on Feb 3

showed their reverence for the martyrs while the Army Guard of Honour conducted the ceremony with full military honours.

ET Correspondent Guwahati, Jan 30: Federation of Industry and Commerce of the North Eastern Region (FINER) is organizing North East Skill Conclave on February 3-4 at NEDFi Convention Centre, Guwahati.

The students of Deomornai BEd College and JNV School Kalaigaon also presented a cultural programme on the solemn occasion. Patharighat memorial holds a special place in the history of Assam and is glittering example of communal unity and the spirit of patriotism.

Libra Connect and Express - these are the two things you must aim for at work today. You tend to do both things supremely well, be it in a business dialogue on phone, in writing, or in meetings. Getting across to people is not an issue today. But all this work aside, the lingering feeling of wanting to chill out with your sweetheart may become more substantial towards the evening. Watch a film together, suggests Ganesha. Scorpio Try adding an entirely new dimension to the way you approach relationships today, advises Ganesha. Being tractable will help iron out the creases in relationships with closed ones. But be wary of complete subjugation, warns Ganesha.

Capricorn Memories of the bygone days will flash through your mind, creating a wave of nostalgia and compelling you to get in touch with old pals. On the other hand, there may be a feeling that your loved ones are demanding more than you can give, says Ganesha. But enjoying some light moments with your beloved in the evening will unburden you and charge you up for the next day. Aquarius You may be sorely disappointed today. With no support from family, and the kids driving you up the wall, you need to keep your cool. Family feuds are highly likely, and neighbours may attempt to interfere. For now, all you need is to remain unruffled, says Ganesha. Pisces While you may have a wide circle of acquaintances, it is only a select few who you bless with your munificence. And that is precisely what you will be busy with, as a day filled with socialising and leisure-filled activities beckons, says Ganesha.

Army pays tribute to the peasant martyrs of historical Patharughat. ET Correspondent Mangaldai, Jan 30: The Red Horn Division of Indian Army recalling the significance of “Martyr’s Day” befitting the death anniversary of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi

Phone No.-03732325456 E-mail -dibrugarh@air.org.in Facebook Page-All India Radio Dibrugarh Programme Highlights 31-1-16 (SUNDAY) 5-35 A.M-Bhaktigeeti(Devotional Songs) 6-10 A.M-Swasthya Charcha (Health Programme) 6-15 A.M-Classical Music 6-30 A.M-Sponsored Programme-"Sojai Tooloo Jeewanar Path" 6-50 A.M-Dihanaam 7-15 A.M-Aajir Dinto (Morning Information Service) 7-30 A.M-Geetanjali(Assamese Modern Song) 8-35 A.M-Surar Panchoi(Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-00 A.M- Antara (Composite Programme of Assamese Film Songs) 9-20 A.M-Seuji Chora (Children's Programme)-1.Jyoti Sangeet ,2.Lokageet, 3.An Illustrated Talk on "Su-Swasthyar Babe Chaf Chikunota" by Dr. Intikabur Rahman 11-00 A.M-MANN KI BAAT 12-05 P.M-Surar Satsori 1-10 P.M-Ghar Jeuti (Women's Programme)-Play-"Maadhoi Maloti" 3-45 P.M-Programme in Miju Mishmi 4-05 P.M-Programme in Khamti 4-25 P.M-Programme in Wancho 4-45 P.M-News for Arunachal Pradesh 5-00 P.M-Programme in Idu 5-20 P.M-Programme in Tangsa 5-40 P.M-Programme in Nocte 8-00 P.M-Assamese Version of Mann Ki Baat

Sd-/H.O.P

paid homage to the peasant martyrs of Patharighat on Saturday in a ceremony attend by a large number of civil and military dignitaries. The Chief Guest, Col Pijush

De, Commanding Officer, Army Camp Chapai paid floral tributes to the martyrs who made supreme scarifies while protesting against the oppressive rule of British Raaj. The local populace alongwith the dignitaries

The chief guest in his speech called upon all the citizens to honour the martyrs in true sense by following the path of unity and selfless dedication for the nation shown by them. Bidyut Bikash Bhagawati,Additional Deputy Commissioner of Darrang and other civil dignitaries were also present during the function.

Two programmes Chairman election of launched to boost NCHAC on Feb. 3 Women empowerment ET correspondent Nagaon, Jan.30: With an aim to boost women empowerment and help students belonging to minorities to stand on their own the Union govt. launched here yesterday two programmes, namely Naya Rashmi and Manas.

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

stituency- Mr Klengdun Ingti stating that, "The young MLA is always busy playing his Guitar to the tune of western music whenever his peoples go to brief him their problems. He also diverts everything towards his MP father Mr Biren Sing Ingti and is indifferent towards the peoples of his constituency."

Army pays tribute to the peasant martyrs of historical Patharughat

Virgo Today, you shall balance business and entertainment equally well. The day will be like an endless party, says Ganesha. The emptying of pockets will be proportional to the amount of time you spend doing nothing. But spend prudently, advises Ganesha, and let it not worry you.

Sagittarius Confidence-building measures will need to be taken up. Be the herald, and usher in new vigour and confidence in people around you. Your business is set to sky-rocket and a fair share of profits are in the offing, says Ganesha.

interest of the party. He also said that the move would further strengthen the democratic base of the party in the region ahead the state assembly elections. Replaying the slogan of 'Congress Free Assam', the West Karbi Anglong BJP President Mr Arun Terang launched a scathing attack on the ruling Congress MLA 17 Bokajan LA con-

Launching the programmes, Najma Hephtulla, Union Minister for Minorities Affairs said here the Naya Rashmi programme will help the women belonging to minority’s community to be self reliant and the Manas programme will make the students to realize their dreams in life. Attending a function held under the aegis of Dristi Foundation of Puranigudam at Nagaon District Library Auditorium the Union Minister said the Modi government has taken up a number of programmes for development of Minorities in the country. To help women and students belonging to Mi-

norities and to develop their skills the Union government has floated various schemes in the country. In the last year the target number of such women beneficiaries was seventy thousand whereas this year it has been increased. To benefit students belonging to this section scholarships are being distributed so that they do not face any financial trouble during the pursuance of their study. The Minister further added that now money is being directly transferred to the bank account of the beneficiaries so that they feel safe and assured. Under the Manas programme Kadamoni Senior Madrassa in Nagaon district has been selected and Skill Develoment Centres will be set up here. The meeting was attended among others by VK Bisht, Joint Secy., Minority Affairs, Monalisa Gowami, DC, Nagaon, Taramai Saikia of Dristi Foundation, Nasifa Hussain et al.

ET Correspondent Haflong Jan 30: Election for the new chairman of N C Hills Autonomous Council is fixed on February 3, 2016 disclosed by a council source on Saturday. The council’s emergent session scheduled to be held Friday last but was called off as the then chairman resigned on the eve of the emergent session. It is learnt that though the congress is yet to finalise its candidature for the said

election but the congress source confirmed that the congress would contest the chairman election. All the congress leaders and elected members are holding its parliamentary meeting tonight to finalise the party candidature. The BJP General Secretary Deben Thaosen said right now he was not confirmed whether his party would field their candidature, after holding meeting with other BJP leaders only it could be confirmed.

The main objective of the Conclave is to disseminate appropriate information to the prospective investors and investment partners from the region regarding Government of India’s thrust area. The Conclave will revolve around presentations and interactive panel discussions on the various aspects of the importance of ‘Skill Development & Entrepreneurship initiative challenges and way forward, followed by a one-to-one interaction between Ministry officials, Industry captains and Participants from various States/Countries. The expected participants profile for the Conclave would be Policy Makers, Various Departments of NE states, Ministries of Government of India, Development Organizations and Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship Development Organizations, Trade and Industry Association, NGOs, Community Organizations, Skill Training Institutes, University and Colleges, Bankers, Financial Organizations, Investors, Industry Captains and Diversified Business Persons

BPF election rally at Kokrajhar ET Correspondent Kokrajhar, Jan 30: BPF party has started it's campaign for assembly election in BTAD region holding election rally in various constituencies in the region. A grand mass gathering for party candidate Rabiram Narzary for Kokrajhar west constituency was held at Bamwnkhura ground on Friday in Kokrajhar district. Rabiram Narzary, party candidate for the constituency addressing the gathering said that he is the party candidate for the constituency as party acknowledged

him to contest election. He said that BPF party was working to the all round development of the region. He has promised for equal distribution of right and functions among all sections of community if he voted in election. BPF president Hagrama Mohilary, who is also BTC chief whole addressing the well attended gathering said that BTC administration has been stressing to meet social uplift and integration among all sections of communities in the region. He said that his party has no any alliance party inside BTAD,

but in outside of the council BPF will support BJP. He said that campaigns for the election has gets underway in all contesting seats which have already held over ten public gathering meetings. He has claimed that his party is winning 16 seats where party has been contesting in the election. Mohilary also told that BPF will form the next government at Dispur in alliance with BJP. Mohilary come down heavily of minister Chandan Sarkar's statement said, 'Chandan Sarkar, he himself a Coal Mafia'. Do not referred me with Sarkar, he added.

Advt.

Name Change I Srimati PARVATHI DEVI W/O Bhupathi Yendukondalu vide Declaration SI.No 2304/16 Dated 25.1.2016 of Notary Public at Margherita have Changed my name as "BHUPATHI PARVATHI DEVI".I Shall be known as "BHUPATHI PARVATHI DEVI" in all social and official matters Forthwith instead of "PARVATHI DEVI".

VDP doing yeomen’s service in improving law and order in state A Staff reporter Guwahati, Jan 30 : Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that improved law and order situation in the State can be attributed to the increasing role of Village Defence Party which is doing yeoman’s service in strengthening law and order even in the remote part of the State. Addressing an open session of the 67th foundation day of the Village Defence Party at Patacharkuchi in

Barpeta District on Friday Gogoi said, “It is because of the unflinching role of the VDP, an improved law and order situation is prevailing in the State”. He also said, “Our role is to bring about all round development in the villages of Assam by realising Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj and VDP is extending its role immensely towards rural development”. Gogoi however, said that VDPs need to be strengthened in view

of its challenging role. He also informed that in recognition to the unwavering role of the VDP, Government will give away CM’s medallion along with cash assistance to the best VDP to instil a sense of motivation and encouragement among them. Gogoi also said that the Government would provide night vision appliances, bikes, cycles etc to them to help them do their jobs efficiently.

He also called upon the VDPs to take up the challenge and foil the evil design of divisive forces which are creating rifts in the name of religions, caste, creeds etc in the Nation.Chief Minister Gogoi also gave away awards and mementos to the VDPs in recognition to their selfless service.Irrigation Minister Chandan Sarkar, Director General of Assam Police Mukesh Sahay also spoke on the occasion.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi giving away awards and citations to the Village Defence Party on the occasion of the commemoration of its 67th Foundation Day at Patacharkuchi, Barpeta. Pic - UB Photos


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DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

Mobile publicity van will visit many District Level Convergence Meeting areas for awareness to keep AP clean on National Deworming Day held

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jan 30: Keeping in view, the building up programme for clean Arunachal Campaign " My city, my Pride, I will clean it ", Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi this morning flagged off the mobile publicity Van here at Bank Tinali Itanagar. The mobile publicity van will be visiting upto Banderdewa to create public awareness and gain support of the masses to be part in the Clean Arunachal Drive to be observed from February 1st to 13th next.

Aalo, Jan 30: A District level Convergence meeting on National Deworming Day was held at DC's Conference hall under the Chairmanship of Sri Liyi Bagra, EAC Cum Town Magistrate Aalo on 29th January last., District Medical Officer Aalo, District Family Welfare Officer, Aalo, Deputy Director ICDS, West Siang, BEO Aalo-East on behalf of DDSE West Siang, Medical Superintendent GH Aalo, MO I/C's of all the Health institutions of West Siang District, MO SHP and Officers and Officials of NHM and DMO's office Aalo.

The Chief Secretary on the occasion said, this 13 days campaign aims at keeping Arunachal Pradesh clean for healthy environment where each and every citizen of the state is a stakeholder and urged all to cooperate each other to make the campaign grand success. The aim is to make Arunachal Pradesh one of the cleanness states and set an example for the rest of the nation, therefore the Chief Secretary asked each and every one- common people, NGOs, shopkeepers etc to participate and do their bits in the campaign. CEO Talo Potom while briefing about the importance of Clean Arunachal Campaign has urged all to support the noble effort of the State Government in making the state clean and

Shri Bagra stressed that

beautiful. He told that the reason behind in organizing the follow up programme and flagging off the publicity van on Clean Arunachal Campaign is to garner support and create awareness in and around capital complex on the importance of organizing the Clean Arunachal Fortnight. President IMWA Yamlam Achung also spoke on the

occasion. Dani Salu, Secretary sports and youth affairs, Talo Potom, Chief Estate Officer, CM Longphong Director IPR, Marina Siram Circle Officer Itanagar Capital Complex, Yamlam Achung President Itanagar Market Welfare Association and Patey Tayum chairman ACS were present during in the flagged off ceremony.

A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jan 30: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee observed 68th Martyrdom Day of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on 30th January 2016 at Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, Itanagar in a befitting manner by floral tributes was paid to the portrait of Lte Bapuji and a two minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect followed by prayer meeting. All the office Bearers of APCC and Frontal Organisation wrwe attended the function

Naharlagan, Jan 30: Two very senior employees of DHS office, Dr. Hage Tam, Joint Director (Leprosy) and Smt. Meena Shyam Chowlik were given a warm send-off today on their superannuation at the Conference hall of DHS Office, Naharlagan by the staff of the directorate.

In the meeting, Dr. Tam recounted an experience of his while he was working as a

The programs began with the presentation of handmade traditional shawl to Guest. Bengia Tolum who inaugurated the food stall & sports in traditional style by beating the "Paal Dengam" Bronze plate. Mega dance was preformed by Boori nyijir and Boot yapa. There were also dance performaces by Subansiri

proper Planning, coordination and training is necessary for effective implementation of the Programme and he assured to write to

all the Stakeholders like Dy. Director ICDS, DDSE, PHED etc so that they could instruct their Officers and Officials at the block, circle,

Warm fare well given. MO in a distant outpost where a patient with deep cuts was brought to him. "Due to non availability of stitching material I had to stitch his wounds with a nylon line used for fishing," he says, and then adds with a chuckle, "Of course, I boiled it before using." This is just one of the numerous examples of how our doctors cope ingeniously while working in far flung areas in the midst of extremely difficult situations. He echoes the same sentiment shared by his bygone contemporary doctors. "You must ask yourself every day, have I earned my salary for the day by providing my service to the public? " He further says, "Be sin-

cere and treat everybody as equal. Don't have false ego." Smt. Chowlik better known as Shyam Baideo in the directorate joined service as a LDC in the Health education bureau of DHS office on 5th Sep'1984. Thereafter she was promoted as UDC and was transferred to the GA branch. Her final promotion was as Assistant on 1st Jan'2003. She was later posted back to the Establishment section from where she is retiring on 31.01.16. Speaking on the occasion, Dr.Emi Rumi, i/c DHS cum Jt. Director (P&D) described Dr. Tam as a most honest, sincere and dedi-

A picture of the festival started with the ribbon cutting by Chief Guest Bengia Tolum president NES

team & women from Dolomukh village. The Boori Boot festival is exclusively performed by the Nyishi. The festival usually falls in the month of February. Boori Boot means to get together irrespective of age, sex, caste to hail the spring and a successful harvest. The festival also invokes

the spirit of Boori Boot to bless them with prosperity and to free them from diseases. The younger members do all the work under the elder’s guidance. The Nibu (priest) performs Puja as well as conduct sacrifices. 'Etting' is profusely applied on one and all. Bengia Tulom in his

Contd. from Page 1

Floral tributes paid to the portrait of Lte Bapuji

and village level for active participation in the NDD. DMO Aalo advised the the Participants to include the PRI members for effective

cated worker with tons of working experience. He also described Shyam Baideo as a soft spoken, sincere and silent worker. Dr. Moromor Lego, Additional DHS cum i/c DFW exhorted all to emulate their qualities. Other senior doctors and staff of the directorate also spoke on the occasion. The other highlight of the program was melodious songs presented by Tad Akin, Gongam Kaye and other staff of P&D section. Dr.P.Ringu, NO (Road safety) and Dr.N.Peter, HRS read out the bio-data of the retiring employees while Dr.T.Kampu, DDHS (P&D) gave the vote of thanks. (DIPRO)

speech, greeted all the special invitees and appreciated the team spirit of BBYC led by Chairman Remar Gab. He also said, “I was in class five when for the first time Boori-Boot was celebrated in the year 1967. I feel blessed that I am still alive to witness the pre-golden jubilee celebration of BOORIBOOT YULLO and hope to see 50th year celebration too.” He also added, “In my entire life I have seen my Nyishi society going through many ups and downs. But still have preserved all the rituals, cultural and traditions which today’s young generation should understand well and follow the path of folks.” (DIPRO)

Child labour is one of the most pressing social problems which the international community has been facing. According to the international labour organisation(ILO) estimates in 2000 some 211 million children between 5 to 14 years of age work in developing countries, with about half working full time..The goals of the united nations in terms of child labour are to protect working children from exlpoitation and hazardous conditions that endanger their

physical and mental development, to ensure childrens access to at least minimum level of education, nutrition, and health care, and to achieve the progressive elimination of child labour. Over the years ILO had adopted 12 major conventions which either prohibits the employment of children or set basic conditions above certain age. Article 24 provides that no child below the age of 14 years shall be employed in any factory or engaged in other hazardous employment. Article 25 provides that state shall endeavour to provide free and

compulsory education for all children until they attain the age of 14.An effort to reach out to the children engage in forceful labour without their consent is nothing but an exploitation in itself. Such children facing the trauma needs to be rescued at any cost opined Officer Incharge of the Diyun Police Station SI Ajay Kumar. The basic instinct to employ such children must be erased from the minds of all peoples across the globe. It was an effort to rescue and restore back to their parents the missing child or engage forcefully in any units.

Forest Grant under Thirteen Finance Commission Rs. 97 crore release for the state solely for the purpose of re-plantation of forest : Kumar Waii A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jan 30 : Rebel group MLA Kumar Waii while welcoming the President Rule in the state plea Central government to release special package for the welfare of the state so that to bail Arunachal Pradesh from financial crisis and deficit budget.

49th Boori-Boot Yullo-2016 Nirjuli, Jan 30: The opening of the festival started with the ribbon cutting by Chief Guest Bengia Tolum president NES. The Guest of honour was Mrs. Neelam Khoda Mariam pre. Nyishi Nyem Acham (NNA). Special invitees include Byabang Joram pre (ANSU), Tukbom Ligu Asst.G.s (ANSU), Gichir thaja g.s (IF&CS).

District Level Convergence Meeting on National Deworming Day held

Dr. Gemi Angu, Paediatrician GH Aalo gave Power point presentation on Albendazole Deworming tablet and its advantages and disadvantages a. Miss Jumpi Doyom, DCM ARC extended her thanks to o9ne and all for making the programme asuccess. (DIPRO)

Congress Committee observed Diyun Police administration 68th Martyrdom Day conducts “Operation Smile”

Warm fare well given

Dr. Tam began his career as a Medical officer at District hospital, Ziro on 19TH MARCH 1983.Thereafter; he served as MO at Boa Simla PHC and then as District TB Officer at District TB centres Margherita and Ziro. He was then promoted as DMO and served in that capacity in Tawang, Bomdila and Ziro. After that he was posted as Additional Project Director (APSACS) and later as Dy. Director Health service (S&T), Naharlagan. He was finally promoted as Jt. Director Health Service (Leprosy), DHS office which he joined on 29th Aug'14. He superannuated on 31ST DECEMBER 2015.

implementation of NDD and that any program me of this kind often face challenges and we have toadaptourselvesto face such challenges Dr. Linya Lollen Medical Superintendant, Dr. Kengo Ori, DeputyDirector (ICDS) and BEO Aalo East representing took part in the deliberation.

Talking to media person exclusively Waii said, ‘today state has gone that much deep in financial crisis and budget deficit that it is almost impossible to revive though president rule is imposed in the state but if central government releases at least Rs. 30 or 40 crore spe-

cial package, state’s financial crisis may overcome up to some extent. Further he inform that in Forest Grant under Thirteen Finance Commission (TFC) Rs. 97 crore has been release for the state solely for the purpose of re-plantation of forest but instead the amount was distributed among the PDW and MLAs. While blaming AICC communication in charge Narayan Swami for taking one side role for Nabam Tuki led Congress and misguiding the AICC high command because of which despite of many intimidation

MLA Kumar Waii they could not meet Party President Sonia Gandhi at Delhi, Kumar also declared that “If signature campaign is carried out among 26 MLAs they are not in favour

of Nabam Tuki were cohesively experience and mature Minister were dropped out and immature and one tenure MLA were inducted in the. He also added, “Today I am telling the truth that those four senior advocates who is fighting for Nabam Tuki’s case at Supreme Court takes a fee of Rs. 50 lac for per hearing which is completely public’s money but still Nabam Tuki is misusing funds. Therefore I do hope decision of constitutional 5 benches will come out within 10 days and accordingly being a democratic country government will be formed by the majority party”.

The mess in Arunachal Pradesh that no one is talking about Contd. from Page 1 This is a moment of exquisite irony. Just a few years ago, the Arunachal government had taken back the Kamala project from NHPC and handed it over to Jindal Power. This is how the events unfolded. Power and politics In May 2000, Kamala and five other projects – with a combined capacity of 20,700 MW – were allotted to NHPC. Between 2003 and 2006, as a report by India’s Comptroller and Auditor General points out, NHPC prepared detailed project reports for each of these. It even sent reminders to the state government, asking it to sign their memorandum of understanding, so that NHPC could start work on the six dams. It didn’t get any response. Instead, in September 2005, the state took away three projects from NHPC and gave them to Reliance Energy, Jaiprakash Associates and DS Constructions. This set rolling Arunachal’s pell-mell rush to sign hydel power memorandums of understanding with myriad companies that wanted to own dams. The chief minister at the time was the Congress’s Gegong Apang. He was overthrown in 2007, by his power minister Dorjee Khand, following a noconfidence vote. According to politicians and bureaucrats in the state, who

spoke to this reporter in 2012 on the state’s (by then) nonstarter hydel boom, Khandu was allegedly backed by hydel power companies. They claimed that Apang was wary of allowing too many dams in Arunachal Pradesh. He was worried, a local reporter maintained, about the damage to the local ecology and unsure if the state needed to produce so much electricity. Apang was “happy with the three NHPC and the three other dams coming up on an experimental basis,” claimed a senior government official. And so, he alleged, “Other companies which wanted to enter Arunachal convinced Khandu who then bought out other MPs and deposed Apang.” Under Khandu, Arunachal’s hydel power MoU-signing spree accelerated. In 2003, when the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre announced a plan to add 50,000 MW in hydel capacity, it pegged Arunachal Pradesh’s contribution at 27,000 MW. However, between February 2006 and March 2009, the state signed 101 MoUs, adding up to 39,000 MW. By March 13 of 2009, that number had risen to 153 MoUs, totalling 43,118 MW. CAG's criticism In the MoU-signing extravaganza, NHPC lost two more projects. In August 2009, Kamala went to a joint venture between a state government company and Jindal Power.

Seven months later, it lost the fifth of its six projects – Upper Subansiri – to KSK Energy. Commenting on the state’s decision to withdraw these projects from NHPC, the CAG was less than flattering. The decision resulted, it said, “in the five projects out of a total six conceived in January 1999 not taking off so far even after a lapse of 12 years even though a large size hydro project as per CEA [Central Electricity Authority] norms takes about 10 years from conceptualisation of a project to its commissioning”. That was in 2012. But the CAG’s words ring true even in 2016. Ten years after that curious stampede to sign MoUs in the state, work has started on very few projects. Multiple factors are to blame for this. A bunch of companies signed MoUs, not to build dams, but to make money by selling the MoUs. In an especially inspired con, a multilevel marketing company collected crores from unwitting investors by claiming it had signed an MoU with the Arunachal government for a “nanotechnology-based” hydel power plant of 100 MW which would be scaled up to 10,000 MW. The agreement was, in fact, for a small 14 MW plant.

tests and extortion rackets, especially by local student unions. The state government too was a factor. While it wanted 26% equity in each project, it did not have the cash needed to pay for those shares. At the same time, several of these companies now have very stressed balance sheets. There is lots of debt. There might even be shareholders asking why work on these hydel projects has not started. Selling less attractive assets, therefore, must be attractive for these companies. The fallout of all this? They are making a beeline to NHPC, though the public sector company doesn’t seem to be too keen either. As the Business Standard report says, NHPC has declined to take over any project but “could contemplate taking over operations on chargeable basis, that too in some cases”. The reason for its reluctance goes beyond understandable schadenfreude. Its solitary project in Arunachal – Lower Subansiri – is stuck in a quagmire as well. People in downriver Assam – worried about the dam’s impact on their livelihoods and fearful of catastrophic floods if the dam breaks during, say, an earthquake – are not letting work proceed.

Roadblocks in the path More serious companies found themselves hamstrung by absence of roads and power lines. Not to mention local pro-

Which leaves the companies contemplating the original question. How do they get rid of the white elephants they acquired with such gusto?


PAGE 4

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

Tarun Gogoi publicly malign SC refuses CM Tarun Gogoi’s the distinguished personalities: multi-crore welfare schemes senior journalist A Staff reporter Guwahati, Jan 30: Ridiculing Assam chief minister’s comment over Padma award recipients of the State including senior journalist Dhirendra Nath Bezboruah, the Journalists Forum Assam (JFA) expressed shock that a veteran politician like Tarun Gogoi can publicly malign the distinguished personalities, who were declared as winner of Padma Shri by the Union government on the occasion of 67th Republic Day. CM Gogoi on 28 January 2016, while addressing a press conference at Dispur expressed his displeasure that the Centre had not recognized anyone for Padma awards from the list of Assam government. He also asserted that the

Red Cross centre inaugurated ET Correspondent Diphu Jan 30: Deputy Commissioner of Karbi Anglong inaugurated the temporary office of the Indian Red Cross Society located at Rongchingdon locality of Diphu town yesterday. He later laid the foundation stone of the permanent structure of the society office and storehouse at the same venue. The initial estimated cost of rupees seventeen lakhs have been drawn from local MLA’s fund for developing the Red Cross center.

Centre had thus (ignoring the State government’s list of 28 personalities) shown disrespect to the federal structure of the country.The chief minister even questioned, ‘On whose recommendations were the Padma awards given? Was it Bharatiya Janata Party leaders who recommended the four names chosen for this year’s awards?’. “Maligning a senior most author-journalist like DN Bezboruah, who once led Editor’s Guild of India, the chief minister has shown his utter disrespect to the media fraternity,” said a statement issued by JFA president Rupam Barua and Secretary Nava Thakuria adding that Gogoi’s outburst does not

suit his present political position and stature. The forum also endorsed the reaction of veteran columnist Bezboruah that Gogoi had lately developed a ‘habit of shooting off his mouth’ and the forum too feels remorseful that ‘we live in a State where the chief minister talks so irresponsibly’. The JFA finally questioned the commitment of the State government while recommending the name of reputed personalities for various Padma awards in the last 15 years during Gogoi’s chief ministership and commented that personality like Bezboruah should have been offered the honour decades back.

State Level Workshop Held in Golaghat

public funds under various schemes.” “Show that scheme to the HC and get its approval. Till that is done, you should not disburse any amount under any welfare scheme. This is an election year. That is why you are proceeding to disburse funds in such a manner,” the bench, also comprising Justices A.K. Sikri and R. Banumathi, said. The apex court, which was hearing a PIL filed by NGO ’Assam Public Works’, is-

sued notice to the Assam government and its departments dealing with Panchayat and Rural Development and Agriculture and asked them to file their response in six weeks.

“Elections are due in the state and what is happening? Hundreds of crores of rupees are being disbursed through welfare schemes without there being some basic norms to identify the needy. How do you choose who needs the most from among the lakhs of poor in

Assam,” the apex court asked.It took strong exception to disbursing of money to people under financial assistance schemes for homeless, widows, farmers, old-age pension, artisans, women’s self-help groups, petty traders and flood affected people.

The petition contended that the government had not even attempted to make the eight schemes known to the needy through wide publicity and there was no trans-

parency in selection of beneficiaries.Pulling up the government, the bench said, “You think the poorest of the poor would come to HC or the SC to complain? You have to devise some method to identify the poorest among the poor.” “When minister in charge of a district and the MLA along with persons nominated by them are members of the committee, there is a general assumption about which kind of persons will get the benefit,” it said

Advisor FPD calls on the Governor Gogoi questions UMA A Staff Reporter Itanagar, Jan 30: The Advisor to Governor, Shri G.S. Patnaik, IAS (Retd) called on the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Shri JP Rajkhowa at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar on 30th January 2016. In the meeting, they discussed on finance, education, skill development and various issues which need urgent.

eracy rate and girl education in the State. He asked him to give emphasis on higher education, particularly science and technology. The Governor also stressed on arresting dropout rate in schools and colleges. He suggested for providing skill development trainings in the District Industry Centres to the dropouts thereby.

The Governor asked the Advisor to immediately review and streamline the financial management, so the financial constraint does not create hurdles to the developmental process. He also asked him to look into the financial mismanagement as alleged by the Non-Governmental Organisations. The Governor said that fund distribution from various sources and programmes should be fair, free and equity. The Governor advised Shri Patnaik, who is the in-charge for Education, to give thrust in improving the State lit-

The Governor also asked the Advisor to pursue the proposals he had taken up with the Union Minister for MSME. The Governor asked Shri Patnaik, who was former Deputy Commissioner of Tirap in 1985 to 1987 to review the implementation of North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP)which is launched in three districts of Tirap, Changlang and Longding. Shri Patnaik, who also served as Joint Secretary (Border Area Affairs) in GoI, was

also asked by the Governor to ensure basic amenities such as education, health reaches to the people residing in the border areas. In his first meeting, Shri Patnaik shared his experiences during his earlier tenures in the State in early eighties and late nineties. As allocated earlier, Shri Patnaik will look after Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Cooperation, Education, Environment 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.

minister’s statement Contd. from Page 1

why the Centre has withdrawn the Special Category Status to Assam and other Northeastern States which would have given more funds to the States to pursue their development agenda. Chief Minister Gogoi also termed Dr. Najma Heptulla’s statement on minority development as shedding crocodile tears because intolerance is on the rise

once the new dispensation at Centre took over the reign of power. There has been beef politics all over the country. Gogoi also stated, “Our Government is for the welfare of all sections of the people including minorities and we will stick to our commitment to the development of all and we oppose tooth and nail some of the discriminatory actions of the Centre which are giving rise to intolerance in the Country”.

Tribute Paid to Keshav Saikia

CM inaugurates administrative building

42nd KYF in February ET Correspondent Diphu Jan 30: The 42nd Karbi Youth Festival will begin at its permanent venue ‘ Taralangsu’ around 7 kilometres from Diphu town in the month of February. Reception committee General Secretary Chandrasing Kro has informed that preparation for hosting the biggest ethnic show of northeast India has already began with cleanness drive.

A Staff reporter Guwahati, Jan 30: The Supreme Court has refused to give its nod to Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s multi-crore welfare schemes for the poor, saying it first needs to lay down norms to identify beneficiaries of the cash disbursed from public funds.A bench headed by Chief Justice T.S. Thakur said, “We will not allow this to go on. You have to lay down norms to identify who is the needy among the poor to be given cash disbursement from

State Level Workshop Held in Golaghat

ET Correspondent Golaghat, Jan 30: Entrepreneur and Guidance Cell of Golaghat Commerce College organized a two days State Level Workshop on Career Planning and Employability Skills in the College Premises. The Program was inau-

gurated by Lightening of Lamp by Bandana Rekha Dutta . Welcome address was given by Prasanna Borthakur . Keynote Adress was given by Dr Rajib Lochan Borah and Technical Session was conducted by Ranjan Kr Baruah . The program was Coordinated by Bhaskar kakati .

A Staff Reporter Guwahati, Jan 30: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday inaugurated an administrative and academic building of Mahendra Narayan Chowdhury Girls’ College at a simple function held at Nalbari. Interacting with the students Gogoi called upon the students’ fraternity to take up the greater role in leading the society to the path of

prosperity. He also said that education is a tool by which students can make a difference in the qualitative march of the society. Gogoi also stated, “Education has always been a priority area for our Government and we are emphasising adequately on vocational and professional education to address the problem of unemployment in the State”. Gogoi, however said that though

Nalbari has always been on the frontline in every field, industrialisation is the area where the Government will infuse its resources to expedite the process of setting up micro, small and medium enterprises. Gogoi also announced a grant of Rs. 25 lakh for the development of the college which has been working relentlessly since 1971 in creating a large pool of human resources.

Napam area farmers under Sonitpur KVK generate income by cultivatingrobi crops ET Correspondent Tezpur, Jan 30 : Despite inadequate facility to boost Agriculture in the state, farmers in Napam area have been able to set an example of for the last few years by cultivating mustard in hectares of land in the area. The Napam area has already been able to acquire the reputation for the highest production of various crops, particularly in the field of rabi crops. The rural educated youths and the diligent farmers of the greater area in a cluster have been cultivating various rabi crops in hundred bighas of land choosing the line only way of economic security and livelihood of many families.

bighas of land in NapamRupkuria area.

More important thing to mention here is that though the Sonitpur District Agricultural Department is seen allegedly reluctant to the condition of the farmers of the district despite having many potentialities like naturally fertile and lush field for boosting up the farmers, the hard working farmers of greater Napam and Holeswar area under the supervision of Sonitpur KVK, headquartered at Napam near here have been able to foster their livelihood becoming an example for the section sitting idle by cultivating Mustard, Potato, Ginger and Cabbage in 112

A total of 112 bighas land were sowed during the month of November by the dedicated and hard working farmers namely Trailukya Das (Holeswar), Md. Ahmed Ali (Punioni), Md. Hya Mia, (Rup Kuria) Ismail Ali, (Punioni) Biren Das and Dilip Keot (Teleria). They have been cultivating various rabi crops mostly mustard, in 112 bighas of agricultural land besides, Ginger, Cabbage, Potato etc. belonging to the Holeswar-Punioni Samobia Samittee. During a recent visit in the farming area by this correspondent, it could be understood that

Napam area farmers under Sonitpur KVK generate income by cultivatingrobi crops through the cultivation of rabi crops, economic changes have been brought about to the farmer families of the area and extensive production system results in sufficient supply of vegetables across the state and the region as well. The farmers said that through the cultivation of rabi crops including mustard, the progress of the economic status of the people of the area has risen into a satisfactory level since the last few years. “For the occasion under the influence of the KVK, Sonitpur we the farmers in a group comprising six members determined to go for the cultivation in the un-utilized lands of the Holeswar-Punioni

Samobai Samittee as the large area covering about 134 bighas land has been conducive for rabi crops like mustard, cabbage, potato garlic etc.” Said one of the members of the group adding the primary objective of their endevour is to provide gainful employment for themselves during the lean agricultural season while the secondary objective is the creation of economic infrastructure and community assets for sustained employment and development in their backward region. Meanwhile, Dr. PC Deka, Coordinator, KVK, Sonitpur, who has been vibrantly dealing in sincerely stimulating the farmers of

the greater area with an energetic scientist’s team, told that KVK, Sonitpur has been extending every possible facilities including, seeds, fertilizer, and imparting time to time training to these farmers following which the farmers have been able to put up a good show for the last many years. It is to be further stated here that for the last many years mustard has been cultivated in the area alongwith other income-oriented crops with a view to meet the financial needs of the farmer families. However, expressing their grievances over the alleged negligence of the Sonitpur district agricultural department and government of Assam

farmers of the area disclosed that although hundreds of educated farmers of the greater area have been engaged in various farming works like, sugarcane cultivation, banana cultivation, mustard and other rabi crop cultivations as one of the better options for their livelihood instead of running after government jobs, no adequate measures have been taken in this regard by the government to encourage the farmers. Expressing concern over alleged lackacidical attitude towards the farmers’ problem, the farmers said that apart from initiative by the KVK Sonitpur in motivating the farmers by various means, the agricultural department of the state which has major responsibility for targeting the farmers’ development is not seen to be sincere in this regard. “We have been facing tough situation following the high cost production, lack of cold storage, water supply facility, fertilizers, financial Assistance etc. But the department concerned, financing agencies like nationalized banks do not come forward to inspire us.” The farmers rued and opined that if the people of the agrobased state like Assam are not targeted by the government economic development of the state can never be reflected in the real sense.

Tribute Paid to Keshav Saikia ET Correspondent Golaghat , 30 Jan : A public tribute program was held today in Golaghat to pay tribute to veteran journalist and educationist Keshav Saikia who passed away on January 4,2016. The program was organized by Golaghat Press Club in association with several other organizations of the district Distinguished persons of Golaghat along with the Chief Advisor of All Assam

Students Union Dr Samujjwal Bhattacharya and the Resident Editor of Dainik Janambhumi Arun Kumar Das were present in the day long program . A book titled ' Xori Poril Puhoror Phool' edited by Professor Devojit Phukan and Journalist Diganta Bhuyan written in the fond memory of Keshav Saikia was unveiled by Dr Samujjwal Bhattacharya in the program .

Oil and gas conservation 2016 concludes at Digboi ET Correspondent Digboi, Jan 30: In tune with the rest of the country's secondary sector both public and private, the 15 day fortnightly agenda of the Oil and Gas Conservation 2016 which had commenced earlier this month on 16th January 2016 under the aegis of Eastern Producing Areas (EPA) Digboi of Oil India Limited concluded here in a befitting manner this morning with a program organized at Luit Silpi Samaj Digboi. The concluding ceremony of the OGCF 2016 was attended by host of dignitaries from various walks of life including Protul Boruah the Head EPA Digboi , Deba Shyam the Chief Engineer Greater Hapjan unit of Oil India and DK Goswami the chief Engineer of EPA .

Addressing the gathering Mr. Boruah the Head EPA Digboi reiterated that Oil and Natural gas which has a great contribution in the economy of the nation needs urgent conservation by adopting scientific means, exploring the alternatives to Oil and Gas and finally using the resource judiciously so that the coming generation may avail its optimum benefits. Earlier, during a felicitation programme, the EPA Oil India accorded felicitation to various personalities including Guru Bandu Chakraborty an active social activist cum literary figure of Digboi, Binanda Konwar the President Digboi Club and Laxman Sharma the journalist and the Secretary Digbloi Nagorik Committee.


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REGION

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

KHADC observes Irom Sharmila unlikely to appear before Delhi court black flag day against Govt

A volunteer pins a black flag on KHADC CEM Shillong, Jan 30: With the Black Flag pinned on their clothing, members of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and other stakeholders observed Black Flag Day on Friday in protest against the State Cabinet's decision to amend the Meghalaya Services (Conduct) Rules."The People's Democratic Forum (PDF) has declared this day as Black Flag Day to show their resentment to the government as it will affect the traditional institutions," KHADC CEM P.N. Syiem said. Stating that the decision to amend the rules was taken in haste and is against the people's sentiments, he said that the work flows

efficiently at any organizations due to the presence of government employees who are able to help and provide necessary advice to the people.Aggrieved over the recent High Court ruling where it has directed the State government to frame laws for the empowerment of traditional heads, Syiem said, "It is the subject matter of the District Council as envisage in the Sixth Schedule in the Indian Constitution."However, at the protest only the CEM and Deputy CEM were present while others skipped the protest. When asked why others had skipped the event, Syiem said, "We wanted it to be like any other normal day." (Agencies)

Meghalaya govt staff demands pay hike S h i l l i n g , J a n 30:Meghalaya government employees yesterday demanded a pay hike at par with the 7th Central Pay Commission's recommendations."We want the state government to implement the pay revision at par with the central government and the pay hike with effect from January 1, 2016," Meghalaya State Government Employees Federation (MSGEF) president Maxmilian Lyngdoh told journalists after a council meeting.The federation, which is a conglomerate of 36 state government associations, said a subcommittee would soon be set up to study the report of the 7th Central Pay Commission and other relevant reports of other states and then submit its suggestions

to the Meghalaya government. "We leave it to the wisdom of the government to decide and how to implement our demand, but what we want is, the revision of pay should be par with the central government," he said.Strongly opposed the extension of service of retired government employees, including officials, Lyngdoh said the extension of service to retired government employees as well as reemployment of retired government officials has affected the promotional avenues for the existing employees. "In some cases, the reemployed people were made even to occupy higher position whereas in-service people, continue to serve in the lower post," he said. (Agencies)

Imphal, Jan 30: Irom Sharmila, who is being charged with attempt to suicide, is likely to miss appearance in Delhi's Patiala House court on February 3 and 4 as Manipur authorities have failed to sanction travelling expenses for her and her team. The home department of the Manipur government has failed to sanction Rs.1.40 lakh as the travelling expense for Sharmila and her team. In the past she missed some court appearances on the same ground.As per jail manual, she has to be accompanied by police, jail

and medical staff while travelling to Delhi. She is undergoing trial under Section 309 of the IPC (attempt to commit suicide). She is on fast unto death since November 4, 2000, demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. It was imposed in Manipur on September 8, 1980 as the foreign trained insurgents got upperhand. One amicus curiae is representing her. This act allows her detention for one year at one go and at the end of each year she is ritually released. But she

Besides, newspapers and other reading materials should be provided for those who could read, said Pankaj and added that he liked those drivers who read newspapers. Delivering short speech on behalf of the drivers, Nagaland Secretariat Drivers' Union, president, Jacob expressed gratitude to the government for providing the facilities.A brief technical report on construction of the Rest Room with Toilet facility at North and South block was presented by EE PWD (H) NCCD, Er. Aroba. He stated that the cost of the project, including rain water harvesting with treatment plant constructed at the cost of Rs. 1crore (gross) and funds yet to be released. Earlier, the was programme chaired by Home Commissioner, Neihu C. Thur IAS while vote of thanks was delivered by Secretary Home (SAB), A. Wopen Lotha. (Agencies)

Irom Sharmila is always rearrested as she continues her fast outside the jail.After being released by the court of chief judicial magistrate, Imphal west, she rushed to

Delhi on October 6, 2006 for carrying on the fast at Jantar Mantar. All along she has been denying the charge of attempt to commit suicide.She said, "I

Imphal, Jan 30:Manipur is bracing for a protracted economic blockade during which people may be deprived of consumer and other items.Two tribal students' organisations the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) and the All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM) -- in a joint statement issued on Friday night announced a blockade would be imposed from February 1 midnight. The blockade will cover National Highway 2 from Dimapur in Nagaland to border town Moreh, National Highway 37 from

Jiribam bordering Assam to Imphal and National Highway 150 Jessami (Manipur) to Mizoram. Trucks and other vehicles carrying goods will not be allowed to ply, Seiboi Haokip of the KSO and A.C. Thotsho of the ANSAM said as they sought regularisation of contractual teachers. "The contractual teachers should be regularised for ensuring quality education in the hill districts." These teachers were engaged from 2006. During a screening, 772 teachers were found eli-

gible for regularisation. However, the government has not done anything to regularise their services so far. The statement said the decision to impose the blockade was taken in view of the negligence of the government. Several vehicles were damaged on the Jiriam-Imphal highway during the 72hour blockade from January 26 midnight. The blockade was called by four students' organisations demanding upgradation of the Jiribam college to a fullfledged government college. No goods, including consumer items, can

Manipur is bracing for a protracted economic blockade during which people may be deprived of consumer and other items

be brought through this highway. Some vehicles which had plied were damaged by the student activists. State Home Minister Gaikhangam

has instructed police to arrange armed escorts for the trucks on the highway to ensure uninterrupted supply of consumer items. (Agencies)

Mukul sings a different tune for GH Nokmas Shillong, Jan 30: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is allegedly silent on empowering the traditional heads in Khasi-Jaintia Hills region, due to political reasons, but he has asked the Nokmas in Garo Hills to design appropriate laws, which will be in the best interest of the people and manage the natural resources, which belongs to the people, particularly to the custodian of the A'king or the Nokma. This, however, contradicts the recent ruling of the High Court of Meghalaya which directed the State government to frame rules for traditional institutions. Sangma, while addressing 400 odd Nokmas from several parts of Garo Hills assembled at Ampati in South West Garo Hills for

the 14th annual Nokma Council Conference on Friday, said the Nokmas of Garo Hills should reinforce their traditional administration system for the progress and growth of the society. "To ensure that the democratic setup functions effectively, all organs of the society has to be empowered and Nokmas will play a very important role for the empowerment of Garo society," the chief minister said. According to the chief minister, the traditional administrative practice has withstood the test of time. "Over the years, it has been diluted. We have to respect our traditional institution and make the system vibrant and acceptable for the people," he said.Assuring his

Mukul Sangma government's commitment to empower the traditional bodies of the State, Sangma said, "The traditional administrative system has to be an integral part of the day to day governance. The Nokmas should play a pivotal role in matters which concerns the society."He remarked that the Nokmas are not exercising their powers in dealing with administrative justice, as people are

approaching the police and other law enforcing agencies for petty issues and problems, which could have been otherwise dealt at the village court or in a Nokma's court."The Nokmas have to take the responsibility to revive their unique system, which is accepted and enshrined in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution," said the chief minister. Urging the Nokmas to take ownership of their A'king (clan land), Sangma sought for their partnership in furthering the growth and objectives of various welfare programmes, which are aimed to boost the economy of the State. Making the Nokmas realize the importance of the

traditional land system and rich natural resources, he also asked them to avail benefits of schemes like - mission organic and mission green, which revolves around protection, conservation and reclamation of the green cover.He also spoke at length on the slew of initiatives taken up the government for the economic prosperity of the region.The Nokmas Council meet is aimed to foster ties and understanding among the Nokmas of Garo Hills. There are about 1600 Nokmas in Garo Hills, of which about 1300 are part of the grand council, working to empower the Nokmas in partnership with government and other funding agencies. (Agencies)

JAP Won't Last Long - Predicts Bimal Gurung

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung yesterday asserted the political outfit floated Darjeeling, Jan 30: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha Chief Bimal Gurung yesterday asserted the political outfit floated on Wednesday by Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chettri was the brainchild of the chief minister and that it would not last for more than two and a half months. Gurung was speaking here at the Mela ground in Kalimpong at a public meeting, meant to be a show of strength of the Morcha in response to the Jan Andolan Party announced by the Kalimpong MLA yesterday from the same spot.

Addressing thousands of people gathered, the GJM chief said, "I am the type of person that has challenged the Bengal chief minister. Presently the ball (the demand for Gorkhaland) is near the goalpost and now what is left is just to score a goal. Bengal thinks they will lose so they have borrowed players (JAP). What are you (Chhetri) expecting from Banerjee that you are so confident? We expect Gorkhaland from Delhi so we are staying there. I give my blessings to them till two and a half months as they will not last after that. A team should be solid and our

Caption:

team is a solid one."He who also maintained that the word Gorkha was not in the Chhetri's party name because the chief minister had not accepted it."If I had worked alongside the chief minister, then these development boards would not have been formed and neither would Chhetri be there. But I did not do so as I did not want to sell my integrity and take personal benefit. As long as I am alive I will work for the benefit of the people," said Gurung. In his speech, the GJM chief maintained that his meeting last year with the home minister along with the prime minister had been successful and talks had revolved around Gorkhaland. "I am trying to get an appointment with the prime minister once again within 10 to 12 days and will go to Delhi. I will talk to him regarding the tribal status of 11 communities along with the Gorkhaland demand," he said.Commenting on the announcement of the state government of making Kalimpong a district, Gurung said, "Kalimpong

cannot be made a district as it has been leased from Bhutan and first the lease should be cancelled and the place incorporated into India. I do not have to make this understood to the state, but the Centre should understand that this is a leasehold land and it should be attached with India." After the AngloBhutan War in 1864, the Treaty of Sinchula (1865) was signed, in which Bhutanese held territory on the left bank of the Teesta River was ceded to the British East India Company forever. Gurung also maintained that they would soon holding a mass public meeting in Siliguri in which people including Adivasis, Bengalis and Muslims would be present. According to Gurung, this would be a show of strength to the Bengal chief minister. When asked about the upcoming elections, he said, "I have never said that I will go into an alliance with any party. We will not leave the BJP and moreover, the elections are yet to be announced. We will do whatever the

told IANS that the prosecution should file a petition for appeal or revision within three months of the court order. After expiry of this period the order reaches finality and becomes the rule of the law. Under the circumstances, the arrest of Sharmila under the same charge is questionable.(Agencies)

She has to be accompanied by police, jail and medical staff while travelling to Delhi. She is undergoing trial under Section 309 of the IPC (attempt to commit suicide.

Manipur braces for economic blockade

CS seeks govt servents' support Dimapur, Jan 30:State chief secretary, Pankaj Kumar IAS Friday sought cooperation from all government servents so that congenial atmosphere created for smoothing functioning in the state secretariat. According to DIPR report, the chief secretary said this while inaugurating Drivers' Rest Room at Secretariat Office complex. He admitted that there were other areas, which needed special attention especially those with persons with special needs. Chief Secretary also expressed gratitude to the contractor, for taking up the construction works even though fund meant for the work has not been released. He also said that the Drivers' Rest Room at the Secretariat was the long felt need and suggested that amenity such as TV, carrom, chess etc should be provided to the drivers.

love my life and want to live. I am using fast as a weapon to achieve my goal". On January 22, 2015, the district and sessions court, Imphal west, ordered her release as she was found not guilty of the charge. However, later she was arrested on the same charge.A. Romenkumar, a high court court advocate

NDA tells us to do." Meanwhile, reacting to Gurung's statement that the JAP would not last long, the Kalimpong MLA said, "Has he become an astrologer that he can predict the future of someone else or the fate of someone's party? He should concentrate in running his party properly". He added, "We did not use the word Gorkha in our party's name as the word has been misused many times and that should not happen. On his (Gurung's) allegation about Banerjee and our party being one, it is absolutely baseless."On the claim of Gurung that Kalimpong has not been made a district as it is a leasehold land, Chettri said, "Gurung should comment on what he knows as the lease by Bhutan to the East India Company was ceded forever. Moreover, the state government has their own legal agencies and they know what can be done or not, otherwise they would have not made the announcement. If a sub-division can be formed and elections held, then a district can also be formed." (Agencies)

FSA to be launched in Mizoram in February Aizawl, Jan 30: Mizoram Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister John Rotluangliana today said that the Food Security Act (FSA) would be launched in the state in February while food grains as per provisions of the act would be distributed to the people from March. Rotluangliana said that the actual implementation of the FSA was scheduled to commence from March as the Food Corporation of India (FCI) would issue the rice allotment only on March one. Rotluangliana was addressing the ruling Congress workers at the Congress Bhavan here. He said that over 7.06 lakh families in the state would be covered by the FSA where each family would receive 40 kilos of rice at the rate of Rs 3/kg. "As of now, the AAP and BPL families purchased rice at the rate of Rs 6/kg," he said, adding that the State Consumer's Commission would look after implementation of the FSA without constitution a new FSA Commission. (Agencies)

Pensioners urged to render their service Dimapur, Jan 30: EAC Kiphire, Longtiba Sangtam on Thursday urged upon pensioners of Kiphire district to render their service for the progress of the society, since they have the experiences and handling of office working procedures. He said this while gracing the 4th general session of Kiphire District Pensioners' Association (KDPA) at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall Kiphire. EAC also advised the pensioners to be the guardian of the citizens by showing sincerity to the upcoming generation.Sharing the word of gratitude, SBI manager, Bhomic said, retirement in service was a blessing from the above for their good works on earth. He further asked them to devote their time again for the welfare of the society. KDPA president, Prem Bahadur delivered presidential address while KDPA executive member, Setsiba Sangtam delivered welcomes address. The programme was chaired by KDPA executive member, Hugha Sumi. On the occasion a gift was presented to elderly person. (Agencies)


NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

PAGE 6

Where was your rage when 9 Dalit students Nation pays homage to died earlier: Govt. to Congress Mahatma Gandhi

New Delhi, Jan. 30: Maintaining that the Congress was going out of their way to politicize the alleged suicide of Rohith Vemula, the Centre hit out at the grand old party asking them where their 'anger' was when nine Dalit students had committed suicide earlier at the Hyderabad Central University during the UPA regime.

"The Congress and other parties are trying to make a political issue out of this and are making a beeline for Hyderabad, forgetting that nine such deaths had happened before during the Congress regime. Why are the anger and the violence emerging now?" Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu told. Raking up the case of Congress candidate

Sircilla Rajaiah, a former MP who found himself embroiled in a police case after his daughterin-law allegedly killed herself and his three grandsons, Naidu said that Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi never bothered to visit the grieving family then, but was making noise now over Rohith's suicide. "At the time nobody went to their family to console them and no tears were shed then. This is part of their antiModi campaign and our government remains committed to the welfare of Dalits. This is nothing but cheap politics," Naidu said.

Further accusing the Congress of trying to 'pollute' the atmosphere of the University, he added that it was acceptable to express sympa-

Gadkari asks Rahul not to make Hyderabad varsity his 'political den'

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari New Delhi, Jan. 30: Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday urged Congress vicepresident Rahul Gandhi not to make University of Hyderabad his 'political den'. Gadkari was responding to Gandhi joining mass hunger strike at the varsity to express solidarity with protesting students over the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula. He said Gandhi should worry about the future of the students instead of using them for political gain. "Exams are approaching in Hyderabad and students need to prepare for it. The government has already formed a judicial commission to probe the issue. At such a time, Rahul Gandhi is doing politics there, he should not make the university political den. Whatever he needs to do, he should do it in Parliament. He should worry about the future of the stu-

dents and not make the university his political den," Gadkari told reporters here. Earlier, Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu accused Gandhi of 'shedding crocodile tears' to gain political mileage. "This is a part of their anti-Modi campaign. All this is cheap politics," he said. Rahul Gandhi on Saturday joined the mass hunger strike at the Hyderabad University campus to express solidarity with the students protesting against the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula who would have turned 27 today. The University of Hyderabad changed its interim vice-chancellor late Friday night, as Dr Vipin Srivastava went on leave just hours before Gandhi reached the campus. In his absence, M Periasamy, the next senior-most professor, will assume charge. (ANI)

Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu thy, solidarity and condemn the incident but warned that the grand old party would do well to remember their past. Assuring of astute action being taken in the case of Rohith Vemula, Naidu said that judicial enquiry commission should be allowed to conduct a thorough investigation after which the perpetrators could be brought to

justice. "Rohith left a suicide note expressing certain views. Now the government of India has appointed a judicial commission headed by a formed judge of the Allahabad High Court. Let them complete their job and find the truth including the circumstances and those responsible, and help in taking

The protestors who are venting their ire by dumping piles of garbage outside the homes and offices of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, were seen heading towards the residence of Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel today. "We are not being paid because of AAP's iternal conflicts. We are suffering because of them and so are our families. We have to pay rent and send our kids to school. What should we do if we don't get paid? "a protestor told.

Earlier, state transport and rural development Minister Gopal Rai faced the fury of the workers who left a mountain of garbage right outside his residence. Delhi's deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was also meted with the same treatment as a pile of refuse was dumped outside his office by the MCD workers. Over 1.5 lakh MCD employees including sanitation workers and other employees of the three municipal corporations NDMC, SDMC and EDMC - have decided to go on a three-day strike from today over non-payment of dues. The cashstrapped North and East Delhi civic bodies have been unable to pay salaries to workers for three to four months now. (ANI)

dent who dreams of an India free from prejudice and injustice," Rahul said.

Rahul, who arrived here at 12.10 am, also participated in a candle light march by 2000 students to mark Rohith's birth anniversary last night. This is the Congress vice president's second visit to Hyderabad since the Dalit scholar's suicide as he had visited the university on January 19 and met agitating students and Rohith's family members. (ANI)

"At the time nobody went to their family to console them and no tears were shed then. This is part of their anti-Modi campaign and our government remains committed to the welfare of Dalits. This is nothing but cheap politics,"

Will stand with Rohith's family to fight for justice: Rahul Gandhi Hyderabad, Jan. 30: Asserting that a young life had been snuffed out quickly, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi who is on a hunger strike along with the protesting students at the Hyderabad Central University, said that he was present at protest site at the request of Rohith Vemula's friends and family and will join their fight for justice. "A young life full of dreams and aspirations was cut short. I am here today at the request of Rohith's friends and family, to stand with them in their fight for justice," The Office of Rahul Gandhi said in a series of tweets. Remembering Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary, Rahul said the nation owed it to the memory of the father of the nation to fight for justice and aspire for an 'India

By making false allegations and trying to paint the picture in another light, they are trying to re-establish themselves," Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi

free from prejudice and injustice'. "May Bapu's life and his message inspire us to strive for justice. We owe it to him, to the memory of Gandhiji and to every single Indian student who dreams of an India free from prejudice and injustice," Rahul tweeted. Rahul, who is presently at the University on a hunger strike with the rest of the protesting students, was joined by

Rohith's mother as he interacted with the four students who were expelled along with the Dalit scholar. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has hit out at Rahul, accusing the Congress of playing politics over a sensitive issue. "The Congress is trying the turn the Hyderabad University campus into a hub of caste politics.

Earlier, in a surprise move, Rahul visited the Hyderabad University campus late and night yesterday and took part in a candle march by students demonstrating against the suicide of Rohith Vemula earlier this month. He later spent the night on campus. Following Rahul's visit, several Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) workers took to the streets accusing the Congress vice president of playing 'politics over dead bodies'. (ANI)

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying floral tributes and homage to Mahatma Gandhi

New Delhi, Jan. 30: President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the three service chiefs led the nation in paying floral tributes and homage to Mahatma Gandhi, Father Of The Nation, on his 68th death anniversary on Saturday. Tributes were paid at the memorial at the Rajghat on the outskirts of the national capital. " Remembering the valour of all martyrs who gave their lives for the Nation. Their sacrifices remain

etched in our memory."Prime Minister Modi tweeted on Saturday. "Let us as a nation stand together in silence for 2 minutes at 11 a.m. today as a mark of respect towards our brave martyrs," he further said calling for a nationwide observance of silence in honor of the brave martyrs. It was on this day in 1948, that Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, when he was on his way to attend his evening prayers. (ANI)

Cop-turned-smuggler Ranjit Singh sent to police custody in Amritsar Amritsar, Jan. 30: An Amritsar Court on Saturday sent wanted copturned-smuggler Ranjit Singh, who was arrested by joint forces of Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police yesterday, to five days police custody. The breakthrough came after the Border Security Force and the Punjab Police launched a joint operation to nab the smuggler, who had been declared most wanted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in connection with smuggling of 45 kilograms of heroin three years ago. Singh, who was on the run for over three years, was nabbed near the border where he had come to coordinate with the smugglers. The police have also found out that Singh had

made several phone calls to Pakistan based smugglers in the last three to four days. Surprisingly, Singh is a former Assistant Sub-Inspector of the Punjab Police, who was suspended three years back for his involvement in smuggling of 45 kgs of heroin. Station house officer at the Aajnala Police Station Jagbir Singh said Ranjit Singh, a resident of an Attari village, had come to execute a smuggling operation, but was nabbed by police on the basis of intelligence input. A police official claimed that a mobile phone, Indian and Pakistani SIM cards and a diary containing the names and contact numbers of a few Pakistani smugglers have been recovered from Singh. (ANI)

Why the hurry to impose President's Rule Arunachal witnesses 'complete in Arunachal: Shatrughan to PM Modi breakdown of governance', in the favour of the Cen- in which he had claimed Centre tells SC tre. "God forbid, if the that former chief minis-

Delhi reeks of garbage as MCD strike enters day 4 New Delhi, Jan. 30: Delhi woke up to a sore sight of rotting refuse on the streets as the strike by the MCD workers over non-payment of their dues entered day four on Saturday.

preventive measures so that such things don't happen in the future," he said. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi is on a day-long hunger strike along with the other protesting students at the Hyderabad Central University. "I am here today at the request of Rohith's friends and family, to stand with them in their fight for justice. A young life full of dreams and aspirations was cut short. We owe it to him, to the memory of Gandhiji, to every single Indian stu-

Rebel Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Shatrughan Sinha

New Delhi, Jan. 30: Rebel Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday took a shot at his party once again by questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the 'hurry' to impose President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh. "I have tremendous faith in our dashing dynamic action hero PM. But wonder who the

"great" advisors are who advised President's Rule in AP. That too when the matter is sub judice, in the Supreme Court, under a 5 judge constitutional bench. Wonder what was the hurry and worry," Sinha said in a series of tweets. He added that the task was cut out for the Prime Minister in case the decision does not go

decision does not go in our favor, wonder what explanation and answer we will have for our respected PM," he said in another tweet. However, the Centre justified imposing President's rule in the state saying that the law and order machinery in Arunachal Pradesh was in a state of complete breakdown. Earlier, submitting its affidavit, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) pointed out that the state has been witness to recurrent insurgency as well as attempts by China to claims large parts of its territory and hence it is "imperative and in the interest of the country that the state is socially, economically and politically stable". Arunachal Pradesh Governor J.P. Rajkhowa had submitted his reply to the apex court yesterday

ter Nabam Tuki and his ministers had made it impossible for him to discharge his duties. According to reports, Rajkhowa accused Tuki of communal politics by provoking local tribesmen and funding public protests to seek his ouster. He also alleged that he was abused, threatened and nearly assaulted by some ministers. Meanwhile, Tuki has 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)

New Delhi, Jan. 30: In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court to justify imposition of President's rule in Arunachal Pradesh, the Centre has alleged that there was complete breakdown of governance and law and order in the state, and Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa and his family are apprehending grave danger to their lives. The Ministry of Home Affairs, in the affidavit, said Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Speaker Nabam Rebia have been playing communal politics against the Governor, who in his reports had recommended imposition of President's Rule in the state by elaborating the sequence of events leading the Congress Government becoming a minority. The Centre told the court that Arunachal has been witness to recurrent in-

surgency as well as attempts by China to claim large parts of its territory, hence it is imperative and in the interest of the country that the state is socially, economically and politically stable. The affidavit also referred to six reports forwarded by the Governor to the President and to the ministry, corroborating the reasons for proclamation of Emergency and maintaining that there was political instability in the state and a war-like situation. The affidavit was settled by Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, who was asked by a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Justice JS Khehar to respond to the petition challenging the imposition of central rule. (ANI)


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NEIGHBOURS

Be ready to make any sacrifice for nation's interest' Lanka PM says Megapolis Dhaka, Jan 30: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her firm optimism that Bangladesh Army will always remain ready to make any sacrifice for the sake of the nation.The premier made the statement while addressing a reunion parade marking Regimental Commanders' Conference of East Bengal Regiment of Bangladesh Army and 9th Tigers' Reunion at Chittagong Cantonment on SaturdayThe prime minister said Bangladesh Army came to existence through War of Liberation."So I expect highest example of patriotism from you," she said. Sheikh Hasina said she is pleased with the sincerity

and devotion of the East Bengal Regiment, which is an integral part of her family as her two brothers Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal and Shaheed Second Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal were officers of the Regiment.Recalling the role of the Regiment in the War of Liberation, the prime minister said five battalions of the EBR participated in front war. In recognition to their role in the War of Liberation Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh Army is a part of the people of the country and East Bengal Regiment is the main component of the force."Members of the regiment are playing praiseworthy role in post

Senior Taliban leader arrested in Pakistan

Senior Taliban leader arrested in Pakistan Lahore, Jan. 30: Pakistan's Sindh Rangers Chief Major Gen Bilal Akbar disclosed on Friday about the arrest of a senior Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leader in a raid by the paramilitary force.According to the Dawn, his announcement was made to establish his claim about the success by the paramilitary forces in restoring peace to some extent in Karachi, however, he rejected the idea of direct role in governance, saying 'it's not our job'."We are here with a purpose. Our job is to provide security and enforce law. Governance is not our job," he said. The Rangers Chief stressed on the role of his force, the "successful results" achieved and challenges of the Karachi operation."Even political

parties have recognised the fact that the ratio of crime in Karachi has gone incredibly down due to this operation. We have busted criminal gangs and arrested a number of assassins and dozens of militants during the operation which led to peace in the city. Only recently we have arrested a key leader of Taliban who was operating under three fake identities. His arrest is a big achievement and it suggests our strong ground intelligence and operational capability," the Rangers Chief was quoted as saying.The Rangers DG shared two names Dawood Mehsood and Bilal Mehsood - of the Taliban leader who had multiple identities to deceive law enforcement and intelligence agencies. (ANI)

Pakistan approves three year emergency plan for polio eradication Islamabad, Jan.30: The Pakistan Government has approved a three year emergency plan for polio eradication, covering the period from 2016 to 2018.The Dawn reports that around 698 million doses of polio vaccine will be administered to vulnerable children across the country. The project was approved by the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) at a meeting

presided over by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.The emergency plan costing Rs31.8 billion will be executed by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. Unicef will undertake social m o b i l i s a t i o n activities.World Health Organisation(WHO) will be responsible for conducting operational activities of the Supplemental Immunisation Activities (SIAs), including surveillance.(ANI)

Vikramaditya visits Colombo Colombo, Jan 30: India's largest naval ship, the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya visited Colombo last week. INS Vikramaditya was accompanied by a destroyer, INS Mysore. The ships were transiting from the West Coast of India to the city of Visakhapatnam on the East Coast of India to participate in the International Fleet Review being hosted by the Indian Navy next month. Naval ships from more

than 25 countries, including Sri Lanka, will be participating in this prestigious event. The visit to Colombo by INS Vikramaditya was its maiden overseas port call after its arrival in India two years ago, and is a manifestation of the close maritime cooperation and mutual trust between India and Sri Lanka. President Maithripala Sirisena stepped on board of INS Vikramaditya on January 23, 2016. (Agencies)

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina disaster management, infrastructure development and other nation building activities side by side protecting country's independence and sovereignty. Not only in the country, are they also working with honesty, devotion and competence beyond the

country," she added.Highlighting the steps taken by her government for development of Bangladesh Army, Sheikh Hasina said the government is making constant efforts to build up a capable and modern armed force so that it can dis-

charge all duties in the international arena keeping its head high. The prime minister said today's Bangladesh is different one from that of half a decade ago."People of Bangladesh are more confident and indomitable to accomplish any difficult task," she said. The prime minister inspected the parade and took salute.Army chief General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq received the prime minister on her arrival at C h i t t a g o n g Cantonment.Cabinet members, parliament members, chiefs of Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force and senior civil and military officials were present. (Agencies)

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her firm optimism that Bangladesh Army will always remain ready to make any sacrifice for the sake of the nation

Sri Lanka plans to present proposals to Indian government on resolving fishermen issue Colombo, Jan 30: Sri Lanka plans to present a set of proposals to the Indian government on resolving the fishermen issue to prevent the Indian fishermen poaching in the island's waters. Sri Lanka's Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera during a discussion with his ministry officials on Thursday has instructed the officials to design a set of proposals admissible to the Indian government regarding the illegal fishing by Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters.

The Minister plans to present the proposals to the India's Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj during her visit to the island next week. The purpose of these proposals is to draw the attention of the Indian External Affairs Minister over the illegal fishing activities of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters with the use of bottom trawling method leaving adverse effect on the Fisheries industry of Sri Lanka.Earlier the Minister said he, himself witnessed the Indian fishers indulging

in illegal fishing activities using banned bottom trawling methods when he took a tour on board a Dvora Naval craft attached to the Navy camp in Kankasanthurai. The Minister has instructed the officials to design a system mutually agreeable for both countries .Marine species and the natural fish breeding system are massively endangered by the bottom trawling fishing method and the fish production of Sri Lanka is reducing day by day due to the Indian fishermen's invasion, the Minister emphasized.The Minis-

project to transform Colombo like Dubai

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Colombo, Jan.30: Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that the 40 billion dollars mega development plan will transform the capital city Colombo into one of the most economically powerful cities in the world like Dubai.The project is reportedly designed to improve the housing, education and hospitals facilities in par with those in world-class

cities. Wickremesinghe said that the development plan will be carried for 15 years will come into operation under three phases, reports Lanka Page website.Wickremesinghe said that the Megapolis project woluld help Sri Lankans enjoy all facilities that people in developed cities such as London, Dubai, Singapore and Tokyo enjoy.(ANI)

ter further mentioned that this problematic Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil situation has to be Wickremesinghe has said that the 40 brought in to the notice of the Indian Minister of billion dollars mega development External Affairs in orplan will transform the capital city der to draw the full atColombo into one of the most ecotention of the Indian government to the nomically powerful cities in the world issue.The Secretary to like Dubai. the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mrs. W.M.M.R Adhikari, officials of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) and a group of officers representing Sri Lanka Navy partici- Dhaka,Jan 30:Awami ranged the briefing in pated in the discussion. League Joint General protest of controversial Secretary Mahbubul remarks of some BNP (Agencies) Alam Hanif has said leaders about the martyr's those making controver- number. sial remarks on the num- The BNP was formed ber of the 1971 Libera- with the spirit of Pakistan tion War martyrs will and its founder Ziaur have to face legal action Rahman was an agent of for the offence."The fig- the country during the ure of martyrs in the Liberation War, Hanif to all countries and that 1971 Liberation War and alleged."Zia created the all maritime claims must father of the nation political platform for comply with interna- Bangabandhu Sheikh Jamaat-e-Islami in the tional law."No claimants Mujibur Rahman are country after the indewere notified prior to the settled issues. Legal ac- pendence and BNP transit, which is consis- tion will be adopted Chairperson Khaleda tent with our normal against those who would made some Jamaat leadprocess and interna- make derogatory re- ers minister. Their (Zia tional law," he said. This marks about the issues and Khaleda) such activioperation demonstrates, and try to create contro- ties prove that the Zia as US President Barack versy over those," Hanif family believes in the Obama and Defense said. Pakistani spirit."This is Secretary have stated, The senior AL leader why they are repeatedly the US will fly, sail and made the statement in a making the derogatory operate anywhere inter- press conference at the remarks in a bid to crenational law party chief's Dhanmondi ate controversy about our allows."That is true in office on Saturday morn- Liberation War," Hanif the South China Sea, as ing. The ruling party ar- continued. (Agencies) in other places around the globe," Urban said.Since 1979, the US Freedom of Navigation program has demonstrated non-acquiescence to excessive maritime claims by Karachi, Jan.30 : Paki- outside Karachi while he coastal states all around stan Rangers, Sindh has was attempting to enter the world. The program announced the arrest of the city. Baloch, a notorious Baloch was arrested in includes both consulta- Uzair leader of the Lyari gang Dubai by the Interpol in Detions and representation war and chief of pro- cember 2014 while he was by US diplomats and scribed Peoples Amn crossing into the United operational activities by Committee (PAC), in a Arab Emirates from Oman US military forces. targeted operation from by road, the Pakistani conthe outskirts of sulate in Dubai had con(Agencies) Karachi.The paramilitary firmed at the time.It was force reportedly said that however not clear when and Rangers arrested Baloch how Baloch arrived in Pain a targeted operation kistan from UAE. (ANI)

AL warns speakers make biased remark on martyrs figure

US warship patrols disputed South China Sea Beijing, Jan 30:An American warship on Saturday patrolled the disputed South China Sea claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam, "to challenge excessive maritime claims" that restrict the rights and freedoms of the US and others.The daring freedom of navigation operation by the US, mainly aimed at China, was first reported by The Wall Street Journal in a lead story. "A US warship conducted a patrol Saturday around an island in the South China Sea claimed by China and two of its neighbors, another in a series of operations intended to challenge Beijing's maritime and territorial claims in the region," the daily said.The Pentagon confirmed its operation in South China Sea. "I can confirm the Department of Defense conducted a freedom of

navigation operation in the South China Sea on Jan 30 (Jan 29 EST), specifically in the vicinity of Triton Island in the Paracel Islands, to challenge excessive maritime claims," Commander Bill Urban, a Pentagon spokesman, told media in response to a question.This operation challenged attempts by the three claimants, China, Taiwan and Vietnam, to restrict navigation rights and freedoms around the features they claim by policies that require prior permission or notification of transit within territorial seas, he said. The excessive claims regarding Triton Island are inconsistent with international law as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention."During the operation, the USS Curtis Wilbur, transited in innocent passage within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island," Urban

said, adding that this operation was about challenging excessive maritime claims that restrict the rights and freedoms of the US and others, not about territorial claims to land features. According to the daily, the operation lasted about three hours, during which there were no Chinese army or navy seen in the area. "We saw nothing that was unusual in terms of the reaction," a senior defense official was quoted as saying. The US takes no position on competing sovereignty claims between the parties to naturallyformed land features in the South China Sea, Urban reiterated. However, Urban said that US does take a strong position on protecting the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed

Pakistan Rangers arrest Lyari gang war leader Uzair Baloch

Ten dead as migrant boat sinks off Turkish coast Ankara, Jan 30: Ten people drowned while 43 others were rescued after a boat carrying migrants to Greece sank off Turkey's western coast, Turkish news agency Dogan reported on Saturday. More than one million refugees and migrants arrived by land and sea in the European Union last year and some 3,600 died or went missing.

The Turkish coast guard was continuing search and rescue efforts where the boat sank off the coast of Ayvacik, a town across from the Greek island of Lesvos. It was not immediately clear how many migrants had been on board. Five of those killed were children, the Dogan news agency said, and rescued migrants were hospitalised with hypo-

thermia symptoms. It said the migrants were of Syrian, Afghan and Myanmar origin.Around 500,000 refugees from the five-year-old war in Syria traveled through Turkey and then risked their lives at sea to reach Greek islands in 2015. Despite the winter conditions and rough seas, the exodus has continued, albeit at a slower pace.Turkey is the first

stop on Syrian migrants' journey to the European Union.Turkey struck a deal with the EU in November pledging to help stem the flow of migrants to Europe in return for 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in financial aid for the 2.5 million Syrian refugees it is hosting, as well as renewed talks on joining the 28-nation bloc. (Agencies)

HMS Defender on a way to Lanka, reflects closer defence ties Colombo, Jan 30: The British High commission in Colombo has informed that the warship, HMS Defender, will pay a routine visit to Colombo to take on stores and fuel before continuing its duties in the Indian Ocean. The Dawn reports that a Royal Navy warship is visiting Sri Lanka after four years. The British high commis-

sion said the ship's visit is an indication of the close defence relations between the two countries. HMS Defender is a Type 45 Destroyer, built in the United Kingdom and is one of the world's most advanced warships equipped with the Principal Anti Air Missile weapon system. . (Agencies)


PAGE 8

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

Campaign against Drugs Assam polls Sarbananda Sonowal as its CM Candidate BJP took the first major step towards the upcoming assembly polls by declaring Sarbananda Sonowal as its chief ministerial candidate for Assam, where the party has best chances against the incumbent. It has high hopes on its electoral performance among the five poll-bound states this year.The BJP parliamentary board for the first time after Amit Shah was re-elected the party's national president for a full three-year term, took the decision to project Sonowal as the party's face in the state. This was a clear departure from its practice of not projecting a chief ministerial candidate ahead of polls. The party had not declared a chief ministerial candidate when it faced Assembly elections in Bihar, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Haryana or in Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of Delhi, where it had declared Kiran Bedi as its face. The party had won elections in four states, but faced a humiliating defeat in Bihar and Delhi. The people of Assam know Sonowal as a national hero. The parliamentary board has decided that the party will fight the Assam polls under his leadership, The decision, according to sources, was taken after the party realised that "too much exposure" of the Prime Minister in the state elections, in the absence of a face for the state polls, would damage his image. PM Modi led the poll campaign during Bihar and Delhi Assembly elections. However, what is even more significant in terms of change in BJP's electoral strategy is that Sonowal has been a recent import to the saffron party, which he joined in 2011. He was the president of All Assam Students Union from 1992 to 1999, and later even elected as Asom Gana Parishad Lok Sabha MP in 2004. Sonowal has made the cut even without any background in RSS, the same may, Kiran Bedi was declared as CM candidate. The decision to make Sonowal as the face of the Assam campaign was to keep the battle on local issues, rather than turn it into a faceoff between the incumbent CM and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will be the main campaigner. Sonowal's had infact become the face after BJP chief Amit Shah appointed him state party president in November, a few days after the Bihar results trounced BJP.

ents and finish products of Opium. The countries to see today's teens like China and Afghanimore freaky than those stan were once famous of decades ago, there for consumption, cultivaseem to have no pa- tion and propagation of tience in today's grow- opium business in South ing young generation. East Asian countries but They are driven more by now India too is no extheir peer pressures than ception especially the their moral wisdom bordering states like therefore they are more Arunchal Pradesh, prone to Manipur, addiction Lomhom Tangha Nagaland, to psyMizoram, chotropic Punjab, drugs than the other age Kashmir etc where groups. Many decades there is huge cache of say thirty years ago, we drugs being peddled use to hear of only opium from across the borders. cultivations and its used Let us look at some of by the elderly folks in the the outlets where such countryside but now the contrabands are traditional opium seems smuggled. Say for exto have gone replaced ample in Arunachal by more refined and Pradesh districts like dangereous one called Changlang, Tirap and Brown sugar or Heroine Longding are adjacent to drugs which are easily Burma and there is no available in the markets. dearth of doubt that the Our ancestors were off 70% of drugs especially course addicted to drugs opium are peddled from but it was only traditional across the border beopium, and not to the sides one third of it availbrown sugar or heroine able out of locally cultithat are widely used by vated one. Not only this the young generation of three districts but now our society at present. the whole of districts They use it as a source have come under the of energy for doing more grip of drugs menaces in labour but the genera- Arunachal Pradesh. In tions at present consume Nagaland, Manipur, it to freak out, ease their Meghalaya and in pain, out of peer pres- Mizoram too, the consures so and so. It is of- traband comes from ten heard that the psy- neighbouring countries chotropic substances like Burma and like brown sugar, hero- Bangladesh. In Punjab, ine etc are the constitu- the drugs comes from

It is not very surprising

neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan apart from locally cultivated poppy. So we must all keep two things in mind, first is

carcinogenic viruses. You may try it out of your peer pressures or because your companion requests you to try them once. But what we

drugs and second is millitancies that threaten us from across the borders. But the former one is too dangerous than the later because the drugs can ruin us and ripped us apart from inside and it is communicable in nature literally than the other things. Now the conscious parents are more concern for their ward to remain not addicted to anything than their studies. The mandatory lesson that one must learn is to treat these drugs as deadful as fire or treat it as dreadful enough as the

should keep in mind is that it is not easy to travel back to where you were once if you once become addicted to drugs. Life would not be as rosy as you would have imagined once you are trapped into addiction. The new generations are not threatened by the militancy nor by unemployment but the drugs that are stepping into their veins easily where its entry is easier than its exit. Most of the well built nations are those where you would find atleast one gotto serve in the force

for some periods for his nation before he landed up into his desire fields of expertise. The young generation in India do not have such scopes for physical and mental training during the time of youth where ironically most of them become prey to drugs due to idle life or other circumtances. The only way to curb the growing addiction among the younger generation is to commission them compulsorily into serving the nation as a soldier during their growth such as in some European countries like USA and France. The markets where the contraband are dealt cannot be closed nor can it be controlled yet there can be precautionary measures if resolved to take up by the government of the Nation. The scope to engage the millions of unemployed youth across the nation needs to be addressed or there should be such a plan or scope where they can be comfortably engaged or employed. The destiny of the children is left out to their fate in India and the rich and powerful do not even ponder at their adversities. Money is drained into only some handful pockets and the rest of the citizens are left to compete with

each other for empty vessels. The life itself looks like travelling on roller coasters, where will you land up is unknown? You are the master of your own destiny. The drugs menaces are rising unabated in this district especially in the Kharsang circle of Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh. The brown sugar is sold openly in their homes without an inch of fear of limbs of the law. The same has been reported in Bordumsa, another circle headquater of Changlang and Jagun in Upper Assam. The drugs peddlers should be caught and booked by law enforcing agency under appropriate act and should not be allowed to ruin the innocent lives. The Freedom Home which is a non-governmental organization that works among the drug addicts is shortly conducting a drugs awareness campaign on the 13th February, 2016 at Inspection Bungalow, Kharsang. This NGO will ensure that the privacy of the addicts are kept and away from the knowledge of law enforcing agencies and district administration to be able to render them complete counselling. The writer is the president of the NGO, Freedom Home and can be reached at lomhommhbtc15@gmail

Smart Cities Me-dam-me-phi Or Me-dum-me-phi Guwahati under first batch of Every year on this day, families propitiate the 'Smart Cities A smart city is an urban region that is highly advanced in terms of overall infrastructure, sustainable real estate, communications and market viability. It is a city where information technology is the principal infrastructure and the basis for providing essential services to residents. There are many technological platforms involved, including but not limited to automated sensor networks and data centres. Smart cities are projected to be equipped with basic infrastructure and will offer a good quality of life through smart solutions. Assured water and power supply, sanitation and solid waste management, efficient urban mobility and public transport, robust IT connectivity, e-governance and citizen participation along with safety of its citizens are some of the likely attributes of these smart cities.Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu announced the list of 20 cities that are to be developed as smart cities in the country. The cities include Bhubaneswar, Pune, Jaipur, Surat, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Jabalpur and Vishakhapatnam. The list also includes Solapur, Davangere, Indore, Coimbatore, Kakinada, Belgaum, Udaipur, Guwahati, Chennai, Ludhiana and Bhopal, New Delhi Municipal Corporation. Among 97 cities, first 20 winners of the competition were announced. Also in the coming years, government will announce 40 cities which will be further developed as Smart Cities as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. As per Modi's plan, the government will develop 100 smart cities in the country in the next few years. These cities will be developed with basic infrastructure which will include water, power supply, sanitation and public transport. In terms of population, these 20 cities account for 3.54 crore people. A total investment of Rs.50,802 crore has been proposed in the selected smart cities and towns during the fiveyear period. Bottom-up approach has been the key planning principle under Smart City Mission The success of the government's Smart City Mission will also largely dependent upon the finance generation at the State-level as well as private investments. But the key challenge lies in developing older cities with limited scope to overhaul. Heavily populated areas may need complete rebuilding which will then involve temporarily rehabilitating people and, in some cases, acquiring land. The government plans to build these smart cities by 2022 to help accommodate its swelling urban population, which is set to rise by more than 400 million people to 814 million by 2050. The cities are competing on a variety of matrices, including urban reforms and their plan of action in four key areas -- Swachh Bharat, Make in India, good governance (modern accounting system, rationalisation of property taxes) and e-governance. Moreover the implementation of the Mission at the City level will be done by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created for the purpose. The SPV will plan, appraise, approve, release funds, implement, manage, operate, monitor and evaluate the Smart City development projects. Each smart city will have a SPV which will be headed by a full time CEO and have nominees of Central Government, State Government and ULB on its Board.

dam and the phi of the dead at home, and by the king at Charaideo. This is an inalienable part of the ancestor worship of the Ahom and is called Me?Dam Me?Phi (worshipped the Dam and the Phi). The word "Me" means offerings, "Dam" means ancestors and "Phi" means gods and thus it translates into offering oblation to the dead and sacrifices to gods. Earlier, the Ahom kings performed this worship after victory in wars and to ward off any imminent danger. Here are some instances King Siuhuimmong "performed the ceremony of Medam Mephi" (Ahom Buranji, cited above, p. 77). King Gadadhar Singha performed MeDam MePhi and offered sacrifices to the Ahom gods. (Ahom Buranji, p. 264). Recording the events of King

Pramatta Singha (174451) the chronicle says "on the 28th of the month of Dinkam (Pausa), on the day of Dapplao the king left for Charaideo. On the day of MongMao of the month of Din Sam the king worshipped all the Ahom gods" (Ahom Buranji, p. 279). King Rajeswar Singha (175169 A.D.) "In the month of Din Sip Song on the day Rai SiNga worshipped the Ahom gods at Charaideo. (Ahom Buranji, p. 313). "Me Dam Me Phi still occurs every year at Charaideo", writes Professor B. J. Terwiel, an Anthropologist at present at the Homburg University. (The Tai of Assam, Vol. II, 1981, p.61). MeDam-Me-Phi, the socio religious festival of the Tai Ahom goes far beyond the literal meaning of mere ancestor worship as is generally believed. Its antiquity is as old as the great Tai race. Me-DamMe-Phi, in Tai Ahom lan-

guage, ordinarily means offering oblations and taking care of the dead (ancestors). But looking deep into its philosophy, the celebrations suggest invoking the life force in human life to secure social control for solidarity, vitality in national life at the time of national peril as well as in times of peace and prosperity, successes and failures. The festival is now a new innovation of the TaiAhom as believed by many quarters. In fact, its antiquity dates back to some two thousand years back when Lengdon (the Lord of Heaven) who happened to be the first progenitor of the TaiAhom, sent down two of his grandsons KhunLung and KhunLai to earth to found a state. He advised them to celebrate this festival annually by making offerings and oblations to Him to continue their uninterrupted political hold over the masses.

source: assaminfo During the days of the Ahom Kings, Me-DamMe-Phi celebration was attended by the kings and his ministers and other higher officials as well as a great number of people. It was celebrated at

Charaideo, the religious centre of the Ahom kings, with the huge burial mounds (maidams) standing there as a witness. The celebrations at that time lasted for several days. The observance of Medam

Mephi continued. At present the Ahom people observe Me-Dam -MePhi communally all over Assam on 31st of January each year, and are attended by other people as well. Courtesy:assaminfo.

Rain of Bonanzas

source:firstpost

Sir, We really cannot help thanking our chief minister for being so sympathetic to our brothers, sisters of tea gardens. Suddenly, at the fag end of his tenure as a chief minister for third time in a row, the chief minister could realize the miseries confronting our tea garden fraternity. People, particularly, the politicians suddenly remember the poor class only at the times of election, before which they remain in deep slumber. Now, bonanzas are declared in Dibrugarh to address some of the chronic problems of our tea-garden families, taking it for granted that all would exercise their franchise in support of the ruling dispensation. While all the ministers, including innocent looking Bhumidhar Barman could multiply their properties many fold over the years, the poor-class keeps languishing for a square meal and a shed to live in, as reported in the news papers, even houses built for the poor under Indira Awas Yojana cost the poor, meaning that unless they pay for it (bribing), they won't get it. News telecast through electronic channels corroborate the fact. Had the ministry led by Tarun Gogoi been alive to such irregularities, had Sri Gogoi been aware of the miseries confronting our tea garden families, at the beginning of his tenure, the show of alacrity, agility of raining of bonanzas exhibited to our

tea-garden workers in Dibrugarh would have been redundant. To win someone's heart is one thing, to win the favour of the people by raining of bonanzas is quite another. The present ruling dispensation may win the election, but the exercise sends a wrong signal. Yours etc. Ashok Bordoloi Dibrugarh

Best Letter The best letter of the month in the Letter to the Editor section will be awarded an amount of Rs 200. So please keep writing. Letters to the editor and articles should be sent to : The Eastern Today Chowkidingee, Near Sankardeva Hospital Mancotta Road, Dibrugarh-786003 (Assam) Ph: 0373-2328944 Web : editor.easterntoday@gmail.com


DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

Seats vacant for NTTs (Nursery Trained Teacher) & PRTs (Primary Trained Teacher). Name of the post- NTTs (Nursery Trained Teacher) & PRTs (Primary Trained Teacher) Qualification- HS Pass or Any Bachelor Degree. Last date- 20th feb 2016. Preferred- Female Candidates. Desirable- Good English fluency. Salary- 5,000 - 8,000 (Salary will be commensurate with MERIT and EXPERIENCE. In addition, the person will be entitle to liberal perks which includes Accommodation,Food etc.) (Freshers are welcome) How to Apply:Candidates can send their Application(CV's) @ sxskrishnai2003@gmail.com or call us 0 77 6030 2596. Official Website: www.sxskrishnai.com Our Address: St.Xavier's School Krishnai,Goalpara Assam-783126 (Residential School Affiliated To CBSE)

Vacancy of Assistant Professor at Rangapara College, Sonitpur (Assam) In persuance of DHE letter No. G (B) Ac/Permission/247/ 2015/426 Dt. 04.12.2015, applications along with testimonials from H.S.L.C. onward are invited from the candidates having UGC Norms with NET/SLET/SET Degree (as mandatory required qualifications) for the following vacant sanctioned posts of Assistant Professors at Rangapara College in the Pay Band + AGP Rs. 15,600-39,100 + AGP 6000/- with allowance as per rule. Candidates who have obtained M.Phil degree on or before 1.07.2009 may also apply for the post excluding the candidate obtained M. Phil / Ph.D degree from off campus centre. Provided however, that candidates who are or have been awarded a Ph.D degree in accordance with the UGC (Minimum standards and procedure for award of Ph.D degree) Regulation, 2009 shall be exempted from the requirement of the minimum eligibility condition of NET / SLET / SET. The age of a candidate should not be more than 38 years as on 01-01-2015 and relaxable up to 5 years for SC / ST candidates. 1. Assistant Professor, English 2 (Two) Posts i) 1 (One) Post Un-reserved ii) 1 (One) Post, Reserved for OBC/ MOBC Application with Bio-Data including contact number and all relevant testimonials from H.S.L.C. onwards along with a bank Draft of Rs. 1000/- (Rupees One thousand) only in favour of the Principal, Rangapara College payable at SBI, Rangapara Branch should reach Rangapara College, Rangapara within 2 days from publishing of this advertisement. The candidates must have a PermanentResidential Certificate (PRC) and must know local languages. Candidates in service must apply through proper channel or submit NOC issued by concerned authority. No TA / DA is admissibleat the time of interview.

Sd/- Principal i/c, Rangapara College PO:- Rangapara, PIN:- 784505 Dist:- Sonitpur (Assam)

JOBS & career Urgently required Computer Faculty Name of the post- Computer Faculty. Qualification- M.C.A Or M.Sc (computer science) Last date- 15th feb 2016. Desirable- Good English fluency and must stay inside the School campus. Salary- 10,000 - 15,000 (Salary will be commensurate with MERIT and EXPERIENCE. In addition, the person will be entitle to liberal perks which includes Accommodation,Food etc.) (Freshers are welcome) How to Apply:Candidates can send their Application(CV's) @ sxskrishnai2003@gmail.com or call us 07760302596. Official Website: www.sxskrishnai.com Our Address: St.Xavier's School Krishnai,Goalpara Assam-783126 (Residential School Affiliated To CBSE)

Faculty Jobs in Delhi Public School, Digboi Last Date: 10 Days. Applications are invited from eligible candidates for filling up of the following posts in Delhi Public School, Digboi: 1. PGT, Chemistry Pay: Rs 9300- Rs 34800, GP= Rs 4800 2. PRT, English Pay: Rs 9300- Rs 34800, GP= Rs 4200 3. PRT, Maths Pay: Rs 9300- Rs 34800, GP= Rs 4200 4. PRT, Social Science Pay: Rs 9300- Rs 34800, GP= Rs 4200 5. PRT, Craft Pay: Rs 9300- Rs 34800, GP= Rs 4200 Fee: DD of Rs 100/- drawn in favour of 'Principal, DPS, Digboi

ASSAM NAVNIRMAN SAMITY recruits Delivery Controller in Guwahati Jan 2016 Name of the Organisation: ASSAM NAVNIRMAN SAMITY Post:: Delivery Controller Job Category: Marketing Job Job Location: Guwahati Job Description: Eligibility-1.Minimum 10th pass. 2.Candidate must have own two-wheeler. Salary-Negotiable+TA/DA Please contact at 8822356832/8721867783 Please send your Resumes to:: navnirmanassam@yahoo.com

Career opportunities in Music Music has no boundary and it connects people together. It may be in different tone or voice or language but people understand the meaning. It is a universal sound which can create emotions and express feelings. There may not be anyone on earth who is not fond of music. One can also choose music as career options. One needs dedication and practice and training and exposure to be successful in the field of music. Music is not only singing but it comprises many other things and now a days technology has also become important part of music. There is a wide variety of forms in music like classical, folk, jazz, pop, fusion, etc. Besides becoming a performer (vocal or instrumental) or a teacher, one can be a composer/ song writer, music publisher, music journalist, Disc Jockeys/ Video Jockeys, Music Therapist, Artist manager/Public Relation , etc in the

music industry. There are wide ranges of opportunities for the people who wanted to come into music industry. One may get job opportunities in television channels , radio centers and others like FM channel stations, music channels, government jobs in the departments of art and culture, public relations, etc ; production houses, music troupes, music companies, schools and colleges as teachers, music therapist , journalist , etc. These days music industry has boomed everywhere and it brings more demand for the talented individuals. Some of the terms related to music industry or music industry are like music composers, song writers, lyricist, singers, and performers, music producers, artist, music management, music teacher, music librarian, musicologist, etc. There are separate music colleges which impart

Source: blog.careesma

Source: diymusician various curses like graduate level, diplomas and others. Courses like Bachelor of Arts in Classical Vocal Music, music, Rabindra Sangeet are imparted in colleges and institutes. There are some certificate courses and also diploma courses apart from further studies including research. The best part is that people without high qualification may also succeed in this field but it is always advisable and important to have degrees and required qualification to excel in any field. There are many leading government and private institutes that offers courses related to music or performing arts, etc. Viswa Bharati University, University of Delhi, BHU, etc offers courses related to music. Dibrugarh University has Dr Bhupen Hazarika Centre for Studies in Per-

forming Arts. One can learn instruments, singing apart from research from these institutes. One needs to have excellent communication skill who wants to come to this industry as initial stage of profession would be very challenging. People coming from music colleges have some advantages and they meet and interact with different faculties and experts who might become their mentors. But people who are with less qualification but with talents need to communicate with others for their exposure. With innovation and ideas one may excel into international arena through music. There are opportunities for talented people but they need to find out the way for themselves and to establish themselves. The best opportunity is also to become entrepre-

neur in this industry. 21st June is observed as World Music Day in more than 108 countries. There are festivals like Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh apart from various programmes at Hornbill Festival in Nagaland or Sangai Festival in Manipur. Apart from these there are various musical programme organised in different places. In the north east one can think of fusion with the rich folk music of the region with music style and varieties from other regions. Innovation with ideas would lead one towards the path of success. What we need is talent with dedication and proper planning so that we can excel through music as career. (For further details and career planning aspirants may call at 98640 55558 or send email at bkranjan@gmail.com)

Page 9

Recruitment in LIC Housing Finance Ltd. for IT Professionals, Apply Online LIC Housing Finance Ltd. requires candidates who fulfill the required eligibility criteria. Interested candidates should submit the resume Online along with the duly filled application form. Before applying for the post, candidates should ensure that he/ she fulfills the eligibility criteria and other conditions mentioned in this advertisement. Candidates are advised to carefully read the full advertisement for details of educational qualification and other eligibility criteria before submission of on-line application. IT Professional - 04 posts " Educational Qualification: B.E. / B.Tech / B.Sc in the field of Computer Science/IT with minimum aggregate 60% from a recognized university " Work experience: Minimum 3 years in the related field in a reputed organization " Age: 25 to 30 years as on 01.01.2016 " CTC : CTC is between 6.8 to 9.2 lakhs. (CTC is under revision) Last date of receipt of Online application : 05.02.2016 For complete advertisement visit : http:// www.lichousing.com/recruitofitpro.php

Job posts vacant for PWD at LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur (Assam) LGB REGIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (Govt. of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) Post Box No. 15: FAX No. (03712) 233623 TEZPUR:: 784001 :: ASSAM No. LGB/Estt/PWD/1804/15/09 Dated 1st Jan'2016 SPECIAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR PWD (2nd Attempt) LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur invites applications in prescribed Format from the Persons With Disabilities (PWD) candidates for the post of (i) Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and (ii) Staff Nurse under Special Recruitment Drive. Application Form and other details of Advertisement/ conditions may be downloaded from the website www.Igbrimh.org. Duly completed application should reach to the Administrative Officer, LGBRIMH, Tezpur- 784001 on or before 21.01.2016. Candidates are advised to follow website for further modification if any from time to time. Candidates may submit application through email at recruitment lgbrimh@gmail.com. Interview/Selection test is likely to be held on 30.01.2016.

Director, LGBRIMH

Career Path Guide to Astrophysics If you want to become an astrophysicist, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for you. If the following description sounds like you, then you're probably well suited for a career as an astrophysicist: Those who become astrophysicists are individuals that have a keen interest in celestial objects, space, and the physical universe as a whole; they tend to read over and above what is taught in the classroom. Those who become astrophysicists are well educated in math, physics and astrophysics; aspiring astrophysicists should be prepared to undertake 8-10 years of post-secondary study to build the necessary knowledge base for this career. Astrophysicists also have the patience to pursue a career with low turnover and few vacancies. Although lucrative careers in astrophysics are out there, it is typically not a 'money-making' field; those who become astrophysicists are those that really care about the topics they are researching‌ which can make for a great work environment! What is an Astrophysicist? Astrophysicists are scientists that study the physical components of celestial objects. They study the physics of the universe as well as the interaction between the various objects which occupy it. Astrophysicists can either study the theoretical aspects of space or apply their fundamental knowledge of physics to explore various occurrences in space such as dark matter, black holes, stellar evolution, super clusters, and neutron stars. Education Needed to Become an Astrophysicist In order to qualify for entry-level jobs in astrophysics, you typically need a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in astronomy, astro-

Source:garudacreations physics or physics. A Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in astrophysics is required for most research assistant and consulting positions. A doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in astrophysics is needed if you want to work for a college or university as a teacher or a researcher. You will also need a Ph.D. to work in most federal government research positions. Many astrophysicists who have doctoral degrees work as post-doctoral fellows for 3-6 years before finding permanent employment. Astrophysicist Job Description The job description of an astrophysicist can vary, largely depending on whether they work in observational or theoretical astronomy. Theoretical astrophysicists are responsible for working to understand the physical processes within our universe. For example, a theoretical astrophysicist may be concerned with how universe's first galaxies appeared and what the stars were like in those galaxies. Observational astrophysicists compare mathematical models and run computer simulations in order to test theories and work out the best model for explaining various astrophysical phenomena, such as how the first galaxies formed. Regardless of what area they specialize in, astrophysicists spend the majority of their time using com-

puter programs to analyze data, writing research papers and attending meetings. Astrophysicists may also teach undergraduate physics, which involves developing courses and lectures, marking students' work, and supervising research students that are undertaking honours theses and postgraduate degrees. Skills and Traits Needed to Become an Astrophysicist oInterested in a career that offers continual intellectual stimulation oAble to stay abreast of latest advancements in the field oAble to remain passionate about your work oAble to apply scientific and mathematical concepts to solving complex problems oAble to work in a science in which you can't weigh, touch or smell your subject matter oWell-versed in working with instrumentation, remote sensing and spectral observations oAble to use specialized computer applications to solve unusual problems oA natural interest in the composition of matter and its behavior oAble to pay close attention to detail, and perform calculations with accuracy oMust be able to work well in collaboration with others, be they physicists or other professionals oExcellent analytical skills and a strong imagination


BUSINESS

DIBRUGARH, SUNDAY, JANUARY 31

Q3 profit of TVS Motors up by 20% New Delhi, jan 30: TVS Motor Company, India's third largest two wheeler brand by volumes, has posted 20 per cent increase in its net profit at Rs. 108 crore for the quarter ended December, 2015 when compared with Rs. 90 crore in a year-ago period, aided by better operating performance on the back of robust topline growth and rise in other income. Its profit before exceptional item grew by 25 per cent at Rs.155 when compared with Rs.124 crore in the year-ago period. Its gross profit before other income, finance costs and exceptional item stood at

Rs.153 crore as against Rs.123 crore. Other income almost doubled to about Rs.12 crore from Rs. 6 crore. The company's net sales grew by 12 per cent year-on-year to Rs. 2,909 crore from Rs. 2,599 crore, driven by strong scooter volumes. "On account of the unseasonal heavy rains and floods, the Chennai city and neighbouring districts were affected. The company reached out to 3.75 lakh customers and free service camps were conducted. All affected two-wheelers were promptly serviced in the service camps. In addition, company also contributed to the flood relief

$80 mn ADB loan received by Agartala, Aizawl Agartala, Jan 30: India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed an $80 million loan agreement for improving the infrastructure in the two NorthEastern cities of Agartala and Aizawl, according to a government statement. "The loan is the third tranche of a $200 million financing facility under the North-Eastern Region Capital cities Development Investment Program and will be used for investments in water supply, solid waste management and sanitation in Agartala and Aizwal. It will also support urban reforms, benefiting nearly a million people in the two cities," according to the statement. The previous two tranches were aimed at improving the infrastructure in Shillong,

Aizawl, Kohima, Gangtok and Agartala. "Urban infrastructure and services in the northeast of the country are grossly inadequate and this third tranche loan will help Agartala and Aizawl improve and expand services, as well as strengthening the institutional, managerial, and financial capacity of service institutions." Aizawl and Agartala were selected for the third tranche "based on their progress on reforms and implementation performance under earlier tranches." The Ministry of Urban Development is to complete the third tranche-related activities by June 2019. The loan agreement, signed by Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Finance Ministry and Teresa Kho, Country Director, ADB's India Resident Mission, carries a 20year term. (Agencies)

5% rise in Coal India's share

Union minister of coal, power and renewable energy, Piyush Goyal. Source: topnews

ANI Jamshedpur, Jan 30: Shares of Coal India has moved higher by 5% to Rs 322, its biggest intra-day gain since August 25, 2015 on BSE. The media reports suggest that the coal ministry is devising a plan to clear off the stock, which may include reduction of prices as well. At 11:41 a.m. the stock was up nearly 5% at Rs 321, the top gainer among 30-

share index S&P BSE Sensex. The benchmark index was up 0.88% or 215 points at 24,684. The stock recovered nearly 12% from its 52-week closing low of Rs 288 on January 21, 2016 as compared to 3% rise in the S&P BSE Sensex. It hit a 52-week high of Rs 447 on August last year. The government has asked the world's largest coal miner to ensure that it meets the target of 550 million tonnes for the current fiscal, the PTI report suggests. Under the coal ministerial directive to reach one billion of coal production by 2019-20, the company has been stepping up its production aiming at double digit growth figures. "We have come to a situation where we can't stock any more coal", said union minister of coal, power and renewable energy, Piyush Goyal.

fund of Tamil Nadu government. The reported profits are after provision for one off expense of Rs. 7.5 crore consequent to floods in Chennai and a further sum of Rs 10.6 crore was provided on account of retrospective amendment to Bonus Act. Out of this amount a sum of Rs. 5.7 crores relating to 2014-15 has been shown as exceptional item, said a company statement. Total twowheeler sales of the company grew by eight per cent in the quarter ended December 31, 2015, up from 6.27 lakh units in the year-ago period to 6.76 lakh units. Motorcycle

ANI Pune, Jan 30: Desperate to maintain its stranglehold on the domestic car market, Maruti Suzuki, India's largest car manufacturer, has started the process of setting up regional offices that will oversee real estate purchases for its future dealerships. The company plans to buy properties and rent it out to its dealers instead of the latter making heavy investment in buying showroom spaces. This way, Maruti believes, it can minimise migration of investments by dealers who have been looking at opportunities in other commercial areas such as supermarkets or malls. The New Delhibased company has already procured office spaces in Jaipur and Mumbai and will add Kolkata, Bengaluru and New Delhi in due

Its gross profit before other income, finance costs and exceptional item stood at Rs.153 crore as against Rs.123 crore.

Its profit before exceptional item grew by 25 per cent at Rs.155 when compared with Rs.124 crore in the year-ago period.

Other income almost doubled to about Rs.12 crore from Rs. 6 crore. The company's net sales grew by 12 per cent year-on-year to Rs. 2,909 crore from Rs. 2,599 crore, driven by strong scooter volumes.

sales grew by five per cent, while scooter volumes grew by 25 per cent in the quarter ended De-

cember 2015. The company exported 1.08 lakh units of two and three wheelers when compared

The company exported 1.08 lakh units of two and three wheelers when compared with 1.07 lakh units exported in the corresponding quarter of previous year.

with 1.07 lakh units exported in the corresponding quarter of previous year. (Agencies)

next few years. The company's official was talking at the opening of its Mumbai-based 99th showroom of Nexa which is owned by Shivam Auto.

Source: carsalesdata, indiabookofrecords

course. These regional offices will oversee purchase of land/showroom space within their areas and also act as a stockyard and spare parts warehouse. A senior Maruti Suzuki official said, "We are now selling 1.3 million, (but) of course in future our business will grow. So, we need more stockyards land for used cars, land for regional offices those investments we

need to make." The company is expecting sales to increase to two million units a year by 2020 from 1.1 million clocked in 2014-15. With a current market share of 40%, it believes that its existing retail set up will prove to be inadequate for future growth. To protect its dealers from rising real estate prices, the company would be making an investment of Rs 15,000 crore spread over the

Chennai, Jan 30: The second tranche of the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme has attracted 3.16 lakh applications for 2,790 kg of gold worth Rs.726 crore, according to a government statement issued recently. "The trend during the second tranche of SGB shows that the scheme is gradually picking-up amongst the investors with increase in awareness and more clarity about the provisions of the scheme," according to the statement. The application window for the tranche was from January 18 to January 22, 2016. "The second tranche of Gold Bonds: Outcome significantly better than 1st

number of apps and a wider ecosystem. Priv is priced at Rs. 62,990 and will be available from today. Specifications: Display: Curved 5.4 inch screen Operating system: Android Processor: Qualcomm 8992 with 64 bit Dual-core 1.8GHz Cortex-A57 and Quad-core 1.44GHz Cortex-A53 (Snapdragon 808 Hexa-Core, 64 bit) Memory: *3 GB RAM *32 GB (Flash) Expandable memory: Upto 2TB Battery: 3410 mAH

tranche. Scheme picking up," tweeted Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das. The first tranche of the scheme, opened in November 2015, attracted only 62,169 applications for 915.9 kg of gold worth Rs.246.20 crore. The idea behind the SGB scheme is to wean away those who use gold as a store of value and encourage them to invest in the gold bonds as opposed to the yellow metal itself. This is aimed at reducing India's substantial gold imports. Gold imports in December 2015 hit a three-month high of $3.8 billion, up 179 per cent over the same month the previous year. The bonds are issued by the

Just Dial hits 29-month low; down 20% post Q3 results

Total two-wheeler sales of the company grew by eight per cent in the quarter ended December 31, 2015, up from 6.27 lakh units in the year-ago period to 6.76 lakh units.

Nexa is a premium sales outlet by Maruti Suzuki, which sells Suzukibranded premium cars. Currently just two cars S-Cross and Baleno - are sold through this new chain. More cars are expected to join Nexa in the coming period. Maruti is preparing to enter the compact sports utility vehicle segment with the Vitara Brezza with a launch scheduled at the upcoming Auto Expo. Besides a new compact car Ignis will also be launched at the same event. With new launches in full swing Maruti says it is on target to achieve the 10% sales growth this financial year which it set itself at the beginning of the year.

Scheme of gold bond picking up: Das

*Rear camera: 18 MP with auto-focus camera *Front camera: 2 MP. Source: indianexpress and has an 18-megapixel primary and 2-megapixel front camera. Having a 32GB of internal memory (expandable by up to 2TB), the phone comes with a mega 3,410 mAh battery for longer hour operations. Once synonymous with business class phones, BlackBerry lost its lustre after Google's Android and Apple's iOS came into the market. The company said with Priv, they are catering to the demands of users who want both - unique features of BlackBerry smartphones and the flexibility of a large

TVS Motor Company, India's third largest two wheeler brand by volumes, has posted 20 per cent increase in its net profit at Rs. 108 crore for the quarter ended December, 2015 .

Maruti Suzuki kick-starts Rs 15,000-crore land buying project

TECHNOLOGY BlackBerry launches first Android based smartphone in India Canadian mobile manufacturing company BlackBerry recently unveiled Priv - its first "secure" high-end smartphone powered by Android for Indian market here. With a unique sleek design and touch-sensitive keys that allows users to swipe, scroll and set up shortcuts, Priv comes pre-loaded with BlackBerry's DTEK for Android that allows user to improve privacy level and monitor access to the phone. This app alerts the user every time any app attempts to access data, or turn on the phone's microphone or camera making the phone safe from hacking and data theft. The phone has a 5.4-inch OLED display with 2560x1440 resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection and is powered by a hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor assisted by 3GB RAM. The single SIM 4G phone runs Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) OS

RISING PROFIT

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Source: previews.123rf ANI New Delhi, Jan 30: Shares of Just Dial were continue under pressure falling 13% to Rs 626, its lowest level since August 2013 on the BSE, after the company reported 16% year on year (YoY) drop in its net profit at Rs 26.99 crore for the third quarter ended December 31, 2015 (Q3FY16). The company engaged in search and related services business posted 11% YoY growth in operational income at Rs 171 crore for the quarter. The operational income growth was lowest since its listing in June 2013. On sequential

basis, the operational income remains flat while net profit declined by 42% from Rs 46.30 crore. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) margin stood at 21.83% in Q3FY16 against 32.45% in year ago quarter and 23.18% in previous quarter. In past two trading sessions, the stock declined by 20% from Rs 785 on January 27, 2015 as compared to 1% rise in the S&P BSE Sensex. In last year one year, it tanked 61% from Rs 1,593, also its 52-week high against 17% decline in the benchmark index.

ICICI Bank hits over 22-month low post Q3 results ANI Mumbai, Jan 30: ICICI Bank has dipped 7% to Rs 216, its lowest level since March 5, 2014, on the BSE in opening trade, amid asset quality concerns with gross non-performing assets (NPA) rising by 95 basis points (bp) quarter-on-quarter (qoq) to 4.72% while the net NPAs rose by 63bps qoq to 2.28% in December 2015 quarter (Q3FY16). In December 2014 quarter, Gross NPAs and net NPAs stood at 3.4% and 1.27% respectively. The increase in the NPA ratios is due to decline and continuing weakness in the global steel cycle; and also due to Reserve Bank of India (RBI's) directives of early and conservative recognition of stressed assets and

provisioning thereof by March 31, 2016, Angel Broking said in a client note with 'Accumulate' rating on the stock. The country's largest private sector lender has reported single digit 4% year on year (yoy) growth in net profit at Rs 3,018 crore in Q3FY16 on account of higher provisioning. Net interest income (NII) grew at steady pace of 13.3% yoy which was inline with the expectations likely due to growth in advances at 15.8% yoy. At 09:25 a.m. the stock was down nearly 5% at Rs 222 on the BSE as compared to 0.50% gain in the S&P BSE Sensex. A combined 5.98 million shares changed hands on the counter in first 10 minutes of trading on the BSE and NSE.

A HIT ON THE FACE

Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das. Source: thehindubusinessline

Reserve Bank of India on behalf of the government. "The maximum amount which could be subscribed is 500 grams per person per financial year. The government has fixed the rate of interest on gold bonds

for the year 2015-16 as 2.75 per cent per annum, payable on a half-yearly basis," according to the statement. The tenor of the bond is for eight years with an exit option from the fifth year onwards. (Agencies)

Ø ICICI Bank has dipped 7% to Rs 216, its lowest level since March 5, 2014, on the BSE in opening trade, amid asset quality concerns with gross non-performing assets (NPA) rising by 95 basis points (bp) quarter-on-quarter (qoq) to 4.72% while the net NPAs rose by 63bps qoq to 2.28% in December 2015 quarter (Q3FY16). Ø In December 2014 quarter, Gross NPAs and

net NPAs stood at 3.4% and 1.27% respectively. Ø The country's largest private sector lender has reported single digit 4% year on year (yoy) growth in net profit at Rs 3,018 crore in Q3FY16 on account of higher provisioning.

Updated XJ saloon launched in India by JLR Pune, Jan 30: The Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) launched an updated version of its luxury saloon 'Jaguar XJ' in India, with prices starting from Rs. 98.03 lakh (ex-showroom, pre-octroi in Mumbai). With a combination of technology, craftsmanship and sporting vehicle dynamics, the new Jaguar XJ is "a blend of power and beauty", available with a range of distinctive new features, JLR said in a statement. "The new Jaguar XJ is designed to deliver greater levels of luxury and performance. With its even more assertive and bolder look, the new XJ has a commanding presence on the road,

making it a definitive headturner," JLR India President Rohit Suri said. The saloon's interiors, powerful engine and latest technology will enhance the in-car experience of discerning customers by making it even more productive, entertaining and relaxing, he added. The petrol-powered variant of the Jaguar XJ is priced at Rs. 99.23 lakh while the diesel trims are priced at Rs. 98.03 lakh and Rs. 1.05 crore, respectively (all prices exshowroom, pre-octroi in Mumbai). The new Jaguar XJ is locally manufactured in Pune. The vehicle comes with various features, including adaptive dynamics that work in conjunction with air suspension and constantly

changes damping to suit conditions. The updated XJ also comes with all surface progress control

control, which helps the car cope with low traction situations. The Jaguar range in India includes

crore and locally manufactured XF sedan starting at Rs. 47.7 lakh. Jaguar vehicles are sold from

Ø The Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) launched an updated version of its luxury saloon 'Jaguar XJ' in India, with prices starting from Rs. 98.03 lakh (ex-showroom, pre-octroi in Mumbai).

ØThe petrol-powered variant of the Jaguar XJ is priced at Rs. 99.23 lakh while the diesel trims are priced at Rs. 98.03 lakh and Rs. 1.05 crore, respectively (all prices ex-showroom, pre-octroi in Mumbai).

Ø The updated XJ also comes with all surface progress control (ASPC) technology that allows lowspeed cruise control, which helps the car cope with low traction situations.

Ø The saloon's interiors, powerful engine and latest technology will enhance the in-car experience of discerning customers by making it even more productive, entertaining and relaxing.

Ø The vehicle comes with various features, including adaptive dynamics that work in conjunction with air suspension and constantly changes damping to suit conditions.

Ø The Jaguar range in India includes F-TYPE sports car, with prices starting at Rs. 1.26 crore and locally manufactured XF sedan starting at Rs. 47.7 lakh. Jaguar vehicles are sold from 23 dealerships across the country.

(ASPC) technology that allows low-speed cruise

F-TYPE sports car, with prices starting at Rs. 1.26

23 dealerships across the country. (Agencies)

UPDATED XJ


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De Villiers appointed as South Van Gaal says Man Utd dreaming Africa's full-time Test skipper of FA Cup glory post Derby win ANI Johannesburg, Jan. 30 : AB de Villiers has been appointed as the South Africa's Test captain on a permanent basis after the national selectors unanimously decided to choose the swashbuckling batsman to lead the nation through a transitional phase. AB de Villier gland, will lead his side in his first assignment

against New Zealand in August in South Africa.

ANI London, Jan. 30 :Manchester United managerLouis van Gaal has said that his side are dreaming of lifting the prestigious FA Cup for the first time since 2004. In a major relief for the under-fire Dutchman, United claimed a 3-1 win over Derby County in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday. Daley Blind and Juan Mata scored for United in the second half after

Round two for Ronda HIL: Talwinder stars in Delhi's Rousey's paint job thrilling win over Mumbai ANI Washington D.C., Jan. 30 : It seems like Ronda Rousey likes body paint. This is round two for the 28-year-old Mixed Martial Artist to get painted for a new S.I. swimsuit photo shoot in the Bahamas, reports TMZ.com.

Ealier this month, the exchamp's paint job was a replica of a one-piece made by a Australian swimwear brand. The official photos will be released when SI Swimsuit 2016 hits newsstands on the morning of Febuary 15.

McCullum to resume captaincy duties in final ODI against Pakistan

Brendon McCullum ANI Wellington, Jan. 30 : Brendon McCullum, who has been out of the national squad with a back injury since December 28, has confirmed that he will resume his captaincy duties in the third and final one-day international against Pakistan at Eden Park on Sunday. Confirming the news, the swashbuckling opener said that he was hoping to recover fully for Sunday's match despite still having a bit of stiff-

ness in his back, Stuff.co.nz reported. Meanwhile, McCullum will lead a 13-man New Zealand squad in his farewell ODI series againstAustralia beginning February 3 in Auckland. New Zealand ODI squad: Brendon McCullum (capt), Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Grant Elliott, Corey Anderson, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Adam Milne, Matt Henry.

Andy Murray to skip brother Jamie's `stressful` Australian Open final

Andy Murray

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ANI Johannesburg, Jan. 30 : World number two Andy Murray has revealed that he will not be watching his brother Jamie's Australian Open men's doubles final on Saturday, saying that he finds his brother's matches 'pretty stressful ' to watch. While praising Jamie for his consistent performance, brother Andy said that it was incredible to see both of them reach the finals of the same Grand

Slam for the first time, Sport24 reported. Murray brothers reached the finals of the same Grand Slam for the first time in the Open era, with Jamie joining forces with Brazil's Bruno Soares in the men's doubles final. Meanwhile, Andy produced a battling performance to defeat a spirited Milos Raonic of Canada in order to advance to his fifth Australian Open men's singles final on Friday.

AGENCIES Mumbai, Jan 30: Talwinder Singh struck a field goal in the dying moments of the game to lead Delhi Wave Riders to a thrilling come-frombehind 4-3 victory over Dabang Mumbai in a Hockey India League contest, in Mumbai, on Friday. The visitors were trailing 2-3 with three minutes left in the fourth quarter of the game when Talwinder came up his decisive strike to seal Delhi's third win in four games. Mumbai, which led 2-1 at half-time, suffered their third straight defeat and first at home. For Delhi, drag-flick expert Rupinder Pal Singh scored the first two goals off penalty corners after Mumbai had stunned them with a superb field effort by top German forward Florian Fuchs early in the first quarter. Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty stroke to give Mumbai a 3-2 advantage before Talwinder dashed their hopes. The home team started the proceedings on a speedy note to rip apart the Delhi defence. But their forwards were off target with Danish Mujtaba shooting straight into the goal-keeper's pads in the fourth minute, while Manpreet Singh was guilty of spurning giltedged chances on two occasions.

In between, it was Delhi who took the lead courtesy their first penalty corner when Rupinder beat David Harte under the Mumbai bar with a precision shot. The joy was short-lived as Mumbai went 2-1 in front by scoring a field goal, which is counted as two under the rules of the tournament, in the 12th minute of the opening quarter. Top German striker Fuchs, left totally free on top of the 'D', sounded the board with a shot that beat Delhi custodian Devon Manchester all ends up. However, a sustained spell of pressure by Delhi in the third quarter brought them five pen-

Mumbai which again surged in front by forcing a penalty corner, their seventh, which led to a penalty stroke. For a change, the penalty corner was taken by Australian Jeremey Hayward and his goal-bound drag flick hit a defender on the leg and the penalty stroke award was converted by Harmanpreet to give Mumbai a 3-2 lead. However, Mumbai's defense was caught napping by a speedy counter attack on the right flank and a pass from the right byline was pushed in for a timely field effort from closed range by Talwinder Singh to help his side leap-frog to a 43 lead.

Louis van Gaal George Thorne had cancelled out Wayne

Rooney's 16th-minute opener.

Reflecting on his team's performance, Van Gaal said that they played at the right time against the resistance of Derby, adding that they are dreaming of the FA Cup as they haven't won it for a long time, the Mirror reported. United's performance came under severe criticism in the wake of winning only four of their last 14 games, and were booed off after last weekend's 1-0 home defeat by Southampton.

Resurgent India eye T20 series sweep over Australia ANI Sydney, Jan. 30 : After taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Twenty20 series, India will aim to stamp their authority and claim a series whitewash over Australia when they step on to the field for the third and final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday. The Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side registered their first ever T20 bilateral series win in Australia after defeating the hosts by 27 runs in Melbourne on Friday. And, the inconsequential final match would be the perfect way for India to leave Australia after a disappointing ODI series. India named an unchanged squad for the first two T20s and are likely to go through the series with the similar squad.

A file Photo All-rounder Shane Watson has been confirmed to lead Australia in the dead-rubber in Sydney after T20 captain Aaron Finch injured his hamstring during the loss in Melbourne. The hosts will be without the services of Steven Smith, David Warner, John Hastings, Kane Richardson or Matthew Wade, who flew

to New Zealand for the ODI series beginning on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja was called in to replace injured Finch with Travis Head also vying for the same spot. Pace merchant Shaun Tait is also likely to feature in the playing XI following the absence of Hastings and Richardson.

Kotla stadium could lose World T20 matches

HIL: Talwinder stars in Delhi's thrilling win over Mumbai

alty corners in close succession and off the third, Rupinder found the mark to level the score. With scores level at 2-2 at the beginning of the fourth quarter in the close contest, it was

Mumbai, clinging to the bottom of the table, take on Kalinga Lancers in their fourth game on January 31 while Delhi take on Uttar Pradesh Wizards at home on February 1.

New Delhi, Jan 30 : New Delhi's Feroz Shah Kotla ground is in danger of losing its World Twenty20 fixtures after the Indian cricket board (BCCI) moved a match against Sri Lanka away from the venue due to administrative lapses. The venue of the second Twenty20 international between India and Sri Lanka on February 12 has been shifted from Delhi to Ranchi after the DDCA confirmed that it wouldn't be able to host the match. The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) failed to get the requisite clearances from

various civic authorities in order to host the February 12 T20 match, forcing the BCCI to transfer the contest to Ranchi. BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said the DDCA needed to procure all the necessary clearances by Sunday if they were to continue as the hosts of the March 8-April 3 tournament. "As far as the World Cup is concerned, the World Cup management committee has met today and has also discussed the issue of DDCA," Thakur said. "They have given a deadline of January 31, five o'

clock, to come out with the required NOCs (no-objection certificates) so that they can continue as a host of the World Cup matches. "If they are unable to do so by 31st evening, then the BCCI will shift those matches to the seven other remaining venues." Despite giving deadline extensions on two occasions, the Delhi and District Cricket Association failed to get even a single clearance or permission to host the match. Delhi is scheduled to host four matches in the World T20 tournament, including a semi-final on March 30.

3rd district level CM's football and volleyball trophies concludes Khonsa, Jan 30: The 3rd District Level CM's Football and Volley Ball Trophies for both Women & Men category concluded on 30th January,2016 at Nehru Stadium, Khonsa amidst huge spectators of sport aficionados. In his address the Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha who was also Chief of the event congratulated all the players and winners of the final team adding that positive energy must be utilized by the youths of Tirap district in order to compete with rest of the state in particular and the country as a whole. He also appreciated the

The result of final matches Football and Volley Ball for both Women and Men category winners are is below 1. Footbal Women Category Winner - CHINKOI TEAM 2.`Football Women Category Runners up :- STAR-XI DEOMALI 3. Football Men category Winner : KHUNNU KHETI-XI from 56-A/C 4. Football Men Category Runners up :- LAMSA-XI 55-A/ C. Individual Prizes Winners are follows 1. Best Player Football (Women category) both from Chinkoi Team a) Miss HAMNYA TEKWA b) Miss WICHOAM TEKWA 2. Best player Volley Ball (Men) SHRI ROPONG KITNYA of Nogna Team 55-A/C, 3. Best Player Volley Ball (Women) Miss YAMBU NOKPA of Lazu team from 56-A/C.

3rd district level CM's football and volleyball trophies concludes

organising committee led by DSO(Sports) Roy Mihu for the grand suc-

cess of the CM's Trophy. The DC later awarded Trophies and cash prizes

to all the winners of the final matches in different categories as under.

4.Best Player Football (Men) Mr. NAKAP KETOK of Khunnu Kheti Team from 56 - A/ C. The programme concluded with vote of thanks by Shri Roy Mihu, DSO(Sports), Tirap district, Khonsa. The programme was attended by PRIs, DF&CSO, Dr. Chanwang Mongchan, Noah Mongku, Coach, Public leaders of different constituency, Supporters of final teams and spectators from Khonsa town.

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The 31-year-old, who took over as the stand-in captain for the last two Tests against the just-concluded series against En-

A visibly elated De Villiers said that he was honoured to have been asked to captain the Test team into a new era, adding that he was excited to take on this new challenge, Sport24 reported. The flamboyant batsman, who also leads his side in the ODI format, further said that there remains plenty of hard work ahead of them as they are rebuilding and that they have a long way to go to being a finished product as a squad.


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Golden Reel Nominations for Banned Films achieved by Resul Pookutty

Source: thenortheastoday

Oscar-winning Indian sound designer Resul Pookutty says getting nominated at the Motion Picture Sound Editors'63rd annual Golden Reel Awards for films banned in India tells that "we have to keep our mind open as artistes". He has dedicated the "honour" to the 2012 Delhi gangrape victim. "The recognition outside India simply tells us that we have to keep our mind

open as artistes. I am getting messages from all over the world that we have not seen this work in India, but it's being recognised outside. That is something that our policy makers need to think about," Pookutty told IANS over the phone from Mumbai. Pookutty has received nominations for "Unfreedom", a film based on homosexuality,

and Leslee Udwin's controversial BBC documentary "India's Daughter", that tells the story about the Delhi gangrape of 23year-old trainee physiotherapist Jyoti, whom media called Nirbhaya, on December 16, 2012, in a moving bus. The award ceremony will be held in Los Angeles in February. Directed by Raj Amit Kumar, "Unfreedom" has been

nominated in Feature Film - Foreign Film (Sound Effects, Foley, Dialogue and ADR) category while "India's Daughter" will compete in the Television - Short Form, Documentary category. Having won an Oscar for "Slumdog Millionaire" in 2009, Pookutty dedicated his nominations to the victim of the brutal gangrape that shook the entire world and also inspired the foreign filmmaker to make a documentary on the subject. "For me, to be able to work in a film that depicts her (Jyoti) story was a responsibility. Today, that work has been recognised at the world's highest platform. I definitely want to dedicate it to her (Jyoti) and her parents. I think they have behaved far more wisely than the most educated in this country," said the 44-year-old.

Assamese Film 'Hundred Crore' Launched A rising filmmaker with several awards and honors to his name, Pankaj Kalita is now all set to helm his maiden Assamese venture entitled 'Hundred Crore', which was recently launched in a function held at the Guwahati Press Club. The young director has gained considerable experience as a chief assistant director in films like 'Dhunia Tirutabur', 'Samiran Barua Ahi Ase', 'Jetuka Pator Dore' among others. The film's screenplay and dialogues are written by 'Assam Fights Back' famed Nayanmoni Saikia from a story by Pankaj Kalita. The surprise package here being the threedimension style that Saikia employs to carry the story forward. This family-oriented movie talks about among other things the tendency of today's youths to take the wrong path to earn easy money. The film will be produced under the banner of AK Cine Vision.

Source: kothasobi The various roles in 'Hundred Crore' are to be played by Bishnu Khargharia, Malaya Goswami, Pradip Nisith, Bhargav Kotoky, Simi, Trisha Saikia, Nayanmoni Saikia, Amitabh Rajkhowa, Jayashree Goswami, Rupam Sarma, Ratul Goswami, Nirmali Nilim, Sayed Ishque Alam,

'Purab Ki Awaz' Special Show Held in Delhi Well-known filmmaker Chandra Mudoi's most ambitious movie project till date, 'Purab Ki Awaz', the Hindi version of 'Epaah Phulil Epaah Saril', evoked generous praise and appreciation after a special show was held at the Film Divison auditorium in New Delhi on January 7. Besides Mudoi, producer Loknath Deka, leading artistes Urmila Mahanta, Debashish Barthakur, child artiste Rodali Bora, music director Dr Hitesh Baruah among others, the screening was graced by MPs from the North East, members of Assam Association, distributors and celebrities from various walks of life. Everyone is hopeful that the Hindi version will attract the attention of people from all over the country. Birangana Kanaklata's ideals and contributions must be remembered with outmost respect and an open mind. Everyone heaped praise on the film-

makers, eminent director Chandra Mudoi and producer Loknath Deka for undertaking such a bilingual project. They have made it without compromising production values. The bilingual movie made with boundless energy depicts one of the country's youngest and most influential freedom fighters, Kanaklata, who became a martyr of Indian freedom struggle at the tender age of just 14 years, on September 20, 1942. She was shot dead by the British while she was attempting to hoist the Indian national flag. The film with it's share of history, truth and fiction, rolled into one, depicts the story of two women belonging to two generations in two separate 'freedom' movements, by expressing their protesting voices against insecurity, betrayal and oppression. The film is seen through the eyes of a young Assamese girl who accidentally stumbles

Source: kothasobi into Kanaklata's village and rediscovers the lifestory of this forgotten

fighter, with whom she finds a lot of similarities. The major roles in the bi-

lingual are played by Nipon Goswami, Urmila Mahanta, Debashis Barthakur, Monimala, Tapan Sarma, Papori Bora, Ashrumoni, child artistes Rodali, Akshita and Jaffry, etc. Mudoi has made 12 successful films till date, including hit films like 'Agnigarh', 'Ronangini', 'Maghot Mamonir Biya', 'Suren Churor Putek', 'Ujanir Dojoni Gabharu', 'Bakor Putek', etc. For producer Loknath Deka, however, this is his maiden venture under LPKG Production. He has produced and directed TV serials like 'Prachir Kiyo Sristi Hoisil', 'Ferengadow', 'Abuj Morom', etc. The film's chief assistant director is Dipak Roy, assistant director Swapnajit Borkakati, music direction by Dr Hitesh Baruah, Ajay Phukan and Tapan Kakati, cinematography by Naba Kumar Das, editing by Syamal Das, make-up by Biswa and Dhan, production controller Khargeswar Bora.

Documentary 'O Aai, Sai Joi Baruah's New Song Rabha Featuring American Saxophonist Gaonkhon Koloi Gol?' George Brooks is Awesome L

yricist of the famous Dipali Borthakur song 'Chenai Moi Jau Dei Bihute Ahimgoi', and tuner Kamal Hazarika has been a London resident for well over five decades. Despite living abroad for so many years, the place of his birth figures constantly on his mind. He can never forget his roots, its a permanent part of him. Its like a centre of the universe for him. The sheer beauty of the place, it's people, leaves, trees, flowers, roads, mountains and rivers - all occupy a very special place in his heart and soul. The urge to make a livelihood brought him all along to London. However, no matter where he eventually settled down, his yearning for his beloved little village precedes everything else. Whenever he got free

time from his job, this prolific singer, lyricist, tuner and social worker travels to his place of birth. However, over the years, he has become quite distraught to see several changes taking place in his village. The place of his birth he once cherished has lost much of it's sheen. It was like a body without soul! The result was a long emphatically written poem titled 'O Aai, Sai Gaonkhon Koloi Gol?' Hazarika used to jot down notes of his experiences and thoughts in small pieces of papers while travelling on the rails, buses, and sometimes while taking a stroll between the years 1978 to 1992. These pieces of papers finally found it's way in the form of a book due to the persistent efforts of his wife Dheera Hazarika (Assam's first trained woman pilot), who used to hoard

these up over the years, as well as Surya Hazarika. This 35-page book of poems published in 1998 is a reflection of his true feelings for his place of birth. It also contains beautiful pictures, making it suitable for children also. Famous historian Benudhar Sarma was astonished by the poem's profound depth of perception, after listening to a recitation by Kamal Hazarika. He even likened it to a beautiful picture. His encouraging words inspired Hazarika to make a 35-minute-long documentary on his village. Produced under the banner of Dhirkamal Production, this documentary entitled 'O Aai, Sai Gaonkhon Koloi Gol?' (Oh Mother, Where has that Village Gone) is directed by noted actor-director Upakul Bordoloi. He also wrote the film's script.

Source: inktalks

J

oi Baruah, who was last seen on 'Margarita with a straw' just released this awesome song "Rabha" from his album "Pride". This brings the story of what happened one fateful night when Assamese legend Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha and his

chief Gaji Rabha were out there, fighting the establishment & getting away from it. A tale of love, passion, idealism, and sacrifice. Bishnu Prasad Rabha- a complete personality with a rare multidimensional contribution towards art, culture and society. He started his struggle with a belief that only equality through social reform could bring prosperity to the society. Refusing to expose the secrets of Rabha and his adherent protestants comrade Gajiram Rabha underwent severe physical torture in imprisonment and he severed his tongue to save his fellow comrades. By observing the dedication and commitment of Gaji Rabha, one can be understanding the importance of the ideologies of Bishnu Rabha for the progress of the country and its people.

Mrinal Das, Gautam Sarma, Syamal Prasad Saikia and child artiste Rodali Bora. The film will be cinematographed by Manab Medhi. Editing is by Dhanjit Das. Assistant editor Joyprakash. Makeup is by Deepsikha Kalita. The film's assistant directors are Kishaloy Dutta and Pallavi Bora. The music

will be scored by Mrinmoy Bora. Production manager Mihir Kumar Bakshi. Publicity is designed by cinejournalist Rejek Ali Ahmed. The shooting, to be held in four schedules from the time of Bohag Bihu, will take place in Assam's rural and urban locales, Kolkata and Arunachal Pradesh.

TICKLE YOUR TASTE BUDS Masala Baby Potato Roast Ingredients 500 g baby potatoes 4 Tbsp oil 1 tsp cumin seeds/ jeera 1/4 tsp asafoetida/ hing 1 tsp dry mango powder/ amchoor Salt to taste 1 Tbsp lemon juice 2 Tbsp fresh coriander, chopped For the masala 1 Tbsp coriander seeds 3-4 Kashmiri dry red chilies 1 tsp black peppercorns/ kali mirch 1 tsp fennel seeds/ saunf 1 tsp cumin seeds/ jeera Method 1. Par boil the potatoes and peel them. Keep aside. 2. Dry roast the ingredients for the masala till slightly brown and fragrant. Cool and grind to make a slightly coarse powder. Keep aside.

Source: scdn.archanaskitchen 3. Heat oil in a pan. When the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and hing. Once the cumin seeds starts to crackle, add potatoes and fry on high heat till slightly browned from all the sides. 4. Add the ground masala, dry mango powder and salt and fry for 3-4 minutes on low heat. 5. Sprinkle lemon juice and coriander and mix well. 6. Serve hot with chapati or paratha.

Bobby Sarma Baruah Selected as Jury member at Dhaka International Film Fest P

rominent woman filmmaker Bobby Sarma Baruah, who made a cracking directorial debut with the incredibly thought-provoking 'Adomya' in 2014, was invited to represent the country as a Jury member at the 14th Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF), held in Dhaka from 14 to 22 January 2016. The Festival has been organized on a regular basis by Rainbow Film Society, which has been dedicated to the promotion of a healthy cine culture in Bangladesh and in celebrating the global mainstream in film and its social relevance since 1977. It was a great responsibility and honor for her to see and judge works of art in the festival's Spiritual Film Section. Interestingly, Sarma Baruah's 'Adomya' was adjudged the Best Film in the same section in 2014. 'Adomya's story, dialogues, lyrics, costumes and concept are also by Bobby

Source: kothasobi Sarma Baruah. The film about the plight of people living with HIV in the Northeast, was also part of the elite segment called 'Womenclature of Cinema' at the 46th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2015, joining movies made by several other leading female auteurs of the country such as Aparna Sen, Bhavna Talwar, Chitra Palekar, Revathy, Sai Paranjpye among others. The movie has really opened up doors for her to new ideas and valuable connections. More

recently, Sarma Baruah was listed amongst the top ten renowned contemporary female directors from South Asia, who has exerted quite an influence in the sub-continent in 2015 in a Facebook page called 'Asian Cinema'. The page is dedicated to promote the Asian film fraternity, and especially the work that receives critical acclaim and does not necessarily cut into the mainstream film industry. "Being recognized at such a level feels pretty incredible," Sarma Baruah said.

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